Run DMT

I'm a mom on the run!

Run DMT - I'm a mom on the run!

A Day at Busch Gardens and a Madagascar Live! Preview

Disclaimer: My kids and I were invited to participate in the premiere of “Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation” at Busch Gardens.  I received no compensation for my honest review.  My family and I provided our own Busch Gardens annual passes.

As Busch Gardens passholders, we visit the park quite often but I can rarely convince my kids to sit through any of the shows.  My children are all about the rides.  Therefore, I was grateful to be invited to experience the premiere of Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, escape the sun and cool off in the newly renovated air-conditioned Stanleyville Theater.

As we entered the park through a back lot, my girls already felt so VIP, even before receiving a VIP pass.  That excitement escalated as they experienced the premiere paparazzi-style with paw print lined floors and a lime green runner instead of the usual red carpet.

While enjoying Busch Gardens Tampa’s newest live stage show “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation”, guests are invited to dance, sing and party along with the characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit Madagascar franchise, including Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and King Julien as they embark on a vacation adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The lively stage full of vibrant jungle colors and larger than life Madagascar characters mesmerized my toddler.  Singers, dancers in bright colorful costumes and a live band join the rollicking Madagascar characters as they amp up the party to full throttle.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The fun, energetic original tunes and party animal favorites such as “I Like to Move It, Move It” encouraged my kids and me to sing, clap and dance along throughout this 20-minute musical adventure.  All three of my kids (ages 11, 7, 2) loved the music, the choreography, the costumes and the bubbles.  Of course, no show is ever complete without tiny bubbles falling on you.

After the premiere of Madagascar Live, my kids and I explored the park with our friends.  The rest of the afternoon was filled with flume rides and other fun ways to cool off in the heat.

For information about Busch Gardens Tampa and its newest show, Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, visit online for showtimes, tickets and hours of operations. Guest can also experience “The Royal Treatment with King Julien”, an exclusive dining experience now available, featuring lunch at Zambia Smokehouse, reserved show seating, and priority at the end-of-show meet and greet with the characters.

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip-Potato Crust

PhotobucketAs you know, I’ve been on the hunt for new Meatless Monday dishes.  I’m also trying to eat less carbs.  With my pasta and a love for all things potato, that is really hard to do.  I’ve managed to give up bread and have been two weeks pasta free, but I can’t seem to give up potatoes (or pizza) yet.

I know I should make a transition from starchy white potatoes to healthy, rich in vitamins sweet potatoes, but it hasn’t happened yet.  I’ll get there and I’ll make my family hop on board the sweet potato bandwagon eventually. In the meantime, in my hunt for Meatless Monday dishes, I found this yummy Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Rustic Parsnip Crust from Forks Over Knives.

Now, my husband, having grown up in Northern Yorkshire, ate more of his share of shepherd’s pie and he is not a fan of the “mushy tasteless mess” as he calls it.  However, in my Hispanic-Italian family, we never ate Shepherd’s Pie.  We grew up on pasta, which may explain my adoration for pasta.  So, when I tasted Shepherd’s Pie for the first time, I loved it.

Though I’m not sure if my kids would eat a traditional meaty mushy mess of Shepherd’s Pie, I knew they would love this meatless version.  We often eat lentils and like me, my children love every variety of potato.

Iron Chef Iron and I tweeked the original recipe a bit to produce our version of a Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip-Potato Crust, because that’s what we do.  If you’ve followed my Friday Food Fight for a while, you know that crushed red pepper flakes are a staple ingredient in most of our dishes. We also thought that the dish needed a bit more acid such as balsamic vinegar (or like a good Brit, HP Sauce or Worcestershire sauce) for a more robust flavor.

If you’re trying to give up potatoes, you could easily substitute the parsnips and potatoes with sweet potatoes.   And if you’re on a gluten-free diet, our Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip-Potato Crust passes the test.

Iron Chef Allan and I really enjoyed our version of a Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip-Potato Crust.  Even the kids loved it!  So, we have another crowd pleasing Meatless Monday dish in the rotation!  However, if you don’t have a crowd, the leftovers freeze and reheat nicely.

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip-Potato Crust
Print
Recipe type: Easy
Cuisine: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8
Meatless version of Shepherd’s Pie made with lentils and a parsnip-potato topping.
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large red onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig rosemary, chopped
  • 1½ cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (or HP Sauce or Worcestershire sauce)
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 8 medium red-skin potatoes, quartered (peeled optional)
  • 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped
Instructions
  1. Heat a 5-quart stock pot over a medium heat; add EVOO.
  2. Add onions and cook until soften and caramelized. Add carrot and celery and sauté with onions until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Stir in the rosemary, lentils, bay leaf and add 6 cups water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Monitor and add additional water, if needed. (Lentils should have the consistency of stew.) Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  5. Add the tomato paste and balsamic vinegar; cook for another 15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat; discard the bay leaf and pour the lentils into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the potato-parsnip topping while the lentils cook. Add the potatoes and parsnips to a medium saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and cook uncovered until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the potatoes and parsnips from the heat and drain. Mash the parsnip-potato mixture with a handheld masher (or ricer if peeled) until smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper; then spread the mixture evenly over lentils.
  8. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until bubbly. For a browned crust, closely monitor casserole under a broil setting for a few minutes.
  9. Let dish stand for 10 minutes before serving.

 


*Also submitted at*

Soup du Jour Vlog Hop: 32 Random Questions Tag

soupdujour_blogbutton

For this week’s Soup du Jour Vlog, I’m sharing a prompt from Mama Kat’s Losin’ It called You Tube Tag where I answer the 32 Random Questions listed here.  Fun, right?

Unlike your usual tag, there are no rules for playing along, however, if you watch my vlog, TAG YOU’RE IT!  It’s YOUR TURN to vlog the answers to the questions.  When you do, link up here and then add your vlog to Mama Kat’s vlogging workshop.

I know this week’s Soud du Jour vlog is long, but I hope you watch it to the end. :-)

YouTubeTag

I didn’t realize I said, “I hope you watched through it and watched me make a spectacle of myself” while wearing my spectacles.  Nice pun! lol

**Edited to add a few questions I skipped.  I only answered 29 random questions.**

#9 – “Have you ever peed in the woods?”  Yes, my family and I enjoy camping and peeing in the woods is a given.

#21 - ”Is Christmas stressful?”  Yes, the holidays stress me out.  Planning dinners, baking cookies, parties, shopping, wrapping presents and training for races/marathons all in the thick of it.

#23 – “Do you believe in ghosts?” – ABSOLUTELY!  I sense spirits and have witnessed hauntings.  And I can do a mean impression of the Long Island Medium. “I’m sensing sadness.  Have you recently experienced a loss (pronounced laus)?”

So, let’s hear your answers to the 32 Random Question Tag.



*Also sharing this Soup du Jour vlog at*

Just Let Go This Summer at the TradeWinds Island Resorts

*Disclaimer: I received a reduced rate and gifts from TradeWinds Island Resorts for my honest review of our stay there at the TradeWinds Island Grand.  The opinions shared are my own.*

For Mother’s Day, I longed to escape to the beach and just let go.  The TradeWinds Island Grand Resort located on St. Pete Beach made that all possible.

Upon arriving on the TradeWinds Island Resorts property, we were showered with warm salutations at the guard station and the superb hospitality continued throughout our stay.  The staff at the TradeWinds Island Resort would revival any Disney resort and our brief stay on the beach was as magical as any experience at the House of Mouse.

Once we entered our suite within the Island Grand, we blown away by the plush beach five-star accommodations.  The gorgeous golden interior décor paired perfectly with Florida sunshine.

After exploring the suite, we noticed the abundance of gifts provided by TradeWinds, including snacks, wine, a beach bag and towel, two Beaker stuffed toys and TradeWinds Island Resorts amenity/activity bands.  Since we packed light with few snacks, the hospitality gifts was greatly appreciated.

Our first evening at the Island Grand, we enjoyed exploring the resort and dinner at the Flying Bridge while watching sunset.

The next morning, Allana and I woke up early to explore the shore before the rest of the resort arrived on the beach.  We searched for shells in the sunrise and embraced a gorgeous cool morning.

When the rest of the gang woke up, we headed to for a delicious buffet breakfast at Bermuda’s Steak and Seafood which offered so many wonderful items to choose from along the spread.  I appreciated all the healthy options but I splurged with a chorizo cheese veggie omelet, potatoes and a side of fruit.

After breakfast, we took a cruise on a paddleboat.  My kids loved the journey along the shallow swan creek.  We spotted huge Koi and so many varieties of birds and flowers.

Following our paddleboat cruise, we ventured out to beach which falls directly behind the property and only a short walk.  On the beach, I reserved a cabana, complimentary for all resort guests and a necessary beach item with my extremely fair-skinned family.   With lots of sun block and our cabana we could spend hours in the sun.

Plus, we needed a safe place to lay our belongings while we experienced the High Tide Water Slide!  This slippery speedy inflatable water slide raised the bar on all future beach trips.  Nothing will compare to the TradeWinds Island Resorts beach experience!

Although tacky to some, the girls and I rinsed the beach off with a quick jump in the pool while my three year old napped upstairs with Daddy.  With three pools to choose from, we chose the quieter family pool just behind our room.

The girls instantly made friends playing Marco Polo and a cannonball competition.

Later that evening, we ventured off-sight for dinner.  Sadly, the kids were so exhausted from a fun-filled day, they fell asleep when we returned to the resort and we missed highlight of the evening, Captain Redbeard the Pirate.

On the morning of our departure, we played one last round of golf and played on the beach one last time.

Watching my children play in the sun and sand was a perfect way to spend my Mother’s Day weekend.  All the other amenities (the High Tide Water Slide, miniature golf, paddleboats, etc.) made it even better.  Thank you to the  TradeWinds Island Resorts for providing the opportunity for my family and I to just let go.

There are so many wonderful resort activities to enjoy that are included with the TradeWinds Island Resorts fees, such as paddleboats, minature golf, KONK (Kids Only, No kidding Activity Center, the High Tide Water Slide and more.  This summer, plan a weekend away or just let go for one day and experience the TradeWinds Splash Island in addition to all the other TradeWinds Island Resorts  fun for as low as $16 (non-guests begin at $25).

 Plus, the TradeWinds Island Resorts are offering Florida residents a high-flying special for spring and summer with rates as low as $127* per night, not including the nightly resort fee. The resort’s Florida Resident Special includes 15% off already discounted rates, a $100 JetLev jet pack credit and a Surf n’ Sun scratch-off card for one of several prizes that could include dinner for two, a beach bag and towel and more.

** Requires minimum two-night stay and must be booked Sunday through Thursday. Rates and dates are subject to change. Based on availability. Cannot be combined with any other promotion, offer, discount or group code. No refunds for early checkouts or unused portions of the package. A few blackout dates apply. Residents must show valid proof of residency upon check-in.**

Random Thoughts about a Cold, Flunking Challenges, a Koss FitClips Review and UnTrack Tuesday

It would figure. Just when stepped up my sprints, I caught a cold.  Funny, I always seem to come down with something this time of year and this May was no exception.  For the past week, I have been fighting the worst chest congestion related to my allergies.  Since I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t run and decided to take the opportunity to rest.

For Mother’s Day, we spent the weekend at the TradeWinds Resort (review to follow) and my cold started during our stay there.  As much as I longed to run along the beach as a Mother’s Day gift to myself, my chest cold had other plans for me.  I would have to simply rest in the sun on the beach instead and certainly second best to running on the beach.

All that coughing brought on the chest cold which caused me to lose my voice.  By Friday, I felt better and went to Jackie’s Body Combat class at the YMCA.  My friends, Kat and Rachel, teased me about the new release being more intense.  I thought they were kidding.  Holy uppercuts, Batman!  It was intense!  My arms were so sore!  I loved it, but I forgot to wear to the awesome Polar watch that Jenny lent me to use for her 500 calorie {exercise} daily burn. I’m totally flunky this challenge!  Although the workout rocked, my body must not have been ready for Body Combat because Saturday I felt poorly all over again.

So, I rested on Saturday and kept my activity to a minimum.  I had plans to paddleboard with my girlfriends on Sunday and I didn’t want my cold to foil my fun.  Fortunately, I felt better and had a great time paddleboarding with my friends and forgot to wear the Polar AGAIN!  UGH!

Thankfully, my voice was somewhat restored in time for Monday’s Mom Squad.  This week, we discussed Disney’s recent Merida makeover.  Did you even know that Disney revamped Merida’s look?  Personally, I didn’t even realize the change, but my oldest daughter thought Merida looked older with her new look.  Allana thought she looked too much like a princess now.  What do you think?

Merida

This morning, I finally felt better enough to run, so I ran an easy 4 miles.  I honestly needed to take it easy and stopped occasionally for walking coughing breaks.  My quads welcomed the walking breaks because between Body Combat and paddleboarding, they were so sore!  I loved it!  Since it was the first time I ran in almost two weeks, I am seriously behind in my Joggermom Marathon.  Yet, another challenge I’m losing! UGH! Oh well.  I’ll catch up soon and complete those 26.2 miles before the end of the month.

4 miles
Time 41:48
Ave Pace 10:27
Max Pace 7:18

The best part of my run this morning was that I finally tested out my new Koss FitClips headphones for another FitFluential campaign.  Koss sent me two new pairs to try just as my old Sony headphones started to go south.

 

Since I already love the over the ear headphones, the Koss FitClips were the first ones I tested.  The bright sunshine yellow was such a nice change from the usual black I normally wear.  It also came with three different size ear cushions for the perfect fit.  I chose the smallest size which you can see is much smaller than my old Sony clips.

The Koss Fit Series were developed and designed by women for women in part with 12 time gold medal Olympic winner and fitness model, Dara Torres, to help design the product line.  That much is evident by how well they fit and the five vibrant colors available online.  Plus, the cord is perfect for petite ladies like me.  Typically, I have to wind up the extra cord, but the Koss cord was just the right length for me.

Normally, my old earclips would constantly slip out from all the sweat while I ran, but Koss FitClips utilize an original and unique design that ensures the perfect fit.  Using a new inear ported design, it rests comfortably in my ear to create the ideal seal for the ultimate listening experience.  Plus, the soft, flexible clips rest comfortably around the ear to guarantee the music never stops.

And speaking of the music, the sound quality is incredible!  I actually had to lower the volume originally set on my MP3 player.  With a 15-20,000 Hz, these headphones weren’t just bright in color!  Compared to my old headphones, these had greater projection and the bass booming in my ears was simply amazing.

For more about the incredible Koss Fitclips and Fitbuds, the specs and to view all the vibrant colors, visit Koss online. For $5 off code and free shipping, use the code Fit4Life.

What earbuds do you use and does sweat ever ruin your listening experience? Do you ever skip running and rest with a cold?  Did you have sprints and a workout to share?  



*Also submitted at*

Stacy

Float On {with Stand Up Paddleboard}

Yesterday, I experienced a stand up paddleboard do-over.  After my last paddleboard adventure, I was thrilled to experience it all over again with my girlfriends.

Stand Up Paddle Life Co lead us on paddleboard adventure on the Gulf off Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. Before we launched, Frank and Sharon offered us very thorough instructions.

Once on the open water, one person lead the group and another paddled behind the group to carefully watch the slower paddlers (i.e. Faith and me).

Both Frank and Sharon carefully watched our form and offered tips to adjust our stance and positioning for more efficient paddling.  Plus, if you paddleboard correctly, it becomes a full body work-out.  You’ll feel it in your arms, core and legs.

During our 3 mile tour, we stopped a couple of times for additional instructions and safety tips and of course, more photos.  During that time, Daffodil decided to demonstrate her best side plank on a paddleboard and other fancy yoga moves.

Larisa and Maribel joined in on the side planking too, but as our group photographer, I passed on the planking.

We had a fabulous morning paddleboarding and we can’t wait to do it again, especially in the certified and expert hands of Frank and Sharon of the Stand Up Paddle Life Co.  I would love to try their paddleboard Boot Camp and Yoga classes. (I’ll need to invest in a waterproof camera for that!)

So, what do runners do in between races?

We’ll all float on ok.


For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.



Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Pinning and Planning – May 19

Recently I watched an informative video on YouTube about the importance of eating the right foods.  The video, Slim is Simple, wasn’t trying to sell anything.  It didn’t push a magical pill, meal replacement shake or weight loss plan.  It didn’t push Paleo or any other diet plan.  To paraphrase, Slim Is Simple simply states if you fill your body with the right foods, you will see a decrease it weight loss.

The video is a little long, but worth watching.

SlimIsSimple.org suggests staying away from starchy foods and cereals and eating more protein, fruits, vegetables and good fats.  As Slim Is Simple also states, I am guilty of spending hours running and working out and yet, I am still struggling with the last bit of baby weight and belly fat around my middle.  So, maybe I need to eat less starchy carbs? 

Hello, my name is Denise and I am a carb addict.

Last week, I decided to give up my usual granola for breakfast and my other usual carbs for dinner (rice and pasta) to see if I noticed a difference.  Within a few days, I felt lighter.

Since Hubby is struggling to lose weight, I decided to plan more low carb meals this week to see if he notices a difference too.

S – Butterflied Whole BBQ Chicken with Low Fat Classic Coleslaw

M – Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Rustic Parsnip Crust

T – Cilantro Baked Tilapia with Mashed Cauliflower

W – Chicken and White Bean Stuffed Peppers

Th – Chicken Curry and Kachumber Salad

F – Pizza

What meals are you pinning and planning? What’s on your dinner menu this week?  Do you tend to carb load or eat low carbs?

And while you’re pinning and planning, plan to join me at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival next Saturday.  If you’re local, enter to win tickets here.



Garden Minestrone

PhotobucketEvery May, right around Mother’s Day, I come down with the worst allergy related cold.  My chest becomes tight.  I can’t breathe and I spend my days hacking up a lung.

This May has been no exception.  Since I spend my nights coughing, I’m not sleeping well.  A lack of sleep means I’ve been too tired to run, but I can’t breathe anyway; therefore running has been replaced with resting.  Plus all the coughing has caused me to lose my voice although I don’t think anyway in this house is too terribly upset that I can’t speak to them above a whisper.

Despite being under the weather, I still have an appetite, but all I want is soup.  For me, soup is my favorite natural remedy and I crave it whenever I’m feeling poorly.  Since I was too tired and not up for the soup kitchen challenge, I submitted an order to Iron Chef Allan for Garden Minestrone.

Chopped tomatoes and chicken stock is the liquid base for the soup, which is already a healthy start.  Toss in some summer time veggies and it becomes healthy portion of green goodness with every spoonful.

Garden Minestrone
5.0 from 1 reviews

Print
Cuisine: Soup, Vegetarian
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6-8
A garden flare to a favorite traditional Italian pasta bean soup.
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 large yellow squash, chopped
  • 2 large zucchini, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 carton (26. 46 oz) Pomi chopped tomatoes
  • 4 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (6 oz) package fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp crush red pepper flakes
  • Grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese, (optional for topping)
Instructions
  1. In a large stock pot, heat oil iover medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until softened. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Stir in squash, zucchini and carrot. Sauté five minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  2. Stir in chopped tomatoes, broth and beans and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.
  3. While soup simmers, prepare ditalini pasta as directed on package for al dente, only one minute less. Drain and add to soup. Stir until well incorporated. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in spinach; season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
  5. Ladle soup into individual bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese.

Thanks for joining our weekly Friday Food Fight! Can’t wait to see what everyone is flinging this week! 


*Also submitted at*

Tampa Bay for Boston

After watching the Boston bombing events unfold, Chris Lauber, a local race director known for his well orchestrated Florida Road Races, decided to “do what he does best”.  On May 8th, only three weeks after the Boston marathon, he organized a 2.62 mile run at St. Pete Pier to honor the lives lost, the injured and the athletes.

Only Lauber and his wonderful team could make a last-minute run look effortless.  To keep costs to a minimum while donating as much of the $26.20 race fees to One Fund Boston, the run lacked the usual amenities we’ve come accustomed to at many of Florida Road Races, mostly the food and the beer.

Chris Lauber

Each participant received a t-shirt and a LED candle for the pre-race candlelight vigil.

Several of my Suncoast Strider friends were there to show support for Boston and our love for our own Boston Marathoner, Marcia.

Prior to the memorial run, Heather, Suzan and I made silly marathon remarks about hitting a wall around 2.5 miles.  As the evening progressed with little water and food in our stomachs, we would fail to see the humor in those jokes.

In the pre-run presentation emceed by Serina Fazan of ABC Action News, race directors and runner after runner shared their Boston Marathon memories of that fateful day.

Serina Fazan, ABC Action News

Lynn Gray, Tampa Bay Race Director Committee

Susan Harmeling, Executive Director Gasparilla Distance Classic

Some athletes finished under 3 hours while others never saw the finish line.  Some ran for their first time and a few speakers had several Boston marathons under their fuel belts.

Except for Marcia who joked about not liking the race, each runner all shared their love for Boston, a dedication to return and why it’s more than a marathon over a century old that separates elite athletes from your average runners.  Boston is a marathon experience like none other and as I listened to runner share their stories, I longed to be part of it.

Visually impaired Boston Marathoner and her guide

With each account, the theme of the evening was evident.  Runners are strong and we will always band together for a cause to do what we do best.  “Run and move forward.”

Assistant Race Director, Boston Athletic Association

David Green

As we stood for two hours, the twinge in our backs and legs tested that strength and reminded us to be Boston Strong.  As our legs and back began to ache, we heard one last account told by David Green, a marathoner who finished the race and snapped a photo just after the second bombing, which helped identify the second suspect.  His heroic act and bravery made us proud to be Americans and runners.

After singing the National Anthem, we left St. Pier with our candles still glowing and ran towards the Vinoy Hotel.  The turn-around point was just past Vinoy Park.

Elizabeth Holloway sang Amazing Grace and the National Anthem.

The long evening took a toll on me and I had to walk more than I would like for a less than 3 mile run.  The lack of water also caused me to experience side stitches.  But this run wasn’t about time, conditions or a PR. It was about being part of something bigger than myself and to show my support for Boston and those who were there.

I was proud to be part of Tampa Bay for Boston and next year, I hope to be able to give more by volunteering at the Boston Marathon 2014.

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival {Giveaway}

How do you like your margaritas?

With extra salt?

With extra lime?

Heavy on the agave and the tequila?

Over ice and a glass that’s never empty?

TBMargFest_flyer

Next Saturday, May 25, I will experience THE margarita event to remember at the first annual Tampa Bay Margarita Festival at Curtis Hixon Park.  With live music, piñatas, volleyball, food trucks, fireworks and more, the event promises to provide margaritas just the way I like them: constantly pouring.

For the ultimate margarita experience, I plan to upgrade to La Vie Grand Marnier VIP Experience Admission  for endless Grand Mariner margaritas, unlimited queso and chips, a VIP Taco Happy Hour and Grand Mariner swag.

Although I am a bit of a margarita snob, the margaritas at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival sound almost as good as our homemade ones.  The margaritas at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival consist of “fresh squeezed lime juice, pure cane sugar, fresh agave, and of course, the highest quality tequila and liquor”.

Yo estoy ahí. (I am so there.) And you can be too.

One lucky local Run DMT follower will win a pair of General Admission tickets to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival on Saturday, May 25 from 2:00-10:00 pm.

TampaMargaritaFest

“GA Admission gives you access to the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival with re-entry privileges and enjoy the live band on stage all day, beach volleyball, and more while you enjoy your margaritas!    

Plus, the first 2,500 margarita lovers to redeem their tickets upon leaving the festival will receive a complimentary Budweiser/Cayman Jack gift bags filled with branded goodies and swags, in addition to one bottle of Cayman Jack Margarita (while supplies last).”

Contest ends 5/20 at 11:59 EST.  Only Tampa Bay residents, please.

For more information about Tampa Bay Margarita Festival tickets, directions, cabana rentals and other event details, visit www.tampamargaritafest.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox

Join other followers

Switch to our mobile site