Category: Beach Boulevard

2/21/2025 0 Comments

444) Sights & Sounds - Birdwatching at the Beach Boulevard Bridge 2.20.2025

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2/18/2025 0 Comments

442) Water Columns - daytime look at Jax Beach's newest public art sculpture

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12/13/2023 0 Comments

176) A Cold and Windy Evening Walk around the Beaches History Museum in Jax Beach Florida! Vlogmas Day 13

Hey Holiday Dreamers!!

Merry Vlogmas 2023 Day 13 baby! Tonight, I’m taking you on quite a chilly and windy evening stroll around the grounds of the Beaches History Museum in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. This little gem of a stop, located along Beach Boulevard, is all decorated for the holidays. And, to me, the entire place looks like a beautiful Christmas Village IRL. So, join me on a mini walking tour… They were about to close for the night so I had to be fast. However, it was cold just the same, so I enjoyed it the best I could for a quick little visit. I hope you enjoy coming along with me as I take in the sights, and the lights, of the Beaches History Museum during the holiday season. I love it so much - I come here every Christmas to see the decorations.

Love you,
Christine

The Beaches History Museum is located at:
381 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

For further information on the Beaches History Museum, visit:
https://www.beachesmuseum.org/

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Video 206.
Livestream 53.

#vlogmas #jacksonvillebeach #vlogmas2023
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9/12/2023 0 Comments

119) This Is How I Am Comfortable Talking To The Camera! I Put The Camera In My Face & I Talk To It.

Celebrating My 100th YouTube Video!!!

Hey Dreamers!!

You There!

Don’t Stop!
Don’t Quit Now!
If you’re a new content creator on YouTube… Or - Maybe you haven’t even started your channel yet? All because you lack confidence or comfort in talking to the camera…? Watch this video - to see how I handle the camera being in my face. This is my 100th video upload on my YouTube Channel (Christine's Floridian Dreams) and I made this video to celebrate that special milestone. Thank you so much for dreaming along side me in this wild and crazy life.

But mostly, I made this video because I hope this can help you in any way as you pursue the dreams of your own YouTube content creator journey. Or, just to help you get out there and live the life of your dreams - each and every single day. And then - do it all over again tomorrow. If you’ve got dreams, it’s up to YOU to make them come true, and no one else. So pick up that camera - and hit record. You have a story to share with the world! For goodness sakes, TELL US!

Love you, Christine

P.S. Let me know how your dreams of talking to the camera are going? I would absolutely love to know… What stage of content creating are you in? How do you overcome the fear, anxiety, or awkwardness you may feel when attempting to talk to the camera? And what about all the rest of your dreams? Are you pursuing them each and every single day? Share with me in the comments… I’d love to know!

This was filmed on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Video 100.

Places I went in this video:

Sneakers Sports Grille (phenomenal food, by the way!)
111 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

&

Whit’s Frozen Custard (my favorite ice cream shop in Jacksonville Beach!)
1232 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville Beach, 32250

#talktocamera #motivation #contentcreator
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12/12/2020 0 Comments

#94) Vlogmas 2020!!! ~ Day 12 ~

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5/27/2020 0 Comments

#79) At A Crossroads...

When you come to your next fork in the road, what way will you go?

There’s a favorite Seinfeld episode of mine - where George Costanza does the complete opposite of what he usually does throughout the entire show’s running.

For example, if George would normally be shy in front of a woman, he does the opposite. So, in this episode, he would go right up to her and ask her out on a date.

He says that he always orders tuna on toast at the diner. But, he ponders, nothing exciting ever came from tuna on toast, for him. So he’s going to go ahead and order the exact opposite of tuna on toast…. And see what happens.

And, if he normally does absolutely and literally nothing, all day long, then he now would do the opposite - meaning he would do SOMETHING!

Whatever it is in his entire life that is his usual REACTION - he decides he will now go ahead and do the absolute opposite reaction.

And in turn, he gets a whole heck of a lot done, accomplished. It may not have all turned out the way he wanted, but he was acting, living, and most importantly, trying. I tend to think that George considered himself a failure in life, most of the time. But in this episode, as is usually the case in sitcoms, everything changes, for a single show.

And Jerry tells him, “If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.”

With this realization, George gets out there and kicks some major behind.

And for 22 minutes - George is living his best life. He is successful. He is alive. Because doing something, he realized, was better than doing nothing. And making that hard choice was better overall, than making the easy choice. The usual choice.

So, maybe go ahead and watch that episode, or even just some hilarious clips from it, online, if you have a few moments to spare. Or even if you have a pending decision to make.

Because there’s a Seinfeld episode out there about every single decision in life. And this one is a Hallmark Classic.

Bringing me to the question I have for you today…

When you are at a crossroads - which way will you go?

Which way have you gone when reaching crossroads in your past?

When you reach the very next junction in your life… Do you know which direction you will be choosing?

I’m here to remind you of that tiny, little voice inside your own head… directing you… to….

The Opposite.

If you do the absolute opposite of which you have always done, won’t you theoretically get the opposite results from which you have always received?

Thus, leading your life in a completely new, and foreign, and challenging, direction? Stimulating growth, new ideas, and therefore, completely new results, in your life.

And it is with that question in mind, that I hope you enjoy this week’s vlog of Christine’s Floridian Dreams... My newest YouTube video that I’ll be sharing with you later this week.

In it, I’m merely taking you along on a little, minor, daily adventure. For some small, and simple, choices in daily life. Where do I go that day… where will we eat… what do we order? What dessert location should we go to? And - how will we get there?... Because - There are multiple bridges to cross along the way too. And sometimes, it’s the actual bridge that becomes the best part of the day. Not where you have gone, or where you are headed to next, but simply stopping along the journey, and enjoying the junction itself.

So, what direction will you choose - at your next fork in the road?

What way will you turn, and therefore, which route, will you take, at your next crossroads of life?

When that fateful question begs inside your own head - Maybe it’s time to consider the absolute opposite of tuna on toast - to you - and choose that. ~

Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist and Lifestyle Blogger and Vlogger - living, writing, painting, and filming in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her hubby and eight year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.

To catch all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, sign up your email below now.

*What’s your favorite Seinfeld episode? Do you always order tuna on toast, like George does? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below:

Also, if you’re enjoying my Floridian Dreams, adventures, writings, ramblings, poetry, challenges, and reviews, you can go ahead and check out some more, right here:
77] The Lost Art of the Phone Call
75] The First Supper @ Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill
73] What I’m Missing Right Now
71] My 69 Week Break From Social Media ~ Why I Left & Why I Came Back
68] A Sunday Stroll
63] Mercy & Comfort
62] PERSPECTIVE @ Seaside Sculpture Park
61] Bean’s Idea List ~ 15 Daily Activities For Well Beyond 15 Days
59] REACTION ~ To World War 19
57] First Watch on the First Coast
56] Shell World ~ Key Largo
51] Life Is Full Of Pasta-Bilities ~ Bean’s Red Sauce Recipe
*Part of - Bean’s Kitchen - series
46] Key Largo, Montego, Baby Why Don’t We Go?
40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville
36] The End Of A Decade & My New Year’s Wish To You

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5/11/2020 0 Comments

#74) Rita’s vs. Whit’s ~ Bean’s Battle For Best @ The Beaches ~ Ice Cream Edition 2020

Always and forever in the search of the best dessert on the planet - today, I’m bringing you two more ice cream adventures:

Rita’s vs. Whit’s

In a battle of wits… for Bean’s Best @ The Beaches 2020 ~ Ice Cream Edition ~

As of May, 2020 - you can now dine outside in Florida at restaurants.

For the purposes of today’s competition, I went to both Rita’s and Whit’s, almost back-to-back. Two ice cream outings in less than one week’s time. I might at well become a formal dessert critic - because my tummy knows a good dessert when it meets one, that’s for sure.

We started out at Rita’s. And by we, I mean hubby and I. We planned our visit for directly after he picked me up at work back on Monday, April 18.

Keeping in mind, this challenge took place during the worst of the worst of the economic shut down. So as you may be able to tell, we were in desperate search of a food outing. With a whole ton of businesses and restaurants completely shut at that time, I was determined to patronize as many local businesses as possible that were still open. And I’m happy to report that both Rita’s and Whit’s made it through, intact. And both are still open today. The only offering not available to us at that time back in April, was not being able to dine inside - but - Florida - we don’t really need dining inside here in The Sunshine State. Plus, Rita’s is strictly outdoor grab-and-go counter service anyway - no dine-in option available - with a drive-thru around the side of the building.

Also, note that if you are interested in drive-thu at Rita’s, you’ll want to make note that the transaction window is on the passenger side of the car.

Rita’s: Drive-thru on the left, view from the back of the parking lot.

Rita’s: Drive-thru view from the front of the building.

We opted to skip the drive-thru, parked and walked up for the counter service option, for purposes of my review. I ordered one large soft-serve chocolate/vanilla swirl with extra sprinkles for myself, and one large cherry Italian ice for the hubby. He is a huge fan of Italian ice, in any flavor, and I am a big fan of chocolate - anything.

Both of our treats were delicious. Our total came to $11.64, plus tip. My large was not “large” - to me - I would say more like a size medium at the biggest. But for the Italian ice, Bryan received a huge, generous cup of cherry flavored ice. Either way though, I was simply happy to have something cold, because is there anything better than something cold after a long and sweaty shift?

We love Rita’s and go there semi-frequently. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to find the $2.00 off coupons in the monthly coupon mailer, but we haven’t had any lately.

Always extra creamy, and always delicious. Rita’s remains a fabulous and inexpensive dessert outing, and the location can’t be beat. Three blocks from the beach, and directly on A1A, Rita’s location is directly in the heart of Jax Beach. You can easily grab a cone, and head straight out onto the sandy shores a few minutes later.

Moving onward to Whit’s, we ventured over there, on Beach Boulevard, on the evening of April 20th. Once again, after hubby picked me up from work. Our second ice cream location of the week. And after another long, hot shift at work.

Whit’s also usually has $2.00 off coupons in the Jax monthly mailers, but, of course I am always without my coupon clippings and am forever ill-prepared to save a buck. Yet, always prepared to spend... Why is that, by the way?

Back entrance of Whit’s.

And while Whit’s does not have a drive-thru, or window service, their dining room remained open for to-go service. So, there we were at Whit’s, for our second ice cream adventure of the week. We ordered a large chocolate Whitsper (their version of a Blizzard) for $7.00, and a medium Butterfinger Whitsper for $6.00, for a total of $13.91, plus tip.

While both of these outings took place smack in the middle of the Presidential Guidelines of 30 Days To Stop The Spread of the Coronavirus, in my opinion, it was fabulous that so many dining establishments remained open and available for take-out. Especially for everybody still working… long, hard hours outside the home. Restaurants and coffee shops and treats have been imperative and a literal lifeline to making it through an extra-long, extra-stressful shift.

I love Rita’s and always have. We continue to go there on a regular basis. But, in my dessert foodie opinion, Whit’s win’s the award here. Their portions remain solidly larger than Rita’s. Large - to - Large comparison, you get way, way more ice cream at Whit’s than at Rita’s. Even if you ask for more at Rita’s, their largest does not compare to Whit’s. And when I go out for ice cream, give me the largest size please.

Whit’s is also very pet-friendly, and even has a doggie menu. My furry baby has had their ice cream/dog bone sundae, and she very much approves.

And now that the 30 Days to slow the spread are complete, and businesses are resuming operations, here in Florida we are at 25% dine-in occupancy. And outdoor dining feels fairly normal. Meaning, if you grab ice cream at either of these locations, right now, you can once again grab a bench, grab a chair, pull open the umbrella, and eat under the sun. Or inside - if you need the air conditioning. Ahh the little things in life… 25% occupancy.

Overall, Whit’s definitely wins the day for me, simply on their sizing. I love ice cream, maybe as much as donuts… and coffee, oh jeaz. I think I just love a lot of things. But when I pay for a large, and then get a really generous helping, they win. Hands down. Plus - doggie menu. Any place that keeps some dog bones on hand, is a winner in my book.

So, congratulations to Whit’s Jax Beach for being the very Official Winner of Bean’s Battle For Best @ The Beaches - Ice Cream Edition ~ 2020.

And an amazing and huge and heartfelt thank you to both locations, for being open during the worst of days, and feeding us good and conforming treats to brighten our saddest of very sad days. ~

Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist and Lifestyle Blogger, living, writing, and painting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her hubby and eight year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.

To catch all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, sign up your email below now.

*Have you been to Rita’s or Whit’s? Which do you like better? Are you more of an Italian ice person, or an ice cream swirl sorta person? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below:

Also, for more dueling dessert/debates around Jacksonville, check out some more of my flavorful Floridian adventures, below:
70] Peterbrooke Chocolatier ~ Bean’s Battle for Best @ The Beaches
*Bean’s Best Award Winner! ~ Chocolate ~ 2020
39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020

And, if you’re searching for a fabulous diner while in town, you can check out a variety of my local Jacksonville area diner reviews, right here:
57] First Watch on the First Coast
54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs
50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners
40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville
19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach
16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come

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3/13/2020 0 Comments

#57) First Watch on the First Coast

A funny thing happened last Saturday night. The Earth went through a black hole, and came out the other side, roughly an hour into the future.

Either that, or we all jumped at once, head first, into Daylight Savings Time.

Ahhh - the time change.

Spring ahead. Bleh Bleh Bleh.

Fall behind. Blah Blah Blah.

And spring ahead, once again... Is it all God’s way of laughing at us? Is he in charge? Or are we? After all, us humans are the silly ones who invented the logistics of changing the clock.

Sometimes I think the whole time change thing is the universe's way of treating the Earth like a snowglobe. Or God - he picks up the Earth, with both his large hands, and gives it a big shake, jostling everything and everybody around. And just to really mess around with us, he does it not only once, but freaking TWICE a year. Then laughs at us. All while watching the snow fall.

Personally, I think the time change is a whole buncha silly nonsense… an outdated notion - and way past its time - no puns intended - sorta concept. In this era of sheer technological innovation, and where lights can remain on all evening and then late into the morning if one wants, do we really need this twice a year time warp? To save light?

Of course some say yes. But more and more people, and many governments included, are stepping onto the #freezetheclock bandwagon. Also - are bandwagons outdated as well?

So…. yeahhhhhh. The time changed. And with that the whole world was thrown for a little loop. Household pets and animals were confused. Babies and children’s routines were abruptly interrupted. Everything changed - once again.

But I can tell you one, little, minor, insignificant detail that for sure did NOT change because of Daylight Savings Time… and that’s food.

Cause every BODY has to eat.

So, we awoke Sunday morning. To greet the new day.

The sun rose at a different time. We watched the shiny and happy orb situate itself in the sky amongst the clouds at a different angle at a different time. We adjusted the digital clock above the microwave to the new, correct time - cause, if you can’t beat em, join em, right?

And, also with that act of stepping into the kitchen… and just like every other morning on the face of this planet, our tummies got hungry. Nope - the time change did not mess with our stomachs, at least. It was then decided that going out to breakfast was going to be a fabulous way to start our new day.

We made the executive decision to finally try First Watch. A daytime, breakfast cafe, headquartered in the Sunshine State. And with locations in 26 states and still growing, we were excited to finally give it a whirl.

So our tummies lead the way.
To the Cafe.

Apparently the whole world had the same idea as us, as even the hosts and hostesses commented that they were inundated with guests at a different time than they normally are…

Located @ 13470-1 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, First Watch is known as The Daytime Cafe. And with hours appropriately matching the daytime hours in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States, and then closing their doors well before the sun ever decides to set, the slogan makes a whole lot of sense, even if the time change itself doesn’t.

And for those who live an hour behind me in Central time, like Chicagoans, good news is on the way to you - via way of a wormhole.

Chicagoland is set to open its first First Watch in the fall of 2020. Right in one of my favorite suburbs - Oak Brook!

So with hoards of people all going out to eat on Sunday, we had a wait. But we didn’t mind. They had chairs both inside and out for waiting. And menus to puruze to pass the time. I also took note that First Watch has its own cookbook, published and for sale in the lobby. And, of course, I had to check out the bags of coffee for sale to take home. I must admit I was tempted, but did not purchase. After all, I already have a lifetime supply of Folgers back at home. Or do I?

Once seated in the crowded and friendly and Edison lit dining room, we were both immediately served hot coffee, priced at $2.89 per mug. With the fresh pot then left at our table for our convenience.

And, by the way, I am absolutely in love with the old-fashioned jug our water was served from. I must buy one of the same shape some day.

I ordered the traditional breakfast with bacon at a cost of $10.99. And it was worth every reasonable penny.

First, there was whole wheat toast topped with whipped butter. Why is bread ALWAYS better in a restaurant?

The bacon was out of this world, and the best bacon I ever ate, other than at The Ice Plant in St. Augustine - Let me know if you'd like me to reinvestigate that place, by the way? All for the sake of the written word of course - and not at all because of the free samples they so happily pass out.

And the potatoes! Don’t even get me started on the potatoes.

Well, ok, here goes anyway.

Did your grandfather cook you fried potatoes with butter and onions when you were a child? Did he allow you to eat samples fresh and hot off the skillet, while they were frying? Did you then consume the whole pan of potatoes and then could easily still eat more? Did you then grow up, and forever miss those fried potatoes you so freely consumed in your youth?

Well, I found us those grandfather-fried-potatoes, folks. Even though my grandfather is now long since passed. Turns out they were sitting right here in Florida all along. Just waiting for me to come find them. Maybe they thought I went into an alternative universe, and it was going to take me seven million light years to find them. But I found them, gosh darn it!

Yes, that’s right. If you’ve been looking for fried potatoes like Grandpa used to make, First Watch is the place to go to. I’ve been to A LOT of diners. And I’ve never had any fried potatoes that tasted this terrific.

And let’s not forget about the eggs.

‘Eggs are eggs.’

As they say on Seinfeld.

All kidding aside, the eggs were fabulous as well. Seasoned and garnished and perfectly scrambled... yes, they are eggs, but better than I could ever make at home.

And onward to the hubbies plate - he ordered the same coffee and the classic eggs Benedict at a price of $11.79, plus a side of four slices of bacon at $4.89. A picture perfect platter.

Our total check came to $35.80 with tax, plus a tip.

I would for sure go back to First Watch in a heartbeat. And am already planning to visit the Jax Beach location at my earliest opportunity - located in the Marsh Landing shopping complex. I’d highly recommend you go ahead and plan a visit as well.

If you’re just passing through Jax, you’ll be able to feast on a fabulous breakfast to start your day. And if you’re local to the area, I’m sure you'll want to be planning your next visit as quickly as I am planning mine. But just as quickly as I’d like to jump aboard the next bandwagon on over to the diner, I’d rather just as quickly leave the time change gathering dust behind me. ~

Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist and Lifestyle Blogger, living, writing, and painting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her hubby and eight year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.

To catch all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, sign up your email below now.

Have you been to a First Watch? I’d love to know. Drop me a comment down below.

Also, here’s some more diner reviews for y’all:
16] Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come
19] Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach
40] Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville
50] Sundays Are For Diners ~ Super Diners

Y’all may also enjoy:
39] The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate Of 2020
48] Love & Donuts In The Air @ Beaches For Australia
54] Um, Open @ Angie’s Subs
55] The Shamrock

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1/13/2020 0 Comments

#40) Visiting The Florida Cracker Kitchen ~ Jacksonville

Howdy, folks!

Are you looking for some real, Southern, down-home cookin’?
Well, then look no further than the Florida Cracker Kitchen.

I had an absolutely Fabulous outing there, and I Must tell you about it!

I’ve driven past the Florida Cracker Kitchen many a time these past few years. Probably hundreds of times in fact. And always wanting to stop in, and always on my way somewhere else. Well, finally, that somewhere else turned into my somewhere to be.

As we finally made our way to this lovely little destination, we pulled into the Cracker Kitchen lot and curved right on past the cow statue which stands guard out front of the building. I’ve glanced at this cow many times as we passed on by traveling Beach Boulevard. And he always looks back at me and waves hello.

Stepping out of the car there was someone playing the guitar on the front porch. I was immediately reminiscent toward the Cracker Barrel, of which I am a fan. With their rocking chairs out front, and gift shop in the entryway, this place made me think of many meals out on the road.

The Florida Cracker Kitchen has a bags game outside for those who want to play while waiting for their table. They also have an outdoor bar where patrons are served their drinks out of an old truck. And yet another neat sight was an antique fire truck sitting out back. They even have their own Little Free Library, next to a lounging horse statue. It seems the cow was on his shift, while the horse was on his break.

An absolutely gorgeous and calm Florida winter day presented itself to me, as it tends to do most every day in the winter here. So there was no need to worry about sitting Inside v. Outside because Outside it was.

We were seated at a nice, pet-friendly screened-in outdoor patio, overlooking Beach Boulevard. And while we were walk-in during the prime lunch rush, with no reservation, there was no wait and we were seated immediately. And the porch was packed. Not a table beside ours to be had.

Mason jars of icy lemonades and sweet teas, and ceramic mugs filled with coffee etched with the upside-down boot shape of the state of Florida adorned all the wooden table-tops.

We were starved, and placed our order straight away. As our meals were cooking, I smelled many things. And all of those things were good things.

Breathing in through my nose, I was immediately transported to my childhood. To the house I grew up in when very young. As I napped in the afternoons, I remember my Mother cooking the best home-cooked meals… I remember waking from a nap and smelling the aroma of good food. And that is exactly what this patio smelled like. Meals from Mom’s Kitchen.

I smelled meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I smelled swiss steak and fried potatoes. I smelled casseroles and I smelled stews. I smelled ribs. Now, mind you, I had no idea if these were things even on the menu, but I smelled it all. I smelled every meal my Mom ever made me. And it all smelled swell.

Do you think we might have been hungry when we arrived?

Our plates were served to us as my daydream came to an abrupt end.

Stepping back into the immediate present, I was face to face with the best breakfast platter I’ve had in ages.

I was presented with a plate loaded with protein and carbs, and all quite delicious. I ordered the two egg breakfast which comes with two scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon, a homemade biscuit, and a large serving of fried potatoes. All for $7.49.

The potatoes reminded me of my grandfather’s fried potatoes, with tiny sprinkle of seasoned salt mixed within. I can picture him cooking them in their small kitchen on a skillet; these had onions slighting caramelizing a bit inside as well.

And all of those doughy breads are made daily in house. That’s all their white breads, french toast, biscuits, and especially their cinnamon rolls.

If you are wondering how I am maintaining massive weight loss being served such a tasty platter of this size and full of all temptation, the answer is quite simple. I merely ate half of what I was served. I took the other half home with me, and ate it for dinner that evening. If you want to start halving your portions for weight loss while dining out, I highly recommend giving it a go.

When you start the habit you may be quite discouraged, as the meal sitting in front of you will be very tempting. And once you eat half you will think you are still hungry. Your brain will tell you to give it all up and just eat the whole darn platter already why don’t ya. But never fear, it gets much easier over time to tell your brain to just shut the heck up! Believe it or not, you know better than your brain does. And repetition of this practice will lead you to be an expert plate-halver just like myself. So all you have to do is practice.

Easy, right - so just keep on keepin’ on, and keep going out to eat. The more you halve your plate, the easier it will be on you. You will resist temptation and cravings and you will be able to tell your brain exactly what Kevin McCallister tells his basement furnace, just like a pro in no time flat. I promise.

Hubby ordered the Cracker Omelette priced at $9.99. This consisted of eggs, sausage, bacon, onion, bell peppers, and both jack and cheddar cheese; and comes with a side of the fried potatoes and a biscuit.

And the very best part of the meal was what we ordered to take home with us for our dessert that evening.

Before our visit to the restaurant, I had signed up online to become a Grits Club Member. This entitled me to one of MeMa’s Giant Cinnamon Rolls for free during our meal. I would highly recommend signing up, if merely to get an amazing free roll. It’s valued at $3.99, and when the server places the order it will come up as a $1.00 charge on your receipt. When you pay at the front counter (inside the gift shop on the way out), you can then show the cashier your email coupon again on your phone and the $1.00 charge is taken off your total bill.

We took our cinnamon roll from MeMa on home with us to split as a treat that evening. I heated it in the microwave for thirty seconds and then spread all the frosting on top. It was one of the best nightly treats I’ve had in ages. And yes, even though I lost weight, I am sure to allot myself calories for a treat each and every evening, no exceptions to that. Because I’m not living if dessert isn’t allowed in my life.

MeMa’s Giant Cinnamon Roll packaged to-go.

MeMa’s Giant Cinnamon Roll prepared hot that evening at home.

On the way out of the restaurant, we of course, browsed the gift shop in the adjacent room. It houses lots of restaurant-branded merchandise including tees, ball caps, baby bibs, and lots of decals for the car. There were countless items branded with their famous logo of which is that upside down state of Florida represented as a cowboy boot. I was in immediate love with their boot logo and purchased the cutest pink beaded necklace at $32.00 plus tax when we paid our tab.

Overall, I’d say to get your cute little behinds on down to the Florida Cracker Kitchen forthwith. You will not be sorry you went. And if you’re watching your calories, just plan for your other two meals that day to be lighter and you’ll be fine. And if you’re not watching your calories, you’ll enjoy it just the same or more so.

The meal was very inexpensive, and it ended up being significantly less than our meal of the same type at Another Broken Egg Cafe - of which I like and am a repeat customer. But just saying so that you know it’s not pricey at all.

Definitely give the Florida Cracker Kitchen a go, and get a nice and hot, real southern meal. When we got in the car to leave, I said, “I haven’t had so much fun, since the last time we had so much fun.” And that’s the gosh darn truth. ~

For more of my Floridian Fun - feel free to check these links out why don’t ya:
7) My ‘Before & After’ ~~ How A Single Act Of Kindness, Lime Bubly, And MyFitnessPal Helped Me Lose 77 Pounds In One Year
16) Beach Diner ~ If You Feed Them They Will Come
17) Fall Flavors ~ Six Simple Steps I’m Taking This Fall To Maintain My Massive Weight Loss
19) Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ A Taste Of NOLA @ The Beach
39) The Very Official & Quite Serious Donut Debate of 2020

Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist and Lifestyle Blogger, living, writing, and painting in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her hubby and eight year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.

To catch all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, sign up your email below now.

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*Have you been to the Florida Cracker Kitchen? When’s the last time you had a homemade cinnamon roll that was heaven in your mouth? I’d love to know. Let me know in the comments down below:

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