September 6th, 2016
“Don’t be afraid that something happens to you. Be afraid that nothing happens to you. Nothing noteworthy or exciting or breathtaking. I’m more afraid of a life where nothing extraordinary ever happens. I am more afraid of putting my dreams on a shelf and later realizing that I am too jaded or to tired to live them.” we are sole sisters
Yes, it has been some time since I put my thoughts and my photos on this blog. But here I am. I was telling a friend not long ago that seizing those special moments is something we should all aspire to. Hey, you never know what is around the corner. So I have decided that once a month I Want To Go Somewhere! It does not necessarily have to be taking off on a plane. It could be a day trip with friends, a new museum. I don’t want to be stuck in a rut.
When my friends called me last April or so to tell me that they had planned a trip to Italy and were thinking if…..I am In, I said. I don’t think I let them even finish the sentence. LOL
My friends are the perfect traveling partners. Italy is home to them. Italian they do speak. I can manage with my Spanish. So off we went to an adventure. Guess what? It was a #girlswannahavefun kind of trip. We got along, we were on time when required, more so at 7:15, for drinks, a nightly ritual, we laughed and we were all 20 years apart.
Traveling is exhausting and you have to be patient. Meeting my friends from Boston to Rome I was supposed to be on that plane, but I won’t bored with the details, my plane was canceled from BWI to Boston so I got to Rome a day late and another expensive plane ticket in order to get there.
Our first stop was the seaside town of Terracina, located about 47 miles southeast from Rome; between Rome and Naples. Sandy beaches attract summer visitors and it is the perfect beach get away since it is only about an hour from Rome and Naples.
Our hotel was Albergo Mediterraneo, located on Via Veneto, 2, 04019 Terracina Lt. Website? www.albergo-mediterraneo.it. The hotels in Terracina are comfortable and simple. Visitors come mainly for the main attractions which are the beaches, bars, and restaurants.
Every town we visited had either fireworks or some sort of festival. Seafood for the evening with family friends.
The beaches were wide. Wide enough that right on the sand are clubs you can pay a fee and enjoy more of an upscale service. Plenty of music on the beach, as well. You can walk from one beach club to another choosing the perfect one for you and your family. No boardwalk here but the sidewalks and bike lanes were very well defined.
  
If you just wanted to sit on the beach, there was plenty of space to do that. The clubs just attracted my attention since we do not have that type of set up here in our Delaware resorts.
 
Beach vendors pass you on the beach. You could have bought beach toys to evening wear. And if you forgot your swimwear….hey, they had that too.
 
Judith, my friend, and I took off walking early. Terracina is a seaside town and fresh seafood abounds. The crates of fresh fish arriving daily. And the vegetables stands were simple and beautiful, showing us that eating fresh and local is so amazing.
 
   
By the bridge overlooking the canal and then my first fig tree showing up. After that I saw fig trees everywhere. I was in heaven!
 
Like many towns there was the new section of town; modern and then the historic sites where you could appreciate the ruins of the time and the old cathedral and the Piazza del Municipio. This piazza is the ancient Roman forum.
While in Italy we ate a lot, but lucky that portions are not super size like we have here in the U.S. Plus the fact that we walked and climbed steps. Boy did we ever!
While in Terracina a trip to the Temple of Jupiter Anxur is a must. You will be able to get a breathtaking and scenic view from that advantage point. This temple has towered over the city since the second century A.D.
 
During the Middle Ages there was a Benedictine Monastery dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel.
In the year 2000 the Temple of Jupiter Anxur was recognized as a National Monument.
 
And in 2008 it became part of the Natural Regional Park of the Ausoni Mounts and the Lake of Fondi.
It was 9 p.m. in Terracina and a delicacy called the Bomba Calda is a nightly ritual for many. It is like a stuffed doughnut with Nutella cream and Panna cream. There are other flavors but the best are these. Down the beach road we went by the hotel and here it was.
 
Nobody twisted my arm to have the Bomba Calda…..I needed that like a hole in the head. But, in Terracina you follow others. haha
In most parts of Italy, if you are thirsty drink from the fountains in town. Perfectly safe. Next is the Amalfi Coast.
July 24th, 2016
Need a ride to Funland? Remember me? I am Miss Sophia and I am a little bit new at posting on a blog. So give me a chance. I will improve. There is nothing better than living at the beach! It is my playground. On such a hot week-end a day at the beach was a must.
Rehoboth Beach has parks and plenty of places to have a picnic. One of my favorites past times. I am a foodie at heart so a little to eat outdoors is always priceless!
Kids coming to Rehoboth Beach will soon find out that the Boardwalk is the life of the town. Lots of fun for young ones like me. But there is one place where the whole family will enjoy. That is Funland located at 6 Delaware Avenue and the Boardwalk. There are a lot of young kids attractions but the thrill rides that the older ones like, are also there. It opens daily at 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. The website is http://www.funlandrehoboth.com.
We had just been at Nicola Pizza, having dinner and a delicious Nic-o-Boli. Website? http://www.nicolapizza.com.
It was in June and the weather was still a bit cooler. So off we went to Funland. First thing my Grandmas and my Mom wanted to do was Whack-a-mole. This game was invented so long ago, in 1976. We had just gone from Nic-o-Boli to Whack-a-mole!! I was not sure about why all the screaming, but they thought it was fun. So here I am with my Mom. A Nikon Moment.
The beautiful carousel was more my speed at this stage of my life. I forgot to tell you but I have been busy mastering the art of walking. I am a bit stiff but it is definitely getting much better.
I know I am very serious on my photos but I can assure you that I was having fun. haha
I think the boat rides are the same price of so many years ago. On the first photo you can see my Dad on a green boat when he was little. He is not smiling either. On the other photo is where I am. A green boat, as well. 1 ticket per ride still!! A bargain.
 
Early evening is a good time for Funland. It is quieter than later at night.
I am going on the cutest little engine ride.
And then on the Police Car.
Oh no, I did not know about this next ride….but here they were taking me too!!
It was getting late and more people were starting to come in. It is right off the Boardwalk so it such an easy walk from all points in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. I will get the hang of all these rides as I get older but my first experience was a “blast”. Talk to you later!!
July 12th, 2016
 
Everyone was driving south as I took for Philly driving north from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The DE beaches are so crowded. It is the height of the season. Hot summer days get everyone out of town. I love a Saturday and Sunday in a city. You can walk around with ease.
Such was last Saturday. I arrived at Rittenhouse Square. This is one of the prettiest squares in Philadelphia. Quickly we took a walk to South St. looking for a cafe that is very popular and very understated. Called Ants Pants Cafe, located at 2212 South St. Tel. 215-875-8002. The Cafe has a small terrace in the back if you want to eat al fresco. They offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch. They take cash only but there is also an ATM machine inside. Website? http://www.antspantscafe.com
The Ants Pants Cafe has offerings that could be found in any cafe in Australia. The coffee is from Australia’s Tobbys Estate. Ants Pants mean outstandingly good person.
Not knowing what the other table was asking I found out that they had ordered sweet potato fries. They looked amazing so I had to have them. They were brought in with sour cream and sweet chili sauces.
A Spinach Salad with baby spinach, goat cheese, green apples, walnuts, red onions with a balsamaic vinaigrette, dressing, topped with crispy bacon. An order of yogurt with fruit was also enjoyed. All good and fresh with very friendly service. Ants Pants Cafe offer smoothies, milkshakes and juice. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Walking back to Rittenhouse Square I could not believe how quiet the streets were. People usually do not see Philly this way. The beautiful streets with its grand row houses and flowers. The city is getting ready for the Democratic Convention and the Equality Forum.
 
Rittenhouse Square has so many shops, restaurants and cafes. This particular children’s shop caught my attention. I am putting it in the post because I have so many friends becoming grandparents. Check it out ladies.
 
From tailoring, reconstruction, and custom design, Irina Sigal is on Locust Street. Dressmaker Irina Sigal…www.irinasigal.com.
 
These people were having fun discovering the city. Exploring Philly like never before. It is a 15 guest bike. An open air tour bus. You are among other riders who might want to pedal around Philly during the day and during evenings stop at favorite bars. They offer history tours, food tours, fitness rides, kids’ parties, and a new history tour with Ben Franklin. Please visit http://www.bigredpedaltours.com
Time for coffee. The daily addiction. I remember not that long ago in Puerto Rico, they thought that Americans did not know how to drink coffee. Not strong enough, they would say. Well that has certainly changed with amazing coffee shops found all throughout the nation. One coffee shop being mentioned as one of the bests nationwide is La Colombe. I arrived at this coffee shop located at 130 South 19th street in Philadelphia. Tel. 215-563-0860. It was packed with customers drinking the most incredible coffee. This is not the only spot in Pennsylvania. They have opened coffee shops in Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York. Check their website at http://www.lacolombe/blogs/cafes.
La Colombe takes an iced coffee to a different level. First ever Draft Latte, a take on the draft beers, except it is coffee. It even has the foam. Now you can even find it in a can!! It certainly was delicious sipped among others in this coffee shop which reminds me of a coffee shop in Europe.
 
Things cannot be that bad in the world as long as there is coffee…lol.
We could not get into this tiny bar called the Graffitti Bar. Through the alley way we went only to find it completely full. Oh well, another time.
 
There was a bit of thunder and a few sprinkles. Time to head back home but not before I saw this couple. Yes, romance is still in the air.
June 22nd, 2016
Hi there. Here I was this past week-end when the weather was glorious. It is what I love the most. Playing on the beach with my family. Well, there is another thing I like to do just as much and that is eating. I am Sophia and I am a new foodie in town. Looking for places that kids are welcomed and not rushed. It is the beach, afterall, you should come here to relax and chill out.
Half Full is the restaurant that we went to eat the other night. It is in Lewes, Delaware, located at 125 Second St. Tel. 302-645-8877. It is open from Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Website? http://www.halffulllewes.com.
My Grammy and my Mom were there too. Half Full is celebrating their first year in this location. I guess it is about my age. I just took my first steps and this is a milestone. I am growing up. Everyone has been laughing and clapping at my way of walking. I will master it and then they will be sorry because I will be all over the place.
At Half Full you order at the counter and then they will bring you the food at the table. Our table, and this is a tip from me to you, was inside.
It was a corner booth. It is perfect for little ones like me. You can also eat outside on their porch but my Mom thinks this is the best one. There is also a high table that I have sat before. Yes, I do get around.
Some of you might think I should be home in bed but to tell you the truth it was not late and I also took a late afternoon nap. So I was ready for some tasting.
The first thing we ordered was the Cold Board.
It is a composed salad of two cheeses, sopressata, roasted red pepper and tomato, Kalamata olives, which I so love, and garlic sauce. I am not into the garlic sauce but I love everything else. You can tell by the photos by Grammy took.
 
Two pizzas were ordered. These pizzas are thin and crispy. They are sooooo good. You are going to love them and so will your children.
In the background the pizza was Have It Your Way….you customize it. Tomato sauce, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes and Kalamata Olives. That was my Mom’s.
 
In the foreground my Grammy’s was The Lobster & The Leek…Canadian lobster, creamy leek confit, cognac tomato sauce. My Grammy said she had forgotten how good these pizzas were. I totally agree with her. They were yummy!!
It was an early evening in Lewes. The town was quiet. Stay tuned for my next post.
Night Night!!
May 26th, 2016
Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. It is of great importance to the morale. elsa schiaparelli
Meeting friends on trendy Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach….we were trying to grab dinner at favorite restaurants of mine before the crowds arrive and the meters come into effect.
Rehoboth Beach is known for its culinary excellence. The chefs are really outdoing themselves. I think when visitors arrive this week-end they will see that there are other restaurants now manking an appearance in town. But I never forget the true and tried restaurants. Over the years I keep coming back to those establishments that give me good service, let me chat with friends without intrusion, and serve food cooked with the best ingredients.
I always have loved Eden. When someone asks me where to go in Rehoboth for a special dinner Eden always comes to mind. The staff is so professional. And don’t get me wrong I love plenty of other restaurants in Southern Delaware, but Eden is on the top of my list.
Eden is located at 23 Baltimore Avenue. Tel. 302-227-3330 Website? http://www.edenrestaurant.com
The website is informative. Eden offers catering. On Fridays Eden Classic Dishes are half price. And don’t forget that the bar is always open.
Meeting Madelon and Cindi for dinner we arrived early, which was the perfect opportunity for photos. The dining room is open and the booths are perfect for an intimate dinner.
A few glasses of Trefethen Chardonnay. A Grilled Caesar with sun dried tomato/olive tapenade, pecorino romano and the classing dressing.
Tuna Tartare that melted in your mouth.
One Artic Char, perfectly seasoned.
And two of us had the Venison, which looked as good as it tasted.
At Eden there are always various desserts…..but the Chef’s Daily Whim was a tribute to the Almond Joy…..decadent and totally sinful!!
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Week-End. Don’t be shy, try Rehoboth Beach Bests Restaurants….you will not be disappointed!!
April 16th, 2016
Temperatures are cool but definitely it feels like spring is in the air. The evenings are perfect to enjoy a Moqueca. Say what? Okay, look at the entree….it is served at Lula Brazil located at 234 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-212-2755.
The Moqueca is a seafood stew. It is made with a fragrant broth of coconut milk, dende oil, which is Palm Oil, mixed peppers and onions served with rice. My table enjoyed it with mixed seafood; fish, shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari. If you like soups and stews, this one is a winner.
Meg Hudson is the owner of Lula Brazil, which is going into its second year. The restaurant has been received well by locals and visitors. I was talking to Meg and she said that she had arrived at Fortaleza many years ago and fell in love with this beautiful area, which is one of Brazil’s largest cities. Fortaleza attracts tourists from other parts of Brazil and also from overseas. The reason is its beaches and the party atmosphere. It has rolling dunes and quaint fishing villages, as well. She never forgot it. Life continued and almost two years ago, she opened Lula Brazil, decorated with the bright colors of Brazil.
Lula Brazil is bigger than you think. It has a large bar area in the back and also it has outdoor dining, as well. At night dancing put on your dancing shoes because this place gets hot hot. Summer 2016 promises to be a very good year for Lula Brazil. At the present time they are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Friday, from 4 p.m. until 1 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m. Reservations are accepted, but you may also walk in.
The night I visited Lula Brazil, Carlos was in the kitchen and Jack was our server. A few drinks to start and for me a Shrimp Ceviche. I love when you can taste the lime in the ceviche.
Fried Yucca with grilled sausage. The vinaigrette veggies gave a kick to the sausage and yucca. The farofa or yucca flour is used as a condiment. This one served was perfectly cooked and not greasy at all.
The Moquequinho de Caranguejo or Crab Soup had a different twist to the more traditional crab soup. It had coconut milk.
Grilled Fish with Black Beans & Rice, farofa (yucca flour) for condiment, as well and grilled veggies.
A Mixed Grill with Picanha, Sausage and Shrimp. Picanha is a cut of beef popular in Brazail. In the U.S. you can find it as top sirloin cap.
For dessert a custard is a favorite of mine. It was velvety smooth and the surprise of coconut inside.
There are events already in the calendar at Lula Brazil. You can check what’s going on by visiting the Facebook Page or http://www.lulabrazil.com.
And remember that Lula Brazil has plenty of space to hold parties. Just give them a call.
Bom Apetite!!
March 31st, 2016
“Through participation led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of the disease.” The Cancer Support Community is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides suport, education and hope to people with all kinds of cancer and to their loved ones, as well. ALL programs are offered at no cost to cancer patients, survivors, and their family members.
I have plenty of friends with different kinds of cancer. Come to think of it, I don’t think there is anyone that has not been touched by this physically and emotionally devastating disease. Unpredictable to say the least. My friends that have gone through the initial diagnosis, surgeries, treatments and finally remission say that it does change you. After going through something like that you don’t sweat the little trivial things of every day life.
 
The Cancer Support Community offers so many programs and the participants form friendships and connect with one another. The Cancer Support Community is busy fundraising this year. The following events are coming up and I think it would a great opportunity to participate in some of them. You are new in Southern Delaware? Check What is Going On with this amazing organization and you might make a few new friends.
MONDAY, APRIL 4th – Whoop It Up! For Cancer Support Community Delaware at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar at 19930 Lighthouse Plaza in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Happy Hour on Opening Day the Phillies vs. Reds. Enjoy great bar food and watch the live opening day broadcasts. Silent Auction, 50/50 and Baseball Trivia Games! Open keg with purchase of $5 Commemorative Glass. The tickets are only $20. To get tickets, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Or, you may also get tickets by calling 302-645-9150. Please join Cancer Support Community for a night of good friends and good times!!
TUESDAY, APRIL 19th – At Fish On! Restaurant at the Village of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware. A buffet dinner with appetizers and dessert at 6:00 P.M. $30 per person, cash or check only, payable at the door. Checks must be payable to Fish On!. There will be a Cash Bar available, as well. This April Chicks for Charity Dinner will benefit Cancer Support Community Delaware. Please RSVP to chicksdinner@gmail.com. There will be great raffle items and a 50/50 too! They hope to see you there. Check http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
Chicks for Charity started in July of 2010 by Kari Ainsworth and Marcie Urgo. They have helped so many local charitable organizations in the community.
SATURDAY, MAY 7th – Kentucky Derby Party With a Purpose at Northbeach in Dewey Beach, Delaware…fundraising for Cancer Support Community. Opening Party for Northbeach, Summer 2016!! Save the Date and stay tune. Check Northbeach on Facebook, or visit http://www.deweybeachlife.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 14th – Sussex Survive & Thrive Walk 2016. Last year my team participated in this walk. We had a blast. Our team was called 16 Miles or Bust! Yes, the walk was 16 miles. This is a big fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware. There are opportunities for sponsorships..from $300 to $7,500 for this particular walk!! More info? Please Call Linda Bowers at 302-645-9150 or visit the website http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
And, Yes that was the team!! It was for such a great cause and some of our team walkers were cancer survivors and others were walking for a loved one that had passed away. We started early in the a.m. and finished at the 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown.
Now is 2016 and a new walk is almost around the corner. This year the walk is called Sussex Survive & Thrive Walk 2016 and it has been tweaked. Instead of the 16 miles there will be 10 miles. You may also do a 3 1/2 walk and a 1 Mile Survivors Walk. For all information regarding the walk, start a team, etc. etc. please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
The walk will begin at Gordon’s Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park in Rehoboth. Check in will be at 7:00 a.m. and the walk will begin at 7:15 a.m. The 3 1/2 Mile Walk will check in at 8:45 a.m. and the walk will start at 9:15 a.m. The 1 Mile Survivors Walk will begin at Norfolk Street & the Rehoboth Boardwalk, with a check-in at 9:45 and the walk will begin at 10:15 a.m.
The Covertte Club will also be available to give rides to walkers that might want to take a break!!
The FINISH LINE will be at the Forgotten Mile Ale House, who is sponsoring the Walk, for an After-Walk Celebration from 10:30 until Noon with food, and drinks and….AWARDS!!
Free Shuttle Transportation will be available back to the Gordon’s Pond Parking Lot beginning at 11 a.m. on a first come, first served basis. Parking Passes for the Walk will be included in your Walk Packet, but please try to car pool if at all possible.
You may pick up Walk Packets at the Cancer Support Community at 18947 John J. Williams Hwy, Suite 312 in Rehoboth Beach. Wednesday and Thursday May 11th and May 12th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or on Friday, May 13th from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Packets will also be available on Saturday, May 14th at walk check-in.
So what are you waiting for?….Should be fun, for a great cause, make new friends or catch up with old friends.
March 23rd, 2016
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” plato
No, Patti Grimes, Executive Director, was not getting her hair done by no other than Drexel Davison, owner of Bad Hair Day in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Actually, Patti was very well coiffed. The Freeman Stage came to have a little wine, beer, hor d’ouvres, and to chat about what is very dear to their hearts….the Arts at The Freeman Stage at Bayside.
I thought that The Freeman Stage needed no introduction. Everyone knows by now that this outdoor entertainment venue has been giving Southern Delaware memorable performances. It is like Patti was saying….the first time you hear opera, the first time you see a ballet, the first time you see a live concert, it transforms you. The legendary Bob Marley so well stated “One Good Thing about Music, when it Hits you, you feel no pain”.
Have you attended any of the peformances at The Freeman Stage? It is located about 4 miles west of Fenwick Island. The actual address is 31556 Winterberry Parkway, Selbyville, DE 19975. Tel. 302-436-3015 Website? http://www.freemanstage.org.
The Big Reveal for what is coming up to The Freeman Stage Summer 2016 will be Thursday, March 24th. Check out the website above mentioned or visit their Facebook Page.
Summer nights at the beach are unforgettable, more so if you attend one of the concerts at The Freeman Stage. The Stage is quiet at times during the day, but at dusk it takes a life of its own. People dance and how could they not?
This summer seeing Melissa Etheridge who is such a Superstar. Blondie, and icon from the 70’s. And, The Wailers, entertaining us with Reggae, the music, which is influenced by mento, which is Jamaican folk music, calypso, and American Jazz.
Summer 2016 promises to be an exceptional year, so please check the website to see who is coming to perform on this amazing stage. You will see the performers up close and personal.
Bad Hair Day is located at 20 Lake Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-4247. It is a full service salon and barber shop. Website? http://www.badhairday.biz
I want to thank Virgina and Jose Somalo who invited my friend, Jody and I. On the photo you will see Virginia Esteban on the left, Jody, on the center and Jose on the right. Virginia Esteban is the Editor, and Jose is the Publisher of Hoy en Delaware. This is a completely Spanish newspaper, sold throughout the state of Delaware.
Great to have met Leah Reynolds, right, Development Director, and Denise Allen on the left.
It was a very nice time to be able to mingle and meet new faces. Drexel, chatting with his guests.
 Debbie Killeen, Leah Reynolds, Virginia Esteban Somalo Have you been to Bad Hair Day? Let me show you a bit of it while there are no customers. Have in mind that this is an award winning spa. They moved this past year to this new location across the street from the previous one. They are also open 7 days a week….no excuse for not looking your best!!
 Drexel's Dad's Bike 
It was getting time for a presentation by Patti Grimes. She has a soft voice that commands attention.
The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It was established in 2007 to honor Josh Freeman after his passing on 2006. Even though in Southern Delaware there is a lot of entertainment, this company set the tone for what is happening in the area. Last year visitors to The Freeman Stage were in excess of 50,000.
Many sponsorships are available. Please visit http://www.freemanstage.org, and http://www.freemanfoundation.org.
The Freeman Stage is helping the community enjoy national class acts as well as regional and local ones.
In the meantime……
 
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