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
Giveaway – BioMed For Pain Relief #HealthyLiving #painrelief #GIVEAWAY
If all this sitting around is getting to be a pain in the neck, there are some really great relief products from BioMed. No matter what feels tight or is causing you discomfort, there is a heating pad that is sure to bring alleviation. Sunny Bay Hands-Free Neck Heating Wrap: Microwavable Thermal Hot Pack, Heat Therapy Neck Brace for Sore Neck Shoulder Muscle Pain Relief. Quite a name, but at least it’s descriptive. This comes in multiple sizes and colors, {Read More}
Giveaway- LEGO DUPLO World – Toy Sets and App Codes
To celebrate the launch of LEGO DUPLO World, out now on mobile, LEGO is giving away DUPLO brick sets and promotional codes! LEGO DUPLO World is a Kids at Play Interactive Award-winning children’s mobile game designed for young, developing minds. From playing with penguins to exploring the African savannah, DUPLO World will take kids around the globe all while helping them hone fine motor skills, increase vocabulary and experience fun surprises. The game’s designs are based on the highly-regarded Head {Read More}
CLEARstem Skincare’s VITAMINscrub
New CLEARstem Skincare’s VITAMINscrub – Antioxidant Infused Cleanser. This scrub is great for getting rid of the dead skin cells on your face. VITAMINscrub is good for all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination and normal- plus, the smell is terrific. It’s designed for daily use. Environmentally-friendly bamboo particles act as a polish to resurface the skin and keep pores clear. The skin’s texture will appear smooth, refined, brightened, and pores will appear smaller after use. Retailing at $39, it’s great {Read More}
Pompette the New Name in Hard Sparkling Water
If you are already a seltzer drinker or just looking for a low calorie, low sugar, natural hard beverage POMPETTE is the drink for you! I am personally a big fan of seltzer. I love the flavors without the sweet taste of soda while still getting the fizz and bubble. POMPETTE offers that with an extra kick. This isn’t the hard water that you worry about in your pipes. POMPETTE blends imported alcohol and natural flavors to create a unique {Read More}
Hungry? Check out #LunchboxGoals Sweepstakes with Little Bites Snacks! #WIN #LoveLittleBites
Looking for a quick snack for the kids? Check out the latest in Little Bites. Easy to grab and go or to put into lunchboxes, they come in lots of flavors, including new Cinnamuffins (which are only available for a limited time). Information about Little Bites® Cinnamuffins: · NEW Limited-Edition Little Bites® Cinnamuffins are the newest flavor to be added to the Seasonal Favorites® line! · Little Bites® Cinnamuffins provide the irresistible taste of cinnamon in every bite. · Little Bites® Cinnamuffins are baked {Read More}
Bedtime Made Easier Thanks To Snuggle Monsters, Sleepylights, & Emoji-Notes #GiftGuide
Do your kids give you trouble when it comes to bedtime? So many parents dread bedtime, as it is fights, tears, and kids not wanting anything to do with going to sleep. Sometimes, they are afraid of the dark, of monsters under the bed, or other childhood fears related to bedtime, and it can be a trying time for both parents and children. To make bedtime a bit more palatable, we have a few suggestions you might want to try. {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...]
