Who Said Nothing in Life is Free?

Sometimes I just love the opportunities my blog gives me and this is definitely one of those times…  I got invited to go back for the second month of the Romano’s Macaroni Grill Wine Tasting Dinner events.  I had such an incredible time last month so I was super excited to be joining them again. I was slightly worried that I would be disappointed since last month was just so fabulous but they did not disappoint me at all !!!

For those that didn’t read my review last month, you can go here to read it.  The cost is $40 per person and you get to enjoy 4 glasses of wine and a 4 course meal. Such a great deal !  I am actually going to next months event with one of my best friends.

This month’s course selections included:

• Course 1: choice of Baked Prosciutto + Mozzarella or Signature Mac & Cheese Bites (we got one of each)
• Course 2: choice of Chicken Florentine salad, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Salad or soup
• Course 3: choice of Chicken Scallopini, Chicken Rustica or Pomodoro Totellacci
• Course 4: choice of Lemon Sorbet or Tiramisu

Everything was just so good.   The Signature Mac & Cheese Bites is made in house with 4 different cheeses (including a smoked one) and comes with a truffle cheese dipping sauce.  The Parmesan crusted chicken salad was so good that Rich said he wants to go back in a couple weeks just to get the entree sized one.  He let me get a couple bites and I agree, it was delicious.  It is a combination of fresh greens, crispy prosciutto, roma tomatoes, and parmesan-crusted chicken. Then its topped with both ranch and a balsamic glaze.  So yummy.  The biggest surprise for me was the tiramisu because I don’t really like coffee/espresso type desserts but this was truly scrumptious.  Not an overpowering espresso flavor and very creamy.

I tried to find the date for the next event and I don’t think they have announced it but once they do, I will update this post !!!

Have you always loved looking at model homes, admiring the lovely kitchen that undoubtedly completes it? Do you wish you could take pride in your own kitchen, but never got around to doing the remodel? Or, have you always wanted to redo your kitchen but thought that fixing it up would be a lost cause and too expensive?

Whatever the case may be, know that there is hope! It’s completely possible to turn your kitchen into a place that you can be proud of. We have compiled a list of the five easiest ways to redecorate and guarantee that you will love the result.

1. Revamp With New Appliances

The kitchen is the one room in the house that is always filled with a variety of appliances.

Many of us, at some time or another, have fallen victim to the “quick move.” It’s when you are forced to pack everything up and move as soon as possible.

When this happens, we usually end up taking everything in our kitchen, whether it matches or not. Then, we get stuck with the greasy microwave or the dirty toaster that barely works.

If you are choosing to redecorate, you now have the chance to fix this! By simply buying matching or new appliances, your kitchen will look tremendously better than it did before. This is a sure-fire way to make your kitchen feel like new!

2. Choose Modern or Vintage

Some of the most popular styles in the past few years have centered on both modern and vintage looks. Modern offers a clean and slick look, while vintage styles provide a more rustic and homely vibe. Choosing one of these will help you to establish a theme and feel throughout your entire kitchen that’s harmonious and consistent.

Another choice would be to integrate both options. If you choose to do this, you are very free to choose each piece of your kitchen individually, though you do run the risk of the theme becoming muddy or tacky. If this is of any concern to you, just ask for design help when you start the remodeling process.

3. Tile…  But on the Walls

This new trend of accenting the dull space on your walls with tile is taking the remodeling industry by storm. Tile is an easy and inexpensive solution for spicing up the room with some color and patterned design, and lets you explore your artistic tastes.The beauty of this option is that it gives you the freedom to choose from a wide variety of tiles that can match any color or preferences already established in your kitchen.

Some of these tiles in Perth provide amazing ideas for what you can do in your own kitchen!

4. Light it Up!

Another great way to completely redo your kitchen is to purchase some new lighting! You will be surprised at how much a little light can do for this room.

There are numerous choices for choosing new lighting. Overhead lights are bright, fashionable and come in a variety of styles. From chandeliers to strip lights, choosing new lighting is always a great option to accent your favorite parts of the kitchen.

5. New Cabinets

When you move into your home, the kitchen is sometimes dated with the original cabinets that the house was built with. While not of the original cabinets are bad, they are almost always not your first choice.  The cabinets line the perimeter of the room and are usually the first thing you see when you walk in. By changing up your cabinets, you will be incredibly surprised by how different and stunning your kitchen can look!

Choosing to spice up any room may seem like a daunting task, but if you follow these simple tips, how could you not love your new kitchen?

Enter code 2GETGRILLING2KFR at kelloggsfamilyrewards.com to get 100 Free points.

A couple weeks ago I got to attend the first Wine Tasting Dinner at my local Romano’s Macaroni Grill.  Every location around the US participated and they plan to do them every month.  It cost $40 per person and included 4 courses and 4 glasses of wine and lasted 2 hours.  SO WORTH THE MONEY !!!

4 courses:

• Course one was your choice of antipasti… I chose the Bruschetta and my boy friend chose the Sausage and Peppers Flatbread.  The bruschetta was grilled rosemary bread with whipped ricotta, roma tomoatoes, garlic and basil.  IT WAS AMAZING !!!
• Course two was your choice of soup or salad.  I chose the lobster bisque soup and Rich chose the Bibb + Bleu salad (other choices were a fresh greens salad or tomato basil soup). Both were delicious.
• Course three was your choice of entree.  We both chose the Signature Truffle Mac & Cheese which was to die for (other choices were Chicken Parmesan or Parmesan Crusted Sole).
• Course four was your choice of dessert.  I chose the lemon passion which is a citrus cake with lemon curd and whipped cream and Rich chose the Romano’s Cannoli.  Both were delicious.

*Food and wine choices may change from month to month but I am sure they will be just as yummy as this meal was

For the wine pairing you got to pick which wine you wanted from a select list.  I was hoping they would pair the wine for you but they didn’t really do that for us.  Between Rich and I we did get to try pretty much all the wines though.

The next wine tasting dinner is going to take place on Wednesday June 5th from 7-9 pm.  Call your local restaurant to reserve your spot.  Plus if you dine with a group of 6 or more you will receive 20% off.

Parents can keep their kids active and entertained at Airport Lanes in Sanford, Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando and Aloma Bowl in Winter Park. The entertainment venues will offer two free games of bowling for kids per day from June 3 through August 30. The offer is available from open to 5 p.m. at Airport Lanes and Aloma Bowl, and from open to 7 p.m. at Boardwalk Bowl.

Parents can join in on the fun, too. They can bowl for just $2 per game. Additional games for kids are also just $2.

All participants must purchase shoe rental, and a parent or guardian must be present. Free Bowling for Kids is not available on holidays, and it cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers. The promotion is not available to summer camps or daycares. Children must be 15 or younger to qualify.

To register for the offer, visit www.AlomaBowlingCenters.com before the first visit. Click on the venue and happenings, then click on the promotion flier.

Enter code HAPPYMOMDAY2UKFR at kelloggsfamilyrewards.com To get 100 Free points.