Feature Photos on Another Blog

This might seem like a strange one, but allowing my photos to be viewed by strangers is an adventure to me. I know I’m not the world’s best photographer. I was fortunate to encounter fantastic landscapes, and there’s only so much skill required to capture beauty like that.

So, allowing my amateur photos to be viewed (and possibly scrutinized) by others is big to me. But when my friend Christie asked if she could use some for her new blog, Shore Bliss, I couldn’t deny her (or myself, really).

One of the feature sections of Shore Bliss is called Wanderlust, where Christie dreams of visiting shore-friendly destinations. After focusing on Hawaii her first couple posts, she wanted to branch out. She turned to my photos of the Bay Islands in Honduras as inspiration for The Other Caribbean (or, as I like to say, islands people either have no clue exist or forget are even part of the Caribbean).

Below is a snapshot of the post, but check it out for yourself. Poke around the other content, too. I personally love the Friday Flow weekly feature and all of her collages. :)

Flashback: Whitewater Rafting

Today, we’re flashing back to Honduras in June 2007 (again, I know)…

Along the country’s northern coast, you’ll find spectacular adventure and eco-tourism opportunities – hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, zipline canopy tours, natural hot springs and of course, whitewater rafting.

This was something I never imagined I’d allow myself to take part in, especially considering I’m terrified of drowning. But there we were, in the city of La Ceiba on the Río Cangrejal bordering the stunning Pico Bonito National Park. And two rafts were already being carried down to the river by our guides.

The Río Cangrejal is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in Central America. Depending on the time of year, the rapids can range from an easy Class II to a challenging (and not to be taken lightly) Class V.

June is right at the beginning of rainy season, so on the day we arrived the rapids were ranking at about a Class III. After a lengthy safety and technique demonstration, we were ready to embrace the adventure.

Okay wait, I’m lying. Yes, we got in the boat. But I was still incredibly nervous. Seated in the center section of the 6-person raft, I obediently tucked one foot under the seat in front of me, the other under my own seat, and perched on the edge of the raft. As we started bouncing over the rapids, paddling to the rhythm dictated by our guide, I was forgetting to breathe thanks to my nerves.

About 15 minutes in, we hit a rough patch of rapids and the girl sharing the row with me tumbled overboard. Those couple seconds she was in the icy water seemed like forever to me, but our guide snatched her up by the life vest and we were on our way again like it never happened. Let’s just say, I started to pull myself off the edge of the raft a bit. I did NOT want to go overboard too, no matter how quick a savior our guide was.

Continuing on the hour-long trip, we coasted through calm waters and observed the national park and wildlife, and then another patch of rapids would creep up on us and all focus was on following our guide’s calls, “Forward, Right Side Back, Get Down!”

The journey ends with one last challenge: a drop down a small waterfall with a wicked current at its base. Truly, the waterfall was only 5-7 feet tall at that time of year, but the current is serious enough that our guides thoroughly prepare everyone for the drop.

Away we went, following his calls, and then we dropped and were completely submerged in water! But we didn’t fall off… just popped right back up on the boat. And oh was that water freezing!

The entire experience was exhilarating and nerve racking at the same time. I’m proud to say that despite my nerves, I had a great time. Enough so, that I calmly embraced the adventure a handful times more on future visits to that river. Even once in the rain. Yes, my fears are still there, but I just follow all the instructions and keep my guard up. And the result is simply unforgettable.

———-

If you’re visit La Ceiba in the future, I highly recommend contacting La Moskitia Ecoaventuras for the Río Cangrejal rafting excursion. Owner Jorge Salaverri and his team grew up on this river, and know its personality well. Its a wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable team:

*Photos are compliments of Tim Shisler, my photography mentor. ;)  All were captured in November 2010 – the last time I went rafting in Honduras.

Mint Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

There’s a chocoholic at my office, and she recently had a birthday. As a belated treat, I’m treating her to Mint Cookies & Cream Cupcakes – since I know from her pinning habits on Pinterest that she has a thing for Oreos.

This time, I’m testing myself a little. Mixing and matching recipes and adding a few touches of my own. The recipe for the Chocolate-Mint Cake (less the Oreos) is from Martha Stewart. The recipe for the Cookies & Cream frosting is just a basic buttercream with Oreos added to the mix.

The result: Oreo goodness.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the frosting to turn green, no matter how much food coloring I added. And the oil in the cake batter seeped under the Oreos on the bottom a little, causing the liners to stick to the bottom of the cake. But overall, these turned out delicious. I think the mint gives them a great little kick. Enjoy!

Chocolate-Mint Cupcakes

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
3/4 c. buttermilk
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3/4 c. warm water
1 tsp. pure peppermint extract
1 pkg. Oreos (I used Double Stuf)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Twist the Oreos in half and set the side with the icing on the bottom of each liner. Set aside the halves with no frosting (you’ll use them with the frosting).

In mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then add eggs, buttermilk, oil, water, and peppermint extract, and beat with a mixer on low speed until smooth.

Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cupcakes cool in tins on wire racks for 10 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to racks, and let cool.

Cookies & Cream Frosting

1 c. butter
6 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-2 tsp. peppermint extract
Oreo cookie half crumbs

First, grind the Oreo cookies halves you saved from the cake batter in a food processor until crumbs.

Next, cream together the butter and 4 cups powdered sugar, then add the milk and vanilla. Beat on medium for 3-5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then add Oreos crumbs, peppermint and a little extra milk (if needed), and blend well. Gradually add the remaining sugar, as needed for consistency.

Smile! I think…

For those who don’t know this, I work in public relations. In the past, I’ve handled many accounts related to travel – most particularly a Central American country for which I led numerous media tours, resulting in some of my best memories.

So when my friend came across a book entitled, Smile When You’re Lying: Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer, she insisted I read it. I was immediately intrigued. While I’m lucky enough to say I truly enjoyed 99% of the writers I’ve traveled with over the years, I always wonder what their stories would say if there were no bounds — no editors, no fluffy story angles, just the straight up truth. (Although, while they may have some crazy tales, I really believe they enjoyed the country as much as I do.)

This book was written by travel writer, editor and photographer Chuck Thompson, who has been lucky enough to travel across the globe for many years. This book is essentially his revenge – of sorts – on all the editors who limited his writing to what people wanted to hear, versus the actual down and dirty truth. Just look at some of the chapter titles, and you’ll get the idea:

• Baked Alaska: How Drugs, Tourism, and Petroleum Tamed the Last Frontier
• Why Latin America Isn’t the World’s Number One Travel Destination and Probably Never Will Be
• Am I the Only One Who Can’t Stand the Caribbean?
• What Lazy Writers, Lonely Planet, and Your Favorite Travel Magazine Don’t Want You to Know

So during my #12: Raid a Book Clearance adventure, I snatched a copy of the tell-all novel and finally dove in last month.

The book was less about PR girls who destroy my industry’s reputation (thanks ladies), and more about Chuck lashing out with all his annoyances with the publishing industry and crazy antics of those abroad. It was definitely an uncensored collection of tales, with everything from prostitutes in Thailand, to crazy drug use in Alaska, to the actions of just plain stupid foreigners (not limited to Americans, phew!).

I was particularly interested in the Latin America chapter, and found so much of it to be true. Take this quote: “No place needs a good PR company more than Latin America. With so much going in its favor – food, scenery, the most hospitable locals on Earth – it still has a worse rep than the Florida Division of Elections.” I couldn’t agree more. He talked about how Americans have so many preconceived notions about this part of the world, and how its almost impossible for the region to beat this without us making a mindset adjustment. Really people… Its beautiful there. 100% worth a visit. Yes, there’s crime – just like there is in Los Angeles. Just be a smart traveler.

Its definitely entertaining if you don’t mind someone who seems a little angry and who won’t hold back with details. I found it hilarious at times – because I honestly cannot believe this guy has experienced all this craziness. And I think this book was just the tip of the iceberg.

Which brings me to his next book, To Hellholes and Back: Bribes, Lies, and the Art of Extreme Tourism. I think I might need to read that too!

Sneak Peek of a Movie

As obsessed with movies as I am, I’ve never been to a sneak peek showing of a film. Well, that was until last week. Thanks to a friend, I scored 6 tickets to the preview showing of Something Borrowed.

Something Borrowed was originally a chick lit novel by Emily Giffin, who I’ve come to realize is an incredibly down-to-earth person (she updates her Facebook page fanatically). I read it about five years ago, along with its sequel Something Blue – and I loved both.

The film version stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson (Rachel & Darcy, lifelong best friends), and co-stars John Krasinki (Ethan, the childhood best guy friend) and Colin Egglesfield (my new actor crush…err, I mean, Dex — Rachel’s law school friend/crush who becomes engaged to Darcy, but then who starts sleeping with Rachel after realizing they were meant to be together… and breathe).

The preview showing was packed to the brim – enough so that they opened a second showing. We were lucky enough to score seats in the center (our dumb luck still baffles me). Our bags were minimally searched on the way into the theatre for cameras. We were also repeatedly warned that if we even looked at a text on our phones during the showing, we’d be booted from the theatre. Point taken, phone turned off. I wasn’t getting kicked out of this!

Now I have no clue what those who never read the book will think of this movie, but I have been eagerly anticipating it for months! Its not your typical romantic comedy storyline, offering instead a glimpse of what happens when things don’t go right. And let’s face it – life isn’t a fairytale and these type of situations unfortunately happen all the time.

As someone who loved the book, I loved the movie too. It followed along closely enough and I fell in love with Rachel and Dex as a destined couple. Steve Howey (as Marcus, Dex’s playboy wanna-be friend) and Ashley Williams (as Darcy’s nutty friend who is obsessed with Ethan) also contributed plenty of comic relief.

If you ever get a chance to go to a sneak peak showing, take advantage of it!

Braving a Drag Show

Looking for something out-of-the-ordinary and loaded with laughs? Then may I suggest heading down to Pointe Orlando for the Danielle Hunter & Company Dinner Theatre Show at Funky Monkey Wine Company.

Oh, and did I mention its a drag dinner theatre show?

Somewhat unexpectedly this weekend, I ended up at this show for a friend’s birthday dinner. I’ve heard of Funky Monkey Wine Company before, although I only knew of their Mills Avenue location (neighbored by Bananas, of the same owners). I did not know, however, that they offered a formal drag show at either location.

It was a laugh-out-loud show, especially watching the reactions of the guys in our group — particularly those who were targeted by the ‘girls’. The performers lip synched along with popular songs, dressed as artists like Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Fergie and Shania Twain.

This is not a show for the faint of heart – lots of racy comments, half-naked ‘women’, and crass language. But I know I found it to be hilarious and definitely something I’d go to again.

Oh, and did I mention they have great food and wine as well? The menu features a wide variety sushi rolls, as well as salads and entrees such as Yellow Fin Tuna, Drunken Jumbo Sea Scallops, Beef Short Ribs, Butternut Squash Raviolis, and Caramelized Pork Chop.

Want to see if for yourself? The show is every Friday night at 9pm (Pointe Orlando location only), and reservations are highly encouraged.

Margarita Cupcakes!

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I thought it was only appropriate that my Cupcake of the Week incorporate tequila in some fashion. The result? Margarita cupcakes!

The recipe uses the cake from my Easter cupcakes (with lime zest added) and a Tequila Lime Buttercream that I found on a blog called Good-Bye Gluten. And for those who are not lovers of tequila – don’t fret. You can barely taste it.

Possible improvements for the future? Make a simple syrup with tequila and brush the tops of each cake before frosting for an extra kick. Also, I really wanted to find gummy lime slices for decorating. That would have been a fun addition! But even without those changes, these are delicious!

Lime-Infused Cake

1 c. butter, softened
2 c. white sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 ¾ c. all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 ¾ c. milk
1-2 Tbsp. lime zest

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Mix well. Then add the lime zest and incorporate evenly throughout. Fill 24 muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until cupcakes test done in center. Cool completely.

Tequila Lime Buttercream

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter (softened)
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
2 Tbsp. lime zest
2 Tbsp. tequila
1/2 Tbsp. milk
Green & yellow food coloring

Cream the butter and shortening in a stand mixer. Add the vanilla, lime juice, zest, and tequila. Mix until combined. Add the powdered sugar. Start with about 1 pound. Add the milk and if the frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar. Add the food coloring (1 green drop to every 3 yellow) and then whip the frosting for 3-5 minutes.

Decorations

White Sparkling Sugar Crystal Sprinkles (by Wilton)
Other ideas: Gummy lime wedges, straw, umbrella

Frost cooled cupcakes, then sprinkle sugar around the edges to mimic salt on a margarita glass.

Learn to Grill a Steak

Since my landlord finally decided to add a deck behind my apartment, I was able to break out the mini Weber grill my sister and her hubby bought me for Christmas 2009!

I picked up a New York strip steak the other day, along with Stubb’s beef marinade (blend of garlic, soy & red pepper), and zucchini & squash as a side item.

With the steak marinating, I assembled my new grill, then followed the guidance of my brother-in-law in constructing my little charcoal pyramid. And then… Let there be fire!

After waiting about 10 minutes for the fire to die down, I started grilling my steak and veggies. About 15 minutes later, I had a great meal.

Sure, it was a little crispy on one half of the steak, but overall – considering it was my first attempt at grilling – I was very pleased.

So now, in addition to a new found obsession with baking cupcakes, I will be in hot pursuit of new grilling recipes. And just in time for summer too! I’m looking forward to many evenings sitting out on my deck and grilling a tasty dinner.

Food Truck Bazaar

Finally! I made it to a food truck event – and actually ate something!

The Daily City’s Food Truck Bazaar #2 was hosted on Sunday evening in the parking lot of Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall. The 5-hour event featured 15 trucks, including traditional BBQ, cupcakes, ‘fresh’ menus, pupusas (El Salvador), Korean, seafood and quite a bit more. If you were lucky, you’d make it through two lines – and we did just that.

First stop: The Tree House Truck, named aptly after its vertically unchallenged owner. After reviewing the menu, and a couple items seeming very promising, my partner in crime decided we just needed to go for it. We were ordering “The Luther Vandross”.

For those unfamiliar, The Luther Vandross is one insane concoction of heart attack-inducing madness. As if a bacon cheeseburger weren’t bad enough, imagine exchanging that bun for two Krispy Kreme donuts. Oh yes, you read that correctly. Two Krispy Kreme donuts. Never in my life would I have imagined wanting to try such a combo.

But, I did. Its all about the adventure, right? Take a look at this thing. Luckily, I only subjected myself to half, since I was able to split it. Thank goodness for that.

Other tasty-sounding items from this truck: the “Chimoo” sandwich – comprised of chicken, steak, slaw, sweet potato fries and ketchup; and fried Oreos.

Second Stop: Big Wheel Provisions, sporting the slogan “Local is Lovely”. These guys may have the upper hand, as its an established catering company that’s now also started a food truck. Their line was also much longer than the first, but luckily they offered up cold items for purchase during your wait. So we enjoyed two sliders: one pancetta and the other salami (sauce has a kick!).

As for our menu choices, we didn’t go for entrees. Instead, I ordered the fried whole fresh mozzarella ball with a marinara dipping sauce, and my friend tried the crispy fried cheddar chive grit cakes. Both were delicious! I don’t know if I can ever go back to typical fried cheese. And the grit cakes reminded me of corn fritters…but oh so much better.

Other tasty-sounding items from this truck: pork belly sliders, and homemade whoopie pies.

When’s the next Food Truck Bazaar in Orlando? The Daily City just announced the next event is July 3rd – location is TBD. Check out the blog or RSVP for the event on Facebook to keep updated.