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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes {an Album Review}

I participated in the Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review, but all opinions are my own.

Today while the kids played and I made my grocery list for the things I needed for Thanksgiving dinner {Procrastinate is my middle name}, I listened to Idina Menzel's newest album, Holiday Wishes. You know her. She's the uber talented gal that sang Let It Go for a small film named Frozen. Maybe you've heard of it? I kid...of course, you've heard of it. It's only the highest grossing animated film of all time! Of. All. Time.

One could say that Idina is Queen Elsa in the flesh. I'll totally be selling this album to my daughter as "Elsa's Christmas Music!" She's going to love the upbeat songs and she'll even recognize When You WIsh Upon A Star. This album is one you can keep on repeat throughout the Holidays!

One of my favorites from Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes is Baby It's Cold Outside. She and Michael Buble sing a duet. The best part about the video is that it's lip synced by two talented, dancing kids and Idina and Michael sing the song. Watch it and see for yourself.


Have you started listening to Christmas music yet? You can get your own copy of Idina Menzel's Holiday Wishes at Amazon or iTunes today!

About Idina Menzel and Holiday Wishes

Holiday Wishes, a Christmas album recorded by Tony Award-winning singer/actor Idina Menzel, is out now on Warner Bros. Records.
 
The album was produced by Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey) and features such classic favorites as “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as Joni Mitchell’s Christmas-themed “River,” one of Menzel’s favorites.
 
Another highlight is a duet with international superstar Michael Bublé on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” An exclusive Target edition ofHoliday Wishes features two bonus tracks, including “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”.
 
Idina’s career has traversed stage, film, television, and music. She was most recently heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box-office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” After her performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

Idina currently stars as Elizabeth in the original Broadway production of If/Then.

I can't wait to hear what YOU think of Idina's newest album!

Snowy Holiday Fun in Kissimmee, FL at the Gaylord Palms

I was provided accommodations, theme park admission and tickets to local attractions in exchange for my feedback. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Experience Kissimmee!

One of the amazing perks to living in Florida is all of the fun attractions and events that surround us. Within just a couple of hours, we can be right in the middle of Gainseville, Daytona or Tallahassee. A favorite of my family's, though, is Kissimmee, Florida. There's so much to do and see in Kissimmee...especially during the Holidays!

Recently, Jonah and I had the privilege of experiencing Kissimmee and quite a few of it's popular Holiday attractions. Over the next few days I'm going to share our Snowy Holiday travels with you. If you're looking for some incredible attractions and events to go to and make memories with your family, you'll want to be checking back often! I'll be sharing stories from Disney, Sea World and also from places you may have never heard of like, U Can Cook and Fun Spot...and boy, do I have stories to tell! Jonah and I had more fun in four days in Kissimmee, FL than we've had together in years!

The first stop on our Snowy Holiday Adventure was Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. We were there to enjoy dinner at Sunset Sam's, watch a preview of The Nutcracker by the Orlando Ballet, see a performance by Luminescence, feel the wind in our hair as we rode Snow Tubes at Alpine Rush and set our eyes on breath-taking displays of ice sculptures at ICE! featuring The Nutcracker. You could say we were in for a very eventful evening of {very COLD} fun!


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photo credit
Gaylord Palms features three historic locations in Florida within their beautiful indoor atriums: St. Augustine, Key West and the Everglades. You can also see South Beach featured at the Quiet Adult Pool. In the photo above you see St. Augustine's Castillo De San Marcos.


Key West at Gaylord Palms

Sunset Sam's Fish Camp at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL

Sunset Sam's in Gaylord Palms Kissimmee FL

Our dinner reservations were at Sunset Sam's Fish Camp, located in "Key West" at Gaylord Palms. We boarded our vessel and dined under the twinkling lights. The atmosphere is romantic enough for date night and family friendly, too. Your kids will love that they get to eat dinner on a sailboat!

Sand Sculpture in Gaylord Palms

Sunset Sam's at Gaylord Palms

Sailboat inside of Gaylord Palms

Dinner at Sunset Sam's in Gaylord Palms

I enjoyed a Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes and a Grilled Tomato. It was divine. The steak was so tender and the chimichurri sauce was an excellent compliment to it. 

The Orlando Ballet present the Nutcracker at Gaylord Palms

Next, we made our way to see the Christmas Tree Lighting and watch a preview of The Nutcracker performed by the Orlando Ballet. The dancers were are so graceful and beautiful. It made me want to find the nearest location to see the full performance.

Luminescence at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida





Guitar Playing behind the back at Gaylord Palms

After the ballet, we were dazzled by the breathtaking musical performance of Luminescence. When I say "breathtaking", I mean BREATHTAKING. There were numerous times throughout this show that I found myself either near tears or in complete awe of their talent. This band and group of entertainers will have you in the Christmas Spirit in no time!

luminescence at gaylord palms in orlando fl


Luminescence at Gaylord Palms

Alpine Rush Snow Tubing at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee
{pictured is +TampaMamaAdventures and FrugalandFunMom's kids with Jonah}

The night just kept getting better; there is so much to do at Gaylord Palms during the Holidays! After the tree lighting, ballet and musical performance, we went to Alpine Rush to Snow Tube down one of EIGHT lanes of snow. This time my breath was taken by the sheer fun I was having! I felt like I was a kid again racing down the slopes in my snow tube. After tubing, we enjoyed a Hot Chocolate Bar, Rice Krispy Treats and Italian Ice. 

ICE at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL

Finally, we went to discover what 3 million pounds of ice looks like. ICE! at Gaylord Palms is an exquisite display of The Nutcracker depicted in the form of sculpted ice. It's truly amazing. 

Before you step foot inside the 15,000 square foot, 9 degree "cold room", be sure to grab one of 1,500 parkas that is provided so you don't freeze your buns. Did you know it took Harbin Ice Carvers 11,160 hours of total carving time to create this Winter Wonderland.  

Gayolrd Palms ICE! in Kissimmee, FL

Photos truly don't do this attraction justice. I'm not sure what I expected to see when I first walked in...but, I was blown away by how beautiful and cold and colorful and cold it all was. {Yes, I said cold twice. It was cold, y'all!}

If you're looking for a fun Holiday event for your family then you'll want to be sure to check out Christmas at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL! On top of everything that I've mentioned above, you can also see Santa Claus or have Breakfast with Shrek and his Friends!

Win a Snowy Holiday of your own from Experience Kissimmee by either texting "snow" to 82257 or going to SnowyHoliday.com. The prize is a 3-day, 2-night stay at a Kissimmee destination resort, theme park admission and tickets to local attractions for the winner and three guests.

Want to follow along on all of the Snowy Holiday Adventures with Experience Kissimmee? Check out Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!





Wednesday, November 5, 2014

A Protein-Packed Snack Choice {Hillshire Snacking}

Disclosure #spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Hillshire. This could include Hillshire providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.


Hillshire-H-Snacking-logo-Black-1024x341
It's no secret I have a large family. I mean, we're not the Duggars but, five kids in one family is considered large these days. While I would love to have a healthy snack of cut-up apples, gluten-free crackers and sliced organic cheese laid out for my kids when they walk through the door from school, it's just not that easy. I use every minute they're away from home to clean the house, take care of Mabry {who's still at home}, do the laundry and tend to any other household duties. Enter the NEW Hillshire Snacking plates! I CAN now have a healthy snack laid out for them that is also packed with protein {at least 15g per serving!}. Know what that means? Full bellies until dinnertime! {my kids would set up camp in the pantry, if I let them!}

New Hillshire Snacking features premium meats like grilled, seasoned chicken breast and hand crafted salami, and at least 15g of protein per serving. Available in 8 different varieties, including Grilled Chicken Bites paired with Teriyaki or Sweet Chili dipping sauce and Small Plates with Genoa Salami and Gouda, Hillshire Snacking options are perfectly portioned for an everyday snack at home or on-the-go, no prep required. 

Hillshire Snacking

Hillshire Snacking Grilled Chicken Bites and Small Plates are going to be perfect for moms {and dads} when they need to pack a lunch for the next field trip they chaperone! {I sure wish I had one of these on the zoo field trip I went on last week. You better believe I'll have one when we go to the museum in two weeks!} 

My snack of choice yesterday while working? The NEW Hillshire Snacking Plates are so delicious and LOADED in protein! {yes, twitter is work when you work in social media😘} #HillshireSnackPros #uniqueway #ad

There are many days that I am working at home and just don't have the time to stop and make myself something for lunch. With any one of these varieties in my fridge {they are ALL delicious!} I can have a quick lunch that will satisfy my hunger. 

I have to also share this story with you. I went to Super Target the other day to pick up a handful of these to share with my family. I also needed them for photos. The next morning I went to the fridge and found that two of the snack plate varieties were missing. It was a huge mystery until I sent a text to my husband. He said "I'm sorry but, those things are GOOD". Okay, I can't argue with that! So, a little warning...these are sure to disappear from your fridge almost as quickly as you stock them!

Want to get your hands on Hillshire Snacking varieties today? You can find them in the refrigerated aisle of Cincinnati, OH, Dayton, OH and Northern Kentucky Kroger stores, as well as at King Soopers and Super Target stores nationwide! What are you waiting for? Go!

Also, check out the sweeps that is going on now through November 15!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

I Just Can't Clean This Place {a parody}

For years, I've tried to convince Hubs that I am doing all I can to keep this house clean. Since the release of All About That Bass, a few moms have put together a parody video that showcases my true feelings on the matter of how I just can't clean this place. Maybe this'll convince him I'm not alone? {I love the blogger mention...although, I'm for sure not the blogger they're referring to. LOL}


Tell me your greatest struggle in housework. Mine? Laundry!

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Halloween 2014

With every passing Halloween my kids get a little more chill with their costumes. This year Jake didn't dress up at all, Jonah wore his football pads and helmet, Jett wore a Zombie Doctor costume that we found at the children's consignment store yesterday, McKinley was Elsa {of course!} and Mabry wore a hand-me-down leopard costume from her cousin. Each year I have high hopes of dressing as a themed family...and maybe when life slows down my dream will come true. {Although, I mentioned to Hubs yesterday that we have just the right amount of people in our family to dress-up as The Seven Dwarfs and his response was, "McKinley has always wanted to be a dwarf." **insert LOTS of sarcasm** So, maybe I'll never have that dream come true, after all.}

I'm kind of okay with Halloween just coming together the way it does. My kids all have fun trick-or-treating for candy, we have family and neighbors over for chili {it's become a tradition} and we sit and enjoy the evening while the kids play. Last night was no exception. It was fun.

Before the sun set I snapped these few photos. My kids and my niece and nephew. All cuties!

Halloween Family 2014

Salt & Pepper, Anna and Cowboy
{my sister-in-law and her family}

Anna and Elsa

Cowboy Noah

Mabry as a Leopard

Queen Elsa Close-Up

Princess Anna

Halloween 2014
{with some friends}

Anna and Elsa 2014

Queen Elsa

How was your Halloween? What did your little goblins dress up as??