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10 Things To Do In Panama City Beach

June 11, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Visit Panama City Beach for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Panama City Beach but I can remember it very clearly. Panama City Beach is such a fantastic place to visit with your entire family because they have so many different things for everyone to do. I Love going to the beach in Panama City Beach because it’s so soft and white, it’s like sugar in color and texture. Plus, the Gulf is a beautiful turquoise color that just has me mesmerized. Since it’s getting close to summer vacation time, we wanted to give you 10 reasons to visit Panama City Beach.

10 Things To Do In Panama City Beach

1. The Beach and the Gulf

As I mentioned above the beach is sugar-white and sugar soft beneath your bare feet. And while you are walking along the beach you’ll have the most beautiful views of the Gulf. The water there is the prettiest turquoise you have ever laid eyes on. It’s perfect for building sand castles or just lounging about.

2. Feed Your Adrenaline

Panama City Beach has plenty of ways to feed your adrenaline. From spins and drops and dives, they have everything. You can find a Treetop Drop, a slide at the water park ShipWreck Island, and zip lines to mountain bike trails. They also have some pretty amazing underwater adventures. They are known as the “Wreck Diving Capital of the South”. Just visit the Real. FUN. Beach.

3. Find Romance

I love just strolling hand in hand with my husband on the beach. In Panama City Beach they have romance and relaxation around every corner. Be sure to check out their luxury spas and amazing resorts.

4. Lots of Family Fun Adventures

There is something for everyone in Panama City Beach. Everyone has the opportunity to mix and match what works for them. Along the 27 miles of beaches you will find paddle-boarding, Jet Skis, and beach volleyball. From snorkeling to riding airboats your days will be full of things to do. It is after-all known as the Real. FUN. Beach. You can easily Make It Yours with all the fun to be had. Take the Quiz if you need help deciding.

5. An Eco-Adventure

Panama City Beach has two state parks and miles of on- and off-road bike trails in protected conservation areas. You can experience nature above and below the water. You can plan a unique encounter with a dolphin, or take a sunset kayaking trip. You could even hike through a cypress swamp. There are countless ways to make it yours.

6. The Parks

We mentioned the State Parks for your eco adventures but it’s also just a great place to visit. You can just enjoy the wildlife slowly. Go bird watching or visit the wetlands. Between the Conservation Park, Camp Helen State Park and St. Andrews State Park you’ll make all kinds of different observations.

7. Shopping

Pier Park is THE destination to go to for all your shopping needs. They have a great selection of stores to choose from and if you ask my mom, no vacation is complete without a little shopping excursion.

8. Boating and Fishing

There are a lot of boating and fishing opportunities. You can take a tour or a cruise and have a great time on the water. Charter a fishing boat for a salt water excursion and catch some fresh fish. There are also a few piers that provide great fishing opportunities.

9. The Food

Panama City Beach is a great place to get fresh seafood. Plus they have many award-winning restaurants to choose from as well.

10. Sports

Panama City Beach has a new sports complex coming in 2019. You will be able to watch things like baseball and swim meets in their new facility.

This is just the tip of the iceberg here in all the activities you have to choose from when you Visit Panama City Beach. You’ll need more than a week to explore it all plan your fun today.

New Activities For Holidaymakers at Sands Resorts Macao

June 10, 2018 by Beeb Leave a Comment

Macao is a fascinating place. It was the oldest as well as the last European colony in Asia, a part of the Portuguese Empire until its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999. As a result, Macao has a unique culture to experience and much to see as home to 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO also recognized Macao as a “Creative City of Gastronomy” for its can’t-miss local cuisine. It’s easy to get to from major US cities, making it an attractive summer holiday destination – and with the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge later this summer, it will make travel even easier as tourists will be able to get from Macao to Hong Kong in roughly 45 minutes. And if you’re planning a trek this year, Sands Resorts Macao has added new entertainment for 2018 perfect for traveling families!

An integrated resort city, Sands Resorts Macao encompasses eight hotels, forming its own “Cotai Strip”. It was developed to be a smaller scale version of the Las Vegas strip – one of the hotels, The Parisian Macao, even has its own 1/2 scale model of the Eiffel Tower! The strip is home to 12,000+ hotel rooms (!!) along with 850+ places to shop and 150+ places to eat. Suffice it to say, you would not be bored here!

Sands Resorts Macao Joie De Vivre Festival

New for summer 2018 is the inaugural Joie De Vivre Festival, celebrating French wine, food and culture. It’s taking place now through the end of June on The Parisian Macao Eiffel Tower’s Observation Deck, so you can enjoy French cuisine and entertainment along with great views.

Special for the kiddos is the Thomas Friendship Party with The Little Big Club ALL STARS, a show taking place every day through September 30th from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Sands Cotai Central’s Urumqi Ballroom. In addition to the musical show featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney, and other popular characters, there are interactive games and activities along with snacks. There’s no party like a Thomas party!

Have you ever been to Macao?

Luxury in Lake Tahoe With Resort at Squaw Creek

June 10, 2018 by Beeb Leave a Comment

All Photos courtesy of Resort at Squaw Creek, A Destination Hotel

I’ve explored some beautiful places while attending press trips for MomStart, and one memorable location was Lake Tahoe. It’s an undeniably gorgeous place that is definitely on my list to visit again. The area is home to many luxurious resorts, and one that has recently caught my eye is Resort at Squaw Creek.

This resort is located minutes away from North Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so it is surrounded by breathtaking views and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. After reading up on it, I have to say that this would be the perfect place to go on vacation with my husband, for both the views and the activities. Resort at Squaw Creek offers guided hiking and biking tours, where families of children aged 10 and over can hike through a canyon with granite walls and beautiful waterfalls while learning about the natural habitat and enjoying lunch. They also offer a “Bike and Paddle” experience where guests can take a stand-up paddle board onto Lake Tahoe – I went kayaking over the Lake when I was there, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity as it’s one I shall never forget. But if you’re not great at paddle boarding – I know I’m not! – you can try the “Bike and Float” and enjoy a more relaxing rafting trip.

If you’re more of a lady of leisure than an outdoors enthusiast, then you can enjoy pampering at Spa at Squaw Creek. Book a facial or massage, or get creative at the “Blending Bar” where you can make your very own custom spa product – how fun is that?! And if you’re looking for more entertainment, the resort has announced a variety of new offerings for summer 2018 including everything from an on-site astrologer to shuffle board to fly fishing to “Dive-in” movies shown at their main pool, where you can also go down a 120-foot water slide. Lake Tahoe is known for luxury, and Resort at Squaw Creek is on my bucket list for my next visit for sure!

Take a European Cruise With CIE Tours International This Summer

June 9, 2018 by Beeb 1 Comment

CIE Tours International Dubrovnik To Dubrovnik Adriatic Cruise

“The general view of Dubrovnik – Fortresses Lovrijenac and Bokar.” – Image courtesy CIE Tours International.

When Jai and I went on our honeymoon in February, we had looked into the possibility of taking a European cruise, but since we were traveling off-season it wasn’t possible due to the weather. However, it’s definitely on our radar for the next time! Summer is the perfect time to take a cruise, so if you’re in the market for a vacation in the next few months, CIE Tours International has a variety of fully inclusive cruises to Eastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and Italy.

“Gondoliers working their way trafficking tourists through the major water-traffic corridors of Venice.” – Image courtesy CIE Tours International.

For $2,025 per person, you can take the Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Adriatic Cruise for seven nights, stopping at Mljet National Park, the Cathedral of St. Mark, Cetina River Canyon, Dicoletian’s Palace and Rector’s Palace. Or if you’d like a longer cruise, the Dubrovnik to Venice Adriatic Cruise lasts 11 nights and stops at Rector’s Palace, Mljet National Park, the Cathedral of St. Mark, Dicoletian’s Palace, Postojna Cave, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace; this cruise runs $2,865 per person.

Each cruise includes private cabins with Wifi, breakfast, most dinners, and daily sightseeing with whisper-technology-enhanced touring. CIE are known for their guided tours, so the cruise excursions are sure to be packed with memorable moments. I would love to go on a cruise like this with Jai sometime – we have a lot of family members who are into taking cruises, and they always rave about how much fun they have, so it’s definitely on our bucket list! You can see the full range of CIE Tours International cruise and coach tours by clicking here.

“Coast in Split, Croatia” – Image courtesy CIE Tours International.

Have you ever taken a European cruise before?

Summer Fun at The St. Regis Atlanta: Tacos, Cocktails & More

June 9, 2018 by Beeb 1 Comment

Enjoy tasty eats by the pool at The St. Regis Atlanta all this summer

This week, I came up with a new pulled pork taco recipe that was sooo good. I’m thinking that “Taco day” needs to happen with much more regularity around here because it was such a hit! Well, if you’re in Atlanta, you have a very compelling reason to make tacos a weekly occurrence, because The St. Regis Atlanta is offering a rotating taco bar now through Labor Day featuring a different mouthwatering taco each Saturday!

This taco bar will be available at the hotel’s Pool Piazza, so you can enjoy a relaxed poolside summer lunch with the whole family. Tacos and Jacuzzi? Perfect afternoon! Here’s the taco schedule, so you can plan accordingly:

Week 1: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tacos served with red peanut mole, apple and cabbage slaw, and guajillo chili infused Georgia honey
Week 2: Al Pastor Pork Tacos served with charred pineapple pico de gallo, queso fresco, and cilantro lime aioli
Week 3: Grilled Mahi Tacos served with green papaya slaw and chipotle aioli
Week 4: Skirt Steak Arrachera Tacos served with pickled red onions, guacamole and Oaxaca cheese

This menu was created by Chef Jordan Barnett and will be available from 1:00 PM through 4:00 PM each Saturday for $12 per order. And to wash it down, Mom and Dad can choose from craft cocktails such as a Frozen Watermelon Margarita or their signature Peach Frosè, made from Rosè, Grapefruit Bacardi Rum, frozen peach puree, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. And to entertain you while you dine, DJ Tron will also be performing from 12:30 PM through 7:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Which one of these tacos would you try first? The Al Pastor Pork is giving me inspiration for the next time I make pork tacos!

What To Do At Disneyland PixarFest In Photos

June 8, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

Disneyland provided us with park hopper tickets so we could experience Disneyland’s Pixarfest first hand and I have to say OH MY! What a treat it was to visit Pixarfest and it is bigger and better than I even imagined. So, out of all the things we did, we came up with a few things you must do at Disneyland Pixarfest: Get tickets to Disneyland.

What To Do At Disneyland PixarFest

Eat a Fun Flavored Churro – Disneyland has so many new flavors of Churros. Each one has a subtle flavor like Pineapple, or Carrot Cake. They seem to change them because I was told they did have Cookies and Cream Churros.

Watch the Pixar Play Parade – Holy wow this parade was so colorful and fantastic. Be prepared to get a little wet though as the rides will squirt you with water as they pass by. I really enjoyed how cute the floats were and the dancers in the street were very talented as they danced to the great Pixar themed songs.

Watch the Pixar Fireworks – The “Together Forever” night time spectacular includes all of the Pixar films and I’m pretty sure there was a small nod to the Space movie that doesn’t have a release date yet. This fireworks display can be seen from locations all over the park.

Visit Pixar Pier – is home to the sweetest treats from the Abonimable Snowman Frosted Treats.

Eat at Alien Pizza Planet. – This is a must because the food is amazing. I had The Antipasta Salad and it was delicious. I also had the opportunity to taste the Cheeseburger Pizza and all the desserts. OMG, they were so good. It was super hard to have one bite. In fact, I almost finished the Parfait.

A few other things you might want to experience that we did not get to experience are things like the Pain the Night Parade, Ride some rides, on June 22 Mickey’s roller coaster Mickey’s Screamin will be redone as an Incredibles themed roller coaster.Animation Academy is now teaching people how to draw your favorite Pixar characters. The Monorail is all decked out in Finding Nemo and Downtown Disney contains some Pixar nods as well. And because this post was made possible due to Incredibles 2 coming to theaters June 15th I have to share all my “Incredible” Incredibles 2 coverage.

Fore More Incredibles 2 Coverage:

BUY Incredibles 2 Tickets Now
Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

Discover Washington: The Hunt for Tulips

May 30, 2018 by Momstart 5 Comments

The Hunt for Tulips

We had the Buick Enclave for a week on loan from Buick to travel Washington as part of our new series Discovering Washington. In our first post of Discovering Washington we went on a hunt for Tulips. In the La Conner area there are tons of fields of flowers.

A Week In The Buick Enclave

These fields bloom for a month or two depending on if the fields are Tulip fields or daffodil fields. My children and I scoped out the area in early April to find only Daffodils, we went back in May in The Buick Enclave to find the Tulips. We were three days too late to enjoy the Tulip Festival itself, however, we found other adventures as we drove around Skagit Valley (La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Tulip Town.

Our Drive

Our ride was a comfortable one as we drove just over an hour in the Buick Enclave.

We got up and I forgot to check the Bloom Locator before we set out. We headed straight for La Conner. We didn’t find any tulips in La Conner, a local there said we just missed them. The fields had all been cleared that weekend.

From La Conner To Tulip Town

He did direct us to Tulip Town, which we had been to a month before so getting there was quite easy. But I did plug in the directions on my phone and used the built in Apple Play in the Buick Enclave. I love how the Buick Enclave works with any phone, not just Apple.

A Smart Move

That’s a smart move on their part.

Plus of course, you can use their built in GPS, but it’s so nice to have my music, contacts and maps at my finger tips while I’m driving.

So we made it to Tulip Town and the kids enjoyed the heated seats in the back. I enjoyed the heated steering wheel and going between cooling my seat and heating my seat depending upon my fancy.

So Beautiful

The Tulips were beautiful. I took a ton of photos of the kids in the fields of flowers. The kids took photos too. It was a fun environment to show the kids how to use my camera.

Jump For Tulips

Found All The Tulips

Check out all our flower photos:

After Tulip town we went down to Picnic Beach for a quick play date. I then drove down to Woodinville so the kids could have their music lessons.

Happy Family

Then I drove back up north so my daughter would make to her acting classes. Then I drove back to Woodinville so my son could attend his martial arts classes. I went home for a few hours before going back to Everett to pick up my daughter. It was a LOT of driving for one day and I became very familiar with the 2018 Buick Enclave. I LOVED how very spacious it was and how easy it was to drive.

Other 2018 Buick Enclave Details:

Rear Camera Mirror allows rearview mirror to function as a traditional mirror or as a camera, eliminating obstructions such as heads and headrests, while expanding the rear field of vision by 300%

Surround Vision provides overhead, 360-degree view around the vehicle

Intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch rear differential and Buickfirst switchable AWD for improved control and efficiency

Power dual moonroof with rear fixed skylight; powerfolding third-row seat; wireless charging

New air ionizer eliminates odors and provides higher air quality

Hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a Buick tri-shield logo that illuminates the ground below the hidden sensor

Customizable safety alerts and seven standard airbags

A Walk Through Walt Disney’s Office #PeterPanBluray

May 29, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Disney provided hotel and transportation so I could attend a press Day on the Disney lot for Peter Pan. During the Peter Pan press day we took a tour of Walt Disney’s office. Walt Disney’s office has been recreated down to the last detail. As much as possible the furniture and items you will see pictured below are original items. So take a walk with me through Walt Disney’s office.

Walt Disney had such a creative and innovative mind. Such a person like Walt Disney needed his own space and he had it. He had a reception area, his office and then an entertaining office that had a kitchen where Walt Disney’s Chili was served. We had the opportunity to check out what his space looked like years ago when he was alive and making movies.

It looks a little like I remember from ABC’s “A Wonderful World of Disney” or “Walt Disney Presents”. I think both of those were shows I used to watch. Oh and a fun tidbit, his brother’s office was VERY far away from his. Sometimes, they needed some space. Other than that TV show, how do we know what his office looked like?

How Do We Know What Walt Disney’s Office Looked Like

Disney archives keeps a little bit of everything so that history is accurately remembered. This includes what Walt Disney’s office looked like. I had the opportunity to walk inside Walt Disney’s office on the Disney lot in Burbank California. You know, you can also see what his office looked like in the movie Saving Mr. Banks. I believe our tour guide said that it was even filmed there.

What Walt Disney’s Office looked like

He had an office where he would write, he had an office where he would formally meet with people, and then he also had an office where he would be creative.

Here is a walk through Walt Disney’s Office in photos…

A Walk Through Walt’s Office

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I find Walt Disney to be a very inspiring man. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of his personal locations. I’ve been to the house Walt Disney lived in for many years. I’ve also visited the Walt Disney Family Museum. Of course I’ve also been to Walt Disney world and to Disneyland on many occasions. His dreams never seem to have died.

The first four photos in this blog post are courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. The rest of the photos I took myself on my tour of Walt Disney’s Office. I’m going to let you know that I have now visited his office twice now and I’m going to share with you a few photos I took on my most recent visit. I even learned a little more about the office.

The Reception waiting area

Original chairs

Inner Office

Famous Piano

Entertaining Office and Kitchen

Pebble Beach Resorts Summer Begins Now

May 24, 2018 by Momstart 2 Comments

Pebble Beach Resorts, a true American landmark coming up on its own 100^th birthday, invites summer travelers to start new family traditions with a special Fourth of July getaway. But you should know that the fun actually starts this weekend.

Pebble Beach Resorts are known for their golf courses, spas and top notch accommodations with amazing views. Starting tomorrow – May 31 2018 you can take advantage of the resort’s Memorial Day Special Offer, including two nights at The Inn at Spanish Bay from $495 per night (a 37% discount).

Golfers can play on one of Pebble Beach’s epic courses at a special rate – $140 per round at The Links at Spanish Bay, $295 per round at Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and $525 per round at Pebble Beach Golf Links – the number one public golf course in America. And for the ultimate in wellness and rejuvenation, guests can book any service at the Forbes Five Star Spa at a 20% discount.

Other suggestions for Memorial Day Weekend fun:

Golf enthusiasts and budding players can sharpen their skills during a golf lesson at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy.
Kayaking adventures launch from Stillwater Cove, where guests will discover extraordinary marine life and likely catch sight of the otters and seals that call the cove their home.
Nestled amidst 27 miles of riding and hiking trails in the Del Monte Forest, there are ample other ways to explore Pebble Beach Resorts’ surrounds, including by horseback during a Family Forest Ride with the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.
And the heated swimming pool and elevated sundeck at The Beach & Tennis Club at Pebble Beach presents another opportunity to relax and enjoy the California sun.

From June 29-July 8, 2017, guests can enjoy a two-night stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay from $495 per night (a 37 percent discount) or The Lodge at Pebble Beach from $625 per night (a 31 percent discount). Golfers can check off a major bucket-list experience as they play on one of Pebble Beach’s epic golf courses at a special rate—$445 at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the world’s No. 1 public golf course, $295 at Spyglass Hill Golf Course or $140 at The Links at Spanish Bay. The offer also includes a 20 percent discount on any service at the Forbes Five Star-rated Spa at Pebble Beach. Golf and spa offers are only available for resort guests with minimum two-night stay; golf offers limited to one round per person, per day.

For more outdoor family fun, visitors can head to Carmel-by-the-Sea for its annual July 4^th celebration. Beginning at noon, Davendorf Park turns red, white and blue with a day full of music, fun and games. Visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch, bring a blanket and enjoy the tunes. Plus, all food, festivities, live music and games are free.

Visit WA State: Semiahmoo Resort Golf And Spa

May 24, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Washington State is a great place to visit, I should know I live here. We have rain, sunshine, beaches, mountains all within driving distance. Oh we even have rainforests, just to let you know. One of our resorts, Blaine’s Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa, is also worth mentioning because they have a lot of fun activities going on this summer.

Caption: Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa (Photo credit: Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa)

We missed the Beachside Beerfest & BBQ. That was a one-day affair, where each attendee received a four-ounce tasting glass along with ten tasting tokens to experience beers of their choice from local breweries such as Skagit River Brewery, Farmstrong Brewery, Pike Brewing Company and others. They also enjoyed a BBQ dinner, live music and games. All proceeds went to Make.Shift, a local organization that provides an all-ages space for art and music. So not only did the adults get to have fun it went to a good cause. I love a good cause.

AND The good news is that there is more opportunities to have fun this summer. We’re hoping to make it up there one weekend before summer is over. There will be live music, games and a family-style dinner on the lawn overlooking the waterfront at each of Semiahmoo’s new weekly events. The resort is also offering monthly five-course Winemaker Dinners, each showcasing a different local winery and immersing guests in the pairing experience from start to finish.

So there will always be something to do.

Seaside Sizzle: A Beachside BBQ

Root beer BBQ pork ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork sliders, green chili cheddar corn bread, coleslaw and desserts will be served family style alongside unlimited roasted corn on the cob and bottomless lemonade. Guests can also enjoy beer and wine for an additional charge.

When: Every Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., May 25–August 31, 2018; as well as July 1, July 4 and September 2.
Price: $26.00 per person for adults; $9.95 per person for children under 12 years old; free for children under 5 years old.

Saturday Seafood Boil

Menu highlights include roasted sockeye salmon, Caesar salad and a traditional seafood boil with prawns, fish, andouille sausage, corn and of course, clams. Beer and wine will also be served for an additional charge.

When: Every Saturday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., May 26–September 1, 2018
Price: $28.00 per person for adults; $9.95 per person for children under 12 years old; free for children under 5 years old.

For more information about Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa and to purchase tickets, please visit www.semiahmoo.com/upcoming-events.php.

About Packers Bar & Grill

Semiahmoo has streamlined its culinary offerings with the relaunch of Packers Bar & Grill as the new Packers Kitchen + Bar, a classic waterfront eatery where locals and guests can enjoy pub-inspired fare with a seaside twist. The move unites the best of Semiahmoo’s former Pierside Kitchen and Packers Bar & Grill in a casual, lively atmosphere set against expansive views of Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor. Chef Bruno Feldeisen will curate seasonal menus featuring dishes crafted from local farms and waters, including house favorites like oysters on the half shell and Pacific cod fish-and-chips. Packers Kitchen + Bar is open daily for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

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