So, I am a die hard foodie who is sick and tired (literally) of being fat. I have been fat MOST of my adult life! It is most undesirable. I would like to live long enough to see grandchildren grow up. But, for now, I would like to be able to walk up my stairs without my knees screaming in pain!
Over the last 6 or 8 weeks I have been significantly working on intake quantity and quality... plus a little exercise tossed in here and there. I am proud to say I have lost 20# so far. I still have 85 to go, though. I have been using a free program that is extremely amazing. It is called MyNetDiary. A good friend told me about it a couple months back. Those of you looking into losing weight, I suggest it, highly. There is a more extensive program you need to pay for but I have not. The free one has been fine for me. It also has a free iPhone app that syncs with your account (I say account and you think $$ but I mean a free account, still).
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Mitchell's Fish Market inTampa - Lunch - 4.5 stars
Today, our children are with their Bubby preparing for tomorrow night's event, Sedar 2011. The Mup and I decided to go to a nice lunch at a new place, get some accessories for his new toy, and dilly-dally since we cannot often do that comfortably with the kidlets. A Facebook friend, who is also a teacher at the kidlets' school, posted about her outing last night at Ocean Prime for her anniversary. Unfortunately, they do not open until 4PM on Sundays. Back up plan in full effect, we decide to go to Mitchell's Fish Market, a place we have been wanting to try.
First Glance: It looks a little ritzy. Inside is clean, moderately upscale, staff is friendly, raw bar (oysters) seats 4 and has an impressive mound of fresh oysters on ice for your viewing (and slurping) pleasure, a fish display like you would see at a deli/meat/fish monger counter beautifully displays their wares, and more than one room accommodates larger, private parties.
First Bite: Being a San Francisco Bay Area native, sourdough is my favorite starch, bar none. Tampa is hardly the place to find decent sourdough. Much to my surprise, fresh, hot sourdough baguettes are served as a precursor to your meal. The tartness was spot on, too! Impressed so far.
The Meal: Blackened Salmon & Spinach Salad. $13 is a little pricey for lunch, I will admit. However, the salmon was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The salad got and A+ for portion size, was fresh and had the exact amount of dressing needed. The dressing was obviously made in house and had the perfect amount of sweetness for a spinach salad. The pecans were chopped (which I prefer in a salad) and the apple slices were cold, crisp and juicy. The red onion was sliced extremely thin so it did not overpower the salad. However, the goat cheese could have played a bigger role.
Overall: Why 4.5 instead of 5? The lack of goat cheese and the price. You pay for good food, but if I am paying $13 for a 3oz salmon and a salad, toss a little more goat cheese in there! Other than that, I will not complain. We will definitely be back.
First Glance: It looks a little ritzy. Inside is clean, moderately upscale, staff is friendly, raw bar (oysters) seats 4 and has an impressive mound of fresh oysters on ice for your viewing (and slurping) pleasure, a fish display like you would see at a deli/meat/fish monger counter beautifully displays their wares, and more than one room accommodates larger, private parties.
First Bite: Being a San Francisco Bay Area native, sourdough is my favorite starch, bar none. Tampa is hardly the place to find decent sourdough. Much to my surprise, fresh, hot sourdough baguettes are served as a precursor to your meal. The tartness was spot on, too! Impressed so far.
The Meal: Blackened Salmon & Spinach Salad. $13 is a little pricey for lunch, I will admit. However, the salmon was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The salad got and A+ for portion size, was fresh and had the exact amount of dressing needed. The dressing was obviously made in house and had the perfect amount of sweetness for a spinach salad. The pecans were chopped (which I prefer in a salad) and the apple slices were cold, crisp and juicy. The red onion was sliced extremely thin so it did not overpower the salad. However, the goat cheese could have played a bigger role.
Overall: Why 4.5 instead of 5? The lack of goat cheese and the price. You pay for good food, but if I am paying $13 for a 3oz salmon and a salad, toss a little more goat cheese in there! Other than that, I will not complain. We will definitely be back.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tis the Season for Bloody Noses :(
Dean woke, and in turn woke his sister to "help him down the stairs", at 5am due to a bloody nose. When all was settled, the 2 kids decided to curl up on the big couch together, side-by-side and sleep out the rest of the night. I wish I was coherent enough to take a picture of the cute couple on the couch this morning!
I never thought I would say i need a humidifier in Tampa, Florida.
Would you like to win a Vicks Starry Night Humidifier? Enter here: http://bit.ly/hDMkKA
I never thought I would say i need a humidifier in Tampa, Florida.
Would you like to win a Vicks Starry Night Humidifier? Enter here: http://bit.ly/hDMkKA
Monday, November 15, 2010
Dining Out With a Family of 4 - On a Budget
I love to cook... but I LOOOOOOOVE to go out! Many people ask how we are able to eat at so many restaurants so often with 2 children. Here are a few tips that we use that may also help you.
1. Drink water! Not only is this a healthier option than most of what you would normally choose, but it will save you $6-$8 (or MORE) for a family of 4.
2. Nix the kid's meal. Kid's meals rarely impress me in a restaurant and 9 times out of 10, my 6 year old wont eat it anyway. Most options are either fried or a boxed form of mac & cheese. YUCK! Why pay $4 for something you can buy for 50 cents? Consider splitting an adult meal for the kids. It is probably more appetizing anyway! Children have palates, too. Honest! Sometimes, splitting between the 2 kids is impossible. My 8 year old usually eats a small, adult entree alone now. But getting a soup in addition to my meal is usually enough for my 6 year old.
3. Do not over-eat. Not only is it bad for you, but it is costly! Portion sizes in most restaurants are over-abundant as it is. Is there really a need for an appetizer, regular size entree AND dessert? Perhaps there is! Maybe it is a special occasion. But you should really consider that before making your choice.
4. NEVER be afraid to use coupons. I sign up for every free rewards program there is. If I happen to go to that restaurant, great. If not, no harm, no foul, right? Signing up for a rewards program usually gets you on a list for extra coupons, too. So, if you like to dine out, do your research!
Hopefully this has helped you a bit.
1. Drink water! Not only is this a healthier option than most of what you would normally choose, but it will save you $6-$8 (or MORE) for a family of 4.
2. Nix the kid's meal. Kid's meals rarely impress me in a restaurant and 9 times out of 10, my 6 year old wont eat it anyway. Most options are either fried or a boxed form of mac & cheese. YUCK! Why pay $4 for something you can buy for 50 cents? Consider splitting an adult meal for the kids. It is probably more appetizing anyway! Children have palates, too. Honest! Sometimes, splitting between the 2 kids is impossible. My 8 year old usually eats a small, adult entree alone now. But getting a soup in addition to my meal is usually enough for my 6 year old.
3. Do not over-eat. Not only is it bad for you, but it is costly! Portion sizes in most restaurants are over-abundant as it is. Is there really a need for an appetizer, regular size entree AND dessert? Perhaps there is! Maybe it is a special occasion. But you should really consider that before making your choice.
4. NEVER be afraid to use coupons. I sign up for every free rewards program there is. If I happen to go to that restaurant, great. If not, no harm, no foul, right? Signing up for a rewards program usually gets you on a list for extra coupons, too. So, if you like to dine out, do your research!
Hopefully this has helped you a bit.
Monday, November 01, 2010
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Living in Florida has it's advantages! My mother flew in from California 2 weeks ago. Her cousin, Billy, from Pennsylvania joined us. My mother had been planning a trip with all of to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure for MONTHS! It was pretty cool if I do say so myself, which I have no problem doing as most of you already know! However, for those of you eager to go into the most wizard-laden spot in Orlando, I have a few tips for you. Keep in mind I did NOT go on a weekend or holiday. I went on a Friday and it was shoulder to shoulder madness!
1. THE RIDES: The official website says the best time to ride the Forbidden Journey is first thing in the morning when the park opens. Unless you are THERE when the park first opens, I suggest going around sunset. Also note, the pass that allows you to go around everyone does NOT apply for this ride. Keep an eye on the marquees around the park that shows you the current wait times for the most popular rides. If you get carsick easily, this is NOT a good ride for you. I felt sick for 30 minutes afterwards. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a GREAT ride for all ages. Hold on to hats or anything else that is loose. We did not ride the Dragon Challenge.
2. THE WAND: One of the best-selling souvenirs is a replica wand. And who wouldn't want one?!?! For $25 (yeah, a little steep but it is a theme park) you get your choice of wand from Neville's, to Harry's, to the want of the Dark Lord himself!! Now, you have a few options of HOW to do this and that is really where the time-saving tip comes in. You can stand in line for the "wand presentation" (reviews say it is lame) which chooses only ONE person from each group for the presentation. The wand chooses you, yadda-yadda. The day I went, the line was 2 hours just to get in the shop and every report I have seen said that is minimal for that particular attraction. If you want a wand you can go around the BACK of the line and enter Dervish and Banges from the back side. You can also get one at a kiosk between the exit from Forbidden Journey and the exit from the Flight of the Hippogriff.
3: BUTTERBEER, PUMPKIN JUICE AND FOOD: Many people see the Butterbeer cart in the center of town and think "OOOH That line is long! I should get in line now!" Well, they would be wrong. The best place to get one of these treats is in the Three Broomsticks Tavern. Also, it is far better frozen and it is AMAZING! As for the Pumpkin Juice, you can buy these all over but I believe the only way to get the bubbly version is in Three Broomsticks. I have heard the bubbly is much better. To me, it tastes like an over-sweetened and spiced version of apple cider. The food at the Three Broomsticks was REALLY good. We got the feast and it fed 4 adults and 2 children with left overs! It was a great deal.
4. HONEYDUKE'S/ZONKO'S - THE CANDY/JOKE SHOP: There was a line to get in here when I was there. I am sure there is a fire code restriction for the amount of people. But Zonko's (the joke shop owned by the Weasley twins) is right next door and the 2 stores are connected inside. Walk past the candy shop (walking away from the Three Broomsticks) and enter Zonko's to get in Honeyduke's if there is a line. The Honeyduke's chocolate bars were terrible but the fudge flies rocked! Either take a soft cooler bag with freezer packs for your chocolate, or get your candy from Honeyduke's as your last stop in the park before going home. Honeyduke's WILL NOT transfer food to the front of the park for you (like other stores in the park will) and I guarantee the candy will melt. I took quart sized ziplocs, filled one with hotel ice and double bagged it. It worked GREAT as a freezer pack!! Zonko's was unimpressive to me.
5. THE TRAIN: Stop and take a picture of the family by the Hogwart's Express. This only takes a second! You will regret it if you don't!
I am a dork and somehow missed Filch's Emporium and the Owl Post. I wont make that mistake next time ;)
1. THE RIDES: The official website says the best time to ride the Forbidden Journey is first thing in the morning when the park opens. Unless you are THERE when the park first opens, I suggest going around sunset. Also note, the pass that allows you to go around everyone does NOT apply for this ride. Keep an eye on the marquees around the park that shows you the current wait times for the most popular rides. If you get carsick easily, this is NOT a good ride for you. I felt sick for 30 minutes afterwards. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a GREAT ride for all ages. Hold on to hats or anything else that is loose. We did not ride the Dragon Challenge.
2. THE WAND: One of the best-selling souvenirs is a replica wand. And who wouldn't want one?!?! For $25 (yeah, a little steep but it is a theme park) you get your choice of wand from Neville's, to Harry's, to the want of the Dark Lord himself!! Now, you have a few options of HOW to do this and that is really where the time-saving tip comes in. You can stand in line for the "wand presentation" (reviews say it is lame) which chooses only ONE person from each group for the presentation. The wand chooses you, yadda-yadda. The day I went, the line was 2 hours just to get in the shop and every report I have seen said that is minimal for that particular attraction. If you want a wand you can go around the BACK of the line and enter Dervish and Banges from the back side. You can also get one at a kiosk between the exit from Forbidden Journey and the exit from the Flight of the Hippogriff.
3: BUTTERBEER, PUMPKIN JUICE AND FOOD: Many people see the Butterbeer cart in the center of town and think "OOOH That line is long! I should get in line now!" Well, they would be wrong. The best place to get one of these treats is in the Three Broomsticks Tavern. Also, it is far better frozen and it is AMAZING! As for the Pumpkin Juice, you can buy these all over but I believe the only way to get the bubbly version is in Three Broomsticks. I have heard the bubbly is much better. To me, it tastes like an over-sweetened and spiced version of apple cider. The food at the Three Broomsticks was REALLY good. We got the feast and it fed 4 adults and 2 children with left overs! It was a great deal.
4. HONEYDUKE'S/ZONKO'S - THE CANDY/JOKE SHOP: There was a line to get in here when I was there. I am sure there is a fire code restriction for the amount of people. But Zonko's (the joke shop owned by the Weasley twins) is right next door and the 2 stores are connected inside. Walk past the candy shop (walking away from the Three Broomsticks) and enter Zonko's to get in Honeyduke's if there is a line. The Honeyduke's chocolate bars were terrible but the fudge flies rocked! Either take a soft cooler bag with freezer packs for your chocolate, or get your candy from Honeyduke's as your last stop in the park before going home. Honeyduke's WILL NOT transfer food to the front of the park for you (like other stores in the park will) and I guarantee the candy will melt. I took quart sized ziplocs, filled one with hotel ice and double bagged it. It worked GREAT as a freezer pack!! Zonko's was unimpressive to me.
5. THE TRAIN: Stop and take a picture of the family by the Hogwart's Express. This only takes a second! You will regret it if you don't!
I am a dork and somehow missed Filch's Emporium and the Owl Post. I wont make that mistake next time ;)
Thursday, July 01, 2010
For Hosh :)
http://funmoneygames.blogspot.com/2010/06/first-rss-contest.html
Join the contest at Fun Money Games! It's a great site full of info about FREE games with prizes!
Join the contest at Fun Money Games! It's a great site full of info about FREE games with prizes!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
All in the family...
I do not blog enough… Sorry (Reese). I have so much on my plate I find it difficult, sometimes, to sit down, put pen to paper (or finger to board in this case) and expel myself (that is really what blogging is, isn’t it?) into a concise note to the world. Without further adieu, here goes!
My daughter’s 6th birthday party is this weekend. Six… How did we get here? It really does seem like last week when I was snuggling and nursing her in bed in the GA house. Time flies… I always have heard older people say that; “Cherish these moments because they are gone too soon”. I guess I am old! We are having a little chef’s party in our house. We did something a little unorthodox (who me?) and invited all 18 of her classmates instead of just the girls. I was really worried about inviting them ALL and I was warned it was “a mistake”. Quite honestly, it is a darned good thing I did! Not one girl RSVPed. 8 children are on the list (including my 2, 2 neighbors and a sibling of a classmate). THREE classmates out of the 18 are coming. Is that normal?? Should that be what is expected here in FL?? Granted, I picked a bad weekend because the Gasparilla Children’s parade is that day. It is a big thing in Tampa I guess, but I don’t think that should matter. I digress… less mess for me to clean up at the end. I just hate to see a disappointed child hoping her (new, Tampa) friends would celebrate with her on her big day.
My son is reading Harry Potter. He is in second grade and has this passion for reading that I don’t think I ever had. Maybe I did once. Harry Potter is a mid 5th grade reading level and is over 300 pages. Second grade… I know I was never THAT into reading. My mother is an avid reader. Perhaps it skips a generation! I do know that both of my children are in the top 5 percent of their classmates which pleases me. But it also makes me want to go in and work with all the kids a little more. I guess that is why I volunteer so much. After all, ALL of those children are the future of this country, right?
Let’s see, daughter, son…. AH YES! Husband… Since I probably will not write again for a few weeks… or months… the anniversary of the first time I met Ed is February 11th. This year it will be 12 years. He is still my bestest friend, the one I go to about everything. I am not the type to say “he is my soul mate”. I am not the hopeless romantic that believes there is one person for every one person out there. How depressing would that be?? Who the hell came up with that anyway? Some lonely soul looking for an excuse, I bet. Anyhow, I do believe my life is unimaginably better with him in it. My coffee tastes better in the morning (mainly because he makes it, HAH!), my mind is sharper because he keeps me on my toes and challenges me, my house is livelier because of the wonderful children I made with him, my life is richer because I know that even on my crappiest day he is there to hug me and tell me tomorrow will be better. Bah, what a sap I am!
My daughter’s 6th birthday party is this weekend. Six… How did we get here? It really does seem like last week when I was snuggling and nursing her in bed in the GA house. Time flies… I always have heard older people say that; “Cherish these moments because they are gone too soon”. I guess I am old! We are having a little chef’s party in our house. We did something a little unorthodox (who me?) and invited all 18 of her classmates instead of just the girls. I was really worried about inviting them ALL and I was warned it was “a mistake”. Quite honestly, it is a darned good thing I did! Not one girl RSVPed. 8 children are on the list (including my 2, 2 neighbors and a sibling of a classmate). THREE classmates out of the 18 are coming. Is that normal?? Should that be what is expected here in FL?? Granted, I picked a bad weekend because the Gasparilla Children’s parade is that day. It is a big thing in Tampa I guess, but I don’t think that should matter. I digress… less mess for me to clean up at the end. I just hate to see a disappointed child hoping her (new, Tampa) friends would celebrate with her on her big day.
My son is reading Harry Potter. He is in second grade and has this passion for reading that I don’t think I ever had. Maybe I did once. Harry Potter is a mid 5th grade reading level and is over 300 pages. Second grade… I know I was never THAT into reading. My mother is an avid reader. Perhaps it skips a generation! I do know that both of my children are in the top 5 percent of their classmates which pleases me. But it also makes me want to go in and work with all the kids a little more. I guess that is why I volunteer so much. After all, ALL of those children are the future of this country, right?
Let’s see, daughter, son…. AH YES! Husband… Since I probably will not write again for a few weeks… or months… the anniversary of the first time I met Ed is February 11th. This year it will be 12 years. He is still my bestest friend, the one I go to about everything. I am not the type to say “he is my soul mate”. I am not the hopeless romantic that believes there is one person for every one person out there. How depressing would that be?? Who the hell came up with that anyway? Some lonely soul looking for an excuse, I bet. Anyhow, I do believe my life is unimaginably better with him in it. My coffee tastes better in the morning (mainly because he makes it, HAH!), my mind is sharper because he keeps me on my toes and challenges me, my house is livelier because of the wonderful children I made with him, my life is richer because I know that even on my crappiest day he is there to hug me and tell me tomorrow will be better. Bah, what a sap I am!
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