Category: Holidays

Creative Easter Basket Ideas — Last Minute Easter Gift Guide

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Each spring I look forward to pastels and fun new paints. Finding new and creative ways to keep the kids busy but also make sure I’m not filling the house with things that will just get tossed with the Christmas clean out.

We use the same baskets each year find a few bulkier items to fill them, and stuff the surrounding areas with smaller candies.

If you are looking for a few fun items to incorporate into your kids Easter baskets this year, or possibly to family friends at brunch, here are a few fun and smile worthy selections.

I never got into the Squishmellows — but then I saw some of the holiday and Disney themed ones and thought they were basket worthy. This classic Steamboat Willy is perfect for any age.

My boys have gotten out of the age of blocks, but I would have grabbed these in a heartbeat for them. Endless hours of open play and creativity. I love that they are not symmetrically shaped and see so many creative possibilities.

I thought these sand bags were great and practical. Take them on vacation or just a day in the sand. I could see myself using one of these too. Fill them with sand toys or new sunscreens and sunglasses for the season.

I wasn’t sure how these would work, but the boys were gifted a set of these last summer and they really do save so much time, plus we don’t have to clean up all of the broken balloon pieces in the yard. They are magnetic water balloons. They open on impact and then close back again when they are refilled with water. There is a bit of a learning curve but your kids will easily learn how to use them after a few tries.

I love supporting local and small when ever I can and my youngest son is OBSESSED with honey. I am too… Anytime he gets a chance to try and new honey he is first in line. Consider swapping out some of the traditional candy choices for honey this year and see what your kids think. If you haven’t tried Palm Beach Creamed Honey, this is the perfect opportunity. They have quite a few flavors to choose from, like this Raspberry one.

Not too sure what your kids will think? Honey straws are an easy way to introduce them to different flavors.

I have more Easter ideas in my Amazon Storefront and update it throughout the season with more creative finds.

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So Lucky to Have You (Free Printable)- Fun for kids to make – St. Patrick’s Day

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Raise your hand if you love St. Patrick’s Day? I don’t think it gets enough love in the kid community. Sure, adults have plenty to celebrate with wearing green and heading downtown, where ever you might live.

Continue reading “So Lucky to Have You (Free Printable)- Fun for kids to make – St. Patrick’s Day” →

Howl -O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando

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I don’t like being scared. It makes me angry. My blood pumps and my heart races. I figure it comes down to control. I can’t control what I’m feeling or what comes next.

Actively walking into scary situations is confusing to me. You want to be scared, you don’t want to be scared. What is it?

Howl-O-Scream 2022, Sea World Orlando

We were invited to Sea World for Howl-O- Scream, and I am not one to say no to new adventures. Although I may have second guessed it…

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Spend the Holidays at Fantasy World Resort – Kissimmee- Florida Snow and Ice Skating

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Fantasy World Resort pool.

One of the best things about spending the holidays in Florida is that you can really experience multiple seasons in one day. My family and I recently spent the weekend at Fantasy World Resort in Kissimmee, Florida and went from ice skating and drinking hot chocolate to relaxing in the pool. The best of both worlds.

Ice Skating at Fantasy World Resort

We have stayed with Fantasy World Resort a few times now, and each time there is something new to experience. The staff really does feel like family now, and during our entire stay they do whatever they can to keep the kids entertained. That means parents can actually relax for a bit, which means the world this time of year.

Check out all of the fun from my Instagram stories on property here.

This year, along with the ice skating and tons of Florida snow, they added fun photo ops. If you know me, you know I love a fun photo location.

There are four different to choose from, including this one from The Christmas Story. Which happens to be one of Billiam’s favorites. I personally loved the large tree and twinkle lights, but I’m a classy kinda gal. Hehe.

Photo backdrops at Fantasy World Resort

Fantasy World Resort goes all out for my favorite holidays: here is a post about their Halloween activities too!

As the property has grown, there really is no reason to leave throughout your stay. Each time we go, there are new activities to explore. Mini golf, volleyball, basketball… the lazy river and water slides.

Plus, they are pet friendly, with a dog park too!

Poolside cotton candy at Fantasy World Resort

Pool games, cotton candy, teddy bear building, pool side tie dye. Only a few of the activities they offer, and each hour there are more surprises. Let’s not forget trivia, which is my personal favorite.

Living Room at Fantasy World Resort

No matter what your plans are for the holiday season, make sure to include a stay at Fantasy World Resort. You may just want to make it a tradition (like we do).

No time to go until after the holidays? No worries…their Winter fun is available until January 2nd. 2022.

Buddy The Elf Spaghetti Snacks – For Someone Special

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

I remember going to the theatre ages ago to see Elf in between college classes at FAU. I had a huge gap on Mondays and always popped in to see something new. I honestly had no idea what to expect and had probably seen every other movie they had to offer.

@thisfloridamom

Love the movie #Elf? This is the yummiest snack to make. It’s just like a rice crispy but with chow mein noodles. #baking #christmascountdown

♬ Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Michael Bublé

I don’t remember any of the other movies I saw then…but I remember Elf. Of course, it is one of our favorite holiday movies and we still watch it every year. Multiple times.

“Buddy the Elf, What’s Your Favorite Color?”

This was the easiest treat to make, and the boys ate half of it while we were making it. I did too. We will probably make it a few more times in the next few weeks too. These are a great and fun surprise at holiday parties or neighbor cookie swaps.

Depending on what you want to add to yours, you might have most of the ingredients already.

Of course, there are no real measurements with this and it’s only a hyped-up rice crispy treat. Minus the rice crispies.

2 cans of Chow Mein noodles

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 bag of white chocolate chips

1 stick of butter

1 bag of small marshmallows

1 canister of Freeze-Dried marshmallows bits

M&M’s

sprinkles

Anything else you may want to add.

Melt half stick of butter with a full bag of marshmallows.

Melt other half of butter stick with bag of white chocolate chips. When bother are completely melted incorporate them together and stir.

Pour into a bowl of chow mein noodles. Mix well and pour onto a cookie sheet or other flat surface.

Pour chocolate chips on the top while still warm. The chocolate will start to melt as well.

While everything is still warm flatten the noodles and add your toppings.

Once the treats come to room temperature and harden, cut, and serve.

Make for someone special of course.

Screen Free Minecraft Gift Ideas – Get these before Christmas

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Both of my sons are obsessed with Minecraft. I’m not really sure how it started with the oldest, my youngest of course loves what his older brother loves. With that in mind, I wanted to find a few things they would enjoy for Christmas without it actually being more video games.

Continue reading “Screen Free Minecraft Gift Ideas – Get these before Christmas” →

Both of my sons are obsessed with Minecraft. I’m not really sure how it started with the oldest, my youngest of course loves what his older brother loves. With that in mind, I wanted to find a few things they would enjoy for Christmas without it actually being more video games.

Continue reading “Screen Free Minecraft Gift Ideas – Get these before Christmas” →

Disney Inspired Gifts – Ages 4 – 8

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I absolutely love the magic of Disney… I can say the same thing about toys. When I’m able to find toys that tie in with our lifestyle and get the boys excited about the next trip I grab them. I’m also “that” Disney aunt. You know…the one that always gives Disney gifts… guilty as charged and not one regret about it.

Sometimes I feel like I can’t find any new one though, or run out of ideas for them. As I was looking for holiday gifts I can across a few that I wanted to share in case you might be looking for some too.

One gift that never gets old is a game to add to our game night rotation. These came in perfectly during quarantine and now that the world is a little back to normal, we’ve decided to keep our game nights. Finding games that all of our family can play and enjoy can sometimes be a challenge, but these are two I was excited to add to our collection. Mad Tea Party and Meme the Game.

I wasn’t sure how the Doorables would go over, but after I grabbed the Villans set for Halloween, I knew I needed more. My youngest loves little figurines and the fact these are all different versions of Mickey is awesome. Again, depending on what your child is into — there are probably Doorables for that.

I love Melissa and Doug toys because they are a quality product and hold up well for years. My boys love spending time in the kitchen and have a play kitchen too. These pizza and cake slices are amazing for little hands.

Bath toys are great for siblings. Either they can play with them together in the tub or one on one – but there is no fighting with them outside of the bathroom. I actually grabbed both of these sets for my nephews. Here is the Finding Nemo bath set – and the Mickey Mouse Basket Ball set.

Something that drove me crazy is that I could never get LEGO bricks that were Disney unless it was a princess. I wanted classic Mickey but non in DUPLO form. I was so excited when I saw these. There are actually quite a few to choose from. I’ve put these on our holiday wishlists for other family members to grab too!

Egg Nog Blondie Bites – Fun Festive Food

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

I asked my husband what his favorite holiday flavor was going into the Christmas season… and was a little surprised when he said Egg Nog. Now, I absolutely love Egg Nog — always have–but I try not to buy it because I will non-stop drink it. Do you have any food like that?

So when he mentioned Egg Nog, I was glad I could buy some and use it to bake with.

Continue reading “Egg Nog Blondie Bites – Fun Festive Food” →