Tag Archive | tampa
01.20.2016  

WO: Weekly Obsessions

After months of planning and anticipation, my cousin’s wedding was absolutely amazing! The newlyweds ended the evening with a firework sendoff fit for a fairytale. I’m sort of back to reality while working remotely from Tampa this week — so here are four things I’m loving while in the 813. Are you surprised they’re all food-related?

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  1. The Columbia: We celebrated my sister-in-law’s birthday Sunday at this iconic Ybor establishment. From mojitos to the 1905 salad to “good rice” that’s to die for, it’s no wonder this Cuban cookery has been a Tampa tradition for 110+ years. Don’t pass through Tampa without stopping by!
  2. Moreno Bakery: What birthday dinner would be complete without a towering, tantalizing cake? My SIL’s mom provided a fantastic Bananas Foster cake that left us all with sugar comas beyond compare. I’m actually drooling at the thought.
  3. Publix Subs: These things have a cult following for a reason. The PubSub is actually life-changing, and being so far from this grocery store makes them all that more special when I’m in Florida. Boar’s Head Italian FTW!
  4. “Sugar” – Maroon 5: Full disclosure: I actually can’t stand this song (or Adam Levine’s voice, still). But something about hearing it at a wedding — or when my niece is in the car — just gets the people going. Plus, the video is just the cutest ever (fake or not).

Images courtesy of: Affairs of Living, FB, BuzzFeed, Sugr Sugr

07.24.2013  

WO: Weekly Obsessions

Last week’s celebrations left me exhausted. With a full heart, no doubt — but I was pooped. Good thing I got home late Monday (after 10 hours of traveling, but more on that later) and had another baby shower invite waiting for me! The joys of being a 20-something …

Image Credits Listed Below

  1. Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: We lunched at this new spot in Tampa before I departed for the big city again. Quick, inexpensive and totally delicious — my kinda Mexican fiesta.
  2. Clear Care: Many hours in airports mean many hours cursing my contacts. Thankfully, this stuff is a Godsend. Just make sure you follow all instructions: Lenses must soak at least six hours and you DO NOT put this stuff directly in your eyes, like a traditional solution.
  3. Golden Girls Cross-Stitch: My super-talented friend Faren posted a photo of her handmade artwork and naturally, I couldn’t resist. I’m trying to convince her to open an etsy shop but till then, you can just admire the one I bought!
  4. Baby Laughing at Ripping Paper: It’s only fair I share this hilarious video Sister-in-Law showed me. Belly laughs from a baby? Over ripped paper? Too cute for words.

Images courtesy of: Facebook, Walgreens, Mah iPhone, Babble

12.19.2012  

WO: Weekly Obsessions

This is absolutely the most difficult WO I’ve written since I began them 77 weeks ago. Today, I pay tribute to the city I’ve called home for more than seven years: Tampa Bay.

Courtesy of TampaGov.net

It’s not even possible to pick four favorites out of everything I’ve experienced here. From my days at USF to enjoying Gasparilla, downtown bars, Ybor City cigars and having co-workers become family … it’s all been too much.

I’ve been blessed with an opportunity to begin a life in New York City, but I’ll always be grateful for the time I’ve spent here. The farewell celebrations continue tonight, where absolutely no tears will be permitted. Well, maybe just a few.

Till next time, Tampa. Stay classy.

08.22.2011  

Travel Unraveled

I’m mostly settled from jet-setting across the country and, more recently, across the state. True to form, I realized what I’d forgotten to pack when I was about 80 miles into the drive Friday night. But, that doesn’t even come close to the Hell I went through on my trip to San Fran …

Issue 1: Late take-off on first flight: Because of the notorious South Florida weather, my flight to Miami was delayed by 90 minutes (which we suffered through onboard, at the gate). Why I had to go through Miami to get to San Francisco, I’ll never know.

Issues 2 and 2.5: Missed connection, new connection delayed: The setback for planes leaving MIA didn’t last long enough for me to exit the first flight and make it to my connection on time. I literally watched my connection take off from my OG plane. After re-booking, the new flight was delayed by a little over an hour.

Issue 3: Seat double-booked: After boarding the new connection, a woman was in my assigned seat. She assured me she’d been given that seat assignment, and I asked a flight attendant to reassign mine … I even said I’d sit in the bathroom if it meant I could stay on that flight. Luckily, no lavatory — a window seat opened up for moi.

Issue 4: Luggage left in Miami: Arriving just after 1 a.m. PST, I was exhausted and ready to get into my PJ’s. My luggage was nowhere to be found, though, and baggage control assured me I’d have my stuff by noon the next day (more like 10 p.m., but close enough). The complimentary toiletries totally made up for not having fresh clothes. Or functional deodorant.

Now, I’ve flown internationally and regularly enough to know that by law of averages, not every flight will go off without a hitch. That’s impossible. What I didn’t realize, however, was that so many things could go wrong in one day. What was supposed to be a seven-hour journey turned into a 16-hour adventure.

But, it was all worth it. How could I stay mad, when this is what I got to see all week?:

AT&T Park, home of the Giants.

It looks a little bit like Florida, no?

A local cathedral … apologies for the blurriness (it was windy, natch).

I have a love affair with landmarks like Golden Gate. Just ask my ex, Big Ben.

I could never stay mad at a view like that.

Freezing cold water, but my toes will forgive me.

Using the ShakeIt Photo App: the marina, “Full House” house and Golden Gate.

Greetings from San Fran<3