Oviedo YMCA hosts HEALTHY KIDS DAY Saturday 4/26 10 am to 2 pm

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday, 4/26/14?  Head over to the Oviedo YMCA for a Healthy Kids Day event where there will be Games, Water Fun, Crafts, Martial Arts,  Music and Camp sign-ups.  Plus there will be a special guest appearance by the STRAWBERRY QUEEN.

Located at:

OVIEDO YMCA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

7900 RED BUG LAKE ROAD

OVIEDO, FL  32765

 

407-359-3606

Orlando Home and Garden Show - April 4 - 6

With springtime’s arrival to Florida, there’s no better time for homeowners to get started on projects to maintain their number one investment. Luckily, inspiration is just around the corner: the 2014 Central Florida Home & Garden Show, returning April 4-6 to Hall North B in the Orange County Convention Center’s North Concourse facing Universal Blvd. The home improvement extravaganza is the premier place to find innovative products, new ideas, practical advice and great deals in remodeling, home improvement and gardening with hundreds of experts all under one roof. From windows and flooring to cabinets and landscaping, consumers can shop, compare and save on a wide variety of products and services to renew, refresh and restore their homes.

Show highlights include appearances by celebrity landscaper and green expert Ahmed Hassan of DIY Network’s Yard Crashers; demonstrations by some of the area’s favorite chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage; daily how-to presentations by Chris Tice, the DIY Guy; a Pet Pavilion with cash and carry items; designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle; a food truck rally on Sunday; and hundreds of DIY, landscaping and home improvement experts offering a range of new products and services, including exhibitors new to the market or making their Central Florida Home + Garden Show debut.

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults 13+, $5 for seniors (60+, at the box office only), $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages five and under. 

Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com.  Convenient on-site parking is available in the adjacent lot and is $9 per car per day.

 

Visit CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com for a complete listing of presentations and times. Connect on Facebook, Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow), Pinterest (pinterest.com/homeshows) for up-to-the-minute show details, discounts and fabulous home improvement tips. Visit the show’s blog at HomeAndGardenBlog.com

Edible Orlando Returns to Central Florida Home & Garden Show - April 4th - 6th

The popular Edible Orlando Cooking Stage is back and bursting with even more fun and flavor!  Top local chefs and media personalities will be showing off their culinary skills, dishing about the latest food trends and demonstrating the best of the season all weekend long at the Central Florida Home & Garden Show. Enjoy mouth-watering samples and meet the folks behind Edible Orlando magazine, dedicated to celebrating Central Florida’s food culture.  

Location:                Orange County Convention Center – North Concourse Hall North B facing Universal Blvd. The OCCC is located at 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819.

 

Edible Orlando Cooking Stage Schedule:

 

Friday, April 4

10:30 a.m. - Chef Larry Eells, Hyatt Regency Orlando

12:30 p.m. - Heather McPherson, Orlando Sentinel, Katie Farmand & Pam Brandon, Edible Orlando

1:30 p.m. - Lois Dorotiak, Whole Foods Market

Saturday, April 5

10:30 a.m. - Andres Montoya, The Wine Barn

11:30 a.m. - Chef Camilo Velasco, Barnie's Coffee Kitchen

12:30 p.m. - Heather McPherson, Orlando Sentinel, Katie Farmand & Pam Brandon, Edible Orlando

1:30 p.m. - Gloria B, KQ 103FM

2:30 p.m. - Chef Jose Gonzalez, Cuba Libre Restaurant

Sunday, April 6

11:30 a.m. - Feeding Children Everywhere

12:30 p.m. - Chef Jerry Helminski, 'Kesh

1:30 p.m. - Chef Laurent Hollaender, Grand Bohemian Hotel

 3:30 p.m. - Shantell Williams, Shantell's Café

 
Schedule subject to changes; please visit the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage for up-to-the-minute details.

Gorton's New Artisan Fillets Review & Giveaway Opportunty #RealSolutions

Gorton’s seafood has come out with a delicious new product called Artisan fillets.  They are made from real wild Alaskan Pollock with no fillers, MSG, artificial colors or flavors.  Each box contains 5 fillets which contain only 150 to 170 calories each depending on variety.  This is a perfect product for those counting calories !

The 4 Gorton's Artisan varieties includes:

• Lemon & Cracked Peppercorn
• Southwest Tortilla
• Roasted Garlic & Italian Herb
• Southern Style

I was sent some coupons to try these new products and found them at my local Publix (sadly, my Winn Dixie did not carry them yet).  I have heard that Walmart sells them so if you don't have a Publix, you may want to check there.

 

The one pictured below is the Roasted Garlic & Italian Herb which was really good.  My kids loved it and wanted seconds.  I definitely like these varieties more than the plain breaded fillets you usually find when buying frozen fish fillets.

To help you save some cash, there is a coupon to download at Gortons.com.  There are also recipes and information on all of their products.

 

Thru April 2, you can enter the Real Solutions Sweepstakes daily for your chance to win one (1) VIP product coupon OR one (1) $100 Visa® Gift Card and one (1) Gorton’s branded cutting board OR  $2,500.00 cash prize.

Make sure you follow Gorton’s Seafood on  Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to keep up with all the latest products and promotions.

Along with this review, I was given the opportunity to giveaway a prize pack that includes two (2) full-value product coupons plus one (1) Gorton’s branded cutting board.

To enter, leave a comment stating which of the Artisan flavors you think you would like best.

I will give you an additional entry if you "Like" OrlandoDailyDeals on Facebook (leave a comment after you "like" the page).

I will end this giveaway on 3/26 at 5 pm EST

Disclosure: I was given the products featured in this post to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.

New Details about Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

 

Today, Universal Orlando revealed never-before-released details about the Hogwarts Express experience that will debut as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley – the all-new, magnificently themed land opening this summer and wanted to share with you right away!  Please see attached for the press release with accompanying photo.

 

The train will connect the new land in Universal Studios Florida with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure – allowing guests with park-to-park admission to enjoy a real journey aboard the iconic locomotive. Park-to-park admission is required to experience the Hogwarts Express journey.  Please know that never before has this been done – creating an actual train ride experience to connect two spectacularly themed environments. Everything about the train is authentic – from the paint and the materials used to build it….all the way down to the whistle. The Hogwarts Express experience combines powerful storytelling, live special effects, lifelike animation and state-of-the-art technology to take riders on the journey of a lifetime. 

 

As part of the Hogwarts Express, guests will enjoy two completely different experiences depending on whether they’re traveling to Hogsmeade or London.   Once seated in the cabin, guests will be able to look out their windows as an incredibly authentic and magical adventure unfolds before them.  They’ll see Hagrid come alongside the train on his flying motorbike, Buckbeak the Hippogriff swoop gracefully over Black Lake, the Weasley twins on brooms and up to their usual antics, the Knight Bus swerving through London traffic – and other special moments and surprises.

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S JUST FOR KIDS FESTIVAL STARTS MARCH 22, 2014

Come experience SeaWorld’s 50^th Celebration through the eyes of a child.  Sing, dance and play the day away Saturdays at SeaWorld Orlando’s “Just for Kids” Festival starting March 22. 

This kid-centric festival brings families together to enjoy fun rides, adorable animals and an all-new party zone. “Just for Kids” is included with park admission and takes place Saturdays from March 22 – April 12.

During “Just for Kids”, SeaWorld’s year-long 50^th Celebration will be in full swing. Park pathways will come to life with oceans of spontaneous entertainment. Guests will enjoy a Sea of Surprises featuring new interactive experiences and shows, even more up-close animal encounters and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating park guests with prizes and special experiences every day.

 

Starting at 11 am, families can experience warm-hearted whimsical fun and make lasting memories as they dance along to jammin’ DJ’s at the NEW Rockin’ Rockhopper Party in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®, get up close with adorable animal friends at the all-new “SEA Garden,” and meet some of their children’s favorite television stars. With SeaWorld’s awesome shows and attractions as part of the mix, “Just for Kids” is a full-day’s excitement that’s sure to inspire the child in everyone!   

     

Ocean Adventures Kids Program - Kids can go on an educational, card collecting program, also included with admission, starting at 11 am. Children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park, where they’ll discover fun, educational activities. At each location they will collect a stamp and a limited edition Explorer’s card.  Once they visit all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special SeaWorld prize.  Limit one prize per participating child.

 

Share the wonder of close-up encounters with amazing animal friends and learn how we care for our natural world at our all-new SEA Garden.

 

Then end the night with Shamu & Crew at the Shamu Dance Party at the Village Square located at the front of the park. The party begins one hour prior to park closing with a stilt walker emcee who fills the square with music that the whole family can dance to, including popular line dancing songs and party favorites. The Shamu Dance Party continues until 30 minutes after park closing. Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for complete details.

 

The best way to experience all of the fun, music and treats at “Just for Kids” and SeaWorld’s 50^th Celebration is with an Annual Pass, starting at just $13 per month for Florida Residents.  Pass Members can enjoy all four Saturdays of “Just for Kids” fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.

 

Follow Sea World on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about SeaWorld Orlando’s “Just for Kids” Festival. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #JustForKids.

Weekday Tickets to Busch Gardens® Tampa and SeaWorld® Orlando for $50

Busch Gardens^® Tampa and SeaWorld^® Orlando think weekdays need to be celebrated – especially weekdays during spring break. Both parks are offering a special $50 Weekday Ticket, on sale for only 50 days, good for a single weekday admission to either park, now through May 5, 2014, including spring break.

Busch Gardens Tampa is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions, like Florida’s first triple-launch coaster Cheetah Hunt. At SeaWorld Orlando, guests will find themselves surrounded by SeaWorld’s 50^th Celebration and a Sea of Surprises.

The $50 Weekday Ticket is available online to U.S. residents at SeaWorldOrlando.com or BuschGardensTampa.com or by calling (888) 800-5447. The $50 Weekday Ticket is valid for one weekday’s admission to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa and must be used by May 5, 2014.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls Opens at Aquatica on May 9, 2014

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ opens at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ May 9. It will be the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in the southern United States. At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is where thrill seekers face their fears and each other. After stepping into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” they’ll watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears. They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride!

Fear the Falls … Fun Facts:

• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls features the tallest, steepest, longest and only multi-drop tower slides of their kind in the southern United States.
• At nearly 80 feet tall, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls has the tallest and steepest 360-degree spirals in the southern United States.
• Those who dare to brave Ihu’s Breakaway Falls will experience an almost vertical drop for nearly 40 feet, the steepest in the southern United States.
• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the longest water thrill slide of its kind featuring three “breakaway boxes” and four completely different slide paths. Once the floor disappears, riders will drop 20-24 feet per second.
• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the only high-speed water thrill slide in the world that propels guests through four, 360-degree spirals.

Nuclear Cowboyz Come to Orlando Florida on March 8 and 9

Nuclear Cowboyz is the world’s most explosive, choreographed, arena-based freestyle motocross (FMX) touring production, storms into the Amway Center for the very first time this March 8 and 9. The tour features more than 1000 gravity-defying freestyle tricks by the world’s top freestyle motocross, trials and quad riders, including multi-time X Games medalists Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, Taka Higashino, Mike Mason, Matt Buyten, Ronnie Faisst and Colten Moore as well as freestyle heavyweights Derek Garland, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunne, Brody Wilson, Marco Picado and more.

 

The adrenaline-packed show is complete with stunning laser effects, the largest indoor pyrotechnics show and an infectious soundtrack comprised of heavy metal, electronic dubstep and alternative hip hop. Adding to the action, the acclaimed Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors defy their limits of courage through heart-wrenching martial arts performances.

 

 

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and start at just $20 for adults and $10 for teens.  Plus you can save up to $10 when you use offer code Backflip online at Ticketmaster.com (Valid on advance purchases and while supplies last.  Not valid on $100 Fallout Zone VIP Meet & Greet tickets, and not valid on Teen priced tickets.)

 

You can watch a clip from the show HERE and sample the action with videos and more at nuclearcowboyz.com

 

Make sure you "Like" the Nuclear Cowboyz Facebook page and Follow Nuclear Cowboyz on Twitter using hashtag #nuclearcowboyz

Updates on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando

With this summer’s opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life inside a new, magnificently themed area that includes a revolutionary attraction experience, as well as all-new themed shops and dining.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will give visitors the exciting opportunity to: 

·         Board the Hogwarts Express and journey between London’s King’s Cross Station (located in Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade Station (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure). The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required. 

·         Experience a groundbreaking new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults

·         Witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard at Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops

·         Discover the darker side of magic in Knockturn Alley, the darkest of dark places that features Borgin and Burkes – a shop specializing in the Dark Arts that will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items

·         Explore some of Diagon Alley’s famous shops, including:

o   Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone

o   Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, where guests will find a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes

o   Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs

o   Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses

o   Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more

o   Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards

·         Enjoy traditional British fare that includes favorite dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and more at the Leaky Cauldron

·         Visit Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for frozen treats in a variety of tantalizing and unique flavors such as strawberry-and-peanut-butter ice-cream and many others

·         And more!

 

For more information about the area, visit UniversalOrlando.com/HarryPotter

 

Gorton's #RealFabulous Grilled Product Review and Giveaway

 

 

If you are looking to eat healthier for the new year, Gorton's makes such wonderful grilled products that allow you to easily stick with your New Years Resolution to eat better/healthier.  They even help you get creative with several recipes on their website such as Asian Shrimp Baked Wontons,Skillet Crisped Tilapia Chopped Salad or Mediterranean Style Grilled Tilapia.

 

 

For my review, I chose the grilled Tilapia and not only did I love it, but my kids did too and they are pretty picky eaters.  I love that its so simple to make (take it out of the plastic wrap and either microwave it or bake it on a cookie sheet for 18-20 minutes).  Just add some sides and you are ready to sit down to a nice meal with the family !!!

 

 

 

Make sure you enter the Real Fabulous Sweepstakes daily for your chance to win a $1000 makeover and other weekly prizes.  **sweepstakes ends on 2/3/14 at 1 pm EST

To help you save a little money, you can print a $1 off any (2) Gortons Products coupon.

Make sure you connect with Gorton's on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to keep up with all the latest products and promotions !!!

**********************

Now onto the giveaway…

One reader is going to win (2) Gorton's Free Product coupons, 1 pair of Gorton’s-branded oven mitts, a Gorton’s spatula and an assortment of Gorton’s recipe cards.

To enter, leave a comment stating what you think your favorite Gorton's grilled product would be (you can explore their grilled products here).

I will give you an extra entry is you "Like" orlando-dailydeals on Facebook and then leave a comment stating that you did so

I will end this giveaway on 1/29 at 5 pm EST

Disclosure: I was given the product featured in this post to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.



Universal Studios 2014 Mardi Gras Concert Line Up

Universal Studios just announced the 2014 Mardi Gras Concert Line Up and the bands include:

February 8  - Daughtry
February 15 - Barenaked Ladies
February 16 - Thomas Rhett
February 22 - Robin Thicke
March 1 - Collective Soul
March 8 - Prince Royce
March 14 - Cody Simpson
March 15 - Foreigner
March 21 - To Be Announced
March 22 - Gavin DeGraw
March 28 - To Be Announced
March 29 - To Be Announced
April 5 - Skillet
April 12 - Lynyrd Skynyrd
April 19 - Kool & the Gang
May 3 - Nelly
May 10 - The Wanted
May 17 - To Be Announced
May 24 - To Be Announced
May 31 - To Be Announced

For more information and a full concert listing, visit universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Ring in the New Year at SeaWorld

Ring in 2014 SeaWorld style by celebrating our connection to the sea, sea life and the world we share! A spectacular musical celebration with DJs and live bands, plus a bold fireworks display, send a wave of welcome to the New Year ahead.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™ is splashing waves of holiday spirit over the park (now nightly) the rest of December, and New Year’s Eve is included! Here in a wintery, watery wonderland, guests of all ages will enjoy loads of frosty fun as they watch stunning live shows inspired by the natural world, journey to the North Pole to meet Santa himself, then share a smile with a playful penguin at the South Pole while visiting the park’s newest attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®!

Enjoy added fun on New Year’s Eve as SeaWorld stays open until 1 am and features additional entertainment. From a DJ spinning Latin-style tunes at The Waterfront, to top 40 hits playing at Wild Arctic, and local pop/rock artists Project DJ Slam performing at The Christmas Market, there’s plenty of music in the air.  And the night wouldn’t be complete without fireworks lighting up the night sky! Kick off the New Year with a bang while watching an extended fireworks extravaganza during Holiday Reflections: Fireworks & Fountains Finale immediately following the last Winter Wonderland on Ice show.

Additional show times have been added for extended New Year’s Eve park hours; times listed below for all shows:

• Clyde & Seamore Countdown to Christmas at 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
• O Wondrous Night at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Shamu Rocks at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.
• Shamu® Christmas Miracles at 7:30 p.m.
• Winter Wonderland on Ice at 7:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and 11:25 p.m. (Extended Holiday Reflections: Fireworks & Fountains Finale immediately following 11:25 p.m. show.)

Treat Yourself With a Hello Fresh Meal Subscription Service

Hello Fresh is a fresh food subscription service that provides you with everything you need to create fabulous meals for your family that can be made in 30 min or less.  Each box contains recipe cards and everything you need for your meal including meat/fish, side dishes and even herbs and spices.  You can choose between their “classic” box or their vegetarian box and also choose whether you want meals for 2 or 4 people.

 

 

I really like that you get to try so many different types of meals without having to buy entire packs of ingredients.  For example, they will send you just enough cheese for your recipe so you aren’t having to buy a full pack of cheese to make the meal.

I love how each meal is bagged together and labeled so you know exactly which products go with each meal.  In the box that I received, were ingredients for Chicken Quinoa Stew, Chile Dusted Shrimp and Roasted Pork Tenderloin.

Its hard to pick which was my favorite because they were all so good.  Plus the meals are super easy to make which is a big plus for me because normally I am not a very good cook.

Here are pictures of all the meals...

Chile Dusted Shrimp w/ Corn Relish

 

Roasted Pork Tenderloin w/ Lemony Skillet Potatoes and Zucchini 

 

Chicken Quinoa Stew

 

Don't these look incredible?

To sign up for your Hello Fresh subscription, GO HERE.

If you absolutely LOVE your box (and they hope you do) and want to continue to receive one each week, you are good!  If you have a week that you do not like the recipe choices or will be out of town, just use the pause feature.

To cancel your subscription you will need to email cancel@hellofresh.com no later than 11:59PM EST on the Wednesday the week before your delivery.

Disclosure: The products featured in this post were provided by Hello Fresh through MosaicReviews. All opinions are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.

Will You Help the Mines Advisory Group

 

 

Since 1989, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has worked in over 35 countries to remove remnants of war, such as landmines and unexploded bombs, saving the lives of thousands each year in places like Vietnam and Iraq. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, MAG’s leading priority is to protect the lives and well-being of the most vulnerable individuals in contaminated areas by providing risk education and removing deadly weapons around the world.

Sadly, children are often the most vulnerable since they are curious and find these unexploded bombs on ground surfaces when they play – sometimes in an area of their own backyards covered by shrubs.  Children make up 30 to 40% of victims.

WHY MAG’S WORK IS CRITICAL TO SAVE LIVES: When MAG clears items, people can then use that land to farm or build roads for commerce or build schools.  Many of the areas MAG clears such as Vietnam and Laos have items left over from U.S. bombings that ended over 40 years ago.  A whole generation has had to live in fear because of these American remnants of war.
MAG hires many women and people with disabilities to do this work so that MAG can support people who typically have few job prospects in these poor countries.  These women and people with disabilities are heroes in their community.

From July 2012 to May 2013, MAG cleared and destroyed more than 300,000 landmines and items of unexploded ordnance.  And because of this, more than 700,000 people were able to farm, build homes and schools and travel without fear of injury.  For more information, please visit www.magamerica.org

I would like you to consider donating $26 which will fund a deminer for a day of work clearing landmines and unexploded bombs in Laos, Vietnam, Iraq, Cambodia, or many other countries where we work.  Through the end of the year, each donation will be matched by a group of MAG’s most supportive donors so that the value of each donation can go even further.   Donations can be made at Magamerica.org/donate.