Chocolate Lovers

As I have said before, I am a sweets lover. I enjoy anything candy, cake, chocolate and whatever is in between. I decided to put ya'll onto something sweet, cheap, family friendly and educational. I will be keeping this entry pretty short, because it is best to just go to the place and experience it yourselves.

I took my god brother out with me to this outing. I don't see his as often as I would like with my hectic schedule, so I wanted to take him somewhere I know every kid would enjoy. This is a Chocolate museum, not a factory. From what I was told by the tour guide, they may be converting it into a factory this summer (do not quote me). The tours run about every 30 minutes and they last about an hour long. The cost at the location is about $16 per person, but ya'll know I am a budget Betty so I grabbed a Groupon for only $10 for each of us, plus we pay the tax when we get there which was $1.30 so $21.30 for two through Groupon.

So we got there a little early so I could take some pictures in the front and ask some questions. I enjoyed a passion fruit mimosa with sorbet in the inside. it was great, I recommend it to anyone who likes a baby buzz on at noon, it was $7. The tour is so informative it takes you through the history of chocolate, the growth of it, how it has traveled and evolved. It is so interesting to see how much work goes into that chocolate bar that you indulge in. In the museum there are many different sculptures, all made up of real chocolate in a climate controlled room. I did not take a picture of them all, just so you guys can have some surprise when you visit. You get to see machines that were first used to make the chocolate, what gets it from the beans, to the liquid form, to the solid form. Then comes my favorite part, the tasting of the different chocolates they have to offer. From milk chocolate, to white chocolate (which technically isn't even chocolate) to dark chocolate with 77% cacao beans. The tour ends with showing you all types of chocolate wrappers from different countries. If you travel you can pick out a few bars that you tasted. They have a variety of cakes, and chocolate goodies in the store to enjoy from. The three chocolate bars I have a picture of down below were my favorites.

Hope ya'll enjoyed this quick overview of the Chocolate Museum and that you will head out there soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I love to know how I can make your outing a little easier. Also when you all go to the places I blog on, I would love a message, or just a picture of it sent to me. I love you all, and appreciate all the ongoing support. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xo

World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe

11701 International Dr, Orlando, Fl 32821

407-778-4871

Monday-Friday 11am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-7pm

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

 

 

First Timer in The Six

This an overview of my first couple of days in the beautiful Toronto. I just love the city, the people, the food. Everything from the polite and helpful locals, to the "eh's" were lovely.

First stop I made was to Miss Natalie's. Great Caribbean food, amazing service. You all know I am a down south gal, I need my spices every now and again when I pop up in a new place. I had a beef patty which did not make it to the picture, maybe next time. Just know they were great, and he has mild and spicy ones. Also had the oxtails with rice and beans. The rice and beans were nice and fluffy not hard, not mushy, but just right. Rice was soaked in all the right amount of juices from the meat. The oxtails were tender and just the right amount of spicy. I was legit just sucking it right off the bone. You can taste every flavor pouring on out. Enjoyed every bite, and even had some for lunch the next day. They serve specials ALL DAY EVERYDAY. Picture below shows some of the specials that are around all day. I had the pleasure of sitting down for a few minutes with the owner of Miss Natalies, Robert. He is currently looking to extend his business with other foods like Asian, bar food (burgers, wings) not just your typical island food. I admire Robert for his work ethic and passion. The man owned his own business at the age of 23, engineer and chef are just a couple of his titles. I want to give a huge thank you to Robert for the awesome hospitality and wisdom. May your heart stay pure so blessings will always find their way.

Next location was Toronto Island, short ferry ride away. Now at this time of the year, it is mostly just walking around and a kick ass view of the skyline. So I went to stretch my legs and to catch some awesome pictures. It is $7.25CA to get a across, and they have different restaurants, shops and even have concerts on warmer days. There are multiple islands that are connected, but I went to one only, Ward's Island. They had the cutest houses, best view of the whole city and a nice peaceful trails. When traveling you have to know that sometimes, a nice calm, place to be at is needed. Because I am traveling alone, I needed to put my self timer to take pictures of myself. LOL If you are going to Toronto in warmer weather, you have to stop by here to enjoy the island people and what they have to offer.

Aviv

This was a dope Mediterranean restaurant with great service, prices and food. I went with my friend Nick whom I met in Toronto, he had been coming to eat there for a few years. Owner Robert Chee welcomed us with open arms, our waitress Marissa was so attentive and sweet. You all know I am huge on customer service, I loved it. Nick enjoyed their curry vegetable soup. He said it has a nice mild kick to it, not too crazy and perfect for a chilly day. I ordered their Warm Hero Pressed Sandwich. It was prosciutto, salami, roasted red bell peppers, mozzarella, lettuce and tomatoes, all in between a lightly toasted house made baguette. Of course paired with one of my favorites, sweet potato fries. Color may be a little different, but it is only because these are REAL sweet potatoes. Nice smooth inside, rich sweet taste. I wanted a whole other batch. Great pizza menu also, all different kinds. They have brunch specials all weekend 11am-3pm. Everything on the menu is very inexpensive, and the food and service are awesome. They do also have an outside section to enjoy and a full bar if you want to throw back a couple.

This was my first time in Canada, and also my first time out of the country alone. I have met some amazing, successful and good spirited people. I recommend whether it be alone, or with others a trip to Toronto. They host great music festivals. lots of parties in the warmer days, and great food year around. My birthday is today, and I took this trip not only for material for you all, but also to reflect on life. If someone was to tell me I would be where I am at a year from today, I would not of believed them. I want to thank you all for the amazing support, for sticking with me every Sunday anticipating my next entry. I will work harder and smarter for my 24th year of life. Be on on the lookout for another Canada entry next week on a few other places I visited. Love you all to the moon and back. Remember to always "Love and allow to be loved". xo

Miss Natalie's

5118 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON M9A 1C2

416-260-9444

Monday-Friday & Saturday 11am-8pm Sunday CLOSED.

Toronto Island

Bay St, on Queens Quay (for ferry)

416-392-8193

http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=3690dada600f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD for schedule.

Aviv

328 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V9

416-922-2433

Mon 5pm-10pm Tues-Fri 1130am-10pm Sat11am-10pm Sun 11am-3pm

Vegan Cherry Popping

I am always wanting to try new things and places. Next on the list happens to be a Vegan restaurant by the name of Etho's. A vegan is a person who does not eat any type of products made by animals. This includes cheese, milk and eggs. Now I personally do not wish to change my whole diet to this, but I did truly enjoy the food at this place. I really am looking forward to trying new things in the vegan community.

Coincidentally it was National drink wine day, so of course I had myself a little glass of white wine. Simple pinot grigio, just a sweet white wine for the night. I wanted to try something that was borderline meat so I started off with the Sausage rolls. It was a mild to spicy sausage baked into a flaky roll, and a nice Dijon sauce to dip them in. I was a little held back for the first bite for it, but it was great, very legit. The meat texture comes from fennel, and they infuse everything with eggplant, onions, and wheat. The dipping sauce was a perfect cool off for the little kick the rolls had. These will be my go to when I start my meals here.

Main course considering I have been trying to "eat better" since working out more. I went with a pecan encrusted eggplant, homemade mash potatoes and gravy with some delicious asparagus. I loved the eggplant, I am not crazy about this vegetable, so for me to find great tasting eggplant comes every 20 tastes. I was very satisfied that it was not an overbearing taste of pecans, but just the right balance for that little tingle that eggplant leaves. They through a red wine glaze on it, I really wanted to just take like a whole bottle home. It was one of those meals that you needed everything on the plate, per fork full. The mash potatos were great, the gravy had a weird texture I never had before, but it was good and I really do not even know what it was made of, who cares? lol The asparagus was like any other ones, weird smell, nice taste.

I spent on all of this and two glasses of wine $31. This is just what I wanted, but they have many specials on drinks and food. They host brunch on Sundays and have many specials then too. They have chilled music in this place, great staff and cool art all around.

Hope that this gets a new vegan out more, or an already vegan to try a new place. Either way, get out the house, have a nice meal and enjoy the people around. I went alone (like I do for most my blog entry's) and met this cool guy by the name of Vince. I spoke about what I do, and he told me about the dope music he makes. We were just conversing for a while at the bar, if I was never to see him again that would be OK because we had a cool positive conversation. So Vince, if you're reading this, keep kicking ass and being great. And to all my amazing supporters, same goes for you. Ya'll are very much appreciated. Remember to always Love and allow to be loved. Xoxo

Ethos Vegan Kitchen

601 S. New York Ave Winter Park, Fl.

407 228 3899

Monday-Friday 11am-11pm

Saturday and Sunday 9am-11pm

 

 

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 

Working Overtime

I want to make it a habit to write a personal or update blog of myself every few months. I feel that you all deserve to know a bit about the things going on in my personal life. I am always open to answer emails, or messages on social networks about your lives, or even mine. I want to get better acquainted with my supporters.

An update of my life, I am still very much single with no plans to get into a relationship anytime soon. I have (thank God) not returned to the dark place that I spoke of in my last personal blog "Hardships Turned into Blessings". I went to Denver recently as you all saw on my last couple of blogs. It was my first out of State blog entry. I had such an awesome time being somewhere new, with all types of different people. I passed out a lot of business cards, and spoke one on one with lots of locals. That was just the beginning to all the networking I will be doing along my trips, and days in general.

 I have been a little overwhelmed with school as of lately. Last semester I only took two courses which was a breeze and I passed with great scores. But this semester I am taking a total of 5 classes. I am taking things like Micro-Economics, Political Science, Humanities, Mathematics, and a Science course. I feel like I have 3,749 tests every other week for a different class. I am constantly in a textbook, reviewing notes or back on campus with a tutor. All of this PLUS my job that gives me an average of 35 to 40 hours a week. So I go to class Monday through Wednesday and I am at work Thursday through Sunday. Needless to say, I feel SWAMPED. At times I just want to stay in bed and turn my phone off for a whole day, but I know that this is my time to work my a** off. This is my time to get all my priorities in order, and kill the game anyway that I can. I am very determined and very motivated by MYSELF. I have positive influences around me thankfully, but at the end of the day I look up to the FUTURE me. I look up to what I can and WILL become with dedication and consistency. I am very grateful to be single, and have no kids in a time like this. I have so much that I am doing for myself, nowhere in this madness can a lover or child fit. 

I was looking into the process of egg donation. I am someone who is always willing to help others. I love kids and family oriented folks all together. I came about it randomly, it popped into my head, and like anyone else in this day in age, I paid Google a visit. I read legitimately about 16 articles on pros and cons of the journey. I have never been pregnant, but I know how beautiful life is, and how much joy children can bring to your life. Some see it as a giving your child up, others see it as something very brave. I am not doing one or the other. I am merely thinking about it, because I would love to help a couple make a family of their own. To make it quick and simple I will tell you how it goes down. They basically take a few eggs from my ovaries, insert them into a tube, insert the fathers (or sperm donor) sperm into my egg, then let it start up, followed by allowing it to be put in the mother, so their baby can bake. Now technically of course their child will have my DNA, but that is the couples CHILD. I am hoping to get more information on this from an actual doctor. If all goes well, maybe I will go through with it by the end of the year. I am in good health, young, smart, full Dominican, and  have a great personality. What parents wouldn't want my eggs?

Something else I want to start (this is for sure) is working out again. I want to get in shape. I want to teach myself how to eat healthier and stay consistent with it while in the process. I know I have a lot of things on my plate, but somehow I need to see where I can fit this in too. I need to be svelte for my upcoming birthday March 13th in addition to the rest of my life.

Next upcoming trip in the works will be Toronto, Canada. This will be my first time in Canada and my first out of the country blog. I will more than likely hit this trip up solo dolo, but knowing my spontaneous friends, someone may hop on with me. I want to do site seeing things, national parks, maybe a couple of bars, see some animals, find the good food around the city, go to a museum, and just see where else the locals send me. If you or anyone you know have been to Toronto, let me know the fun things to do while I am there. I will be taking this trip in March, so be on the lookout.

This is more or less an update of where I am at in life currently. If you want to know anything else in depth, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Also if you want to just vent, and ask advice I am totally open for it. I may not reply the same second, but give me 24 hours TOPS and we can talk. I want you all to know that you have someone in me that is very similar to you. I am just a 23 year old girl, finding herself, trying to build greatness and travel all in between. I want to tell you that whatever it is that you want, GO GET THAT SH**! No one will ever hand you anything but excuses in life. You have to know what it is that you want, make a plan, and start the move. Slow steps are still steps. I hope you all are growing in one way or another, and that you are allowing yourself out of the house, and into the beautiful world. Get fresh air, see some paintings, have cheap food, catch a free movie. Point is to get out and have some fun out of your ordinary routines. Remember that when I say "Love and allow to be loved" I mean that for everything around, not only people. I mean this towards yourself, your God, your goals, your career, your life. If you love these things or people, and allow them to love you back, nothing but greatness will evolve from them. I am living proof of this. I love you all, and appreciate all the endless support. May you all continue to strive for happiness and success.

Love and allow to be loved. Xoxo

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

Teak Neighborhood Grill

Everyone can appreciate good food, killer drink specials and great service. Teak is a grill place in West Orlando right near Valencia's west campus. I went this Wednesday to indulge in a few extra tasty and odd treats they had to offer.

Let's start with the service. The waiter's name was Cliff, he was great help and very attentive to our needs and questions. Be sure to ask for him when you head over there, tell him Wendy the blogger sent you.

I started my lunch off with a very delightful spinach and blue crab dip. It was so creamy and filled with the perfect amount of crab meat. I just wanted to keep dipping every chip in, but I needed to save room for the other stuff. It was very cheesy, perfect consistency to enjoy the seafood added to it. The crab wasn't like biting into a crab itself, but it was a great balance to taste it with the greens.

My main course was the succulent Cronie Burger. Now if you have heart problems, or suffer from wild medical issues, this would be your very LAST choice. This burger in the middle was an amazing half pound of Angus meat, topped by some smoked Gouda cheese, an egg, and some bacon (no swine) all in between two bad ass french doughnuts tossed in cinnamon to seal the deal. This burger was so huge I had to press it down to make it fit inside my mouth without looking like an ant trying to eat a whole grapefruit. On the side of that sinful burger I dove into some fresh, sweet potato tater tots. These tots were the perfect meet of toasty outside, and soft warm inside. I asked for a side of warm caramel to dip the tots in, greatness.

Of course I would not miss the last bit to close out my meal. The REAL sweets. I purchased a Trio platter. Pieces of cake, pineapple with a layer at the top of coconut flakes. Strawberry, with a creamy white top maybe buttercream, vanilla, or cream cheese, could not put my finger on it. Lastly was the Nutella with walnuts topped over it all. These three cakes were so good and allowed me to get a little taste of more than one cake.

This establishment makes everything gluten free, minus most of the buns.. But they have clearly labeled where some meals are completely gluten free also. They also serve flat breads, soups, sandwiches, and entrees. 

They have great drink specials everyday, and ladies night on Wednesday which include great food and drink specials on top of the great deals they provide daily. Also they have days where they provide life music too. This is a great place to grab drinks, watch a game, grab lunch, or relax in the outside patio at. The food was amazing, the service was great, and it isn't too pricey. I paid $12 for my huge burger, my tots were included, my dip was also $12 (which my friend put on her bill) and dessert was $7. This was all full price and nothing on sale except the drinks my friend had. She drank two drinks for $4.50 of vodka and sprite (I don't drink.) They do however have great choice for their daily happy hour picks.

Hope you all get to grab a bite to eat, or even a few drinks to start or end your night off well. Feel free to contact me on my social networks or via email on my 'contact tab' to ask any questions about this or any other place I've visited.

"Love and allow to be loved" XoXo

6400 Times Square Ave. Orlando, Fl 32835

(407) 313-5111

Open Everyday 11am-2am

Hardships Turned Into Blessings

I want everyone to take this title as literal as they come. If you are not taking something good from a horrible situation, you need to keep the hunt going. Letting you all into my personal life is never for pity, its so that others are able to see that I am human and have my lows just like you all do at one point or another. I hope that someone will be able to relate to something I go through someday whether it be good or bad and just better themselves in general.

This was all back in about May to about July of this year. I lost my job, lost my lover, and the worse loss of all my faith in God. Even if it was for only a day, it was lost. This isn't in any way a blog to shove religion down your throat, but Jesus is my savior and he has taken me out of so many deep holes and I am grateful for how merciful and giving he is with me.

Moving along, back in about April I had suddenly been let off from my job. It was very unprofessional, distasteful and in my opinion unfair. If you have been let off from an employer in Florida you know that they do not need a real reason to let you go anyway. I was literally told by someone who is not even legally part of the company "you are great with what you do, I enjoy how you treat my customers, but the gossiping of others led you to lose your job." Correct me if I'm wrong but I do not see how that had anything to do with how I work or how well I treated my customers. But at the end of the day it is all good, relationships were broken but all is forgiven on my side. So at this point I am jobless and soon to be (at the time) moving cross country to move in with my lover. So I am stuck babysitting, giving driving lessons and helping my mother at her beauty salon just to make credit card payments, have gas and save the tiny bit I could for my big move.

Now I am due to leave to Los Angeles for early July so I am trying to scrape up my bit of money and get all my things ready for my big move. So as I get closer to making my big move, my lover at the time begins to get very hostile, disrespectful and distant with me. I decide to call off my trip for obvious reasons. I was in a verbally abusive relationship where I was taken for granted and did not have any emotional support. If you are not being respected in any type of relationship then you do not need to stick around. He was always extremely controlling and I at the time thought it was just his way of showing how much he loved me. When in reality he just wanted me to change everything about me, while also putting me down every chance he got.  I get that trust is always something that is built, but belittling should not be part of that process. I learned that distance never hurts a relationship, lack of trust and respect does. So I called it quits. I opted out of my relationship with a man I thought would someday be my husband, and the father to my children, along with my life long dream of moving to California to expand myself. Nothing is worth you being unhappy all the time. So now I have no job, little to no money and the man that I was in love with is non existent.

At this point I am feeling very weak and overwhelmed with my current events, my future with school. I am 23 and have no idea what I really want in my life. I did not like my career choice, how long I've been in school already, just all of it. I fell in a pool of depression for other internal feelings and family issues. I did not want to talk to my family or friends, having a horrible attitude with everyone and having horrible devil sent thoughts. I found myself questioning my God. I was absolutely believing that all the things that were going on with me were to break me down. I had an ending of the whole depression ordeal and just got up and allowed the devil up off of me and let my God in instead. I allowed positive motivation and God to give me the strength to get up from my dungeon of a room and get better mentally, physically, and emotionally. The blessing in it all was that is just had to be DONE! I needed to be broken down so that I would be able to build back up stronger and more focused than ever.

I began to reevaluate my career choice, my job choices and my loved ones around me. I started to research things that I was able to do long term that would bring me happiness and money all in one. That is when I stumbled upon a career in communications, which has many different fields I would be able to join in. I made up my mind to make this website to network and to express myself all while helping others too. I started a part time job with an amazing company that works with my school schedule and taking time off for trips too to allow me to blog on. I got closer than ever to God and begged for forgiveness, guidance and overall love. I needed love from him, the universe and my family whom I had been neglecting because of my own demons trying to ruin me.

I am now so grateful for every single downfall I went through because I got up, got better and got stronger. You can't blame yourself for the downfalls, you can only blame yourself if you choose to stay down. Petty parties should never be accepted, you grieve for a while and then go back to wearing bright colors with a smile on your beautiful soul and face. Always look for what healthy outlets you can find to become a better you. We will always go through ugly points in our lives, some uglier than others but we have to be able to find loop holes to get back on top of the world. No one in the world can help you get better and ahead than yourself. Hardships really do turn into blessings, some in a day, or a few months or even years. Just know that it does not rain forever, your sunshine will always come out. Make sure to always believe in something and hold on to positive energy all around.

Remember more than anything to "Love and allow to be loved." xoxo

Enzian Theater Awesomeness

Grab a bad ass thick blanket and some comfortable clothes, you got a lawn waiting for you to watch a movie. Why do your typical movie watching in a theater, when you can enjoy the beauty of a cool night with a good film?

The movie spot I visited during the week was small and hidden, perfect to enjoy. This place is called Enzian. I watched the 3rd Freddy Kruger movie which was extra exciting for me because I love classic horror movies. The movie started at 8 pm, but I do recommend to get there a little earlier for good parking. The parking is free, but they do also offer valet parking for $3. The movie itself is also free which is great for us on budgets who still want to get out of the house for fun outings. They offer food and drinks also, their prices are decent, but I honestly say just sneak in some snacks and keep them on the down low if you are on an extra budget (it is not allowed though, heads up.) They have things from dips, nachos, sandwiches,wraps, pizzas, beers, liquors and desserts too. Great variety for a movie theater in my opinion. 

Enzian also has an indoors theater where they have showings. Regular prices are set at $11 for general admission, and $9 for Seniors, students and military personal with proof of ID. They do offer lawn movies though at least once a week like the one I went to. Just have to look on their website for "Popcorn flicks" or Wednesday night Pitcher Show" to know the free shows on the lawn and their times.

Another thing that should be known about this movie place is that none of the movies that are shown are new. The movies shown are usually classics, independent films or from other countries. I enjoy to know that I can watch a classic film on a big screen while laid out on a blanket. The inside theater is also very cool, they have couches and tables to accommodate you. Very far from basic or regular. You can also contact the people here to rent out the theater for birthday parties or other events. 

I hope you all get to experience this awesome place and let me know what movie you enjoyed when you visited.

1300 South Orlando Ave. Maitland, Fl 32751

(407) 629-0054

www.Enzian.org