My Tampa Wish List

So, you already know how excited (like jumping up and down excited) I am about going to Orlando to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion at Universal Studios. Days of Butterbeer, wand-waving and rides on the Hogwarts Express. Enough about that though, because I'm going to be spending four days in Tampa, too. It's not a lot of time, especially since I have firm plans for two of those days, but that doesn't mean we can't make the most of it. Here are the things we plan to do and things we want to do if we have time:

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Busch Gardens Tampa

Our main reason for heading to Tampa, but unlike our last visit, we wanted to do a bit more, so instead of only going for the day, we've decided to stay in Treasure Island on the beach, outside of Tampa. I love that Busch Gardens Africa mixes awesome animals with equally awesome theme park rides. You'd think that after a week at Disney, we'd be over rides, but they are pretty different.

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Legoland

Okay, so just like Busch Gardens, the vibe here is totally different here. I'm sure we'll be the only ones with kids like we were at the California one, but the rides are low key, fun and it's a nice day. Plus, Legos! Some of the best stuff here is seeing the cool stuff they build out of Legos and getting ideas for building at home.

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Weeki Wachee Mermaids

O.M.G. I have been wanting to go see the mermaids for years. Sure, it's a kitschy roadside attraction, but that's what makes it exciting to me. I had no idea it was anywhere near as close to Orlando and Tampa as it is. We're going to leave Orlando early in the morning and hit Weeki Wachee right after breakfast to see the mermaids, the wildlife and take the boat ride, then we can head to Tampa for lunch. 

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Sunken Gardens

I'm a sucker for a botanical garden, especially in a place that has tropical-esque weather. This one has waterfalls, bridges and is over 100 years old. It's just a hop, skip and a jump there to St. Petersburg from Tampa. I hope to get a lot of great pics from our visit.

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Big Cat Rescue

Not sure if I'm going to have time for it, but this place rescues lions, tigers, panthers and other big cats. It runs on donations and tour fees. Getting close-ish to these amazing creatures is definitely worth the price, I think. If I could also hug a big cat, I'd be totally in...and probably also make a trip to the hospital. Luckily, they are smarter than I am regarding wild animals.

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The Great Escape Room

Puzzles are fantastic, aren't they? The Great Escape Room gives you clues to put together and solve in order to, you guessed it, escape the room. You have a one-hour time limit and the brains of those you brought with you and any other visitors there during your game. I don't know how hard it'll be or if it'll end up being as much fun as it sounds, but I'm really excited to find out.

Believe it not, I haven't actually planned where to eat yet in Tampa, but I have months to come up with ideas. Do you have suggestions for me? If so, I'm all ears, because I want to try some delicious dishes. You can follow along with my expanding Tampa Wish List on Pinterest.

What are your favorite things to do and eat inn Tampa?

Infographic: Travel for Chocolate

Just like many of you, I love chocolate. I adore unusual combinations, too. Yes, I'll indulge in a Jaffa Cake or Hershey's Kiss, but I will always gravitate towards something different, like a chocolate ganache with chili powder or maybe chocolate-covered ants (not that I've actually tried these yet). So, when I see something awesome on my travels, I'm likely to pick it up to try. Chocolate fried chicken? Yeah, I'm all over trying that. Here are some truly spectacular spots across the world with legendary chocolate picks for each.

 I got some truly delicious chocolate in Ecuador. Though the majority of their chocolate is processed elsewhere, the stuff that is actually processed in the country is tremendous and still affordable even though it's expensive in comparison to that which is imported.

Have you ever visited any of these spots or do you have a favorite chocolate spot from your travels?

Moov to Get in Shape for Your Vacation (Review)

Spring Break and Summer Vacation are coming. If the prospect of putting on a swimsuit is making you twitch, then you need to Moov! There are a ton of fitness trackers out there, but how many actually show you which exercises to do and how to properly do them? If you need a coach to help you get in shape, like I do, then Moov should be on your shopping list. Not only that, but Moov can get you in shape in less than 10 minutes per day!

I’m in love with this, because I don’t have motivation to exercise for an hour every day, but even I’m willing to get moving for 7 minutes. That’s right! Purchase your Moov wristband and download the Moov 7 Minute + Workout to your iPhone or iPad and get started. Moov is quick and easy to set up, so you can get started right away. You aren’t spending half an hour inputting all your information and then over the whole thing by the time it’s time to start your workout. You know what I mean.

Your workout goes through three sets of six exercises: jumping jacks, squats, lunges, planks, push-ups and sit-ups. You don’t have a chance to get bored before you’re on to the next exercise. It asks if you’re ready to go and then shows you via a swirling counter how well you’re doing with each individual exercise, which helps you improve each time and do the exercises correctly. After each set, you get a quick 20-second cool down to catch your breath, drink some water and get ready to go again. It’s long enough to rest, but not too long that you want to sit down and give up early.

How much of a workout can you really get in 7 minutes? (About 8 ½ with rest periods) I hate to exercise, because it’s boring and I never know what I should be doing or for how long. Plus, without someone to motivate me to keep going, I often quit in the middle or just don’t do it. Moov made it easy for me to do the exercises, because I knew how long I would be doing them. They go quickly and, because you see the meter for how well you’re doing, it makes you want to do your best. The day after my workout, I could tell which muscles I was working and was sore the same way as if I’d done a longer workout of just a few of those same exercises, so knew it was working.

Keep up with your daily routines – changing levels when they get too easy – and you’ll find yourself ready for that swimsuit in no time. Because the only things you need for your workout is your phone or tablet and your wrist band, it’s easy to take it with you everywhere you go. Get your 7 minutes (or more) in even after a long day of sightseeing. Starting your day with a brisk workout can give you more energy and wake you up so you’re ready to do everything on your list.

Since the workouts are so short, and you can connect more than one wristband to your device, you and your partner can exercise when it’s convenient, whether it’s before you leave for the day, before you head out for dinner or any time you can fit it in. Challenge each other to be better and match each other’s workout levels. If you're just exercising on your own, it's okay. Moov encourages and coaches you via voice. Just turn up the volume on your phone or tablet to hear it.

So, if you are pressed for time, but still want to look your best, then find ten minutes in your day for a quick, but efficient workout. You’ll be glad you did when you get to the beach and put on that bathing suit you’ve been dreading. Plus, you know you’re going to be eating some high-calorie meals on your trip, so why not start losing them before you eat them? It’s a lot better to lose a few extra pounds that you know you’ll gain back than have trouble getting your pants on by the end of your vacation, right? It’s happened to me before and I’d much rather have little extra waistband room to spare at the start of my trip than have to go buy something a little looser before I head back.

Are you ready to start exercising in just minutes a day? If you are, then go get your Moov today!

Other information:

Where can I get it? On the Moov website

How much is it? $119, but only $89 for a limited time + just $69 each if you buy 2 or more

What colors does it come in? ice (white/clear) | black

Other specifications: Each Moov comes with 2 bands (so it fits everyone and can use the longer for your ankle) and a charger. Apps you can use: Moov 7 Minute+ Workout, Run & Walk, Cardio Punch and Swim. Yes, you can swim with your Moov!

Connect with Moov: Facebook | Twitter

Disclosure: I was provided a loaner Moov band for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% mine.