Globetrotters 2024!!!

 That's right. It's that time again.

Our family missed a couple of years because of covid, but we're ready to go back (masked up, of course.  Don't judge. Not risking my husband's health for anyone. 😅)

Were sharing the coupon you can use to get up to 20% OFF your own tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters!!

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR Tickets are now on sale!

Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR - PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS

Where, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!? happens all the time!

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take

the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the

Globetrotter stars LIVE as they DRIBBLE, SPIN, SLAM, and DUNK their way past their relentless rivals, the

Washington Generals! You'll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling, skills, and BIG LAUGHS with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan

engagement!

Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM

https://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=13043&dealid=2964

Bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule

(Discount valid on tickets purchased at least One Week Prior to Game Date)

NOT VALID FOR THESE GAMES

-Kennewick, WA

-Oklahoma City, OK

-Tulsa, OK

-Dothan, AL

-Brookings, SD

Party or Play? Do both at Waterland Arcade!

Had a wonderful opportunity to take my family to Waterland Arcade in Des Moines Washington today. 

It was great, because it was 4 days before LS's birthday so we had the ability to just have a fun, wholesome family time.

$10/ person, unlimited time AND unlimited arcade games. Best deal in our area for sure.

**10% off if you use this link!!!**

You are given a wristband, so you can come and go the entire day.  Perfect for a food break!! 

My arms (and pride) will hurt from losing 4x in a row to my kid in Air Hockey ( I would SWEAR his side was rigged. 😂)

I wish this place had been available (or maybe that I'd known it was available!) 10 years ago. It would have been amazing to bring my sons here when they were smaller and let them play for hours and hours. It's a brilliant idea. 

I enjoyed the nostalgia of the games, and quickly realized I actually suck at Frogger and Centipede now, even though I grew up on them. 👀

My husband enjoyed Mrs Pacman, his favorite game in the world.

For someone with a younger kid, a day of entertainment for $10 a person would be HUGE.

Amazing artwork on the walls too. The local artist featured is really good.  You can purchase the artwork, and even nostalgic games and cards (I didn't find cabbage patch kids cards... I definitely would have bought a pack!) 

They have a selection of beers and soft drinks you can purchase, and an outdoor patio to consume. The breeze is a great addition. 

They do birthday parties starting at $300 to rent out the ENTIRE place, which is a drop in the bucket compared to other places!! 

They also have events (WuTang anyone??!?!) 

That is sure to be amazing!!

Now for the rest.. 

Its a bit smaller (which was harder to move around in if you're... Bigger)

When you first enter, it's really confusing what to do. The cashier is in an odd spot, so I can imagine people might just leave if they don't know who the staff is. When I entered, we stood at the door for a few minutes and I met eyes with quite a few people before walking in, hoping one would be staff. I got all the way to the pinballs before I actually was approached by an employee.  It's a small enough place, so I can see how this isn't an issue, as they know who is playing that day. 

I still think they'd benefit from a small redesign, so people feel a little less intimidated.  Or perhaps signage to explain how things worked. 

All in all, it's definitely somewhere I'd recommend for a party, especially for kids, or nostalgic adults.

Compared to similar arcades in the area, for the cost, safety and anticipated fun, it's 100% worth a trip to desmoines!! 

Interested?! Of course you are!!! 

Rent the entire arcade for your next birthday party! Includes unlimited games for all your guests. Packages available for up to 60 guests.

10% off entry at Waterland Arcade - 10% off entry at Waterland Arcade in Des Moines! Play unlimited arcade games with entry (except pinball).

Oh, fair warning... Parking is street.  I did see a small lot but I'm not certain if it's theirs. 

For a Sunday party, parking shouldn't be an issue!! 

As usual, my disclaimer. 

I received a day of play in exchange for checking the place out. I received no compensation of any kind. 

I offered a blog post and honest opinions. Nothing more. 

(and honest, you always get!!) 

Magic? YES Please!!

We've never seen a magic show in person, so I'm super excited about this one!!! 

Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic - an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as 'The Avengers of magic' catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions.

They've sold out shows across the globe, been featured on every major US TV network and racked up over over 50 million views online... but you haven't seen magic until you've seen it live! The Champions Of Magic cast present incredible interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini's water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show happens all around the theatre and features spectacular illusioDon't miss this unbelievable show to entertain the entire family and see why fans return to see one of the world's biggest touring illusion shows time and time again. Tickets for Champions Of Magic are on sale now. Visit https://www.championsofmagic.co.uk/tour.htmlns that can't be seen anywhere else.

Don't miss this unbelievable show to entertain the entire family and see why fans return to see one of the world's biggest touring illusion shows time and time again. My Readers Save 25% off Champions of Magic Tickets with Promo Code: TRUST. The offer is valid on select seats and while seats remain available. Discount is valid up to 2 days prior to the date of the show. Visit https://www.championsofmagic.co.uk/tour.html #magic

An awesome Printique Canvas review

 

Had an awesome opportunity to work with Printique, an online canvas prints boutique. 

The process is super easy, and comes shipped snug and protected.  I was surprised at how well packaged it was to ship. 

The photo I chose was my husband's FAVORITE, but its not the BEST print.

The system was easy to use, and tells you the quality of your print. 

Mine was low quality, but I took a chance.  Even at low quality, it came out beautifully.

The ordering process let's you choose the photo,  edit it as desired, choose the size and how it's made. You can wrap it around the edges or have it end at the print. 

Here's how mine came shipped. 

The box had hard foam inserts to protect each edge and the print face. I was happy at the quality of the packaging. 

Here is the canvas print, hung on the wall.

When moments matter, print them!

Save 15% on your First Print Order - When moments matter, print them. Printique is an online photo boutique that specializes in printing memories on photo books, prints and wall decor. Take the time to print your life for you and your little ones. Save 15% on your first order with code: WELCOME15

So happy. 

Check out Printique for yourself! 

I was given the opportunity to get a free canvas in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Nothing else was offered or provided on either end. 

MANSCAPED Is at it again!!!

 

Its that time of year, and MANSCAPED has chosen us to review their goodies.  So excited!!

This is by far the best system to trim up the short and curlies on my husband.  Perfectly close without being "smooth" is his desired effect, and he gets it, every time.  

Here's some products they have for us this year. 

I cannot WAIT to show you what we get to try!!!

1. The Lawn Mower 4.0 by MANSCAPED

The fourth generation groin and body trimmer features cutting-edge ceramic blades to reduce grooming accidents thanks to their advanced SkinSafe technology.

Exactly what you expect.  Better than any clipper system we've found.   Granted, he uses it almost exclusively on his face (there was this "mishap" that happened 20 years ago, when I groomed him DOWN THERE.  He felt it was a bit... Short.  😜 So to this day, he's really... Partial to his curlies staying...long. 😂 

My husband has a disorder these causes his facial hair to turn inwards on a CLOSE shave. So the length you see, is what's "safe" for him. 

However... I can assure you... It looks GOOD in person!!! ❤️ 

2. The Weed Whacker by MANSCAPED

Proprietary SkinSafe technology helps reduce nicks, snags, and tugs.

Ok, so yes, this is for men. Technically.. But its sweet for that errant nose hair women get too. Just saying. 

Stocking Stuffers by MANSCAPED

1. Refined Cologne by MANSCAPED

A clean and fresh scent designed for the K9 refined gentleman

All I can say is OMG I WANT TO EAT HIM. 

I'll leave it at that. 😂 

2. Shears 2.0. by MANSCAPED

Luxury 4-piece nail kit featuring tempered stainless steel tools including:

I spend plenty of time grooming his nails.  After 30 years in the Arts, his nails are... Funky. He used to do this thing where he'd push his fingers in rocks or something. It ruined his nails.  

So this set really helps to clean them up on the regular. 

3. Foot Duster foot deodorant

Say goodbye to stinky foot funk with the Foot Duster deodorant spray

Mmmhmm.  I won't say anything here.  You already know. 😁

SAVE 20% Automatically - Go to https://www.manscaped.com/gifting and automatically receive 20% off all orders

I work with the US Family Guide in conjunction with different companies to bring you the best the world has to offer. 

All opinions given are my own.  All reviews are 100% real.  I do not get "paid" to leave a "good" review. 

I get items, free, to give them my HONEST opinion.  And honest... They get. 😂 

Stay tuned... My review on these products is coming soon!!! ❤️ 

Manscaped is back, and better than ever!

 

So previously you'll remember, we showed you some amazing things MANSCAPED could do to my husbands face (yes, its a male grooming device, yes its awesome for your balls. No, not showing that here. 😂)

Well MANSCAPED has chosen us to partner with them AGAIN!!

This time, we were blessed with a wide array of awesome products! 

THE PERFORMANCE PACKAGE 4.0

LUXURY GROOMING KIT FEATURING THE LAWN MOWER® 4.0 + WEED WHACKER® TRIMMERS

KIT INCLUDES

The Lawn Mower® 4.0 All-new SkinSafe™ electric trimmer

Weed Whacker® Ear & nose hair trimmer

Crop Preserver® Anti-chafing ball deodorant

Crop Reviver® Ball spray toner

Magic Mat® Disposable shaving mats

FREE GIFTS

The Shed Travel bag ($39.99 value)

MANSCAPED™ Boxers Anti-chafing boxers ($19.99 value)

The Lawn Mower 4.0:

The fourth generation groin and body trimmer features cutting-edge ceramic blades to reduce grooming accidents, thanks to their Advanced SkinSafe technology. 

The Weed Whacker:

Proprietary SkinSafe technology helps reduce nicks, snags and tugs. 

It is an electric nose and ear hair trimmer.  It comes in really cool sleek box.  It's got a replaceable head, high performance motor, it's cordless, rechargeable, and waterproof. (don't drop it in the water-but you can shave wet or dry skin!) 

the perfect package included some additional products for us to try with I thought was really awesome! 

So it comes in this really awesome box that literally says your balls will thank you. (They WILL thank me later😋) 

Other things we got were: the crop mops (say that 10 times fast!) which are moist ball wipes infused with aloe.

Crop Cleanser - a hair and body wash, Ph balanced and hydrating! 

Foot Duster - a24 hour foot deodorant spray that has tea tree oil. (my nose will be thankful) 

Refined Cologne  - a signature scent. (I am so excited to see what this smells like.  Some scents drive me insanely excited on my husband.. Have you ever experienced that? You literally... cannot. 😂

The Plow 2.0 it is a superior safety razor with a machined brass handle. (this is NOT your typical plastic razor!!!) 

It is so very exciting... but what actually excited me, is the boxer briefs they include. I CANNOT wait to see him in them (sorry.  You'll get a stock picture.  Im NOT sharing that with the world. 😉) 

. 

My husband dived into Manscaping - headfirst!

My husband Ray is 66. He has always shaved his beard, but never considered shaving... Anything else.

So when I brought him the lawnmower 3.0, he looked at me like I was crazy! 😂

I promised him if he tried it, we'd leave his man-parts... Unscathed. While many men do "manscape" their twig and berries... Mine prefers to stay looking like a bush. 😜

One thing about my husband, that he'll freely admit is, to him, hair on a woman is a turn on.  It was weird, when we first got together, to not shave my legs, because he thought it was sexy. 

When my husband asked me to stop shaving my legs, it started out uncomfortable... I felt like everyone knew, and they thought I was gross. I had a hard time wearing shorts, and if I wore a skirt, I put panty hose on, so it wasn't as noticeable.  (He LIVED the way my unshaven legs looked in a pair of hose though) 

Now, 19 years later... It is freeing. It is easy.  It is awesome.  I don't have to bother with the nicks, the stubble and itchy legs, from shaving. Not having shaved my legs in almost 2 decades was amazing for me.  I absolutely love not having to bother with it.  It's as lso helped me not care about what others think of me. I've had such a problem with my self confidence, for so many years, that it really helped me gain control of it. 

But, I wanted to test this baby out. So I waited a week, and first used it to shave my underarms, as it's a thin skinned, sensitive area. I was amazed at how gently it cut. I was able to get a close shave, over all of the curves, without so much as a nick, a pinch or a problem. 

My husband has something that causes his hair to turn in, when cut. It means that he can never use a razor shaving his face, because he will have a chin full of painful ingrown hairs. This means he uses a trimmer set, always. 

When I gave him the Lawnmower 3.0, he was a bit skeptical.  It's not the full size clippers he's used to.  However, he was willing to try it. 

Not only was he willing, but to show just how easy they are to use, he let our 15yr old special needs son, trim his beard. 

They are the perfect size to fit in your hand, gentle enough to trim anywhere, and precise enough to do whatever you want. 

He liked the removable guard, that let him get a closer shave, without being TOO close.) see the pictures, the "stubble" is as close as he can go, without them turning inwards.

Here's some before and after pictures!

Ray is the most handsome man in the world to me.  Seeing him, freshly shaven, takes YEARS off his face. 

If he would shave his beard, he can EASILY pass for 40's... 

Heck, I think I have more gray hair in my head, then him. 😒😂

Tell me I'm wrong!!! ❤️

I have seen my husband trim his beard many times over the years. He always uses a full size hair clipper set, that is big and bulky. 

Watching our teen work so hard to get his father's beard perfect, going from right to left, measuring it, trimming one hair, to get it to match... It was a delight. 

Manscaped Lawnmower 3.0 was easy to use, small enough for my own tiny hands, but strong enough to withstand the forest that is my husbands face. 

Right now, Manscaped is offering 20% off your order... And this includes their 

Perfect package 3.0

The Lawn Mower 3.0 - The cornerstone of a refined & elevated grooming regime

Crop Preserver - Ball deodorant uniquely formulated to help reduce odor for up to 24 hours

Crop Reviver - Refreshing ball toner spray infused with cooling aloe perfect for active lifestyles

Magic Mat - Set of three disposable shaving mats

The Shed - Luxury travel + storage bag

MANSCAPED Boxers - Get comfy in these soft, chafe-relieving boxer briefs

The Weed Whacker Luxury Nose + Ear Hair Trimmer - For Dad :)

Introducing our revolutionary electric ear and nose hair trimmer, The Weed Whacker. This premium trimmer is a technological masterpiece, redesigning the traditional nose hair trimmer by focusing on maximum performance and comfort, and offering a sleek, ultramodern design. 

Shears 2.0

- Slant Tip Tweezers

- Rounded-Tip Scissors

- Fingernail Clippers

- Medium Grit Nail File

The Lawnmower 3.0 groin and body trimmer comes with a charging stand, a cord (you can plug it directly into the trimmer, or use the stand!) a guard, a bag and cleaning brush. 

What's more, they've partnered with the Testicular Cancer Society, so they LITERALLY save balls!! 

Go ahead and check them out.  The hairy man (or woman!!) in your life will appreciate you.  I know mine did!! ❤️ 

 

This post is sponsored by Manscaped. I received the item without cost to me, to test, and provide my unbiased opinion . Everything in this post, including opinions, reviews, jokes and memories shared are my own.  

Get MANSCAPED this Holiday!

What a way to start a post... Right? That's true though.  We are in a day and age where manscaping is no longer some fringe thing that you rarely hear of.  50-70% of men now partake in some form of manscaping. 

Regardless if you just trim your face, your nails, or you like your entire body picture perfect, MANSCAPED has a product for you. 

MANSCAPED, the first and leading men's below-the-waist grooming and hygiene brand, offers a full line of products that have quickly become a staple and daily ritual of more than 1,000,000 consumers in the U.S., plus thousands more in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Our intelligently designed and developed product range includes precision-engineered tools, unique formulations and accessories that ensure a simple and effective male grooming routine. Click on the web site link to automatically save 20% Off your order.

SAVE 20% Automatically - Go to https://www.manscaped.com/gifting and automatically receive 20% off all orders

The Shears 2.0 Luxury Nail Care Set -- The Perfect Stocking Stuffer

MANSCAPED is excited to offer The Shears 2.0, a four-piece luxury nail kit. ($19.99 on manscaped.com)

The Shears 2.0 set iincludes:

- Slant Tip Tweezers

- Rounded-Tip Scissors

- Fingernail Clippers

- Medium Grit Nail File

The Lawn Mower 3.0 + The Perfect Package 3.0 -- Essentials for Below-the-Waist Grooming

The Lawn Mower 3.0 is an ultra-premium trimmer designed for groin and body trimming. ($79.99 on manscaped.com)

But Wait, There's More: If you are looking for only the best tools and formulations for your nether regions, we suggest The Perfect Package 3.0, our carefully crafted kit that houses all the essentials for properly tending to the groin area. ($79.99 on manscaped.com)

The Perfect Package 3.0 includes:

The Lawn Mower 3.0 - The cornerstone of a refined & elevated grooming regime

Crop Preserver - Ball deodorant uniquely formulated to help reduce odor for up to 24 hours

Crop Reviver - Refreshing ball toner spray infused with cooling aloe perfect for active lifestyles

Magic Mat - Set of three disposable shaving mats

The Shed - Luxury travel + storage bag

MANSCAPED Boxers - Get comfy in these soft, chafe-relieving boxer briefs

**NEW** The Crop Care Kit - Just the Lotions & Potions

Already have The Lawn Mower 3.0 trimmer? Then this bundle is a must. Housing all of MANSCAPED's best-selling formulations this line-up is sure to take your grooming routine to the next level. ($44.99 on manscaped.com)

Crop Preserver- Ball deodorant is a thing, and it's life-changing.

Crop Reviver- Ball toner is also a thing. Spritz spritz!

Crop Cleanser- Hair + body wash done right.

Crop Mop- Portable wet wipes for balls, butt, and body.

Foot Duster(free gift) - Foot deodorant to show the feet some love, too!

The Weed Whacker Luxury Nose + Ear Hair Trimmer - For Dad :)

Introducing our revolutionary electric ear and nose hair trimmer, The Weed Whacker. This premium trimmer is a technological masterpiece, redesigning the traditional nose hair trimmer by focusing on maximum performance and comfort, and offering a sleek, ultramodern design. ($39.99 on manscaped.com)

Standout Features:

Proprietary SkinSafe Technology helps prevent nicks, snags and tugs.

Powerful 600mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery lasts for up to 90 minutes of use.

Premium 9,000 RPM motor powers 360-degree rotary dual-blade system.

Love is in the air! Get your gift now ❤️

As I sit here, it's nearing Valentines Day.  I'm sure my husband has something grand planned, but just in case he or any other significant others need ideas, I offer to you.. The key to a woman's heart.

*JEWELRY*

Of course that's nothing new... But some of the items I've seen available really get me excited!

I'm sure you've seen people wear necklaces with their name.  They are beautiful and often times distinct.
Have you ever seen one done in Arabic?  To be able for a person to provide a necklace in their native language, to me, shows the hallmark of a great company.
Someone is truly thinking here!

They offer bracelets.  Lots of bracelets.  My favorite has to be the love and memory projection bracelet.  This this is AMAZING.  They take your picture, and somehow, the stone inside can project not only your photo but also words.  Look!

I would love to have my favorite picture of my husband and I, projected with I love you in 100 languages!!

Photo charms
These are gorgeous options for someone who really has an important moment.
They can take your photo and ENGRAVE it on a charm!

And even stuff for your friends, but not that kind of friend!
Check out these bracelets! They offer so many customizable options.  I love this one... It's so simple, yet so poignant. A letter, representing your best friend.  Wear it as a bracelet or necklace, show your pride in your friendship!

If I was shopping for myself, I would definitely pick this for my collection.
My family means EVERYTHING to me.  That means that my husband and my sons are IT.
This necklace is unique and exciting to me.  I love the options and opportunities it presents.  You can literally do ANYTHING!!!

Usually, my husband gets me a stuffed bear in a new color and size, per my wishes, but I may just make an exception, and ask for jewelry this year.
Our anniversary is 4 days after Valentines Day, so I can always ask for more, and get it! ❤️

Here are a few things I'd love to have!!
First, a family tree necklace.  If can hold a bunch of names, giving even bigger families options!  Comes in a multitude of colors, options, can be made as a ring, necklace, charm... In so many different options it's dizzying.  There are over 100 ways you can make your family tree.

Another one I discovered, really hits home.  It's so simple, yet so completely unique. Names are reused.  This is life. There are not many TRULY unique names...however a fingerprint. That is unique.

This necklace is so beautiful to me, yet, still so simple.  That this company thought to use a fingerprint...  It really shows their desire to put forth quality products.

Check them out!

Gavin McHugh - Christopher on 9-1-1 TV show

If you don't know who Christopher is I worry that the rock you've lived under thus far, needs shifting.  Because he is someone you ought to know of.

Prime time FOX drama 9-1-1 follows a cast of first responders - Firefighters, EMTs and Police, along with the 911 dispatch operators, who save lives every day.
That, in itself, not new.
But where this show deviates from the social norms, is where it becomes the absolute BEST in the world of special needs.

Gavin McHugh is an actor with Cerebral Palsy.  He is TREMENDOUS.  So is the show, for casting someone with special needs, to play a special needs character.
Plenty of shows are changing popular culture, and challenging the norms, by including plot lines, characters and the like, that involve special needs people, but unfortunately, they are usually played by an actor.  A double actor....lol
This time, they did it RIGHT.

Gavin is an extraordinary addition to the already amazingly casted 9-1-1.

But... When this season started with the tsunami... The character of Christopher became much more front an center.
Previously, Christopher was a small part... A hi and bye type. Which, for what it was, worked.
But they did something all together different... And it worked.

This last episode, where Christopher is found, after the tsunami, safe and sound, was... Heart wrenching.  Gut checking.  Until the last few minutes, we were sure it was ending horribly.
The honest tears in his father's eyes, as Buck fails to explain what happened... If you didn't cry... I'm worried about you.

Yes, this post is out of the norm for me... But, I felt so moved after this last episode, that I needed to say something.

Inclusive is not something
that is the NORM yet. This is so unfortunate... Not only for our special needs kids, but for us, too.  Kids with different abilities have SO MUCH TO Offer... Yet, the stigma and unknowing, around these needs, has been so overwhelming in stopping progress.

While I love that Hollywood is trying, the reality is, the bulk of any special needs work is down syndrome.  The problem here, is that starts labeling things.

The other day, some jerk called my son the R word.  I got UNHINGED.
He tried explaining himself, because, according to Websters dictionary, my Don "fit the definition".

What's funny, is he does not, but that another conversation.
The issue is, that "special needs" does not fit into this neat and tiny box they seem to want to use.

Special needs is not LIMITED to autism and down syndrome.  Special needs is just that.  Anyone who has needs, different from the "typical"
This is not JUST developmental delay, but physical delay/issues, mental, emotional, social... The list is endless.

We need to, as a culture, get past this labeling that we do, where special needs is just this, or that. 
"You aren't special needs because you don't fit the xyz definition."

It's ridiculous.

To Fox. I commend you.  Making shows is not just ratings.  It's people.  It's lives.  It's stretching peoples minds to show what is... Not just what WAS.

To Gavin, I thank you.  You make us all so proud.  Besides your acting skills being phenomenal, you show all SN kids that ANYTHING is possible.  And, it is.