February 19th, 2015

Shop Local, Carla’s Rosaries, Puerto Rico, Handmade Rosaries, Jewelry, Bracelets, Ventana al Mar, Mercado Urbano (Urban Market), First Sunday of each Month, Condado, La Isla del Encanto, Save the Date: Sunday, March 1st

I am praying that it gets a little warmer at the Delaware Beaches…..but I remember well a couple of weeks ago when visiting Puerto Rico we went to the Mercado Urbano or Urban Market that takes place at Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea) on Ashford Avenue in Condado the first Sunday of every month.  A popular place to be in order to get up close and personal with many local artists….and taste that delicious Puertorican food.

The rosaries did attract our attention.  They were beautiful.  Meet the artist behind Carla’s Rosaries and bracelets…Carla.  Very friendly and most accommodating.  So many of us asking questions…could you add this other medal or replace this one for that one.  With a smile on her face she obliged.

Carla’s Rosaries are sold in Puerto Rico at Carla’s Sweets in Guaynabo and at Carla’s Sweets cart at Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey.  Please visit http://www.carlasrosaries.com.  Tel. 787-792-9777  You can find Carla’s Rosaries on Facebook, as well.  Please note that Carla’s Rosaries can be purchased online.

Carla is also the baker behind Carla’s Sweets.  So successful in San Juan.  I will have to try them next time, but in the meantime you may visit http://www.carlassweets.com.  Shop online, shipping available.

Carla’s Rosaries and bracelets are made with semi-precious stones.  The metals are not silver, but alloy and pewter.  With time the rosaries will take a “vintage” look.  With a bit of care they can last you a lifetime.

Please open http://www.carlasrosaries.com, to read about her story.  At times when a door closes, another opens.  It was pretty much the case for her.  Going through a difficult time in her life, she went to a family retreat.  She stated that during the retreat she felt anxious….a couple acknowledged the fact that praying had changed their lives.  Carla started to cry.  Some began to pray for her and gave her a Rosary, blessed by the Virgin of Medugorje.  They also gave her the novena of the Divine Mercy, which is supposed to be prayed at 3:00 p.m.  Her story is passionate, she is devout of the Divine Mercy, very spiritual, and very much at peace.

Carla wanted to wear a rosary, not in a traditional way.  She loves accessories….so Carla’s Rosaries began.  Carla’s Rosaries can be worn in a traditional way, or you can wear them like a scarf…worn like that by Carla on the above photos.

The Mercardo Urbano or Urban Market will be at Ventana al Mar on Sunday, March 1st, and you can be sure that Carla’s Rosaries and bracelets will be making a statement like they usually do.

Note:  You may have your rosary blessed.

February 11th, 2015

Puerto Rico, Parents, Fines for Overweight Children? You Decide!! La Isla del Encanto, Love the Food! Chowdown PR Style, Guilty!

Beach in Condado

Local talk radio in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware I heard this a.m. that some legislators want to introduce a law in Puerto Rico where parents of overweight children are going to be receiving some fines.

At times pictures are worth a thousand words…..Have you been to Puerto Rico?  Have you tried any of the local food?  Full of flavor and probably not the healthiest if you make a point to eat it all the time.  Large portions, as well.

I just came back from PR and look at these photos.  And I participated in the chowdown.

Well, the fries were made from sweet potatoes.  That helped.  Adding the plantains and cheese….that side salad is what pretty much you get in a lot of places.  Don’t ask me why the tomatoes have to look that way on this tropical island.

Two side dishes that were shared, but meant to be for one person.  The second photo shows half of the portion of the beef.  The salad was excellent, but not the norm.

Good way to start the day?  Of course!!

A popular booth at the Mercado Urbano in Condado….the Roasting Pigs!!  Lechon Asado.  The line never stopped.

A little paella after the Lechon Asado….yum!

Fresh pineapple to clean your palate?  Maybe.

Instead of dessert, why not finish with a tiny fried bacalaito….cod fritter.

Heavier meal at lunch for many Puertoricans….who can resist this at Dona Ana in La Plaza del Mercado in Bayamon.

A side salad with stuffed plantains…with local beef.

Rice and beans because the stuffed plantain was not enough.

And cheesecake, which is nothing new, but it was drizzled with Guava.

The “pirulis” reminded me of my childhood.  Did not buy any, by the way.

Back on Ashford Avenue in  Condado, you can find a good salad on the second floor of FreshMart.

This roasted chicken on Ashford in Condado was awesome….totally surprised me.  Fried plantains, of course and “some” veggies.

Pizza from Via Apia on Ashford in Condado.

Exercising at Ventana al Mar…We were too busy eating and checking things out.

But the best fresh vegetables and fruits can still be found from the vendors that sell out of their trucks.  A scene still found in the Metropolitan area of San Juan.

Self control?  I used to have so much of it.  Back in Delaware trying to get rid of those unwelcomed pounds…..but, It Was Worth It?

So, you decide…fine the parents for overweight kids?  That’s ridiculous!

NOTE:  Where to eat the above mentioned foods in Puerto Rico…..stay tuned.