Fish In Wine Sauce - Caribbean Style

Photo Credit: Flickr user jgal

When you live in the Caribbean, one thing is for certain, you tend to eat a lot of fish! There just seems to be an abundance of all kinds of fish, especially at this time of year when many have decided to give up meat and turn to fish for a source of protein. I came across the following recipe in The Multi-Cultural Cuisine of Trinidad & Tobago & The Caribbean, and I loved it so much I decided to share it! I find that it works well with fish like Tuna, Red Snapper, Mahi-Mahi and King Fish. Bon Appetit!

Friday's Travel Deals

Photo Credit: Flickr user muha

If you missed last week's travel deals, you can check them out here. Many of those deals are still good this week. If you're looking for a last minute get-away or you're planning a special vacation in advance, I hope this week's round of travel deals helps you to plan and save efficiently. Happy Travels!

Caribbean Package Deals
Grand Bahama Island - Radisson Our Lucaya Resort 3 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$599
Jamaica - Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa All Incl. 3 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$609
Barbados - Amaryllis Beach Resort 3 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$729
Turks & Caicos - Comfort Suites Turks & Caicos 3 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$789
Riviera Maya - Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Resorts & Spa  All Incl. 6 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$1049
Check out these deals and more at TNTVacations.com

USA Winter Sale - Hotels, Vacation Packages & More
Kauai, Hawaii - Hotel Sale: Up to 30% on Kauai hotels! Expires 2/28/10
San Diego, CA -  Ends Soon - San Diego Winter Sale: Hotels up to 45% off! Expires 2/28/10
Portland, OR - Ends Soon - Up to 30% off Portland Hotels, where shopping is always tax-free! Expires 2/28/10 
Vacation Deals - All-Inclusive Vacation Deals: Flight + 4 nights from USD$521 Expires 3/18/10
St. Patrick's Day - Enjoy St. Patrick's Day travel deals for less green: Hotels from USD$51 Expires 3/11/10
Los Angeles, CA - Fly L.A. to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane: Flight + 4 Nights from USD$1049 Expires 

Rest of the World
Athens & Greek Islands - Explore historic monuments and 2 stunning islands! 8 Nights + Air from USD$1199
Tuscany Italy - Enjoy Tuscany in Spring 6 Nights + Air + Car 2 bdr countryside villas for 4 from USD$859
Peru - 4-Night Peru Trip w/Air + Macchu Picchu Tour ($100 Off) Inclusive of hotel stays from USD$899
Scandinavia & Finland - Summer Fare Sale Each Way, Visit Oslo, Stockholm & more r/t req'd from USD$428

Guest Blogger - Isabelle's Travel Guide


Photo Credit: Flickr user Adventurer Dustin Holmes

Last week I had the opportunity to write a guest post for Isabelle's Travel Guide, which was featured on her website for "#TravelTuesday", a well known "event" among travel-oriented tweeters on Twitter. Isabelle, is a passionate traveler like myself, and she decided to add a "Favorite Blogger of the Week" to her website because as she puts it, "I think it’s interesting to hear another voice telling about their travel experiences! And let’s face it, I can’t be everywhere in the world, even though I wish I could."

Guest blogging is a fun way to meet others who are passionate about the same things that interest us. If you would like to read the post, head over to Isabelle's website. You can also follow us on Twitter for interesting tweets about the world of travel. Happy Travels!

Follow @IsabellesTravel
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Friday Travel Deals

Photo Credit: Flickr user LuxuryTravelButler

I'm always coming across good travel deals on the internet, and I felt that my readers could benefit from them. So starting today and every Friday from here on out, I will be posting some of my favorite travel deals of the week. I hope it will inspire you to travel and help you save in the process. Happy Travels!

~TNT Vacations.com is having a "Sunsational Sale" from now until March 8th. Here are some highlights.
Punta Cana - 7 Nights All-Inclusive Hotel, Airfare + from USD$899

Riviera Maya - 6 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$849
Cancun - 6 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$699
Jamaica - 3 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$579
Aruba - 3 Nights Hotel, Airfare + from USD$529
Check out these and more great deals!

~Expedia.com is having a variety of promotions and special offers from hotels to car rentals to theme park tickets. Here are some highlights.
Luxury Hotel Sale: Fourth night free at these 4.5 and 5 star hotels! Ends - 3/2/10
Save up to 50% on Las Vegas Hotels when you book and travel in February! - Expires 2/28/10
Ends Soon: NYC Outer Boroughs Hotels from $39, Air + 3 nights from $277! - Expires 2/26/10
Save $200 on Flight + 3 nights Bahamas vacation when you fly out of Florida. Use Code BAH200! - Expires 3/3/10
Budget Cars: Save up to 30% on Weekly and Weekend Rentals when you book on Expedia.com. - Expires 3/31/10
Book California theme park tickets and passes on Expedia and save up to $80! - Ends 3/15/10
Find these and more great deals on Expedia.com!

~KAYAK.com is also having a lot of great deals going on now including cruise, air and hotel deals. Here are some highlights.
Italy Winter & Spring Flights on Sale Incl. Taxes R/T - from USD$599
Worldwide Cruise Sale 7 + Night Sailings on stylish Norwegian Cruise Lines - from USD$369
Hotels in Top California Cities on sale through March - from USD$59
Prague 6 Night Vacation with Flights & Breakfasts - from USD$649
Australia, New Zealand & Fiji Flights on Sale, Each Way - from USD$380
Find these and more deals on Kayak.com

The Ejection Seat - Bungee Jumping in Reverse

Photo Credit: The Ejection Seat

Want to hear a grown man scream like a woman in labor? Welcome to the Ejection Seat! This is an adrenaline-junky, thrill ride that is not for the faint hearted. I repeat - this is not for the faint hearted.

A Romantic Dinner For Two - Inspired by My Restaurant Favorites



There is just something about food that excites our senses and makes us feel good. When you really think of it eating food involves at least 4 out of 5 of our senses (sight, smell, taste and touch), so in that sense (no pun intended) it's a total body experience. Food has the ability to comfort us, and get us in the mood for love.

Since I know that right now, many are looking for ideas and inspiration to craft the perfect romantic dinner, I have picked my favorite restaurant foods (that I have tried so far) and created a menu that I hope will tantalize your taste buds as much as it has my fiance's and mine. Whether it's a special occasion like your anniversary or you just want to surprise your sweetheart, give this menu a try!
Appetizer
Photo Credit - Olive Garden

Lasagna Fritta - The absolute best appetizer that has ever caressed my taste buds came in the form of a Lasagna Fritta, from Olive Garden. These little morsels are fried Lasagna pieces breaded with Parmesan cheese on top of Alfredo sauce served with marinara sauce and more parmesan cheese on top. Oh words cannot give justice to how good these Frittas are!

Salad
Photo Credit: Flickr user JD

Spinach Salad with apples, almonds and dried cranberries. This fresh crisp salad can be served with your favorite sweet vinaigrette dressing.

Entree
Photo Credit: Flickr user Another Pint Please

Roasted Rack of Lamb with rosemary-mint glaze inspired by Carvers Steaks & Chops Restaurant, Rancho Bernardo, CA. Serve with Roasted Potatoes, Rice Pilaf or Sauteed Asparagus.

Dessert
Photo Credit: Flickr user Rae Vasky

Belgian Chocolate Truffle Cake inspired by Hans and Harrys bakery in Bonita, CA. Layer upon layer of rich, moist chocolate cake with truffle filling. A raspberry sauce would be the "cherry" on top!

Wine
Photo Credit: Flickr user schonwandt

A Shiraz or Syrah wine would pair well with the Lamb and Chocolate Truffle dessert.

What makes a destination "Romantic"?

Paris, France (Photo by flickr user macropoulos)

I've always believed that everything French equaled Romance. I believed it so much that I learned French, thought I would marry a Frenchman and live in France. Of course, I've since outgrown that notion (the Frenchman part), but it made me think about what really makes a destination "Romantic". Is it the location, the people, the food, the language, some magical dust that is sprinkled in the air? I mean, what really makes a place "the" place to go for lovers and those who want to find love?

I consulted the MSN Encarta and their definition of romance is "A spirit or feeling of adventure, excitement, the potential for heroic achievement, and the exotic." It can also mean, "fascination or enthusiasm with something, especially of an uncritical or inexplicable kind", and might I also add to that, the idea of seclusion. Now, we all know that France, Italy and Rome easily conform to these definitions, but what about the other countries and cities of the world? In my travels, there are three that stand out in my mind as good places for kindling and keeping the flame alive.

Offer: Win a 4 day, 3 night luxury  vacation at a Sandals Resort of your choice (no purchase necessary) !

Maui, Hawaii
A Hammock just for two (Photo by flickr user muha)

Maui is my favorite of the Hawaiian islands because it's got charm, it's laid back, and yet full of things to do. From the time you arrive at the airport you feel as though you're getting ready to be pampered. The meet and greet with the lei made me feel enchanting, like some kind of princess with a string of fresh cut scented flowers around my neck. The fresh pacific ocean breeze fills your lungs and you realize this is what life is supposed to be!
Maui Beach Sunset (Photo by flickr user janruss)

Whether it's a sunset walk along the beach, a stolen kiss 800 ft above in a tandem para-sail or exploring the beauty of the ocean together on a snorkel trip...Maui is the place to be for romance! The unique Polynesian culture lends an element of exoticism - from the language, to the food, to the dances - that makes you want to immerse yourself and kindle the flame.

Laurentian Mountains, Quebec (Canada)

Laurentian Sunset (Photo by flickr user justin lucarelli)

What I find intriguing and romantic about the Laurentian region is the feeling of seclusion, the adventure, the unspoilt beauty and of course there's that French influence everywhere. At this time of year there's plenty of white, snow capped mountains, fresh crisp air, and frosty, starry nights creating a dreamy ambiance and plenty of excuses to snuggle up next to your loved one by the fireplace.
Spa Massage (Photo by flickr user aggiecarrie)

The Laurentian Mountains are well known in Quebec for their abundance of health spas. One of the key things that kill romance is bad health or a lifestyle that's too hectic. If that sounds like you, I would highly recommend a weekend spa getaway in the Laurentian Mountains and add to that some playful frolic in the snow...sounds like a recipe for romance to me!


Branson, Missouri (USA)
Table Rock Lake at Sunset (Photo by flickr user Graham Dodd)

Yes you read right. I know Branson is a place filled with endless country music shows, and family entertainment but there is a quaintness to this place that I feel lends to romance.

Nestled amongst the picturesque Ozark Mountains, Branson affords lovers the opportunity to feel adventurous, excited, and secluded. Branson Landing for one, is a lovely courtyard type waterfront promenade lined with stores like Victoria's Secret (ooh la la!), and Bath and Body Works, overlooking Lake Taneycomo. As you walk along, clever street lamps play relaxing music.
Branson Landing (Photo by flickr user illuminatingconcepts)

Then there's the fire and water show where fire leaps and water spouts to the rhythm of the music. And not to be missed is a horse drawn carriage ride just for two that takes you out to the lake...my friend and I did that one and it was nice! I must also mention the gourmet dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake and the many nature trails waiting to be explored.

In terms of hotels, there are two Hilton hotels (one right on the Branson Landing), the four diamond rated Chateau On The Lake hotel and spa, and if you prefer more seclusion, there are gorgeous fully loaded cottages tucked away in the hills.

Now that I've shared my hot spots for romance, I'm eager to know what makes a destination romantic for you and which cities around the world top your list!