Florida Living

Guy Harvey Outpost Resort Vacation

August 31, 2017 By Heather Little

Although we live just a few miles from a beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean, I grew up going to beaches on the Gulf Coast and to this day, they remain my favorite. The crystal blue calm waters and soft white sand are just so beautiful and relaxing. So when it came to planning our summer vacation this year, we decided to head west to the Gulf Coast.

From the panhandle of Florida all the way down to Marco Island and Naples, there are an endless number of beautiful beaches along the coast. We wanted a destination with a relatively short drive, so we decided on St Pete Beach, near Tampa. When picking a resort, my family really enjoys a “one stop shop” where everything is available onsite or within walking distance. After some research, we decided on Guy Harvey Outpost Resort.

Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico on St Pete Beach, the resort offers tons of amenities, plus access to their “sister resort”, Tradewinds Island Grand, just a few steps down the beach. Between the two resorts, there are seven swimming pools, over a dozen restaurants, bars and eateries, and countless activities like a touch tank, paddle boats, and pirate shows to keep you and your kids entertained the entire vacation. One of the major attractions at Tradewinds is the 3 story high, 200 foot long High Tide Slide. My girls couldn’t get enough of it! They also had a great time on the inflatable waterpark while my husband and I relaxed in the complimentary beach cabanas and ordered delicious food and tropical drinks right from an app on my phone…Doesn’t get much better than that!

Surrounded my sea grapes and swaying palm trees, the wide, white sand beach is beautiful. The water is clear and calm, perfect for floating the day away or enjoying the water sports the resort has to offer. But when the sun starts to set, that’s when the real show starts! The famous sunsets from St Pete Beach are simply amazing. Just before the sun starts to go down, crowds gather on the beach to enjoy the beautiful view. My girls loved roasting s’mores over the resort’s fire pits as we watched the sun set each night.

Overall, my family and I really enjoyed our time to Guy Harvey Outpost in St Pete Beach and we definitely plan to be back. Between the beautiful beach and the great onsite dining choices and countless activities to keep the whole family entertained, the resort checked all our boxes for a relaxing beach vacation.

To book your vacation, click here!

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!

Scare Up Some Fun at Seaworld’s Halloween Spooktacular on Weekends in September and October!

August 25, 2017 By Marijean

SCARE UP SOME FAMILY FUN AT SEAWORLD’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

Popular Daytime Halloween Celebration Returns Weekends September 23 – October 29

Halloween Spooktacular returns to SeaWorld Orlando this fall earlier than ever before on September 23. Guests of all ages can join everyone’s favorite furry friends from Sesame Street as The Count, Elmo, Abby and others take the stage in “Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween.” Families will also enjoy a Halloween Dance Party and meet whimsical characters inspired by the sea. For this special event, children can dress in their Halloween costumes and take part in fun-filled trick-or-treating in the park.

The daytime Halloween fun takes place every Saturday and Sunday starting September 23 through October 29, 2017 and is included with park admission. Event hours are 11 a.m. to park close.

Halloween Spooktacular Highlights Include:

· Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween – Celebrate a Spooktacular Halloween at SeaWorld with The Count, Elmo, Abby, and the rest of their Sesame Street friends! The Count is feeling lonely this Halloween, and it’s up to the loveable monsters from Sesame Street to get him into the Halloween spirit. Batty bats and spooky skeletons join the fun in a song-filled stage show that invites guests to dance, play and sing along.

· Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast – Back by popular demand, Count von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast features a delicious buffet enjoyed with the furriest characters in town, this breakfast is a fun-filled experience sure to delight kids and parents alike. Starting at $9 for kids and $19 for adults, reservations can be made online, at the Information Counter or by calling (407) 545-5550.

· Penelope’s Garden Party – This dynamic “underwater” environment comes to life with a live DJ, bubbles floating overhead, unique photo opportunities and colorful sea-themed characters.

· Pets Ahoy Halloween – Guests can enjoy a special Halloween version of this side-splitting show with surprise twists, and a cast of unlikely characters that will have the whole family laughing from beginning to end.

· Waves of Trick-or-Treat Fun – Costumed youngsters can trick-or-treat from 11 a.m. to park close for ghoulish goodies. Each sea-themed, trick-or-treat station features an assortment of candy favorites including Tootsie Roll®, Airheads® and Junior Mints®, just to name a few.

· Halloween Dance Party – Children join Princess Penelope and her under-the-sea friends for a Spooktacular Dance Party where they can participate in line-dancing favorites as clouds of bubbles fill the evening air. The party kicks off in the front of the park every event night one hour before park closing.

Best Way to Play:

The best way for families to experience SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular – and save – is by purchasing advance tickets online at SeaWorldOrlando.com. Guests who purchase single-day tickets at least 1-day in advance can save $20 and visit the park for only $79.99.

For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. To keep up to date on park hours and events, follow SeaWorld’s social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Marijean

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

Pop Drop Popsicle Holders for Kids!

July 21, 2017 By Marijean

Introducing a new summer accessory that is simple yet smart! Kate, a mom of 3 young kids has designed a silicone cup to prevent popsicle drips from running down kids’ arms and dripping all over their clothes. I’m so excited to try these as I understand the struggle of kids with Popsicles from first-hand experience!

“Having 3 young kids, popsicles are a popular summer treat in our house. When I came across a pinterest trick to slide a cupcake liner on a popsicle stick to catch the drips, I thought it was a great idea! Except, as the popsicle melted away, so did the cupcake liner. When I looked around stores and online for a better device I was surprised to find there weren’t any! Unless I wanted to make my own popsicles (I didn’t) or buy a big, bulky popsicle holder (also didn’t) I was out of luck. That’s when I designed the Pop Drop!”

Right now, Pop Drop is collecting funding and pre-orders through their Kickstarter and if they reach their goal, they will be sending us Pop Drops to give away to our readers! So head over to their Kickstarter to pre-order yours, or share their great product on your Facebook page! This is the mom product you never knew you needed—until now!

Pop Drop Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mypopdrop/pop-drop

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mypopdrop/

Marijean

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

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

MORE

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

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.