The Amazing Colors Of Kalahari Water Park

My family and I headed to Kalahari Water Park in PA this past month. It just opened this Summer and we LOVED it.

One night while the boys were still at the water park Goddess and I headed out and took some photos of the hotel and all the colorful decor.

Here are just a few.

These are some of the lights that grace the convention area. 

Credit: Goddess

Credit: Godess

Credit: Goddess

Goddess on one of the elephant statues

Handsome joined us the next night for a photo!

Down in the family gaming area there was this cool Zoltar...I didn't get my fortune but now wish I had just for the sake of saying I did.

They also had a glow in the dark miniature golf area. This guy was pretty cool. Look at that face.

Some of the games the kids played.  Handsome is just now getting into superheros and Batman is the ONE he likes best. He had a Power Ranger thing last year but it was short lived.

She didn't actually play this one but I didn't to take a photo of how cute it was. The seats are toilet bowls.

The decorations were so colorful and fun!  This table cracked me up.

Our view of the water park at night from our hotel balcony.

Back To School Snacks For The Lunchbox Or An After School Treat

My daughter LOVES chocolate. Who can blame her really. Not many don't love it. My son is currently the only person I can think of who doesn't. I wish I were more like him but since I am not I love that we were introduced to Sugar Bowl Bakery. These are truly the perfect size for her lunch box snack and I have a feeling they will be in Goddess' lunchbox every day.

Sugar Bowl Bakery has taken some of the most loved snacks and created something you don't feel terribly guilty about handing out or eating yourself.

Look at all those sweet, little darlings! I would hate to tell you how many are left!

They are great right out of the pack, under ice cream or warmed up and drizzled with some caramel sauce. Yeah we know how to party here.

You can see they are a perfect size and at only 90 calories, go ahead and indulge.

Goddess had an art class today and needed to bring lunch since it is from 9-1! Yup....that brownie is in there.

We love them. They taste like homemade and are nice and soft inside.

Sugar Bowl Bakery don't only make brownies, they also have Madeleines and Petite Palmiers. We hope to visit Costco this week to grab more. Visit Sugar Bowl Bakery to find out where you can pick them up for yourself

And How Is Your Day Going?

Walking Through Memory Lane - Tree Posing (Aug 28, 2008)

Blood on blood, One on one,  We’d still be standing when all was said and done
Blood on blood, One on one, and I’ll be here for you till Kingdom come
Blood on blood-Bon Jovi

I love this picture. At the end of our Botanical Garden trip they asked me to take their picture against this tree. I love how they both made a face and I adore their pose. What I love the most is that this picture really shows how similar they are.

 As the years go by and they make friends outside of each other, I hope they will remember how very similar they are. My wish is that they always look to be in each other’s life long after they HAVE to be.

The August Pinch Me Box Came At Just The Right Time

I got back from a family vacation to find this box from PinchMe waiting at my door.

Above you can see everything that came in it. We all needed a good dose of moisturizer after spending four days swimming.

We went through these tubes of Gold Bond in the past week. My heels, elbows and legs needed this so bad. The rest of the house needed it for their legs.

They both go one nicely making your skin feel silky smooth. I prefer the healing with aloe.

With the fall coming soon, we will be purchasing so much more.

The Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion has seven intensive moisturizers and three essential skin-nurturing vitamins, plus the healing power of aloe

The Scotch-Brite® Extreme Scrub Sponge makes me so happy because it is purple and black. There are so many reasons to love this sponge besides the cool Halloween colors. 

It definitely is the perfect size and does a great job of cleaning and scrubbing by switching to either side of the sponge. The purple is sponge and the black side is the scrub.

ALSO no more smelly sponge. With antimicrobial product protection+, the Scotch-Brite® Extreme Scrub Sponge resists bacterial odors and has 4x the scrubbing power of next leading competitor, eliminating the need for pre-soaking!

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I know I should floss every time I eat but honestly I do it every night when I do my last brushing of the day. I use a roll floss. The kind we have been using since we were kids.

The DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Pick is so different. You use and toss but it also has a pick on the end for getting into areas with full control.

Honestly, the very next day after using this, I wished I had it so I could get something between my teeth that was bothering me so I went the next day and bought myself a multi pack. 

DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Pick’s silky ribbon floss is gentle on teeth and gums while comfortably removing food and plaque.

The textured pick deep cleans between teeth and stimulates gums without hurting your mouth. Plus the built-in tongue cleaner helps fight bad breath. Try DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks to care for your healthy smile.

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Walking Down Memory Lane - First Carousel Ride (Aug 26, 2008)

She was so excited when she saw the merry-go-round. She knew exactly what animal she wanted before we even got on it. She wanted to get off the moment we strapped her on.


I took my kids to the zoo this week. While there I asked them if they wanted to go on the carousel. My daughter did not hesitate. Like everything she was gung ho, knew exactly what she wanted to ride and couldn’t wait until we walked onto it. Once there someone picked her up and strapped her in while I assisted my son. I don’t know if it was because a stranger picked her up or if the giraffe was really just too big for her but she wanted off and she wanted off bad. My son also had never been on a ride at 5 years old and I really wanted him to try it. She was telling me she was scared in one ear and I was talking to her about everything being ok while trying to tell my son exactly what was going to happen. We are going to go in a circle, music is going to play and your cougar is going to go up and down.

She was begging me to take her off and I just kept telling her it was find and that I wouldn’t let her go but I really wanted to enjoy the ride because of my son.

When the ride started they were both very quiet. Her giraffe didn’t move up and down thankfully because while holding her on, I was holding him on as he went up and down. I took this picture very quickly so that we had one of her on the carousel.

When the ride ended my son really wanted to go on again but I couldn’t put her on again and we were alone. He was nervous to put him on himself so I promised him the next time he would get to ride twice. I hope my little one eventually loves rides. It was a great day and I enjoyed running around with them.

Don't Miss This Wonderful Movie!

A few weeks ago I hosted a movie giveaway through FoxHomeInsiders. This weekend I finally got to watch Far From The Madding Crowd and it is NOT one to be missed.

Honestly prior to this giveaway/review I had never heard of it. Maybe you also have never heard of it but I can tell you it is a beautiful love story about honor, love, strength, and perseverance from the book by Thomas Hardy

If you know anything about Carey Mulligan she is a tremendous actress who we need to see much more of. I reviewed her in Never Let Me Go and still remember the impact of her talent.

The 411:


If you love classics you will love this movie but if nothing else you look at the acting of Mulligan, Sheen and Sturridge.  The scenery is stunning and the storyline classic, moving and inspiring. There is intrigue, mystery, drama, romance, seduction and more.

Carey is an educated young woman staying at a relatives farm. She meets Shepherd Gabriel Oak who is smitted immediately. A lonely shepherd with his 100 flock asks her to marry him but she insists she has no need for a man. She doesn't want to be someone's property. Got to love a strong female role.

When Bathsheba's uncle passes away he leaves her his farm. She is now a mistress in charge of an entire farm and all it's employees AND this lady knows what she wants and it is NOT a man to take care of her. When one suitor tells her that he if she marries him she will have a piano she smirks and says, she already has one.

It is the smirk on Mulligan I love most. She always looks like she is up to something and has one up on you AND in this movie she does.

Matthias Schoenaerts as Gabriel Oaks is wonderfully strong and steady. Taking the lead and then stepping back as her friend and confident. Someone she learns to trust and lean on which is something she has a difficult time with as a strong female.

Michael Sheen was beautifully silent and dignified as the rich, older gentlemen. My heart ached for him and his forgiving, gentle way.

I loved this movie and suggest you give it a try.

Artist Beginner Kit Sparks My Creative Fire

After Goddess and I took a Mommy and Me art class I got the creative bug again. Before kids I had it. I painted every Tuesday in a art class and found it very therapeutic.

I had given it to Goddess to review but as I saw it sitting on the table unused I grabbed and opened telling myself it was to take a picture of the kit.

The next thing I knew I was pretending to dance the brush across the canvas and that was when the final product idea was born.

My favorite part was the artist palette. Even while talking an art class we never used palettes.

There are three sizes of brushes. I used the two smallest ones. They were perfect for a beginner and the canvas was a great touch with the kit. I have seen many kits and with two young artists in the family have purchased many but none ever came with a canvas.

This is a great gift idea for birthdays, Christmas, or whenever. The price is perfect too. Much more inexpensive then you would think.

So what do you think? Is it good? I don't love it but so proud of myself for trying. My daughter loves it and thinks the tree looks real and loves the addition of the fireflies. 

Freaks Of Nature by Wendy Brotherlin Was Pretty Damn Good! @Brotherwen

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The 411 by Maria 

This was a really fast moving book. The action and detail was really fun to read. It reads like you are watching a movie. 

I loved the characters in this science fiction book by Are You Afraid of the Dark writer Wendy Brotherlin. We are huge fans of the Nick show and I knew I would love this book going in.

Devon is our main character. He is just one of the psionic freaks who must fight to stay alive after being captured by the military.

Each of the psionic's have various supernatural talents such as moving earth, talking to plants, mind reading, and more. 

Any lover of science fiction will love this interesting take on a world after global pandemic. 

Really quick read but completely action packed. My favorite parts are of Devon and the plants. Really genius writing.

A World Of F's

My Family! - I love these people to pieces.  We were at Kalahari WaterResorts. My family won big in the family arcade.

Flipping - This chick can hair flip like no other. Love this shot. Looks like she has a huge head of hair.

Foxes - Goddess and I went to a mom and me painting class. It was very nice and we had a blast.

Funny Face - I LOVE this shot. Favorite of the Summer. My daughter was jumping in so I was taking the shot of her. Love my son's photobomb.

Fearless - This was at the Orange County Fair. The guy was walking blinded folded on the outside of the circle. Scared the crap out of me. This photo looks fake. He looks like a little action figure.

Feeding Lemurs - We were at the Orange County Fair and went into this feeding area to see what was in there. You slip the fruit down the tube and the animal grabs it or puts it's mouth on the tube. It was sad and interesting at the same time.

Feet - My daughter was doing who knows what, but I thought it looked funny so snapped a shot of those boats of hers.

Floating - My little one loves swimming under the water. It is hard to make her come up. She has finally learned how to float.

Feeding Flies - This nasty thing with the big suction tongue loved mini marshmallows. NASTY.

Five Nights At Freddy's - This is my daughter's sketch of the FNAF characters. They are her current favorite.

America's Got Talent Fans AND EVERYONE ELSE Get Ready For Emily West - MY CD REVIEW

EMILY WEST

I rarely watch TV so I missed Emily West on AGT but from the first song I heard which was Sia's Chandelier I wanted more! 

The 411 by Maria 


I love female vocalists! I was happy to find a new female singer that I feel has what I love in a voice when I listen to music. 

Like Lara Fabian, Adele, Christine Perri, Patty Smyth, Stevie Nicks to name a few, Emily's voice has depth and emotion that makes them stand out for me above all others.  

From the first song, Sia's Chandelier; I was in love.  I LOVE Sia. Her voice is another one that bleeds raw emotion but the style in which Emily sang it was completely different. When she breaks into the chorus I am completely gone. The beauty of her voice with the fearless lyrics of Sia are stunning. It is a completely different feeling from Sia's and I love that. 

All of the songs are unbelievable. Delivered like a seasoned pro and will have you NOT singing along right away but closing your eyes and really listening. 

My second favorite is Without You by David Guetta (believe me you know this song).

I can't win, I can't reign
I will never win this game without you, without you
I am lost, I am vain,
I will never be the same without you, without you

I won't run, I won't fly
I will never make it by without you, without you
I can't rest, I can't fight
All I need is you and I, without you, without you

[Chorus]
Oh oh oh
You! You! You!
Without
You! You! You!
Without you

Is another stunning version of a song I love. Emily's voice is truly an angels. It is pretty, clear and truly mesmerizing. I want to put my headphones on and really listen again. Without outside noise so I can hear the exquisite sounds of a voice I need to hear more of. 

My Boys Wipe Out At Kalahari Resorts

Videographer was my 10 year old who filmed while I snapped a million pics of my son getting up on a body board #bodyboard #surfing #waterfun check him out

A video posted by Maria (@mgagliano5) on Aug 14, 2015 at 7:32pm PDT

He didn't do as well as he thought he would. Way harder then he thought. Handsome laughing in the background is my favorite part #waterfun #wipeout #surfing #bodyboard

A video posted by Maria (@mgagliano5) on Aug 15, 2015 at 1:18pm PDT

My American Rainbow

The other day the kids and I were heading out to drop Goddess off at a sleep over. Her friend's mom called asking of she wanted to spend the night and with the storms passing I was game. The thunder and lightening prior made me too nervous to say yes. If she was away from home and the power went out she would have been nervous but it was turning into a great evening.

As we rounded a turn Handsome said, "rainbow". He usually talks in single words because he is impulsive and I have come to learn that if he doesn't say it he will forget it so he just spews what seems like randomness. I usually do try to tell him I need full sentences but this time I looked over.

AND

There it was...a stunning rainbow with all the colors still in full effect. I pulled over quickly, grabbed my phone and told the kids to stay.

It was burning off as I got closer but I managed to snap this photo.

My first rainbow and it was beautiful.

To everyone who is reading, I wish you a rainbow and at the end of it all, I hope you get everything you want. I know I pray for that for myself and I will pray for you too.

Do You Have A Favorite Peanut Butter?

Do You Blog Everything Going On In Your Life?

I try not to put anything too personal. There are some things I don't even tell the people I see and talk to every day.

Sometimes I Wish There Was Two Of Me

Heros In Their Habitit

Last month we were able to attend the Andrew Simmons Wildlife Program. Andrew has a rescue and educational company who brings his menagerie of fascinating animals around to different organizations so people can learn all about them. 

While Andrew and his helper hold the animals, he talks about them telling them kids how they catch their prey, eat, what they eat, and where you might find them. It was really entertaining and educational.

Some birds of Prey like this beautiful Eagle

I think he was eyeing the little kids to see if he could carry one away.

This little guy looked like he meant business but Andrew made him look like a stuffed animal.

There were also monitor lizards, snacks but it was this Canada Lynx that we all went crazy for. It was only two months old but was so adorable. It played with it's tail and leash. It was just like any household cat.

I wish I had my "real" camera. These shots sucks but at least I got some. It was a great time.