August 27, 2014

#IKEAMIAMI - BB's First


IKEA of Miami Graciously invited Babushka to their pre-opening celebration, and BB being no dummy of course said Si!! Naturally, this was a party so there was food and party favors given.  
The following is Babushka's telling of the event. 






HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

Y'all know BB's about adventures, and how everything in life is an adventure. Bueno, just ask The Trio, shopping done Babushka style certainly is an adventure, but it's NEVER, been one like last week when I went to my first IKEA store. Actually, it was the pre-opening party for their newest location in Miami

Wow and Woah. 

The first impression - it's the size of a city block! You could house a whole community there!! 
And you know what My Beautifuls? You wouldn't be wrong. They've got everything- de todo! 


After BB's shock, my friend Heather Lopez and Babushka met up with some other Bloggin' Mamas who were super excited to be there.  This being BB's first time, I was lagging behind, still in shock.






Upstairs was the luncheon and presentation area.




You think that's impressive?  Look at the actual buffet!


Si, I know, those are all desserts.  The other table had a lot of people waiting to serve themselves so BB took advantage and popped some pics of the postre. Besides, that's Babushka's fav part of any meal.

Another fav part of any meal?  Sharing it with friends:



Breaking Bread with these Bella Bloggers.



Now, the main dishes:

From upper Left to Right:  BB's plate, the buffet offering
Bottom Left: Fish covered with Cucumber slices, BB's dessert plate


Ok, the story behind the fish...  Babushka was one of the last to serve herself because you know her affinity to any physical exertion, so imagine my surprise when I got to the table and this lovely pescado was intact.  It was so purty that nobody wanted to mess it up.  No se, but wasn't it put out there to eat??  Well, ya saben, BB was the first to take a good troso of fish- and it was delicioso!! The dessert- what I could eat, was delicioso too.  Unfortunately Babushka couldn't try it all. Quee?? A pity you say? You think BB left it behind??




JU SO FONII!!

Next came the welcome and presentation.

IKEA Store #39 Miami



So many wonderful visions and contributions! 
BB will talk more about it on my Tumblr account, pero for now- the tour.




Lighting to Living Rooms, Kitchen to Kitchen Planning, and everything in between.

And it's not just for Adults either.


jehe  ok, this is for Babushka's 22 yr old Little One.


For the real Kiddies-


CUTISIMOS!!!


Also for children?  A Playground to visit while parents shop. Oh Si IKEA did!!


To quote my Amiga Evelyn on her IKEA post


IKEA Miami is a fun day out for the family with:
  • Småland, a supervised children’s play area (for children 37”-54” in height) that replicates the look of a typical Swedish farmhouse and forest;
  • Additional play areas throughout the store, offering activities for kids shopping with parents;
  • A “Children’s IKEA” area in the Showroom that also offers fun, interactive play; and
  • Attention-to-detail amenities such as family-friendly parking, strollers and baby care rooms.
  • IKEA Miami shopping conveniences include:
  • Free design appointments with a furnishings consultant;
  • IKEA catalogs, measuring tape, pencils, store maps, yellow shopping bags and 3 types of carts;
  • Same-day shopping satisfaction with products in easy-to-transport flat-pack boxes that benefit thecustomer and the environment;
  • 26 checkouts to ensure efficient customer purchasing; and
  • Warehouse picking, home-delivery, assembly, and kitchen planning and installation services.
The 2015 IKEA Catalog has arrived – themed “Where the Everyday Begins and Ends”
This catalog highlights products for where people sleep and get ready every morning and night – the bedroom and the bathroom. IKEA Miami will have copies for customers who want one.
IKEA Miami  1801 NW 117th Avenue Sweetwater, FL 33172 (305) 599-3327
IKEA Miami Opening Day Hours on Wednesday, August 27:
9:00am – 9:00pm


Regular Store Hours beginning Thursday, August 28:
Monday – Saturday, 10:00am – 9:00pm Sunday, 10:00am – 8:00pm



Si My Beautifuls, this was Babushka's First time at IKEA.
Por Supesto, it won't be the last.


BB2U


P.S. More pictures on Feibu, ALL pics on Goggle+
P.P.S. Most of the food shown is available in their Swedish Food Market.
P.P.P.S. BB will be in line at 6 am mañana to see if she wins a new bed.  Te dejo saber.







August 15, 2014

Printable Coupons are #PackedWithSavings- Cuponiando with @Kraft @Walmart y #CollectiveBias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are BB's alone.


HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!



Ok si, not Babushka's typical fan, but this one is sure to become a regular in BB's collection!
Pero donde did all these online, great Kraft coupons come from?




BUENISIMO RIGHT???!!!


Featured Coupons Include:

SAVE 75¢ on ONE (1) JELL-O University Mold Kit (Walmart)
SAVE 75¢ on ONE (1) KRAFT Natural Shredded or Chunk Cheese (16 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on TWO (2) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spreads (8 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE 50¢ on ONE (1) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (8 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE 75¢ on ONE (1) KRAFT Salad Dressing (24 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) TACO BELL® Sour Cream Dip (Walmart)
SAVE 50¢ on ONE (1) KOOL-AID Ready-To-Serve (96 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) OSCAR MAYER Butcher Cut Bacon (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on TWO (2) LUNCHABLES UPLOADED Lunch Combinations (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinners (3-pack) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (5 pack) (Walmart)
SAVE 75¢ on ONE (1) PLANTERS Peanuts (16 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee (3 lb) (Walmart)
SAVE 50¢ on ONE (1) KRAFT Mayonnaise (30 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE 50¢ on ONE (1) MIRACLE WHIP Dressing (30 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE 75¢ on ONE (1) KRAFT Singles (16 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE 50¢ on ONE (1) KOOL-AID Jammers Juice Drink (10-pack) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) CAPRI SUN Juice Drinks (30-pack) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on TWO (2) OSCAR MAYER Beef Hot Dogs (16 oz) (Walmart)
SAVE $1.00 on ONE (1) VELVEETA® (32 oz) (Walmart)
$1.00 off JET-PUFFED, HONEY MAID, and HERSHEY's
$0.75 off 2 bags JET-PUFFED Marshmallows

Ahora eso si, these can run out quickly so hurry up and print them!  Quee? Dificil, hard to do? 

 JU SO FONII!!!

Download, Pick, Print, y Cortar!!



Next, something BB has no problem doing- shopping at Walmart!


This is a brand new store near my son Marine Mac- 
had a great time seeing what specials were to be had.

Like this TREMENDO TWOFER.




A coupon for $1 off a MacNCheese 5 pack, 
and another coupon for a free single if you buy a 5 pack!

The Beautifuls of #CollectiveBias couldn't have picked a better time for this Grocery Coupon Bonanza, as BB was going to make her famous Grandsons Grand Dogs.  LOTS of Kraft and coupon deals made this an extra happy meal for Babushka, and soon for the boys too!!


BB'S FAMOSOS GRANDSONS GRAND DOGS




This recipe came about after the two weeks I spent with my daughter's son, El Dr.  
Put all his favorite things together to make this snack.
Time to see if the other Grandsons would like it too.


MAKING OF THE GRANDSONS GRAND DOGS

But of course the recipe wouldn't have the same bang without some grandsons helping.

 

Making the Mac N Cheese- PicaPica






Rinquincaya liked the "smashing" part.


Follow the instructions for the MacNCheese.
Combine the cream cheese with the dressing; Ranch is good too.
To either of those add the Parmesan cheese.

Now you place over the cooked, sliced open hot dog and Voila!





Added to the recipe were bacon bits. 
 Shredded cheese is also supposed to be on top, but when it came time to sprinkle them on they were no where to be found. Si. Babushka's Bunch likes their queso.  Also, the original receta was perro calientes on buns, but when in Miami, Cuban Crackers is the way to go.

And speaking of go- What did the Grandsons think of the recipe?






Let Babushka know what you made with your coupons!!



BB2U




August 13, 2014

The @Vivemejor Miami Social Hour- Un Cuento Cubantime.


Would you call a fiesta gift/goody bag from a friend a "sponsored" event?? No verdad? PERO por sea- 
FTC these are BB's opinions, recollections, and pictures of the various items given during a brand party.



HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!



Look at the Bella ViveMejor Products waiting for me when I got to La Tata's; they're the pairs BB forgot to take from the fiesta they had earlier this summer.  Quee?? Babushka didn't tell you about that fiesta?  Ok si, not really a surprise, pero let's rectify it ahorita mismo!!





First off, y'all know how much BB loves the gente of ViveMejor, so when they invite and Babushka is in town I do everything in my power to attend.  As a matter of fact, at the last moment my ride couldn't make it; undaunted and determined BB found the way to get there.




Arriving at the Delano South Beach Hotel, the event was at the Penthouse and at spa,Club Essentia.  


Those folks of ViveMejor really do know what BB likes.  

There were talks & demonstrations of beauty and food.

Mario Anton, Ana Quincoces

There were Manicures and Munchies.



There were friends and fun.

Mi Rey, Reynaldo Delgado of EdelmanMiami , Alexandra of LivingMoneyWise, Maricela of Emy Cooks

But most of all My Beautifuls-



Being Swallowed by Swag!!!

ViveMejor was so generous with their products we all left with bags filled to the tops.  Thankfully Maricela gave Babushka a ride to La Tata's, because there was no way BB could have taken all the bags on the bus. 





Quee?? Leave some behind???  JU SO FONII!!!


Not only were the products BUENISIMOS, 



My Eldest 

So were the reactions of the recipients!!


Gracias ViveMejor for being so generous and for living up to your name.


BB2U






August 08, 2014

A Dream Realized and Hopefully a Lesson About #Bullying Learned- @LegoLandFlorida & El Dr.


To the good folks of the FTC- Legoland sent 2 park entrances to BB when the story of El Dr's school year was shared. 
That was the "monetary" compensation for this post;the actual emotional compensation is priceless.




HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!





Babushka and El Dr. all smiles at LegoLand Florida. A nice picture verdad? Pity the story behind it isn't.

 If you read the FTC disclosure, BB hinted about my grandson's school year. My dear, baby loving, self entertained, inquisitive grandson was being mocked for all the things we love about him, and this shook the very core of his being, questioning if perhaps his family had been untruthful to him and that tal vez his new environment was the truth.  As soon as his parents found out, they changed schools and are ever vigilant that it doesn't happen again, but that didn't erase his hurt or his doubts. Was Babushka going to let those bullies win, let them change my querido nieto? JU SO FONII!!! Y'all know BB takes situations and finds/sees the positive in them, and if a Twofer can be made - a definite ESO! Such was the case of this years summer vacation choice with El Dr.; we would combine the dream he had of visiting Legoland and the life lesson of " playing alone,"nerdiness" is really not a bad thing."

And so we went to Legloland Florida- let the learning & fun begin!


Vieron the size of the park?? Where to go, where to start? 
 Bueno, The Beginning is always a good place...


That was just the entrance! Ahora My Beautifuls, you know BB does not usually travel the typical straight path, but in the name of poetic license, and for the sake of your sanity, let's follow the left side of the map.


Por supuesto and But Of Course, the FIRST thing that caught El Dr.'s eyes??


Unfortunately, fortunately it wasn't open- closed for refurbishment. This brings me to several points. Check the daily printouts for closed rides and daily showtimes, they really do help keep the frustration levels down.  The second point, don't be surprised by the amount of Lego products and shops that carry them. BB let El Dr. look at all of them- Quee?? Soy Abuela, that's one of the perks. Besides, they had AC.  Continuing; he gets to look at all so he can see which one he truly wanted to take home.  Vieron? Grandma gets to look benevolent without having to lug souvenirs all over AND gets to cool off in the shops AC. This takes me to the last point here- TAKE SUNBLOCK, KEEP YOURSELF COOL.  If you need help on that you can watch Babushka's YouTube Video for tips. 

FUN TOWN had several neat places, but for BB Fun Town Slushies (see prior sentences for why this is a given) and the Fresh From Florida Greenhouse Exhibit were the favorites. Si yo se, Babushka's such a fan of the state- love learning about it; hope all the grands do the same. A bit of learnin' between the fun.


BB's Hometown Miami Dade County and BB's Home town Wakulla County
Really am an extremist huh?

Got such a kick out of seeing them- but wait, there's another "home" surprise in a bit...

Continuing.

El Dr.'s favorite spots in FUN TOWN were the Grand Carousel and the  Wells Fargo 4D Theater,
which he agreed with Babushka on the 4D movie .  BUENISIMO!!!

 He also enjoyed the characters around the park.


What can I say? El Dr. is BB's grandson; he likes bad jokes.



Bigger than Life.  Now let's go the opposite way.


MINILAND USA



Not too mini actually. Bueno, considering the cities they've recreated, they really can't be.



They have 8 major places represented. Naturally they had Florida; BB showed the wildlife- both natural and the ones tanning in Miami Beach. Do you remember when I wrote earlier about another "home" surprise?


OH SI THEY DID!!!


 AHORA SI- BB LEGOLAND!


And as if it couldn't get any better...


A COOL OFF MACHINE!!!!


And talking about cool...



BB's brush with the Dark Side-  Darth Vader
Y que me dicen, what says you about El Dr. & Arturito??

Yeah, as you can see, his eyes rolled too when I said that.







At this point the post should be titled- Back off Bullies, I'm in the Zone. And he truly was.

First, the WB Zone.


Where he got to play games and got to meet the stars of his latest favorite film.



But most entrancing to him of all-



Are you seeing that face of total contentment? 
 Just tell me if that isn't the stare of someone "in the zone".

It took a lot of convincing to get him away from there, pero 1.5 hours era suficiente,
there were more things to see and lands to visit.



The one school El Dr. didn't mind going to? Driving School!!
Si, Gracias to Ford, my grandson was going to get his license before the day was through.


Always said it- we're  Una Familia Pa' Ford!



LEGO KINGDOMS


El Dr. had seen the castle from the parking lot and it was one of the "must go to" points of Legoland. When he realized it housed a roller coaster he passed on it, but he loved the food, the joust, and the chance to win prizes.  FYI bring cash, 'cause you're gonna wanna play!! 


WORLD OF CHIMA


The LEGO World of Chima, presented by Cartoon Network, features an immersive family experience with an interactive water ride, The Quest for CHI, a super-charged SpeedorzTM Arena, Cragger’s Swamp water play area, a new 4D movie experience and character meet-n-greet sessions.


El Dr. had a great time playing with the water squirters and seeing the characters of a favorite cartoon series; Babushka was thankful for the cool water soaking the days heat away.



By this time we were getting a little tired, but there was one more section Babushka had to visit.


Legoland stock photo


DUPLO VALLEY
When we first entered the park BB had suggested visiting this and he said no, it was for little kids. After a day of being at Legoland he realized it was ok to like what he liked, that he wasn't the only one who could live in this type of world, and that being with those younger than himself was nothing to be ashamed of.  We had come full circle; he wanted to go in.


If the Imagination Zone was his Intellectual side, then Duplo Valley was his emotional side.
 Here too he felt at home.


So did Babushka really have to go all the way to Legoland to prove bullies wrong? 
A little extreme perhaps, but I'm a Cuban Grandma and that's just our way.
Y despues de ver, after seeing and sharing these moments



It's the only way to be.


BB2U




p.s.  There are 2 other sections BB didn't include here, but the pics will be on Google + and Feibu.

 p.p.s.Right now there's a BOGO deal for all Florida Residents that's definitely worth using.


Because Babushka doesn't want any disappointed fans, the VIP Points program is not honored at the park. You truly can get any and all types of Legos here, but the company that makes Legos NO es dueño, is NOT the owner of Legoland, so don't expect to use or get Lego points for any purchases.

What you CAN expect is a wonderful experience that needs at least 2 days for the park, 1 day for the waterpark, and once the hotel opens in 2015 at least 2 days more days there just to recover.

; )