Pirates Voyage Dinner + Show Set for 2023 Adventures in Myrtle Beach, SC Starting 2/12

An exciting experience awaits in Myrtle Beach when visitors take part in the adventure found at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. The timeless tale of pirate crews, mystical mermaids and much more begins Friday, Feb. 10, where the treasures found in the show last on in memories for years to come. 

Buccaneers of all ages join Captain Blackbeard and his swashbuckling crew for thrilling acrobatic competitions, spectacular aerial feats and a bountiful pirate’s feast during this epic excursion. The daring and dramatic adventure features sword fights, blazing cannons, graceful mermaids and pirates scaling high above two full-sized pirate ships fighting to win Davy Jones’ coveted sunken treasure. A boisterous crew combines heroics and high-flying fun that will have guests cheering and experiencing thrills around every corner.  The show is an epic battle for lost treasure on land, on deck, and in the water of the show’s 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon. Daring diving dogs, salty sea lions and tropical birds also join in the quest to find Davy Jones’ treasure at “The Most Fun Place to Eat in Myrtle Beach.”

“When visitors come to Myrtle Beach, our Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show takes them on an adventure to be remembered and relived long after they have left our Buccaneer Bay,” said Paul Brown, General Manager of Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach. “This show is the first step in charting a course for a vacation adventure and puts everyone in the audience in the ‘pirate spirit’ as families take part in the fantastic journey with our crew. And the food alone makes the show one-of-a-kind!” 

The adventure actually starts in the Pirates Village, where swashbucklers of all ages can “join the crew” and be transformed into mermaids and pirates before the main show begins. And as any pirate knows, searching for treasure can work up quite an appetite! So when visitors enter the arena for this swashbuckling spectacular, guests are served a hearty and delicious four-course feast straight from Captain Blackbeard’s galley. The meal begins with voyager creamy vegetable soup and buccaneer bread. The feast fit for a pirate continues with a “half o’ roasted cackler” (chicken), swashbucklin’ sugar-cured ham, cob o’ buttery corn and a pirate herb-basted potato. Apple o ’me eye pie and unlimited Coca-Cola® products, tea or coffee complete the meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available by request.

Pirates Voyage takes guests on a fantastic adventure with beautiful mermaids gracefully performing before they disappear into Buccaneer Bay and a crew of characters combining adventure, acrobatics, animals and all things pirate.

Show times and reservations are available by calling (843) 497.9700 or visiting www.piratesvoyage.com.

About World Choice Investments: Founded in 1988, World Choice Investments, LLC, doing business as Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, The Comedy Barn Theater, and Frizzle Chicken Café, operates dinner show venues, theaters, and restaurants for family fun and adventure in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our dinner shows feature special effects, musical productions, live animals and a four-course family feast.

7 Tips to Help You Get on The Road to Financial Stability

Creating a budget, saving money, and managing debt are important steps towards financial stability. I know it feels stressful to think about it sometimes, but here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Create a budget: A budget is a plan for how you will spend your money. To create a budget, start by listing your monthly income, followed by your fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, and insurance. Then, list your variable expenses, such as food, transportation, and entertainment. Finally, subtract your expenses from your income to determine if you have any leftover money to put towards savings or paying off debt. 
2. Cut unnecessary expenses: Once you have a clear understanding of your spending habits, look for areas where you can cut back. For example, you can save money on groceries by meal planning and buying in bulk, or you can reduce your entertainment expenses by opting for free activities like hiking or visiting local parks.
3. Prioritize paying off debt: High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can be particularly damaging to your finances. To get out of debt quickly, focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while still making minimum payments on your other debts. You can also consider transferring your debt to a credit card with a lower interest rate or negotiating with your creditors for a lower rate. There are plenty of online borrowing resources to help with this. 
4. Start saving: Setting aside a portion of your income each month for savings is crucial to achieving your financial goals. Consider setting up automatic transfers to a savings account each month so you can save without thinking about it. You can also consider setting financial goals, such as saving for an emergency fund or a down payment on a house, to help motivate you to save more.
5. Live within your means: Living within your means means spending less than you earn. This requires making deliberate choices about your spending habits and avoiding overspending. For instance, we spend money on so many subscriptions that are often barely used. Consider using cash for discretionary spending, as it can be easier to stick to a budget when you physically see the money you have available.
6. Track your spending: Keeping track of your spending is an important step in creating a budget and staying on track. You can use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track your expenses, or simply write down your purchases in a notebook. This will give you a clear understanding of your spending habits and help you identify areas where you can cut back.
7. Seek help if necessary: If you're struggling to manage your debt or create a budget, don't be afraid to seek help. Consider speaking with a financial advisor or reaching out to a credit counseling agency. These professionals can provide valuable advice and resources to help you get back on track.

In conclusion, creating a budget, saving money, and managing debt require discipline and a commitment to making changes in your financial habits. With the right tools and support, however, you can achieve financial stability and start working towards your long-term financial goals. You can do this! 

Certified Barbeque Judging Training Class February 18 in Columbia, SC

The South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA) will hold a one-day seminar in Columbia to train new barbecue judges. The seminar is Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the recreation hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull St. 

Registration for the seminar is open to SCBA members with a $50 per person fee for the class. Non-SCBA members may join SCBA prior to or while registering for the seminar. SCBA annual membership dues are $45 for an individual or $60 for a family. A catered BBQ lunch is included with the seminar.

The seminar is the first step in becoming an SCBA Certified Barbecue Judge. After completing the class, potential judges will continue their training with hands-on experience as novice judges at four SCBA-sanctioned barbecue competitions. Competitions are held around the state at festivals and fairs, as well as other community events or stand-alone BBQ contests.

Those interested in becoming SCBA-certified judges and attending the Feb. 26th seminar may visit www.scbarbeque.com to register for the seminar and may also join the SCBA. 

Gourmet Gift Baskets Has Your Valentine's Day Gifts Covered

It's officially February, which means Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. If you are trying to figure out what to give the people you love, look no further than a delicious gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets. If you have been following this blog for a while, you probably already know how deep my love for food gifts is. I feel like sweet treats and snacks are a great way to say I love you. Gourmet Gift Baskets has a wide variety of food gifts to please every person's taste. They offer everything from chocolate, cookies, fruit, wine, beer, cheese, crackers, snacks, and more. 

Consider sending a deliciously indulgent gift with perfect pairings-- Valentine’s Day Chai & Bundt Cakes ($99.99). This gift basket includes:  

• Double Chocolate Mini Bundt Cake - Qty. 2
• Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Inclusions Mini Bundt Cake  - Qty. 2
• Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake - Qty. 2
• Masala Chai Tea Concentrate by DONA - 16 oz.

This is perfect for women, men, grandma, grandpa -- just about anyone on your list! The treats come in a beautiful basket that can be used to store or display items around your home in a decorative way. It's like giving two gifts in one! Find it here. 

These mini bundt cakes are so moist and delicious. They are super fresh and taste homemade. My favorite one is the vanilla with strawberry. My girls both love the red velvet and chocolate best. They also love the chai served over ice with oar milk. 

Other gift baskets to consider: 

With Love La Marca Champagne Gift Box, $89.99 (SKU 6679V)

Say "I Love You" with this perfect gift. It arrives in a gorgeous magnetic keepsake box and includes a selection of delicious treats to be enjoyed with a glass of La Marca Prosecco. S'more Grahams, cheese and crackers, and Raspberry Mule Mix are included. Craft a Sweetheart cocktail and toast your loved one with this wonderful gift you can both share on Valentine's Day.

Love Is All You Need Candy Stash, $34.99 (SKU 4836)

Okay, so this one is for some of the kids on your list -- or the adults that never grew up and still have an incredible sweet tooth (like me). The candy stash box features fun-size candy bars and candies in a fun keepsake box. When the candy is gone, it's excellent for storing jewelry, school supplies, or anything else. Make someone feel extra special with this box of sweet treats. 

Check out the full line of Valentine's Day gift ideas. There is something for everyone! 

Special thanks to our brand partner Gourmet Gift Baskets for providing a gift basket for us to enjoy. 

Top Vegetables That Are Easy To Grow In Your Garden

Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding experience, both for the taste of fresh produce and the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from. However, not all vegetables are created equal when it comes to ease of growth. Here are a few vegetables that are relatively easy to grow and tips for controlling pests without chemicals. 

Easy-to-grow vegetables: 

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a classic garden staple and for good reason. They are relatively easy to grow, especially if you live in a warm climate. They do require a bit of staking or cage support, but once they get going they will produce an abundance of fruit.
• Peppers: Peppers are another easy-to-grow option. You can choose from hot or sweet. They like warm weather, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot. They also do well in containers, making them a great option for small spaces.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a great choice for a home garden. They grow quickly and don't require a lot of space. They also do well in containers, but make sure to provide a trellis or other support for the vine to climb. They do need a lot of water, especially if you live in a hot climate. Keep in mind that if you do plant in a container, you should water daily. Just make sure your container has adequate drain holes. 
• Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, bok choy and kale are easy to grow and can be planted in succession to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
• Okra: Okra are pretty hardy plants and grow quite tall as they give off fruit. It is important that you check them daily to harvest as needed. If you grow about 3-4 plants, you will get enough okra to add into your favorite recipes well through the summer. 

To control pests without chemicals, try using companion planting, row covers, and hand picking. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain crops together to discourage pests. For example, planting basil or marigolds near tomatoes can help deter tomato hornworms. Row covers can also be used to protect crops from pests. And hand picking pests off plants can be a simple and effective way to keep populations under control.

Another tip is to make sure your garden is healthy and strong, this will make it less attractive to pests and diseases. This can be achieved by ensuring your soil is rich in nutrients, providing adequate water, and choosing plants that are well suited to your climate.

In conclusion, growing your own vegetables can be a very rewarding and delicious experience, and there are many easy to grow options available. By using companion planting, row covers, hand picking and making sure your garden is healthy and strong, you can control pests without resorting to chemicals.