Birthday Beads & Bows

Bracelet Making

For the past five years, I’ve subjected myself to huge hooplas to celebrate Mia’s birthday. I pretty much created a party monster from the beginning. Oh, the invitations, the themes, the decorations, the goodie bags… Why would this child expect anything less?

This year, I took a different approach to the birthday celebration and I’m so glad I did.

Rae-Berry Beads & More

Mia and four of her friends met at Rae-Berry beads & more in Dr. Philips to celebrate on a Saturday afternoon. This place is heaven for little girls! Two tables along each wall at Rae-Berry are filled with thousands of different beads.

First, Ramee, the owner of Rae-Berry, showed the girls how to create their very own beautiful bracelet out of the beads of their choice.

Next came the creation of the “hair pretties.”The girls were able to create funky hair clips layering bright colored flowers with a gem in the center.

Showing Off Their Hair Pretties

Mia and her friends made a bracelet and hair pretty, but there are different choices for parties including bottle cap necklaces and a jewelry board . You can customize your activities based on age and size of your group.

There’s a pizza shop nearby so I ordered a large pie and then we enjoyed cupcakes brought from home. It was the perfect afternoon and the girls had a great time. Plus, they took home a cool bracelet and hair pretty that they created. (The perfect alternative to the goodie bag filled with things that are going to be thrown away!)

I left Rae-Berry wondering when I could come back with my own adult friends for an afternoon of jewelry making. This place is definitely not just for kids!

Supporting local business is a passion of mine, but supporting a local mom-owned business is even better! For more information on Rae-Berry Beads visit their website.

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Amanda in Local Love, Parenting Leave a comment

Acupuncture During Pregnancy. Is It Safe?

Wondering how to cure morning sickness, fatigue, back pain during pregnancy? I have a safe natural remedy for you. A lot of women don’t even know this option exists. Read more in my latest article for PLAYGROUND Magazine. (page 22)

Acupuncture While Pregnant

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Amanda in Local Love, Parenting, PLAYGROUND Leave a comment

Top 10 Reasons To Love LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida

After months of living just an hour from the new LEGOLAND Florida, we finally had a free day to venture over to the new park. Apparently, I’ve been depriving my children of some serious fun! LEGOLAND was built on the former site of Cypress Gardens (Florida’s first “theme park”). The park does a great job of combining old and new preserving some of the old Florida style of Cypress Gardens.

And now, the top 10 reasons to love this place!

1) Tons of shady spaces to relax and let toddlers run around.

2) Fun rides (I mean really fun) and attractions perfect for kids 2-12.

DUPLO play area

3) Big, clean bathrooms with lots of changing stations.

4) You won’t break the bank feeding the family at LEGOLAND.

5) While considered a Florida theme park, it still feels small – in a good way.

6) We were there on a holiday (President’s Day) with a lot of other people off of school and work. It never felt crowded.

7) Not once did I look at my watch and wonder… How can I bribe them to leave. No lie. I had a ton of fun.

8) Lots of toddler/preschooler play areas near “big kid” rides for parents waiting with little ones.

9) There aren’t souvenir stands around every corner, but cools shops if you want to pick up a LEGO memory.

New York City recreated out of Legos in Miniland USA

10) You don’t have to be a LEGO lover to love LEGOLAND. I can vouch for that!

Attention to detail is the theme at LEGOLAND. It shines through in all attractions, rides, exhibits and even the staff . This is definitely a great day trip from Orlando and a must visit attraction for visitors to the Sunshine State.

For ticket prices and park hours visit the LEGOLAND Florida website. Kids under three are free!

I received complimentary tickets from LEGOLAND for our visit. However, as you all know, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Amanda in Featured, Local Love, Travel 7 Comments

$5 Admission to Orlando Science Center Sunday!

I have FABULOUS news for Central Florida families who love the Orlando Science Center! The Walmart Foundation, has announced the next “Walmart $5 Day” will be THIS Sunday, February 12. All guests to the Science Center on February 12 will enjoy exhibits, films and live programs for $5! General admission fees are usually $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11).

Orlando Science Center

This Sunday, guests can participate in the fifth annual Mission Nutrition featuring displays and demonstrations on medical technology, nutrition and fitness. There will even be chefs will be on hand to host cooking demonstrations for healthy eating. Returning this year is the Physical Challenge Arena with activities like Wii Sports active video games and hula hooping.

The new exhibit, Bob the Builder – Project: Build It! is definitely worth mentioning and seeing! Catch laugh-out-loud Animalopolis or the spellbinding Arabia on the giant screen film in the Dr. Phillips CineDome.

For more information on Walmart $5 Day call 407.514.2000 or visit www.osc.org.

See you there my fellow scientists! (I stole that from Sid)

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Amanda in Local Love Leave a comment

TurtleTrek Is Coming to Sea World

The news of Sea World’s TurtleTrek, opening this spring, excites our family more than you could ever know! Turtles have always been a beloved creature in our home. Not that we don’t love all creatures, but the turtles hold a special place in our heart.

TurtleTrek will walk Sea World guests through the life of a Sea Turtle. From hatching on a sandy beach to their extremely long life journey. The cool part is that you’ll be viewing the journey in a giant 360 degree dome and in 3D! (The first ever of its kind in the world!!) The film goes way beyond the concept of high definition – think 26 million individual pixels at 60 frames per second. Yeah… That’s some serious reality there. Want to be a hero for the turtles? This new attraction will tell you just how you can do that.

I’ll pipe down now and let you enjoy a sneak peek in the webisode below.

Sea World's TurtleTrek

P.S. ~ Sea World is offering a Pre-School Pass this year for children under five! Yes, that means a free annual pass for your kiddos to enjoy TurtleTrek any time they want.

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Amanda in Featured, Local Love, Travel 1 Comment

Top 10 Holiday Activities in Orlando

There’s still time left to enjoy one or even two of these events around town! Check out my Top 10 List of Orlando Holiday Activities at SheKnows.com City Guide.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST!

Holidays in Orlando!

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Amanda in Holiday Travel Series, Local Love, Travel Leave a comment

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Present DRAGONS! Win Tix!

Kicking off 2012 in Central Florida, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® will present DRAGONS! at the Amway Center Jan. 12-16. Honoring the “year of the dragon,” performers from the farthest reaches of the earth will converge on Orlando to showcase truly amazing acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Basically be ready to be wowed!

Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on Ticketmaster. The offer is valid for the following shows: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm. The discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP tickets.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS!

Or… you could just WIN a family 4-pack here! Entering is simple. Leave a comment below letting me know your favorite circus memory. I’ll pick a random winner on December 19… Just in time for Christmas!

We’ll be attending on Jan. 12 so stay tuned for a review!

If you’re looking for the full meal deal, the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at Ticketmaster checkout.

In exchange for my time reporting my opinion, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Rest assured The Mamma Mia opinion is 100% no doubt my own.

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Amanda in Giveaways, Local Love 4 Comments

More Spooky Fun in Orlando!

Cranes Roost Halloween

There’s one more Halloween event in Orlando worth checking out! Wendy’s is hosting a Halloween get together on Halloween (Monday) at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs between 4-9 pm. Wendy’s has “rebuilt” their cheeseburger (i.e. fresher toppings) and wants Central Florida to weigh in and celebrate Halloween. There will be trick-or-treating around the park and if you come early you can meet Wendy herself. Yes, Wendy is a real person… a mom of 4 teenagers, and she and owns 33 Wendy’s locations. Cranes Roost is a beautiful location so come on out and get your trick-or-treating on!

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Amanda in Local Love Leave a comment

Halloween Fun in Orlando

Still looking for something to do this Halloween weekend? Fear not, Orlando has tons of fun activities going on for you and your family!

Sea World Spooktacular

Sea World Spooktacular This Friday, you’ll find us at Sea World to trick-or-treat with the creatures of the sea. We go every year with our annual passes, but for those of you without an annual pass, kids are half price! For more information visit the Spooktacular website.

Flick or Treat With Orlando Magic

Flick or Treat Orlando Magic The Orlando Magic are holding a free Flick or Treat event at the Amway Arena on Sunday, October 30 from 2-5 pm. Guests can enjoy a fanfest on Church Street, trick-or-treating inside the arena, mingling with Magic coaches, playing at Stuff’s Magic Castle and more.

History Center Trick or Treat Safe Zone

Orange County History Center A historically spooky event is taking place Saturday, October 29 from 11 am to 4 pm. This is a free event filled with trick-or-treating fun through three floors of the downtown History Center, pumpkin decorating and scavenger hunt.

Happy Haunting!

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Amanda in Local Love, Travel Leave a comment

PLAYGROUND Fall Issue

The fall issue of PLAYGROUND is available all over town! Pick up a copy for tons of fall tips, fashion and fun in Central Florida.

Parenthood comes with lots of joys, but also just a “tiny bit” of stress. Moms need a workout that is not going to add extra stress to that “tiny bit” they already have. The perfect fix…paddleboard yoga. It’s fun, it’s outdoors and it offers a great workout. Pick up the latest issue of PLAYGROUND magazine or click through the online edition to read my latest article – Time for a PADDLING.

PLAYGROUND Fall 2011

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Amanda in Local Love, PLAYGROUND Leave a comment

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