Get the Philly Experience: Must Experience Destinations in Philadelphia

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Krissyar

If you are like me when you think philly you think cheese steak (oh..that’s only me??! I guess I just have food on the brain). But there is so much more to this city than meets the eye. If you ever get the chance for a trip to Philly (even a long weekend) here’s a few places you don’t want to miss.

 

Independence National Historical Park the birthplace of democracy, the Independence National Historical Park is located at the site of many epic events that were carried out in the nation through its founding as a global leader of democratic ideas. The park has more than 3.6 million visitors every year to see the most famous attraction – the Liberty Bell (National Treasure anyone?!) You can also check out Independence Hall and enjoy all the history.

Philly Pic 1

The Philadelphia Zoo 42 acres of fun, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to 1,300 animals. The Zoo features a ton of awesome exhibits, including the “Big Cat Crossing” a 330-foot mesh overhead passageway that allows lions, tigers and bears (ok, not bears) pumas, and jaguars to stretch their legs and go exploring different parts of the zoo. ( that alone makes me want to visit!)

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Franklin Square Franklin Square is the cities favorite play area. Centered around a beautiful fountain, the square features a one-of-a-kind mini golf course, a carousel, an awesome playground, and the Square Burger that features a signature Cake Shake. Perfect for an evening out on the town with the kids.

 

Philadelphia Museum of Art the landmark building itself is a piece of art, but the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a lot more to offer on the inside – with a world-renowned collection that inspires and brings art to life.

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Valley Forge National Park most of us have heard about Valley Forge, though not many of us know the entire history. During the winter of 1777 – 1779 Valley Forge was the camp for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The park now is a site that honors the sacrifices and strength of those who helped secure our freedom. The park offers guided tours ,living history demonstrations and more.

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King of Prussia Mall is the largest mall on the East Coast. It has more than 400 stores – and well, need I say more?

 

American Treasure Tour a blast through the past, the American Treasure Tour showcases tons of americana from collectible cars to retro toys, signs, and more.

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Reading Terminal Market probably one of the most popular stops in Philly, the Reading Terminal Market is a foodies paradise. A one-stop-shop for locally grown and exotic produce, Amish specialities, fresh meats & seafood, baked good right from the oven. There’s a wide variety of restaurants under the same roof as well – (hellloo to that philly cheese steak I was talking about!)

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This post was sponsored in part by Reedman Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Langhorne, PA just 30 minutes outside of downtown Philly.

 

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Top Things to Do in Reading Pennsylvania

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Krissyar

Anytime I’m visiting an area I always want to know the don’t miss attractions well, so I don’t miss them. So if you are on a road trip and heading to or through Reading Pennsylvania here are some attractions you want to make sure that you don’t miss!

The Pagoda
Commissioned in 1906 at a cost of $50,000 by William A. Witman, Sr. to cover his stone quarry, the Pagoda was completed in 1908.  It was orginally intended to be a luxury resort atop Mt. Penn, but due to the bank foreclosure and the denial of a liquor license, Witman never opened the Pagoda.  By 1910 the Pagoda and surrounding 10 acres were deeded to local business owner, Jonathon Mould and his wife, Julia (Bell).  On April 21, 1911 they “sold” the Pagoda to the City of Reading for the sum of $1.  Since then the Pagoda has been owned, loved and cared for by the citizens and City of Reading.

The Pagoda has a cafe, gift shop, tours of the building and you can even rent a room for a special event. They even have different activities throughout the year, you can check their calendar here.

DCF 1.0

GoggleWorks Art Center

The huge empty 19th century factory building was resurrected by local visionaries and donors who created studio space. GoggleWorks features six large teaching studios in ceramic, hot and warm glass, jewelry, photography, and wood; 35 juried artists’ studios, exhibition galleries, and houses the offices of over a dozen arts, culture, and creative economy organizations.

The complex also includes a 131-seat theatre, which presents art house films daily, a café, and store, which retails the work of over 200 individual artists from around the country.

goggleworks

Fairgrounds Farmers Market

The Fairgrounds Farmers Market isn’t your typical small-time farmers market. They have a numerous variety of vendors from produce, meats & poultry, bakeries, deli’s, as well as flowers, plants, antiques, collectibles, tobacco, fine wines and pretty much anything you could ever want. They also have plenty of places to eat while you shop including the ever so popular Vietnamese Delight food stand.

The stand is really a small restaurant where shoppers can stop for a traditional Vietnamese bubble tea or take home fully cooked Vietnamese dinners. The pho, shredded pork rolls, shrimp rolls and vermicelli are a few of my favorites

vietnamese delights

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center

Nolde Forest encompasses more than 665 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations. A network of trails makes the center’s streams, ponds and diverse habitats accessible to both students and visitors. Teaching stations offer places for students to work and benches for those who wish to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds associated with the natural world. ADA accessible trails are located by the mansion and sawmill.

The Nolde mansion houses offices for the center staff. A garden featuring native wildflowers is adjacent to the mansion. The C.H. McConnell Environmental Education Hall near the mansion is the indoor site for year-round programming.

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Chatty Monks Brewing Company

The name speaks for itself (who doesn’t love a good brewing company?) But besides the beer the food is to die for – forbidden nachos,

chatty-monks-brewing

 

This post is sponsored in part by Bob Fisher Chevrolet in Reading Pennsylvania.

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Copycat Starbucks Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Krissyar

Who needs a strawberry milkshake when you can enjoy the deliciousness of a copycat Starbucks strawberries & creme frappuccino? Starbucks has the absolute best strawberry frappe I have tasted so I did my best to recreate that same smooth, cold, fruity and creamy taste that I have grown to love. It taste pretty spot on, not to mention it has saved me a ton of money already making them at home vs buying them while I’m out (which is actually a little scary since now I have them wayy more often than I probably should).

starbucks copycat strawberries and creme frappe

How do I make a Starbucks Copycat Strawberries & Creme Frappuccino?

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Milk
1/4 cup Vanilla Ice Cream
1 cup Ice
2-4 Strawberries
2 tbsp Strawberry Syrup
Whipped Cream
Starbucks reusable Venti frosted cup

Ingredients (4)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to the blender except the whipped crème and blend.  Once blended give it a good stir and put into a serving glass.  Top with whipped cream.  Enjoy!! ☺

In Process 3 (2)

Can you freeze Starbucks Copycat Strawberries & Creme Frappuccino?
Actually you can. Again like most things, it taste best fresh however you can freeze your drink and save the rest for later. Just be sure to leave out for about 30 minutes or so to defrost to make it drinkable.

Can I make a healthy version?
You most definitely can – substitute the vanilla ice cream for frozen yogurt, use sugar free strawberry syrup, and skim milk (or almond milk) I have also heard of people using greek yogurt vs frozen yogurt to make this even healthier, and even low carb. Whipped cream is low carb/keto friendly so no worries with that, same with the strawberries. You can definitely play around to see what you like best, but yes there are definitely healthier options for those who are cautious about the ingredients.

COPYCAT STARBUCKS STRAWBERRIES & CREME FRAPPUCCINO Final 5Be sure to check out our other Starbucks Copycat Recipes

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Protect Your Pup with Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® #SentinelSpectrum

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Krissyar

This post is sponsored by Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer NetworkTM. I am being compensated to help create awareness about protection against common parasites found in dogs but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. More information about Sentinel Spectrum. Virbac is not responsible for the content of this article.

Our pets are an important part of our lives – and just like being a parent, we have to guard our furry friends from all the ick out in the world. We can’t leave them tied up and not let them enjoy life, right?
From heartworms, tapeworms, to fleas, there are dangers that lurk around every corner. Getting one of these parasites not only make your pup miserable, but you too.

tigger

Did you know tapeworms come from fleas? And heartworm from mosquitos? It’s nearly impossible to keep fleas and mosquitos completely at bay – but there is something you can do to help prevent these parasites from infecting your pet – by preventive care with products like Virbac® Sentinel® Spectrum® .

Get 6-in-1 protection with Sentinel Spectrum. The only beef-flavored chewable to protect against 6 parasites. Each chew prevents heartworm, help control flea infestations, as well as controls whipworms, hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms.

Benefits:

Dogs love the delicious beef-flavored chewable

Helps control fleas and flea infestations

Prevents heartworms

Treats and controls common intestinal parasites (whipworms, hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms)

Simple once-a-month administration

No messy residue to worry about, unlike spot-on treatments

Remember consistency is key – even one missed dose can expose your pup to issues or infestations that could take months to resolve. Be sure to treat your pet now –

(Sentinel Spectrum requires a prescription from your veterinarian).

Earn up to a $25 rebate
on SENTINEL® Brand Products!

Protect your dog and your wallet by saving on your dog’s monthly parasite protection!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Virbac® Sentinel®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Reach for the Sky with Sky Zone

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Krissyar
skyzone
Sky Zone’s wall-to-wall trampoline courts are designed as a fun and fit outing for all ages, shapes and sizes. The innovative trampoline park offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy including Open Jump, allowing guests to leap, bound and soar and Ultimate Dodgeball, a friendly and healthy dodgeball competition. In addition, fitness fiends can feel the burn at Sky Zone’s original SkyRobics class, which combines advanced calisthenics with a three-dimensional cardio and strength training program. This park is the ideal venue for groups seeking unforgettable events such as birthday parties, corporate team building, field trips and much more!

Ready to take your next birthday party to the SKY? Sky Zone Columbus offers a Jump Around birthday party package to make your party soar, literally!

skyzone2

For a unique and memorable birthday party, bring your group to Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Soar higher than ever before as you bounce across our patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts. You can even play three-dimensional versions of your favorite sports, such as dodgeball. (Please be aware however, that dodgeball cannot be “guaranteed” with general admission due to court availability and age/size separation. Jumpers will be separated based on age/size and will be placed in games with people of a similar age/size for safety reasons; we cannot guarantee that your group will play dodgeball together.)

Click here to view Sky Zone Columbus Birthday Party Flyer!

Have questions or ready to book your next party? Phone our Events Team at 740-548-4004, ext. 3 or click the “Email” icon above to fill out an email request form! And don’t forget about Sky Zone add-on party favor options or Thank You cards to give your party that little extra “WOW”!

Book your Sky Zone Columbus party 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online! Click here!

 

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