2009 February 15

Good Sunday Evening Lovelies!

Sorry I have been out of touch this weekend. I was on a wonderful secluded Island that lacked free wi-fi. so I threw my internet addiction to the wind and just enjoyed my weekend away. … well actually I secretly read and check my e-mail on Derek’s Iphone, but we’ll just forget about that.

We left beautiful bright and sunny Tampa yesterday morning and headed to Palm Island, to spend the day and night at Derek’s Grandfather’s Beach Bungalow with his family.

Along the way I split the Gingerbread Heart Caitlin had given me with Derek in the car.

It was scrumptious!

Palm Island is a teeny tiny Island I had never heard of before Friday. Its south of Sarasota and you need to take a barge from the mainland to get to the island.

The barge was named Katie B.! Just like someone else I know….hehe

Once settled in at the beach house I was beyond starving and ready for lunch.

I made a Turkey Sandwich with Honey Mustard, Tomato and Lettuce.

With Fruit Salad on the side.

And still in the spirit of Valentine’s Day I had a lunch dessert of Godiva Dark Chocolate.

Unfortunately by the time we made it to the Island, the beautiful weather we had left in Tampa had disappeared and it was cloudy and cool. We still enjoyed the beautiful beach, it just wasn’t the sunny, bikini adventure I had planned. Oh well. It was still fun to explore the secluded Island.

It was also fun to be able to drive around in one of these.

Kind of bummed I never got a chance to drive it (*hint, hint.. I want to drive the golf cart next time

After some exploring I snacked on some Cilantro Lime Tortillas with Salsa

Then enjoyed a nice long nap.

I was woken in time to watch the beautiful Sunset.

I could have sat on the beach all evening watching the sunset.. too bad in actually it doesn’t take the sun very long to disappear behind the horizon.

My Valentine’s Dinner was the perfect Beach side fare.

A big juicy Burger with Tomato Slices and Cooked Spinach.

Enjoyed with another favorite beachside pass time.

A Strawberry Daiquiri. (Haven’t had one of these in years!)

There was also a hand full of Peanut MnMs that escaped the camera.

After a long day I seriously passed out at 9:30! You put me in front of the TV with the lights out, I pass out, what can I say?

This morning I rose with the sun and took of on a wonderful misty run around the Island. I ran on mainly gravel roads and on the sandy beach, so it made for a slow, but tough glorious 5 mile run. I felt like I had the Island all to myself that early, it was perfect!

After a nice shower I had a big plate of fruit topped with a spoonful of Honey Bunches of Oats with two homemade Blueberry Muffins for breakfast.

We hit the road back to reality early and I enjoyed another piece of my Godiva Chocolate on the road.

I’m really loving my chocolate and am so sad there are only 2 pieces left!

I had plans to meet the wonderful Jenna for lunch at Greenwise today. Unfortunately I got terribly lost (apparently Tampa is not my friend) and ended up 30 minutes late (Sorry Jenna!) But it was still great to see her for the short amount of time and to get to explore where she spends her days.

I was really impressed by Greenwise, but obviously the best part of the store is the amazing bakery with selections of breads Jenna bakes up each and every day.

I purchased a loaf of her Oatmeal Bread and a Pretzel she featured on her blog a couple of days ago.

I sampled the pretzel in the store and had to go back for more. It was the best pretzel I had ever had. SOOOOO good!! I bought the pretzel has a Thank You gift to Caitlin and he husband for watching Abbie this weekend. I hope they enjoy eating it as much as I enjoyed sampling it in the store.

For lunch I went with what I was craving and ordered a pizza.

On Jenna’s suggestion I ordered the Small Pizza with Bruschetta Sauce, Goat Cheese, Mixed Veggies and Rotisserie Chicken. Wow this pizza was good! I ate half of it and enjoyed every bite.

I also had a mix of Salad on the side with a yummy Thai Peanut Dressing Jenna raved about.

It was really nice to catch up with Jenna (even if it was a quick one) and I can’t wait to see her again in two weeks.

When i finally made it home after the 2 hour drive and picking Abbie up, I was hungry again. I immediately dug into a piece of Jenna’s Oatmeal Bread, which I slathered in Cashew Butter and Strawberries.

OMG this bread is GREAT! Its nice and dense and sweet with a touch of honey. This bread is going to make some killer french toast this week!!

Dinner was quick and easy and full of lots of yummy veggies!

I pan seared some Tuna, I coated with Pepper, Blackened Seasonings, and Sesame Seeds.

I had a craving for veggies so I threw some Acorn Squash, Apple, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, and Mushrooms in a pan and roasted them in the oven at 400 for 20 minutes. They were great!