Whale and Dolphin Watching at Dana Wharf

We just got back from another great family vacation. One of the things we've wanted to do for a while now is take our kids whale and dolphin watching sometime when were in Southern California. For the longest time we felt like our kiddos were a bit to young so that's why we haven't in years past. This year our kids are a little bit older, and Ava has the biggest passion for animals. We knew she'd love an experience like this. 

We partnered with Dana Wharf and were able to go out on one of their two hour whale watching trips. Located in beautiful Dana Point, California they have been taking people on excursions for sport fishing and whale watching since 1971. 

The day we choose to go was a beautiful overcast day in sunny Southern California. I was excited that it wasn't to hot, and thankful for an over cast day for picture taking. You never know what you're going to get, how many whales or dolphins we'd see. Ava was mostly excited to see dolphins because she loves them so much. 

It was quite a ways out to ride on the boat, luckily there was a deck below where we could sit and enjoy the ride and stay away from some of the cold wind that day. We shared some snacks with the kids and played games. During the excursions their knowledgeable staff let's you know what is going on. He announced over the speaker that we were coming up upon a pod of dolphins and we knew that was our chance to see these amazing creatures. 

One of the coolest things I've had the chance to see was this massive pod of them swimming in the ocean. Dolphins travel in pods together, mostly females and their babies. It was incredible to see them jumping out of the water and swimming all around the boat. 

We were able to see one whale that day, the Minke whale. Known as the "stinky Minke" because well..... they stink. Seriously so stinky, but so fun to see a whale swimming around. I love the ocean so much, there's just something about seeing all that God's created and being right out there in the middle of it. It's the coolest. 

Some tips for whale watching with kids:

1. Bring a back pack filled with snacks, water and an activity for them to do. It's a bit of a ride out to where the whales and dolphins are. Bring something along so they don't get bored while riding out there. And snacks are always a good option. 
2. Bring a light coat or sweater. If you happen to go on an over cast day like we did you may have kiddos that get cold. Or you may get cold yourself, we tend to forget how cold sitting near the ocean can be, especially combined with wind from the boat ride.
3. There aren't life jackets provided, so if this is something concerning to you make sure to bring your own. 

We had the best time as a family. If you're looking for something to do on your next family vacation I highly encourage you to take a whale watching excursion with Dana Wharf. Their staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Plus your kids will be talking about it all Summer long and have great stories to tell when they go back to school about what they did on their Summer vacation! 

If you're looking to connect with Dana Wharf visit their site here.

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This post was sponsored by Dana Wharf. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands and business that help make this blog possible. 

J U N E Goals.

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Happy June friends! We just got back from vacation last weekend, and then I took a quick trip to Las Vegas to watch my little cousin graduation from high school! But, I'm back and ready to take on the rest of the month. Summer has officially begun here in our home, my daughter is done with school and we're enjoying a more relaxed schedule. 

Before we get to this month's goals, let's take a look back on goals for May. I read two new books which I'm excited to share with you. We paid off more medical debt, praise Jesus! And I bought all the furniture for our guest room that I'd been wanting. I felt very productive last month. And I even signed up 1 new team member with my Younique company. 

I love writing these goals down each month and sharing them, it helps keep me accountable to getting stuff done. So let's get to it! 

- Host 5 parties with Younique: I love expanding my reach and sharing my love for this brand. 

- Sign up two new team members: This is totally out of my comfort zone, and I didn't think I wanted to build a team but I've learned I really love sharing and leading. 

- Read 2 new books: Currently reading Audacious by Beth Moore. I have no shortage of books to read so I'm hoping to plow through them this summer. 

- Pay off 1 more medical bill: Now, you might be asking yourself; how many medical bills do you have? Welp, a lot! Last Fall my whole family was sick FOREVER! Zane shoved a dart up his nose which led us to urgent care, my husband was sick with strep, Zane had sickness, and Ava an ear infection. Zane also had to have some tests done after his well check last December. My poor family was in and out of the Doctor. But, God has been faithful and provided so we can pay these off 1 bill at a time. 

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What are some of your goals for the month? Tell me in the comments below. 

Upgrade Your Shower Experience with Delta In2ition Handshower

This post is brought to you by Delta Faucet. All opinions and thoughts are my own. 

We're at it again making simple upgrades is the name is the game here in the Worley House! We're all about affordable and simple upgrades in our space. We've been slowly moving all over the house, we've officially been in our home 1 year! Can't believe it's already been that long but we've made more progress on this house than we did in the last one so I'm really happy about that. 

This simple update is in the master bath, we upgraded our shower experience with Delta installing their In2ition 5 Function Hand shower & Shower head. So easy to install, even I could do it. 

In2ition Showers with H2Okinetic technology features a detachable shower that allows the user to run them at the same time or one or the other. Allowing you to accomplish other tasks like bathing kids or pets and cleaning the shower. 

With 5 different spray settings and a sleek chrome finish it's the ultimate in style and comfort. 

When not in use, the shower employs MagnaTite™ technology to lock the hand shower back into place using a powerful magnet. A flexible 60-inch hose that conveniently stretches to 82 inches provides extra reach and flexibility before returning to its original length.

The Delta In2ition Hand shower is exclusively sold at Home Depot, but today for my readers I have the chance to give away 1 of these awesome shower heads away! One lucky winner will win, enter using the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway will run from now until Friday. Winner will be mailed the prize directly from Delta and be announced here and notified via email. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Why I Don't Worry About Phoenix Heat?!

I've partnered with Dove. This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #pmgdove #DovePartner #EssentialUpgrade http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

My daughter finished school last week and so even though it's not "officially" Summer yet till a few weeks it sure feels like it around these parts. We're excited for a full Summer of swimming and being outdoors. Here in Phoenix we have two temps; hot and hotter! Staying cool here is always on our minds, plus during the Summer months here in Phoenix staying dry and not sweating the entire Summer is a must! 

“I’ve partnered with Dove to tell you all about their Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant.”

Using Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant not only helps with wetness protection and keeps you dry all day long its Nutrium Mositure formula leaves your skin silky soft and smooth in my underarm area. I love that as we approach Summer I do not have to worry about any irritation in the underarm area because I'm totally covered thanks to Dove! With 48 hours protection this is  great beauty upgrade! 

I make sure to throw it in our pool bag this year to keep and have on hand with me all day long even if I just want to freshen up a bit after a long day in the sun. 

Staying fresh and dry is so important to women 49% said if they forgot to put it on they'd go back home, and 87% said they'd feel self conscious if they didn't have it on. 

Celebrating Families and Service with Children's Miracle Network.

This post is in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network and Mode Media. All opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for helping to support causes and brands that make this blog happen.

Over the years, I’ve had several opportunities to see just how big an impact volunteering and partnering with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) can make. The Miss America Organization is a proud supporter of CMN and their network hospitals. A great partnership that helps bring awareness to their work.

I was first introduced to Children’s Miracle Network through the Miss America Organization. Each local contestant is encouraged to help raise funds and bring awareness for CMN as part of their local pageant. During the state pageant, they get the chance to tour a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital to see firsthand how big of an impact their efforts have made. They get a chance to meet the children and families who are there. These are not just dollars that are being raised but truly families and children being made whole through having the best medical care available to them.

Children’s Miracle Network raises funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Your donations stay local and get used however the hospital needs them most. Families are able to get medical care for their children when they need to at any CMN hospital. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in the U.S. provide more than $3.5 billion in charitable care every single year.

Besides donating directly, you can also donate in a variety of fun ways, including National Pancake Day at IHOP and Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen each year. I had the great privilege to attend several National Pancake Days at our local IHOP when we lived in Minnesota. I was a part of a local pageant, Miss Twin Cities, and our local title holders and Miss Minnesota helped participate in this day by greeting families, seating people, taking donations and even flipping pancakes!

Your donations also go to help purchase life-saving equipment, conduct research and pay for special things that make a children’s hospital so crucial. Some ways you can help are donating every time you see the CMN logo at various retailers (Dairy Queen, IHOP, etc.) or volunteering for a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Put your money where the miracles are. Support your Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.