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You Won’t Believe Your Eyes – The Illusionists LIVE From Broadway Review

June 20th, 2018August 27th, 2019

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

Is magic real? Do you believe in the power of illusion? These amazing performers will have you guessing what is real and what isn’t! Read on for my The Illusionists LIVE From Broadway Review. While I was able to see this magical performance for free, all opinions are 100% my own.

You Won’t Believe Your Eyes

The Illusionists LIVE From Broadway Review

Would you believe it if you saw it with your own eyes? What if it was something that you couldn’t explain? What if it was something you just couldn’t understand? The Illusionists from Broadway make you question what you see and what you don’t see. They show you things that you see with your own eyes but you cannot explain. You will see things that make no sense but somehow it just happened. You will be in awe, you will enjoy every moment. Even if you spend the entire show time trying to figure out each trick, each illusion, you will still leave the theater impressed. Honestly, I would be amazed if you found anything!

My husband and I actually first saw The Illusionists LIVE From Broadway on Broadway. It was one of our first weekends together to New York, we wanted to see something unique. And it was! I will say that I can be a cynic, that there was definitely parts where I thought there was no way that happened and I spent a lot of time trying to see if there were string somewhere or hidden box. But I will tell you, I never found it! And when I heard that The Illusionists from Broadway we’re going to be in Tampa, I jumped at the opportunity to take the kids. We told the kids we were taking them to a Magic Show, so they were thinking simple card tricks, juggling balls, and coins that can pop out of ears. I didn’t tell them the name of the show either, because I didn’t want them googling it to ruin the surprise. My son is 13, and he actually is a very active boy, between sports and playing with his friends he is almost never sitting still. If I told him we are going to the movies, his first question is, how long is it? Because he does not like to sit still that long but, he sat on the edge of his seat for the entire Illusionists performance! And at intermission, we talked about our favorite acts, we never left our seats. Each one of the performers is so different! There is comedy, magic, and even a daredevil to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The kids and I agreed that one of our favorites was Colin Cloud, you may recognize his name from America’s Got Talent. How he managed to come up with the exact numbers, times, dates, and audience size that he did were absolutely stunning! And the fact that he knew the name of the dog of the 4 year old girl that sat behind me was…wow!

There were definitely kids of all ages in the crowd, I saw everybody from ages 2 and up! There were some jokes and comments that were geared towards adults, but not offensive at all to the kids, I think they actually went over my kids’ heads, but they made my husband and I giggle. If you have the opportunity to experience the magic, the illusion, do not miss this show. It is nothing like you’ve ever seen and will leave you on the edge of your seat. I promise you that this isn’t just a card show act, you’ll be left questioning how in the world they ever did these things!

Here is the cast that we saw when The Illusionists Live From Broadway here in Tampa:

The Daredevil – AKA Jonathan Goodwin – Unlike the other performers in the show, Jonathan is not a magician or illusionist and everything you see him do is very, very real. British born Daredevil and Escape Artist Jonathan is widely considered one of the most creative, skilled, and – frankly – crazy stunt performers in the world.

The Deductionist – AKA Colin Cloud – The media have described Colin as the real-life Sherlock. In 2014, Colin Cloud became the runaway success of the Edinburgh Comedy Festival Fringe with 23 sold out performances and multiple 5 star reviews. On top of this, his other show received the ‘Skinny Magazine – Talk of the Town’ award, which was the first time it had ever been awarded.

The Inventor – AKA Kevin James – Kevin’s style of performance is anything but conventional, with his unique comedy and magic garnering him a reputation as a world-class visual artist and making him one of the highest viewed magicians on YouTube with millions of hits.

The Manipulator – AKA An Ha Lim – is a man of few words, but many awards.

The Trickster – AKA Jeff Hobson – is the host of Las Vegas and is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. His brand of comedy magic leaves audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down. He keeps the show fun and non-stop, he is actually my husband’s favorite performer.

Here is the official The Illusionists LIVE From Broadway description:

This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of five of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

The Illusionists LIVE From Broadway travel the world! Be sure to be a part of the magic the next time it is in your town.

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

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

Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole

June 19th, 2018October 20th, 2020

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

When you think of comfort foods do you automatically think of a ton of calories? Well, you don’t have to anymore! This Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole is full of flavor, not fat! Grab this easy dinner recipe and enjoy it today. While this post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.

Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole

Comfort food at it’s finest…and lightest. I do my best to create healthy meal options that are full of flavor, family friendly and easy to make. And while I love getting creative, sometimes my crew requests comfort food. You know… meat, potatoes, cheese, ooey-gooey goodness all served up with delicious flavor.

Challenge accepted.

Not only did I create an amazing casserole complete with vegetables, amazing flavor, meat, potatoes and cheese but I created an amazing casserole that has less calories. I promise you, you won’t miss them though.

As an added bonus, this Sausage and Potato Casserole is easy to make! You can have this delish dish on the table in about 45 minutes from start to finish…and that includes the prep time! And prep time is a breeze because I used al fresco all natural chicken sausage. I used the fully cooked and seasoned Roasted Pepper and Asiago Chicken Sausage, grabbed some red peppers from my kids’ garden and was ready to get cookin’.

When using potatoes and cheese, I sometimes get concerned on whether or not the dish will have enough pizazz, but the roasted pepper and mesquite smoke flavor from the chicken sausage was absolutely perfect! In fact, when my husband saw the casserole, he thought he would have to add hot sauce or ketchup to it for add flavor…and he added NOTHING! My kids both had two servings and their friend even asked if he could eat over after he smelled all the deliciousness coming from the oven.

This Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole makes enough for at least six, so it’s perfect for a crowd or if you would like leftovers for lunch the next day 😉

Now, here is my Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Print Recipe

Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole

Deliciously healthy comfort food! Get this Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole easy recipe and savor all the flavors.

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Total Time45

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Equipment

Stove
Oven

Ingredients

1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 package al fresco all natural roasted pepper and asiago chicken sausage
3.5 cups frozen diced potatoes - the package will may say diced hash brown potatoes
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Cheese sauce ingredients

1 cup fat free milk
1 package 7 - 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon hot sauce such as Franks or Tabasco

US Customary - Metric

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Slice the roasted pepper and asiago chicken sausage about 1/4 inch thick
Add a 1/2 tablespoon of butter or a splash of oil to a large saute pan
Saute the onions, peppers and sausage until the vegetables are tender and the sausage browns up a bit
Add the diced potatoes to the saute pan and mix well, reduce heat
Allow the potato mixture to sit on low heat while you make the cheese sauce

Cheese Sauce Instructions

In a small pot add all the cheese sauce ingredients and stir constantly until the shredded cheese is melted
Pour the potato and sausage mixture in a casserole dish
Pour the cheese mixture on top, and stir lightly. Just enough to move around the sauce
Sprinkle 4 oz of shredded cheddar cheese on top
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes
Enjoy!

Notes

We served ours with fresh steamed green beans

I hope you enjoy this Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole as much as we do!

As you can see, I served ours with fresh steamed green beans, making this meal hearty, full of vegetables and so easy to make! al fresco all natural chicken sausage is fully cooked and fully seasoned, making it even easier to cook with or to add to your favorite recipes.

We all had seconds of my Healthy Roasted Pepper Chicken Sausage and Potato Casserole and there was a small bowl of leftovers for lunch the next day.

What is one of your family favorite casseroles?

Be sure to check out al fresco chicken on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to stay social and up to date on more delicious recipes!

Be check out all my delicious recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

What Is A Florida 529 Savings Plan?

June 18th, 2018January 25th, 2021

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

Find out What Is A Florida 529 Savings Plan and how you can get up to $50 free and get your application fee waived thanks to the Florida 529 Summer Jump-Start Promotion. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

What Is A Florida 529 Savings Plan?

From saving for diapers, to tooth fairy visits, to the constant need for new shoes and clothes, to the latest gadgets, to the ever updating school supplies, to just paying for everything that life throws our way it seems like there is always a strain on our bank accounts. Add in the thought of saving for college and EEEKKK. I mean, when do you start saving for college? How do you start saving for college? How much extra money do you have to have to start saving for college? Is it ever too early to start saving for college? Is it ever too late to start saving for college? Where do you even start?

I don’t know about you, but when there is something that I know will take me some time researching or I just don’t know much about…I keep pushing it down my TO-DO list. Not because it’s not important, because it’s probably the most important thing on there, but because it intimidates me. So, I will push it off as long as I possibly can. Then what happens? I realize that it was WAY easier than I expected. And I am hear to tell you today that is exactly what saving for college is. WAY easier than you expected. Yes, you read that right. You can start saving for college in just a matter of minutes with whatever amount of money you would like to use and pay absolutely NO fees.

And for a limited time only you can actually jump-start your savings with up to $50 for FREE and you can get your application fee WAIVED, that’s another savings of $50. And guess what? Getting that extra $50 for FREE is easy too 😉

Let me introduce you to the Florida 529 Savings Plan.

The Florida 529 Savings Plan allows you to develop your own plan to save for college. You decide when you want to enroll (open enrollment is year-round and there are no fees to enroll), how much you want to save and when you want to save. You also get to choose how you want to invest your savings using the investment options offered by the plan.
Florida 529 Savings Plan can be opened by any individual 18 years of age or older that is a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. So that means friends, grandparents aunts, uncles or parents can open the plan.
A Florida 529 Savings Plan can be used to pay for any Qualified Higher Education Expense as defined in Section 529 of the federal tax code, such as tuition, fees, room and board, supplies, and more.
If you just moved to Florida and already have a 529 Savings Plan started, funds may be transferred from another state’s 529 Plan into a Florida 529 Savings Plan. The IRS calls this a “rollover” and allows you to do so once every 12 months for the same Beneficiary.
If you have a Florida Prepaid Plan and someone opens up a Florida 529 Savings Plan for your child, that’s fantastic! 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.
You may transfer your Florida 529 Savings Plan to another eligible student or close the plan and withdraw the remaining balance. Any earnings that are not used for Qualified Higher Education Expenses are subject to federal and, if applicable, state income taxes. In addition, there is a 10% federal tax penalty on the earnings not used for Qualified Higher Education Expenses with certain exceptions for death, disability and scholarships (to the extent of the amount of the scholarship).

As you can see, a 529 Savings Plan isn’t intimidating or scary. It’s actually probably one of the easiest ways to start setting aside money for your child’s future.

I mentioned above that right now you can actually get up to $50 for FREE when you open a 529 Savings Plan, and here’s how to get that FREE $50:

Enroll in a new 529 Savings Plan by October 13, 2019 and you will earn a $50 contribution into your new college savings account when you set up automatic monthly contributions.
When you enroll by October 13th, you will get your application fee waived, that’s a savings of another $50.
Use Florida 529 Savings Plan Code SAVING20 when you enroll to take advantage of these savings.

Get started with a Florida 529 Savings Plan

That’s a FREE $50 to help you jump-start that college savings plan. I don’t know about you, but I will take all the free money you want to send my way 🙂 Don’t forget to use Florida 529 Savings Plan Code SAVING20.

Have you started savings for your child’s college education yet? Don’t be scared, Starting Is Believing.

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.

*Funds earned will be deposited directly into your Florida 529 Savings Plan account. 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.

Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches

June 12th, 2018March 20th, 2022

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

These Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches are the perfect easy no bake dessert for summer and prepped in just a few minutes! This post was sponsored by Nabisco as part of a Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches

Summer is here and that means it’s the perfect time to enjoy cool treats! My kids (and me!) love being outside enjoying the sun, swimming in the pool, biking, and going for walks and when we get back home we need something sweet and delicious to cool us off. Like these Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches. I used greek yogurt for a pinch of protein and I added in fresh berries to make these frozen yogurt NILLA sandwiches extra sweet. The NILLA wafers act as the top and bottom of the “sandwich” and make them easy to hold.

You don’t have to wait 4-5 hours like you do when you make homemade ice cream, these little sandwiches are frozen and ready to eat in about an hour! That makes them perfect for a mid-day snack, night time treat, and honestly, my daughter has been asking for them for breakfast! And I don’t feel guilty about letting her have them for breakfast because they are made with yogurt and berries 😉 These Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches are also perfect for gatherings, like the Fourth Of July, you can make a bunch ahead of time, freeze them, and take them out when you ready! They easily come out of the paper cup in about 1 – 2 minutes.

I used plain Greek Yogurt in my recipe, feel free to experiment with vanilla! I didn’t think it needed the extra boost of flavor due to the fresh berries and lemon NILLA wafers. Did you know that NILLA now carries a lemon variety? YES! They are so good, and the flavor is perfect for summer. We almost always have original NILLA wafers in the pantry, the kids love to snack on them and I love that the possibilities are endless for delicious summer recipes.

Now, here is my Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again…starting with Independence Day which is just around the corner.

Print Recipe

Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches

These Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches are easy to make and will cool you off, not warm up the kitchen.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Breakfast/Dessert

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

Cupcake paper liners
1 cup low fat greek yogurt
1 cup lite whipped topping
Lemon NILLA wafers
Fresh strawberries sliced
Blueberries

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Place cupcake paper liners in muffin tin
Place 1 Lemon NILLA wafer in each cup
Mix yogurt and whipped topping
Top each Lemon NILLA wafer with one small scoop yogurt/topping mixture
Top with a strawberry slice or blueberries...or both!
Top fruit layer with one small scoop yogurt/topping mixture
Top with 1 Lemon NILLA wafer
Freeze for at least 1 hour
*You may need knife to pop them out of muffin tin when done
Allow to thaw for a minute before peeling off paper
Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Berry Delicious Frozen Yogurt NILLA Sandwiches as much as we do!

Discover more amazing NILLA Wafers recipes and be sure to stay social NILLA Wafers by following on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

While you are at it, be sure to check out all the recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

5 Reasons Why Big Kids Love LEGOLAND Florida Too

June 11th, 2018July 3rd, 2019

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

If you have older kids you may wonder if there are still things for them to do at LEGOLAND Florida, well, read on to see why my big kids love LEGOLAND Florida too. Check out their favorite LEGOLAND rides, the Beach Retreat and more! While this post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% mine (and my big kids’) own.

5 Reasons Why Big Kids Love LEGOLAND Florida Too

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is nestled within Cypress Gardens, so not only will you experience the awesomeness of everything LEGO, but you will be in awe of the beautiful gardens. Summer started here in Florida a few weeks ago and to start it off with a BANG I took the kids and their friends to LEGOLAND.

We started our little stayaction at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Hotel. I don’t know about your kids, but mine LOVE staying at hotels and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat did not disappoint. From the moment you enter the property you are greeted by LEGO characters, friendly staff and bright colors that just leave you smiling.

What makes the Beach Retreat unique is that this isn’t your traditional hotel, 83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms, each with whimsical LEGO® décor in a village-style layout. You actually feel like you are actually part of a “village”, the sidewalk leads you through the town and right up to your semi-private porch that is complete with a table and chairs that you can sit at, enjoy a glass of wine from the Bricks Beach Bar and watch the kids play on the playground.

Each village (there are 13, each named after a popular LEGO Minifigure including Shark Suit Guy, Ocean King and Sea Captain) centers around an outdoor play area, all within view of the bungalows’ shaded patios and offer beautiful views of Lake Dexter.

Once we checked out our room we headed over Sandy’s Castle Restaurant in the Lighthouse Building for dinner, then played several games of corn hole by the Beach Retreat Pool, and finally finished out the night watching LEGO NINAJGO in the room.

We woke up and grabbed our FREE breakfast…that’s right parents…breakfast is FREE and it’s GOOD! There are hot and cold options, our favorites was the biscuits and gravy and fresh fruit options. Oh, and the kids were thrilled with the fact they could have endless chocolate milk.

After breakfast we enjoyed the Beach Retreat Pool, played a little soccer, then headed off to the park! Parking was breeze because that is also INCLUDED with your hotel stay! That’s right parents…you can park for FREE in the priority parking area!

My kiddos are a bit older, and while they were super excited to hit the park, I was a little nervous that there would still be lots of them to do and enjoy. The last time I was at LEGOLAND was for my son’s field trip a few years ago.

The kids loved every minute! They rode every single ride, and while they didn’t scream in fear they laughed and had all sorts of fun making silly faces at the cameras. In fact, they actually rode the Coastersaurus three times 🙂 I loved that the lines weren’t all 45 minutes – 2 hours long, because let’s be honest, we totally experience that at some of the Orlando theme parks.

We spent a LOT of in MINILAND. The kids (and me!) were absolutely amazed that everything (and everyone) was actually built from LEGO. The kids had lengthy discussion on how many people must have been hired to build them, how they came up with the ideas for the scuba divers that actually look like they are swimming, that the St. Augustine Fort looked just like it (we were just there for Spring Break so they really liked that one) and the Star Wars MINILAND…WOW! There are actual scenes from the movies made out of LEGO! Then the kids guessed how many LEGOs were actually used in and around the park…I won’t tell you, you will have to Google it too 😉 Hint…there are a LOT.

Here are 5 reasons why my “big” (ages 10-13) kids love LEGOLAND Florida:

Unique LEGO Stores – They are all avid builders, so seeing the different themed stores with products that you can’t find anywhere else. All of the kids built their own mini-figures 🙂
MINILAND – Like I said, we spent a LOT of time here. They were seriously in awe.
Learning to fly, drive and boat – The different “schools” were fun to walk through and experience. And that built-to-scale Mustang (the Brick Pony) was just too cool.
The Variety – There were shows, rides, stores and fun places to eat. There was always something to do and look at.
The Rides – Their favorites were: Coastersaurus, the new VR ride ‎The Great LEGO Race, AQUAZONE® Wave Racers, and two of the interactive adventures: LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride and Lost Kingdom Adventure. Interestingly enough, they all had a different favorite one!

There is also a new Waterpark, we unfortunately got rained out of visiting (darn tropical storms!). Since the Florida heat can be a bit much, I definitely recommend getting the pass that allows you to visit both parks, the theme park and the waterpark. And if you are a Florida resident, the most awesome deal is the AWESOME PASS where you get Unlimited LEGOLAND® Florida Admission and Unlimited LEGOLAND Water Park Admission for one low price! Talk about AWESOME.

You can actually choose from several affordable options, including some with discounts on dining, retail purchases and overnight stays. Best of all, every pass type has no blackout dates! For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/passes.

My kids have already asked to go back, in fact one of my favorite things about our visit was when my son’s friend said “This (visit) really made me love LEGOs again, what should we build when we get home?”. So, when they are done building their new sets, maybe we will get the chance to go back to the park. They have their sights on staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel this time because according to the sign we saw it has a 5 Gazillion Star restaurant inside that they have decided we have to check out 🙂

Have you been to LEGOLAND Florida? What was your favorite part?

Stay social with all the LEGO awesomeness by following LEGOLAND Florida on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google + for more fun things to do in Florida.

Looking for more fun things to do in Florida?

Healthy Berry Avocado Smoothie

June 8th, 2018September 1st, 2025

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

Having a smoothie a day is an excellent way to get in a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables in one delicious cup! Enjoy this Healthy Berry Avocado Smoothie today! While I did receive the Vitamix E310 Explorian Series Blender for review through my partnership with Moms Meet, all opinions and the smoothie recipe are my own.

Berry Avocado Smoothie

There is just something satisfying about having a smoothie. Not just because they are a deliciously easy way to get in a few servings of fruits and vegetables, but a healthy protein smoothie also keeps me full longer. And if I am full, I don’t go grabbing for the chips and crackers 😉

Smoothies are very versatile, you can toss just anything in one and if you don’t like it, it’s only one serving and you know for next time. For example, I added green pepper to one of mine…let’s just say that’s not a smoothie recipe I posted here on the blog 😉 I have about 50 different healthy smoothies on here though, so be sure to explore them all!

In today’s smoothie creation, I added beautiful berries that I had frozen, some avocado, cucumber, carrot and some dried goods.

Here are some of the health benefits to the ingredients I selected for this Berry Avocado protein smoothie:

Raspberries – These beautiful berries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. They also have a high concentration of ellagic acid which has been said to help prevent cancer.

Blackberries – They are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, not to mention they taste great and give your smoothie a rich beautiful color.

Avocados – Besides being loaded with the “good fat”, they help heart health, lower cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Plus, they make your smoothie extra creamy.

Cucumbers – These are great for rehydration. Cucumbers are also a great source of vitamin B, so that means they are a natural pick-me-up.

Carrots – This orange powerfood will give you vitamin A and is also linked to preventing cancer, giving you healthier looking skin and aids in digestion.

Cinnamon – Increases metabolism.

Turmeric – Is good for inflammation.

Chia seeds – Are little nutritional powerhouses.

Protein Powder – Helps you to stay fuller a bit longer.

Now, here is my Healthy Berry Avocado Smoothie recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Print Recipe

Berry Avocado Smoothie

Blackberries, raspberries and avocado are blended into perfection in this Healthy Berry Avocado Smoothie. Grab this easy smoothie recipe today and enjoy all the benefits that can along with it!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Smoothie

Keyword: avocado, healthy, protein shake, protein smoothie, smoothie

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

1 cup coconut water - or your choice of liquid
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 scoop your favorite protein powder
1/2 avocado
1 medium carrot
4 - 5 slices of cucumber
1/2 cup frozen raspberries - you can use fresh just add ice in as well
1/2 cup frozen blackberries - you can use fresh just add ice in as well

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Place all ingredients as listed above into your favorite blending device - I used the Vitamix E310 EXPLORIAN SERIES
Blend until smooth
Enjoy

I hope you enjoy this Berry Avocado Smoothie as much as I do!

Why use a Vitamix?

Well, I’m sure you have heard from friends and family that a Vitamix is AMAZING. But here are a few things you may not know about Vitamix.

Vitamix is a fourth-generation family-owned American company passionate about liberating and nourishing the zest for life. T
From appetizers to dessert, the Vitamix E310 Explorian Series Blender features a 48 oz container that is ideal for blending medium batches for small family meals.
Ten variable speeds allow you to refine every texture with culinary precision, from the smoothest purées to the heartiest soups.
The Vitamix E310 Explorian Series Blender comes with a pulse feature to layer coarse chops over smooth purées for heartier recipes, such as chunky salsas or thick vegetable soups.
The powerful 2 HP motor can handle even the toughest ingredients to create high-quality blends.
With a drop of dish soap and warm water, your Vitamix machine can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds—no disassembly required.
Vitamix stands behind the quality of their machines with full five-year warranties, covering all parts, performance, labor, and two-way shipping at no cost to you.

In other words, Vitamix is the best and belongs in your kitchen.

What is one of your favorite smoothie recipes?

Be sure to check out all the delicious smoothie recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Tampa Is Alive With Music – The Sound Of Music Musical Review

June 7th, 2018July 3rd, 2019

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

The Hills Are Alive with Music! And so is Tampa! Experience this beloved piece of musical history by experiencing it LIVE. The Sound of Music Musical production will leave your heart full and a smile on your face. While I was able to attend this show at no cost to me, all opinions are 100% my own.

Tampa Is Alive With Music – The Sound Of Music Musical Review

Confession. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the movie The Sound of Music. Sure, I’ve seen the GIF with the girl singing and spinning with the beautiful hills. But I honestly couldn’t tell you much about it. And, when I got home from seeing the musical at the Straz Center earlier this week, my husband asked me if the show was funny…he thought it was a comedy. While I did laugh, I wouldn’t say that The Sound of Music is a comedy. What would I say The Sound of Music about? I would say it’s about a girl on a mission to find herself. And like many of us she turned to God for help, and she was sent in a direction that was different than what she anticipated. This happens too many of us. Me included! If you would have told me 30 years that I was going to be living in Florida, I would have told you NO WAY. Now, almost 20 years later, I live here in Tampa Bay with my husband with my two amazing children.

And I think if you would have told Maria, that she was going to be married to the Captain and have seven children, she would have said NO WAY as well. God works in mysterious ways, but He still somehow always manages to point you in the right direction.

The Sound of Music transports you back to a simpler time, but shows you that everybody still has internal struggles . While I can’t relate to the reign of Hitler, I can relate to how politics can take over your life and I can appreciate the von Trapp family values.

The love, emotion, and journey the von Trap family goes through are A Few of My Favorite Things 😉

The vocals are just amazing, and you will hear your favorite songs such as “My Favorite Things”, “16 going on 17”, “Do-Re-Mi”, “So long, Farewell”, and “Endelweiss”.

The Sound Of Music will be one of your favorite things, because it is now definitely one of mine. If you get the opportunity to see this production live, I definitely recommend it.

This amazing of production of The Sound of Music is playing in Tampa right now. Come and witness the story of Maria and the von Trapp family and experience this piece of musical history. I saw this show with two of my best friends, it was a perfect Girls Night Out! We all loved it.

“The Sound of Music” runs through June 10 at the Straz Center here in Tampa. Tickets start as low as $31. To order, call 800.955.1045 or go to StrazCenter.org.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013 and was seen by over 44 million people. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

What is one of your favorite shows that you have seen at the Straz Center in Tampa?

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

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Deliciously Easy Asian Chicken Tacos

June 6th, 2018February 25th, 2020

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

If you look forward to Taco Tuesday, then you will love this easy Asian Chicken Tacos recipe. These tacos are full of flavor and are prepped in just a few minutes! Make any day Taco Tuesday. While this post is sponsored by Produce For Kids, all opinions and the recipe are my own.

Deliciously Easy Asian Chicken Tacos

We love tacos in our house, I mean is there anyone out there that doesn’t love a good taco?! One of our favorite local restaurants creates all sorts of unique tacos and while we love going there, those unique tacos come with a hefty price tag. So, I decided I would create a delicious taco here at home, with all the flair and flavor of something you would find at one of those fancy taco stops. However, mine are much more cost-effective and I would venture to guess that they are a bit healthier for you too 😉

There are so many flavors going on in my Deliciously Easy Asian Chicken Tacos, from the soy, to the dash of heat from the red pepper flakes, to the sweetness of the sesame dressing, your family will be asking for this meal again and again. In fact, we had it for dinner last night and my husband is already asking for it again. I didn’t tell him that I had it made in less than 15 minutes 😉 That’s right! Not only are these Asian Chicken Tacos absolutely DELICIOUS, but they are crazy easy to make.

So, let’s get to it! Here is my Deliciously Easy Asian Chicken Tacos recipe, be sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again. Trust me, you will want to.

Print Recipe

Deliciously Easy Asian Chicken Tacos

Add a little zing to Taco Tuesday with this amazingly easy, yet insanely delicious Easy Asian Chicken Tacos recipe. Make this easy recipe for your family any day...not just on Tuesday!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Tacos

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Author: Tracy

Ingredients

1 bag Eat Smart® Asian Sesame Vegetable Salad Kit
1 -2 Avocados From Mexico sliced
1 lb chicken cut in thin strips
2 tablespoons soy sauce I used reduced sodium
1 teaspoon sriracha
1/2 lime juiced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Tortillas or hard taco shells

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Mix all ingredients expect the chicken and salad in a medium bowl,
Add in the sliced chicken, stir to coat well
Cover the chicken mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour
Heat oil in a large skillet
Add in chicken mixture
Cook throughout, approximately 6 - 8 minutes
Add several slices of chicken to your taco shell of choice, top with Eat Smart® Asian Sesame Vegetable Salad and the included cashews and sesame sticks
Add several slices of avocado
Drizzle the sweet sesame dressing from the Eat Smart® Asian Sesame Vegetable Salad Kit on each taco
Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Asian Chicken Tacos as much as we do!

You can use hard shells, soft flour tortillas, corn tortillas, you can even do a quick pan-fry of corn tortillas for a bit of crunch, but not too much of a crunch.

I recommend grabbing your ingredients for these yummy Asian Tacos, including the Eat Smart® Asian Sesame Vegetable Salad Kit and Avocados from Mexico at Publix, not only because it’s a great store, but because when you do you are helping Produce for Kids and Publix support the Feeding America food bank programs.

Now through June 27th, look for Produce for Kids signage in the produce department of all Publix stores to help give back to Feeding America food bank programs. Together we can help the 1 in 8 Americans that struggles with hunger.

Here are the supporting brands to keep a look out for at Publix:

Publix and Produce for Kids have donated over 5.7 million meals to Feeding America! Learn more on how easy it is to help end hunger in America.

Be sure to check out ProduceForKids.com for more than 250 registered dietitian-approved and family-tested recipes, meal planning tools, grocery store specific campaign details, and healthy tips from real parents and on Facebook and Pinterest for even more!

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

Florida 529 Savings Plan Promotion – Up To $50 FREE For A Limited Time Only

May 30th, 2018September 16th, 2019

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

There is a limited time Florida 529 Summer Jump-Start Promotion going on right now that will give you up to a $50 jump start on your 529 Savings Plan PLUS waive your application fee. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

Florida 529 Savings Plan Promotion

Up To $50 FREE For A Limited Time Only

I have a fabulous Florida Prepaid College Plans promotion to tell you guys about today! You don’t have to wait until Florida Prepaid College Plans open enrollment to start saving for your child’s college education. That’s right, with the flexible Florida 529 Savings Plans you can start saving right NOW.

In fact, if you open a new Florida 529 Savings Plan between now and October 13th, 2019 on MyFloridaPrepaid.com, you get your application fee waived, that’s a $50 savings!

That’s a FREE $50!

Plus, if you set up automatic monthly contributions for your new account by October 13, 2019, for as little as $25 per month, and you will earn another $50 contribution into your account.

That’s a total of $100 FREE!

Use Promo Code SAVING20 to get your application fee waived.

Learn more about the 529 Summer Jump-Start Promotion

If you need more than 50 reasons…get it…a free $50 😉 to open up a Florida 529 Savings Plan, I have a few more reasons for you to check out.

10 Reasons To Open a Florida 529 Savings Plan:

A study by the Center for Social Development found children with as little as $1 to $499 designated for college are 2.5 times more likely to enroll in and graduate from college than children with no savings account.
A Georgetown University study estimates that a student with a bachelor’s degree can earn $1.6 million more in their lifetime than a student with only a high school diploma.
The Florida College System projects that by 2020, 65% of jobs in Florida will require postsecondary education.
The Florida 529 Savings Plan has been recognized as a Top 10 performer among direct-
sold 529 plans for 10-year investment performance in Savingforcollege.com’s latest
quarterly performance rankings.
The Florida Prepaid College Board carefully selects each of the investment management firms and constantly monitor their performance.
The 529 Savings Plan has more than 62,000 active accounts with a market value of more than $527 million.
529 savings plans help families cover college costs like books, housing, and other associated costs with tuition. These plans are known for their flexibility since families can start saving at any time and save for any amount of time. Florida Prepaid offers 11 investment options so that families can be as conservative or aggressive as they feel comfortable.
Knowing that a child will have something set aside helps families avoid the stress that comes with high school graduation and planning for college.
You can get a $50 Jump Start on your college savings. Enroll in a new Florida 529 Savings Plan by October 13, 2019 and you will earn a $50 contribution into your new college savings account when you set up automatic monthly contributions. Plus you will get your application fee waived, that’s another $50 savings. Use Promo Code SAVING20 to get your savings.
It’s easy. It takes about 10 minutes of your time to set up a Florida 529 Savings Plan, and friends and family can contribute to it too.

Learn more about the 529 Summer Jump-Start Promotion

Use Promo Code SAVING20 to get your application fee waived.

*Funds earned will be deposited directly into your Florida 529 Savings Plan accountThe 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.

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26 Fitness Motivation Tips To Help You Get Active

May 29th, 2018April 15th, 2020

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

This post was sponsored by Optimum Nutrition as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

26 Fitness Motivation Tips To Help You Get Active

We all need a bit of motivation from time to time. Whether you are in the best shape of your life, or just trying to figure how to get started on your healthier life journey, a little motivation goes a long way. I have been on my journey to a healthier life for years now and my goals are always changing but my need for some fitness motivation is always there. It’s very easy to get into an exercise rut, skip workouts or starting talking negatively to yourself about body image and health, but we can’t give up on ourselves or our health.

I wanted to share some fitness motivation tips that have helped me throughout the years in hopes that they will help you too. I am not perfect (or a doctor! These tips are just that…tips), but I am a happier and healthier me thanks to fitness and trying to eat better. In trying to eat better, I have found that having protein-filled options, like Optimum Nutrition® Protein Cake Bites, readily available in my pantry help me stay full longer and stops me from eating (and buying!) chips and candy 😉 ON® Protein Cake Bites are deliciously whipped protein snacks coated with yogurt or chocolate flavored frosting. With 20 grams of protein in each 3-cake serving, Cake Bites (look for flavors Birthday Cake, Red Velvet, Chocolate Dipped Cherry, Chocolate Frosted Donut at Walmart) are a convenient grab and go option for us active adults. Plus, they are delicious!

Speaking of being active adults…here are my 26 Fitness Motivation Tips:

1. Answer The Question Why?

Ask yourself why you are working out in the first place, if you stopped working out for awhile and are now looking to start again, ask yourself why you stopped.

2. Work Out For A Reason

Make sure you are working towards something. Better flexibility, more arm strength, better health, etc.

3. Be Positive

When you think negative thoughts, negative things happen. It’s just how it works, but if you wake up today and say “It’s going to be a great day” you are going to have a great day! Envision your goals and identify your potential obstacles and make a plan to overcome them. THINK POSITIVE.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Starting an intense routine can leave you disappointment and hurt. Set goals that are right for YOU. That may be walking a mile a day or it may be doing CrossFit 5 days a week, everyone is different. And don’t be afraid to change your goals if needed.

5. Make a Plan That You Can Stick To

You plan can be as simple as working out 4 times a week, or making sure to walk on your lunch break. But, have a plan so you can reach your goals.

6. Buy Workout Clothes

This is a commitment! Not only to yourself, but you are saying that this is something that I will invest a few hard-earned dollars in.

7. Give Yourself Something To Works Towards

Plan a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon etc. When you are training for something (an actual date or event) it will help you stay on track.

8. Show Self-Love

Your body is a temple and can do amazing things, appreciate it.

9. Stop Being Negative

I would bet that you are harder on yourself than anyone. I know I am. So, if you miss a workout or eat that cookie, don’t focus on it as a “mistake” just look forward and see what you can do differently tomorrow.

10. Avoid Comparisons

Everyone is on social media lately, and it’s so easy to make comparisons to others as we see millions of pictures and updates daily. But, you are the only you out there, and that makes you pretty darn special.

11. Be Accountable

Tell someone your goals and/or write them down. When you talk about your goals and actually see them written down you will be more likely to stick to them. Another form of accountability is to keep a Food Journal, writing down what you eat holds you accountable for those calories.

12. Get A Workout Buddy

Everything is better with friends! You can also look into getting a trainer. When you are working out with someone else, you are more likely to do it.

13. Don’t Miss Mondays

Starting your day off on the right foot will help you stay on track during the week.

14. Try a New Workout

Whether it be a class, or going to the gym for the first time in 12 years. Trying something new can be a great motivator.

15. Work On Changing Those Bad Habits

Instead of a soda, how about trying a bubbly water? Used to having a mid-day candy bar? Grab some dried fruit and have a glass of water and determine if you still HAVE to have that chocolate fix. Feel like you need caffeine to make it til quitting time? Instead of grabbing an over-priced sugar-filled latte, grab a glass of water and stir in some Optimum Nutrition® Performance Energy. OP Performance Energy provides about as much caffeine from natural sources as a cup of coffee with 3 grams of muscle supporting amino acids. These fruit-flavored powders (Grape and watermelon) mix easily into cold water using just a glass and spoon making it a great option for morning wake up, before exercise or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

16. Remind Yourself Of Those Rewards

Keeping up with your new good habits will lead to health benefits. Which is why you started on this healthy life journey in the first place. 90% of any workout is actually mental.

17. Remember That Success CAN Happen, and will, just stay focused.

18. Focus On Your Victories

Whether it be by the number on the scale, your BMI changing, your jeans fitting better, you just feeling better. Give yourself something to measure your successes.

19. Take A Break If You Need It

Listen to your body…and mind. Sometimes you just need a mental health day, if you need it…TAKE IT.

20. Stop Making Excuses

Everyone has one…or a million. Just get out there and do it. You’ll be glad you did.

21. Don’t Be Too Quick To Judge

Try that green smoothie or that dance class with an open mind, you may just like it.

22. Drink More Water

We are made of water, you need to replenish it. And when you do, it makes you feel better. Drinking water first thing gets your body ready for the nutrients you are going to feed it during the day. Actually, make sure to drink water through the whole day, you should get in at least 60 oz to keep your body hydrated.

23. Watch What You Eat

Your body craves what you give it. If you give it candy – it will want candy. If you give it fruits, veggies and protein, that is what your body will start to crave. I love having an Optimum Nutrition® Whey Protein Isolate shake (I like both the chocolate and vanilla) before I workout, my body needs it. ON® Whey Protein Isolate is for active, healthy adults (like us) looking for high-quality protein. It is an easy-to-mix powder that leaves much of the fat, carbohydrates and sugars ‘isolated’ out, leaving me with 25 grams of protein in a 130 calorie shake that is free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. This gluten free formula is also banned substance tested for your peace of mind.

24. Get Enough Sleep

Your body needs rest. It is when your body recovers from everything that you did to it during the day. When you are rested you will feel more energized in the morning, and more likely to workout and eat right.

25. Have Fun

Enjoy what you are doing! Go to a new class, try new machines, bring a book with you to read while you do cardio. If you are looking forward to your workout, you are more likely to do it.

26. Keep Trying

This is probably the most important tip I have for you. Keep trying. This is for YOU, and can only be done by YOU. So, DON’T GIVE UP.

Remember, that activity and diet go hand-in-hand. It’s like they are married, don’t view them as separate. So, when you are ready to start on (or re-start) on your healthier life journey remember these fitness motivation tips and head to Walmart and check out the selection of Optimum Nutrition® products to help you get out, get active and feel great about it.

What is one of your favorite fitness motivation tips?

Be sure to stay active with Optimum Nutrition by following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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