We have quite a few Italian restaurants on the beachside barrier island of the Space Coast. Ferrara is a new entry into the pizza and pasta mix...and a worthwhile addition as well! First things first...Ferrara is located on the corner of Eau Gallie Blvd and South Patrick Dr in Indian Harbour Beach...it is in the Publix Plaza. When you walk into the restaurant it will give you the feel of a NY style Italian restaurant. The decor is as you would expect...dark wood, dark tables, pictures of the Italian countryside hanging on the walls. A word of advice to the owners: get rid of the cheap chairs and put on some table cloths. Now for the food: pretty darn good. The pizza (I ordered the lunch special which included two large slices of pizza and a fountain drink for $4.99 so McDonald's watch... 02/22/2014

I don't know why, but this sounds so incredibly delicious right now! Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad Ingredients:   1 lb jumbo cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped 1 medium tomato, diced 1 avocado, diced 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced fine 1/4 cup chopped red onion 2 limes, juice of 1 tsp olive oil 1 tbsp chopped cilantro salt and fresh pepper to taste   Directions   In a small bowl combine red onion, lime juice, olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper. Let them marinate at least 5 minutes to mellow the flavor of the onion. In a large bowl combine chopped shrimp, avocado, tomato, jalapeno. Combine all the ingredients together, add cilantro and gently toss. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. 02/18/2014

This wonderful Beachside home in Indian Harbour Beach closed today!   This large family home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open concept kitchen to the family room, ample closet and storage space and an attached 2 car garage.  There is a fully fenced yard with mature landscaping and many, many windows that allow the Florida sunshine to flow in.  Best of all, it is a short walk to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and close to shopping, dining and entertainment.  Brevard County also boasts a wonderful A-rated School System! Indian Harbour Beach is one of the several wonderful communities to choose from on the beautiful Space Coast of Florida. If you have any questions about Indian Harbour Beach or any of the other great Space Coast Area communities, please do not hesitate to call Kerry at 321-62... 02/14/2014

As an avid SCUBA diver, I love seeing all the life that the ocean offers.  This is a story that was told in the San Francisco Chronicle.  It was the story of a female humpback whale who had become caught up in a web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat.  Remember whales are mammals and need to breath air.  they must be able to surface to stay alive.  She had hundreds of yards of line and rope wrapped around her body, tail, torso, a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted the whale just east of the Farallon Islands (beyond the Golden Gate bridge) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived. They determined that the whale was so bad off that the only way ... 02/06/2014

OMG!  Thin Mints that you can make at home?  YES!!!!! Chocolate Mint Cookies Ingredients COOKIES 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 tablespoons whole milk 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla paste CHOCOLATE COATING 1lb dark chocolate, chopped 1/4-3/4 teaspoon peppermint oil, depending on taste 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening Directions In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and butter until the mixture is fluffy. Gradually add milk, egg, and vanilla paste and continue to incorporate. Slowly add the flour mixture, ... 01/31/2014

Superbowl Sunday is a day for watching the game and...eating.  That’s right, the game, good food and cold beer.  At most gatherings you will see the obligatory spinach and artichoke dip, and that is delicious at just fine.  But this year, how about bringing something a little more...zippy?  How about Game Day Creamy Crab Dip?It’s not that hard to make either, check out this game day crowd pleaser! Creamy Crab DipIngredients1 - 8-ounce package low-fat cream cheese1/2 pound lump crab meat, broken up (do not use imitation krab)2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt2 tablespoons green onion, minced1 clove garlic, minced2 teaspoons horseradish1/2 cup cheddar cheese2 teaspoons dried parsley1 teaspoon red pepper flakes1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce1/2 teaspoon saltChopped red bell p... 01/30/2014

1995 was a tough year for me.  My Grandmother, who I was especially close to passed away in April.  The next month, my neighbor found a little 4-5 week old Siamese Snowshoe kitten in the middle of the street and picked him up so he wouldn't get hit by a car.  When I asked to hold the kitten, she handed him to me and said, "I'm not taking him back.". That's how the story started. Scoozer was a handful as a kitten.  He insisted on things his way...ALWAYS!  I tried to make him an indoor cat, but he would have none of that.  He sprayed until I let him out, even after being neutered.  Once he could go outside, it was fine, he came and went as he pleased through a cat door. I have a real problem with migraines.  When I would have a particularly bad one that put me in bed, Scoozer would wrap h... 01/28/2014

Shrimp has always been a favorite of mine.  I guess I got that from my Grandma.  She LOVED shrimp!  I also love broccoli. I often order beef and broccoli when I order Chinese food.  So, when I got this recipe from my friend Stephanie, this was right up my alley!                                                    Roasted Shrimp & Broccoli 2 pounds of broccoli cut up into florets with some of the stem intact1 lb of large shrimp, cleaned2 Tbs olive oil1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds (1/2 tsp. ground can be substituted)1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (1/2 tsp. ground can be substituted)1 tsp salt1/2 tsp pepper1/8th tsp hot chili powderzest of one lemon1.)  Heat the oven to 425. 2.)  Spread broccoli into a single layer and pop into the oven for 10 minutes. 3.)  Toss together one pound large s... 01/23/2014

Have you ever wondered what to do with leftover rice?  Wonder no more!  Here is a great and tasty use for it! Rice PuddingIngredients1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup medium grain rice3 large egg yolks2 1/2 cups whole milk2 1/2 cups half and half2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 cup raisins (optional)DirectionsIn a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan bring the milk, half-and-half, and salt, and rice to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a low simmer until the rice is tender (about 20 to 25 minutes), stirring frequently.In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and brown sugar until well mixed.Add a half cup of the hot rice mixture to the egg mixture a tablespoon at a time, consistently whisking to incorporate.Add the egg mixture back into the... 01/14/2014

Now doesn't THIS look yummy!  I love cauliflower!                          Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower     INGREDIENTS 8 C  Cauliflower Florets 2 tsp Extra-virgin Olive Oil 1 tsp Dried Marjoram 1 tsp Salt 1/4tsp Freshly Ground Pepper to taste 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar ½ C Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese     PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 450°F. 2. Toss cauliflower, oil, marjoram, salt and pepper in a large bowl. 3. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until it starts to soften and brown on the bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. 4. Toss the cauliflower with vinegar and sprinkle with cheese. 5. Return to the oven and roast until the cheese is melted and any moisture has evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes more.   Enjoy!   01/14/2014

                                                                               Even though we are coming out of a tough recession, but I’ve been thinking that I will most likely retain many of the cost saving measures that I adopted when times got lean in an effort to put a few more dollars in the bank.  Here is my list of 50 things you can do to SAVE MONEY TODAY.   1.  When you wash your clothes, run each load through a second spin cycle.  According to my washer/dryer repairman, you save up to 26% on energy costs when you dry your laundry in an electric dryer!                   2.  Hang your clothes up to dry when possible.  I  hang most of my dedicates instead of putting them in the dryer. 3.  Wash your laundry in cold water.  If you do, you should save approximately 36-37 cents per l... 01/10/2014

                                                                         I recently moved into a home that is in Indian Harbour Beach Florida.  Indian Harbour Beach is on the barrier island on the Atlantic coast or the "Space Coast" of Florida.  Locally, living here on the island is called living "Beachside".  While re-potting tomato plants in the back yard recently, I noticed a very disturbing looking hole in the yard.  It was several inches across and obviously quite deep.  There was absolutely no way I was going reach into this hole, so I called in reinforcements.   After having an "expert" look at it, it appears that I have a new neighbor...most probably an Armadillo! I was told that it might be a hole from a turtle, in which case I would be absolutely thrilled.  But I was told that... 01/08/2014

After being in real estate for over 20 years, I think I can safely say that there isn't much in this business that I haven't seen.  I've shown houses at 3:00pm in the afternoon where dishes from the dinner the night before were still on the dining room table, dirty with crusted spaghetti sauce all over the stove. I've shown houses where my Buyers and I have walked in on shall we say...private moments between people.  Don't get me wrong, I always announce myself and make myself known when I show property.  There are just some people that don't hear in certain situations a suppose.  But I digress... After all of the time and effort that I and many of my colleagues have put into this business, there are just a few things that we Real Estate Brokers would like for Buyers and Sellers to know... 01/02/2014

             The rate for mailing a standard letter will be going up AGAIN!  As of January 26th, the cost to mail a letter in the United States will go up to 49 cents. I hate to admit this, but I remember as a kid the cost of a stamp being 5 cents!  My how things have changed!   Effective Sunday, January 26, 2014 mailing a first class envelope will cost you an three cents going from .46 to .49.      Here is the a chart from the United States Postal Service showing the rate changes. - See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4286207/postage-stamp-increase-january-26-2014#sthash.CFvvTRAm.dpuf 01/02/2014

With the Real Estate prices going up here on the lovely Space Coast of Florida, I thought it would be interesting to see what the average cost of homes are selling for in various markets throughout the country.  Following is a breakdown of the average cost and other information for homes in 15 average and not so average American cities, courtesy of Realtor.com: 1.)  New York City (specifically Manhattan):                                            Square feet: 2,307                              Bedrooms: 2  (plus a den) Bathrooms: 3 Price: $6.2 million From the listing: "Sun-flooded 2,300 square-foot apartment at the Chatham Condominium. Currently configured as a two-bedroom, three-bath apartment with a den and grand master suite with a sitting room and two en suite baths, this spacious... 01/02/2014

Bridget Sentz, Realtor & Carolyn Smith, Realtor ~ Coastal Estate Team - Indian Harbour Beach, FL Real Estate: Just Sold! Charming Indian Harbour Beach Home! Just Sold! Lovely Indian Harbour Beach home! The Coastal Estate Team just sold this lovely Indian Harbour Beach home! Charming doesn't even begin to describe this home, which is situated on a quiet street within walking distance of the beach, and offers mature trees throughout the property for plenty of shade and privacy. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an attached 2-car garage in almost 1,900 square feet, this home has been lovingly updated and cared for. Interior spaces include a spacious family room with cozy wood-burning fireplace, open kitchen, breakfast area, and formal living and dining rooms. The large backyard offers p... 12/20/2013

I own a Kenmore Series 80 top loading washer and dryer.  I purchased these specifically because I was told by more than one person that the Kenmore top loading machines are the work horses of the laundry world.  My mom is flying down tomorrow for the Christmas holiday's so I was doing laundry yesterday (Sunday) prior to her arrival. As I was sitting right here at my desk, my washing machine started making the most horrible sound!  I went ahead and stopped it from running to make sure that the motor didn't burn out, then I started making the dreaded phone calls to appliance repair shops to try to get someone out to fix the offending machine.  Sunday's are not a good day to start this process! At 4:00pm yesterday, I received a call back from Steven Emerson of Space Coast Appliances out of... 12/16/2013

Way back in the olden days, I went to boarding school in Egypt when I was a Freshman and Sophomore in high school.  Because of the image of hot sweltering heat, no one ever believed me when I said that it did get cold there.  OK, not Minnesota cold, but it was definitely cold! Well I have now been vindicated!  It has snowed in Egypt for the first time in 112 years.  To prove it, here are a couple of pictures that you wouldn't expect to see! The iconic Sphinx sits in a blanket of white at Giza which is the site of the 3 great pyramids. In all the time that I spent living in the middle east, I NEVER expected to see this! 12/15/2013

  Canova Beach Park, located at 3299 Highway A1A in Indian Harbour Beach is the ONLY beach that you can legally take your dog to on the Space Coast of Brevard County.  If you go east on Eau Gallie Blvd and take it until it dead ends at A1A, you have reached Canova Beach Park.  With just over 9 acres, Canova Beach Park has a small pavilion, grill, picnic shelter, benches, drinking fountain, showers and restrooms.  One of the things that I like the best at Canova Beach Parkis that there is an actual hose that you can use to rinse down your dogs after playing with them on the beach.  There are 3 dune crossovers at Canova Beach Park and 1 of them is wheelchair accessible.  There is no charge to bring your dog to Canova Beach Park, however, all dogs must be on a leash and must wear tags show... 12/14/2013

1. They empathize With Human PainGoldsmiths College released a study that showed more dogs will approach someone who’s crying or in distress than someone who is not. This shows that dogs are empathetic and are eager to help comfort humans in pain.   2. They can detect cancer Due  to their incredible sense of smell, dogs have shown anywhere from 70 to99% accuracy (depending on the study) when tasked with detecting lung cancer in a nearby patient. 3. They reduce work stress The International Journal of Workplace Health Management has discoveredthat workers who bring their dog to their office have less stress and are happier with their job, simply because the dog is hanging around. 4. Detect Seizures Before They Happen Recent  research has shown certain dogs are able to warn seizure patie... 11/22/2013