Florida Living

Meet Mommy Blogger Amy Higginbotham At St. Augustine Outlets on May 20th

May 17, 2017 By Marijean

MEET MOMMY BLOGGER AMY HIGGINBOTHAM AT BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY STORE IN ST. AUGUSTINE PREMIUM OUTLETS

Enjoy special perks in celebration of the start of summer wardrobes

WHAT: Area-moms are invited to a meet-and-greet with mommy blogger Amy Higginbotham of St. Augustine Moms Blog at Banana Republic Factory Store, located in St. Augustine Premium Outlets, on Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

During the event, shoppers will have to opportunity to visit with about mommy tips and take a look at her favorite Banana Republic essentials to rev up your summer wardrobe. Plus, enjoy an extra special perk of 50% off regular prices for a limited time.

For more information visit Banana Republic Factory Store in St. Augustine Premium Outlets or call 904-819-0206.

HOURS: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: St. Augustine Premium Outlets

2700 State Road 16

St. Augustine, FL 32092

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INFO: Please call (904) 825-1555 or visit premiumoutlets.com/st-augustine for more information. Area shoppers looking for the latest deals, contests and event information can also visit St. Augustine Premium Outlets at www.facebook.com/staugustinepremiumoutlets or follow @staugustinepo on Instagram.

Marijean

My name is Marijean, I live in Sunny FL with my wonderful husband and 2 children. I love Disney, Coffee and Blogging 🙂

Sea World Orlando’s Orphaned Manatee Calf Starts Her New Life in the Wild

March 1, 2017 By Marijean

Orphaned Manatee Calf Starts Her New Life in the Wild

SeaWorld’s Rescue, Rehabilitation and Return Program Comes Full Circle for Blanche the Manatee

Almost three years after she was rescued, a female manatee has returned to the Florida’s natural waters. Amidst cheers and bittersweet tears, SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Team returned Blanche to Port St. John, Florida and watched her swim away, ready to begin her life in the wild.

On July 21, 2014, Blanche was an orphan calf, estimated to be only two weeks old, when she was found swimming alone in the Indian River. She was rescued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and brought to SeaWorld Orlando. Weighing in at only 48 pounds and measuring 48 inches in length, Blanche required around-the-clock care, including regular bottle feedings. She responded well to the immediate care she received and continued to thrive at SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Center. Each day marked another day closer to the ultimate goal of being returned to her natural environment.

One of the most critical components to manatee rehabilitation is weight gain. Rescued orphaned manatees must weigh at least 600 pounds before they can be considered strong candidates for return by the Florida Fish and Wildlife. Today, Blanche weighs an amazing and healthy 775 pounds.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Team and FWC recorded Blanche’s final measurements moments before release and fitted her with a belt that will allow the Sea to Shore Alliance to monitor her success and track her path in the wild. Blanche is the sixth rehabilitated manatee SeaWorld has released to the natural environment this year.

In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the ocean. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 29,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than 50 years.

Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), SeaWorld Orlando is an acute care rehabilitation facility that provides life-saving medical care to rescued manatees.

The MRP is a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees. Information about manatees currently being tracked is available atwww.wildtracks.org. The Florida manatee is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality. Exposure to red tide, cold stress, and disease are all natural problems that can affect manatees. Human-caused threats include boat strikes, crushing by flood gates or locks, and entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear.

All manatee rescue footage is produced by SeaWorld under the FWS Permit Number MA7701911.

Marijean

My name is Marijean, I live in Sunny FL with my wonderful husband and 2 children. I love Disney, Coffee and Blogging 🙂

Celebrate Mardi Gras on February 28th!

February 27, 2017 By Heather Little

Laissez les bon temps rouler…let the good times roll! Mardi Gras is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your king cake, gumbo, a fancy mask, and some beads and hit the parade route!

Beads ready to be thrown…

So much fun!

For nearly 10 years, my husband and I lived just outside of New Orleans. Celebrating Mardi Gras became a Louisiana tradition for our family. While the city and the French Quarter has a reputation for partying and debauchery, Mardi Gras is actually a fun, family event that includes weeks of parades, balls, and celebrations. Krewes, or social clubs, host parades with elaborate floats, marching bands, performers, and of course, beads! If you’re lucky, you might also be able to snag a coveted doubloon, Moonpie, a stuffed animal, or a cup. People line up hours in advance of the parade to make sure they get the perfect spot to score the best throws. Custom built ladder seats give kids a great view of the fantastic themed floats. Each year, parades take place all along the Gulf Coast including not only New Orleans, but Mobile and in some Mississippi cities as well.

One of the amazing parade floats

A young parade-goer perched on her ladder seat ready to catch some throws.

Although it changes from year to year, Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday, is on February 28 this year. Unfortunately here in Florida, celebrating Mardi Gras isn’t too common, but if you ever have an opportunity to take in a parade, I’d highly recommend it! They really are fun, unique events like no other.

On a side note, Universal Orlando does hold a Mardi Gras celebration each year complete with floats, street performers, and beads. So while it might not be the “real deal”, if you’re at Universal, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Mardi Gras FAQ:

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/faq.html

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras:

https://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx

Heather Little

My name is Heather Little and my husband and I have two sweet girls and one crazy dog. We moved to Florida 6 years ago and have loved every minute of it! I enjoy crafting, good food, shopping, and of course travel!

Cocoa Beach

February 22, 2017 By Anne

We went to Cocoa Beach last weekend. My brother lives there now and we wanted to go visit for a bit. There was a launch this past weekend as well. That was cool to see and hear!

The beaches are beautiful and the sand is super soft.

The view from dinner at our hotel.

The tiki guys were colorful and fun!

We went into Cocoa Village and my brother pretended to fall asleep. It was a nice day to fall asleep!

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration Begins This Friday, November 25th! #Seaworld

November 22, 2016 By Marijean

SEAWORLD’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION STARTS THIS FRIDAY

Brighten up this year’s holiday season during SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, where guests experience the joys of Christmas complete with all-new festivities and returning favorites sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays November 25 through December 11 and then run daily December 16 through 31.

During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration guests of all ages can delight over scrumptious food, stunning live shows, joyful entertainment inspired by the natural world and much more.

All-New Holiday Festivities

Rudolph’s ChristmasTown –New this year is the Rudolph’s ChristmasTown where guests can meet Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Yukon Cornelius from the classic family Christmas television special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Plus, guests can stroll past life-size story book vignettes showcasing the classic Rudolph story.

Santa’s Workshop presented by Coca-Cola –Meet Santa Claus in an all-new Christmas experience. Guests can make timeless memories to treasure as they embrace the joy of the holiday season at Santa’s Workshop, presented by Coca-Cola.

Returning Holiday Favorites

Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas –A returning classic, Sea Lion & Otter Stadium celebrates the season with a hilarious Christmas comedy show. Clyde and Seamore, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and even a jolly walrus, invite guests to their fun-filled holiday celebration.

Shamu Christmas Miracles –Shamu Stadium once again brightens the night with dazzling lights and glowing candles, while Christmas carols abound and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season.

O Wondrous Night –Experience a live nativity only SeaWorld can bring to life, complete with more than 30 carols, life-sized puppets, and animals in a spectacular Christmas favorite based on The Christmas Story. Told through the eyes of the animals that were there, O Wondrous Night is a touching, light-hearted, and glorious celebration with a host of angels, animals, and the true glory of Christmas.

Sesame Street’s Elmo’s Christmas Wish– The holidays have arrived, and everybody’s Sesame Street^® friends have come to SeaWorld Orlando for a festive and fun musical celebration! Elmo’s Christmas Wish will soon become every child’s favorite show. Join Rosita, Grover, Zoe and Cookie Monster as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!

Winter Wonderland on Ice –Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza.

Sea of Trees – Families will stroll through a wintery, watery wonderland as they are immersed in a sea of glistening holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. New this year is a glistening Christmas tree towering 70-feet above the water.

The Christmas Market –Nestled along the park’s Bayside Pathway, The Christmas Market features festive entertainment and delicious culinary delights. Complete with playful elves, a charming model train village, and the comedic antics of the Christmas Council, the Market is the centerpiece of SeaWorld’s Christmas event. Guests can also relax near the warm glow of the fire pit a holiday cocktail while experiencing a wonderful view of the vibrant Sea of Trees.

Holiday Cuisine

For those looking for unique holiday cuisine, The Christmas Market is filled with fresh-popped kettle corn, waffle cone S’mores, grilled slider sandwiches, short-rib brisket mac & cheese and SeaWorld’s very own apple pie with a unique and delicious twist. Guests can also sip on flavorful hoppy craft brews and specialty flavored hot cocoa located near the stage at Bayside Pathway. Live music under the Gazebo completes the entire experience as guests enjoy the craft brew.

Guests can now indulge their senses with more than 60 delectable bites and craft brews served on tap with two all-new Tasting & Brew Sampler packages.

Guests can also enjoy a memorable holiday meal, along with a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Fireside Feast. The exclusive dinner features an all-you-care-to-eat menu of holiday favorites and delicious desserts.

Ring In The New Year at SeaWorld Orlando

On December 31, guests can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando. Vibrant fireworks will fill the night sky and festive entertainment will take place throughout the park, including interactive DJ stations, craft beers and delectable bites.

Best Way To Enjoy Holiday Cheer

The best way to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and New Year’s with family and friends is with an Annual Pass. By purchasing a Pass now, guests can get three additional months free. Also available now is the brand new Transferrable Pass allowing Pass Members to bring a different guest each time they visit SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica Orlando dependent on the type of Transferable Pass purchased. Pass Members receive exclusive park benefits and rewards, priority access to new attractions and concert seating pre-sales, free tickets and give-a-ways, in-park discounts, access to the Pass Member lounge and much more.

To really sweeten the holidays, SeaWorld Pass Members can enjoy a delicious meal with each visit by purchasing an Annual Dining plan for just $79. The dining plan can be used at many of the park’s restaurants and includes one entrée, one dessert or side and one non-alcoholic beverage per day through December 31, 2017.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration voted in the Top 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Event by USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards in 2015.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration details and information.

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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld^® rescue team has helped more than 28,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens^® and Sea Rescue^®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection of over 800 species of animals. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company.