6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA

Hello all,

There are so many things to do here in Florida. But many are so expensive. If you're on a budget like me, you are always looking for free or cheap fun things to do. I found 6 local places that your family will love! A few I have been to already and are well worth the trip. Enjoy:

1. Florida Botanical Gardens - The Gardens showcases and educates by showing flowers and fauna in motivational surroundings. It has 12 gardens in all and even has a butterfly garden. It is open most every day of the year and admission is free. It is located at 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. (727)582-2100.

6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS

2. Heritage Village - This is a 21 acre open air living history museum. It has 31 historic structures to explore, some dating back to the 19th century. Admission is free. It is open Wed.-Sat. 10-4 pm, and on Sunday 1-4. It is located at 11909 125th St. N., Largo. (727)582-2123.

6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - HERITAGE VILLAGE

3. Leepa Rattner Museum of Art - This small museum has 8 galleries featuring art from Rattner, Leepa, and Ester Gentle. Admission is $6. They are open Tues-Sat from 10am to between 4-8 pm. Sunday it is open 1-5 pm. It is located at 600 Klosterman Rd., Tarpon Springs. (727)712-5762.

6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - LEEPA RATTNER MUSEUM OF ART

4. American Victory Ship Museum - You can come aboard and explore the entire ship with its 3 cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, bridge, crew cabins, mess hall, wheelhouse, captain's quarters, and all of the other rooms you expect to see on a battleship. They even have rare artifacts, photos, and exhibits to see. This is one of my family's favorite places to watch fireworks from on the 4th of July during their Family Fest. Admission is $10 adults, $5 for children. It's open Sun-Mon- noon to 5pm. Tues-Sat from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa. (813)228-8766.

6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - AMERICAN VICTORY SHIP MUSEUM

5. Wildlife Survival Sanctuary - I have been here many times. This place provides sanctuary to many exotic animals. They have tigers, leopards, cougars, deers. emus. ostriches, a pot bellied pig, and lemurs. They take donations for their tours that you have to call and set up in advance. All of the donations are used for the care of their animals. A great place to go with the kids! You need to call (352)797-4785 to schedule a tour. They are located at 18212 Booming Rd., Springhill.

6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - WILDLIFE SURVIVAL SANCTUARY

6. Tampa's Electric Manatee Viewing Center - Many manatees seek out this area to stay warm in its discharge canal waters. Big Bends discharge canal is a federally designated manatee sanctuary.  They are open Nov.1st - April 15th. They have a rays touch tank, an observation tower, a boardwalk, and a habitat trail along with its viewing center. Admission is free and are open 10 am-5 pm daily. They are located at 6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach. (813)228-4289.

6 FREE OR CHEAP FUN THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA - TAMPA'S ELECTRIC MANATEE VIEWING CENTER

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOO RECIPES

Hello all,

One thing Florida is known for is its beaches and seafood. We have an abundance of both here. My family loves to cook, and seafood is among those things we make a lot. You can find Florida seafood on most menus here. I came across 4  mouthwatering delicious Florida seafood recipes that look so delicious you'll have to try them! Enjoy:

1. Gator Burgers -  I know gator meat is delicious and there are so many specialty meat shops here where you can purchase it. Why not change it up on the grill tonight and give these a try. This one comes to us freshfromflorida.com.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground alligator meat
1 large beaten egg
2 tbsp chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
In a bowl mix meat, onion, egg, salt and pepper.
Mixture will be moist. Make into 1/4 inch thick patties.
Grill patties for 10-12 minutes each until cooked through.
Serve on buns topped with sauteed peppers.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - GATOR BURGERS

2. Steamed Lobster - We have a lobster season here which is 8 months long! That calls for a lot of lobster recipes. This one comes from freshfromflorida.com.

INGREDIENTS:
2 whole uncooked lobsters
3 tbsp salt
clarified butter

DIRECTIONS;
Bring 3 quarts of water and salt to boil in a 6 quart pan.
Put lobsters in water and return to a boil.
Simmer 12-15 minutes.
Larger lobsters may take longer. You know they are done when you can easily pull off one of its legs or antennae.
Rinse with cold water for at least 2 minutes.
Split and clean lobsters then serve with butter.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - STEAMED LOBSTER

3. Shrimp Scampi - We love shrimp in my family. You can cook it so many different ways. This recipe is from woodsfisheries.com.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds peeled shrimp
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup dry wine
4 tbsp garlic
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 tsp black pepper
lemon slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Heat butter and add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes till browned.
Add shrimp, green onions, wine and lemon juice and cook till shrimp is pink and firm, 1-2 minutes per side.
Add pepper and parsley, and garnish with lemon slices.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - SHRIMP SCAMPI

4. Honey Orange Glazed Grouper - There is not a better tasting fish than Florida Grouper! You can cook it many ways. Take a look at this delicious recipe from floridasnatural.com.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp orange marmalade
1 tbsp oj
3/4 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/8 tsp gr. white pepper
3/4 pound grouper fillets

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat broiler.
Combine all ingredients except the fish.
Place grouper on oiled broiler pan and brush with the honey glaze.
Broil 4-5 minutes until browned. Then turn the fish and brush the other side with the glaze. Broil for 5 more minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

4 MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES - HONEY GLAZED GROUPER

AWESOME FEBRUARY FREEBIES

Hello all,

Everyone love to save money when they can. I don't know about you but I love freebies!I came across some awesome February freebies I want to share. Enjoy:

1. SIBI skincare samples - Click on the highlighted link, complete your order then submit. You can get 6 samples of their popular skincare products.

https://www.sibu.com/sample-special-offer/

2. Free $39 in savings coupons book from P&G. Fill out the form and your booklet should arrive in 4 weeks.

https://savingspg.com/signup




3.  At Shutterfly now through February 19th they are offering 4 freebies. You can get a puzzle, a shopping bag, a smaller  5X7 puzzle, or a matching game. Just use the code MYPICK at checkout. You still need to pay shipping though.

4. You can get free samples of Immunocologie face serums and creams. Simply go to their site and request up to 3 free samples.

http://www.immunocologie.com/try-immunocologie/

5. You can get free safety glasses or ear plugs from  Gateway Safety. Just fill out the form on their site.

http://gatewaysafety.com/#gf_21



6. Now through February 25th you can receive a free small slurpee for free when you download the 711 app.

https://www.7-eleven.com/



7. There is a free kids workshop at Home Depot on March 4th. They will be learning how to make a rain gauge house.  Sign up at their site.

http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops

8. You can get samples of free hair care products from Maple Holistics. Just fill out the form on their site

. https://www.mapleholistics.com/free-sample/

AWESOME CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET

Hello all,

Who wants to go camping?! Now that the weather and humidity are cooler, there is no better time than the present to go camping. Who doesn't love being one with nature and enjoying the outdoors? But camping can get downright expensive. I found some awesome  cheap or free campsites in Florida that won't break your budget. Enjoy:

1. Flying A Myakka SF -  A  $10.00 pass or permit is all that's required to camp here. There are 16-29 campsites available. There is wildlife viewing, picnic tables, restrooms, a fire ring, and a grill. These are primitive campsites and water is not provided. You can get a permit at the ranger station or at campsite #6. It is located at 2000 S. River Rd. , North Port. Fla 34223.  (941)460-1333.

CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - FLYING A MYAKKA SF

2. Wood Lake Hunt Camp -  This is a free, first come first served campground.  You can stay up to 14 days here, except during gun season when it's used as a hunting camp. It is primitive camping with restrooms, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. It sits on the Ochlockonee River. It's located in Sopchoppy, Fla., (850) 643-2282.

CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - WOOD LAKE HUNT CAMP

3. Babcock Webb  WMA - The camping is free here but there is $3 cost for a day use permit. Camping is only permitted on the weekends and in the designated camping areas. They have a boat ramp, a fire ring, and picnic tables. This one is near water. The address is 29201 Green Gulf Blvd., Punta Gorda, Fla. 850-4884676.

CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - BABCOCK WEBB WMA

4. Fore Lake Campground - This is a pay campground at $12 a night. It has 30 campsites and each has a picnic table, grill, and lantern pole. It has a shower house and restrooms. It boasts a beautiful beach for swimming and has a fishing pier. There is a camp host on site and gates are open till 8 pm. If you get here after late, you can call (352)652-6312 for a gate code. It is located on SR 314, Silver Springs, Fla. (352)236-0288.

CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - FORE LAKE CAMPGROUND

5. Matanzas State Forest Primitive Camp - This is a pay campground at $10 a night. It is open year round, but only has 5 campsites available. It has a grill, picnic tables, a fire ring, bathrooms and is near the water. You need to contact the Florida Forest Service at 386-585-6150 before 7 pm for the combination for the gate lock and a permit. The address is Double Gate Rd. at US 1 South,  St. Augustine, Fla. (386)446-6786.

CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - MATANZAS STATE FOREST

6. JB Starkey Wilderness Park - There are 16 tent camping sites. They have restrooms with showers and a small shelter, a fire ring, grills and drinking water.  Primitive camping is $5.00, regular tent camping is $10 nightly. Reservations are required. There are about 15 tent campsites. It is located at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd. , New Port Richey, Fla. (727)834-3247.

CHEAP FLORIDA CAMPING THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET - JB STARKEY PARK

AWESOME VALENTINES DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY BUDGET

This post contains affiliate links.



Hello all,

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Now is the time to splurge on that special someone. I put together a list of some awesome Valentines Day gifts for every budget! Hopefully something catches your eye!


1. For her -

This  Kate Spade bracelet  is so beautiful, would make a great gift! ($78.00)

This wallet  by Marc Jacobs is too adorable! ($195.00)

For smaller budgets, this handbag by Aldo Portland may be just what you're looking for. ($29.99)

Pretty comfy pajamas are always a welcome gift! ($66.00)

Now for him -

Cufflinks are always good for that special dress up date night.I just love the colors in these ones.($29.99)

A new leather duffle bag makes a great gift for those romantic getaways. And this one by Latico is reduced from $213.00 to just $134.00!

If a night in is what your planning, a new comfy plush robe might just be what you're looking for. This one is by nautica. ($49.99)

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES

Hello all,

It's that time of the year, the Superbowl! And it's time for the biggest party of the year. I'm here to help make your party a success with these mouthwatering Superbowl party worthy recipes. Enjoy:

1. Hot Wings - No Superbowl party is complete without those delicious hot wings. Try this one out from the Food Network .

INGREDIENTS:
oil for frying
12 separated chicken wings
1 12 ounce bottle of hot cayenne pepper sauce
1 stick of butter
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce

DIRECTIONS;
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Heat oil in a pot to about 375 degrees.
Add half the chicken to the hot oil and cook 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Heat cayenne sauce and butter over medium heat. Add a dash of the worcestershire and hot sauce until it starts to bubble.
Place the wings in an oven dish and pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
Bake for 15 minutes.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES-  HOT WINGS

2. Brown Sugar Smokies - This recipe looks like it would be a big hit on gameday, and sounds so easy to do. This one is from All Recipes.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound of bacon
1 16 ounce package of little smokie sausages
1 cup of brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut each piece of bacon into thirds add wrap a piece around each piece of sausage.
Place several sausages on a skewer and place them on a cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with the brown sugar.
Bake until the sugar melts and the bacon is crispy.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES- BROWN SUGAR SMOKIES

3. Slow Cooker Meatballs - Nothing says gameday like delicious appetizers, and these meatballs are one of them This one is from Delish.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 egg
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp chopped chives
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS:
Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chives, worcestershire sauce, egg, and garlic and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper and make into 1 inch balls
Add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker, stir then add the meatballs on top.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until meatballs are cooked through.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES - SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS

4. Seven Layer Dip - This dip is a Superbowl tradition. This recipe is from food.com.

INGREDIENTS:
16 ounces refried beans
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of guacamole
1 cup lettuce
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded mexican blend cheese
4 ounces sliced olives
1 cup diced tomatoes

DIRECTIONS;
In a large dish layer in this order:
Refried beans mixed with the taco seasoning
1 cup sour cream
1 cup guacamole
1 cup salsa
1 cup lettuce
1 cup cheese
The olives
1 cup diced tomatoes
Chill and serve.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES - SEVEN LAYER DIP

5. Easy Quesadillas - This is a great finger food for the big party. This one is from Delish.

INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp oil
1 chopped onion
1 pound ground beef
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
8 flour tortillas
1 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 sliced avocado
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in a pan and saute onions.
Add ground beef and spices and cook the beef thoroughly.
Drain fat.
Sprinkle cheese onto 4 tortillas.
Top with beef, avocado and cilantro.
Top off with the second tortilla.
Transfer tortillas to a heated pan and cook for 3 minutes.
Flip the tortillas to the other side and cook till golden brown and slice into triangles.

5 MOUTHWATERING SUPER BOWL PARTY WORTHY RECIPES - EASY QUESADILLAS

5 DELICIOUS FESTIVE SUPERBOWL DRINK RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY

This post contains affiliate links.


Hello all,

Well, it's that time of the year again. Time to get together with friends, and wear your team's colors. It's also time to party, Superbowl party that is. In honor of this great time in sports history, I've posted some delicious festive Superbowl drink recipes that are sure to please a Superbowl party crowd:

1. Orange Bee Sting: This one is from the food network .

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp. honey
1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur
3 small dashes of bitters
12 ounces wheat beer
orange wedge for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Dissolve the honey in 1 tbsp warm water.
Add bitters.
Top with beer and garnish with the orange.

5 DELICIOUS FESTIVE SUPERBOWL DRINK RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY - ORANGE BEE STING

2. Pale Ginger Shandy: This one is from the food network .

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup sugar
2 inch piece grated ginger
2 tbsp lemon juice
4 ounces club soda
12 ounce of India pale ale
Lemon slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Heat ginger, sugar and water in a pan to boil to melt the sugar.
Let cool and strain. This is the ginger syrup.
Mix 1/4 cup of the ginger syrup with the lemon juice, then add the club soda.
Pour into two glasses and divide the beer into each. Garnish with the lemon.

5 DELICIOUS FESTIVE SUPERBOWL DRINK RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY - PALE GINGER SHANDY

3. The Team Captain: This one is from Captain Morgan .

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 ounce spiced rum
1 1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce sour mix
3 ounces lemon soda pop

DIRECTIONS:
Combine ingredients in a glass with ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

5 DELICIOUS FESTIVE SUPERBOWL DRINK RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY - THE TEAM CAPTAIN

4. Wine Superbowl Punch: This one is from Fox News .

INGREDIENTS:
1 bottle Pinot Noir
1 cup of sparkling wine
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
1 cup of sliced strawberries and blackberries
2 sliced oranges
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all of the ingredients and chill for 24 hours. Serve with ice and garnish with fruit.

5 DELICIOUS FESTIVE SUPERBOWL DRINK RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY - WINE SUPERBOWL PUNCH

5. 12th Manhattan: This one is from All Recipes .

INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces wheat whiskey
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
3 dashes of bitters
small strip of orange zest
2 maraschino cherries
Ice

DIRECTIONS:
Add whiskey, vermouth, bitters and ice and stir. Strain and rub the zest along the rim and top with the cherries for garnish.

5 DELICIOUS FESTIVE SUPERBOWL DRINK RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY - 12th MANHATTAN