SHIVER ME TIMBERS IT'S TIME FOR THE INCREDIBLE GASPARILLA PIRATE FESTIVAL

Hello all,

Well shiver me timbers, guess what time of year is it? It's time for the very popular Gasparilla Pirate Festival held in Tampa every year at this time. But do you know why we celebrate Gasparilla?
The name comes from a pirate named Jose Gaspar who pirated Florida's waters during the late 18th, early 19th century. Thinking of disbanding, they decided on seizing one last ship. Little did they know the ship was a US Navy warship disguised. There was a deadly battle, ending with Jose Gaspar's death. In 1904 city officials adopted the event as a yearly citywide celebration. It wasn't till Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla members put on masks, and on horseback staged a fake pirate invasion. It was so popular it turned into the huge Gasparilla event we have today.

So what can you see and do during this widely popular festival? Here is a list of events with the festival starting at 11:00 am.

The Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza is a family friendly event featuring a parade, marching band, performers, and beads! It's from 3:30 - 6:00 and goes down bay To bay Boulevard to Edison Avenue.

The Pirate Fest starts with a parade at 1:00 with Jose Gasparilla sailing into Tampa Bay firing off cannons. This is the world's only fully rigged pirate ship. He will then dock at the Tampa Convention Center. This is when you will see the mayor handing over the key to the city.  This is the nation's 3rd largest parade, with street performers, food and music. This is a free event, but you buy reserved seating for $45-60.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic is an annual race that takes place February 25th-26th and benefits many charities in the bay area.

The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a free art festival that takes place March 4-5 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. There is also a week long Gasparilla Film Festival running March 2-9.

All of the events finally end with on Saturday March 4th at the Channelside Plaza when the mayor demands the return of the key to the city and the pirates returning to the sea. It  all winds up at 6:30 pm with a final cannon salute.

Keep in mind this event gets very crowded. It drew 300,000 people last year. So dress up like a pirate, have fun and be safe!

GASPARILLA  PIRATE FEST BEADS

4 DEADLY ANIMALS TO HUNT IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

Hunting is a a popular past time for many and a way of life for many Floridians. That being said there are Florida specific game many go after. I listed information about a few:

Alligator-
Alligator season runs from August 15th to november 1st. 5000 permits are available and permit the taking of 2 alligators. They are available via random drawings. There are more than 1.25 million alligators in Florida alone. Popular hunting grounds for these creatures are the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee. They are usually hunted at night  with a speargun, crossbow, or harpoon. There has been 23 fatal alligator attacks since 1948, and many more injuries. The average length of alligators caught is 8 feet, and many of the ones targeted are the mammoth nuisance ones who no longer have a fear of men. The alligators can then be taken to where their meat and hides can be processed.

4 DEADLY ANIMALS TO HUNT IN FLORIDA - ALLIGATOR

Wild pig or hog(feral pig, boar)
Wild pigs are the second most hunted large animal in Florida behind white tailed deer. On private property they can be hunted year long and with no limit or permit. On wildlife conservation areas, you can hunt all year except during spring turkey season. On WMAs they usually have a lottery to get a permit, and their can be quotas. Some hog hunts are only available during certain dates. Rifles, muzzleloaders, shotguns and pistols are used. Florida has about 1 million wild pigs statewide.

4 DEADLY ANIMALS TO HUNT IN FLORIDA - WILD PIG OR BOAR

Burmese Python-
The first public hunt for pythons took place in 2013. They are known to grow up to 18 feet long. In the Everglades, the Burmese Python is an out of control snake species. It is believed to number in the ten of thousands there. The snakes are native to southeast Asia. Florida has an annual hunt called the python hunt. It takes place in the Everglades to lessen the amount of pythons that are threatening native mammals. Prize money is involved for the hunt, and over 1,000 people signed up for the hunt.The snakes have no real predator.

Recently, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have recruited Irula tribesmen from India to help in the hunt for the pythons. They are known for their snake catching skills and know a reliable way to spot them. The hope is they can teach Floridians their skills. So far they have removed 13 snakes in a weeks time. Four came from the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Park in Key Largo. One of them was 16 feet long. Two of the tribesmen will be joining in a hunt this month with The University of Florida, and Auburn University.

4 DEADLY ANIMALS TO HUNT IN FLORIDA - BURMESE PYTHON

black bear-
The state's largest land mammal was down to a few hundred bears in the 1970's. Today that number is around 4030. In 2015, Florida had its first black bear hunt in 20 years. It was done to curb the population. 304 bears were killed in 2 days. Bears with cubs were not allowed to be targeted, but the hunting of female and male was allowed. Many activist were upset when it was discovered many of the females that were killed were still lactating. Because of the conflict, the bear hunt for 2016 was postponed. The Florida wildlife conservation received  over 6000 calls in 2015 involving bear human conflicts. The Florida black bear was considered endangered until 2012.

4 DEADLY ANIMALS TO HUNT IN FLORIDA - BLACK BEAR

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FLORIDA AQUARIUM

Hello all,

We recently had some out of town family members visiting. With the great abundance of things to do here in the sunshine state we had many options. One place that we all agreed upon was the Florida Aquarium!

Let's just say, everyone loved it! This place is so big. It is a 250,000 square foot  aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Their exhibits are laid out to show the journey of a drop of water. Our first stop was the Wetlands Trail.  I loved the way they had the tanks set up. You could see in the tank and above the water in the tank, This enabled the little ones in strollers to see what's going on in the tank. Our little one just loved watching all the fish swim by. But what she loved the most were the otters! They were so playful racing each other around in the tank, they were a joy to watch. They are very observant and one of them even took notice of our little one in the stroller. She even adopted one, like sponsoring.

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FLORIDA AQUARIUM

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FLORIDA AQUARIUM - OTTERS

Our next stop was the Journey to Madagascar. It was a small exhibit, but the lemurs were amazing to watch. They were so friendly. Then off to the Bays and Beaches where you can see a giant Goliath Grouper and pet the stingrays. Then there is the No Bone Zone where the jellyfish were our favorites. We also really enjoyed the Coral Reefs because of the giant tank of sharks they had. There we got to meet their mascots and got pictures with them. Then off to the Dragons Down Under where we viewed seahorses. Last but not least we viewed the Oceans in Commotion enjoying the octopus. They even have an outdoor water park for the little ones to enjoy.

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FLORIDA AQUARIUM

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FLORIDA AQUARIUM - LEMURS

The place was not very crowded and we found it very affordable. Adults are $24.95, kids $19.95, 2 and under is free. It definitely is worth it and I recommend a visit here. The address is 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Their hours are 9:30 -5:00 parking is $6.00. Enjoy!

MY REVIEW OF THE AWESOME FLORIDA  AQUARIUM - LEMURS

AWESOME STOCK UP SALE AT GYMBOREE

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Hello all,

I don't know about you but I am all about saving money! And kids clothes can get downright expensive. So check out this awesome sale going on at Gymboree right now.  You can now save 30-70% off your entire purchase. But you better act fast for best selection, this sale is for a limited time. Happy saving!

AWESOME MONEY SAVING IDEAS WITH COUPON AND APPS

This post contains affiliate links.


Hello all,

There are a lot of great apps out there. My favorite are the ones that help you save money! I've came across a few awesome gems I want to share with you:

Ibotta- This is a cash back app. They have a list of stores  you go to, then you can scroll to see what products are offered for cash back.  To receive the cash back you upload pictures of your receipts showing you bought the item.  You can cash out with Paypal or Venmo once you reach $5.00.  Its a free easy to download app and I have heard good things about it.

Checkout 51- This is another cash back app. Its similar to Ibotta, where you go the store then scroll through products that are offered. This app differs by you don't have to be at a specific store to save on a product. You just have to make sure you take a picture of your receipt with the purchase and upload it. You usually get your cash back in 24 hours.

Shopmium- This is a new cash back app. You go to the store and search on the app for a product you want to purchase. You buy it then scan the barcode and take a picture of the receipt and upload it to the site. You receive Paypal money within 2 days.

Savingstar- This one is different from the cash back apps. This one is like digital coupons. It features hundreds of e-coupons you can get for free.

Retale- This app shows you all the weekly store ads in your area. You can search for specific products you want and it finds the best deals for you. You can then add them to a shopping list.

Walmart Savings Catcher- This app gives you cash back to spend at Walmart when it finds a lower price at a local store on a deal you just purchased. You just need to scan your Walmart receipt within 7 days, and they email you if it found a lower price. When you're ready to cash out with money earned, they email you a code you can use at checkout.

Target Cartwheel- This app offers free digital coupons you can use at Target. Each week Target releases new ones. You can also stack them with manufacturers coupons.

Groupon Snap- This coupon provides you digital offers at various stores. It helps you save money at thousands of places. You just click on the link for your store or click on the coupon for instant savings.

My Points- This is a cash back app that lets you earn rewards by shopping online and printing coupons. Just use the MYPOINTS portal  next time you shop and start racking up the points to redeem for gift cards.

Favato- This app check prices on items for you at over 65,000 grocery and drugstores across the country. It lets you know which stores has  the best deals so you can decide which ones to ass to your weekly shopping list. It is similar to the Retale app.

Printable grocery coupons are also a great way to save money! I use them everytime I shop. I also use mobile ones off my phone.  Just check out some of the great money saving coupons I found below.

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls at Target for $1 with Coupons
Gold Bond Anti-Itch Cream at Target for $0.32 with Coupon
Garnier Hair Care at Walgreens for $2 with Coupon

$1.00 off any TWO Kelloggs Cereals
$1.00 off one V&V Supremo
$2.00 off one V&V Supremo
$1.00 off any 2 MARS Valentines Day
$2.00 off one TruBiotics product
$2.00 off one Flintstones multivitamin
$2.00 off one One A Day multivitamin product
$4.00 off one Duo Fusion
$1.00 off one Excedrin
$2.50 off any 2 Excedrin
$3.00 off one Citracal calcium supplement
$2.00 off one One A Day Kids multivitamin product
$0.25 off one MR. Clean
$2.75 off one Air Wick PURE Aerosol
$1.00 off one Charmin
$1.00 off ONE Bounty Paper Towels
$0.25 off one Ajax Dish Liquid
$0.25 off one Palmolive Dish Liquid
$2.00 off one Colgate Toothpaste Twin Pack
$1.00 off one Irish Spring Body Wash
$4.00 off one Gillette
$4.00 off one Gillette
$4.00 off one Venus
$2.00 off one Oral-b
$4.00 off one Daisy Disposable Razor
$1.00 off one Gillette
$1.00 off one Venus
$1.00 off one Gillette
$2.00 off one Crest
$4.00 off one Venus
$0.75 off one Softsoap Body Wash
$2.00 off one Colgate Mouthwash 400mL or larger


Happy saving!

SESAME STREET K IS FOR KINDNESS TOUR

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

Hello all,

I don't know about you, but my kids grew up watching Sesame Street. They just loved Big Bird, Elmo, and of course the Cookie Monster. And of course I was sitting right next to them watching also. I remember them reciting their numbers and ABC's right along with the characters. I've always liked that teaching kindness was always the core of Sesame Street. I don't think I know anyone who has never watched it. It is still such a great teaching tool. I can't wait till my granddaughter gets old enough so I can watch her learn from the show.

 Now the show is in its 47th season, having first aired in 1969. So I was excited to hear that HBO and the Sesame Workshop partnering with local public television has launched The Sesame Street K is for Kindness Tour. It is a free multi-city tour inspired by Sesame Streets 47th season. It brings the joy of Sesame Street to communities so children and their families can interact with their favorites.  The limited engagement tour features hands on digital learning fun, participation from public libraries with bilingual books and activities, meets and greets, and a 15 minute live interactive stage show. There will be costumed Sesame Street walk- arounds also. The nearest tour stop to us here in Florida is Saturday January 21st 2017, in Miami at the Pembroke Lakes Mall, Pembroke Florida. There will be multiple showings between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.

The tour compliments their kindness curriculum, and love for reading, which is woven through all season long. The new season also has Elmo updated in his Elmo's World, which are five minute long segments. He teaches pre- school kids matching, counting, and sorting, along with relevant topics. I love the Sesame Street workshop's mission, to help kids grow smarter, kinder, and stronger. They are actively helping kids in 150 countries. They are a great organization who have created a quality teaching program I am proud my kids enjoyed. Hope you enjoy the show!

SESAME STREET K IS FOR KINDNESS TOUR

10 PLACES TO GO FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IN PASCO COUNTY FLORIDA

Hello all,

2016 has not been a good year for many of us. Some of us less fortunate may need assistance with food or bills and not know where to turn. You never know when an emergency may strike and you may be in need. Here is a list of 10 places to go for emergency assistance in Pasco County. These agencies can help out in those kind of situations.

1. Mid Florida Community Services - They have a low income energy assistance program (LIHEAP), it helps with financial aid for utility and cooling costs. (352)796-1425

2. Healing Hearts Ministry - They offer assistance with electric bills. (727)389-9086 - 5510 River Rd. #103, New Port Richey.

3. Catholic Charities - They help with emergency funds for paying rent, and basic needs such as food and clothing. They also have a shelter and transitional housing.
West Pasco- (727)834-3884 or  (888)816-6968 - 5609 US 19 #1, New Port Richey
East Pasco- (352)521-1218 -377333 Meridian Ave., Dade City

4. Metropolitan Ministries of Pasco - They have a food pantry, GED instruction, clothing, rent, and utility assistance. (727)937-3268 - 3214 US 19, Holiday.

5. Society of St. Vincent de Paul - They help with food and financial help for utilities and rent. (813)949-6094.

6. Salvation Army of Pasco County - They help with emergency assistance for utilities and food. (727)847-6321 - 8040 Washington St., Port Richey.

7. Christian Social Services - They help with food, clothing and utility bills. (813)995-0088.

8. St. Michaels Church - They help with food and utility bills. (727)819-5170 - 8014 SR 52, Hudson.

9. St. James Church - They help with food and utilities. (727)869-3132 - 8400 Monarch Dr., Port Richey.

10. OLOR Church - They help with food and utilities. (813)949-6094 - 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes.

8 TOP BEST FLORIDA CAMPGROUNDS

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Hello all,

The weather is starting to get cooler out, even here in Florida. This time of year, I think of family get togethers around a fire and camping. Florida has many wonderful campgrounds. I've put together a list of the top 8 best  Florida campgrounds for you to try!:

1. Fort Wilderness Campground - 4510 Fort Wilderness Trail, Orlando. I am dying to go to this one! It has dinner shows, character sing-a-longs, movies, hayrides, carriage rides, horseback riding, and fireworks on 750 acres of pine and cypress forests. It has exactly what you'd expect from a Disney campground, including the high price. For a family of four for a weeks stay at a preferred campsite it's $534.00, less if you have your own RV.

Florida's top 8 best campground- Fort Wilderness

2. Florida Caverns State Park -3345 Caverns Road, Marianna. This park is home to the only open air caves in Florida. It costs $5 per vehicle, and only $20 for overnight camping. It also has hiking, biking, boating and fishing. Cave tours are extra. It also features a nine hole golf course.

Florida's top 8 best canpgrouns- Florida Caverns State Park

3. Silver River State Park - 1425 NE 58th Avenue, Ocala. This park is the home of the glass bottomed boat tours. If you camp on the weekends, you can also enjoy their pioneer cracker village, and their Silver River Museum. It's crystal clear water is great for canoeing. It has a full facility campground and 10 luxury cabins. Camping is $24.00 a night.

Florida's top 8 best campgrounds-Silver River State Park

5. Bahia Honda State Park - 36850 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key. This state park is known for its beaches, sunsets and snorkeling. you can also swim, fish, kayak, and boat. It also has a nature center and a full facility campground and cabins. Campsites are $36.00, cabins are $120-160.

Florida's top 8 best campgrounds- Bahia Honda State Park

6. Fort Clinch State Park - 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach. This park sits on 1400 acres on Amelia Island. It has a fishing pier, swimming. Shelling and shark tooth hunting are popular. You can also visit the historic Fort Clinch where they have re-enactments from the Civil War. The fort is open everyday, and costs $2.00. The park has 69 campsites at $26.00 a night.

Florida's top 8 best campgrounds- Fort Clinch State Park

7. Fort DeSoto State Park - 3500 pinellas Bayway, S. Tierra Verde. This park has a 238 site full service campground . The campground has grills, electricity, washer and dryers, restrooms, showers,play area and a camp store. The park has a 7 mile waterfront that has fishing piers, hiking trails, canoe trails and swimming. Camping starts at $30.00.

Florida's top 8 best campground-Fort DeSoto State Park

8. Myakka River State Park - 13208 State rd. 72, Sarasota. This park has a natural wetlands area, a canopy walkway, and a tram safari. It sits on 58 acres and features swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. The park has 82 campsites for tents that start at $26.00. Cabins start at $70.00

Florida's top 8 best campgrounds- Myakka River State Park

3 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES

Hello all,

Florida is famous for it's beautiful weather, theme parks and sandy beaches. But it's also famous for it's delicious seafood. I found 3 mouthwatering delicious Florida seafood few recipes to share, enjoy;


Grouper is one of my husbands favorites. he said there is nothing quite like the taste of a grouper sandwich. Though Goliath Groupers are off limits, regular grouper is always on the menu in Florida seafood restaurants. Try this recipe from Fresh from Florida for a classic grouper sandwich:

INGREDIENTS:
8 thin sliced grouper fillets
Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper
Rolls and mayo

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat a saute pan over medium heat.
Season the fillets with cajun seasoning and salt and pepper.
Add cooking oil and fillets.
Cook two minutes on each side until golden brown.
Serve on rolls with mayo.

3 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - GROUPER

Alligator is another you can find on menus in Florida, especially ones made with the tail. Here is a delicious recipe also from Fresh from Florida for the grill, because you know how us Floridians love to grill. This one is grilled gator kabobs:

INGREDIENTS:
!/2 cup of oj and 1/4 oj concentrate.
2 tbsp light soy sauce and brown sugar.
1 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne.
1 pound alligator meat cubed.
Fruits and vegetables.

DIRECTIONS:
Combine oj and concentrate, soy sauce. brown sugar and spices in a bowl for the marinade, save some for basting.
Add cubed meat and coat well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Thread cubed meat and assorted cubed fruits and vegetables onto skewers that were presoaked in water for 10 minutes.
Grill 6-8 minutes, turning once and basting.



Amberjack are found throughout Florida's offshore environment. I have never tried this fish, but it has a mild taste that requires little seasoning. Here is a recipe from All Recipes for blackened Amberjack.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound amberjack fillets.
1 tbsp paprika.
1 tsp of each  dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper.
2 tsp of onion powder and garlic powder.
1/2 tsp of red pepper and cooking spray.

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the spices and dredge the fish in spice mixture and let stand 5 minutes.
Add oil to a cast iron skillet. Over high heat add fish fillets and cook 3 minutes.
Turn and cook for 4 more minutes until the fish flakes easily and looks charred.

3 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - AMBERJACK

TOP 5 FUN INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA

Hello all,

In Florida, this is the time of year for outside activities. The average temperature for us in December is 65-70 degrees, but this year it's been a lot warmer. I know my family schedules most of our outside fun time this time of year. I love Florida, but especially certain cities. One city I love is Tampa. It has so many things to do, and it's close to me. I find myself there often. Here is a list of the top 5 fun incredible things to do in Tampa if you visit, you should definitely check out!:

1. Nearby Beaches - First we should start with the most obvious reason people come to Florida, our beaches.  Fort Desoto Park is a great one located in Tierra Verde on a barrier island. It is a 1136 acre park with a beautiful beach, campsites, two fishing piers and a historic fort. If you've never been, I recommend it, the fort is a site to see!
Clearwater beach is another tourist favorite. This was chosen as one of the best US beaches! It has sugar fine sand, a pier, and plenty of rentals for beach chairs and jet skis. Be forewarned though, this one is always crowded.
Another beach I should mention is Caladesi Island State Park located in Dunedin. You take a ferry to this one and they have a beautiful beach, a lookout tower, and a dock, and a three mile nature trail. Many come here to collect shells.

TOP 5 FUN INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA

2. Busch Gardens - This is definitely on everyone's to do list vacationing here. This theme park, located in Tampa, boasts many popular roller coasters like Sheikra and the Cheetah Hunt, along with water rides and shows. And let's not forget the animals! It's hailed as one of the biggest zoos in North America with more than 12,000 animals representing 250 species.

TOP 5 FUN INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA

3. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Tampa - This is a not- for- profit science museum located in Tampa. It has IMAX movies, planetarium shows, ropes course, a zip line, and more than 400 hands on exhibits. The exhibits teaches us about how our bodies work, weather, the future and there is even a hands on children's science center.

TOP 5 FUN INCREDIBILE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA

4. Florida Aquarium - This is an amazing aquarium and one of my local favorites. It boasts over 20,000 aquatic animals and plants. It is ranked one of the top 10 aquariums in the country. It showcases Florida's aquatic life and ecosystems. It has 8 large exhibits showcasing this, along with a children's splash pad, shows and add on behind the scenes adventures, a lot of fun!

TOP 5 FUN INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA

5. Lowry Park Zoo - This is a 63 acre zoo located in Tampa boasting 1200 animals. It has many animal interaction experiences like touching and feeding stingrays and lorikeets, a petting zoo, giraffes and giant tortoises. They have a splash play area, shows and many behind the scenes events like safaris and sleepovers. So much for the kids!

TOP 5 FUN INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN TAMPA

While this is just a small list, Tampa has so much more. Got out and explore this wonderful city. Enjoy!