Tag: featured

Creative Easter Basket Ideas — Last Minute Easter Gift Guide

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

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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Pretty Woman the Musical – Perfect Date Night Out

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

Looking for a fun date night or girls night out? This is it. 

I had reservations going in wondering how the stage show would compare to the movie. I mean, who hasn’t seen Pretty Woman at least 100 times? How could someone take the “feeling” of a classic and bring it to life? They did it though. 

I didn’t realize until watching the show how much of the movie I knew and was excited to see. Watching the connection between Vivian and Edward on stage, it felt very much like the connection on screen. The difference is that most of the storyline is put to song, so even if you haven’t seen the movie it is still an entertaining show. I found myself smiling and tapping my feet through the entire show.

Of course when I go to the Kravis Center, I make sure to check out their drink specialties. They always have drinks that tie in with the show, and now that beverages are allowed in the theater I love knowing I can enjoy them throughout the show.

I vaguely remember watching the movie when I was younger, but I do not recommend this for kids under 13. There is something different about watching the ummm romantic scenes in a movie, than how it is implied on stage. If you don’t want to review what Vivian’s profession is with your kids before the show, I say take a girlfriend and make it an adult night. 

The first act is 67 minutes with act two running 58 minutes. 

Pretty Woman the Musical runs until March 12th in West Palm Beach at the Kravis Center. Find out more about the show and grab your tickets here. 

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

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

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” →

Out of the Box Advent Collections

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

Once the “official” officials start of holiday season begins, I usually am so crazy with plans and activities that finding a cool new advent calendar slips my mind, we forget to do a few days here and there and at the end of December I feel guilty for not adventing the right way. Does that even make sense?

Since there aren’t official rules, I figured I would start my first advent calendars with the kids in November. Still counting down toward Christmas, but before all of the other things start happening. We did our first doors last night, with nothing else going on. I feel less overwhelmed and more sure that we might just be able to get through these calendars the right way.

If you are looking for some fun and different advent collections to surprise your kids, or to do with the whole family – here are a few that I thought would be fun to try out.

If you’re a traditionalist – this chocolate one is the way to go. There are a variety to choose from, but I would of course choose the classic Mickey feel.

I tend to gravitate toward what my kids are currently excited about. In previous years we have done Hot Wheels, Legos, PlayMobile, Grinch and Elf. Think about what your kids will be excited about and start your search there.

Hot Wheels Advent

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Advent

I also like to look for advent calendars that have toys I can incorporate into decorations in future years, or that the boys can play with. That way I don’t feel like I am “wasting” money. I know that it is about the excitement and experience, but I also want it to add on to our collection.

Polly Pocket Advent

Jurassic World Advent

As you think about an advent calendar to add to your holiday festivities this year, don’t get stressed. This is something to be fun… not another chore to add to your day. I love how excited my kids get to open each door, and I know it’s a tradition they will enjoy for years… so I absolutely love it.

It’s not just about them though… grab one for you too.

Take a look at other advent calendars that you might like here.

A Christmas Story Advent

The Office Advent

A Birth Experience Like No Other – Good Samaritan Medical Center

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Lily Pulitzer Birthing Suites at Good Samaritan Hospital

Looking for a completely different birthing experience for your self or someone you know? You have to take a look at the renovated Lilly Pulitzer rooms at Good Sameriatan Medical Center.

Good Samaritan Medical Center is partnering with iconic resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, creating the ultimate Palm Beach experience with the design of its new Lilly Pulitzer Birthing Suites and family waiting room.

The two VIP suites are redesigned with the signature Lilly Pulitzer aesthetic, to give new moms and their families a joyful and luxurious feel when they deliver their babies. The suites art and design elements have all been donated by Lilly Pulitzer.

The rooms have been fully renovated with bedding and window coverings in Lilly Pulitzer print fabrics along with coordinating decor.

Between the waterfront views, concierge service and VIP food and beverage menu this truly is a completely unique and special experience. The stress and pressure of a standard hospital stay are taken away and families are at the center of the whole experience. Mom and baby also receive matching Lilly Pulitzer swaddle sets – how sweet is that!

To schedule a tour or to make a reservation, please visit

https://www.goodsamaritanmc.com/services/obstetrics

Fresh Bruschetta – A Crowd Pleasing Appetizer

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

For years, one of my favorite go to snacks has been bruschetta. There are so many different ways it can be made, but the one I love best takes only a few minutes, has fresh ingredients and fills your house with amazingly yummy smells.

Now the great thing about this recipe is that you can customize it with the ingredients that you love. The freshest ones available to you. If you ask me, there can never be enough onion and garlic, but I know that’s not everyones favorite, so make a few different varieties.

One thing that doesn’t change though is a quality olive oil. There are hundreds of varieties of olive oil, and we are loving this Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Flavor Your Life. The higher quality oil you use, the better the flavors come out in any recipe.

The Flavor Your Life campaign aims to educate North American consumers about authentic extra virgin olive oil from Europe. Flavor Your Life is empowering consumers by educating them about the rich history and delicious properties that these oils display—and sharing the delicious extra virgin olive oil culinary culture that’s been harvested in Europe for generations.

The best part of this, is that you are making this from the heart, so there are no exact measurements. Handfuls of fresh tomatoes, a bunch of basil, grated cheese of choice, finely chopped onions and garlic… and of course extra virgin olive oil to incorporate all of it together.

We used a food processor for this, but a blender works or simply chopping all of your ingredients together too. Now some bruschetta is much chunkier than this, and it is complete based on preference. I enjoy mine like a spread, that I can add more cheese and tomatoes on to. Each bite is a little different. Sometimes I want more basil, other times more tomato.

Most of the time this never makes it onto a plate. The family going around as I make different batches and we eat it off of the cutting board. Dip it, spread it, eat it off of the spoon. Just enjoy it.

Finding recipes and meals that use fresh foods make me feel like I’m making better choices for myself and my family.

Of course, find your favorite bread and enjoy. Don’t worry so much about the rules of cooking…and focus more on your favorite flavors.

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

Published on by MARIANNALeave a comment

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” →