Let's Keep Saving In Toronto

This entry is a continuum of my trip to the beautiful Toronto. As many of you know already, I am mostly a loner traveler. I am always open to make new friends on my trips. I hope you all make a trip alone to a new place someday. Comfort is always the enemy, and keeping things too alike may hold you back from bigger and better opportunities. Hope you enjoy these next few stops I made, and be on the look out for one more Toronto entry next Sunday.

First place I went into was called "Starving Artist". Considering I am an artist in the writing world, I felt it right to enjoy a meal with such a dope name. This place is every waffle lovers dream. 99% of the food items on the menu, get waffles incorporated into them. I myself started off with a fruit smoothie of mangos, strawberries, and bananas. In the smoothie they use a type of yogurt, ice and juice. It was super warm inside, so I wanted something sweet and refreshing.  Also I enjoyed a fruit bowl, great variety of fruits as well. As for my meal, my taste buds went on a fishy and smooth ride. I enjoyed the egg benedict with salmon, side of baked beans, and some  greens did me well too. As you can see I left my business card on their bulletin board. Someone will grab it. The prices were great, and the food was awesome. The service from everyone was rewarding, very attentive and helpful as well.

I went to the equivalent of New York's Times Square in Toronto. This is known as Yonge Dundas Square. Fun fact, Yonge St. is the longest street in the world, stretching 1,178 miles long. It is a great place for pictures, to walk around at, and even do some retail therapy as well. I was pretty excited to know Canada had Popeyes too, everybody loves fried chicken and biscuits. I walked into a random bar called "Imperial Pub". Such a welcoming staff, and good vibes as soon as you go in. The bar is a family owned business that has been around for 72 years. In the old times, to have a liquor licence you had to have rooms upstairs for hotel stays. Enjoyed a couple cups of Moosehead Larger, Canadian beer, all for about $8-$9. Live jazz band every Friday as well. This is a cool trip for younger adults, the drinking age in Canada is 19, so take an Uber, and get your drink on.

El Furniture is a super laid back and inexpensive stop as well. This is like a college bar, with tasty food, and great music. Live DJ's spinning while you dance, drink and eat. As you can tell from the girls dancing on the bar, the music selection was too legit. My friend Femi put me on to this place and it was perfect. I chose some lemon pepper wings, and he soft chicken tacos. The best part of this place, is ALL food is only $4.95 all the time. For sure recommend this place for a pregame or even just to chill for the night. 

Thank you all for the continued support with everything that I do. As I said up top, I will have another blog entry from Toronto next week as well. Feel free to contact me with any questions, or just to say hi. I may not reply right away, but I love all my supporters. Just know you WILL get a reply from me within 24 hours. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

Starving Artist

584 Lansdowne Ave. (other locations avil.)

647-342-5058

Monday-Sunday 9am-6pm

Imperial Pub

54 Dundas St. 

416-997-4667

Monday-Sunday 11am-3am

El Furniture

410 Bloor St.

647-350-7326

Monday-Sunday 11am-2am

 

 

Central Florida Wine Lovers

If you are new to my blog, my name is Wendolyn and I like to get you out of your house. Not only do I enjoy to get others out and about, but I like to do it so that you spend little to no money doing so. I had the pleasure of visiting Lakeridge Winery this week. For those who do not know, I am a student taking 5 courses, work a full time job, and manage to publish a blog entry once a week. Needless to say, it can get hectic on my side. Only time I was able to fit this awesome tour in was at 10:30 am. Yes, I was buzzed before noon (judge free zone). Hope you enjoy my entry, and visit them soon.. 

The hill tops of Clermont instantly put you at ease. All the space around, the beautiful views are just very calming. Getting away from traffic and cars, and horns once in a while is needed and appreciated. You begin the tour with a video telling you the history, and some processes that go into making the wines. You are then shown around by an awesome tour guide, mine was Stuart. Stuart showed us around, we began where the wine is stored in big stainless steel barrels. Some hold as little as 2,500 gallons of wine, others hold as much as 25,000 gallons of wine. Next you are shown outside where you get a better view of the fields and vines that are patiently waiting to grow come spring. When it is time to get the grapes off, they use a huge blue truck to shake the grapes off, it grabs about 60 tons of grapes per day. This location has 80 acres, but they have another with 120 acres, all to fulfill our wine needs. Next you are shown where the wine is packaged, and sent out to their customers. They produce about 1.5 million wine bottles per year. They can be distributed to 25 states, and you can even get them at stores near you, or get them packaged and mailed right to your front door. After you are shown around out to try their marvelous selections of wine, and bubbly. You try a total of 8 different selections, depending what season you may have one or two added. Stuart explains to you everything he pours, what it is best with and describes the wine itself. There are 5 steps to wine tasting, won't go into detail, I rather him tell you specifically. But they are see, swirl, smell, sip, and savor. This tour is completely FREE, you are not forced to purchase anything afterwards either. I did however grab a bottle of their Southern White for only $10. All of their wines are award winning, they have a nice display of all their wines, and what awards they earned. This place is awesome because they have monthly festivals too. From arts and crafts, to seafood, chocolate, jazz, grape stomping. They have it all, this also a family friendly place. Kids are even allowed on the tour, where they are given grape juice when they get to the wine tasting portion. 

I hope you all enjoyed my brief overview of this amazing winery and will soon visit. If you get Stuart as your tour guide, tell him Wendolyn, the blogger sent you and he will have you cracking up the whole tour. I want to mention to you all, life is short. It is meant to be lived, to see new things, try new foods and make new memories. Do not let the thought of doing something alone, or not having enough funds stop you from having a good time. I do this blog for people like myself, people who love to go out, but unfortunately have to be on budgets. I will be rich one day, but until then, I will continue to explore and meet people down the road. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

19239 US 27 N. Clermont, Fl 34715

352-394-8627

www.LakeridgeWinery.com

Tours:

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday 11am-5pm

Tours run about every 30 minutes

Bikram Yoga

As I stated in my last life update blog, I've wanted to get back in shape. I have been trying to eat cleaner, along with running and recently added bikram yoga to it. Bikram yoga consists of everything regular yoga has, but in an 105 degree room. From personal experience I can tell you it helps with your respiratory system, weight loss, digestive system, better your strength and flexibility.

The studio that I go to is owned by a Dominican woman by the name of Maria, she's been open since 2009, and continues to strive. This is a clean, establishment with great hospitality. They are a total judge free zone, whether it is your first time or you 80th time doing yoga, you will be treated with respect and taught how to better your positions. They are ran by about 15 instructors that rotate different classes. They have rentals for mats and towels. They sell waters, juices and clothes too. They have showers and massage therapists as well. These are all accommodations to make you feel more comfortable and at home. The staff are all amicable and helpful with all your needs. I had the pleasure to work with Kate, she has been practicing yoga for 9 years, and teaching it for almost 5. She is very detailed in class, and will assist you with getting your posture and breathing up to par. 

Your essentials to bring to class are comfortable and light clothes because I guarantee you that you will sweat. In this case I say the less clothes the better it feels. Next is your yoga mat and towel to catch your sweat drops that will make it down. Head band is more for preference, I don't personally use one. Water is one of the main things needed, I usually freeze two bottles of water, or half a gallon and it melts in there anyway. It is always respectful to wait for your few water breaks and attempt to make it through a few positions before taking your break. When you begin you stretch a few times, then lead into back stretches, use your strength, a lot of breathing exercises this will all be done in a 90 minute session. All in which will get easier as you continue to practice, go at your own pace.

To some this may be a little intense, but I do know that anyone can do this with enough practice and dedication. This is a way to relax, lose weight, and learn something new. I originally found this place on Groupon, for $8 a day. $20 for 7 days. Also for my budget lovers every first Saturday of the month it is only $5. I ended up paying $40 for a whole month, and I can go as many times as I want in 30 days. They have daily, monthly and yearly packages available. They have many hours to choose from daily to accommodate you. When you all go to the studio make sure to tell Maria that you heard about it through Wendolyn's blog. I hope some of you get to try something new and different. As for my yogi masters already, maybe this can be a new place for you to enjoy. Get out of the house, feed your body well and exercise it so it is able to last you longer. Always Love and allow to be loved, body included.

I want to thank everyone at Bikram Yoga West Orlando, you all showed me great support and love. I appreciate all your patience and hospitality towards me. Looking forward to continuing to mold my body and learn what new positions I will later perfect.

Bikram Yoga West Orlando

5302 Central Florida Pkwy. Orlando, FL 32821

(407) 238-0755

Www. Bikramyogawestorlando.com

Monday-Thursday 6 am, 9 am, 11 am, 415 pm, 615 pm, 8 pm

Friday same as the top, minus the 8 pm class

Saturday & Sunday 8 am, 10 am, 4pm

Positions in order (do not judge, still pretty new). Triangle Trikanasana. Camel Ustrasana. Fixed Firm Supta-Vajrasana. Toe Stand Padangustasana.

Get Inside The Breakfast COOP

I like going to new brunch places around me. Winter Park is a town that always treats me well when I drop in. I pulled into a place by the name of The COOP. They are owned by the same person who has 4Rivers, great southern food at it's finest. This place was extra cozy and welcoming. They have picnic tables inside and out, makes you feel like you're at a family cookout. Now I will be honest, the line touched the door to order when I got in, but it was well worth it, and after I ordered the food was out fast. Patient and helpful staff always helps.

Oatmeal was a start, something light, healthy and not too sweet. I figured with the meal coming my way, might as well dig into something that is simple. Oatmeal came with a little 'build it yourself' pack. Nuts, maple sugar, and raisins. 

Croissant french toast was divine. Few pieces of the bread made in your classic french toast way, except with a twist of be caramelized and added pecans for a little crunch. The strawberries and blueberries were a nice balance. The bread was soft and sweet, nice melt off in your mouth. Ate a few bites with out the syrup, and it was honestly good enough to eat plain. This will be my go to meal for breakfast here.

Last was a fluffy biscuit topped with a perfectly fried piece of chicken with a flowing river of sausage gravy and a succulent over easy egg to top it all off. Every bite was awesome. Perfect crunch to the chicken and a tender inside, along with a warm flaky biscuit and a smooth yolk to flow into a flavorful mouthful.  

Truly enjoyed this place, the environment, the service from the staff especially Lauren for helping me get all the details in what I ordered, and of course the food. The price was nice on the pockets, everything here plus their freshly squeezed orange juice for $24.99. Can not go wrong with great food, for great prices. Hope you all get out to this dope spot in Winter Park. They have specials Mondays through Saturdays and have taco Tuesday specials also. Any questions contact me, or their staff at The COOP, I will list their contact at the bottom here. You are also able to call in your order for pick up.  

The Coop

610 W Morse Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32789

(407) 843-2667

Monday-Thursday 7am-8pm Friday-Saturday 7am-9pm Sunday CLOSED 

Oviedo on the Park

I will always be someone who enjoys to be outdoors. I love feeling the fresh air, seeing pretty and very grass I just love nature in general. I like to visit new parks, and see what fun activities are around to get into.

I visited a new park in Oviedo called, "Oviedo on the Park." They were recently built on new land. This park is spacious and filled with much fun for all ages. They have a cute lake in the middle of the park, with a pretty fountain in the middle. The park also pays homage to soldiers we lost in battle. I am always for supporting our brave troops. The park has different plaques with names, and also all the different branches in our military. Have to appreciate the art in it all, and the respect paid to them all.

The park has a few fields where you can play football, soccer, even get into some nice yoga positions to relax. When the weather is right a cute picnic or just lay to out to sun bathe, this park is just the right place. The grass is healthy, green, and fluffy. 

They have a cool water section for the younger children. They have many holes at the bottom where water shoots out of. The children will have a ball running through the water and making new friends while out there. Right next to that, the older kids or adults can join in on a game of chess. This is not the ordinary table chess, these are huge pieces that are laid out on the floor for everyone to enjoy. Or simply hang out and enjoy the view in the chairs they have right around. 

Ovideo on the Park has a kick ass playground for the young ones, with some sick obstacle courses and fun spinning toys too. I am a big kid at heart. I am that adult playing with my nieces and nephews climbing to the top, and taking the slides back down. Take your kids out to new environments and let them challenge themselves a little, climb a little higher, and spin a little faster.

In the lake they have the infamous Swans that you paddle on. For some reason people enjoy to get on those things to get themselves tired, all to Snapchat or Instagram the whole thing. I don't know maybe the swan thing is only fun for me when the other person is doing all the work LOL. Nonetheless though this park has these for the cheapest price I have seen. It is $5 for two and you can be on the Swan for 20 minutes (do not know a sane person who wants to do it for longer.) The whole park is FREE to get into. Only thing they charge for are the Swan rides.

 I hope you all get to enjoy this awesome spacious, and beautiful park someday. Contact me if you need any information on the park, pricing or directions. Remember to leave the house, enjoy the fun our beautiful planet has to offer, most importantly always "Love and allow to be loved." Xoxo

321 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765

Barber Park Farmers Market

Farmers Markets are the go to for bargains, handmade or from scratch products and a great environment of amicable people along the way. Every first of the month Barber Park holds their own farmers market open to the public, they do not open for December, but they will resume this the first Sunday of January.

Like most farmers markets, they have just about everything available for sale you can think of. A lot of the eateries have samples to reel you in just a little more. They have from fatty foods, to veterinarian foods, to sweets galore. They have a lot of jewelry stands, a place where you can adopt animals, handmade candles, and honey too. All while listening to live music as you shop and mingle around.

First place I made a pick up at was a very delightful candle making business by the name of "Juliet Scents." A very lovely couple who helped me find just what I needed. I enjoy light, lavender scents and they pointed me to "calming" the perfect mix to melt in my home. Her products are all natural and dye free, also she makes them all by hand so it gives it an extra sense of warmth and love to them. She makes different salt and sugar scrubs along with oils for sensitive skin. The pampering is endless for your home, and your body. I grabbed 6 wax tarts for $7

Next pickup was a sweet treat. A gentleman named Mark, helped me taste a few dabs of honey from his "Happy Bee Honey" collection to see which would be my favorites. There were so many options, so I decided to leave with two and even that was hard. I chose the "Nutty Amaretto" and "Cinnamon" honey. Both were amazing. I actually cooked with the Cinnamon honey on Thanksgiving and my family loved the flavors I incorporated into the dish. They have so many products that they make with their amazing honey. They have body butters, walnuts and honey,cream and salt soaps, they even have raw wasabi honey. Needless to say, they can add their honey to just about anything. I paid 2 for $5 deal on the products.

I will put these couple of companies I personally enjoyed down at the bottom, that  way you all can enjoy them for yourselves. I hope to get you all out to the farmers market the first Sunday of January to mingle with other people around the city, as well as get some great food and goodies for great prices.

Barber Park

3701 Gatlin Ave Orlando, Fl 32812

407-254-6860

Juliet Scents 

Email: Julietscents@Gmail.com

Facebook.com/JulietscentsLLC

Phone: 407-913-0394

Happy Bee Honey

Trish.HappyBeeHoney@Gmail.com

www.HappyBeeHoney.net

407-733-7514

Tree Trek Adventure

Climb up the ladder, nice and smooth. Enjoy the view when you step to the top. *Click, Click* carabiners are locked in and you are secure. Now step forward onto the ledge... keep it steady, one foot at a time, use those arms to find some balance. Woo that was close, almost went down. I will tell you all about an awesome day filled with a nice green surrounding, loads of fun, laughter and sporty adventure at Tree Trek.

Let us begin from the beginning, I heard about this place from one of my great friends Laura, she did pay full price for the place which was over $100. I found an offer on Groupon for $60 for two people at the time, which is now at $68 for two people. There are a few taxes upon arrival and there is $3 for gloves if you do not have your own. $3 all you can drink water which I highly recommend you grabbing, you do tend to get a little parched when you're high in the air, swinging and pulling to your next stop. 

Upon arrival you sign a consent form because they do not want to be blamed for any cuts or bruises your ass may get of course. (I left with a warrior scar myself, no biggie) I went bright and early because I figured if it isn't the sun it is the bloody rain that tries to stomp on your fun parade in Florida. so I was there by 8:30 Am you must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment. Next you go meet your instructor and get suited up, I wore a regular black tee and some semi loose long sweat pants with my hair pulled all back. Ladies try to stay away from short shorts and men unless you want your genitals extremely exposed loose sweats or jeans are the go to for this field trip. For all my long hair rockers, pony tail for the day will be the way to survive. No gum chewing (don't know why they say this) and you can take your phone on the obstacle course, they will provide you with a little pouch to link up to your suit.

Following the set up, your instructor will take you to a small practice course where first you practice how to properly use your carabiners prior to climbing up, it is literally impossible for you to fall from anywhere here. It's so safe even a cave man can leave in one piece. Once you get the hang of opening one, sliding the other and so forth you then follow up a small ladder to do a little practice course. Once you do about two straight across and a small zip line, you then hit your first course. There are a total of 7 courses, 2 children courses ages 7-11, 4 adult courses 12+ and the giant Zip line one at the end. 

I am pretty out of shape, not a total lard ass, but I am very far from being a Serena Williams out here. But even with how nonexistent my workout plan is, this course was doable and fun. The further and higher you get though it does tend to get more difficult. I am far from a quitter so even when it seemed to get a little hard, or I had to hold up my weight I kept it pushing and appreciated the support I had with me. At the end of each course there is a zip line to get you to the end of the course. Once you finish all 4 courses you head up some tall stairs and to the long zip line where you basically celebrate your completion of your full obstacle course.  I would suggest to go with funny, supportive and adventurous friends here.

Now this is for my people a little scared of heights, my friend that I went with is absolutely terrified of heights, to where he barely even spoke to me as he was going across each obstacle course. Motivate each other and do not allow any fear to stand in the way. He even said himself he did not know he was capable of doing something that wild and that high in his life. All is possible when you are having fun and have a great support system. 

Hope you all enjoyed my Tree Trek adventure and I hope you all will make it out to this awesome place to experience it hands on. This is a perfect place for families, friends, even a day date to enjoy an out of the box outing. And for those that do not live here something similar to it in your city may be closer than you think. Be on the lookout next Sunday for my next fun and affordable adventure. I just received a new camera Nikon D3300, so I hope to give you all some visual quality along with my writing soon. Love you all for the support and hope to keep you all in here and following me. Remember to always "Love and allow to be loved." xoxo

Contact Information:
(407) 390-9999

Park Address:
7625 Sinclair Rd.
Kissimmee, Florida 34747

http://www.orlandotreetrek.com/