Coffee Dates, Breakfast Dates And Dinner Dates

 It's been a delicious August for sure, what with all the eating out we've done. I had a recent coffee date with my mom friends, something we try to do a few times a year to catch up on life and family, kids and jobs. This time around we tried someplace new, a tiny little cafe situated in a cute little town. And it was superb.

Next, hubby and I had a breakfast date out,  something we're trying to do more often as time permits. 

These kinds of dates are so fun for me. It's early in the day while the kids are at school and hubby and I have time to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. 

We decided to try Dennys at first, but it wasn't hubby's cup of tea so we went back to a tried and true breakfast spot, Taco Bar. Don't let the name fool you. Their breakfast menu is legit. 

This was amazing. Oddly enough I was craving a savory breakfast this day and decided to try their pinto with the seasoned potatoes. Oh wow, what a treat.

On another night we went back to the Taco Bar to try their dinner menu but unfortunately only was able to order a lemonade. Their drinks menu is pretty impressive so we'll be going back for sure.

To finish out the month on a high note, food wise, we went to Matsuri Japan for a family date night out. As a large family with varying dietary specifications, finding that one restaurant can be tough. We settled on Japanese because we knew there would something,  no matter how simple,  for everyone.

As we close out the month of August, I wonder what September has in store for us in terms of gastronomy.

Happy Birthday Little Prince

 August 29th really kind of snuck up on me because I've been dealing with a few curveballs life had thrown my way. Once things settled back down, however, I went hard in celebrating my youngest son's birthday.

Typical me, I had to do the most. I got donuts so my son's classmates could celebrate his special day with him. It had been two long years since we've been able to do something like this, so I didn't want to miss this opportunity at all.

It was a busy day filled with birthday related errands. A stop at Lincoln plaza to shop for gifts for my son, the grocery store and then the ice cream shop to pick up his cake. I was booked and busy baby. But I wanted to make the day special for my son.

Later in the evening, my little birthday boy opened his gifts, which he absolutely loved. Then we ordered pizza, popped the confetti popper and sang happy birthday with a delicious ice cream cake. It turned out to be a really sweet birthday celebration. 

       Lego Harry Potter was a huge surprise hit

        even though it's what he asked for!

Another huge hit. The Stretch Armstrong toy he wanted

                  You're a wizard Akeem!!! His first.                            Harry Potter wand

       My baby boy is 9 years old

A Trip To Puerto Viejo

 It's been well over four years since my last Puerto Viejo trip so one was most definitely overdue.

When we "discovered" Puerto Viejo, it was magic. The small carribean town made a huge impression; it was love at first visit. 

We would try to go back at least once a year to refresh and vibe out and I even introduced my family to the beach town because we loved it so much.

After a while, we started venturing to other beach towns and somehow Puerto Viejo got pushed to the side. A failed trip about three years ago left me yearing to go back and it didn't become a possibility until this past weekend. 

Going back to Puerto Viejo was very nostalgic. Although much has changed, much has also stayed the same and I still have love for the first vacation destination I fell in love with.

Yes, there are more cars, more people, more stores and restaurants but the town has somehow managed to retain it's quaint humble vibe. 

And the then there is the beach. Salsa Brava beach is one of my favorite beaches in Costa Rica. Perfect for kids, the beach has a lake like feel. The waves are insignificant and the beach itself has a calm quality. It's also right in the center of town, close to everything. 

Also, lets not forget about the food. Rice and peas, carribean style chicken and fish, and a variety of Jamaican style dishes abound. 

Puerto viejo and Salsa Brava beach are the very definition of paradise on earth.