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How To Use Your Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan

February 3rd, 2021January 25th, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is happening now. Discover the different plan options, pricing and exactly how to Use Your Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan Promo Code

How To Use Your Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan

Open Enrollment for Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans started this week. That means now is the perfect time to start researching the different prepaid savings plan options, educating yourself on how your child will use your selected Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan, and to start planning.

Start planning for the future. Because let me tell ya…it comes quick.

I remember when my husband and I opened a Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan for our son.

Almost 16 years ago.

How To Use Florida Prepaid College Plans

Why did we open a Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan?

Florida Prepaid started helping families plan for their children’s education in 1988, it’s actually the first 529 Prepaid College Plan in the nation. So, it was a company that we could trust with our investment. In fact, our investment (and yours) is guaranteed by the State of Florida. What does that mean? It means that you will not lose your money. Ever.

There was a variety of Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans available, from a 2-year prepaid plan to a 4-year prepaid plan. We were able to pick the 529 Prepaid College Plan that worked with our budget. Right now, you can actually open a Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan for under $35 per month.

We learned that even if Steven decided to give himself a year or two off before starting college, or if he got a scholarship, or if he got Bright Futures, or if he decided to go to school out of state, he would still be able to use his Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan.

We locked in the future cost of his tuition. We locked in his future with one simple phone call during Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan Open Enrollment. You can enroll for a Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan in just minutes, online or with a phone call. And right now, you can use code TRACY2021 to save $50 on your application fee, that means you can enroll for free.

That future we planned for isn’t all that far away now.

That means I am currently researching exactly how Steven will use his Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan.

What happens when he starts college? How does Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans actually cover his tuition?

Well, it turns out it’s a lot easier than I expected!

How To Use Your Florida Prepaid College Plan

When Steven is ready to start college for the first time he will receive a First Time In College notification in the spring of his college enrollment year from Florida Prepaid. This notification will give us basic information about how to use plan benefits and explain what to expect during the college enrollment process.

Payments to a Florida College or State University are automatic. That’s huge for me! Hello….one less thing to worry about…YES!

The school that Steven attends will bill Florida Prepaid directly each semester for the tuition and fees covered by our plan. Payment is issued by Florida Prepaid directly to the school.

If Steven (or your child) decides to attend a private or out-of-state institution (or even a school out of the country) we will have to complete a Transfer Authorization request before the Plan benefits will be paid. The Transfer Authorization includes additional details about how these schools are paid. Some institutions may request information about your Prepaid Plan or request a Student Identification (ID) Card when you register and pay for classes. Account information and Student ID Cards are available for print within your online account. Again, easy peasy. Thank you Florida Prepaid.

So, how do you use your Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan?

Florida Prepaid sends you all the details when the time comes, they get the bills, we just have to sit back and be thankful we opened a Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan. And miss our baby…who isn’t much of a baby anymore 😉

How To Use Florida 529 Prepaid College Plans

If you still have questions about Florida Prepaid, be sure to give them a call! The Florida Prepaid College Plans phone number is 1-800-552-4723. You can also check out these Florida Prepaid FAQs. I also welcome your questions! As a satisfied customer, I definitely know a thing or two about the plans and am happy to help you in any way I can. We actually have plans for our son and our daughter, so I have been through Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment and successfully paying off our Prepaid Plans twice now 🙂

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is now through April 30th.

How To Use Your Florida 529 Prepaid College Plan

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 Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more helpful tips, things to do in Florida, and family fun.

5 Sensational Strawberry Smoothies

February 2nd, 2021February 17th, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Strawberries are sweet and are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, making them an excellent addition to your smoothie recipes. Here are sensational strawberry protein smoothies you must try at home.

5 Sensational Strawberry Smoothies

If you know me you know that I love starting my day off with a good smoothie. I always make sure to incorporate both fruits and vegetables into mine to help me ensure I am getting my daily nutrition in!

I wanted to compile a few of my favorite Strawberry Smoothies from the blog so you have one easy place to find all of these tasty and healthy smoothie recipes! Better yet, I wanted to include some great benefits that can help you feel great about creating these Strawberry Smoothie recipes at home!

Healthy Benefits of Strawberries

Not only are these little red juicy berries super flavorful, but they are an awesome little power fruit that can help protect your heart! Strawberries are loaded with potassium which can help protect against heart disease. They are also packed with Vitamin C which has a nutrient that can help reduce certain stress.

Strawberries are also loaded with Fiber which we all know is great for your digestive system. Eating high fiber fruits and vegetables help fight against diseases such as colon cancer and constipation!

Another amazing benefit is that strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C which most of us know is great for boosting our immunity and helping to fight off common colds and flu. Just 1 cup of strawberries contains 100% of your daily intake of Vitamin C.

When are Strawberries In Season?

Well I live in Florida, and here our prime season is between December and March. Exact prime time differs from year to year since the weather plays a huge role in the quality of the crops. But the peak season for most of North America is generally between April and June. Learn more about Florida Agriculture and when produce is in season in Florida.

Fresh Vs Frozen Strawberries In Smoothies

I love fresh strawberries, especially since I can usually find a great selection of in season berries. But I definitely use frozen strawberries, too! For some of the recipes if you are using frozen strawberries, just use less ice since the frozen strawberries will already help give you the consistency you are looking for in a smoothie.

Here are 5 Strawberry Smoothie Recipes you have to try:

Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

Talk about a nutrient rich smoothie, this Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie is packed with the good stuff. Naturally sweet thanks to the carrots and strawberries, this protein smoothie will help you feel fuller for longer.

Strawberry Apple Green Smoothie

I love this Strawberry Apple Green Smoothie, it’s only one of the most popular protein smoothies here on the blog. Here you can start your day with some fruit and vegetables to help you get in valuable nutrients as well as feel great. The addition of the apple and strawberries makes it just sweet enough to enjoy.

Beet Carrot Strawberry Smoothie

This Beet Carrot Strawberry Smoothie has more vegetable to fruit ratio but does not lack in the flavor. A splash of coconut water helps you to rehydrate and feel great. Strawberries make it sweet and the addition of beets gives you a serving of superfoods.

Avocado Strawberry Protein Smoothie

This Avocado Strawberry Protein Smoothie combines avocados and strawberries that blends together smoothly making this an easy drinker. This strawberry protein shake has Greek yogurt for a little extra protein for your day.

Strawberry Blackberry Sweet Potato Smoothie

Sweet potato in a smoothie? Yes! And they are a great addition especially to ease inflammation in your body. Throw those tasty little strawberries in there for a fun, tasty, and healthy protein smoothie.

Do you like to add strawberries to your smoothies? What is one of your favorite strawberry smoothie combinations?

You can find more smoothie recipes in my Smoothie eBook.

Make sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more healthy living tips, healthy recipes, things to do and more.

Top Reasons To Stay On Disney Property

February 1st, 2021February 1st, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Here are four main reasons you should stay on Disney Property during your Walt Disney World vacation, even if you choose a non Disney hotel.

Top Reasons To Stay On Disney Property

When you plan your Walt Disney World vacation, you are faced with one very important decision before all others. Where to stay? The question is multifaceted, but it hinges on one key factor. Do you stay on or off property. Now, off property is cheaper, but it is also a very different kind of Disney World vacation that what you would have if you stayed on property; even at a cheaper non Disney hotel like Hilton, or Best Western. There are four main reasons you should stay on Disney Property.

Reasons To Stay On Disney Property

Save Time

When you stay on Property you save much needed time. The property is huge, so there are even on property places where you can stay that will cost you a bit of time. It’s far worse when you stay off property. The parks and resorts are sprawled out around a 47 square mile patch of Disney paradise. Driving, or taking a shuttle across it all is eating up time you could be enjoying in the parks. Or relaxing poolside.

Total Immersion

When you stay on Disney Property it stands to reason that you will be surrounded by Disney. That’s not a bad thing. I’m not referring to a constant barrage of characters and confetti. It’s a carefully constructed themed environment with lots of beauty and fun details to soak in. There is Disney in everything, so an any moment you are able to maintain that vacation mode. When you stay off property, you are constantly having to readjust your mindset. You’re enter and exit Disney World Daily, which is not the intended Disney World experience. Leaving Disney property at the end of a fun and exciting day can be particularly jarring.

The Park Perks

Disney offers perks to those who stay on Disney property and they go a long way to getting you more value out of your park days. To start with, you can make Fastpass+ selections 30 days before guests who stay off property. When it comes to the newest, most popular rides, that can be the difference between riding and not riding. Disney also offers Extra Magic Hours to guests who stay on Disney property. On select days each park has additional hours of operation either before or after the park closes. Extra Magic Hours is a great way for on-property guests to squeeze more fun out of their day. Yet another perk you get for staying on property is a free MagicBand.

Free Transit

When you stay on Disney property you do not have to drive anywhere. Disney provides all the transportation you need for free, plus faster more convenient transportation for a price. The free transportation is a major perk and it’s one that gets better, the better your on property resort is. Deluxe Hotels tend to have the most convenient locations and the best modes of transportation. Besides the Disney bus system which goes everywhere, they have launch boats to take them to the parks, and in some cases monorails. Some Disney hotels are even close enough to your favorite parks where you can walk! We love staying at the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin for that exact reason. We can walk to Hollywood Studios and Epcot from all of those hotels on Disney property.

By staying on property at. a Disney owned resort, you also have complimentary shuttle service to your hotel from the airport and back again after you check out.

These are just four of the main reason why staying on Disney property is a magical experience, I know there are many more!

When you go to Disney, what hotel do you prefer to stay at? Do you agree with these top reasons to stay on Disney property?

If you are visiting the parks, be sure to check out the different festivals at Epcot, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is always one of our favorites.

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

The Best Tequila Spritzer + Infused Ice Cubes For Your Tequila

January 26th, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

The best cocktails are made with natural and simple ingredients. Like this Tequila Spritzer Cocktail. Serve this Tequila Spritzer with infused ice cubes for a whole other layer of flavors. While this post is sponsored, my love for cocktails and the cocktail recipe are my own.

The Best Tequila Spritzer + Infused Ice Cube Creations

My husband and I went to Mexico a few months ago for a little rest and relaxation. We spent the weekend sitting on the beach and sipping the world’s best margaritas. And since both of us are usually wine drinkers, ordering margaritas was actually a little nerve-racking for us. But, when in Mexico…

These margaritas were so good you guys! Nothing like the ones I have ordered back here at some of the local restaurants. There were no heavy syrups, they were light, refreshing and so easy to sip and enjoy.

We had to ask how they made these amazing margaritas, we would have to try to recreate them at home. And we were stunned by the answer. The most amazing margaritas were simply good tequila and lime juice. Mixed well, served over ice with a slice of lime.

We honestly didn’t believe it.

No magical mixer, just good tequila and fresh lime juice.

So, when we got home I set out to find a good tequila that would make simple, yet delicious cocktails.

Because sometimes you just need a cocktail. A simple cocktail. A pretty cocktail. A cocktail that is not filled with mixers. A cocktail that is lower in calories, but still tastes good.

Heavy mixers are usually used to hide the flavor of the alcohol. But since the liquor is the most expensive part of our cocktail, why buy a bunch of other cocktail ingredients to mask the flavor?

I got a tequila that will enhance my simple cocktails. I got 21Seeds Tequila.

21Seeds is an all natural, craft infused tequila made with real fruit in three flavors: Cucumber Jalapeno, Grapefruit Hibiscus, and Valencia Orange.

I love orange, so Valencia Orange was first one I grabbed from the local wine and liquor store.

Orange pairs well with basil, berries, cherry, cilantro, cranberry, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, mint, pineapple, pomegranate, rosemary, vanilla, and many other natural flavors, so my cocktail creations were going to be simple and delicious. The sky is the limit!

21Seeds tequila allows me to better-for-me cocktails without sacrificing taste.

In fact, 21Seeds Valencia Orange tequila makes for the simplest spritzer, which is currently my favorite way to enjoy it.

This is all you need to make the best tequila spritzer:

21Seeds Valencia Orange
Infused Ice Cubes
Sparkling Water
Squeeze of lime if desired

It doesn’t get much easier than that.

How do you make infused ice cubes?

It’s so easy! Just take the flavors that you would like your cocktail to be infused with and add then to your ice cube tray, fill with water or sparkling water, freeze and serve when ready.

Why make infused ice cubes for cocktails?

Making flavor infused ice cubes is not only pretty, but will add flavor to your cocktail without watering it down too much. Making them the perfect addition to sipping 21Seeds all-natural Valencia Orange fruit-infused tequila.

Since orange pairs so well with a variety of flavors, your infused ice cube options are pretty open, so feel free to get creative.

I went with rosemary and cranberry infused ice cubes for one tequila cocktail.

Then I created pomegranate and mint infused ice cubes for my other tequila spritzer.

Both were equally amazing.

The infused cubes are all-natural, just like 21Seeds. So, I can feel good sipping my cocktail and when I am serving it to my friends.

Speaking of serving cocktails, here is my version of the Seeds and Soda Cocktail. Be sure to print it and pin it so that you can make it again and again.

Print Recipe

Simple Tequila Spritzer with Infused Ice Cubes

This will soon be your favorite way to enjoy tequila. Simple, refreshing, natural and delicious. Cheers!

Prep Time5

Freeze6

Course: Cocktail

Keyword: cocktails, drinks, tequila

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Equipment

Ice Cube Trays

Ingredients

2 oz 21seeds Valencia Orange Tequila
2 oz sparkling water I used lime

Infused Ice Cubes

Fresh Mint
Pomegrante Seeds
Fresh Rosemary
Cranberries
Water or sparkling water

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Make your infused ice cubes by combining your favorite herbs and fruit with water and freeze overnight in your favorite ice cube tray. I used a whiskey ice cube tray for bigger ice cubes.
When your ice cubes are ready, place 1-2 in your favorite cocktail glass
Pour 2oz chilled 21Seeds Tequila in the glass
Top with 2 oz of sparkling water
Enjoy!

Cheers my friends!

21Seeds all-natural, real fruit-infused tequila is also gluten-free, keto-friendly, non-GMO, lower-ABV (35% vs 40% for most tequilas).

21Seeds was founded by Kat Hantas, whose doctor recommended a switch from fermented spirits (like wine and beer) to distilled spirits (like tequila), for health reasons. She wanted to create a tequila that was as easy to drink and approachable as a glass of wine! She partnered with her sister and best friend to bring 21Seeds to life.

Looking for more simple cocktail recipes?

21seeds Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Ready to start creating simply delicious cocktails at home?

Find 21Seeds near you

Do you like tequila? What is one of your favorite tequila cocktails?

21Seeds is WBENC certified (female-owned and female-run!), and you can follow along on social media at #GirlsCallTheShots – they are made by women, for women, and the men who support them. That’s a vision I know I can get behind and support!

And while you are at it, check out all the cocktail recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow on me Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more FOOD WINE AND SUNSHINE.

Basic Wine Tasting Etiquette In France

January 25th, 2021January 25th, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Wine Tasting in France is an incredible experience; however it is a little different than wine tasting in the US. Follow these tips for Basic Wine Tasting Etiquette In France on your next French Wine Country adventure.

Basic Wine Tasting Etiquette In France

Wine tasting events are a casual business in France. French wine expositions in major cities like Paris and Lyon happen frequently and cost next to nothing. However, the sheer number of winemakers and wine retailers present at a typical wine tasting event can be baffling to a nonlocal, not to mention the potential language and culture barriers. What might seem natural to a native person can be confusing to someone new to wine, wine events, and wine tasting experiences in France. Use these etiquette tips to help you feel more comfortable on your future wine tours or wine vacations in France. These wine tasting etiquette tips are slightly different that than the wine tasting etiquette tips for when tasting here in the United States.

Here are Tips for Wine Tasting Etiquette in France

Patiently Wait for a Turn at the Wine Stand

French wine producers and wine sellers like to take the time to talk about their products with those stop by their stands at a tasting event. Remember that these public wine salons are important business opportunities for them to meet new customers and reconnect with old ones. If a winemaker or retailer in the middle of a conversation with someone, be patient, and wait. Use this time to look at the wines and price lists. These lists can often aid drinkers in deciding on which wines to taste.

Spit or Pour Out Leftover Wine after Each Tasting

When given a wine to taste, most people often drink only a fraction of what they are offered. Even with a just small intake with each wine, the amount of consumption adds up quickly, so one needs to pace oneself. For this reason, wine producers and sellers have buckets available at their stands. Traditionally, tasters do not swallow in France. They taste the wine and spit it out into the buckets. Nowadays, it is common for people at wine tasting events in France to swallow and discard leftover wine in their glass into the buckets.

How to Ask for a Tasting at a French Wine Exposition

Most wine stands have the price list of available products out on the table. Sometimes the list begins with the cheapest wines. Avoid making the mistake of asking to taste the expensive wines right from the start. Some wine producers and wine retailers will flatly refuse unless the request comes from a loyal customer. Tell the winemaker the kind of wine you like or would like to taste. Don’t have a preference? No worries. Ask the winemaker to make a recommendation, and he or she will gladly oblige.

What to Do After a Tasting at a Wine Stand

Some wines will taste good. Others will taste mediocre. Don’t feel obligated to respond to the winemaker’s anticipatory look with compliments. Instead, ask to try a different kind of wine or simply thank him or her and go to the next stand.

Have Fun at Wine Expositions in France

Wine tasting in France can be a remarkable experience and an opportunity to discover wines at little or no cost for connoisseur of wines and novice drinkers alike. Don’t let the culture and/or language barriers discourage. Be open-minded and adventurous and let your taste buds wander down history through wines.

Have you been to France? Have you been wine tasting in France?

Be sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more wine tips, cocktails, healthy recipes, and fun things to do.

Why You Should Camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

January 18th, 2021February 23rd, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

In true Disney fashion, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is the ultimate wilderness camping resort in Florida. Here are 14 Reasons Why You Should Camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.

Why You Should Camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a relaxing escape from the theme parks. Guests ride horses and wagons, enjoy campfires with Disney characters, and rent boats. Walt Disney World provides its resort guests with accommodations and recreational activities to appeal to every taste. Disney guests who enjoy playing in the great outdoors, unfettered by a strict theme park touring itinerary, might consider spending time at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Fort Wilderness, which opened in 1971, is Walt Disney World’s relaxing, rustic playground.

Not only does Disney’s Fort Wilderness offer camping sites for tents, trailers, and RVs (including pet-friendly sites) and freestanding cabins for families who desire “rustic luxury,” the resort offers 750 acres for outdoor recreational and entertainment activities. These activities, open to all Disney resort guests, offer alternatives to spending the entire day in one of the theme parks, making them ideal for rest days or half-days.

Camping is more than a pastime – it’s a family bonding experience. When you leave your busy life behind for a weekend (or longer) surrounded by nature, you have an opportunity to unwind and connect with the people around you. Spending days without all of your modern luxuries keeps some families from trying out a camping trip. For those still on the fence about planning a camping, Walt Disney World in Orlando has the ultimate solution: Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. We have been camping at Fort Wilderness for over 30 years now and I can honestly say that we still haven’t seen and done everything the campground has to offer. Fort Wilderness is just an 1.5 hour drive for us from Tampa, so we love jumping in the RV for a fun Disney camping adventure whenever we can.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness is located on over 700 acres and has over 750 campsites that are loaded with amenities and activities, but you’ll still feel like you’re camping when you’re there. With so many fun things to do on-site, you won’t regret your decision to camp in style. Now, you can visit Disney and still get lost in the woods!

If you are planning a visit to Disney’s Fort Wilderness during the holidays, it is a truly magical time! So many decorate and get into the holiday spirit, learn more about the holiday activities at Fort Wilderness Campground.

Here are 15 Reasons Why You Should Camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

First Class Comfort Stations

Worried about gross bathrooms when camping? In true Disney fashion, the Comfort Stations throughout Fort Wilderness are above and beyond what you would normally expect from a campground. Fort Wilderness has 15 comfort stations scattered around the campsite, each featuring bathrooms with showers, sinks, and toilets. And they are always clean! You’ll also be able to do your laundry and get resort information at these facilities. There’s always one nearby.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-Long

What’s a camping trip without some singing around a campfire? The Chip ‘n’ Dale Sing-a-Long and marshmallow roast, held next to the Meadow Swimming Pool, starts after dark. It begins with a campfire sing-a-long led by Chip and Dale before showing a Disney movie or two (depending on the season). Guests can purchase s’ mores kits (or bring their own) as well as hot dogs, popcorn, and candy. In inclement weather, the event is held indoors. Every night, you and your family can roast marshmallows and belt out some tunes with a guitar-playing cowboy. Afterwards, you can watch an outdoor movie screening with other guests. With Chip and Dale as your hosts, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a character experience at Walt Disney World.

Two Resort-Style Swimming Pools

Like the other Disney resorts, Fort Wilderness has pools for guests to use. Meadow Swimmin’ Pool comes with a waterslide, whirlpool, and kiddie pool for your youngest travel companions. If you’re seeking something truly relaxing, head over to Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool. This “quiet pool” welcomes guests of all ages and has its own whirlpool, but offers a more peaceful atmosphere for tired parents.

Multiple Playgrounds & Basketball Courts

You will find playgrounds and basketball courts throughout the campground to keep the little campers and the big campers having fun outdoors.

You Can Save Money on Your Disney Vacation

If the high cost of a trip to Disney World is what’s keeping you from buying your park tickets, camping at Fort Wilderness may be the trick to making it a bit more affordable. Each campsite can sleep up to 10 adults, and even the smallest one can fit a pop-up camper or camper van and two tents. With rates starting at under $100/night, visiting Disney may not be out of your budget after all, especially if you bring some friends along to split the cost! You can also save money by cooking meals at your campsite.

Cook On Site or Eat at a Restaurant

Despite being on a campground, you won’t have to cook every meal yourself. For a sit-down dining experience, visit Trail’s End Restaurant. Otherwise, you can grab a bite from the food truck, a drink from Crockett’s Tavern, or some Southern takeout. If you’d rather cook your own meals, utilize the on-site charcoal grill and picnic table at each campsite. Save precious luggage space by not overstuffing your bags with food – you likely won’t need it all!

The Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue

This is actually the longest running live show in Disney World! And can you believe that I have never seen it?! The only reason is because it takes reservations and it’s always full by the time we decide to go. So make sure to make reservations in advance. The The Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue is located at Pioneer Hall. Kids and adults will enjoy the lively skits, sing-a-longs, Vaudeville comedy and dancing. Included with your ticket price is all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, salad and strawberry shortcake. Beer, wine and sangria is also included. There are three seating tiers, each at a different price point.

Great Seats For The Magic Kingdom Fireworks

If you head down to the marina and beach area on the nights that the Magic Kingdom does their incredible fireworks show, you can a great view!

It’s Pet Friendly

Your dog can join you on your Fort Wilderness adventure if you’re staying in an RV! Take them for a leashed walk on the trails or let them run around freely at Waggin’ Tails Dog Park. When it’s time to visit the parks, bring your dog to the on-site kennel. To learn more about Fort Wilderness’ pet policy, visit the resort’s homepage.

Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Meet Cinderella’s ponies at Tri-D-Circle Ranch, the horse stable at Fort Wilderness. Located near Pioneer Hall, the ranch is the center for equine-related activities and home to Walt Disney World’s horses. The Horse Barn is a working blacksmith shop that outfits the horses that work on Magic Kingdom’s Main Street. Here, you can take a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride, ride one of the resident horses, and watch a blacksmith at work. You can take a 45-minutes guided trail ride through the woods on horseback. The trails are gentle as are the horses; riders need not have much experience, although they do need to be 9 years and older, at least 48″ tall, and weigh less than 250 pounds. For children 2 years and older and 80 pounds and under, the ranch also offers pony rides with an adult at the lead. If your trip to Disney World aligns with the winter holidays, you can even take a sleigh ride!

Archery Lessons

Archery lessons on the campgrounds aren’t just for kids – any guest over 7 years old can learn how to shoot an arrow! After a short lesson, you’ll get to practice some target shooting during this 75-minute-long activity. Since the 10 daily spots book up quickly, reserve yours as soon as possible.

You Can Rent Sporting Equipment

Guests can enjoy the sandy beach of Bay Lack. You can take a self-guided kayak or canoe tour in the nearby waters. If you plan on spending time by the marina, consider renting a powerboat, too! Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and other watercraft are all available for rental. The marina also rents pontoon and canopy boats, and specialty cruises, and 2-hour guided fishing excursions for up to 4 people (catch and release only). Dockside fishing is also available, with no reservations required.

Fort Wilderness has a bike trail, but it’s okay if you didn’t bring your own bike! Thankfully, you can rent one from the Bike Barn instead of hauling one to your campsite. Bike rentals, or guests with their own rides, can travel the .75 mile path between Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or explore the many roads of the resort.

You can also rent golf carts, this is a great way to explore the massive grounds and check out all the other campsites.

Fort Wilderness also has 2 lighted cement tennis courts for guests who bring their own equipment. There are also 2 swimming pools, with pool games, volleyball, a shuffleboard court, and horseshoes.

Have Fun at the Arcade

Every Walt Disney World resort has an arcade on-site, and that includes the campgrounds at Fort Wilderness. When your kids get bored of roasting marshmallows and exploring nature, bring them to Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade by Meadow Swimmin’ Pool. On a hot day, it’ll feel amazing to spend some time inside!

Watch The Electrical Water Pageant

The water parade, which depicts mythical sea creatures illuminated by thousands of lights synchronized to music, floats by Fort Wilderness beach and marina at approximately 9:45 p.m. (subject to scheduling changes).

Rent A Cabin

Don’t feel like bring our own camper or tent? No problem, Disney has you covered. There are over 400 air-conditioned cabins available to rent.

When you camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, you don’t have to sacrifice modern amenities to get in touch with your surroundings. Instead, you’ll get the best of both the natural world and Disney World. Even if you don’t plan on visiting a theme park, a trip to this outdoor resort is worth considering! We have actually been to the Fort Wilderness Campground many times without visiting a park, there are so many things to do at the campground and throughout Walt Disney World where you don’t need park tickets. Like Disney Hotel Hopping.

Guests who want to add a little active play to their Walt Disney World vacation should consider spending a day, or two, enjoying Disney’s sports and recreational activities at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds.

Have you ever camped at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground? What is one of your favorite things to do at Fort Wilderness?

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

Best Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

January 15th, 2021January 15th, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

This bacon wrapped meatloaf is easy to prep and is filled with rich flavors. Your family will love this delicious spin on a family favorite. This bacon wrapped meatloaf recipe will soon be your family’s favorite too. I am a proud CK Mondavi and Family Ambassador, while this post is sponsored, all opinions and the recipe are my own.

Best Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

When you think of traditional family meals, meatloaf has to be near the top of the list. My mom makes meatloaf, my grandma made meatloaf. Meatloaf has been a staple on family dinner tables for generations. And this week, when I made meatloaf for my family, I put my own spin on the traditional meatloaf recipe.

I decided to wrap my meatloaf in bacon…well, because it’s BACON and who doesn’t love bacon?! I added some simple, yet flavorful spices; red pepper flakes and paprika. By making my own sauce to top the meatloaf, I was able to sample the deliciousness before baking it and I am happy to report I wouldn’t change a thing.

And neither would my family.

I served this amazing bacon wrapped meatloaf recipe with CK Mondavi and Family Cabernet Sauvignon. An exceptional meal deserves an exceptional wine that is rooted in tradition, family and quality. The tannins are the perfect balance to the beef and spices in the meatloaf sauce.

The Mondavi family is celebrating four generations of bringing families together around the table. Their spirit of conviviality has endured for 75 years, as they offer accessible wines at an approachable price point. Family recipes and traditions bring people together around the table. So grab a bottle of CK Mondavi and Family wines and make this bacon wrapped meatloaf…what are you waiting for?!

Now, here is my Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

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5 from 1 vote

Best Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

This is the last meatloaf recipe you will ever need! This bacon wrapped meatloaf is prepped in about 20 minutes and is loaded with incredible flavors.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1 20

Resting Time10

Total Time1 50

Course: BACON, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Keyword: comfort food, family recipes, ground beef recipes, meatloaf

Servings:

Calories: 347kcal

Author: Tracy

Equipment

Oven
Stove

Ingredients

2 lbs lean ground beef I used 96% lean
1/2 medium yellow onion finely chopped
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
¾ cup ketchup
¼ cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon paprika
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
2 eggs
⅔ cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6-8 thin strips bacon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then top with parchment paper.
Spray a small skillet with cooking spray or olive oil spray and warm over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant and onions are translucent, approx 4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
Add ketchup, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and paprika to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Take 2 tablespoons of ketchup mixture and add it to a blender or food processor (I used my Ninja Nutri).
Add the chicken broth and parsley flakes to the blender and blend until smooth.
In the large bowl with the onions and garlic, add the broth mixture, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
Add the ground beef to the mixture and mix well with your hands.
Transfer meatloaf mixture to prepared lined pan and form into a long "loaf", smoothing the surface.
Pour the reserved ketchup mixture over top.
Lay the bacon in a crisscross pattern over the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath.
Bake until cooked throughout and meat is at least 165 degrees and bacon is crispy, 70–80 minutes.
Broil for 2-4 mins to crisp up bacon if needed - watch it closely!
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Notes

I recommend serving this meatloaf recipe with roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes and/or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

I hope you enjoy this Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf as much as we do!

If you are not a red wine drinker and would rather not have a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with this delicious meatloaf, I would recommend a Chardonnay.

Remember wines are best when served at the right temperature, and thankfully CK Mondavi and Family is making that easier for all of us as their 75th Anniversary present to us. Keep a look out for the CK Mondavi and Family 75th Anniversary new labels brinted with thermochromic – or temperature-sensitive – ink. What will this fancy new label do? The label transforms from a light cream color at room temperature to a bold full color when properly chilled, at approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit for white wines, like the Chardonnay I recommend pairing my meatloaf with if you would like to try something different than Cabernet Sauvignon. The 75th Anniversary labels will be on the CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Moscato.

Learn more about food and wine pairings.

I know I recently shared my WW success with you all, so I wanted to share the WW points in this recipe as well.

Weight Watchers information as well as substitutions to lessen the WW points:

99% FF Ground Turkey = ZERO Points
96% extra lean ground beef = this lean ground beef is 2 pts for 4 oz (this is what I used)
Ketchup = 10 points – Use unsweetened ketchup for ZERO points
Brown Sugar = 6 points
Parmesan Cheese = 10 points for 3 oz
Breadcrumbs = 9 points
Bacon does have points (what?!), it’s 3 points for 2 slices, but you won’t get a full 2 slices per serving and you can actually pick it off if you choose…so I left it out of the total points below. If you would like to add it back in, add 3 points for every 2 slices you use.
Total WW Points as in recipe above = 42 for the whole dish
Total servings = 8
If you use ground turkey, you will be at about 4 points per serving.
If you use the lean beef that I used…that is 2 WW points for 4oz, so about 6 WW points per serving on the WW Blue Plan.

How many WW points are in a glass of wine?

There are 4 WW points in a glass of wine. So, in total, this traditional family meal served with a glass of your favorite CK Mondavi and Family Wine is 10 WW points on the Blue Plan. I do recommend pairing this bacon wrapped meatloaf with the CK Mondavi and Family Cabernet Sauvignon.

Why use breadcrumbs in meatloaf

The breadcrumbs in your meatloaf act as a binding agent for the meat.

Why use eggs in meatloaf

Eggs are an ingredient in almost every meatloaf recipe. Egg contain protein and fat, add flavor, richness, and moisture to your meatloaf. Eggs also help bind the meat together.

Why wrap your meatloaf in bacon

The bacon adds a dimension of flavor to the ground beef by adding a hint of smoky flavor. It also helps to prevent the meat from drying out.

Can you completely wrap the meatloaf in bacon, instead of just the top and sides?

Sure, but it’s more work and the bacon on the bottom won’t get crispy because it will be sitting in the juices from the meatloaf, so you will probably end up cutting it off. You will get enough flavor from wrapping the meatloaf with bacon on the top and sides, I promise.

Can you use ground chuck or ground sirloin in meatloaf?

Sure can. Personally, I like to save on the fat when I can, and since this homemade meatloaf is wrapped in bacon, I didn’t think the extra flavor from the ground chuck was needed and I went a bit leaner than ground sirloin. Both ground chuck and ground sirloin would be delicious in this meatloaf recipe. I like to save my points for wine 😉

Based in the Napa Valley for 75 years, CK Mondavi and Family wines are produced by the iconic C. Mondavi family, delivering wines that offer exceptional value, they focus on sustainable farming techniques and winemaking practices that are typical of far more expensive selections. The family-owned and operated winery sources all of its grapes from California, including the family’s 1,850 acres of estate vineyards, along with growers who have partnered with the family for generations. CK Mondavi and Family wines are the first and only to be 100% “Made in USA Certified®,” and are trusted to be consistently reliable from year to year.

Have you had CK Mondavi and Family wines? Which wine is your favorite?

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

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

Tips For Starting A Healthy Lifestyle

January 12th, 2021April 13th, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Yes! If you are reading this, this is the first step in starting a healthy lifestyle. Congratulations! Let’s get started on these tips for starting a healthier lifestyle.

Tips For Starting A Healthy Lifestyle

Whether it’s the start of a new year, new month or a new day, there is never a bad time to make the decision to start leading a healthier lifestyle. In fact, making the decision to lead a healthy lifestyle is often the hardest part. Starting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard, and it doesn’t mean that you will no longer enjoy the things you normally do. Starting a healthy lifestyle means that you have made the decision to make better choices; better choices on what you eat, better choices on when you go to bed at night, better choices on how much water to drink, better choices on how many glasses of wine you have or cocktails you make, just better choices.

If you are still reading, that’s a great sign. That means you are ready to invest a few more minutes to discover how you can start making better choices, how you can start a healthy lifestyle. Healthy dieting requires a complete lifestyle change. It starts with assessing BMI, then includes fitness nutrition, watching what you eat, and working out. Many people fail at achieving a healthier lifestyle because they think of it as something they will endure for a few weeks and then resume their former lifestyles. Healthy living involves a completely different approach. Not only does this new approach involve exercise and healthy eating, but it also requires a complete lifestyle change for continued success.

These five questions will help you create a plan that will lead to better health through improved diet and the addition of exercise to your life.

Bathing suit season is just around the corner, and many people are starting to think about trying to get back into shape. Fortunately for many, this desire to improve their health with diet and exercise comes just as the nice weather arrives. Warmer weather means more options for getting active, as well as the availability of additional fruits and vegetables in many grocery stores. Before making sweeping lifestyle changes in an attempt to get back into that old swimsuit, it is important to consider these five aspects of your current lifestyle:

What is your current health?

Never begin an exercise regimen or extreme change in diet without consulting a medical professional. This is especially true when using prescription medications or if there is a chronic health issue. Changes in diet can affect individuals with diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Diabetics who control their disease through diet are particularly vulnerable to changes. Arthritis sufferers may experience increased pain if a new exercise program is started without consulting an expert as the joints are suddenly overworked. Even individuals who are already in good health can benefit from a brief consultation with a health professional to ensure their plan will not cause any problems.

What is your schedule like?

Many people begin their ‘new’ diet and exercise program without thinking about the rest of their schedule in the long term. Parents need to consider not only their schedule but that of their children and spouse. The amount of time needed to get kids to their various scheduled activities may interfere with any plans to exercise. Working late or on weekends can also interfere with scheduling time for exercise and planning meals. Think about how much time is available before creating an exercise and meal plan that is doomed to failure before it begins. Meal prep can help save time through the week.

What is your goal?

Some individuals are interested in making changes that will last a lifetime, not just a week or two. Other people are happy with where they are but want to lose a couple of pounds to look good for that graduation party or class reunion. Either of these goals can be attained, but recent trends have focused more on the ratio of body fat to lean muscle rather than simply on the number that appears on a scale. This focus can make the whole process healthier as it doesn’t focus so much on reducing calories as simply eating healthier foods. Don’t rely only on calorie reduction as this may help lose weight, but won’t add muscle to keep the weight off.

What resources are available to you?

It is important to consider the environment around you and what kind of support is available. This includes family members and friends who may encourage or sabotage you – depending on their nature. If you are the cook for the family and the only person who is eating healthy is you, any changes made are going to be much harder. Try to get at least one other person involved to provide support and suggestions as needed.

Other resources to consider are the gym’s or exercise facilities that are available. How much do they cost? When are they open? What kind of facilities do they have? Will exercising at home be easier? There are many chains around the nation that will provide machines, but if you have arthritis, it may not do you any good as these types of machines will only cause your knees to hurt more. Some facilities will also offer personal trainers, and many people find this very motivating. To know that there is someone checking up on your progress on a regular basis may be just the thing to get you moving when you would otherwise skip a session. Other people are not interested in joining a gym and want to work out at home. This is an excellent choice when time is tight. There is no travel time involved, and the home is always open.

How long do you have to achieve your goal?

If you are simply trying to improve your overall health and have months to reach your goal, then make small changes slowly. These baby steps will help ensure that each small change can be maintained. Studies have shown that individuals who make sweeping changes in lifestyle often don’t stick to those changes and, as a result, regain any weight they have lost. Add exercise slowly and increase the intensity over time. This slow increase will help prevent injuries to muscles that aren’t used to working so hard. An injury can stop any exercise program before it truly gets started.

Are you ready to make changes to your lifestyle? If you answered yes, let’s look at the next 3 steps.

Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Step One: Body Mass Index and Waist Measurement

The first step in moving toward a healthy lifestyle is to assess one’s body mass index (BMI). Many fitness experts agree that BMI is a more accurate health assessment tool than the scales. BMI is calculated by body weight and height. There are many free online BMI calculators. A person simply enters his height and weight measurements, and the results are calculated immediately. The chart then shows if the person is underweight, normal/healthy weight, overweight, or in obese ranges.

A possibly even more accurate assessment of general health is to simply take waist measurements. The waist measurement is one of the body’s ways of telling a person if she is at risk for serious health issues associated with being overweight. A man is considered at risk for serious health issues if his waist measurement is more than 40 inches. A non-pregnant woman is considered at risk if her waistline measures greater than 35 inches. To measure the waistline, a person should place a cloth measuring tape around bare skin just above the hip bones and navel. The abdomen should be relaxed, not “sucked in.” The measurement should be taken while exhaling. This is the time, to be honest with one’s self.

Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Step Two: Fitness Nutrition

Losing weight is not a “quick-fix” fad diet. The only way to achieve healthy weight loss and keep it off is to adopt long-term healthy, active lifestyle habits. Experts such as the Mayo Clinic state that people who steadily lose weight at the rate of one to two pounds per week are much more likely to keep it off than people who try fad diets or place themselves in starvation mode. The math is very simple. The calories a person burns must be more than the calories a person puts in his mouth. One pound equals 3500 calories. In order to lose one to two pounds of body fat, calorie intake must be reduced by 500 to 1000 calories per day. No person should consume fewer than 1200 calories per day.

Fitness nutrition emphasizes healthy proteins, like organic, raw nuts and seeds, whole grains like quinoa and brown rice, beans, legumes, and organic, hormone-free milk. If meat is consumed, beef and chicken breasts are “clean,” grass-fed, and range-free. Fish is preferably wild-caught in cold waters and mercury-free. Sugar, high fructose corn syrup, saturated fats, trans fats, refined oils, refined white flour, refined table salt, and most fast foods are reduced from the diet. There is a high emphasis on organic, green, leafy vegetables, and fresh fruits. Healthy eating plans are 80-90% of getting the unwanted weight off.

Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Step Three: Physical Fitness

Losing weight is not easy at all. It takes commitment and great effort. Besides a healthy diet, a person must also work out at least three times a week for 30 minutes in each session as a bare minimum. As the body gets stronger and builds up endurance, these physical fitness workouts should increase to six times a week for an hour each. Once the weight is off, more activity can be added to achieve strength or fitness goals. This will help you stay motivated to reach your fitness goals.

Many people who are seriously overweight have never exercised regularly. They have no idea how to begin exercising, so they do not even start. Start by just walking. One step at a time.

Last year I made the decision to join WW (formerly Weight Watchers). Honestly, it was a WHY NOT moment in my life. I have weighed the within the same 5 pounds for the last 15 years. I have always worked out 4-5 times a week. I have joined a gym, I have gone to Jazzercise classes, I have run half marathons, I have biked miles upon miles. I have always thought I ate healthy, in fact, I will still argue I did. I had muscle, I slept well, but that damn 5 pounds was really annoying me. So, as I sat getting a pedicure on my birthday I joined WW. The first month was free, and I decided I needed 6 months to install the habits that would hopefully last a lifetime.

I have been using the WW app and tracking what I eat now for 4 months and I am surprised to say that I have lost 16 pounds. I am currently at a weight that I haven’t been since before I was married. I am wearing sizes that I haven’t worn since COLLEGE (which was over 20 years ago). I can wear a bikini. I am not saying any of this to brag, but to hopefully inspire. There wasn’t any part of me that believed this was possible. I truly wanted to see if I could just lose 5 pounds and I honestly wasn’t sure that was going to be possible. I started WW with the thought of, “Hey, it’s worth it to me to see if I can do this for a few months, I’m worth it, but I’m really not expecting much”

I still eat….believe me…I eat plenty. I still drink….um, hello….do you think I could make it without wine? Well, maybe I could, but I don’t plan on it. I still enjoy life, food, wine, cocktails. I just make better choices. I make little changes and those little changes made a huge difference in me, my life, my confidence.

This isn’t a WW ad, no one paid me to say anything of this, this is in no way sponsored, and I’m not saying WW is right for you, what I am saying is WHY NOT. WHY NOT make the decision to start a healthier lifestyle. You’re worth it, right? I know I am. I know you are.

I hope these tips for starting for a healthier lifestyle inspire you. I believe in you! And follow along on Instagram and read my stories for my weekly updates on my weigh-ins.

Make sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more healthy living tips, healthy recipes, things to do and more.

The Art Of Wine

January 11th, 2021January 11th, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

Discover the history of wine and how wine has evolved into more of an art than just something you drink. Learn more about the Art Of Wine.

The Art Of Wine

First, a little history about wine. For thousands of years, wine was considered a food, along with fruits, grains, and vegetables. It was a beverage of choice, not so much because of its affinity to raise the enjoyment of foods, but more because it was safer to drink than many water supplies. And it tasted better. This was well-known throughout the Middle East from Egypt to Georgia, from Greece to the Levant.

Is Wine A Food or Art?

Until the 18th-century, the wine was considered food, and no one treated it any differently. It was largely very poor by today’s standards, possibly excepting Jesus’ miraculous wine-making trick at Cana. We don’t know much about the flavor and aroma profile of miraculous wine made without the benefit of French oak barrel aging. But we do know that it wasn’t drunk from Riedel wine glasses, clearly knocking it down a notch from today’s wine-drinking experience. To be honest, Charles Shaw (the founder of “Two Buck Chuck”) would have clearly won the day if we consider the grape varieties and enology equipment available at that time and place.

The special relationship between wine and food largely evolved in the 18th century. And, of course, the English took the lead. While the French were carrying on their age-old wine-making traditions without making a big deal out of it, the English, in their curious predilection to categorize everything, inspired the French to catalog their wines according to the prices the English would pay for them. That was the cat leaping out of the bag, which led to today’s exorbitant fine wine prices.

The American Founding Fathers joined with the English in raising the perceived value of French and Portuguese wines. Washington, Madison, Franklin, and Jefferson maintained extensive wine collections. Their wines were likely drunk from water tumblers. Stemware was a later arrival to New World shores.

When Wine Became Art

Throughout the 20th century, wine-making steadily improved,, and by the mid-1960s, it became clear that the vessel from which wine was drunk actually affected the wine tasting experience. First came straight-sided stemware, which kept warm hands and fingerprints from deleterious consequences. Then progressive crystal manufacturers such as the Riedel Co. developed refined bowl shapes that permitted proper swirling and aeration of the wine, releasing its ethers and esters.

Finally, the volume of the bowl was expanded in the 1980s to include wineglasses large enough to contain almost a whole bottle of wine. While glassware continued to evolve, wine-making achieved ever higher quality levels and continues to do so. Today’s least expensive wines would undoubtedly outperform most of the best wines of two hundred years ago.

The Place of Wine in Modern Societies

Wine is gradually replacing beer and spirits as the most commonly drunk alcoholic beverage today. But not everyone pays any more attention to it than our ancestors did. It is rapidly returning to its roots as an indispensable companion to serious dining.

Inexpensive wine, like elevator music, can perform its function without requiring serious attention. But fine wine, like a symphony concert, demands all the concentration you can muster. The moral of the story: If you shell out $100 for either a bottle of wine or a symphony ticket, you had better give it your undivided attention.

So, what do you think, is wine a food or an art? Both?

Be sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more wine tips, cocktails, healthy recipes, and fun things to do.

Free Meal Planning Printable – Everything You Need To Start Meal Planning

January 9th, 2021March 9th, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.

To meal plan is to be better prepared for the meals you will be making in the week ahead. This free 28 page meal planning printable will give you everything you need to start meal planning.

Free Meal Planning Printable – Everything You Need To Start Meal Planning

So you have decided to start meal planning, that’s great! There are so many benefits to meal planning; reducing food waste, saving time, saving money, eating healthier and knowing the answer to the age old question “What’s for dinner?”

The first step to meal planning, is deciding to meal plan.

The second step of meal planning is preparing your meal plan.

And that’s where this Free Meal Planning Printable is here to help.

This Free Meal Planning Printable includes everything you need to prepare to meal plan.

In this Free Meal Planning Bundle contains 28 pages and is divided into 5 sections:

Brainstorm
Plan
Inventory
Shop
Create

The brainstorming section of the meal planning printable allows you to take notes and think about recipes you may like to try.

The planning section of the of the meal planning printables gives you pages to plan the meals you would like to make. Here are 5 easy and healthy meals from Healthy Family Project that are perfect to add to your meal plan.

The inventory pages of the free meal planning printable allows you to record what you have in your refrigerator and pantry. This will help you reduce your grocery shopping bill and reduce food waste. Use what you have first! You can also make note of when it’s time to restock. The printable includes pages for you to track your freezer, refrigerator and pantry. Don’t forget to buy local when restocking your fridge! I love visiting my local farmers market for fresh produce.

Now that you know what you want to make and what ingredients you have, it’s time to go grocery shopping. Use the free Grocery Shopping list printable to organize your list for your weekly meal plan.

The My Recipe Creations pages of the meal planning printables allow you to record your recipes and save them so that you can use them again in your meal planning.

Get your FREE Meal Planning Printables

Looking for more meal planning inspiration? Check out The Mission For Nutrition for recipes, tips, as well as podcasts from registered dietitians.

Do you like to meal plan? Are you just getting started meal planning? I hope that this free printable helps you on your journey to meal plan!

Make sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for more healthy living tips, healthy recipes, things to do and more.