New Memories-New Friends #Brandcation #GulfCoast

Over the last 3 weeks since returning from Brandcation held in Pensacola- Florida, I have had some time to think about how much fun I truly had over a period of 3 days. Where else can you go on a Dolphin Cruise, Zip-Line, go tubing, win 1st place in Blogger Olympics, eat at fun fabulous places (like Surf burger), see Saturn on the beach, and of course make some amazing connections with other bloggers & brands in the process. Yes…we did all that in 3 short days!

1st Prize in the Sandcastle White House Replica- Go Snark Attacks!

Going to Brandcation felt like camp in a small way. We learned in a relaxing environment. shared ideas & thoughts as well as blogging & life experiences. We learned about teamwork & the challenges that we all face as bloggers. But we were also able to find something within ourselves, whether it was a fear or an expectation that some may have on us.

We have the same common goal-We want our voices to be heard.

A HUGE Thank You so much to all of our Brandcation Sponsors. We would not have been able to attend if it were not for the collaboration of the following brands. Many are big national companies, but some are small businesses like ourselves trying to reach others through their own craft.

Also a big thank you to the staff at MomDot.com for all your hard work putting the event together!! Y’all rock!!

Can’t wait until Brandcation 4- Blog Cabin being held in Gatlinburg, Tenn this October!!

Event Sponsors:
Adventures Unlimited
Portofino Island Resort
Dunkin Donuts
Jambu (blogger Olympics)
Hotel Coupons (BIG sponsor)
Circle PR (dolphin sponsor)
Dole
Stargazing
UPrinting

Swag Sponsors:

Mogo Charm
Tervis Water Bottle
Capsul Cases
The Village company (mr bubble)
Hasbro
Kidz Bop
Carex (neck pillow, pediatric sets)
Lush Gourmet Foods
Nivea
Lady Fortunes
Pami Pocket
Island Def Jam Records
Ayala’s Herbal Water
Wikki Stix
Phone Fetcher
Page Stationery
Cereusart (Wine Charms)
Annemarie Gianni Skin Care
Veri Peri Sauces
Twin Cottage Industries (Beaded Bungee Bookmarks)
Kids Gear
Smart Mouth
Sacs of Life (brown diaper bags)
Bright Star Kids
KleenSlate
EAD Designs (blogging geek stickers)
Wahmies Eats (bowl covers)
Blue Orange Games
DVO Enterprises (Cooking software)
Wordlock
Frangelico

Giveaway Sponsors:

Rubbermaid
Etching Expressions
Belkin
Velvet Pepper
Tiny Love
Atlantic Luggage
Drama Queen Bows

Adventures Unlimited-Adventures in Florida’s Gulf Coast

This month I was fortunate to attend Brandcation Gulf Coast in Pensacola, Florida. The biggest adventure we had during the trip was spending the day at Adventures Unlimited in Milton, Florida.

Just a short drive away from Pensacola, Adventures Unlimited was an adventures I will NEVER forget! 32 Bloggers came in hopes of having a fun-filled day & Adventures Unlimited did not disappoint.

Our first adventure was Zip-lining! I am extremely scared of heights…not just scared, Terrifed is more like it! Our tour guides helped dressed up in our safety equipment & made us feel 100% confident on the adventure we were about to embark in.

The First “Real” Jump. Yes, I’m about to pee on myself!

The practice jump I did “ok” on. After the first jump, I started to freak out! I’m so glad the Zip-lining guides were understanding because I couldn’t do go any further. I went on a 3rd jump to exit early. I felt so bad, but everyone there was so understanding of my situation.

Scared, but I did it!!

After lunch, we went tubing down the Coldwater River. Tubing took us roughly 3 1/2 hours, but when your with friends or family, the time will fly by. There are several sandbars where you can stop & rest, have a snack etc. The river was not crowded at all. Random groups I saw were having a blast taking their time going down the river. After tubing we were done for the day. I was so sad to leave but I know I’ll be back. I can defiantly see my family going tubing & having a blast in the future. I really want to stay in a cabin & spend the weekend there with the kids & my husband.

Adventure Unlimited was such a fun place. The staff was accommodating, the location was extremely well-kept & there is so much to with the family or just for a weekend adventures with your spouse or friends. I’m so thankful that Adventures Unlimited was a Brandcation-Gulf Coast Sponsor. They did a fantastic job and were so welcoming, to not only us, but the other guest as well.

I’ll be back…and next time I’m going to finish the whole Zip-Line Course!!

If your interested in learning more about Adventures Unlimited you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, or check out their Website.

(Giveaway Closed) Summer Travel Series: Travel Essentials + Gulf Island Waterpark Family 4 Pack Day Ticket Giveaway Ends May 7th 11:59pm

Packing for a family trip can be stressful. Whether the trip is for a weekend or a full week, every family must have basic essentials within reach. I am currently planing a short weekend trip to Florida. Although I’m not leaving the Gulf Coast area, I need to make sure I have certain items handy.

One thing on my mind is safety & emergency planning. I will be making this trip without my husband & children. While some might think this sort of trip would be liberating, for me it’s mostly about planning for the unknown.

I’ve created a short list of Travel Essentials every family must plan for.

Travel Essentials:

1. Emergency Tool Kit
All vehicle travelers must plan for an emergency, whether it be a break down or a flat tire. I like to carry a 12 pack of water for other emergency purposes, but having water handy can also assist with vehicle overheating.

2. Copies of Any Legal or Vehicle Documentation
If traveling Internationally, having additional copies of legal documents can help if any pertinent information becomes lost or stolen while traveling. I once had to have my insurance company fax me updated copies of my ID cards due to policy renewal being updated while I was on vacation. I went on vacation in between one 6 month period into another 6 month period and I had old documentation in my car at the time.

3. Pack for Weather Change
Nothing is worse than traveling in the Summer, only to find out your travel destination is currently experiencing a Cold Front! If your traveling to Louisiana, that is exactly what you will get. Cold one day-hot the next!! Make sure you bring light windbreakers & a few pant selection just in case.

Also, make sure you bring comfortable shoes during any trip. It may take up suitcase space, but you will regret walking all over a major city in cute spring sandals!

4. Restock the First Aid Kit
You may already have an amazing First Aid kit, but when was the last time you updated its contents? When I travel with my family, I always carry a backpack filled with essentials. The very day I think I will not be needing it, is the day a chaotic medical situation occurs. Don’t forget about your seasonal allergy medicines, insect repellant & sun supplies!

5. Travel with Emergency Hydration & Nutrition
Packing extra hydration or snacks is not just for the kids. There are times it can become a medical emergency. Blood sugar can drop or someone have have a coughing/choking episode. Having those essentials items can make a huge difference.

Logo courtesy of Gulf Island Waterpark

Giveaway:
May is here! The sun is shining and our families are itching for family fun & relaxation! One of my families favorite spots to do both is by visiting Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Mississippi. Gulf Islands Waterpark is a short drive from the New Orleans Area or the Mobile Area. If your planning a trip to the Gulf Coast soon, Gulf Island Waterpark needs to be on the top of your attraction list.

Opening Day is May 12th but if your a Gulf Island Waterpark Season Pass Member, you can visit May 5th for their preview day. Gulf Island Waterpark has plenty of ride for the children and a full calendar of special events. This summer your child can meet ROCKY (ZENDAYA COLEMAN) FROM DISNEY CHANNEL’S SHAKE-IT-UP, MEET GIBBY (NOAH MUNCK) FROM NICKELODEON’S iCARLEY, attend KIDZ PALOOZA WITH SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, and other fun-filled events for the whole family.

My family has been season pass members for the last 2 years. I can say that being a Season ticket Holder is the way to reach maximum savings. One of my favorite things about spending the summer at Gulf Island Waterparks, although it is a large park safety is always key. The park is well-maintained, rides lines are never outrageously long & the park staff is 100% focused on safety.

If your interested in visiting Gulf Island Waterpark you can visit their website: http://www.soaknfun.com/, on Facebook & on Twitter. If you want to have an inside look, make sure to check their fun YouTube page as well.

Who wants to WIN a Family 4 pack of Day Tickets for their loved ones?? Prized valued at up to $100!To enter the contest you must answer the mandatory entry listed below.

Go to Gulf Islands Waterpark website: http://www.soaknfun.com/. Comment below and let me know what is the one thing you learned about Gulf Island Water Park.

Additional Entries:
1. Follow Gulf Island Waterpark on Twitter .Comment below letting me know you are a twitter follower of @GIWP
2. Subscriber to their Youtube Channel Comment below and let me know you are not a youtube subscriber.
3. Share this giveaway using any of the sharing links listed below. Come back and let me know where you shared the giveaway. You can do this once a day, for an entry EVERYDAY until the giveaway is over!!! Everyday you share please comment below to let me know you get an extra entry.
4. Follow me on Twitter. Comment below letting me know your a follow of @jeffmarias2001

Remember, you can share everyday to receive an extra entry, BUT you must comment back letting me know you shared so I can keep track of the entries. All entries will be validated. Contest will end May 7th at 11:50 Central time. I have the Giveaway Prize on hand and will email winner within 24 hours of winner selection.

Happy Easter 2012

 

Taking off for a few days due to Easter/Spring Break. I hope everyone has a great Holiday. We will be back Monday will all new posts!

 

 

~~Maria

//

FREE SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass valid through December 31, 2012 for Unlimited Admission to both parks

Are you planning a trip to Busch Gardens or Sea World this Summer 2012?

Seaworld and Busch Gardens is offering kids ages 5 and younger a FREE SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass valid through December 31, 2012 for unlimited admission to both parks.

What a great deal for families!!

From their Site:

2012 FREE SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Preschool Pass

If you have a child 5 and younger, a Free SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is waiting! It’s all they need to explore the wonders of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens…for all of 2012.

The SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is available for redemption beginning January 4, 2012.

Pigeon Forge $25 for Four Hours of Unlimited Laser Tag, Go-Karting, and Mini Golf (Up to $240 Value)

A-Mazing Deal!!!

I LOVE Groupon especially for Holiday Vacation!! Here is another great deal for a Smokey Mtn destination Vacation for the upcoming Holiday Season!

You can get $25, you get four hours of unlimited laser tag, go-karting, and mini golf at Lazer Port Fun Center in Pigeon Forge (a $240 value).

Pigeon Forge
2782 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863

Fine Print:
Expires May 1, 2012
May buy multiple as gifts. Must sign waiver.
See the rules that apply to all deals

Groupon Description:
Amusement addicts bask in unlimited access to Lazer Port Fun Center’s 50-foot-high go-kart track, two 7,000-square-foot laser tag arenas, and an 18-hole luminescent mini-golf course. During 10-minute romps around the three-story go-kart track, racers and thrill-seeking spools of twine wind around corners, maneuver along helixes, and plunge down a 40-foot hill. 14,000 square feet of laser-tag landscape invite photon fighters to participate in 30-minute skirmishes, speeding across black-lit terrain and taking refuge behind alien figures while cosmic landscapes flicker in the background. After an engaging battle, visitors can settle into a 30-minute groove through the outer-space-themed mini-golf course. Cratered asteroids throw neon-yellow light on green fairways as club-wielders navigate between crashed spacecrafts, maintaining focus despite the heckling of gravity. Lazer Port Fun Center stays open until midnight every night, allowing Groupon holders a wide range of time to redeem their four-hour amusement fest.

Zorb Smoky Mountains – Pigeon Forge-Holiday Vacation Fun

Here is another great vacationing in the Smokey Mountain Savings Post.

Today on Groupon you can get One or Two Zorb Globe Rides (Up to 53% Off)!! My husband & Daughter did the Zorb one year and had a great time!!

Groupon’s description:
Most sports grow out of a simple formula—ball plus stick, ball plus kick, or car plus explosion. Experience the life of a necessary implement with today’s Groupon to Zorb Smoky Mountains. Choose between the following options:

For $22, you get a globe ride for one (up to a $44.90 value with tax).
For $42, you get any two globe rides for one person (up to an $89.80 value with tax).

With origins rooted in the hills of New Zealand, globe riding lets patrons combine abdominal exercise and fun by rolling downhill while harnessed inside a large, inflatable globe. Adrenaline seekers choose between a Zydro ride in a globe containing water with up to two friends or a cherished goldfish or a solo Zorbit ride in a dry globe. Zorbit adventurers only roll downhill on a straight track, and Zydro patrons choose between straight, zigzag, and zipper tracks in warm or cool water, depending on the weather. Zydro riders will get wet during their ride, so Zorb staffers recommend wearing swimsuits and avoiding any gear susceptible to water damage, such as watches or salt pants. For additional information, click here.

Riders must be 8 years or older for both rides and must by 5 feet 2 inches or taller for the dry Zorbit ride. See here for ride restrictions.

The Fine Print

Expires May 1, 2012
Limit 2 per person, may buy 3 additional as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for option purchased. Must be 18 or older or be accompanied by guardian. Must sign waiver. Subject to availability. Height and weight restrictions apply.
See the rules that apply to all deals.

Vacationing in the Smokies Soon? Admission for Two or Four to Cirque de Chine in Sevierville

 

Right now on Groupon, you can find great deals on local destination areas. Since we will be vacationing in the Smokey Mountains this Holiday Season, I have been checking daily discount sites for great deals on local tourist attraction.

Groupon has a family 4 pk (or 2 pack) Admission for Two or Four to Cirque de Chine in Sevierville . We have gone to the Smokey mountain area for many years and have never been to the Cirque De Chine in Sevierville. I looked online and for my family of 4 (2 adults, 2 Children) it would cost at least $20+ extra if I bought my tickets right now vs. through Groupon.

Groupon has the item listed as:
A children’s show engages kids with age-appropriate music and spectacle, forgoing such adult-concert mainstays as extended seminars on optimizing tax deductions. Take young’uns to a show they can get into with today’s Groupon to Cirque de Chine in Sevierville. Choose between the following options:

For $28, you get two admissions (a $59.90 value).
For $56, you get four admissions (a $119.80 value).

Cirque de Chine assembles acrobatic troupes from China’s finest showmen to enthrall all ages with two hours of derring-do. Integrating aerial arts, illusion, and data learned from studying flying squirrels, shows parade a dynamic blend of spectacle onstage, from jar jugglers and dragon dancers to circus artists who dive through hoops 10 feet high. Further thrills include the five flying motorcyclists defying gravity in a 26-foot steel sphere. Admission is valid for any spot at the 1,746-seat Smoky Mountain Palace, assigned upon reserving by phone or sending a robotic butler to the theater.

Though Cirque de Chine sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.

The Fine Print:

Expires Apr 20, 2012
Limit 3 per person. Limit 3 per visit. Reservation required.
See the rules that apply to all deals.