travel

Happiness Is Homemade Link Party

Happy October again, or better yet Happy Thanksgiving Canada. What a fun month, Welcome to Happiness is Homemade and we are more than ready for October. So my theme got all thrown this week, I wanted Thanksgiving but there were too many candy corn Ideas, so it may seem corny but here we go…

This is my month, I love hosting for October,. All the other months my amazing co-hosts share their favs. This month, A Labour of Life gets to share her love of fall in all its glory. Muted Pumpkins, Rustic Décor and all the things to sip and savor. Come show us what you are working on.

Celebration of Corny’ness with Candy Corn

This week, a return back to all things Fall. Celebrating everything Candy Corn. Normally I offer a variety, food, sweets, crafts and tables but today is a sweet switch on my norm.

First up is the cutest Candy Corn Cupcake from Anne’s Entitled Life. Y’all know how much I love sweets and this baby is also so photogenic. What a fun dessert for October. A fall favorite, these delicious, easy to make sweet cupcake treats are perfect for snack-time, lunch-time, anytime! Get into the spirit of Autumn with these adorable Candy Corn Cupcakes.

Cheers to Candy Corn Pudding Cups

Next up from Flour on my Face is a fun and festive Candy Corn Pudding Cup. This festive dessert is also Gluten Free so how awesome is that? This dessert could be used for any holiday just by changing the flavors or color of the pudding used.

Snap Crackle Pop, Rice Krispies

Premeditated Leftovers is killing it with a fun twist on Rice Krispie treats. This fun Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treat is made with super easy ingredients and is a delicious twist to a classic dessert that comes together in no time.

How cute are the Candy Corn Sugar Cookies from Seasonal and holiday Recipe Exchange

Seems odd for me not to not share a fun fallscape table, but I really wanted to stick to the Candy Corn Theme this week for you, Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend so share some fun ideas for me to use, got a fun table idea, a new dessert or a turkey surprise?? Hit me up with a new link.

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Smart Mom List For Fun At The Beach

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Summer is on its way. Your family will have lots of fun going to the beach and the pool. So, why not get ready now? Here is a list for you smart moms to get ahead of the fun with a little planning and packing. When the first nice day comes, you will be all set to gather the kids and head out the door!

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Smart Mom List For Family Fun At The Beach (or pool)

Beach Balls

Beach Chairs

Beach Hats (adults)

Beach Pail and Shovel Sets

Beach Towels

Beach Umbrella

Beach Umbrella HOOK

… to hang your towels, cameras, sunglasses, bags. Really cool little gadget!

First Aid Kit

Flip Flops (adults)

Flip Flops (kids)

Kids Sunglasses

Kids Swim Wear

Nose Clips for Swimming

Picnic Travel Cooler on wheels

Swim Wear Cover Ups (Girls)

Swim Wear Cover Ups (Ladies)

Tote Bags

Utility Wagon to cart your stuff

Water Bottles

Water Shoes

Waterproof Radio

Get your family ready for summer fun at the pool or the beach with this smart #mom list! #summer #organizing Share on X

So what are your summer plans? Have you found any cool tools to make things go smoothly?

Enjoy!

Time for a Roadtrip! Stop By Beautiful Canandaigua Lake

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias

Whether it is a complete vacation or a fun day-trip, there are so many spots hidden away in America that are such great places to visit. Canandaigua Lake in Upstate New York is one of those sites. It is a haven for those who live there – some year ’round and others in summer homes – and it is a destination location for many, many others.

Have you ever heard of Canandaigua Lake? Well, let me tell you more…

family fun, roadtrip, daytrip, vacation, summer vacation

Canandaigua is a Seneca Native American name which means “the chosen spot.” Look at this picture and you will totally understand why. It is beautiful! It is the fourth largest of the Finger Lakes and is enjoyed by many for swimming, fishing, boating or simply looking at it. When we were there we saw so many people out early in the morning just taking a stroll or sitting on a park bench and contemplating.

The city of Canandaigua NY, where the lake is located, has a population of just over 10,500. The nearest large city is Rochester NY, with a population of 20 times that size. Canandaigua, which officially became a city in 1913, has preserved the quaint architecture of the past – especially on Main Street – and blended that look of the past with lovely modern hotels, apartments and commercial buildings.

We really didn’t have time to go anywhere this summer; our schedule is booked. But I didn’t want to let a year go by without visiting my favorite vacation town. So, I had a brainstorm. We needed an oil change for our Chevy Traverse, anyway. Why not head to Canandaigua and go to Walmart’s Auto Center? We’d get the oil changed there and spend some time enjoying the sites at the same time. It was perfect!

The places we would see while we were there:

Canandaigua Lake
The Courthouse
Kershaw Park and Beach
Walmart Auto Center
Roseland Water Park
The Canandaigua Lady Steamboat
Villager Restaurant and Diner

Soon as we got to the outskirts of the city, I was ready with my camera. I love their courthouse. It reminds me of something from an old TV show. If those walls could talk, I bet there would be a lot of stories it could tell. Snap! My first picture:

vacation, roadtrip, travel, family fun, old buildings

Vintage courthouse building

As we drove further down Main Street, we could see the lake. Taking a bend to the left, we came upon Kershaw Park. Snap! Picture number 2. Residents can gain access to the beach (which is sectioned off for swimming and tended by lifeguards) for free. Visitors pay a small fee. They have a snack stand where visitors can buy grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream cones. Yum! There is a nice big playground for the kids directly adjacent, open for everyone to use.

Finger Lakes, Upstate NY, vacations, road trip, day trip

Kershaw Park Lodge (above) and Beach (below)

roadtrip, travel, beach, lake, vacation, Finger Lakes, day trip, family fun

Our next stop? Walmart to get our oil changed. I never expected to see a horse and carriage in the parking lot but that is exactly what we saw! An Amish family had come to shop at the store, driving their horse drawn carriage. Now you don’t get to see THAT every day!

horses, travel, old fashioned transportation

I had called ahead and made our appointment for 10:00 am. They were ready and waiting for me. Our car has not reached the really high mile category but it has over 59,000 miles. It is important to have the best oil in it to keep things running well.

We selected PennzoilPlatinum® FullSynthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™Technologywhich is designed for vehicles under 75,000 miles.

Soon as our vehicle reaches the 75,000 mile mark it will be time to switch to Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® It keeps engines running clean and strong by cleaning out the sludge left behind by lesser oils.

*The Pennzoil High Mileage is on rollback until September 28, 2016 from $39.88 to $35.88. Great deal!

When I first entered Walmart’s Auto Center, their nice employees looked up the details on our make, model and year of car to be sure of everything it needs. From now on, when I return, they will have that information on file, making it even easier.

Pennzoil, Walmart, synthetic oil, oil change

Here is the entrance to the Walmart Auto Center in Canandaigua NY.

Helpful Walmart Auto Center employees making sure my car got just the care it needs.

When they do your oil change at Walmart, they use bulk Pennzoil Platinum®Full Synthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™Technology. Some adventuresome folks may prefer to change their own oil (NOT me!) If that is you, you can buy the very same Pennzoil motor oil at Walmart and do it yourself. I choose to have the experts do it and shop for things for my trip while THEY do the work!

After our oil change, which took less than an hour from start to finish, were back on the road with two more sights to see!

water park, amusement park, family vacation, road trip

First, we found Roseland Waterpark. Families come to Canandaigua to make a whole day of family fun at Roseland. It is loads of fun!

road trip, travel, vacations, day trip, summer fun

And finally, we found the Canandaigua Lady 19th century style steamboat. People can pay to take a tour of the lake. We didn’t have time on this trip but I am planning on going back to do just that.

As we were winding up our day, we were really hungry. We had heard about the Villager Restaurant and Diner on Main Street Canandaigua so we decided to give it a try.

diner, road trip, family dining, down home food

The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. What I loved was the hometown atmosphere. Several people from town had come in to sit at the counter, read the paper, eat good food and talk. The waitresses are so friendly -everything felt really “down home.”

That barely touches the surface of all you can do in Canandaigua NY but it is a good start. We had a really great day and I can hardly wait to do it again. Next time we need an oil change, we’ll take that boat tour, too!

Take a roadtrip! Visit beautiful Canandaigua Lake

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Before you go, let’s take one more look at this marvelous view:

day trip, road trip, vacation spot, summer fun, lakes, resorts

Planning any roadtrips?

When you do, remember to get your oil changed.

Find your closest Walmart Auto Center here.

And select your Pennzoil motor oil here.

Enjoy!

Note: many posts on this blog contain Affiliate Links.

Win a Free Trip and Luggage Too? Why not!

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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Atlantic Luggage. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you travel? Got hopes and dreams to go somewhere in the future? Whether you are planning a short overnight trip or a nice long vacation, you’ll need an easy way to transport your stuff. In the old days, luggage was cumbersome, back-breaking business to use. Add the weight of your clothes, and many of use needed help moving it. Not so these days. Thankfully, travel has become simpler than ever with the help of a good set of luggage.

When I first saw the luggage from Atlantic Luggage, I was really attracted to the Odyssey® Lite series. I love the pretty burgundy color (it comes in basic black, too) and that it is very lightweight and durable. I’ve had a little shoulder trouble in the past and dragging heavy luggage around is not my idea of fun. Atlantic’s pieces are very lightweight and designed with several handles making it easy to use. Add to it that they are attractive to look at and very affordable in price, they are just what I need.

Lovely affordable luggage #luggage #travel Ducks 'n a Row

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Celebration of Corny’ness with Candy Corn

Cheers to Candy Corn Pudding Cups

Snap Crackle Pop, Rice Krispies

Sugar Cookie Heaven

Smart Mom List For Family Fun At The Beach (or pool)