New Smyrna Beach Mom

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

2010-03-16T14:09:00.000-04:00

The Party is on Flagler Avenue for St. Patrick's Day. Come on down to Flagler Ave in New Smyrna Beach tomorrow and celebrate from 6pm-9pm. There will be a Treasure Hunt, live music, Irish Food and of course green beer.

Support your local business!

Save New Smyrna Inlet

2010-03-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

The Army Corp of Engineers is continuing to evaluate the possibility of extending the jetty in New Smyrna Inlet. They are looking at extending the south jetty some 1000 feet eastward. You can read about it here.

Surfing Magazine also has an article that is pretty clearly against the project. There are differing opinions on weather this will really "stabilize" the area. However, most surfers and those that are familiar with the environment all agree it will mess up the surfing at this popular east coast surf break.

Local business in this area is suffering enough in this current economy, driving the surfers away does not seem to be the smartest thing we could do at the moment. Just a thought. And you can be sure that Volusia County and the city of New Smyrna Beach will be forced to share the cost of this gazillion dollar, pointless project.

If you would like to keep up with the efforts to stop this or to sign the online petition that is circulating you can do so my going to the Save New Smyrna Inlet website. If you use Facebook, you can also keep up there, they have a great deal of information on their group site with resources and officials to contact with your thoughts.

Be informed and support your local business!

Balliamo Italian Steakhouse

2010-03-12T22:28:00.001-05:00

My friend Kathy was celebrating a special occasion tonight and asked my daughter and I to join her for dinner at Balliamo Italian Steakhouse in Edgewater. They are located in the Publix Plaza at 2976 S Ridgewood Ave. This is her third trip to Balliamo and my second, fantastic food and some of the best service ever!

I had Salmon Oscar and if I could have licked the plate I would have, it was wonderful. Kathy had the seafood pasta and they made their Shrimp Francese with Chicken and no capers for my ten year old. It was all fresh and delicious. The Salmon came with a choice of side items and I had the Italian Greens, terrific choice, they were sauteed in olive oil and fresh garlic, very tasty!

Foe dessert try the chocolate Tuxedo Bomb or the Lemoncello, they also offer a sugar free selection, tonight was Tiramisu. Balliamo offers beer, wine and a full liquor bar, live entertainment on most weekends. Not just a nice place for dinner but a very nice bar area makes it a good place to hang out as well.

Our server was Maher, we have had her before and she is extremely attentive, handled the special requests and made recommendations on the menu for my daughter. The owner's both stopped by the table to chat with us (even before he knew I was writing this), they are an extremely nice couple who are very serious about having a nice restaurant with great food and service. You can have a look at their menu here. We can highly recommend Balliamo to you for a special occasion or just a quick weeknight dinner.

Support your local business!

Resolutions

2010-03-08T13:32:00.002-05:00

So how are you doing on those New Year's resolutions?

Here are a couple of things you can do to help with one of the most popular....you know the one. Eat more vegetables, eat better in general and lose weight. We are now practicing Meatless Monday's at our house. There is at least one website dedicated to this cause, which will not only save you money and calories but will also improve the health of the planet and save an animal or two. Here is a list of great blogs dedicated to smarter eating and Meatless Monday.

The other big one is getting organized...I am doing better on this one...except for my closet, that is hopeless. Here are some ideas for that...organizing, not my closet.

The Garagenous Zone - this is an oldy but goody about the garage. Love it. Have not done it but love it anyway!

Closet - this is a pretty good one about the closet...you can do it in 10 steps. Perhaps one day I will try it. Not today, but someday.

The Time Manager - Organize Your Desk - this is simple stuff here, not sure why I did not think of it first.

So how are you doing on those resolutions?

In The City.....

2010-03-06T21:54:00.003-05:00

Saturday, March 13th @ the Public Works Complex, 124 Industrial Park Drive. Doors open @ 8:00 a.m. for viewing, auction begins at 9:00 a.m. You can go to the City Website to see a list of what is for sale. For more information, please call the Public Works Department @ 386-424-2205.

The city is also sponsoring a Spring Cleanup. Waste Pro will provide dumpsters at a number of locations, which will be designated lawn, debris, bulk and appliances. Here is a list of dumpster locations.

The City also has updates on all the ongoing road projects and closures around the city. Get it here.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend! Support your local business!

Marine Discovery Center-Spring Break Camp

2010-03-05T22:26:00.003-05:00

One more Spring Break Camp!! Marine Discovery Center is holding a camp from March 29th-April 2nd, hours at 8am-3pm. The cost is 150.00 per camper, if you are a member you get a discount. There will be many water, fishing and island activities. My children attend the summer camps at Marine Discovery and they are awesome.

Check their website for more information.

Wonderland Theatre~Spring Break Drama Camp

2010-03-04T23:10:00.000-05:00

The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach is once again holding a Spring Break Drama Camp through their children's program Wonderland Theatre.

This Spring Break Camp is for kids ages 7 -12 years old and will run from March 29th - April 2nd. The hours are 9 AM to 3 PM and the cost is only $115.00.

They are also offering financial aid scholarships to those who need it. Camp participants will be performing a one-act play called Twisted Fairy Tales. For example, what if the big bad wolf had his own way, or if the three little pigs wrote some Shakespeare. Sounds like fun to me.....for more information or to obtain an application check the website above or call the Theatre at 423-1246.

Pancake Breakfast

2010-03-04T12:51:00.000-05:00

Crossroads Christian Church will be holding a pancake breakfast tomorrow and Saturday morning from 8am-11am. All proceeds will go to Easter Seals and "His Hands" Puppet Team.

Oak Hill Seafood Co-op

2010-03-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

Have you visited the Oak Hill Seafood Co-Op yet? Since we last talked about them they have expanded and added some special events. They are still at the Farmer's Market on Canal Street on Saturday mornings, in addition they have:

Mexican Monday's 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
2 Fish Tacos, Salsa w/ Chips & Draft - $5.99

Fish Fry Friday's 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.

All You Can Eat - $9.99 Per Person

Happy Hours - 4 P.M. to Close
2 For 1 (Bud Draft)

Monthly Cook-Out on the last Sunday of every month starting at 2 P.M. rain or shine. Please R.S.V.P. the Friday before.

All this week thru the 7th in celecration of Bike Week, they have a special in the Beer Garden:

Fish Sandwich, Chips & Draft - $5.99
Draft - 2 For 1 All Day
Live Music - Karaoke

Their fish is always local and always fresh....great prices too. Our local fisherman have taken a hard hit, this is one local business that we all should support!

They are located at:

700 N. US Hwy 1 (Cook's Plaza) in Oak Hill, one block north of the Riverbreeze boat ramp.

Contact them for more information (386) 345-0023

Around Town~The Week Ahead

2010-03-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

Plenty to do this week at the beach....

Bike week continues through the weekend.

The washed out Wine Walk on Flagler has been rescheduled for this Saturday beginning at 1pm.

It is the first Saturday of the month, come on down to Canal Street for the Gallery Walk from 4-8pm.

American Legion Post 17 located at 619 W Canal Street is holding a Lobster fest with Maine lobster and all the fixings. It will be held Friday, March 5th, tickets must be purchased in advanced at the post. One lobster dinner is $20 or two for $27. The public may attend. For more information, call (386) 427 1503.

More to come, have a great week and support your local business!

66 Love Letters~Book Review

2010-02-28T16:55:00.001-05:00

66 Love Letters is the latest book by best-selling author, psychologist and Christian counselor Dr. Larry Crabb. Dr. Crabb takes a very interesting approach in this book, he takes every book of the Bible and condenses it down to one paragraph, and then expands it into a love letter from God. There are many Christian leaders who say that the Bible is indeed a love letter from God. Dr. Crabb does a wonderful job translating the bible into an easily readable series of meaningful letters. In the prologue, Dr. Crabb advises to take the book slowly and perhaps only read a chapter a week, I was going to try that but I could not put it down. From the beginning of the book we are shown that God has a plan for each of us and we must trust him to see it through. This book is a great collection, to be kept on hand to read again and again

This book was provided to me for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

66 Love Letters

Dr. Larry Crabb

The story of God written in intimate love letters just for you.

Dr. Larry Crabb knows that if we could see the larger story of God and humanity, our world would never be the same. That story is found in large part in the sixty-six letters of the Bible.

Written in a conversational first person, as if God is speaking directly to us, Dr. Crabb looks at each individual book in scripture and boils it down to a one- or two-sentence message to us from that particular book. He then unpacks each sentence in a short chapter answering the question, What does God want me to hear from this love letter? The book's epilogue then fits all sixty-six pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together into one coherent paragraph and reveals the beautiful picture of what God has been about since the creation of the world. Far from being comprehensive, this is a personal approach to helping readers know God and his great love for them, his message for all mankind, and how their lives fit into His larger story.

Sunshine Award

2010-02-28T09:27:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to my friend Ann over at Ann Crabs, she has nominated me for the Sunshine Award. Go on over and check out her blog, she has freebies, reviews and tons of ways to save money.

The rules for accepting this award is simple, link to the person who gave it to you, and pass it on to 10 other people who bring you sunshine. So here you are--please visit these wonderful blogs!

Kraut Art - fabulous art, love her work, wish I could have it in my house.

The Cheap Gourmet - one of my favorites - I use her advice and recipes all the time.

Volusia County Moms - things to do all over Volusia County for Moms and younger children

Love Serve & Connect - personal favorite, Pat and I attend the same church

Veg Blogger - warning this one is not for the faint of heart. Very real information on the handling of animals in our food chain.

Naturally Maid Cleaning - this one introduced me to the joy of white vinegar & baking soda.

Holistic Home Schooler - if you homeschool this one is great.

Yes2Local News - covers events before and always has great photos after

Org Junkie - everything under the sun about organizing

This is just a small sampling of the blogs I read and enjoy, stay tuned for an entire page dedicated to it in the near future!

Show What You Know Day

2010-02-25T09:59:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for something to do this Saturday for a good cause head on out to Samsula to Marcody Ranch. They are having their 1st Annual Show What You Know Day!

The fun starts at 10am, there will be drill team performances (formation riding), barrel racing, jumping & dressage. There will be a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and refreshments available.

The cost for adults is 5.00 and 2.00 for children over the age of five. All proceeds go into the Hope Reins Scholarship Fund for Therapeutic Riding for children with disabilities.

Marcody Ranch is located 1/2 mile east of Tomoka Farms Road (415) at 3804 Pioneer Trail.

Art & Wine Walk

2010-02-24T20:11:00.003-05:00

The Art and Wine Walk will be held on historic Flagler Avenue this Saturday from 10 am-6 pm. Local and national artists will display their works along the avenue as well as in the local galleries, food and entertainment also be available.

The “Art of Wine Walk” will being held from 1-6 pm shoppers can purchase a “wine tasting passport” to sample some outstanding wines at several locations along Flagler. The passports will be available at the tent at the northeast corner of Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street for $20. The passports will list the locations for the wine tastings and what wines or winery will be featured at each location. Passports will include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake glass allowing attendees to select the wines they would like to sample in exchange for their tickets.

Support your local business!

48th Annual Art Fiesta

2010-02-22T17:13:00.003-05:00

This weekend is the 48th Annual ART FIESTA at Old Fort Park and Canal Street. It is being held Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm. Local and National Artist, Food and Entertainment will be featured and admission is free.

Sunday Stumble~Bike Week

2010-02-21T19:58:00.004-05:00

Bike Week 2010 starts this Thursday. Here are several web sites to guide you in finding the best Bike Week activities. There is something for everyone here.

Biker Beach

Bike Week Report

Daytona Bike Week

Official Bike Week Headquarters - this is the Chamber of Commerce Bike Week Directory

Enjoy Bike Week, stay safe and support your local business!

Around Town~Things To Do

2010-02-17T14:56:00.003-05:00

Spirit Night for Amy Root at Chick-Fil-A in Edgewater. Please come out and support Amy and her family from 5-8pm at Chick-Fil-A. This is a great excuse not to cook!

The KC Society, located in New Smyrna Beach, offers several afternoon clubs for teenagers 13 to 19. Clubs are offered in fashion design, cooking, future business owners, step team and dance group. There is a membership fee to join. Check their website for more information. They are located at the Minerva Civic Center, 431 N. Myrtle, New Smyrna Beach.

Edgewater Fire-Rescue Bingo: Games begin at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Fire-Rescue Association Fire Hall, 2616 Hibiscus Drive. Two games have $100 jackpots. The facility is non-smoking. snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Fire-Rescue Association's various causes. For more information, call (386) 424-2445.

Cracker Creek's Pirate Cruise featuring the Pirates of Spruce Creek, sails each Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. They are located at 1795 Taylor Road, Port Orange. Costumed pirates create a live, interactive experience as young buccaneers learn navigation, pirate weaponry, knotting or rope tying and pirate lingo, all the while searching for the lost treasure at Spruce Creek. Pre-registration is required by calling (386) 304-0778. Adults are $8.00 and children $6.00 and seniors are $6.00. Inexpensive way to have some fun with your kids.

The American Legion Post 17 Friday night dinners are back! Enjoy steak and shrimp or fish at 5 and 7 p.m. at 619 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach. This is open to the public. For more information, call (386) 427 5013.

2010-02-17T06:58:00.002-05:00

The National Seashore is 35 years old. This Sunday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. Friends of Canaveral will hold a meeting and covered dish dinner to celebrate, as well as welcome potential new members. This will be held at the Eldora State House, Canaveral National Seashore.

Friends of Canaveral will provide baked ham, drinks (wine, water, lemonade, iced tea), and all plates and utensils. Please bring a side, salad or dessert to share. If the weather cooperates, the meeting and picnic will be on the banks of the lagoon if not, it will be inside the Eldora House.

RSVP by calling Joyce Dewar (386) 428-3331 or Pat Skrtic (386) 428-6151.

Support Volusia County Sports

2010-02-15T14:10:00.002-05:00

This Friday, February 19th from 7am-7pm, the Daytona Cubs will sponsor a high school sports pledge run to benefit high school sports in our east volusia county high schools. New Smyrna Beach High is on the list of recipients.

The one man 12 hour run will start at Jackie Robinson Ball Park, head north to Seabreeze all the way to New Smyrna and back (hopefully). The flyer with pledge information can be found here.

Thanks for supporting your local high school sports!

The 3/50 Project

2010-02-13T10:14:00.002-05:00

This is an interesting concept to support local business. Think about this, what 3 independently owned local businesses would you miss if they were gone? I can think of far more than three in New Smyrna Beach, I am sure you can too.

If only half of the employed population in this country spent just $50.00 per month in locally owned businesses and bypassed the big chains it would pump 42.6 billion in revenue. Did you now that $68.00 of every $100.00 you spend at local business goes directly back into the local economy via taxes, payroll and other expenses? This is big money.

So this month eat at your local restaurants, buy gifts at local gift shops (Flagler Avenue has a ton of choices for both of these), drop in at Coronado Hardware in NSB or Osborne Hardware in Edgewater. Buy a bottle of wine at the wine warehouse or OM Bar....you get the idea.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Update on Amy Root

2010-02-12T13:31:00.003-05:00

For those of you that asked for an update on Amy.

Amy's Mom posted an update on Facebook last night:

Change of plans occurred today Amy will remain at Halifax and will have surgery Friday and Monday/Tuesday. She had an MRI today and there is still fluid building up in her head so they are planning on doing something more permanent. She will get a feeding tube placed in her stomach tomorrow and her jaw repaired Monday. ~February 11, 2010

Please continue to pray for her and her family. We have had a little over $200.00 in donations this week. Thanks to all who are helping her family! You can donate via Paypal just hit the donate button to the left.

Who Are You? Prove It!!

2010-02-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

If you misplace your license, forget to pay a ticket or simply need to renew and cannot do it online you better be ready with your new documentation requirements. You must have two utility bills to prove your address or a mortgage or lease agreement, proof of social security number and birth certificate. Full requirements are here.

I went to obtain a misplaced license on Monday, however I did not have my marriage certificate...but wait I am not married. I still had to prove how I obtained my name. I did not change it back after my divorce in consideration of my children....ok, but wait I have had a FL license for many years, I have a social security card in my married name. Does not matter....you must be able to prove how you got that name. So off to the Records Management Bureau in Orlando I went, to obtain a marriage license to prove I was married to a man I am not married to anymore....best part...all this occurred on my former anniversary to the man I am not married to but had to prove I was to document my name....if you are following this you are better than I am. Thank Homeland Security....and find your marriage license.

Mardi Gras Celebration

2010-02-11T09:50:00.002-05:00

Celebrate Mardi Gras on Flagler, Tuesday, February 16th. The parade gets underway at 7pm at the Flagler Beach approach. Featuring 30 different floats and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Cajun food, music and drink will be available all along Flagler Avenue. So come enjoy some boiled crawfish and traditional King cake while you support your local business!

Around Town~Things To Do

2010-02-08T16:03:00.002-05:00

The AAUW of New Smyrna Beach will meet this month on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m., at the Smyrna Yacht Club. The purpose of AAUW is to support equality for women and offer scholarships to local women for higher education This month’s speakers, Carol Bertrand and Joan Baliker, are both ordained ministers who are also fine artists – Carol, a painter, and Joan, a sculptor. Please call Jane Hartnett at (386) 423-5278 for reservations. The cost is $15.

CoCo's Canine Club is having a fashion show!! They are located at 4164 South Atlantic Avenue (Food Lion Plaza), Saturday, Feb. 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The invite goes out to all who love the world of luxurious lap dogs. An RSVP is preferred. Please call CoCo's for further info and/or to inquire about modeling; (386) 402-9999.

The Daytona 500 is this Sunday. Unless you are a race fan, Daytona is a great place to stay away from!!

Help Amy Root

2010-02-07T17:31:00.007-05:00

A little girl from our area was recently hit by a car in Edgewater. Her name is Amy Root, some of you know her, she was riding her scooter on Silver Palm Dr in Edgewater and was hit by a truck. She has suffered severe head injuries. Her mother is a single mother with other children who is undergoing huge challenges both financially and emotionally to be with her daughter. Amy will at Halifax for 6-7 weeks, if she is not responsive she will be moved to a facility in Atlanta for patients with profound head injuries. The women at Edgewater Alliance Church are trying to help this family in some way. Readers of this blog who would like to help can click on the Donate Now button in the left sidebar to donate through Paypal. You can also contact me and I will put you in touch with Marianne from EAC.

New Smyrna Beach Mom

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Save New Smyrna Inlet

Balliamo Italian Steakhouse

Resolutions

In The City.....

Marine Discovery Center-Spring Break Camp

Wonderland Theatre~Spring Break Drama Camp

Pancake Breakfast

Oak Hill Seafood Co-op

Around Town~The Week Ahead

66 Love Letters~Book Review

Sunshine Award

Show What You Know Day

Art & Wine Walk

48th Annual Art Fiesta

Sunday Stumble~Bike Week

Around Town~Things To Do

Support Volusia County Sports

The 3/50 Project

Update on Amy Root

Who Are You? Prove It!!

Mardi Gras Celebration

Around Town~Things To Do

Help Amy Root

News Journal