Creamistry - Dessert Review

If you're looking for some delicious cold desserts at a kid friendly spot and also with the establishment being at a kid friendly location where you can peruse the area, walk around, or let your children loose than this is the place for you!

Creamistry in Irving/Dallas Texas is ideal in its ice cream creations but in the fact that ice cream looks to be an actual art here. Between heir flavors and their textures and toppings you really can't go wrong with anything you select here and it's SO delicious. 

Where thy are located is in a place that can somewhat of a hassle to find parking but once you have, the rest of the time there you can easily walk around while enjoying the dessert or seat yourself inside or outside their shop. If you sit outside in their provided table tops then your kids can easily just venture within your sights, perhaps before you all make it into a walking exploration of the area.

So whether you're just along for the ride or going to enjoy something delicious for your taste buds, this is a spot for you to try!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Cinnamon Bear - Restaurant Review

If you're craving something delicious, made fresh, and with fresh ingredients at anytime of the day then this is the place for you. Granted its in Virginia, but it's still a worthy pit stop whether you're passing through or in the town to stay-this is a place to frequent!

First off, the owner and chef has a refreshingly humble personality with the patience and conscientiousness of your diet needs. They don't necessarily advertise or publicize that they provide gluten free options, healthy substitutes, and have lactose free options for some of their menu items so if it's your first time trying this quaint little hole in the wall, then make sure to ask.

Second, I don't I can do him (the owner) justice on how conscientious he is of the gluten free items and diet. Lets just say that he has family affected by both the gluten intolerance and celiac disease...so if you're a little timid or cautious in trying their food this should help ease some of that concern, a concern that he's more attentive to than most other restaurants you'll frequent or go to (especially in the Virginia state). 

Third, they did once upon a time have a reward program at their kiosk, that you would enter in your telephone number and the account/profile would be found. Why do I say "once upon a time", well because it's been a while since I've been personally and NO for any of you nay sayers or negative people it's not because I don't like it or that I'm not standing behind me review of their quality of establishment and food. Just personal circumstances-let's leave it at that ;)

Lastly, I haven't even expanded on their actual menu items specifically but know that at this restaurant you don't want to leave without having tried one of their freshly in house made pastries/desserts. And yes for those of you who may be wanting to ask, they even have gluten free dessert options! 

I know I was always excited to try something new or even if I ate my "norm" selection; in case you're wondering, my favorite all time menu items were their gluten free lemon bar, muffins (both blueberry and chocolate chip), their breakfast wrap, their breakfast sandwich but as a wrap instead of a sandwich, tuna AND chicken salad, turkey avocado wrap, Italian chicken breast, with the last of my favs being their pear and gorgonzola salad!

My mouth has literally just watered as I'm typing and reminiscing on their menu items I would eat...as I've said before, don't just take my word for it, go take your palette on an adventure and try it out for yourself!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

J Petal - Restaurant Review

If you're traveling north and going through JMU university city (aka Harrisonburg, Virginia) then you need to put this on the stop for you!

(This is not my image but used after googling “J-Petal”. My pictures from being here are on the blog's instagram page "truthbetoldlifeblog".)

What seems to be a simple family owned restaurant with your typical rolled up ice cream flare that's taking America by storm everywhere, is definitely more than meets the eye! You see we've come to know the owners and their family, who is about 98% of the staff - well it was once upon a time they may have changed that recently but I'm not sure, but regardless that's not the focus of this post. As I was saying, with coming to know the owners well you get to see firsthand how they run their business as well as seeing the quality of what they put into not only their business but their products. Not only are they delicious but the options are unique! The options are not overbearing for someone who is indecisive and yet there is just enough options for someone who comes in craving one thing but contemplating another. Ok before I confuse you with what I'm trying to get at, let me break it down. 

This wonderful place started off with their marketing and go to being the rolled up ice cream, then they ventured into not only the delicious ice cream and toppings but the crepe side of deliciousness! So when cold season rears it's pretty chilly weather, this place has people covered with not only sweet crepes but a twist on seafood and even breakfast style and flavor crepes! Oh but they didn't stop there! By early spring of 2019 we noticed that they were reconfiguring their kitchen area towards the far back area of their entrance meanwhile they had added some delicious drinks to their menu. Granted if they served it with liquor it would've been even more of a delicious surprise, but thankfully their flavors and mixed drinks of flavors and fresh fruits didn't even need the additional boost of liquor. Their mixed drinks were of milkshakes and mixed teas then into some fizzed drinks, etc. All leading into the best thing that could happen to someone, especially someone who loves food as much as I do! They finished their in-house kitchen reconfiguration to surprise all with the poke bowls! I know it may seem that it's a lot for an establishment to do, to become such a versatile one stop shop for a variety of deliciousness, but that's exactly what they did and I was thrilled to see their success when it happened-I'm hoping it continues that way for them! 

The quality of their raw fishes and fresh ingredients never disappointed, their portions/serving sizes were perfect for whatever you're appetite, their lunch specials were becoming legend, AND to top if off inside the environment was so relaxed and chill that it fast becomes your go to spot everyday...from their comfy lounge like open area of couches with tables to the games they provided to those who stayed a while, and warm family that owned it. 

Believe me when I say I wish more of the these locations were this delicious and consistent on their deliciousness while also serving quality with spoonfuls of flavor!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Heritage Bakery & Cafe - Restaurant Review

So the weather was beautiful and warranted a walk around the downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia area where my family and I happened to fall upon a little quaint location. After lots of walking from a downtown festival that was going on, the sun was beginning to pinch the skin to the point of having the urge to go indoors for a while. Considering that we were wanting to be out and about, we opted for the longer walk to our vehicles, when we spotted this cute little entrance to a bakery and some aesthetically pleasing outdoor decorations and setup. We were already contemplating what we would be doing or had a hankering for dinner, so I suggested for us to go inside this cafe and see what they had, the decision was made pretty quickly too since two family members in attendance had to use the restroom-thank you mother and my oldest daughter!

Inside was another wave of such a charming feel. The kitchen was nowhere as big as you might think and the staff was so friendly, it made you feel as if you had just entered into a long lost friend's house. In the charm appeal of a rustic country family farm on the inside, there was some history about the location and restaurant, so while you wait for your food to be ready you could easily peruse around the first floor of the building to soak up some history and some interesting facts. Their menu isn't large by any means and I must admit that the food wasn't as mouth watering delicious as I had anticipated (definitely didn't have a light in comparison to my other favorite place downtown, Lola Mo's) however, is think its because the whole environment and fresh ingredients as well as the calm and charming feel of the establishment inside while you ate...well why wouldn't you want to waste time there and eat while window watching the rest of the world.  They do also offer minimal (to nothing) of some dessert but that wasn't out of this world either, by any means. Still there was something just captivating about the spot, that we took a little bit of a while to leave. 

So as much as I would like to give them a five-star, unfortunately for me, I would have to rate them at about a 3.5 from 5. Now if only they amped up their food tastes and items...also if you should ask the reason for that rating was more because of the environment and the calming feel the entire establishment had. Either way, it's good food and I'm sure you would enjoy it as well.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Lola Mo's Delicatessen - Restaurant Review

Whether you're passing through Harrisonburg, Virginia this is a must visit place to eat at in downtown Harrisonburg. Not just for the quaint feeling of downtown itself but for this great deli with your not typical tasting deli sandwiches! Their prices are a little more than your Jersey Mikes, Jimmy Johns, and other sandwich chain establishments but let me tell you that the price you pay for one of their sandwiches is worth EVERY bite! If you're craving something fresh and delicious this is the place for you, if you're craving something like a hot toasted sandwich then this is the place to pit stop at, if you're needing authentic and homemade ingredients incorporated into your sandwich (and we're not talking about just the sauces they may use) then this is a place for you.

Being a gluten free individual myself, you know it's hard to find the places to be able to cater to your dietary needs and I'm happy to say that this restaurant continued to receive a five-star recommend feel every time I eat here! My daughters already aren't your typical children in society but even with their expansive palette they love any and all sandwiches from here. So if you asked me if kids would eat well here, I personally can say yes they will!

So the next time you're possibly going to a JMU game, or perhaps moving into town, or just passing through on your travels and not wanting the norm pitstops then I highly recommend this for you! Don't take my word for it though! Stop by and help this restaurant continue on (even after everything that happened with COVID in this town) because they are worth it! Let me know what you think!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Meso Maya - Restaurant Review

I came to realize that I have yet to write about one of my favorite places to eat in Texas, specifically in the DFW area. It’s a place my family and I have frequented and I haven’t just gone once or twice…I believe I’m well past the fifteen times marker. So here we go!

I’m not a typical “salad only” type gal (even though recent health instructions have instructed otherwise-but maybe I’ll get into that in another post) but I have to say that this place truly has some delicious salad entree options that are one of a kind. For example, perhaps you’ve concluded that from the two images above it’s two different salads? WRONG! It is in fact the same salad but this is what happened or I should say, this is how I ordered my salad entree meal. 

So for a late lunch on a Sunday, with a high humidity count outside and the cool temps inside, with some rain clouds moving in it was a day my body felt the craving for something deliciously fresh and savory. I ordered the “Ensalada De Ceviche” (which is the first image) as it comes, then I ordered a salmon to be added but on the side (yes and it has to be on the side). So when the salad arrives I scoop onto my fork some of the ceviche that’s on the top of the salad, to get the first flavors because for me that’s how I know how the quality of the rest of the salad will be. It did not disappoint that’s for sure! The seafood ceviche mix was fresh, tender to the bite, and flavorful - not just something they slapped together and decided to add a lot of citrus juice or lemon juice to hide how old or awful the quality of the seafood is. There was a slight fish scent as you brought the bite close to your mouth but upon biting into the seafood mixture you understand why and the slight fish smell immediately leaves your train of thought with the way they’ve mixed their ceviche. I mix the ceviche into the salad and make sure I turn it over at least six times, so that I can get the dressing evenly mixed in so that I get a taste of everything in every bite. Then I do another taste test and everything elevates! Textures, flavors, scents and it comes all into this delicious unique bite. I got a few bites in so I could place on top the deliciously warm and cooked to perfection salmon, hence the second image. It was the perfect blend of fresh seafood, cool temperatures of succulent fruit and vegetation, with a nice ending of warm salmon with the citrus dressing. I honestly know that I’ve never been so satisfied nor so full from a salad before (actually that’s a lie-I’ve been full from a salad only two other occasions) and I would order it again and again, no matter the day! But don’t take my word for it, try it out. Better yet try some of their other dishes as well, because I’ve had a lot from their menu and I have yet to be disappointed from what I’ve ordered and eaten there.

If you haven’t eaten at their establishment, make a trip out to one of their locations for sure. Granted as delicious as they all are, the best location for consistent and substantiated quality is their Dallas location. You won’t regret it! http://www.mesomaya.com/menus/dallas/dinner/

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Herbal Teas - Health/General

If you like to have sweet teas or are a person who enjoys their hot tea blends, then this post is definitely for you. Before we get into the teas, what type of tea drinker are you? Are you the hot tea or cold brewed tea drinker? Is your preference towards tea bags from the big chain/known companies or the eccentric and not known or heard of packaging? Perhaps you go into an actual Asian market or grocery store to get the more foreign tea bags? Do you have the hot tea bags that have the full herbs inside? Or are you the type of person like myself that will grow your own herbs than make the fresh teas at home?

In my home we grow the following plants so we can make our own homemade teas: lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, parsley, and sweet mint. Yes rosemary and parsley can be used as teas, they aren't just for cooking, and they are pretty delicious incase you haven't tried them. Why do I personally grow these specific ones, you may ask. Well aside from already knowing how to care for these great smelling and delicious plants I'll break down each plant and why I grow them.

Rosemary-for starters, it tolerates the excessive heat and lots of sun exposure so you don't have to fret when you grow this plant no matter where you live in the nation. They have served as a great natural mosquito repellant and I've seen that they keep a lot of unwanted bug guests at bay from the entryways (which is where I keep this specific plant). I also personally don't like ginger or "spice" like teas but rosemary provides that hint of spice towards the end of your sip, so it's something I can tolerate and appreciate more. It's a source of antioxidants and serves as an anti-inflammatory compounds that's thought to assist with boosting immune system and improve blood circulation. 

Parsley-a plant that can tolerate high levels of heat but I have found it likes a good amount of exposure to the sun with some shade in the daily mix. I've used this plant a time or two when I've had some really bad cramps-yup you heard me! Those wonderful monthly cramps, this plant once created into a tea helps a lot, you should try it sometime. I've never used it dried out but I also wouldn't suggest it since having it dried out removes the benefits the herb provides; it contains vitamins (a single teaspoon contains more than 70% of vitamin K and a good amount of vitamin A), minerals, and serves as an antioxidant as well (a good amount of flavonoids).

Lavender-the plant itself is supposed to be in the heat or more like in the sun, so the plant will also thrive anywhere in the nation. Serves as a natural mosquito repellant so this is also one plant I have at the entryways of my home, besides it smells wonderful and the flowers are pretty so who wouldn't put it in the doorway or entry door of your home. This lovely plant doesn't just boost your mood but goes to the extent of reducing colic as well. Serves for soothing/relaxing when you're anxious, moody, and helps relieve pain or inflammation. 

Sweet Mint-this plant is one of my favorites because not only is it grown or can be grown anywhere in the nation, it's a resilient plant that can do well in any climate! It makes the area it's planted in smell delicious, then with a plus provides a great natural mosquito repellant. One of the best parts, it grows like weeds so you can literally use it every week! Yes as I've mentioned on the other plants, this too is one I have near or right adjacent to my entry door/s, serving both as a a great natural aroma when you pass by and keeping those pesky blood suckers at bay. This plant also has so many benefits; stomach/digestion assistance, boosts your immune system, helps with clean like skin from acne, say bye to nausea, works great when you're literally feeling sick (cold/flu, allergies, etc), and is also great drink for when you're stressed.

Lemongrass-is by far my favorite plant and the most delicious of teas for me personally, whether it's hot or cold! This is a plant that basically grows instantaneously after you’ve snipped it for some tea. No concerns for heat/sun exposure because it thrives on the sun and grows like a weed when planted correctly. Also another natural mosquito repellant, even if it doesn’t provide the same amount of natural aroma in the area it’s planted, like sweet mint, it’s one of the best buy you could have in/for your home. Great for relieving pain and swelling, helps reduce fever, improves sugar and cholesterol levels in addition to stimulating the uterus and menstrual flow, with antioxidant properties. 

As you can see, I love doing my teas! Well my daughters and I are always enjoying our tea batches.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman