Welcome back, if you haven't done it already, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
This entry is part 1 of 2 in the series Music Lessons
I have been a music educator for 20 years. I have taught music in public and private schools from pre-school through high school. I’ve directed bands and choirs as well as taught private and small group lessons. Currently I teach piano, clarinet, flute, recorder, voice, beginning trumpet and musical theatre.
Investing in music lessons for yourself or your child is a big decision. I am going to be writing a series of Music Lesson Monday posts to help you make more informed decisions on choosing an instrument, a teacher and a teaching style. I will also be writing posts on the parent-teacher relationship, establishing a practice routine and more. If you have questions about music lesson please leave the questions as comments here on this post so that I can answer them in my posts.
We have the winners of the last two Chicken Soup for the Soul Books.
The winner of Chicken Soup for the Soul:Devotional Stories for Women is…Debbie J. She said she and her girlfriends like to go bargain hunting together.
The winner of Chicken Soup for the Soul:Power Moms is Denise and this is what she had to say. “I love being a stay at home mom because my children bring me great joy. One of my children has a chronic illness and it would break my heart to leave him in someone else’s hands(other than Gods). I love that they teach me just as much as I teach them.”
Congratulations to both winners! Keep checking back I have an awesome new giveaway going live later this week.
The consequences last longer than the party. This is the message ofIt’s 21. Just Pass, a new initiative from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, the National Football League Players Association and Discovery Education. Launched in 21 cities nationwide,It’s 21. Just Pass challenges high school students to learn the risks of underage drinking, test their knowledge and win amazing prizes.
The It’s 21. Just Pass challenge includes:
A quiz that challenges students’ current knowledge while providing critical information about the laws and consequences related to underage drinking
A drawing to award one $5,000 scholarship (students become eligible by taking a short online quiz)
An assembly featuring an NFL player, awarded to the school with the highest challenge participation levels.
In addition, the It’s 21. Just Pass online video forum encourages students to create short videos about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking for a chance to win two tickets to an area NFL game.
So, spread the word to your teens and enter to win!
This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Attractions
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced today that to commemorate the opening of Sesame Street Safari of Funkids ages 5 and younger can receive a FREE Commemorative Busch Gardens Preschool pass which is good for admission for the rest of 2010! That is 10 months of Busch Gardens and Sesame Street fun for your little one!
The FREE Commemorative Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is an exclusive online offer available at SesameStreetSafariofFun.com. It is exclusively for Florida residents with kids ages 5 and younger and is valid for unlimited admission-with no blackout dates-through December 31, 2010 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. After registering at the website, registrants may pick up the Preschool Pass for their child by bringing a printed confirmation and a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate to any ticket window at Busch Garden’s front gate.
This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series Attractions
This morning I had breakfast with Elmo, Big Bird and a lot of my Sesame Street friends. This was a huge treat for me because I have been a fan of Sesame Street since the first day it aired! I was in kindregarten on November 10, 1969 when Sesame Street premiered on PBS (yes I am that old). I attended kindergarten at our church since there was no public kindergarten in our town at that time. We all got to go to the pastor’s study and watch television! It was an exciting time for us to see a new television program that was created just for kids like us! Fast forward (ahem) 40 years and today I felt like I was that 5 year old little girl again.
On March 27,2010 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomes families to an all-new, Sesame Street-themed, sunny funny play land featuring Elmo, Big Bird and all their friends. Sesame Street Safari of Fun will be filled with kid-size rides, cool water fun, shows and memorable adventures that celebrate the spirit of Africa. Donnie Mills, Busch Gardens Executive Vice President and General Manager said, “With the addition of sesame Street Safari of Fun, Busch Gardens truly has something for all ages, and this new destination in the park is certain to be a hit among families and kids.”
The 2.5 acre area will feature:
Air Grover A junior coaster full of turns and mini-dives perfect for parents and kids to ride together.
The Count’s Zambezi Rally A kid-sized car ride that takes you on a jaunt through the desert and tribal trails
Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile A splashy flume through the famed river
Elmo’s Safari-Go-Round A tribal inspired carousel with Elmo and his friends
Snuffy’s Elephant Romp Fly around and around and up and down on Snuffy’s fun friends
Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away A swing ride through the jungle that sends kids whirling above the African canopy
Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie It’s funny side up on Big Bird’s delightfully playful ferris wheel ride.
Telly’s Jungle Jam Explore sounds, shapes and shadows in this naturally engaging play area for kids of ALL abilities
Elmo’s Treehouse Trek a 3-story hideaway to play hide-n-seek, discover new levels of fun and get a bird’s eye view of the entire play land.
Cookie Monster’s Canopy Crawl Climb, crawl and explore in this 3-story net climb
Slimey’s Sahara Sand A fun-filled, sand-filled beachy oasis where kids can frolic in the coolest dessert around
Oscar’s Swamp Stomp Stomp, splash and play in Oscar’s delightfully cool water play area
Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole A wildly fun water adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more.
Sunny Day Theatre Musical performances bring tales of adventure to life
Sesame Street presents “Lights, Camera, Imagination!” A 4-D movie that brings the Sesame Street Muppets’ adventures to life with zany 3-D gags and special effects like wind, water and jump-out-of-your-seat surprises. Playing in the 4-D theater in Timbuktu area of the park.
You can share breakfast or lunch with Elmo and his friends on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun. Fill up on hugs from your favorite characters, delicious food and family together time during these unique dining experiences. The menu includes items sure to please both adults and kids alike. Breakfast is $18 for adults and $15 for children; lunch is $23 for adults and $17 for children. Breakfast and lunch prices include one free 6×8 photo per family. You can make your reservations at SesameStreetSafariofFun.com or cal 1-888-800-5447.
While you are visiting your Sesame Street friends you can stop by Big Bird’s 123-Smile with Me photo area to meet and greet you favorite characters!
Disclaimer-I was invited by Busch Gardens to a preview breakfast for Sesame Street Safari of Fun. If you have any questions please refer to my disclosure statement at the bottom of this page.
While we were at Disney’s Give a Day Get a Disney Day media event we attended a session titled “What’s New, What’s Next”. I have already shared some of the announcements that were made at that event with you. Today I want to fill you in on what is new with the Disney Cruise Line.
Perfecting Paradise – A Magical Makeover for Castaway Cay – Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Enhancements include an expanded family beach, a floating water platform featuring two twisting water slides, two fresh-water play areas for guests to cool off, a new teen retreat and 20 new private rental cabanas offering the ultimate in beachside luxury. The additional island amenities are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010.
photo courtesy of Disney
New Sailings for Disney Magic and Disney Wonder – In 2010, the Disney Magic will sail to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises. Book-ending the summer season of 12-night Northern European Capitals cruises, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean for 10- and 11-night cruises, with three new ports of call – Tunis in northern Africa, the island nation of Marta, and Ajaccio, Corsica. In the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will sail four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In the summer of 2011, the Disney Wonder will sail for the first time to Alaska, with seven-night cruises calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
Disney Cruise Line Expanding Its Fleet– The Walt Disney Company is expanding its successful cruise vacation business by adding two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, to set sail in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 1,250-passenger liners will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Now under construction, the Disney Dream will offer magical innovations, engaging children’s spaces, family entertainment and immersive experiences for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned.
This entry is part 3 of 5 in the series Attractions
Universal Orlando Resort – home to the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – is showing you how to bring the flavor of The Big Easy to your kitchen by sharing its popular Mardi Gras jambalaya recipe.
In the all-new video (below), award-winning Universal Parks and Resorts Executive Chef Steven Jayson shares the step-by-step process that he uses to make the delicious jambalaya that has become a must-taste for Mardi Gras guests. The full recipe is included at the end of the demo.
Guests can enjoy the aroma and taste of jambalaya – along with other authentic Cajun dishes like gumbo, beignets and King Cake – at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Festivities also include an elaborate parade, hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads and live performances by mega-talented artists.
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration runs Saturdays and other select nights through April 17 and is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Recently I was invited to join Walmart’s More than Eleven Moms, a community of Walmart loving, money saving bloggers. This group has been around for about a year but it is currently being re-vamped.
Here is a link to a short, 7 question survey from Walmart about the product selection available at their stores. Please take a minute and fill this out as soon as you can, as the results will be shared at a meeting on Friday of this week. Thanks for your help.
The winners of Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love are comment #30! KK is the winner and she said she met her True Love through a mutual friend.
Congratulations KK!
AND
#26 Cassandra who met her tru love through friends…she was dating one of his friends when they met! Congratulations Cassandra!
The Mom Maven reviews products and services geared to families, shares parenting and homeschooling tips. The Mom Maven also shares Disney vacation planning tips as well as information on other Florida attractions. The Mom Maven links to other great family sites and shares ideas and information to help you be the best mom you can be. You can reach me at
cindy@themommaven.com
I have been a music educator for 20 years. I have taught music in public and private schools from pre-school through high school. I’ve directed bands and choirs as well as taught private and small group lessons. Currently I teach piano, clarinet, flute, recorder, voice, beginning trumpet and musical theatre. 
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced today that to commemorate the opening of 
This morning I had breakfast with Elmo, Big Bird and a lot of my Sesame Street friends. This was a huge treat for me because I have been a fan of Sesame Street since the first day it aired! I was in kindregarten on November 10, 1969 when Sesame Street premiered on PBS (yes I am that old). I attended kindergarten at our church since there was no public kindergarten in our town at that time. We all got to go to the pastor’s study and watch television! It was an exciting time for us to see a new television program that was created just for kids like us! Fast forward (ahem) 40 years and today I felt like I was that 5 year old little girl again.
Recently I was invited to join Walmart’s More than Eleven Moms, a community of Walmart loving, money saving bloggers. This group has been around for about a year but it is currently being re-vamped.
The winners of Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love are comment #30! KK is the winner and she said she met her True Love through a mutual friend.
The Mom Maven reviews products and services geared to families, shares parenting and homeschooling tips. The Mom Maven also shares Disney vacation planning tips as well as information on other Florida attractions. The Mom Maven links to other great family sites and shares ideas and information to help you be the best mom you can be. You can reach me at
cindy@themommaven.com 
Snowflake07 (Audra) on 
lisa on 
