Monday, February 22, 2010

Been a While...

Have not written in a while, been rather busy with work and family.   I went to Italy in December.  The 10 day trip turned into a 14 day vacation due to the weather.  Family members and I visited Rome, Florence, Ravenna, Pisa, Venice and Assis.  I left part of my Heart in Venice, it is so beautiful and romantic.  None the less, I will return.  Will write more about Italy but for now I must get back to work.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

I'm Back

Hi all it's been a little while, I've been busy with some unforseeable events.  Still selling real estate and facilitating peoples needs.  I am getting ready to head to Italy, in a week!  I am totally bummed that my camera is out of order...gona have to borrow one of my sibling's camera.  I will keep you all posted.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday the 13th

I have not written in a while, have been busy with work and side projects.  We had a nice Veteran's Day BBQ this year, we cooked some spicy cajun sausages, steaks, baked potatoes, frijoles de la olla, dirty cajun rice, roasted veggies and some home made super garlic-y bread.  Every one had a great time.  All you need is some great food, refreshing cold beers, good tunes, great company and by all means some old school moves to elevate the moment from memorable to epic.  As I grow comfortably into myself the realization that as time goes by, friends, better yet friendships are like hair on some sets of heads. For some they start losing them straight after high school, others not after college or marriage, few keep them strong and healthy, most  start to thin out over time but rarely does one grow them back or make new ones, easily.  Here's a thought, cherish and nourish the hair on your head, the friends you have and just made for you will be very happy you did.

On a side note~~~~~~~~~~

So I just realized it's Friday the 13th...and what no Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers movies?  I figure it's close enough to Halloween, but I guess they release them through out the year now.  Hmmmm....

After Thought~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is such a nice chill in the air, the kind of chill that triggers the craving for comforting foods, drinks and movies.  What I would give for a nice bowl of Minestrone with a side of French bread with aioli and a nice glass of Chianti or Sangiovese.  Bread is such an instrumental source of comfort, like a blanket wrapped firmly to keep out moisture or like a sponge to sop up the unspoonable concoction left on your soup bowl.  I miss the cool weather of Northern California and I trully appreciate it when it honors us with its presence here in Southern California.  I will never take a cool breeze for granted ever again.

 

Friday, October 30, 2009

Hallow's Eve

I don't have a costume this year.  I will more than likely be the Designated Driver tonight and tomorrow. Safety first.  Hope Every one has a fun weekend!  Remember, NO Drinking & Driving!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

How To Save Money at a Restaurant

TRICKS ON HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RESTAURANT TAB




Unless you've been hiding underneath a rock, you are aware of the current state of the American economy. It grows gloomier by the minute and shows no signs of improving in the near future. Nonetheless, the desire to treat one's self to a nice meal at a nice restaurant is always tempting. Most people enjoy dining out with friends and family at least once a week, some once a month. We enjoy the service, we over order, over eat, end up with left overs, a hefty tab and then there's the tip. You don't have to give up treating your self to a nice sit down meal, there are several cost effective tricks to reducing your tab, such as Lunch Specials and discounts.
Some people have grown accustomed to a certain style of living, like splurging on fancy restaurants and posh bars. These are the people that will most benefit from these simple steps, especially if there is a sudden change in their financial situation. Utilizing these simple tricks, you can still eat out with your friends and loved ones while still keeping some cash in your pocket.

Here are the Tricks!

Trust me, I Managed Restaurants For Years.

The Tricks...

Don't order while totally starving, grab a couple of almonds or an apple and drink plenty of water before you leave the house. People tend to over order when they are very hungry.

Take advantage of the bread or chips offered while you wait for your meal and order water.

Do you really need an appetizer? If you are with a friend share an appetizer or maybe a house salad. House salads tend to be less expensive and are the healthier choice. Ask for the house specials, sometimes they include a salad or side dish. Many restaurants offer very reasonable lunch specials, do your research.

Order an entree that will satisfy not only your cravings but your hunger. Most portions in restaurants now a days are over portioned, look for something wholesome and reasonably priced.

Stay a way from alcohol, specialty drinks and dessert. Nothing bulks up a tab like a couple martinis or a bottle of wine. Stick with your water, you are there for a nice meal not a booze fest.

Find coupons for your favorite restaurants online, in your local newspaper, school ads and even magazines. Look for new restaurants with Grand Openings, these always have specials that run for weeks to get the word out. Check with your local chamber of commerce for a list of Grand Openings. Sign up at your favorite Restaurants so they can send you newsletters and coupons.

Great online sites to check include but are not limited to valpak.com, wow-coupons.com, and restaurant.com.

Learn how to cook your favorite restaurant dishes, practice makes perfect! Ask the waiter, manager or one of the cooks and they typically will share some of their yummy food tricks.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with sharing a plate and don't forget the left overs, make sure they don't rot away in the fridge. Enjoy your meal!

http://www.squidoo.com/reduceyourtab

Laura

Squidoo

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/new_workshop/reduceyourtab

It's Been A While....

Been rather busy with offers and studying.  Posted my first Squidoo lens today on how to save money at restaurants.  This economy is hitting us some harder than others, I can no longer dine out with friends every week...we all have to save our pennies.  I've been looking for ways to supplement my income, been doing lots of research.  Will post results as I go along.  Recently joined Wealthy Affiliate, talk about information overload--definitely NOT for people suffering from ADD.  Feel like my brain, ears and eyes are bleeding.  Nevertheless, I am excited and open to new opportunities. "Where there is a will there is a way."

On a side note, the weather has changed here in Southern California and I am looking forward to the rain. 
;-)