Why Cedar Point Rocks!

You are probably wondering where I have been for a few days.  I had the opportunity to go to Cedar Point over the weekend with our school choir group for the Music in the Park Festival.  As we were walking up to the front gate we got an awesome view of the new coaster Gate Keeper. Since it was opening day, as you can image the line for that ride was extremely long so we did not even attempt to ride it. (yet!)   

If you don't know anything about Cedar Point, it is an amusement park in northern Ohio, right on Lake Erie.  It has been voted the best amusement park in the world for many years, and has more coasters than anywhere else. You can see all 16 of them here. 

Unfortunately after a week of gorgeous weather, we went on a day when it was gray and COLD. We only saw a little bit of sun much later in the day.  

We had a few nervous riders in our group, so we did not make it on any real big rides this year.  We did go on the Iron Dragon which is a fun suspended coaster.

This was one we did not go on this time.  It is called the Mantis.  On this ride you are standing up while going 60 miles per hour. We definitely want to ride it on another visit.

This is a coaster I have seen many times, but have yet to go on.  It is the Top Thrill Dragster.  The entire ride lasts only 17 seconds. You go from zero to 120 miles per hour in 4 seconds.  You shoot up 420 feet straight  in the air and then come back  down at the same angle.  There is viewing area where you can watch the riders as they are shot out of the gate.  I have to say it is fun to watch smiling faces turn into sheer  terror when the coaster starts.

Kara with a new friend she made in Frontier Town.  I actually bought him early in our day with ulterior motives.  The monkey was reasonably priced at $9.99.  Since she got a gift early in the day, she did not ask to play games or buy more expensive items later in the day. 

He also helped keep her entertained while we were waiting in lines.

 

This picture cracks me up.  Kara and a couple of her friends were very naughty that day.

Mid afternoon we stopped for a snack at the Dippin Dot cart.  We decided to share the LOL size.  I think it is called LOL because Cedar Point is laughing at how much they can charge for it.  It was the best deal though, you could mix two flavors and it was cheaper than buying two separate small cups.

The Wave Swinger  was one of  their favorite rides.  They seriously rode it 5 times.throughout the day. We did not have the time to ride several of the coasters today, but we did manage to also ride the Gemini (twice), the  Cedar Creek Mine ride, the Cedar Downs Racing Derby, Antique Cars,  and the Iron Dragon in less than 8 hours

During the award ceremony held late in afternoon, we found out that they got first place for their age group and division with a superior rating.  We came home exhausted, but what a fun day.

We can't wait to go back!

 

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Baken Zucchini Boats - Feature of the Day

I love zucchini! It is almost time to start our gardens in my state. I always try to have a few zucchini plants in my garden, because I love them so much.  I think these bakes zucchini boats from Melissa at  Williamette Valley Wonder Woman  look like a recipe I really want to try.  I really hope my zucchini plants do well this year.   Thanks so much for linking up on Dare to Share Melissa!

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Oldie but Goodie - Quick Patriotic Wreath

With a very hectic schedule of two concerts, a choir competition at Cedar Point, Mother's Day, and 2 dance classes in a matter of a couple days, I thought that this would be a great time for an Oldie but Goodie post.  

Last year at this time Kara put together a Quick Patriotic Wreath using items from the dollar store. We found a straw wreath form, blue star garland and a couple of different bows.  

She started to make the wreath by wrapping it  with the garland. 

She used two strands of the garland to cover it all

She decided to go with the bigger bow, and her Quick Patriotic Wreath was finished. Total cost only $4.

This wreath would be perfect for both Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

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Dare to Share #58

Dare to Share is going up a little bit early tonight, since we have a very early day tomorrow. We have a choir competition at Cedar Point.  This is exciting because after the kids sing, we get to spend the day in the park on opening day.  I love Cedar Point so I was more than happy to be a chaperone on this trip.  

I will be sharing pictures of  the day on Instagram.  I would love to have you follow along.  I might even get some pictures of the new coaster Gatekeeper. 

Did you see our taste test for the new Totinos Pizzeria pizza rolls.  Thanks to Totinos, General Mills and My Blog Spark we were given the chance to try all 3 of them. 

You can have a chance to try them too with my Totinos gift pack giveaway. You will get 3 VIP coupons for FREE pizza rolls, a really cool tiled wooden tray, and the cutest little chef salt and pepper shakers.   You can still enter through Sunday night at this link here.

Did you see the features for last weeks Dare to Share?  If you haven't, here is a second chance. 

Teacher Appreciation Ideas by The Pin Junkie

How to Fix Solar Lights by Kathe With An E

Decorated Flower Pots by Wesens-Art

Uses for Petroleum Jelly by Fluster Buster

Now it is time for this week's party.  You can link up anything that you would like to share.   I don't require you to become a follower  to link, but I would sure love it if you would.   If you are chosen as  Dare to Share Feature of the Day your post will be promoted on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, G+

Now link up and HAVE FUN! 

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Uses for Petroleum Jelly - Feature of the Day

 

It's been awhile since I have featured Robin from Fluster Buster and her wonderful  WWII tips.  This week on Dare to Share she shared 88 uses for Petroleum Jelly.  Yes that really does say 88!  I knew it was good for a lot of things, but had no idea on how many. If you would like to see everything you can do with Petroleum Jelly and her other WWII posts, but sure to see Fluster Buster here. Thanks so much for linking up these great tips Robin!

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Decorated Flower Pots - Feature of the Day

There is only a few more days before Mother's Day.   Have you thought about what you are going to give as a gift yet?  Wesens-Art shared  a beautiful flower pot craft on Dare to Share that any mom would love to receive.  If you would like to see how to make a decorated flower pot of your own, check out Wesen's Art here. Thanks so much for linking up this wonderful project to Dare to Share! 

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How to Fix Your Solar Lights - Feature of the Day

As you know from my blog title, I love a good practical tip.  Kathe from Kathe With An E shared a really good one this week on Dare to Share. Did you know there is an easy way to fix your solar lights if they stop working?  Well now with Kathe's quick tip you do.  To see how to fix your solar lights be sure to check out Kathe's post here.  Thanks for linking up this great tip Kathe!

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Totinos Taste Test and Giveaway

We were recently given the chance to try the new flavors of Totinos Pizza Rolls.  Have you seen them in your stores yet? We finally saw them in ours a few weeks ago.  The new Pizzeria flavors are  Chicken Parmesan, Cheesy Garlic and Meatball Marinara. 

I had three willing participants to try them out.   My kids love pizza rolls and they  disappear quickly in our house. 

Before we had the taste test,  I had the kids chose what they thought their favorite flavor would be.  Kyle chose Meatball Marinara, and the girls both picked Cheesy Garlic. 

Here are some of the comments I heard the kids say

Cheesy Garlic 

*tied for one of Kara's favorites 

creamy filling,

very cheesy, 

would taste great with a dipping sauce 

Chicken Parmesan 

*tied for one of Kara's favorites 

I really like it 

I like the taste of the Parmesan 

thumbs up 

Meatball Marinara 

*Kyle's favorite 

*Kristina's favorite 

it's perfect 

yum! 

I really taste the meatballs! 

If you would like to have  your own taste test with your family, you have a chance to win a Totinos gift pack.  You gift pack will include:  

3 VIP coupons, so you can try each of the three flavors for FREE 

a 4 tile wood bistro tray with salt and pepper set 

You can enter by using the giveaway tools below 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway has been provided by General Mills and Totinos through My Blog Spark 

 

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Teacher Appreciation Gifts - Feature of the Day

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and The Pin Junkie has shared several great ideas that show our teachers we are thankful for them.   An added bonus is each idea comes with a free printable.  Thanks so much for linking up these great ideas on Dare to Share Pin Junkie!

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Dare to Share #57

It's that time of week again! It's time to Dare to Share! 

How is the weather where you live?  I know some of my friends are being hit with a lot more snow this week.  Not to make them feel bad, but this is the current view out my window.  We have been blessed with three days in a row in the high 70s, and everything is in bloom.  I just love my cherry tree's pink blooms. 

This week was a busy one. Someone who you all know had a birthday.  He is also another year closer to driving. Eeek!  I shared a fun post about his birthday meal and his Adventures in Sushi Eating. Something really amazing happened at that dinner which we will never forget.  

I also had a chance to go on a field trip with Kara this week.  We have one of only four Heifer Foundation Global Villages within driving distance.  The kids in her class raised enough money to send two llama to a village in need.  During the field trip they learned how little many some people in other parts of the world have, and how blessed they are.  You can read more about our Global Village Experience here.

I worked on a household project this week as well.  I was tired on not being able to find anything in my small pantry closet.  I was also tired of things falling out and on the floor.  I don't know how many times I would find food on the floor that the kids didn't bother to pick up.   Well this week I had a Kitchen Reorganization, and it has made a huge difference. I can't believe I did not think of doing it before.  

Did you see the great giveaway that I am helping my friend Lauren from Tutus and Tea Parties to promote.  She is giving away five sets of  Zipzicles Zip Top Bags.  They are great for making your own healthy popsicles.  You can see Lauren's  review here, and enter either on her blog or on my link here.

Did you have a chance to see the Features of the Day this week?  Here is your chance to see them again.  

Make Your Own Flower Shoes by Make It Easy Crafts

Strawberry Crumble Bars by Winnish.net

DIY Portable Fire Feature by With A Blast

Now it is time for this weeks party.  I don't have a lot of rules. You can link up anything that you would like to share.  If you are chosen as a Dare to Share Feature of the Day, your project will be promoted on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and G+.

Link up and HAVE FUN! 

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Portable Fire Feature - Feature of the Day

We just had two gorgeous days in the high 70's where I live.  The evenings have felt like summer  when you want to sit outside around a fire. Linda from With A Blast shared this great Portable Fire Feature that can easily be made at home.  A fire feature like this would look great on the backyard deck or patio.  You can see how it was made on With A Blast here.  Thanks so much for linking it up on Dare to Share Linda!

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Kitchen Reorganization

Do you have an area in your house that just drives you crazy?  For me one of those spots is the corner Lazy Susan type cabinets in both corners of my U shape kitchen.   I am sure when the builder built this house it was meant to be convenient, but for the last 9 years we have lived here, they have been a pain. 

For years we have used one of them to hold all of our baking pans, pots and plastic containers.  It was hard to get  to what you need, and most of the time something would fall out and fall on the floor.  

This is the pantry which has also given us a lot of trouble over the years.  We had to remove the bi-fold door because the kids kept jamming it so it would no longer  close.  I would clean it out every 6 months or so, but it would end up looking like this again in a matter of weeks. It was hard to find what we need, and there just was just not enough room to hold everything.  

The other day it hit me..  why not switch the two.. If the items that were in the corner cabinet were on actual shelves, I might actually be able to get to them, and keep them organized.  The top shelves of the pantry still hold our bread and cereal.  It looks so clean now that there is not food spilling out everywhere. 

If the canned and small box items were in the corner cabinet, I could find what I need at a glance. It would also save me money because I would not have food lost in the back until it is past it is expiration date.   Seriously, why did I not think of this before?!   

It will take a few days to get used to the new system, but so far I love it.     

What areas in your house do you want to change?

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Zipzicle Ice Pop Bag Giveaway

When my friend Lauren from Tutus and Tea Parties told me about a new product where you can make your own popsicle, I thought it was a great idea. My kids love to eat them once the weather gets warm, but they don't really need all the sugar that is in the store bought brands.  What is so great about the Zipzicles Zip Top bags is you can fill them with your own healthier choices.  I know my kids would love to come up with their own favorite flavors.     Lauren has a great strawberry kiwi pop recipe which you can see here.

Lauren is giving away FIVE 12 packs in a giveaway this week.  You can win some of your own, using this giveaway form.

Entry-Form

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