She’s a Maniac…Maniac! {Color Mania 5K + Giveaway}

Okay, do any of y’all get the song reference from the title? Anyone? Ahem. Moving on..

By now y’all know that I’m obsessed with participating in 5K Fun Runs. I’m no competitive runner and to be honest I barely run at all.  However, I do enjoy getting out there with the crowd, getting pumped up to the music, and then power walking my butt off!  It should come to no surprise to you that I jumped on the chance to tell y’all all about the Color Mania 5K – oh and to give FIVE of you the chance to win a free registration for the race! 

You’re welcome. :) This is a sponsored post and I've never ran (nor walked!) the Color Mania 5K but I have a feeling it's going to be amazing. All opinions are mine all mine.

Here’s what stands out for me about the Color Mania 5K: It is super family friendly. My minime has asked me every single time that I’ve done a race like this if she could come along. I haven’t felt comfortable bringing her before but that is all about to change! Apparently there will be games, bounce houses and more! 

“Color Mania is an event that kids love. Kids 7 & under run FREE! In addition to the color fun run, color mania offers some cool activities for kids near the start/finish festival area. Whether you’re coming as a family or bringing tons of friends and co-workers, Color Mania is a great day filled with fun, entertainment, food and more.”

Did you see that? Kids 7 and under run for FREE. Yes please! I think it is totally cool that there will be a Kids Zone set up for the little ones. My girl is going to LOVE every minute and I’m thankful that Color Mania has put some thought into the needs of the little athletes!!


Curious if a Color Mania event is coming to a city near you?
Find out here.

As I mentioned above, FIVE lucky Charm + Sass readers will win a FREE registration to the Houston Color Mania race on August 10, 2013. I apologize for those of you who are not in Houston but local only was at the request of the sponsor.

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• People of 5K's 
• Run With Me
• Recovery Fun 5K Fundraiser

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Water Park Junkie {Giveaway}

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Schlitterbahn Water Parks; all opinions are my own.

We're water park junkies in this house; more specifically, we're Schlitterbahn junkies. We take the kids several times a year and my husband and I have been known to go, just the two of us. We're really lucky that we have the World's Favorite Indoor Water Park in our own backyard (practically) in Galveston, Texas. 

I'll never forget my first trip to the Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas. I was about eight years old and I went with my best friend and her grandparents. Y'all - I was scared of the rides! I remember practically hiding out from my best friend the whole time because I was so scared. Glad that passed! Luckily I'm not longer scared of water rides and neither are my children. My husband and I started taking them to Schlitterbahn when they were each two years old. Last summer, at the age of 4, my sweet girl hopped up on the BoogieBahn and surfed her little heart out! I mean she didn't actually stand up but she totally stayed on and that was impressive! I couldn't believe it and I was so proud. She did a great job and I can't wait to see how she does this year! 

Some of our best memories are made at Schlitterbahn water park and seriously, the fun never stops! They have been voted America's Best Water Park for 15 years running! Seriously, if you've never been to one of their 4 parks - you are missing out! 

Schlitterbahn is currently offering all of my readers two special discount codes good for tickets to any of their Texas water parks!

$5 off regular admission or a discount on a 2 day admission! You must purchase your tickets online and use the below promo codes! 

• The promo code for the 2 day $7 Off discount is 299000334 
• The promo code for the $5 off discount is 299000335
• Valid at ALL Texas Schlitterbahn Parks!

OH, also -  Schlitterbahn has given me two tickets to giveaway to one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter below! 

NOTE: These tickets are valid for Texas water parks only. You must live near or be willing to drive to the Schlitterbahn water park in either New Braunfels, South Padre Island or Galveston.

Good luck and maybe I'll see you at the water park! 

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Zaycon - The "Drive Through Meat Market"

Y'all may not know this, but I started out being a coupon and frugal living blogger. That site is long gone now but my frugal ways are still firmly in place. I first heard about Zaycon Foods way back when I posting weekly grocery round ups. Zaycon is often described as a "drive through" meat market but they don't sell just meat! They also offer fresh produce and now even milk! The meat and produce they provide is super high quality and the prices are low because you buy in bulk. Even if you don't need say, 40 pounds of chicken, you can always go in halfsies with a buddy. Since so many of us are concerned with the quality of our food and where it comes from these days - I couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell y'all all about Zaycon. This is a sponsored post on behalf of Zaycon Foods and does contain affiliate links.

How does Zaycon Foods manage to provide such high quality super fresh meat and produce to its customers at such low prices? The answer is strength in numbers. And not our numbers, yours!

Zaycon Foods can sell its products at bulk rate prices to individual consumers and families because our unique sales event business model brings lots of people together, adding all their purchasing power into a combined bulk food purchase. And when you buy as part of a group that’s committing to such a large purchase, the power is in the hands of the purchaser! It’s the ultimate group buy in terms of both price and consumer empowerment.

You can pre-select exactly what you want to order from a given Zaycon sales event – sometimes you may want to stock up on our amazing meaty back ribs and sometimes it might be all about the Zaycon bacon – and then, on the day of the sales event, you and a whole big bunch of your neighbors will find yourselves in a nearby parking lot watching as an entire tractor trailer’s worth of high quality natural food is unloaded into all of your cars! You will be amazed at how quickly one of our refrigerated trucks goes from being filled with natural, fresh chicken or hundreds of gallons of grade A non-homogenized milk to being empty and back on its way to the farm!

A Zaycon Foods truck sales event often lasts less time than you would spend on a trip to the grocery store, yet you will leave with a whole lot more food than you’d get at the market, and for much better prices, too!

When you use the Zaycon Foods sales event as your preferred place to purchase meats, milk, and any of our other fine products, you get advantages even beyond the bulk pricing that comes with our special sales model. You also have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what you’re going to get! A trip to the grocery store can involve wasted time wandering around looking for various foods spread out across the store; at a Zaycon Foods parking lot meat truck delivery (or milk or berries or fish delivery, too!) you have pre-ordered your foods, so all you have to do is show up and wait for our friendly staffers and volunteers to load up your car. 

Also, unlike in the grocery store, the prices you will pay for a Zaycon Foods product are locked in on our website, so you will know how much you are going to spend before you have committed to a purchase. 

At a supermarket, you might pay one price for chicken on one day, and then a higher price on another day. With Zaycon, you decide that you want to order a case of our fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, you check the price and then you commit to it, knowing that from that moment on, we are committed to getting you your fresh, natural food!

To Get Started Click on this link: http://bit.ly/19vQeg9

I know a lot of people who have, and who continue, to purchase from Zaycon Foods. They have all been impressed with the quality of the food and the ease of purchasing. I think it's high time to try it for myself! 

So What do you think about purchasing meat and produce this way?

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Goodies Co.: Try It Before You Buy (Lots Of) It!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post that does contain affiliate links. However, all opinions stated are my own. Y'all know how I like these subscription boxes (oh, and food)! 

Yogurt covered raisins, veggie chips, all natural fruit twists...What do these things have in common? These are three of the latest foods that my kiddos have begged for me to purchase for them but when they got home and actually tasted them? They hated each and every selection. This is an all too often occurrence in our house. Money wasted. I often get bored giving my kids the same snacks and I know they must be bored with them too, however I hate to spend good money on snacks that they may or may not like. I'm sure you can relate.

Enter Goodies Co., a subscription service that, for just $7 per month, will get you a box delivered to your door step that is filled with 5-8 new snacks for you to taste test. Tasting these goodies is the best part of course, but you can also review each item in your box to earn and accumulate points to use toward a free taster's box and other rewards! Sample items can be seen on the Goodies Co. website.

Goodies Co. is a highly sought after subscription service, so much so that there is a wait list! However, you can skip to the front of the line by using the promo code JUNEBLOGVIP when you sign up! 

Signing up is easy:

1. Enter your email address here!
2. Create your account by selecting a password.
3. Enter your payment information.

Don't forget the promo code!

You will receive two emails from Goodies Co. - the second will be your invitation to subscribe! 

What do you think about monthly subscription services?

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Do You Pedal Party? #HOUBloggersPedalParty {Giveaway!}

**Update: Our awesome sponsors have graciously offered up an awesome giveaway! Scroll to the bottom!**

I remember the first time I learned about Pedal Party; I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to do, but for some reason I never got around to making time for it. When I learned that Pedal Party and Little Soya were sponsoring a meet up for the Hello Houston Media and Blog Free Bloggers' groups - I was stoked! I signed myself and my husband up immediately! While this was a sponsored event, you should know by now that anything you read here is definitely made up of my own opinions. With that said, read on! 

So here's how it goes down: You and up to 15 of your closest friends (or strangers - we picked one up along our route!) hop on the pedal "bike." There are six seats on each side of the bike, a bench in the back with room for three more, and then a bartender (and the captain!) in the middle! 

Speaking of the Captain, ours - Nate, was awesome. He was a ton of fun, very outgoing and the man had moves. He was great at getting us pumped up and keeping us going when we were, um, exhausted! 

Are you wondering yet how this Pedal Party works? Who makes that thing go anyway? Um yea, that'd be you fellow pedal party goer. I won't lie, it's a lot of work! However, if you're lucky (or extra short like me!) you can position yourself in a non pedaling seat! There is one seat on each side of the bike that doesn't have pedals, along with the bench seat in the back. You could also opt in to be the bartender - you'll still be working but you won't be pedaling! 

Oh right, you are wondering now what makes this Pedal Party cool?! What I haven't told you yet is that you get to drink on this bike! That's right - there you are just biking down the street, wind blowing through your hair (if you're lucky) and sippin' on a cold one (or 6). Plus, this isn't a bike ride to no where folks; This sweet ride is taking you to some of the coolest bars in Midtown! Mmhmm, bar hoppin.' 

A shot of our entire group at our first stop, Christian's Tailgate. They have amazing burgers and they've been featured on Travel Channel's Burger Land. If you are ever in Houston, you've got to stop in and try out the food - there are three locations but I prefer the one on Washington Ave.

Is this dangerous you ask? Naaahhh. I mean yea, you have to sign a waiver and they ask if you want to wear a helmet (none of us did btw) but we only crossed one freeway. True, we did hold up quite a bit of traffic once or twice and cars were stopping to take pictures of us. It's not like we encouraged them by yelling "Tweet us! Houston Bloggers Pedal Party!!" or anything like that...

Seriously, as long as you play nice and follow the rules, you are in good hands. Our Captain knew what he was doing and while we were all having a great time he still managed to keep us in line. No easy task...

A group shot at our second third Hell I don't know what stop this was but here we are having a shot! Could y'all pretend to not see my "crazy eyes" in this picture? It's not very flattering but I was cutting my eyes to look at the camera okay. Yea, let's go with that. 

Here, a rare photo of my hubby and I - that I didn't have to struggle to take myself. He isn't smiling (typical) and his eyes are darn near shut but this is his "I've been drinking" face. He tried y'all. 

Pictured above from left to right:

Kristin.Brenda.Lisa.Me.

After three bar stops we made it back (safely!) to the Pedal Party headquarters and posed for more pictures, obviously. 

One last shot with our Captain Nate and Stephanie who Captain'd the other bike. Apparently she likes to photo bomb folks! This guy and gal made our night a ton of fun! Hanging out with some of the coolest bloggers in H-Town wasn't too bad either! ;) 

Seriously y'all, if you ever have the opportunity to get your rump on a Pedal Party you'd better do it! If you want to go ahead and book your party or get answers to your burning questions just visit the Pedal Party website. Make sure to request Nate or Stephanie as your Captain!!

If you want to see more hilarious pictures (trust me - they're out there!) and videos like the one of Nate dancing, just search #HOUBloggersPedalParty on instagram and twitter! 

A BIG THANK YOU to Pedal Party and Little Soya for sponsoring our first official meet up! 

All of the Hello Houston! Media bloggers who attended this event are now joining together to give away a 2 Hour Pedal Party and a Little Soya prize pack, courtesy of our awesome sponsors! How cool is that?! Just enter via the rafflecopter below! 

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BlogHer Food Recap!

Yea...so I"ve only been back from BlogHer Food for what, like two weeks, and I'm just now getting around to posting a recap. A lot happens while a Mom goes out of town for four days. Everything falls behind, but I'm finally caught up (I think). 

So, as y'all already know I went to BlogHer Food a few weeks ago; it was held at the Hilton in Austin, Texas - my birthplace! Austin - not the Hilton. This was my first big blogger conference and my first BlogHer event. The only reason I was able to go was because I was a volunteer which allowed me a full conference pass for helping out. I had the fun task of running the mic around the conference rooms during sessions so that everyone could hear when someone would ask a question. The job actually was pretty fun and I got to sit in on a bunch of sessions! 

I had the opportunity to meet a ton of awesome people, eat too much (is there such a thing?) delicious food, and connect with some really cool brands! The weekend really was spectacular and I cannot wait to do it again. So much so that I'm actually trying to figure out how to get my tush to Chicago for BlogHer at the end of July! 

I feel really blessed to have been able to attend this conference; the knowledge and friendships gained over those few short days are priceless to me! 

Cue picture overload.

I had such a blast with these ladies! 

Kathy.Tonia.Me.Winter.Heather

On Thursday night I attended a party hosted by Whole Foods - it was called Bites and Bloggers. They had a beautiful set up on the roof top patio of the Whole Foods Market in downtown Austin - also their world headquarters. It was seriously amazing! Plus, awesome food of course! 

After the Whole Foods party I headed over to Parkside on 6th Street for a party hosted by Stonyfield and Organic Valley. They had an assortment of delicious and organic foods but I wasn't hungry so I snagged a little dessert. I sat on the patio with the girls and chatted while the wind whipped through my hair. I'm so glamorous. 

Friday morning I was up bright and early ready for my first session as a Mic Wrangler. I was a bit nervous but that went away pretty quickly! 

Myself & Dawn in our first session.

I seriously miss the Brew Over Ice booth! I frequented it over the weekend - I couldn't stay away. There is just something about all of those Keurigs lined up all in a row that I can't resist! 

Plus everyone working that booth was totally rad and they made me laugh!

Oh, this is my morning iced coffee made with Bailey's Creamers new mudslide cream and also my new favorite. So good.

Saturday we had lunch at a food truck called The Grackle. Obviously it was delicious because I couldn't be bothered to take a picture of my plate prior to devouring half it. Sorry, I'm a bad blogger.

The closing party was at Stubb's Saturday night and there was tons of food, live music and a fun photo booth! I really learned something here. I suck at photo booths! We got a few good shots though!

Patti.Me.Kathy.Winter & Lee

...And then...this happened.

Me.Ree.Rachel.

On Sunday, the Ikea store in Round Rock hosted a small group of bloggers for lunch and to meet with their PR rep. They treated us to lunch, dessert, and a little swag. I'd always wanted to eat at Ikea and I'm glad I got the chance to. It was so good! 

Conference Swag! 

I had a blast at BlogHer Food - can't wait to do it again!
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Fresh From Scratch: Blueberry Muffins

While I was at BlogHer Food last week I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great food bloggers and food related brands; I returned home inspired. I wanted to create something healthy and delicious with some of the ingredients I brought back with me. I decided to create a healthier blueberry  muffin recipe. 

This blueberry muffin recipe is super easy and you probably have everything on hand already. Now I'd never had muffins made with yogurt before but I'd heard great things about yogurt and cooking. I took the leap and I'm so glad that I did. The "blueberry yogurt" muffins came out beautiful and delicious. 

Here's What You'll Need:

1 C Flour

6 TBS of Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Sugar

1/4 Tsp. Salt

1/4 Tsp. Baking Powder

1/4 Tsp. Baking Soda

1/4 Tsp. Nutmeg

1 Egg

1/2 C Stonyfield Plain Organic Yogurt

3 TBS Pompeian Grapeseed Oil

2 TBS Milk

2 Tsp. Pure Vanilla

1/2 C Blueberries

Here's What You'll Do: 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together and then add in the wet ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth. Last, fold in the blueberries. Pour batter into greased or paper lined muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes.

I'd love to know what you think about this blueberry muffin recipe if you give it a try! 

Enjoy!

• Pink Lemonade Icebox Pie
• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
• 7-Up Bread {Just 4 Ingredients!}

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