Disclosure: this is a sponsored post, however all opinions expressed are my own. 

Kids are now back to school and there is plenty of projects and homework to complete. I feel I am printing more things at home that at the office. I have to say I love technology, but let's be honest, printing can be expensive. Not only we have to buy paper, but we also need ink, and wow, ink is expensive.

So, when I heard about Staples promotion I knew it was worth paying a trip to the store. Because now through 9/27, swhen you buy ink at Staples shoppers can triple dip your savings if you purchase HP toner!

Here’s How It Works 

1. Use the promo offer: Staples is offering a BONUS $15 iTunes gift card with a $75 purchase in HP ink 

2. You can earn rewards: Staples offers a loyalty program where customers can earn up to 5% in rewards to use at Staples stores and online.

3. Earn Credit Card Rewards: By using your favorite rewards credit card to purchase gift cards, you can earn points, miles or a percentage back on your purchase. Some credit cards even offer increased rewards for purchases office supply stores!

Let's see how the rewards add up!

1. $15 iTunes card – When you purchase $75 in HP toner.

2. $3.75 in Staples Rewards – If you are a Premier Staples Rewards members earning 5% back on purchases. ($75 x 5% = $3.75).

3. Up to 4x credit card reward points - If your credit card offers increased rewards for office supply purchases.   

Well that it is a lot of savings and cool rewards. I am thinking what music I am going to get with the itunes card, because we all that homework we need good music to be able to finish the projects on time.


The best part is that signing up for the rewards is free and easy, and with so many purchases of paper and markers during the year you could get some great savings at the end of the school year.

Last week I attended the media preview of The Taste of Mexico 2014 and I can tell you that if you do not have your tickets yet, you should consider buying them soon. This year, there will be 35 restaurants participating and two different events. A family event (Farmers Market Picnic) and the Night event with dinner, music, tequila and mezcal.

If you are new to Taste of Mexico this is what you can expect. 35 different restaurants showcasing regional Mexican food with a twist on it. With your tickets you get unlimited tastings of food and drinks. Let me show you on pictures some of the amazing culinary delights you will be able to try.

Disclosure: I received complementary tickets for this adventure, however all opinions expressed are my own.

It has been always on my bucket list. I wanted to go whale watching, and what a better place to go that the Channel Islands National Park waters, where sea creatures live all year long, and also come during their migration to the south. I chose to go with Island Packers, because they have a very knowledgeable crew.

We arrived 45 minutes before departure time and were given our tickets to board the boat. While we waited we enjoying the nice weather at Ventura Harbor. If you have never been at Ventura Harbor, you should make sure to visit soon. It is a great place to come for brunch or early dinner. It is small and cozy and has wonderful shops and restaurants.

While you wait for the boat you can see all the latest information of whale and dolphin sighting displayed on the wall of Island Packers. I thought it was a nice touch to create excitement of what we could see during our little excursion.

When it was time to board the boat, we decided to be up-stairs to get a better view and enjoy the great weather. The boat also has a cabin on the first floor where you can find a small snack station (cash only), and if you get cold is a good place to get a break from the chilly wind.

As we were leaving the harbor, the Channel Island Park volunteers gave us a small presentation about whales and sea life and they also had a couple of models for little ones to play with and make the trip not only fun but also educational. 

The crew at Island Packers is friendly and fun. They actually know the whales and dolphins behavior and they were right on about the spot we needed to be at to be able to see the whales. Pretty much when everyone was almost to the point of getting disappointed, the crew pointed at the first sprout of water, and that could only mean that there was a whale there. The boat got closer, and then we were able to see, not only one, but 6 different whales. We were lucky that 2 of them were showing us all their behaviors and they even jump in front of us (pretty hard to capture with the camera).

As we were following the whales, we also go to see a pod of dolphins and sea lions. It was breathtaking. The dolphins like to race the boat and they jump across the ocean and they move further from the boat.

If you are taking a whale watching trip here is some advice for a better trip

1. Dress in layers. Take a jacket, it gets chilly
2. Pack water, lunch and snacks. (the boat has some available as well, cash only)
3. Do not forget your camera
4. If you get sea sick, do not forget your medication and plastic bags just in case
5. Go to the bow of the boat (front part) so you can get a better view
6. Be prepared to get a little wet
7. Follow the crew instructions. Remember the water get choppy and accidents could happen

I had seen the movie screening a few months ago, then I saw the movie at the theaters and I watched the DVD, so my answer is yes, I liked it. It is fun, silly and has some very emotional moments. It has good acting and it is the perfect movie to watch with girlfriends for a moms night in!

I love Halloween but getting creative with crafts, recipes and decorations gets more challenging every year. We all want to have cute, new ideas to showcase to our family and friends. MuyLatinas Blogger Network has done Halloween Blog Fest in the past and they have been really successful. We want to invite you once again to join the fun.

How to join?

1. If you are a reader, all you have to do is click on the pictures of the post that you like to learn more about. Visit as many blogs as you want. You will get great ideas.

2. If you are a blogger, you have to post an announcement that you will be joining the blog fest. Feel free to grab the image above for your post. Then copy and paste the linky on your blog. After that enter as many Halloween related post as you want. But please be nice and visit the other participant blogs.