The Little Blog Dress

April First Taste Carrabba's Menu

Last month, I had the grand opportunity to once again participate in the First Taste Menu at Carrabba's. The folks at Carrabba's really spoil me. I really feel like part of the family every time I come and especially at these First Taste events where they preview some new and some oldie but goodies shakeups to their menu. I took my friend Kaylee and everything was fantastic!

GNOCCHI FRITTI Italian potato dumplings breaded with panko breadcrumbs, lightly

fried and tossed with romano cheese. Served with our housemade

marinara for dipping-these were so good, made for a great app!

LINGUINE with CLAMS

Linguine tossed with clams, scallions and our white wine cream sauce. How I LOVE thee! This was my favorite!

MAHI WULFE

Lightly breaded, wood-grilled and topped with artichokes, sundried

tomatoes and our housemade basil lemon butter sauce. This is an oldie but goodie but I was reminded how it is always one of my faves!

CONCHIGLIE (con-kee-lyeh) BOLOGNESE

Shell shaped pasta tossed in our housemade bolognese meat sauce

topped with freshly grated ricotta salata. Yes, it looks as good as it tastes!

POLLO SORRENTO

Wood-grilled chicken topped with sautéed eggplant, prosciutto,

fontina cheese and our port wine fig sauce. This was amazing!

PENNE ROMANO with WOOD-GRILLED CHICKEN

Penne tossed with wood-grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms and red

bell peppers in our roasted garlic black pepper cream sauce. So so so good!

MINI CANNOLI Crisp mini pastry shell stuffed with sweet ricotta and chocolate chip

filling, topped with pistachios and powdered sugar. Perfect way to end!

Also on the menu is the APPLE CROSTATA, which I think I passed out in a food coma, because I didn't take a picture of it. This is a light and crispy open-faced cinnamon apple tart with a thin layer of

hazelnut filling baked in our wood-fired oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and our caramel sauce. Thank you Carrabba's for taking such good care of me once again!

ABOUT CARRABBA’S ITALIAN VALUES™ With Carrabba’s Italian Values, enjoy hand-prepared meals perfectly priced for any occasion. Freshly made from scratch with the finest ingredients, now more affordable than ever. Enjoy over 15 great new menu additions of authentic, housemade dishes for $15 or less. Explore our new menu and find your new favorite!

ABOUT FIRST TASTES First Tastes is an exclusive preview event that occurs nationally on the same day at the launch of a new seasonal menu. Amici Club members and a guest enjoy a complimentary tasting, hosted by the Proprietor of each Carrabba’s Italian Grill location.

ABOUT OUR AMICIS Carrabba’s Amicis – Italian for friends – are a group of customers who are brand loyalists and have asked to receive invitations to complimentary events, exclusive offers, flavorful rewards and inside information about Carrabba’s. Nationally, there are over 1,000,000 Amici Club members. To join the Amici Club visit www.carrabbas.com/amici-club

Check out Carrabba's latest commercial!

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NASCAR Day at the Daytona International Speedway

The NASCAR Foundation is holding another fun event at the Daytona International Speedway!

NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the NASCAR spirit and NASCAR fans. It has been held every year since 2004 on the third Friday in May. This date always is the same weekend as the annual NASCAR All-Star event weekend. NASCAR Fans are encouraged to purchase a collectible pin for $5 and wear it proudly on that day. NASCAR Day has raised over $1 million each year since 2005.

The NASCAR Foundation was created to "harness the power of the NASCAR family and help a wide range of causes closest to our hearts." They support dozens of charities with NASCAR-themed fundraising events across the country.

A few of the charities that the NASCAR Foundation supports include the Victory Junction Gang Camp, Speedway Children's Charities, The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and the Hendrick Marrow Program.

Locally in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR Day is celebrated from 11:30-1p. THE Speedway will host its 11th annual NASCAR Day celebration in front of the Tours and Ticket Office with lunch specials, music, raffles and more! OneBlood will also be on site for a blood drive.

For more information about NASCAR Day, how you can participate, how to order a pin and/or volunteer click here for the NASCAR Foundation website. Time is running out to nominate for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, read about that here. On the DIS event calendar, you can see the flier below all big and pretty here.

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Running in the Heat

Admittedly I am a boutique runner. I love to run more than anything but if the weather isn't favorable, I won't go. We don't get a lot of those real cold days here in Florida but I also have an issue running in heat. Which of course, is almost every day in Florida! Here it is May, and its already as hot as Africa outside. I have been able to solve my dilemma by getting out and about the minute it becomes light out. This has also enabled me to see some gorgeous sunrises and really starts my day out right.

If you aren't an early bird like me, you can wait until evening, when the sun’s rays aren’t as strong—just don’t do it so late that it keeps you from getting to sleep.

There is an article by Runner's World that gives really great tips here for you to follow while running this summer.

Luckily, Secret® Clinical Strength has got me covered and keeps me super dry and smelling great. Moisture activated, and formulated with odor-neutralizing ingredients that release a fresh scent, Not only when I run but when I need stress sweat protection. Out of the three causes of sweat—heat, activity, and stress—stress sweat has been proven to smell the worst. I can feel confident that Secret Clinical Strength will provide stress sweat protection regardless of what the day brings.

Secret Clinical Strength is proven to give you 4X* the protection against stress sweat. Visit www.nostresssweat.com for the scoop on stress sweat!

Now available in two new forms, Clear Gel and Invisible Solid, and in scents like Ooh-La-La Lavender, Secret Clinical Strength will help you feel dry, fresh, and fearless all day long!

I have been a fan of Secret Clinical Strength for quite some time. The clear gel goes on clear, which leaves no white marks (you know how clumsy I am)! It keeps me dry no matter if I am running, doing presentations or just running around in my normal busy fashion.

I also like that it doesn't sting when you apply it after shaving. That's a huge thing for us, isn't it? Not to mention the new Ooh-La-La Lavender scent smells delicious.

Secret Clinical Strength is now in stores, especially at your local Walmart store. Walmart is a one-stop-shop for all of your personal care needs. Find Secret Clinical Strength products at your local Walmart store or online at www.nostresssweat.com

How would like a Walmart shopping spree of your own?! Enter my drawing for a $25 gift card from Walmart! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*vs. wetness protection required of an ordinary antiperspirant

*The Walmart gift cards and information have been provided by Secret.

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4th Annual Celtic Festival To Benefit Ormond Beach Mainstreet

The skirl of bagpipes means the Clans are ready to gather for the 4th Annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival and Highland Games, April 26-27, 2014. This great event returns to Rockefeller Gardens with 5 stages of music, 2 days of Highland Games, authentic Celtic food, vendors selling everything from claddagh rings to tartan kilts, kids activities and so much more! Whether you're celebrating your Celtic heritage or can't tell haggis from colcannon, the Ormond Beach Celtic Festival has something to love. The weekend attracts more than 10,000 locals and visitors each year. Admission is $5 each day for adults. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Here are the Celtic Festival Quick Facts:

Festival Hours:

Friday, April 25 - Whisky Tasting 5:30 pm

Oceanside Country Club, 75 N. Halifax Dr., Ormond Beach

TICKETS @ OrmondWhiskyTasting.eventbrite.com ($25)

Saturday, April 26, 10 am - 8 pm;
Sunday, April 27, 11 am - 5 pm

Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Dr., Ormond Beach, FL

Planned activities:

For a complete schedule visit the website at www.OrmondBeachCelticFestival.com

Music
Musicians and dancers from the United States, Canada and the British Isles fill 4 stages with continuous music from more than 20 bands.

The jam tent and workshops are free and open to anyone who wishes to participate.

Rosie O'Grady's Highlander pipe band is on parade twice each day.

Headliners
(Headliners appear on the Main Stage both
Saturday and Sunday)

Patrick Ball - Theater of Legend, Celtic Harp & Spoken Word (www.patrickball.com)

Brendan Nolan - Irish Singer & Songwriter (www.brendannolan.com)

Highland Games
Saturday - NASGA sanctioned competition in Caber Toss, Braemar Stone, Scottish Hammer, Sheaf Toss, Weight for Height and Weight for Distance

Sunday - Workshops and demonstrations

Dance
Performances by Irish step dancers and Scottish Country dancers

Join in the fun 5 pm Saturday at our "Ceilidh". This dance party and workshop with live musicians will teach you all you need to know to start stepping out in the Celtic fashion.

Clans
Learn more about Celtic heritage in clan tents featuring history and culture

Clan Challenge Games - darts, tug of war, corn hole and more

Kirkin' o' the Tartan church service - Sunday morning

2014 Honored Clan - Clan Campbell

Parades
Daily clan parade led by Rosie O'Grady's Highlanders
Dog parade and costume competition

Kids Zone
Elf and Fairy costume competitions
Build a faerie house
Kids' Highland Games
Face painter
Storytellers
Crafts

Current Vendor List
(please check our website for additional vendors)
AAA Travel
Aunt MJ Creations
Buffington's Bar and Grill
Cameron Clan Kettle Corn
Celtic Designs by Melodye
Celtic Roar
Colleen's Celtic Cove
Faire Isle Trading Company
Highland Glenn Foods
Hershey's Ice Cream
House of Douglas
Kona Ice
La Wren's Nest
Lulu's Oceanside Grill
Metal Mistress
Michael Hayman Handmade Celtic Jewelry
Museum Replica Jewelry
Name Heritage International
O'Casey's Irish Store
SBW Photography
Simply Savory
Super Grouper
The Celtic Exchange

THE ORMOND BEACH CELTIC FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED IN PART BY:

Best Western Castillo Del Sol, Bright House Networks, The Daytona Beach News-Journal,Money Pages Magazine, Plantation Island Resort, Ritchey Autos, S.R. Perrott, Southern Stone Event Group, Subaru of Daytona & TD Bank

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The NASCAR Foundation Now Accepting Nominations For 2014 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award

NASCAR Fans Can Nominate An Outstanding Volunteer At www.NASCAR.com/award

The NASCAR Foundation will kick off the Fourth Annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award nomination process with a call for applicants whose generosity and compassion have positively impacted the lives of children in racing communities throughout the country.

Since the award was created, The NASCAR Foundation has utilized the award to donate a combined
$525,000 to charities reflecting the commitment Betty Jane France, The NASCAR Foundation
chairwoman, has demonstrated with her charitable works and community efforts.

With the annual award presentation – which takes place during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards in Las Vegas – The NASCAR Foundation honors passionate volunteers and NASCAR fans who work
tirelessly to turn kids into winners, no matter the challenges they face. More than 50,000 children have
been helped through the combined efforts of finalists over the first three years the award has been
presented.

“The nomination process, in and of itself, is very inspiring, as we are introduced to the good works of so many individuals who personify what the foundation – and the award – are all about,” said The NASCAR Foundation Chairwoman Betty Jane France.

“This process leads to a challenging next step: determining the four finalists for the award. And that should be a challenge, as that reflects the fact there are many, many NASCAR fans doing some great things in their respective communities.”

Last year,The NASCAR Foundation announced Don Post, event chairman of the March of Dimes
Kansas City chapter’s “Bikers for Babies” motorcycle ride, as the winner of the Third Annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

Post’s $100,000 donation was used to help grow and develop existing March of Dimes programs,
including research on how to improve the health of newborns, funding for educational initiatives and
community programs such as support groups that help parents cope with their baby’s hospitalization,
transition home and even death. Building on the momentum of community support surrounding Post’s
win, Kansas Speedway matched the donation with a $100,000 contribution.

The four nominated finalists will be announced in the fall of 2014, after which voting will open on NASCAR.com/Award. Each finalist will receive a minimum $25,000 donation toward the charity they support, a VIP experience at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and a trip to the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.

The finalist who secures the most online votes will be announced as the winner during the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards in Las Vegas. The winner will receive a $100,000 donation to their children’s charity.

Family, friends and colleagues may nominate an outstanding volunteer at www.NASCAR.com/award. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 16, 2014, at midnight ET.

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Corey Smith Rocks St. Augustine

So, for me to write about country music is a little odd...I am not really into some of it, even tho I sold country radio for ten years. But this fresh breath of country air with artists like Zac Brown and Eric Church really takes the "lost my dog and the train" out of the equation and gives you some really great music.

Such is the case of Corey Smith. I had the privilege to interview him last week and see him live on Saturday night with Megan at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre . I am no stranger to interviews, but it had been a long time since I had to do one. I always made a point to not ask the same old questions and it made for a delightful phoner.

Q. What music have you recently been listening to?
Corey is in the process of finishing up his 9th album, so he admitted that obviously he has been fine tuning some of his new stuff. He also likes Eric Church, Hootie and the Blowfish, Paul Simon, Randy Newman and David Allen Coe. We talked about how easy Itunes is for him, and Spotify is for me to just grab an album when you are in the mood to listen to it.

Q. What are your favorite TV shows, or something you must have in your DVR/Tivo recorder to watch when you return home from touring?
When Corey is home, he watches TV with shows his kids (ages 7 and 9). America’s Funniest Home Videos is one of their favorites (they wrestle during the commercials) Corey likes old episodes of Seinfeld and Everyone Loved Raymond and lately has gotten in to The Big Bang Theory. He’s not into reality TV more of plot based sitcoms but does like River Monsters, because he likes to fish.

Q. What sports/sporting teams/events do you follow?
A. Corey is from Georgia, and went to University of Georgia so obviously college football is a big deal to him. I was curious to know now that he has a little notoriety behind him, did he up his game for his seats or was he still into tailgating and not sitting in the Suite sipping champagne? Thankfully, he assured me that even tho he has 20 yard line seats in the shade, he was still tailgating with the best of them. Corey also likes the Braves.

Q. What is one personal item you can not live without?
A. razor (Ha)

Q. Favorite form of social media that you are most active?
A. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Q. What is your favorite clothing brand?
A. Thrift shops, Brands not so much!!!

Q Do you have any pre-show rituals?
A. Just try to get together with the guys, try to relax,
Darius has his opening bands to do a shot with him before they go on.

I ended the interview with a usual demand, my favorite song to be placed on setlist. Corey (gently) explained that he was opening for Darius and had a 40 minute set so they were going to keep all songs upbeat. He said it was nice when someone talks about a song that he wrote as their favorite and something they can relate to and to identify with music and songs makes us normal.

My favorite song is What Happened...which he said he wrote within the first year of his marriage when the honeymoon phase started to fade. Pretty funny and pretty relatable indeed!

The show was amazing, check out my pics and Corey singing Maybe, Next Year!

Corey is on tour with Darius Rucker and is playing at a city near you-Check out tour dates here and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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One Daytona Confirms Bass Pro, New Theater as First Tenants

If it takes a village to build one, I am glad International Speedway Corporation is behind One Daytona. The new project has just confirmed its first two tenants.

An article from the Daytona Beach News Journal states that the two leases come less than a week after both the city of Daytona Beach and county government officially committed to contributing a combined $44.5 million to help cover the $53 million bill to create a network of water and sewer pipes, sidewalks, retention ponds and parking garages.

One Daytona is a premier entertainment, dining and retail destination project proposed by Jacoby Development and International Speedway Corporation.

Bass Pro Shops®, America's most popular outdoor store, and Cobb Theatres, the highly respected Southeastern-based exhibitor, have both signed letters of intent to anchor the development.

A Bass Pro location is an obvious choice to be across from the Daytona International Speedway. No stranger to the NASCAR scene, Bass Pro has sponsored a couple of teams and drivers including Jamie McMurray and Tony Stewart.

The other lease signee is Cobb Theaters. The new theater will be 60,000 square feet, and it will include 12 screens.

One Daytona promises to become an urban village packed with places for race fans to play, locals to get a bite or a little night life, and others to make their home.

ONE DAYTONA will be located directly across from the legendary Daytona International Speedway.

This potential landmark development encompasses 181 acres ISC already owns north of International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, FL. Near the crossroad of I-95 and I-4, this project is in close proximity to the World's Most Famous Beach and at the doorstep to the third-largest consumer region in the United States with approximately 17 million people.

The preliminary conceptual designs for the first phase of ONE DAYTONA include 1.1 million square feet of world-class shopping, fine dining, hotel, theater and other entertainment just steps from the "World Center of Racing".

Read News Journal article here and the News Daytona Beach article here.
Check out One Daytona on the Web, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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A New Office, A New Way To Work

Greetings!

Very fitting the first order of business in my new office is to blog about it! We are finally settling in after our close and after many many many weeks of looking for a desk, I have found one! At Office Depot, of all places, can you believe it? I scoured every little place over town! So, finally this office is an office.

This has been a point of contention for my husband and I. It drives him absolutely nuts that I used a lap desk and a convenient horizontal position on the couch to conduct business. Part of me, would scream Jealous ala Amber (Amy Poehler) on SNL...(please tell me you have seen this sketch.)

But really, I know he is right...I need to be somewhere to be productive to solve the world. Let's keep the whole he's right between you and I!!!

So , here I am-kitty on lap, Louis Armstrong on the Spotify being productive. Jealous?

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Wholly Guacamole® Dip and Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Review!

Get ready to #OMGuac your pretzel! So, as it is Snyder's of Hanover has delicious, addicting, can't have just a couple pretzels. So, when it was suggested from my friends at Wholly Guacamole to combine their delicious dips with their mini pretzels, I think I heard angels sing!

Some facts about the two products!

Snyder's of Hanover

Snyder's Mini Pretzels offer all the naturally delicious flavor of traditional pretzels in a crunchy, bite-size snack and have only one gram of fat per serving!

They’re perfect for:

Snacking at home

Lunchboxes

On-the-go & on the field

Available in Single Serve Size too!

These Wholly Guacamole® Dips are:
All Natural
No Preservatives
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher Certified
Made with real Haas Avocados
Freeze for up to 3 months

Wholly Guacamole® Classic dip

Just the right amount of spice and garlic, this guacamole is sure to be a hit with everyone! Real homemade guacamole taste in this super easy peel and serve tray! You would never add chemicals or preservatives to your guacamole, so we don’t either.

Wholly Guacamole® Spicy dip

If you like it hot, our bold flavors and spicy goodness are for you! Easy to enjoy in this peel and serve tray!

Wholly Guacamole® Homestyle dip

Full of chunky tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapeno pepper, this guacamole is just the right balance of spice and bold flavors. Inspired by authentic Mexican guacamole and easy to enjoy in this peel and serve tray.

So, obviously you can take the delicious Snyder's pretzels and get your dip on, but I did something really cool and crushed the pretzels to make a crust and then spooned the Wholly dip over it and achieved a new nirvana!

A Friday Giveaway for You!

The Wholly & Snyder’s Prize Pack includes:

Wholly Guacamole products

1 Bag of Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels

Other fun promotional goodies

Find Wholly Guacamole of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram

Find Snyder's of Hanover on Facebook , Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Mia Dona Market-Like Eating At Your Favorite Aunts

I found a new place in Ormond Beach that is so RIDICULOUSLY adorable, I have to keep walking outside to make sure that is indeed in our little town. Mia Dona's looks very deceiving from the outside! But you walk in and its the cutest house! Every week the menu changes, and each table is uniquely decorated. Dona uses cloth napkins which prompt me to run out to my nearest antique store and stock up!

This place has to has to make it! The wine is near retail price and they have events every week, that you can find by signing up on their website for their newsletter! They have live entertainment and their menu changes weekly. Its unreal.

This lovely portrait greets you when I walk in is the start of what is wonderful. Please take the time and visit. you will love it!

Soup of the Day

Tuna Salad

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I Survived My First Spin Class

I am a pretty religious Kelly and Michael fan. I laugh because I feel like a housewife watching it. I get up at 5:30a and start my work. Around 9a, I am at a point where I can stop and get my shower and ready on. Kelly and Michael make me LOL...a lot...but I am really amazed at her ridiculous toned body. She attributes most to her time at Soul Cycle, and of course there is so such awesomeness in Daytona...but my yoga studio started a Yoga Spin. A great class that is Half Hour Spin, Half Hour Yoga...but did I do that? No! I am the masochist that got up to try the brand new 5:30AM hour long spin class this morning! But, I think I was gonna like it because it is very music intensive.

Do you get fitness nerves? I do! I feel like a little girl at the first day of first grade whenever I try a new studio or even run any races. I don't know what that says about me, but my insecurities are there for the world to see.

I did it! Even though I may never feel my behind again, I am really proud of myself. I know at one point during the very awesome Florence and the Machine jam, I was screaming mentally and channeling the higher power of Kelly Ripa. I think its only because I watched Talladega Nights last night...but I literally saying Dear Sweet Baby Kelly. haha!

Now off to google padded butt pants for spinning.

How was YOUR morning?!

Not A Creature Was Stirring at 5am

Daunting! But I did it!

My Reward!

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Quinoa, My New Love

It isn't that I am not adventurous when it comes to eating. I feel like I do try things out of my comfort zone, sometimes I don't bring it into my kitchen to actually cook though. I don't know why but it took me forever and ever to not be scared in quinoa. Because really, what is not to love about quinoa? It is very yummy and very good for you. I am just always afraid that I am gonna screw it up. The thing about quinoa is, you can make it a million ways and each way is better than the next!

I was contacted by the people at Alter Eco to try out their quinoa and stop the scaredy cat madness.

Alter Eco quinoa is 100% fair trade, organic and non-GMO. The products are also Carbon Neutral certified, which means they have been measured and compensated for the carbon emissions of every step in the supply chain. With 4 varieties of quinoa – Royal Pearl, Royal Black, Royal Rainbow, and Royal Red – there is a texture and flavor to complement any dish! In addition to the health benefits of quinoa as an excellent source of protein, iron, magnesium, and fiber, Alter Eco has an unwavering commitment to the environment. They are dedicated to the small farmers and their families who grow their products by making sure all of their growers receive fair wages with good working conditions.
For a bright side dish, create the Rainbow Quinoa Summer Salad – a festive and healthy side that blends vegetables and basil with nutty quinoa. The full recipe is included below - I’d love to have Alter Eco be considered for any upcoming editorial opportunities. Further information can be found at www.AlterEcoFoods.com. Feel free to reach out to me for more recipes, high-res images, or anything else!

I went and bought farm fresh salmon and had some leftover zucchini and made one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Even the doubting husband (What is Quinoa, again?) really liked it. Win Win

Salmon with Zucchini Garlic Parmesan Quinoa

1 lb Salmon
Trader Joe's Crushed Garlic
Chicken Broth
Crushed Red Pepper
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper

Alter Eco Rainbow Quinoa
Zucchini
Parmesan
Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper

To cook the salmon:

In a frying pan, lay the salmon on one side and season generously with garlic powder and salt and pepper and any other choice of seasoning. Flip it over and repeat then layer a thin spread of crushed garlic. Cover with chicken broth till submerged and add a dash of crushed red pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes. The salmon will be done when it is flaky and light pink.

To cook the quinoa

Cook the quinoa according to the directions. While that is cooking, grate your zucchini and drain some of the excess water with a paper plate. Using a small frying pan, some garlic and salt and a little olive oil, fry the zucchini until it is brown, this will take about five minutes. When the quinoa is done, mix it with the zucchini and add parmesan, salt and pepper and some olive oil to your liking

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First Taste Carrabba's Menu

Last month, I had the grand opportunity to once again participate in the First Taste Menu at Carrabba's. These folks at Carrabba's really spoil me. I took my friend Tammy and once again there was nothing that wasn't absolutely divine!

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is launching a new menu featuring new flavors and new favorites! Enjoy a range of options like our Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, wood-grilled medallions topped with our port wine fig sauce. Or Shrimp and Scallop Linguine alla Vodka, sautéed shrimp and scallops tossed in linguine in our housemade vodka tomato cream sauce.

Enjoy a taste of Italian tradition with our housemade Limoncello. It is crafted in-restaurant with sun-ripened lemons zested by hand. Try it chilled or in one of our new specialty cocktails, the Limoncello Gimlet or a Raspberry Limoncello Drop.

ABOUT CARRABBA’S ITALIAN VALUES™ With Carrabba’s Italian Values, enjoy hand-prepared meals perfectly priced for any occasion. Freshly made from scratch with the finest ingredients, now more affordable than ever. Enjoy over 15 great new menu additions of authentic, housemade dishes for $15 or less. Explore our new menu and find your new favorite!

ABOUT FIRST TASTES First Tastes is an exclusive preview event that occurs nationally on the same day at the launch of a new seasonal menu. Amici Club members and a guest enjoy a complimentary tasting, hosted by the Proprietor of each Carrabba’s Italian Grill location.

ABOUT OUR AMICIS Carrabba’s Amicis – Italian for friends – are a group of customers who are brand loyalists and have asked to receive invitations to complimentary events, exclusive offers, flavorful rewards and inside information about Carrabba’s. Nationally, there are over 1,000,000 Amici Club members. To join the Amici Club visit www.carrabbas.com/amici-club

My Experience!

ARANCINI A rustic Italian favorite. Crispy bites of risotto, Italian fennel sausage, red bell peppers and romano cheese, hand-breaded and served with our housemade marinara sauce for dipping. Once again, this was amazing!! These are a great starter!

POLLO LA SCALA Sautéed chicken finished with white wine, mascarpone and our roasted red bell pepper sauce. I think this was really yummy!

MAHI WULFE Lightly breaded, wood-grilled and topped with artichokes, sundried tomatoes and our housemade basil lemon butter sauce. Can I tell you a secret? I would bathe in their lemon butter so I knew this would be a fave!

RIGATONI MARTINO Wood-grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms and sundried tomatoes tossed with rigatoni in our housemade tomato cream sauce Rigatoni is one of my favorite pastas, so this was a no brainer..its a great alternative to pasta!

PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN Medallions wood-grilled and topped with our port wine fig sauce. We swore that this was something other than pork...it was so delicious.

CONCHIGLIE (con-kee-lyeh) AI FORMAGGI Shell-shaped pasta tossed in our housemade Alfredo sauce with mozzarella, fontina, romano, parmesan and goat cheese. I am sad writing about this because it is not in front of me. Hands down the best thing I have had in quite some time.

MINI CANNOLI Crisp mini pastry shell stuffed with sweet ricotta and chocolate chip filling, topped with pistachios and powdered sugar. A great finish. Don't tell my Aunt Dora but hers was only a close second.

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2014 Taste of Ormond

This weekend, we had the pleasure of sponsoring a table with our friends at Kistemaker Business Law Group at the 2014 Taste of Ormond event. For the first time since 2009, Taste of Ormond returns to the calendar as a benefit for Ormond Mainstreet. Local restaurants including Frappes North, Fusion 43, The Grind Gastropub, Lulu's Oceanside Grill, Theia's Pastries, Mia Dona, Cakery Creation, Einstein Bros and a host of others offered small plates with tasty samples of their cuisine, and S.R. Perrott provided a wine bar and a craft beer tasting.

The event took place from 4 pm - 7 pm under a large tent at The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive.

Taste of Ormond is fundraiser for Ormond Beach MainStreet, the local non-profit that works to grow and enliven Ormond's core district along Granada Boulevard. The money raised will go to help new local businesses with marketing grants, fund new initiatives for downtown beautification and bring new events, art and entertainment into the district.

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Thanking The Home Seller

I have been knee deep in packing as we look to close on our new home this week. Everything has taken a backseat especially this favorite outlet of mine! It sucks but there is just no time to do anything lately.

They say house buying is stressful...I wouldn't necessarily agree with that but I will say underwriters are the devil and this mortgage industry is in a very interesting state. But all is going well, and the appropriate amount of wine and whiskey will get us through.

We are buying from an older couple who are moving back to Virginia. I wanted to write a thank you letter to our seller and assure them that they are making the right decision by selling us our home. I have read that people use this tactic as a way to beat out other buyers, but this is just me being a sap. I have been a little melancholy packing up this house we have only lived for six years so it was important for me to tell them thank you. I wrote a quick history on us, and ended it with this:

As we pack, memories are all around us in this house and I am sure that you have had the same experience. It was important to me that you both knew our story, our excitement to make your house our home and our assurance that you are selling to two people who will spend many years building our family in it.

What do you think?

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Tomoka Marathon #Giveaway

How exciting that we have such a big event right in our backyard. At the Chamber this meeting, the Hotel and Motel Association said they were overwhelmed with traffic for those who are coming in for this race. Want to be one of them? See below!

The Tomoka Marathon, a Boston Marathon Qualifier, will be a new and unique multi-distance running event for the area. This event will take place in Ormond Beach, FL beginning and finishing at the historic Casements. Its one-of-a-kind route will take runners through natural and historic Florida on a beautiful course including the Tomoka State Park and returning along the Intracoastal Waterway.

This route, affectionately known as “The Tomoka Loop”, has appeal for locals and travellers alike to enjoy some of the most diverse natural “Old Florida” scenery remaining. The views include unobstructed vistas of two rivers, inland creeks and marshes, barrier island dunes and beach, as well as historic sites. “The Tomoka Loop” is designated as one of Florida’s Scenic Highways and runners will quickly see why it earned this distinction as they experience this beautiful route from the start to the finish line.

This event will be hosted by The Casements, the historic former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. It will be held in conjunction with the The Casement’s Centennial Celebration.

For more information, see them on the web, and Facebook

How would you like to have an entry for this amazing race! Enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Little Blog Dress Wins An American Advertising Award

I am having a really fun Sunday. Even though at 4p, I am now starting to feel normal, last night was an awesome night! I am a member of the Daytona Beach Advertising Federation and last night was our annual award ceremony called the American Advertising Awards (formerly the Addy's). This is the first time that I entered for my company. Last year, I thought about it but this year I thought, well why not. There are a bunch of categories but there is one specific to social media....I picked the Campaign portion and presented a Powerpoint on a campaign I did for Blue Sky Swimwear. As you can imagine, it was a tad challenging to correctly portray a social media campaign for a physical entry but I thought a PP was the best way.

Last night was the Awards Gala, and this holds special meaning for my husband and I (prob more for me, because I am a sap) but it was our first official date. Nine years ago. I'm laughing because really, where does the time go? Scary.

Addys 2005 and 2014

PS, it was a 20's themed event! So the awards started and the ceremony began, it was a lot of fun! But LOOK! I won a Silver Addy, and now it goes to district. I am really stoked. Maybe because this is me, all me, 100% solo effort. Maybe, because to be recognized in your field at any level is quite a good feeling. Sorry for the Shameless Self Indulgent Sunday Post, but I am really happy and wanted to share!

I think I am gonna order this award to remember this coup-what do you think?

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