Most Popular Types of Wine – The Varieties You Need To Know

Want to order a nice glass of wine at your favorite restaurant or pick up a bottle at the store but you are unsure of where to start? Let this simple guide help you along to your wine buying journey. Below are some of the most popular wine varietals and some basic pairing ideas. There is a world of wines out there to explore and appreciate, so let’s get started!

Here are the Most Popular Types of Wine

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that tends to be full-bodied with high tannins and noticeable acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the most popular variety of wine in the world! You may be able to pick up on blackcurrant and black cherry notes when tasting. This beautiful red wine pairs well with seared tuna, duck, beef, lamb, venison, aged cheddar and gouda, it is also good with apples and plums. The optimal serving temperature for red wine is between 62-68 degrees, if you don’t have a wine cooler or keep your house that chilly, you can put it in the refrigerator for a quick 30 minutes to bring down the temperature before serving.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Nior is a “lighter” red wine. While Pinot Nior grapes are grown all over the world, they grow best in cooler climates and the grape is mostly related to Burgundy region of France. This red wine is medium-bodied and has low tannins. Pinot Nior wines tend to have red fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries and strawberries and pairs well with salmon, duck, pork, hard cheeses and of course raspberries and strawberries. This wine will get more complex as it ages. Remember that the optimal serving temperature for red wine is between 62-68 degrees.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a very popular white wine, it tends to be medium to light body with noticeable acidity and flavors of green plum, apple, and pear. Chardonnay also has the ability to pick up flavors on how it is made and where it is grown. For example, you may taste “oak” or even minerals. There are many different styles of Chardonnay, from crispy Chablis from France to the those with tropical flavors. Chardonnay pairs well with crab, shrimp, lobster, sea bass, chicken, turkey, pork and softer cheeses like brie. It also pairs well with the fruits that you will sometimes taste in it, such as banana, honeydew and citrus. Chardonnay is also an important component of many sparkling wines. This white wine is made to serve chilled, around 49-55 degrees.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is a refreshing, dry, light white wine that typically has a punch of acidity with flavors of lemons, limes, green apples. Pinot Grigio (also known as Pinot Gris) wines can vary in taste, from fruity to sweet, but generally they tend to be clean and light. Pinot Grigio will have a citrus or acidic finish. This white wine is made to be served cold and pairs well with trout swordfish, crab, calamari, turkey, chicken, pork, prosciutto, ricotta, and with fruits such as pear, apricot, pineapple and cherry. The optimal serving temperature for white wine is between 49-55 degrees, but I prefer my Pinot Grigio nice and chilly so I will even put it in the refrigerator for a few before serving.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, elegant, and fresh white wine. You will definitely take note of the citrus flavors in this wine, and it is made to be consumed young, Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t benefit from aging. Sauvignon Blanc pairs great with oysters, crab, chicken, turkey, pork, veal, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and fruits such as pear, citrus and mango. This white wine is made to serve chilled or nice and cold. I have heard this one called summertime Napa Valley Gatorade, because it’s refreshing on a hot day…and I agree

Now, I wouldn’t say that Merlot and Riseling are as popular as the wines listed above, but they definitely can be favorites to some, in fact, many would say that they either love them or hate them. But, I wanted to include them on this list just so that you were familiar with them as well.

Riesling

Riesling is a high acidity white wine with a lighter body. It is usually dry as well, making it unique. The taste of this white wine is made up mainly of citrus, peach, and nectarine, but it has hints of floral flavors too. There are varieties of Riesling that are sweet, but not all of them are, so check the label to see if you are getting a sweet or a dry. Riesling can actually pair with a lot of different foods especially those with strong flavors such as spicy foods, Indian foods, and Asian foods. Riesling is made to serve cold, so feel free to put in the refrigerator.

Merlot

Merlot is also a red wine, not as full-bodied at the Cabernet Sauvignon but it is heavier than a Pinot Nior. This red wine has Medium tannins and lots of red fruit flavors, the Merlot grape is also a popular grape for blending. Merlot pairs nicely with tuna, salmon, beef, lamb, aged cheeses and plum, fig and blueberries.

Rosé

This beautifully colored wine is becoming more and more popular, #roseallday. Not only is it pretty, but it is crisp and refreshing, you will also see fun frozen cocktails made out of this wine in the hot summer months. When rosé wine is the primary product, it gets it’s blush color from contact with the skin of the grape, the grapes are crushed and the skins stay in contact with the juice for a short period. The primary flavors of rosé wine are red fruit, citrus, floral and melon, with a nice crunchy green flavor on the finish similar to celery or rhubarb. Rosé wine pairs well with salmon, shellfish, sea bass, chicken, pork, ham, prosciutto, goat cheese, feta, gouda and fruits such as strawberry and watermelon.

Now that you know the most popular types of wine, which wines would you say are your favorite?

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You guys may have seen this beautiful Zucchini and Squash salad over on Instagram, and it’s just way too good to not share over here on the blog too.  Between the freshly shaved zucchini and squash, the perfectly toasted pine nuts and the homemade honey mustard vinaigrette it is quickly becoming one of my favorite salad recipes.

Another bonus about this Zucchini and Squash salad is that it’s easy to make and there is only a few minutes of cook time required (just for the toasted pine nuts).

Zucchini is rich in nutrients, high in antioxidants, helps aid in healthy digestion and may help improve heart and vision health. Did you know that zucchini had so many health benefits?

Squash is high in vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, manganese and potassium. That is one seriously nutritional packed vegetable!

Did you know that pine nuts are also great for us? YEP. Pine nuts help naturally boosts energy and are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein, iron, and monounsaturated fats.

So doesn’t the perfect salad sound like it should have all that in it? YES.

Even if you didn’t know all the health benefits hidden in this Zucchini and Squash Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, you would still love it because it tastes amazing.

The leftover sliced zucchini and squash keeps great in the refrigerator too, making leftovers a delicious lunch option.  This salad would also be great at a picnic, just add the dressing on last minute…or the greens – whichever you prefer to keep the greens from getting soggy from the honey mustard dressing.

This is everything you need to make this healthy salad and the homemade mustard vinaigrette:

• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 large zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 large squash, thinly sliced
• 1 cups baby greens – I used a kale blend
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

To make your Zucchini and Squash salad, you simply whisk all the dressing ingredients and then drizzle it on your veggies and add in the pine nuts. Pretty easy. Pretty darn yummy.  I used a mandoline to slice the zucchini and squash, it made it a lot easier and also made sure that all my slices were even.

Now, here is my Zucchini and Squash Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this Zucchini and Squash Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette as much as I do!

What is one of your favorite salad recipes?

Not sure how to toast pine nuts?  Check out this easy method for toasting pine nuts.

Looking for another tasty salad recipe?

Heart-Healthy Salmon Salad with Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Be sure to check out all my delicious recipes and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

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10 Best Dessert Spots in Tampa

Photo credit: Foto Bohemia

Everyone loves a sweet treat now and again and Tampa Bay is filled with fun stops to satisfy your sweet tooth. Which dessert spots in Tampa are your favorite? Do you see them on this list? If not, be sure to email me so I can check them out too!

10 Best Dessert Spots in Tampa

Dough

The bakery that creates all the delicious treats for datz. Dough has homemade cupcakes, ice cream and the most incredible doughnuts you have ever seen.

Dough Nation

Amazing treats and an amazing cause. Why wouldn’t you go to Dough Nation? They have edible cookie dough, ice cream and more. Dough Nation offers classic favorites like chocolate chip, dark chocolate, and interesting mixtures like s’mores, sweet & salty caramel and more. Because Dough Nation is owned and operated by Metropolitan Ministries, one of Tampa Bay’s premiere and most trusted nonprofits, all proceeds from your purchases go directly to feed the hungry in Tampa Bay through the Ministries’ hunger relief programs.

The Dessert Spot at Toffee to Go

The Dessert Spot at Toffee to Go invites you to sit down and enjoy a delicious cup of Kahwa coffee, delectable pastries, mouthwatering cakes, cookies, incredible ice cream, scrumptious pies and other droolworthy sweets! The toffee cheesecake and magic toffee bars look incredible!

Tiny Bites

Tiny and amazing. Perfect for just having one, to satisfy that sweet tooth…but good luck with only getting one! Tiny bites is a dessert shop where the you order dessert and then watch as the different ingredients are combined to create a fresh delicious treat. They also have iced to order cupcakes, filled cookies, cake pops, small pre-made cakes and custom order cakes. There are very limited numbers of the pre made items so that they do not go to waste.

Bake’n Babes

Established in 2013, Bake’n Babes is a local Tampa bakery that prides itself on using locally sourced, preservative-free ingredients. The OREO cheesecake is calling my name! They also have paleo granola and I hear they make killer freakshakes!

Harry Waugh Dessert Room

This dessert room located inside Bern’s Steakhouse is a Tampa icon. They have MANY of desserts to chose from in a unique setting. We usually ask the server what they recommend, you have to go to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room at least once. It’s definitely a Tampa experience.

Snowrolls

Rolled Ice Cream? Yes please! Snowrolls is an ice cream and coffee shop that serves up thai-inspired rolled ice cream. They have at least 14 signature flavor combinations, but you can make your own too!

Gigi’s Cupcakes

Gigi’s offers one-of-a-kind cupcakes topped with their signature swirl with is sure to leave on a smile on your face and your sweet-tooth craving satisfied.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

All sorts of different flavors, get small bundt cakes or big bundt cakes! But you will get Nothing Bundt Cakes

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

They have all sorts of amazing Italian Ice flavors. And don’t miss the Gelati! Gelati is the perfect layering of Italian Ice with the Soft Ice Cream. Gelati is a true indulgence.

What is one of your favorite places to get desserts in Tampa? If your favorite spot to get sweet treats in Tampa Bay isn’t on my list, be sure to email me so I can check it out and get it added!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more things to do in Florida, healthy recipes, and more.

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10 Best Things To Do With Kids in Tampa Bay

Welcome to Tampa! We are spoiled here in Tampa Bay, we have lots of fun and diverse things to do for families to enjoy. So, if you are wondering what to do with the kids today, I have you covered! Here are the best things to do with kids in Tampa Bay.

Best Things To Do With Kids in Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens/Adventure Island

We are huge Busch Gardens fans. Busch Gardens has some of the world’s best roller coasters, lots of animals to see, family-friends performances and they have different events going on all year. Adventure Island is right across the street from Busch Gardens and is the water park to cool down in when temperatures heat up in Tampa.

Tampa Theatre

A piece of history! Originally built in 1926, this is a true Tampa landmark. Show the kids what a theatre experience used to be like, with a few modern upgrades of course. The Tampa Theatre has different events throughout the year as well, and of course, has movies!

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an 8-acre public park located along the Hillsborough river in downtown Tampa. It’s a great place to meet and enjoy Tampa’s waterfront, and the kids will have fun splashing through the water installations in the park.

MOSI

The Museum of Science and Industry is a great way to explore and have fun out of the heat! They also have events, summer camps and movies. It is a scientific playground with over 100 hands-on activities! And admission prices are great, adults are $12.95 and kids are as low as FREE. Free entry is definitely an important consideration for me when I’m thinking about the best things to do with kids in Tampa Bay.

George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa Tarpons

While this ball field is outside, catching a game here is so much fun! The prices are WAY lower than other stadiums, parking is fairly easy, and if you get there early, the players are almost always out to give autographs or give kiddos a ball.

Glazer Children’s Museum

Glazer Children’s Museum is Tampa’s interactive, learning laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders. My kiddos are now a bit old for this one (ages 14 and 11), but they had a blast here when they were younger!

The Florida Aquarium

This is another fabulous Tampa attraction that is mostly inside! You can enjoy the water views, sharks and fish without being at the beach There is an outdoor play space to enjoy as well.

Does the risk of sunburn impact your choices for the best things to do with kids in Tampa Bay? Leave me a comment below and tell me about it.

Treehoppers

We have been here several times, and always have a hoppin good time! It’s like a jungle gym through trees! There are several obstacles and they are all rated easiest to hardest, so there is something for everyone. Plus, you can really challenge yourself if you want. It is VERY shaded, but it is all OUTDOORS so take that into account when planning your trip. Personally, we usually try to avoid visiting during the hottest summer months.

Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk offers a plethora of activities, things to see and do. Walk the Riverwalk and watch for dolphins and manatees, stop at Armature Works and listen to some live music, jump on some Water Bikes, go kayaking and explore. There are so many things for families to do on the Tampa Riverwalk.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Who doesn’t love going to the zoo? And ZooTampa even has a few rides, a water ride and a Splash area to help you and the kids cool off. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1300 animals and is famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings.

Oh and of course – you can head to the beach!  We are surrounded by water here in Tampa Bay and the home to the #1 beach in America!

What do you consider to be the best things to do with kids in Tampa Bay? Are your choices on this list? If not, be sure to email them to me so I can check them out, and get them added!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more things to do in Florida, healthy recipes, and more.

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What Is A Prebiotic?

Have you heard of prebiotics? No, I didn’t say a probiotic. A PREbiotic. If you are like me, you may be just learning about prebiotics and their benefits to overall health, but they have been around for a long time. In fact, they are in foods such as onions and asparagus, so they have been a LONG time. Prebiotics work with the probiotics (they are actually the food for the probiotic bacteria) so prebiotics and probiotics work together to help promote overall health.

Prebiotics don’t contain bacteria, like a probiotics do, they are fuel to help bacteria grow. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber and act as food for human microflora.

So why take a prebiotic?

An unbalanced gut microbiome can lead to bloating, digestive discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. Prebiotics improves gut microbiome health, and when you are feeling healthy, you are happier, right? So, I would say that prebiotics also promote overall happiness

I have been taking Country Life Gut Connection Energy Balance. I like it because it not only improves gut microbiome health (meaning it helps keep my happy digestive tract on track) but it also helps support clear energy. And who doesn’t need a bit more energy?

Why Country Life?

Country Life believes that good health is an important part of treating yourself well. With over 40 years of expertise in providing wellness, Country Life’s vitamins, minerals, and specialty supplements have been helping you stay happy and healthy since 1971.

Why Gut Connection by Country Life?

• Gut Connection by Country Life is a scientifically formulated range of supplements that connects the gut to individual health issues that matter.
• Gut Connection by Country Life contains an innovative, whole food fermentate prebiotic that feeds the existing probiotics in your gut and helps maintain its lining.
• This whole food fermentate prebiotic is balanced with clinically researched ingredients for your overall health.

You can take Gut Connection Prebiotics alone or with your favorite probiotic.

Where to buy Gut Connection by Country Life:

Sprouts, The Vitamin Shoppe, Natural Grocers Vitamin Cottage, and Amazon, and will be coming soon to other natural health food stores. To find Gut Connection by Country Life in your area, visit countrylifevitamins.com/where-to-buy for the full list of locations.

Do you take prebiotics?  What steps do you take to ensure a healthier gut?  Healthy living starts from the inside out!

I am not a doctor, so if you’re considering taking supplements, check with your doctor to be sure they’re right for you.

Be sure to check out Gut Connection by Country Life online, on Instagram and on Facebook.

Be sure to check out all my healthy lifestyle recipes and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more fitness motivation tips.

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How To Toast Pine Nuts

Do you love pine nuts? While pine nuts are expensive, they are absolutely delicious. Toasted pine nuts are the perfect addition to (and in) hummus, a great way to heighten the flavors in pesto, a nutty addition to your cheese boards, a crunchy bite to your salads and so much more!

As an added bonus, it’s super easy to toast pine nuts at home. I am talking about less than 5 minutes folks…and the only things you need are a stove, a pan and pine nuts…You don’t toast pine nuts with olive or butter or anything, you simply add a single layer of pine nuts to a pan and cook them over medium heat until they start to turn golden brown. You will have to stir them pretty consistently, and since the toasting happens fairly quickly, I recommend staying at the stove while you are toasting anyway.

There are other ways to roast pine nuts, like in the microwave or oven, but using the stove top is the easiest (in my opinion) and it gives you the opportunity to watch the process the whole time to ensure you don’t burn them.

Why toast pine nuts? As with most nuts, toasting brings out more flavor. Pine nuts are high in oil, giving them an almost buttery texture, and once mixed with other ingredients, their flavor is more mild and sweet. Since toasting pine nuts is so easy to do, why not bring out more of that flavor?!

Now, here is How To Toast Pine Nuts, be sure to print and pin the simple recipe so that you can make them again and again!

Did you know it was that easy to toast pine nuts? 

Toasted pine nuts (Toasted Pignolias) will last at least 6 months, if you can actually keep them around for that long Be sure to try add them to your salad recipes, like my Zucchini and Squash Salad.

Be sure to check out all my delicious recipes and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

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Homemade Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing

You guys know that I love making my own salad dressings, it’s so easy to do and it’s the perfect way to customize your flavors to what you are making. And again, it’s sooooo easy! I mean, why wouldn’t you make your own dressing?! Fresh is better than store bought, I promise. When I made my Zucchini and Squash Salad with toasted pine nuts I knew I needed a simple, yet flavorful dressing to bring out all the fresh flavors. This Homemade Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing is perfect. In fact, this Honey Mustard Vinaigrette would also make for a yummy marinade.

To make your own Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, you need less than 5 minutes and 6 ingredients. In fact, you probably have all the ingredients for this Homemade Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Salad Dressing at home right now!

This is what you need to make this deliciously simple Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:

• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, the juice from the lemon you just got zest from should be enough
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, I used Silver Spring Foods
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Then you just whisk everything together. Done. Yum. Feel free to season with salt and pepper if you think this salad dressing recipe needs it.

Now, here is my Homemade Honey Mustard Vinaigrette Salad Dressing recipe. Be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this Homemade Honey Mustard Vinaigrette as much as we do!

Do you ever make your own salad dressings?  What is your favorite dressing to make at home?

Looking for more tasty homemade salad dressing recipes?  Here are a few more reader favorites:

Homemade Fresh Mint & Peach Vinaigrette Dressing

Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Be sure to check out all my delicious recipes and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

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I can’t think of a better way to celebrate summer than with this Over The Top Orange Creamsicle Milkshake! Indulge in this Orange Creamsicle Freakshake deliciousness at home today. While this post is sponsored by Voortman Bakery, all opinions and the recipe are my own.

Over The Top Orange Creamsicle Milkshake

Summer is here and that means it’s time for cool treats. You will notice that I don’t post a bunch of dessert recipes, and that’s simply because I love dessert a bit too much I have a serious sweet tooth, so if I am going to make dessert, it’s going to be epic or lower in fat. Today, I decided to go with epic. What better way to celebrate summer than with an over the top orange creamsicle milkshake?! Actually, I consider this work of art a FREAKSHAKE.

You have seen these right? Freakshakes are all the rage right now, you can find them in restaurants, dessert shops, all over town! In fact, the last time I was in St. Augustine, we stood in line for 30 minutes (which was one of the smaller lines I have seen) so that the kids could get a Freakshake, this ice cream parlor ONLY serves these Freakshake Masterpieces! I will tell ya that it’s a lot cheaper and a lot more fun to make one of these babies at home, I mean who doesn’t want to get messy in the kitchen with ice cream, whipped cream and all sorts of fun toppings?!

The first thing you need to make your Freakshake is a glass, I recommend one with a handle so that when you go to pick it up you don’t make your hands a sticky mess. Because these babies are messy, you are going to have ice cream and topping goodness dripping down the side. Now if you are thinking, why the heck would I want that mess in my house…the answer is simple…just LOOK at that milkshake! Doesn’t it look fun?! Can you imagine serving up this Orange Creamsicle Milkshake to the kids? They would be SO excited! How about making them for your next summer party? Guests could add their own toppings! Trust me folks, these are gonna be a hit with no matter who you serve them to, even if it’s just to you

Orange Creamsicle is by far one of my favorite summertime flavors, so when I saw that Voortman Bakery had Orange Creme Wafers (baked with REAL oranges and no artificial color or flavors and no high-fructose corn syrup!), I knew that an Orange Creamsicle Milkshake was going to be in order, and it was going to be epic.

Now that you have the cool glass and Voortman Bakery Orange Creme Wafers, it’s time to build your epic Freakshake.

For the Orange Creamsicle Milkshake you will need:

Orange sorbet
Vanilla ice cream
Milk
Vanilla extract

For the Orange Creamsicle Milkshake toppings you will need:

Voortman Bakery Orange Creme Wafers
White Chocolate Candy Melts
Orange Candy Melts
Whipped Cream
Sprinkles
Orange Slices if desired

Now that you have everything you need, let’s build your Orange Creamsicle Freakshake. In a blender, combine orange sorbet, vanilla ice cream, milk and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Coat the edge and sides of glass in melted white chocolate. Drizzle on some of the melted orange candy melts. Add in some sprinkles to the melted chocolate. Fill the decorated glass with the milkshake. Top with a scoop of orange sorbet, top with whipped cream, stick in as many Voortman Bakery Orange Creme Wafers as you can, finally top with more sprinkles and an orange slice if you would like. Serve with extra Voortman Bakery Orange Creme Wafers. We liked dipping a few extra wafers into the milkshake as we were eating it.

Mic drop.

Hello Summer Fun in a glass!

Now, here is my Orange Creamsicle Freakshake recipe, this milkshake recipe makes two servings, so feel free to double or triple it.

I hope you enjoy this Orange Creamsicle Freakshake as much as we do!

Have you ever had a Freakshake before? Have you ever made an over-the-top milkshake at home before?

As you can see, my kids could not wait for me to stop taking pictures so they could start enjoying!

Be sure to stay social with Voortman Bakery by following on Instagram and Facebook. And check them out online for all the delicious bakery-goodness.

While you are at it, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more tips, fabulous recipes and more!

Looking for another delicious dessert recipe?

Coconut Lemon Bars

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Homemade Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette

You all know that I have a love for homemade salad dressings. There is just something about creating the perfect salad dressing for the perfect salad you just made. This Homemade Raspberry Lime salad dressing is the perfect blend of tangy, citrus and sweet, making it the perfect addition to just about any salad! I made this salad dressing for my Berry Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad, which is loaded with raspberries and blackberries making this Homemade Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette the perfect accompaniment.

You probably have all the ingredients for this homemade vinaigrette dressing, with all the beautiful berries at the market right now I know my refrigerator is loaded up with fresh produce.  I just love the bright color of this Homemade Raspberry Lime salad dressing, the raspberries made it the perfect shade of hot pink.

What you need to make this Raspberry Lime dressing:

Juice from one lime
Fresh raspberries
Extra virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Honey
Salt

And to make it, you simply put all the ingredients into your food processor and blend it until smooth.  Doesn’t get too much easier than that!

Now, here is my Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette Salad Dressing recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this homemade Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette salad dressing as much as we do!

Don’t stop at just using this salad dressing on your salads,  use it as a marinade for chicken and pork.  Or drizzle it over your steaks!  This homemade vinaigrette is absolutely yummy and will be fantastic on just about anything you add it to, I promise!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more tips, fabulous recipes and more!

Looking for more homemade salad dressings?

Homemade Fresh Mint & Peach Vinaigrette Dressing

Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

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Berry Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad

What is the first thing that pops into your head when I say SALAD? Boring? Lots of greens? No flavor? Too healthy? NO! A salad is a blank canvas for you to add fun flavors and deliciousness into a rewarding and satisfying meal. I absolutely love a “fun salad” and with all the beautiful produce available right now, it’s really easy to create one.

I went to Publix this week and filled my cart with fresh ingredients and made an incredible salad. And do you want to know the best part about this salad? Just by purchasing the ingredients we gave back to our local food banks. Eat Good. Do Good.

How did we help our local food banks just by shopping at Publix? Produce For Kids has teamed up with Publix again to support local Feeding America® food banks. All you have to do is look for Produce for Kids signage in the produce department now through June 27 to support the participating brands giving back to your local food banks.

Now, let’s create that Berry Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad, these are the ingredients that you will need:

Raspberries
Blackberries
Long Hothouse Cucumber
Avocado
Almonds
Chicken – I used rotisserie chicken
Bed of greens

For the homemade Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette Dressing you will need:

Fresh lime juice, so a few limes
Fresh raspberries
Extra virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Honey
Salt

See why I choose to call my salad Berry Delicious? All the fresh berries, avocado, cucumber, almonds and chicken work so well together to give you fresh flavor explosion with lots of texture…resulting in a scrumptious salad that you will want to create again and again.  Not to mention, this salad is loaded with protein and fresh produce…it’s everything you could possibly want in a salad.

Now, here is my Berry Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad with homemade Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette Dressing recipe. Be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this Berry Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad with Raspberry Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette as much as we do! This fresh salad is an explosion of summer flavors in a bowl…or plate…how ever you want to serve it up!

I know I mentioned that by heading to Publix and getting the ingredients for this Berry Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad you will also help your local food bank, so I wanted to share all the participating brands to keep a look out for.

Here are the participating brands to look out for at Publix:

• CMI Orchards Hero Snack Size Gala Apples
• Coast Tropical Mangos
• Del Monte® Fruit Naturals® Cups
• Driscoll’s® Raspberries & Blackberries
• Fresh Express® Packaged Salads
• Lakeside Produce ​Colored Bell Peppers & Long Hothouse Cucumbers
• Marie’s® Dressings
• SUNSET® Tomatoes on the Vine, Beefsteak and Campari® Tomatoes
• Mission Avocados
• RealSweet® Vidalia® Onions
• Wonderful® Pistachios & Almonds

What is one of your favorite salad recipes?

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Looking for another colorfully healthy salad recipe?

Try my Summer Cucumber Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing

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Come From Away Musical Review

Where were you on 9/11/01? Just typing the date gives me the goosebumps. I was living in Tampa then, but was still new to the area. I wasn’t attached to my cell phone like I am now, in fact, I don’t even remember having one, but I am sure I did. I was driving to work listening to the radio and when I got there, everyone in the office was somber and discussing something but I didn’t know what. Then we all watched the news in horror and disbelief. I called my parents in Michigan, I called my now-husband and everyone was safe. No one understood what was going on, it was inconceivable that something like this was happening. Terrorists had taken over planes and killed as many people as they could. Why? How? What? I am sure you remember exactly where you were on 9/11 as well. It’s a day that we will never forget.

I have been to Ground Zero and have prayed for all those that lost their lives, I have prayed for the men and women that died trying to save others, I have prayed for the families and friends that have lost someone, I have prayed for those that witnessed the horror of that day. I am sure you have prayed for them as well.

And while I have thought about those we lost that day and I have thought about the destruction and the rebuild of New York City, I have never thought about the others that were flying that day. Not because I am insensitive but simply because my thoughts were always directed to those that were lost or had lost someone.

But there were over 7000 people flying that morning that survived. 7000 people that were scared, lost and confused on why they weren’t going home. 7000 people that were redirected to Gander Newfoundland.

The Musical Come From Away is the story of those 7000 people and the small town that welcomed them all with open arms. Come From Away takes you back to 9/11 and tells you a story that you may not have known, one that you may not have even thought about. Those 7000 people actually almost doubled the population of the small town that they landed in, but the townspeople welcomed them. They tried their best to make them feel at home, feed them, give them shelter and tried to give them something else to think about than the news that was on the television and the fact that they couldn’t be with their loved ones back in the States.

Come From Away made me laugh, I mean who helps someone steal a grill?! That’s a joke you will get when you see the show Come From Away made me cry, some suffered a loss that I hope to never experience. But most of all, Come From Away made me leave with a deep appreciation for people…there are still good people out there, and a lot of them live in Newfoundland.

I will say that Come From Away was definitely one of my favorite Broadway shows. We stayed until the very end and sang and clapped along with the musicians. I loved it from start to finish and I am thankful there were wasn’t an intermission, because I didn’t want the show to stop!

Come From Away will be performing at the Straz Center here in Tampa through June 9th. It is about an hour and half show with no intermission, so plan accordingly.

Straz Center Tampa Address:

• 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa, FL 33602

What is one of your favorite shows that you have seen at the Straz Center for Performing Arts? Will you be seeing Come From Away?

Get your Straz Center Tickets

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This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however all opinions expressed are my own.

10 Tips For Planning The Perfect Brunch

Who doesn’t love a good brunch? I mean all the delicious eats, drinks, and time with family and friends…what more could you possibly ask for? We love getting together with our friends on the weekend, and since weekends are made for sleeping in and spending time having fun, brunches are perfect.

The most important thing for your brunch is the FOOD. I mean, folks are coming to have fun and chat, yes, but the main reason they are coming is the FOOD. I love to serve fresh produce at brunch, not only is it delicious (and healthy!) but it adds a nice pop of color to your tablescape.

Right now Fresh From Florida watermelon is in season, and there is nothing quite like biting into a juicy piece of watermelon on a hot summer day, so watermelon is a given at my planned brunch parties. Fresh From Florida Sweet Corn is also a family favorite, and while corn on the cob isn’t necessarily the perfect brunch menu item, my Cowboy Caviar is.

Cowboy Caviar is made with Fresh From Florida sweet corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers, plus lots of other produce which makes it not only delicious, but healthy. I served my Cowboy Caviar with fresh celery, bell pepper strips and tortilla chips, but it also a yummy topping for eggs. Again, making Cowboy Caviar another perfect addition to your brunch menu.

Now that we have talked a bit about the importance of good, fresh menu items for your brunch, let’s go over the tips for planning the perfect brunch.

Everyone wants their guests to walk away saying “Man, that was the perfect brunch!”

10 Tips For Planning The Perfect Brunch

Plan a Diverse Menu

You will want sweet, savory and fresh menu items for everyone to enjoy. Fresh produce is a must, I always Fresh From Florida produce on my brunch menu especially since Florida Farmers make it easy for me to get fresh, delicious produce year-round. Do not pick menu items that you turn you into a short-order cook for the whole brunch, stay away from pancakes and omelets.

Prep Ahead

Chop veggies, make casseroles the night before, put the juice in glass containers, cut up the fresh fruit and vegetables. Keep everything in airtight containers until you are ready to use them.

Set Up the Night Before

You want to be as relaxed as possible the morning of your brunch, so that means you are going to have to do a lot the night before. You don’t want to be rushing around, you want to enjoy the party too! Lay out place settings (or arrange the stacks of plates where you want them if doing casual self-serve) hang decorations and put flowers in vases, make sure there are plenty of seats, get the coffee ready to brew, get out the serving platters, put out napkins, arrange the glasses.

Clean

Don’t forget to make sure the bathroom is cleaned and stocked with the essentials. And if you plan on showing anyone the new tile in the laundry room, make sure that’s tidied up too!

Keep Your Food Warm

Turn the oven on to 200 degrees and keep any warm dishes in the oven until your guests are ready to eat. No one really eats the second they walk through the door, everyone likes to chat or grab a drink first. Speaking of drinks…

Have a Few Drink Options

While the first drink that comes to mind for a brunch menu for me is mimosas, not everyone likes them…or even likes to drink. So be sure to have fresh OJ (Florida OJ is the best ), cold water, coffee, and at least one other juice option.

Get Creative with Your Serving Plates and Glasses

Not everything has to match! Have a variety of color glasses out, put utensils in mason jars, use clear plates, use a cake stand for an item or two for different heights.

Simple Centerpieces

The food is the star of the show at a brunch, but there is nothing wrong with adding fresh simple flowers around the table.  I even like to put some scattered flower buds around the serving area for an extra pop of color.

Be Ready To Keep Conversations Going

While your brunch is probably filled with friends and family that already love to chat, there is always the possibility for silence. Have a few questions ready to go to the group just in case…What are your summer plans? What is the best trip you have been on?

Have Fun!

It’s a PARTY, have FUN! The whole purpose for a brunch party is to have fun, and that includes YOU, so relax and enjoy.

What are some of your tips for planning the perfect brunch?

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While you are at it, check out all the recipes on Having Fun Saving & Cooking and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

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Deliciously Easy Cowboy Caviar

If you are looking for an easy appetizer recipe that is also healthy and full of flavor, then look no further. Cowboy Caviar is made with lots of your favorite fresh produce and you can serve it with tortilla chips or celery and bell pepper strips. Honestly, no matter how you serve it, you and your guests are going to love it.

I made Cowboy Caviar for our brunch this past weekend, and I have also made it for card nights with our friends. In fact, my husband and I actually had leftovers for lunch the other day In fact, as I am thinking about it…Cowboy Caviar would be amazing on top of grilled chicken! Oh, all those fresh flavors, then the heat from the jalapenos and the citrus from the lime…YUM. Ok, I am going to have to try that next!

To make Cowboy Caviar you need:

3 tomatoes seeds removed, diced – I used vine tomatoes
2 ripe avocados, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can black eyed peas rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups fresh corn, cooked and cut off the cob – approx 3 ears
1 bell pepper, diced
2 jalapeno pepper seeds removed, diced
1/3 cup fresh Cilantro finely chopped

You will also make your own simple dressing to toss all goodness in. You will need a few basic ingredients that you probably have at home right now.

To make the dressing for your Cowboy Caviar you will need:

1/3 cup olive oil
Juice from 2 limes, approx 2 – 3 tablespoons
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

And to make it, you simply mix all your veggies together, drizzle on the dressing and stir well to coat! I like to put mine in the refrigerator for 15 – 30 minutes before serving so that all the flavors get a chance to marinate together before everyone digs in.

Now, here is the Cowboy Caviar Recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this Cowboy Caviar recipe as much as we do!

Looking for another simple and healthy recipe?

Cucumber Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing

In fact, be sure to check out all my recipes and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

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Code Ninjas Summer Camp Details

So summer has officially begun! School is out! And while the kids are super excited to not have homework and wake up early, it seems as though by two they are already looking for things to do. They have been swimming, been to their friends, and we have even been to our local water parks! I have to say that summer is a little bit more work for me than it is for them, trying to make sure they have the BEST SUMMER EVER while maintaining my sanity Of course, their favorite thing to do is to play on the computer. There are so many different games they are into right now, how about yours?  I decided this summer  they could stay on the computer a little longer than I would normally allow, but they would do a little learning as well! You know those games that they love to play? They are going to learn how to build them.

What? Build a game? Like with cardboard boxes?

NOPE!

I mean like actually build a game on the computer that they can play! Did you know that there were summer camps that they could learn how to do that? Yes! And this summer my kiddos are checking out Code Ninjas to test their a game building skills.

What is Code Ninjas?

It’s a place where kids get to learn to code through our engaging game-based curriculum that teaches teamwork, logic, math, and problem solving.  They get to play on the computer, they are out of the house having fun…and even learning…but you don’t have to tell them that

Technology is advancing at an incredible rate isn’t it? I mean I didn’t have a cell phone until I was in college and it was a FLIP PHONE, and know my kids know how to do more on their smartphones than me! Code Ninjas believes that this is an exciting time to advance our culture – starting with our kids. And I agree with them! Every kid deserves the chance to unlock their innate, unlimited capacity to learn.

Even if your child’s dream isn’t to do coding as a career, they still learn vital skills at Code Ninjas that will help them pursue their dreams.

I know I mentioned that my kids are doing a Summer Camp at Code Ninjas so I wanted to let you know a bit on how that works too.

Code Ninjas Summer Camp Details:

• The half day summer camps are from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
• The full day summer camps are from 9:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• The camps are Monday – Friday.
• Kids ages 7 -14 are welcome to come to learn and have fun.
• The cost for the half day summer camp is $199.  The cost for the full day summer camp is $369.

You will notice that the cost is a LOT lower than other coding camps you may find. Why is it lower? Because Code Ninjas wants to make sure that everyone has the chance to be a part of the fun.

Learn more about Code Ninjas

Ready to sign your kids up for a Code Ninjas Summer Camp too?

Check out Code Ninjas Summer Camps

What Summer Camps are your kids doing this summer?

Be sure to follow Having Fun Saving & Cooking on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.  And follow Code Ninjas on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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How To Grill Peaches & Why You Should Try It

Grilled peaches. Little bites of heaven. Sweet. Delicious. I don’t think there is a bad way to enjoy a grilled peach…well, unless you drop it through the grate of the grill and it gets burnt beyond recognition. Then maybe your grilled peach won’t be a sweet bite of deliciousness…it would be a burnt bite of…hmmm…I’m not sure. Let’s not try it. Because honestly, you do not want to waste these things of beauty.

Why do you want to try grilled peaches?

Simply put… they are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

• You can eat grilled peaches right off the grill. Let em cool down for a second so you don’t burn the roof of your mouth
• You can top your grilled peach with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a sweet treat.
• You can sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on your grilled peach.
• You can added grilled peaches to your salads.
• You can make grilled peaches the star of your salad, like in this Grilled Peach and Bacon (YES, BACON!) Salad.
• You can top pork, chicken and steak with grilled peaches.
• You can drizzle them with balsamic vinegar.

As you can see, grilled peaches are pretty darn versatile, you can make them sweet treats or add them to your savory dishes.

So, how do you grill peaches?

It’s so easy guys!

Ready for this?

Turn on the grill to medium heat.

Cut your peaches in half and remove the pits. You can cut them into smaller slices if you want, just use a grill topper so your peaches don’t fall through the cracks. That’s what I used when I made my grilled peach salad, I wanted smaller slices and I figured it would be easier to cut the peaches beforehand than when they were cooked.

Place your peach slices/halves into a bowl and drizzle in olive oil, gently stir so that the peaches get covered. You can brush the peaches too (be sure to brush both sides), I just found it easier to put them all in a bowl. Brushing the peaches with olive oil helps prevent sticking and won’t burn.

Place the cut side down on the grill and cook until the fruit has grill marks and starts to soften, approx 4 to 5 minutes depending on the size of your peaches.

If needed, turn them once and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes. Do your best to resist moving them any more than necessary so you can get those pretty grill marks.

Once your peaches are done, they will be more tender, feel free to pull away the skin if desired. Personally, I love peach skin, so if you peel it off, save it for me

Grilling the peaches has the ability to elevate the sweetness. And it’s so simple!

When you are ready to grill some peaches at home, look for peaches that are still a little firm, if they are too ripe, they will naturally have more sugar in them, which will make them easier to burn.

What is your favorite way to enjoy grilled peaches?

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5 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit

Napa Valley is filled beautiful countryside scenery and award-winning wines, Napa Valley is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or vacation. Napa Valley is known for for producing magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon, and almost every single one of the 400+ wineries (95% of which are family owned) in Napa offer at least one for you to try.

My husband and I went to Napa a few years ago and planning our trip was actually pretty overwhelming. Trying to narrow down which ones were the best Napa Valley wineries to visit was almost an impossible task. You want to make sure you have enough time at each one as well, because visiting a winery in Napa (or anywhere!) is about the experience, not just tasting a bunch of wines. Wine is made to be swirled, sipped, and savored. In other words, don’t plan to see 10 wineries in a day in hopes to just drink a lot. Forget the visits, and just buy a bottle if that’s what you want to do! Instead, plan your day based on what you want to see and enjoy, because drinking wine and enjoying the moment is what a trip to Napa is all about.

When we visited Napa, we started our wine tasting tour in St. Helena, which was absolutely perfect as St. Helena is a quaint little town that is overflowing with wine-making history.

To help you in making your choices, below you will find my 5 best Napa Valley wineries to visit. I must note however, that this list might change from time to time. Why? Because I have not visited all 400 wineries in Napa yet, but it is my goal to make it to a few more Cheers!

Charles Krug

I probably had one of the most incredible experiences of my blogging career (or wine tasting life) at Charles Krug Winery. Before I get into that, let me tell you a bit about the winery. Charles Krug is the oldest winery in Napa Valley, and it is also the home of the first tasting room. The tasting room first opened in 1882 and has evolved into a stunning hospitality center and tasting room that pours exceptional wines.

Now that you know a piece of the Charles Krug history, let me tell you about our visit. My husband and I made an appointment for a wine tasting that was later in the day because we wanted to go to dinner right after. Shortly after we arrived, Marc Mondavi (YES, THE MARC MONDAVI) sat down at our table and joined us on our tasting tour of Charles Krug wines. We talked about wine-making, parenting, hunting and traveling until the employees started to shut off the lights in the winery (we missed our dinner reservation by hours).

He was so easy to talk to, and getting his perspective and thoughts on the wines was an experience I will never forget. He told us a family story about the wine Generations, and I will tell you that I always have a bottle of Charles Krug Generations in my house, and not just because the wine is amazing, but because of that story. 95% of Napa wineries are family-owned and I feel it’s the family that makes the wine. I’m not just talking about the actual wine-making process, but the love behind the scenes is what makes a wine so incredible, and you can tell that the Mondavi family loves their family and their wines.

Since that visit to Charles Krug Winery, I have had the opportunity to dine with Janice and Angelina Mondavi, and I can tell you that they are wonderful people as well. So pour a glass of Charles Krug with me and say CHEERS to the oldest winery in Napa! This is a spot you will not want to miss on your Napa Valley wine tour, I promise you. I’m pretty sure that this winery will always be on my list of the 5 best Napa Valley wineries to visit! It would be hard to top this visit.

As for what to taste, well we are Wine Club Members, so I have tasted almost all of the wines by now except the Zin Dessert Wine I believe. I highly recommend all the Limited Release Cabs, because you can’t get them anywhere else and they are incredible. I also enjoy the Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc. There is not much better than a cool, crispy glass of Sauvignon Blanc on a hot summer day.

Freemark Abbey

Freemark Abbey is another piece of wine-making history. Freemark Abbey has over 130 years of wine-making experience, and is also the home of the first female Napa winery owner on record. Cheers to the women in wine-making! Here after we toured the winery and learned a bit of the history, we did a Cabernet Sauvignon tasting that ended with the 2004. We bought a bottle of the 2004, it was AH-MAZING. We have been holding onto it for a special occasion, but I have learned that sometimes the special occasion is just the fact that it’s Tuesday and our family is all sitting at the table together. So, we have to open that bottle, and soon.

Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards, Freemark Abbey and Chrales Krug are actually all really close to each other, so if you are looking to do a few wineries in a day, these three are great options. Duckhorn was a name that we were familiar with before going to Napa, it’s a wine that we have seen in stores and on the menus of our favorite restaurants. So, we knew we wanted to visit the winery. Duckhorn Vineyards was co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, which was one of the first 40 Napa Valley wineries. They are known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the Sauvignon Blanc is also a must-try. The winery sits on 10-acres and offers stunning views of the vineyards and garden.

St. Supéry

Another household favorite wine! St. Supéry Winery is located in Rutherford, the grounds are surrounded by greens and gardens, I honestly just wanted to sit on the porch all day! But there was no way I was missing my wine-tasting experience. St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery produces 100% estate grown, certified Napa Green wines, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and additional red Bordeaux varietals. My favorite St. Supéry white wines are the Dollarhide Sauvignon Blanc and the Semillion.

I will admit that there isn’t a red wine from St. Supéry that we don’t love, but I will say that we always have ELU, Dollarhide Elevation, and the Rutherford Cab in the wine cooler. And if you are looking for a Cab that is great and at a great price point, pick up the St. Supéry Napa Cab the next time you are at the grocery, you can’t go wrong with it! Plus, it is priced under $40! After our visit to the St. Supéry Winery we became Wine Club members.

Quintessa

When planning our trip, we had several people tell us that Quintessa should be added to our list of the best Napa Valley wineries to visit, and that we had to do the tour that took us to the caves where the wine was stored. Well, we did exactly what our friends recommended and it was a winery visit that was unlike any other. Be sure to book your tour in advance, as they only do so many a day and you wouldn’t want to get there and not experience the grounds, caves and the wines.

A total of 160 acres are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère on 26 vineyard blocks. Each block is farmed—organically and biodynamically—harvested, and vinified individually to preserve and enhance the nuances of the land. Quintessa offers three different tasting options, but I say if you are going, go with the Quintessential Experience. You won’t regret it. Quintessa wines, just like their property, is complex and elegant.

We really wanted to visit Caymus Vineyards on our trip, but we just ran out of time. The Caymus Napa Valley (I have yet to try the Special Selection) has a taste unlike any other Cabernet Sauvignon we have had. You can always tell when you are enjoying a Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Caymus Cabernets offer a wide array of aromas and flavors including cocoa and vanilla, but for me, it’s the vanilla that the most memorable.

One another related note, if you plan on going to one or more wineries in Napa Valley, I do recommend hiring a driver or have a DD Nothing ruins a day of wine tasting faster than getting pulled over.

Have you been to Napa Valley? What is your favorite Napa Valley Winery?

Photo credit: Alex Rubin

I told you that Napa is filled with wine-making history, and if you want to learn more about the history and Napa itself, be sure to stop at 1881 Napa. 1881 Napa is Napa Valley’s first wine history museum and tasting salon. At the museum you can explore Napa’s rich wine history, an extensive collection of historic wine relics from Europe and the United States and original artifacts from the Early California Wine Trade Archive. 1881 Napa is located in a historic Victorian home built in 1874 next to Oakville Grocery (founded in 1881, it is the oldest operating grocery in California). The wine museum in 1881 Napa is open to the public with complimentary visitation. A self-guided tour up to and along the museum’s second-floor mezzanine tells the history of Napa Valley, introduces the founders and influential early pioneers.

1881 Napa is located at 7856 St. Helena Highway in Oakville and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are interested in doing any wine tastings, reservations are recommended. You can make wine-tasting reservations (which are not complimentary ) here.

Is your favorite Napa Valley Winery not on this list? Be sure to email me your favorites so I can be sure to check it out, and perhaps add it to my list of the Best Napa Valley wineries to visit.

Love wine? Love to travel?  Be sure to check out the Best Wineries to Visit in Michigan.

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5 Best Date Night Tampa Restaurants

Everyone needs a night out now and then. And whether it’s because you don’t want to cook that night, or because you are celebrating something special, a nice date night is always welcome. My husband and I have dined at quite a few restaurants in Tampa, but definitely not them all, so if you have a favorite date night restaurant in the Tampa Bay that you think should be on this list, be sure to reach out to me and I can get it added!

Best Date Night Tampa Restaurants

Ulele

Located right on the Tampa Riverwalk with gorgeous views, a fun outside area, a stellar wine list and outstanding menu, you can’t go wrong having a night out at Ulele.  Be sure to try the charbroiled oysters! The Caymus Cabernet is reasonably priced here as well, so be sure to grab a bottle.

Columbia Restaurant Ybor

The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor is a piece of Tampa history. I’m sure it will always be on my list of best date night Tampa restaurants for that reason alone! Go for the incredible sangria, the homemade bread and the 1905 salad, but be sure to take in a piece of the history while you are there too.

Sacred Pepper

This one is not too far from our house, so we end up at Sacred Pepper frequently. The food is delicious. I definitely recommend the blackened steak bites for an appetizer, and the short rib pasta is a family favorite. For dessert, the bread pudding is remarkable. If your wine tastes are a bit higher end, just ask for the Reserve Wine List.

datz

Datz has a fun atmosphere, eclectic eats and out of the this world desserts.  Be sure to come hungry because the portions are HUGE.

Benedetto’s

A cute little Italian restaurant actually in North Tampa. Well, more like Land O’ Lakes. It’s been there for over 15 years and is family run. They also believe in farm to table eats, so everything is fresh and delicious. The do have a gluten-free menu for those with sensitivities as well.

Sparkman’s Wharf

I know, I promised 5 best date night Tampa restaurants, but I couldn’t help myself. I had to add this one because it’s such a fun place to go on a date. Not sure what kind of food you want but you know you want a fun atmosphere? Head to Sparkman’s Wharf! There are a lot of options, but no assigned seating, so keep a look out for an open table. They also have entertainment at night, and it’s on the water! We really like the empanadas at Montados, and the pizza at The Corners was also a favorite.

What is your top choice for the best date night Tampa restaurants? Let me know so I can get it added to my list!

Looking for more than just date night restaurants?  Check out these 32 Unique Date Night Ideas.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more things to do in Florida, healthy recipes, and more.

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10 Best Michigan Wineries to Visit

Yes, I said Michigan wine. For all my fellow wine drinkers out there, I am guessing you didn’t even know wineries in Michigan existed. Well, Michigan wine does exist, and the state features some of the most gorgeous wineries and views that I think I have ever seen. Now, I may be a bit biased, as I grew up in Michigan and I go up to the Traverse City area every year. But even to the newcomer, you will see that you can’t help but be in awe. And while I like to think that the beauty of Northern Michigan is a secret, there are quite a few celebrities that call it home (or at least their summer home), like Tim Allen and Carter Oosterhouse.

My husband and I were married in Northern Michigan, and both of our children were baptized in the small town of Suttons Bay. I have lived in Florida for over 15 years, but we still drive up every year so that we can experience the beauty of Northern Michigan and spend time with friends and family.

Now, I will openly admit, that I haven’t found a “true” red wine in Michigan. They definitely try though! I just haven’t found that one that can even come close to a complex Napa Cabernet. But, the whites are crisp and easy drinking and again, the views at the wineries are just unreal.

So, if you happen to be traveling in Northern Michigan, I thought I would share with you my picks for the best Michigan wineries to visit. These are the same wineries that we visit every year. They are the Michigan wineries that you will not want to miss. And to me, they are the wineries that are worth the long 28 hour drive it takes to get there.

Here are the 10 Best Michigan Wineries to Visit.  Cheers!

Brys Estate

You will walk into a gorgeous tasting room, but I recommend heading right out the door to the right and going up to the balcony. Here you can order a glass of wine or one of their famous Frose cocktails and small plates. Take a few pictures of the bay then put your phone away and just enjoy the views. My favorite wines here are the Naked Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc.

Chateau Chantal Winery and Bed & Breakfast

This is our honeymoon spot! We actually stay here every year for a night to celebrate our anniversary, so it will always be on my list of the best Michigan wineries to visit. The staff is beyond friendly, and the owners really make you feel like you are a part of the family. If you choose to stay the night at the B&B too, just a word of advice…do not be late for breakfast. They aren’t kidding when they say “You snooze, you lose.”

The winery has an incredible deck that has plenty of seating, and their prices for tastings are very reasonable. If you get the chance to be there on a Thursday, I highly recommend staying for a Jazz at Sunset performance. I usually end up buying a couple of their bottles just for the labels, I mean, how can I resist the Naughty Red? Like I mentioned, I don’t really enjoy Michigan Reds, but the bottle is definitely a conversational piece on my wine wall. I do enjoy a glass or two of the bubbly here, Tonight and Celebrate are my usual go-tos.

Mari Vineyards

Even if you don’t taste the wine here, you have to walk in.  It’s like walking up to a beautiful old castle with a view that will make you forget about just about everything else.

Bonobo Winery

This is one of the newer wineries up on Old Mission Peninsula, and I will be honest, we drove right past it the first time we saw it because the front facade isn’t much to look at. Don’t make the same mistake we did. When you walk in you are greeted by window after window and a view of the vineyards. The inside is a modern twist of Michigan beauty. They sell small plates here too, so if you need a bite of food to go along with all the wine you have been tasting, this is a good stop. Grab a small plate and a glass of wine and head out to one of the picnic tables on the deck.

The tastings here are a bit on the pricier side, so we usually just go with a glass. If you ask the server if you can have a small taste of the wine you are going to buy a glass of, they usually do that without any issues. I usually get the Pinot Blanc here.

Leelanau Cellars

Leelanau Cellars is clear on the other side of peninsula, but it’s worth the drive. Plus, it’s a beautiful drive along the water. I recommend stopping here for a few reasons, it has the most affordable wines, I always make it a point to stop here to bring home wine for my friends back in Florida, plus you get a discount if you get a case. The tastings are free. Yes, free. No matter how many you try. The view of Grand Traverse Bay is absolutely stunning. It’s also in the same building as the Why Knot Bar and Restaurant, so walk over and some fish and chips.

Mawby

If you like bubbly, then you have to make sure Mawby is on your list.  Plus, a bottle of Wild, Detroit and Sex are always fun to buy.

45 North

45 North and Blustone are great to hit on the same afternoon, they are right by each other, but they each offer a different vibe. 45 North is a barn-like atmosphere with lots of seating and outside games to keep everyone in the family happy. Tastings are priced similar to the other wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, but we like to come for the atmosphere and small plates, so of course you end up doing a tasting or two.

Blustone Vineyards

Head to the top of the hill and will be rewarded with an intimate setting inside and a simple porch with views of the vineyards. I do buy a red wine here, AD LIB, it’s a casual drinking red and it’s priced great at just $16. I also like the Pinot Grigio (so does my mom), and the ciders are good. My brother really likes the kick of the Ginger Apple Cider.

Verterra

No views to boast of from the windows here, but it is right in one of my favorite towns, Leland. Leland is filled with cute shops and one of my favorite restaurants, The Cove. So, head to Verterra, do some tastings and cruise the town for a few hours. And don’t leave before watching the sun set on Lake Michigan. I do really enjoy the Pinot Grigio here, and if it was a good harvest, I usually buy a case.

Boathouse Vineyards

The Boathouse is unique as it’s right on the canal, so all you have to do is walk in, get a glass of wine and head right outside to one of the many lawn chairs and watch the boaters cruise by. They also have live music a few nights a week in the summer, so we usually plan to go on those days. Can you think of anything better than drinking wine with friends, with the water in the background and listening to live music? I can’t!

In fact, the kids even like going to this one because they love the music and watching the boats. Since my husband prefers red wine and we are usually here for awhile, we get a bottle of the Cab Franc, it’s not a bad price at $32, but do not expect it to taste like a California wine…it’s not. I also like the Pinot Grigio. I feel like you really can’t go wrong with a Pinot Grigio, well, unless it’s really sweet.

Northern Latitudes

This one isn’t a winery, but I am adding it here as a bonus for you all. You’re welcome. You can actually walk from the Boathouse to Northern Latitudes. Northern Latitudes is a distillery and it offers free tastings, but I recommend skipping the crazy crowds around the tasting area and head straight to the bar. They make some of the most amazing cocktails you will ever have, and I am not over exaggerating.

The prices are reasonable and these cocktails pack a punch! My mom’s favorite is the Pina Colada, I like the Hell Yeah, Cherry Cobbler, Ginger Sunset and the Ginger Mule. The Kentucky Waffle is always a favorite of the guys.

Have you ever been to the wineries in Northern Michigan? If so, which would you say are the best Michigan wineries to visit?

Overall, there are over 140 wineries in Michigan and that number grows each year.  Most of the wineries are located in Northern Michigan. If you would like to see a list of all the wineries in Michigan, you can do that here.

Be sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for things to do in Florida, healthy recipes, and more.

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This post was sponsored by RITZ as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.  Whether you are traveling near or far, these Road Trip Essentials will make sure you have everything you need.  Be sure to grab the free road trip must haves printable too!

20 Road Trips Essentials + Free Printable

School’s out for summer! School’s out for-ever! We are counting down the last few days of school and kids have been asking for weeks what our plans are. What can we do, what can we see, who can come with us. It’s prime ROAD TRIP time. Whether is almost summer or middle of the winter, everyone loves a good road trip, but if you want your road trip to be a successful adventure, you need to make sure you have all the road trip essentials. That’s why I made you all this list and free road trip essentials printable…you’re welcome

Now that you have all the road trip essentials, where will your next road trip be?  The beach?  The mountains?  A friend’s house?  No matter where we seem to go, the kids always make sure I have RITZ Crisp & Thins in the car.  It’s their (and my) favorite snack because they are so light yet full of flavor…no dips needed!  Plus, they are always coming out with new flavors to try.

Here are 20 Road Trip Essentials that you will need for your next adventure:

1. License, Registration, Insurance Card and contact #s – Obvious, yes, but do NOT leave home without them.
2. Car Manual – Just in case!
3. Spare Tire – We hope you don’t have to use it, but if you do, you will want it.  And don’t forget to check that it’s in good condition.
4. Roadside Emergency Kit – Look to make sure it includes a Swiss Army Knife or a multi-tool.
5. First Aid Kit – You want to make sure you have the basics such a band-aids, antiseptic, etc. Be sure to toss in some  Dramamine (motion sickness pills) and pain relievers (ibuprofen etc).
6. Paper Maps/Maps.Me App – Just in case you lose cell service! Maps.Me is a free app that lets you download detailed maps which can be used offline and without mobile service and acts as GPS.
7. Phone chargers/USB cord – Again, an obvious, but don’t leave without them!
8. Money – We all may rely on our phones and credit cards, but money works on tolls, parking meters and other place that doesn’t accept credit cards
9. Flashlight – Gotta be safe.  If you break down at night, a flash light is a must.
10. Large Water Bottles/Reusable Bottles/Travel Mug – You are going to want something to drink! And be sure to have a few extra bottles of water just in case you get stranded.
11. Snacks – Snacks are a must.  Hunger strikes at any time, and not always when a fast food place is 5 minutes away.  We always have some protein (nuts, beef jerky etc) and RITZ Crisp & Thins.  Our current favorite varieties are Barbecue and Cheddar.  They are so light and crunchy and I can always find them at Walmart when I can grabbing my other road trip essentials.
12. Boredom Busters – Magazine, mad libs, a good book, travel games
13. Sunglasses – You can totally survive without them, but you will be happier with them.
14. Travel Pillow – Keep your travel companions comfy.
15. Hand sanitizer – Well, for everything you touch outside of the car.
16. Mints – My dad swears that mints help him stay alert while driving.  Plus, there is nothing wrong with fresh breath
17. Wet wipes or Baby wipes  – These are perfect to clean your hands after snacks or cleaning up small spills.
18. Trash Bags – A simple plastic grocery bag will do, you don’t want to have trash all over the car.
19. Pen and paper – You never know when you will need it.
20. Bug Spray & Sunscreen

Ice Scraper if you are traveling somewhere cold, or during the winter in somewhere other than Florida

Don’t forget to snag the printable too, in fact, print a few copies now and toss one in each car now so that you can refer to as needed and use the Notes section to jot anything down that I may have missed. Oh, and be sure to tell me too, that way I can add it to my list!

And if you are heading out on a road trip, wouldn’t some extra money to helpful? Honestly,isn’t a little extra money good at any time? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Good thing I have a Walmart gift card giveaway for you to enter!

What you can win:
One (1) $200 Walmart Gift Card (Grand Prize)
One (1) of Six (6) $50 Walmart Gift Cards

When you can win:
Enter now through June 13, 2019

How you can win:

RITZ Crisp & Thins Summertime Sweepstakes

I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the seven (7) winning prizes.

What are some of your Road Trip Essentials?

Be sure to follow Having Fun Saving & Cooking on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

Safe travels!

The post 20 Road Trips Essentials + Free Printable appeared first on Food Wine Sunshine.

      

Summer Cucumber Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing

Summer is in full effect here in Florida. The temperature in my Jeep today read 105 degrees. That’s hot. That means when I’m creating in the kitchen right now, I am loving the easy dishes that can be served cold and are loaded with flavor. We love to spend time at the pool, going on bike trails, camping and hanging with friends, so packing a picnic is a pretty common occurrence for us.

And of course I can’t just pack plain ole sandwiches and bags of chips! What fun is that?! None! My spicy chicken salad sandwiches were a hit at our last picnic, and I wanted to create a fresh salad that could along with us.

A salad with crunch, a bit of a kick (because you all know I like it a bit spicy), it had to be easily transported to wherever we were going and it needed to still taste great by the time we got there. No one likes a soggy salad.

So I grabbed some of my favorite produce, cucumbers and sweet peppers, from the refrigerator and started slicing. Of course I made a homemade salad dressing to go with it. Because homemade salad dressings are so easy to make and taste way better than anything you can buy in the store. Have you tried my Mint & Peach Vinaigrette yet? O-M-G, what are you waiting for?! Peaches are in season right now too!

Ok, back to this cucumber and pepper deliciousness. I love this Cucumber and Sweet Pepper Salad because you can have it ready in under 10 minutes, and the more you let it marinate in the spicy dressing, the more flavorful it becomes. Leftovers are AH-MAZING.

For this Spicy Cucumber Salad you only need a few staple ingredients, and you may have all of them in your pantry and refrigerator right now. If you are growing cilantro at home, grab some from the garden and let’s make this crisp and healthy salad!

Here is what you need to make my Spicy Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad:
2 english cucumbers, halve lengthwise and sliced
1 cup sliced. mini sweet peppers – about 5 peppers
1/4 cup sweet onion, chopped
1/3 cup cilantro

For the spicy salad dressing you need:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, approx 1/2 large lime
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon CK Mondavi and Family Sauvignon Blanc

Easy enough right? I recommend chilling that bottle of CK Mondavi and Family wine and bringing it with you on your picnic because it pairs perfectly with the bite of this fresh cucumber salad. CK Mondavi and Family Sauvignon Blanc has beautiful clarity and offers subtle aromas of lemon, kiwi and herbaceous notes. This medium-bodied wine is filled with grapefruit and citrus flavors and ends with a crisp, refreshing finish which makes it a delightful pair to my summer salad, and the herbaceous notes pair well the fresh cilantro and the heat of the red pepper flakes. You can learn more about wine pairings here. I love a glass of Sauvignon Blanc when it’s warm outside, which it is here in Florida about 80% of the year Sauvignon Blanc is dry, crisp and refreshing, serve it chilled and serve it often.

Now, here is my Summer Cucumber Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this Summer Cucumber Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing as much as we do!

This crisp and fresh salad is the perfect addition for your next gathering or picnic.

Speaking of picnic, who would like to have one in NAPA VALLEY?  ME, ME, ME!!!  Well, right now you have the chance to win a trip to Napa Valley to play bocce with the Mondavi Family!  I have heard that they are pretty competitive though, so you better start brushing up on your skills now

Enter for a chance to WIN A TRIP TO NAPA VALLEY to play bocce with the Mondavis

If you win, will you take me with you??  I can’t wait to get back to Napa again!  My husband and I went a few years ago and just fell in love with the scenery…well, and the wines

Looking for another delicious fresh salad recipe?

Fresh Corn Salad with Cucumbers and Red Peppers

Actually, this fresh corn salad would be delicious with the spicy vinaigrette dressing I made for my cucumber salad!  Oh, I’ll definitely have to try that next.

What is one of your favorite salads to bring to a picnic?

Learn more about CK Mondavi and Family by checking them out online, and following on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

In fact, be sure to check out all my recipes and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

The post Summer Cucumber Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette Dressing appeared first on Food Wine Sunshine.

      

2019 Florida 529 Savings Plan Promo – Free $50!

My kids are so ready for summer. I am too. A few months ago I made us reservations at the Fort Wilderness Campground over in Disney for Mother’s Day weekend, and I had every intention of letting the kids skip school on Monday. They have been doing so much testing I thought it would be a well-deserved break…for all of us.

Then my son told me he had his Math final exam. It’s a two day exam, and of course he can’t miss it. So I woke up with him before 6 a.m. and we made the drive back home so he could make it to his exam. The day that was supposed to be a relaxation day for all of us was instead an earlier than normal day, a studying in the car before 6:30 a.m. day. We made it to school 5 minutes before the late bell, but we made it!  We are SO ready for school to be done, the kids keep saying that they need a brain break

BUT, before summer consumes your thoughts and dreams too, I wanted to let you know about a limited time Florida 529 Savings Plan Promo. Get started on saving for the future now and get up to $50 free…then let your mind drift away to warm summer thoughts!

I know I was just talking to you all about Florida Prepaid College Plans, so let me tell you some of differences between a Florida Prepaid College Plan and a Florida 529 Savings Plan.

Both college savings plans are available from Florida Prepaid College Plans, but the Florida 529 Savings Plan is known for more flexibility. Florida 529 Savings Plan can be opened at any time of the year, at any student age, and can be used on any qualified educational expenses. There is also no minimum contribution to get started and you can contribute as much and as often as you like. Florida 529 Savings Plan are not guaranteed by the state of Florida, there is a degree of risk varies based on the investment options selected (investments can, of course fluctuate based on the market), but it’s a wonderful option for families as it allows you to save at your own pace for college, and choose your investment options. Again, a Florida 529 Savings Plan offers you flexibility.

Learn more about the difference between a Florida 529 Savings Plan and a Florida Prepaid College Plan.

You may also want to know that you can have a Florida Prepaid College Plan AND a Florida 529 Savings Plan. They actually work great together. For example, a Prepaid Plan will cover tuition and other specified fees. Pair it with a Savings Plan to pay for books, a computer, room and board, and other Qualified Higher Education Expenses.

I actually opened a 529 Savings Plan for my niece for Christmas last year. By opening a 529 Savings Plan, I can donate to it whenever I can, my brother and sister-in-law can contribute whenever they can, and they can also have other friends and family contribute. My brother is already impressed with how well the investment is performing.

Now that you know a bit more about Florida 529 Savings Plan, let me tell you about the Florida 529 Savings Plan Promo.

Here are the Florida 529 Savings Plan Promo details:

• If you open a Florida 529 Savings Plan from now through May 29, Florida Prepaid will seed your account with $25.
• If you set up an automatic monthly contribution of $25 or more, they will add another $25 into your account.

See how easy that is? But you have to HURRY. This Florida 529 Savings Plan Promotion is only good until May 29th! Don’t miss out on getting up to $50 FREE!

Jump-start your savings with up to $50 for FREE.

Learn more about Florida Prepaid College Plans online and feel free to follow Florida Prepaid College Plans on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment but get tips on college and more.

Be sure to follow Having Fun Saving & Cooking on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

*Funds earned will be deposited directly into your Florida 529 Savings Plan account by August 30, 2019. The Florida 529 Savings Plan is an investment plan that may be used to set aside funds for future higher education and certain K-12 education expenses. Funds may be used tax-free to pay for any qualified higher education expense nationwide.

*Savings Plans are not guaranteed, so the value of your investment is subject to market fluctuations. For specific information about your tax situation, please consult an investment adviser or certified public accountant.

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Anastasia The Broadway Musical Review

My daughter is 11 and absolutely loves to be my date when she can. I love that she wants to spend time with me still, and I love that she has taken an interest in LIVE performances. You know, the performances that you can’t just hit PAUSE on, or the ones that require you to look away from your phone, in fact, they require that you shut your phone OFF. What a novel idea?! Broadway shows have the magical ability to make you feel like you are part of the show, in the story, and Anastasia did just that.

From the moment that Anastasia started at the Straz Center here in Tampa, we felt like we were part of the royal family. That being said, Anastasia is indeed a family-friendly performance, with one or two “make-out” scenes that will have the audience laughing and had my daughter blushing just a tad. The sets and costumes are absolutely stunning! You may be familiar with some of the music, which is great because it’s amazing, but if you aren’t (like Sadie and I) will you fall in love with each number.

We loved watching Anastasia grow up in the 1920s and find out who she is, all while traveling from the Russian Empire to Paris, with the help of two unlikely cons, who eventually become her close friends.  I LOVED seeing the Paris sets, I actually just got back a couple months ago and I felt like I was walking along the Seine River, gazing at the Eiffel Tower and seeing the Arc de Triomphe all over again!

No spoilers here my friends, there may be many of you that know this story, but I would also venture to guess that Sadie and I aren’t the only two out there that didn’t know much at all.

The musical is inspired by 20th Century Fox’s 1997 animated film and the 1956 movie starring Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner.  ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award® winner Darko Tresnjak.

And if you want to fall in love with Anastasia and her journey just like we did, you will want to make sure you get your tickets to the Straz Center quickly. It was completely packed last night when we went, and the show ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

You can see Anastasia at the Straz Center for Performing Arts here in Tampa from May 07, 2019 – May 12, 2019.

Straz Center Tampa Address:

• 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place Tampa, FL 33602

Get your Straz Center Tickets

And to my beautiful daughter, these are the lessons that I hope you learned from Anastasia The Broadway Musical:

May you always be strong

May you believe in yourself when you feel like you have nothing else

May you always look ahead to the future

May you learn from your past

May you never forget your past

May you have friends that will always be by your side and make you smile

May you always follow your heart

May you know that your family is always with you

What is one of your favorite performances that you have seen at the Straz Center?

Stay up to date with all the happenings at the Straz by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Be sure to check out Having Fun Saving & Cooking on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram for more things to do in Florida, healthy recipes, and more.

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Fresh Corn Salad with Cucumbers and Red Peppers

I love fresh corn! Corn on the cob is crunchy, juicy and has such a sweet flavor. Corn is the ultimate side dish for just about anything you BBQ. Eating fresh corn is like biting into tiny little bubbles of deliciousness! So, why limit that deliciousness to just eating corn on the cob?! My daughter and I went to visit a friend of mine for the weekend and she made this Fresh Corn Salad. My daughter immediately asked for the recipe, and when one of your kids is asking for a recipe that is 100% vegetables, you get pretty excited. So, my little lady wrote down the recipe and we have since made it at home on several occasions. The whole family loves this fresh corn salad recipe, and I love that it’s not only easy to make, but that it makes a lot, so we can enjoy leftovers all weekend long. In fact,since this fresh corn salad recipe with cucumber and red pepper does make a lot, it makes for the perfect side to bring to parties or picnics.

I did use a store bought Vinaigrette Dressing in this recipe, but when I make this salad next weekend I am actually going to pair it with my homemade Peach Vinaigrette Dressing, I think it will be perfect!

For this Corn Salad recipe, you only need 5 ingredients and about 15 – 20 minutes. What takes the most amount of time is cooking the corn and dicing the veggies. If you have a chopper or dicer, that is a huge time-saver. I have the Alligator Chopper and I love it, everything comes out the perfect size.

What you need to make this Fresh Corn Salad:

1. 6 ears of corn
2. 1 english cucumber
3. 1 red bell pepper
4. 1 small sweet onion
5. 1/4 cup Blush Wine Vinaigrette Dressing – I used Brianna’s,and next time I am going to make my own!

And to make it, you simply put all prepared ingredients into a large bowl and gently stir.

I told you it was easy

Here is my Fresh Corn Salad with Red Peppers and Cucumbers Recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

I hope you enjoy this Fresh Corn Salad with Cucumbers and Red Peppers as much as we do!

This fresh salad recipe actually makes quite a bit, so it’s perfect to feed a crowd, or the leftovers are perfect for a few days! It is by far one of my family’s favorite salad recipes.

Looking for another delicious salad recipe?

You have got to try my Grilled Peach Salad with Bacon, Sweet Onions and Goat Cheese.

Be sure to check out all the recipes on Having Fun Saving & Cooking and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

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This Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with Grapes is healthy, delicious, loaded with flavors and easy to make. While this post is sponsored by Silver Spring Foods, all opinions and the scrumptious recipe are my own.

Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with Grapes

There is nothing quite like an easy meal or having a meal prepped and ready to go on a nice Summer day. The quicker the meal, the quicker you can go back to enjoying time outside. And isn’t that what summer is all about? Enjoying time with friends, family, or just by yourself enjoying the outdoors and sunshine.

So, today I have a simply delicious recipe to share with you all so that you can get back to enjoying the weather One of my favorite things about this Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad is that it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, serve it up on a nice brioche bun, on top of a beautiful bed of baby greens, with crackers, or just grab a fork and dig in! Since this Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with grapes can be prepped ahead of time, it also makes for a delicious dish to pack and bring along on a picnic or to the beach.

If you read the blog on a regular basis, it’s no surprise to you that I made a spicy dish. My family and I love a bit of heat in just about every recipe, not overpowering though, just enough to give the recipe a little ZING. A little kick. I added grapes to my Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad recipe too, they are the perfect balance to the jalapenos, making this chicken salad a bit spicy, a bit sweet, full of crunchy  textures, and jam packed with flavor. Did I mention it’s healthy too? That’s a huge WIN in my book!

Here’s what you are going to need to make this Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad, you may have all the ingredients at home right now.

• 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken, meat pulled off and shredded
• 4 celery sticks – approx 1 cup, diced
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno – seeds removed, diced
• 1/2 cup red grapes – quartered
• 2 tablespoon Silver Spring Foods Jalapeno Mustard
• 1/2 cup mayo – I used light

I used a rotisserie chicken because it was easy, but you could definitely grill, bake or crock pot a pound or so of chicken and use that if you prefer.

I used Silver Spring Foods Jalapeno Mustard because it was the perfect way to add that heat and zing to this chicken salad without a lot of effort on my part, they did the work of making a delicious mustard so we don’t have to…we get to just enjoy it!  You may be familiar with Silver Spring Foods due to my Tangy Cranberry Wings recipe,  but I wanted to point out that they are Family-owned, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish and they also have specialty mustards and sauces.  Making Silver Spring Foods an obvious choice for this recipe and more.

Now, are you ready for your new favorite chicken salad recipe? Good, because I am about to go make myself a sandwich that’s loaded with this Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with grapes

Here is my Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with grapes recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It because you are going to want to make it again…and your friends are going to ask for the recipe.

I hope you enjoy this Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with Grapes as much as we do!

You see how easy it was to add a fun twist to a traditional chicken salad recipe? Give your spring and summer recipes a twist by adding Silver Spring Jalapeno Mustard – it’s a quick and easy way to spice up your favorite meals all season long.

Looking to add a bit of zing to your cooking? Be sure to follow Silver Spring Foods on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

While you are at it, check out all the recipes on Having Fun Saving & Cooking and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google + and Instagram.

The post Spicy Mustard Chicken Salad with Grapes appeared first on Food Wine Sunshine.

      

What Is Florida Prepaid College Plans?

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Florida Prepaid College Plans Promo Code

If you have a child in your life, you have thought about the future. You have thought about schools and colleges. You have thought about how you were going to pay for college. And if you are a Florida resident, you should have thought about Florida Prepaid College Plans.

Actually, if you are a Florida resident you should do more than just think about Florida Prepaid College Plans, you should look into them. And the sooner the better.

What is Florida Prepaid College Plans?

Florida Prepaid College Plans allows you to lock in college pricing today. That means you actually can lock in college pricing for when your child attends college in 2030…or any year in between…or before or after.

You can open a Florida Prepaid College Plan at just about anytime in your child’s life (as long as it’s during open enrollment), and the sooner you start the better. Once you enroll in a Florida Prepaid College Plan, this gives you the ability to lock in your child’s college prices and it gives you peace of mind that you are on your way to saving for the future.  Use open enrollment code SAVING19 to save on your application fee.

Florida Prepaid College Plans has a variety of plans available, from everything from a 1-year plan to a 4-year plan. This means that Florida Prepaid College Plans has a plan that can work with your budget. Plan prices start as low as $47/month!

How is Florida Prepaid Plans pricing lower than what it will be when my child goes to college?

Florida Prepaid College Plan prices are lower than what college is expected to cost in the future. Plan payments are invested to make up the difference.

What if college tuition pricing goes up or down? What happens to the prepaid plan you bought?

Florida Prepaid pays the actual cost of college in the future, even if it is higher than what was projected, and the benefit you receive from a plan will never be less than the price you pay for it – you cannot lose money.

You can NOT lose your money.

Even if your child gets a scholarship.

Even if your child decides to not to go college.

So, what is Florida Prepaid College Plans?

It is a guaranteed investment in your child’s future.

There aren’t many things out there that are a guaranteed investment, in fact, I really can’t think of one. Besides the two prepaid plans I have for our kids.

Yes, I have plans for both my kids and they are both paid in full. I remember opening our first one about 13 years ago and while it was difficult trying to figure out how we were going to afford the payments, those payments are a lot less than the payment we would have had if we waited.

Don’t wait a moment longer, this is an easy decision to make, but you are running out of time.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment ends on April 30th.

Use Florida Prepaid Plans Open Enrollment Promo Code SAVING19 to save $30 on your application fee, that is over half off!

That means you only have a few more days to lock in the pricing.

Use Florida Prepaid College Plans Promo Code SAVING19 to save on your application fee.

Starting is Believing.

Learn more about online and feel free to follow Florida Prepaid on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to stay up to date with information on open enrollment but get tips on college and more.

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