My Favorite Eats – The View from Lajeune

20 Things I do not want to give up in 2020

With the arrival of Lent it got me thinking of what I would like to give up this year. But before I get to that, here are 20 things I do not want to give up in 2020 (in no particular order):

Kombucha – I discovered this delish drink during Dry January at the beginning of the year when I was purposely seeking out cool refreshing drinks with a kick (smile). Kombucha hit the spot and the fact that it is Gluten Free and Dairy Free is an added bonus.

Red Wine – It’s no surprise that this one made my list before: 9 things I do not want to give up in 2019. My new favorite reds are Pinots and my new favorite Pinot (discovered on my recent trip to Fort Lauderdale, FL) is Meiomi.

Kickboxing – I joined the specialty gym I Love Kickboxing this month because I needed something that was going to challenge me and kick my butt all at the same time (smile). So far…so good.

Golf – It’s still cold here in New England (at least for another month or so) but once it warms up I will be back with my ladies hitting the links in Golf Fore Women 401.

Hot Green Tea – I like to order hot green tea when I eat in or out of a Japanese restaurant. It not only tastes good but it’s extremely good for you.

Speaking of Japanese, I def do not want to give up Sushi this year, it’s become a regular part of my bi-monthly cuisine and just thinking of it makes me want to call in an order or two (smile).

Staycations – what a novel idea – discovering fun things to do in your own state. I feel like when we staycate in Connecticut the time to go back to work moves slower (smile).

Bikini Waxes – Summer is not the only time to get a bikini wax (Vacays count too!) and Tommy K’s Wax Center offers your first bikini line for free, if you are a first time customer.

Blueberry Ale – I’ve never been a big beer drinker but Elm City Market in New Haven has this delish brand from Wachusett Brewing Company that tastes more like something you eat than drink.

Oysters – I can eat this delicacy any season of the year but I have to admit that they taste infinitely better in the Summer than they do in the Winter.

Homemade Soups – I love soups made from scratch especially in the Winter so I’m truly enjoying the likes of homemade Lentil, Split Green Pea, Red Kidney Bean, 16 Bean Soup and more~

Candles – I like burning things in a safe way (smile) so scented candles are high on the list Put your slippers on….

Bananas – I buy and eat bananas on a daily basis as the potassium and fiber help me out during super intense workouts – and I buy organic so I don’t have to worry about pesticides.

Salad – This was on my list before because it is also something I can eat any time of the year (as long as it contains protein). Cafe Java in New Haven has my all time fave Bosco Salad which I probably eat at least once a week…

Spinach and Mozzarella Pie – Bar Pizza in New Haven has the best Spinach and Mozzarella Pizza I have ever eaten – I love veggie pizza and this place gets it done!

Edamame – Steamed lightly salted soybeans are my favorite appetizer before a japanese meal. They are high in protein and fiber and relatively low in calories so for me they are an obvious snacking choice.

Trail Mix – I might have hiked maybe once, maybe twice in my lifetime but if you saw me eating raw trail mix you might think I was an avid hiker (smile).

Sirius (XM) radio – I love listening to music and happen to have eclectic tastes so my satellite radio (at just $6.99 a month) puts Terrestrial radio to shame and keeps me entertained (smile).

Netflix TV and Movies – I just love the original content of the re-occuring Series on this channel as well as the Movies. It takes binge watching to a whole ‘nother level for me…

My Iphone – I won’t leave the house without it, I won’t sit still anywhere without it nearby, I won’t rest knowing that it needs re-charging, am I addicted (the answer is a resounding Yes!)

No Shoveling Sunshine

Me and my man just returned from a 6 day 5 night vacay to the sunshine state of Florida. We chose Pompano Beach in Fort Lauderdale on the East Coast for this trip because we had most recently (back in May of 2019) traveled to the West Coast and stayed on St. Pete’s Beach in Clearwater.

My 58th birthday was another reason why we chose this destination. Instead of taking turns shoveling snow with our teeth chattering in the wind and/or dealing with the super drab Winter blahs, we opted instead to celebrate my Valentines Day Birthday in 80 degree weather along with the cool breezes of the Atlantic ocean.

Besides, there’s no shoveling sunshine right (smile).

Our travel agent Karen made all of the arrangements once she learned of our needs: namely warm sunny weather, cool ocean breezes, nearby golf courses, outdoor music, a decent nightlife, good restaurants, sightseeing and shopping.

We stayed at the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa in a standard King room with ocean views.

You could literally see the ocean from our small balcony…

And the concierge James truly lived up to the reputation of his position…

Pompano Beach time – Day 1- soaking up the Sun is one of my fave things to do at the beach

Nice and hot – 80s – perfect beach weather

Since it was also windy the waves were awesome!

On our first night (of Day 1) we dined at And Fish Kitchen and Bar (the Marriott Hotel Restaurant and Bar)

Our waiter Chris at And Fish Kitchen and Bar was spectacular!

Day 2 – Carlucci’s Trattoria – a Pompano Beach Restaurant – I was famished after walking a couple of miles and this place hit the spot!

Seaside Grill – a Pompano Beach restaurant (night of Day 2)

The concierge James recommended this restaurant which was literally up the street from our hotel

We were not disappointed as the ambience was comfy cool and the food and wine – delish!

Day 3 – 9Face Sushi – another Pompano Beach restaurant – dining al fresco – out here it seems as if everyone and their grandmother owns a dog (smile)

By the way, even though we were on vacay we still took the time every day to work out in the hotel gym

And it’s truly not hard to work out when you have a beautiful view

On Day 4 we Uber’d over to Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe in Lighthouse Point – a restaurant my friend Terri recommended

Couldn’t go all the way to Fort Lauderdale without meeting up with my former News 8 co-worker and good friend Terri G. and her hubby Paul for a pre-Bday lunch

Sun Surf Sand (S3) – Fort Lauderdale Beach (night of Day 4)

My gf Jamie Taylor recommended this restaurant – the ambience was beautiful and the neighborhood very trendy

Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course – on Day 5 it was not as windy as the first half of the week so we decided to borrow clubs, buy balls and tees and go golfing up the street at the municipal course

Decent course- played 13 out of 18 holes due to being out of “golf shape” (smile)

Speaking of weather – It was in the mid 70’s the first half of the week with strong winds and the early 80s the second half…

This is what “Weather” looks like in South Florida (smile)

Traffic – It wasn’t really a concern for us as we Uber’d everywhere (smile)

And this is what “Traffic” looks like in South Florida (double smile)

Day 5 – Delray Beach – this town was highly recommended by Karen our travel agent because it offered up the type of vacation lifestyle we were seeking – so we ended up spending the entire day here…

Who knew that Coco Gauff and family lived in Delray Beach?!? We left one day before Coco came to town to compete

We love love love oysters so ***City Oyster*** was an obvious choice for drinks and apps

Dinner a the italian restaurant ***Vic and Angelo’s*** was pretty good

Our last night in Pompano Beach…

Cocktails outside on the moonlit deck of the Marriott hotel bar…

The End (sigh…)

Fun Things to do in Connecticut – Part III

There’s lots to do in the state of Connecticut during the Summer, especially when the weather is cooperating. It is truly ‘hotter than July’ so there is really no need to travel anywhere, we have sun filled days and long nights right here in CT (smile).

Here is a short list of annual events that occur in the Summer months and involve food, fun, music, festivities, entertainment and more! The good news is that most are free to attend and some even offer free parking.

A Taste of Mystic (New London County)

This annual event takes place at the Olde Mistick Village (OMV) around the second weekend in June (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) and involves food and drinks, live bands, loads of entertainment, merchant specials and more!

Admission is free (parking is also free). To participate in The Taste you buy sleeves of tickets for $1.00 each to be exchanged for food and drinks from the vendors.

Joyce of OMV being interviewed by Meteorologist Joe Furey of News 8

And the OMV Merchants offer money-saving specials as well!

OMV/Munson’s Chocolates, OMV/Sticky Situations and OMV/Jealous Monk

New Haven Music on the Green (New Haven County)

In New Haven the unofficial start to Summer kicks off with Music on the Green!

Ryan Kristafer and Teresa DuFour from CT Style along with Lifestyle Expert Jo Jo Pastors and her girlfriend

In Summers past we have been entertained (in our VIP seats) by such notable acts as Ronnie Spector, Debbie Gibson, Taylor Dayne, KC and the Sunshine Band and En Vogue, just to name a few.

Ryan Kristafer of CT Style getting down with the ladies from En Vogue!

And this year we had the pleasure of seeing Lisa Lisa on Saturday 7/20/19 and Morris Day on Saturday 7/29/19!

Morris Day and The Time put on a phenomenal performance!

The Hamden Free Summer Concert Series (New Haven County)

Beginning late June on Friday nights at 6pm at the Hamden Town Center Park, live bands play to diverse crowds made up of singles, couples, families, dogs and more! This free annual outdoor event truly features something for everyone. There’s no VIP but at the same time there is truly not a bad seat in the house. And if you come hungry you can feast off of the nearby food trucks or better yet, pack your own picnic complete with adult beverages. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and make a space on the lawn as happy people jam to the music.

Plenty of room at the Hamden Summer Free Concert Series. Lines galore at the delicious and ethnically diverse food trucks!

This year (2019) on Week 4 The Wailers, featuring Julian Junior Marvin, delighted the Friday night crowd.

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (Hartford County)

Jazz is alive and well outdoors at Bushnell Park in Hartford! This free annual event takes place over an entire weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) in mid July. There are food and retail clothing vendors and folks completely covering the Bushnell park lawn with their blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and sun umbrellas. Big screen TVs on both sides of the stage ensure that everyone gets a decent view.

There’s no need for a VIP as the big TV screens ensure that everyone gets a decent view of the performers

The line-up of jazz musicians is awesome and the party lasts all day long and well into the night.

Could not help but enjoy the beautiful weather, good company and awesome jazz performers

Although this is a free event donations are gladly accepted…

New London Sailfest (New London County)

This coastal city comes alive during the Summer with its signature event, the New London Sailfest!

July is the month and the entire mid month weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) offers something for all family members.

From Tall Ships to face painting to patriotic costumes, there’s something for everyone

Speaking of which, there are amusement park rides, face painting, delicious food options plus sailboat and people watching.

So that’s my short list of fun things to do during Summers in Connecticut – enjoy!

Beach Bum

We were desperately in need of a vacation – the goal was somewhere warm, beachy and fun – so the Sunshine state immediately came to mind (with the help of Karen, our travel agent).

We couldn’t of timed it better – we departed from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT on a rainy, dreary Sunday morning in mid-May at 720am and arrived to sunny Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida less than 3 hours later.

Our destination was the Sirata Beach Resort in Clearwater, Florida a half hour from TIA airport (but it took our shuttle service over an hour and a half to get there due to heavy traffic and multiple drop-offs).

It was worth the long wait when we saw that the resort (although not as new as the promotional video pictured it) was nonetheless cute and quaint (smile).

After we checked into our City View (as opposed to Ocean View) suite at Sirata Beach Resort, we headed out the door for some much needed grub and a walk on St. Pete’s Beach.

Our first stop at the resort for grub was Harry’s Beach Bar because we were starving and because it was literally right in front of us (smile). The food at Harry’s was okay, nothing to write home about, but the peek-a-boo views of the pool and the beach were inviting…

After lunch we went for a long walk on St. Pete’s Beach, touted as the number 1 beach in the U.S. The breathtaking beauty of this beach reminded me of vacationing in the Caribbean- – white sand, baby blue water and lots of big waves.

While walking the beach we could not help but notice how it was sectioned off by resorts in that each individual resort (over the 13 acres of premier beachfront!) had it’s own matching cabanas, beach loungers, chairs and umbrellas perfectly lined up on their own property. Sirata Beach Resort property provided 2 complimentary beach loungers per room per day to their guests. If you wanted front row access (prime real estate) you had to head to the beach by 8am and pay the the attendant $20 for a Sirata Beach umbrella. This reservation ensured that your beach loungers and umbrella would be placed in the front row and that no one could move into your spot for the entire day. Nor could anyone park in front of you. We made front row reservations every day over the next 4 days (smile).

Sirata Beach Resort is a lot of things but it is not all-inclusive. However there are a total of 4 restaurants at the resort which are all decent. One of our favorite casual dining restaurants on the resort was Rum Runners Bar and Grill which also featured live music in the evenings.

And since Sirata Beach Resort is situated on Gulf Boulevard, there are a ton of good restaurant choices – most within walking distance. We discovered a really good seafood restaurant called Crabby Bills 5 minutes from our resort a few days before we departed. It was sooooo good we ate there two days in a row (smile).

As far as night life, we stumbled upon a beautiful hotel while walking along Gulf Boulevard during the day. It had a rooftop deck for drinks and apps and a fine dining restaurant below called Spinners (it literally spun while you dined). This hotel was called the Grand Plaza Hotel. We went there that same evening and sat outside on the rooftop deck for drinks and apps.

While reading about daily activities at the resort I saw that there was a free service called Beach Rides. These vans provide free local rides to resort guests but ask that you leave a tip since this is how they make their living. We called Beach Rides to take us to another local beach called Madeira Beach on our 3rd day. We chose Madeira as were interested in seeing the marina, stopping in the boardwalk shops and taking a dolphin watch tour.

Our dolphin watch tour was for 1.5 hours and we found it was a quick and easy way to learn about the residents who lived around the bay as well as information about dolphin life. There were a lot of dolphins out that afternoon and we even saw a baby dolphin that the Captain told us had just been born 24 hours ago!

Our Dolphin watch was a big success – lots of activity!

Afterwards we ate outdoors at The Hut Bar and Grill while we watched lots of other tours and boat activity.

The following day we were back at our resort. Oh, I forgot to mention that every night during the week the resort offered free drinks at the tiki bar from 730pm to 8pm. You had your choice of beer, wine or rum punch. It was here that we met a nice couple that happened to be Clearwater locals. They were telling us where to go in the short time we had remaining on our trip.

Tiki Bar party with free drinks every night

What stuck in my mind was when this couple told us about going to downtown St. Petersburg at night. From the way they described it, it sounded like our kind of town so we took their advice and caught a Beach Rides van to St. Petersburg, FL (15 minutes from Clearwater). We paid a flat fee of $25.00 since it was out of the beach zone and enjoyed seeing the following:

We loved our time in St. Petersburg and will definately plan on heading back when we have more time (smile).

Our final day at the resort was spent packing up, spending time on the beach for a last walk and eating out at Crabby Bills. Here is a picture of Clearwater from the balcony of our City View suite: