antiques and consignments

Although the Hyde Park area in South Tampa has lots of charm, history, and beauty, the cost of living and things to buy in the area can be quite expensive. There are some precious shops with antique furnishings, relics and paintings, but the price is steep....even at the Salvation Army! I was extremely pleased to find a gem of a spot to treasure hunt for antique and unique furnishings and decor. Seminole Heights Antiques is just plain cool. The area is a precious, up-and-coming (or re-coming) neighborhood with a local brew pub, quiet streets, and funky shops. This particular spot was a lot of fun to explore. The booths are are quite eclectic and unique, ranging from present-day glassware and serving pieces, to civil war memorabilia, to purses and belts from the 40's, to refurbished antique dressers and wardrobes. The pricepoint is really good for the most part. In one booth, the vendor was selling gently used Justin and Tony Lama cowboy boots that were in excellent condition, and at a fraction of their cost. Another was selling arrowheads and spearpoints found in the area. There was a really interesting mix of items, something for every taste. I look forward to exploring Seminole Antiques and the Seminole Heights area again very soon. I understand Ellas, a nearby local restaurant, is spectacular.

food and wine shops

I love the Village Health Market...its the mini-me of Whole Foods, yet much more eclectic and straight-forward, true to its name. I have yet to go when there is a line or a crowd, and the store is very user-friendly. They have a much larger selection of gluten-free and low calorie options in their freshly-made salad display, in addition to a nice, tidy salad "bar" for those who want to pick and choose. Downside? Very few yummy treats and bins of candies, mixes, and pastries (perhaps not a downside), and a very slim wine selection (to date). Upside...a very nice array of organic skin care products, and a section dedicated to children's tastebuds (and health of course). To get your wine, or import beer "fix", head right next door. Redneck Wine Shop. These folks know their wine, and beer, and there is a bottle suited every taste and wallet. The nice thing is, you can ask for anything and not worry about getting "the look". There are lots of well-chosen bottles for $10-15, and of course, for the wine snobs, look no further, you will get what you desire and likely at a lesser cost than a trip to the Big Store. Village Health Market Redneck Wine Company http://www.villagehealthmarket.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=1B7A83E87F8949E1974086DB3219AFA9

florida family festival at the farm

What a treat. Yes, Bowling Green, Fl, is kind of in the middle of nowhere (although to fellow fossilers, it is in the middle of a gold mine of fossils!). The kids and I ventured out to the Heartland Farm Maze in hopes of an untouched environment of farm, food, and festivities. We got just what we hoped for! This little festival, which runs annually mid Oct thru mid Nov, is hosted by a heart-filled family on their farm right outside Bowling Green. The kids and I stumbled upon the festival post primetime, which we didn't mind at all. During its peak, the festival hosts more than 4,000 fun-seekers, but after Halloween, the excitement dies down for festival-goers...but not on the farm! We were delighted to find hayrides, a "cowtrain" ride, a bounce house, concessions, and the highlight....a REAL corn MAIZE. or MAZE. For the adult, about a 30 minute conquest, and for "us kids", a nice venture thru a path of corn and field lasting about 10-15 minutes, led by my 4 year old. This place is just a treat. It's untouched, uncommercialized, and pure fun. As a mom of two small kids, it was refreshing to sit back, relax, and watch my kids run around from tire swings, to the pumpkin patch, to the hayride, to the fossil mosh pit...with no worries. The kind folks who host this annual event are more than accommodating, and the prices are well worth the drive. If you are looking for something to do within an hour or so of Tampa, where you and your kids can get out for some good, wholesome, safe, and fun adventure, this is the real deal.

lunch with a friend

This quaint little spot is a hidden gem. The menu is one page, and the food is prepared fresh and simple, with some unique twists. The feel of this little bistro is European. My friend and I sat inside, and had a very nice lunch without the noise and craze of a lunch crowd. The lobster panini was a perfect blend of fresh chunks of lobster tossed in a light,zesty sauce with a hint of honey, between a crisp panini bread. Just a perfect midday meal. Other options included fresh cheese and prociutto trays, bibb salads, and organic tuna salad with fennel. I was very tempted by their wide variety of wines, especially a midday crisp white...perhaps another time. Both of us left very satisfied, and spent a total of $27 for two. I look forward to venturing over for a romantic dinner with my hubby sometime soon!

kids play

We celebrated Hunter's 3rd birthday at a place called Gator Fred's, about 30 minutes from downtown Tampa in Carrolwood. This is a neat spot. It's a family-owned indoor play area, but its more than a "bounce house" place. Gator Freds has a small, indoor train on a track, a favorite for kids 2 to 10, although an extra $2 per ride! We loved the play areas....an area for dress up with costumes, a "shopping center" with play produce and carts, and even a kids fitness area. Gator Freds is not a huge place, but this is not a bad thing (unless it is packed...call ahead!). Its nice because parents can sit in the middle of the area on picnic tables, and be able to see their child wherever they are in the building (for the most part). The front door is also secure and monitored. The price is reasonable, and we will definitely go back. One downside, the food can be pricey, and they don't allow outside food to enter, so either bring some extra cash, or eat before entering

peace river outing

Sunday, I celebrated my 40th birthday with a wonderful teacher and famed fossil guru, Mark Renz. Mark owns Fossil Expeditions, an outfitter that takes groups to learn about and search for fossils in the Southwest Florida area. Mark made no "bones" about it. His favorite river to hunt is the Peace River. I joined Mark in Arcadia, Fl along with couple of great gals visiting from Boston. We had a wonderful time, and the weather was close to perfection. Mark took us to one of his private "spots", a tributary of the Peace. We certainly got a workout, digging into gravel, sand, and clay, but it was worth it. Our finds ranged from fosilized shark's teeth, horse teeth, turtle shell, sting ray....and much more. I learned so much from Mark, and it is apparent he is passionate about his work. Mark has such an appreciation for nature, for history, and for life in general. I would highly recommend spending a day with Mark and Fossil Expeditions. It will be a day of laughing, discovering,and gaining a deeper appreciation and recognition of Florida and its history.

Find it America!

with Mark Renz

lettuce lake park

The kids and I loved our trip to Lettuce Lake County Park. From the road, you would never know what awaits you behind the gate. After paying $2 per car, we entered a quiet, serene, untouched area, full of wildlife, a wonderful playground, and boardwalks hovering over the best Florida has to offer. Most weekends, Lettuce Lake Park has a Park Ranger Nature Program. It's a must. Our guided tour over the boardwalks was remarkable, and as an added bonus, the kids participated in a Bats, Owls, and Butterflies mask-making class. Every weekend, there is a different theme, ranging from fossil finding to canning Florida tomatoes. How cool is that? contact kyled@hillsboroughcounty.org for more info $5 per child and parents are free Such a wonderful, special way to spend a weekend day exploring Florida nature at its best.

takeout food Tampa

For a mom of two toddlers, I am so glad I found this little gem. The food is prepared in house with only the finest ingredients. The owners gave me a dare to scope them out for any big food trucks entering their premise. The boast? Real food. Real ingredients. Freshly picked, hand-crafted. And simply put....it was delicious. My kids loved the spaghetti casserole, and I loved the price (not to mention the fact that I didn't have to cook). The military discount was icing on the cake-and boy, do they have some delicious looking homemade desserts. It's a must for the family on the go, and anyone else for that matter. They cater, they design, and they deliver real good food. A Godsend in my book.

cheap eats with kids....on a Sunday

I am usually one to go a more healthy route....however, in a pinch and on a Sunday at dusk, the kids and I biked through Soho looking for food. NOW. We'd been at our favorite splash park in Hyde Park, and we were wet, tired, and hungry. Thus...TATE's PIZZA. This spot on South Howard is a hidden gem. I biked the kids there, ordered slices up, and within 5 minutes, we were eating some of the best pizza we've had since we've been in Tampa...and CHEAP! Being a bit of a pizza snob, I preferred the gluten-free, thin sliced, goat cheese and chicken pizza from a few blocks away, HOWEVER, based on the price, quality, and great service, I'd go here any given Sunday.

Fort DeSoto

This landmark is a piece of heaven. Just the drive through Tierra Verde is gorgeous, although condos and developments now mark its beautiful path. The area is big...so plan on at least a day to really get a grasp of your surroundings. I only had a few hours, so I spent my time on the north beach. I had hoped for some sharks teeth, but I was not disappointed when I came home without fossils. The shells are beautiful, if you get there at the right "tide", and if you know what you are doing. About an hour before low tide, head out into the water, about waist deep, and carefully nudge your toes into the sand. That's where you will find your shell treasures. On shore, there are lots of bits and pieces of broken shells and sandollars, but in the tide, you may find a gem of a shell. Please make SURE,before taking shell, that it is not inhabited. Check out the find from a young gal who was wading in my path.

And a view from the remarkable beach and shoreline. This place is just a treasure, and a great place for families.

Have cash to pay a few small tolls in route, and on the weekends, to purchase concessions if desired. I saw lots of families with coolers. Enjoy....and make a day of it. Bike rentals, fishing, hiking, kayak rentals...you name it. Don't miss this special spot.

picnic island

A hidden gem indeed. The kids and I hit the road from MacDill via NAV on Wednesday to find a new playground. I could've sworn we were being led into the concrete jungle of Tampa, but the small "state-funded, generic brown" park signs kept pointing the way. We were grateful to finally enter the official park gate, and upon entering, the scene transformed. All of a sudden, we were surrounded by green grass, palm trees, and a nicely landscaped beach and pier. The kids were most awestruck by the huge kites in the air that were transporting people in and out of the waves. Kiteboarders, I told them. Since they couldn't immediately partake I, we found more suitable adventure at a very well~kept and age friendly playground. From the sunset, palm trees, up to date play area, picnic shelters, fishing piers, canoe put-ins....this may be our favorite park yet. More to come as I venture out on my sup.

pinkys breakfast

No doubt Pinky's is special. Anytime you can access 4 must-have-now blends of fresh coffee, from me-so-modest-mild to Jamaican-me-crazy-bold, plus fixins, it's a good thing...not to mention the eclectic mix of mugs from which to sample. so darn cool. The food is good...a big AMEN to the frittata....wasn't wild about the not- so- crispy, kinda thick pancake (not my style). However, be fore-warned. This place is crowded on Sunday mornings. If you are the couple who just met-the night before-or the retirees who are connecting over coffee and a newspaper...forget it. This is not that kind of coffeeshop bistro cafe place on Sundays. Maybe try a Monday...or another less interesting morning than Sunday...cause Sunday is loud and packed, but good for food and leaded drink if you don't mind an eclectic mix of 2yrs to triatheletes to newly-meets...in one small place.

Indian Shores beach for family-Tiki

The kids and I spent time on Indian Shores today late afternoon. This is a perfect spot for families. Not too busy, nice clean beach, easy access. We entered from Tiki Gardens. A great place to park...$1 per hour and worth it for the restrooms and easy beach access. Very little undercurrent, kid friendly, nice folks. We loved it.

hyde park farmers market

The first Sunday of every month, Hyde Park hosts a Farmer's Market. Our family went in September. Hyde Park Village is a pleasant experience, without an event, but it was an extra treat to walk around, sampling some of the vendors wares (ie. fresh herbs, organic drinks, sweet treats), and to check out some interesting local artwork and craftmanship. The fresh veggies are, of course, seasonal, but there was still a nice variety. We also scooped up some homemade pastas, including a sweet potato rissoto. The kids enjoyed the balloon artist and music, and I enjoyed the fact that my 2 and 4 year old were entertained in a safe, healthy, friendly, open-air venue, not to mention the window shopping at Lululemon and Anthropologie! We look forward to strolling down this Sunday!

pure barre tampa

Ballet barre fitness is the newest (although not so new)trend to slim down and get fit. I am blessed that it has become partof my daily routine. I have been taking Pure Barre classes for about four years now, and teaching for over a year. Having battled my weight since I was...like...born, fitness has been critical to help me stay healthy and strong. As much as I loved (well, hated....then loved after...maybe) running, my knees and body took a beating. Now, after knee surgery, having a 2 and 4 year old, and looking forward to my40th birthday weeks away, I feel and look better than I did at 20-thanks to Pure Barre. As a runner and adreniline junkie, I did NOT like the idea of ballet...or yoga...or anything like it. I'd never danced. Elliptical, body pump, bootcamp. But Pure Barre was a shocking surprise and gift. It was tougher than running in many ways, and I felt better, stronger, and leaner in just a matter of weeks. Pure Barre is tough-and the first class was different and difficult. From then until now, it has never gotten easy. But it is a workout I can do every day, feeling more fit every workout, losing inches, and enjoying life til I am 80! And that is the beauty of Pure Barre. I can still indulge (to an extent)in my love of red wine, dark chocolate, and pistachios....yay! I am so passionate about the Pure Barre lifestyle, and it is a joy that in one hour of lifting, toning, burning...I have completed a TOTAL body workout. Cheers to Pure Barre Tampa.

take-out food winner

What a gem. This place is not cheap, but the food is outstanding, and they give you a lot of it. Great, fresh, authentic cuisine. I will definitely go back to eat in the restaurant. It was nice that they had curbside delivery. This may be one of our "go to's".

honeymoon island

A nice day trip for the kids and me. There were lots of shells at the shoreline. The beach was very busy! It was a nice beach for the kids to play in "puddles" at the shoreline, and find shells. They had lots of stingray warnings posted, however. They had a nice beachfront cafe, bathrooms, and changing rooms. Low-key beach crowd, mainly families and 30-somethings.

tampa bay consignment shops rock!

I am not a fashionista. I am a fitness instructor mama who lives in her (fashionable) workout attire. Quite frankly, I don't grasp the concept of how anyone can dispose of hundreds, even thousands, of dollars for a handbag (really? that's like 100+ hours for babysitters). However, I do appreciate finding a great new outfit, shoes, etc (at a digestable price)for a much needed night out. Thus....consignment. In Tampa, there are some consignment shops that you'd never know were consignment. These stores are top-notch, well-organized, beautiful boutiques. The owners are particular (perhaps at times to a fault) of what they will put on their racks, and it shows! Beautifully. Try out some of these Tampa stores: