This time last year we spent near a week in New York City exploring the iconic and historical sites. Earlier this month we headed back to New York, but this time somewhere polar opposite, upstate. Our ultimate destination was Cooperstown for my son’s baseball tournament, so we flew into Albany and knew we had to visit the state capitol!
I have to admit, my husband and I both had the same reaction…it looks like Hogwarts from the Harry Potter movies. 
Maybe I just haven’t been in too many capitol buildings, but the architecture was stunning. 
From the view from outside, to the carved staircases, 
chandeliers, 
and ceiling murals,
it was pretty impressive. 
Unfortunately, we didn’t realize how fascinating it would be and we only put 20 minutes on our parking meter. We did the speed-tour and then had to get on the road. To read more, or plan your visit to New York’s State Capitol Building, visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/Tour/?sec=intro.
ThinkEco2 Wood Planter Boxes
I recently received a ThinkEco2 wood planter box. It was perfect timing and I was able to use them to bring some much needed color to my backyard. ThinkEco2 create eco-friendly products to organize your kitchen, wine and garden product.
I wouldn’t consider myself as having a green thumb. I love flowers and seeing beautifully manicured yards, but it’s not really ever been my thing. BUT, working at a preschool has taught me a few things; like how to get a plant start from a seed in a plastic bag and some dirt taped on a window. This came in handy when I bought an amazing delicious cantaloupe at the store and thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could plant the seeds from this cantaloupe and grow our own melons.”
Spending the afternoon gathering supplies and preparing a spot in the yard to plant those seeds with my son was a surprisingly rewarding experience. It got me excited to spruce up our backyard with some plants and flowers. We are currently just renting our house and I didn’t want to plant anything I might have to leave behind. I figured the ThinkEco2 planter boxes would be the perfect way to be able to bring it with us.
I spent the next couple days shopping for some flowers and planting supplies. The boys and I didn’t always agree on what to put in the boxes but we settled on Dahlias and green peppers. We transplanted everything and watered it all really well. We had a great time. The boxes are sturdy and have held up well from the effects of the sun and water. I love that the planter boxes are natural and look kind of vintage.
ThinkEco2 is a company in San Diego, CA. They reclaim, reprocess, and repurpose wood that was on its way to the landfill. Their “Green” wine and garden products are from 100% recycled wood. I think it’s amazing what they can make with what someone else was throwing away. I have a friend who has a penchant for wine who might enjoy one of the wine racks for her next birthday.
Bridgette writes for Jen is on a Journey–I’m a mom with 3 kids (translated…a husband and 2 boys – 10 and 12 ) who’s reached that 35-47 age bracket. I love music, coffee, crafting, and devouring a good book! I currently work as the Office Administrator at a preschool. I’ve also worked as an HR Assistant, 911 Communications Operator, and Golf Course Starter. Our family loves animals, camping and fishing, baseball, hockey, and going to the movies. We have 4 cats and 1 amazing dog, Buster. When the kids aren’t playing baseball, we love spending time with our friends and family.
Products sent to facilitate review, all opinions my own.
June Lake Loop: Boating and Kayaking at Silver Lake Resort
Four gorgeous lakes can be enjoyed on the June Lake Loop in Mono County. Just down the road where we stayed at Double Eagle Resort and Spa is Silver Lake. Established back in 1916, it’s known as the oldest trout fishing retreat in the Eastern Sierras!
It was too bad we didn’t bring my dad with us on the trip, he would have planted himself on one of the motor boats and stayed the whole trip pulling up trout! For our family of five, we woke early and came to enjoy a lovely morning on these clear waters by boat and by kayak, no fishing this time!
Silver Lake Resort is open the last weekend in April through mid-October and has an old-fashioned General Store, Gift Shop, Cafe, Cabin Rentals, RV Park, and Boat Rentals. Since we had reservations on the water, the first order of business was choosing who was going where. One adult per watercraft, both people on the kayak need life jackets, and kids 12 and younger must have a life vest.
Dad and the two girls on the motor boat, and my son and I were going to paddle the kayak. Luckily I had practice not to long ago in Kauai. The lake is large, not crowded at 10am, and we had no rush for our two hour excursion. 
My son and I would paddle a bit, coast and rest, snap some photos and repeat. The morning air was cool, but the sun was warm and with the reflection off the water, don’t forget your sunscreen. Kayaks are offered $18 for the first hour and $10 and hour there after!
After a quick lesson on starting and steering the motor boat, my girls and husband set off. Motor boats also have paddles when you’re not using the power. 
Boat rentals are available for a reasonable $45 for a full day (7am-7pm) or half day at $35. 5 people max per boat. My oldest took a turn steering the motor boat then paddled a bit with my youngest all the while taking in the amazing beauty around the lake.
Towards the southerly end of the lake, we reached and docked at a little island. 
Here you can have a picnic (picnic table on site) or fish off the banks. 
Only about100 feet long, the island is a quiet little stop and my youngest coined it “Kendall Island” after herself naturally and loved exploring for about a half hour. My husband and youngest decided they wanted to take a little kayak ride.
After this nice break, we decided to put my son on the motor boat and my youngest with me on the kayak to work our way back to shore. I thought about taking over on the boat, but the motor is heavy and a bit tough to maneuver (pulling it up and in when switching to paddle) for me so I stuck to the kayak and left my husband on the boat.
Our Kauai kayak experience only allowed for me to have the paddle, so my little one was thrilled at the challenge to stay in line with mom and not counteract my paddling. She was a trooper, but at one point we both got tired.
The area is simply gorgeous with the surrounding mountains and trees encompassing the lake. Everywhere you look is picturesque we have about 150 photos of this excursion alone! The action on the lake picked up and the fishing was very productive when we asked others as we passed them in the boats. If you’re looking for a fishing spot with great rates for a boat rental (or you can launch your own), Silver Lake Resort is a great place for you to explore in Mono County! Or do what we did, a little leisurely ride with some exercise thrown in and bring a picnic for a stop on the island! Be sure to get there early, at 10am there was only one other motor boat left!
Can’t wait to make a return visit next summer and we’re bringing Grandpa!!
Our experience was hosted through our press trip, all opinions 100% our own.
Rediscover The Humor And Magic of Classic Animated Disney Films
Disney classic movie lovers will be thrilled to know that you can now get three beloved films on Blu-ray Combo Pack for the first time ever! Some of these films are older than I am, but I remember them and would love to show them to my youngest and show her the magic of old-school Disney as mom saw it!
The Sword In The Stone
Synopsis: Disney proudly presents the 50th anniversary edition of a spellbinding and beloved animated classic. Conjure up magical family fun with the humor, adventure and Academy Award®-nominated music (Best Score – Adaptation or Treatment, 1963).
Take an amazing journey with a young orphan named “Wart” and the extraordinary wizard Merlin. According to legend, only someone with the purest character and inner strength can pull the enchanted sword from the stone and claim the throne of England. Armed with newfound confidence and the power of friendship, Wart discovers his destiny and learns the best magic is the kind you find inside yourself!
Voice Cast: Sebastian Cabot (The Jungle Book, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh) as Sir Ector, Karl Swenson (The Birds, Judgment at Nuremberg) as Merlin, Rickie Sorensen (Tarzan and the Trappers, Tarzan’s Fight for Life) as Wart, Junius Matthews (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too) as Archimedes, Martha Wentworth (101 Dalmatians, The Stranger) as Madam Mim, Norman Alden (The Transformers: The Movie, Back to the Future) as Sir Kay, and Alan Napier (Marnie, Batman) as Sir Pellinor
Bonus Features: New Alternative Opening: Where Wart Meets Merlin plus all the original Classic DVD Release Bonus Features including Music and Magic: The Sherman Brothers, Sing-along with The Movie, All About Magic (excerpt), A Knight for a Day & Brave Little Tailor
Robin Hood
Synopsis: To commemorate its 40th anniversary, experience all the fun, thrills and celebrated music (Academy Award® Nominated Music for Best Original Song “Love” in 1973) of this legendary adventure with perfect picture and sound!
Join Robin Hood, his trusted companion Little John and his hilarious band of Merry Men as they outfox greedy Prince John to save the good people of Nottingham. Dashing from one daring deed to the next, Robin won’t rest until he wins the hand of Maid Marian and restores King Richard to the throne. One of Disney’s most beloved movies is even better on Blu-ray Combo Pack!
Voice Cast: Brian Bedford (Nixon, Grand Prix) as Robin Hood; Phil Harris (Aristocats, The Jungle Book) as Little John; Andy Devine (Stagecoach, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance) as Friar Tuck; Monica Evans (The Odd Couple, Aristocats) as Maid Marian; Terry Thomas (It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, The Abominable Dr. Phibes) as Sir Hiss and Roger Miller (Into the Wild, Broke Back Mountain) as Allan-a-Dale
Bonus Features: Deleted Storyline “Love Letters” (NEW), Alternate Ending, Oo-de-lally” Disney Sing-Along Song, Disney Song Selection, Robin Hood Storybook, Robin Hood Art Gallery, “Ye Olden Days” Bonus Short & Sing Along with the Movie
Oliver and Company
Synopsis: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of a Disney classic and relive this charming animated adventure, packed with excitement, fun and unforgettable songs by Billy Joel, Bette Midler and Huey Lewis.
In the heart of New York City, Oliver, a mischievous orphaned kitten, is befriended by Dodger, a carefree pooch and his ragtag family of misfit mutts. Life gets even better for Oliver when he is adopted by a lonely little girl named Jenny. But when tough guy Sykes and his Doberman sidekicks try to keep Jenny and Oliver apart, the spirited kitten and his newfound friends discover the meaning of courage and find a home where they truly belong.
Voice Cast: Joey Lawrence (Summer Rental, Urban Legends: Final Cut) as Oliver, Billy Joel (Hangover Part II, 13 Going on 30) as Dodger, Cheech Marin (The Lion King, Grindhouse) as Tito, Richard Mulligan (Little Big Man, Trail of the Pink Panther) as Einstein, Roscoe Lee Browne (Treasure Planet, Babe) as Francis, Dom DeLuise (All Dogs Go to Heaven, History of the World: Part I) as Fagin, Natalie Gregory (Alice in Wonderland, Wait Until Spring) as Jenny, Bette Midler (Fantasia/2000, Beaches) as Georgette
Summer of Shakes at SONIC Drive-In
Our summer heat starts just when school gets back in session here in California. My oldest daughter and a few of her friends were sweaty at pickup yesterday and to treat them, we headed to Sonic Drive-In for some milkshakes! Who doesn’t love a cold, sweet, blended shake made with Real Ice Cream on a hot day?
SONIC Drive-In is celebrating the Summer of Shakes with 25 unique shake flavors offered all summer long making for perfect after-school treats. (click below to enlarge) Have you heard of the shake combinations – Peanut Butter & Bacon? OREO Cheesecake? 
Seriously they’re sweet, they’re savory, and you’ll be back as soon as possible to get another one! Don’t worry, the classic flavors are still available and some with a twist like Chocolate-Covered Strawberry and Banana Cream Pie are sure to satisfy any summertime craving.
There were six of us ordering and here’s what we got:
-chocolate
-oreo cheesecake
-caramel
-hot fudge
-vanilla
and for me it was chocolate covered banana!
The kids stuck to the basics which they all said were creamy “soo good”, and the Oreo cheesecake was DELICIOUS according to my daughter’s friend. I LOVE a frozen chocolate banana and I loved the real banana flavor added to the chocolate, I didn’t think it would be as good, but the only thing missing was a hard chocolate shell! Plus, I want to get the next one on a cooler day just because I love the texture of the shake before it melts, it was too hot today!
The fresh banana will be the first choice on our next trip and someone in my party has got to try the PB & Bacon, I’d love to take a little taste! Whats your favorite from the Summer of Shakes at SONIC Drive-In?
Similar prizing was sent to facilitate this post, no compensation was given. All opinions our own.
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