Travel
Flamingo Gardens Fort Lauderdale FL
Bird Watching Up Close and Personal at the Flamingo Gardens Botanical Gardens and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary Anyone that has ever been attracted to bird watching and communing with nature needs to add the Flamingo Gardens in Fort Lauderdale Florida to their list of travel destinations. The gardens are in part a small zoo or sanctuary for animals that can’t live in the wild, while giving visitors a peek into the magic of the Everglades. With interesting local wildlife and the {Read More}
Tentrr, A New Way to Camp
Are you camping-curious, but not sure you want to deal with all the tent and sleeping bag related hassle? Have a hesitant spouse? Or perhaps you love camping, as we do, but are ready to try something new and different with your friends and family this fall. We recently headed out with Tentrr, a new company that gives you the camping experience you are after, from the most basic and remote locations to the “glamping” end of things as you {Read More}
Visit Barbados. Like, Right now.
I’ve been obsessed with Barbados since I was a kid, when I read the Newbery Medal winning book “The Witch of Blackbird Pond” by Elizabeth George Speare. For anyone who somehow managed to escape their summer reading, the book is about a fictional 17th Century young woman who, orphaned, must leave her home in Barbados and travel to New England. Now in Puritan Connecticut, she often reminisces about her home and her childhood growing up in beautiful Barbados. Yes, as {Read More}
Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia
No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for- family trip, a romantic couples retreat, girlfriends getaway- you can find what you are looking for on the diverse island of St. Lucia. Coconut Bay is located near the airport (in fact, just five minutes away), so you won’t have a long trek to your room once you arrive. That’s never a welcome surprise, is it? Once there, you are greeted by friendly staff with cool towels and cold drinks {Read More}
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Looking for an all-season resort you can enjoy with the family? Look no further then the beautiful Waterville Valley Resort, set in the always stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire. We are lovers of NH, it’s not hard to find a reason to get us to head up for a visit. If you have ever set foot in the small but stunning state, you likely are as well. Outdoors Enthusiasts will be hard pressed to be kept away, no matter {Read More}
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mecico
It’s that time of year that feels like winter will never end. First, Winter. Then, “False Spring”, wild cold snap, at least one more blizzard that will lead to “second False Spring”, and then maybe we can finally start to melt. I’m thinking about a shortcut to getting warm. Mexico is calling. It’s just a short plane ride away, and it’s beautiful beaches, resorts, and diverse entertainment are just the thing to help wipe away the winter blues. Not to {Read More}
Reviews & Giveaways
WIN Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Video Game #GiftGuide
Now available, the new Mario and Sonicat the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Here is my son’s review of the game- Have you ever wanted to see Mario vs. Dr. Eggman? Or Sonic vs. Bowser? As of November 5, you can pit all of Mario’s and Sonic’s iconic characters against each other in the biggest video game mash-up of 2019, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020! Take rivalries to the skate park, diving board, archery range, and {Read More}
Stocking Stuffers for Teen and Tween Boys #GiftGuide
Looking to stuff your son’s stocking with items he will actually use? Check out Prep U Products (available on Amazon) for teens or boys. Made for boys aged eight and up, Prep U is committed to providing all-natural body care products that are a clean-smelling, chemical-free and effective. There is a full line of personal care products aimed at the males of the species- though I admit, I really, really like the deodorant and got one for myself. The body washes are {Read More}
Chef’s Knife That Makes The Cut This Holiday Season #GiftGuide
Looking for something for the foodie in your life? Check out this professional-grade cutlery that would be appreciated by the culinary artist in your life. Forged from a single blank of high-carbon steel, this 8-inch Chef’s Knife is crafted with special alloys that are guaranteed to maintain an extraordinary sharpness through everyday use – hand-sharpened to 12-degrees for maximum precision. The weighted blade is thin, resulting in less resistance with each slice. Its 60-day guarantee and free shipping make this a risk-free {Read More}
Win National Geographic Kids Books and Plush Toys #GiftGuide
Just in time for the holidays, National Geographic Kids Books is rolling out a brand new series of picture books that are perfect for kids ages 3-7 (preschool – 2nd grade). To celebrate the release of the first two books in their So Cool! So Cute! series, National Geographic is giving away a very huggable prize pack: a hardcover copy of So Cool! Sharks, a hardcover copy of So Cute! Pandas AND adorable shark and panda plushes. So Cool! Sharks – Sharks are among the world’s top predators, {Read More}
Eco Lips for Beauty and Compassionate Choices #GiftGuide
Are you a beauty enthusiast, but also an animal lover? If you are anything like me, you care deeply about the environment and the sanctity of life, and wouldn’t consider buying from brands that test on animals or willfully destroy the environment. Not to mention, why would you want to slather chemicals all over your face? Eco Lips gives you both quality makeup as well as the environmentally safe ingredients you demand. The Lip + Cheek Tints collection makes for {Read More}
Stocking Stuffers for the Holidays #GiftGuide
Looking for some useful ideas for the upcoming season? No need to spend money on items that no one will really use, true? Great for health, beauty, and sleep, here are a few thoughts for items that will fill a stocking as well as be used cheerfully. Doctor Plotka™’s Travel Toothbrush Check out the Travel Brush for foldable, easy storage and that extra clean feeling. Embedded with silver technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria build-up for up to 6 hours {Read More}
Recipes
CRAZY CANDY CANE CAKE
Ready to make a cake that will have your friends and family racing back for more? Totally Instagram ready, the Crazy Candy Cane Cake from the HOLIDAY JUBILEE retro cookbook will have everyone smiling. And eating. GET THIS 3 boxes white cake mix, mixed according to box instructions 1 large bottle red food … [Read More...]
Butternut Squash and Kale Soup
This soup makes the perfect vegetable side dish—it's packed with nutritious vegetables and healthy carbohydrates from the butternut squash and other veggies! Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Serves: 4 Serving Size: 1 cup Ingredients: 1 large sweet onion, cut into wedges 4 cups cubed butternut squash (about 3/4-inch … [Read More...]
RUMI’S JHAL GOSHT (BEEF OR LAMB CURRY)
Ingredients 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large onion, coarsely chopped Curry spices (see below) 1 1/2 pounds lamb or beef stew meat 1 cup yogurt 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (stems and leaves) CURRY INGREDIENTS 1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (depending on heat … [Read More...]
Crisp Apple Donuts (with fewer calories and less sugar)
Ingredients For The Donuts: 1 cup Crisp Apple Sparkling ICE 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature) ½ cup Splenda Sugar Blend 2 eggs ¼ cup whole milk 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 3 ¾ cup all purpose flour For The Cinnamon Sugar: 1½ cups Splenda Sugar … [Read More...]
Parenting
10 Worst States for Lead Poisoning in Children – Are Your Children in Danger?
For most people, lead poisoning is something we hear about in the news and then forget about the next day. But in a recent study, more than 350,000 children in the US were afflicted with lead poisoning in just one year alone--many without their parents knowing until it's far too late. What level of exposure are your children facing and … [Read More...]
5 Things Foster Parents Should Know About Navigating The Court System
The important role foster parents have in a child’s life expands significantly when they go to court. To make decisions in a child’s best interest, judges need good information, and foster parents ideally can provide that. Thus, foster parents having a complete understanding of how to participate in court goes a long way toward … [Read More...]
Technology
Luigi’s Mansion 3 by Nintendo #GiftGuide
Looking for a fun game to get for the kids this holiday season? Nintendo has just come out with the 3rd in a their series, Luigi's Mansion 3, just in time for this gift giving season. Luigi just wanted to get away, a little vacation- but that just never seems to work out for him, does it? My son's review of Luigi's … [Read More...]
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher @BOSCHHOMEUS #ad @BestBuy
Are you looking for a new dishwasher? The new Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher at Best Buy is a great option for anyone who is looking for an upgrade to their dishwasher or for the highest quality. It's not cheap, but it sounds like it will do the job better then your average dishwasher. About the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher at Best Buy The … [Read More...]
Altec Lansing Baby Boom XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker @alteclansing #myalteclansing @BestBuy #ad
Looking for the perfect speaker to take along with you on your next trip? Let me introduce to you your new favorite take-along, the Altec Lansing Baby Boom Xl Portable Speaker. The longest name ever for a tiny speaker. Don't let the name fool you, it has a BIG sound packed into such a little handful of a thing. We brought this along … [Read More...]
Cosmic Cubs Learning Apps For Kids
Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy time together with friends and family, but you don't want to let your mind turn to mush during that time. According to the Northwest Evaluation Association's research, "summer learning loss was observed in math and reading across third to eighth grade, with students losing a greater proportion of … [Read More...]
Lifestyle
“Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz” at Paper Mill Playhouse
We just saw the new play,"Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz", at Paper Mill Playhouse. Continuing until October 27, this world premiere focuses on the early life of Francis Gumm, who became Judy Garland. Best known for her breakout performance as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", her life and family are brought to life in a … [Read More...]
Waxing Nostalgic
Another goodbye. You've all seen my many posts about this car by now, she's been a staple on this blog and for me for the longest time. She brought all my kids home. To this house. All the dogs, too. Drove more road trips then I can count, many featured here on this site and beyond. A whole lot of friends have spent time in that little … [Read More...]
