Eating Out: Bonefish Grill Mandarin

Second to dessert, seafood is my favorite food to eat. Fish, crab, lobster, shrimp... prepared any way Bubba could rattle off. When I was contacted to visit the recently renovated Bonefish Grill in Mandarin  - I was in.

I loved the classy vibe at the restaurant. The atmosphere was refreshing and more more high end compared to other seafood chains. No carpeted floors here.

We started off the night with one of my husband's favorite dishes to order, ceviche. The mango and pineapples were a nice addition to the traditional ceviche we were used to and gave the dish a tropical flavor. Hubby ordered their tasty corn and crab soup, and I skipped this course to save room for dessert. ;) We couldn't get enough of their bread and pesto though. The chopped olives made for a saltier pesto than normal and was perfect with their freshly made, warm bread.

I ordered their grouper special topped with a lobster and crab thermidor sauce. Yum-oh! That sauce could transform any fair dish into amazing. Our server said it was also his favorite and mentioned how good it was on steak; I could definitely go for a filet with lobster and crab thermidor sauce on top. :)

Anytime we see lobster rolls on the menu my husband kind of geeks out. It seems to be more of a northern dish and one we don't see it very often in Florida. Bonefish offered one though, and of course he had to order it. It was a little different than what I was used to, celery and a hint of wasabi, but he enjoyed it no less.

During the entirety of our visit we were well attended by multiple employees. There was someone rushing by to clear off a table, or serve someone nearby a drink every couple of minutes. We had no problem catching a servers attention if we needed more bread or a refill on drinks.

By the time my favorite course rolled around I was reading through their menu for a dessert that could easily travel home with us. Fresh doughnuts sounded perfect, but they didn't even make it into the box. Chris Herring, the Managing Partner of Bonefish Grill Mandarin, recommended another dessert to us, the Jamaican Coconut Pie. (Insert smiling husband and wife here.) If you've been around this blog before you know that we got married in Jamaica and are kind of obsessed with the people, food and culture there. This couldn't have been a better recommendation. It was delicious, and warm, and the rum sauce was pretty awesome too.

 

If you're looking for a nice place to grab a bite Bonefish Grill Mandarin is a nice spot for a date night, a meal with the girls, or maybe just a post-shopping cocktail. The oak furnishings, tasty menu and comfy booths make Bonefish a cool spot for any occasion.

Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to Bonefish Grill in exchange for a review on the recently renovated Bonefish Grill in Mandarin. I wouldn’t have blogged about it if I didn’t enjoy it, these are my true opinions on the restaurant.

Thriving Around Thirty: A Day in the Life of An Editor

An inspiration for young writers and aspiring magazine editors, today's Thriving Around Thirty feature is Virginia Chamlee, Managing Editor of Jacksonville Magazine and all of its sister publications (904, Home, Bride, Taste, YourHealth and two annual sports publications). I had been following Virginia's blog and seen her name around ever since I started Just Me aghan a few years back. We finally met at a blogger event at Fab'rik and recently coordinated our busy schedules for coffee. Jumping right into it here's our interview. I hope it allows you to gain some useful information on life as an editor.

Tell us about your journey to becoming an editor.
I have always loved to read and write so, when it came time to declaring my major (English), it was an easy decision. I interned at Jacksonville Magazine in college and began freelancing shortly after.

My first job out of college was as a staff reporter for a legal publication. I worked there for almost two years and, since the job was remote, it afforded me a lot of free time. So I decided to apply for a journalism fellowship. I was selected, along with three others in Florida, as a political journalism fellow through the American Independent News Network. Eventually, that turned into a full-time position, so I left the legal reporting to write about politics and the environment.

Eventually, the company I worked for was bought out by a large media company in DC, and the Florida site was shut down, so I did a bit of PR work while I looked for something else in journalism. The job at Jax Mag opened up and I’ve been there ever since.

What does an average day look like for an editor like you? 

An average day for me looks pretty much like anyone else’s—lots of sitting in front of a computer and typing. Of course, there are some days that are more exciting than others. Starting the day with exercise (I am really into Orange Theory at the moment) is imperative for me, as I tend to have a lot running through my head. 

On any given day, I might be working on four different magazines (other than Jacksonville Magazine, we also publish 904, YourHealth, Bride, Home and Taste) and twenty different stories, so it’s important for me to have an extracurricular activity that takes my mind off work for at least an hour a day.

What is the biggest perk of being an editor?

The fun events I get to attend—restaurant openings, parties, that sort of thing. Also, press trips (which I don’t go on that often) are amazing and usually packed with delicious dinners and really fun activities.

Many of my readers are other bloggers/writers, what is your biggest pet peeve when dealing with writers?

My biggest pet peeve when dealing with other writers is the assumption that the reader wants to hear what you (the writer) have to say. As a writer, particularly for a lifestyle publication, your job is to tell a story—someone else’s story. When writers submit pieces that are essentially opinion pieces, with no quotes or outside sources, I can tell they don’t fully understand that.

Do you have any advice for aspiring editors?

My advice for aspiring editors is to read. A lot. I am a voracious reader—of books, of blogs, of magazines, of newspapers. You can’t grow as a writer or an editor if you think you are the best writer in the room. There’s always room to grow and reading the work of others is a great way to do that. 

How can someone dress like an editor? Are you into statement pieces, do you go by the rule of three, what is your secret?

“Dress like an editor” is a funny concept to me, because most local editors aren’t necessarily into fashion. My daily uniform depends on what I’m doing that day, but I always have a jacket and a pair of heels in the car. That way, you’re always ready if an important interview or lunch meeting comes up.

Personally, I am very much intro statement pieces. I love jewelry, especially vintage pieces, but shoes are my weakness. Right now, I’m really into a pair of Elyse Walker python espadrille flats. They meld beach with professional and they look great with a skirt or a pair of slacks.

Virginia Chamlee

Magazine Editor of: Jacksonville Magazine, and all of its sister publications (904, Home, Bride, Taste, YourHealth  and two annual sports publications).

Instagram

Virginia's do it all attitude is energizing, I hope you can see that from this interview. Her intelligence and keen sense of style (her shoes are always on point!) are admirable and make her a definite role model for anyone looking to follow a similar career path. 

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful individuals 

under (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might 

be interested in being featured in a Thriving under Thirty piece, please email meaghan@meaghanalvarado.com.

Northeast Florida Creatives I'm talking to you!!

Fashion Friday: Feminizing a Men's Sweater

My new favorite thing to do when I don't know what to wear is to look through hubby's side of the closet. His sweaters are oversized on me and look great paired with a pair of leggings, riding boots, and a long necklace. 

We took a trip up to Jacksonville a few weekends back so Dee could load up on spray paint at an art store up there. It's a new hobby he is exploring, in our garage, on canvas. I honestly didn't know he was so much of an artist, his initial sketch blew me away.  

On our way home we went by this waterfront park and with the Jacksonville skyline in the background it was the perfect scene to catch my outfit. The water was so smooth, it hardly looked real.

Forever 21 Leggings similar / old Boots similar / Men's Sweater similar /

Anchor Boutique Sandstone Necklace / Shades c/o Fab'rik 

Have you put together an outfit from the men's side in your closet? 

Any other easy combos from their side you'd like to share? 

I'd love to find a way to wear his flannels that doesn't look like pajamas. 

Linking up with: Rachel the Hat, Style Elixir, Fizz & Frosting

The Mall on Black Friday?

Where do you like to shop on Black Friday? Will you be hopping around to different stand alone stores, trolling the mall, or doing the online thing? The convenience of a mall is definitely a plus, especially the convenience of being able to shop for everyone on your list if you plan ahead. Bath and Body Works for your girlfriends, Brookstone for the men in your life, toy stores for the kiddies, and a few stores you can pop in to find your perfect holiday splurge for yourself. ;)

Apricot Lane in Jacksonville is one of those places you should stop in either for yourself or maybe your bestie's gift. They carry everything from clothes, to shoes, to jewelry; everything for that perfect holiday look. 

If you are not in NorthEast Florida Apricot Lane now has an online shop too! Check it out: ApricotLaneBoutique.com

So where will you be shopping this Black Friday? Have you planned out your plan of attack yet?

Don't miss my post on 5 Tips for a Successful Black Friday!

Giveaway: Apricot Lane Boutique

I always get fired up when I hear about a new shop opening in our area. Apricot Lane Boutique is one of the newest additions to north east Florida. With a new home in The Avenues, Apricot Lane Boutique is a nice addition to the variety of shops already there. I can't wait to get up there and shop their looks straight from the LA Fashion District at affordable prices.

Continue reading and enter the giveaway (link to post) to win!

Fab Favorites Link Up: Nordstrom Jacksonville Gala

Happy Fashion Friday! I'm thrilled about today's post! Not only is it Fashion Friday, but I'm also linking up with Lauren from Style Elixir for the Fab Favorites Link Up. So getting right into it. :)

I was invited to attend the Nordstrom Grand Opening Gala in Jacksonville Wednesday night. The proceeds (over $100,000 raised!) helped to benefit Cathedral Arts Project, Junior League of Jacksonville and Wolfson Children's Hospital. The event offered guests an early peek at the brand new Nordstrom before their official grand opening while sipping on drinks and munching on goodies.

I have a secret, this is actually the second dress I bought for the event. The first was not exactly gala attire so I ventured to Ross and found this gem hued floor length dress for half the price of the first one I purchased. Why did I not think to go there first, ugh!

Pots de creme, macaroons, mini margaritas, and mason jar decor!

 Ah, I was so in love. French desserts, margaritas and shabby chic decor- great job Nordstrom crew!

Live models!! 

 Needless to say there was so much going on, and with 1,400 people I was a little overwhelmed to do any real shopping. I did however pick up this very fitting Kate Spade travel mug and some cologne for hubs.

Nadia of U Better Work and Nordstrom Stylist Beth Sullivan

I need to get back up there again soon and meet up with personal stylist Beth Sullivan. I'm really interested to see what type of pieces she would match me up with. Beth actually had shared a what to wear and what not to wear instagram post that strongly swayed my decision on this dress so it was a huge compliment when she told Nadia and I that we were best dressed for the gala! :)

With Cindy, owner of Jacksonville's fab'rik and blogger Erin Wiggle.

I was so happy to find some of my fashionista friends at the event! As I have said before the community of bloggers is one of my favorite parts of blogging. I love talking to other ladies who enjoy tapping away at their keyboards too!

Sometimes link ups are a little complicated, this one shouldn't be but if you have any issues with the link up below tweet me and I'll help you out!

Style Elixir (follow here!) | Just Me aghan (follow here!) Friday's Fab Favorites Link Up:

1. Please follow your Host Style Elixir (via Bloglovin' or Instagram) and your fabulous Co-Host... Meaghan from Just Me aghan (follow via Bloglovin' or Instagram) 2. Link up anything... it could be one of your previous posts that you like, or a post about your favorite things! 3. Please include a link back to this post within your post (because it's such a nice thing to do!) 4. Now simply add your link below! We hope you all enjoy meeting other bloggers and discovering some new things. 5. If you would like to Co-Host Friday's Fab Favorites, email stylelixir@gmail.com for more details!

 

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Join The Link Up Now!




I also linked up with these other bloggers today: Happiness at Mid-Life and What I Wore.

Denim Dinner at Fab'rik

Sunday evening I attended Fab'rik of Jacksonville's Denim Dinner. An invite only event with about 10 local (Northeast Florida) Fashion and Lifestyle bloggers. It was awesome to connect with some local fashion bloggers. I only really knew of 3 or 4 fashion bloggers in Jacksonville/St. Augustine before this event, now I actually know like 6! Blogger events are seriously so much fun!

Rocking a pair of the luxary denim jeans available at Fab'rik, camel booties, and an adorned black tank.

Denim galore at the Denim Dinner.

Booties, booties and more booties. I'm obsessed and Fab'rik had so many gorgeous options! Everyone needs to have at least one pair of booties in their 2014 fall shoe collection, agree?

Some of the edibles for the evening were a cheese plate (always good), shrimp ceviche with blackened corn, and guacamole with goat cheese mixed in (mind blown! Must make this at home).

I finally met Blakely of Sweet Tea & Skyscrapers after following her blog for the last year or so. She is even sweeter than she comes off in her blog! I also met her friend and new blogger Ashley, check out her blog Diaries of a Diminutive Diva and leave her some love.

The owner, Cindy, and her crew were super fun and helpful. Just like the store's selection, Cindy hires girls with different styles. You can definitely find something in this store regardless of your style, and if you can't find it yourself these girls will help you.

Blakely & I - cheers!

I had fun sharing blogging tips and getting to know Bonnie and Aubrey of The Honey Deux. 

Ashley and Blakely sharing some cute finds at Fab'rik.

I really enjoyed chatting with Kristen of Sunshine State of Style, a soon to be Chicago fashion blogger who I must keep in touch with.

A few other Northeast Florida bloggers I didn't get photos of, but were in attendance are Virginia of Virginia a la Mode and the ladies of Jacksonville Moms Blogs.

Champagne, shopping, swag bags and new friends. What more could you ask for on a Sunday night?

If you can't make it to one of their 30 fab'rik stores they have an online shop as well. The selection is a little smaller, but there's still a wide array of styles and pieces.

Checking out fab'rik at the Denim Dinner made me realize I don't visit the St. Johns Town Center enough. Next time I think, oh- the Avenues mall is 10 minutes closer I should just go there, I will have to reconsider. St. Augustine friends, the extra ten minutes is more than worth it now with this boutique shop, and wait til next week when Nordstrom opens up!

Linking up with:

 Musings of a Housewife