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.

Reading for Jazz Age January

My main resolution for 2014 is to read more, my measly 6 books read in 2013 is mildly embarrassing. In an effort to keep to my goal I joined Books Speak Volumes Jazz Age January, an online "book club" reading books related to the roaring 20's. Like others, one of my favorite required readings in high school (since re-read) was The Great Gatsby. I decided to read The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty. Others are reading books like The Paris Wife, Dollface, and Z: A Novel to name a few.

Saturday Morning Essentials

I enjoyed this book and was able to finish it within just a few days. The stories of the two main characters and how they connected was really interesting. I am really keen on books like this one where factual historical information is intertwined into a fictional story line. In this novel, the life of Louise Brooks from her teenage years through adulthood was shown to the reader. When I get to absorb history and don't realize it, I really appreciate the authors writing style.

http://booksspeakvolumes.com/2013/12/02/jazz-age-january-sign-up/

I'm currently reading Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington, a biography about American Vogue's creative director.

What are you reading right now?

Book Review: There Is No Me Without You

This past Tuesday was World AIDS Orphans Day, I'm really kind of sad I missed my opportunity to post this then. I recently read There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene. I picked this book up at a used book store a month ago, per usual I was flipping through a bunch of books not sure what I was really looking for. I feel like I stumble upon the best books that way. The story is about one woman who opens up an orphanage for children burdened by the AIDS crisis. It amazes me there is so much going on in this world that we don't hear about, either at all, or just not enough. These kids are parent-less, many stricken by the disease themselves.

Source

It's honestly kind of a depressing read, but one that I'm glad I opened. There really needs to be more awareness on this. I was sent this petition and hadn't opened the email until today. Please sign it and urge the President to increase global awareness. What if this was happening in our country and we had insurmountable amounts of children without Mothers and Fathers?

https://www.change.org/petitions/president-obama-keep-the-light-on-aids-orphans-by-increasing-global-support

Umba Box

I received the second of my three month Umba Box subscription yesterday. I am sad to say the first month was a disappointment. I received a re-usable sandwich bag and a necklace that was not really my style. However this month is much better.

I guess it is truly hit or miss on things like this. Not too far off from the $1 grab bags my Grandmother would buy for my sister and I. Sometimes the styles are just not your own, but trading or gifting the items to someone else who could actually use them remedies the situation.

Earth Cookie Creations

These adorable clothespins have magnets on the back and went straight onto my new fridge. The perfect recipe or to do list magnetic. I'm loving the black and white striped one the most!

The Caramel Jar

 One of these little sweet and salty caramels were the perfect appetite curbing nibble while I wrote this post.
One will go to Dee and the other I will save for a cold day with a hot mug of cocoa.

To Boldly Fold

I haven't decided yet if I will keep this adorable little unlined notebook for myself or send it off as part of a Christmas present. I love notebooks, and have a ton! This handmade journal is very sturdy and would be a good one to carry in a purse for quick notes.

Umba Box has definitely impressed me this time around and I can't wait to receive next month's goodies!
If you are considering signing up use the code NOVFRIEND and get 10% off, this code expires 11/19/2012 .

Do you receive any monthly subscriptions like this or Birch Box? What's the best thing you've gotten?

Neutrogena Product Review

I am a Bzz Agent on bzzagent.com and recently received my first lot of goodies! :) They sent me these great Neutrogena products and I wanted to share with my readers my findings. So here we go...

Neutrogena® Nourishing Eyeliner

This eyeliner is great and I will definitely be purchasing it again once I use this one up.  It glides on smooth and has a good hold.  I tend to touch my face more than I should and this eyeliner does not budge an inch!  It's a very dark shade of black too.  I'm not so fond of the smudger on the end though, I'm probably not using it the right way, but it really just makes a cloudy mess for me.  There is a sharpener built in to the opposite end of the smudger that is a nice addition.  No need to hunt around for a sharpener every day.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin® Brightening Eye Perfector

I am content with this under eye concealer, the applicator allows you to reach the inner corners of your eye you are not able to reach with your fingertip.  But the brush does not fully blend the concealer in, and I needed to use my finger.  You turn "click" the applicator to make the product come out, it takes more than one click to release and it always seems to be different how many "clicks" it needs. This is a bit of an issue because you will end up with WAY too much concealer out at once, not to say that it spews everywhere though.  The color was perfect for me, it had enough yellow in it to actually cover my inherited under eye circles; and there's a bit of shimmer in it (like an illuminator) that allows light to reflect and make the circles look even less apparent.  

Despite the negatives of this product I still would recommend it as I haven't found any other that works better, and I have been using this type of product for 8 or 9 years now.  I've used Garnier's rollers, liquid foundation, compacts, etc...and this is up there with the Garnier rollers.

Neutrogena® Revitalizing Lip Balm

I am in LOVE! This lip balm is borderline perfect.  I feel like most lip balms only work for a couple hours and then you have to reapply, and if you forget to take it with you one day your lips feel more chapped then they did before you started to use that product.  It's a little ridiculous sometimes.  This lip balm is smooth, doesn't require multiple applications every hour, and feels like it's actually doing something for me.  When I forget it for a day my lips don't feel dryer then before I started to use this product. 
The colors are good too, just enough really to show a little.

http://www.neutrogena.com/cosmetics 

I hope this helps somebody out next time you are looking to make a purchase or just blow some money at the local drug store. (We all know how money tends to burn holes in our pockets sometimes ;)

My Skincare Regime/ Mini Reviews

Hi everyone! I wanted to give you all a run through of what has worked for my skin and what hasn't.  I always love reading the daily routines of other bloggers so I thought I would share my own.  First is a run through of products then at the end I'll let you know my usual routines.

Cleansers

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser - Just a general cleanser, for normal to oily skin.  It contains a hydroxy acid for the Deep Clean feel.  Definitely my go to cleanser right now.

H2O+, Water-activated Eye Make-up Remover - This is an oil & fragrance free gel I apply with a wet cotton ball to remove my eye liner and mascara prior to washing my face.  You don't need much at all, about the size of a popcorn kernel will do.  Add more water if needed, as the name says it is water activated.

African Black Soap - African Black Soap is an all natural soap that contains Shea butter in the raw, coconut oil and palm kernel oil.  I use it mostly in the summer as it's a little too drying for me, it is one of the best soaps I have found for removing makeup though.  (When I use this I can skip my makeup remover.) This soap is great for oily or combination skin. I pick this product up from a local vendor at our farmers market here in town, it's about $20 for a tub that lasts about 3 months.  I've also seen it sold in bar form at spas.

Blemish Control

Noxzema Tripe Clean Acne-Blemish Pads - These are great for those break out prone spots (t-zone) and for the nights when you don't have the energy to wash your face. (I am not recommending that you skip washing your face though!)  They do have a strong alcohol smell to them so be warned.  I sometimes cut them in half because they are so strong.  Contains 2% Salicylic Acid which helps calm redness.

Aveda Outer Peace- Acne Spot Relief - This stuff is amazing! It does cost almost $30, but believe me it will last you at least a year or 2 if you use it correctly. I just apply a drop of the cream to any pimples I see forming; it helps with redness and drawing the impurity out. This stuff is so good that my boyfriend (who refuses to use anything than regular base soap on his face) will ask me for it on occasion. It truly is worth the $28 price tag! (2% Salicylic Acid)

Alba Hibiscus Facial Toner - This toner has a pleasant citrus smell, and it is made from 100% Vegetarian ingredients. I have poured mine into a spritzer and spray it on my face before moisturizing. It's also great to throw in your beach bag during the summer for a mid day spritz.

www.aveda.com

Aveda Tea Tree Oil - This stuff is strong! All essential oils are recommended to be mixed with something else before applying to your skin.  However I sometimes disregard this recommendation and will apply a drop right to a pimple to help dry it up quicker. Tea Tree Oil is also great for bug bites.  I am extremely allergic to ants, and run straight to my cabinet for this if one of the buggers gets me. It drys out the bite and sucks the venom right out.

Masks-

I try to use one at least once a week, but always make sure to apply a mask a couple times the week before "that time of the month." They really help with beating the hormonal breakouts.

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque - This is one of the best masks out there for hydrating your skin.  This is straight yummy moisture for your skin, it is oil free so it's not going to clog your pores up. This is also great for sunburns if there is no Aloe Vera around.  I keep this in the fridge in the summer for a cool off after coming home from the beach.

Freeman Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask - Comparable to any of the clay masks out there, and its only about $5. Leaves my skin feeling extra clean, although sometimes so "clean" I fell like my face is frozen and have to lather up the moisture mask after.

Alba Deep Sea Facial Fask - This mask is hypo-allergenic, but it can be drying.  It clears up any trouble spots, but sometimes to the point that I will start to get flaky because it is so drying.  Another one where you must remember to moisturize immediately rinsing this off. I probably will not invest $14 in this product again.

Mint Julep Masque by Queen Helene - This is my fave right now, it's a great mask to help clear blackheads, shrink pores and dry up pimples (it works as a spot treatment as well). The product includes Sulfur a key acne fighting ingredient; but don't be alarmed it doesn't smell like sulfur. It really does have a nice minty scent. I picked mine up at the dollar store of all places, and cost less than $3- can't beat that!

Moisturizers

AmLactin - AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion contains 12% Lactic Acid. I use this on my face to chemically exfoliate my skin even though it is a body lotion. I am always surprised how soft my face feels in the morning after I use this product.  I try to use this once or twice a week, it does have a tingle to it so be prepared the first time you try it out.  I would test it on your arms first to prep yourself for it.  This is perfect for your knees and elbows if you have any dryness too. Oh and p.s. there are coupons for it online, so don't pay full price!

Garnier Skin Renew, Anti-Dark-Circle Roller - I love this, it covers my under eye circles and helps to reduce the darkness. I also like to think it helps with puffiness from the cool roller ball applicator. 

Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream - I only apply this around my eyes, and I can definitely feel that I've used it when I wake up in the morning. I tried this a few times as an all over cream but it always made me break out, too much moisture for my 20 something skin I think.  It might work better for a more mature consumer as an all over cream.

www.meetmark.com

Get-a-Tint Tinted Moisturizer - I use the buff/natural tone of this oil-free moisturizer.  It does not break me out and I only require a concealer stick to cover any red spots up this doesn't hide.

My Current Routine

PM- (Remove makeup) H2O+ Eye Make-up Remover

(Cleanser) Neutrogena Deep Clean w/wash cloth

(Blemish Control) Noxzema Anti-Blemish pads to problem areas

(Spot Treatments) either Acne Spot Relief or Tea Tree Oil, as needed

(Moisturizing Exfoliant) AmLactin 

(Treatment) Garnier Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream

(Lip Moisturizer) Medicated Chapstick

AM- Rinse face with warm water & wash cloth

(Blemish Control-sometimes skipped) Noxzema Anti-Blemish pads or spritz Alba Toner

(Moisturizer) Get-a-Tint Tinted Moisturizer from Mark

Apply Makeup

What do you skip when your rushed? Have any of these products worked or not worked for you?