the oaks mall

The Oaks Mall is Now Open!

By Amanda Roland | May 8, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
The Oaks Mall in Gainesville is now open with adjusted hours. "The mall will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday," according to the mall. "New measures have been implemented to help ensure the health and safety for all who enter the mall, including hand-sanitizing stations,

Read More

disney springs

Disney Springs Will Begin Reopening on May 20

By Amanda Roland | May 8, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
For Disney fans and Florida residents, the closing of Walt Disney World has been very sad, yet necessary. And while we still won’t be able to go see Cinderella’s Castle just yet, on May 20, Disney Springs will begin the reopening process. This information was announced on the Disney Parks Blog on May 7. “Following

Read More

curbside library services

The Alachua County Library District Will Offer Curbside Services Starting May 13

By Amanda Roland | May 7, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
Starting Wednesday, May 13, The Alachua County Library District will offer curbside services at all Alachua County locations. According to the library district, here are the steps to follow for check-outs and returns: Place holds for books, DVDs, and other materials online at www.aclib.us/catalog or call your preferred branch. Be sure to select which branch

Read More

homemade pancakes

Make These Easy Homemade Pancakes From Scratch

By Amanda Roland | May 6, 2020 | Blog , Recipes
If you can't get to the store to buy pancake mix, you can easily make pancakes at home with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Here is a recipe for easy homemade pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries. Homemade Pancakes Ingredients: 1 Cup all-purpose Flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp of

Read More

Mother with daughter in a field

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

By Amanda Roland | May 6, 2020 | Guides , Holidays
For the mom that has everything, surprise her this year with these handpicked unique and fun gifts that are sure to bring a smile to her face this Mother’s Day! Here are some last-minute Mother's Day gift ideas! #ShopLocal: Diamond and Sapphire Starfish $1,800, Lang Jewelers Leather Reversible Mini Tote $158, draperjames.com SodaStream Fizzi $89.99,

Read More

Julie's Library

Read Along with Julie Andrews on the Julie’s Library Podcast

By Amanda Roland | May 6, 2020 | Blog
If you're looking to give your kiddos some educational entertainment, tune in to Julie's Library, a story time podcast hosted by the beloved Julie Andrews! This podcast features Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, a children’s author and educator. They read aloud some of their favorite children's books so that you can read

Read More

florida parks

Find Out Which Florida Parks Have Reopened!

By Amanda Roland | May 5, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
May 4 marked the first day of Phase One of Florida's reopening process, and many Florida parks have started to reopen as a result! "As these parks are re-opening, DEP will be taking measures to ensure the protection of staff and the public," according to the Florida Parks website. "Visitors should expect limited hours, capacity

Read More

summer programs

ACPS Cancel EDEP and Camp Crystal Summer Programs

By Amanda Roland | May 5, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
Alachua County Public Schools just announced that both the Extended Day Enrichment and Camp Crystal summer programs are canceled. “This was a hard decision because these programs are so popular with children and families,” Superintendent Karen Clarke said in a press release. “But the safety and well-being of students and staff has to take priority.”

Read More

Jamie Valentine

The Joy of Newborn Motherhood: Jamie Valentine and Elise

By Giggle Magazine | May 5, 2020 | Articles , Feature
The joy of newborn motherhood. Jamie Valentine shares her stories and experiences of what it’s like to raise a newborn baby. Jamie Valentine and Elise BABY’S AGE/BIRTHDAY: 2 months / 1-28-20 SPOUSE NAME: Jon Valentine Jamie Valentine and her husband Jon started their journey to having a baby with completing genetic testing based on DNA

Read More

covid-19 testing

Alachua County Offers Free COVID-19 Testing for All Residents

By Amanda Roland | May 4, 2020 | Blog , COVID-19 Updates
The Alachua County Health Department is now offering COVID-19 testing to all Alachua County residents. There is no doctor's referral needed. To take advantage of this testing, you can (352) 334-8810 for an appointment, according to the Alachua County Facebook page. "If your insurance covers this, it will be billed and no copay is required.

Read More