Wednesday, February 28, 2018

THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK

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


Hello all,

I'm lucky to live in the beautiful state of Florida. There is an abundance of things to see and do here. This past week I was finally able to scratch an item off my bucket list, a trip to Miami to see the Everglades. A dream of mine was to be able to take an airboat tour of the Everglades, so I was thrilled when we received free tickets to do so!



THE EXCITING AIRBOATSTOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK



We went on the Everglades Safari Park airboat tour! It was conveniently located just 15 minutes from our hotel. The place was easy to find and there was ample free parking. Out in the parking lot there was restrooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop which we walked through after the tour. It took just a few minutes to book our tour, then we waited for them to call our tour number. The anticipation was building.


THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK



The tour started off with us taking our seats on the airboat, which was really quite impressive looking. The tour guide went through a few safety rules, then handed each of us a pair of ear plugs because this ride will be loud. I brought my own noise canceling headphones.Then off we went. We started going fast enough to feel a great breeze coming off the water, but not too fast! It felt as if we were gliding on air. The feeling was exhilarating. The airboat maneuvered through the water in areas that didn't look possible to boat through. We were on the hunt to see alligators, and boy did we see a few! The tour guide was quick to point out when we came across one so there was ample time for picture taking. Then he pointed out some wildlife and facts we didn't know like there were certain trees in the everglades that omitted acid when touched, and a certain poisonous flower that can kill you to be even be near it. Then he shared with us some fascinating facts about alligators.




THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK



THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK


THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK


THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK



The airboat tour lasted about 45 minutes, then we went into a shelter to watch a short animal show. The animal handler had two alligators out. He proceeded giving us facts about them then showed us how he feeds them. Then he brought out an albino python. He told us a little bit about it, then allowed anyone willing to pet and touch it. Lastly he brought out a baby alligator with a tether around his snout. It was a picture taking opportunity for $3. The show lasted about 20 minutes.




THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK


THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK


THE EXCITING AIRBOAT TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES SAFARI PARK



We were sorry to have to leave the Everglades Safari Park. It was a lot of fun. Definitely a very family oriented tour. We well be back . If you want to visit it is located at 26700 SW 8th st. Miami. Their phone is 305-226-6923. Admission is adults $28,  kids 5-11 $15, 5 and under is free. If you want to glimpse  what it's like to be on an airboat, take a look at my video below. Enjoy!





Tuesday, February 27, 2018

MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR

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


Hello all,

I recently had an opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Miami. It was my first time there so I was very excited. Let me start by saying the city is HUGE. We knew there was so many things to do there, and didn't know where to start. I was offered free tickets to ride the Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures tour, and we were so extremely happy we did!

This was the first time anyone in my party has ever been on a speedboat, so we didn't know what to expect. The tour is located at the Bayside Marketplace, right on the water, and it gave us stunning views. We parked in the parking garage next to the marketplace, where there was plenty of parking. We paid $12 for the 3 hours we were there. The staff for the tour were very friendly and professional, and eager to answer any questions we had, and we had a few.




MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR





The boat was beautiful, and very large and could fit many comfortably. They had quite a few. We started off going slow through the no wake zone. Then we sped up. Let me say this, they weren't kidding when they call it a speedboat. The boat was going so fast, at least 45 mph, but it felt so much faster. We were tossed around, like on a rollercoaster! Then we all got wet as the waves were swept up onto the boat. I actually got soaked! Then we slowed down a bit as the pilot took us on a tour of some celebrity homes, which there were many. We saw the homes of Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, and Shaquille O'neal just to name a few. We also saw the mansion that was the backdrop for the movie Bad Boys 2.




MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR




MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR




After seeing a few more points of interest, we sped out to the Atlantic. There they let 'er rip! There was quite a few times when the boat left the water and caught air! It was very thrilling. We were being tossed around and getting even more soaked among the laughter and gasps from the passengers. A great time was had all around. Then we slowed back down as we came in from the Atlantic and they took us by South Beach Miami, then back to the dock. The tour lasted about an hour.



MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR





MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR




MY REVIEW OF THE AMAZING THRILLER MIAMI SPEEDBOAT ADVENTURES TOUR



We had a great time, and I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves to go fast, because on this you definitely will! The Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventure tour is located at 401 Biscayne Blvd. at Bayside Marketplace, Miami. Their number is 305-371- FAST, Tickets are adults-$36, kids-$23, your child had to be at least 3 years old to ride. Enjoy and have the time of your life!

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

FLORIDA'S BEST ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS

Hello all,

Spring 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!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

3 SCRUMPTIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES TO TRY

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;


1. 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 SCRUMPTIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES TO TRY - GROUPER






2. 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.




3 SCRUMPTIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES TO TRY - GATOR KABOBS




3. 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 SCRUMPTIOUS FLORIDA SEAFOOD RECIPES TO TRY - AMBERJACK

Monday, February 12, 2018

MAKE THIS FLORIDA FAVORITE - KEY LIME PIE

Hello all,

When it's hot out, who doesn't like making delicious, light desserts. One dessert us Floridians love is our key lime pie . I ran across one that sounds both delicious and easy to make on epicurious.  Give it a try and enjoy:


INGREDIENTS:
For crust-

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp sugar
5 tbsp melted butter

For filling-

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp fresh or bottled key lime juice

For topping-

3/4 cup heavy chilled cream


DIRECTIONS:
For crust-

Preheat oven to 350*.
Stir together graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar in a 9 inch pie plate, Mix well and press mixture evenly on the bottom and up the sides.
Bake crust in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes then remove and let cool. Keep oven on.

Make filling and bake the pie-

Whisk together eggs yolks and condensed milk in a bowl. Add juice and whisk till slightly thickened. Pour filling into crust and bake in middle of the oven for 15 minutes. Cool pie completely then chill for 8 hours. Filling will set as it cools.

Make topping-

Just before serving beat the cream in a bowl with an electric mixer till it holds stiff peaks. Top pie with cream and serve. Enjoy!


THE BEST SUMMERTIME RECIPE FOR KEY LIME PIE




Thursday, February 8, 2018

THE AWESOME TIME SAVING POWER OF THE LG TWIN WASH SYSTEM FROM BEST BUY

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or free.  


Hello all,

My time  is valuable. With all the running around and errands we do on a daily basis, if something is available to make my life a little easier I'm all for it. One thing I hate spending time on is housework. But it's something we all have to do. The one thing in particular I don't like doing is laundry. 

Well, I came across an awesome product to tell you about that will save you valuable time on doing  that time consuming chore. It's the LG Twin Wash system from Best Buy. You can do 2 loads at once with this product! Just think of the time you'll save having all of your clothes being washed at the same time. You can be washing your regular load at the top. Then for those delicates, or those dark clothes you know you just don't want to wash with your whites, you can pop them in the smaller LG Sidekick pedestal washer in the bottom. I am loving this! There have been so many times when I have had a few items I needed washed in a hurry, but didn't have enough clothes for a regular load. I can see the smaller LG Sidekick pedestal washer really coming in handy when it comes to all of my family's washing needs.

I also love how energy efficient the products are. This washing system even has a TurboWash 2.0 feature that can save you 30 minutes on washing larger loads. A real dream come true! With all of its features, it's so easy to understand why LG products are so popular.  And if you act now from 1/11 to 4/25  you can receive up to $500 off an LG laundry solution for your home. If you want to find out more about this awesome product, visit this link - http://bby.me/txjuc.  You'll be glad you did!    #ad






THE AWESOME TIME SAVING POWER OF THE LG TWIN WASH SYSTEM FROM BEST BUY