Thankful for the Kindness of Strangers

This past Sunday, my oldest daughter and I experienced stand up paddle boarding (SUP) together for the first time. We explored the brackish waters of Crystal River and searched for manatees with our friends. It was a wonderful day trip and one that deserves a full post review (to follow shortly), however, this post is dedicated to the kind people who helped Allana and me.

Once we reached the springs, Allana and I took the moment to take in gorgeous view and snack on the blueberry Larabars that that I packed which contained cashews. Unbeknownst to me, Allana is severely allergic to cashews and she immediately went into anaphylactic shock. Her throat itched; her breathing became labored. She began to swell and turn beet red with hives all over her body. After only ingesting one small bite, our fun adventure now turned into an emergency situation.

Due to my walnut allergy and my other daughter’s allergy to bee stings, I normally carry two EpiPens, but I left them back in the car along with allergy medication. I asked our guide if he had a first aid kit containing Benadryl or an EpiPen, but he did not. I quickly paddled over to a dive boat within sight and asked for first aid, but they did not have any medication on board either.

Then, I spotted a boat idling past and I flagged them down to ask for a ride back to the public park where we launched our paddle boards. With 14 mph winds, I knew I didn’t have the strength nor the time to spare. Thankfully, they graciously offered assistance.

I share this story hoping someone in the six degrees of separation in this big blogosphere may know Gary and Amy of Crystal River. (Other than they have two children a boy and girl ages 3 and 4, that’s the only information I have.) Please let them know Allana is safe and we are truly grateful for their kindness.

Pinning and Planning – April 29 (and giveaway)

What’s that quote about “the best-laid plans”? That was me last week. I was so excited about the Yelptucky Derby , attending my first Yelp event and having excuse to get all dressed up to wear a fancy hat. Then my kids got sick.

Our parents have comprised immune systems so we can’t have them babysit when the kids are sick and run the risk of exposing them to whatever our kids caught. Instead, I sadly hung up my fancy hat to play nursemaid. Of course, that also meant the meals I planned had to be postponed as my kids only wanted toast and cuddles from mama.

Thankfully, everyone felt better by Saturday so Allana and I could attend her Girl Scout Troop’s Run 4 Respect and the Keel and Curley Blueberry Festival. We picked berries and enjoyed some wine. Stay tuned for photos and blueberry themed recipes!

M – Pasta Shells with Tomatoes and Mozzerella Cheese

T – Sautéed Tilapia with Lemon-Peppercorn Pan Sauce on Couscous with Roasted Asparagus

W – Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Th – Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches and Low Fat Classic Coleslaw

F - Pizza

What’s on your dinner menu plan this week?

And to help with menu planning, portion control and tracking it all, I’m giveaway a FitBit Zip, fitbook, a sleek red digital glass scale and a red and white polka dot reisenthel tote. Enter to below! Giveaway ends 5/6/13 at midnight EST.

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Tampa Theatre Presents Family Favorite Classic Movie Series – Now Playing: The Princess Bride

Disclaimer: My family and I received tickets to the Tampa Theatre’s showing of The Princess Bride in exchange for my review of our experience. I received no compensation and the opinions shared in this post are my own.

When the Tampa Theatre invited us to experience a presentation of one of our favorite films, The Princess Bride, I immediately responded, “As yooooou wiiiiishhhhh.”

I truly love the Tampa Theatre and now with their new Family Favorites classic movie series, my children will grow to adore and appreciate this historic treasure in downtown Tampa which has awed families for nearly a century.

As we waited for our tour to begin, we were told to “Watch for R.O.U.S. (Rodents of Unusual Size)”, which is very good advice, especially in a theatre that is rumor to be haunted, a fact I learned during our tour of the Tampa Theatre.

After our tour, I met the Dread Pirate Roberts in the concession line and I introduced myself. “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die”, though neither the Dread Pirate Roberts nor this gentleman did anything such thing. Thankfully, no one died in the concession line and we both lived to enjoy the film and our popcorn and beer refreshments.

Even without all the pirates and royalty roaming about, one step in the Tampa Theatre and you are instantly transported into an era of glamour and romance. With its draped balconies, gargoyles, angels without arms (Dr. Who would be pleased.) and rows of red velvet seats, it is the perfect setting for a magical tale such as The Princess Bride. Although we own a copy of the movie on DVD, no flat LCD television can compete with the large projection screen housed in this castle-like show palace atmosphere.

Prior to this showing, my youngest daughter did not recall the movie, but loved it all the same. Fondly, she will always remember the kissing tale, sword fighting fencing revenge story with great escapes, chases, a giant and true love all brought to life on the big screen by the miracle that is the Tampa Theatre.

The Family Favorite Classic Movie Series shows start at 2 p.m. on Sundays and run from April 7 – May 19. Tampa Theatre offers a discounted kids’ ticket price for this series in the hopes to appeal families looking for an affordable weekend outing in downtown Tampa. The films in Family Favorite Classic Movie Series include:

Babe (1995) – April 14
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) – April 21
Annie (1982) – April 28
The Muppet Movie (1979) – May 5
The Neverending Story (1984) – May 12
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – May 19

Tickets for the Family Favorites Classic Movie Series are $9 for adults and $7 for children at the box office or online ($2 convenience fee applies). The series is presented by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, with media sponsorship by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. For more information, visit www.TampaTheatre.org.

Music Monday: Catch My Breath

This weekend, I had back to back races with a 5K on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. But then I don’t know what’s worth back to back races or two half marathons less than a week apart.

With little rest for the weary after the half marathon, I spent the afternoon with my family and Thomas the Tank Engine at Day out with Thomas: The Go Go Tour. Then, very early this morning, I appeared on the Mom Squad on WTSP 10 News. Mind you, this was all after a very busy blogging week and never recovering from the clocks moving forward.

Again not back to back marathons, but it was almost as exhausting. Now, this week I just need a moment to catch my breath.

With Spring Break and Easter next week, rest is now or never because my kids and I have compiled a list of fun things for our Spring Break staycation such strawberry picking, a visit to Airheads, a trip to the beach, canoeing and Busch Gardens.

Will you be resting and catching your breath over Spring Break or do you have lots of fun adventures planned too?

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.

Soup du Jour Vlog: Carline Confessions

soupdujour_blogbutton Short on time this week, I decided to do a vlog from my car. After all, it’s where I’ve spent the most time this week.

Notice, my son’s car seat behind me? Don’t judge about the color. Judge me on the fact that I forgot to leave it with my husband who needed said car seat to pick up our son from daycare.

Anyway, onto this week’s presentation: Carline Confessions. Don’t miss any of my antics. Subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Airheads Puts Some Spring in Your Break! {Giveaway}

Although Hillsborough County is currently on Spring Break, Pasco and Pinellas students have off the later this month. No matter when your school’s Spring Break begins, Airheads Indoor Trampoline Arena wants to put some extra spring in your step this holiday.

Two Run DMT readers will an Airheads Family Spring Break Fun Pass!

This all-you-can-jump package offers seven days on non-stop jump fun for all your children! Now, that’s something that is sure to lift your kids’ (and mom’s and dad’s ) spirits this Spring Break! The Easter Bunny is sure to be jealous of all your Airheads hopping!

Airhead’s unlimited Spring Break Fun Pass (valued at $29.95 per person) also offers 10% off all AirCafe purchases. Regular daily admission is $16.95.

There are two Airheads locations in the Bay area, Tampa and Largo. To purchase a Spring Fun Break Pass, directions or for ore information on jump packages and weekly specials, visit Airheads online.

Enter to win below. Two random winners will be selected via Rafflecopter.

To get the most bounce out of your pass this Spring Break, this contest ends 3/12/13 at midnight.

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Junior Gasparilla (Raising Runners, Part 4)

The pirate races are pillaging through Tampa this week! Last Saturday, we attended the kid’s race and I’ll run the half marathon this Sunday. Aye, it be me favorite time of year, me hearties! Argggg!

As for last Saturday’s race, we loaded the kids complete in pirate apparel into The Jolly Blogger and set sail for the Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic at the Pepin Stadium at the University of Tampa. Although Allana is too old to join in the Junior Gasparilla, she happily cheered for little brother and sister. Plus, she had more time to enjoy the vendor booths between her siblings’ races.

Liam was a little nervous for his first race but with his mother runner at this side, he took off with a flash for his dash all while clinging tightly to his treasure, a small red ball he discovered at one of the vendor booths.

All that after school running club training paid off for Emmalynn, which was evident in her strong half mile run around the track. Since she typically runs about ten laps (about two miles) at running club, two laps around the track was nothing for our runner rock star! She took on that track and her half mile without stopping. She held a nice easy pace and finished strong with a smile (just like her mama)!

Liam and Emmalynn did great at the Junior Gasparilla! Their glowing confidence and beaming grins were the real treasure at this pirate-theme kid’s race, but these small swashbuckling runners loved their ~~loo~~t medals.

With the help of our after school running club, Junior Gasparilla and a few other races, I’ve trained my kids to be life-long runners. Now, we just need to work on smiling for the camera.

When Christmas {Train} Comes to Town

Like most toddler boys, Little Lion Man is obsessed with trains. Although when my oldest daughter was his age, she loved trains too. In fact, because she loved Thomas and trains so much, we saw The Polar Express in the cinema when she was close to his age, however, she was a timid toddler and a few of the scenes frightened her.

But it didn’t frighten my Little Lion Man. He hollered out, “Whoa!” when he watched the Polar Express cascade down the mountainside like a roller coaster.

Since Little Lion Man loves locomotives, we boarded the 7 ½ gauge CP&G Railroad at Crews Lakes Wilderness Park for a ride on the Christmas Train to the “North Pole”. When Little Lion Man spotted the little engine chugging down the track, he had a similar reaction to The Polar Express. “Whoa! Mama, it’s a train!”

Winding along tracks through the woods, reminded me of a similar train in England years ago. On that train ride long ago, Allana met my friend, Suzie, her mum and Father Christmas.

But I digress.

Over the track and through the woods to Santa Claus we go went, but Little Lion Man wanted nothing to do with the big man in red. He preferred to watch the trains arriving at the station.

After a quick photo opportunity and an even quicker word with Santa to remind him of the toys to bring, we were back on our way home.

At the end of the day, that little train ride brought a great deal of joy to one little boy.

And the rest of us had fun too.

Merry Christmas!

What Christmas music is moving you this season?

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

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

National Blogging Day of Remembrance

Ground Turkey Tacos

Photobucket I’ve included Ground Turkey Tacos a few times in my weekly Sunday menu planning feature, Pinning and Planning , but after making my tacos this week, it dawned on me that I should share my taco recipe. See, I don’t make your typical taco kit tacos.

For most families, tacos are a quick family favorite, kid-approved dinner, but most people use taco seasoning packets located in the ethnic aisle of a supermarket. Just to be clear, you’re not saving any time or your health using packaged seasonings. If you’re using a package to make your tacos, you need to stop that immediately and here’s why. Below are the ingredients for the top two taco seasonings.

El Paso – “Maltodextrin, salt, chili pepper, onion powder, spice, monosodium glutamate, corn starch, yellow corn flour, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), natural flavor, ethoxyquin (preservative)”

Oretega – Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavor, Caramel Color (sulfites).

In case you weren’t aware, Autolyzed Yeast Extract is code for MSG.

As for taco shells, my favorite are the Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Taco Shells. They typically cost about a dollar more than the popular taco shell brands, however, they do not contain any hydrogenated oil. Plus, they have a deliciously strong, real, rich corn taste, which should come as no surprise when you read the ingredients.

“Organic stoneground yellow corn masa flour, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil.”

Now, promise me that you will start making healthier tacos by following my recipe. If you can’t find healthy taco shells, that’s all right. At least with these MSG-free turkey tacos, you’re moving in the right direction.

Ground Turkey Tacos

Ingredients
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground turkey
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion (Spanish, red or white), chopped
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 cup Pomi chopped tomatoes
Garden of Eatin’ Yellow Corn Taco Shells

For toppings
Romaine lettuce, shredded
Vine ripe tomatoes, diced
Reduced fat cheddar cheese
Reduced fat sour cream
Lindsay’s Natural Sliced Ripe Black Olives

Directions
On a low to medium setting, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute.

Add ground turkey and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring and breaking it up until white. Add spices, salt and pepper and stir for about a minute. Add tomatoes.

Prepare tacos are directed on box.

Serve the meat and all the toppings family-style in bowls for everyone to make their own tacos.

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