Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

wifey’s life tips:

Sure, give your college-bound kid responsibility. After all, they are old enough to begin looking out for themselves. It’s even ok to assume they are doing everything they need to do. However, if YOU are going with them on a congraduation trip, double- and triple-check EVERYTHING for them, even if they get annoyed. You know, cuz they are dumb.

The Graduate went out with friends on Thursday night to the Dallas Bull (watch volume!). It’s one of the places they like to go, since eighteen year olds are allowed in - with picture ID, of course. But you know about going out - you don’t want no extras. Just bring some a bit of spending money and your ID - no need for a purse.

But here’s a hint for all of you girls who roll like that. PUT YOUR ID BACK IN YOUR WALLET WHEN YOU GET HOME. Because if you are flying off to California, you will need it. From the Transportation Security Administration:

adult passengers (over the age of 18) will be required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains the following: name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature…

The key words in that sentence are EIGHTEEN and REQUIRED.

So, by now you can probably figure out that The Graduate forgot her ID in the back pocket of her shorts that she had worn to the Bull. We were not being allowed to bored our plane! After 30 minutes of crying (The Graduate) and me on one phone trying to get her ID faxed to the airport and tommy on another trying to change to a later flight, one very nice Delta lady came to our rescue!

She begged and begged her boss to accept Graduate’s Busch Gardens pass (has a photo of the Grad at 12), a Voter’s Registration and SS card for us. The less convinced boss finally accepted those “documents,” and we had 10 minutes to run to the terminal, go through security and get on the plane. Luckily, the plane was 20 minutes late boarding, and we all (including luggage!) made the flight.

This is OUR weekend, moms, and we should do whatever we want!

It felt really good to write that!

Of all the holidays in the calendar, I love Mother’s Day weekend the best (possible exception - my birthday)!

Now, if I get my way this weekend, I will be on the boat Saturday, listening to JGLB Saturday night and sleeping half the day away on Sunday! I’m pretty sure I will get my way because my little one will be at her mom’s this weekend and the older one is scheduled to work Saturday and a double shift on Sunday.

Don’t feel bad for me, I already received my card and gift from the little one with a BIG kiss and hug, and she should always spend mother’s day with her mommy! And I know my older one will HAVE to serve me that day, because I will go to the restaurant to make sure of it!  HA!

So what do you have planned?  Here are some ideas:

Saturday May 10 - Vinyl Records and CD Show from 8am until 3pm at the Holiday Inn Express, 4732 Dale Mabry, Tampa. I found this interesting for fans of the record player! This show is going to feature 45’s and LP’s covering the oldies, pop, rock, classical and everything in between. They will also have record supplies and even some CD’s. FMI call 727-251-9458. If anyone sees a beige plastic record player with a hinged top, it’s mine from my teen years and I miss it very much!

Saturday May 10 - Free Kids Movie at 10am at the Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. This is the second time the Beach Theatre has made my list.  “Why” you ask?  Because it offers FREE movies!  This Saturday you can take your kids there to see Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This is my daughter’s favorite movie of all time, and I really feel it is timeless. Also, 5/17 The Black Stallion and 5/24 Nancy Drew: Troubleshooter will be shown to kids for free. FMI call: 727-360-6697 or go to beach-theatre.com.

Saturday May 10 - The Princess and the Pea, 11am, Largo Cultral Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. This performance will cost you from $5-$7. a valuable lesson will be taught to the entire royal court about first impressions, personal decisions and true love in this toe tapping musical. I have only read this book a million times as a child, I think this live play would be fun for a family outing.

Sunday, Mothers Day, May 11 - A Mother’s Day Brunch at Don Vicente De Ybor Historical Inn 1915 Republica De Cuba Avenue, Ybor City, seatings at 11am and 1pm. This beautiful inn would be a nice change from Denny’s, McDonalds or the Golden Corral buffet! I say spend a little on Mother’s Day!  Of course, I am biased, but c’mon, get off your wallet, MOM is worth it!  The price is $32 for adults and $12 for kids. You will need to call and RSVP (make reservations) and you can get the menu choices as well, call 813-241-4545. For more info you can also go to DonVicenteInn.com.

Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 11^th, A Mother’s Day Celebration at the Red Rose Inn 2011 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City at 4pm. This famous hotel (famous in Plant City, at least) is having a grand celebration with live entertainment, a full buffet, desserts, and a flowing pink and lilac chocolate fountain. It will cost up to $29.95.  I have been to the Red Rose and it is very nice and I’m sure this will be a very special time for all the moms!

Like most of my friends and co-workers, my family and I are feeling the pain of rising gas prices, higher grocery bills and not to forget the utilities constantly going up. I have always been one to clip coupons, sign up for contests, and I shop at the local consignment shops; but now that is not always enough.

We have cut back on going out to dinner, we try to run all the errands we have in the best route possible and we stay in more than we used to. I have mentioned before that if it’s FREE it’s for ME.  Well Tampa Bay area offers a lot of FREE events.

Take a look at the following list I pulled from TBO.com.  Remember, these are just the events that piqued my interest; you may find several more that pique yours!

Remember to stay happy and healthy - we need to get out and have fun, so don’t stay indoors just to save money.  I encourage you to utilize what our city offers and enjoy.

Friday April 25, 2008 will be a good night, there are FREE concerts to go to, one on each side of the bay:

• Q-Fest Classic Rock Concert in Coachman Park, Clearwater. This concert is part of the 55th Annual Clearwater Fun ‘N Sun Festival This part of the event is from 4pm-11pm on Friday and is for all ages. Featuring: Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Rare Earth and Invasion. Admission is free but you can buy reserved seating for $20. You can go to www.myclearwater.com for the entire weekend line up!
• Friday Extra Concert Series in Lowry Park, Tampa. Sun City Swing Band with The Smokers Band will play in the bandshell outside of the Zoo grounds and they begin jamming at 7pm.  Admission is FREE!   I have been to this event when the JGLB has played and what fun! People take blankets, chairs, coolers, food and just have a blast. Make sure to have some bug spray though, summer time in Florida gets a little “creepy.”

Saturday, April 26, 2008 has a lot to offer. I have found FREE events all across the bay:

• Children’s Board 20^th Birthday Party, 1002 E. Palm Ave., Ybor City. My family and I have been to this facility several times working with the foster families of Hillsborough County and have seen some of the work they have done for our community. If you don’t know much about them you should head out for this FREE party. The event runs from 10am until 1pm. There will be a brief program at 10:15am and then the fun begins!   This is all for the children, with face painting, moon walking, balloons, arts & craft activities, and ongoing student performances. You can go to www.childrensboard.org for more information. Don’t forget to visit the Ybor City Fresh Market on your way home.  It will be open until 3pm!
• The Biggest Beach Party Ever, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach. Normally you can not truly “party” on the beach, but Indian Rocks has a night set aside for just that! This event runs from 6pm until 11pm.  It’s an evening of beer, wine, and food (cash bar and no coolers allowed). Music will be supplied by DJ Terry Newman and they also plan on having a big bonfire (if weather permits). Sounds like something I would really enjoy! This is a sponsored event and all the proceeds go back to the community through the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks.
• Pops in the Park with the Florida Orchestra, Al Lopez Park, Tampa. The Florida Orchestra will begin at 7:30pm, and there is no listed ending time - it may go all night long!  You can bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets!  Here in Tampa Bay, springtime is the best time to sit outdoors.  Go enjoy the fact that you live in a beautiful community!
• Tampa Theatre’s Traveling Picture Show, River Tower Park in Sulphur Springs. We learned of this event when we visited the Tampa Theatre for the History of Seminole Heights movie debut. The movie will begin at 8pm and will end well, when it’s over! The movie this Saturday is “The Princess Bride” Gates will open at 6pm and you may bring coolers, chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets! They have another movie scheduled for May 17 at Cotanchobee Park in Downtown Tampa, for all the info go to www.tampatheatre.org

After all this you will need to rest on Sunday, or like my house will be… More Spring Cleaning!

Get out and have fun!

I have put it off long enough.

The SecondGrader comes home this weekend and has already asked if we are going to actually do the spring cleaning list that has been posted on the refrigerator for about a month. "Yes we are," I told her, and she is very excited.  Ha!  She is so young!

So I guess this weekend I must get my spring cleaning done! Every year seems to roll into the next, so now I am about 4 years behind.  If I go home right after work tonight and get it started, maybe I can be done by Saturday evening, and still have Sunday to go and play (crossing fingers). Okay, that is my plan and I will stick to it.

At our house, the HighSchoolSenior is heading to Orlando for Grad Night with all the other seniors in the world, she already has her schedule made which includes a nap. She is very excited - and so are we as parents!  (Hey HSH, we are very proud of you and love you!)

Even though I will be pretty busy this weekend, I still need something fun to look forward to.  Here’s what I found on Weekly Options of Tampa Bay and TBO.com community calendar.

Saturday, April 19 from 1pm to 4 pm, the Tampa Museum of Art is having a FREE Family Fun Day! There will be children activities, fiber designs, scavenger hunts, music and much more. Don’t forget, the TMOA is temporarily located in West Tampa.  You can call 813-274-8130 for more information. This might be a good place for me to send Tommy and the little one so I can clean without interruption, it just might work!

On Sunday, April 20 The Beach Theatre on St. Pete Beach is bringing back an event from last year that sold out quickly. The Beach Theatre travels back in time to 1939 - the year the Beach Theatre first opened! The theatre will have 3 shows that day and admission is only 25¢, and 10¢ will get you a fountain soda or small popcorn! They will be showing The Wizard of OZ at 12:30 pm and again at 4:30pm then you can catch The Mark of Zorro at 7:15 pm. For more information go to http://www.beachtheatre.com

Also on Sunday, April 20 starting at 1 pm, Derby Lane will be rockin’ and rolling. The first Music and Motorcycles event sounds like a lot of fun with vendors, poker tournaments, bike games and even a bikini pageant. The bands are Xchange, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe Band and the Outlaws. Gates will open at 1pm but I could not find an ending time. This is being presented by Derby Lane and Motor Events Florida. I went on both websites but only found a flyer with information. If you want to take a look go to www.derbylane.com or www.motoreventsflorida.com From my experience in the world of bikers, this will not be a good event for my little one.  I wish it was, because I know I would have a blast there!

Enjoy the weekend and let us know what you did by leaving a comment on Monday!

This weekend is going to be good, I can feel it already!

Friday night I’m heading out to listen to the JGLB, I really don’t go see my husband’s band as often as I should! They are playing in Clearwater on Friday night at Two Buks (the self-proclaimed rockingest bar in Pinellas !!), if you want to join me.

Here’s what I found for Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

On Saturday morning, I expect to sleep in a bit, but I looked on the TBO community calendar and an event titled RUBBER DUCK RACES jumped out at me! That name alone makes me want to check it out:

Saturday April 12 - Beanies Family Grill and Sports Bar is holding the fourth annual Great American Pink Ribbon Rubber Duck Race at 2202 US 42 South Ruskin from 8am-7pm. I’m very curious on how this is all going to work! The money raised on Saturday will support six people who have signed up to participate in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation Breast Cancer 3-Day event later this year. Each walker must qualify by raising $2,200, which goes to the foundation. Chula Vista is sponsoring breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., and Beanie’s will offer barbecue dinners from 1 to 7 p.m. The event also will feature live bands starting at 1 pm, a karaoke contest at 2 pm, games, a cake walk and children’s activities. Each rubber duck costs $5 to race and the ducks are numbered to identify their owners. During the races, which go on all day, they will be placed in a large tank at Beanie’s. The first three ducks to cross the finish line in each run wins prizes. Volunteers are needed to serve meals, clean the grounds and park cars. To help out, call (813) 649-1700.

Saturday April 12 – Kahuna’s is holding the Parrotheads Pig Roast at 10515 Gandy Blvd, just over the bridge in St. Petersburg, beginning at 5pm until it ends! Now my mom is a huge Buffett fan and has told me for years that I should hang out with this great group of people. She has gone to several concerts with them and has always had a blast. I saw this event on Eric Sturm’s list of things to do in Tampa and had to look into if further. Tickets for this event are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The pictures on the parrotheads website tell a story of games, drinking and drinking games going on with the music of Flip Flop Dave & Tropical Brain Freeze! Sounds like fun to me! For more information go to www.finsup.com. Of Course when you are done eating and drinking you could always zip across the street for some Greyhound racing at Derby Lane!

Sunday April 13 - Keel and Curley Winery offers a Sunday Marketfrom 11am – 5pm. The place is very nice and is located in a quiet corner of our world. The winery sits on 25 acres in Plant City at 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, and the native owner Joe Keel, owns the winery as well as its blueberry source, Keel Farms. Joe has been growing blueberries in Florida for the past nine years and has recently purchased another 10 acres to plant blueberries in Lithia, Florida. Joe teamed up with Chase Marden, a Vermont native, who had experience developing fruit wines. They partnered to develop a line of wines under the Keel and Curley label and began bottling. The highbush blueberries are hand picked, fermented and bottled right on Keel Farms in Plant City. Tommy and I stopped by here several months ago which turned out to be the re-grand opening after a fire had shut them down for a time. The Sunday Market features wine samples, food, music and crafts. If you are out on a Sunday drive this is worth the stop!

Enjoy yourselves whatever you do and leave a comment to let us know what that might be!

Another work week is almost over and it is time to make your weekend plans.

The Teenager has to work all weekend, so we won’t see her much (poor thing!). The little one will want to be kept busy or she will continue to ask “what’s next?”! I have looked for kid, family, and not-too-expensive events, and only came up with a few.

I know there is always MOSI, Lowry Park, and other regular staples but I try to look for different things to do with the family. Not only to save money but to venture off a little, not be so same old, same old. When I was a child we had little money for extras (forget about Busch Gardens or Disney!), so my mom and step-dad had to be creative. And let me tell you, I miss that! I’m trying hard to pick that back up for myself and my kids. Sometimes it is not where you go but the fun you had getting there and spending with the family or friends you took! Below are my picks for this weekend, please have fun with whatever you choose to do!

Brandon Fresh Market Saturday March 8, 9am-3pm at the Winthrop Town Centre, corner of Bloomingdale and Providence Avenues. This fresh market will have produce, plants, seafood, books, candy, antiques, and several other types of vendors. There are a handful of locally owned stores in the centre as well. This is not always fun for small kids, but I know sometimes little ones can be bribed for something little or just ice cream! My little one loves Publix fried chicken and since there is a Publix in the centre, well, guess where lunch will be coming from! Now we all are happy and ready for the ride over the bridge (see below). You can go to www.brandonfreshmarket.com for more information.

Sounds of Music Series Saturday March 8th, 1:00pm-4:00pm at the St. Petersburg Pier. The Pier is going to have live music from Lionheart outside at the Waterside Courtyard. For the kids, there will be free face painting, a one man circus and a character from Frizy Bros. (this one stumps me). I suggest taking kites and sandwiches and walking down to the small beach area or over to the park and just have fun with the kids. There are great trees to climb or to sit under for a nice picnic. This is the stuff I love about living here!

Brandon Coupon Club Meeting, Saturday March 8th at 2:00pm at the Bloomingdale Regional Library in Valrico. This is what I need to be doing, I love coupons and I did not know this club existed. I found this on TBO’s community news. All it says is to bring your scissors and extra coupons to share! I won’t be able to make this meeting but they meet every second Saturday of the month. Linda will answer any questions you have. She can be reached at 813-689-9150. I have already marked my calendar for next month, I just wish it was earlier in the day so I could get up, go, and then go shop!

16th Annual Apollo Beach Manatee Festival Saturday and Sunday, March 8th & 9th, 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Tampa Electric South Shore Community Center. This has a $5 admission fee for anyone older than 12 and that does include parking. This event will have artists and craftsmen, cooking demonstrations, children’s creativity center and art show, food vendors, and a beer garden. There will also be an exhibition tent with various organizations to help educate how to protect the Tampa Bay waters, wildlife, boating and environment. They are also offering a free shuttle to the Manatee Viewing Center from the festival site. This sounds like so much fun for the whole family. I planned on going boating Sunday but I think this might be added to our list instead. For more information go to www.apollobeachchamber.com

Those are just a few of the things going on in Tampa Bay this weekend. No matter what your tastes, it’s the most beautiful time of the year, so don’t stay inside - go out and do something!

This weekend is BIG for us; Tommy and I have been married for 5 years as of Saturday, March 1st. The little one will be at her mom’s house so we can do whatever we want! Well, kind of. The band plays Friday night so we only have Saturday and Sunday.

I looked over some of the lists out there, but have not found much that I feel like doing here locally. I already have plans Friday night with a girlfriend so I think Tommy and I will just disappear on Saturday and see where it takes us. Sometimes having a plan is not always the way to go.

Here’s what I will be doing Friday and then I wanted to mention an event on Saturday that is being held in Clearwater for The Spring of Tampa Bay. A very close friend of mine works for The Spring, and will be at this event collecting all the donations that go to a great cause. If you have the time and the $50/$60, please join them for their event.

Friday February 29 Don Rickles and Joan Rivers at Ruth Eckerd Hall. I won these tickets from 105.5 the Dove this week, so my girlfriend and I are heading out for some laughs. I have heard this show will have adult language and adult content some even say pretty raunchy! You can go online to purchase tickets at http://www.rutheckerdhall.com.

Saturday March 1 the 3rd Annual VIP Mardi Gras Charity Party will be held at the home of founder J. Michael Pinson with the proceeds to benefit The Spring of Tampa Bay. There will plenty of special guests from the who’s who list of Tampa Bay. All inclusive: New Orleans style crab & lobster claws, French baked scallops, seared tuna, shrimp gumbo, pasta, shrimp, prime filet and more. 3 Full Open Bars with New Orleans Rum Runners & martinis. Get there early the food and drinks are while supplies last. This is a Mardi Gras Party so bring your beads! Cocktail Dress Recommended. Men, no ties are required. Dress to be comfortable to have a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

Since 1977, The Spring of Tampa Bay has provided sanctuary and services to more than 30,000 abused adults and their children. The Spring is the largest of Florida’s 41 certified domestic violence shelters and the first in the United States to have an accredited school on site. Nearly half of the operating budget comes from private sources including: individuals, corporations, and foundations.

This is a great charity event and is one of the premier events of the year. They only sell 250 tickets to this event due to limited space, you may call the Pinson office at 813-855-3663 until Friday February 28th at 12 noon to purchase advance tickets at $50. After that time, all ticket sales will be at the door at $60 per person. The Pinson website with all the info is http://www.pinsonfoundation.org

“Free is for me!” is and has always been my motto.

I like to cut coupons and look for bargains all day long! In a sense, this is the only reason we get to do what we do and not owe thousands in credit card debt.

On weekends I like to keep busy but I don’t want to hand over my entire paycheck to do so. I have gone on wild weekends and spent a small fortune but then the regret kicks in on Sunday night. Of course, there have been a few exceptions where we had so much fun it was worth every dime!

With all that being said I scour over many different lists of things to do in the Bay area to find the ones that look fun and will not cost a ton. This week we have the little one - and our niece to keep busy as well - so we are looking for kid friendly. No, not martini hour!

I already knew about the Rays Fan Fest (free) so that is on the agenda and I found two more free events to run by as well. Here’s all the information, enjoy and have a great weekend!

The Rays Fan Fest is Saturday, February 23 from 10am-5pm at Tropicana Field and has free admission and free parking. A team autograph session will take place throughout the entire event and the Rookie, Jim Morrison will be present. You can tryout to star in a Ray’s commercial; I have two of the cutest kids so this should be a shoe in! Kids and adults will be able to run the bases and there will be several other on the field activities for everyone. You can go to the Rays website for all the details on the event and of course how to purchase season tickets at a discount during the event. http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/fan_forum/fan_fest.jsp

Ybor City’s Fiesta Day is also on Saturday, February 23 from 10am-6pm in Ybor City. I think I can do both of these if I start real early! First to Gunn Hwy to pick up the niece, shoot over to St. Pete for the athletic portion of the day. Then on the way home stop off in Ybor for a free sample of Spanish food for dinner then home! This event looks like a lot of fun there will be a parade of flags from Cuba, Germany, Italy and Span. There is an annual flan fest to determine who makes the best flan, the contest begins at noon and winners will be announced at 2:30pm. Complimentary Cuban bread, Spanish Bean soup and Cafe Con Leche will be given out to visitors! There will be music, children’s activities and the fresh market place will be huge this week with vendor’s, artists and more! Stop by the CC Event Productions website for all the details at http://www.cc-events.org/fiestaday

Olde Hyde Park Village is hosting their 19th annual art festival this Saturday and Sunday, Feb 23 & 24 from 10am-5pm. Thank goodness it is on Sunday too, because I want to go again this year. I always enjoy strolling around Hyde Park for their festivals. There will be a lot to look at with all the artists displaying their work of sculptures, paintings, ceramics, photography and much more. The shops will be open and nearby Kate Jackson Park has one of the nicest playground areas for the children. You can look at Howard Alan Events website for all the information on this event and others they promote at http://www.artfestival.com.

Whatever YOU do, I hope you have a great weekend!