Tampa Mom

Warrick Dunn book signing this Saturday

Ann — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:05:54 +0000

This Saturday, November 15th at 2pm, Warrick Dunn will be signing his new book Running for My Life at the Carrollwood Barnes & Noble. This book is sure to be a riveting read! Warrick Dunn has an amazing life story that will have you turning page after page. This would also be a great Christmas gift for the football fan in your life!

Book signings can be a long affair, so my advice to you is to bring a partner to wait in line with you, a bottle of water, a camera, and maybe even a snack. Wear comfortable shoes and get there early.

Have fun!

Usborne Book Party

Ann — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:35:53 +0000

I’m so excited about having an Usborne Book Party this month for some of my friends and thought you might like to consider having one of your own! These books are really beautiful and durable. Many of my friends in the homeschooling community especially love the internet-linked books. They are awesome!

Whether you are a homeschooler or not, or just need to do a little Christmas shopping for the reader in your family, Usborne books will have something for you!

Come to my online party!

Happy Halloween!

Ann — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:39:25 +0000

Have a fun and safe Halloween tonight! Here are a few safety guidelines:

Trick-or-Treaters should be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Only visit houses that are obviously inviting Trick-or-Treaters with the lights on
Do not eat candy during your outing, wait until parents go through it for safety
Food allergic people should exercise additional caution with their treats
Wear comfortable shoes
Use reflective tape on shoes, costume, and/or trick-or-treat bag
Carry a flashlight that works
Stay in areas that you know, like your own neighborhood

Halloween Safety Tips from America’s Most Wanted

1. Be sure older children TAKE FRIENDS and younger children are accompanied by a TRUSTED ADULT when “Trick or Treating.”

2. Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats.

3. Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.

4. Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

5. Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night.

6. Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.

7. Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.

8. Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians and/or the proper authority.

9. Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell this person is not my father/mother/guardian; and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

10. Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools or in community centers as a good alternative to “Trick or Treating.”

For more information about child-safety topics, please visit
the America’s Most Wanted website or contact us at
1-800-THE-LOST® (1-800-843-5678) or www.missingkids.com

October Fun

Ann — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 06:03:51 +0000

Tomorrow, we will be out at the Top O’ the Bay Oktoberfest at Tampa Bay Downs. Friends of ours are in a traditional shoe-slapping dance group and we are looking forward to celebrating with them. If you haven’t gotten out to an Oktoberfest this year, check out Oldsmar this weekend. If you’re still not feeling like you’ve done enough, check out the Schnitzelhaus for lunch this week. Have a brat, some strudel, and a Spaten.

Friday is Halloween. This is one of the biggest times of the year for food allergy problems. Please distribute candy without nuts of any kind. There’s plenty of straight sugary things out there! Many food allergy families completely avoid Halloween activities simply due to the amount of dangerous candies floating around. We are looking forward to Halloween, though trick-or-treating will not be a part of it.

This year, I’ve noticed a few Halloween alternatives popping up at places like the shopping malls, Publix grocery stores, and churches. I encourage you to give these a try. They are safe environments and more controlled situations rather than the randomness of individual houses in a neighborhood can be.

Get out and enjoy the cooler weather!

Great job, Rays! Way to go!

Ann — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:33:29 +0000

What a great Game 2 of the World Series! Our hometown boys did a fantastic job.

Get out there and show your support for the Rays! They will definitely be back home next week now!

Post Game 1 Update

Ann — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:35:24 +0000

The Rays’ Bartlett stole a base, so we’re on for free tacos next Tuesday! Unfortunately, no free donuts today. Lets get it done tonight, Rays!

Eating healthy, World Series style

Ann — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:14:33 +0000

If the Rays win tonight, you will be able to score a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts tomorrow. If anyone steals a base tonight, you will be able to pick up your very own free taco at Taco Bell on Tuesday, October 28, between 2-6pm.

I wonder if we could get somebody to throw in a free Coke, hot dog, or apple pie somewhere…

75 Days until Christmas… Whoa!

Ann — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:02:04 +0000

Can you believe that it’s only 75 days until Christmas? One great site that will help you start planning and get yourself together is Christmas with Kids. It has a 100-day Countdown to Christmas with a new post everyday about the upcoming festivities and how you can be ready this year. Check it out! Tell Mama Elf I sent you!

TECO Line Streetcar Fest

Ann — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:36:46 +0000

Celebrate the 6th annual TECO Line Streetcar Fest with 5-cent streetcar rides all day, October 11, 9am-midnight! Ride historic and open-air streetcars, streetcar car barn tours, free kids’ activities outside The Florida Aquarium, $7 Yacht Starship bay tours & Ybor City Saturday Market.

Visit TECO Line Streetcar for more information.

Halloween Family Fun

Ann — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:41:59 +0000

Lowry Park’s ZooBoo is open on Thursdays-Sundays through Nov. 1. Admission is $17/Adults (ages 12+), $14/Kids (ages 3-11). ZooPass holders pay $12/$10. Open 7-10pm on Thursdays and Sundays, 7-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Important information: For the safety of guests, adults (ages 12 and older) are not permitted to wear masks, wigs, face paint or costumes of any kind. Little boys and “ghouls” (ages 11 and under) are invited to come in their most spooktacular attire. Toy weapons of any sort will not be allowed into the Zoo.

Guavaween Family FunFest will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 (10am-3pm) in historic Ybor City. This is a totally free event with a daytime crowd estimated at around 20,000. Safe trick-or-treating, costume contest and parade, and pumpkin contests are among the fabulous family activities.

The Florida Aquarium is holding Guppyween 2008, a safe, fun, and supervised children’s trick or treating on Sunday, October 26 from 4 to 9 p.m. Bring your ghosts and goblins in costume for a deliciously fun time! Candy stations will be set up throughout the facility with plenty of kids’ activities in between. Kids in costume are free, while adults (12 and over) pay $12. It’s a safe, fun party with spooky creatures and loads of tasty treats. * Limit four children per adult. Aquarium members get in free to this event.

MOSI presents their 3rd annual Hall-O-Boo! Family Halloween Event on October 24 & 25, 5-9pm. Admission for members is only $8, and non-members is $10. Activities include hayrides, monster mash ball, mad scientist demonstrations, and much more!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is a fun Disney event especially geared to the under-10 crowd. Tickets vary in price depending on the date. Expect to spend up to $56 for an adult ticket. October 31st is sold out. Event takes place 7pm-midnight, though October 31st.

If you know of another family friendly Halloween event, please post your info in a comment! Thanks! Happy Halloween!