Stay Positive

About 13 years ago, a friend of mine came from Europe. She and the husband migrated in the US with a plan to have a restaurant and cafe' business. They were successful and they employed about 15 staffs. When the business regulations changes abruptly, they left with no choice but to close down. Much to their desire to keep the employees and the business, they just can't afford the new regulations that business sector (like them) have to shoulder.

Admit it that we are experiencing economic recession. People used to strive and work harder to provide their family needs. They are less. There are people who lost their job and now dependent for government subsidies. For half a decade, the real estate business are down almost rock bottom especially here in Florida. Foreclosures and short sale houses are too many in the market. That is the reason why the properties are sold almost half the price compared to few years back. This would mean, people can't afford to own a property anymore. Why? Most people were affected when they lost their job. Who is to blame? Go figure it out.

More people stay and work from home. Some started a catering business just to earn and make money to pay the mortgage, car loans and bills. Some people took a business opportunity without knowing the risk lurking behind it. Just to make money and to support their family, people will try and do anything to survive.

I just hope that people will stay positive and that integrity as well as the character are still important.

Dinner at Buffet Village

We usually go for lunch at Village Buffet in Titusville. The price is very affordable at $7.99 per person and their food is delicious. This building was the old Whistle Junction Buffet and Grill restaurant but, they close down last year. I think the community is happy that Village Buffet took over this building early this year. They have regulars and always full every time we pass by this area. We consider ourselves as regulars since we dine in here at least once a week.

On this particular day, we had dinner and it was our second time. Their dinner has additional menus such as the crawfish, more seafood's, raw oysters and these yummy clams, my favorite. When I crave for clams, sushi and crawfish, this is the only place that can fill me up. The price for dinner is $11.99 but, it is worth it. They have baby back ribs, pasta, pizza, salad bar, sushi bar and if the diners want hot food, they can select the ingredients and the cook will be happy to cook it for them. It is advisable to give tip to the cook.

The raw clams in Publix are .50 cents each and a dozen of sushi is about $7.99 a pack so for me, the dinner price in the buffet is worth it. No cooking and I can eat as much as I can. When we miss the Buffet in HardRock and Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi, the food in Buffet Village is good enough for us. How about you? Do you like Chinese Buffet? Do you like clams?

Accountant in North Carolina

Did you hear that the latest big time millionaire winning the lotto is from Florida? What a lucky person huh? My husband and I always buy lotto tickets. We don't take it seriously but, we have our list on what to do if in case we win LOL. It really sound funny but, "what if" luck will come our way right? You too! If you buy a lotto ticket and you live in North Carolina then, you win! What would you do? It is time to plan before it happens! Make sure you have a lawyer and an account in mind. Check accounting raleigh nc perhaps because no one really knows who will be the next millionaire! It could be you.

Different Presentation of Sushi

Do you like Sushi? Sushi is a Japanese food made of cooked vinegared rice and other ingredients such as raw fish or other seafood. As you can see in the photo below, sushi has different presentation. The Uramaki is a contemporary style of Maki sushi. It is a roll that is inside out with the rice on the outside. It has an outer layer of sesame seeds. This was developed in the United States so that Americans will try eating sushi. Accordingly, the Western style sushi sometimes does not include raw meat. It is not on my plate though.

Now, if there is a raw meat, not necessarily seafood, sliced and served by itself it is called Sashimi. If it consists of nigiri sushi with fish topping and partly grilled and raw, it is called Roasted Sushi or Aburi Sushi.

If it consist of a rice ball and wrapped in a sheet of nori (edible seaweed) which extends in a cylinder upward to hold a loose topping such as fish eggs then, it is called Warship Roll or Gunkan-Maki. If it consist of rice and other ingredients rolled together with a sheet of nori,  it is called Rolled Sushi or Maki Sushi.

An oval-shaped ball of rice and topped with a slice of another item, it is called Nigiri Sushi or Hand-Formed Sushi. While a medium-sized rolled maki sushi that has several ingredients, it is called Medium Roll or Chu Maki.

The thick rolled maki sushi with multiple ingredients is called Futo Maki or Fat Roll. If it is thinly rolled maki sushi with one ingredient, it is called Thin Roll or Hoso Maki. While the Hand Roll or Temaki is a cone-shaped maki sushi.

Greenstone Jewelry in New Zealand

Birds dominated New Zealand's forests such as the kiwi, the burrowing parrot called the kakapo and takahē. There are other indigenous animals in the area like the skinks and geckos. Not only that, their water is abundant with Marine mammals like the whales, dolphins, and porpoises as well as fur seals. Many seabirds breed in New Zealand and there are more penguin species are found in New Zealand than in any other country.

New Zealand is a country where you can find and admire the jagged mountains and rolling pasture land. From raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones, this country is famous for penguins, home to flightless birds in fact, they reflect to their art pieces. Did you know that the Kiwi is the national symbol in New Zealand?

Another symbol in New Zealand is the silver fern leaf and koru. Now, have you checked their products yet? You can Buy Greenstone products in New Zealand. Their product such as the Greenstone Jewelry is a reflection of their culture. The art pieces are a genius creation uniquely found in New Zealand. And, if you plan to live there, check if the place you found has the proper Home Insulation. Their climate is mostly cool temperate to warm temperate with a strong maritime influence.

If you planning to visit New Zealand sooner? You should know that this country has two main islands and a number of smaller islands with stunning and diverse natural beauty. It is blessed with long coastline and has large numbers of marine resources. I always encountered in my readings about these places in New Zealand: Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island along the Hauraki Gulf, the d'Urville Island and Waiheke Island.

Remember this: The national symbol of New Zealand is a nocturnal flightless bird with nostrils on the end of its large beak. If you want to see this bird, you should also know that the kiwi is now endangered that is why; it is hard to see in the wild. You can visit the zoo and the wildlife parks to see this cute little creature.

Filet-O-Fish at MacDonald's

Have you ever tried this fish sandwich at McDonald's yet? You should try it. It is a fried fish filet patty, steamed bun, tartar sauce, and pasteurized processed American cheese. Every Friday, McDonald's have this on BOGO , a truly delicious sandwich. It doesn't tastes as a fried fish at all.

A Filet-O-Fish is a battered, fried fish patty made mostly from pollock fish, a slice of cheese and tartar sauce. It is so good and I don't know if it is because of the tartar sauce which is made with dill relish or, is it because of the seasoning on a steamed bun.

Here's a little history of this yummy goodness Filet-O-Fish. This fish sandwich was invented by Lou Groen, a McDonald's owner in Cincinnati, Ohio and that was in the year 1962. Though it tastes better now, the framework of its ingredients have remained the same as before.

Indulge in the Goodness of Private Selection Upside Down Cakes

This post brought to you by Private Selection. All opinions are 100% mine.

A quick, filling, delicious and easy dessert is all I could think of right now. My husband and I are heading to a special event today and we needed to bring a dessert. It didn't take me so long to decide what to bring. I already have the Private Selection Upside Down Cakes in my mind. We will be attending a fund raising event for our friend who has a cancer. We decided that each one of us would bring something and we volunteered a gourmet type dessert. I was glad that I found a Private Selection Upside Down Cakes coupon the other day and got me a great deal too.

Private Selection Upside Down Cakes are easy to prepare; just warm, flip and serve! There is no brainer isn't it? Private Selection brand is a premium private label brand which is carried exclusively at the Kroger Family of Stores as well as affiliated stores. Private Selection product is available in Baker's, City Market, Dillon's, Fry's, Gerbes, Pay Less, QFC, JayC, King Sooper's, Owen's, Ralph's, Smith's and Fred Meyer. 

You can check it out here: privateselection.com/store-locator.

Private Selection Upside Down Cakes are premium quality without the premium price. Private Selection Upside Down Cakes come in 3 distinct flavors, so there is a cake for any taste. Private Selection Upside Down Cakes taste like homemade, thanks to only using the best ingredients.

Check them out at Private Selection Upside Down Cakes on Facebook and don't forget to hit like. If you want to know more about their delicious selection of cakes, please follow Private Selection Upside Down Cakes on Pinterest. I am sure that you will be craving for more. If you have the coupons, please take note of the disclaimer below.

Disclaimer: Coupon ends 6/2/13. Official Rules. In order to load these coupons to your card, you will need to sign into your Kroger account or set up a Kroger account and enter your card number. Limit one use per digital coupon. Digital offers are not eligible on Manager's Specials, cannot be combined with manufacturer paper coupons on the purchase of a single item, and do not double. Not all items are available in all stores. A limit of 150 coupons can be loaded per household at one time.

Seafood Lunch with Chef Ron

My husband and I dine out a lot but, there are times that we just love to hang out at home and just enjoy cooking. My husband was a cook in the army for more than a decade. That was when he was assigned in Germany primarily for the general and his family. I admit that he is a good cook but, when I cook for him, he loves it always especially the food with gravy.

Here's my lunch for the day. A baked salmon fish and an onion-lime shrimp. Let's chow!

Singing is a Natural Stress Reliever

After lunch, I was so bored all of a sudden. I took my magic sing out from the box and started singing. It feels so good you know and even if the volume was a bit louder, my husband just let me have my "me" time. After about an hour, I thought of strumming my guitar. It's been a long while that I played my guitar. In fact, my fingernails are longer now, proof that I never used my guitar for months.

The guitar was my birthday present from dear husband about two years ago. It's not as great as the synyster gates guitar but, I love it. I end up plucking the chorus of a song. I memorize the melody too well but, the title of the song was forgotten for good. I really can't remember and I have nobody to ask. My friend who now lives in Europe knows about the song for sure. I might ask her when I saw her online. Anyway, singing is my hobby. It is a natural stress-reliever, would you agree?

Dunkan Hines Moist Cake Recipe

Do you want to bake a cake that's easy and no sweat at all? Here's a recipe that even a beginner can bake easy!

Ingredients:
I pack of Duncan Hines Devil's Food Moist Cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 rich and creamy frosting (any brand)

Instructions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
2. Grease sides and bottom the pan.
3. In a big bowl, blend together the cake mix, water, oil and eggs until it is moistened.
4. Pour it in the pan and bake for 30 to36 minutes.
5. Cool it completely before adding the frosting. ENJOY!

Mealtime at the Gazebo

How was your Mother's Day celebration today? Did you get a flower? Did your family treat you to lunch or dinner? Did your husband surprise you with a gift? I bet you had a blast celebration today. As for me, I had a wonderful day today. Hubby bought me a flower and he is the chef today.

We decided to stay at home. I was not feeling well so; while I was taking a nap, hubby was grilling.

His baked pork and beans are really good. The grilled chicken and the potato salad are the best.

We had a nice celebration, a good meal to share and for me, this is all I need.


How about you? How did you spend Mother's Day?

Gluten Free Living

They say that you don't really have to give up all foods to live a gluten-free lifestyle. I read in some diet magazines that dietitians recommend that we can eat variety of foods like fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables which are naturally gluten free.

Gluten Free living means becoming vigilant on diet. Eliminate the food that contains gluten such as rye, wheat, barley, spelt, kumut and triticale.

Let it be known that wheat-free doesn't mean gluten-free because sometimes, a product may also have other gluten-containing grain in it.

When you do your grocery shopping, before you buy a product, take time to read the labels of the bakery and packaged food.

You should be aware that gluten-containing grains are used as both basic ingredients and additives during the processing of the food.

You should also know that ingredients may need to be clarified by the manufacturer. Therefore, if you want to apply a gluten free living, do your research. All products above are gluten free from Goldbaums.

Delightful Treat: Ashers Chocolate Review

When I sent an email to Asher's company for a product review request, I thought they ignored me in fact, they did not reply to my email. Guess what came in the mail? A medium size Styrofoam cooler and inside are two boxes of yummy goodness chocolates.

Shipping:
True to their word, when they ship their products to an address where the temperatures are above 70 degrees ( like what we have here in Florida), they really pack the product carefully with dry ice in an insulated container. The two boxes of chocolates arrived in perfect condition. I was really impressed!

Asher's Chocolates:

I received the Chocolate-Smothered Pretzels and Sugar Free Milk Cordial Cherries. The latter is my husband's favorite. He loves it and he made a review about it too. Click HERE.  I have to admit, I can't eat pure chocolates that is the reason I choose the pretzels.

The chocolate smothered pretzels are so crispy and since it was lightly salted, it became my favorite. The box actually has the assortment of pretzels covered in three variants: milk, dark and white chocolate. My most favorite is the pretzels covered with white chocolate.

Asher's Legacy:

Asher's Chocolates has a charming and humble beginnings. In 1892, there was a small candy shop located in the heart of Philadelphia and the legacy of Chester A. Asher began. In its Fourth generation, the candy shop that gives quality and great tasting goodies has now became a chocolate factory  in its new home in Pennsylvania. Asher’s has maintained the tradition of quality and delicious American chocolates.

At present, Asher's Chocolates is known as the oldest continuously family-owned confection company in the United States. Their products include: Chocolates and Treats, Gift Baskets and Boxes, and Sugar Free Products.

If you need something delightful for any occasions such as Christmas, Valentine's and Mother's Day, send them something sweet that they will never forget.
For more details, please Like Asher's Facebook Page.
Follow @AshersChocolate in Twitter.
You might as well Pin Asher's boards in Pinterest.

I received the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I used personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am not compensated with this post. All opinions are my own.

Nutritious Mango Float Recipe

Do you like Mango Float? If you are craving for one, you can have a big slice or two in an hour. This is so easy to prepare. No bake recipe, just chill and eat!

Ingredients:
1 box graham crackers
Crushed peanuts
1 cup all purpose cream or coolwhip
1 cup condensed milk
2 cups of sweet mangoes sliced thin

The Procedure:
- In a rectangular dish, lay 8 to 10 pieces of graham crackers. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the creams and condensed milk then, mix it well.
- Spread just enough amount of the cream and milk mixture on the layered crackers.
- Then spread out the thin sliced mangoes evenly on top of the cream.
- Start another layer of graham crackers.
- Then spread the cream and milk mixture again.
- Then the mango slices. Do this until the ingredients are all added in alternate.
- Garnish the top layer with crushed peanuts.
- Chill for at least 3 hours and serve!

I like to pair a slice of Mango Float with a hot cup of coffee with cream.

When mangoes are abundant, you should try this nutritious mango float. Enjoy!

Review on the Healthy Goldbaums Products

The first time I heard about Goldbaum's was when I was browsing the blogs of my blogger friends. I get curious so; I wrote an email to the company expressing my interest to review their products. They replied in a timely manner and they sent me these yummy goodness products.

Gluten Free

Goldbaums goal is to provide products that are healthy with great flavors and most of all, Gluten Free. Gluten is the generic name for certain types of protein found in common cereal grains such as wheat, barley, rye and more.

There are a number of people suffered a reaction to ingesting gluten which is present in many products today. The sensitivity to wheat and associated glutens range from simple to serious illness. Quiet alarming actually.

With that being said, Goldbaums target the market who are living in a gluten-free lifestyle. This company is committed to provide Gluten Free products in great tasting superior quality.

Goldbaums Natural Food Co is the leading manufacturer of Natural Gluten-Free Products. If you are searching for a healthful and delicious gluten-free products, Goldbaums is the name brand that you should check out first.

Goldbaums Products:
- are great for diabetics
- manufactured in a facility that is free of soy, gluten, nuts and dairy

I was really grateful that Goldbaums sent me a generous sample of their gluten free products. I received the following:
- a pack of brown rice pasta
- 3 potato chips in bbq,original and onion&garlic flavors
- a box of mini croutons
- a pack of crispy and crunch chow mien noodles
- 2 boxes of sugar and low in calories cones

The potato chips didn't last a day LOL. The chips have the flavors that I wanted, great tasting and since I don't usually use the dip, the salty flavor is what makes it really my favorite. The chips are made of natural potato, light and so crispy and since these chips are low in fat therefore, they are healthy for snacking. The chips are wheat free, O trans fat, gluten free, no MSG, no artificial colors, and no cholesterol. To sum it up, Goldbaums chips are healthy snacks.

I love eating my ice cream using a sugar cone. Goldbaums ice cream cones are crispy to the bite and the taste is really delicious. Their cones are gluten free, GMO free, and vegan. The shelf life of Goldbaums ice cream cones are twelve-month, pretty amazing isn't it?

You can purchase the products of Goldbaums in Whole Foods, Shop Rite, Kings, Fairway, Winn-Dixie, Stop and Shop, and Price Chopper in your area.

CHICKEN and PASTA SALAD RECIPE:

Instead of using the elbow pasta, I used the Brown Rice Pasta for my Chicken and Pasta Salad Recipe.

Here are the Ingredients:

1 pack of Brown Rice Pasta, cooked
1 lb boneless chicken breast, boiled and chopped
1.5 cups pineapple chunks
1 cup minced onion
1 cup raisins
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
1.5 cups Cheddar cheese
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Here is the Procedure:

Cook the pasta and when it is done, place it in a large serving bowl. Add the mayonnaise gradually and mix well. Add the onions and mix it well then, add the cheddar cheese then, mix. Add the chicken, the pineapple chunks, boiled eggs, and raisins then, mix them well. You can now add the salt and pepper to taste. Chill it in the refrigerator. Serve it an hour. Enjoy!

Please like Goldbaums in Facebook.
For more details, Follow Goldbaums in Twitter.

I received the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I used personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am not compensated with this post. All opinions are my own.

Yummy Goodies On the Mail

Showing you some goodies that I received and I am so amazed with their generosity. Thank you Pine Bros.

Here is another goodies from Newman's Own. Delicious and healthy products. Great treats for evertone.

Check these products in your local supermarket today. You will definitely like these food.

Online Local Printing

Are you new to a food catering business? You need a marketing strategy. To market your products, you needed a Website that features a quality and appetizing photos of your food products. You should provide a space for customer testimonials; give discounts and should provide a sample menu as well. On every event you cater, you should provide the guests with business cards.

If you needed flyers for your business, there is an online local printing that can guarantee a quality printing at a top notch quality material. The food catering business can design and print business cards using online tools and you can also use the available free templates. Good luck on your business.

 

My Comfort Food

Snacking. I got this rice crispies from ther Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom.

Here is my favorite goodies from Panera Bread.

A homemade yema balls. This is a custard candy.
These are my comfort food. What's yours?

Alcohol Treatment Facility

It all started with one glass a day and eventually became a pattern. That's what a mother told to a friend who shared her frustrations.  She was having a problem with her son who is an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic drinks causing harm to the drinker's health and not only that; it is also a detriment to personal relationships.

The mom needed an alcohol treatment for her son. This illness is curable. The alcoholic person needs support from the family and friends which are very necessary. Do you know anyone who is an alcoholic? You should do the right thing today. There are facilities that can provide services for men and women regarding their unhealthy and dangerous drinking habit. All you need to do is ask help.

Craving for Sushi at Buffet Village in Titusville

Oh yeah! These pictures were taken yesterday while hubby and I had lunch at Buffet Village located at Titusville. This Chinese restaurant is newly open and they are already a big hit in the community. Their food is great, the selections are American, Asian and Italian foods. If you love pasta, salads, seafood and hot meal, they can cook the latter for you too. All I can think of for two days are sushi so; here's what I got on  my plate.

Right now, I am torn between sushi and pasta. I know my husband will never want to go back to Chinese Buffet for two days in a row so; pasta and soups will be for lunch today. That sushi on my plate fills me up and we just take our time eating for more than an hour. No sir, I only have the sushi and the desserts (photo below).

This is the entrance of of Buffet Village and my tummy is a happy camper after I ate the sushi LOL.

A sliced of apple pie, fried banana, a tiny slice of cake, one onion ring (LOL) and a beignet look-alike LOL. I did finish this plate though ... got enough time.

Here is my second plate whoaaa! See that sushi on the left with toppings? That is my favorite and these are soooo good with soy sauce. Now I am drooling! What's for lunch today?