Florida Living

Kids will have a BLAST on the GOTRAX HOVERFLY ECO Hoverboard

July 11, 2018 By Marijean

I was very intrigued when Hoverboards first came out. They sound so fun and were very cool to look at. My kids were still little so I knew I wasn’t going to get one right away. With my oldest now almost 10, she has been asking about Hoverboards since some of her friends have them. We were very excited to review the GOTRAX HOVERFLY ECO Hoverboard.

Safety Certified with a Powerful Glide

The HOVERFLY was constructed by our top spaceflight engineers to provide the utmost safety for every commander and citizen of the GOTRAX GALAXY. All electric, battery, and charging systems are tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standards for self-balancing electric scooters hoverboards. For additional protection, we added non-slip foot platforms, and system safety features including Auto Shutdown.

Few hoverboards can boast the power and seamlessness provided by the GOTRAX HOVERFLY. The dual 250W motors combined with the space-age gyroscopic self-balancing electric scooter technology create a smooth and controlled hoverboard riding experience.

UL CERTIFICATION INFO

The GOTRAX HOVERFLY self-balancing scooter is tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standards for e-Mobility devices. This certification means that electrical, battery, and charger systems have been thoroughly tested and certified for safety. To learn more about UL safety standards, please visit http://www.ul.com/hoverboards/.

GALACTIC HOVERBOARD FEATURES & SPECS

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFIED: Electrical, battery, and charger systems tested & certified to UL 2272 safety standards.
THRILLING TORQUE: Get a powerful and smooth, self-balancing glide with dual 250W motors.
BECOME A MASTER FASTER: Quick and easy hoverboard learning with simple operation.
ENJOY LIGHT-YEARS OF FUN: Space travel up to 7.4 mph and for up to 12 miles on a single full charge.
STELLAR FIRST-CLASS DESIGN: LED lights, cosmic colors, high-quality space materials built to last.

When you receive your Hoverboard, it will come in a really fun designed box my daughter loved. The hoverboard will be inside, a charger, protective bumpers, commander’s manual, and the quick launch galaxy guide. The overboard weighs about 23 lbs. The hoverboard comes in 7 colors. I decided to get the Neptune Blue which to me is just like a really pretty “baby blue.”

The hoverboard came fully charged, which was a plus since my kids wanted to try it out right away! We read over the quick launch galaxy guide and put the hoverboard into training mode. We have a very large downstairs living area, so she tried it on the carpet first incase she fell. Make sure your child has a helmet, knee and elbow pads when they are using the hoverboard. It does take a bit to balance on it when you first try it out. I held her hand until she figured how to balance properly. It only took her an hour or so to learn how to balance and ride herself. We have had it a week now and she uses it every day! It is super easy for kids and adults to use.

The minimum weight limit is 44 pounds and the max is 220 pounds. Perfect for children and adults to have fun. I know my husband loves it!

Before I decided to review this product, I did some research to make sure this hoverboard didn’t have any fire or safety issues. All of the electrical, battery, and charger systems are tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standard guides.

This would make an out of this world birthday gift or holiday gift for any child or adult! The GOTRAX HOVERFLY is on sale right now for $179.00.

You can purchase this awesome Hoverboard from GOTRAX or Amazon.

PRIME DAY is coming up on 7/16! Use the code 15mommyworks for 15% off all gotrax electronic rideables until July 21st! https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/A3TSWC0WN5AMIL

*I received a product in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER TO WELCOME TRUE FOOD KITCHEN THIS FALL 2018

June 21, 2018 By Marijean

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER TO WELCOME TRUE FOOD KITCHEN IN 2018

Health-driven seasonal kitchen and bar set to open in Jacksonville this Fall

Simon, a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, today announced True Food Kitchen is slated to open at St. Johns Town Center in November 2018.

“We’re excited to bring our delicious healthful food and handcrafted beverages to St. Johns Town Center,” said Shannon Keller, vice president of marketing for True Food Kitchen. “The restaurant will be designed with the lively and active Jacksonville community in mind; where everyone is welcome to eat better, feel better and celebrate a passion for better living.”

True Food Kitchen is a restaurant inspired by a philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse and that delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. True Food Kitchen’s health-driven menu of seasonal dishes and natural beverages is guided by the principles of integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid, which was created as a guide for those seeking the necessary foods needed to assist in achieving and maintaining optimum health.

The chef-led menu changes with the seasons to let guests experience great-tasting ingredients at the peak of their freshness and flavor, and offers a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings among its signature dishes. The restaurant’s vibrant bars are brimming with innovative, handcrafted cocktails, wine and beer and natural refreshers made from freshly pressed fruit and vegetables.

“True Food Kitchen will be a terrific addition to St. Johns Town Center’s already impressive retail and dining lineup,” said Lindsey Jones, director of marketing and business development. “Guests will have the opportunity to experience the restaurant’s health-driven menu in a positively stunning environment.”

True Food Kitchen’s plans include a bright, vibrant dining area and open kitchen accompanied by a private and semi-private private dining room, covered patio and a large indoor bar.

For more information about True Food Kitchen opening at St. John’s Town Center, please visit www.truefoodkitchen.com/jacksonville.

About True Food Kitchen

Founded in Phoenix, Ariz. in 2008, True Food Kitchen is a restaurant and lifestyle brand inspired by the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse, and that great tasting food and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as the foundation for a life well lived. The restaurant brand is driven by a passionate collective of accomplished chefs, visionary restauranteurs, and a renowned doctor of integrative medicine – who believe delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. True Food’s seasonal menu is guided by the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. True Food Kitchen emphasizes wholesome, simple ingredients with simple preparations to highlight the natural health benefits and flavors of each ingredient. From nutrient-dense staples and carefully sourced proteins to little-known superfoods, True Food Kitchen is committed to sourcing the most responsible, most creative, freshest in-season ingredients. True Food Kitchen has 23 locations in 10 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, with plans for additional locations throughout the U.S. in the coming year.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe, and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

East Is East, And It’s The Best Place To Vacation

June 7, 2018 By Anne

Living in Florida means one can’t go any further east. The next destination is the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s slightly chilly this time of year! Head north and there is plenty to see, from the Deep South to New York City and Massachusetts and Maine. But, these places aren’t any more east than the Sunshine State. And, you will want to head in the direction of the Wicked Witch when you realize what it has to offer. There is a whole expanse of land to cover, of course, yet there is even more than meets the eye. Check out the reasons below to find out why east is east and the best place for a vacation.

The Islands

Miami has some pretty special places to visit, but nothing quite compares to the Caribbean. With its turquoise oceans, golden sandy beaches and rugged coastline, it’s the perfect place for a holiday. Just off the eastern coast of southeast America, for example, is the Bahamas. Now, plenty of Caribbean islands get good press, but these are the jewel in the crown, mainly because the resort isn’t as commercialized. Even less commercial is the British colony of Bermuda. Oh, and these places all speak English, too, so there’s no need to learn pigeon French or Spanish.

The Cost

Head a couple of thousand miles east and you’ll hit the European mainland. Plenty of people will wonder why this is cheap, and it’s worth noting that the likes of Italy and France are expensive. However, these tourist traps aren’t worth seeing on a budget so there’s no reason to stop. Instead, continue until you get to the eastern bloc. For one thing, the Ukraine, Belarus, and Slovenia are incredibly cheap. Plus, there is a relative luxury. The Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic hotel in Russia is elegant without breaking the bank. Communism has had its pros over the years, and this is one of them for US tourists.

The Once-In-A-Lifetime Sights

There’s no doubt that America has a whole has plenty of unmissable attractions, the Grand Canyon for one. Then, there is Machu Picchu in South America as well as Chichen Itza in Mexico. However, go east from and the whole world is at your feet. As soon as you hit Africa, for instance, you basically arrive in the Sahara Desert. People speak about this place, yet very few people get the chance to experience it in the flesh. The same goes for the Nepalese Himalayas and Halong Bay in Vietnam.

It’s Not Home

The US is the place you will always come back to, which is an amazing thought. Still, it means we should get out more when we get the chance! It’s like working from home – you have to leave the house after a while, or you will go stir crazy. And, there is a lot to see when you factor in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Experiencing new cultures and ways of life is spectacular and something to promote on vacation.

Where is your favorite location for a holiday in the whole world?

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!

FREE Beer All Summer Long at SeaWorld Orlando!

May 19, 2018 By Marijean

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Free Beer All Summer Long for SeaWorld Orlando Park Guests

Complimentary Beer Samples and Daily Happy Hour

Starting this Friday the 18th, SeaWorld Orlando will be offering free beer to park guests all summer long.

The free brews will be available at the park starting this Friday, May 18 through September 2, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to one hour before park close. Complimentary domestic and seasonal beers will be available to guests 21 years of age and older. Guests can visit Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Patio and receive up to two complimentary 7-ounce beers per visit. The park will rotate beer offerings throughout the summer starting off with SeaWorld’s very own Mako Red Ale. Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light, Yuengling and more will also be featured throughout the summer.

Park guests are also invited to enjoy Happy Hour at SeaWorld, daily starting at 4 p.m. Happy Hour will feature buy one, get one free offers on all drink and food items at Flamecraft Bar and Sharks Underwater Grill Bar. Both locations feature a variety of domestic and craft beer, mixed drinks and sharable appetizers. Additionally, guests purchasing any pin from a SeaWorld Pin Trading location during Happy Hour will receive a free lanyard with their purchase.

Best Way to Play

The best way to experience all of the summer fun SeaWorld Orlando has to offer, along with the incredible lineup of events throughout the year is with a SeaWorld Orlando 2018 Fun Card. Pay for a day and play all year with unlimited admission and no blockout dates through December 31, 2018. Hurry, offer ends May 20, 2018.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Events and times are subject to change. Follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park updates and information.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Wyndham Orlando Resort

April 30, 2018 By Anne

Orlando is not just for families. You can still go kid free and have a lot of fun!

Wyndham Orlando Resort invited me to stay over for the weekend last month. They included 2 tickets to I Drive 360 home of the Coca Cola Orlando Eye!

I took a friend and we headed over after work on a Friday. We are about 2.5 hours away so we arrived around 8pm. The check in staff was very friendly and the process was super easy. We went up to our room and found a wonderful surprise. There were cookies and milk waiting for us. Yumm!

The room was very spacious. We were given the Family Fun Suite. So we had a king sized bed and then off to the side were bunk beds. The bathroom was a nice size with a tub. There was even a big bean bag chair for kids. The room had wood floors which I loved! I’m not a fan of carpet in hotel rooms. Overall the room was awesome. I loved the spacious feel it had. Not cramped like some rooms are.

I want to note that had I brought kids I may have been disappointed as the bunk bed area had no door attached. So everyone was kind of in the same room. Although there was quite a bit of space in between.

All of the Orlando Wyndham Resort rooms feature; BeWell bedding, plush pillow-top mattresses, and feather pillows, 40-inch flat screen TVs with on-demand movies, Spacious work desks, Wolfgang Puck® Coffee makers, Blue Harmony™ bath amenities, Mini refrigerators, Massaging showerheads and Laptop compatible safe. They are pet- friendly and smoke free as well! Yeah!

There are two pools to choose from. Unfortunately it was a bit chilly so we did not go swimming. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day and includes a sauna.

You don’t have to drive anywhere! We never once got into our car except to go home. After we settled into the room, we took a walk around the hotel and a couple neighboring streets. Everything is within walking distance. I mean everything! Saturday we walked over to Denny’s for breakfast. They were busy but the wait was quick. We then just walked around a bit more. There is dining, shopping and attractions right there at your fingertips.

We headed over to the I-Drive 360 entertainment district which includes the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE. Along with the 3 main attractions there is also dining and shopping near by. We headed to the SEA LIFE Aquarime first as I was a bit hesitant to ride the Orlando Eye. I was pleasetly surprised at how much there was to see and do at SEA LIFE. We then headed over to the Orlando Eye. The ferris wheel never stops. It goes slow enough that you can walk into your pod as it’s moving. I was a bit nervous going up but I really enjoyed the view.