Gifts of Princess toys and beautiful dresses danced in their heads...

Just in the nick of time for your online Christmas shopping! ~ "Princess Time Toys and Pets" carries the finest toys, dress-ups, costumes and more for your prince or princess. Wonderful, quality dress-up costumes that will enrich your children's fantasy play and spark their imagination.

QUALITY Dress-up Costumes meant for play too! Featuring Licensed Disney and Little Adventures products. The dresses are well constructed and made of comfortable materials with rolled seams for durability and stretchy materials in the bodice for the ultimate amount of wearability. They wash well and are adorable. Costumes are traditionally made of inexpensive materials and the seams and hems are serged rather than finished. The costumes are dry clean only or hand wash only in most cases and cannot be ironed because of the fabric they're constructed of. A quality line of dress-ups is the Little Adventures brand. All of there costumes are "mom-designed with kids in mind." There are two lines in the Little Adventures dress-up trunk – traditional and deluxe. Traditional are basic dresses, while the deluxe dresses have more layers of fabric and trims. Both sets have adorable accessories to complete them like cone hats, crowns, cloaks, fullness slips, gloves, and more. Choose from Cinderella, Tinkerbell, Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Fairies, and more. There are matching adult versions as well as American Girl Doll and bear versions. Little Adventures dress-ups are available at Princess Time Toys. Enough to fill an entire dress-up trunk! Princess Time Toys Shop now for prince and princess themed toys, dress-ups, furniture and more. Costumes for ages 12m to adult. Featuring Disney and Little Adventures products.

Cruise News - Tampa, FL

Norwegian Cruise Line

Tampa, Florida –

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), will base their liner the Norwegian Star in Tampa, Florida -- a first for this cruise line.

Norwegian says the 2,240-passenger Star will sail seven-day Western Caribbean voyages out of Tampa on a seasonal basis starting on Oct. 16, 2011 through April 8, 2012.

The Star will edge out the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend as the largest cruise ship sailing out of Tampa.

Norwegian's new Tampa-based voyages will begin on Sundays and include stops in Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; along with two days at sea.

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NCL at other Florida Ports:

Port Canaveral -

Norwegian also announced the Norwegian Sun will return to Port Canaveral for the winter of 2011/2012, offering alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

Miami -

Norwegian says it will position three ships in Miami for the winter of 2011/2012: The Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Dawn.

The Norwegian Epic will sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises out of Miami. Norwegian Pearl will sail seven-day Western Caribbean cruises to Great Stirrup Cay; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel. The Norwegian Dawn will operate 10- and 11-day Southern Caribbean voyages.

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http://www2.ncl.com/

New Sweepstakes! All US Vacations (Disney) --

All of the sweeps/contest listed below are Disney/Florida and Disney Land/California related.

Good Luck! :)



Hanes Magical Golf Getaway Sweepstakes
Win one of six Grand Prizes of a Walt Disney World vacation for 4 people, including airfare, 4 nights accommodations, ground transportation, Park Hopper tickets, Mickey Mouse Ear hats, a $500 gift card and a round of golf for 3 people. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per 24-hour period. Expires 9/26/10.


Get Animated with 'Phineas and Ferb' and Build Your Own Vacation Sweepstakes.
Win a Grand Prize of a trip for 4 to the winner's choice of destinations (in the form of a check for $10,000) and the opportunity to be animated into an episode of Phineas & Ferb. Open to those age 16 and UNDER. Requires registration with Disney.com. You can enter online, on-air or by SMS (text message). See official rules for details about entry requirements. Maximum of one online, one on-air and one SMS entry per person per day. Expires 9/26/10.


Phineas and Ferb Destination Investigation Sweepstakes
Win a Grand Prize of Visa Gift Cards for $6,000 and a Guilty Party Video Game, or one of 75 First Prizes of a video game. Open to those age 8 and OVER. Requires registration with Disney.com. You can enter online or by SMS (text message). See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per day. Expires 10/2/10.


Fashion Bug Ultimate Accessory Sweepstakes 
Win one of 102 Prizes of a 3-night trip for 4 people to Walt Disney World, including hotel accommodations and four 2-day Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option OR a 2010 VW New Beetle OR one of 100 $70 Fashion Bug gift cards. Void in Puerto Rico and all other US territories. There are 4 ways to enter: online, in store, by mail or via Facebook; see Rule #3. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per entry method per person. Unlimited referral entries via Facebook. Expires 9/30/10.


Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, FL Getaway Giveaway
Win a prize of a 2-night stay for 4 people at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, including complimentary champagne or sparkling cider upon arrival, free kids' meals for children 12 and under per paid adult entree, a family-friendly movie and a 10% discount at neu lotus spa. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per day. Expires at NOON on 9/30/10.


Scotties $10,000 Family Field Trip Sweepstakes
Win a Grand Prize of winner's choice of a 4-night trip for 5 people to Washington, DC; Orlando, FL or the Grand Canyon, AZ. All trips include hotel accommodations, 5-day minivan rental, $500 and tours, park passes and/or excursions. Win one of 5 First Prizes of a notebook computer. Win one of 50 Second Prizes of a $50 gift card. Win one of 25 Third Prizes of a case of Scottie Facial Tissues.
One entry per person per day. You can receive up to 10 additional entries for each friend you invite who then enters the sweepstakes. To receive up to 10 additional entries for free see official rules. See official rules for details about entry requirements. Expires 9/30/10.


Disney Cruise Traveler Sweepstakes
Win a Grand Prize of a Disney Cruise Line vacation for 4 people, winner's choice of a Mexican Riviera Cruise, an Eastern Caribbean Cruise or a Western Caribbean Cruise. See Rule #7 for cruise details. Void in Quebec and Puerto Rico. Game play not required to enter sweepstakes. Potential Canadian winners see Rule #6 about the required skill question. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person. Expires 9/30/10.


Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam "Rock Your Lunch" Sweepstakes
Win a Grand Prize of a 3-night trip for 4 people to Los Angeles, CA to have lunch with cast members of Camp Rock 2 (must be 8 years and up to attend lunch), including hotel accommodations, 1-day Park Hopper tickets and $3,000 awarded to parent. Win one of 5 First Prizes of a lunch box autographed by Camp Rock 2 cast members. Win one of 12 Second Prizes of an autographed Camp Rock 2 soundtrack.
Entry codes are available on specially-marked packages of Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Bakery products or you can request them by mail. See Rule #3 for details. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person per day. Expires 10/31/10.


Best You 4,000 Prize Giveaway Sweepstakes 
Win a Prize of a 4-night trip for 4 people to Orlando, including hotel accommodations and 4 tickets to an area theme park OR a $4,000 gift card to a grocery store near winner's home. See official rules for details about entry requirements. One entry per person. Expires 11/1/10 at 10 am EST.


Win a Trip to Orlando 2010 Sweepstakes
Win a Grand Prize of a 3-night trip for 4 people to Orlando, including round trip airfare from Indiana only, hotel accommodations, a rental car and four passes to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center and Hollywood Studios. Win one of 15 Second Prizes of $10 merchant gift certificates. Win one of 20 Third Prizes of a 2011 Discover Indy Savings Book.
Enter online, use the entry form in your Discover Indy Savings Book or pick up a form at the address provided in the official rules. Limit of one entry form per visit. See official rules for details about entry requirements. Number of entries per person not specified in the official rules. Expires 11/15/10.


Choose Your Own Adventure Sweepstakes
Win a Grand Prize of winner's choice of any Delta Vacations Destination trip for 4 people.Open to ages 13 and up. Void in Quebec. You may redeem Disney Movie Rewards points for up to 19 additional entries; each additional entry costs 5 Disney Movie Rewards points. To receive up to 19 additional entries for free see Rule #6. See official rules for details about entry requirements. Up to 20 entries per person. Expires 12/31/10.
 
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My Sweepstakes Listings:

Please note that all sweepstakes listed above provide only a short summary of the prizes and rules; pease read the complete, official rules for each contest before entering.

Sweepstakes entries are one of the ways companies build their e-mail lists. If you don't want to be bombarded with junk e-mail, try to opt out (when that option is available) from any mailing list sign-ups which may be offered while entering sweeps and contest. You should consider creating a "junk mail" address through a free or inexpensive Web-based e-mail provider such as Gmail or Yahoo! and use it only for sweepstakes sign-ups. Don't forget to check your new "sweepstakes only mailbox" at least every 2-3 days, as winners are frequently notified by e-mail.

I only list sweepstakes in which the sponsor is a reputable, major company/organization offering sweepstakes prizes. I will not list sweepstakes if they do not include official rules; if they are sponsored by obscure/little-known organizations, or if I feel they are misleading or otherwise questionable.
 
Thank You, and Good Luck! :)

New hot spot for Tampa Bay area families!

Glazer Children's Museum
Reopens Sept. 25, 2010.

New location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602 (downtown)
Phone: 813-443-3861

This New GLAZER Children's Museum will be a major tourist attraction for visitors and local families. Formerly know as the Florida Children's Museum, this new 53,000 square-foot space will hold the key to discovery, imagination and learning. More than 175 permanent and traveling exhibits will be offered alongside community events and programs. Space will be available to reserve for birthday parties etc. With a goal of enriching the lives of all who enter, the Glazer Children's Museum is a destination you won't want to miss. For the young and young at heart!
 
Admission Prices:

Children - $9.50
Adults - $15.00
Military/Seniors - $12.50

Travel Abroad: Hotels deals of the week -- Barbados Hotels starting at $61/night!

Barbados Hotels Starting at $61/night


Click on "accommodations" to read the offer, which includes 80 hotels starting at $61 and up per night; 60 of those hotels are under $150/night. Prices are room rates only, based on double occupancy, and do not include taxes or other fees. Rates are up to 40 percent off regular prices, and some properties offer a fourth-night free option. Read restrictions carefully.

Barbados is an island nation of the Lesser Antilles.
Learn about Barbados at http://www.barbados.org/

Beautiful Beaches Video: Clearwater Beach, Florida - Soothing Relaxation...

Beautiful Beaches: video recorded at Clearwater Beach, FL. and nearby beaches. Video credit to http://www.wavesdvd.com/ - In honor of Florida Beaches before the BP Oil Spill Disaster..
Take a virtual beach break with "Florida Beaches" videos. Also, enjoy their other beache videos from across the USA and Caribbean. :)

Safety Tips for the Traveling Woman

Avoiding Theft and/or Attacks.

I'm not a paranoid traveler, though I am a cautious one; especially when traveling alone.

Below I've listed some strategies, tips, defense mechanisms and facts to help you ward off potential trouble.

Thieves often perceive females as easier targets for theft than men. Women should travel with a little extra care; keep your caution edge in tune. It's easy to let down your guard when on vacation or business travel. Don't let concerns stop you, just remember to be aware of your surroundings.

First, always lock your doors at the hotel and in the rental car.

Always map out your ground travel prior to walking or driving.

Don't bring the bling: Avoid ostentatious jewelry; you will only draw more attention from a would be thief, and you could be injured if a thief yanks a bracelet from your wrist or a necklace from your throat.

Avoid deserted streets after dark: Stay in the safe areas of town; if you don't know, ask your hotel staff!

Watch the crowd: Some thieves prefer crowded areas - stay alert in places like bus stations and during street celebrations, where you're likely to be jostled - thieves use these circumstances to grab your stuff.

A few interesting facts: The #1 thing an attacker looks for in a potential female victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, braid or other long hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. Women with short hair are not common targets.

They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking, because they are off-guard and can be easily approached and overpowered.
The number one place women are abducted from/attacked at is grocery store parking lots. Number two is office parking lots/garages and number three is public restrooms. These men are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second, secluded location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the early morning, between 5a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Only 2% of the rapists interviewed said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year sentence, but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

Therefore, if you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because they know that going after you isn't worth it: It would be too time-consuming and they may get caught. These men said they will not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects in their hands that can be used from a distance. Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

Defense mechanisms:
If someone is following you on the street or in a parking garage or is with you in an elevator or stairwell, and if you feel they are suspicious, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it?, or make general small talk: "We're having really bad weather today." -- Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a lineup, so you lose appeal as a target. Once you look a potential attacker in the eyes, they are far less likely to attack.

 If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell "Stop" or "Stay back!" Most of the rapists said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would NOT be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target. You should always carry pepper spray, (my Tae Kwondo self-defence instuctor was a big advocate of it) yelling "I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY" and holding it out will be a deterrent.

If someone grabs your wrist, pull your wrist back so your hand is (palm facing forward) and twist it toward yourself and pull your arm away. It is hard to hold onto a wrist when moving in this direction. They will stumble toward you, so keep moving in a backstep motion, then quickly use that momentum to backhand them with your knuckles to the forehead, nose or teeth. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh Very HARD. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can; it hurts!

After the initial hit, always go for the groin. It is extremely painful if you hit a guy's testicles (do not be afraid, your life may be at stake!). You might think that you'll make the potential rapist really mad and make him want to hurt you more, but the rapists who were interviewed reported that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he'll take off.

If you see any odd behavior, or your intuition kicks-in, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts. Remove yourself from the vicinity of the person A.S.A.P.!

Travel Safe, Have Fun and remain Aware.

* Share this info with all the women in your life.

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Important WORDS OF WISDOM from a POLICE DETECTIVE about SEXUAL ASSAULT.
by: Detective Kevin Coffey

I have to share some things I have learned in my job with you. In my job, I have read hundreds and hundreds of files, and have taken note of some of the mistakes women make. Let me preface this by saying that a woman is NEVER EVER EVER at fault for being raped or attacked, but there are definitely ways to reduce your risk of being a victim.

Here are the most common mistakes women make that could result in them getting kidnapped, attacked, and/or raped:

1. Getting into the attacker's car when he pulls a gun and orders you to get into his vehicle.

Most attackers don't want to shoot you ... they want you to get into the car so that they can drive you to a deserted place and torture you. Don't comply. Run screaming. It is MUCH more likely than not that he will just move on to an easier target.

2. Pulling over when a man drives alongside of you pointing at your car pretending something is wrong.

If this happens, drive to the nearest well-lit and populated gas station and look the car over yourself (or ask an attendant). Never pull over. Believe it or not, many women have fallen for this for fear of their car spontaneously exploding in the middle of the road. Not likely.

3. Not locking your doors while driving.

I have read several cases where the attacker simply walks up to a woman's car while she's at a traffic light and jumps in with his gun or knife drawn.

4. Opening your front door/hotel door when you have not positively identified who is there.

If you don't have a peep hole, get one. I've seen countless cases where the attacker gains access to his victims simply by knocking on their door. Don't let an attacker get into your home. He then has a private, relatively soundproof place to attack you.

5. Not being alert in parking lots.

If you go to the grocery store at night, don't be shy about asking for an escort to your car. Too many women are abducted from parking lots or even raped in the parking lot. Look in your back seat before entering your car. Cars provide endless hiding places for attackers, both inside them and in between them.

Be aware of your surroundings by looking to the left and right and behind you with your head up all the time. You may appear paranoid and look funny to others, but an attacker will think twice about approaching someone who appears so aware of what's going on.

6. Trusting a clean cut, honest looking stranger.

I see mug shots of every sex offender. They do not look like monsters. They often look like they could be your friendly grocer, bank teller, waiter, neighbor, clergy, doctor, etc. They are every age between 15 and 90, and probably beyond. Only a small minority actually look scary.

7. Trusting people to be alone with your children.

This is a difficult one, because child molesters end up being the LAST person the parents would believe is the molester. Most of the child molesting cases I see involve the stepfather, the uncle, the sister's boyfriend, the mother's boyfriend, the grandfather, the baby-sitter, the neighbor, the family friend, the youth camp director, day care worker, etc. Although rare, even women can be molesters.

In every case, the perpetrator is a nice guy, trusting, good with children, and the family is baffled or even in disbelief that the person could be abusing their child. When it comes to your children and grandchildren, be suspicious of everyone, no matter who they are. And pay attention to what your child says and how he/she reacts to the mention of different people in their lives.

I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable with this information. I have the dirty job of reading all these files, and it makes me feel good to know that I can share some inferences from what I have learned. This is not an exhaustive list of what not to do, but just some things that I have observed more than just a few times.

- Detective Kevin Coffey