Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Last Day in Islamorada

I was thinking about the school year starting and the wonderful summer I had. I am always day dreaming about travel and our next adventure. There is something about seeing other parts of the world that teaches me more than I ever learned in college or by reading. I learn how other people live and the beauty that God has made all over the world. It makes me appreciate my blessings, appreciate  other people and respect their differences and allows me to dream about my future. Anyway ;) here is our last day in Islamorada.



We woke up and decided to do some early morning stretching and light exercise to get our blood pumping and to appreciate the state of relaxation our muscles had gone into.


Then some breakfast with a lovely view and 4 or 5 cups of coffee and chit chat.


We decided to explore around our little island via kayak. They leave them by the water so grab one when ever you like.




We went out to where the water got really clear and still. I am a huge fan of being in the middle of ocean (on a safe little or large boat) super man not so much.



We creeped in to decide if we wanted to buy a boat and live on it.




Met some friends.


After floating for and hour or so we headed back to say good by to our island with a last nap by the pool.


It was totally empty and peaceful!


Peaceful perfection! We reluctantly told the sweet ladies of Casa Morada goodbye and see you soon. i may have cried a little... We headed out to do some shopping and find one little item to have at home from our trip.





That's a big lobster



We found a fish house on the water for our last island meal.



Where the bartender messed up on a piƱacolada so I offered to get rid of it for her.

We ordered our meals and watched the boats and jets skies go by.


I got the most AMAZING!! coconut shrimp seriously best I have ever had.


Super Man got a fish samich ( it can only be said that way when it's that good)

Then we finally got a piece of KeyLime pie...not sure what took us so long.



It was perfection more creamy than limey ...that's how I like it.


We licked the plate and talked fresh fish markets with our waitress then headed out. It was a perfect fair well meal. 

We had the most relaxing trip. We can't wait to come back and explore more and we feel so blessed to have had three truly perfect days in paradise. 


It was then time to go back to reality. But we will always have Casa Morada just one closed eye and day dream away.



Monday, August 26, 2013

Guest Retreat

Good Morning and Happy Monday!! I hope everyone got off to school this morning! We had a busy weekend and had some company as well. I love having company. I don't live super close to a lot of family so I love when they come to stay and I want to make it extra special for them.

When ever I have guests come over, usually family and usually my mom. I like to make sure they are comfortable. So this is what I do to get it ready. Beside the usual things like clean the sheets and dust the room. I like to add some special touches.


Put in fresh flowers and reading materials. My mom is like me and likes water by her bed so I make sure there are coasters.


Place a robe incase your guest don't want to come out in the rest of the house with their pjs on. And also a hook for hanging clothes.


Clean towels so they don't have to search for them and some snackies incase if late night munchies ( nuts and grapes) or what ever I have.


Sweet welcome note.


Also make sure they have a light by their bed incase they want to do some late night reading or need to see to get up out of bed. I think having a mirror even a small one is good too. Just so you can check yourself before you join the rest of the house hold or without making it to the rest room. 


In the restroom I make sure there are extra wash cloths and toiletries. This is a great time to use all those travel things I get from hotels.


I also like to have a robe in the rest room, hair towel and a place to hang other used towels. 

That is pretty much it ...what do you do to welcome guests?

Friday, August 23, 2013

Tomato, Bacon, Basil Tarts

I know we all have our "go to" recipes you know the kind you make for showers or can whip up with out looking at a recipe, and are always crowd pleasers. Will this is one of my most favorite!! I am not even sure where my mom got this from but I have loved them since high school.

You need:
10 slices of bacon 

Grands biscuits - one biscuit makes two tarts or four minis. Any biscuit will do but you always need the layered kind!

1 tomato 

Some basil fresh or dried both good

3/4 cups Italian cheese blend

1/2 cup mayo


Spray your pans...I am doing minis this is always cuter for a shower but if I am making them for Super Man I do regular muffin size.

While you do the next few steps go ahead and cook your bacon.


Peel your biscuit in half enough to line your muffin tin.



Leave some over the edge so they make little cups.


Chop your tomato



Wash and chop basil and add it in.


Get your bacon out...I pretty much like my burnt all the time but for this extra crispy is best.


Dab off ...I use turkey bacon sometimes and sometimes regular totally up to you!


Chop pretty tiny and try to fend off wild animals who come running at smell of bacon...



Add in bacon


Cheese... I am more of an eyeballer on amount but you should for sure have more cheese than mayo.


Add mayo...if you get too much just toss in a little more cheese.


Mix the yumminess together 


Spoon in to your biscuit cups.


Adjust so they are all pretty full.


Your oven should still be hot from the bacon, cook these beauties on 350 for about 12 min or until the cheese is bubbly and the biscuits are golden.


Yummmmm


I should warn you they smell heavenly while cooking ...people will wake up!


And cute too ;)


For a ladies shower or for you mom serve on sweet plate and add what ever sides you like. 

Yup they will become one of your "go to's"  I promise!!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

My Summer Heart

Summer is winding down. I don't mean the heat we still have some more of that to come. But the slowness that summer brings. The days are the same in length but they seem longer with the warm sun shinning well into the evening. You sit on your patio longer and take walks around the block at almost 9pm when the sky turns a dusty rose. All my friends and family and even Superman are talking about school starting so that makes it feel official. We start to settle more into a routine that we don't seem to have in summer. You have to start going to bed earlier and you spend more time indoors.

It makes me miss my childhood when I used to bowl in the summer with my grandma or make mud pies with my dad by the lake ...when did I grow up? It also makes me thankful for the adventures I have had this summer and what I have learned about myself. 

So here's to slower days...


Ice tea on the patio


Fans on full blast 


Watching the evening roll in.


Sniffing the summer flowers in the wind


Adventure



And finding yourself or at least who you want to be.