101 Ways To Use @Huggies Wipes That Don't Involve Kids #TripleClean

Momma Told Me: Baby wipes are a parent's best kept secret- you don't need kids to use them!

Ever since college Huggies baby wipes have been as much a part of my emergency toll kit as super glue and clear nail polish, and I have no children. Now, sure, you could say I offer daycare services and they are very practical with kids around, after all Kids Outgrow Diapers, Not Messes*. However, I'd argue that I was using those miracle wipes to remove makeup, clean 'flip flop' feet, and wipe down my car interior long before little people entered my life. Not convinced that every home should have a tub or two of Huggies wipes on hand? Read on and discover my 101 Uses For Baby Wipes That Don't Involve Kids.

Beauty:

101. To remove costume makeup during Halloween bashes, photoshoots, and more.
100. Remove makeup at the end of the day. If it's good enough for baby's skin, it's gentle enough for yours. It's also cheaper- one baby wipe averages 5 cents, while the average makeup wipe is 33 cents!
99. Wipe down suntan lotion/seawater/chlorine after a trip to the beach. Sometimes you want to feel fresher after a day in the sun.
98. To freshen up when camping.
97. In an emergency kit for your home- wipes double as makeshift showers when the pipes are frozen or the water is down.
96. To massage lotion into one's skin.
95. Curl hair- wrap strands of hair around the baby wipe. Tie the baby wipe in a knot and sleep on it!
94. In the gym bag for after a workout.
93. To wipe down the sink and counter after applying makeup.
92. Soothe a sunburn- the cooling effects of a damp wet nap go a long way for sunburn comfort.
91. To clean off all that color after a Color Run.
90. To help clean stinky feet.
89. To wipe off makeup brushes.
88.To wipe down after a bike ride.
87.To tame flyaway hairs and frizz.
86. To fix raccoon eyes- they're great for removing mascara!
85. To combat against static cling.
84. To freshen up when Aunt Flow visits/ as feminine wipes.
83. To clean up after self tanning (spray or lotion.)
82.  To wipe off hair dye when dying your hair at home.
81. As gentle cuticle oil sheets.

Cleaning:

80. Remove dry erase markers from dry erase boards/ clean white boards.
79. To wipe down canvas sneakers.
78. To clean the shopping cart handle at the grocery store.
77. To wipe down your steering wheel and other car interior surfaces.
76. To clean computer mice, keyboards, and screens.
75. To clean baseboards (especially in the bathroom where hair builds up!)
74. To wipe down leather and faux leather sofas. (Always pay attention to your leather's suggested care, and wipes ingredients- natural preferred!)
73. To wipe down the lint and dust that collects on the toilet bowl and back.
72. To clean in ear earbuds and other headphone audio devices.
71. To remove scuffs from shoes.
70. To remove bird poo from a clean car.
69. To remove pretty much any lint and gunk from microfiber cloth.
68. Make-shift mop pads for Swiffer style mops- Or let kids loose with them on their hands and knees!
67. To wipe down tables and eating surfaces at public places (theme parks, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.)
66. Use dried out baby wipes to clean up spills.
65. To clean crayon marks off painted walls.
64. To clean up and wipe down eyeglasses/sunglasses.
63. To clean horizontal blinds.
62. To clean the microwave.
61. To wipe down a greasy stove top.
60. To help wipe down the grill after grilling.
59. To wipe down smartphones- you should do this daily!
58. Pre-treat stains on carpet and clothes.
57. To soak up spills.
56. To clean window ledges.
55.  Cleaning fan blades and A/C unit vents.
54. To wipe down TV remotes.

Pets:

53. To wipe down muddy paws after a trip to the beach or a walk in the rain.
52. Apply pet safe coloring to your pet's fur- combine 1/4 packet Kool Aid (no sugar) powder with 1/4 C pet conditioner. Rub it in gently with a damp baby wipe.
51. To wipe down excess shedding and fur from suede, leather, and fabric furniture surfaces.
50. To refresh your pet in between baths.
49. To wipe down food bowl mats.
48. To clean your pet's ears.
47. To help your pet cool off on a hike or day outdoors.
46. To wipe down the cat to help reduce shedding.
45. To wipe down that icky tennis ball or rubber chewy toy.
44. To wipe down your pet's face, especially to remove eye gunk.
43. To clean up 'down there' when your pet has stomach problems.
42. To wipe down ant and other pest trails.
41. To remove paw prints.
40. To wipe down the retractable dog leash.
39. To wipe down the litter box enclosure/Litter Genie.
38. To wipe windows down after a car ride with the dog.
37. To clean up after hairballs.
36. To wipe down hamster balls/lizard loungers/and bird swings.
35. To help remove sand from your dog's coat after a trip to the beach.
34. To soak up pet stains before stain treating.

 Everyday:

33. To wipe down large house plant leaves that may accumulate dust- even fake plants and flowers, too!

32. Place a daub of your favorite essential oil on a wipe and stash it in your clothing drawers to freshen up the aroma and atmosphere of your dresser drawers.

31. To remove finger prints from pretty much anything.

30. With a tool kit to help remove grease and smudges when working on the car.

29. To keep by the bed- trust me.
28. In a care package for deployed soldiers who can use them as makeshift showers and when there are other water restrictions.
27. To remove deodorant stains.
26. As dryer sheets.
25. To wipe down cobwebs.
24. To clean chalkboard labels and surfaces.
23. To remove stains from tulle (especially in wedding dress situations, such as stepping on a train.)
22. Removing sand from umbrellas and other beach accessories.
21. Sip them in ink or watercolor paints for crafting as daubs and sponges.
20. To wipe down yoga mats or equipment at the gym.
19. To help sanitize surfaces for those with allergies.
18. Use dried out wipes as soft tissues.
17. To clean CDs/DVDs/BluRay discs
16. To clean off stationery and crafting stamps.
15. To remove wayward coffee ring stains.
14. To remove permanent marker of most surfaces.
13. Use natural wipes to soothe and clean runny noses during flu season.
12. Store some in the fridge to wipe down after a workout on a hot day.
11. To clean glass- they don't streak.
10. To help lessen grease buildup for greasy hair between washes.
9. Use empty wipe tubs to store leftover fast food condiments.
8. To wipe down 3D glasses at the movie theater.
7. To wipe down condiment nozzles and caps.
6. To wipe down toothpaste caps.
5. To wipe up after enjoying an ice cream cone, popcicle, or other frozen treat.
4. To seal envelopes- as an envelope moistener.
3. To help remove sap when you or your clothes come in contact with plants and trees.
2. To wipe down canvas prints and other decor.

Because there are so many wonderful uses for Huggies 'baby wipes,' which, in my opinion should just be called 'wipes,' we've decided not to add a #1 use. Huggies wipes come in several sizes, including Clutch N' Clean wipe dispensers to go, Natural Care varieties, and even designer styles such as the current Mickey Mouse and Friends designs. Of course, for homes without kids, and Mickey in their heart, you can enjoy these uses for Huggies wipes in discreet prints and styles as well.  If you still need inspiration check out Huggies own 101 Uses for Wipes Video! Now, tell us, what would your #1 use for Huggies wipes (that doesn't involve kids) be?

What Daughter Says: No kids? No problem! By now you've discovered baby wipes don't require a baby at all!

Capture Every Moment This School Year With #SanDisk @BestBuy

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Momma Told Me: Even your brain isn't a steel trap!

When I was in grade school, and even college, notes were still primarily taken by hand, or dictated from from previously recorded lectures and lessons. In the 4th grade I carried around a floppy disc, in which all of my Word progress for the year was saved. The school's computer lab didn't have the capacity to store ALL of the student's lessons, so we were tasked with hauling around  highly breakable, large, plastic disk that was prone to malfunction and errors already. My last few days in middle school were spent furiously taking photos with friends I would no longer see, since I was transferring districts. The $10 single use wind camera I used returned 0 usable images, as the casing has been cracked, exposing the film to direct light. Yes, studies and the art of chronicling memories have come a long way- but re you really prepared for the year ahead?

Last year Sabrina's (12) middle school issued all 6-9th grade students tablets to conduct their studies on for the year. Parents and guardians pretty much had to sign their firstborn away as they took sole responsibility for the device's function and care in their student's hands. The school, however, provided no means of data backup, cloud service, or storage. Within the first quarter several students were receiving poor marks for assignments and data that had become corrupt or gone missing. Don't let your student be the one with the busted floppy disc; make sure you student is outfitted with the best data storage and transfer devices from SanDisk, at Best Buy. Whether your student uses university issued devices, or the home computing system, they need a way to efficiently backup, transfer, and store their digital files.

That's precisely why Best Buy has assembled the fastest, most secure, data storage and transfer products from SanDisk in one easy to shop SanDisk brand store. Just logon to BestBuy.com and click over to the SanDisk landing page where you can shop everything from portable drives to microSD cards. You'll find everything from 8GB to a whopping 200GB, and speeds suited for the casual smartphone user to the professional photographer. Best Buy and SanDisk have organized everything by device and needs so you don't overpay for features you don't need.

Naturally, with the start of the new school year you'll also be busting out your own media recording devices to help chronicle the school year milestones ahead. Make sure you're prepared to capture those winning goal kicks, first recitals, and school awards ceremonies by outfitting your own personal smartphone and cameras with high capacity data storage SD cards and more. In our home we have several devices that rely on standard SD and micro SD, so we always choose to invest in micro SD cards with SD card adapters.

Of course, just because the kids are back in school doesn't mean I have less work- In fact, I'll need to network on the go even more in between school drop offs and last minute errands (let's not discuss the overnight volcano project of 2013,) so I'll be investing in a wireless SanDisk flash drive to help e transfer data on the go. Sometimes I have to drag photos from phone to tablet to laptop, and I need lightening fast, reliable methods to do so- SanDisk never lets me down! Feel like you already have all the basics down? SanDisk Extreme products ensure the fastest, highest resolution, capture of your 4k Ultra and Full HD media with transfer times up to 10x faster than ordinary cards! Now, tell me, what do you rely on mobile data storage for most?

What Daughter Says: Backup, transfer, and share memories, lectures, and more with lightening speed and clarity on SanDisk devices from Best Buy.

10 Safety Tips For Dog Toys with GoDog ChewGuard Toys

We received product samples from Go Dog for use in our home. The following advice should not be taken as professional or veterinarian advice- always follow the label and care instructions on your pet's toys. All photos copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: These are NOT your toys!

If you ever were scolded for getting into your mother's makeup, or giving your father's best suit a new, arguably more fashionable, design a-la-Crayola, you likely didn't understand why your parents were being so mean at the time. After all, why do all the adults get to have all the fun? Being a pet parent is very much like being a human parent, only fur-children seldom ever grow up, never move out, and will always require you to clean up their poop. Fur children come in all shapes and sizes, but all require their own defined selection of toys. Not just for the safety of your Italian loafers, but for their safety as well.

Our morkie (maltese+yorkie) Nora recently turned 3. We have high hopes she will one day go off to doggie college, earn an exceptional income, and care for us in our old age. Until then we've done our very best to provide her with the best in home training. Much like one would couch their daughter on proper handwriting, I've raised her around cameras and people, with exceptional control and obedience.

She is 'spot trained,' which means she understands surface boundaries and will not leave a dog bed/rug/chair/blanket's surface if set directly down on it. She also knows not to chew on anything with a tag. Yes, even dog toys. Something I find especially important for her safety, as tags, and their attaching devices, can be a serious choking hazard for small dogs. In exchange, she is provided hours of attention each day, walks on the beach, her own personal cat (every dog needs an arch nemesis) and countless accessories and toys.

But today I'd like to discuss some basic tips for choosing the right toys for your canine children, and basic care and upkeep for ensuring those toys are always at their safest. After all, dog toys are designed to be torn up and chewed, of course, which means you should always be aware of their condition and materials, even long after introducing them to your dog!

Tip #1: Remove all tags before giving a toy to your dog. This includes 't-shirt' style tags that are generally made of nylon or cloth and loop out from a toy's base. Paper tags, in particular are often attached with small plastic tabs that pose a serious choking hazard if lodged in a small animal's windpipe. Because Nora has been involved in pet photography since she was a puppy, we also trained her to 'leave it' if she comes across a dog toy with a tag still on. This is the same basic training concept as requiring a dog to ignore their food until given verbal or visual permission.

Sometimes fluffy toys, like the GoDog ChewGuard critters featured here, will have a small plastic hanging tab that is used to display products in store. Thoroughly inspect all toys for additional packaging before giving them to your pup.

Tip #2: Avoid toys that resemble people items. As cute as it may be to give your dog a toy designed to look like a human slipper, it's not cute to find your favorite pair of bath slippers torn up upon arriving home. Teaching pets to chew on objects that look like 'no-no' objects is a bad idea all around, and poses a serious safety threat to your dog.

Tip #3: Inspect toys for small parts. Don't assume, just because something is marketed as a dog toy, your dog's toys are safe for them to play with. Toys are often given to dogs with the intention of being chewed up. You know your dog's strength and play style more than anyone, exercise judgement when picking out the right toys for your pet.

Tip #4: Consider your dog's size when selecting the right toy. While a 150lb German shepherd might play with a toy designed for a 5lb yorkie, it should not be considered safe. Dog toys are designed for breeds and weights for a reason- read labels for suggested weight and size limits before giving your dog any toys.

Tip #5:  Limit available toys when you are not around to physically watch your dog. In general, pick up all toys with squeakers, fabric, or dangling parts, and store them when you leave the house. Even consumable bones can pose a risk as a chewing toy, and turn into a choking hazard, when you are not there to keep an eye on your dog. Never leave your dog home alone without toys, as that could turn into an unfortunate incident with human toys, or furniture- but do choose the safest, sturdiest, toys for alone playtime.

Tip #6: If the stuffing of a toy becomes exposed, remove the toy from the dog's playthings immediately. While sewing a toy up may be a fine temporary fix, even the best seam repairs will end up ripping again. Don't be fooled, even a tiny amount of batting or stuffing can cause slow blockages inside your dog. A torn toy, without stuffing, can be just as enjoyable as one with stuffing. And always remember to remove the squeaker as soon as a toy is torn.

Tip #7: Clean your dog's toys. While it sounds like common sense, many pet owners do not launder their dog's toys. Since toys spend the majority of time in your dog's mouth, then all over your home, it's suggested that you clean your pet's toys at least once a week. For a natural cleaning solution use 1 part water to 1 part vinegar. Toys can be placed in a gallon sized bag and soaked in this solution, then rinsed and air or machine dried.

Tip #8: Check child safety warnings. You may not know but most pet toys contain safety warnings for children. If a dog's plush toy doesn't say it's safe for children under 3 years, it probably poses a larger risk for your pet. At the same time, you should always observe the above safety practices with dog toys, regardless of child safety advisories.

Tip #9: Consider hard rubber toys, such as Kong or JJ Pet brands, instead of raw hide chews. Not only do rawhide based toys and chews pose a choking hazard, they can also have extended long term effects on your pet. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog rawhide chews.

 Tip #10: Play WITH your dog. The best way to ensure your pets are safe is to spend time playing with them. This naturally allows you to familiarize yourself with your dog's play habits, and the toys they prefer most. It also keeps you aware of the status of your pet's toys, and any condition or safety issues that may be developing through extended use. Not that you needed an excuse to play with your pup!

Naturally, most of these tips are good to follow for human children as well; you can never be too safe when handing things over to loved ones for play. For intelligently designed plush, and flat, toys designed for tough play we recommend GoDog products. Our Checkers rooster has become one of Nora's favorite snuggle and chew toys with it's playful long legs (perfect for tug-o-war) and made with the brand's exclusive ChewGuard technology. What's one of your dog's favorite toys?

What Daughter Says: Just like human kids, fur kids need defined toys for their own safety, and your piece of mind. Always be aware of what you give your pet to play with.

Make Fridays More Flavorful With Folgers® Iced Cafe™ + #FolgersFridays #IC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Folgers. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Momma Told Me: I need my liquid energy.

I feel like, in America, we have an obsession with coffee on the go. Last year a certain major fast food chain introduced an entire range of specialty coffee beverages to their menu, and in my home town there are 11 Starbucks for 39 square miles. That means no resident has to travel more than 3.5 miles (more or less) to get to the nearest big brand coffee chain. Coffee shops are in gas stations, supermarkets and even our movie theaters here in Southern California, and it's hard to justify that Grande Iced Mocha twice a day when it costs more than a gallon of gas (which, if you're wondering is $4.09/gallon today.)

For better or worse, I was raised hooked on coffee. Momma liked hers black on 'Coupon Run Wednesdays,' since we'd leave the house before dawn to hit all 3 of the major grocery stores in our area. She didn't let me sip until I was about 7 or 8, but that's all it took to get me invested in (what was then, at my age) such an exotic treat. Today, I don't have the time or money to indulge my coffee cravings with long lines at expensive specialty coffee shops. And, let's face it, with temperatures in the mid-90s, I need my coffee ice cold.

When I was younger Momma would make a second pot of coffee in the morning and place it in the fridge for later on in the afternoon, though she preferred iced tea to cold coffee- both took time and patience to make. Today I rely a lot on my Keurig to brew a pot for chilling, which is convenient for the most part but still requires me to keep a large portion of iced coffee in the fridge at all times. The coffee beverage lifestyle demands flexibility. If consumers are willing to pay $4+ a cup for their iced coffee on the go, shouldn't there be a more affordable way to enjoy a flavored coffee beverage on your own time?

Introducing Folgers® Iced Cafe™ coffee drink concentrates. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of just $4.99 (or the cost of a Venti Mocha Iced at that fancy coffee chain) one bottle of Folgers® Iced Cafe™ will yield 12 servings of 8oz Iced Cafe coffee flavored beverages while adding just 10 calories to your milk/milk substitute base of choice. Afraid you won't get your caffeine fix? 1 8oz (concentrate with milk/milk substitute) serving has a 72mg kick of caffeine. 8oz of straight coffee typically has 95mg of caffeine, so we'd call that a considerable kick for an iced beverage!

How convenient is it really to enjoy a fresh glass of Folgers® Iced Cafe™ any time? As long as you have access to your favorite Folgers® Iced Cafe™ flavor, ice, 8oz of your preferred milk/milk substitute and a straw, tumbler, or spoon, you're ready to begin sipping coffee inspired bliss. Simply add 2 squeezes of Folgers® Iced Cafe™ to your milk, or milk substitute of choice, add ice, and mix. The concentrate itself has a very strong and distinct coffee infused flavor with additional flavor notes depending on variety. Currently the range includes; Original Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte, and Hazelut Latte. While Caramel Macchiato is my current favorite I'm hoping the brand will release a Mocha variation and possible a Pumpkin Spice flavor as we head into Fall!

Not only are Folgers® Iced Cafe™ convenient in price they are compact and easy to stash and bring on the go since they require no refrigeration and can last up to a month after initial use. I keep (at least) one in my purse at all times. Typically iced coffee isn't on the menu at mom and pop, and even chain, sit down restaurants. With my Folgers® Iced Cafe™ all I need to do is order a glass of milk and I'm good to go. Of course Jay is lactose intolerant and prefers his Folgers® Iced Cafe™ in almond or coconut milk, which actually adds an extra level of silkiness I've grown quite fond of. Find
Folgers® Iced Cafe™ 1.72oz varieties at a grocery store, Walmart, or Target near you.

But having instant coffee flavored concentrate beverages doesn't just mean less tme and money standing in front of the Keurig or at the local coffee shop- it means more freedom to have fun with coffee. I've found a lot of new ways to enjoy my iced coffee beverages thanks to Folgers® Iced Cafe™, and plan to share a few on the social channels every Friday for the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for my special secret Folgers® Iced Cafe™ hacks and the callout to enter and win big with
Folgers® Fridays Summertime Sweepstakes promotion. Every Friday through September 4th, 2015, Folgers® will be asking their fans to answer a daily question for a shot at some amazing prizes!

For details on the #FolgersFridays Promotion and a store locator to find Folgers Iced Café near you, please visit http://folgers.com and follow Folgers on Facebook and Twitter. 

Oh? This little thing? I whipped, pun intended, this up last Friday with my Folgers® Iced Cafe™ Vanilla Latte and Folgers® Iced Cafe™ Hazelnut Latte varieties, and you can too with some chocolate syrup, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and graham crackers. The secrets in the Marshmallow Whipped Cream made when you whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 3 TBS of Powdered Sugar until stiff peaks form. Drizzle some chocolate syrup down the sides of your Iced Cafe™ glass, pour in some ice, milk (or milk substitute), and 1 squirt of each Folgers® Iced Cafe™ flavor then give a quick stir. Plop a generous portion of Marshmallow Shipped Cream on tip, drizzle with more chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed grahams- you're welcome, America.

Do you have a favorite flavor or way to enjoy a cold coffee inspired beverage? What flavor would you like to see added to the Folgers® Iced Cafe™ range next?

What Daughter Says: Don't get caught as a walking zombie- Enjoy coffee inspired iced drinks anytime without the hassle or hefty price tag thanks to Folgers® Iced Cafe™.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not!: Mariner's Square- Newport, Oregon

WARNING: Some of the following Ripley's Believe It Or Not! (Newport, Oregon) content may be disturbing for the weak of stomach, read on at your own risk! Photos copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Believe it or not....

I loved to read from an early age. In fact, most of my fascination with the written word came from factual or historical content. Our family always had stacks of coffee table books under the living room table, and my grandparents spend a small fortune shipping them cross country to us every month or so. They'd go on their travels, as a newly retired couple, and bring home books from exotic travel destinations and cultural curiosities. I still have my favorite book from the 3rd grade, "The Trial of Lizzy Borden," a truly age appropriate recollection of the actual court and investigative proceedings revolving around one of the nation's first female murderer prosecutions.

I'd wait all year for my favorite books- each Christmas may grandparent's would send us the full color, hardbacked, coffee table editions of my two favorite curiosity collections, The Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley's Believe It Or Not. These two books were released with a new edition each year, and kept me fascinated for hours on end as I poured through the morbid, macabre, and just plain bizarre facts of humanity. Sabrina, 12, has a very similar curiosity for the world around her. Equally obsessed with learning random facts about the abnormal to mundane, I knew she would properly appreciate a visit to Ripley's Believe It Or Not! in Newport, Oregon.

The Ripley's franchise operates 95 locations, across 4 continents, and 32 of which are Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museums. Many of these museums are located in prime tourist spots, and almost always attached to a separate admission wax museum. On our last day of our Road Trip up to Oregon, this Summer, we stopped into the tourist spot known as Mariner's Square in Newport, Oregon. Mariner's Square offers 3 main tourist attractions for families; Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, Wax Museum, and Undersea Gardens (and Underwater Sea Show.) For $15 (child) to $25 (adult) your family can get an all day pass to all three attractions, a real steal for a day of entertainment by the sea.

What we loved most about Mariner's Square (which we'll cover more in future posts) was the ability to roam and take in the attractions at your own pace and leisure. There is plenty to do and eat nearby, so it's definitely an event to be made a day of. We started ours with Ripley's Believe It Or Not! which feels quite small upon entering but truly offers a wealth of exhibits and hands on exploring. A couple or family could easily spent hours browsing the exhibits, halls, and rooms- though I do warn that the majority of the museum is dimly lit for mood and any kids should be kept close by at all times.

While I knew the majority of the exhibits at this particular (Newport, Oregon) Ripley's were older and from the 90's everything was new and fascinating to Sabrina, who actually took time to read the anecdotes on the wall and artifact descriptions. The museum itself is a feast for the eyes and several exhibits encourage hands on, immersive exploration to really help capture the interest of the younger crowd. Each room/wing had it's own theme- with the classic Ripley's 'voodoo' and tribal style focus beginning the self guided tour. One of the highlights here was the faux hot coal walk and the 'Balloon Lawn Chair Man's' actual lawn chair.

Several of the exhibits were outfitted with television screens playing short clips no more than a few minutes long, for those who preferred to learn visually rather than through reading their own narrative. These videos were clearly older and taken from previous Ripley's episodes, so they felt a bit cheesy in themselves.

Sabrina's favorite room was the Music room- surprisingly there was very little music to be heard there. We consider it more of a Rock N' Roll peculiarity collection. Here Sabrina is seen marveling at the unusual artwork of several pop culture icons. I thought for sure she'd try and take the Taylor Swift Good N' Plenty artwork home with her, but was surprised to see her contemplating the technique used in the much smaller, delicate, Rose Petal Madonna piece.

The music room also had 4 miniature exhibits. These little light boxes on the wall each had a magnifying panel and free hand magnifying glass. Above you'll see the World's Smallest Working Violin, housed in a walnut shell, and a Portrait of Elvis on a piece of human hair. Of course my photos are taken indoors with poor lighting and a basic camera, zoomed in, so you'll have to take my word, these things are super, ultra, teeny, tiny, small.

After the Music Room we walked through a mock up of King Tut's tomb, which playfully illustrated how 13 people who had entered the tomb came to know their untimely death through sheer mystery and circumstance. Around the corner was a creepy photo-opp, a bookcase with hollowed out jars and wax heads. In the middle of the dimly lit hallway was a wax couple- a son taking a photo of their mother, lit only by flash. This display was so eerily real there were actual patrons lined up in an attempt to avoid interrupting the photo shoot! Other highlights include an Earthquake Simulator, and real Human Shrunken Head (complete with video tutorial/documentary,) that made me a bit queasy.

Next we passed through the Carival Curiosity theater, Fiji Mermaid exhibit, and 'Roll Your Tongue' mirror. The mirror is an exhibit used at several similar museums- while I knew all to well we were being video taped and played on the opposite end of the two way mirror, Sabrina did not. Can you roll your tongue? 4 out of 5 people cannot, but Sabrina and I both could! Through the sound activated neon dance theater, to the Titanic exhibit complete with actual iceberg temperature water, we ended our visit in my favorite room. The star chart room was a mirrored room where one felt as though they were literally standing in the middle of the galaxy, surrounded by nothing but stars. It was oddly calming and for me, worth the ticket price.

We wandered out of the star room into, surprise, a very large gift shop. This gift shop is also where the Wax Museum filters out into so it contained souvenirs and trinkets covering a wide range of categories. It also has a fully functioning wax hand station, where I was tickled to introduce Sabrina to the completely useless tourist experience of having one's hand dipped in hot wax for the sack of a tacky bookshelf memento. In all, despite having a 102 fever, and the plague, it was a far out, good time. Have you ever been to a Ripley's Believe It Or Not!?

What Daughter Says: Life's too short not to explore the strange.