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family fun
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Woof you be my valentine?
You don't have to be a seasoned baker to treat your dog for Valentine's Day.
Posted by Melissa Beck on Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 8:48 PM
I personally have never been one to get excited over Valentine's Day. I do, however, get excited over my dogs. Ask anyone and they will probably tell you that I'm one of those "dog people," the kind who prefers four-legged friends to two-legged ones. In my defense, I can't think of any one time my pups, or any pup for that matter, has left me feeling betrayed, deflated or otherwise unwanted. Can you?
One day upon scanning the shelves at Books-A-Million, I discovered the “Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook” from the Bubba Rose Biscuit Company. It makes sense now that we are becoming more aware of all the advantages of organic eating that we would want to offer our pets the same kind of benefits we want for ourselves, so I bought into the idea and haven't looked back since.
The book has more than 100 recipes that are fun and simple to make. The most difficult ones involve the use of a food processor (which says a lot), because if you own one you know they exist only to make your life easier. You don't have to be a seasoned baker to make these treats, and I promise your pet will still love you regardless of the outcome.
Since I've experimented with this book, I've purchased others that are equally as creative but bring some concern, as some of the recipes call for ingredients such as garlic and raisins- foods I've learned are toxic to dogs. So for the most part, I stick to Bubba Rose, and I test my treats on my loyal, loving subjects. They may or may not be able to taste the difference in their new biscuits, but I've yet to hear any objections, and I feel a whole lot better knowing they're eating identifiable ingredients that I put together with my own hands.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Photos from the Forgotten Children March 2011
Posted by Chip Weiner on Tue, Sep 27, 2011 at 5:15 PM
The second annual march to support children in Foster Care that have been abandoned, abused, neglected, was held Saturday morning at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. The event, sponsored by Voices For Children Of Tampa Bay Inc., promoted awareness about these children as well as the need for Guardian ad Litems. Guardian ad Litems are volunteers who advocate for Foster children and help support them by being a voice for them in the Foster Care system.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Big American pride at a small-town parade
Posted by Rick Watson on Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 5:44 AM
Lutz, Florida is a small town, but they show their pride in American Independence in a big way. This 4th of July celebration held at the historic Lutz rail station had it all - booths of local vendors showcasing local crafts, great food, and games for kids big and small. There were also booths for local groups such as the Lutz Patriots that put together cards, letters, and care packages full of all kinds of items that are sent to our troops to let them know the folks back home support and appreciate their service on this day we celebrate our Freedom - Freedom that they, and those before them have guaranteed by their service. The Lutz Patriots (www.lutzpatriots.org) put these packages together and cover the mailing costs out of private donations - they can use all the help they can get, contact them, or groups like them to help out. Thousands of people lined up along the street to watch the parade that wound from Oscar Cooler park to end up at the reviewing stands at the Lutz Volunteer Fire Dept. There were 76 floats and groups that marched in the Parade, including boy/girl scout groups, local businesses, old military vehicles, local civic groups, as well as fire trucks old and new. The parade ended at the old Lutz Rail Station where awards for the best floats in several categories were announced, and the new Guv`na of Lutz, Kevin Wright, was sworn in. See our website - www.starznbarz.com for full photo coverage of this event.
- www.starznbarz.com
- The Lutz Patriots, supporting our troops every day. www.lutzpatriots.org
- www.starznbarz.com
- Lance Hodge, USMC marches in the parade to cheers from the spectators
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Skooling us with big laughs: Dear Aunt Gertrude's latest improv show
Posted by Melissa Beck on Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 6:57 PM
For a third summer in a row, the Dear Aunt Gertrude Improv group has offered family-friendly improvisational fun at The Box, a studio theater located in the heart of Ybor City. This year's theme is "Summer Skool", and the team has created an atmosphere unlike any summer school program you could have wished to flunk into.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa makes the Top 10
Woman's Day magazine names it one of the 10 best children's museums.
Posted by Melissa Beck on Thu, Jun 9, 2011 at 2:46 PM
Summer vacation — we've all tasted it at some point in our lives. Many of us now have love/hate relationships with the break. Those fond memories of hot days spent at the beach, salt on your lips and sand between your toes can be haunting when you think of how much you took them for granted as a youngster. The reality of it all is this cruel thing known as "life" that sets in just when you've acquired the freedom (and responsibility) that usually comes with age.
For most, three-month vacations have became an untouchable thing of the past — that is, until it all comes back full circle and now it's your own kids home full-time making you batshit crazy.
So what can you do to keep them entertained, and in essence, avoid becoming certifiable?
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Busch Gardens to open a guest-friendly Animal Care & Nutrition Center
Posted by Melissa Beck on Thu, May 12, 2011 at 8:04 PM
- Photo provided by Busch Gardens.
- Interior image of guest view toward surgery procedures.
This winter, the Busch Gardens park in Tampa will be opening a new Animal Care & Nutrition Center that will welcome guests to closely observe and even participate in the animal care experience. Much of the park’s animal care, including nutrition, treatments, X-rays and surgeries will be conducted in this facility accessible to guests. The new building, approximately 16,000 square feet, will be located where the rhino exhibit currently resides.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
NASCAR on two wheels: Photos of the Cigar City Brewing Criterium Race and Festival
Posted by Chip Weiner on Sun, Mar 27, 2011 at 6:55 AM
Promoted as "NASCAR on Two Wheels," the 2011 Cigar City Brewing Criterium Race zoomed through the streets of downtown Tampa on Saturday. Over 600 athletes were scheduled to race, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles an hour on their racing bikes.
Racers stage themselves on the track just prior to the start
The course included several fast turns along paved and bricked roads. Lykes Park was the hub of all the race activity where bike enthusiasts, families, and racers could enjoy
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
On the eve of St. Patty's Day, thoughts on a modern Irish-American-Jewish-and-Everything-Else family
Posted by Catherine Robinson on Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 11:03 PM
St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and I find myself thinking of my great-grandparents. Back in the 1800s, when they took a boat from County Mayo in Ireland to Pennsylvania, they also took quite a chance. They risked their lives to make a better one for their children and grandchildren.
When they first arrived, my ancestors settled near Scranton with other Irish Catholics. They married amongst themselves and had lots of kids. Cousins grew up next door to other cousins and extended family members were each other's best friends.
My grandparents and their siblings were a strong, tight-knit, loving brood. They worked hard in jobs that required little, if any, formal schooling. Yet these wonderful people provided for their families, went to church each week and enjoyed their lives. Together.
The next generation married more of the same, but my parents, aunts and uncles didn't have as many children. They were able to go to college and get good jobs. A few moved out of town or out of state. Some came back, but others did not.
The following generation is my own, and we married a whole lot of everything.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Thinking Dog Blog: Shell Key Shuttle offers a sunset cruise for canines
Posted by Pam Hogle on Sun, Mar 6, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Imagine sailing through smooth waters, watching seabirds fly in to roost on a small island, gliding peacefully into a spectacular sunset as you sip a cold beer. Imagine doing all of that with your best friend at your side. Your best dog friend, of course.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Plant City's Berry Best: The Florida Strawberry Festival Opens
Posted by Chip Weiner on Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 2:17 PM
- Helpers at the Collins Strawberry stand shows flats of the sweet fruit.
Thousands of people showed up for the first day of the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City yesterday. The 10-day festival, running from March 3-13, got off with a bang. The weather was beautiful and should remain the same through most of the weekend. Cool breezes and the smell of sweet treats wafted down the midway and through the event buildings. Racing pigs and lumberjack competitions, livestock competitions and a photography contest, and exhibits from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) all give the event a real hometown feel — plus, of course, lots and lots and lots of strawberries.
