Black Sheep in 5 Points

If you're looking for a nice restaurant to take your next date that's impressive and romantic? Try Black Sheep.

 This venue is located in the heart of Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida. Located near the Publix on Riverside Avenue, the restaurant is a part of a triangular shaped building. They are located on the first floor and the roof top of the building. I recommend the rooftop on a night with clear skies.

Nothing is more perfect than a five star meal and some wine under the starry night. Be prepared to dent your wallet. It's not the cheapest place in Jacksonville but the experience and the environment is beautiful and beyond worth it. See their daily specials and menu at http://blacksheep5points.com/

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

Hawkers is a tapas style Asian-fusion themed restaurant that is perfect for small groups and sharing is encouraged. Menu items can range from delicious Roti, Roasted Duck, Steamed Pot Stickers, Curry Mashed Potatoes and Pad Thai. A group of four can share about 7-10 small plates and the bill would be about $20 per person. It's deliciously affordable!

15 Red Flags to Watch for on the Top Social Gay Dating App

Here are 15 red flags to look out for when trying to select your husband-to-be from Grindr.

1. He Looks Like He Came From an Abercrombie Catalog

If his photo looks like it came out of a catalog or a modeling portfolio, it probably did. If he wanted to be even more ratchet, he probably Googled "hot hunky selfies" and picked one. If you want to know if it's really him, ask him to send you a picture with him holding a piece of paper with a special note on it.

2. Friend Zoned

You want to avoid this if you can. Look out for signs such as him talking about getting friend zoned, he talks about other guys friend zoning him, he says he's a nice guy but then says thinks that nice guys finish last, or thinks that attractive guys only date jerks. He pretty much can't handle rejection and you're looking at a potential shit-storm when things go sour.

3. He moves faster than Speedy Gonzalez.

If he is already telling you that you two are soulmates and he declares his undying love for you within 24 hours of the first conversation, ABORT! ABORT! He is probably desperate and desperate for a reason.

4. Icksnay On The Ramadray

If he says that he specifically doesn't like drama and/or tries to avoid it, chances are is that his life is FULL of drama to the point where he feels the need to tell you he avoids it. He probably lacks self-awareness and thinks the drama is everyone's fault but his own.

5. Not Like Other Guys

If he says he isn't like other guys, that's actually a bad thing, believe it or not. They probably have problems to work out before getting into a long-term relationship with you. He is probably more like the rest of the population than he thinks. Do you really wanna date someone that doesn't like other people in general?

6. List of Must-Haves

If you don't think 95% of the guys on Grindr post these lists on their profile, then you should stop reading right here. You damn well know almost every profile says "masc for masc only," "only into fit guys" etc. It's okay to have standards and preferences, but if he has a checklist, back up. He will eventually find your flaws and let you know about them.

7. Sexual Innuendos

We all know Grindr is infamous for hookups and sexting and the like. If you're not on there trying to find the fuck for the night, or the new flavor of the week, then avoid conversations with people that start off with sexual innuendos.

8. Sending Nudes

Just reread number 7. This pretty much applies to pictures. If he asks to exchange pics way too early on in the game, just throw in the towel and keep playing. NEXT!

9. He's A Gray Raincloud

If he is overly negative, avoid him. You don't want a David Downer in your life do you? The answer should be no to that question. If you want positivity, you should already be following me, The Sunshine Gay. But anyway, don't let him bore you with how the world is out to get him ALL the time. He is not going to fun to be around and these people tend to twist every conversation into one that's about them.

10. Negative Space

Is his profile blank? If he doesn't list his height, he's probably short. If he doesn't list his weight, he's probably heavy. If he doesn't list his negative HIV status, he's probably poz. You get the idea. Men should be honest and forthcoming because if you meet up, you're gonna see him and that he's lying. Don't let him waste your time.

11. Vague Messages

If his messages seem short and general, he's sending it to other people and you're just part of the crowd. Also, he probably didn't take five seconds to read your profile if he talks about hooking up or friends with benefits, when your profile clearly states that you're not looking for those.

12. Wants To Meet Today

It's a red flag if he messages you and everything is going well, but then asks if you have any plans for the night because he wants to come over and cuddle. Run away! He probably isn't looking for something long term because he wants a one night stand. I bet that if you say you're busy and then message him back, he won't reply.

13. Instant Facebook Friend Request

It's okay that we all stalk everyone on Facebook before meeting them. It's a great way to perform a self background check to make sure that they are who they say they are. That said, don't accept a friend request for someone who you haven't met yet. You might as well give them your birthday, mother's maiden name, and social security number. Be safe and meet them first so they can't track you down or worse.

14. Vague Messages

It's understandable that some people prefer to remain discreet on Grindr. But if they still won't send you pictures after you have been talking, there's probably something going on there. Everyone has selfies and most have decent camera phones these days. There is no excuse. Go re-read number one then come back here.

15. Looks Too Creepy

This is where momma told you to avoid stranger danger applies. If a guy's photos look creepy, then he probably is. Trust your gut. Think of a criminal on the news, criminals generally look creepy right? It doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you cautious and it can save your life. Better safe than sorry.

Apples to Apples

It's without question that cider beers have been growing in popularity over the past several months. Even I have been warming up to brands such as Woodchuck, Angry Orchard and Strongbow. Soon to air on TV, Strongbow hopes to keep up with the increasing cider trend. The brand is introducing a new campaign called, "Cider at it's Bestest." I don't think it's a clever tagline but who am I to judge? I just like the taste of the beer.

Ciders though, I think, are great for people who aren't typically beer drinkers but want to socially fit in with the crowd. Strongbow seems to think it's TV ad will keep itself in the running with its competiton. According to an article on Ad Age, Strongbow ranked fifth in the cider category. Angry Orchard comes in at number one.

I can't help but think that the ad is priming it's customers to the association with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The ad is centered around a horse galloping in slow motion which instantly reminded me of a Budweiser ad. Maybe it's a spin-off of the competitor brand? Who knows. View the ad for yourself and share your thoughts.

Mashed Carrots or Cauliflower

By Kander (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Have you been trying to find ways to slim down your waistline and get back that girlish figure? I recently have discovered some new and interesting ways to enjoy carrots and cauliflower. I am a big potato lover. I love sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes, french fries and potato chips. They're all bad for you. Sweet potatoes can arguably be a healthy alternative, which they are. What if I could tell you something even better and healthier than that? 

Mashed carrots made just right can fool just about anyone. Especially if you have children that hate vegetables. This mashed carrot recipe is simple, cheap, and tastes just like mashed sweet potatoes. Here is what you need:

• Carrots
• I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
• Pancake Syrup or Maple Syrup
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ground Cinnamon

1. Chop up the carrots into chucks and throw them into a pot of boiling water. Boil them until soft.

2. Strain the water and add the boiled carrots into a food processor, such as a Ninja blender.

3. Add 1-2 dollops of butter.

4. Add a dash of salt and pepper.

5. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon.

6. Add 1 tbsp. of syrup

7, Blend until creamy and enjoy.

You can also do the same with cauliflower. It's a great alternative for mashed potatoes. Here is what you need:

• Cauliflower
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Boil the cauliflower and blend the ingredients in a blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.