Wordless Wednesday: April 29, 2015
Wordless Wednesday: Suitcase And A Dream
Month: April 2015
Celebrating A Disney Christmas in…April?
It is NEVER too early to starting thinking about celebrating a Disney Christmas…right?
Every time I walk into Disney’s Days of Christmas in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, I can’t help but get excited about Christmas!
With so many Christmas ornaments how could you not?
Priced between $17.95 and $19.95, these Disney Christmas Character Ornaments are a great way to add a really personal touch of ‘Disney’ to your Christmas tree.
I have really enjoyed watching and collecting this line of ornaments as they have grown over the years, and I thought I would share some of my favorite new (and new-ish) Character Ornaments!
Russell and Dug from Up
Mickey Mouse hugging Duffy the Disney Bear
Bambi and Thumper
Parachuting Green Army Man
Seagull from Finding Nemo
Elliott from Pete’s Dragon
Timon and Pumbaa
Marie
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
Dr. Bunson Honeydew and Beaker
J. Thaddeus Toad
Follow us for more updates: Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Announces 110,000-SF Expansion
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Announces 110,000-SF Expansion
The owners of Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores announced plans to expand their existing outlet center by 110,000 square feet of leasable space by 2016. Sutton Properties, Inc. has received approval by Orange County’s Board of County Commissioners to build on an adjacent tract to the existing 238,000-square-foot center on State Road 535.
The center’s ownership, development and management team anticipates breaking ground in the third quarter of 2015 and grand opening the enlarged and refreshed center in the summer of 2016. At that time, the outlet center will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Ownership estimates the expansion will create 225 new jobs.
Opened in August 1996 as one of Central Florida’s first outlet centers and a 2014 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award winner, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores offers 50 stores selling factory-direct, premium quality merchandise from nationally-known brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nike, Gap, Ann Taylor and Guess. The center is home to several retailers that can’t be found elsewhere in Central Florida, including the area’s only Old Navy Outlet, Big Dogs, Rawlings Factory Store and Eddie Bauer Outlet. All existing stores will remain fully operational throughout the expansion.
“Our factory stores experienced significant sales growth in recent years as increasingly-savvy visitors and local shoppers, alike, demand their favorite brands in broad selections at tremendous savings,” said Sutton Properties President Sam Sutton. “With this growth has come more inquiries from potential new tenants, but with low store turnover, we needed more space to maximize these opportunities. Expanding our center by nearly 50 percent will enable us to do so.”
Sutton anticipates the expansion will house both nationally-popular brands as well as new to the market international stores and restaurants, “making this a winning proposition for both visitors and our loyal local resident customer base,” he added.
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores’ existing amenities include convenient store front parking, free daily scheduled shuttles servicing 66 Orlando and Kissimmee area resorts and hotels comprising 34,338 rooms (the area’s only shopping center with such a service), a food court, World of Coffee Internet Café, and Frankie Farrell’s Irish Pub & Grille.
The ownership and management team for the center developed the TripAdvisor®, Expedia and Virgin Holiday award-winning adjacent sister property, Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, with its 496 unit condominium hotel, signature health spa, interactive pool, tiki bar, and numerous resort amenities.
Follow us for more updates:Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is located just one mile from Walt Disney World at 15657 State Road 535 (S. Apopka Vineland Road), Orlando, FL 32821-6316, and two miles south of I-4, Exit 68. For current hours and more information, including a downloadable coupon to be exchanged on site for a coupon booklet valued up to $400 in savings, visit www.LBVFS.com, or call 407-238-9301. For current store news, deals and discounts, connect with the center on Facebook, Twitter (@LBVFS) and Pinterest.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: April 27th Launch Viewing
Guests Can Enjoy Best Public Viewing of SpaceX Rocket Launch on April 27 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Exclusive Viewing Options Offer a ‘Front Row Seat’ for the Launch
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can experience the stunning sights and powerful sounds of the April 27 launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, scheduled for 6:14 p.m., with three exclusive launch viewing locations from which to choose.
This launch was previously scheduled for April 24.
The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSat. SpaceX is launching this satellite for Thales Alenia Space. The TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSat will provide the first national satellite telecommunications systems in Turkmenistan and includes coverage zones across Europe, Central Asia and Africa.
The Visitor Complex will offer launch viewing from the LC-39 Observation Gantry and Apollo/Saturn V Center, located within the secured areas of Kennedy Space Center, as well as bleacher seating or an open lawn viewing area near Space Shuttle AtlantisSM in the main Visitor Complex.
Each of the locations offers thrilling viewing experiences:
- The LC-39 Observation Gantry offers a premium, up-close view of the rocket on the launch pad and during lift off. Just 3.4 miles away from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, guests can feel the force of the launch and hear the roar of the engines. This area features lawn and bleacher seating, as well as live launch commentary. The viewing package includes launch transportation, a light snack and a souvenir T-shirt. Launch Transportation Tickets to LC-39 Observation Gantry are available for $49 in addition to admission. Purchase tickets by calling 855-475-8415. Bus boarding for guests with Launch Transportation Tickets to this location begins at 4:30 p.m.
- The Apollo/Saturn V Center is located within Kennedy Space Center and is approximately six miles from Space Launch Complex 40. The viewing area features an open lawn and bleacher section overlooking the scenic Banana River. The area includes live launch commentary, food and retail available for purchase, and indoor restroom facilities. Launch Transportation Tickets to Apollo/Saturn V Center are available for $20 in addition to admission. Tickets may be purchased online at KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 866-870-6239. Buses from the Visitor Complex will begin taking guests with Launch Transportation Tickets to the Apollo/Saturn V Center at 3:30 p.m.
- Located at the main Visitor Complex, viewing adjacent to Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in daily admission. The viewing area is approximately seven miles from the launch pad and offers guests a view of the rocket once it clears the tree line. Bleacher seating, an open lawn viewing area and live launch commentary are provided.
Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission tickets may be purchased at www.KennedySpaceCenter.com or by calling 877-313-2610.
Visitor Complex hours on April 27 are 9 a.m. through launch.
Launch date, time and viewing locations are subject to change.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Follow us for more updates: Orlando City SC News: Tickets for Mexico vs. Costa Rica Available
Orlando City SC News:
Individual Tickets for Mexico vs. Costa Rica at the Citrus Bowl Available for Purchase
Options to Purchase Single Game and Special Two Pack Offer with Orlando City vs. LA Galaxy are Available
Tickets featuring single game admission to the Mexico vs. Costa Rica match on June 27 are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Two-Pack tickets for this match, as well as Orlando City SC vs. LA Galaxy on May 17, are still available for purchase on www.OrlandoCitySC.com starting at $45.
“We continue to see a lot of momentum for both these matches and encourage supporters to purchase their tickets early,” said Orlando City SC President and Founder Phil Rawlins. “This will be a great event for Orlando, as we look toward bringing many more international matches to our venues.”
The match will be crucial for both squads as they make final preparations ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup – the bi-annual continental championship to be played across North America in July. Capturing the Gold Cup would give the winner a chance to face the United States in a play-in game to qualify for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
City’s next home match will take place on Sunday, April 26, against Toronto FC. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. To purchase season, group or individual tickets, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY. Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
ABOUT ORLANDO CITY SOCCER CLUB:
The only Major League Soccer (MLS) team in Florida, the Lions’ first team set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 league matches (66-12-22). Orlando City has won three USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visitwww.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday: Happy Earth Day
Wordless Wednesday: April 22, 2015
#SunshineOnSale This Summer At Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Soak Up the Florida Sun this Summer at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
with a Free Night
#SunshineOnSale Through August 23
Plan you summer fun vacation at Orlando’s original upscale resort and save with the Sunshine on Sale package at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
Now through August 23, 2015, stay a minimum of four consecutive nights and receive the fifth night free.
Rates start at $189.00 for deluxe accommodations, based on availability. Use promo code: SOS5NT at www.GrandCypress.Hyatt.com for reservations.
The award-winning, 1,500 acre Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress resort offers guests an upscale travel experience just minutes from Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando® and SeaWorld® Orlando including…
Room to Relax
Guests seeking an hour or full day of pampering can enjoy the new 5,200 square-foot, full-service Marilyn Monroe Spa. Featuring a vibrant, playful and relaxing retreat designed in the style of Marilyn’s California home, the Spa offers an indulgent menu with more than 100 treatment options including massage, body wraps, facials, and nail services, as well as hair and makeup styling.
Countless Activities
The resort’s signature lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated zones, two whirlpools, a rope bridge, walking paths and wrap-around sundecks that feature the new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, Water Jet Splash Zone and Rock Climbing stations which complement resort classics including the nightly S’mores pit; beach volleyball; tether ball; marked jogging, walking, and biking trails and the 2,500 square-foot Hyatt StayFit™ fitness center.
Outdoor Entertainment
Guests are also welcome to paddle Lake Windsong in a kayak, canoe, sailboat, hydro bike, aqua cycle, or paddleboat or hop on a Florida Keys-style flats boat captained by a professional fishing guide and Florida Master Naturalist to fish for largemouth bass and bluegill. And kids can make a splash at the Mermaid Academy or create souvenir sand art while participating in exciting activities at Camp Hyatt.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress also features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club.
Gourmet Dining
The Grand Cypress features a variety of dining options inspired by Florida’s rich history. Guests can savor island-inspired Cuban cuisine atHemingway’s, find classic American cuisine at Cascade American Bistro, sip poolside cocktails at On the Rocks or enjoy small plates and specialty drinks at the new Trellises Lounge.
The Grand Cypress features a variety of dining options inspired by Florida’s rich history. Guests can savor island-inspired Cuban cuisine atHemingway’s, find classic American cuisine at Cascade American Bistro, sip poolside cocktails at On the Rocks or enjoy small plates and specialty drinks at the new Trellises Lounge.
About Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The award-winning, 1,500 acre Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located one mile from Walt Disney World® and close to Universal Orlando® and SeaWorld® Orlando with a host of amenities and activities including the new 5,200 square-foot, full-service Marilyn Monroe Spa, 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club. Located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of private Lake Windsong, the free-flowing lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools, new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, new interactive Water Jet Splash Zone, rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. New features complement the resort’s favorite activities including; S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails.
The award-winning, 1,500 acre Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located one mile from Walt Disney World® and close to Universal Orlando® and SeaWorld® Orlando with a host of amenities and activities including the new 5,200 square-foot, full-service Marilyn Monroe Spa, 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club. Located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of private Lake Windsong, the free-flowing lagoon pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools, new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, new interactive Water Jet Splash Zone, rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. New features complement the resort’s favorite activities including; S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is centrally located with convenient access to Orlando International Airport and Interstate 4 off Exit 68 in Lake Buena Vista. The resort’s address is One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Florida, USA 32836. For more information; call 407.239.1234; visitGrandCypress.Hyatt.com; like Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Facebook; follow on Instagram and follow on Twitter at @HRGrandCypress.
Follow us for more updates: WWE Legend Mick Foley Brings ‘Cheap Pops’ to Full Sail Live
WWE Legend Mick Foley is coming to Full Sail Live with ‘Cheap Pops’
Friday April 24, 2015
See “Mick Foley: Cheap Pops!” with special appearances by JR Jim Ross and more!!
Mick Foley, WWE champion, a hardcore legend, and WWE Hall of Fame Member, for one night only is bringing his one-man comedy show ‘Cheap Pops’ to Full Sail Live.
While his work in the WWE ring is impressive, he is also a five time self-penned New York Times best-sellers who has turned his writings into his one-man spoken-word stage show, “Tales From Wrestling Past.”
httpv://youtu.be/tc_f228Mr5E
Foley himself refers to “Tales From Wrestling Past” as “like being in the ring, without getting hurt” – a welcome distinction coming from a man who gave so much, to so many, for so long.
Foley has wowed both crowds and critics alike with his unique stage show – leading “Chortle”, the UK’s most respected comedy source to write “Foley himself is charm personified – eloquent, funny and self-effacing” and the decidedly non-wrestling publication “Broadway Baby” to muse, “if you’re interested at all in wrestling you’ll love it; if you’re not, you’ll like it.”
It’s important to know that this event is only for patrons 18 and older.
Tickets are STILL available for ‘Cheap Pops’ at Full Sail Live, and are General Admission for $25 (plus $1 fee) here.
I am a HUGE Mick Foley fan, both of his WWE fame and his books, and I can’t tell you how excited I am that he is coming to Orlando and how jealous that my husband Dave will be there!
Mick Foley: Cheap Pops!
Friday, April 24, 2015 7:00pm
Full Sail Live Venue
Winter Park, FL
Follow us for more updates: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Earth Day Festivities
Earth Day Festivities Feature Astronaut Story Musgrave on April 22 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can celebrate Earth Day on April 22 with a full slate of Earth-centric presentations, displays and a special Astronaut Encounter with NASA astronaut Story Musgrave.
Earth Day at the Visitor Complex offers guests the opportunity to hear about the efforts to solve environmental challenges from experts and exhibitors, view Earth from a new perspective during an extraordinary Astronaut Encounter with Musgrave and find out how NASA Earth Science Missions and technology spinoffs are helping scientists and farmers better care for the planet.
The day begins with a ceremony at 9:45 a.m. led by Kelvin Manning, associate director of Kennedy Space Center, and Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., discover more than 50 exhibitors and displays, including Canaveral National Seashore, Brevard Zoo, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, General Motors and NASA Energy Working Group. Exhibitors will give brief presentations throughout the day in NASA Central and the Rocket Garden.
Notable displays include FIRST® Robotics Team’s recycling robot demonstrating the benefits of recycling, and alternative fuel vehicles supplied by NASA on display in the Rocket Garden, giving guests a glimpse at what the future of transportation may look like. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is planting a butterfly garden near the Rocket Garden, inviting guests to join the fun by planting flowers. An opportunity to see owls cared for by The Florida Wildlife Hospital is also available.
From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., speakers will address the importance of caring for the environment and how it affects the future of life on Earth. Marie Zanowick Bourgeois, an environmental engineer and biomimicry specialist from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, discusses new approaches to current environmental challenges. The study of biomimicry looks for new ways of living that benefit life on Earth now and for future generations. Other speakers include Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, the director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and John Dodson, a farmer from Halls, Tenn., who explains how NASA developed technology benefits today’s farming.
Keynote speaker Musgrave will perform and present his piece called, “In Touch, and in Love with the Cosmos—the Heavens, the Earth, and all the Other Creatures on the Journey.” This remarkable presentation looks at the beauty of Earth as seen from space, the air and the ground and the ecological design, engineering and creation of sustainable and green landscapes.
All the exhibits and presentations are included with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission. The Visitor Complex will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 22.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space Shuttle AtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Follow us for more updates: Universal Orlando Resort 25th Anniversary Concert Series
Pitbull, Goo Goo Dolls, Prince Royce, & More Headline Special 25th Anniversary Concert Series At Universal Orlando Resort
Top-Name Acts Perform in Concert Series on Select Nights During May and June as Part of Universal Orlando’s 25th Anniversary Year
Universal Orlando Resort today revealed the lineup for a special concert series taking place later this spring to help mark Universal Orlando’s 25th anniversary year. On select nights May 23 through June 20, Universal Studios Florida will host a diverse lineup of award-winning, chart-topping artists.
The concert series features an array of talent with something for everyone, from the internationally-renowned artist Pitbull – whose global hit single, “Timber,” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, to the chart-topping band Goo Goo Dolls, which has sold more than 10 million albums and has 14 Top Ten hits. Also performing is teen sensation Shawn Mendes, and award-winning Latin idol Prince Royce – whose latest album, “Soy el Mismo,” debuted at No. 1 on the Latin Album charts.
Over the past 25 years, Universal Orlando has transformed from a single theme park into an entire theme park entertainment destination. By day, guests can enjoy some of the most popular entertainment experiences in the world – including the spectacularly themed area The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. And beginning May 23, park guests can rock out to a live performance by a top artist at the Music Plaza, a concert venue located in the heart of Universal Studios Florida.
| CONCERT SERIES LINE-UP | |
| Concert Dates | Headliners(performing in the Music Plaza) |
| May 23 | Prince Royce |
| May 24 | Shawn Mendes |
| May 30 | Pitbull |
| June 6 | Kellie Pickler |
| June 13 | Huey Lewis and The News |
| June 20 | Goo Goo Dolls |
The excitement of the concert series is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with the purchase of an Annual Pass. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.
About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. And now, you can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; and Universal CityWalk, the one place where the dining and entertainment tastes of every member of the family intersect. And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Making The Perfect Treat For A Paddington Movie Night
Having a Family Movie Night is one of our favorite ways to slow down and decompress after a busy week of being On the Go, and to get ready for the release of Paddington the movie on April 28th I thought I’d make a fun treat inspired by a movie that we really enjoyed!
From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman, Paddington tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear who travels to the city in search of a home.
httpv://youtu.be/XINqh87wXKg
These Marmalade Pawprint Cookies are SUPER easy to make and fun for the whole family, and if you are looking for fun ideas for your own Paddington Party you can find tons of fun printables and more here and also on the Paddington Party Pinterest Board.
Marmalade Pawprint Cookie Recipe (Yield 30)
Perfect for a Paddington Movie Night
Ingredients:
1 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Cup Softened Unsalted Butter
2/3 Cup Sugar (Plus more for rolling)
1 Large Egg
1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 Cup Sweet Orange Marmalade
1/3 Cup Powdered/Confectioners Sugar
Tools:
Mixing Bowls
Mixer (Not necessary, but it makes mixing the dough easier)
Baking Sheets
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
Cooling Racks
Sifter (Not necessary, but it does make spreading the Confectioners Sugar easier)
Storage Container
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350° F
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
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In another bowl, whip the butter and the sugar with a hand-held mixer until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined.
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Slowly beat in the dry ingredients in 2 additions, mixing just until incorporated.
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Place dough in the refrigerator to cool for 1 hour.
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Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls with a cookie or ice cream scoop and roll in sugar.
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Place about 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball, about 1/2-inch deep. Fill each indentation with about 3/4 teaspoon jam.
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Bake cookies until the edges are golden, about 15 minutes. (For even color, rotate the pans from top to bottom about halfway through baking.)
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Cool cookies on the baking sheets.
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Once the Cookies have cooled completely, place them into your storage container for up to 5 days.
The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarist Team Welcomes Sharks
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Prepares for New Fins on the Block
The SEA LIFE Orlando aquarist team welcomes sharks to their new habitat
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium introduced sandbar sharks to their new home in Orlando this week. The sandbar sharks, also known as brown sharks, were transported on stretchers to their 192,000-gallon habitat, joining their new aquatic neighbors.
This marks the second group of fish to arrive at the aquarium, which previously included Everglades Pygmy Sunfish, Butterflyfish, Triggerfish, Moray Eels and more. More than 5,000 sea animals will be featured in 32 display habitats.
Opening May 4, visitors can immerse themselves in this unique and interactive aquarium experience, including coldwater rock pools, bubble and floor-to-ceiling window aquariums, and walkthrough 360-degree and 180-degree acrylic tunnels to learn about various species through interactive experiences.
About SEA LIFE Orlando
Opening May 4, 2015, SEA LIFE Orlando is an immersive, one-of-kind aquarium experience that allows marine life enthusiasts to experience the magical world beneath our oceans of the world with interactive touch pools, bubble aquariums, floor-to-ceiling displays, and 360-degree and 180-degree ocean tunnels featuring more than 5,000 sea creatures. The 25,000-square foot aquarium attraction will be home to colorful fish, sharks, sea horses, sting rays, jellies, sea turtles and much more.
SEA LIFE provides a glimpse of the diversity of marine life, while also playing an active role in animal and environmental conservation. Visitors will see strong evidence of the Breed, Rescue and Protect program with activities around the world, and new projects developed locally, as well as educational initiatives, including guest lectures and talks.
SEA LIFE is the world’s largest aquarium chain and SEA LIFE Orlando is the 50th location aquarium launched in the world and the 8th in the U.S. SEA LIFE Orlando is located at 8337 International Drive in Orlando, Florida, inside I-Drive 360, the entertainment and dining complex which is the home of the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel and celebrity wax attraction Madame Tussauds Orlando. For more information, go to .
Follow us for more updates: Westgate River Ranch celebrates International Glamping Weekend
Westgate River Ranch celebrates International Glamping Weekend with limited-time glamping vacation package
Celebrate #InternationalGlampingWeekend w/a special @westgateranch #glamping package. Book by 6/30 with “IGW2015” www.westgateriverranch.com
In honor of International Glamping Weekend, June 6 -7, Westgate River Ranch is offering a special glamping vacation package through June to encourage people try glamping. International Glamping Weekend is a weekend designated to celebrate glamping’s exciting blend of traditional outdoor camping with the glamour of hotel amenities. To join in on the celebration, Westgate River Ranch is offering an enhanced glamping package that includes a golf cart, $20 daily resort credit and s’mores kit to enjoy around nightly campfires along with a glamping site that features a fully furnished, air-conditioned tent and private bathroom access. To encourage more new glampers, the package is available for booking through June for travel dates through Sept. 30. The package starts at $199, offering a savings of up to 25 percent. Book with code “IGW2015” atwww.westgateriverranch.com or call (863) 692-1321.
On the same land where America’s first cowboys roamed, glamping provides Westgate River Ranch guests with a variety of amenities to enjoy the ultimate cowboy experience without “roughing it.” Each glamping site features a screened-in porch with rocking chairs, private gas propane grill and picnic table, access to private bathrooms and an array of interior amenities: bedroom furniture and dining set, a mini refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning, electrical outlets, a ceiling fan and various board games.
To ensure glampers can fully relax and satisfy a craving for the outdoors without worrying about traditional camping chores, a glamping concierge facilitates everything from scheduling daytime activities to starting campfires at night – even delivering hot cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and coffee to glamping tents every morning. Synonymous with a hotel concierge, the glamping concierge is available 24-7 as part of any glamping reservation at no additional cost.
For glampers seeking even more cowboy adventure, Westgate River Ranch offers a variety of activities: an authentic cattle drive, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, archery, a dinner hayride with a singing cowboy, mechanical bull, swamp buggy and airboat rides. Weekend guests can also attend the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in Florida, with trick riding, bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing, followed by line dancing and a street party at the River Ranch Saloon.
For more information about Westgate River Ranch or to book, visit www.westgateriverranch.com or call (863) 692-1321 and use code “IGW2015.” Accommodations must be booked by June 30 for travel dates through September 30. The package offers up to 25 percent savings with rates starting at $199 per night for weekday stays and $279 per night for weekend visits (savings based on rate plan availability).
Terms & Conditions: Offer not combinable with any other offer/promotion/discount or towards a current reservation. Must book by June 30, 2015, for travel bySeptember 30, 2015. The Resort Credit is only given when a guest stays 1 or more nights on-property. Resort Credit is valid only during reservation travel dates and cannot be saved for future travel dates. Resort Credit is not redeemable for cash. Any unused portion cannot and will not be refunded or credited to another reservation. Resort credit is valid only towards property restaurant (including alcohol), deli/café/bar, marketplace, western store and onsite activities and is not valid towards room rate (or any associated costs), transportation, tickets, arcade, taxes and/or gratuities. Certain restrictions on merchandise may apply. Resort Credit is allocated per reservation as designated in the official rate plan details. Resort Credit is not combinable with any other offer, discount or promotion. These terms and conditions of the Standard Resort Credit Policy are subject to change at any time in the Resort’s sole and absolute discretion. A standard one-night deposit with a credit card is required to guarantee a reservation. The standard deposit is calculated based upon one night’s room rate plus room tax. Cancellations must be made 72 hours before arrival in order to avoid payment of a penalty in an amount equal to the cost of one night’s room rate.
About Westgate River Ranch
Rooted in the history of the nation’s first cowboys, Westgate River Ranch lies on 1,700 lush acres in the heart of Florida’s cattle lands and is surrounded by approximately 400,000 acres of state and federally protected wetlands. The ranch offers Florida cowboy-themed accommodations, ranging from campgrounds to glamping (glamourous camping) and traditional camping to two-bedroom cabins. Westgate River Ranch boasts a multitude of recreational activities, including horseback riding, swimming, golf, a petting farm, nature hikes, trap and skeet shooting, hayrides, cookouts and a full-service marina complete with boating, and fishing, and airboat and swamp buggy rides. Westgate River Ranch also features a 5,000-foot paved and lighted runway, award-winning Smokehouse Grill, River Ranch Saloon and the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in Florida, featuring trick riding, bull riding and barrel racing at a 1,200-seat rodeo arena. A herd of grazing buffalo and long-horn cattle makes its home at Westgate River Ranch. For more information, please visit www.westgateriverranch.com or call (863) 692-1321.
Follow us for more updates: Give Kids The World Village Black & White Gala
Give Kids The World Village Black & White Gala Highlights Orlando Social Calendar |
| Annual event attracts thousands to Central Florida, including celebrities |
Give Kids The World Village’s (GKTW) annual Black & White Gala will feature gourmet food, world-class entertainment and best of all, the chance for attendees to help children with life-threatening illnesses. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, the event has become one of Central Florida’s most popular social events on the calendar, directly helping make more than 7,400 wishes come true every year. In addition to a fabulous evening of food and entertainment, a silent auction will be included featuring vacation packages, artwork, sporting event experiences and much more. Attendees will be able to bid on items using smart phones or tablets, making it easier to participate in the auction process.
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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Hubble Space Telescope Special Event
Celebrate 25 Years of the Hubble Space Telescope with
Three Days of Special Events, Guest Speakers and Hand-On Activities at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex April 24-26
Guests Can Participate in All Activities with the Price of Admission or
Upgrade to the “Hubble After Hours” Adventure including a Launch Viewing Opportunity
Since the Hubble Space Telescope first launched from Kennedy Space Center in April 1990, NASA’s incredible observatory has unlocked the keys to the universe with hundreds of thousands breathtaking images of nebulae, star nurseries, black holes, quasars, and so much more. Beloved by millions of people around the world who have followed its trials and triumphs over the past quarter century, Hubble remains in orbit today, long exceeding its life expectancy thanks to five servicing and repair missions performed by space shuttle crews.
In celebration of Hubble’s incredible accomplishments over the past 25 years, the Visitor Complex invites guests to participate in three days of special activities and events, including:
- A high-tech projection mapping show featuring 200 of Hubble’s most iconic images, as well as a photo gallery of large-scale, high-definition celestial prints.
- A host of fun, hands-on education and activity stations for all ages, including a full-scale Hubble replica, portable planetarium shows, 3D printing, infrared light simulation, a “flight” through the universe, simulations of Hubble’s focus and accuracy, a scale replica of NASA’s next generation space telescope, and more.
- Showings of the Hubble 3D IMAX® movie, filmed in space by NASA astronauts.
- Presentations and Q&A sessions with NASA scientists, astronomers, astrophysicists and astronauts, including Dr. Sam Durrance, Dr. Eric B. Ford, Dr. Lisa Mazzuca and Dr. Weipeing Yu.
All of these exciting activities are included in admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and are free for annual pass holders
“The 25 Years of Hubble event is unlike anything we’ve ever offered at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “For the price of regular admission, guests can take part in exciting Hubble-related experiments and activities, talk with experts in planetary science, see shows and films featuring Hubble’s incredible images, and so much more. It promises to be a fantastic event for the whole family.”
For a truly unforgettable Hubble experience, guests can opt to attend the exclusive Hubble After Hours Adventure on Friday, 4/24 from 4-11 p.m. This one-time, separately ticketed event includes:
- A two-day ticket to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
- The opportunity to see the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSat telecommunications satellite,from just six miles away at the Apollo/Saturn V Center within Kennedy Space Center.
- An exclusive stargazing event supported by regional museums, planetariums and university-level astronomy clubs.
- A laser astronomy tour of the night sky by Derek Demeter of Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford, Fla.
- A host of fun and hands-on education and activity stations for all ages, including a full-scale Hubble replica, portable planetarium shows, infrared light simulation, a “flight” through the universe, simulations of Hubble’s focus and accuracy, and more.
- A presentation and Q&A session with veteran NASA astronaut and astro-geophysicist, Dr. Sam Durrance.
- A high-tech projection mapping show featuring 200 of Hubble’s most iconic images, as well as a photo gallery of large-scale, high-definition celestial prints.
- Showings of the Hubble 3D IMAX® movie, filmed in space by NASA astronauts.
- A delicious buffet dinner at the Debus Conference Center and an evening snack.
- A commemorative T-shirt and glow stick.
Tickets for the Hubble After Hours Adventure are $85 per person, adult or child, and must be purchased in advance. Launch dates are subject to change without notice, in which case, guests will receive a special bus tour of Kennedy Space Center.
Please visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com to purchase tickets or to view the complete event schedule.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Space ShuttleAtlantisSM, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® Hubble 3D and Journey to Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space®: Explorers Wanted, Rocket Garden and many other interactive exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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