MJ’s Money-Saving Secret Spice Advice

You may think you’re pretty savvy at the grocery store, but what about when it’s time to replenish the spice rack?  It can be really expensive, especially if you’re replacing more than one spice jar or canister at a time.  Spices don’t really go bad as soon as the label might indicate, but they definitely lose their kick after a couple of years.

But if you follow MJ’s super-secret spice advice, you could save a bundle.  What’s the trick?  Get out of the regular spice aisle and go to the international aisle where you find Mexican food items.  Right there is where a lot of stores stock the Badia brand of spices, even though the company was founded by a Cuban exile.

Believe it or not, Badia spices can often be 50% less than their big-name rivals, without sacrificing quality or taste.  For foodies and home cooks, the savings add up fast.  Here’s another tip from MJ’S kitchen:  when you’re using them in a recipe, don’t shake the container directly over your steaming kettle or saute pan.  Put some in a small bowl or ramekin, and use your fingers to sprinkle them in.  Otherwise, the steam will shorten their shelf life.

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It's spring! Now, time to celebrate what we have in Tampa with Tampa Riverfest 2023. Riverwalk gets its own festival each year the first week of May. Here's a list of what you can experience.

Tampa Riverfest will take place along Riverwalk, at Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park and at Water Works Park on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2023.

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Try samples from local restaurants at Taste of the Riverwalk. It happens Friday, May 5, 2023 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Get your wristband that gets you access to the food tent area here.

RiverFiesta is a new part of the Riverfest celebration. On Saturday, May 6, RiverFiesta takes place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Check out RiverFiesta for tacos, bowls and nachos. Enjoy samples at RiverFiesta by ordering your wristband online.

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The City of Tampa will be invaded Saturday morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running, or rather, paddling through 1 p.m. Not by pirates, but by paddleboards, surfskis and canoes.

Join Urban Kai and Friends of the Riverwalk in one of their two races. There's a long one (6 miles) or a short race (2 miles). Learn more here.

Saturday evening, you can participate in the Riverfest Lantern Parade or just enjoy it from the sidelines. Decorated paper lanterns travel a mile down the parade route lighting up Riverwalk. It begins at Water Works Park at 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, May 6.

Click here to find out how to participate.

Another new event is the Riverfest Market at Water Works Park. It's free to explore the vendors from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be music on the Water Works Park Stage plus food trucks for when you get hungry.

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Returning for 2023 is the Hot Air Balloon Glow. Enjoy as hot air balloons light up the sunset sky. The balloons take to the sky beginning at 8:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday evenings at Curtis Hixon Park.

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Yoga in the Park is back for Riverfest 2023. Join the hour-long morning yoga Saturay, May 6th beginning at 9 a.m. Yoga in the Park is hosted by The Calm Collective. There's no registration necessary but they welcome donations. Bring everything you think you'll need, including at mat. They will not be provided.

Among the most popular events from Riverfest is The Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Saturday, May 6th at 10 a.m., check out the derby as Curtis Hixon Park goes to the dogs. Dachshunds race in what may be the largest gathering of weiner dogs in Florida.

There's the derby, plus "Best Nose," "Speed Trap," "Costume Contest," "Kissing Contest" and "Best Tail." Dachshunds are welcome to participate from 4 months to 18 years of age. Winners from the various division champions my qualify for the Florida Circuit Championship of the National Dachshund Race Circuit.

There will also be fun races for all dog breeds, plus games, raffles, auctions and the chance to adopt a dog! Click here for more information about the event and registration.

Interested in being a VIP? If you get a ticket to the VIP tent in Curtis Hixon Park, you can partake of refreshments, light foods, plus front-row for the entertainment.
Friday, May 5th, 5 p.m ,until 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 6th from, 4 p.m, get your wristband for access to the VIP Tent. Drinks include beer, soda, water and cockatails. (Guests must be 21 or older to enter VIP Tent)

Click here for more details and tickets for the Riverfest VIP Tent.

Don't forget the stages with live entertainment! Click here to see the full lineup of artists.