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
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
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 moreWhether you live in Orlando or you are visiting and looking for something to do outside of “The Mouse,” my top ten family activities are sure to please. Check out who made the cut on my most recent City Guide at SheKnows.com.
Orlando Family Activities City Guide
Summertime for us means cook outs, fun in the sun and hours by the pool with friends. I’m always looking for new ideas, recipes and decor to entertain family and friends, which is why I jumped at the chance to partner with Frito Lay for their #Perfect Pairing summer project.
The girls (ie. my Orlando blogger crew) hosted a Frito Lay #Perfect Pairing get together in Orlando. Oh how I wanted to attend, but my hectic work and travel schedule didn’t agree. Because I couldn’t make the get together I decided to recreate the Orlando get together with my family in Pennsylvania during a weekend there.
One might ask why on earth I’m writing about potato chips when I work for a company focused on healthy eating. For one, we can’t live on just fruits and veggies alone. Two, chips and dip are just part of summer…. Besides the fact that Frito Lay is making their chips with healthier oils and less sodium. Not saying you should give up the yogurt, but one serving of Tostitos tortilla chips has less sodium than a cup of yogurt. So, indulge if you wish.
My PA family loves cheese dip. I scoured the Frito Lay online recipe bank and found the most amazing Roasted Red Pepper Cheesy Dip. It was a hit! A #Perfect Pairing if you will.
Perfect Pairing
Just Two Of My Dip Fans
Summer Cook Out Fun
I missed out on the #Perfect Pairing Orlando get together, but you can read about it on the Unemployed Mom’s blog. There are a ton of yummy dip recipes listed there from the group.
Frito Lay provided The Mamma Mia Blog with chips and ingredients for the recipe. All thoughts and opinions are those of The Mamma Mia Blog.
Mia is five, and a lot has changed in the world of baby products since she was my tiny “only child.” Now that Charli has arrived, I’m exploring a whole new world of cool products. Here are a few of my current faves that I know you will love as much as I do.
Bumbleride Flite With Snack Pack
The Bumbleride Snack Pack I snagged a great deal on my Bumbleride Flite (which I’m absolutely obsessed with) at Macro Baby here in town. Baby Charli is progressing into the world of snacks so I decided to spring for this awesome accessory that fits easily into the car seat adapter bar slots. The snack pack, shown in the photo, wipes down easily and can be removed from the adapter bar if you want to store in the fridge prior to an adventure.
Combi Chop Stick Training Set
Combi Chop Stick Training Set Mia loves going to sushi restaurants. She is talented with the chop sticks. Mia learned on her own, but now Combi makes the Chop Stick trainers. The trainers adjust to your child’s hand growth and offers a three step process to master the art of the chop stick. Charli’s a little young for these, but as soon as she is ready, she’ll have a set. I actually know a few adults who would benefit from these.
Razbaby Self-Closing Pacifier
Self-Closing Pacifier Maybe I’m behind the times on this one, but I am extremely excited to have discovered Razbaby products, specifically the self-closing pacifier. The minute the pacifier hits the ground it shuts and protects. No five second rule needed.
Lake Eola
Looking for something fun to do this 4th of July weekend in Central Florida? Here are a couple ideas to get you going.
Fireworks at the Fountain – The huge fountain at the center of Lake Eola has been restored to working condition after being struck by lightening last year. The refurbish is just in time for “Fireworks at the Fountain,” taking place on Monday, July 4. Festive food, fun and entertainment will begin at 4 pm. Enjoy an area just for kids too. Get there early for a great viewing spot. The fireworks begin around 9:30 pm.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach - Grab your beach blanket and enjoy fireworks Florida style at Shepard Park, Cocoa Beach on Sunday, July 3.The fireworks begin at 9 pm.
Olde Fashioned Independence Day Winter Park - The Olde Fashioned Independence Day will take place in Central Park with children’s activities, limited food vendors and entertainment. Pull up a lounge chair and relax. Once you have your fill in Central Park, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (home to the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany work)will be offering free admisison. The Winter Park Historical Museum will also be open free to everyone in celebration of the recent nomination of the Downtown Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places.
You are seeing the advertisements and hearing the buzz about SeaWorld’s new killer-whale show, “One Ocean.” Check out my review of the show at The Theme Park Mom.
After returning from a work trip to Atlanta, I found a box on my door step. Mia tore open the box (as she does with all boxes we ever receive) to discover a “box of fun” from LEGOLAND. Because they park is under construction,the folks over there decided to bring the familiarization trip to Mia and I in a box… complete with cozy blanket and snacks for watching the DVD that gave us an in depth look at the new park. We saw construction and learned about features for the new park, located in Winter Haven (about 45 minutes outside of Orlando and also 45 minutes outside of Tampa.)
General Manager Adrian Jones
Score, score for LEGOLAND! My busy schedule would not have allowed me to get over there at the moment, but I’ve been chomping at the bit to get info on the opening and details about the park.
I get a lot of press releases and updates on new happenings in Central Florida and beyond. Legoland has been of interest to me (and Mia) since the first whispers of the plans a few years back. Seeing it come to fruition is amazing and exciting.
Details You Should Know:
Dragon Coaster
mini land.. picture NYC made of Legos. Click here for the full download on each themed area.
See you in October!!!
PLAYGROUND‘s summer issue is on news stands now! Pick one up to find out where you and your family need to be this summer. Wondering what products will help make family travel easier? Read my article on page 16 in PLAYGROUND Picks. I also highlight travel apps that we all should be downloading ASAP. Pick up a hard copy at one of the distribution points, subscribe to get the magazine at your home or read the online issue.
PLAYGROUND Picks
Travel Apps
Mia performed this little ditty for me today… And, she offered to take me to the bank to buy me some money. I’m a lucky mommy.
It’s week 4, the final week of the Scott Naturals Test Drive Giveaway. I will again this week be giving away a month’s supply of Scott Naturals to one lucky commenter. (See entry instructions below)
This is also time to make a big push to click through the Scott Naturals links on this page to raise money for the National Wildlife Federation! Scott will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation up to $25,000. What a shame it would be if we didn’t reach the $25,000 mark.
How you can enter Scott Naturals giveaway:
By entering the 4-week Test Drive on the ScottBrand site, you are also entered to win a Ford Hybrid!
If you want more chances to win visit my friend The Suburban Mom. She’s test driving for Mother Earth too.
The winner for comments on this post will be selected on Thursday, May 12 at 5 pm.
This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years of age and older. The Mamma Mia Blog is being compensated for this project with Scott Naturals and The Motherhood. However, all thoughts and opinions are those of The Mamma Mia Blog.
I hope everyone had the chance to get outside on Earth Day, last Friday, and do something for Mother Earth! I also hope whatever activity it was, inspires you to live an eco-conscious 2011 and beyond.
Scott Naturals Giveaway
It’s week 3 of the Scott Naturals Test Drive Giveaway (1 more weeks to go). I will again this week be giving away a month’s supply of Scott Naturals to one lucky commenter. (See entry instructions below)
Please remember that by clicking through the Scott Naturals links on this page, Scott will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation up to $25,000. So get clicking! What a shame it would be if we didn’t reach the $25,000 mark.
How you can enter Scott Naturals giveaway:
By entering the 4-week Test Drive on the ScottBrand site, you are also entered to win a Ford Hybrid!
If you want more chances to win visit my friend The Suburban Mom. She’s test driving for Mother Earth too.
The winner for comments on this post will be selected on Thursday, April 28 at 5 pm. There will be an additional giveaway post each week for two weeks.
This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years of age and older. The Mamma Mia Blog is being compensated for this project with Scott Naturals and The Motherhood. However, all thoughts and opinions are those of The Mamma Mia Blog.
