by Maria on June 19, 2013
I love to travel but you know the saying: There’s no place like home. Dorthy sure knew what she was talking about. Exploring your own city is a must for any family or travel. Not only is getting to your favorite local attraction budget friendly, but you can always scout the internet for deals throughout the year. Or, if your favorite attraction offers a yearly membership, being a member is the best over all deal for any family.
This week I’m featuring one of my favorite all time favorite local attractions: Audubon Aquarium of Americas in New Orleans, Louisiana. Every color of the rainbow is represented in the water and children (and adults) are instantly magnetized by its beauty. Being a ‘bargainista’ I buy discounted tickets to various attractions all year long and save for the weekly summertime outing. Best part about the aquarium, you can beat the heat in the air conditioning!
My kids get so excited visiting the Audubon Aquarium. Penguins, sea otters and the jellyfishes are their top 3 favorite friends to visit while roaming the underwater world. I love that they can get an hands on experience at some of the many exhibits at the aquarium. My kids have been wanting to do the backstage penguin pass but time was a major issue during this visit, so I promised the kids we will meet the penguins on our next visit!
Why is it that my kids are instantly attracted to the jellyfish?!? The kids just loved this jellyfish sculpture. I love all the art decor and sculptures located within the Audubon Aquarium of Americas. Visiting New Orleans with the kids is so fun. The Audubon Aquarium of Americas is centrally located on the Mississippi River just a few blocks from the French Quarter. You can park for the day, visit the aquarium and take a stroll and have lunch in the French Quarter. Family fun is just a trolly ride away!
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas General Admission
$22.50 Adult Admission
$16.00 Child (2 -12) Admission
$17.00 Senior (65+) Admission
Free for Audubon Members
For more information visit their social media sites
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by Maria on June 18, 2013
It’s summertime & that means our days are hot, hot, hot!! My work-week like many of you, is super busy. So when I’m not at work, my weekends are filled with softball practices, tournaments, the local park and lots of family outdoor fun. But I can only take so much heat in my life before I have to “chill out”. This weekend after spending 8 hours at a softball tournament (no, I’m not kidding) we stopped by my mom’s house to visit after we found out she took a tumble outside her home and broke her elbow. The kids wanted to cheer up their abulea (grandmother) from her recent E.R visit, splint and sling by taking her out for some ice cream.
My mother has a major sweet tooth, so anytime I take the kids for ice cream or another sweet treat I have to bring her along. Poor Mimi, she’s has declined over the last 2 years and has been in & out of the hospital for various reasons. We ran upstairs to her apartment, woke her out of bed & asked if she wanted to join us in trying McDonald’s McCafe newest flavor: Dulce de Leche Shake available for a limited time. Being 1/2 Guatemalan & 1/2 Mexican, I have always had a sweet spot for Latino Dulces. I knew falling in love with this Latin Inspired dessert would be a breeze! McCafé Dulce de Leche Shake is made with McDonald’s vanilla reduced-fat ice cream, caramel and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Can we say Yum?!?!
As you can see, this was our sweet treat splurge of the week! I’m not sure who was salivating more: me, the kids or my mother!! Once we received out dessert, we sat at McDonald’s & chit chatted with my mother to see how she was feeling. Spending a few minutes out of our busy schedule helped keep her mind off of her recent tumble. My children are almost 13 yrs old and almost 9 years old. They know their abuela isn’t doing so well, but moments like this were we can sit and chat about our week and not mention my mother’s health makes a huge difference to my kids. They want to remember their Mimi laughing, chit chatting and enjoying the little things in life and not focus on the “not-so-sweet” moments!
McCafé Dulce de Leche Shake is available for a limited time at participating McDonald’s & give a unique caramel flavor. The sweet treat is thick, consistent and a good value at $2.19 for a small. Your sweet tooth will thank you, but is available only through September 15 (while supplies last). Visit @MeEncanta on Twitter or search the hashtag:#dulcesrecuerdos
Want to win McCafe Dulce de Leche Shakes for your family? Enter to win a McCafe Dulce de Leche Shake Prize Pack. Winner will receive 4 FREE McCafe Dulce de Leche Shake Coupons.
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