AMAZING SALE GOING ON NOW FOR MY BOOK THE GUIDE TO SURVIVING FLORIDA VOLUME 1

Hello all,

I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has purchased my book The Guide to Surviving Florida Volume 1. The sales are really starting to take off. If you have every wanted to visit Florida this book will give you facts you may need. Conveyed with a sense of humour, this book takes you through some survival tips in dealing with what we encounter everyday here in Florida!

If you have been on the fence about purchasing on, now is the time to act. My book is available in several formats ebook, paperback and audiobook. I have several promotions going on right now. The first is a kindle countdown deal for my ebook. Startinging July 22nd you will be able to buy my ebook for a mere .99 That's a saving of $3.00. That price goes up every 2 days till it gets back to its original price. If you can't wait, you can buy it here The Guide to Surviving Florida Volume 1.

My second promotion is for my audiobook with is for sale through amazon, audible, and itunes. But right now through audible you can get a copy of my audiobook with a free 30 day trial membership with this link audible.com. If you're interested in my paperback version, it is available here.

I hope either version you buy you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Thanks again for your support, and keep reading!

THE GUIDE TO SURVIVING FLORIDA VOLUME 1

COME AND EXPLORE OUR COUNTRY'S OLDEST CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Hello all,

Florida has a lot of places to see and visit and one of my favorite places is St. Augustine. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S.  It is known as the Ancient City. It was founded 42 years before Jamestown. and 55 years before the Pilgrims arrived. St Augustine was founded by the Spanish explorer and admiral, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. It still has a historic district lined with cobblestone streets that today are bustling with shops , delicious restaurants, and inns.

 It is home to the Ponce De Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. At the park there is a small fountain they say they believe was his fountain of youth and you can purchase bottles of water from the fountain. The park has many recreated Spanish and Tucuman Indian buildings you can walk in and explore. They also have guides dressed in period costumes that will tell you tales of life back then.  When we were there they had a demonstration with an ancient canon. A very nice place to visit.

 The city is home to the  Castillo De San Marco's, which is the oldest masonry fort in North America and the only one in the continental U.S. from the 17th century still standing. It is constructed of coquina rock and took 23 years to build. It has guarded St. Augustine for 300 years and is very well preserved and open to the public. This place is huge.

The city is also home to the world's oldest Ripley's Believe It Or Not that opened in 1950. It can also boast being home to the nation's oldest wooden schoolhouse built in 1716. The school house has a small museum inside. Also there is the St. Augustine Lighthouse Tower that was built in 1874. It houses a maritime museum and is believed to be very haunted. When we were there we did notice a few strange noises and saw things like a light coming on in another room. In fact, St. Augustine is reputedly one of the most haunted places in the country. You can take one of many ghost tours, or stay at its very own haunted St. Francis Inn. . St. Augustine is also home to the Potter Wax Museum, which is the oldest museum in the U.S. and has over 160 figures. Then there is one of Florida's oldest attraction St. Augustine  Alligator Farm and Zoological Park which opened in 1893.

 This city is so rich in history. But let's not forget its beautiful beaches, it is after all Florida. Its beaches stretch for more than 20 miles. Its most popular is Vilano Beach, which offers a fishing pier, para sailing, sea do rentals, picnic shelters and outside showers. Vehicles are even permitted on this beach. There are also the Ponte Vedra Beach, Crescent Beach, Anastasia State Park Beach, and St. Augustine Beach to name a few.

There's plenty to do and whatever you choose. you'll have a lot of fun visiting St. Augustine.

COME AND EXPLORE OUR COUNTRY'S OLDEST CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE

COME AND EXPLORE OUR COUNTRY'S OLDEST CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE

COME AND EXPLORE OUR COUNTRY'S OLDEST CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE

COME AND EXPLORE OUR COUNTRY'S OLDEST CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS

Hello all,

Vacation time is upon us and we are all searching for something new to do. I have compiled a list of Florida's best zoos and aquariums 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.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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 and up for 3 and older. The park is located on the corner of Busch Blvd. and 40th St.   813-884-4386.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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 $36.00, Kids (10 and under) $19.00. It is located at 12802 Easy St.  813-920-4130.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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 $26.95,  Kids(3-11) $21.95. It is located at 701 Channelside Dr. 813-273-4000.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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 $21.95, Kids $16.95. It is located at 249 Windward Passage. 727-441-1790.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA 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.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS - MONKEY JUNGLE

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

AWESOME AUDIOBOOK CONTEST GIVEAWAY

Hello all,

I am sure by now you have all heard of my book The Guide To Surviving Florida Volume 1. It is available as an ebook and a paperback. But did you know it is also now available as an audiobook ?Yes, currently you can buy it on amazon, itunes and audible.

So in celebration of my blogs 1 year anniversary,  I am hosting a giveaway. It will run from July 6th through the 12th.  THe 5 best captions for the following photo will win a promo code for a free copy of my audiobook The Guide To Surviving Florida Volume 1 on audible.  Just fill out the following rafflecopter entry, comment  with your caption,  and add your email address. Its that easy! Be creative and good luck!!


If you want to purchase my audiobook, you can get it with a free trial from audible with this link!  free trial with audible.

AWESOME AUDIOBOOK CONTEST GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

8 BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS

Hello all,

Summer is here! I am sure a lot of you will spend it relaxing around the pool with family and friends trying to stay cool. What better way to do that than with a delicious tropical drink. I've  found some awesome drink recipes I wanted to share with you. Next time you're relaxing with friends and family you'll be ready to serve up some delicious refreshment.

1. Sex on the Beach- This one I found on wikihow:


    1 1/2 ounces of peach schnapps
    1 1/2 ounces of vodka
    2 ounces of cranberry juice
    2 ounces of orange juice
    2 ounces of pineapple juice
Mix ingredients together in a shaker with ice and serve.

 8 BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - SEX ON THE BEACH

2. Strawberry Margarita- I found the recipe below years ago, but you can find a similar one here from Guy Fieri:


   2 ounces of tequila
   1 ounce triple sec
   1 ounce lime juice
   1 ounce strawberry liqueur
Mix together tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and strawberry liqueur. Shake with ice and pour into a margarita glass with the rim dipped in salt. You can also blend with ice to make a frozen version.

8  BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - STRAWBERRY MARGARITA

3. Strawberry Daiquiri - this recipe is from Hawaii for Visitors:


   2 ounces white rum
   1/2 ounce of cointreau
   6 strawberries
   1 ounce of lime juice
   1/2 tsp of superfine sugar
Mix all ingredients and add ice and blend till smooth and serve.

8  BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI

4. Florida Tropical Storm- This one is from Bon Appetit:


   2 cups pineapple juice
   2 cups orange juice
   1 cup white rum
   3/4 cup dark rum
   3 tbsp campari
Mix together and serve with ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries and orange wedges.

8 BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - FLORIDA TROPICAL STORM

5. Bahama Mama- This one I saw on All Recipes:


    1/2 ounce rum
    1/2 ounce coconut rum
    1/2 ounce grenadine syrup
     1 ounce orange juice
     1 ounce pineapple juice
Blend all ingredients with ice until its a slushy texture and serve.

8  BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - BAHAMA MAMA

6. Hurricane- This one is from Liquor.com:


    2 ounces dark rum
    2 ounces light rum
    2 ounces passion fruit juice
    1/2 ounce lime juice
     1 ounce orange juice
Mix all ingredients well with ice and garnish with orange wedges.

8  BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - HURRICANE

7. A Day at the Beach- This one is from  Chowhound:


    1 ounce coconut rum
    1/2 ounce amaretto
     4 ounces orange juice
     1/2 ounce grenadine
Shake ingredients well,  pour over ice and top with grenadine, a pineapple wedge and a strawberry.

8 BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - A DAY AT THE BEACH

8.  Beach Comber- this one comes from :The Rum Shop:


    1  1/2 ounce light rum
    1/2 ounce triple sec
    1/2 ounce grenadine
    1 ounce sour mix
Shake ingredients well with ice, and strain into a glass rimmed with sugar and garnish with a lime or orange slice.

8  BEST SUMMERTIME TROPICAL DRINKS - BEACHCOMBER

Enjoy the drinks and stay thirsty my friends!

7 AWESOME LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY

Hello all,

The 4th of July is upon us and I wanted to post some local places to go to celebrate the holiday. There are many choices this year so please enjoy with friends and family as we celebrate our great nation:



1. Light Up Tampa Bay Independence Day celebration- This is Tampa's largest 4th of July celebration. They will have live music, entertainment and fireworks. Party starts at 6pm, fireworks at 8:45 pm. Located at 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - CHANNELSIDE

2. Tarpon Springs 4th of July Fireworks - The best place to view tarpon spring's fireworks is the beach at Howard Park , but they get launched off at Sunset Beach. They should start atg 8;30 pm. Howard Park is located at 1700 Sunset Dr., Tarpon Springs.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - HOWARD PARK

3. Clearwater Celebrates America at Coachman Park - This free celebration has music, food, and local vendors, also with family friendly activities. fireworks are at 9:30 pm. Located at 601 Coachman Rd., Clearwater.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - CLEARWATER COACHMAN PARK

4. Safety Harbor 4th of July Celebration  - They start their celebration off with a parade at noon. Then they have children's activities, live entertainment and food vendors. The fun starts at 5 pm, the fireworks at 9 pm. Located at Waterfront park, Safety Harbor.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - SAFETY HARBOR

5. Sparklebration at Pasco County Fairgrounds - This one isn't free, $5 admission and $5 parking. They will have many activities like a bounce house, watermelon and hot dog eating contest, pony rides, petting zoo and more. Gates open at 4 pm, fireworks at 9"15 pm. It is located at 36722 St. Rd. 52, Dade City.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - PASCO CO SPARKLEBRATION

6. Family Funfest and Fireworks at SS American Victory Steamship Museum - This is one of the best places to watch the fireworks at channelside. I have been here many times. You can explore the which is very interesting. It is one of the only fully operational WW11 ships in the country. They will have music, food, and games. The doors open at 6:30 pm. and it costs $7-13. Located at 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - FAMILY  FUNFEST

7. 2017 Kiafest Main St. Blast - New Port richey's 18th annual fest runs from June 30th to July 1st. It will have music, games and a beer garden. fireworks will be 8:30 pm on July 1st. This free event is located at Sims Park, on the corner of Grand Blvd, and Bank St., New port Richey.

7 AWESOME  LOCAL PLACES TO GO FOR THE 4TH OF JULY - KIAFEST

Everyone have a safe and happy 4th of July! Don't forget the sunscreen!

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

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



Hello,

There is so much to do in orlando! One of my favorite things to do there is to go to one of their many dinner theatres there. Over the weekend I was very fortunate to visit the dinner theatre Medieval Times in Orlando. If you have never been, it's definitely worth going.



One of the things they emailed to let me and others know was to arrive a few hours before the start of the show. We got their 2 hours early among many others. They tell you this so you have time to walk through their Medieval Village, which was very nice by the way. And also because the table seating is first come first served, meaning first in line get the tables located in front. They let us inside an hour before showtime.

This is something I think they should address and fix. I witnessed a 14 year old girl collapse from the heat from standing in line so long. After she sat down for awhile and had gotten some water, she recovered. But management should provide a cooler place for patrons to wait, especially if they are telling people to get their a few hours early as was us. Fans or misting fans appropriately placed would work wonders against the heat. or if they passed out numbers as you came, so then you didn't have to wait in line but could come back before the show starts to retrieve your place in line would help also. Also, the first come first served encourages some adults to act as children. When I was speaking to the lady at the window, a tall gentlemen who thought standing in line was beneath him was pushing me out of the way to get tickets he needed for his party while ignoring everyone else in line.

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

Besides those issues the show was truly awesome. I really enjoyed walking through the Medieval Village. It consisted of several rooms linked together with exhibits from the time period. They had rooms with a kitchen, bedroom, candlemaking, a loom, wine making, black smith, and a torture chamber.

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

The meal was quite good. It consisted of a chicken leg quarter, a small corn on the cob, a half potato wedge, a small bowl of tomato soup, and a piece of pineapple pound cake for dessert. To drink they offered pepsi, water or lemonade. I was able to get a refill on my pepsi. My husband got beer at $7.00 a piece. After dinner they offered coffee. While it is true they don't offer eating utensils, they do give you a wetnap.

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

Before the show, they had the king come out onto a small stage. Their he knighted children and adults for a small price. It was nice. The show was a sight to see. It was beautiful with all of the lighting and music. It was easy to follow, with knights battling each other in a tournament. Some of the falls were a little fake, but all in all it was well acted. It was awesome to see the horses parading around, and also to see them perform in a dance routine. They had a gentleman with a hawk flying around doing tricks. They even had a villain in the story! I really enjoyed watching the jousting, it looked very realistic. They had them battling with swords and maces, it all kept you on the edge of your seat! The costumes were very authentic looking. We really enjoyed our visit, and it definitely was a lot of fun and  is appropriate for all ages. We definitely will be going again, and this time we want to take our granddaughter!

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL TIMES ORLANDO

MY REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL