"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be."

 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

 OOAK Harry Potter Handmade Wreath (Click to View)

All embellishments are hand-painted and all original. Colors are in Gryffindor. (you can pick any special house colors if you prefer). All items are weatherproof sprayed and ready for the outdoors! This is original so yours may differ slightly. The embellishments on this wreath are Hermione's wand and Harry’s wand (you decide specific character wands of your choosing). The golden snitch, a wood “Welcome Wizards” sign (the sign can also be altered to a saying of your choice) And finally a wooden Hedwig the owl. (Smaller wreath has a small artificial owl) All items are securely zip-tied to the wreath frame. (Backing is placed to prevent scratches to your door or wall) Have any questions? Please feel free to message me. Free Shipping within the US. Pictures of the final wreath will be sent prior to mailing or delivery of the wreath.

Upclose picture of the handmade golden snitch.

Wooden Hedwig for the large wreath.

Close up of the hand-painted sign.

**Please click the above link to check out my listing on Etsy or please feel free to e-mail me to the right**

Save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are great for adults too! -- Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.  

Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com

Are you ready for Back to School? You can Save 20% on Label Daddy labels for all your Back to School needs!  This is THE BEST deal available on Label Daddy, the number one solution for labeling your kid's belongings!  Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places.  Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant!  Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive.  You design your own labels!  Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more.  Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp!  These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Remember, Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order  -  this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout.  http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com

DISCOVERY Children's Museum at Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas

DISCOVERY Children's Museum at Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas provides the perfect setting for children and families to learn something new and have fun doing it. The museum addresses its core educational areas of science and nature, art and culture and early childhood development with 26,000 square feet of interactive hands-on exhibits. With featured traveling exhibitions, daily programs, demonstrations and activities and collaborative cultural programming for all occasions, it all adds up to an exciting family outing with lots of informal learning opportunities. Travel back in time to when dinosaurs last roamed the land at DISCOVERY Children's Museum traveling exhibit, Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice. As visitors move through the exhibit, they encounter unfamiliar landscapes, touchable dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes including a Tyrannosaurs rex and a Triceratops. This exhibit builds on the popular fascination with dinosaurs and includes, science activities to challenge all ages and opportunities to investigate includes about what dinosaurs left behind. 20% OFF General Admission Tickets - Enjoy a 20% discounted general admission rate throughout the summer at DISCOVERY Children's Museum. Explore the Museum and see the Dinosaurs! Discount is good only for daily admission tickets for a party up to four (4) tickets per coupon. Not valid with any other offer. http://vegaskidsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=79&bid=12011&dealid=1946

Time for some Wet N Wild Water Park fun!!

One of the world's most iconic water park brands, Wet'n'Wild Las Vegas is Nevada's premier water park and a top Las Vegas family destination with more than 25 slides and attractions for thrill seekers and families to create lasting memories. For the daring, the park features the new Tornado, the world's leading funnel slide catapulting riders to a zero gravity experience; the extreme Rattler, a North American first, and Constrictor, featuring some of the tightest turns; and other fast, steep and twisting slides. For families and those desiring a more relaxing experience, there's Paradise Falls, the interactive children's area with kid friendly slides, a giant dumping bucket and warmer water; Colorado Cooler lazy river; and Red Rock Bay wave pool. Great amenities include shaded areas, private cabanas and misting.
Save $10 at wetnwildlasvegas.com use code "USFAM5" 
http://vegaskidsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=79&bid=11715&dealid=1712 @WetnWildLV @usfg

Disney on Ice Celebrations Jan. 14-18th GREAT times great CELEBRATIONS!

Disney On Ice

Celebrations

Las Vegas, NV

 

January 14th - 18th 2015

 

 

 

 

We went last night and this was one of the best Disney On Ice shows we have seen! And we have seen a few! The girls were excited as per usual. When the first characters hit the ice it was an uproar of clapping and stomping.

 

Disney sends you on a wonderful memory roller coaster ride of characters and Seasons and Celebrations. My personal favorite part of the whole show was really only minutes into it. It pulls you in and out of your childhood. Trust me when I say you will not see more characters anywhere (even Disneyland itself!) then you will see on the ice. Your kids will have a blast! I have two daughters who are a wide scale of 4 and 11. But, funny thing is..last night? they BOTH went nuts! They both loved all the characters. One moment led to the next and you really do want it to last. Disney has a way of sparking up a feeling of just something you know you have loved for so long. And lord knows if your kids love Disney there is really no way with getting away from learning all their favorite characters, songs, movies etc.

 

 

One of my personal favorite moments from the show. Mickey being his loveable self as the sorcery apprentice tricks to command the brooms!

 

Check my previous blog and/or Facebook for $5.00 off for Moms!

You can also check my Instagram, Twitter and Vine to see great moments at the show. Hope to see you at the next one!

 

 



Riding For Redemption By: Bonnie R. Paulson December 30th - February 28th Book Tour & Blast (Goodreads)

 

Desperate to find her place in the world, Sara Beth dreams of applying for the Miss Wrangler Montana competition that tours with the rodeo circuit.

Riding horses has become her anchor until a near fatal accident takes more from her than she’d ever willingly sacrifice.

Determined to prove his business training, Johnny seeks out the Rourke family to call in an old favor. When he embroils himself in Sara Beth’s life, he has to prove they’re nothing more than friends.
Seeking independence, both Sara Beth and Johnny lean on each other more and more, until love threatens their friendship. Will they seek out each other or be confused by their dreams?
Can either of them leave their past and embrace their future?

Add to your TBR list on Goodreads

Pre-order on Amazon

Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane.

Follow on:

Facebook / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter / Literary Addicts / Amazon

Blue Vanilla 50% Off Shop Sale

Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate! Las Vegas, NV January 14-18th 2015 $5 Off Coupon

January 14-18, 2015, Thomas & Mack Center It's one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine's Day Ball with Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. Come join the party when Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate! visits your hometown!

 

 

Get $5 off to Disney On Ice Use code: MOMS.

http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11881&dealid=1837

 

 

Rubber Duckie & Friends bath and shower wands Review https://www.rubberduckieandfriends.com/

Rubber Duckie & Friends bath and shower wands for kids make bath time Good Clean Fun! The soft, spray won't sting and is gentle enough to bathe infants and toddlers. Your kids will love the bath. Then, as they grow Rubber Duckie & Friends become their first very-own shower head.

http://youtu.be/UJ5CrVQfMLw 
 

 This is the cutest addition to our bath/shower. We received Rickie the Rhino to review. He's just as cute as Duckie and he's PURPLE! Hailee LOVES to be a "big girl" and take a shower. Adding the bath/shower wand to our shower is Hailee's way to teach her how to clean and be independent while adding a fun element to bath/shower time. I LOVE how easy this was to install. I would have installed it a lot sooner if I knew how easy it really was going to be. I waited for my Husband to get home from work so he could install it. Come to find out I could have done it all by myself. And that is coming from someone that has zero experience with shower heads etc.

   It's super easy to install, it has a diverter to switch flow. It has a 6 foot hose that reaches all the way across our garden tub. Currently we have it installed in out shower and you can see adorable Rickie the Rhino installed in our shower on my instagram (http://instagram.com/dvldoll ) or Twitter (http://twitter.com/Dvl_doll ) I also have a special discount code on here, Twitter and Instagram just for my readers!! Check out https://www.rubberduckieandfriends.com/ for these awesome inexpensive bath/shower wands and matching hooded towels! Such a great gift for Christmas, a baby "shower" (get it?) . This is the COMPLETE kit. Includes: wand, hose, diverter, mount. Also "plumbers tape". No leaks!! Super fast shipping. If you love bath time as much as our family does then, you will truly love Duckie and friends! He brings cleaning to a whole new level and all four of my kids from 4 years to 16 all agree that Rickie the Rhino is the best! Especially since it's Winter        

 

 - Soft 1.5 gpm spray pattern gentle enough for infants and toddlers.

- Attaches easily to your current shower arm or included 2-way diverter.

- Diverter switches water-flow from mom & dad's shower to kid's.

- Extra-long 6-foot hose reaches back of any standard tub.

- Rubber suction cups makes wand mount completely movable.

- Goes anywhere in the tub or shower.

- Perfect for kids ages 6 months & older.

- Makes a great baby shower gift.

 

 My readers Save 50% on any Rubber Duckie & Friends bath & shower wand with code PNMAG www.rubberduckieandfriends.com

 

Rubber Duckie and Friends™ is the winner of a Family Choice Award, a Mother Knows Best Award, and has earned the prestigious National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. 



Glittering Lights Las Vegas Holiday Drive through review and coupon 11/14-1/1

 

 

Starting November 14, 2014 Glittering Lights Las Vegas' Holiday drive through spectacular has entertained more than 1 million with millions of dazzling lights. USA Today just named Glittering Lights at Top 10 Special Event in Las Vegas - it's an incredible holiday tradition! $2 off Coupon! - Good any night during the show. Families can Drive through the light show sponsored by the US Family Guide Mommy Bloggers! Cannot be combined with other offers or previously purchased tickets. Management reserves all rights. One coupon per person/car. This coupon must be printed and presented at the gate.
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=10970&dealid=1057 @usfg

 

 

 

Have a blast driving through the beautiful and festive lights at the Speedway.

Get into the Holiday spirit by hopping in your car and touring the lights this season. Little ones will be stunned by all the glittering colors. Teens will love to see what shapes the lights form and adults will love the quiet Ohh's and Ahh's.

 

Make this a tradition with your family! I know my family loves it and it has become a tradition in the Hoffman Family!



Del Real Review PLUS win a Party in a box!

I have to admit. I declined to eat Mexican food all the way up until the age of 15. And even then when I tried it (being not authentic and "fast food") at the time, I was not impressed. Obviously, I did not make the right choice for my taste test. It hit a sour note and I was sketchy thereafter. As I got older (as we all do) my pallet changed. Decided to give Mexican food another try. This time going to actual restaurants and authentic places. I do not consider myself an expert but, my Husband LOVES carnitas. Something I had to learn to make in order to make him happy.

When I was offered the opportunity to review Del Real Foods, I was a little skeptical. It was a decision I can to my Husband with and of course if you know my Husband, you know what the answer was.

I received the HUGE box in less than a week. It was filled with all sorts of goodies, enough to make either a feast for a Holiday or dinner plans for weeks to come. I chose to split up the entrees. Shocker, my Husband decided we should try the carnitas first. Can I tell you a secret? It was the best carnitas I have ever had, anywhere period. Not dry, not salty. The perfect blend of seasonings. I was almost scared everything else in the box was not going to live up to this. Gleefully, I was wrong. The cheese and Green chile tamales were the kids after school favorite!

The Arroz rice was enough to save for two meals and I have never had a decent store-bought rice until now! Del Real knows their food. Fresh beyond compare it has a "use by" that makes sense. Not like other brands that date their food to 2018. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING I reviewed was yummy. Www.delrealfoods.com has turned this skeptic into a believer! The only thing missing was the tortillas!

Now to the awesome part. If you have read along this far then, you are in for a MEGA treat! I was blessed to be able to give away one of Del Real's "Party in a box"! You heard me right. You will receive a variation of the above photo. (Piñata included)! Right to your doorstep will arrive a fiesta in a box! Read carefully, all you have to do is get on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, e-mail or even Vine. Find me (usually under Dvldoll) tag me and hashtag #DelRealFoods by November 23, 2014 and your in it to win it! I will choose a winner at midnight (westcoast time) and your Fiesta will be on it's way!

 

By the way, if you check out www.DelRealFoods.com you have to check out their YouTube recipes!

 

 

 

 

Untitled

http://bloggernetwork.e-tailwebstores.com/scripts/click.php?a_aid=DvldollDollAddictandMommyBlogger&a_bid=f2b8beb9

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Halloween filled with treats for all. Personally I feel like my daughter and her friends did a pretty terrific job on their costumes. My daughter is the DOTD on the right. All three costumes were age appropriate and throughout the night the received compliments for all ages! I loved hearing younger girls telling their Moms "That's what I want to be next year!" The weeks of searching paid off! We found costumes that were #1 fun and #2 comfy!

 

Compared to the 80's abundance of cat and pirate costumes, kids are getting a lot more creative these days. Yes, pictured above is yours truly as a black cat and my older brother on the right as your typical one eyed, mustache, one hoop earring pirate. Gotta love Halloween 2014.

Sunni had a yummy Baskin Robbins "pumpkin" ice cream cake. Chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream. Living in Vegas, ice cream cakes around Halloween are still very welcomed! Sunni had a blast playing games and crafting with her friends for her Halloween themed Birthday party "re-do". Diving for worms, crayon melted mini pumpkins, face mask decorating, and a marathon of Halloweentown! The girls had a blast and we just may turn this into a yearly shindig! Since this was our very first Halloween party I think it turned out excellent. If you have any suggestions to make our party next year even greater please feel free to e-mail me. I love hearing ways to improve on crafts and games maybe one that you've experienced and impressed your britches off! I'll have to tell you all about our glow in the dark mason jars we made. I still need to tweak it a little bit. Having a few problems getting the glow to last longer.

ARE WE ALREADY IN NOVEMBER?

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

San Gennaro Feast

Las Vegas Nevada

September 9-14, 2014

 

Ciao! Living in Las Vegas is such a melting pot of culture. My loving Mother was Italian. Therefore, any opportunity I get to educate my kids on our heritage, I hop at the chance! The San Gennaro Feast is a yearly tradition for us. The San Gennaro Feast has come to Las Vegas almost twice a year for over 9 years. To give our readers a crash course on San Gennaro himself, he was bishop of Benevento, Italy, and died a martyr in 305 A.D., during the persecution spearheaded by Emperor Diocletian. The San Gennaro Feast even celebrates San Gennaro with a procession. You can read all about the history of San Gennaro on their website www.http://sangennarofeast.com .

 

   Now onto the "Feast" part. The Palmisano family has done a terrific job of outdoing themselves each year. Food, Music, Entertainment, Carnival and fun! Eighteen Carnival rides, and over five kiddie rides! Our families favorite rides are the "Toon Town" funhouse, the "Slide" which is 35 feet of fun for the whole family! And of course the "Giant Wheel" which gives you a view of the entire fairgrounds and is an amazing sight at night! The music is so very upbeat and showcases some amazing talent from traditional Italian to local dance troops and magicians! You can read all about the Palmisano family and check out the schedule of entertainment on their website.

www.http://sangennarofeast.com

 

    I have saved the best for last! The rich yummy Italian (and carnival) food! You can try a breaded and fried sugar powdered twinkie to a full rich plate of lasagna! All of the dishes you ever thought possible. Plus all your staple carnival treats. You could easily make the San Gennaro Feast a whole day event. I know my family spends anywhere from 2-3 hours and enjoy every minute. There has always been enough room to take breaks and sit inbetween the rides and filling your tummy, also time to rest for any meltdowns that may occur. The covered seating is usually by the entertainment stage inbetween the stage and food vendors. Tables upon tables to take a break inbetween festivities is always a plus when having babies and toddles in tow.

 

San Gennaro Feast runs from September 9th to the 14th. All ticket prices are on their website at www.http://sangennarofeast.com . You can also find all their carnival ride information including height restrictions and such. Please don't forget to print out your coupons as well! Adults and children are $9.00 and children under 54" are always free!! If you pick up or print out a coupon then it will only cost you $14 for two adults, but please remember to read the fine print! San Gennaro Feast always ends with a bang! On Sunday the 14th at 9 pm they will have a huge fireworks show for all to see!

About Loteda

About Loteda:
1.) Loteda is a new marketplace where parents can buy and sell gently-worn children's
clothing - by the lot.
2.) The only site designed solely for buying an entire season's worth of clothes - in one
transaction.
3.) Sizes: Newborn - 5T/5

How it works:
1.) Summary included in the "How it Works" section on the homepage: http://loteda.com/
2.) Two easy ways to sell, additional information available in the selling guides:
http://loteda.com/pages/sell
Offer for readers:
3.) 20% off your total purchase. Use code: SAVE20. Expires 8/31/2014

Wet N' Wild Las Vegas Amusement Park and Rides- Review

 

 

   In 2012, Nevada locals got the plans to a super amazing amusement park set to open 2013! I personally could net be more excited. The last time I visited Wet n' Wild Las Vegas it was 1999. My son who is 16 now was only a baby. Our local Junior High and High Schools would close the park down and have the park all to them! I remember going while in Junior High and High School myself!

 

   I wanted to give the new and improved Wet n' Wild a full year before I even considered going. Only because I knew it would be packed it's first year and all the kinks may not be worked out quite yet. I got my tickets for the weekend which also came with some Xpress passes. (Wet n' Wilds front of the line passes). Unfortunatly I became sick with the "NV Summer Flu". Something that never happens to me but, I think it hit me on purpose. Luckily my kids got to go and my brother and his daughters went as well! I will be turning my blog over to my 16-year old son for the review portion.

 

 

My Beautiful Neices at Wet n' Wild- Las Vegas We are Family!

 

I personally had a great time. I hate to say while my Mom was sick. But, hey..it's true. This is the first time I have ever been to a water park. At least one that I can remember. With the Xpress passes it was super fun. We scanned them then came back and got straight on the rides. I was planning on spending the whole day there thinking I would only get to ride some of the rides. I was actually able to ride EVERY ride two to three times each. And we even decided to go on a Friday! I have to say. I'm not sure how other parks will stack up to this experience. I almost feel like nothing could be better. It was a blast and I wish my mom could have went!

 

**I don't think he really would have wanted me there**

 

 

 

According to my son his favorite ride was the Royal Flush Extreme. The Royal Flush is true to it's name. It is a type of water slide where riders come from a steep drop into a round bowl. You circle the outer area of the bowl then exit down through the middle. It is the ride that is red and white, picture is below.

 

 

Wet n' Wild-Las Vegas is the perfect amusement park for Nevada. When tempatures get up in the 100-115 degree zone what better amusement is there then cold water and super fun rides?

 

I think this next weekend I am going to make my first trip to the NEW- Wet N' Wild Las Vegas.

Fun times await!

 

You can check out the deals they have going on until August, ticket prices and more here:

http://www.wetnwildlasvegas.com/

 

Don't forget to check them out online here as well:

https://www.facebook.com/WetnWildLasVegas

https://twitter.com/WetnWildLV

http://admin.wetnwildlasvegas.com/Footer/About-Us.asp

 

40 Days for $40. That's just $1 a Day!

Wet'n'Wild is the best value in Las Vegas this summer! For a limited time get 40 consecutive days of fun for just $40! That's just $1 a day for more than twenty-five slides and attractions, like the all-new Tornado. Make the most of your summer! Don't miss 40 days of fun for only $40. Hurry, this offer is for a limited time only. Click here to purchase now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chronicles Of Steel: Raven

Human life has value. The poor living in the gutter is as valuable as the rich living in a manor. The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint. Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed. Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in. The Chronicles of Steele: Raven is a steampunk-inspired fantasy set in an alternate universe. Pauline Creeden will be releasing these episodes two weeks apart and on the day of release they will be FREE! How will you know when they are released? Sign up for Pauline Creeden's newsletter of course!

Pauline's Newsletter Sign Up http://eepurl.com/Oe2Fn

Now onto the gorgeous covers designed by Graphic Designer, Keri Knutson of Alchemy Book Covers

Eat Healthy For Less

Source: TopMastersInHealthcare.com

Americans are spending less than ever on their food, and eating out more. We spend half of what the rest of the developed world spends eating in. Cheap, processed, mass-produced restaurant food is taking its toll on our health.

You can save a lot, including your health by making healthier food choices.

Prepackaged almonds, 12 pack: $17.54
vs.
Non-prepackaged bulk almonds: $7.09

Vega Bars: $2.99
vs.
Homemade nutrition bars: $.99

Boxed, pre-flavored, quick rice: $6.24
vs.
Brown rice, bulk: $1.84

Two meals at McDonalds: $10.00+
vs.
Wild salmon (bulk): $10.00

Tips for saving on quality food:

1. Buy minimally processed plant foods
2. Buy produce that’s close to expiration date (image of a freezer might be good)
3. Check for slightly damaged goods(a bruise on a fruit won’t hurt you)
4. Buy in bulk
5. Shop at farmer’s markets

Americans are spending less and less of their disposable income on food.
But a greater percentage of what they do eat is on fast food…

Eating at home spending has declined by 2/3rds in the last 50 years.

Eating-out spending has remained the same.
– Leaving us spending much less than the rest of the developed world:
[% of disposable income spent on food by country]
America: 10%
Japan: 13%
France: 14%
China: 28%
India: 39%

Food hasn’t gotten cheaper. We just buy really bad food!

1992: Rutgers professor Benjamin Barber coined the term “McWorld,” when there were 12,700 McDonald’s worldwide.
2011: 33,000 McDonald’s worldwide.
1 in 8 American workers have worked for McDonald’s at some point in their lives.

While we aren’t spending as much, we’re definitely getting our fill.
As obesity rates have skyrocketed. [6]
Because The richest country on Earth buys REALLYbad, cheap food.

– And while we save some on each hamburger, we’re shelling out in other areas to compensate.
When we don’t have to.

Costing $1,152 extra per year for obese men[7]
and $3,613 extra per year for obese women
In medical spending alone.

Looks like we aren’t saving money on food after all.
Shop Cheap, and Healthy