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What Do Hawks and Haagen-Dazs Have in Common?
Recently, I got the opportunity to take some time just for me. I decided to do a couple of things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.
First, I planned to visit the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey to photograph their majestic raptors. Although I take food photos several times a week, it’s very rare that I have the chance to try my hand at nature photography. Second, I stocked up the freezer with the new flavors of Haagen-Dazs Artisan Collection ice cream so that I could have a special dessert when I got home. Don’t miss their massive giveaway located below!
Where to Buy Haagen-Dazs Artisan Collection Ice Cream
If you’d like to choose your own “me time” sweet treat, you can pick up some Haagen-Dazs Artisan Collection ice cream at Walmart. It comes in five different flavors:
- Tres Leches Brigadeiro
- Spiced Pecan Turtle
- Chocolate Caramelized Oat
- Banana Rum Jam
- Ginger Molasses Cookie
You can find it in the frozen food section, on the ice cream aisle.
You can also follow Haagen-Dazs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for even more ice cream ideas.
Now that we’re all stocked up, let’s get on with the fun!
My Visit to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Tucked away in a quiet, tree-filled neighborhood, and overlooking a small lake, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Orlando traffic. The staff rehabilitates injured birds of prey for release back into the wild, or if a bird cannot be released, provides a safe and beautiful place for it to live.
Meeting the Raptors
In a central garden area, several of the raptors who cannot be released sit on their perches under the shade of oak and pine trees. There are several majestic bald eagles here, one of whom is pictured above. I took dozens of shots in hopes of catching just the right pose!
Around the corner, a large red-tailed hawk sits in her own little spot, looking curiously at the visitors as they pass by. She had such an inquisitive expression that I stood there for several minutes, taking shot after shot, to make sure I captured it.
If you’re ever in the Orlando area, don’t miss the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. It’s a hidden treasure and well worth the very small entry fee.
After reviewing my photos, I felt satisfied that I’d gotten some decent shots, so I headed home to celebrate with a tasting of the new Haagen-Dazs Artisan Collection ice cream.
Tasting the Ice Cream
First up was the Tres Leches Brigadeiro flavor. This flavor was crafted by Paula Barbosa of My Sweet Brigadeiro. I found out that a brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian sweet, like a bon bon made with butter, chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk.
Chocolate and condensed milk were swirled together in this ice cream, making some bites taste more of chocolate, and other bites more of creamy, sweet milk. I enjoyed how well they blended together.
Next up was the Banana Rum Jam, a flavor inspired by the Drunken Monkey Jam created by Jessica Quon and Sabrina Valle of The Jam Stand.
Despite its mild white color, this ice cream was incredibly flavorful. The taste of rum was prominent, accented by a spike of lime, leaving banana as a sweet base that smoothed out all the flavors in harmony.
This ice cream tasting was the perfect ending to a day just for me. I felt truly satisfied by the pleasures of getting to indulge my photography hobby and my fondness for gourmet ice cream all in the same day.
How would you spend a day just for you?
Susan
Sounds like a perfect day! Great photos and yummy-looking ice cream. I think “my” day would be in Fort Worth at the Japanese Gardens then lunch in the restaurant district. Maybe in October when it gets cooler here!
Katie
I do love a beautiful garden! And any “Restaurant District” sounds like a good place to be! 🙂
heather @french press
sounds like you had a wonderful day – and that ice cream sounds SO good right about now
Kate @ Diethood
At first I thought you were talking about the Blackhawks, the hockey team! LOL!!
Now I want some Haagen-Dazs! Their ice cream is aaaaah-may-zing!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
I am a BIG bird lover, and I LOVE ice cream, so I am definitely digging this. What a great experience (and no going wrong with ice cream!)
Kirsten
I think a great day for me would be reading on the screen porch with plenty of iced chai at the ready, then time with the family after I’ve had my time to myself. Great pictures–that eagle looks really fierce!
Oriana @Mommyhood's Diary
Beautiful clicks!! I’m glad you enjoyed some “ME” time. Thanks #client
Nutmeg Nanny
All that ice cream…yum!
Liz
Great photos! I’ve gotten so used to taking food photos that I’m lacking the skills to do anything else! And Haagen-Dazs is always my ice cream of choice. What spectacular new flavors! Thanks for sharing your reviews.
Katie
I know! I had practically no idea how to take a photo of something that wasn’t 12 inches away. 🙂