From Monster Trucks to Ostriches: A Citrus-Filled Adventure

 

While we were in sunny Orlando, Florida, we stumbled across a place called Showcase of Citrus — and wow, what a hidden gem! This family-owned, 2,500-acre u-pick citrus orchard has been around since 1989, and it’s packed with fun for all ages.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a variety of animals and a big, barn-style area filled with photo ops, a gift shop, a bar, and a spot to buy some of their fresh citrus. Inside the store, you can grab buckets of feed starting at just $4 and head out to treat the animals up front — my little one couldn’t stop smiling!

There’s also a kids’ play area that’s perfect for burning off energy while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings. But the real highlight for us? The monster truck tour through the ranch!

This was the main reason we went, and it did not disappoint. They encourage you to reserve a spot, and tours usually run hourly. Before hopping on, you sign a waiver, purchase any feed, and line up for the ride. We climbed aboard an old-school bus with monster truck wheels along with a few other families, and the adventure began.

Our driver took the time to show us around the ranch, talk about the oranges, and even warned us to keep an eye out for Bigfoot and alligators — just a little extra thrill to keep things interesting! Midway through the tour, we got to meet and feed some amazing animals right from the bus windows. We fed a camel, an ostrich, cows, and a few other friendly creatures. Honestly, how many people can say they’ve fed an ostrich? It was such a unique, memorable experience.

Of course, Showcase of Citrus isn’t just about the monster truck tours. You can pick your own oranges, go gem mining in a real sluice box, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and just soak in the fresh air. The family works together to make sure every visitor has a fun, hands-on experience — whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both.

By the end of the day, we had a bag full of fresh citrus, a few new animal friends in our hearts, and memories we’ll never forget. If you’re ever near Orlando, this is a spot you don’t want to miss!

Until next time, keep hopping into adventures big and small — and may your days be filled with sunshine, smiles, and maybe a few oranges too!

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective

From Tadpole to Trendy: How Kits.ca Changed My Glasses Game

I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 12, and honestly, they’ve been a huge part of my story ever since. I still remember my very first pair—big, round, plastic, and purple. Yep, purple was my favorite color at the time, and they fit within my family’s budget, so it seemed perfect… until junior high kids discovered them. Cue the teasing: “Are those big enough?” “Hey, four-eyes!” All the classic insults.

As a kid, I tried everything to “escape” my glasses—hiding them, “losing” them—but somehow, they always survived. Eventually, my grandma took me to Sears, and I picked out a smaller, metal-framed pair. That was the start of a yearly ritual: optometrist visits, agonizing over which style to wear next, and budgeting carefully because glasses weren’t cheap. For years, I usually had only one pair. But once I could earn my own money, I finally treated myself to two—and it felt like a little slice of luxury. Switching them depending on my outfit or mood? Pure joy.

Fast forward to today, and I stumbled across Kits.ca offering a free first pair of glasses. I’ll admit, I was skeptical. How could I pick glasses online without trying them on? And what about my pupillary distance (PD)? Kits made it so simple. Their step-by-step tool helped me measure my PD, their virtual try-on let me test different styles, and within minutes I had my pick, uploaded my prescription, and placed my order.

Less than a week later, the box arrived. And wow—I was impressed. The fit was perfect, the lenses were spot-on, and the quality was amazing. I immediately ordered two more pairs, all for a fraction of what I used to pay for one in-store. Finally, I had the freedom to try bold styles I never would’ve dared to wear as a teen.

And wouldn’t you know it? My latest pair? Big, plastic, and purple—just like my very first pair. Only this time, I absolutely love them.

Until next time, keep hopping into styles that make you feel confident—and may your vision always be crystal clear!

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective 

Hoppy Thanksgiving! Celebrating the Little Things

 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and all the pumpkin pie you can handle! May your day be full of cozy moments, delicious food, and plenty of reasons to smile.

Even if you’re hopping around family chaos or just enjoying a quiet day, take a moment to reflect on the little things that make life sweet — a good meal, a funny story, or even just a warm cup of coffee.

From my lily pad to yours, have a wonderful, joy-filled Thanksgiving!

Until next time, keep hopping into gratitude and may your heart be as full as your plate! 

Hop on Over to Clifton Hill: Fun Pass Review

If you’re planning a day at Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls and want to pack in a bunch of attractions without breaking the bank, the Clifton Hill Fun Pass is a solid choice. We snagged ours through Costco, and I’ve got all the froggy details for you!

We grabbed the Clifton Hill Fun Pass at Costco, which ended up being a much better deal than buying individual tickets. I can’t remember the exact price at the store, but online it’s around $34.98 for adults and $22.95 for kids, which includes six attractions — a full day of fun without emptying your wallet.

What’s Included and some of my thoughts

SkyWheel
The line might look intimidating at first, but it moves quickly. Each gondola is enclosed and temperature-controlled, so it’s perfect rain or shine. The views of the Falls and surrounding area are breathtaking — definitely one of our highlights.

Movieland Wax Museum
A fun, interactive museum with tons of photo ops featuring celebrities and movie characters. Some areas are a little dated, but it’s still a fun stop for a quick photo spree. We took some great photos to remember our visit.

Ghost Blasters
Short, quirky, and fun! You ride in a cart with a laser gun, shooting at glow-in-the-dark targets. Our kids loved it, and us adults got a little competitive too — a nice little burst of excitement. My youngest like it so much him and I bought a seperate ticket and went though again.

Zombie Attack
This one took us by surprise — in a good way! A 4D theater with moving seats and immersive effects, you get to fight zombies on a huge screen. Can definitely be a bit graphic and scarier for the younger kids so keep that in mind.

Carnival Chaos (4D)
You can choose between this and Toy Store 4D; we picked Carnival Chaos. It’s a wild, interactive ride for up to four people — hold on to your belongings! Quick but we had a blast. If we were to go again i think this would be something we would do.

Dinosaur Adventure Golf
You can also choose between this and Wizard’s Golf. Dinosaur Adventure Golf is outdoors with giant dino models and a cool volcano feature. Busy during peak hours, but a fun way to end the day.

Overall I think yhe Clifton Hill Fun Pass gives a little something for everyone — thrill rides, interactive experiences, and family-friendly fun. A few attractions could use a refresh, but overall, it’s convenient, entertaining, and a great value, especially if you grab it through Costco.

This is a perfect option for first-timers or families looking to get the most out of a day at Clifton Hill.

Until next time, keep hopping toward fun adventures — and may your days be full of laughter, thrills, and a little bit of magic!

 

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective 

Comfort by the Falls: A Froggy Stay

Welcome back to The Froggy Take—where I leap into new places, products, and experiences to share the real scoop with you. This week, my family and I packed up for a little Niagara Falls adventure and checked into the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. Between the fresh-baked cookies, the cozy setup for the kids, and the short walk to all the main attractions, it turned out to be the perfect spot for our getaway. Here’s how it all went!

We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Niagara Falls, ON, and honestly, it was such a great setup for our little family getaway. We booked a room with two Queen beds plus a sofa bed, which worked out perfectly—the kids had their own spot to crash, and we got to stretch out and watch TV without feeling cramped.

We rolled in just after 4 PM, excited to kick off the weekend. Check-in was super smooth—the staff at the front desk were so warm and welcoming, and they handed us complimentary bottled water since we’re Choice Privileges members. A small thing, but it felt nice. Even better? The lobby smelled like fresh-baked cookies when we walked in (and yes, we grabbed some).

Right across from the lobby, there’s a 24/7 hot beverage station with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. That little perk became a lifesaver after long days of exploring—it was so cozy to grab a cup before heading up to the room or grabbing a cup on our way out again.

We headed up to our room to find our room and the room layout really made it easy for a family stay. On one side, we had the two Queen beds, a TV, nightstand, and a small closet. The other side (separated by a door) had the sofa bed, another TV, an armchair, a table with two chairs, and a mini-fridge with a counter area. It gave us a bit of separation, which was nice after a busy day.

The location was another big win. We were just a short walk to Clifton Hill and all the main Niagara Falls attractions, which made it super easy to get around with the kids. No stressing about parking or driving anywhere.

At check-in, we got breakfast vouchers, which we’d hand over for a solid breakfast spread. They had a mix of hot and cold options—bagels, English muffins, cereal, scrambled eggs, sausage, yogurt, muffins, and even tarts. Drinks included the usual coffee and tea, plus juices. It was more than enough to keep everyone fueled for the day.

After a busy morning of doing some attractions we returned to the hotel, had a bite to eat and then headed to try out the indoor pool. It was clean, not too crowded, and had everything we needed—towels right in the pool area, bins for used ones, and even a curtained-off changing area.

Overall, it was a super comfortable and convenient stay. The little touches—the cookies, the hot drink station, the family-friendly room layout—really made it feel like they’d thought about what families need. We’d definitely stay there again the next time we’re in Niagara Falls.

That’s all from the lily pad today—ribbit back soon!

 

Disclaimer
All reviews on The Froggy Take are based solely on my own opinions and experiences. No brand, business, or bullfrog has paid me in flies, bugs, or bucks to ribbit about their stuff. Whether I’m hopping into a new product, a tasty bite, or a fresh place to explore, every review I share comes from my own honest perspective