I GOT TO SEE THE AMAZING SHOW THE ILLUSIONISTS AT THE STRAZ CENTER

I received compensation in the form of free tickets for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own

Hello all,

I recently have had the amazing opportunity to see the awesome magic show The Illusionists at The Straz Center this past weekend. And what a show it was! It is straight from Broadway and always has sell out crowds! It showcases the talents of five of the best illusionists on earth! It was a truly a sight to see!

I GOT TO SEE THE AMAZING SHOW THE  ILLUSIONISTS AT THE STRAZ CENTER

The Show's five illusionists are as follows.  Jeff Hobson, aka the trickster. His specialty is comedy magic. He had several parts in the show each one more funnier than the first. This guy is hilarious. I never laughed so hard in my life! He did a bit with a kid he brought up on stage, that was as cute as it was funny. If this was the only performer you saw during the show, then you definitely got your money's worth. This guy is that good!

The next illusionist that came on was Colin Cloud, aka the deductionist. He's known as the Sherlock Holmes of  entertainment with comedy mixed in. He's very good at reading people and mannerisms and they say he's the next big thing in mentalism. He had several routines one in which he pulled random people from the audience, and asked them questions in which they wrote down their answers. He then proceeded to answer those question with ease, when there was no way he could of known the answers. I also found him very funny. His comedic way added so much more flair to his act!

Next there was Kevin James, aka the inventor. I thought his act was pretty amazing. He was on quite a few times, each time stunning the audience. One act in particular he had sawed a guy in half. Half of the body was lifeless atop a rolling cart . Then he brought a volunteer on stage to inspect the body. The body started to move, and the volunteer screamed. I was in awe of how he did this trick! He also had a bit he did with a child from the audience that was so funny and cute. This guy was definitely amazing!

Next up was Jonathan Goodwin, aka the daredevil. His tricks are similar to the kind that Houdini did. The were definitely death defying. One trick he showed how easy it was to lay on a bed of nails by having an audience volunteer doing just that. Then he went onto lie on just one nail. OUCH!! Then for another he was locked in a see through box filled with water. He escaped just in time, but that one was a nailbiter.

Last but not least, is the illusionist An Ha Lim, aka the manipulator. His specialty appeared to be cards. He made cards appear from nowhere, and then disappear. The cards seemed neverending. Not once could I spot where he was getting them from. He was really very good. 

The Straz Center itself is a beautiful venue. This was the first time I had been there, and I was truly impressed by it. It is a very luxurious place, all decked out  in beautiful red seats and balconies. It had ample seating, and a great stage. I can't wait to go back and see another show there. It is located at 1010 N. W. C. Macinnes Place, Tampa. They have a few good shows coming up like Cinderella July 5-8, and Bring It! Live on July 1st. Tickets are priced accordingly.

I GOT TO SEE THE AMAZING SHOW THE  ILLUSIONISTS AT THE STRAZ CENTER

I GOT TO SEE THE AMAZING SHOW THE  ILLUSIONISTS AT THE STRAZ CENTER

The Illusionists tour will be in Ft. Lauderdale now till June 24th, and then on to Kansas City, Mo. from September 28-30. Their tickets start at $30 and are worth every penny. This is definitely a Broadway quality show you won't want to miss!

THE AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

I received compensation in the form of free tickets for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own



Hello all,

Looking for something to do with that special someone? I was lucky to have received tickets to the simply amazing  Paranormal Cirque. I call it amazing because that's the only word I can use to describe it! I didn't know what to expect when I arrived, but we were in for the time of our lives with the stunning acrobats, magic, music, and hilarious comedy. It was surely a feast for the eyes!

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

The whole tent was decked out in horror type deco. It was a great spectacle to behold with the black and flashing lights, all of the fog, and the music. After we were showed to our seats the show began First off they had some acrobats swinging on the parallel bars like gymnasts and they were simply amazing. They did some spectacular stunts on them! Following were other amazing acrobatic feats such as the woman being spun from her hair high above the crowd doing stunts,  and the woman swinging on the aerial hoop. I was in awe. 

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

One of my favorite parts was the man in the Cyr wheel, which is basically a large aluminum wheel. His spinning feats left me dizzy! They also had magic show stunts where they made many disappear and reappear. Many of the magic show parts featured fire and a appearance from the grim reaper. I still don't know how they made 4 people appear out of a small box. Then there were the comedy sketches. They were so extremely funny. I have never laughed so hard. It included audience participation, which added to the fun. Everyone we encountered at the show were very professional and courteous.

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

THE  AMAZING PARANORMAL CIRQUE SHOW

This show is a definite must see. Just keep in mind , if you're 17 or younger you can only get in with a parent or guardian  because of  the scantily clad acrobats and the adult humour. The tickets are from $10-50 depending on your age and where your seat is.  We had went to the show in Palmetto, Fl.,  at 102 River Dunes Way, which have showings up until June 17th. After that you'll have to travel to Ocala, Fl. at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., where they will have shows there from June 28th to July 1st. Parking is $5. For a better look, take a peek at these videos below:

FLORIDA HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Hello all,

For us Floridians hurricane season has just started.. It runs from June 1st to November 30th. The peak period is from August to October. It's never been more evident than  now with the storms that had happened in Florida last year to be prepared. With that said, I thought it would be a good idea to post important preparation ideas and tips for the storm season:

1. Check your insurance coverage and make sure its up to date and consider adding flood insurance or other insurance in case your house is uninhabitable after a storm.

2. Make copies of proof of ownership documents like your home, cars, etc. Its better to be safe than sorry. You should also have some type of documents of the contents of your home via either a video or manifest. In case you need to file a claim, it makes things easier. You should store these items in a safe or a hurricane proof  kit.

3. Protect your home and property by having either having hurricane shutters installed or you can fix 3/4 inch plywood panels to cover your windows. You can also use hurricane straps or clips to help hold your roof down. You should  also stow away lawn furniture or any other debris on your lawn that can do damage to your home in high winds.

4. Have an emergency kit ready. This should include items such as a 2 week supply of water and non perishable food for every person and pet. It should also include items such as a manual can opener, first aid kit, important medications, eye glasses, battery powered flashlight with extra batteries, personal hygiene items, change of clothing, sleeping bags, a cooler for ice, and plastic tarps and tools. You should buy some items such as bottled water well in advance. I cant tell you how many times we've waited for the last minute to buy items to find the grocery store shelves emptied of all bottled water and batteries.

5. Have an evacuation plan. The main reason people are evacuated is because of a storm surge. Be aware if you live in a hurricane evacuation area, and what shelters are available in your area. Be forewarned, only a few evacuation shelters take pets, so make sure you have plans for them. Most people living in mobile homes or high rises still may have to evacuate even if they don't live in an evacuation area.

6. One thing often overlooked is your electronics. It is strongly encouraged to back up your electronics and if able data should be stored at an off site location so it can be recovered if your computer is damaged.

7. Lastly, make sure you have your important information with you like your ID's, SS cards and health insurance cards. Make sure you have cash on hand, and make sure you fill your car up with gas. You never know if gas stations will be open or not.

Hopefully with these tips we can all stay safe and prepared during this hurricane season.

FLORIDA HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

LOOKING FOR A GREAT BABY SHOWER GIFT? THIS IS IT!

I received compensation  for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.


Hello all,

I don't know about you, but it must be that time of year. I have been getting so many invites to baby showers lately. So now it's time to go shopping. There are so many baby products on the market these days. But what should I buy? I want to purchase a good quality product that will last and be enjoyed. This product is the perfect baby shower gift.

It's the Muslin Swaddle 2 Pack Baby Receiving Blankets Gifts for Girls. Each blanket comes in its own gift box, wrapped with a pink ribbon. Let me tell you these blankets are adorable. It comes with one flamingo print, and one strawberry print. These blankets are super soft. They are made of bamboo which is a breathable material that is very soft on the baby's skin. I love the large size. They are a huge 47 x  47! That makes is easy to swaddle your baby in comfort.

Right now they are available on amazon for $19.99 through this link 

- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C7N1T83

These blankets are a great buy and make a great gift!

LOOKING FOR A GREAT BABY SHOWER GIFT?  THIS IS IT!

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

I received compensation in the form of free tickets for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own


Hello all,

If you are looking for a great place to take the kiddos I have just the place for you. I have recently had the privilege of heading towards Loxahatchee in Florida this past weekend to visit the one and only Lion Country Safari . Let me tell you, this place is amazingly awesome!

It is Florida's only drive thru safari and walk thru amusement park that features over 1000 animals. It offers animal displays, feedings encounters and shows! It also has 5 rides, a water sprayground and of course its amazing drive thru safari. It literally has something for everyone!

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

The drive thru safari takes about 1/2 hours to drive thru. You need to drive slowly so as not to startle the animals. You also need to keep your windows rolled up for safety. As you begin to enter they give you a CD to listen as you drive thru that narrates the tour which is sectioned off by different names that represent different areas. We saw so many animals. They were all out and very active. It is so awesome to see animals such as the large rhinos, or water buffalo casually walking up to your car and glimpsing in. We saw ostriches, gazelles, zebras, alpacas, rhinos, wildebeests, chimpanzees and so many more. I was in awe. My granddaughter was beside herself in excitement as she snapped away pictures on her camera. My son couldn't believe it when a rhino walked up alongside our car. Most were out walking about except the lions. Those were behind fences for safety reasons. My favorite were the giraffes. They were so beautiful! One came up and bit on our car antenna and peered in our car windows. It was so much fun to experience this! Check out the video:

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

After the drive thru safari we decided to check out the rest of the park. My granddaughter rode some of the amusement park rides they had. She had a great time! Then we were off to the paddle boats which are always fun. Feeding  animals was next with feeding baby goats, loris, budgies and of course our faves the giraffes. After that, we saw the rest of the animals such as the alligator, tortoises, skinks, iguanas, parrots and other birds. They also offered a mini golf course, a train ride, a water splash park, a water slide, a large fun slide, water wars for water balloon fights, and much more! You definitely get your money's worth here! It was an amazing awesome place to visit, and we will be coming back again soon. This is a must see if you have kids, I highly recommend it, a great place to take the family!

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

HAVING FUN AT LION COUNTRY SAFARI

Lion Country Safari is open every day of the year from 9:30-4:430. Admission is adults-$35, kids-$26, toddlers 2 and under are free. Their number is 561-793-1084 and they are located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd.,  Loxahatchee, Fl 33470.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY

Hello all,

Memorial Day equals time at the local beaches and picnics. With me being here in Florida I know a thing or two about beaches. Hopefully the rain will clear away so we can have some fun in the sun. Clearwater made the list last year for number #1 beach in the country. Here are the best beaches to visit on Memorial Day, enjoy:


1. Caladesi Island State Park - This is one of a few completely natural island on Florida's coast. It's beautiful white sand beaches got it ranked America's best beach in 2008. you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and hiking on it's trail. It also has a marina with electric and water hookups and a concession stand. It is located 1 mile off west of Dunedin off the Gulf Coast  and only accessible by boat or ferry.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - CALADESI ISLAND

2. Egmont Key -  In 1974, this 392 acre refuge was created to established to protect the keys natural, cultural and historical resources. The 280 care island is home to Fort Dade, a 100 year old lighthouse, and a nesting habitat for sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and 30,00 birds and other wildlife. It's a great place for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and collecting shells and shark's teeth.  It is located at 1 1/2 miles offshore from Fort DeSoto Park just outside St.Pete.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - EGMONT KEY

3. Anna Maria Island -  It is a 7 mile strip of white sand beaches that line the barrier island of Anna Maria Island . It's a wonderful place for swimming and kayaking.  It is located off the coast of manatee County just 20 minutes from Bradenton.

 BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - ANNA MARIA ISLAND

4. Siesta Key - This is an 8 mile long  barrier island in the Gulf off the coast of Sarasota. It is known for its beautiful beaches, shops and cafes. It's Siesta Public Beach is one of the best in the country, rated #1 in 2011. It boast volleyball, picnic tables, restrooms, tennis courts and a playground. The public beach access is located at 458 Beach Rd., Siesta Key.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - SIESTA KEY

5. Clearwater beach - This beach was voted #1 beach in the country last year. It has white sand beaches, a fishing pier where they have nightly activities, restrooms and a concession stand. This is one of my favorite beaches. But parking here is hard to do, so leave early. The marina is located at 25 causeway Blvd. the beach is 419 E.Shore Dr., Clearwater.

 BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON  MEMORIAL DAY - CLEARWATER BEACH

6. Fort DeSoto Beach -  This beach is ranked one of the best in the nation. It boasts kayaking, camping, biking, swimming and fishing. It also has a fishing pier and a bait shop.  It features 3 miles of white sand beaches and is made up of five islands totaling 1100 acres. It is located on the southern tip of pinellas county at the entrance of Tampa Bay in St. Pete. It's located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde.

BEST FLORIDA BEACHES TO GO TO ON MEMORIAL DAY - FORT DESOTO BEACH

VISIT THESE BEST FLORIDA ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS FOR SUMMER FUN

Hello all,

Summer break will be here before you know it. I know we all will be searching for something new to do to keep the kids entertained. I have compiled a list of some of the best zoos and aquariums in Florida for you to explore on your summer break. Take a look!

1. Discovery Cove (Orlando)- At this place you can swim with the dolphins, feed tropical birds, and snorkel through a saltwater reef. This place is pricey. Admission- $269-399 depending on if you want to swim with the dolphins.  It is located at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando. 407-513-4600.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - DISCOVERY COVE

2. Busch Gardens (Tampa)- This place is a lot of fun. Besides having many fun rides, they also have a lot of shows and animals. My favorites are Curiosity Caverns, Myombe Reserve, and Edge of Africa. Admission $89.00 for kids, Adults $104.99. The park is located on the corner of Busch Blvd. and 40th St.   813-884-4386.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - BUSCH GARDENS

3. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (Sarasota)- They have many close-up hands-on animal exhibits here. You can touch rays at their ray animal exhibit, and sea otters, sea turtle and manatees. They also have a shark encounter where you can prepare and feed sharks brunch with staff during a training session. There is a separate $45 fee for this. Admission- Adults (13 and older) $22.00. Kids (4-12) $16.00. It is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.  941-388-4441.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - MOTE MARINE

4. Big Cat Rescue (Tampa)- This is one of the largest sanctuaries in the world for abused or abandoned big cats. They have 80+ lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and others. You'll need to schedule a tour for here. Admission Adults $37.00, Kids (10 and under) $27.00. It is located at 12802 Easy St.  813-920-4130.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - BIG CAT RESCUE

5. Florida Aquarium (Tampa)- They have many animal exhibits here where you can view snakes, 30 species of free flying birds, a Goliath Grouper, eels, stingrays and sea horses. For and extra fee you can go on a dolphin cruise, swim or scuba dive with their fish, or a behind the scenes tour or penguin pass. Admission- Adults $28.95,  Kids(3-11) $23.95. It is located at 701 Channelside Dr. 813-273-4000.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - FLORIDA AQUARIUM

6. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Clearwater)- This marine life rescue center is home to Winter the Dolphin from the movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2. Both movies were filmed here. Here you can see marine animals and sea turtle exhibits. You can feed their stingrays and sharks. You can take a boat tour of the waterways or a trolley to Winters Dolphin Tale Adventure where you can see a museum of props and sets from the movies. Admission-Adults $22.95, Kids $17.95. It is located at 249 Windward Passage. 727-441-1790.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

7. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota)- They have over 200 animals including parrots, macaws, primates, amphibians, tortoises, reptiles and small animals. About 95% of the animals here are rescues. They have animals here you can touch like flamingos, skunks and snakes. Admission- Adults $17.99, Kids $12.99. It is located at 3701 Bayshore Rd.  941-355-1112.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS

8. Monkey Jungle (Miami)- Here you can view wildlife like they would be in their natural habitats. Here you can experience unique up close encounter in this 30 acre park. you can see the Java monkey troop that numbers 90 monkeys. They dive into a monkey swimming pools collecting crabs and shellfish. You can also see orangutans and gorillas and take a rain forest adventure tour. . Admission-
$29.95, Kids(3-9) $23.95. It is located at 14805 SW 216th St.  305-235-1611.

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - MONKEY JUNGLE

So go take a walk on the wild side and enjoy!