A Day at Busch Gardens and a Madagascar Live! Preview

Disclaimer: My kids and I were invited to participate in the premiere of “Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation” at Busch Gardens. I received no compensation for my honest review. My family and I provided our own Busch Gardens annual passes.

As Busch Gardens passholders, we visit the park quite often but I can rarely convince my kids to sit through any of the shows. My children are all about the rides. Therefore, I was grateful to be invited to experience the premiere of Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, escape the sun and cool off in the newly renovated air-conditioned Stanleyville Theater.

As we entered the park through a back lot, my girls already felt so VIP, even before receiving a VIP pass. That excitement escalated as they experienced the premiere paparazzi-style with paw print lined floors and a lime green runner instead of the usual red carpet.

While enjoying Busch Gardens Tampa’s newest live stage show “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation”, guests are invited to dance, sing and party along with the characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit Madagascar franchise, including Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and King Julien as they embark on a vacation adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The lively stage full of vibrant jungle colors and larger than life Madagascar characters mesmerized my toddler. Singers, dancers in bright colorful costumes and a live band join the rollicking Madagascar characters as they amp up the party to full throttle.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The fun, energetic original tunes and party animal favorites such as “I Like to Move It, Move It” encouraged my kids and me to sing, clap and dance along throughout this 20-minute musical adventure. All three of my kids (ages 11, 7, 2) loved the music, the choreography, the costumes and the bubbles. Of course, no show is ever complete without tiny bubbles falling on you.

After the premiere of Madagascar Live, my kids and I explored the park with our friends. The rest of the afternoon was filled with flume rides and other fun ways to cool off in the heat.

For information about Busch Gardens Tampa and its newest show, Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, visit online for showtimes, tickets and hours of operations. Guest can also experience “The Royal Treatment with King Julien”, an exclusive dining experience now available, featuring lunch at Zambia Smokehouse, reserved show seating, and priority at the end-of-show meet and greet with the characters.

Just Let Go This Summer at the TradeWinds Island Resorts

*Disclaimer: I received a reduced rate and gifts from TradeWinds Island Resorts for my honest review of our stay there at the TradeWinds Island Grand. The opinions shared are my own.*

For Mother’s Day, I longed to escape to the beach and just let go. The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort located on St. Pete Beach made that all possible.

Upon arriving on the TradeWinds Island Resorts property, we were showered with warm salutations at the guard station and the superb hospitality continued throughout our stay. The staff at the TradeWinds Island Resort would revival any Disney resort and our brief stay on the beach was as magical as any experience at the House of Mouse.

Once we entered our suite within the Island Grand, we blown away by the plush beach five-star accommodations. The gorgeous golden interior décor paired perfectly with Florida sunshine.

After exploring the suite, we noticed the abundance of gifts provided by TradeWinds, including snacks, wine, a beach bag and towel, two Beaker stuffed toys and TradeWinds Island Resorts amenity/activity bands. Since we packed light with few snacks, the hospitality gifts was greatly appreciated.

Our first evening at the Island Grand, we enjoyed exploring the resort and dinner at the Flying Bridge while watching sunset.

The next morning, Allana and I woke up early to explore the shore before the rest of the resort arrived on the beach. We searched for shells in the sunrise and embraced a gorgeous cool morning.

When the rest of the gang woke up, we headed to for a delicious buffet breakfast at Bermuda’s Steak and Seafood which offered so many wonderful items to choose from along the spread. I appreciated all the healthy options but I splurged with a chorizo cheese veggie omelet, potatoes and a side of fruit.

After breakfast, we took a cruise on a paddleboat. My kids loved the journey along the shallow swan creek. We spotted huge Koi and so many varieties of birds and flowers.

Following our paddleboat cruise, we ventured out to beach which falls directly behind the property and only a short walk. On the beach, I reserved a cabana, complimentary for all resort guests and a necessary beach item with my extremely fair-skinned family. With lots of sun block and our cabana we could spend hours in the sun.

Plus, we needed a safe place to lay our belongings while we experienced the High Tide Water Slide! This slippery speedy inflatable water slide raised the bar on all future beach trips. Nothing will compare to the TradeWinds Island Resorts beach experience!

Although tacky to some, the girls and I rinsed the beach off with a quick jump in the pool while my three year old napped upstairs with Daddy. With three pools to choose from, we chose the quieter family pool just behind our room.

The girls instantly made friends playing Marco Polo and a cannonball competition.

Later that evening, we ventured off-sight for dinner. Sadly, the kids were so exhausted from a fun-filled day, they fell asleep when we returned to the resort and we missed highlight of the evening, Captain Redbeard the Pirate.

On the morning of our departure, we played one last round of golf and played on the beach one last time.

Watching my children play in the sun and sand was a perfect way to spend my Mother’s Day weekend. All the other amenities (the High Tide Water Slide, miniature golf, paddleboats, etc.) made it even better. Thank you to the TradeWinds Island Resorts for providing the opportunity for my family and I to just let go.

There are so many wonderful resort activities to enjoy that are included with the TradeWinds Island Resorts fees, such as paddleboats, minature golf, KONK (Kids Only, No kidding Activity Center, the High Tide Water Slide and more. This summer, plan a weekend away or just let go for one day and experience the TradeWinds Splash Island in addition to all the other TradeWinds Island Resorts fun for as low as $16 (non-guests begin at $25).

Plus, the TradeWinds Island Resorts are offering Florida residents a high-flying special for spring and summer with rates as low as $127* per night, not including the nightly resort fee. The resort’s Florida Resident Special includes 15% off already discounted rates, a $100 JetLev jet pack credit and a Surf n’ Sun scratch-off card for one of several prizes that could include dinner for two, a beach bag and towel and more.

** Requires minimum two-night stay and must be booked Sunday through Thursday. Rates and dates are subject to change. Based on availability. Cannot be combined with any other promotion, offer, discount or group code. No refunds for early checkouts or unused portions of the package. A few blackout dates apply. Residents must show valid proof of residency upon check-in.**

Float On {with Stand Up Paddleboard}

Yesterday, I experienced a stand up paddleboard do-over. After my last paddleboard adventure, I was thrilled to experience it all over again with my girlfriends.

Stand Up Paddle Life Co lead us on paddleboard adventure on the Gulf off Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. Before we launched, Frank and Sharon offered us very thorough instructions.

Once on the open water, one person lead the group and another paddled behind the group to carefully watch the slower paddlers (i.e. Faith and me).

Both Frank and Sharon carefully watched our form and offered tips to adjust our stance and positioning for more efficient paddling. Plus, if you paddleboard correctly, it becomes a full body work-out. You’ll feel it in your arms, core and legs.

During our 3 mile tour, we stopped a couple of times for additional instructions and safety tips and of course, more photos. During that time, Daffodil decided to demonstrate her best side plank on a paddleboard and other fancy yoga moves.

Larisa and Maribel joined in on the side planking too, but as our group photographer, I passed on the planking.

We had a fabulous morning paddleboarding and we can’t wait to do it again, especially in the certified and expert hands of Frank and Sharon of the Stand Up Paddle Life Co. I would love to try their paddleboard Boot Camp and Yoga classes. (I’ll need to invest in a waterproof camera for that!)

So, what do runners do in between races?

We’ll all float on ok.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Tampa Bay for Boston

After watching the Boston bombing events unfold, Chris Lauber, a local race director known for his well orchestrated Florida Road Races, decided to “do what he does best”. On May 8^th, only three weeks after the Boston marathon, he organized a 2.62 mile run at St. Pete Pier to honor the lives lost, the injured and the athletes.

Only Lauber and his wonderful team could make a last-minute run look effortless. To keep costs to a minimum while donating as much of the $26.20 race fees to One Fund Boston, the run lacked the usual amenities we’ve come accustomed to at many of Florida Road Races, mostly the food and the beer.

Chris Lauber

Each participant received a t-shirt and a LED candle for the pre-race candlelight vigil.

Several of my Suncoast Strider friends were there to show support for Boston and our love for our own Boston Marathoner, Marcia.

Prior to the memorial run, Heather, Suzan and I made silly marathon remarks about hitting a wall around 2.5 miles. As the evening progressed with little water and food in our stomachs, we would fail to see the humor in those jokes.

In the pre-run presentation emceed by Serina Fazan of ABC Action News, race directors and runner after runner shared their Boston Marathon memories of that fateful day.

Serina Fazan, ABC Action News

Lynn Gray, Tampa Bay Race Director Committee

Susan Harmeling, Executive Director Gasparilla Distance Classic

Some athletes finished under 3 hours while others never saw the finish line. Some ran for their first time and a few speakers had several Boston marathons under their fuel belts.

Except for Marcia who joked about not liking the race, each runner all shared their love for Boston, a dedication to return and why it’s more than a marathon over a century old that separates elite athletes from your average runners. Boston is a marathon experience like none other and as I listened to runner share their stories, I longed to be part of it.

Visually impaired Boston Marathoner and her guide

With each account, the theme of the evening was evident. Runners are strong and we will always band together for a cause to do what we do best. “Run and move forward.”

Assistant Race Director, Boston Athletic Association

David Green

As we stood for two hours, the twinge in our backs and legs tested that strength and reminded us to be Boston Strong. As our legs and back began to ache, we heard one last account told by David Green, a marathoner who finished the race and snapped a photo just after the second bombing, which helped identify the second suspect. His heroic act and bravery made us proud to be Americans and runners.

After singing the National Anthem, we left St. Pier with our candles still glowing and ran towards the Vinoy Hotel. The turn-around point was just past Vinoy Park.

Elizabeth Holloway sang Amazing Grace and the National Anthem.

The long evening took a toll on me and I had to walk more than I would like for a less than 3 mile run. The lack of water also caused me to experience side stitches. But this run wasn’t about time, conditions or a PR. It was about being part of something bigger than myself and to show my support for Boston and those who were there.

I was proud to be part of Tampa Bay for Boston and next year, I hope to be able to give more by volunteering at the Boston Marathon 2014.

J&J For All You Love

*Disclaimer: I am participating in the J&J For All You Love campaign and have received compensation for sharing my heartfelt motherhood tribute for Mother’s Day and to promote JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES Care Cards, a digital e-card platform encouraging moms to share positive messages of encouragement with other moms across the country, while simultaneously supporting Save the Children®*

Twelve years ago, I stood in classroom filled with desks and children. I loved my job and my career choice. I loved seeing light bulbs shine above my students’ little heads once they finally processed a concept.

Though the paperwork, the parent conferences, the hours spent planning often overshadowed the bright faces that filled my classroom, I loved teaching and I did so for seven years.

Then, I became pregnant and when I heard my little one’s heartbeat in our very first sonogram, I knew my life and my career path would change forever. That day, I willingly made the choice to be a stay at home mom to raise the baby that grew inside me.

As my little one grew, I sang songs to my belly. I read stories to a baby that I hadn’t met yet to ensure my little one would know my voice. On the day she was born, the moment the nurses placed my newborn baby girl on my chest, I looked into her little swollen eyes and cried. Though we only just met, I fell in love with my baby girl.

Twelve years later that love has grown and multiplied as our family grew and multiplied with the birth of two more babies. Each time, I instantly fell in love with them all.

I am still at home, raising my children and I often miss my teaching days, but I don’t regret my choice. I don’t need to ask for a personal day or worry about substitute plans. Though most days balancing three kids can be tough, for the most part, we have fun.

The other day, my seven year old completed an “All About Me” poster. In the “What I want to be when I grow up” section, she wrote “I want to be a mommy.”

I asked, “Why do you want to be a mom when you grow up? Why not a teacher or a doctor?”

“Because moms have fun. Moms go on field trips and take their kids places and spend time with them and love their kids.”

Yes, we certainly do. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In celebration of Mother’s Day this year, JOHNSON’S® Baby has established JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES Care Cards, a digital e-card platform encouraging moms to share positive messages of encouragement with other moms across the country, while simultaneously supporting Save the Children®. You can help, too!

Simply pick and share a card filled with messages of reassurance for a Mom in your life on Facebook at http://www.johnsonsbabycares.com. For every card sent, shared or liked, JOHNSON’S® Baby will donate $1.00 to Save the Children® (up to $150,000) to benefit early childhood education programs that foster education and reassurance for new moms. These cards will not only spread encouragement to Moms throughout the country but will also provide Moms in need with the skills and knowledge to successfully support their child’s growth.

Adios, my ABEO Sandals

What’s black, white and red all over?

My feet painted with tan lines from my favorite flip-flops.

Last spring, The Walking Company sent me a pair of Red Reptile Sunrise ABEO B.IO. System Sandals and I wore them all the time. The sandals complimented my casual Florida style, all my favorite sundresses and oodles of outfits and of course, I received incalculable amounts of compliments every time I stepped out in them.

Since these shoes are specifically designed for plantar fasciitis, I literally lived in these lovely, sunny sandals. I walked everywhere in them, which made my feet very happy and my plantar fasciitis heels never complained.

My ABEO Red Reptile Sunrise Sandals escorted me to numerous parties and we danced the night away on more than one occasion.

I covered countless miles of amusement parks in them.

I explored the streets of New York City in these sandals.

Sadly, a year later, there’s little life left in them now. My once super cushioned sandals now offer little support anymore.

So it seems the sunrise has set on my red reptile ABEO sandals.

We had a good run, my ABEO sandals and me.

{Girl Scouts} Run the World – Run 4 Respect

On Saturday, Allana’s Girl Scout Troop hosted an anti-bullying 5K fun run, “Run 4 Respect” to earn their Bronze Award. Advertised and publicized solely by word of mouth, the inaugural event had 125 registered runners.

Over the past few months, the girls planned every aspect of the event: the route, the signage, their shirts, awards, finisher ribbons, refreshments and entertainment.

For the entertainment, there was a DJ, a bouncy castle, a face painter and a volunteer to make balloon animals, a first for any race I’ve attended!

Allana selected me to serve as a cheerleader along the course and I wore my green tutu just for the occasion. I thought the color coordinated nicely with the Girl Scout’s t-shirts, but the color would also keep the runner’s spirits bright.

The troop invited Mrs. Universe, Kelly Lightburn, to emcee, present awards and speak to the crowd after the race about standing up to bullies and the importance of self-confidence.

The inaugural event was a huge success and it was evident the Girl Scouts worked very hard on their Run 4 Respect Fun Run from start to finish.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Random Thoughts about Stroller Strides, Being Boston Strong and Track Tuesday

My husband’s American Airlines flight was canceled due to some IT difficulties and he was unable to book another because everyone was trying to do the same, which limited the number of available flights. While still on edge from the Boston marathon bombing, I was so relieved to have him home.

Between FCAT, my youngest daughter behaving poorly at school and my husband’s traveling, the past few weeks have been so stressful and I so glad to have it all behind us now. Throw the Boston bombings on top and I felt so riddled with anxiety, which only a good night sleep or a good run could fix.

Since I knew I would be running with my kids’ running club and also participating in a trial Stroller Strides class with my moms group, I decided to sleep in on Wednesday morning. It seemed that the stress was draining me and I needed the rest.

The Stroller Strides class led by Regina, a sweet little pregnant instructor, was fun. Even Liam enjoyed it! I wasn’t sure how he would do sitting in a stroller watching Mommy work-out, but he seemed to like it or perhaps he liked making faces at me. I enjoyed soaking in the sun while exercising.

We met at the trail and after an introductions and a warm-up, we did a short jog. We stopped between runs for intervals, like lunges and squats singing toddler songs like “The Ants Go Marching” or bandwork singing ABC’s or “Hurry, Hurry! Drive the Fire Truck!” (Liam’s favorite) I appreciated all the strengthening exercises, but I thought they were a bit easy. Or at least I thought they were a bit easy until the next day. Man, my legs were sore for two days. I guess I could use a bit more toddler song lunges. Expect a vlog post about that soon!

Later that afternoon, I ran a couple miles with my girls at running club. It was crazy hot, but I encouraged the kids to keep running Boston Strong.

Thursday, I ran 6 miles. I tried to do a tempo run but my PF heels couldn’t handle it or maybe my heart wasn’t it to it, because I still had Boston on the brain. Whatever was going on in my brain (Boston bombings and bad behavior) had me deep in thought, however, that concentration quickly broke when a poodle came charging at me. I jumped back into a body combat stance and nearly kicked the mutt in the head. The flat of my foot was inches away from that poor pooch’s snout before he whimpered off back to his house and all I could think was “Chamber your knee!” But it’s like I always say, all dogs look like Cujo when they come charging at you and a kickboxing Kung Fu kick is literally my knee-jerk reaction.

6 miles
Time 1:02:19
Ave Pace 10:03
Max Pace 7:52

Saturday and Sunday, I slept in. Again, I just wasn’t on my game. But Monday, I needed to shake off whatever funk I was feeling and get my head back into running along with the rest of the country. All across the nation, runners met to run #BostonStrong and Fitniche Running Stores hosted our local #BostonStrongTampa. Proudly wearing blue and yellow (Boston colors), my girls and I joined the run at the Shops of Wiregrass location along with over 400 other runners. It was truly a tear-jerking sight.

*Photo credit to Fitniche*

We ran along the main boulevard of the mall and exited out onto a road for the long mile stretch. I let my girls set the pace along the 3.1 mile course but encouraged them to stay with it.

My girls wanted to walk more than I would have liked to, but I was just so proud of them for even wanting to be part of this moment. It was so wonderful to see runners of all abilities out there showing love for Boston.

I even saw a few Striders (Kim, Rachel and Christina) out there. I loved bumping into them during the run. Of course, they passed me and my junior running group.

At the mile and a half point, we stopped for water provided by Fitniche and the girls ran the second half even stronger. Once we reached the entrance to the mall, I told them they had to run back to the running store without stopping, which they did.

Surprisingly, Emmalynn snuck a sprint in the last tenth of mile (just like her mama). When we reached the finish line she said, “I finished STRONG, mama!”

“You mean you finished BOSTON STRONG!” It was a true proud mama moment.

3.2 miles
Time 47:56
Ave Pace 15:05
Max Pace 7:17 (Emmalynn’s sprint)

This morning, I ran sprints. Funny thing with my speedwork, I’m not showing any progress. I think it may be time to bump it up to 6 x 400 sprints and to push myself a bit more.

1 mile warm up
Time 9:57

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:34

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:34

1.1 mile cool down
Time 10:36
Ave Pace 9:41

Total Time 28:13
Total Distance 3.1
Ave Pace 9:07

Is Boston on your brain these days or are you staying Boston Strong?

*Also linking up at*

Perfect Easter Pictures

These are a few of my favorite photos from Easter.

My camera isn’t fast enough to capture the front of a speedy toddler.

I love this photo us.

I asked a random stranger at church to take a picture of us. I need to find that gentleman at church again to ~~hug~~ thank him and find out his secrets for picture taking. Seriously, do you know difficult it is to snap a decent photo of my family with everyone looking in the general direction of the camera and somewhat smiling? It’s perfect.

I hope your Easter had some picture perfect moments too.

Purple Day 5K

When planning our Purple Day 5K event, I wanted to emphasize the phrase “fun run”. Many people are intimidated by runs because they think they’re too slow or they walk too much or they can’t run at all. To maximize participation among our friends, the Purple Day 5K was designed to be stroller friendly, kid friendly, walker friendly and even dog friendly.

Despite a frigid (by Florida standards) 48 degrees, we had a great turnout for a last minute fun run.

Plus, I bribed everyone to join us with purple cupcakes and other purple treats.

For the 5K, we ran along a 1.5 half route along a boulevard in our neighborhood and then turned around for a return 1.5 trip to the back to the community park.

“Mom, we’re beating you!” my oldest daughter, Allana, hollered out.

“We’re supposed to beating epilepsy, not each other!” I shouted back.

My SIL, Kirsten (an epilpesy advocate), worked as our race photographer and distributed first aid seizure cards and pamphlets to “talk about it”.

The purpose behind this Purple Day event was to educate and show support for epilepsy awareness, because someone we love needs a cure. There are approximately 65 million people around the world living with epilepsy. My niece, Meghan is one of them.

The response to our last-minute Purple Day 5K was truly overwhelming. We had people all over the world wearing purple, running and sharing photos. Thank you to everyone who supported our cause!

“Respect the purple!” – Allana, our own Cassidy Megan lookalike.

Cassidy Megan created the idea of Purple Day in 2008, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. Cassidy’s goal is to get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia came on board in 2008 to help develop Cassidy’s idea which is now known as the Purple Day for epilepsy campaign. - Purple Day

To learn more about Purple Day and how you can help educate others about epilepsy, visit purpleday.org.

Run DMT

I'm a mom on the run!

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