A Weekend At Ocean City, MD

This past weekend was Soccer Duels in Ocean City, MD. Kids from all over the place come and play 24 minute soccer games on the sand right next to the ocean. It was something I’ve never experienced before. I’m so thankful I was able to go!! I’d never been to Ocean City before!

Fred got us hotel rooms in Delmar, MD. At least I think we were in Maryland. Turns out where the hotel is borders on Delaware and Maryland…hence Del-Mar. =) It’s considerably cheaper to be about 1/2 an hour away than to stay right on the ocean.

The traffic getting there was horrendous! Crossing the Bay Bridge took about an hour because the tropical storm had closed it down to two lanes. Our drive altogether took about 5 hours and we had anticipated it taking about 3ish! That was after I drove 2 hrs to GET to Fred’s! It was a long drive to say the least!

We woke up in the morning and headed straight to the beach. It actually reminded me of Navy Pier in Chicago. They have all kinds of rides next to the ocean and carnival games along the Boardwalk at one end. Towards the other end there were some amazing kites being flown in the air! At any given time you could find someone playing an instrument, blowing up balloons, miming, henna tattoos, etc. It was an extremely eclectic bunch of people to put it mildly!

The day we were there, a tropical storm had just rolled through. The Soccer Duel games had started early in the morning and right as Fred’s daughter was getting ready to play her first game, the heavens opened and it poured for over an hour! We had nothing with us for covering! I ended up watching her game from a hotel overhang while he went out and watched the game on the beach. Yes, they played in the pouring rain!

I haven’t watched soccer in years and I wasn’t sure I’d be very interested, but it turned out to be just as exciting as the boys basketball or baseball games! There were 15 “fields” and games were constantly in motion. We would watch a game, take a break and go grab something to eat at one of the many vendors! Trust me, if you need anything, I think you could pretty much find it along the Boardwalk!

The sand was absolutely wonderful and soft. The water, which I never entered because it was too cold, was about 53 degrees! lol Maybe towards the fall we’ll get back and actually venture into the ocean. I also forgot my brand new beach chair that I bought specifically for this trip. Again, they have everything you need including beach chairs and umbrellas you can rent along the beach!

The boys won 2 games, lost 1. The girls lost 2 games, won 1. It’s tough, but for it was such a fun experience for everyone. The boys took it pretty hard because they really fought the loss. It just didn’t come together for them.

Fred and I went to dinner at the Marina and had a really good dinner. He had soft shell crab. I’ve never had that before and it was pretty good. It was hard to eat it knowing what it looked like! lol He also bought caramel popcorn at Fisher’s for his dad for Father’s Day! Apparently it’s some pretty good stuff. He also bought us each an ice cream at Dumser’s. Hand spun ice cream! Wow, just can’t beat that!

At dinner Fred told me the kids and his ex were going to go parasailing together the next day! With Groupon, they were able to go for $99! That’s so awesome! I actually used a Restaurant.com discount at the Marina for our dinner! As we were leaving the Marina, I wanted to grab a couple pictures and realized they had jet ski’s for rent! You can even go kite surfing on the beach. I didn’t see any of that while we were there, but we also didn’t make it down the entire beach.

It seems as though there’s something constantly going on in Ocean City. Throughout the entire weekend, they were having an air show. And the cool part, it didn’t cost anything! Yes, it costs everywhere down there to park, but nothing to sit on the beach and watch planes doing incredible acrobatics. And the air show was for the entire weekend. Oh, and we parked right by the beach and for the whole day it was $27!

The one thing we didn’t do in the area was go see the wild horses that migrate there every spring. Fred knows my love for horses, so I hope next year we’ll be able to see them. Besides, sand soccer will be for the whole weekend next year!

My Body, My Style At Sears #ThisIsStyle #cbias

It’s been a very interesting 6 months here in Virginia and dating Fred! He would probably say the same since he went shopping at Sears with me a couple of weeks ago! I was looking for some affordable fashion because as a single mom I’m on a budget. It was also important for Fred to tag along with me so we could see how what we liked meshed, or if it did.

I know I’ve talked in the past about the issues I had with my ex-husband and how he wasn’t an easy man when it came to my clothing. He had certain “rules” I had to live by. Fred on the other hand, is completely the opposite. We’ve talked about this before and it’s a hard transition for me.
How does he respond when I ask him about what I should wear and if he’s ok with what I’m wearing? “Um, do you like it?” “I’m not going to tell you what to wear or not wear.” I kind of look at him like he’s speaking a foreign language. Get this, he likes when I dress girlie! HA! Go figure.
So, since I’ve met him, I’ve been trying out my girlie side and he’s been fantastic and encouraging! I wasn’t sure how the shopping would go, but he did really well.
I wanted to look feminine and at the same time, have clothing that fit my body. I have long legs and it can be hard to find clothing that fits my 5’8 height. I’m not extremely feminine in my body shape…unfortunately so large clothing that makes me look big or makes my top half look smaller than it already is! It’s also important to me that what I found while we were shopping was fun and something “out of my box”.

The Sears we went to is actually quite small. In fact, I thought they were still in the process of remodeling. Apparently they weren’t. I was really bent on getting a summer dress and they had very little to choose from. I had browsed their extensive online selection and had expected to find most of that same apparel at the store. No, not even close. I only found a handful of dresses to choose from. I had forgotten I ran into that same issue when I went shopping for a dress right before SoFabCon back in April.

Fred and I just perused the racks looking for something that would fit what I was looking for. ugh, this is where he wasn’t helpful. He kept pulling things out he just knew I would never wear. He’d hold some floral, large shirt up next to me and I just cringed. Not because of the shirt itself, but because I’m extremely particular about design or prints!

He did pick up one shirt that looked really big and it had a print on it that I would’ve never in a million years glance twice at, but I looked at it for longer than a second and gave it a cursory, “sigh…fine”. I think I tried on about 8 different outfits. All the while he stood there, patiently, not complaining at all and taking photos of each outfit! I even tested him out at one point because one of the skirts I wore was white and you could see my undies through it. I told him and he responded, “really? cool!” So not what I’m used to and it makes my heart smile!

Sigh…and get this, the shirt he picked out for me, I grabbed a pair of black capris to go with it and I ended up liking it! I was shocked. Fred liked it, too. I personally wasn’t comfortable with how low cut it was, but it looked like it would be perfect for a semi-formal function or even church. I already had black sandals and white sandals at home, but grabbed a dressy black watch to go along with the outfit. On the hanger this shirt looked really big, but when I put it on, it fit perfectly!

I really was still focused on dresses and found one that would look really great…after I have a tan. hahahahaha I tried on a variety of shoes trying to find something that would go with my new summer dress, and actually went back a second time to look more thoroughly and ended up purchasing two pairs online because I loved the black ones I tried on at the store, but they didn’t match the dress. In fact, last year when I was going to BlogHer ‘12, I bought the cutest pair of black wedges from Sears and the ones I was looking at were similar.

I got the coral colored wedges first and they were awesome with the dress. Totally worked, but I was waiting to see if the cream colored ones would match too. It was interesting how they both arrived. The coral ones came shipped in a box. The cream ones came shipped in a bag. The shoe box was crushed and the shoes weren’t even in the box. I was really surprised they’d ship shoes in a bag. Needless to say, the coral ones are the shoe I went with!

I brought my dress and shoes to wear when Fred and I went out to eat in Ocean City, but it rained so badly I never took the dress out. Now it’s waiting for me to have another sunny day/evening to dress up! I ended up purchasing the black and white outfit as well because I’ve wanted some dressier, every day clothing and that totally fit the bill. The capris were too big, but they didn’t have a smaller size. I was ok with that because with the belt I was able to make them fit.

As you can see in the photo below, I’ve worn my black and white outfit…a couple of times as a matter of fact. Most recently to my son’s 8th grade graduation last week!

One of the things I really love about Sears is that if you find what you’re looking for and want it in a different color or different size, they’ll ship the right ones to you for free! That’s what I did with my shoes and would’ve done with the capris had they had a smaller size.

I also used my Shop Your Way card and that got me more points towards future purchases!! On top of that, after my purchase, I got some awesome coupons to use on my future shopping trips!

Be sure to check out my fun shopping trip and the cute styles I got to try out in my Google + album!
So, what’s YOUR style or are you like me and still trying to figure it out?

Bonding With Dad #Pricelessgolf #MC

Do you ever consider the moments in your life that are priceless? Something that’s so precious or important to you, you’d never give it up for any price? I’d have to say most of mine have come since having children. Now, with our move, I’m experiencing priceless moments that have made my life amazing! So, check out what’s about to happen with me and my dad!

It’s interesting how golf has become part of our lives. It actually came out of nowhere. I had played a round of golf and actually ended up really enjoying it. My boys’ grandpa would take them to the driving range in the spring and summer. Now I’m dating Fred and he really enjoys golf. Turns out his dad has worked off and on at different golf courses throughout his retirement. In fact, Fred, his son and his dad are going to be spending Father’s Day golfing.

Well, a couple of years ago, my dad added golf to his life…GOLF! lol If you knew my dad, you would’ve made the same face as me when you heard this. Listen, my dad is…was…a motorcycle riding, smoking, kick back drink a beer kind of guy. I’m not sure if the change happened at the same time, but he bought a Mazda Miata, too! I’d say “mid-life crisis” but he’s in his 60s! hahahaha
Now, he goes out almost every Sunday with a couple of his buddies and spends the day golfing! He wears tropical print shirts and wears those straw-type golfing hats. It’s seriously the craziest thing to witness, but it’s so cool!

Last year my mom got him a golf pro gift certificate for his birthday! I got him a big pack of golf balls and my brother got him a gift certificate to a golf store! To say that golf has taken over at my house, is to not put it into words properly. Oh, and did I mention weekends are spent watching golf? hahahaha Definitely something I never expected from my dad! And if we’re not watching golf, there are always the stack of magazines under the coffee table.


So, dad’s birthday is right around the corner and so is a MasterCard Experience waiting for him! He has no idea! My brother and his best friend went to the AT&T National last year and loved it! This year, I get to surprise my dad with this awesome experience! Did you know that MasterCard has an amazing partnership with the PGA Tour at pricelessgolf.com?

I’ve had a MasterCard for almost two years now. I’ve needed it because of my blogging and I use it for business. It’s become the card I go to most because it can be used everywhere and not only that, it’s clear that there are exciting benefits to being a card member! And those Priceless moments aren’t for only here in the United States. It extends around the world!

If you could have a MasterCard Priceless Experience, what would you love to do?

Getting The Upgrade & #SheratonClub Twitter Party #ad

For the longest time, I didn’t do much traveling other than by road. In fact, that’s my preferred way of traveling. And that traveling was pretty limited to family so not much need for hotel stays. They were always straight to our destination.

Let’s just say, things have changed over the past year. The biggest change has been in how I travel and how often I travel. I’ve flown 4 times in the past year! Aside from once, that meant hotel stays. The boys and I also have a lot of travel planned for the next several months here as well as flying out of the country and out of the state!

One of the best parts of traveling and staying at a hotel like the Sheraton and getting upgrades. Fred does a lot of traveling and when we’ve gone somewhere, he gets us each our own rooms and we’re always upgraded! There are typically creature comforts that come with those perks and make the stay so much more enjoyable! Whether the rooms are more cozy and larger, sometimes with a great kitchenette, food perks, etc, it’s so worth the upgrade!

I remember when Fred was traveling in Kentucky and he got an upgrade. I wasn’t with him, but he couldn’t stop talking about how amazing the room was. He knows he is always going to be offered an upgrade, but he’d never seen anything like this before! It seemed more like a penthouse from the photos he shared with me than any hotel I’d ever seen.

That’s where Sheraton Club Lounge makes a hotel stay so much better! There’s always Wifi available in the Lounge. Do you want to grab a drink or just have a relaxing time with your travel companions, the Sheraton Club Lounge is the place to do it! And if you’re anything like me, you’re hungry after a day of traveling! They have complimentary breakfast, appetizers and all-day snacks! Those are just the tip of the iceberg. Each Lounge is different so you’d definitely want to check them out to see how you’ll luck out like a bandit.

Yesterday I won tickets to a Christian concert in Arlington, VA at the end of the month. It’ll be a long day and night, so the thought of staying at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel just makes me smile! Oh, and if we decided to stay at the Sheraton National Hotel, we’d be able to check into our rooms from the Lounge! I know, sweet!

So, talking about sweet things, how about a Twitter party?! Here are the deets:

Twitter party from 9-10 pm EST Monday, June 17, 2013

Hashtag: #TMOM

Prizes: Sheraton points- 4 prizes 12,000 points, 5,000 points, 2,000 points, and 1,000 points

Panelists: @travelingmoms @kimorlando @cindyrichards @debmomof3 @ramblingstump @SheratonHotels @childmode @therebelchick @MaryHeston @techsavvymama @techmama @adamsommer @savvymommy @MimiBakerMN

RSVP: http://bit.ly/11vhkLw

I hope to see you there!

*This is a sponsored post for Sheraton and TravelingMom.com All opinions are my own.

Outback Honoring Our Military & Giveaway #ad

Content and/or other value provided by out partner, Outback Steakhouse.

 

A couple weeks ago, when my parents surprised me with my new car, we went out to breakfast and somehow, my dad started talking about Vietnam. What’s really strange is, I’ve never heard him talk about the war before. I haven’t ever wanted to just outright ask him about any of it. I also haven’t had a lot of opportunity to talk with him ever.

 

He regaled us with his evacuation from the war zone. He said they got into the helicopter and they started hearing popping noises. The guys who’d just gotten on the helicopter didn’t recognize the sound, but quickly enough heard the gunner firing and they realized they were being attacked. One guy even was shot in the foot! Can you imagine? On the day you’re getting out of that insanity?

They ended up having to land again and a different helicopter came to get them. This time they went up and headed out towards the ocean instead of inland and they made it back safely! What’s interesting is, when they landed, here’s my dad dark and dirty and he sees the guy who convinced him to enlist just going out for his first tour!

This weekend, my little brother is heading to the Army Guard for his two week training! He went through basic training a couple of years ago and has been doing Guard duty ever since.

To say that I’m proud of my dad and brother is putting it mildly. That they served and serve fills my heart. I could tell you some silly stories about thanking people who serve when I see them anywhere. I typically start crying. lol Of course it embarrasses my kids. Bonus points for that. =)

So, here’s the cool part with Outback, they want to honor our nation’s heroes with 10% off the entire check for active and retired military! They’re doing this from Memorial Day through July 4, 2013! Recently they surprised military families in Chicago with a visit from Tim McGraw! So stinking cool! They want to keep in that same vein with Military Mates! Dontcha love it?

Now you have the opportunity to win a $20 Outback! a Rafflecopter giveaway