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 moreAs many of you know, I write regularly for PLAYGROUND Magazine in Orlando. For the third year in a row, the magazine is hosting the PLAYGROUND Music & Arts Fest. Hope to see you at Lake Eola this Sunday, May 1 from 10 am – 4 pm. The flier below says it all or visit the PLAYGROUND website for more info.
It’s week 2 of the Scott Naturals Test Drive Giveaway (2 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.
Looking for ideas to get outdoors and make a difference on Earth Day and throughout the month? Visit Be Kind 2 Earth’s Facebook page for ideas.
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.
A big congratulations to Kitty Cardero, who one the week 1 Scott Naturals giveaway!
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.
While I know my posts are mostly upbeat and fun, it’s every once in awhile when I’m forced to pass along a more serious message.
Thanks to the awesome program with Sharks and Minnows, Mia was swimming like a fish at age two. Regardless of her kick butt swimming skills, I would never think of allowing her to swim alone in our pool. I’m always on guard. When Mia takes a shower or 
bath, I am usually in and out of the bathroom, but no longer station myself tub side.
This past weekend opened my eyes to something that I may have forgotten… the danger of water for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
After waking up early, driving to Miami, pool time and beach time, Mia was ready to take a shower in our hotel room. After about ten minutes showering, I had a strange feeling and decided to go in and check on Mia. What I found has consumed my mind and sleep for two days. Mia had stopped the drain with the shower on and had fallen asleep lying in the tub… A tub where the water was about a centimeter from covering her face.
With summer approaching, I think it’s a great time to remind ourselves of the dangers of drowning… In a large pool or in a teaspoon of water. Be especially aware when your kids are tired out in the pool or tub. Even the best swimmers young and old are at risk.
Check out Red Cross Summer Water Safety information to refresh for summer!
Take The 4 Week Test Drive!
It’s earth month. I believe Earth Month is in existence to remind us “busy” people of what we should be doing all year long. This is why as a “busy” person, I jumped on the opportunity to partner with Scott Naturals and their line of hybrid paper products. There’s so many paper products that are just a necessity… Especially as a mom. Seriously, you have to use toilet paper so why not be eco-friendly about it.
Here’s the deal, if we all take the Scott Naturals 4-week Test Drive, we’d save over 2 million trees! That’s a lot of fresh clean oxygen for us all.
So, starting today for four weeks, I’m going to give away a Scott Naturals kit that includes Scott Naturals tissues, towels, napkins and flushable wipes to one person per week. (4 total)
How you can enter: 
In addition to this fun, just by clicking through the Scott Naturals links on this page, Scott Naturals will donate $1 to the National Wildlife Federation up to $25,000. So get clicking!
Oh, and I almost forgot! By entering the 4-week Test Drive on the ScottBrand site, you are 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 Tuesday, April 19. There will be an additional post each week for four 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.
I just got wind of this really cool event, Kidfest, taking place Saturday, April 9 at Audubon Park Garden Dis
trict. (Audubon Park is slightly north of downtown.) Kids can fly fish, roll sushi, make pizza, DJ, frost cupcakes, make necklaces and more.
The event takes place from noon to 4pm on Saturday. The basis of the program is for Audubon Park merchants to teach you and your child the tools of their trades.
Audubon Park Garden District is located at the corner of Winter Park Road and Corrine Drive.
Did I mention it’s free? See you there!
It’s no secret Mia and I love books. As of late,Mia has recently taken an interest in maps. Maybe it’s because we have friends and family spread across the US. Regardless, this new book by Mark Teague, LaRue Across America!, incorporates both of her loves, old -books and new – maps.
Want to win a hardback copy of this new adventure tale for your kiddo? Read on.
Ike the dog’s plan for a peaceful cruise with Mrs. LaRue are dashed when their neighbor falls suddenly ill and Mrs. LaRue suggests that she and Ike care for her cats. But, cats aren’t allowed on the cruise, so Mrs. LaRue decides to take them all on a week’s vacation of road-tripping. Ike is beside himself and quickly takes up his pen to tell readers why as they visit each locale.
Watch the super cute trailer by clicking on the book image on the right.
I am giving away 2 copies of the book. It’s suitable for children ages 4-8 and retails at $16.99. The giveaway will end on Thursday, April 7.
How To Enter:
Winners must be US residents.
It’s the Lenten Season once again and time to “give something up.” I actually take this time of year to change something about myself instead of give something up. Last year I had to observe some form of nature each day and take a moment to appreciate it. Refreshing.
This year, I’m giving up a new trait I’ve acquired – impatience. I don’t know when it started, but it’s not becoming and I’m ready to rid myself of it. This commercial created by Go Pass It On was actually my inspiration. I love it and so will you.
I’ll be learning a lot in my new role as marketing manager with Produce For Kids. The great part is, I’ll be able to pass along my new found knowledge to Mamma Mia readers.
We’ve been in a fruit rut in our house lately so when I was introduced to the fine folks at the National Mango Board last weekend, I had many questions on how to incorporate this exciting new fruit into our world.
First off… Watch this quick video to understand how to properly cut a mango.
Next, here are some of the super easy ways to incorporate mangos into your everyday meals.
As a Snack…
Mango Kabobs: Put a mango cube or two on a toothpick, dip in yogurt and enjoy!
Mango Icepops: Puree fresh cut mango in a blender or food processor. Pour into ice cube trays, stick in a popsicle stick or toothpick and freeze. Voila! Mango icepops.
Mango Roll Ups
More Ideas…
Mango Breakfast Smoothie: Make a yummy smoothie by mixing mango with low-fat yogurt and ice cubes in a blender.
Mango Roll Ups: Slice mango into thin strips and roll up with a slice of deli meat, such as ham or turkey.
For mango recipe ideas visit the Mango Board’s super cool website. They even have a section especially for kids – ManGoKids
My little Miss Charli took part in her first photo session last week and I had to share. The talented local Orlando photographer Erica Clements impresses once again! We’ve done photos with Erica for the past two years, and each time I am more amazed with the results.
BABYTALK and Parenting magazines are holding an open casting call this weekend! Guess what? Your little ones are invited! The pubs are looking for children ages 5 months to 9 years.
Parenting Magazine
When: Friday, February 25, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Where: The studio space between the Apples to Zinnias store and the Stella Luca Salon on Gay Street facing the movie theater in the Winter Park Village.
The address for the Winter Park Village is 400 N Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
What you need to bring: Just the child, DOB and clothing sizes
They will be looking for children to use in upcoming photo shoots. This is an unpaid gig, but is definitely a super cool opportunity.
