10 Tips For Visiting The New Disney World Fantasyland

We live in Orlando so it was pretty much mandatory we check out Disney's new Fantasyland last weekend during the soft opening. My wonderful uncle had sent along a handful of "after 4 pm" passes for me to use before Dec. 31 so timing was perfect. Limited on time with our Read more

The Kiddie Journal

It's extremely therapeutic to get your thoughts down on paper or in a journal. It helps to look at things from a different perspective and often times helps identify the root of what seems like a big issue. My big girl has been super emotional lately. I'm not sure if it's Read more

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

Mia has a book called Samantha's Silly-icious Sandwiches. Samantha gets sick of having the same boring sandwich in her lunch everyday and decides to create her own unique sandwiches. Her "Silly-icious Sandwiches" turn into a hit at school and a booming business, which she soon hands over for her Read more

Meeting Winter - Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Most of the world has seen (or at least heard of) the movie Dolphin Tale. The story highlights the rescue of a wounded dolphin who ends up losing one very important important thing... a tale! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium works hard in the movie to create a prosthetic tail just Read more

Healthy Desserts

As many of you know, I work full-time as pr manager for Produce for Kids. With every new campaign, our chef and RD work together to create new meals. Our Ideal Meals online database is  full of healthy (yet tasty) easy breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner options for busy Read more

Chicago - The Urban Family Vacay

A few years back we ventured to Chicago for a long weekend over the 4th of July. At first, the thought of galavanting around in cabs in the city with my then one-year-old frightened me. I myself had no travel reservations, but this was a whole new ball of Read more

Make The Most of Your Disney Dream!

Back from our long awaited Disney Dream cruise and so excited to share tips! Our famly decided to embark on the three day cruise out of Port Canaveral (close to our home in Orlando) taking us to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's private Caribbean island. It's no secret Disney's cruises are not cheap. Hopefully some Read more

Top 10 Reasons To Love 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! Read more

It’s An Emily Osment Album Launch Party

Mia is still a little young for Hannah Montana, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make a hero of a tween parent out there.

Debut Album Release October 5, 2010

Today, Hannah Montana star, Emily Osment launches her full length debut album Fight or Flight. The 11-track electro-pop album was produced by Nellee Hooper, who has also worked with No Doubt, Madonna, U2 and Bjork.

The multi-talented Emily co-wrote all of the songs on Fight or Flight including the first single “Lovesick.”

Be the “cool” mom or dad and leave a comment below to win a copy of the new release for your tween.  A winner will be selected on Tuesday, October 19.

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Posted on by Amanda in Giveaways 8 Comments

Bringing Play Time Back

Sadly, I had to be reminded this week, by the owner of Amaya Papaya, of  “The Importance of Play.” My busy life got the best of me, and it’s time to bring play time back!

Amaya Papaya, located in Casselberry (right outside of Orlando), has created a destination for families to play, learn, party and shop together while hanging out in an eclectic parent-child hangout. Children ages 0 – 5 can learn through hands on discovery, role playing, physical activity and parent/child interaction. Parents can play with their children on play structures, slides, and in imagination-inspiring themed play areas, or relax and talk to other grown ups while watching their children explore from one of the wifi equipped lounge areas.

Amaya Papaya

There is always some hip happening taking place at Amaya Papaya so check the calendar for special classes, story times and events for children and adults.

So enough of my babble… get over there and experience what the hype is about first hand. I’ll make it easy for you.

WIN: Leave a comment below letting me know how you instate the “Importance of Play” in your family and you’ll be entered to win a free open play card for Amaya Papaya. I have 3 to giveaway. This contest will run through Friday, October 15.

Amaya Papaya is open Monday – Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm. Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for private parties or open play (check the calendar.)  Price of admission for kids is $9.99 for kids 1-6 and $4.99 for babies 8 – 12 months, unless of course you have a free pass from The Mamma Mia Blog! 

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Posted on by Amanda in Giveaways, Local Love 7 Comments

Paper Couture: a new take on stationery

I’m a stationery hoarder and lover. Hence my excitement to do an awesome promotion with a brand spanking new (and cool) company, Paper Couture

From the studios of The 2u Collection and Liga Photography comes an incredible collaboration in paper and art – Paper Couture!

Limited Edition Designs

The two talented ladies, Amy Morelli and Abby Liga, behind the ready-made all-occasion stationery share passions for style, fashion and great design. And… it shows.

Everything is limited edition, meaning every 6 months they will retire the designs and all new designs will take their places.

Good news… All Mamma Mia readers will receive 10% off. Just use the coupon code PLAYPC60 when you place your order.

Great news… for the next two weeks on Mamma Mia, you can enter to win a $50 credit for Paper Couture. So if you’re tying the knot, welcoming a new addition, saying thanks or just love stationery, Enter!


How to Enter:

Paper Couture

1.) Visit the Paper Couture website and leave a comment about your favorite product.

Bonus Entries:

1.) Follow Paper Couture on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know.

2.) Like Paper Couture on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know.

3.) Tweet this contest and leave a comment letting me know you tweeted : Win a $50 credit for @2ucollections ‘s cool new Paper Couture stationery line on @mammamiafl

4 Entries total per person! Contest ends on Tuesday, October 5.


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Posted on by Amanda in Giveaways 65 Comments

Foto Friday… The Copy Cat

Ever think your kids aren’t watching your every move (and fashion decision)? Think again. Mia emerged  from my closet this week dressed….  “just like mommy.”

Mini Me

Me

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Posted on by Amanda in Foto Friday 10 Comments

Baby #2 and stuff i love

I’ve spent some time going through the baby things I saved from Mia and realized two things 1.) I was in a complete fog when I packed half of this stuff thinking I’d use it again 2.) 4 years is kind of a long time in baby years and a lot changes.

Now, I’ll get to the point of this post. I’ve been doing tons of web browsing for baby gear and thought why not share the news of my finds. Here are a few items I do not actually own, but I’m currently in love with and feel might be necessities for life with baby #2. Click the image to go directly to each website to check on prices etc.

Bumbleride Flite

Bambino Mio Swim Nappies

Dwell Studio Crib Bedding at Target

Timi & Leslie Diaper Bag

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Posted on by Amanda in Prego Leave a comment

Weekend Getaways

We love taking weekend getaways when we can. Really, anything longer in this economy has become next to impossible. One of our favs is the Doral Golf & Spa Resort.

Aerial view of the resort

We escaped the house renovations this past weekend on a last minute trip that was much needed. The resort is slightly west of Miami near the airport, but just a hop, skip and jump to South Beach. The resort flies the Marriott flag and offers Nickelodeon inspired activities for kids… Sliming and the such. I love this place because it’s not “too much kid” and not “too much adult.” The perfect mix of both worlds, and I can relax.

For the “big kids” there’s the Pritikin Longevity Spa and five different golf course including the well-known Blue Monster. There are several restaurants and of course the staple Starbucks. For the smaller ones in the brood there’s scheduled kids activities throughout the day, a super fun (even for me) water slide, the zero-entry Blue Lagoon pool and Camp Doral for ages 5-12. There are certain weekends that are deemed Nickelodeon getaways so check the website if you want the complete Nick immersion.

The rooms are spacious and comfy. And, I’m a girl who needs her space.

Rates start at $139/night for a family package. If you are looking for a weekend getaway from the Orlando area, this is the place to go!

Blue Lagoon Pool

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Posted on by Amanda in Travel Leave a comment

The Moment Is Here….

I’m sharing some belly pics!!! Yes, due to multiple requests, I’m putting it all out there. With Mia, I didn’t embrace my growing belly in photos. Instead I spent my time agonizing, wondering how quickly I would be able to lose the weight I had gained. I’ve decided this time around (aka the last time around) I’m going to live it up grand finale style. This photo was taken on August 16… two weeks ago. I was exactly 25.5 weeks (for those of you who like to think in weeks). I have a little over two months left to go now!

In between moving, work, and keeping up with Mia, I’ve barely had a second to realize I truly am doing this all over again. Not until I ended up in the hospital last week did reality set in. Having contractions at 27.5 weeks while signing a pile of paperwork at the hospital will do that to you. All is well for now. I’m hoping this baby will stay put at least until I can figure out how to put the crib together…

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for…

25.5 weeks and counting (aka around 6 months)

Flashing some skin!

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Posted on by Amanda in Parenting, Prego 5 Comments

Foto Friday: Pinkberry Otown Par-tay

Pinkberry Orlando Opening

Mia and her buddy Jayla enjoying thier Pinkberry

Ran into some fro-yo loving peeps

The Pink Carpet

After hair, make-up, tats and nails by Pinkberry

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PLAYGROUND Mag Fall Issue

Waiting for the next issue of  PLAYGROUND mag? Wait no more! The fall issue is out and receiving rave reviews. Perhaps the rave reviews are due to the modeling debut of Mia and I? Hmm…. Maybe. Check out my Fashion Police article offering strategies to get kids dressed and out the door without “too” much chaos. My Kiddie Culture article, about the importance of punctuality, is a reality check for those of us who think we as parents are exempt from being on time. Pick up a copy at one of PLAYGROUND‘s distribution points or just subscribe so it’s delivered to your doorstep.

Whatever you do, you must get a copy of this issue.

Mia and Mommy Modeling Debut

Click on the article image to win your own copy of Hurry Up Harry!

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Posted on by Amanda in PLAYGROUND Leave a comment

Pinkberry Coming to Orlando

Bet you thought the title of this post was a misprint. Think again! Pinkberry is really coming to Orlando and soon… August 20 to be exact. The new location of swirly goodness is 7600 Dr. Philips Blvd. on the corner of Sandlake and Dr. Philips.

This opening marks Pinkberry's first location in Florida.

I’ve been a  Pinkberry fan since my first Pinkberry experience in San Diego. For years I’ve been dreaming of the day I would have full access to my very own local Pinkberry. Why do I love it? Um, how about gummy bears to fresh fruits to pomegranate juice to Belgian chocolate shavings?  Your yogurt will be dressed to impress your taste buds with Pinkberry’s unbelievable toppings bar.  All this, besides the fact that almost every celeb you swoon over has been spotted munching on the frozen yogurt.

And now, an extra special Pinkberry experience offer from The Mamma Mia Blog, comment below to win two tickets to the exclusive VIP Pinkberry event taking place the night before opening from 6-9 pm. There is a “Groupie” event taking place the same evening that’s open to the public, but your exclusive tickets will allow you into the VIP area where you will enjoy a world with no lines, a pinwheel full of great prizes, FREE frozen Pinkberry yogurt and fun times with yours truly. Although, I don’t know how much talking I’ll be doing as I shovel frozen yogurt down my throat.

More good news! If you don’t win the VIP tickets, I’m giving away two runner up prize packs with Pinkberry coupons and t-shirts. Keep on entering!

There will be a total of 3 winners. I’ll announce the grand prize and runner up winners on Tuesday, August 17.

How to enter:

  • Leave a comment on this post – 1 entry PER DAY so return to Mamma Mia daily!!
  • “Like” Pinkberry on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know – 1 entry
  • Become a Groupie on the Pinkberry website and leave a comment letting me know – 1 entry

Gotta love this… Pinkberry will be donating a portion of all opening weekend sales to assist Give Kids The World efforts in providing critically ill children and their families with a carefree Orlando vacation. Kudos to Pinkberry on this initiative.

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Posted on by Amanda in Giveaways, Local Love 18 Comments
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