This afternoon my family embarked on a task I should have tackled on my own - furniture shopping. Let me paint the picture for you.
Our couch and chair were purchased used for $150 in early 2000. At that time, it was at least 5 years old, but in good shape. It is fugly, but was a good deal and we were poor.
Since then it has been peed on, puked on, laid on by a smelly big dog, had Cheetos eaten on it, milk spilled on it...the list goes on. To me, despite being cleaned many times, it feels sticky and smells. I basically want to burn it.
From a previous shopping trip, I had my heart set on a beauty of a sectional at Ethan Allen. It would run about $5000. And while I know that's a bit pricey (a bit? hahaha), I thought hubby was on board. I already threw all other brochures, measurements and cards of sharky furniture sales people since we had reached a decision. As of yesterday I have learned that he was only like 35% on board. He's a good bluffer.
Inspired by all of the "No finance charges until 2013!" commercials, we headed out this afternoon to test out a few additional models.
Despite our pre-entry pep talk, the girls skipped, bounced and ran from couch to couch, narrowing missing expensive lamps and plaster statues of frogs sitting atop ship wheels. They flung themselves over ottomans and laid on sofas with little sandals comfortably perched up on the arm. Threats were issued. Energy levels waned momentarily but eventually perked back up. It was only until we were really done in one store did our sales associate want to sit and chat at a group during which my older daughter almost fell asleep. To me, that's actually a sign of a really good couch!
Anyway...silly us moved on to another store where we were greeted by another vulture...er...sales associate. Funny enough, I really wanted some help. When he asked what we were looking for I said, "a sofa or sectional with a deep seat and high back." He replied, "Oh, okay. Well I don't want to be on top of you, so I'll let you folks walk around on your own." Gee thanks.
Twenty minutes later he found us to hand us a flier with some special deals on it, and was gone in like 15 seconds. That was it.
I ended up calling him later to ask the measurements on a few pieces of furniture and that conversation went something like this.
Him: "Which collection was it?"
Me: "Chamblee"
Him: "Chandler?"
Me: "No sir, Chamblee"
Him: "Can you spell it?
Me: "Sure. C. H. A. M..."
Him: "F?"
Me: "M as in Martha."
Him: "C. H. A. N..."
Me: "No, M as in Martha."
GOOD GRIEF!
This went on for a few more minutes as his first repeat back of the fully spelled word had an R and F in it. WTF?
When he came back to the phone with the measurements, his first question was, "When are you planning to purchase this?" *sigh*
So my question to world out there is what my loyalty obligation is here? To be honest, I think we are going to buy a few of the pieces from this collection. I don't particularly like this guy. I can't imagine dealing with him through a purchase process. I certainly wouldn't want to address any bumps in the road that may come along with ordering and having it delivered. I'm a patient girl, but I really thrive when dealing with competent people. This guy is falling a little short of my mark. Okay, a lot short. But can I be brazen enough to walk into the showroom tomorrow, and yes, he'll be working 9:00 - 9:00, and buy the furniture from another associate? I don't want to wait until a day he's off because their great financing deal ends tomorrow. I'm in a pickle!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Gustav sends my friend feeling - again.
I've got a friend that lives close to New Orleans and obviously suffered through Hurricane Katrina three years ago. They evacuated to Baton Rouge, spent four days in blistering humid heat with relatives that they didn't particularly care for only to return home and find their house with feet of water in it. Her parents' home was completely destroyed.
Hurricane Gustav is now on his way to that same area with loads of force. It's a category 3 storm, but expected to strengthen to a category 4. I, living within very close proximity to the coast myself, have a "I stick like glue for a category 2 and flee for a category 3" rule. We've been here through two 2's and did just fine. There were tense moments, though. I don't care to find out what it would be like to watch our trees bend in more severe conditions.
So my friend and her family, who had intended to stay put, are now frantically packing, elevating everything in their home they can, and getting the heck out of dodge with intense anxiety for what is about to happen and what they'll return home to find. In her email to a group of folks she said, "I'm in tears. I can't believe this is happening - AGAIN."
I'm thinking she's conveying the sentiments of many gulf coasters. Unfortunately, I can believe it. When you choose to live in a coastal region, it's a real risk. I warn everyone who says they want to move here of it. When my parents moved to a town about 10 minutes west of us, my mom said, "But a hurricane wouldn't hit here, would it?" *sigh* These storms are often hundreds of miles big. I don't think mom and dad will get hit with coastal flooding, but their winds will be only a few miles an hour weaker than right on the beach. And they'll get flooding from the river that flows a quarter of a mile from their home in a storm surge. Again, the risk is real.
Godspeed to you, your family, and everyone in your area, my friend. I pray for this storm to weaken and not cause havoc. No one deserves it. :-(
Hurricane Gustav is now on his way to that same area with loads of force. It's a category 3 storm, but expected to strengthen to a category 4. I, living within very close proximity to the coast myself, have a "I stick like glue for a category 2 and flee for a category 3" rule. We've been here through two 2's and did just fine. There were tense moments, though. I don't care to find out what it would be like to watch our trees bend in more severe conditions.
So my friend and her family, who had intended to stay put, are now frantically packing, elevating everything in their home they can, and getting the heck out of dodge with intense anxiety for what is about to happen and what they'll return home to find. In her email to a group of folks she said, "I'm in tears. I can't believe this is happening - AGAIN."
I'm thinking she's conveying the sentiments of many gulf coasters. Unfortunately, I can believe it. When you choose to live in a coastal region, it's a real risk. I warn everyone who says they want to move here of it. When my parents moved to a town about 10 minutes west of us, my mom said, "But a hurricane wouldn't hit here, would it?" *sigh* These storms are often hundreds of miles big. I don't think mom and dad will get hit with coastal flooding, but their winds will be only a few miles an hour weaker than right on the beach. And they'll get flooding from the river that flows a quarter of a mile from their home in a storm surge. Again, the risk is real.
Godspeed to you, your family, and everyone in your area, my friend. I pray for this storm to weaken and not cause havoc. No one deserves it. :-(
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Holy crap! ECU beat Virginia Tech!
I can't say that I've been a particularly outspokenly proud graduate of East Carolina University, but that's got nothing to do with my feelings for the school. I thoroughly enjoyed my six years there - and yes, that did include a masters degree. I'm no Tommy Boy.While we were there, we attended almost every home football game. While I couldn't care less about football, there's just something about sitting in that crowd. It's electrifying - especially when we were playing a team with a great reputation. ECU has struggled to make it into the top 25. During my senior year, I can remember the players wearing "We're 26!" shirts in celebration of almost making it.
For weeks my husband has been waiting in anticipation for ECU's football game against Virginia Tech. He, also, isn't one to wear a big pirate sweatshirt or attend the quarterly alumni mixers. Yet, we love us some purple and gold on the inside.
Anyway, we had dinner with this guy a few months ago at a mutual friend's house. It was the first time we met him and his family. And while they were delightful, we were sort of struck by how he wore a very feminine looking Virginia Tech sun visor throughout the dinner. Mind you, it was winter, we were indoors, it was dark...it was odd! And it reminded me of something women wear on a golf course.
Since that day, I've seen him with it on several times, including just recently driving through the neighborhood. He's definitely committed.
As it turns out, this guy's son is in my daughter's kindergarten class. When we saw him on the first day of school, hubby and I, both, almost burst out laughing when he was without that visor. I guess it's frowned upon in the corporate workplace.
So to wrap up this story, ECU beat Virginia Tech today! The score was 27 to 22 and it was won in the last minutes. Virginia Tech was ranked 17. This is absolutely an upset! And being the childish people we are, we have plans, early tomorrow morning, to stick an ECU magnet on Mr. Virginia Tech's mailbox! LOL
There will be no damage done. No crime committed. It's merely a gift from one neighbor to another. Mwahahaha Hubby wants us to get our daughter a big ECU skirt to wear to school. But duh! That would blow our cover! :-p
And no...we probably really put the magnet on the mailbox. But just in case we get nutty, it's sitting on the dining room table just next to our front door.
WAY TO GO, PIRATES!!!
Could I be losing my religion?
For year, and years, I have been in love with Tony Stewart. For those living under a rock, he's the Sprint Cup driver of the #20 Home Deport car, a two time championship and further a champion in ever series he's ever had a full-time ride in. In my eyes, he's a god.
What's funny is that in 1999, his rookie year in the then Winston Cup series, I loathed him. I was at the Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte that year and Stewie pulled double duty, racing also in the Indy 500. Prior to that race, I didn't have much an opinion about him. On that day, but before the race started, the sight of him made me sick.
In his defense, it wasn't entirely his fault. It had something to do with the every 30 second updates from the track promoters.
"Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Stewart has just moved up to 4th place in the Indianapolis 500."
"Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Stewart has just taken 3rd place."
"Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Stewart has just finished the Indianapolis 500."
"Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Stewart has just stepped out of his car."
"Ladies and Gentleman, Tony Stewart just peed."
You get the point.
Then when he finally got to the track, his helicopter circled around the inside with him standing in the doorway in his primarily white fire suit, waving. I flipped him off.
I think it was the 2001 season when the tides began to change. I can't remember the circumstances, but I found myself really wanting to watch his speech at the annual awards banquet in NYC. Before I knew it, we went to five races that next year and found ourselves to be card carrying members of the Tony Stewart fan club. Before you make a "dork" judgement, we did it because there used to be an annual picnic where you could meet him - which we did. My husband said I was more "glowing" in this pic than on our wedding day. Untrue.
As a result of my love, I've brainwashed my children. "Who will win the race this weekend?" They answer in unison. "Stewie". "Who does mommy love?" "Stewie." Now, I may have to take those back.
This afternoon I was reading Matt Myftiu 's blog Nascar: Beyond the Track and he referenced an upcoming article about Smoke in Rolling Stone magazine. Let me give you a few quotes from this umm...enligtening??...piece of journalism.
"My parents are afraid my dick's gonna rot off," Stewart says. and "If there's one thing I don't lack, it's pussy. Between me and Tom here, there's two things we definitely don't lack, and that's pussy and money." Stewart is standing in his relaxed pose, with his thumbs hooked into his jeans. Carnival sounds and car horns float into the lot from the other side of the vast Talladega infield. "Pussy, money and race cars. That's pretty much all I care about."
Niiiiiiiiiiiiice. I kind of feel like someone burst my bubble. I love Tony for being passionate and not being afraid to show it. To me, that gave him depth, even if his actions were sometimes deemed "unbecoming to the sport." These little quote gems, however, left me a bit disenchanted, though. Surely my racing hero doesn't have the maturity of an almost-forty-year-old-rough-around-the-edges frat boy, does he? I still want to think not, but....... *shrug*
So who splits the difference between Jimmie "Media Darling" Johnson and Tony "Pussy, money and race cars. That's pretty much all I care about" Stewart? I feel like I'm losing my Sunday ritual of worshipping my Stew.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Who knew I had so much influence!
According to the Myrtle Beach Sun News, the NASCAR Sports Grille is closing! I better be careful with my words. A review of being a bit expensive evidently carries a lot of weight in this town! RIP NASCAR Sports Grille. May your owners find the employees new jobs.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The time suck of planning a Walt Disney World vacation
Let me be the first to say that our family loves Disney World like nobody's business. My children are 5 and 3 1/2. The 5 year-old will be embarking on her 4th visit this December. She went when she was 13 months, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2. The poor child hasn't been there in over a year! Such a travesty!
Let me not lead you to believe, though, that this is all for the kids. My husband and I are huge fans too. Now we don't go all the way by wearing Mickey crocs and mouse ears in the parks. But this trip is definitely something we can't keep ourselves from planning time and time again. We had decided, after our trip last September, that we would probably not go again until this coming June as we didn't want to take our budding kindergartner out of school for a week. Yet when we started talking about the crowds during the summer, we just couldn't bring ourselves to endure them. We will be going again in December and my parents will be coming with us.
While I thoroughly enjoy all of the fantastic websites out there chock full o' information about the parks, getting there, the hotels, the restaurants, etc etc etc, I find myself sucked into that vortex only to emerge hours later. I would be ashamed if there was some hidden camera hooked up to my laptop that tracked how much time I've spent developing our itinerary. It didn't help, of course, that we were originally planned for December 6 - 12th and now we've moved that to December 13th through 19th.
For the millionth time, I've just gotten off the phone with the lovely people at the Disney Dining hotline trying to move a reservation we have at Chef Mickey to an earlier time. I will call another million times before our trip...that is unless I get the ressie I want. And let's be honest, even if I do, I'll still probably call again trying to change something else. *sigh* Is it an addiction?
I read the Disboards all the time, contributing my experiences and opinions and tucking away others. Honestly, the people there are the only ones I have to talk about my upcoming and past trips. My family is sick of me. Any conversation that starts with "When we go to Disney World..." is prompted replied to with a great big old eye roll from my husband. My mom is more subtle, but I sense some exasperation over the topic from her too.
All of this planning is bittersweet. On one hand, I love it. I love putting every detail together in an effort to see every parade, miss every fireworks display (the girlies are terrified), eat at our favorite establishments, ride the best rides with minimal line wait time and, and, and...the list seems endless. On the other hand, it annoys me greatly that you need to plan out every minute of your day. A vacation is supposed to be about relaxing a bit and going with the flow. I've learned in WDW, that going with the flow leaves you hungry and frustrated.
As I mentioned, my parents are coming with us this trip and that should be a unique experience. Dad is disabled and mom also has heart problems. We typically do a lot of hustling from place to place and little sitting down and resting. This trip is likely to have a lot more of that. It'll be a different mindset for hubby and I. It'll be worth it, though. Our girls are so so excited that their grandparents are coming. And my parents are so excited to be back at WDW after 30 years and at Christmas time - which I will say firsthand is amazing!
Let me not lead you to believe, though, that this is all for the kids. My husband and I are huge fans too. Now we don't go all the way by wearing Mickey crocs and mouse ears in the parks. But this trip is definitely something we can't keep ourselves from planning time and time again. We had decided, after our trip last September, that we would probably not go again until this coming June as we didn't want to take our budding kindergartner out of school for a week. Yet when we started talking about the crowds during the summer, we just couldn't bring ourselves to endure them. We will be going again in December and my parents will be coming with us.
While I thoroughly enjoy all of the fantastic websites out there chock full o' information about the parks, getting there, the hotels, the restaurants, etc etc etc, I find myself sucked into that vortex only to emerge hours later. I would be ashamed if there was some hidden camera hooked up to my laptop that tracked how much time I've spent developing our itinerary. It didn't help, of course, that we were originally planned for December 6 - 12th and now we've moved that to December 13th through 19th.
For the millionth time, I've just gotten off the phone with the lovely people at the Disney Dining hotline trying to move a reservation we have at Chef Mickey to an earlier time. I will call another million times before our trip...that is unless I get the ressie I want. And let's be honest, even if I do, I'll still probably call again trying to change something else. *sigh* Is it an addiction?
I read the Disboards all the time, contributing my experiences and opinions and tucking away others. Honestly, the people there are the only ones I have to talk about my upcoming and past trips. My family is sick of me. Any conversation that starts with "When we go to Disney World..." is prompted replied to with a great big old eye roll from my husband. My mom is more subtle, but I sense some exasperation over the topic from her too.
All of this planning is bittersweet. On one hand, I love it. I love putting every detail together in an effort to see every parade, miss every fireworks display (the girlies are terrified), eat at our favorite establishments, ride the best rides with minimal line wait time and, and, and...the list seems endless. On the other hand, it annoys me greatly that you need to plan out every minute of your day. A vacation is supposed to be about relaxing a bit and going with the flow. I've learned in WDW, that going with the flow leaves you hungry and frustrated.
As I mentioned, my parents are coming with us this trip and that should be a unique experience. Dad is disabled and mom also has heart problems. We typically do a lot of hustling from place to place and little sitting down and resting. This trip is likely to have a lot more of that. It'll be a different mindset for hubby and I. It'll be worth it, though. Our girls are so so excited that their grandparents are coming. And my parents are so excited to be back at WDW after 30 years and at Christmas time - which I will say firsthand is amazing!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Good news! Another Deceptively Delicious recipe review!
Yesterday my older daughter started kindergarten, and let's all face it. Nothing helps the hurt of a baby girl going off to school like chocolate cupcakes. I thought it was just me until she went there during her Sunday afternoon "but I will miss you!" breakdown. That's when I realized, no matter the age of the woman, chocolate is the ultimate mood enhancer.
This is how it went.
Her: "I don't want to go to school."
Me: "Oh honey (really sympathetic), why?"
Her: "I am afraid I will miss you." eyes filling with tears
Me: "I will miss you too, but I feel really sure that you'll have so many fun things to do tomorrow that you won't be thinking about me very much."
Her: tears spilling out onto her curly hair framed cheeks "But I will miss you."
Me: "How about we plan to do something special when you get home. Sound good?"
Her: immediately perks up a bit. "Ummm, how about we make chocolate cupcakes?"
That's my girl! And what a perfect opportunity to break out my favorite cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. I knew there was a recipe in there that would be perfect!
After my princess got home, flushed from excitement from her first day, we broke out our food processor and stand mixer. I was in kitchen appliance heaven!
My girls watched me scoop out four avocados, dump them in the food processor, puree then dump a full cup of it in the stand mixer. They fought over who would put it in the bowl. They clearly knew it had green in it.
The rest of the ingredients were pretty healthy. Flour, cocoa powder, sugar, egg whites, vanilla...and balsamic vinegar. Yeah! What's up with that. Though like a good Jessica Seinfeld fan, I added it blindly trusting.
We licked the bowl, like the normal people we are, and it was good! We baked according to the directions, let the cupcakes cool and YUMMMMMY! They were delicious! I topped them with strawberry flavored Cool Whip and if I wasn't trying to eat like a good girl, I would have polished off the whole batch already!
And in case anyone is wondering...my tooth still hurts. Thankfully today we're just down to transient pain, which I learned is pain that results from stimulus provocation. Basically, it's sensitivity to hot and cold. Since about Thursday until last night I was in pain constantly with a dull aching. It's nerve related, though, as all teeth from the one filled (second from the back on my upper right side) to my front teeth on the top AND bottom hurt. I just had x-rays so I know, for fact, all of my teeth are not rotting. *sigh* Friggin' dental work.
This is how it went.
Her: "I don't want to go to school."
Me: "Oh honey (really sympathetic), why?"
Her: "I am afraid I will miss you." eyes filling with tears
Me: "I will miss you too, but I feel really sure that you'll have so many fun things to do tomorrow that you won't be thinking about me very much."
Her: tears spilling out onto her curly hair framed cheeks "But I will miss you."
Me: "How about we plan to do something special when you get home. Sound good?"
Her: immediately perks up a bit. "Ummm, how about we make chocolate cupcakes?"
That's my girl! And what a perfect opportunity to break out my favorite cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. I knew there was a recipe in there that would be perfect!
After my princess got home, flushed from excitement from her first day, we broke out our food processor and stand mixer. I was in kitchen appliance heaven!
My girls watched me scoop out four avocados, dump them in the food processor, puree then dump a full cup of it in the stand mixer. They fought over who would put it in the bowl. They clearly knew it had green in it.
The rest of the ingredients were pretty healthy. Flour, cocoa powder, sugar, egg whites, vanilla...and balsamic vinegar. Yeah! What's up with that. Though like a good Jessica Seinfeld fan, I added it blindly trusting.
We licked the bowl, like the normal people we are, and it was good! We baked according to the directions, let the cupcakes cool and YUMMMMMY! They were delicious! I topped them with strawberry flavored Cool Whip and if I wasn't trying to eat like a good girl, I would have polished off the whole batch already!
And in case anyone is wondering...my tooth still hurts. Thankfully today we're just down to transient pain, which I learned is pain that results from stimulus provocation. Basically, it's sensitivity to hot and cold. Since about Thursday until last night I was in pain constantly with a dull aching. It's nerve related, though, as all teeth from the one filled (second from the back on my upper right side) to my front teeth on the top AND bottom hurt. I just had x-rays so I know, for fact, all of my teeth are not rotting. *sigh* Friggin' dental work.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Kudos Wrigley's!
I'm pretty darn critical of crappy advertising. Ask my husband! We're often watching TV together and I'll say aloud, "What? That didn't make sense!" Take the DLP commercials with the little girl and the elephant. "It's all in the mirrors." Wha??? What the hell does that mean? I've tried many times to figure it out and I just don't get it. Why is the elephant there? What's in the little box with the brilliant light the girl is holding? What, exactly, is DLP anyway?
With all that said, I need to give some snaps to clever advertising. The folks at Wrigley's, you know - the makers of childhood favorites as Big Red and Juicy Fruit chewing gum, have done an excellent job at making me watch and chuckle at their commercials featuring Sprint Cup driver Juan Pablo Montoya time and time again. Evidently JPM is a good sport because he's totally making fun of himself in them. That combination is genius! Thanks to YouTube here are two. Enjoy!
What I love best about the Juicy Fruit one is that the guy at the piano always says something different! I don't know that I've ever seen the same version twice!
So the advertising group at or for Wrigley's deserve a big old momorable mention. Good work! Juan Pablo, you get one too! I've been a fan since your early F1 days. You've gotten a lot of criticism for coming to the Sprint Cup series and I applaud you for showing them you rock as a driver!
With all that said, I need to give some snaps to clever advertising. The folks at Wrigley's, you know - the makers of childhood favorites as Big Red and Juicy Fruit chewing gum, have done an excellent job at making me watch and chuckle at their commercials featuring Sprint Cup driver Juan Pablo Montoya time and time again. Evidently JPM is a good sport because he's totally making fun of himself in them. That combination is genius! Thanks to YouTube here are two. Enjoy!
What I love best about the Juicy Fruit one is that the guy at the piano always says something different! I don't know that I've ever seen the same version twice!
So the advertising group at or for Wrigley's deserve a big old momorable mention. Good work! Juan Pablo, you get one too! I've been a fan since your early F1 days. You've gotten a lot of criticism for coming to the Sprint Cup series and I applaud you for showing them you rock as a driver!
Dinner out - La Hacienda
So evidently I'm anti-cooking today because after we headed out for Saturday Excursion #2, we were easily coaxed into stopping at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for dinner. Our youngest declared it was her "special day" since she signed up for dance class and got tap shoes, and we agreed.
La Hacienda is on Oak Heart Rd. in Myrtle Beach and has recently topped our list for tacos. It's got the same predictable menu as is found in most Mexican restaurants in North and South Carolina. A #11 is a taco, burrito and enchilada. If ever we're not sure if a restaurant is part of this "franchise" (by different names) we call and ask if the #11 is what we think it is. We're rarely surprised.
This establishment is in a strip mall anchored by Piggly Wiggly. My experience with such places is that while they may offer some great food, they don't necessarily put forth the best in atmosphere. That's not the case with La Hacienda, though. There's a beautiful mural along one whole side, a "sky" on the ceiling and fun architectural arches throughout. The tabletops appear to be granite. While it doesn't have an upscale feel, it's definitely nice. My children enjoy the fountain in the center of the seating.
To start our meal, I got a big BIG margarita, on the rocks with no salt. I later, happily, discovered that it was ordered during Happy Hour and that mother was only $2.50. Had I known that earlier, I would have ordered another!
A true love of our family's is the queso dip for the chips. It's delicious melted white cheese with very mild seasonings. The kids have never gotten a hot spot. For my entree I got the standard Quesadilla Relleno, which is a quesadilla with cheese, chicken (or beef) and refried beans. On the side is rice, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole. As usual, it was fantastic!
Hubby got...you guessed it...a #11 with a beef taco, beef burrito and cheese enchilada. For him, it's comfort food and never disappoints. He was pleased.
The ladybugs got one cheese enchilada and one chicken and cheese enchilada. There were very little leftovers.
The service at this restaurant has always been very pleasant and accurate. My only complaint tonight is that the toilet was broken, but that's never been the case before. I don't feel like it's a sign of their maintenance level. The minute I brought it to the management's attention, someone went in there to take a look.
Our total was $37 with tip.
I give this dinner a very solid momorable mention. We will return time and time again whether it be to eat in or take out!
La Hacienda is on Oak Heart Rd. in Myrtle Beach and has recently topped our list for tacos. It's got the same predictable menu as is found in most Mexican restaurants in North and South Carolina. A #11 is a taco, burrito and enchilada. If ever we're not sure if a restaurant is part of this "franchise" (by different names) we call and ask if the #11 is what we think it is. We're rarely surprised.
This establishment is in a strip mall anchored by Piggly Wiggly. My experience with such places is that while they may offer some great food, they don't necessarily put forth the best in atmosphere. That's not the case with La Hacienda, though. There's a beautiful mural along one whole side, a "sky" on the ceiling and fun architectural arches throughout. The tabletops appear to be granite. While it doesn't have an upscale feel, it's definitely nice. My children enjoy the fountain in the center of the seating.
To start our meal, I got a big BIG margarita, on the rocks with no salt. I later, happily, discovered that it was ordered during Happy Hour and that mother was only $2.50. Had I known that earlier, I would have ordered another!
A true love of our family's is the queso dip for the chips. It's delicious melted white cheese with very mild seasonings. The kids have never gotten a hot spot. For my entree I got the standard Quesadilla Relleno, which is a quesadilla with cheese, chicken (or beef) and refried beans. On the side is rice, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole. As usual, it was fantastic!
Hubby got...you guessed it...a #11 with a beef taco, beef burrito and cheese enchilada. For him, it's comfort food and never disappoints. He was pleased.
The ladybugs got one cheese enchilada and one chicken and cheese enchilada. There were very little leftovers.
The service at this restaurant has always been very pleasant and accurate. My only complaint tonight is that the toilet was broken, but that's never been the case before. I don't feel like it's a sign of their maintenance level. The minute I brought it to the management's attention, someone went in there to take a look.
Our total was $37 with tip.
I give this dinner a very solid momorable mention. We will return time and time again whether it be to eat in or take out!
A busy Saturday with a lunch stop at the NASCAR Sports Grille
It's been a busy Saturday...
I exercised, showered, got the dog refills on some prescriptions, signed my younger daughter up for dance class (!!!), went to Target for an umbrella and dance stuff, ate lunch at NASCAR Sports Grille and went to the evil Wal-Mart looking for dance shoes, which they did not have. On the way out, however, I saw a poster for the new NKOTB album. *swoon* I spent a large portion of my teenage years lusting after each of the NKOTB, with the exception of Joey. I'm sure I'll have more fodder on that later.
Since so many folks are always looking for restaurant reviews in the Myrtle Beach area, I'm going to start doing a few of my own to help the cause. NASCAR Sports Grille today was pretty good. Despite it being a weekend and still technically "in-season", the place was pretty empty at around 12:30 PM. As would be expected, there is loads of racing memorabilia, if that interests you.
Since we've been last, it's had a major overhaul which includes small flat screen TVs at each table. My first reaction was "Wow! This is cool!", especially when I realized Finding Nemo was on one of the channels. I'm assuming a few of your choices are TV feeds while others are tapes continuously running somewhere up in a master control room. Our kids' selection and another video of all-time most dramatic racing crashes led me to that conclusion. My youngest had some unknown, yet strong, ill-reaction to Nemo, so we ended up watching synchronized swimming from the Olympics.
Hubby ordered a hot dog and fries ($10.49!). I got a grilled chicken sandwich with Monterrey jack cheese and bacon and a side of onion rings (about the same price as hubby's). The girls got macaroni and cheese and pizza.
While we waited, we first visited the bathrooms. They were clean, though down two flights of stairs. Thankfully my kiddos are old enough to handle such obstacles with ease, but I wondered how a disabled or elderly patron would fair. There was a unisex bathroom, presumably handicap accessible, at the top of the stairs. I'll assume it was a single because when we attempted to take a peak, it was locked.
After returning to the table, the gals colored on the place mats they were given then hubby and I did a word search race on them. Just for the record - I smoked him! :-)
Our food came quickly and was prepared well. I was surprised, though, to find that the pizza and mac and cheese, both, were served with fries. While all food was good, this place gets a thumbs down on offering kids more nutritious options.
My chicken sandwich had no hard or undesirable parts. The onion rings were delish! The batter was thick and crisp. I fully admit to peeling it off the last few and only eating the fried part! (yes, I'm the same girl was just complaining about nutritious value in the last paragraph) The mac and cheese was the good Kraft stuff and very creamy. The fries were crisp and perfectly salty. Hubby's hot dog looked yummy, topped with chili and some other fixin's. I have no complaints about the food at all!
As we ate, our family was unusually quiet. It took me a minute to figure it out, but it was because of that TV! We don't normally eat, all together, in front of one. Everyone, myself included, was chowing whilst watching teams of women swim their routines. Silence from us. The background noise was very loud, though. There are several very large screen TVs going at the same time and the volume was quite high on them.
Our bill, with a 20% tip, came to just over $42. To me, that feels a bit steep for lunch when your entrees include a chicken sandwich and hot dog for the adults and two kids' meals. I did forget to ask for a local's discount, so I could have gotten by with a little less probably. I also did not have a coupon. It's quite possible they make it easy for folks to save a little cash and I missed out.
If I was a tourist, this would probably be a fun place to eat...especially if I was (and I am!) a racing fan. The menu choices were good and basic. I venture to believe there was something for everyone. As a local, we probably will not return until some touristy friends are in town, though. It was loud and pricey.
I exercised, showered, got the dog refills on some prescriptions, signed my younger daughter up for dance class (!!!), went to Target for an umbrella and dance stuff, ate lunch at NASCAR Sports Grille and went to the evil Wal-Mart looking for dance shoes, which they did not have. On the way out, however, I saw a poster for the new NKOTB album. *swoon* I spent a large portion of my teenage years lusting after each of the NKOTB, with the exception of Joey. I'm sure I'll have more fodder on that later.
Since so many folks are always looking for restaurant reviews in the Myrtle Beach area, I'm going to start doing a few of my own to help the cause. NASCAR Sports Grille today was pretty good. Despite it being a weekend and still technically "in-season", the place was pretty empty at around 12:30 PM. As would be expected, there is loads of racing memorabilia, if that interests you.
Since we've been last, it's had a major overhaul which includes small flat screen TVs at each table. My first reaction was "Wow! This is cool!", especially when I realized Finding Nemo was on one of the channels. I'm assuming a few of your choices are TV feeds while others are tapes continuously running somewhere up in a master control room. Our kids' selection and another video of all-time most dramatic racing crashes led me to that conclusion. My youngest had some unknown, yet strong, ill-reaction to Nemo, so we ended up watching synchronized swimming from the Olympics.
Hubby ordered a hot dog and fries ($10.49!). I got a grilled chicken sandwich with Monterrey jack cheese and bacon and a side of onion rings (about the same price as hubby's). The girls got macaroni and cheese and pizza.
While we waited, we first visited the bathrooms. They were clean, though down two flights of stairs. Thankfully my kiddos are old enough to handle such obstacles with ease, but I wondered how a disabled or elderly patron would fair. There was a unisex bathroom, presumably handicap accessible, at the top of the stairs. I'll assume it was a single because when we attempted to take a peak, it was locked.
After returning to the table, the gals colored on the place mats they were given then hubby and I did a word search race on them. Just for the record - I smoked him! :-)
Our food came quickly and was prepared well. I was surprised, though, to find that the pizza and mac and cheese, both, were served with fries. While all food was good, this place gets a thumbs down on offering kids more nutritious options.
My chicken sandwich had no hard or undesirable parts. The onion rings were delish! The batter was thick and crisp. I fully admit to peeling it off the last few and only eating the fried part! (yes, I'm the same girl was just complaining about nutritious value in the last paragraph) The mac and cheese was the good Kraft stuff and very creamy. The fries were crisp and perfectly salty. Hubby's hot dog looked yummy, topped with chili and some other fixin's. I have no complaints about the food at all!
As we ate, our family was unusually quiet. It took me a minute to figure it out, but it was because of that TV! We don't normally eat, all together, in front of one. Everyone, myself included, was chowing whilst watching teams of women swim their routines. Silence from us. The background noise was very loud, though. There are several very large screen TVs going at the same time and the volume was quite high on them.
Our bill, with a 20% tip, came to just over $42. To me, that feels a bit steep for lunch when your entrees include a chicken sandwich and hot dog for the adults and two kids' meals. I did forget to ask for a local's discount, so I could have gotten by with a little less probably. I also did not have a coupon. It's quite possible they make it easy for folks to save a little cash and I missed out.
If I was a tourist, this would probably be a fun place to eat...especially if I was (and I am!) a racing fan. The menu choices were good and basic. I venture to believe there was something for everyone. As a local, we probably will not return until some touristy friends are in town, though. It was loud and pricey.
And this is why I'm a "dog person"
My husband just came in from the patio and said "Go to CNN.com". I was in the middle of fiddling with my family blog, mildly annoyed with his interruption. "Click on the link "Abandoned dog saves baby." I scroll and can't find it. Turns out the headline is actually "Dog saves abandoned baby" but whatever. Here's the link so you can see it for yourself.It seems a dog in Argentina saved an abandoned newborn, just hours old and with a 14 year old mother, dragged it to where her own six new puppies were assembled and kept it warm in 37 degree temperatures. The baby was soon thereafter rescued.
I've said it before in different forums. No matter the details of your life, the emotions of motherhood are universal. When I said that, I meant it with regard to socio-economic status, race, sexual preference, etc. I, now, expand that to include many four-legged friends as well. Mama knew that baby was in trouble and did all she knew to do to keep him going. I wish I could send her a big fat biscuit! Good job, girl!
The reason my husband wanted me to see the article? The dog looks EXACTLY like my sister-in-law's pooch.
Friday, August 22, 2008
On an unrelated search, I found this little gem!
God bless YouTube! The moments I mentioned in my previous post start around 3:14 or so. Enjoy! *sigh*
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Is it time for the new Fall season of TV yet?
It's clear that I'm ready for summer to end and move forward with the fall. I've found myself almost begging my children to watch Enchanted merely so I can fantasize about how freakin' dreamy appropriately named McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy is. We started the movie this morning and I just encouraged my girls to finish it. They protested so I convinced them only to watch through the part where Giselle and Robert are dancing at the King and Queen's Ball and his singing to her. Those eyes... That voice... Ugh! I love my husband dearly, but he'd permit one weekend away with Patrick Dempsy, though, I may take him up on it. Think Indecent Proposal only with the cash flow going the other way. LOLAside from Mr. Handsome, I genuinely like Enchanted. It's got a fun story, great songs, animals, a little girl. What's not to like? My only grudge against it has been the fact that Patrick Dempsey keeps playing these really memorable roles where he, at age 42, keeps starring opposite of twenty-something women.
I googled Amy Adams, the actress who plays Giselle and was shocked to find out she's actually 2 months older than me! No way! Then in an additional attempt to prove my "twenty-something girls" theory right I googled Ellen Pompeo from Grey's Anatomy only to find out she's actually 5 years older than me. Hmph!
Lesson learned (especially with regard to Amy Adams)...I need to pretty myself up a bit! I was sure both of these women were a lot younger than they are.
Hubby and I are heading down to Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours AMLS race in January. McDreamy tends to make an appearance. And folks, I swear if I see him all decked out in a race suit (I don't believe I've revealed my sexual arousal produced by horsepower yet - stay tuned) I will faint. Until then, I have to wait for the new season of Grey's and watch Enchanted endlessly. Those eyes....................... sigh[photos courtesty http://www.movies.yahoo.com/ and http://www.greysanatomyinsider.com/}
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ain't amnesia great?
When I was 32 weeks pregnant with my young daughter I awoke one night with some dreadful tooth pain on the right side. I took Tylenol and spent the rest of the night tossing and turning, trying to not aggravate the throbbing. This was the first time in my life I had a dental issue that caused me discomfort.
That morning I began dialing dentist offices. We had just moved a few months prior and I hadn't yet found a new one for a cleaning. Perhaps if I had this little issue wouldn't have come to the head it did. I'll spare you the details, but that visit led to two root canals, crowns and several thousand dollars out of my bank account despite having dental insurance.
On August 1st, I visited that same dentist. Incidentally I had developed the biggest crush on him whilst pregnant. Call it heighten senses or hormones, whichever you prefer, but when he spent elongated periods of time leaning over my face, he just smelled so good and felt so warm. He was so nice and considerate of my comfort. He touched my arm. I loved him. My crush has since waned, though. I've met his extremely sweet and nice wife and their son, who is only a few weeks older than my daughter. I'm no home wrecker, even on an "in my head" basis. LOL
So anyway, I recently went for a cleaning and x-rays when Dr. Cutie told me that I had a cavity. Today I went and had it filled.
Upon beginning the appointment I chatted up the tech, contemplating not getting novacaine. I'm not a fan of the numb mouth feeling for hours afterwards. She looked apprehensive and said, "It's a multi-surface filling. Have you had one before? You may want to talk to the doctor about this."
When the doc entered, we talked about it for a second and urged me to go with pain relief, but he'd use a version of it that wears off quickly. I agreed and we proceeded.
Literally 3 seconds into the drilling I felt pain. I tried to let it slide, but in grand dentist style, he kept needling the one nano-spot that hurt like hell. I guess he saw me wince, stopped and asked if I was okay. With a huge rubber block in my mouth (to "rest" my jaw on - HA!) and gauze, I said, "not really." I took the jawbreaker out, thought about it for a second, and decided to let him continue and promising to bite him very hard if it got too bad. For the next 10 minutes - which felt like about an hour - I did my best to do some relaxation breathing, pleasant imagery and lectures to myself about how if I could get through childbirth unmedicated I could deal with this.
Wwwwwweeeeeeeeee, wwwwwwweeeeee - that drill spun round and round the nerve of that tooth. I prayed for it to be "almost done" just about as quickly as it started. When it was done, out came the grinder and this is where my amnesia comes into play.
How in heck could I have ever forgotten about this torture device? It rattled my brain, inflamed a sinus or two and roughed up that poor nerve. In through the nose for a count of eight and out for a count of eight. Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....Ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut... Relax your shoulders. Relax our jaw. Ignore the feeling of a nerve being ripped up. Innnnnnnnnn...Ouuuuuuuuuuut... Please God let this be over soon. OUCH! Imagery - think of the beach. Waves of calm are rushing over me. Innnnnnnnnnnnn....OUCH! In out in out....Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnn...
I left there feeling strongly that I used to like this man much more before today. My appointment lasted about an hour. I cursed myself on the way to the car. My momorable mention today goes to novacaine and the maximum doses folks can get. My mother was watching my girlies while I went to the torture chamber and I've made her promise me if I ever need to get another tooth filled that she will remind me that to take all pain relief offered to me. Seriously, who in their right mind wants to hold off on numbness when dealing with dental work? Amnesia. Hmph.
I'm off to take some Motrin, which deserves its own momorable mention. God help me if one of my children ever need a filling while they are still pretty irrational. It'll be hard for me to say "It won't hurt!" I'll be pleading for sedation dentistry for them and just plain old sedation for me.
That morning I began dialing dentist offices. We had just moved a few months prior and I hadn't yet found a new one for a cleaning. Perhaps if I had this little issue wouldn't have come to the head it did. I'll spare you the details, but that visit led to two root canals, crowns and several thousand dollars out of my bank account despite having dental insurance.
On August 1st, I visited that same dentist. Incidentally I had developed the biggest crush on him whilst pregnant. Call it heighten senses or hormones, whichever you prefer, but when he spent elongated periods of time leaning over my face, he just smelled so good and felt so warm. He was so nice and considerate of my comfort. He touched my arm. I loved him. My crush has since waned, though. I've met his extremely sweet and nice wife and their son, who is only a few weeks older than my daughter. I'm no home wrecker, even on an "in my head" basis. LOL
So anyway, I recently went for a cleaning and x-rays when Dr. Cutie told me that I had a cavity. Today I went and had it filled.
Upon beginning the appointment I chatted up the tech, contemplating not getting novacaine. I'm not a fan of the numb mouth feeling for hours afterwards. She looked apprehensive and said, "It's a multi-surface filling. Have you had one before? You may want to talk to the doctor about this."
When the doc entered, we talked about it for a second and urged me to go with pain relief, but he'd use a version of it that wears off quickly. I agreed and we proceeded.
Literally 3 seconds into the drilling I felt pain. I tried to let it slide, but in grand dentist style, he kept needling the one nano-spot that hurt like hell. I guess he saw me wince, stopped and asked if I was okay. With a huge rubber block in my mouth (to "rest" my jaw on - HA!) and gauze, I said, "not really." I took the jawbreaker out, thought about it for a second, and decided to let him continue and promising to bite him very hard if it got too bad. For the next 10 minutes - which felt like about an hour - I did my best to do some relaxation breathing, pleasant imagery and lectures to myself about how if I could get through childbirth unmedicated I could deal with this.
Wwwwwweeeeeeeeee, wwwwwwweeeeee - that drill spun round and round the nerve of that tooth. I prayed for it to be "almost done" just about as quickly as it started. When it was done, out came the grinder and this is where my amnesia comes into play.
How in heck could I have ever forgotten about this torture device? It rattled my brain, inflamed a sinus or two and roughed up that poor nerve. In through the nose for a count of eight and out for a count of eight. Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnn....Ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut... Relax your shoulders. Relax our jaw. Ignore the feeling of a nerve being ripped up. Innnnnnnnnn...Ouuuuuuuuuuut... Please God let this be over soon. OUCH! Imagery - think of the beach. Waves of calm are rushing over me. Innnnnnnnnnnnn....OUCH! In out in out....Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnn...
I left there feeling strongly that I used to like this man much more before today. My appointment lasted about an hour. I cursed myself on the way to the car. My momorable mention today goes to novacaine and the maximum doses folks can get. My mother was watching my girlies while I went to the torture chamber and I've made her promise me if I ever need to get another tooth filled that she will remind me that to take all pain relief offered to me. Seriously, who in their right mind wants to hold off on numbness when dealing with dental work? Amnesia. Hmph.
I'm off to take some Motrin, which deserves its own momorable mention. God help me if one of my children ever need a filling while they are still pretty irrational. It'll be hard for me to say "It won't hurt!" I'll be pleading for sedation dentistry for them and just plain old sedation for me.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A weekend sans the princesses
I must be well rested from our weekend "away" as it's 11:30, I have a super full day tomorrow and I'm still awake and typing. It either signifies enough sleep or an addiction to my laptop, which I missed dearly.
We stayed at the Marina Inn at Grand Dunes, a mere 7 or so miles from our home. This is the hotel I mentioned that gave us an incredible "neighbors" rate. And for letting them know it was our anniversary, they comped us some beautiful chocolates waiting for us, along with a handwritten note from the general manager, thanking us for choosing their hotel for our special occasion.
The hotel is located on the inter coastal waterway on the edge of a super exclusive, and gated, neighborhood that I will never even dream to live in. The "poor" people in that neighbor are sitting on about 3/4 of a million dollars of real estate. The rich ones closer to $6 million.
The lobby of the hotel is absolutely gorgeous. Trust me, I'm not easy to impress. I'm picky and critical, I admit that freely. This lobby was so beautiful.
They have a interesting check-in service. Instead of a front desk, there are two small desks at which customer service reps sit and invite you to sit with them. It's nice as it's quiet and more private, however the small downside is there is no set up to form a line. Because of that Mr. Ants-In-His-Trouser-Jeans-Who-Failed-To-Notice-Others committed a classic case of cutsies, but we let it slide.
Our room was in the Harbor Tower and was also, was very very nice. It had a lovely balcony facing the waterway, wine glasses, a mini-fridge and coffee maker, robes, down bedding...it was great. The bathroom was a shrine to marble. Oh and one more fun mention, nice touches such as valet parking and access to the gym and business centers (both open 24 hours) were included in the price. I appreciate not being nickeled and dimed, so to speak.
The hotel has a beautiful two-level pool and two hot tubs. Along side the pool was a bar that also served snacks like chicken fingers, nachos and wings. We partook in a few libations that evening before getting ready for dinner at Waterscapes, the hotel's restaurant.
Again, I'm a critical gal, but the atmosphere at Waterscapes was so nice. Our waitress was very attentive, engaging and knowledgeable about the menu. Before our food arrived, we were treated to a bite from the chef's selection, which was a shrimp salad with a pineapple salsa. So yummy!
Prior to our entrees, we got salads and honestly folks, they blew them away! They were imaginative! Mine was a wedge of Romaine lettuce with broiled (I believe) Parmesan cheese on top. The dressing was a creamy peppercorn, maybe? It was garnished with kalamatta olives. Delish! My hubby got a flatbread salad. It was a piece of grilled flatbread topped with prosciutto, goat cheese and a "slaw" of greens and a creamy dressing. After these two dishes, I was full...yet pushed forward.
Our entrees were next. Hubs got a grilled grouper sitting atop a fennel pollen and something else risotto. He said it was divine. It looked fantastic, but I'm not a fan of fennel so I didn't sample. I got a ginger shrimp over lo mein noodles. The sauce was spicier and sweeter than I imagined and I didn't end up liking the dish, though I'll definitely say it was prepared beautifully. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, as were the noodles and veggies. It was just my personal taste that got in the way. For dessert we got the chocolate creme brulee. ...to die for! We both really enjoyed our dinner.
The next morning we got room service for breakfast. It arrived quickly, hot and was great. We split some Bananas Foster French toast and an omelet with bacon, sausage, onions, peppers and cheese. It was pricey, but very very good!
That day we headed out to the hotel's beach cabana in their shuttle. For about five hours we sat on lounge chairs under an umbrella, reading, sleeping, chatting, breathing...it was beautiful! My only complaint was that the umbrellas were placed really close together, but as luck had it, no one spent quite as much time there as we did, so we ended up with a lot of quiet. We had lunch that afternoon at the beach cabana, and again, the food was quality. I was just disappointed that the "bar" didn't have liquor. A nice frozen pina colada with rum would've been a nice touch to that afternoon. But I can't say it's absence really dampened it much.
Here's were our only hitch began. We got some odd housekeeping on Saturday. Someone had been in our room, but didn't do a very good job. Our bed was sort of made. Our half-full glasses of now-separating OJ were left in the room. The room service tray was gone. Our bath mat was gone and our coffee supplies hadn't been replenished. We went down to the pool for another hour and a half, had some drinks (bless you, poolside bar!) and thought perhaps that they would come back while we were gone.
Upon returning, we showered and dressed for our anniversary dinner, and I called housekeeping. They promised to send someone up. When we returned, the glasses were gone, along with my opened, but unfinished, package of swedish fish, but still no bath mat or coffee. ??? I'm still baffled, but these things didn't really affect our stay. I'll mention them to the general manager, though.
That evening we ate at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. One word...amazing. Honestly this place never fails to dazzle me. I've been to three locations. Hubby has as well, different ones, though. How often can you go into any restaurant knowing, with 100% certainty, that you'll walk out feeling like you've had one spectacular meal? I can name only two with Ruth's Chris being one.
We had three servers and a host, who may have been the GM, I'm not sure, checking in on us regularly. They recognized our anniversary and made us feel quite special.
We started with the Osso Busco veal raviolis as an appetizer. Divine. So rich and flavorful. We then each got a filet topped with bleu cheese. I, personally, should have stuck with the petite filet as my eyes were bigger than my tummy. We also got a side of potatoes au gratin. As usual, everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. If it had been socially acceptable to lick the plates after each course we would have. It hurt to finish my steak, but I just couldn't leave that last bite sitting there in butter uneaten. It's heaven.
For dessert we had the bread pudding in brandy sauce. In hindsight, we should have gone with the creme brulee again as it's just a tad lighter...regardless, we polished it off then rolled...er...strolled back to our room. Within half an hour hubby was asleep much like the scene after Thanksgiving dinner. To the staff at Ruth's Chris, you're beyond great! Our meals are always special when we dine there. Thank you! You do a stellar job!
Today we departed the hotel just a little earlier than planned as it was cloudy and hubby was sunburned from yesterday. No sense ending the weekend in pain from another day at the beach. Instead, we went furniture shopping. Of course I fell in love with a sectional at Ethan Allen which will probably end up around $6000. Let's just say I have some saving up to do! :-)
Happy Anniversary to my sweet darling husband. I love you dearly and I hope to be married to you another 11 years...and then 11 years after that...and another...and another...
We stayed at the Marina Inn at Grand Dunes, a mere 7 or so miles from our home. This is the hotel I mentioned that gave us an incredible "neighbors" rate. And for letting them know it was our anniversary, they comped us some beautiful chocolates waiting for us, along with a handwritten note from the general manager, thanking us for choosing their hotel for our special occasion.The hotel is located on the inter coastal waterway on the edge of a super exclusive, and gated, neighborhood that I will never even dream to live in. The "poor" people in that neighbor are sitting on about 3/4 of a million dollars of real estate. The rich ones closer to $6 million.
The lobby of the hotel is absolutely gorgeous. Trust me, I'm not easy to impress. I'm picky and critical, I admit that freely. This lobby was so beautiful.
They have a interesting check-in service. Instead of a front desk, there are two small desks at which customer service reps sit and invite you to sit with them. It's nice as it's quiet and more private, however the small downside is there is no set up to form a line. Because of that Mr. Ants-In-His-Trouser-Jeans-Who-Failed-To-Notice-Others committed a classic case of cutsies, but we let it slide.
Our room was in the Harbor Tower and was also, was very very nice. It had a lovely balcony facing the waterway, wine glasses, a mini-fridge and coffee maker, robes, down bedding...it was great. The bathroom was a shrine to marble. Oh and one more fun mention, nice touches such as valet parking and access to the gym and business centers (both open 24 hours) were included in the price. I appreciate not being nickeled and dimed, so to speak.
The hotel has a beautiful two-level pool and two hot tubs. Along side the pool was a bar that also served snacks like chicken fingers, nachos and wings. We partook in a few libations that evening before getting ready for dinner at Waterscapes, the hotel's restaurant.
Again, I'm a critical gal, but the atmosphere at Waterscapes was so nice. Our waitress was very attentive, engaging and knowledgeable about the menu. Before our food arrived, we were treated to a bite from the chef's selection, which was a shrimp salad with a pineapple salsa. So yummy!
Prior to our entrees, we got salads and honestly folks, they blew them away! They were imaginative! Mine was a wedge of Romaine lettuce with broiled (I believe) Parmesan cheese on top. The dressing was a creamy peppercorn, maybe? It was garnished with kalamatta olives. Delish! My hubby got a flatbread salad. It was a piece of grilled flatbread topped with prosciutto, goat cheese and a "slaw" of greens and a creamy dressing. After these two dishes, I was full...yet pushed forward.
Our entrees were next. Hubs got a grilled grouper sitting atop a fennel pollen and something else risotto. He said it was divine. It looked fantastic, but I'm not a fan of fennel so I didn't sample. I got a ginger shrimp over lo mein noodles. The sauce was spicier and sweeter than I imagined and I didn't end up liking the dish, though I'll definitely say it was prepared beautifully. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, as were the noodles and veggies. It was just my personal taste that got in the way. For dessert we got the chocolate creme brulee. ...to die for! We both really enjoyed our dinner.
The next morning we got room service for breakfast. It arrived quickly, hot and was great. We split some Bananas Foster French toast and an omelet with bacon, sausage, onions, peppers and cheese. It was pricey, but very very good!
That day we headed out to the hotel's beach cabana in their shuttle. For about five hours we sat on lounge chairs under an umbrella, reading, sleeping, chatting, breathing...it was beautiful! My only complaint was that the umbrellas were placed really close together, but as luck had it, no one spent quite as much time there as we did, so we ended up with a lot of quiet. We had lunch that afternoon at the beach cabana, and again, the food was quality. I was just disappointed that the "bar" didn't have liquor. A nice frozen pina colada with rum would've been a nice touch to that afternoon. But I can't say it's absence really dampened it much.
Here's were our only hitch began. We got some odd housekeeping on Saturday. Someone had been in our room, but didn't do a very good job. Our bed was sort of made. Our half-full glasses of now-separating OJ were left in the room. The room service tray was gone. Our bath mat was gone and our coffee supplies hadn't been replenished. We went down to the pool for another hour and a half, had some drinks (bless you, poolside bar!) and thought perhaps that they would come back while we were gone.
Upon returning, we showered and dressed for our anniversary dinner, and I called housekeeping. They promised to send someone up. When we returned, the glasses were gone, along with my opened, but unfinished, package of swedish fish, but still no bath mat or coffee. ??? I'm still baffled, but these things didn't really affect our stay. I'll mention them to the general manager, though.
That evening we ate at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. One word...amazing. Honestly this place never fails to dazzle me. I've been to three locations. Hubby has as well, different ones, though. How often can you go into any restaurant knowing, with 100% certainty, that you'll walk out feeling like you've had one spectacular meal? I can name only two with Ruth's Chris being one.
We had three servers and a host, who may have been the GM, I'm not sure, checking in on us regularly. They recognized our anniversary and made us feel quite special.
We started with the Osso Busco veal raviolis as an appetizer. Divine. So rich and flavorful. We then each got a filet topped with bleu cheese. I, personally, should have stuck with the petite filet as my eyes were bigger than my tummy. We also got a side of potatoes au gratin. As usual, everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. If it had been socially acceptable to lick the plates after each course we would have. It hurt to finish my steak, but I just couldn't leave that last bite sitting there in butter uneaten. It's heaven.
For dessert we had the bread pudding in brandy sauce. In hindsight, we should have gone with the creme brulee again as it's just a tad lighter...regardless, we polished it off then rolled...er...strolled back to our room. Within half an hour hubby was asleep much like the scene after Thanksgiving dinner. To the staff at Ruth's Chris, you're beyond great! Our meals are always special when we dine there. Thank you! You do a stellar job!
Today we departed the hotel just a little earlier than planned as it was cloudy and hubby was sunburned from yesterday. No sense ending the weekend in pain from another day at the beach. Instead, we went furniture shopping. Of course I fell in love with a sectional at Ethan Allen which will probably end up around $6000. Let's just say I have some saving up to do! :-)
Happy Anniversary to my sweet darling husband. I love you dearly and I hope to be married to you another 11 years...and then 11 years after that...and another...and another...
Help to end Alzheimer's
Click on my ribbon, please? Caring.com, an incredible website designed to help folks, like myself, who find themselves in a care giving role with their parents has set out to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association.
If you've got a blog or other site, please create a ribbon of your own. It literally takes 15 seconds, max, and will equal a $10 donation. I know anyone touched by Alzheimer's, dementia or the Alzheimer's Association will be very grateful!
If you've got a blog or other site, please create a ribbon of your own. It literally takes 15 seconds, max, and will equal a $10 donation. I know anyone touched by Alzheimer's, dementia or the Alzheimer's Association will be very grateful!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Five more minutes
My life is like a sitcom. Seriously I could write a good stand-up set with my every day experiences. Today's excursion - the community pool.
We swam. We met up with friends who swam with us. We talked. We laughed. We swam some more. Yet as we neared noon, my little one started to grump up. First there was a few minor instances of whining over who got the ball thrown to them. I should have known right then and there to give the two minute warning to departure. Instead, I ignored and forged forward with our "good" time.
Several minutes later there was an outburst from that same little grumpus. She yelled at her similarly aged friend, "I don't like you!" because said ball either came too close or not close enough. I'm still not sure. Yet, again...this should have been my sign. It was time to go. Still, I swam.
Tick tock tick tock. Lunch time was approaching. Rest time wasn't far after. Still, I swam.
I gave an official "five more minutes" and got out of the pool to start picking up our toys and drying off. My older daughter, who had swam miles and miles in her delight of being able to do so without "swimmies", obediently exited the pool and sat, with her head down, on the picnic table. I thought she was going to doze off right then. Little one refused to get out of the pool.
I packed up and called to her. I threatened with the "I'm leaving you here if you don't come". She stayed in the pool. I yelled. She stayed. I did the talking through gritted teeth thing. She stayed and yelled at me. I threatened, "If I have to get back in the pool..." leaving the rest to her 3 year old imagination. She stayed, yelled and then scowled. I'm certain by this point everyone was giggling. Our friends promptly left, probably afraid to witness what was about to happen.
I kicked off my shoes, dropped my towel and swiftly sank into the pool like a shark pouncing on some prey. I took her little hand and dragged her to the stairs. She cried despite not being actually harmed. I took off her swimmies, did some talking about how she'd never be allowed to come back to the pool and something about being put in time-out until she was 32.
I put her and her sister in the car, We drove home. She immediately went into the shower. Ten minutes later I told her it was time to get out. Nope. "Fine two more minutes." Five minutes goes by, "It's time." Nope. Hello?!? Lather, rinse, repeat? *sigh* God help me when she's 15. That's all I have to say.
We swam. We met up with friends who swam with us. We talked. We laughed. We swam some more. Yet as we neared noon, my little one started to grump up. First there was a few minor instances of whining over who got the ball thrown to them. I should have known right then and there to give the two minute warning to departure. Instead, I ignored and forged forward with our "good" time.
Several minutes later there was an outburst from that same little grumpus. She yelled at her similarly aged friend, "I don't like you!" because said ball either came too close or not close enough. I'm still not sure. Yet, again...this should have been my sign. It was time to go. Still, I swam.
Tick tock tick tock. Lunch time was approaching. Rest time wasn't far after. Still, I swam.
I gave an official "five more minutes" and got out of the pool to start picking up our toys and drying off. My older daughter, who had swam miles and miles in her delight of being able to do so without "swimmies", obediently exited the pool and sat, with her head down, on the picnic table. I thought she was going to doze off right then. Little one refused to get out of the pool.
I packed up and called to her. I threatened with the "I'm leaving you here if you don't come". She stayed in the pool. I yelled. She stayed. I did the talking through gritted teeth thing. She stayed and yelled at me. I threatened, "If I have to get back in the pool..." leaving the rest to her 3 year old imagination. She stayed, yelled and then scowled. I'm certain by this point everyone was giggling. Our friends promptly left, probably afraid to witness what was about to happen.
I kicked off my shoes, dropped my towel and swiftly sank into the pool like a shark pouncing on some prey. I took her little hand and dragged her to the stairs. She cried despite not being actually harmed. I took off her swimmies, did some talking about how she'd never be allowed to come back to the pool and something about being put in time-out until she was 32.
I put her and her sister in the car, We drove home. She immediately went into the shower. Ten minutes later I told her it was time to get out. Nope. "Fine two more minutes." Five minutes goes by, "It's time." Nope. Hello?!? Lather, rinse, repeat? *sigh* God help me when she's 15. That's all I have to say.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Excuse me sir, my parents left me but remembered their luggage
As reported by MSN, an Israeli couple, along with their five children were on their way to Paris for a family vacation upon a charter plane. Forty minutes into that trip, the flight staff informed them they were short one kid.
It seems in all the hustle and bustle they were able to keep up with 18 pieces of luggage, duty-free goods and four of their five children. Unfortunately their three-year-old daughter got so far lost in the crowd that her family had left the country before her absence was noticed. Evidently Home Alone isn't a popular movie in Israel.
It seems in all the hustle and bustle they were able to keep up with 18 pieces of luggage, duty-free goods and four of their five children. Unfortunately their three-year-old daughter got so far lost in the crowd that her family had left the country before her absence was noticed. Evidently Home Alone isn't a popular movie in Israel.
Let me not throw too much judgement as when my own children
were babies, I'd have honest-to-goodness nightmares that I was out somewhere and left them in the car, on the car, in the store, in the house...you name it. I guess I was stressed about missing a details, albeit an important one, in my role as a mom. So I'm sure this incident was a true nightmare for this family and their little girl. I'll bet they'll never lose her again. And thankfully it appears all is well now. The children continued on the next flight to Paris accompanied by an airline staffer. The parents returned to claim their daughter. I can't help but to wonder...how old are the older kids? Because short of about 18, I'm not trusting an airline employee with their safety in a foreign country for any length of time. No offense to airline employees, of course, They are very likely outstanding folks. I'll hope so for the purpose of this family as they cared for all of their children at one point or another on this trip. But, yikes! Is anyone else envisioning Macauly Culkin making that face where he puts his hands on the sides of his face? "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
were babies, I'd have honest-to-goodness nightmares that I was out somewhere and left them in the car, on the car, in the store, in the house...you name it. I guess I was stressed about missing a details, albeit an important one, in my role as a mom. So I'm sure this incident was a true nightmare for this family and their little girl. I'll bet they'll never lose her again. And thankfully it appears all is well now. The children continued on the next flight to Paris accompanied by an airline staffer. The parents returned to claim their daughter. I can't help but to wonder...how old are the older kids? Because short of about 18, I'm not trusting an airline employee with their safety in a foreign country for any length of time. No offense to airline employees, of course, They are very likely outstanding folks. I'll hope so for the purpose of this family as they cared for all of their children at one point or another on this trip. But, yikes! Is anyone else envisioning Macauly Culkin making that face where he puts his hands on the sides of his face? "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"Sunday, August 3, 2008
After a full day's work, we have success! Who doesn't love a tax-free weekend?!
After spending in excess of 8 cumulative hours shopping personally and another 3 or so for my husband, I have a theory. We've all been swindled by this tax-free weekend business. The government suffers the loss to tax income while stores jack up the prices because they know we'll buy based on the guise that we're getting a deal in the absence of sales taxes. That's why I did all of my shopping last weekend when I paid full sales tax but got a deal, dammit! (...what a joke!)
This weekend we hit Gymboree for approximately $185, Haggar for $45, Brooks Brothers for $100, Belks for $145 and Nike for $30. We definitely fueled the American economy. And given the size of the crowds, many others did as well. 'Cause I'm proud to be an American, for at least I know I'm free... :-p
With all of this shopping came three pairs of tiny shoes. Two pairs of Mary Jane's and one pair of sneakers. In total, I'd estimate that we tried on no less than 30 pairs. I, personally, only tried on 2 and had to talk myself out of both. What finally ended up in a purchase was what I thought was a defunct trip to Belk. Their shoe section was in horrible disarray. I chose one pair of shoes that weren't even in a box. I thought what I saw out was what they had. The scene looked like a crime scene. Single shoes out of boxes laid strewn here and there. Boxes without lids littered the floor. Women rummaged through the piles like they were at a garage sale. I almost walked away before even looking. Little did I know...there were more in the back!
Like an angel from heaven, a kind, grandfathery-looking salesman asked if we needed help. I almost hesitated asking if he had any other sizes anywhere. We'd already been at this for a few hours and I was tired. I mustered up the energy, though, and hoarsely asked in, what must have sounded like, a desperate tone. Unbelievably he said they did.
We had that sweet older gent hold two pairs for us while we hit *one more store*, I later returned alone, while Grandma and the girls enjoyed a Strawberry Julius, to make the all-important purchase. Choirs of angels sang.
One last stop before collapsing at home was to the Nike store. Note to self - never ever leave this store as the last stop in a busy day. The aisles are narrow, there is next-to-nowhere to sit to try on shoes, it's crowded and the rap music is a *tad* too loud. It's overstimulating and hot. Yet, surprisingly, we were still able to crank out a quick purchase. The sneakers made my daughter run faster in her eyes, and as memory serves me correctly, that is the criteria for a good-fitting pair of new sneakers.
So we're home now. I've had several glasses of wine. One daughter just put in a mis-matched pair of pajamas. The other is happily playing in the tub with her Polly Pockets. I'm looking forward to hitting my bed in as little as 40 minutes with a cream puff or two, another glass of wine and perhaps a funny movie. I can't decide yet if I'll go with Wedding Crasher or Talladega Nights...but really, can you go wrong with either?
Buenas noches, mis amigos. Tax-free weekend has come to an expensive end for another year and I'm beyond fatigued. Damn shame I didn't need a wedding gown as they, too, were sans income tax. Hmmm...maybe I should have rethought our anniversary plans for next weekend and dreamt up something that involved a little white number by Vera Wang. ;-) Seriously, it would be dangerous if I ever decide to renew our vows. We had a beautiful wedding but were both 22. My wedding at 30something would be *quite* different.
This weekend we hit Gymboree for approximately $185, Haggar for $45, Brooks Brothers for $100, Belks for $145 and Nike for $30. We definitely fueled the American economy. And given the size of the crowds, many others did as well. 'Cause I'm proud to be an American, for at least I know I'm free... :-p
With all of this shopping came three pairs of tiny shoes. Two pairs of Mary Jane's and one pair of sneakers. In total, I'd estimate that we tried on no less than 30 pairs. I, personally, only tried on 2 and had to talk myself out of both. What finally ended up in a purchase was what I thought was a defunct trip to Belk. Their shoe section was in horrible disarray. I chose one pair of shoes that weren't even in a box. I thought what I saw out was what they had. The scene looked like a crime scene. Single shoes out of boxes laid strewn here and there. Boxes without lids littered the floor. Women rummaged through the piles like they were at a garage sale. I almost walked away before even looking. Little did I know...there were more in the back!
Like an angel from heaven, a kind, grandfathery-looking salesman asked if we needed help. I almost hesitated asking if he had any other sizes anywhere. We'd already been at this for a few hours and I was tired. I mustered up the energy, though, and hoarsely asked in, what must have sounded like, a desperate tone. Unbelievably he said they did.
We had that sweet older gent hold two pairs for us while we hit *one more store*, I later returned alone, while Grandma and the girls enjoyed a Strawberry Julius, to make the all-important purchase. Choirs of angels sang.
One last stop before collapsing at home was to the Nike store. Note to self - never ever leave this store as the last stop in a busy day. The aisles are narrow, there is next-to-nowhere to sit to try on shoes, it's crowded and the rap music is a *tad* too loud. It's overstimulating and hot. Yet, surprisingly, we were still able to crank out a quick purchase. The sneakers made my daughter run faster in her eyes, and as memory serves me correctly, that is the criteria for a good-fitting pair of new sneakers.
So we're home now. I've had several glasses of wine. One daughter just put in a mis-matched pair of pajamas. The other is happily playing in the tub with her Polly Pockets. I'm looking forward to hitting my bed in as little as 40 minutes with a cream puff or two, another glass of wine and perhaps a funny movie. I can't decide yet if I'll go with Wedding Crasher or Talladega Nights...but really, can you go wrong with either?
Buenas noches, mis amigos. Tax-free weekend has come to an expensive end for another year and I'm beyond fatigued. Damn shame I didn't need a wedding gown as they, too, were sans income tax. Hmmm...maybe I should have rethought our anniversary plans for next weekend and dreamt up something that involved a little white number by Vera Wang. ;-) Seriously, it would be dangerous if I ever decide to renew our vows. We had a beautiful wedding but were both 22. My wedding at 30something would be *quite* different.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Isshoes
I wrote an, almost, identical post to another blog at this time last year. I HATE SHOE SHOPPING! No, I'm not betraying my inherent right as a female to love such an event. It's just that my daughters have such narrow feet!
I've been to the Stride Rite store. They make ONE style in a narrow width. And wouldn't you know it, it's fugly. I have girly girls. They want something with a little pizazz. Not the solid colored more-basic-than-black pair that still doesn't quite fit them correctly.
As luck, and genetics, have it, I experience the same problem. My heels are exceptionally narrow. My mother has been through this same hell. The difference, though, is that when I got new shoes we left the store with little thirty little pads stuck strategically in them. One do-dad around the heel, some little sticky deals along the side... They shoe guy kept modifying until we got it *just* right. Today, you can't find those little modifiers anywhere!
I've got a store or two left to try. We'll hit there tomorrow. Unfortunately, I'm not terribly hopeful. Thankfully there is always http://www.zappos.com/ and their beautiful free return shipping. But still - ordering shoes online for children is risky business. It's just so more likely that any given pair won't work for a plethora of reasons than them actually fitting correctly.
Tonight I will sit back with a lovely glass of pinot noir and think about anything other than mary janes...unless the have a rockin' heel and come in patent leather.
On a positive note, we cleared Gymboree of most of their size 5 stock. :-) The first day of school outfit includes an adorable apple skirt. Could that be cuter?
[photo courtesy of www.gymboree.com]
Friday, August 1, 2008
...and it continues...
I promise tomorrow's post won't be yet another recipe review, but I can't stop myself today.
Last night for dinner I prepared the chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes from Deceptively Delicious and they fooled everyone! The chicken was coated in a broccoli puree and the potatoes were mixed with cauliflower. Everyone ate everything, including my parents! I'm still amazed! The food was really really good. And please believe me when I say they turn their noses up at a lot.
The one downfall of the book is that you've really got to plan what you're going to make for the week. There is a section in the book about freezing the purees, but I'm hesitant. Some recipes call for 1/2 a cup, others 1/4 a cup and others 2 tablespoons. I'm not sure in what quantity I should doing my freezing. So for now, I'm trying to use up what I have within a few days. I think as I get more experienced, I'll probably freeze in 1/4 cup quantities and just concede to occasionally having to trash a tablespoon or two every now and then.
My plan this weekend is to try a dessert - my favorite food group! Tonight for dinner we'll undo all the nutrition we've built up over the past two days as we're eating out to celebrate my parents' anniversary. Greasy, cheesy and fattening food...yummmmmm! :-)
Last night for dinner I prepared the chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes from Deceptively Delicious and they fooled everyone! The chicken was coated in a broccoli puree and the potatoes were mixed with cauliflower. Everyone ate everything, including my parents! I'm still amazed! The food was really really good. And please believe me when I say they turn their noses up at a lot.
The one downfall of the book is that you've really got to plan what you're going to make for the week. There is a section in the book about freezing the purees, but I'm hesitant. Some recipes call for 1/2 a cup, others 1/4 a cup and others 2 tablespoons. I'm not sure in what quantity I should doing my freezing. So for now, I'm trying to use up what I have within a few days. I think as I get more experienced, I'll probably freeze in 1/4 cup quantities and just concede to occasionally having to trash a tablespoon or two every now and then.
My plan this weekend is to try a dessert - my favorite food group! Tonight for dinner we'll undo all the nutrition we've built up over the past two days as we're eating out to celebrate my parents' anniversary. Greasy, cheesy and fattening food...yummmmmm! :-)
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