Now What?

Last weekend a few friends and I headed down to Virginia Beach for the annual Neptune Festival for a girls get-a-way weekend. I decided that even after spending several weeks in Turkey with my kids and extended family this past August, this Momma needed a BREAK from EVERYONE right about now. So my latest Now What moment took a detour to Virginia Beach for some sun and fun while my husband and kids bonded back home. While this was my first time in VB, I am positive it will not be my last. Here's why. One big never-ending beach Virginia Beach is home to endless miles of clean, sandy beaches stretching along the Atlantic coast with a convenient paved boardwalk and bike path running parallel along the entire way. And let me emphasize the "clean" part. Not an ounce of seaweed, rock, shell, dead jellyfish or crustacean skeleton could be found along these sandy shores. Kudos g...

When faced with the choice between a sit down lunch or the chance to roam freely around a foreign land and sample different "grab-n-go" fare, the choice is simple: go wander with cash in hand.  I'm a bona fide snacker with a passion for sampling small bites. Turkey is a snacker's paradise where you can find unique (even healthy) treats on the street and the beach. süt mısır When you hear a guy calling out "süt mısır " immediately head over to him and grab a bright yellow ear of corn. Translated literally as "milk corn," these corn are boiled then grilled and sold by street vendors or some guy on the beach. They tend to be a little thicker and mealier than the crisp butter and sugar corns grown in the states. I delight in these healthy snacks as they are a perfect pick me up from a day of shopping or sun bathing and provide a good boost of salt and carbs to recharge without the guilt. midye dolma For t...

Going to the bazaar is an old world tradition that one must experience at least once while in Turkey. I've visited the Alaçatı Bazaar, held every Saturdayin the quaint old Aegean town of Alaçatı , for over ten years as part of our annual trips to Turkey. Give yourself a few hours and you will be able to find any essential item from street clothes, undergarments, toys, bags, jewelry, shoes, bed and dining linens, kitchenware, food, or anything else you need except furniture - all under one big tent with thousands of your closest shopping acquaintances. So here's some advice and insights on how to survive this unique retail experience that boasts 360 degree views of the merchandise. Preparations: Even if this is your first time at the bazaar, have a plan. Try to think about what you want to buy, how much you want to spend, and get ready to haggle (I'll touch more on bargaining later in the post). F...

After three planes, fourteen transit hours, one killer migraine, and two wired kids, we made it to Turkey yesterday for our annual trip to visit my husband's family. Even though its been a year since our last visit, I feel like I've never left. And that's a good thing. As we survived our first full day today feeling refreshed from the pool and my mother-in-law's home cooking, I can't help but take in all these familiar (and quirky) sights and sounds that make Turkey feel like my home away from home. Of course, some things have changed but for the most part, the familiar is omnipresent. Breakfast: Probably my favorite meal of the day (when I don't have to cook or prepare it, that is). I really love the Turkish breakfast and today did not disappoint. I think what makes this meal so appealing (to me at least) are all the options (tomatoes, cukes, cheeses, olives, fruit, and homemade preserves, to name a few) served on small plates. I'm a ...