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.