Sunday, December 18, 2016

Visiting Santa at Hollywood Studios

On a Friday after school, I loaded up the kids (and a friend) and we headed to Hollywood Studios to visit with Santa!  Oh. My. Heavens. We LOVED him.  Santa is in a gift shop down near the exit to Beauty and the Beast (down Sunset Blvd). He was so sweet and so authentic.



And, don't forget to grab your sequined Christmas mouse ears while there!

Sunday, October 09, 2016

Who doesn't love Fall at the Magic Kindgom

My favorite time of year at Disney is in the Fall! 
I love the Autumn and Halloween themes at the Magic Kingdom during this time of year.  
It's so festive and colorful. 



It's also a little cooler in Orlando by October.

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Poolside at Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando

Minutes from Disney World in Orlando is a fantastic resort, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress!  For years it has been voted "best hotel pool" in Orlando.

We took advantage of the cheaper Florida resident rates offered in the summer. (And we will be back!!)





Fantastic service at the pool for drinks and food:


Lakeside too! (Great free activities!!)









And S'mores at dusk!!



Saturday, July 02, 2016

Mudbug Brewery in Thibodaux, Louisiana

With names like King Cake Ale and Pelican Pilsner, why would you NOT try Mudbug Brewery!?



While in Louisiana for the week, we decided to meet some friends at the Mudbug Taproom (located about an hour south of New Orleans in Thibodaux). We tried a flight, and I really enjoyed a blonde ale called White Boot. Unfortunately, the beer is only sold in a few local Louisiana stores, so your best bet is to visit the brewery in person!

Monday, June 27, 2016

Wellie Wishers - new American Girl Doll series


American Girl Doll released a new series, Wellie Wishers last week. They are smaller than the regular dolls and are made for girls ages 5+. I had not heard of these until we arrived at the Orlando store today. They retail at $60 (versus $100+ for the original dolls.)





Thursday, May 19, 2016

Neon-themed Sleepover for Preteens

My daughter is having a sleepover with three school girls.  Two days before the sleepover, I decided to go to the store to buy a few items.

I actually did not have a theme in mind… But that changed once I walked into Target. I found these cute plastic neon colored popcorn containers at Target in the dollar bins and thus the "party planner" inside of me kicked in.  (So my four colors are yellow, pink, purple, and lime.)

I then moved into the Girls Dept and found black T-shirts, and black/white/neon colored socks.


Of course glow-in-the-dark/neon accessories are needed. (Also in the dollars bins!)

Neon drinking straws! (I think I found these at Wal-Mart--I actually already had them in the pantry. Amazon has them too.)

And at the very last minute, my daughter begged me to go to Party City to pick up coordinating neon gloves for the girls.


Sunday, May 08, 2016

Longboat Key: Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

This past weekend we went over to the Longboat Key area. Since it was Mother's Day, I wanted a nice(r) dinner, but I also wanted it comfortable for the kids. I read great reviews about Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Trip Advisor, and I'm really glad that we pick this restaurant!

We went on a Saturday night, and many of the reviews said to get there early.  We arrived at 4:30 PM, and by 5 PM there were no tables left. (And by 6 PM the bar area was full of guests waiting for tables.)

We had a choice of seating upstairs/inside or below/outdoors. I'm very happy that we sat outside.  The weather was beautiful. 

Here are my kids relaxing well hubby and I enjoyed a cocktail.

I chose the scallop pasta in a wine and garlic sauce. It was outstanding! The scallops were fresh and the pasta was cooked perfectly.

My husband chose the grouper sandwich, and decided to try a blackened. He said it was excellent and I'm sad I did not get a picture. He also enjoyed this local craft beer, Circa 1926. 

Favorite New Store: Naples Soap Company

While shipping in Sarasota this weekend, I came across this store and it's my new favorite!


I love bath bombs! And my daughter bought some shampoo and conditioner bars.


There are several locations around Florida, including Naples, Key West, Sarasota, Sanabell and more!  You can read more on their website: 
http://www.naplessoap.com/articles.asp?ID=250

A return visit to Fanta Sea

I was excited to return to Fanta Sea in Sarasota today! It's my favorite store for coastal decor!