MY REVIEW OF BUSCH GARDENS

I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own. 


Hello all,

I recently received free tickets to Busch Gardens in exchange for a review on my day there. I was happy to have this opportunity. Though I have been to Busch Gardens many, many times, I have yet to visit the park during the holidays. I especially have been eager to see their "Christmas Town" to see if it's as nice as it's hyped up to be.

We picked a few days after Christmas to visit. My thinking was this would be a less crowded time, especially on a weekday. I was so wrong! I have never seen the park so crowded. We had to park over at the Adventure Island lot, which I never had to do before. They did still have the trams running, but it was a little odd when the tram was driving through what seemed a regular neighborhood.

It took no time at all to get inside the park, maybe 15 minutes. When we got in we got ourselves a map so we could see where Christmas Town was located, since this is really what I wanted to see most. After looking, it appeared that Christmas Town wasn't in any one particular spot, rather than in particular stations throughout. I wasn't expecting that from the advertising I've seen, but off we went to find Santa.

MY REVIEW OF BUSCH GARDENS

We found a small green house with decorations located by what I think was the animal hospital. They had a sign out front, "Gone for the season". Darn, it looks like Santa closed shop and is only available to be greeted before Christmas. Walking further we did run into Rudolph and friends. This was a nice little setup where outside they gave you plenty of opportunities for picture taking with large cutouts from the Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer cartoon. This line was very short. Once inside we took pictures of characters from the cartoon including The Abominable Snowmen and Rudolph. I thought this was very nice! I mean, you're never too old for a picture with Rudolph.

MY REVIEW OF BUSCH GARDENS

MY REVIEW OF BUSCH GARDENS

MY REVIEW OF BUSCH GARDENS

They had many Christmas themed shows playing. We didn't see any because the lines were too long. We didn't ride any of the rides either for the same reason. All of the staff seemed very friendly all decked out in their Santa hats. The park had Christmas lights, trees, and decorations everywhere. It probably would of made much more of a difference if we stayed till the evening to see it lit up. They had one section gated, with the gate open called the Christmas Village. It appeared to be a series of about 10 tents set up selling their wares. Besides from the decorations and the themed shows, it was Busch Gardens as usual.

MY REVIEW OF BUSCH GARDENS

All in all, we did have a nice time, though we didn't stay long. I definitely recommend going later in the day so you can see it lit up, and also it may be less crowded then. I do think they should have one particular area of the park set up for the Christmas goings on, instead of throughout the park. They also should have times and dates displayed for Santa and Rudolph, which I didn't see anywhere. As usual, it is always nice being at Busch Gardens, and if you've never been, now is the time to visit!

6 FUN THINGS TO DO FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE IN FLORIDA

Hello all.

The end of the year is almost here and that means New Year's Eve. To many that is parties and celebrations. 2016 hasn't been the best year, and hopefully 2017 will be better for many. With that said here is a list of 6 Fun things to do for New Years Eve in Florida. Enjoy and have a safe one!


1. Starlite New Year Eve fireworks Cruise - This event includes an open bar, souvenir photo, hors d'ouvres, food stations, desserts, a DJ, fireworks show, and a champagne toast at midnight. You have to be 21. They have 2 cruises, one out of Tampa, and one out of Clearwater. Price is $199.995 per adult. Tampa's is located at 603 Channelside. Clearwater's is at 25 Causeway Drive, slip #55.


2. Light up Tampa Bay New Year's Eve celebration and block party - This is Tampa bays largest New Year's Eve celebration. This event is free and has a ball drop, fireworks display, two stages of entertainment, food and beverages, and a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party. The event starts at 7:00 pm at 615 Channelside Drive,  Channelside Plaza, Tampa.


3. Aqua Eve - You can celebrate New Year's Eve at the Florida Aquarium. They will have music, complimentary food, beer, wine, and a champagne toast. The event runs from 9:00 pm till 1:00 am and is at the Florida Aquarium at 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Cost is $130


4. New Years Eve at Shephards Beach Resort - They have live music and a DJ, ballroom drop, dancing and party favors. It all starts at 8:00 pm at 619 S. Gulfview Blvd. Clearwater. Cost is $25-35.


5. Light Up Clearwater Beach fireworks - This is a family friendly free fireworks event. It starts promptly at midnight at the Clearwater Beach at 429 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater.


6. Busch Gardens - At this New Year's Eve  event they will have the park open till 1:00 am. Special entertainment is scheduled to perform like The Guess Who and others. Their is a ball drop and fireworks at the end of the night. The price is included in the regular daily admission of $92.

MY RECIPE CORNER - DELICIOUS EASY TO MAKE CHRISTMAS FRUITCAKE

This post contains affiliate links.

Hello all,

When I think of Christmas, I think of trees, decorating and baking. And when I think of Christmas baking, I think of fruitcake. Love them or hate them, fruitcake is definitely a Christmas tradition. I've tasted a few that were downright delicious. I've come across one that fits the bill for delicious. It's a recipe from A Taste of Home for a delicious easy to make Christmas fruitcake.

Fruitcake originated with the ancient Egyptians. They made the fruitcakes for their departed ones to carry with them into the afterlife. The dense cakes were thought to be able to withstand the journey. It then carried onto other populations and cultures and each put their own spin on it. So give the recipe a try and remember they make great gifts:


INGREDIENTS:
3 cups coarsely cut nuts such as walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts
1 pound chopped pitted dates
1 cup halved maraschino cherries
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl combine, nuts, cherries and dates. In a separate bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add to nut mixture and stir until well coated.
In a small bowl beat eggs until foamy then stir in vanilla. Fold into nut mixture and mix well.
Pour into a greased parchment lined 9 X 5 loaf pan.
Bake at 300 degrees for 1 3/4 hours until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and enjoy!

delicious easy to make Christmas fruitcake

FACTS BEHIND 5 FASCINATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Hello all,

We all celebrate Christmas every year, following the same traditions. But do you know how those traditions came about? They are very interesting and I'll share them with you. Here are facts about 5 fascinating Christmas traditions:

1. Santa Claus - The story of Santa Claus began in the 4th century about a real man. He was Saint Nicolas. He was a bishop living in Turkey. He was a very rich kind man who actually gave secret gifts to the poor. His popularity grew throughout Europe, and stories were told that he could perform miracles. Because of his kindness he became a saint. He became the patron saint of Russia where he is drawn as having a red cape, and white beard.

FACTS BEHIND 5 FASCINATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS -SAINT NICOLAS

2. Christmas trees -  Fir trees were decorated in 16th century Germany. The first person to bring the tree inside was a 16th century German preacher Martin Luther. He said the beauty of the stars coming through trees he saw in the forest made him recreate it by placing candles on a tree he brought inside. The first tree were decorated with apples and gingerbread. The first Christmas trees were brought to England by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert who was from Germany.

FACTS BEHIND 5 FASCINATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS - CHRISTMAS TREES

3. Christmas Stockings - The story of Christmas stockings started as a story in ancient times. aA noblemen had 3 daughters. His wife dies, and when the daughters were old enough to marry, the man had nothing to give as dowries. So one night  the 3 girls washed their stocking and hung them to dry on the fireplace. Saint Nicolas heard about their plight, and filled each stocking with a bag of gold. The daughters were able to marry, and kids have been hanging stockings ever since.

FACTS BEHIND 5 FASCINATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS - CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

4. Mistletoe - The tradition of hanging mistletoe goes back to goes back to the times of the ancient druids. They believed it had healing powers for poison, infertility, and to ward off evil spirits. The custom of kissing under it came from England. A berry was picked from the Mistletoe for each kiss. When the berries were gone, then the kissing was done.

FACTS BEHIND 5 FASCINATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

5. Candy Canes - The story of candy canes goes back to the 17th century. Craftsmen created the candy in the shape of  a shepherd's crook. It was done at the request of a choirmaster who wanted to remind children of the story about the Nativity and to keep them quiet during ceremonies. They became  very popular when a Georgian named Bob McCormack invented a machine that made them.

FACTS BEHIND 5 FASCINATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS - CANDY CANES

5 MOUTH WATERING DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES

Hello all,

For me, baking means Christmas. I especially love baking Christmas desserts and cookies. Cookies makes great gifts and great for those festive get togethers. I found some incredible recipes for some awesome mouth watering delicious Christmas cookies to share. Enjoy:

1. Candy Cane Cookies (Betty crocker) -

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 egg
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red food color
1 tbsp finely crushed peppermints
2 tbsp sugar

DIRECTIONS;
In large bowl, stir egg, butter, milk vanilla, peppermint extract, and sugar. Add the baking powder, flour and salt. Divide the dough in half. Stir food coloring into half. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together peppermint candy and sugar and set aside.
For each candy cane shape, shape 1 rounded tsp of dough into a 4 inch rope by rolling on a floured surface. Place 1 red and 1 white rope side by side and press together lightly and twist.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 9-12 minutes until light brown.
Sprinkle candy cane mixture over cookies and let cool.

5 MOUTH WATERING DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES - CANDY CANE COOKIES

2.  Christmas Butter Cookie Cutouts  - (Betty Crocker)

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cups soft butter
3/4 cups sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt


ICING:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp meringue powder
5 tsp lemon juice
5 tbsp water


DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy. On low beat in egg, lemon peel, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
Divide dough into 4 parts, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough between sheets of plastic wrap 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick.
Cut out with cookie cutters to your desired shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheets 1 inch apart.
Bake 10- 12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool.
For the icing, mix together meringue powder and powdered sugar. add 5 tsps lemon juice and 5 tsps water. Paint the whole cookie and let dry.
Beat the rest of the icing until peaks form. Squeeze onto cookies and decorate.

5 MOUTH WATERING DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES - CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIE CUTOUTS

3. Gingerbread Men Cookies - (Taste of Home)

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup soft butter
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
2 tbsp water
2 2/3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
Frosting


DIRECTIONS:
Mix butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Beat in molasses, egg, and water. In another bowl whisk the remaining ingredients, not the frosting, into a creamed mixture.
Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough onto floured surface into a 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut with a cookie cutter and place into ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake 8-10 minutes, cool, and decorate.

5 MOUTH WATERING DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES - GINGERBREAD MEN COOKIES

4. Shortbread Bites - (Delish)

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 cups flour
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter
1 tbsp red and green sprinkles


DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In food processor combine flour, sugar, salt, butter, and vanilla until combined.
On wax paper roll into a 1/2 inch square and freeze for 15 minutes.
Cut dough into 1/2 inch squares and put on a cookie sheet and bake 18-20 minutes until brown.

5 MOUTH WATERING DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES - SHORTBREAD BITES

5. Cream Cheese Spritz Christmas Cookies - (Delish)

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter
1 package cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cup flour
food coloring


DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
With a mixer beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and salt until creamy.Beat in egg yolk and vanilla.
Beat in flour and tint with food coloring.
Load cookies into a cookie press and press onto a cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake 12-18 minutes until brown, and cool.

5 MOUTH WATERING DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPES - CREAM CHEESE SPRITZ CHRISTMAS COOKIES

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

 There's no place quite like Florida for the holidays We have our own sense of style here. Florida has so much to see and do already, the holidays just add more to it. I've compiled a list of unforgettable amazing holiday things to do in Florida, enjoy:


1. Now Snowing - Now Snowing is a monthlong winter wonderland spectacular featuring Charles Dickens carollers, performers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and yes, it has nightly snowfalls at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00. amd 9:00 pm. They also have an ice rink open 4-10 pm till January 1st. They will be having a Radio Disney holiday concert on Saturday December 17th. This event and parking are free, but there are small fees for the ice skating, carriage rides, Santa photos, and the train. It's located at the Celebration Town Center, 701 Front St. Celebration.

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA- NOW SNOWING

2. Santa's Enchanted Forest - The site says it's the world's largest holiday theme park with over 100 rides, games, shows and attractions. It features south Florida's largest Christmas light show with millions of lights, lasers, themed displays, Christmas music, live shows and carnival rides. It's open till January 8th, 5:00 pm till midnight. Admission for adults is $31.78, kids $22,43. It's located at 7900 SW 40th St., Miami.

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA- SANTA'S ENCHANTED FOREST

3. Gaylord Palms - From November 18th to January 1st you can go to Christmas at Gaylord Palms. They have larger than life decorations with over 2 million lights. They have Alpine Rush Snow tubing, which is priced at $19.99. They also have ICE, a walk through attraction kept at 9 degrees. It is an inside winter wonderland with 2 million pounds of ice sculptures, 4 ice slides, ice carving zone, and a nativity scene carved of ice. Price is $29.99 adults, $16.99 kids. And let's not forget about Santa! You can take photos of him for a fee!

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY  THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA- GAYLORD PALMS

4. Busch Garden's Christmas Town - This event runs for 23 select dates from November 25th to December 31st. The park comes alive with 2 million lights and decorations. You can meet and take photos with Rudolph and Santa. They have special Christmas musicals and ice shows. They also have a Christmas village where they offer treats and Christmas gift shopping. They even have a Christmas Town Express where you climb aboard a train and sing Christmas carols. This event is included with the regular Busch Gardens admission price of $99.00.

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - CHRISTMAS TOWN

5. The Murder Mystery Dinner Train - This is a one of a kind experience where you can spend the holidays on a train ride in Fort Myers..  They have an awesome Christmas Rail-Boat trip. This trip takes you for a train ride with soup and salad to Punta Gorda. There you get on a boat for a boat tour through the Punta Gorda isles. Then back on the train to Fort Myers for your entree and dessert. No murder mystery on this one. The cost is $99.00                                                            

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - MURDER MYSTERY DINNER TRAIN

6. Disney World and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - The first Christmas party is November 7, and the last is December 22nd, 3-4 weeks apart. During the parties you can see Mickey's Once Upon a Time Christmas Parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, 2 Christmas stage shows, dance parties and meet and greets. They also serve complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and apple slices. They even have snow on Main Street! These tickets are popular and hard to come by at $99.00 per adult. There is a separate admission cost for this.

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - MICKEY'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY

7. St. Augustine's Night of Lights - Their Nights of Lights is from November 19th to January 31st. This was selected by National Geographic as one of the 10 best holiday light displays in the world! It features over 3 million  white lights that light up the entire city. Holiday music and the lighting of the city's Christmas tree add to the excitement. It truly is a sight to see!

7 UNFORGETTABLE AMAZING HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - ST. AUGUSTINE'S NIGHT OF LIGHTS

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES

Hello all,

The holidays to me means family get togethers and lots of holiday entertaining. Nothing says entertaining more than festive holiday drinks. I found 8 delicious tempting holiday drink recipes to share, enjoy:


1. Poinsettia Champagne - This is a delicious drink for Christmas parties.

INGREDIENTS: (per drink)
1/2 shot of vodka
champagne
cranberry canada dry
green sugar sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:
Wet the rim of your glass and coat with the green sugar sprinkles.
Add the 1/2 shot of vodka.
Then  fill up to 3/4 with champagne and top off with the cranberry canada dry.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Poinsettia champagne

2. Santa's Sleigh Cocktail (food network) - This drinks has ice cream, for a delicious dessert drink.

INGREDIENTS:
white sugar
2 cups eggnog
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1 tsp nutmeg
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
4 cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS:
Dampen the rims and cover them in sugar.
Combine eggnog, amaretto, nutmeg and ice cream in a blender.
Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Santa's sleigh cocktail

3. Ginger Snap (food network) - This is definitely a festive holiday drink

INGREDIENTS:
1 oz ginger beer
ice
1 tsp ginger juice
1 1/2 ounce dark rum
1 tsp cinnamon schnapps
pinch of ground cloves
1 egg white
cinnamon stick
crystallized ginger square
finely ground gingerbread cookie

DIRECTIONS:
Pour ginger beer into a saucer and dip the rim of a martini glass to coat the rim and dip into a ground gingerbread cookie.
Put ice cream, ginger juice, rum and schnapps into a shaker.
Add a pinch of ground cloves. Separate an egg, and add an egg white to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until frothy and foamy.
Add ginger beer, stir, and pour into a glass.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a crystallized ginger square.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY  DRINK RECIPES -  Ginger snap

4. Candy Cane Cocktail (food network) - A delicious minty drink!

INGREDIENTS:
1 shot vanilla rum
1 shot white chocolate liqueur
1 shot peppermint schnapps
candy cane for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
Shake well and pour into a martini glass and garnish with a candy cane.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Candy cane cocktail

5. Holiday eggnog (Delish) - I love eggnog, and this sounds so good.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon for garnish
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup bourbon or rum
whipped cream

DIRECTIONS:
Combine milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan over low heat and bring to a boil.
In a bowl whisk egg yolks and sugar. Slowly add hot milk  mixture to the egg yolks in batches and whisk until combined.
Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until slightly thick but do not boil. Temp should reach 160.
Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, add alcohol and chill.
Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Holiday eggnog

6. Winter Wonderland Cocktail (country living) - This will make you think you're drinking an almond joy!

INGREDIENTS:
1 ounce cream of coconut
1 1/2 ounce vanilla vodka
1 1/2 ounce creme de cocoa
ice

DIRECTIONS:
Fill a shaker with ice, cream of coconut, vanilla vodka, and creme de cocoa. Shake well and serve.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Winter wonderland cocktail

7. Christmas Coffee Cocktail (country living) - I love coffee, so this one sounds so good.

INGREDIENTS:
4 ounces strong coffee
1 1/2 ounce amaretto liqueur
1 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
1 ounce creme de cocoa
whipped cream and grated chocolate for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Combine coffee and liqueurs in a glass.
Stir and garnish with whipped cream and chocolate.
Serve warm or over ice.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Christmas coffee cocktail

8. Chocolate Peppermint Martini (country living) - Delicious chocolate and peppermint makes this a very festive drink!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup chocolate milk
1 shot chocolate liqueur
1/2 shop peppermint liqueur
crushed peppermint for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Pour milk and liqueurs into a shaker. Shake well and serve.

8 DELICIOUS TEMPTING HOLIDAY DRINK RECIPES - Chocolate peppermint martini

NEW PORT RICHEY CHRISTMAS PARADE

Hello all,

Every year one of our traditions is to go watch the Christmas parade in downtown New Port Richey, Florida. Unfortunately, they don't advertise enough about when it's going on, and some people wind up missing it. I videoed most of it so I can share with those who were unable to attend. Sorry if they are out of order. Enjoy!

8 EASY AFFORDABLE DIY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Hello all,

We all love to decorate for Christmas, making everything look so festive. But sometimes that can add up and get expensive. There's nothing like awesome easy affordable  DIY Christmas decorations to save money, and to make everything look amazing. Here are a few awesome ones I found to share! Enjoy:

1.Christmas decoration advent calendar (Woman's Day)  - You can decorate your tree one day at a time with this adorable Christmas advent calendar. To make you cover a  21 x 24 foam board in fabric and glue the back with hot glue. You can then hang store bought manila tags in rows with straight pins and add your own ornaments. To mark each date, you just punch holes in wood craft circles, and stamp with numbers and hang each number above an ornament. Beautiful!

8 Easy affordable DIY Christmas decorations - Christmas advent calendar

2. Gift bow wreath (Woman's Day) - To make this you simply  attach a loop of floral wire around a 16 inch styrofoam wreath form. Then using a hot glue gun, glue festive looking bows to the front and sides.

8 Easy Affordable DIY Christmas decorations - gift bow wreath

3. Wood pallet tree (Country living) - This one is so simple and cheap, you can get free pallets anywhere. Get a wooden shipping pallet. Then with green paint, paint on a tree. using a hot glue gun,  glue on pom poms as ornaments.

8 easy affordable DIY Christmas decorations - wood pallet tree

4. Frame ornaments (Country living) -  So simple yet so pretty. Tuck pretty wrapping paper pieces inside small nickel frames for beautiful ornaments. Hang from your tree.

8 Easy Affordable DIY Christmas decorations - frame ornaments

5. Mini forest (Better Homes and Gardens) - Use a circle punch or or scissors to cut green cardstock into various size circles. Then  accordion fold the paper to look like swagging evergreen boughs. Stack the folded rings and attach to wooden dowels to create a forest of fir trees. Group them together for a festive look. 

8 Easy Affordable DIY Christmas Decorations - mini forest

6. Yarn and button yarn topiaries (Better Homes and Gardens) -  This one is good for the kids. Using a hot glue gun, secure the end of a ball of yarn to the bottom of a foam cone with glue. Continue to wrap the whole cone tightly in yarn. Cut off the end when you have reached the top and secure with hot glue. Attach a large pompom with hot glue to the top, and a variety of different sized buttons  all over the tree. 

8 Easy Affordable DIY Christmas Decorations - yarn topiaries 

7.  Candy cane vase (Reader's Digest) - to make this simply clean an empty can. With a hot glue gun, glue candy canes all around the can. The tie with a red ribbon. looks beautiful holding poinsettias!

8 Easy Affordable DIY Christmas Decorations - candy cane vase

8. Giant Christmas ornaments (Hallmark) - Take a clean empty deli container and make holes on each side. Insert wire or coat hanger wire inside through the holes and bend to make a loop outside. Spray paint grey. Glue the deli container to a large plastic ball and let dry 24 hours. Looks awesome!

8 Easy Affordable Christmas Decorations - giant Christmas ornaments

. 

11 AMAZING AWESOME CHRISTMAS FREEBIES

Hello all,

With Christmas time, we all find ourselves spending money, sometimes more than we should. I found some awesome ways to save money with these 11 amazing awesome Christmas freebies. Enjoy:



1. This one is not a Christmas one, but it's free!  You can get a free kotex sample pack at https://www.ubykotex.com/en-us/get-a-sample. It includes 4 tampons and 2 liners.



2. A free 2017 calendar from Zeiss. They have 2 to choose from at https://www.zeiss.com/microscopy/us/local/giveaways/2017-zeiss-calendar.html

11 amazing awesome Christmas freebies-  Zeiss calendars

3. Free photo of your pet with Santa at PetSmart on December 10-11 from 12-4.



4. Free Santa tracker at https://santatracker.google.com/village.html



5. Free Merry Christmas window cling at https://www.cbn.com/giving/special/christmasclinglit.aspx?so=christmasclinglit&cpid=DM1512021Cling

11 amazing awesome Christmas freebies - window cling

6. Free Christmas coloring pages at http://www.free-coloring-pages.com/christmas.html

11 amazing awesome christmas freebies- coloring pages

7. Free letter from Santa at http://www.freelettersfromsantaclaus.com/free_printable_letters_from_santa.html



8. Free phone call from Santa for a limited time with a free phone app at https://www.packagefromsanta.com/personalized-phone-call-from-santa/



9. Free downloadable Holiday gift tags and shipping labels at http://blog.worldlabel.com/2010/holiday-labels-holiday-label-templates-Free-printable.html

11 amazing awesome christmas freebies - gift tags

10. Free Christmas fonts at http://www.fontspace.com/search/?q=christmas


11. Free Santa Christmas video at https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/

MAKE YOUR GIFT WRAPPING SAY WOW WITH GINGERBREAD GIFT TAGS

Hello all,

Nothing says Christmas to me like baking and gift wrapping. What a time saver to be able to combine the two. I found an awesome recipe from Brit and CO for adorable delicious gingerbread gift tags, but I saw Martha Stewart has one as well. Yes, you heard that right, the edible cookie you use as a gift tag. This makes you think why didn't I think of that! Here's the recipe, enjoy!:



INGREDIENTS:

3 cups flour
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
frosting
string or ribbon
 straw
cookie cutters



INSTRUCTIONS:

In a medium bowl mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
In another bowl mix together butter, and brown sugar. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture till smooth. Cover and refrigerate  for at least 4 hours.
Set oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out dough  1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
Cut out the shapes with a cookie cutter. Add words or lettering if you like. Use a straw to cut a hole at the top.
Place them on a cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Then let cool.
Decorate with the frosting and use string or ribbon to put through the hole to attach to your presents.

MAKE YOUR GIFT WRAPPING SAY WOW WITH GINGERBREAD GIFT TAGS

7 BEST DAZZLING CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

One thing my family loves to do every year around the holidays is to look at Christmas lights. So many change venues or times every year. So I scoured the web searching for the 7 best local dazzling Christmas light displays in Florida. Here's the list:


1. Wilderness Wonderland (New Port Richey) - This is a drive through viewing of Christmas lights. They turn their campground  cabins into a winter wonderland with many lights and moving animation. If you tune your radio to 89.5 you can listen to the Christmas music as you drive through. It takes place at JB Starkey Park at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey. Its $2 per person and is December 9-11, and the 15th-18th.



2. Holiday Lights in the Garden (Largo) - You can stroll the gardens and see more than a million lights, lasers, and animated figures. They even have entertainers and Santa. It's at The Florida Botanical Gardens at 12520 Ulmerton Road , Largo. Its $4 per person and runs from 5:30-9:30 daily.

7 best dazzling Christmas light displays in Florida - Holiday  Lights in the Garden

3. Nights of Shimmering Lights (Brandon) - This is a drive through viewing in your car of two miles of lights and 750 lighted scenes, tunnels and dancing lights. It's at the The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds at the corner of Sydney Washer Rd. and Hwy. 60, Brandon. It's open daily till dusk until December 30th and is $20 a carload.



4. Rawls Road lights (Tampa) - This is a multi-home light display in the Carrollwood area of Tampa. It has been going on for 15 years and was featured on HGTV. It has inflatables, music and a walk through area. The display is daily till January 1st from dark till 9 pm. and is at 5118 Rawls Road, Tampa.



5. Oakdale Christmas House (St. Pete) - This display made HGTV and NBC's Today top 3 Christmas light displays in the US. It has half a million lights and fiber optics and takes a crew of 15 three months to install.  It runs from 6-9 pm through January 3rd at 2719 Oakdale St. S., St. Pete.

7 best dazzling Christmas light displays in Florida - Oakdale Christmas house

6. Symphony in Lights (Wesley Chapel) - The Shops at Wiregrass  Mall in Wesley Chapel have a lightshow with thousands of lights choreographed to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It runs on the hour from 6-9 pm through December 31 at 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel.

7 best dazzling Christmas light displays in Florida - Symphony in Lights

7. Bright Nights (Tampa) - The Glazer Children's Museum has an enchanted land of lights with lit up exhibits and Christmas music. It runs through December 18th at 110 Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa. Admission is $15 per person.

7 best dazzling Christmas light displays in Florida - Bright Nights

MY REVIEW OF THE RAINFALL SHOWERHEAD BY H20 NATURAL

I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.


Hello all,

Recently I received a 6 inch with chrome finish high pressure luxury rainfall shower head by H20 Natural for free to review, here is the link https://www.amazon.com/Shower-Chrome-Finish-Pressure-Rainfall/dp/B01GLTP472/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478816497&sr=8-1&keywords=shower+head.  We needed a new shower head anyway so we gave it a try. I love this shower head ! First of all, it's in a chrome finish that looks very modern and nice. It gave our bathroom a more luxury look.  The size was nice and big, 6 inches across, much larger than our other one.

It was so easy to install. Just screw it on, and you're all set. It came with tape and and new arm, but we just used our old one. It took longer to remove our old one. No leaks whatsoever.  It reminds me of the showerheads you would see in more upscale hotels. With the head as big as it was, the water flow coverage I got was amazing. The water pressure was perfect and steady! It was the best relaxing shower I've had in a long time. This is by far the best shower head I've ever owned. I definitely recommend this for anyone looking to buy a new shower head. Two thumbs up!

THE RAINFALL SHOWERHEAD BY H20 NATURAL

 THE RAINFALL SHOWERHEAD BY H20 NATURAL

 THE RAINFALL SHOWERHEAD BY H20 NATURAL