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How To Make Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs

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These Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs are easy to make and so much fun for the whole family! Grab some plastic eggs and get started on making Easter a glowing success!

Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs

How To Make Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs

My mom gave me a call the other day with a really fun and different idea for Easter!  Easter doesn’t have to be celebrated just in the morning…way not make the fun last into the night…Or if you are have really early-risers this would work too.  Or you can do your Easter egg hunt indoors with the lights off.

How about making Glow in the DARK Easter Eggs?  Making glow in the dark Easter eggs is easy, fun, and an extremely frugal way to have a bit of fun.

What you need to make glow in the dark Easter eggs:

  • Glow Sticks – Dollar bin at Target, any Dollar Store or on Amazon
  • Plastic Eggs (the pastel/lighter colored ones glow the brightest) – $.99 at Target, $1 at Dollar Store or on Amazon

What You Do To Make glow in the dark Easter eggs:

  • Activate the glow sticks by bending them according the directions
  • Roll them and put them in the eggs

So, for just a few dollars and under 10 minutes, you have a frugal idea for some Easter fun.

I know that I have seen small glow sticks – the ones that are just an inch or two long, these would definitely be easier to toss in the eggs, but I think the bracelets make them brighter.  I will admit that it takes a bit of effort to get the bracelet in there just right.

Expert Tip: have tape on hand just in case you need to secure the egg closed.

We are usually camping over in St. Augustine over Easter with my parents and we are super excited to do this around the campground!  Each year we usually go down to the beach with our glow in the dark bracelets and run around in the dark…maybe this year we will cruise around with our eggs too!

How To Make Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs

Make sure to let me know if you make Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs and how your kids liked them!

Be sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more tips, recipes, family fun and more.

Easy Glow In The Dark Easter Eggs

Korean Beef Recipe – Ready in 15 Minutes!

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Have dinner ready in just 15 minutes with this easy Korean Beef Recipe. It has a bit of heat and a lot of flavor. Serve this easy dinner recipe over rice and/or quinoa and enjoy!

Easy Korean Beef and Rice

Korean Beef Recipe – Ready in 15 Minutes!

We love oriental cuisine, but I don’t make it much because it always looks so complicated!  And if you know me, I love to cook, but complicated isn’t always my strong point 😉  That’s why I am super excited about this Korean Beef and Rice Recipe!  And actually, I made it with ground turkey here but I have made it with ground beef countless times, just use whatever you have on hand.  If you like to cut down on red meat when you can, and this is definitely a recipe where we couldn’t tell the difference.

Korean Beef Bowl

I also mixed quinoa in with the white rice, and my husband said he could barely tell 😉  I don’t know about you, but I am all about sneaking the good stuff in when I can!

Weight Watchers Korean Beef Recipe

I absolutely love the sauce for this recipe and it’s so easy to make.  In fact, it would be delicious in other recipes… We have actually used this korean beef sauce on my slow cooker korean chicken as well and it was delicious.

WW Korean Beef

Now, here is my Korean Beef Rice Bowl Recipe.  Make sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again

Korean Beef

This is a family favorite recipe, we make it at least twice a month! This easy Korean Beef recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: beef, easy recipe, easy recipes, ground beef recipes, ground turkey recipes, korean
Servings: 4
Author: Tracy

Ingredients

  • cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce I use low sodium
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes or more to taste
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil olive oil is fine too
  • tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
  • diced green onions for garnish if desired
  • Cooked rice and/or quinoa for serving

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and ginger and set aside
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
  • Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 min
  • Add ground turkey/beef and cook until browned
  • Stir in sauce mixture until well combined, allowing to simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes
  • Serve immediately over rice and quinoa - or just rice if you prefer
  • Garnish with diced green onions if desired
  • Enjoy!

Notes

If you follow WW like I do, use the 99% fat free ground turkey for ZERO points!

My husband was completely amazed that this meal was ready in just 15 minutes.  I hope you and your family enjoy this Korean Beef Recipe as much as we do!

tasty Korean Beef

My kids even ate this one, I was worried that they would think it was too spicy, but they both really liked it!  In fact, it is a regular request on our meal plan.

As you all my know, I am currently following Weight Watchers, so I thought I would share some of WW Point Info.

WW Blue Plan Points:

99% FF Ground Turkey – ZERO pts
93% Lean Ground Beef – 4oz for 4 pts
Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Low Sodium Tamari Sauce – ZERO pts
1 TBSP Sesame Oil – 4 pts
Brown Sugar – 11 pts for the whole recipe
Cooked White Rice – 1 cup is 6 pts – I usually load up on meat and only use a 1/2 cup
Seasonings/ginger/garlic – ZERO points

Korean Beef with Rice

Looking for other quick and easy dinner recipes?

Beef Empanadas

Check out my Best Beef Empanadas Recipe, it is another one that your family is sure to love.

In fact, be sure to check out all the delicious recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram too.

What Is Sushi?

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What is sushi? Sushi is a Japanese dish of prepared with rice and a variety of ingredients, such as cooked and raw seafood and vegetables.

Learn about sushi

What Is Sushi?

Sushi has gained in popularity among all ages. It is part of Japanese cuisine consisting of raw fish and rice served with soy sauce and wasabi.

Sushi is a part of Japanese cuisine consisting of rice topped with fish or various types of shellfish such as lobster and crab, as well as varieties of uncooked fish. Some have cooked fish as well, this is actually how my kids prefer their sushi. Vegetables such as cucumber strips are added to the fish and rice and then rolled with dried seaweed. These are dishes fit for a connoisseur and attractive enough to model in photographs as shown on the menus and displayed on signs. So go pour yourself a glass of sake or Chardonnay (my recommended pairing for sushi) and let’s learn more about what exactly sushi is.

how do you make sushi?

Sushi and Sashimi

Historically, sushi was made of fermented fish, a process that “cooked” the fish like escabeche, which is a Spanish dish also containing fish using a fermenting agent like citrus juice. For the original sushi, it became common to discard the rice and only eat the fish. Sashimi is sliced raw fish served without rice. Small amounts of vinegar are added to rice hastening the fermentation process to within a few days.

The common varieties of sushi served in North America are very different from their origins. Today, sushi restaurants use only the freshest fish and pride themselves on the quality of the ingredients they serve, and sushi chefs became masters of their own creations.

Varieties of Sushi

There are many common varieties of sushi hand rolls sets along with specialty rolls served in most modern North American restaurants.

Some popular varieties of sushi are:

  • California Roll: made with avocado, imitation or real crab, cucumber and seaweed, served rolled and cut into wheels.
  • Philadelphia Roll: raw or smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and sometimes onion.
  • B.C. Roll: barbeque salmon skin, cucumber. (This is often referred to as a salmon skin roll after its ingredients)
  • Spider Roll: deep-fried soft-shelled crab, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayonnaise.
  • Dynamite Roll: prawn tempura, avocado, cucumber, chili, and spicy mayonnaise.

The hand rolls sets of six to eight pieces vary with each customer’s choices, which are often salmon, tuna, yellowfish, or smoked eel, and many others.

These rolls have as many variations as there are sushi chefs turning out these delicacies. As with any great cuisine, experimentation and improvement become part of the creative process.

Raw Fish and Mercury Poisoning

Eating sushi is not without dangers, which are minimized by modern food handling techniques. Raw fish is not always used in sushi – sometimes fish is frozen at a very low temperature for at least twenty-four hours to ensure that there are no live bacteria or parasites within the fish. Probably the biggest danger in a steady diet of sushi in our modern world is that fish contains small amounts of mercury, but sushi contains little amounts of fish.

What are the Different types of sushi

How Sushi is Served

A sushi restaurant is a minimalist experience. The serving dishes are usually plain and presented without accompanying sides. No one has yet served a California roll with a side of baked potato or Caesar salad. Served alongside the sushi is a bit of pickled ginger and a green substance called wasabi or Japanese horseradish. Presentation is considered most important, and great care is taken to please the eye and the palate.

Eating sushi is a bit of a ritual. The individual pieces are lifted with chopsticks and dipped in soy sauce and wasabi, and then transferred to your mouth for a tasty treat to be enjoyed.

Counting calories -Why Sushi is Healthy

Because people are more health-conscious today, sushi has risen in popularity. The calories in sushi are minimal, and fish is an excellent source of protein, providing the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acid.

Different types of sushi

Asian Food in Restaurants

No matter the time of day, from 11 a.m. till closing, sushi restaurants have come into the spotlight and are here to stay. Where they once turned up sporadically, they now dot our cities, and everyone seems to have their own favorite restaurant.

Independent kiosks have sprung up in malls, plazas, and supermarkets, all pre-packaged selling selections of sushi to take out or eat there. Most sushi restaurants have sushi bars where you can eat while the chef prepares your meal. Other establishments have sushi boats that come to your table with all the trimmings. Either way, your sushi comes to you, enjoy the experience, and be aware that it will not be the last time.

One of our favorite days to get sushi is $5 sushi day at Publix 🙂 It’s an inexpensive way to enjoy sushi and I don’t have to cook!

Speaking of cooking, have you ever made sushi at home? We have done it once and it does require quite a bit of work. Making the sushi rice takes the longest, and then rolling everything is a process as well. While, it was definitely an experience making sushi at home, we usually leave it to the professionals.

What is sushi? Well, it’s an art form in my opinion! What is your favorite type of sushi?

what is sushi

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

Beet Blueberry Smoothie – A Naturally Sweet Antioxidant Protein Shake

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This vibrant beet blueberry smoothie is packed with antioxidants, protein, and natural sweetness. An easy, healthy breakfast or snack recipe.

Beet blueberry smoothie in a mason jar with fresh blueberries


Beet Blueberry Smoothie

I’ve been starting most mornings with a smoothie or fresh juice for years now, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to experiment with different fruits and vegetables. From berry-packed smoothies to veggie-forward blends, I love finding new combinations that are both healthy and delicious.

So when I was encouraged to try adding beets to a smoothie, I’ll admit- I was nervous. A beet smoothie? It sounded a little intimidating. But after giving it a try (with the smallest beet I could find), I was completely surprised. This beet blueberry smoothie turned out vibrant, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, making it a surprisingly easy way to add more vegetables and antioxidants to your day.

Purple beet and blueberry smoothie with fruit garnish

Why You’ll Love This Beet Blueberry Smoothie

This smoothie may look bold, but the flavor is surprisingly mild and refreshing. The blueberries and apple balance the earthiness of the beet, while cucumber and coconut water keep it light and hydrating. If you’re new to using beets in smoothies, this recipe is a great place to start.

Healthy beet blueberry protein smoothie on wooden table

What Do Beets Taste Like in a Smoothie?

Beets often get a bad reputation, but when blended with fruit, their flavor becomes subtly sweet rather than earthy. In this smoothie, the blueberries and apple mellow the beet flavor while enhancing the natural sweetness. The result is a smooth, slightly fruity protein shake with a gorgeous deep purple color.

Healthy Beet Blueberry Smoothie

For my 1st beet smoothie I used my small beet, cucumber, tart apples, and blueberries.  You can use fresh blueberries or frozen. I will admit, I LIKED IT!  I also loved the beautiful purple color 🙂

Health Benefits of Beet Blueberry Smoothie Ingredients

Beets – They are very high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and they also contain vitamin B.

Blueberries – These beautiful blue…berries…are the King of Antioxidant Foods. Antioxidants protect our bodies from damage and can even help with anti-aging.

Apples – They are extremely high in antioxidants, fiber and flavanoids. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so why not start adding them to your smoothies?

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.

Protein Powder – Helps keep you full longer and makes your smoothie extra creamy.

Homemade beet blueberry smoothie for breakfast or snack

Ingredient Notes

  • Beets: Use a small raw beet for best flavor. If you’re nervous, start with half and work your way up. You can also use a roasted beet or a pre-cooked beet from the store if that’s what you have on hand- just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
  • Apple: Tart apples like Granny Smith help balance the beet flavor.
  • Protein Powder: Vanilla pairs especially well with the fruit and beet combination.

Now, here is my Beet Blueberry Protein Shake recipe, make sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Beet Blueberry Protein Smoothie

This Beet Blueberry Smoothie is a vibrant, antioxidant-rich protein shake made with fresh beets, blueberries, apple, and cucumber. Naturally sweet and refreshing, it’s an easy, healthy way to start your day or refuel after a workout.
Prep Time5 minutes
Course: Breakfast or Snack, Smoothie
Keyword: beet, blueberries, protein shake, protein smoothie, smoothie
Servings: 1
Calories: 275kcal
Author: Tracy

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 small beet cut in half
  • ½ tart apple cut in slices
  • 4-5 cucumber slices
  • cup blueberries fresh or frozen
  • 1 serving of your favorite protein powder I used vanilla
  • 4-5 ice cubes
  • 3-5 oz coconut water or your choice of liquid

Instructions

  • Place ingredients as listed above into your Nutri Ninja or blender
  • Turn it on Ultra Blend – or similar setting
  • Blend until smooth
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 183mg | Potassium: 2249mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 970IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 4mg
Antioxidant-rich beet blueberry smoothie recipe

What is one of your favorite Beet Smoothie Recipes?

Beets are rich in fiber and essential vitamins, blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, and adding protein helps keep you full longer. This smoothie is a great option for a healthy breakfast, post-workout snack, or afternoon pick-me-up!

In fact, be sure to check out all the delicious recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram too.

  

Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids + Free Printables

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Planning a scavenger is a fun and free kids activity. Here are lots of scavenger hunt ideas for kids, and be sure to grab the free printables!

Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids Printable

Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids + Free Printables

Having a family scavenger hunt is a great way to spend time together as a family and have a blast at the same time. You can plan an indoor or an outdoor scavenger hunt and you will find some tips and tricks here for both.

Plus, scavenger hunts are a fun and interactive way for kids to explore nature, boost problem-solving abilities, and develop teamwork skills through play.

Scavenger Hunts Are Perfect for Parties and Get Togethers

Scavenger hunts are the perfect activity for parties and get-togethers. They’re a great way to break the ice and get everyone interacting with each other.Plus, they’re a lot of fun! They’re a great way to get everyone moving around and active. And, if you design your scavenger hunt correctly, it can be tailored to fit any party or group size.

So, whether you’re looking for a fun activity for your next party or just want to add something new to your usual get-together, consider a scavenger hunt!

Having an indoor scavenger hunt is an easy kids activity. You can use this free printable below (you can print it HERE as well) for your indoor scavenger hunt that is filled with items that you are sure to have around your house. If you prefer you can create your own scavenger hunt game, just make a list of several items for your kids to find around the house. This might be a shoe of a particular color, a book, a playing card, etc. the possibilities are truly endless. You can give each child a separate list of items to find, or you can have them all searching for the same items and see who finishes first.

Print Your FREE At Home Scavenger Hunt Printable

At Home Scavenger Hunt Printable

You may even find your kiddos setting up a scavenger hunt of their own to continue the fun later on. If you happen to have some small prizes available stickers, candy, etc. you can reward whoever completed the scavenger hunt first with a small prize.  My kids love prizes that include a night off of chores 😉

Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Outdoor scavenger hunts are pretty easy to complete as well, and you can do it from the comfort of your backyard, the next time you head out on a walk around the neighborhood, or the next time you have to take a car ride somewhere.  Feel free to grab this free Outdoor Scavenger Hunt printable as well.

FREE Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Printable

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Printable

Why Outdoor Scavenger Hunts Are Good For Kids

Most kids love spending time outdoors, but in today’s society, children are spending more time indoors than ever before. However, it is important to make sure that children are still getting enough time outdoors.

There are many benefits to outdoor play for children. Time spent outside can help improve mental and physical health, social skills, and creativity. It can also provide an opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about the world around them. With all of these benefits, it’s clear that kids need more time outside.

And what better way to encourage them to do so than with a scavenger hunt? Here are a few reasons why outdoor scavenger hunts are good for kids.

Scavenger hunts are a great way to get kids not only outside, but moving as well. They have to run around and search for the items on their list, which gets them active and away from screens.  Outdoor scavenger hunts are also great for promoting problem-solving skills and teamwork. Kids have to work together to find all the items on the list, which can be a fun challenge.

Some things that you might put on your outdoor walking or backyard scavenger hunt list might be:
A yellow flower
A pink flower
A green leaf
A long stick
A worm
A red door

Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids

Now that my kids are older and have phones, we actually do scavenger hunts with images.  I walk around the subdivision and take pictures of about 20 items and then text the kids the images.  They have to take pictures of the same items and then they rush back to me!  One one that gets back first wins!  As long as they have all the images, of course.  We also do this in teams if we have the opportunity to get the neighborhood kids involved.  We usually have them in teams of two.  It’s a great way for the kids (and teenagers) to have some fun and get some exercise in.

Easy Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids

Some things that you might add to your scavenger hunt the next time you are driving might be:
A red car
A big truck
A fast-food sign
A white truck
A church
A balloon

You can add whatever you want to your scavenger hunt lists, and really the possibilities are endless. Take a few minutes, put down the video games, turn off the phones, and have some fun on your scavenger hunt with the kids.

There is no cost to any of these scavenger hunts except for putting gas in the car if you decide to do the scavenger hunt while driving if you are looking to get out of the house and go for a ride. Remember that one of your biggest expenses, when you are out and about on adventures with your family, is always food. If you are going to be eating a meal away from home try to make sure that it is lunch, as lunch prices are less expensive than dinner ones.

Make sure that you keep some snacks and drinks for the family with you. This can keep you from eating out too often, and from paying for overpriced snacks at the gas station.

Advice for Creating a Scavenger Hunt That Won’t Bore Your Kids

If you’re looking for a way to get your kids excited about learning, a scavenger hunt is a great option. But how do you make sure your scavenger hunt doesn’t bore your kids? Here are some tips:
1. Make it interactive. Kids love games that they can play along with. So make your scavenger hunt interactive by incorporating some fun activities into the mix.
2. Keep it short. Don’t make your scavenger hunt too long or complicated – otherwise you’ll lose your kids’ attention quickly.
3. Be creative. Get creative with the clues and tasks you set for your kids. This will help keep them engaged throughout the scavenger hunt.

Do your kids like scavenger hunts?  I hope you enjoy these scavenger hunt ideas as much as we do!

Best Scavenger Hunt Ideas For Kids

Looking for some more fun things to do with the kids indoors?

Family Cooking Competition Ideas

Check out these Family Cooking Competition Ideas

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Delicious Orange Coffee Recipe

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If you want to add a little zest to your morning coffee, I have the perfect coffee recipe for you. This delicious orange coffee has real orange zest! Enjoy!

Best Orange Coffee Recipe

Orange Coffee Recipe

I like coffee.  In fact, I am not sure I could survive a day without it.  I like to mix it up with my different fun flavored creamers for different tastes.  So, when Seattle’s Best Coffee mailed me the goodies to make Orange Coffee, I was pretty intrigued.  Yes, I said ORANGE and Coffee.  It doesn’t turn orange, don’t worry 😉  But it does give it a tasteful twist on your favorite brew.  I strongly recommend trying a slice of my Orange & Banana Bundt Cake to go with it, it’s a match made in heaven!

Orange and Coffee

Making it is easy too, you just need a orange for orange zest and a Seattle’s Best Breakfast Blend K-Cup or Ground Coffee.  Or whatever coffee you happen to have on hand right now.

Coffee with Orange Zest

If you are doing a K-Cup, you will put the zest in a small metal strainer and put it over your coffee cup.  Hit brew and that’s it!

Now, here’s the Coffee Brewed With Orange Zest recipe, make sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Orange Coffee

Add a little zest to your morning with this Orange Coffee recipe.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Course: Coffee Drink
Keyword: coffee, drinks
Servings: 1
Calories: 3kcal
Author: Tracy

Equipment

  • Coffee Maker

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Seattle’s Best Coffee Breakfast Blend grounds or 1 Breakfast Blend K-Cup
  • ½ tablespoon orange zest
  • 12 oz filtered water
  • Milk or half-and-half to taste
  • Sugar to taste

Instructions

K-Cup Directions

  • Place orange zest in a small fine mesh filter
  • Set over a coffee cup positioned under the coffee spout of a Keurig.
  • Brew one Seattle’s Best Coffee Breakfast Blend K-Cup so the brewed coffee passes over the orange zest.
  • Discard orange zest.
  • Add milk or half-and-half and/or sugar to brewed coffee to taste.

Roast & Ground Directions:

  • Combine orange zest with Seattle’s Best Coffee Breakfast Blend in the filter of a coffee machine or Melitta for pour-over method.
  • If using pour over method, first moisten the filter with hot water and discard the rinse water. Place filter in cone.
  • Add Seattle’s Best Coffee Breakfast Blend and orange zest to filter.
  • Measure 12 oz of hot water just taken off a boil and fill cone half way to saturate the grounds.
  • Pause for 10 seconds, then complete the pour by adding the rest of the water in small, steady streams.
  • Add milk or half-and-half and/or sugar to brewed coffee to taste.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 10mg

I was really amazed how that little bit of orange zest could add so much flavor to my coffee!  I did add cream and sugar to it before I enjoyed it.  I can’t do black coffee.

How To make Orange Coffee

And enjoy it I did 🙂

Make sure to let me know if you try this delicious Coffee Recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Easy orange coffee

What is your favorite way to enjoy your coffee?  Have you tried my Chestnut Praline Latte yet?

Orange Coffee

Make sure to check out Seattle’s Best Coffee on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with everything having to do with delicious coffee 🙂

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

Disclosure: I received the product listed above for review.  No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Slow Cooker Zesty Italian Chicken

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This Zesty Italian Chicken recipe only has four ingredients and is an easy recipe that your family is sure to love. Make this Zesty Italian Chicken recipe as part of your meal prep as a freezer to slow cooker meal or make it for dinner tonight.

Zesty Italian Chicken Freezer to Crock Pot Meal

Slow Cooker Zesty Italian Chicken

Easy Freezer Meal

I have another Freezer to Crock Pot meal for you guys today.  I absolutely love this one!  First of all, I love that you don’t shred the chicken.  Every time I think of any meat in a crock pot, I automatically think that I am supposed to shred it.  With this one you don’t 🙂  You serve it just like you would any chicken breast.  And the sauce…..YUM!  We actually ate dinner with our neighbors the night I made this one and we ALL loved the sauce.  We put the extras on our baked potatoes even!

Slow Cooker Zesty Italian Chicken

This recipe only calls for a few ingredients.  You just need Cream of Chicken Soup, I used the 98% fat free, reduce fat cream cheese, chicken, and a package of dry Zesty Italian seasoning.  Easy, peasy 🙂  When cream cheese melts, it doesn’t do it perfectly, you will see small white dots, don’t be worried!

Now, here’s my Zesty Italian Chicken Slow Cooker recipe, make sure to Pin It and Print It so that you can make it again and again.

Feel free to use a crock pot liner for easier clean-up!

Zesty Italian Chicken

Make this 4 ingredient Zesty Italian Chicken recipe as part of your meal prep as a freezer to slow cooker meal or make it for dinner tonight.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 5 minutes
Course: Dinner
Keyword: chicken, crock pot, easy recipe, freezer meals, slow cooker
Servings: 4
Author: Tracy

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts approx. 1 ½ - 2 lbs
  • 1 can 10.5 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
  • 1 8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese cubed
  • 1 envelope zesty Italian dry seasoning

Instructions

  • Write on the Freezer Bag - Zesty Italian Chicken Cook for 4-5 hours on low if thawed, 6 - 8 from frozen.
  • Place all the ingredients into a freezer bag.
  • Freeze until ready to use.
  • Cook as instructed.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

We love the gravy that this recipe makes, so we typically serve this dish with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.

Crockpot Zesty Italian Chicken

As with all freezer to crock pot meals, you can skip the freezing part, and just put all your ingredients into the crock pot in the morning and let it cook all day. I promise you though, this Zesty Italian Chicken definitely one you will want to make again, so make a double patch and freeze the 2nd one 😉

Easy Zesty Italian Chicken

If you like Freezer to Crock Pot Meals too, make sure to check out this Creamy Salsa Chicken Recipe.

Creamy Salsa Chicken

In fact, make sure check out all the delicious recipes on Food Wine Sunshine too and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Discovery Cove Orlando – Dreams Do Come True

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Dreams do come true at Discovery Cove Orlando! Swim with the dolphins, explore the reef and get up close and personal with all the beautiful wild life. While this post is sponsored, all opinions and our love of Discovery Cove are our own.

Swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove Orlando

Discovery Cove Orlando – Dreams Do Come True

Discover Paradise.  What do you think of when I say that?  What is your “paradise”?  Does it include sandy beaches?  Palm trees?  The chance to relax?  Beautiful water? Incredible food?  Tasty beverages?  How about the opportunity to snorkel with thousands of fish…and even rays?  Feed tropical birds? Play inches from a family of otters? How about SWIMMING WITH A DOLPHIN?

All those things describe my paradise.  In fact, mine was even better because my mom was with me when I got to Discover Paradise. We had the amazing opportunity to go to Discovery Cove in Orlando together.

When Discovery Cove contacted me and said that myself and a guest were invited to visit for the day, my initial response was EEKKKKKK! I called my husband insanely excited and said:

“I got just the best email! I get to go to Discovery Cove and bring someone with me! My question for you is, would you like to come, do I figure out how to bring just one of our kiddos…or can I call my mom?”

He quickly responded with:

“Call your mom, this has been a dream of hers forever.”

I called my mom and she was SO EXCITED. I have no words to actually describe her excitement 🙂 She lives in Michigan and started looking for plane tickets right away.

I love being a mom, being able to care for two precious beings that love me unconditionally is the most rewarding experience in my life. I learned how to be a mom from my MOM. My MOM has shown me unconditional love and support my whole life. She has taught me life lessons, held my hand when I was scared, cried with me, laughed with me, has always been by my side, has driven the country with me, is there whenever I need ANYTHING. So, being able to Discover Paradise with my MOM was an experience I’ll never forget.

Discovery Cove Orlando info

From the moment we walked into Discovery Cove we were transported to Paradise. We were greeted by a gracious staff and surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.  If you happen to meet Todd or Erika when you go – tell them we said HI!

The 1st decision you have to make it where you are going to sit. There are several beach areas to choose from and all have the softest, whitest sand you will ever walk on. Each area is by water and is NOT crowded. Did you know that Discovery Cove limits the amount of guests per day to ensure that your experience is the most amazing possible? You can sit by Dolphin Cove, The Grand Reef, The Freshwater Oasis, or by the Wind Away River. You can also get a Cabana if you want extra privacy.

Discovery Cove Orlando details

Once you have your seat, I recommend grabbing some breakfast. My mom and I had the option to enjoy breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh toast, yogurt, juice, coffee, and more! Your experience at Discovery Cove includes your meals and drinks all day. And the food is amazing. It’s hot and fresh and you can enjoy as much as you want 🙂

Bird Aviary at Discovery Cove Orlando

Once my mom and I had breakfast we headed to the free-flight aviary. We hand-fed exotic birds, pet them, and chatted with them. I couldn’t believe all the birds that were in there! It was so much fun having them land on us and feed them all!

Dolphin swim at Discovery Cove Orlando

After we visited free-flight aviary, we had a snack (I love soft pretzels and was thrilled that they were available all day!) and got ready to SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS. There are life vests and wetsuits available to you all day, since it was a bit chilly the day we went, we opted for the wet suits. You arrive at your Dolphin Trainer Cabana 5-10 mins before your scheduled time and you get the chance to chat with a dolphin trainer as well as get ready for YOUR experience.

Dolphin experience at Discovery Cove Orlando

Once you leave the cabana you head over to Dolphin Cove with your group and trainer. For the next 30 mins you have the opportunity to meet a dolphin, pet it, chat with it, swim with it and KISS IT. I cried. My mom cried. We had everyone in our group laughing 🙂 I really can’t put into words how amazing the experience is. It really is a Dream Come True. It really is the way to Discover Paradise.

Discovery Cove Orlando Bird Aviary

After we swam with Akia (that was our dolphin) we had lunch. Salmon, Hawaiian Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Cheesecake, Wine…and those were just a few of the items on my tray 😉  We also had a special owl visitor!

The Grand Reef was the next stop on our agenda. The water in the Grand Reef is crystal clear and gives you the opportunity to swim with thousands of tropical fish. My mom and I snorkeled around it twice because there is no way you can see it all in just one swim. You do get a snorkel and mask to use all day too – no need to bring one from home or buy one.

After The Grand Reef, we warmed up in the Wind Away River. It wraps around in a big circle, and you can get out at various locations…including the aviary! The water is warm and the scenery is undeniably breathtaking.

From the Wind Away River, we checked out the playful Otters and the marmosets.

Discovery Cove Orlando swimming with the dolphins info

Discovery Cove is an amazing place to visit by yourself, with a loved one, with your MOM, or with your family! I have been in the past with my kids and it is an experience they both still talk about.

Kissing the dolphins at Discovery Cove

Once you have finished your day at Discovery Cove Orlando, the fun does NOT stop. You also get UNLIMITED admission to SeaWorld® and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ in Orlando for 14 consecutive days around the date of your reservation. How awesome is that?

My mom got a poster of her experience at Discovery Cove, and she takes Akia with her just about everywhere.  As you can see, it came with her to school already 🙂

Swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove

Get Ready To Discover Paradise at Discovery Cove Orlando

Have you been to Discovery Cove Orlando before?  Is it on your wish list?

Discovery Cove Orlando Dolphin Swim

Be sure to follow Discovery Cove on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with everything in Paradise!

In fact, make sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine for more Florida Family Fun and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram too 🙂

Looking for more fun things to do in Florida?

 How To Choose The Best Hotel on Food Wine Sunshine  Why Our Family Loves Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

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Start your day with this Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie. Filled with fruits and vegetables this smoothie is a healthy addition to your healthy lifestyle.

How to make a Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

I have been having so much fun making new smoothies, I’m sure you guys can tell from all the recent recipes 🙂 Did you see the skin glowing smoothie or the hydrating skin smoothie? I figure if I find a combo that tastes great, you guys would want to know about it too!  My most recent creation includes carrots, cucumbers, bananas, strawberries and Juice Plus+ Complete Shake Mix.

Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Cucumbers and baby carrots are actually “sweet” vegetables, this combo turned out very refreshing 🙂

Tasty Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

This smoothie is not only refreshing but also packed with health benefits. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts your immune system. Cucumbers help with hydration and provide a dose of vitamin K, which supports bone health. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which can improve skin health and boost immunity. Together, these ingredients make a nutritious, low-calorie drink that’s perfect for a morning pick-me-up or post-workout refreshment.

Here are some of the health benefits to the ingredients in this smoothie recipe

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

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.

Strawberries – These red beauties are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and potassium.  As an added benefit – they are fat-free 🙂

Bananas – Besides tasting great, they are loaded with potassium which helps muscles recover and relax, and they have also been known to help you sleep better.

Protein Powder – Helps keep you full longer and makes your smoothie extra creamy.

Healthy Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

Can prep this smoothie ahead of time?

Of course! I am all about making life easier when I can! Preparing your smoothie ingredients in advance can be a game changer. Simply chop your carrots if you got the bigger ones (you don’t have to chop up baby carrots), slice the cucumbers, and remove the greens from the strawberries, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze them for up to a month, and when you’re ready to make your smoothie, just dump the frozen ingredients into your blender and add your liquid. DIY Freezer Smoothie Packs are a great way to save some time!

Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

How to Customize Your Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

One of the best things about smoothies is how easily they can be customized to fit your taste or dietary needs. For added creaminess, consider blending in a banana or a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you want a little more sweetness, a teaspoon of honey or a couple of dates will do the trick. For a protein boost, toss in a scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of chia seeds. You can also swap out the liquid—use almond milk for a creamier texture or coconut water for a lighter, hydrating option.

Easy Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

Now, here is my carrot cucumber strawberry protein shake recipe, make sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie

Naturally sweet and absolutely delicious, this protein shake is easy to make and will leave you feeling great. And full!
Prep Time5 minutes
Course: Breakfast or Snack, Smoothie
Keyword: carrots, healthy, protein shake, protein smoothie, smoothies, strawberry
Servings: 1
Calories: 287kcal
Author: Tracy

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 baby carrots
  • 5 cucumber slices
  • 4 strawberries greens removed
  • ½ banana
  • 1 serving your favorite protein powder I used vanilla
  • 4-5 ice cubes
  • 4 oz coconut water or your choice of liquid

Instructions

  • Place the ingredients into your blender or cup in the order as listed
  • Blend until smooth
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 2727mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 8019IU | Vitamin C: 85mg | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 4mg

I hope you guys enjoy this Carrot Cucumber Strawberry Smoothie as much as I do!  What are some of your favorite Smoothie Recipes?

Want 50 delicious smoothie recipes now?  Check out my Smoothie Recipe eBook on Amazon.

In fact, check out all the delicious Smoothie recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken

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

This Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe is easy to make and can be prepped in just a few minutes. This easy dinner  recipe only has 5 ingredients!  Make it tonight or add it to your meal plan as a freezer to crockpot meal.

Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken

Easy Freezer Meal

I have another Freezer to Slow Cooker Meal for you guys today.  I love that freezer meals are so easy to make and only require a few ingredients.  In fact, you don’t have to make this as a Freezer to Crock Pot meal, you can toss everything in the Crock Pot in the morning too!  The freezer dump meal is just nice when you are trying to meal plan or be super organized 🙂

Easy Creamy Salsa Chicken

For this Creamy Salsa Chicken Recipe you will place everything in the crock pot, expect the Sour Cream.  You will stir that in at the end…hence the “creamy” part 😉

Creamy Chicken Salsa Freezer to Crockpot Meal

Doesn’t that look good?  I always like to shred my chicken and then place in back in the crock pot for at least 30 minutes or so that it gets a chance to really soak in all those fabulous flavors.

Serve your delicious creamy salsa chicken on top of rice or quinoa, or make it into extra flavorful tacos.

Now, here’s my Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken recipe, make sure to Print It and Pin It so that you can make it again and again.

Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 5 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword: chicken, crock pot, easy recipe, salsa, slow cooker
Author: Tracy

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1½ - 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup your favorite salsa
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning
  • 1 can Reduced Fat or Fat Free cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup Fat Free or Reduced Fat Sour Cream

Instructions

  • Write the recipe name and cooking times on a gallon freezer bag with a permanent marker
  • Add all ingredients except sour cream in your freezer bag (or directly to crock pot if you are not doing the Freezer to Crock Pot cooking method)
  • Freeze until ready to use
  • Dump ingredients from freezer bag into the slow cooker
  • Cook low for 6-8 hours if cooking from frozen. Cook on low for 4 - 6 hours if thawed.
  • Shred the chicken when it's ready - using two forks simply pull the meat apart
  • Place the chicken back into the crock pot for approx 30 mins
  • Stir in sour cream
  • Serve on top rice or in tortillas
  • Enjoy!

Feel free to use a crock pot liner for easier clean-up!

I hope you enjoy this Creamy Salsa Chicken Crock Pot meal as much as we do!

Healthy Creamy Salsa Chicken Slow Cooker Meal

Looking for more Freezer to Crockpot Meals?  Be sure to check out my Apricot Chicken Recipe!

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

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

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