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How I’m Becoming a Mompreneur With GoDaddy

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As it’s pretty apparent by now, food is a huge passion of mine. Making it, studying it, planning it and of course, eating it are all some of my favorite pastimes. I couldn’t wait to move into our new home mostly just so I could finally entertain. Nothing gets me going quite like planning a food-centered event. And not to pat my own back, but I think I’m pretty good at it. So when one of my nearest & dearest mama friends, Daniela, approached me about opening a “side hustle” food & entertaining business, I thought it was the best idea I’d ever heard.

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South Florida Foodies

My Fresh Market Shopping List

If you’ve never shopped at a Fresh Market before, you are WAY overdue and totally missing out! Where I live, in Boca Raton, FL, we now have THREE locations to choose from. I’ve always been a huge fan of this supermarket specialty chain and am so excited to welcome yet another even bigger and better store to do my shopping in. My new favorite Fresh Market location offers more fresh, delicious food, an increased selection of local products, health-conscious items and everyday grocery favorites. What more could a girl ask for? Below I’m listing some of my favorite products that I buy from The Fresh Market.

Blooms & Bouquets:
I LOVE fresh flowers in the house. While hubs does a good job at bringing them home, I sometimes can’t help but pick up a beautiful bouquet every time I pass the gorgeous flowers at Fresh Market. Whether you’re looking for something romantic & classic or something wild & exotic, TFM has it all.

Hummus Heaven:
The Fresh Market’s hummus game is STRONG. Row after row, and shelf after shelf, they pretty much have every flavor you could ever possibly imagine! My favorites are Hope Foods Jalapeno Cilantro & Eat Well Embrace Life’s Tuscan White Bean Hummus.

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Cheese Please:
I appreciate a good gourmet cheese selection. Whenever I entertain, I always have a cheese & charcuterie platter and love experimenting with new cheeses. The Fresh Market offers domestic & imported cheeses that even the biggest cheese snob would approve!

Dough(nt) You Want Some?:
The best park of baking cookies? The dough, duh! But it’s just not safe. Thank goodness for The Cookie Dough Cafe! I haven’t seen this item at any other grocery store and may or may not make a trip just for a jar of this stuff. They have a few different flavors available and my favorite is Cookies & Cream!

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Olive You Lots:
As I mentioned above, I love making an impressive appetizer spread when I have guests. Cheese, meats, hummus, the whole nine yards! And what would a spread like that be without a big bowl of fresh delicious olives?! The Fresh Market has a great olive & antipasto bar where you can find all the fixins’!

With that being said, now I’ve got a hankering for olives & cheese! What are some of your favorite items from The Fresh Market?

*This post was sponsored by The Fresh Market.

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South Florida Foodies

The Dog Days of Summer with Carvel Ice Cream

Happy National Dog Day! I’m a proud fur mama of two amazingly quirky Brussels Griffons and what better way to celebrate their unconditional companionship than with their very own holiday? Life for them is certainly about to change and they have no idea what’s coming! I’m so thankful for them giving me a little taste of motherhood before the real deal heads our way in just a couple of months.

In honor of National Dog Day & this warm (understatement) Florida summer, Carvel Ice Cream (everyone’s favorite maker of real milk ice cream cakes) is hosting a “Dog Days of Summer” Dog Wash tomorrow (Saturday), August 27th in Parkland! Join Carvel, and loads of cute clean puppies, for some free deliciously refreshing ice cream cake and a free bath for your furry friends.

The deTAILS:

When: August 27th from 12-3pm
Where: Barkland Dog Park in Parkland, FL — 9245 Ranch Road
What: FREE ice cream cake & dog wash

Throughout the day, you can upload photos of your squeaky clean pup to social media for the chance to win some tasty prizes, like a custom cake with an edible photo of your pup, by using the hashtag #CarvelDogDays. See you there!

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Get social with Carvel on Facebook & Instagram
Get social with me on Instagram

This post was sponsored by Carvel Ice Cream. As always, all opinions are my own.

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South Florida Foodies

Sloan’s Ice Cream

It’s no myth or secret that pregnant women crave ice cream! I’ll be the first to tell you just how true that is, especially in this crazy South Florida heat. Sloan’s Ice Cream, with locations spread around South Florida (& California for my West Coast babes!), recently invited me to try their creamy cold concoctions – and how could I ever pass that up?! That decision wasn’t hard at all, the tough decision was choosing something to indulge in off of their ahhhmazing menu.

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So what did I choose? Well being that I’m a true Floridian, I opted for the Sandcastle Sundae which consists of a REAL beach sand pail and shovel filled with 5 scoops of ice cream (of your choice), hot fudge, caramel, wet walnuts, any 2 dry toppings and a chocolate chip cookie on the bottom with lots of whipped cream and cherries. I was able to choose which flavors I wanted in my bucket and I went with Fresh Strawberry (my classic!), Almond Joy, Coconut Storm, Dulce de Leche and Fluffy Road. A bucket of ice cream in itself is a pregnant woman’s dream. But add in all the other goodies like an ENTIRE chocolate chip cookie, fudge, gummy bears and a mountain of whipped cream? That definitely calmed the mood swings for a bit!

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Not only does Sloan’s offer the best ice cream in town, but if you’ve never been inside a Sloan’s before – you have to see it for yourself. All Sloan’s locations standout with their iconic pink storefront and are every ice cream lovers’ wonderland with colorful whimsical chandeliers, retro candy and fresh fudge & cookies. You’ll definitely feel like a kid again!

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South Florida Foodies

Dunkin’ Donuts: New Donut Flavors

It’s pretty clear by now that I’ve crowned myself the unofficial Donut Queen of South Florida. So when there’s donut news, I need to be in the know. Dunkin’ Donuts recently contacted me to let me know about three new items that I absolutely couldn’t wait to get my hands on: an OREO® & Raspberry Cheesecake Square and a Strawberry Croissant Donut. One of my silly fears during my pregnancy was that my tastebuds would change and I wouldn’t love the same things that I used to (that’s kind of a big deal for a foodie!). Donuts, thank goodness, are still my most favorite dessert & I love them more than ever! My title as Donut Queen is safe, in case you were worried. Continue Reading

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South Florida Foodies

Jugofresh Comes to Boca Raton!

Disclosure: I was invited to dine as a guest of Jugofresh. No monetary compensation has been received for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I heard the news that Jugofresh was coming to Whole Foods in Boca Raton! I know what you’re thinking, “ANOTHER juice bar in Boca?!” But let me be the first to tell you that Jugofresh is so unique and such a refreshing experience – and conveniently located where you can do your grocery shopping at the same time! Jugofresh has several other locations, all south of Boca in Fort Lauderdale & Miami, and has a very interesting story about how a chef & a guy with a master’s degree in sports and exercise psychology came together with a vision to produce the purest organic product with their own innovative twist (I love their motto – ‘hydrate with a purpose’ and ‘drink mad juice’). As soon as you begin tasting their menu items, you will realize how much their twist on things really sets them apart from the others.

I was lucky enough to be invited by Jugofresh to try a few of their menu offerings – which range from juices and smoothies to acai bowls and little snacks to keep you energized (check out their menu here). We started with some juices and tasted Ashram, Mimosa Detox, Coco Mylk, P.A.M.pered Ginger, and Sueno (obviously you know which one was my favorite – Mimosa Detox!). I couldn’t help but think that the Mimosa Detox would also be great for just the opposite – with a smidge of champagne. Some of the juices offer a little kick to get your metabolism going, and some are a bit sweeter – all unlike any juices I’ve really tried before. Each bottle is labeled with the ingredients and how it helps you body, whether it fights inflammation or boosts your immunity when you’re feeling under the weather.

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Oftentimes, I love to start my day with a smoothie. Smoothies are portable, healthy, and filling – the perfect trifecta when you’re on the run. When I can’t make one myself, I want to be able to pick up something that I know exactly what’s in it – and how it’s going to help start my day. Jugofresh’s smoothies are all that and more. I was able to taste the Rey Jorge and the Jugofly. The Rey Jorge was the sweeter of the two – made with almond mylk, açai berry, blueberry, banana, strawberry, honey. The Jugofly was a greener smoothie – made with coconut water, coconut meat, kale, spinach, apple, blueberry, spirulina, hemp, chorella, coconut palm nectar. I was into both and I like that they have those options for whatever I’m craving that day.

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Acai bowls are the new craze – they feel indulgent but instead are packed with everything healthy! Jugofresh has several different options, and just like their smoothies, you can go sweet or not. During my tasting, I was able to try the Sunset Harbour Acai, Acai Verde and the Sana de Rana. Each bowl has a base that resembles a smoothie in a bowl, and then some delicious toppings – ranging from coconut flakes and goji berries, to kale-cacao granola (which is SO good) and a superberry coconut cashew mix. These bowls are not only gorgeous to look at, but so healthy and super tasty!

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Jugofresh is a great addition to Boca Raton, I love seeing more healthy options pop up all over this city! Located inside Whole Foods, it’s easy to grab a juice or smoothie when I’m on the go, or while I’m doing my grocery shopping. The bowls at Jugofresh can appeal to even the most unhealthiest eater because they resemble dessert without all the guilt. If you haven’t been yet, stop by Whole Foods and give it a whirl, you can even sample the juices before making a purchase to be sure you’re buying what you love! If {jugo} to Jugofresh to #drinkmadjuice, let me know what you end up getting. Cheers!

Jugofresh is located inside Whole Foods on 1400 Glades Road in Boca Raton – and you can find them on Instagram here!

 

 

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South Florida Foodies

Eat Local: Delray Beach

I just adore little local restaurants that put their all into serving the best quality possible with every ounce of passion and love they have. I’d choose that over a corporate chain ANY day. The first of my “Eating Local” series puts a spotlight on Delray Beach because it’s my favorite – I love the Ave. My list has been curated over the many years I’ve eaten in Delray Beach, with some newbies and veterans all mixed in and categorized by which meal of the day I crave them.

Breakfast + Brunch

Max’s Harvest // 169 NE 2nd Ave.

Nestled down in Pineapple Grove, away from the hustle + bustle of the main strip, Max’s Harvest has my favorite brunch (& dinner, just sayin’!) just about anywhere in South Florida.  Chef Eric Baker clearly knows his way around the kitchen because his flavors are so on point. The menu changes from time-to-time, leaving me with that element of surprise that I can’t get enough of. Right now from their current menu (aside from their awesome Mimosa & Bloody Mary situation) I’m loving the Deviled Hen Eggs with truffle sea salt & chives, the Grilled Salami Benedict (an english muffin topped with sunny side hen eggs from Farmer Jay, whole grain mustard, braised collard greens, & roasted tomato hollandaise), and OF COURSE, the donuts! The donut flavor changes every week and I think that’s just amazing.

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Subculture Coffee // 123 E Atlantic Ave.

When I need a quick pick-me-up, Subculture Coffee is where I’m heading. New to Atlantic Avenue, Subculture started their roasting roots in West Palm Beach. I’ve tried quite a few items at Subculture, but I must say that my favorites are the good old iced coffee, the latte with almond milk, and then Alchemy Juice Co.’s (which they stock in their cooler) Stinger shot & Amazeballs – my favorite little snack combination! Their little patio is the perfect place to sip + snack.

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Park Tavern // 32 SE 2nd Ave.

I really enjoy Park Tavern for dinner too, but brunch always wins. Anywhere that serves pork belly for breakfast steals my heart. Park Tavern changes their menu often also, but right now I’m loving their Bahn Mi Hash, consisting of sweet chile pork belly, potatoes, shishito peppers, avocado, and fried eggs alongside Texas toast. I don’t understand why restaurants serve pork belly that isn’t crispy – Park Tavern does it right. As always, don’t skip the donuts – it would be a sin!

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Lunch + Such

Rack’s Fish House + Oyster Bar // 5 SE 2nd Ave.

When I want a light (and not overly caloric) lunch, I think of Rack’s. I actually think this is the best Rack’s location, although I haven’t tried Fat Rooster yet (gasp!). I always walk into Rack’s Fish House + Oyster Bar wanting the Conch Ceviche with red onion, aji amarillo, & sweet potato, so that’s usually what I’m ordering – alongside a crisp glass of white wine.

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Shaffer’s Tea Room // 14 S Swinton Ave.

Tucked away and pretty obscure from even the most seasoned Delray veteran, Shaffer’s Tea Room is truly a ‘hidden’ gem! After seeing this spot pop up on my Instagram and Facebook feeds from time to time, I knew I had to check it out since it seemed like my cup of tea (see what I did there?). Shaffer’s is located in what appears to be a colorfully decorated house right off Swinton Ave, less than a block south of Atlantic. When you walk in, you can’t help but feel like you’ve entered the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Brightly hued furniture is situated around a ‘living room’ set up, with a bar where you can order in the back (they also have some lite bites and some delicious looking baked goods!). With over 100 teas to choose from, the decision isn’t easy – but luckily you can mix and match the flavors and types of tea to get the perfect concoction customized just for you! One of my favorite combinations is the Happy Buddha mixed with the Renew over a little bit of ice – a not-too-sweet tropical flavor that helps refresh & renew you from the inside out. When the weather cools off a bit, I can’t wait to sit back & relax with a book and another Shaffer’s creation on their patio!

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Dinner + Drinks

3rd + 3rd // 301 NE 3rd Ave.

I really can’t say enough amazing things about 3rd & 3rd Delray – it’s just one of those spots that you NEED to try for yourself if you haven’t already. Chef Jessie Steele changes the menu every day – YES, EVERY SINGLE DAY! And his innovative menu hits the mark every time, which I can imagine is no easy task! The atmosphere is typical Delray hangout-ish (just makin’ up words over here!) – a little dark and mysterious inside, with a big wrap-around bar. They have a stage at one end for live music (if you’re into that) and some of the friendliest staff I’ve come across – our bartender remembered my name (Anika is a tough one to remember!) and it’s the little details like that that make a difference. On our table for the night was the Warm Veggie Jar which was served with grilled bread (I’m really obsessed with grilled bread!), the Steak and Farro ‘Fried Rice’ that was served with a delicious miso cashew butter, and the Local Grouper with sweet potato baba ghanoush and grilled zucchini – HOLY MOLY. This was one of the best meals I had had in a long while. I’ve been daydreaming of that fried rice ever since.

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The Grove // 187 NE 2nd Ave.

The Grove is on my list because I have a thing for restaurants that really incorporate seasonality into their menu – and then make it incredible. First of all, I think The Grove is so visually appealing – it sometimes doesn’t even look like Florida. The entire atmosphere just feels “intimate.” Of course their menu changes due to the changing of the seasons and their locally curated ingredients, so it’s hard to recommend specific dishes, but their pasta creations are fresh scrumptious perfection (if they have the Brioche Crusted Chicken, get that too!). Their dishes are special – not your typical everyday menu, and that’s what I love. If you have a sweet tooth  like me, order the monkey bread – it’s heavenly, sticky, delicious, and the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

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Brulé Bistro // 200 NE 2nd Ave. #108

Brulé Bistro is a local favorite and a long-standing front runner of mine. Situated in Pineapple Grove, Brulé is off the beaten path, but never not full of happy winers & diners! Brulé is open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, with seating both inside and outside and an awesome menu that’ll leave you wanting to try one of everything. This is one of those spots that perfect for date night or GNO (hello cocktail menu!). Some of my favorites are the Seared Tuna Poke with basil oil and toasted macadamias, the Prince Edward Island Mussels with red curry, & the Seared Diver Scallops topped with a fried quail egg. Find an adventurous friend and share a bunch of dishes – that way you can try a little of everything!

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Delray Beach has such a well-rounded food scene, gone are the days where you HAD to drive an hour to Miami for a decent meal. Stayed tuned as I continue my “Eat Local” series, who knows where I’ll end up next! Now that you’ve had a chance to read about my local favorites – what are some of yours?

C H E E R S // M + M

 

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