Sunday, July 17, 2016

FAMILY DAY AT WEEKI WACHEE .......

** This review post is all my own opinion and information about this destination. I was compensated admission to the park and that is it.**





I would like to start this post out with a little bit of information on Weeki Wachee.  Weeki Wachee is a town with a name as quirky as its main attraction – the famous underwater mermaid show. Found in north central Florida close to the Gulf Coast and about an hour north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee proudly bills itself as "The Only City with Live Mermaids." At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, the water bubbles up from the aquifer at a consistent 74 degrees. It is so remarkably clear that you can see the limestone walls more than 100 feet away through the glass windows of the theatre. Inside the theatre, located 20 feet below the water’s surface, human mermaids have been performing for more than 63 years. Also nearby are several hotels and restaurants, all of which help to make your visit complete.






My family and I had the greatest opportunity to check out this great Spring.  Once you are in the park you will find a few different attractions that you want to stop and do.  Let's see besides the little shops to eat and buy your souvenirs at there is a great boat ride, animal show, the mermaid show, waterslides and don't forget the spring to swim in.  We loved each and every part of Weeki Wachee.

Inside the theater located some 20 feet below the water’s surface, human mermaids have been performing for more than 50 years now. These girls that practice to become mermaids they need to practice their breathing.through tubes underwater.  They put on two shows daily and it truly is amazing. Now I would like to share with you some pictures of the mermaids as they were performing. The charm at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park endures. This unique spot, the only place in the world where human mermaids perform.  It is also known where little girls grow up believing both in Santa Claus and in mermaids,



 These  mermaids learn to hold their breath for as long as two minutes. In addition to mastering exceptional breath control, these performers are true athletes, clearly fit and strong. They must contend with the loss of body heat during the 30-minute programs. While we Floridians are often quite picky about the temperature of the water we prefer for swimming, these mermaids are swimming in water that is 24 degrees cooler than human body temperature! I know I couldn’t do it!



During the three daily show times, two different programs are presented. The first and third programs are based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, “The Little Mermaid.” My favorite is the noon American-themed show, which features synchronized swimming routines. It’s easy to forget that the current here is flowing at five miles per hour because the performers are so graceful.







Now I would like to tell you about the River Boat Cruise.  This is a beautiful cruise to relax and check out the scenery on   the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River.  Every  visitors will have an educational experience and learn about the river and the different types of natural wildlife that might be seen during the trip.




This is a photo is of the river off of the boat.

The animal encounter at Weeki Wachee Springs provides our guest with a first-hand glimpse of some of Florida's native wildlife including alligators, snakes, and others. My family and I sat and watched the animal show for about 15 minutes.  I think the animal show is geared more towards young children may be from 3 to maybe 10 years of age.  


This picture above is part of the stage where the animal show is performed.  While we sat there we had seen a couple of different kinds of snakes.  The young man that was performing had actually told alot of great information on the snakes.  Like I said younger children would really love this show.

Now I want to introduce you to.......Buccaneer Bay !




Florida's only spring-fed water park, the thrilling flume rides empties our guests into the pristine waters of Buccaneer Bay.  Now this is the best place to have a bunch of fun.  I was very surprised to see how huge these waterslides are.  The sand around on the beach area is this purest white sand. It was the softest sand I have ever felt on my feet.  The water in the swimming area in the spring was so blue and you can even see the bottom of the spring.  I was amazed.




 The picture above is of the beach area.  As you can see the pure white sand.  It is a pretty good size beach area to hang out on or just lay in the sun and fall asleep.

Now the picture on the left is the top of the water slide.  Once you get to the top you can choose which slide you would like to go down, depending on your age.  If you are a smaller child you will be able to go down the covered water slide that will slide you out in a shallower part of the water.  There is a lifeguard right there at the end for safety.





The picture above is the waterslides and swim area.  There is also a dock that you are able to jump off or dive in the middle of it all.  Where the dock is it is 20 feet deep.  You must jump off once it is amazing.  


My son chilling on the bench

My husband and I on the boat.

My husband and I just acting goofy.

The peacock that was in the park.







Well, those photos above are just some fun photos we took.  We all had an incredible, awesome time at Weeki Wachee.  Now the last thing I would like to tell you about this park is the admission price.


Ticket Prices

                                              Adult:                         $13.00
                                              Child (Ages 6 - 12):    $8.00
                                              Children 5 and under:  FREE

             The daily admission price above includes access to Buccaneer Bay.


Now you have to agree that these ticket prices are just as awesome as the park.  Everything is included for a fun filled day.





I really hope you enjoy the video!


So what do you think about Weeki Wachee?

Are you going to take a trip there?

Let me know what you think!!











Sunday, July 10, 2016

Digital Kitchen Timer




I want to start out by saying that I have had several other kitchen timers and one of them just never worked right no matter what I did to it.  The other one was a small one and I mean small.  Now I had a chance to get this kitchen timer to review and thought what the heck!  So, now I am going to tell you about this Kitchen timer.



Let's start with the size.  This timer is not big and bulky or it's not too small, it is the perfect size.  This timer sits perfectly on my shelf I have above the kitchen sink.  It also sits perfect on top of the stove, the counter, table and you get it now.  The numbers are the perfect size for me to see.  I need to wear glasses to read, so like I said the size is easy to see.  

Now with setting the timer to the amount time is a piece of cake.  All you do is slightly turn the top of the timer until the desired cooking time is shown. You are able to have the accurate time of a minimum of 15 seconds to the maximum of 99 minutes.  So this does make the perfect timer for your kitchen. 



Now the last thing I want to leave you with about this kitchen timer is that it is made sturdy, fine workmanship.  This timer is made easy to carry around, it is suitable for any kitchen or outdoors for that cookout, for fitness training time or if you just want to go do another chore, but afraid you wouldn't hear the timer, this one is that easy to carry around in your pocket.



Grab yours right HERE!




Do you have a timer in your kitchen, yet? 

 What do you think about this one?





Thursday, July 7, 2016

UNASHAMED ....... By: Heather Davis Nelson !

 Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame
 by Heather Davis Nelson





About this book:

Shame is everywhere.
Whether it's related to relationships, body image, work difficulties or a secret sin, we all experience shame at some point in our lives. While shame can manifest itself in different ways—fear, regret, and anger—it ultimately points us to our most fundamental need as human beings: redemption.
Shame never disappears in solitude, and Heather Davis Nelson invites us to not only be healed of our own shame but also be a part of healing for others. She shines the life-giving light of the gospel on the things that leave us feeling worthless and rejected, giving us courage us to walk out of shame’s shadows and offering hope for our bondage to brokenness. Through the gospel, we discover the only real and lasting antidote to shame: exchanging our shame for the righteousness of Christ alongside others on this same journey.


My Opinion:

There is probably no one who has not suffered some degree of shame. Heather explains the difference between shame and guilt, and then, provides chapters that delve deeper into the different types. Among those highlighted are Performance, Body, Social, Marriage, and Parenting. Each of us has experienced shame in one or more categories, with some of the worst shame and guilt when it comes to parenting.

I found this book to be very helpful to me.   I am guilty myself of keeping my own shame buried than trying to help others who are often struggling. Definitely gave me something to think and pray about.  This book is a very thin book but it has alot of power behind it.



What are you waiting for?  

Grab yourself a copy right HERE!




Race to my Heart ..... by: Abby P.Cook!!


Welcome to the Cover Reveal of .......... Race To My Heart......written By:  Abby P. Cook !





Synopsis:

Danni

Three years ago, I had a paintbrush in my hand, before my life came to a screeching halt. A family to love me. A family for me to love. The life people dream of. I try to hold on, I try to be strong. Now I hold a tattoo gun and have been coasting through each day. Until Collin came crashing through. 

Cash

My uncle always said that the love of a woman was the same as the love of a car. Take care of her and she'll never leave you stranded. I thought no woman would ever reach that bar... Until Danni. I try to be her reason, try to ease her pain. All she has to do is hold on and I'll help her find her way.

Now we have to learn to let go, take each turn as they come instead of drifting. 

Can we make it? Or will life leave us totaled?







ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Growing up in Louisiana allowed Abby to learn the joys of Life. From the deep south, where all you see is the beauty of the rivers and wildlife, to the gorgeous historic towns where the culture seeps deep into your soul. In 2000 she met the man of her dreams and moved to Connecticut where she now lives with her husband, two children and two nieces she has adopted.
After life allowed her to slow down and breath, she had picked up a book and was again thrust into the book world. Starting her own book blog, she had the amazing opportunity to meet brilliant authors, bloggers and fans. Writing had always been a dream for her and after meeting a very talented author, began to co-write her first book. Now, she is living the life of dreams come true as she has read many times in the books she so loves.



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Wednesday, July 6, 2016

A INTRODUCTION TO ......... BACK TO SCHOOL 2016 !






Well, we know school comes fast and it seems to come faster every year.  Everyone will be going out and buying all the school supplies each child needs for their year in school.  Now don't forget about the shoes and the clothes.  If you are anything like me you always keep an eye out for the sales and what you can find for a lower price.  I had six children to get back to school things for, so I became great at searching for deals and savings.

This post will be an ongoing post as I receive supplies, clothes and etc to review and I will also post great deals for school supplies.  Throughout the post will be some articles to help children either start school, get back into a routine and pretty much anything that has to do with school will be in this post.  So you need to make sure to keep coming back and check it out.

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Monday, July 4, 2016

The Best 4th of July Post ........


** This blog post is in my own words and thought. I personally have written everything in this post and is copyrighted. The product reviews are my own opinion of the products. I was not compensated nothing at all, except for the products to test out.**




Welcome to my 4th of July!  I will be sharing some reviews on products, some things I wrote about 4th of July and etc.  I really hope you will have a great holiday.  Well let's get started.........




Enviro-Log




I have to say that these Enviro-Logs are great for the fireplace, wood stoves, and campfires.  These can be used like any other firewood, which makes these awesome.  They can be added to a wood fire for home heating, outdoor family gatherings, and wonderful for open-fire cooking.  

These Enviro-Logs can be stored and burned in any kind of weather.  They are very easy to bring with you on those trips you plan for your family, such as camping, fishing, RVing, tailgating and other outdoor activities. 

 Enviro-Log Firelogs are also great for emergency preparedness because they have an infinite shelf life and are safe to cook over. They are also a popular choice for fire pits, wood stoves, chimineas, and campfires.

I had the opportunity to give these a try.  In my backyard we had built this fire pit, so we can sit around and have fun as a family.  So the other night we got our marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and our sticks ready to make some smores and have some family time.  We placed one of these logs in and my husband got it ready and lit it up.  I have to say this Enviro-Log was so easy to use and it gave a great fire and the warm glow lasted for hours.  I recommend this product to everyone to have and use.

I actually have one of the logs put away for an emergency.  I live in Florida and we do get hurricanes and this would make a great emergency product.  You actually never know when you will need it, but it is great to have on hand.  I am able to store this log anywhere and for a very long time.  The other great part of these logs are they are wrapped separately, so you can take one or save one, like me.
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I LOVE Fireworks!  Who else loves them like me?


This is one I seen from my yard!
I had to zoom in, but it is so pretty!


Now in this section I am going to share a few great quotes on Independence Day.

  • We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls
  • July is an intensely warm month in the States, and by some weather-freak, the fourth, of all days, is the very fiercest
  • What was that cluster of stars that fell with a sudden hiss into the blue waters of the bay. A sky-rocket? True—it is time for the fireworks to commence; and now we shall have the really brilliant phase of the festivities of this day of jubilee. Bang! bang! bang!... Turn an ear to the city, and the noise is terrific. Glance along the vista; how the little shooting-crackers sparkle and coruscate, as if the stars had condescended to come upon earth, and have a regular jolly row, just for the fun of the thing. 
  • My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue.
Those four quotes are from some important people, such as, Mark Twain, William Faulkner and etc.


Adidasss Women USB Charging LED Shoes 




We all need shoes to wear so why not get some sneakers/shoes that will stand out.  If you are like me then you will want to get these too.  I find  these shoes just awesome.   I had never seen or owned anything like these.

I have to say that these shoes are very comfortable, very lightweight and of coure very stylish.  They come with the Usb charging wire, so that way you just need to plug them in and let  them charge.  The LED flash around the soles of the shoes is the highlight of this shoe. Make you instantly fall back into the childhood happiness and fun, in the gorgeous night you will be the main focus of party.

The Top Features:

- Waterproof 
- Power switch conveniently hidden on the side. Just plug in to any standard USB port like your cell phone. 
- Fit for men, women or couples 
- Fit for Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter 

These sneakers are the best and I love them.  I highly recommend you to get some of these sneakers and be the highlight of them all.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 INTERESTING FACTS


  1.  The oldest, continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States is the 4th of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island; it began in 1785.
  2.  The Declaration of Independence was penned by Thomas Jefferson and signed by 56 men representing 13 colonies.
  3. One of the United States’ patriotic songs, “Yankee Doodle” was originally sung by British military officers prior to the Revolution as a means to mock the disorganized American colonists who fought alongside them during the French and Indian Wars.
  4. The “Star Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and not decreed the official national anthem of the United States until 1931.
  5. The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.

I really hope you enjoyed this post and grab yourself those products because they are not only for the 4th of July.

Stay Safe on this holiday!


What did you and your family do for 4th of July?

What is your favorite part of this holiday?











Saturday, July 2, 2016

The Life We Never Expected

** This review is my own words, opinions of this book. I was not compensated  for this review, except for the book to read. **




ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sometimes life throws you a curveball.
Andrew and Rachel Wilson know what it means to live a life they never expected. As the parents of two children with special needs, their story mingles deep pain with deep joy in unexpected places. With raw honesty, they share about the challenges they face on a daily basis—all the while teaching what it means to weep, worship, wait, and hope in the Lord. Offering encouragement rooted in God's Word, this book will help you cling to Jesus and fight for joy when faced with a life you never expected.


MY OPINION OF THE BOOK:

This truly was a GREAT book!  This book had a striking display of honesty and truth with and about Andrew and Rachel Wilson.  I personally am not a mother of a special needs child and I could not put down this book.  The Life We Never Expected is about so much more than parenting. It is about loss, lament, hope, humility, contentment, joy—and about finding God to be more than sufficient through it all.  I found this book to be a helpful book both for those experiencing disability in their families and for those who love such families, not because of how the Wilsons are ‘dealing’ with a disability, but in how they rightly orient to our great and purposeful God. Having parented a child with multiple disabilities for more than two decades, I thought deeply at their honest portrayal of life with a disability. 




“Andrew and Rachel Wilson help us see how uniquely difficult it is to parent children with special needs. Their candidness is infectious, inviting us to do what the church should do: laugh with those who laugh and mourn with those who mourn. Parents of special-needs children will find compassionate solidarity, honest wrestling, voiced frustrations, and, most importantly, the gospel. Many will read this book and feel understood. Others of us need to read this book to understand so that we can walk alongside those in the midst of hardship with compassion.”



**  I personally would recommend everyone out there to read this book.  It is a truthful, honest story.  I was very touched by this book and I know you will be too **

Monday, June 27, 2016

THERMACELL REVIEW .....

** This review is my own opinion of the product.  I was not compensated nothing at all for this review, except for the product to test.**









Let me start out by saying if you love the outdoors, whether if it's camping, hunting or a night time hike then this is the perfect lantern for you.  It will keep the mosquitos away from your campsite, so everyone will not get bit up from them.  The lantern shines just enough light to see all around you.  Now, I think that this is the perfect product you could ever have.  These also make the perfect gifts for families or a great gift for that hunter.

My family loves to go camping and this Thermacell Lantern has been a great accessory to our camping trips.  The Lantern is very sturdy and durable, the best part it is very lightweight.  It is the perfect size to fit right into our duffel bag that we pack for the trip.  We turn the Lantern on a little bit before dusk, so that way it will start to help with the mosquitos.  We usually have a small campfire, but it never helped with the mosquitos and if you don't keep tending to it then it will go out.  We still make a small campfire for our marshmallows, but we always have out Lantern on.

The Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Bristol Lantern effectively repels mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting insects by creating a 15 x 15-foot zone of protection for bug-free comfort. Its ambient light and decorative design perfectly adorn your deck or patio. Ideal for use while you are gardening, observing outdoor sporting events, and hanging around the backyard, Thermacell Lanterns have been evaluated by the EPA for safety and effectiveness.
  • Works with all Thermacell repellent mats and refills
  • Includes: Thermacell Bristol Lantern, 3 Original repeller mats, 1 butane cartridge

Now I would like to take a minute to tell you about the best part of this post.  I personally think you should come and take them up on this offer.


20% off Thermacell Products! Your order of $40 or more - Use "FamilyGuide2016" at Thermacell.com 




Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Deb's Creations ..........


I would like to introduce you to an awesome site that I grew to really love to use.  I am a writer, but not so much an artist.  This site lets you use a variety of pictures and backgrounds for your work.  In which I think is pretty great.  You are able to write a long form, picture book or poetry with their artist's pictures.  I have written up three poems trying to work around the picture to make them go together, but they give you certain words to use.  It is a challenge, but it is one I will conquer!

I am always looking for other places that I can get my writing out there and hopefully start making a little money on them through making poetry cards and picture books.  I would have to tell you that if you write anything at all then you should check out Storybird.  You will love it!

So I will stop rambling on and the next three items are what I created on Storybird.  Let me know what you think........Please!












Now it's your turn to click on Storybird and create a few and share them with me. 
 What do you say?

Jigsaw Puzzles


Well, welcome to my jigsaw puzzle page.  I wanted to shake things up and a fun page.  If this is a big hit there will be more to come.  I am in the middle of creating different kinds of puzzles.









Here is another one.........











Let me know what you think!!!!!
These are creator by me.

Monday, June 20, 2016

June's Post ................... The Love of Books!



I would like to introduce you to the very first post for, "The Love of Books".  I hope you are just as excited as I am.  I love to read all kinds of books.  I am also very interested in learning and of course to share my thoughts on a good book.  I hope you will read some of the books I share.





The first book I would like to share is.........



This author Lauraine offers a character-driven tale about trust in God when life has been turned upside down. Mona and Ken Sorenson have been married for 34 years; with Ken about to retire from a successful career as dean of students at the fictional Stone University in Wisconsin, they are looking forward to a relaxing second act with only themselves and their two pets to worry about. Their plans are derailed when their son, Steig, a single father, is deployed to Pakistan and leaves his two young children in their care. Ken and Mona need to adjust to life as the primary caregivers for Mellie, age 10, and Jakey, age 5. Meanwhile, Ken continues to put out fires at work, and Mona faces an ongoing battle with depression and worry as well as a physical health scare. They both will learn important lessons about themselves and what is important as they navigate this new chapter of their lives. Meanwhile, Mellie and Jakey struggle to cope with the loss of both their parents and the fear that their grandparents will abandon them as well. This quiet novel about the growing trend of grandparents raising their grandchildren and keeping one's faith amidst the challenges of life will appeal to mature Christian readers.

The second book I will introduce to you is........



Kraus, well known for his animal stories (The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge), charms fans again with his latest canine tale. In present-day Pittsburgh, Penn., 85-year-old Gretna Steele adopts black Lab mix Thurman on a whim. When she learns of her retirement community’s “no pets” rule, she must hand him off to her reclusive son, Wilson. It seems Thurman was meant to be with Wilson all along, as the dog begins to pull the isolated professor and Vietnam vet out of his self-induced “sweet invisibility.” Wilson keeps his past deeply buried, but Thurman draws him out with growls and yips that seem to be actual words—at least to Wilson. Across the continent in Portland, Ore., Hazel Jamison discovers a mysterious photograph and key when she clears out her mother’s home. The key changes Hazel’s life and the photo sets her on a journey of discovery that intersects with Wilson and Thurman in unexpected ways. This sweet novel is for readers who love tales of sentient pets, or just well-told, simple stories of redemption and forgiveness. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary.

Now for the last book of the post is...........




THE ABCs OF CHRISTIANITY is a concise summary of the fundamental principles of the religion of Jesus, presented so today's generation will understand the Bible and experience the gift of knowing God. 

Yes, this "is" Grandma's religion. The underpinnings are the same rock solid concepts taught for 2,000 years. But this book is what texting is to ancient scrolls with each concept presented in concise, almost outline, form. Every doctrine is further referenced by Scripture, allowing readers to use the Bible translation of their choice whether it be a leather-bound King James Version on onion-skin paper, a Biblical translation app, (on phone or tablet), or favorite spirituality Internet site. Stripped of anecdotes, wordsmithing, and other mechanics used to communicate biblical truth, this handbook is meant to serve all who wish to live in the now and experience the gift of actively knowing God.


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Well I hope you all enjoyed the first post of books.  Of course, this will be a monthly post with more and more books.

Make some time and grab one of these books or maybe even two.