I'm back with another spotlight on a small (and local!) business.  This small business is a bit different than you might expect, as Michelle Holly Recommends doesn't just sell things - she is actually an educator turned blogger turned mother turned children's book author! I mean, aren't most mothers a whole bunch of things rolled into one?  I thought it would be really cool to highlight what Michelle Holly has been doing, as I felt it was unique and might be something some of you out there might be interested in learning about. So, before I give anything else away, here is her story:

Before we get started, can you introduce yourself and tell everyone a bit about your background?
Thanks for this opportunity to share my passion for writing. I’m Michelle Holly, a Mommy Blogger, applying 18 years of professional education expertise to raising my own one-year-old daughter! I’ve been an elementary and middle school teacher, a dean, testing coordinator, instructional coach and am currently on a leave of absence to stay home with my daughter. I started blogging about two years ago. My latest blog is called Michelle Holly Recommends and it’s based on activities, games and books I use with my daughter. With my background, I naturally include learning into what we are doing. I started this with my sister’s daughters seven years ago. She would always be in awe of the questions I would ask or things I would do and told me I should share this knowledge with others, so that’s the inspiration for sharing what I know on my latest blog, Michelle Holly Recommends. I know moms are busy, so I keep my blogs to the point, with some ideas to share, in the hopes that at least one idea can be applied to help our kids be the smartest on the block!

Your family life changed not that long ago, can you tell us a bit about this exciting change?
Yes, such an exciting change! My husband and I adopted our daughter about a year and a half ago. During our journey to parenthood, I started my first blog to share our story. I just had two miscarriages, three unsuccessful IUIs, and we were at a place of discouragement. There’s a very talented spoken word artist named Hosanna Wong who came to speak at our church, First Orlando. In her message, “I have a new name” I felt led to be a “messenger” and share my story and our journey to parenthood, whether it was going to be biological or through adoption. Once I did, I had about twenty women who privately shared their stories with me, of either miscarriage, infertility issues, or were also considering adoption. While I was experiencing heartache, my heart was also sparked because I was able to offer encouragement to others in my situation. I had an undeniable hope in God that He had the best plans for me and I sincerely wanted to share with others where my hope came from and that they too, could have the same hope. I started a Mommy Monday Prayer Wall, where I prayed for other women who wanted to be a mommy, and mommyhood came to fruition for about ten of us! ​

So now you have published TWO children’s books.  Is your daughter the reason for this or was there another reason? Can you tell us about these books?
When my husband and I flew out to the city where our daughter was born, one of the first things we did was buy Jimmy Fallon’s Mama and Dada books. We read them to our daughter each day we were in the hospital together and she has had at least one book read to her every day since. I didn’t find too many picture books about adoption that were simple enough to read to my baby and that would express how much I love her. 
​
​So I wrote, “The Moment I Met You” which is a book about the reminders I have all day long of how much I have loved my daughter ever since that first moment I saw her in the little baby carrier in the hospital. It is a moment that floods me with so many happy emotions and memories. I wanted to capture it in a book that I could read to my daughter at any time, but also for other adoptive parents to have as well. My younger sister, Melanie, illustrated the pictures in such a way that represents the diversity of adoptive families. 

My second book, “Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme” was inspired by my mom’s crocheted creations she makes for her three granddaughters. My other sister, Melissa, photographed the crocheted Easter eggs and bunny. I love reading rhyming books to my daughter because they are easy to sing and my daughter loves music. Being an educator at heart, I love adding a learning aspect to what we do, so this book can be used for counting 1-12, identifying colors, and I touch upon the meaning of Easter in a simple way for children. I even include five tips to help parents engage with their children as they read. Put this all together, and my second book came to life! It’s going to look perfect in my daughter’s Easter basket! (Blogger note - this interview was before Easter)

Do you have any plans for writing any more books?
Yes, I would love to get a book contract with a book publisher! I also hope to continue reaching others through my blog so that I can share what I know to help others. I noticed that you shared on Instagram that I was a “Local Author” and that really meant a lot to me. Until recently, I wouldn’t have really claimed that title! I was able to be part of a Bible study group focused on writing at my church and it was led by a (for real!) Local Author, Stacey Thacker. We all met weekly to talk about our writing, and she had us say out loud, “I am a writer!” She was extremely encouraging and through her leading, I felt that this is a path God has led me on and it was good to be reminded of that.

Do you have anything else to share with us?
About twenty years ago, I wanted to be a children’s book writer. I put the dream on the back burner for a while, or so I thought. What I didn’t realize was this whole time I was writing in various ways. When I think someone needs encouragement, I listen for what God might tell me that they need to hear and I write notes and thank you cards to others that make them cry happy tears. My social media posts and comments hopefully spread positivity. As an educator, I write emails, tutorials and presentations for students, teachers and parents. I started a professional Twitter account and blog because I truly enjoy sharing what I learn with others. I felt most impactful when I was able to share my journey to parenthood and see how it helped and encouraged others. I hope I can always use the writing talent God gave me to inspire hope in others and to help families engage together.

Where can we find your books for purchase?
Both books, The Moment I Met You and Counting Time with an Easter Rhyme are available on Amazon in paperback and kindle form.
The Moment I Met You: https://amzn.to/3mXliyo
Counting time with an Easter Rhyme: https://amzn.to/3aguKYD

If we want to follow you to see more that you have to offer in the future or things that you recommend, where can we do that?
Thanks for asking! I have been able to expand upon my adventures with my daughter and two nieces in my blog, www.MichelleHollyRecommends.blogspot.com.

In this blog, I share my recommendations for toys and books. I talk about various developmental stages of children’s learning and how to incorporate learning into the toys we play with and books we read. Recently, I started blogging about places we are visiting with ideas of things to do before, during and after your visit. My goal is to share with parents how we can spark learning and engagement in everyday things we do.
 
Follow me on Instagram @Michelle_Holly_Recommends
And I’d love for you to like my Facebook Page @MichelleHollyRecommends
YouTube: More Time to Gather 

Personal message from The Orlando Millennial: Michelle here!  Michelle Holly has been someone I have known on a personal level for 4 years now.  She is someone I call a mentor, a friend, a neighbor, and just one of the most amazing women I am honestly blessed to have met in my life. I was so elated when I learned she was going to be adopting her daughter and I've been so happy to see all that has happened since.  In a world where many are learning that not everyone fits into cookie cutter norms, I felt that her book telling an adopted child how much they are loved was something special that many others might want to learn about.  I love that she shares her story about her pregnancy struggles pre-adoption, but also lifts up those that are going through similar struggles. I highly recommend following Michelle Holly Recommends, whether you have a child or not, because she is sure to show you some great new things to teach a child or some awesome places to visit around Central Florida!  I hope that this story brought a smile to your face and that you will share with someone that you know. Thanks for reading!

As Busch Gardens continues to prioritize the health and safety of its guests, ambassadors and animals in its care, soon guests will be able to enjoy indoor world-class entertainment beginning Friday, May 28. From “Turn It Up!”, the park’s award-winning ice-skating production to an all-NEW acrobatic show, “Cirque Electric,” modified operations in the park’s theaters will make it possible for guests to once again enjoy incredible shows as they explore Busch Gardens’ 300 acres of exhilarating rollercoasters and fascinating animal habitats.
 
In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include enhanced cleaning and sanitization, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, many modifications will be in place at Busch Gardens’ theaters upon reopening, including:

• Significantly limited capacity inside the parks’ expansive theaters to accommodate plenty of space between parties.
• Staggered entering and exiting procedures to keep guests physically distant.
• Protective Face Coverings required by all guests, ambassadors and performers at all times, covering the nose and mouth.
• No eating or drinking permitted inside the theaters.
• Hand sanitizing stations available at the entrance and exit points of the theater.
• Extensive sanitation of all seats conducted between shows.

 
“Bringing more live entertainment safely back to the park is another huge step in returning to world class entertainment at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said Neal Thurman, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park President. “Since our reopening in June, our park teams have been incredibly innovative and adaptable with bringing our productions to life in new ways and we’re thrilled to expand our offering to include new programs in addition to fan-favorite shows.”
 
Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, guests will be able to enjoy the following productions on select days beginning Friday, May 28:
 
Turn It Up!
Thursday – Monday, multiple shows per day
The Moroccan Palace Theater will once again be home to Busch Gardens’ spectacular, year-round ice-skating shows, including “Turn It Up!” With contemporary performances, dazzling aerial moments and eclectic pop music, it’s no wonder this production has earned a spot on “USA TODAY’S 10Best” Readers’ Choice Awards.
 
ALL NEW: Cirque Electric
Friday – Monday, multiple shows per day
For awe-inspiring feats that spark the imagination, the dynamic performance of “Cirque Electric,” an all-new acrobatic stunt show exclusively produced for Busch Gardens, will soon thrill guests at the Stanleyville Theater. From the daring airborne aerialist to stunning displays of balance and strength and a fascinating act on wheels that cannot be missed, guests will be dazzled by world-class performers.

Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes
Enjoy each show again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a day and play all year!* For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and experience great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more!
 
For the best value and benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information, reservations and tickets. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Expanded Health and Safety Measures:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
 
For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visitbuschgardens.com/tampa/safety

What type of business is it - what do you offer?
​It is a t-shirt business, but I make tote bags and masks as well. I specialize in sports mom shirts, but I do make others as well.

Where can we find out more, purchase, or see your product?
You can find my products on:
IG: @kreationsby_kelz 
Facebook: Kreations by Kelz 

Many who have not practiced yoga before have this idea that it will be too hard for them - too many difficult poses. Do you think this is true?  Do you feel yoga is only for one type of person?
As someone considered “overweight” I would definitely say NO! Yoga is for every body! Not to say that every single human would enjoy a yoga practice, but every single human body is capable. Yoga is more about connecting to your truest self than it is about handstands. There is no pre-requisite for a yoga class. In fact, when I first started I couldn’t even touch my toes (and I still can’t do a hand stand). Part of being a good yoga instructor is making sure to offer enough options so that every student in class can participate and feel comfortable. There is also many different styles of yoga. One of my favorites, Yin and Restorative, incorporates the use of pillows and blankets to reach maximum comfort.  

What made you choose to be an instructor at Elevate Yoga Center? 
I’ve attended this studio for years and really fell in love with the community there is here. All the teachers are wonderful and I’m honored to be teaching among them. I continue to learn from them every day and enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with my own students. 

What types of classes does Elevate Yoga Center offer?  With COVID, are there any special classes that they offer or any changes that have been made?
Most classes are offered with the option to attend from home and there is a large variety. From all-levels flow, yin, restorative, yin-yang, aerial, aerial fitness, aerial yin, BUTI and more. Check out our website to read the details of each style to determine which would fit your needs the best! ​

This spring, flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival. 

Guests are invited to take their taste buds on an adventure as they sample more than 110 tasty treats, including 22 NEW dishes. Serving guests every weekend from February 20 to April 25 with limited capacity, this year’s menu features festival favorites and fresh twists on classic cuisines from around the country that pair perfectly with more than 80 wines, brews, and cocktails.
 
In addition to the park’s already strict health and safety measures, which include increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, capacity will also be significantly limited to create more open space for guests to maintain physical distancing in a safe environment and enjoy their experience. 
 
Here are a few of the more than 110 tasty reasons to come back week after week:

• Fresh finds with seasonal flavors: From the NEW five-spice duck lettuce wraps with Asian pear coleslaw and plum sauce drizzle to meatless options like the Impossible® slider topped with caramelized balsamic onions and crispy jalapeños, there’s something for everyone.
• Savory bites of BBQ, Tex-Mex and more: Try sharable dishes like slowly smoked beef brisket pub chips and tasty handhelds. All American Eats by Kraft-Heinz offers a new take on American favorites featuring bison sliders with bacon onion jam, vintage cheddar, and Heinz® MAYOCHUP™, and lobster white cheddar KRAFT® Mac N Cheese.

Return to Live Music with Physically-Distant Concerts—Coming Soon to the Festival Field
From nationally recognized bands to local favorites, safely eat to the beat with plenty of open space across the expansive Festival Field. All concerts are included with theme park admission and will take place on select dates in March and April. Concert acts will be announced soon, including upgrade opportunities for premium seating.
 
For the first course of the Food & Wine Festival, guests can enjoy a taste of local acts at the Coke Canopy stage starting February 20 and running throughout the duration of the festival. Physically distant seating will be available in the open-air pavilion.
 
Best Way to Play – Busch Gardens Fun Card and Annual Passes
With a Busch Gardens Fun Card, you pay for a day and play all year!* For a limited time, guests who purchase the Busch Gardens Fun Card for $113.99 will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card, plus a bonus single-day ticket to Adventure Island so you can bring a guest for FREE! For the price of a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year, so you can visit again and again, and access great events like the Food & Wine Festival, Summer Nights, Christmas Town and more! Offer ends February 14, 2021.
 
For more park benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, and up to 50-percent savings on merchandise, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Enjoy the Best of the Food & Wine Festival with a Sampler Lanyard
The best way for guests to savor and save on their favorite dishes and drinks at this year’s Food & Wine Festival is with a sampler lanyard. Guests can purchase a 5, 10 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore sample-sized dishes and drink offerings with ease, starting at just $34.99 for a 5-punch lanyard. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler to enjoy three FREE samples! Visit buschgardens.com/tampa/events/food-and-wine-festival/ to view the full festival menu.
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Expanded Health and Safety Measures:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
 
For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety

​Families can experience safe thrills, incredible animal encounters, seasonal events and more with the 2021 Preschool Card, offering FREE UNLIMITED admission to children age five and younger to both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island through December 31, 2021. Florida preschool children receive FREE admission for a year full of fun and safe park experiences in a spacious outdoor environment with limited capacity and enhanced health and safety protocols, including special events like Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends. Offered in spring, fall, and winter, this weekend series is perfect for pint-sized explorers and kicks off this year on Saturday, January 30 through Monday, February 15.
 
Throughout 2021, Busch Gardens offers many opportunities for families to make safe new memories together such as enjoying the kid-friendly options at the Food & Wine Festival, trick-or-treating and participating in Halloween hijinks with fan-favorite Sesame Street Characters at Howl-O-Scream, and celebrating holiday moments with Santa during Christmas Town, and more. In addition to enhancing the park’s already strict health and safety measures including increased cleaning and sanitation, temperature checks, and face covering requirements, capacity will be significantly limited to create more open space for guests to enjoy their experience, while maintaining physical distancing in a safe environment. 
 
Register Now for the FREE Preschool Card!
Busch Gardens and Adventure Island will offer kids ages 5 and younger a FREE Preschool Card, now available exclusively to Florida residents, and valid for visits through December 31, 2021 for unlimited admission to both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Advance registration must be completed online and is only valid for children ages 5 or younger at the time of redemption at the park. Please note registration is required by February 3, 2021 and first visit ticket redemption must occur by February 28, 2021. 
 
To learn more about the Preschool Card, Florida residents can visit BuschGardensTampa.com/Preschoolcard to register today.

Safely Celebrate All-NEW Themes for Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends
From partying for Elmo’s birthday to a very fuzzy Valentine celebration, limited-time festivities at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area offer more special moments for families to safely make incredible memories together with physical distancing measures in place.
 
Elmo’s Birthday Celebration: Jan. 30 – 31 and Feb. 6-7
Kids can celebrate Elmo’s birthday with meet and greets, special treats, physically distanced photo opportunities with Sesame Street friends and much more!

NEW Birthday Dance Party
Guests can get moving to the birthday beat with Elmo! Join in for a fun-filled dance, physically distanced party, including a special song for the guest of honor. Giant birthday cards will be available for families to send well wishes to their favorite red monster. Be sure to boogie over to the Sesame Street Pavilion early, as space is limited for everyone’s health and safety.

NEW Elmo’s Birthday Storytime
Elmo has a very special story to tell for his birthday, and he wants his friends to be there! Families can take a physically distant seat at the Sunny Day Theater to celebrate safely.

Physically Distant Photo Opportunities
It’s Elmo’s birthday celebration, and the best present would be a special (and physically distanced) photo with you! Guests can meet Elmo and his Sesame Street friends in a safe way throughout the day at the Sunny Day Theater.

Limited-time Birthday Treat!
What’s a party without cake? Be sure to stop by Snack-N-Geti for a delicious celebration cupcake in honor of Elmo, available for purchase for a limited time.
 
NEW My Fuzzy Valentine Weekend: Feb. 13-15
Sesame Street fans will find more to love this season at Busch Gardens including special moments with their favorite furry friends especially for Valentine’s Day!

NEW Valentine’s Storytime
Families can learn what love means to each of their favorite characters during a heart-warming reading of “Love from Sesame Street” at the outdoor Sunny Day Theater with plenty of physically distant seating available for everyone.

NEW Find the Valentines Scavenger Hunt
Everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends have lost their valentines, and they need help from you to find them throughout the Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area. Once families have found all the valentines, they can pick up their appreciation sticker at Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Hut gift shop.

NEW Valentine’s Art with Sidewalk Chalk
Guests are invited to take their imagination to the streets as they learn to draw Sesame Street friends in a physically distant sidewalk chalk activity near Air Grover.

NEW Make-Your-Own Valentine
Families can get crafty together and embrace their artistic abilities with special messages at the Sesame Street Pavilion throughout the day.

Physically Distant Photo Opportunities
Guests can share their love for their favorite furry friends -with physically distant photo opportunities just for Valentine’s Day at the Sunny Day Theater.

NEW Cookie Decorating To-Go!
Guests can unleash their inner culinary creativity as they create a heart-shaped version of Cookie Monster’s favorite treat. Cookie Monster will even make special guest appearances at the Sesame Street Pavilion to wave hello! Specialty cookie decorating kits available for purchase at Snack-N-Geti for a limited time.
 
Best Way to Play -Including Great Offers for Parents!
With a Busch Gardens Fun Card, you pay for a day and play all year! For a limited time, guests who purchase the Busch Gardens Fun Card for $113.99 will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card and a bonus one-time parking voucher for FREE! For the price of a single day ticket to Busch Gardens, the Fun Card allows access throughout the year to visit again and again, including access to great events like Mardi Gras and the upcoming Food & Wine Festival. Offer ends January 31.
 
For more park benefits, guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks they want most throughout 2021. Annual Pass Members* receive 12 months of visits with the best benefits ever, including FREE parking, up to 6 free guest tickets, Pass Member-exclusive ride events for the NEW Iron Gwazi opening in spring and up to 50% savings on merchandise, photo prints, Quick Queue, and more!
 
Guests can visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com for more information and reservations—and to purchase tickets, Fun Cards, or Annual Passes. Fans can stay up to date with park events, attractions and more by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
Expanded Health and Safety Measures:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the animals in our care. The park has worked diligently with state and local health experts, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety, and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health, and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
 
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited to continue to provide our guests with fun, inspiring and memorable experiences, while addressing important health and safety needs during this time. For detailed information about the measures that guests can expect when visiting the park, including key operational changes, visit buschgardens.com/tampa/safety