If you haven't read a copy of this magazine I recommend you check it out. Pick one up at your local Publix and enjoy! All kinds of family related articles.
Author: becky
Stir-Fry w/Chicken, Pineapple & Peppers-24 minutes
Trying this one tomorrow I usually don't put pineapple in my stir-fry so sounds good, kid friendly and quick. Total time 24 minutes
1 tbsp. veg oil, 1 tbsp. fresh ginger or 1 tsp. dried
1 red pepper, cut in strips
1 pd. boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips
1 cup canned or fresh pineapple
1 tbsp. soy sauce-low sodium
Start with stir frying 1st 2 then add chicken cooking 5 minutes add pineaplpe & soy sauce cooking another 3 minutes serve over white or brown rice, top adults w/scallions
American Music Festival
http://www.amf2010.com/index.cfm
To all of those Lifehouse, Kevin Jonas and Honor Society fans, or those who just like to hear good music outside at one of Daytona's oldest landmarks check this out. It's this weekend 1pm-10pm Saturday June 26th at the Bandshell at Ocean Walk. I would recommend bringing a folding chair as this is probably going to attract thousands since it's top names and FREE!!!
Poison Control Hotline
Turkey Sheperd’s Pie-20 minutes total
O.k. this is a staple in my household and everyone I've ever made it for has loved it, I didn't create most of these but I tweak them to make them my own:
1 lb. ground turkey
Publix seasoning blend (celery, onion, green pepper) or use fresh which takes even better and throw in some parsley or basil from the garden!
1 pack prepared mashed potatoes from cold section in Publix(for convenience) or make fresh mashed potatoes
1 pack dry mushroom gravy (Publix brand) also optional I've made it without and still just as good just adds more flavor
Mushrooms-fresh or canned up to you, I always prefer fresh but leave out because my husband doesn't like:(
Brown turkey and seasoning blend w/mushrooms in saute pan add 2 tablespoons tomato sauce with a dash of cornstarch or Wondra to thicken mixture
Spread in casserole and top with mashed potatoes, broil for 7 minutes in oven
Top things to do in FL FREE
Top 10 Things To Do for FREE in Florida
The best things in life really ARE free!
By Dawn Henthorn, About.com Guide
We all like a bargain, but is it possible to get something on your vacation or getaway for free? Of course it is. I'm going to show you where and how to see top attractions and interesting places in Florida for free!
1. FREE Sunset Celebrations
© Photographer Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau
Florida's sunsets are spectacular, and people in two Florida communities — Key West and Clearwater Beach — think that is reason enough to celebrate! Night after night, the crowds gather a couple of hours before sunset. The atmosphere is festive… live bands play, craftsmen hawk their wares, talented artists sketch portraits, and performers delight the crowds. As twilight approaches everyone seems to pause to enjoy Mother Nature's show-stopping spectacle. Then, as if on cue, the party continues.
2. Visit One of America's Top Beaches for FREE
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Over 1,100 acres is available for free public recreation at Pinellas County's Fort DeSoto Park. Besides the notable distinction of having one of the top beaches in the nation, Fort DeSoto also has won accolades for its "Paw Playground" and pet-friendly beach. There are plenty of recreation opportunities both on land and water — all within easy access. Take a picnic lunch and stay the day… because the sunsets are spectacular!
There is a small (under a $1) toll road fee to get to Fort DeSoto Park
3. Stroll Amelia Island's Downtown Fernandina Beach
© Amelia Island Tourist Development Council
Amelia Island's Fernandina Beach is a post-card perfect destination that doesn't have to wreck your budget. Whether you see the sights, window shop in the unique downtown, or stroll the historic district in a self-guided walking tour… none of it will cost you a penny.
4. COMPLIMENTARY Wine Tasting & Tours
© Janis Christie/Getty Images
Complimentary tours and wine tasting are offered seven days a week — Monday thru Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Tours are held every 15-20 minutes, beginning with a 12-minute video presentation that shows the growing of Florida's grapes all the way to the wine making process. The tour includes the production area and a spectacular view of the vineyards where the grapes are grown and harvested. Wine tasting is held at a large tasting counter with a selection of award-winning wines offered. The tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Also, every January there is a FREE outdoor Winter Music Series every Saturday with live bands.
5. FREE Admission to National Naval Aviation Museum
© Blue Angels, NAS Pensacola
Located on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum provides hours of hands-on history with countless things to touch, see and experience. See more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft and over 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. In addition to free parking and admission, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings March through November, watch the amazing Blue Angels practice. Also, on Wednesdays there is an autograph session with the pilots inside the museum.
6. Town of Murals FREE Walking Tour
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Lake Placid — affectionately known as the Town of Murals — is where you'll find over 40 murals adorning buildings in the downtown area. That's just the beginning, there are surprises in this little town around every corner. Small parks and green spaces are punctuated with over 60 benches perfect for enjoying the beautiful surroundings. And, helping to keep the downtown beautiful are the one-of-a-kind sculptured trash containers scattered about town — a steam locomotive sitting on its own tracks, a larger than life turpentine bottle, a jail and beautiful butterflies are just a few of the creative containers that stand ready to take on your trash.
7. Tour Florida's Capitol Complex for FREE
© 2006 The Zimmerman Agency
Tallahassee is Florida's capital city, where the state's law makers meet to conduct the Sunshine State's official business. The old and new capitol buildings are within the same block with guided and self-guided tours available for free.
Tour hours for the old capitol building are offered daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Reservations at least two weeks in advance for guided tours are encouraged. For more information call 850-487-1902 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 850-487-1902 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
All guided tours for the new capitol require reservations, and tours during the legislative session — March through April — require reservations made months in advance. Tours daily except New Year's Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information call 850-488-6167 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 850-488-6167 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
8. Splash and Play at Daytona Beach for FREE
© Daytona Beach Area CVB
So often county parks are off the beaten path, but that is not the case with Volusia County's Sun Splash Park located right on Daytona Beach. And, while you have to pay to drive on the famous beach, the four-acre park includes 95 spaces of its own off-beach parking. The park features an interactive "zero depth" water play fountain, a shaded playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restrooms, outdoor showers, Coca Cola-sponsored "cool zone" and two beach access ramps. Sun Splash Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
9. FREE Admission to Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, is located in Miami Beach. Built of luminous Jerusalem stone and black granite the memorial makes a beautiful statement in the telling of a tragic story.
10. Lake Mirror Offers FREE Day in the Park
© Dawn Henthorn, licensed to About.com
Lakeland's Lake Mirror is beautiful enough, but stroll the promenade around the lake and you'll find a treasure trove of surprises — the tiered Hollis Garden and entertaining Barnett Family Park. There is something to please everyone in the entire family.
Hollis Garden is a 1.2-acre tiered botanical garden that overlooks the Lake Mirror Promenade. The garden displays thousands of flowering plants, ornamental shrubs and water features.
Barnett Family Park features elaborate sculptures of native Florida animals and beautiful hand-cut glass Byzantine tiles. A unique themed playground, interactive "zero depth" water play area and large pavilion for picnics and parties completes the family fun.
Local go do with toddlers
Have a toddler you need to entertain this summer or year-round for that matter?
Some places to go: Museum of Arts & Sciences, Sanford Zoo, Marine Science Center for your older kids, the beach is always great entertainment and free, parks with play areas where you can have a picnic, Ocean Walk-get an ice cream and walk by the ocean or hear some free concerts at the bandshell every Saturday of the summer thru August between 5-10pm go to http://www.bandshell.org/ for a line up of performers. Daytona Lagoon offers another outlet of fun and you don't have to drive to Orlando and go to the larger more expensive parks. Also many spalsh parks in various areas: a few on A1A between Daytona and Ormond, one by Main Street & one in Ormond By The Sea at
http://www.volusia.org/parks/sunspla.htm
FL Springs
There are many different options when it comes to natural springs to cool off during the summer months in FL.
Near Volusia County are: Ponce Deleon Springs, Blue Springs, Alexander Springs, Gemini.
Growing up we went to Ponce Deleon Springs and Blue springs pretty regularly. The manatees are a well-known staple at Blue Springs and can be found mid November thru March. It also has the largest spring on the St. Johns River, plenty of swimming, fishing, , snorkeling, canoeing & kayaking can be done here. Go early or call to ensure park entry due to high amount of visitors during peak manatee season.
At Ponce Deleon there is one large swimming pool that remains a constant 68' year round where you can snorkel, float in tubes (they do rent them there) or you can venture out in a canoe, kayak or paddle boat to explore the other water areas. Nature trails are also popular at this park.
Both of the sites below offer directions, park hours etc.
Unusual places to visit in FL
If you haven't caught this guy, Charlie Carlson as he tours all of the unusual and cool places we have along FL's east coast and beyond. Check him out. Some places of interest as you plan your family FL get aways:
In Ormond Beach by Bullow State Park, the Haunt Oak or Fairchild Oak history has it that someone was hung or rather died under it, it's over 400 years old and 133 feet wide, one of the largest oaks in FL
In New Smyrna Beach, Old Fort Park, coquina ruined Spanish fort, 40 ft. by 80 ft., ruins believed to have been within a preexisting Indian Shell mound, legend has it could have been the location for Dr. Andrew Turnbull's mansion.
If you are up for a farther drive:
If your a FSU fan and headed to Tallahassee's Old City Cemetery, go see the "Witch Grave", legend has it a Witch names Bessie was laid to rest here in one of the most ornate and elaborate tombs
If your a UF fan and headed to Gainesville, just Northwest is the "Devil's Millhopper" a gigantic funnel shaped hole in the ground, many legends surround the hole from sinners being swallowed up by it to the real story from a geologist is that an ancient sink hold formed, one about 10 thousand years ago and the second about a thousand years ago.
You can purchase his book: http://astore.amazon.com/familymattcom-20/detail/140276684X
You can preview his book below:
SAHM ever get ants in your pants?
I tell you the last 2 days I have been very ansy some of this is probably due to the freedom I once had while working for corporate America to stop and grab a coffee, run an errand or just go into a store and browse. Long are those days gone but they have been replaced by wonderful moments of watching a newborns gaze, or cutting out shapes in playdough with my toddler. I have not left the house much the past 3 weeks since Cassidy's birth and see how playdates, visits to G&G and parks etc. are very important so you connect with the outside world. So for today I am feeling a little uncomfortable in my own skin but still loving every moment of being a mom again!