This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

For people who find pleasure and fulfillment in vigorous workout activities like marathon or triathlon, yet thirst for more challenge other than mental and physical strength, Spartan Race is the ultimate test that you can ever encounter these days. Spartan racing is the latest fun-filled working out event that pushes one's physical abilities to the limit and the same time make it a very enjoyable and entertaining marathon for everyone involved. Their world leading obstacle courses  were discreetly chosen to stimulate each participant's interest to get up on his feet, confront the challenges along the way, and give him motivation to finish the race. Unlike the typical triathlon where it only involves swimming, biking, and running, Spartan Race, sets the bar to the highest by incorporating various obstacle courses like jumping, crawling, sliding, climbing, throwing, dodging, and so much more that you never imagine in a race.

The name Spartan itself connotes "toughness" and "durability." Maybe you think that this race is only for people who have proven themselves iron men in the racing arena. The good news is, it is for everyone—beginners to veterans. Spartan Race even designed specific type of races for kids that will attract them to get involve and get active. The whole family gang can join the physical fun and stay fit and healthy! I myself is happy to know that this event is not only for the seasoned athletes. That means their door is very much wide open to welcome a neophyte like myself to get fit and eventually finish the obstacle courses with other participants.

If you are interested of this newest racing event in town, you can check Spartan Race's frequently asked questions and answers and sign up to receive newsletters, daily workout challenges, and inspiring blogs from the members. You may be a beginner today, but one day, you will just find yourself becoming one of the mighty "Spartans."

Four months after submitting my application to the USCIS to remove my 2-year conditional residency status, I have finally received my 10-year green card today. Yay for that! I am most thankful that it didn't get lost in the mail like what happened to my first green card. We had to pay another $350 to get a replacement. It sucks, but we couldn't do anything about it. It's a very important document that I have to have.

My application process was so smooth. I never encountered any problem with the documents (evidence) that we sent and the biometrics that I took months back. We really didn't provide that much evidence of relationship (that my husband and I still live together) except for our joint tax info, bank account statement, 3-4 family pictures, and our daughter's birth certificate. It's very comforting to know that we didn't get an RFE (request for evidence) which will delay the process and approval.

Next step would be my application for naturalization. It would be another document preparation but the end of $$$$ fees and immigration application and appointments. Hopefully, it would be as smooth-sailing as this one.

I was surprised to find the Sears gift card in our car today. I thought that Sears already forgot what they promised me months ago. I made a back order purchase last December online and a month later, I got an email that most of the stuff I ordered were no longer available. The email came with an apology and to make up for the inconvenience that they caused me, Sears promised to post 25,000 points (equivalent to $25) in my Shop Your Way Rewards account and send me a $15 gift card. Wow, that "inconvenience" was worth $40. Who would say no to a free $40? True enough, they credited the points to my card and I was able to use it to buy stuff that we needed for our baby. I waited up to 6 weeks the most for the gift card to arrive, but it didn't. Sears must have forgotten it already. Well, not really. I just received it today (probably arrived yesterday since it's already in the car). With the blessings I got, I want to thank Sears for being true to their words. My online shopping experiences with you has been really smooth and I appreciate for giving away $40 just because the items I ordered are no longer available. :)

Church members gathered around in a huge pool to celebrate with the newly baptized members.

Grace Community Church celebrated Palm Sunday with a blast. Everyone gathered together in one service. Church was packed. Sermon was awesome. Thanks to our head teaching Pastor Darryl DelHousaye who never fails to give us meaningful and inspiring messages. The service was followed by the baptism of children and adult members who desired to profess to the public their faith to Jesus Christ. The church rejoiced as more and more people dedicate their life to the Most High.

Cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn stations.

Long queue for food. It's so worth the wait!

Picnic was next! Tents, tables, chairs, and bouncy houses were put up outside the worship center. Of course it wouldn't be complete without food. There were cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn station not only for the little ones but also for those who still consider themselves "little ones" (I'm one of them :) ). I was amazed of how much food the church prepared and served. I thought there would only be hotdogs and burgers. I was so surprised to see several kinds of side dishes, salads and desserts (including ice cream!). Everything I had in my plate were so good—I emptied it. Food was absolutely awesome. I salute the people who took their time to prepare and share their delectable recipes to the church. Also, my sincerest appreciation to all volunteers who made sure not one person gets hungry.

Our good friends, the Holowinski's. It's always great to bring a big blanket for the picnic. :)

Children were playing and running all over the field, some were enjoying the bouncy house, others couldn't get enough of their sweet treats. Blankets were laid on the ground as family and friends chit-chatted and shared their meal together. I got the privilege to talk to a new member of the church who was sitting and eating with us in the table along with her "new" friend who is a regular member of the church. We had a great conversation. A great company.

I am so grateful how our church celebrated Palm Sunday this year. This wasn't done last year. Thanks to our current head Pastor Josh Sherrard and to the church elders for such a wonderful idea. This kind of gathering gives us the opportunity to mingle with church members as one big family. I hope we will do this again next year. We love it!!!

My daughter Evie patiently waiting for her cotton candy.

Enjoying the sumptuous food, nice weather, great company.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CafeWell for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Staying fit and healthy is a challenge that a lot of us are facing today. Well, that includes me. I am not the type of person who pushes herself to do regular workouts and watches the amount of calorie, fat , and sugar for every bite I take. I know within myself that I need to make a decision when it comes to the subject of "health." I need something and someone to motivate me achieve the goal. Well, I might have found the answer— CafeWell. CafeWell is a Social Network just like the ever popular Facebook, but different in so many ways. Unlike other social network sites which focus more on gossips, friends and family's every day activity, picture and video sharing, etc., CafeWell's primary objective and concentration revolves around the health care of each and every member. Similar to other social network websites, we can also connect  and share with other people, but , solely about our health care interests and needs. Reach for the Peaks is a health program that CafeWell and its partners like Altius provide to all members for free. It is a wireless pedometer program that every member can avail. The goal is to help and support each member to become and stay active and healthy. Included in their health and wellness programs are activities that come with regular prizes and social acknowledgments to insured members.

I'd definitely check this "new thing" in the social networking world myself. It's different and sounds really beneficial for a happier, healthier life that I deserve. I should be able to find and connect with people that will hold me accountable of how I take care of my health, and to reciprocate, be also their accountability partner. I am sharing one of the testimonies that motivated me to try CafeWell. And it goes:

"I never thought that I was competitive before.  Now I am counting steps and enjoying seeing them add up.  My husband was actually teasing me a little and telling me that I was competitive after all… It has been fun to encourage each other to get more steps in each day.  It is also fun to see the medals add up.  I don't know whose idea it was to get this program started, but it was a great one.  I sure hope everyone else is enjoying this health competition to get healthy!"
 

If wondering whether you have to pay a fee to become a CafeWell member, it's for FREE!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring is here, and for people who enjoy getting their hands dirty in their gardens, this is the most exciting season of all! For gardening enthusiasts, we find joy seeing our yards in full bloom of lovely, colorful flowers and greens. We do everything we can: buy gardening tools and stuff that we think will help beautify our oasis of Eden. But sometimes, we are unsuccessful in doing this. It is because one of the most important things we overlook is the quality of the soil where we planted flowers. If in your case this is the problem, Miracle-Gro's newest innovation Expand ‘n Gro™ is the solution. This planting mix promises to expand the growth of flowers and vegetables up to 3x compared to native soil. It takes care and retains the healthy growth of plants for up to 6 months. The natural fiber in this mix does amazing job in absorbing water. Compared to the basic potting soil, Expand n' Gro holds up to 50% of water, thus, keeping the plants fresh and hydrated.

If you haven't use this product yet but want to see how it works in your blooms, Miracle-Gro is giving out a free sample packet to growers. You will find this opportunity on their website itself, so check it out. I myself can't wait for my free stuff. Once you've tried the product, I would love to hear how it works in your garden and we can compare. :)

We have another yummy french toast for breakfast. Before my husband found a good recipe for french toast batter online, our french toast was not exciting at all. The one that he found is not fancy at all. It's only asks the basic ingredients for the batter but with a little twist that makes it more enjoyable to our taste buds. So, I am sharing this recipe in case you are tired of your boring french toast.

French Toast Batter Ingredients:

2 eggs & 1 egg yolk

1/3 cup milk (we use soy milk so our daughter can eat)

1/8 tsp vanilla

1/6 cup flour

1/6 cup sugar

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

This batter is only good for 4-5 slices of bread. We only use white bread (Sara Lee Iron Kids brand) and it's pretty good. Just have to make sure that the bread is soaked enough to make the inside moist and flavorful. I like  the edges of the bread crispy. I do this by dropping tiny slices of butter around the edges. We usually eat our french toast with a regular pancake syrup and crispy bacon. Bon apetite!