The Circus Coming!

Well, it's that time of year again! The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming!
I've seen the TV ads for this show and it looks terrific.  I can honestly say that I've never had a bad time at the circus. We LOVE it.
My Daddy took me to see the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus when I was seven and we were living in Spain.  It was terrific! I can still remember it like it was yesterday.
So - go to the circus. Take your kids. Take your friends.  Heck, take your mom!
Here is the info:

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents Fully ChargedSMto Bring a Surge of Excitement to Washington, DC AreaThe Greatest Show On Earth arrives at the Verizon Center, March 15 – 18
and the Patriot Center, April 4 – 15

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 23, 2012 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baileypresents Fully Charged is an all-new surge of circus entertainment where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children Of All Ages! Fully Charged invites families to disconnect from the digital world and plug into a circus experience like no other. The 141st Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth is themost electrifying edition of Ringling Bros. ever to come to DC!

Fully Charged performs at two arenas in the Washington, DC area – the Verizon Center in the District from March 15 – 18 and the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. from April 4 – 15. Fully Charged will also perform at the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Md. from March 21 – April 1.

Fully Charged is lead by dynamo newcomer, Brian Crawford Scott, only the 36th Ringmaster in the 141-year history of Ringling Bros. The amazing acts of Fully Charged include Tabayara, a dynamic animal trainer whose rare ability to communicate with animals allows him to ride rearing stallions at a fully-charged gallop, orchestrate majestic four-ton Asian elephants in a symphony of dance, and stand eye to eye in a cage with 12 ferocious tigers.

Audiences will feel the earth shake when the strongman duo of Dmitry and Ruslan, who are as wide as they are tall, enter the arena. The fearless Fernandez Brothers dial up the thrills as they perform daring feats of athleticism on the Twin Turbines of Steel, including extreme jumps and twists inside the moving wheels! Ever wonder how many clowns it takes to change a light bulb? The hilarious hoopla continues to flow as the clowns from the world-famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley, charge up the audiences’ funny bones with hysterical silly antics and clownish comedy. You can only experience this current of excitement at Ringling Bros. Fully Charged!

The All Access Power Up Pre-show Party is hosted one hour before show time and is free to ticket holders. The Pre-show allows audience members to meet and take photos with performers, try on circus costumes, learn circus skills and have the chance to win a painting created by Asia, a true pachyderm Picasso.
 

WASHINGTON, DC SHOW The Verizon Center | March 15 - 18, 2012

Show times:·       Thursday, March 15 – 10:30 am, 7:30 pm·       Friday, March 16 – 7:30 pm·       Saturday, March 17 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm·       Sunday, March 18 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm

DC Ticket Prices: $35.00/$30.00/$18.00/$14.00 (Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP available)

Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-551-SEAT, via www.ticketmaster.com , and the Verizon Center box office.
 

FAIRFAX, VA SHOW 

The Patriot Center | April 4 – April 15, 2012

Show times:·       Wednesday, April 4 – 7:00 pm·       Thursday, April 5 – 7:00 pm·       Friday, April 6 – 1:00 pm, 7:30 pm·       Saturday, April 7 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm·       Sunday, April 8 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm·       Thursday, April 12 – 7:00 pm·       Friday, April 13 – 10:30 am; 7:00 pm·       Saturday, April 14 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm; 7:30 pm·       Sunday, April 15 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm

Fairfax Ticket Prices: $30.00/$18.00/$14.00 (Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP available)

Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-551-SEAT, via www.ticketmaster.com , and the Patriot Center box office.

For additional information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, please visit www.ringling.com  .

Sea-Bands Review and Give Away

I was asked to review Sea-Bands anti-nausea wrist bands. My husband - Captain Carsick - gets motion sick on a chair lift, so he was the absolute perfect guinea pig for this review.  The bands are easy to use. You just put one on each wrist and go. He gets such severe motion sickness that we weren't sure this would actually work.
My husband rode around with me over country roads and highways with his Sea-Bands on his wrists and has determined that they really do make a difference. He doesn't get nauseous. He can't read in the car, but he can look for something he's dropped and bend over to get it without tossing his cookies. This is a marked improvement!
They come in a small case which we keep in the car.  My husband just puts them on if he is going to be the passenger. They are unobtrusive, easy to wear, and simple to use. They don't give you cotton mouth or make you dopey like the anti-nausea medication does... This is huge because when he gets where he is going, he doesn't need to drink a gallon of water or take an afternoon nap!  

YOU can win a set of Sea-Bands!  Leave me a comment by December 29th and I'll pull a name out of a hat.  If you win, the Sea-Bands will come directly from the manufacturer. :-)

What they say:
Keep Your Holidays Happy and Nausea-Free! Get on the “Band Wagon” and Get Celebrating with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands!

Nausea induced by busy and stressful days, filled with traveling and migraine triggers, are unfortunately hallmarks of the holidays. This year, stop nausea in its tracks with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands.  It doesn’t matter whether you suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness or need nausea relief from a migraine, even chemotherapy treatment or post-surgery; it’s time for you to join the “band wagon” for drug-free nausea relief from Sea-Band!

How Sea-Band Works…
Approved by the FDA, Sea-Band is the leading drug-free remedy for, motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative nausea. Most recently, a 2010 study, carried out at a German clinic specializing in migraine and headache therapy, showed that Sea-Band wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting: 83% noticed perceptible reduction and 44% found their symptoms markedly reduced.

Sea-Band works by exerting constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. It brings effective relief within five minutes of being applied and can be used before or after the onset of nausea. The all-natural, drug-free, latex-free Sea-Band does not cause the side-effects often associated with anti-nausea medication such as drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs. It’s safe for pregnant women, children, and patients taking prescription medications. Packaged in a convenient carry-case, they are washable and reusable, and available a variety of colors in sizes for adults and children.

Don’t let feeling nauseous hold you back this holiday season! Join the “Band Wagon” with Sea-Band on Facebook to take advantage of special product giveaways at www.facebook.com/seaband ! And, for more information about Sea-Band products, visit www.sea-band.com. 
Click here to watch an informative video about how Sea-Band wristbands work.  In addition, the company also offers Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, for fast nausea relief with fresh, uplifting flavor. Each piece of the great tasting gum contains 25 mg of ginger oil (equivalent to 8 grams of fresh ginger root).

Sea-Band products are available in the U.S. in Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, as well as in Canada in Overwaitea, IDA, Familiprix, Guardian and other independent drugstores or pharmacies throughout North America or online at drugstore.com and at http://www.sea-band.com/shop.

Suggested retail price is $10.99 per pair in the US, and $12.99 in Canada.

I wrote this review for Family Review Network and Sea-Band. I received a set of Sea Bands free of charge in exchange for my honest review. 

The Circus is Back!!

The Greatest Show On Earth just got Greater with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents BARNUM 200^SM.  Featuring 130 performers from six continents, almost 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, cowboys, pirates, and mermaids, BARNUM 200 is a super-sized spectacle so massive you just can’t miss it! This monumental, once in a lifetime event celebrates The Biggest Birthday Bash in Circus History that can only be experienced at The Greatest Show On Earth^®, Barnum’s living legacy!

Step right up and see the Flying Caceres attempt to complete the elusive quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze; a feat that hasn’t been mastered in over three decades. Watch the Puyang Troupe from China dazzle with a stunning display of dexterity as they bounce, flip, and twirl to new heights on a two tiered trampoline. Be amazed as you witness the impossible contortions of the body benders who fit three humans in a cube the size of a milk crate. Enjoy the wondrous ability of the Mighty Meetal, the strongest man in the world as he lifts over 1,200 pounds.  And savor the stupendous skills of the hand balancers featuring Duo Fusion, a married pair of performers with a twist; the wife does the heavy lifting. 

And one hour before show time, families can meet the performers, get autographs, and see an amazing elephant that paints at the All Access Pre-show –FREE with a purchased ticket!

Where/When:      

Patriot Center, Fairfax VA, April 14 – 24 
Thursday, April 14 – 7:00 pm
Friday, April 15 – 10:30 am, 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 16 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 17 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm
Tuesday, April 19 – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 20 – 7:00 pm
Friday, April 22 – 1:00 pm, 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 23 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 24 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm

VA Ticket Prices: $15.00/$9.00/$7.00 (Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP available)
For additional information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, please visit www.ringling.com

So - Come out to the circus!! It's a great time and believe it or not, it's cheaper than the movies! 

Herman T's BBQ Sauce

Can you have good BBQ Sauce in 10 minutes?  Absolutely!!
AND - it doesn't come from a jar -- which in my book, is even better.
Herman T's BBQ Sauce Mix - it is the best!  You HAVE to try it.
I received my two complimentary mixes - one mild and one hot - in the mail.  They come in zip top pouches that store easily in my spice container in my pantry.
We tried both the mild and the hot sauces because we couldn't choose which one to use first. They were terrific!!
They were simple to mix up - the ingredients you add to the mix are ketchup and water -- both are always available in my kitchen!!  We followed the directions and served the sauces warm. The sauces were very tasty. My son is a rib lover and thoroughly enjoyed the "hot" version slathered all over. My daughter  loved the mild on BBQ chicken. Me and the Mr. - We like it all!

Needless to say, these Herman T's BBQ Sauces are a huge hit around here.  Their website is pretty cool, too... Check it out.

We think everyone should try it -- sooo Herman T's is allowing me to give a set of sauce mix away!!  Leave me a comment by Tuesday and I'll draw a name out of a hat. I'll post the winner and you can email me your information.  The sauce mix will come directly from the manufacturer.

This post was written for Family Review Network & Herman T's BBQ Sauce who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review"

Victory is mine!

We had an unwelcome guest at The Crossing these past 2 days. A short fellow with large ears, brown hair, slender fingers, and a long tail... Yes, we've had Mr. Fieldmouse in for a visit. Fortunately, he spent his time under the couch and NOT in my pantry.

Today, I evicted Mr. Fieldmouse. The trusty colander and thin plastic cutting board were once again my tools of choice for rodent eviction. If you remember, I evicted Mr. Chipmunk the same way last spring.

We gently pushed him out from under the couch with a broom handle and I captured him with my trusty colander.

Mr. Fieldmouse has been returned to the great outdoors.
I'm sure his family will be thrilled that he has returned unscathed. He scampered down the snowbank and under the deck when I released him.

The felines in this house are not happy with me at all. Because of my excellent trapping skills, they won't get the afternoon snack they so desperately hunted for two days.

Smelly Towel Cleaner

Do you have towels that smell a little funky? Can't get that smell out?
I have the all natural solution!

Smelly Towel Cleaner!
You simply run your towels through the wash cycle on hot with a capful of Smelly Towel Cleaner and NO detergent. 
This stuff is amazing.
I have no idea what's in it or how it works, but it works.  No more musty towels!!!

Want to know why your towels get that stink?  It's simple: Overuse of detergents, using fabric softener and/or using only low water temperatures for washing will cause odor in your washer.  The odor-causing residue and mold spores are transferred to towels and clothing and are impossible to remove until the washer has been cleaned. Towels are more plush than clothing therefore absorb more mold spores.  Also, towels are used near the face and when wet so odor is noticed more.

Unfortunately, the only way to get this amazing stuff right now is to win it as it is not yet available in stores.
Want to win?
Leave a comment. (One entry per person.)
There will be a random drawing on February 1st. (I'll put all names in a basket and have LLB draw a name.) Winner will be announced and contacted via email. Your Smelly Towel Cleaner will come to you directly from the manufacturer.

Clean & Green

I got a can of Clean + Green carpet & upholstery cleaner for cats and dogs as well as a can of furniture refresher in the mail a while back.

I've had this stain in my upstairs hallway for quite some time. I think it was a Zeb mishap from when he was allowed full reign of the house. Anyway, I decided to see if the Carpet Cleaner it might work on getting that ancient stain out.

I followed the directions on the can to the letter. I sprayed, I let it sit. I came back later and believe it or not - the spot was definitely lighter. I re-treated the stain and I have to say, this stuff is miraculous! The spot is gone.

There was another spot in our bedroom. I think I may have treated it a little too much because the carpet is now really clean - but it looks like a spot because it is so clean. My carpet is from 1986. Need I say more?

I also used the furniture refresher - it works miracles! It got the teenage boy stink out of his bedroom. Yes, I know it is for dog and cat smells, but I thought I'd give it a really tough job. It also got the dog stink out of the couch pillow... This Clean +Green Stuff is amazing!!

So - if you need something that really works - get this stuff!!