Free Kids Events This Saturday 6/1

Lakeshore Learning - Stop by between 11 am and 3 pm to make a free High Flying Skydiver

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Stop by between 9 am and 12 pm to make a free Lawn Mower Pencil Holder.  Plus kids will receive a KIDS GO FREE ticket offer to any Merlin Entertainments Group US Attraction (LEGOLAND Theme Parks, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquariums)

Free Museum Admission - Bank of America card holders can go to select museums for free during the first weekend of each month.

Last Chance to Ride Sandstorm at Busch Gardens Tampa

Sunday, June 2 will be the last day Busch Gardens Tampa guests will be able to ride the Sandstorm located in the Timbuktu area of the park. The Sandstorm opened back in December 1979 and have thrilled guests for over 30 years. In fact, this is one ride that my kids always HAD to ride when we were at the park.

Busch Gardens Tampa will be announcing their future plans for Timbuktu and I will be attending a media event on June 11 to find out what it will be.  Even though I am a little sad about it leaving, I am also very excited to find out what will be replacing it !!!

Book Your Next Birthday Party at Monkey Joes in Orlando + GIVEAWAY

Today I took my kids to Monkey Joes at Pointe Orlando for a really fun blogger event.  We got to experience what it would be like to have a birthday party at the location.  They offer a variety of party packages accommodating up to 24 kids. And even if your party exceeds 24 kids, they have after-hours parties that are better suited to your large-party needs.

First we all got to jump, slide and play on all their bounce houses and giant slides.  This was a great way to burn off some energy before getting to eat.  They even have an area for smaller kids which I thought was great.

They also have a lot of games to play for points which can be redeemed for prizes.  Kyle loved the claw machine and ended up winning a turtle for the little girl we were babysitting !!!

After playing for awhile, we got called into the party room for pizza which I thought was very good.  We also got to try their chicken wings which are not included in the party package but are really good so I highly suggest ordering some when you go.  They come plain or with BBQ, Buffalo or Sweet Chili sauce.  When I go back, I will be getting the wings for sure !!!

Later we got to meet Monkey Joe and take photos with him which was a big hit with all the kids !

You don't need to book a party to experience all the bounce houses, slides and games.  They also do walk-ins where you can just pay to play and stay as long as you would like during your local Monkey Joe's hours of operation.

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Now onto the giveaway…

One reader is going to win (2) Bounce passes so you can take your kids 12 and under to jump for free.

To enter, leave a comment stating how old your kids are.

 I will give you a second entry if you "Like" Orlando Daily Deals on Facebook (then leave a comment on this post saying that you did it)

I will end this giveaway on 6/12 at 5 pm EST

Disclosure: I was part of a blogger event to help facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.

Free Lego Mini-Build on June 4, 2013

On the first Tuesday of the month, your child (age 6-14) can build a LEGO model and take it home at participating Lego Stores.

LEGO  Fisherman: Tuesday, June 4th, begins at 5:00 pm until supplies last.

I suggest that you call to make sure they are participating before heading out!

DOWNTOWN DISNEY MARKETPLACE

1672 E Buena Vista Dr
32830-8401 Lake Buena Vista FL
Phone: (407) 828-0065

Sea World Antarctica Empire of the Penguin is Officially Open

Photo Credit

I got to attend the opening day ceremony on 5/24/13 for Sea World Antarctica Empire of the Penguin which was just so amazing. The crowd had so much energy and excitement as they watched the ceremony and the turn out was HUGE.  Because I was one of the first 700 fans through the front gate I got a special Sea World Antarctica bracelet.

You can GO HERE to watch a video I took of award-winning country artist Lauren Alaina singing the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin theme song during the opening ceremony.

Once they declared the ride as open, everyone raced to get in line to experience this one of a kind attraction.  You will first watch a couple preshow films to set the storyline and then you choose between a WILD Exploration or a MILD Exploration (which will determine how much your vehicle will spin, bounce and move around). 

Once the ride comes to an end, you’ll step out and explore the colony of nearly 250 penguins in a frosty temperature of 30 degrees.  This amazing area contains 3 levels of viewing with floor-to-ceiling windows where you will get to watch the underwater action of these “flightless” birds in the nearly 170,000-gallon saltwater pool.

Make sure you spend some time walking around the courtyard and check out all that it offers including the Glacial Collecions gift shop, Expedition Café, hunting for hidden shamus and manta rays and building the Cup the Cares.   

 

 

Hidden Shamu (Can you see it?)

 



As we were enjoying lunch, we got to take the "penguin pledge" and learn the penguin dance with one of the cast members. She also folded a dollar bill into a penguin which was really cute !!!

 

 

As I was about to leave, I saw Puck walking around so I had to get my picture taken with him. Isn't he just so adorable !?!?! And did you notice that I wore black and white to show my penguin pride.

 

 

Mrs Renfro’s Salsa Review and Giveaway

All Mrs. Renfro’s salsas are gluten-free and fat-free and made with only natural ingredients and no preservatives. Whether you like them mild, medium or hot, they’ve got ‘em all… including its hottest salsa to date, the Ghost Pepper salsa.

I was asked to pick out 4 different flavors that I wanted to try so I selected their Mild Peach Salsa, Tequila Salsa, Medium Smoky Roasted Salsa and Medium Roasted Garlic Salsa.

I have had the Peach Salsa before and knew that I liked it but wanted I just more of it.  If you like sweet salsa, you will like this.  I had heard great things about the tequila salsa so I just had to try it and I am hooked.  Its got a GREAT kick to it and a unique flavor.  I can see why so many people like this.  The Smokey Roasted Garlic sounded interesting so I picked that one but it isn't something I will get again.  However if you like smoked foods, you may like it.  It definitely has a SMOKEY flavor.  Kevin's favorite was the Medium Roasted Garlic Salsa.   I barely got to eat any of it because he went through the jar so fast.  What I did get to eat, I really liked !

You can find Mrs. Renfro’s salsas in most leading grocery stores throughout the US, Canada, Caribbean, UK & Spain or you can order your favorite Renfro products from the comfort of your home.

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Now onto the giveaway….

One reader will win their choice of 4 Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa products

To enter, GO HERE to check out all the salsas and then come back and leave a comment stating which 4 flavors you would like if you won (these will be the ones you win so make sure you pick the ones you want the most)

I will give you a second entry if you "Like" Orlando Daily Deals on Facebook (then leave a comment on this post saying that you did it)

I will end this giveaway on 6/5 at 5 pm EST

Disclosure: I was given my choice of 4 salsas to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way

Bil-Jac Celebrates Take Your Dog To Work Day + Pinterest Contest

Bil-Jac, a family owned company since 1947, is hosting a Take Your Dog To Work contest where dog lovers across the US have the opportunity to win dog treats and food coupons by sharing a photo of their dog at work.

To enter, share your photo between May 21-May 30 via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter @BilJacDogFood or on their website (bil-jac.com).

Then after June 1, vote daily for your favorite "Dog at Work" picture on their Pinterest Board. The Dog at Work with the most votes before June 30 wins $100 worth of Bil-Jac premium dog food and treats!

**National Take Your Dog To Work Day is June 21

Ultimate Father's Day Grilling Gift Ideas

 

Looking for the perfect way to say "You're the BEST Dad" this Father's Day?  I have come up with a wonderful selections of gifts for the dad that loves to grill.

First, the Coleman Fold-N-Go Charcoal Grill from QVC is the perfect portable grill for the dad that likes to go camping or tailgate at games.  It uses standard charcoal briquettes and has an adjustable grate made of porcelain-coated stamped steel.  The fast preheat function lets you start grilling in no time which is such a nice feature.  It comes with a 5-year limited warranty and measures 13 3/4" x 6 3/4" x 14 3/4" with a 150 square inch cooking surface.

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The Mr. Bar-B-Q 18-Piece Plastic Finger Grip Grill Set with Case from QVC is a must have grilling kit which includes:

• 4-in-1 spatula
• Fork
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Eight corn holders
• Knife
• Grill brush
• Four large steak Bakelite knives
• Black plastic carrying case with stay-cool grip handles

I love that all the items fit nicely in the hard plastic case which is easy to travel with or store on the patio.

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A unique gift to add to your "ultimate grilling gift" is the Mr. Bar-B-Q 15” Grill Stone Pizza Kit from QVC which includes a 15" diameter grill-top pizza stone, over-sized spatula and pizza cutter.  This round stone allows you to cook a pizza on the grill to create a nice crispy crust.

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Flirty Aprons carries a large selection of Men's Aprons that would make for a great addition to your Father's Day grilling gift.

Some of the apron selections include:

• "I Turn Grills On"
• "Caution Extremely Hot"
• "BBQ King"
• "My Grill is Hotter Than Yours"
• "I Like Big Buns"

The aprons are such nice quality aprons which are sure to protect dad's clothes.  Plus you can pick just the right saying to match his personality !

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McCormick has the perfect seasoning and sauces for when Dad fires up the grill.  They have introduced 2 new varieties of Grill Mates Steak Sauces: Montreal Steak and Smoky Montreal Steak. This premium steak sauce line combines a rub and sauce in a single bottle to enhance the flavor of grilled food with a unique blend of all-natural herbs and spices.

Also, McCormicks Grill Mates is making it easier than ever to create grilled masterpieces packed with flavor with these (4) new products:

·         Slow & Low Tennessee Smokehouse BBQ Rub

·         Smokin’ Sweet Tea Marinade

·         Backyard Brick Oven Seasoning Blend

·         Worcestershire Pub Burger Seasoning Blend

No mater which seasoning or sauce you choose, they are sure to help create the perfect grilled meal !!!

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No dad wants to be bothered by bugs while grilling and this is where OFF!^®, the trusted brand for insect repellents, comes to the rescue.  Whether grilling in the backyard, heading out for a weekend fishing trip or relaxing in a hammock, there’s an OFF!^® Insect Repellent that will help you enjoy the occasion.

• OFF!^® Backyard Pretreat kills more than 110 different types of insects. Choose between a spray or a stream option to quickly and easily spot-treat shrubs, bushes and other areas of your backyard.
• OFF!^® Clip-On Mosquito Protection does not have to be applied to the skin. A quiet, battery powered fan circulates an odorless repellent and within minutes creates head-to-toe protection for up to 12 hours.
• OFF!^® Deep Woods provides long-lasting protection and repels against ticks, mosquitoes, black flies, sand flies, chiggers, fleas, gnats and no-see-ums. Formulated with 25 percent DEET and provides up to eight hours of protection against mosquitoes.

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Of course, Dad will need a nice pair of sunglasses to keep the sun out of his eyes while grilling and Coastal.com, the world's largest eyewear company, has a great selection of sunglasses including designer and private label brands such as Ray-Bans at incredibly affordable prices.

I love that these come with a nice hard case, lens cleaner and a microcloth.  They are sure to be a huge hit with any dad !!!

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No grilling package would be complete without a good cookbook and THE UNOFFICIAL MAD MEN COOKBOOK serves up more than 70 recipes to satisfy a Mad Men appetite!  It also provides invaluable historical and cultural context for the food and drink featured in Mad Men, tips on throwing a successful '60s cocktail party, and even a guide to favored Mad Men hangouts.

Disclosure: I received all of the following products featured in this post to help with writing the post.  All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.

New Fun Activities at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort

 

There are just so many times where I think to myself "I just LOVE being a blogger" and this was definitely one of those times.  Several bloggers and their kids were invited to the Nickelodeon Resort Suites to check out the new character breakfast, 4D SpongeBob movie and more.  The day was non-stop fun from start to finish.

 

 

We started the day off with the SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom Breakfast.  Not only was there delicious all you can eat foods but we get to meet SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and Mr Krabs (Mr Krabs was counting all his money and couldn't make it while we were there). Throughout the meal there are numerous dance parties with the characters and they also all come to each table for photo opps.   As far as the food goes, it was really good.  They had lots of fruit, an omelet station, cereal, many pastry selections, pancakes, waffles, meats such as bacon, sausage and turkey and more.  Kyle's favorite item was the SpongeBob waffles and I couldn't stop going back to the pastry bar.  Prices for the character buffet are $24 for adults and $14 for kids.  Definitely will give your family lots of great photos and memories.

 

 

 

After finishing breakfast, we got to see the new SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D movie "The Great Jelly Rescue" where SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy have to rescue the Jellyfish of Jellyfish Fields from Plankton's evil clutches. You will surf through the electrifying swarm of Jellies, get dragged into the bowels of the Flying Dutchman's ghost ship, and even feel the rumble of the cannon as the heroes are launched on their hysterical odyssey. This was such a cute show with lots of action, scents, bubbles and more.  Plus I love that when you buy a movie wrist band, you get to see as many of the 4D movies as you want throughout your stay (there are about 6 different movies to choose from).

 

 

Next we headed over to the Dora's Friendship Fiesta show where Dora, Diego, Boots and Team Umizoomi explore everything about friendship while singing and dancing on stage. After the show, they had a fun meet and greet fiesta where you could take lots of pictures with each of the characters.  Even though my kids are older, they had a great time.

 

 

Our final stop was the pool which is always a HUGE hit with my kids.  Between the slides, the mass slimings, the pool side shows and the basketball court, my kids never want to leave. Kyle was actually picked to be part of one of the shows and at the end of it, he was slimed (which he TOTALLY loved).

They were even very generous and allowed us to use one of the cabanas for the day. This was such a nice treat and I may need to do this the next time we stay at the hotel.  It really helps during the hottest part of the day.

 

Sounds like a ton of fun, right ?!?!  Right now they are offering a special for all my blog readers... you can get 15% off their best available rate and discounts on food and beverage when you use code BLOGGER521. **code has no expiration date

You can read my review of the hotel and other fun activities they offer in a post I wrote on my other site HERE.

Memorial Day Blood Drive at Waterford Lakes - Free Ice Cream & Movie Ticket

Donate blood this weekend at the Big Red Bus in Waterford Lakes between 11 am to 9 pm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday or on Monday, Memorial Day, between 11 am to 8 pm and get a FREE Fandango ticket good for any movie including new releases. Plus you’ll get a coupon for a FREE ICE CREAM, courtesy of Marble Slab Ice Creamery!

To avoid a long line, make an appointment or visit us early in the day or late on Sunday evening.

Aio Wireless Opens in Orlando #HelloAio

Aio Wireless has launched a new nationwide wireless service for consumers interested in a first-class wireless experience at a value price, without an annual contract. Aio makes prepaid wireless easy for customers with a friendly in-store and on-line experience. 

There are 3 simple rate plans and many devices to choose from including smartphones, tablets and feature phones from a variety of manufacturers including Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and others.

Aio’s unlimited talk, text, and data rate plans range from $35 to $70 per month (prices vary by market) and they will offer 4G download speeds of up to 4Mbs per second. Customers will also have the opportunity to bring a compatible, unlocked device for activation on the Aio network.

Along with offering first-class service at affordable prices, Aio Wireless has a commitment to serving the community. One of their projects is the 30 days 30 Dreams where 30 kids will be honored with a $1000 scholarship and a ZTE Velox tablet.  These recipients will be honored on June 4th at the Orlando Museum of Art.

Keep an eye out for one of the three AIO Volkswagon's driving around Orlando.  Play games from their trunks and have a chance at winning prizes.  (The AIO Trio come in blue, yellow and plum colors)

Here is a picture of all the fabulous bloggers that attended the event with me today !!!

Photo Credit: Ella Media

 

Disclosure: I attended a Blogger Social to learn about  Aio Wireless and received complimentary gifts. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Limited Edition Air Wick National Park Collection

 

Air Wick has teamed up with the National Park Foundation (NPF) to craft fragrances inspired by the rare essence of national parks.  After thousands of hours spent perfecting these scents, you can now purchase them in scented oil warmers, scented candles, freshmatic auto sprays or reed diffusers each coming in their own unique scents. 

I got the pleasure of trying the American Samoa Sweet Coconut & Island Palm candle and the Gulf Island scented oil plug-in and truly love them both.  I have gotten so many compliments lately when people walk into my house about how great it smells because I have these all over the place.

The American Samoa Sweet Coconut & Island Palm candle has such an amazing coconut scent that it makes me want to head to the beach.  It lasts up to 25 hours and contains rich essential oils inside a beautiful frosted glass.

The Gulf Island scented oil plug-in has such a deliciously sweet scent and will continuously keep your house smelling wonderful.  The new advanced design even allows you to control the fragrance level of your plug-in.  When the warmer runs out of oil, simply replace with any Air Wick® Scented Oil refill.

You can find Air Wick products at all major retailers at prices ranging between $2.99 to $5.99.  To keep up with the latest news and promotions, make sure you "Like" Airwick on Facebook.

Disclosure: I was given the products featured in this post to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.

Sea World: Cup That Cares

In conjunction with SeaWorld^® Orlando's epic new attraction and ride Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™ opening Memorial Day weekend, SeaWorld has created the Cup That Cares™-- a new reusable cup program with a twist of technology.  The innovative, interactive cup was designed specifically to connect with Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispensers in the new realm.  Technology embedded in each cup calculates the amount of CO2 each guest saves from the atmosphere when they choose to reuse the cup for refills at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in SeaWorld ^® Orlando’s epic new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™.

There are two options to choose from when purchasing your Cup That Cares™:

• Cup That Cares souvenir reusable cup – available at the two beverage stations inside the attraction for $9.99 – is adorned with photos of Puck™ and his penguin family. Puck is  the hero penguin character featured throughout the new realm.

• Create A Cup That Cares – Guests may build their own personalized penguin-shaped character cup by choosing from more than 40 accessories such as eyes, hair, glasses, hats, bow tie, necklaces and even miniature Shamu ice cream bars and SeaWorld shopping bags. The Create A Cup That Cares will be sold in the Antarctica gift shop, and includes a free first fill at the nearby Antarctica beverage stations. Create A Cup That Cares experience starts at $15.95 with the option to add accessory items.

 
Plus with each purchase of the new Cup That Cares™, SeaWorld will donate $1 to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund that helps animals around the world.  

Free Movie Ticket and Pizza when you Donate Blood in Waterford Lakes

Waterford Lakes this weekend to donate blood and help save almost as many lives as the Star Trek crew! You will receive a FREE fandango ticket good for any movie including Star Trek AND a coupon for a FREE Small Pizza from Marco’s Pizza.

The Big Red Bus will be at Waterford Lakes from 11 am to 9 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To avoid a long line, make an appointment or visit us early in the day or late on Sunday evening. We hope to see you there!

GO HERE to make an appointment

“Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” Comes to Busch Gardens on May 18th

“Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” comes to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Florida and to celebrate they will be having a premiere party weekend on May 18 and 19 with on-the-hour  “Move It, Move It” dance parties throughout the park and meet and greets, along with the show’s premiere inside the Stanleyville Theater.

Sing, clap and dance along to original songs and party favorites as you join the Madagascar characters such as Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien the Lemur, Mort and the Penguins Skipper, Private, Kowalski and Rico as they vacation with guests at Busch Gardens.

This original live musical show features singers, dancers and rock/pop music performed by a live band.  Plus guests will have the chance to meet the characters and take photos with them as part of each scheduled performance.

While at the park, make sure you see Jack Hanna's shows in Gwazi Park at 11 am and 1:30 pm on both May 18 and 19.  And stay for the fireworks show on Saturday night at 8:30 pm.  Plus the Busch Gardens zoo education team will have up-close animal presentations throughout the weekend.

Sounds like a lot of fun, right ?!?!

SAMs Club Free Health Screening on 5/11/13

On Saturday, May 11 from 11 am to 3 pm, Sam’s Club will host a series of  free preventative health screenings to raise awareness of healthy weight and skin issues, including the effects of stress on both. The screenings are free and available to the public at all Sam’s Club locations with a pharmacy.

The free health screening event features tests valued at up to $150, including:
 

·         Cortisol

·         Body mass index (BMI)

·         Weight

·         Height

·         Blood pressure

·         Vision

·         Free sample of Align^® probiotic supplements

Free Home Depot Kids Workshop on 5/4

Home Depot Kids Workshop - FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Saturday 5/4 - Herb Planter Workshop for Kids