A Day Trip & Family Mobile!!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerIsForSavings #CollectiveBias #WFM4

Six Flags or Bust!!

Rob and I went to Six Flags for a day trip to let off some steam, and have a little bit of fun. I'd never been there, and the last time Rob had been it was the old park, so it was new to the both of us. The drive was only about an hour from our house in Baltimore County, which I was happy to find out about. We like to drive to different places that aren't to far away for weekend or day trips, that way it's much cheaper and we can afford to do several a year, instead of one big trip. The weather was perfect for a day of swimming, water slides, and roller coasters. We started out by going to the water park for the first half of the day. It was 75 degrees until noon or one o'clock, then the sun came out from behind the clouds and really gave a girl a tan...lol! The biggest part was called Hurricane Bay, it's a huge pool that produces waves. I really liked that it was something different, it was similar to swimming at Ocean city, just the waves don't come crashing in on shore. Rob and I swam out there most of the day and enjoyed the sun. Every so often they would have the pool clear out, then the life guards would all go in and do a small safety drill. During these short periods of time we walked over to the water slides. Talk about fun!! We got on one water slide called the Shark Attack...nah that was a bit to much for me. You go down the slide and you immediately drop in the dark, so you go right under the water as your body follows the dip in the tube...nope as I said it was to much for me. I enjoy breathing a bit to much..lol! The other slides were so much fun though, I really liked the ones where you sat on the inner tubes as you went down. They also had one where both Rob and I sat on the tube together, then as we went down it would drop water on you here and there. I laughed so hard the whole way down because of a face that Rob made when the water hit him right in the head....OMG so so funny!!

This was one of the slides I just didn't have the guts to get on because it was straight up and down, you stand on a trap door that opens, then you fall straight down...noooot! I did gladly gawk at those that were crazy enough to go though, and my goodness did I hear some serious screaming. Definitely not for me, when we saw how it worked Rob and I both looked at each other and shook our heads in unison, as to say NO WAY HOSE'....lol!

Now roller coasters I am so so down with, I feel much more safe because I am strapped and seat belted in. Now Rob on the other hand isn't to much of a coaster person, he's more down with the slides, so I guess we even each other out. We got on a ride called the soul snatcher, it takes you all the way up in the air and drops you only to stop just before you hit the ground....haaaa that was so much fun!! We also got on these little cars that you drove around on a track along a cute scenic route. Then there was a train that went all through the coaster park, it was a super relaxing, especially after walking and swimming most of the day. It was good to chill for a second, then it let us off by the water rides...woo hoo!! Now we're talkin', combining the water and the coasters is a genius idea! The best one was a huge coaster that dropped down and went through the water, which in turn shot up a huge wave that soaked all of the people on the ride, and even those watching the ride. Then there was one where you stood up and went upside down, sideways, and every other way. I also saw the new Wonder Woman ride, it was a swing so high up in the air, wow did it look fun. It's a real bummer the park closed at 9pm, so we didn't have time to get to it. I'm so surprised that we were there all day, and still didn't get to see everything, we definitely plan to go back next year. The only thing that annoyed me about the park was the food, now don't get me wrong I know because I'm at an Amusement Park I expect that the food is probably going to be more expensive, but 24$ for 2 slices of pizza and a soda...WOW!! Not to mention is was really bad, so we tried the chicken wings which were also VERY EXPENSIVE! They too were all fatty and just no good, I recommend you eat somewhere outside of the park before you go in. They check your bags as you enter so you can't bring any snacks or drinks with you, but they do allow you to leave the park and re-enter. They stamp your hand, that way you can go out and come back in as much as you want. Next time we're going to bring a cooler to leave it in the car, and just go out from time to time for a soda or snack. Then when it's time to eat a meal we'll just leave and go to eat dinner or lunch at a restaurant, then come back to enjoy the rest of our day. I definitely don't recommend eating at the park, granted they have some great little candy shops just as you come in with some really good fudge, that I vouch for. I bought a couple pieces and it was very very good! Please don't mind my little photobomber..lol!

And here's a picture of the pizza just so you can see what I mean, doesn't look to appetizing does it? Either way we had a really good time swimming and riding the rides, I'm hoping to go to another park not to far from here in PA soon, and I heard they have amazing food, so definitely keep an eye out for that trip. I'm also going to New York Fashion Week in September, I'm so excited. I got an invite to some great shows for the 11th thru the 13th...woop woop! This will be my first time, and I just know it's going to be tons of fun, plus I'm meeting some other blogger friends of mine from other states and countries. I have to say due to my work, I wouldn't be able to do all of this traveling and having summer fun if I didn't have a good, reliable, cell service, with an ample amount of data◊ I'm so glad I decided to make the switch to Walmart Family Mobile, powered by T-Mobile last month. It makes my busy as heck life that much easier. I have more time to enjoy with my friends and family on summer trips like these, thanks to Walmart Family Mobile. Now I can remain connected with work at all times.

 For more info: http://www.familymobilehub.com

◊ Does not include tethering. Video typically streams at DVD quality. During congestion, top 3% of users (>32GB/mo.) may notice reduced speeds due to deprioritization. Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at MyFamilyMobile.com.

All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this page or your local Walmart for current pricing


I got the $49.88 TRULY Unlimited Talk, Text & Data◊, and get this it's TRULY unlimited data! It's Walmart's best pricing in no-contract wireless plans. It also includes a free VUDU** movie rental credit valued at $7.00 each time you renew your service. I really love it because there's no contact, no activation fees, no late charges...you just pick a phone. pick a plan, activate and go. It's so easy and so fast, you can even switch and keep your phone, plus you get unlimited data◊. I now have more than enough, and I won't have to worry if I'm going to run out, which will allow me to be more carefree, and spend more time away from home this summer..woo hoo! Also I feel confident in the service because it's run on T-Mobile's Nationwide Network, so I know the service will be spectacular. The phone is so sleek and cute, it fits right in the front pocket of my MK crossbody bag. Now when 
I go to New York for fashion week I'll be able to keep up with my blogging, social media, and emails, as well as take great pics and videos of the shows. All in all I'm so happy I made the switch, I definitely recommend the $49.88 TRULY Unlimited Talk, Text & Data◊ Plan with Walmart Family Mobile, powered by T-Mobile.

For more information check out their website http://www.familymobilehub.com

 **Available for lines active with the TRULY $49.88 plan only. VUDU enabled device and account required for digital viewing. Customers must be 18 years or older to open a VUDU account. Movie rental only available in the USA. Free movie rental provided in the form of a movie rental code to the value of a $7.00 VUDU credit. Movie rental code allows for selection from available movies for rent. May not be readily redeemable on all new releases. Code will be delivered within up to 24 hours of the effective account renewal date. Must be used within 30 days of receiving code. Offer is non-transferable. Limit 1 per customer. Additional terms and conditions on VUDU's website: http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html 

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It's Party Time!!

This shop/post has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #SummerRefreshment #CollectiveBias

My Tropical Lemonade Stand Party!

 This was one of my favorite party themes thus far because it was so easy and fun, not to mention delicious. I was looking for a clever way to decorate my new patio, and show it off to my friends and family, when I came up with the coolest idea of a Tropical Lemonade Stand. All I did was pop up the folding table that I use for cookouts, cover it with a nude table cloth, and wrap a grass table skirt around the edges. I did this with all of the tables to carry the tropical theme throughout the whole set up. I then got a cute little tropical style chalkboard as shown above, and tacked it to the front of the table to give off the fun Lemonade stand theme, because summer is so much more refreshing with lemonade, especially when its Minute Maid® Lemonade!! I also added in some FUZE® Tea for those that love the traditional half and half. It came out so cute paired with an awesome lemonade recipe. It's one that I've been using as long as I can remember, and it's so super easy.

Tropical Lemonade Recipe!!

Ingredients

1 Jug of Minute Maid lemonade (I like the lemonade with mint)

2 cups of fresh sliced strawberries 

4 large sliced lemons 

1 handful or fresh mint 

4-6 cups of ice (depending on your taste)

Preparation

Pour the jug of (already chilled) Minute Maid lemonade into the dispensing container along with the ice. (use as much ice as you feel necessary, according to the temperature. If it's a hot summer day you may want to add a tad more). Then add some sliced lemons, strawberries, and mint to each glass. In this case I used cute mason jars to match the dispenser. Then add the straws and the lemonade, it doesn't get any easier than that. I also added some of the sliced lemons, and strawberries into the dispensing container to add an extra hint of cuteness. I guess it just depends on what type of container you're using weather or not you can add some extra items. Everyone loved the taste of the lemonade, it's a good thing I made an extra batch because the first one went so quickly. (I added the pink swirled straws to match the napkins and plates for the table settings, plus fun colored straws look great in the drinks)

I also added a bowl of fruit salad, oh boy are you guys gonna like this next one. Since I was going with the tropical theme, I decided to do more than the usual basic fruit salad. I went with a much more interesting and fun tropical fruit salad, it had an amazing taste and texture. This was also easy to make, I usually pick things that aren't to complicated, that way they still remain fun to prepare. I love being creative and making things with my hands that in turn everyone enjoys. I also have to admit I loved it too!! 

(All of the fresh fruit and veggies shown here were purchased via Peapod).

For more info on the service see their website

 http://www.peapod.com

Tropical Fruit Salad 

Ingredients:

(makes about 12 cups)

12 mandarin oranges

2 cups of sliced strawberries

1 fresh cubed pineapple

5 sliced kiwis

3 cubed mangos

Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing

1 medium lemon

1 lime

1/4 cup of honey

1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds

Preparation:

Dressing: Combine the honey, grated ginger and poppy seeds, along with the juices and zest from the citrus fruits (the lemon and lime) into a bowl and whisk. Then place it in the fridge to chill for serving when you're ready. 

Salad: For the salad itself just combine the mandarin oranges, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and mango into a bowl. Then when you are ready to serve it pour on the dressing, and gently mix to coat the fruit and serve. 

It is so fresh and tasty, not to mention full of color and pleasing to the eye. This is one salad that no party can do without. Paired with fresh watermelon and berries you're going to have one happy group of people. Last but not least I made some yummy jerk chicken and veggie skewers on the grill. Another quick and easy recipe!

All I did was marinade some cubed, boneless, skinless chicken thights in a yummy jerk chicken sauce. Then I chopped up some red, green and yellow peppers, purple onions, fresh pineapple, and mushrooms, placed them on skewers, then cooked them on the grill. I added a little salt and pepper, and with each plate put some of the heated jerk chicken sauce in small condiment cups, so everyone  could be dip their chicken or pour it on top. I made sure to cook the skewers well so that the sauce could caramelize along with the sugars in the pineapple, and they came out amazing. I made a huge bed of mixed greens and pineapple fried rice for the skewers to rest on. All in all I was very happy with how everything turned out. I also set up the cutest place settings for everyone. I made sure to continue with the tropical theme, and add a hint of pink. You guys know how crazy I am about pink..lol!

I kept it all pretty simple as not to go overboard with the cost. I found these great paper plates that look gorgeous and are full of color. They also match my decor perfectly, along with the cute pink napkins. Then I figured I should use my knives, forks, and spoons instead of the plastic ones. I also made sure that whatever party items I did purchase, I would be able to use afterwards so nothing went to waste. The good thing is there wasn't any leftovers after the party, which let me know everyone was happy with the food and drinks. Thank goodness for Peapod, they delivered all of the groceries that I needed to put the party together. I have a very busy and on the go lifestyle, so it's hard for me to plan parties, but with the help of Peapod I was able to pull it off. They have fresh quality products, and great prices, with friendly and reliable service. Just go to their website, type in your zip code, then select your city, and start shopping. 

 They made it so easy, all you have to do is adjust the amount and click add to cart. There's a great little colored image of the products so you know it's exactly what you want. It's all laid out for you in your cart, and added up along the way so you know what you're total is as you add the items, that way you don't overspend. This is something that I commonly do, except when I shop with Peapod. All of the clever tools make it so much easier for me to shop and plan my meals. You get $20 off your first Peapod order and 60 days of free delivery. They have 1000's of weekly specials with savings in every category like the regular grocery store...just look for the red tag! They even double manufacturer coupons up to 99 cents. There's to many pluses not to use Peapod. Definitely check out their website, http://www.Peapod.com grab their app and give it a try, it's just to convenient not to. You definitely won't regret it, they have my full recommendation that's for sure. 

For the party I dressed in a pair of leggings and a tank top to look cute and remain comfortable. I had to run around and make sure everyone was good so comfort is always my number one goal. Fortunately it only hit 76 degrees so the weather was perfect. Thanks goodness because the smallest amount of warm weather makes me very uncomfortable, then add to that running around and doing a million different things and you have one sweaty and uncomfortable day, especially when it's an outdoor event. Everything went so well that next time I'm going to double the party in size, we're hoping to have a great halloween party in October, since my birthday is on the 5th. That way I can theme it for both Halloween and my birthday, what fun that should be to put together. Well, I hope you all enjoyed my little party as much and my friends and family did, I look forward to many more in the future. Please feel free to comment below with any fun party ideas you would like to see in upcoming posts, I'm always on the look out for new and fun ideas.

Have a wonderful week Everyone!!

For more info on Peapod see their website 

 http://www.peapod.com

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Cupcakes, Makeup, & A New Outfit!!

Cupcakes, Makeup, & A New Outfit!!

Happy Saturday Dolls, the Dessert Diva is back with some super sweet treats from a great little spot called Fresh Bakery!! They're in a shopping center located at 10351 Reisterstown Rd, in Owings Mills MD 21117. I just love their adorable square cupcakes, boy are they good. 

Cupcake listed as shown in the image above. There are four fabulous flavors.

Top left: Outerbanks (chocolate on chocolate).

Top right: Key Lime.

Bottom left: Raspberry lemonade (my fave)

Bottom right: Nantucket (vanilla on vanilla)

The bottom left was my favorite, only because raspberry is my absolute fave. Plus it had a yummy lemon twang that gave it a fantastic flavor profile. The cake was super moist and full of flavor, but not overbearing so it paired perfectly with the super sweet icing. I really loved their fresh flavors, and can definitely say I'll be going back for more. They also deliver, so I can see myself getting chubby this winter season...lol!!

They also make cakes for weddings and special occasions, but I think I have a cake that is gonna blow you guys away!! This is the cutest cake I have seen all year, I definitely can't wait to hear what you guys think. Have you ever seen a cooler cake? Unicorns are definitely one of my big loves and they're also super popular right now. What gal doesn't love a unicorn, especially when it's covered in icing flowers!! If you look at the 2nd image, you'll see how they created a mane of flowers.

 They used pink and yellow roses, with little blue pearl centered filler flowers.  Then if that wasn't awesome enough, as you move your eyes a little bit you'll see that they added glitter so that the flowers sparkle. I just couldn't think of a more awesome idea, though I should have asked her if the horn and ears were edible....lol!! I can see myself getting one of these for my next party.  Then they added a dripping effect with the tiny candy dots at the bottom, boy did they knock this one out of the park. Hmmm.. I wonder what cake flavor I would get....chocolate, vanilla, or something crazy like that birthday cake mix that has the little multi colored dots inside. That way it would be just as colorful inside as outside. What do you think, what flavor cake would you go with?

Now thats enough about sweets, I better get off the subject before I am on my way back to Fresh Bakery for some more...lol! I want to share a cute new outfit that I got with you guys. I really love the embroidery trend that's super popular right now, so I scooped a couple of cute pieces. The top came from American Eagle Outfitters and the shorts I got from Amazon. The roses aren't exact but I think they're close enough. I decided to sport my white Micheal Kors sandals and vanilla crossbody bag set to finish it off. I really love the white color for the summer season, especially with a white top such as this one. All together this outfit (shorts and tank top) costs me $40 bucks, so I'm pretty proud of myself. A sale is one thing I just can't pass up...lol!! Do you think the embroidered roses are to far off, or they go together good? I have been looking all over for shorts with the embroidered roses and these were the only ones I could find in my size, that were really cute. If you know a place were I can find a pair, please let me know below in the comments, because it's really been a task. 

I really like the destroyed denim, though I do wish they were a little bit longer. Either way they're super cute, and in the meantime I'll just keep on looking. I hope to score a cute pair of jeans for fall and winter with a good embroidery design. Have you seen the new embroidered Gucci jeans...omg are they gorgeous. I wish more than anything that I could afford them, but $1200 dollars for a pair of jeans is a bit out of my price range, so I'll try to find the next best thing. 

This adorable top is made of the softest cotton and feels amazing on my skin, this is what convinced me to buy it about 2 months ago, that and it was on sale. I just got lucky that it matched the shorts really well. Don't you love it when that happens? AEO always has cute tops, it's one of my favorite spots to schmy around when I go into the mall because I always find something cute at a good price. 

Last but certainly not least I added this little beauty to the outfit. It's a Welly Merck watch and it's gorgeous, not to mention it has a classic look in gold that matches just about anything. It's goes especially well with the pink embroidered roses on my outfit. The face is so feminine and chic, it has quickly become my favorite watch. To get one of your own check out the Welly Merck Website  and use the code DANAWM20 at checkout and get 20% off of your order. You can't beat that, especially when it comes to such a beautiful time piece. 

I also have a great beauty product to share, as well as a shot of a yummy meal I put together this morning. I call it my famous Southwest Grits and wow is it good. It's so easy to make that anyone can do it. Just make yourself a nice bed of grits, with fresh roughly chopped cilantro mixed in. Then top it with a mound of black beans, and garnish it with tomatoes, green onion, cheese (mozzarella or feta will work) and top it with a fried egg or two. Make sure you have a runny yolk, because this adds an amazing flavor to the grits and fresh veggies. Make sure you cut all of the garnishings and have them ready because you want to eat it while it's all still hot hot!! It tastes best that way.

Then I washed it all down with a fresh glass of OJ, nothing is better for breakfast. Notice that the Raspberry lemonade cup cake from Fresh Bakery is making an appearance again here...boy was it good!! Then also making an appearance is the newest beauty product in my daily routine, it's a loose powder by Lancome called Translucence. As most of you that follow my Instagram page know, most of the beauty products I use are made by Lancome, because they're quality products that I can feel good about buying. This loose powder is fantastic. I can wear it and get great coverage without feeling like I'm wearing a ton of makeup on my face. There's nothing i hate more than my skin feeling all caked up, and this powder is weightless on my skin. I like to sport the natural look and Translucence let's me do that with confidence. I definitely recommend you give it a go, you won't regret it!!

To see the review video on Translucence just check out my Instagram page. 

I received the Translucence free of charge from Lancome, and all opinions are 100% mine and mine alone!! #honestreview #gifted #octolyfamily. To get some of your own check out Octoly

https://www.octoly.com/c/hbj0l/r/hatuw Have a great weekend everyone, I'm going to Six Flags on Monday, and I'll definitely share the trip with you guys. Also check out my Instagram Page for a couple HUGE GIVEAWAYS going on right now, and starting tomorrow Sunday Aug 6th 2017, at 4pm est. 

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