2009 June 16

I get a lot of e-mails asking how I balance healthy eating while enjoying vacation.

First of all I would like to state that eating well to me is not a chore, but something I enjoy doing on a regular basis and on vacation.
Second of all I am human after all and love the occasional indulgences on vacation just as much as anyone else. You just have to remember to keep it all in moderation and that a little splurging never hurt anyone.

This afternoon was another one of exploration for my family. We had special plans for dinner, so we took our time getting there and exploring all of the fun stops along the way.

My tummy was growling by the time we got on the road so I had a TJs Strawberry Fruit Leather to calm it down.

Everyone in my family are big foodies, if you can’t tell, and we love exploring different produce stands and Farmer’s Markets when ever we pass them. We stopped at some produce stands right near our cabin and also pulled into an adorable Farmer’s Market Stand in the small town of Cashier.

This place was filled with beautiful fresh, local vegetables, baked goods, fresh BBQ and a ton of other fun finds.

The store even had it’s own mascot. A pig named Biscuit who slept right outside the store.

My siblings had never had fresh figs before, so when I saw them on the counter I knew we had to purchase a couple.

The 6 of us split the 2 figs.

I had a big bite as well and I had to admit this wasn’t the best fig I have ever tried. One of my old co-workers had a fig tree in her yard and she used to bring in the sweetest, tastiest figs that I would gobble by the basketful. These figs were kind of bland compared to hers and I am sad my siblings first fig experience was such a disappointment.

After Cashier we made our way to the small town of Highlands right near the NC/ Georgia border.

Somehow we found our way into another chocolate shop.

They had yummy Pecan Praline samples that I had to have a nibble on.

I am in love with any chocolate shop that offers free samples! Sometimes all I need is a little bite to make me happy.

My Mom bought a Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Cracker and a Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cracker.

I had a bite of each, but only got a photograph of the peanut butter one.

Soooo good! The 6 of us split the candies and they didn’t last long at all!

We definitely took the scenic route to our destination and the views were breathtaking.

So what was our final destination?

The Dillard House in Dillard, GA of course!

For those of you unfamiliar with The Dillard House please let me educate you! This is a family favorite that we have been going out of our way to visit since I was little. It’s a family style restaurant that serves up a big ole southern meal that is sure to satisfies any person’s hunger. Trust me this place is not for the faint of heart. Everything is rich, fried and delicious.

Check out the dinner menu -

I have been dreaming about this meal ever since I discovered how close we were going to be to the restaurant. The last two years I have been unable to make the trip to Dillards House, but this time I was determined to get my fill. This is a once in a blue moon treat that I had no problems indulging in to the fullest.

Once we were seated our table was filled to the max with wonderful homemade southern style food.

It’s like Thanksgiving in June.

My first plate had a little taste of everything.

Of course I had to go back for seconds.

and there were several bites of all my favorites along the way.

What’s a big southern meal without dessert?

Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. Yum!

So you see I did indulge in all my favorites and if you could see my now there would be a big smile on my face just remembering that feast. Obviously, its not something I would eat every day, but I think once every year is fine by me.

When we got back to the cabin all we wanted to do was relax by the lake.

My Sister and I split a Blue Moon.

I think Scooby is in heaven up here!

Right now I am stuffed, happy and ready to put my PJS on. I believe a nice cup of tea and the couch in front of the TV are calling my name.

Sweet Dreams!

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The morning are just too beautiful here, I don’t want to waste them!

My Aunt found me on the deck at 6:30 this morning reading a book while enjoying the mountain air and a nice cup of tea.

I as the first one up and just wanted to enjoy as much of the peace and quiet as I could. The early morning is just so relaxing, I love having that ‘me’ time.

One the rest of the family was up and motivated we decided on having a free for all breakfast of your on choosing.

My sister and I made a wonderful fruit salad of Watermelon, Apple, Peach, Blueberries, Srawberries and Orange.

I mixed my portion of fruit salad with some Honey Chobani then topped it with Cinnamon Puffins and 1/4 of the Carrot Muffin Kath & Matt gave us yesterday.

Such a great breakfast! I loved all the different fresh flavors erupting in my mouth. The textures of the fruit, soft muffin and crunchy puffins complimented each other perfectly.

This was my first adventure with the Cinnamon Puffins.

I have to say the Peanut Butter ones are still my favorite, but the cinnamon ones are great as well. They reminded me of a less sweet version of Cinnabon Cereal. Very Yummy!

Kelly had a great plate of food as well, having a little taste of everything.

I managed to snag a bite of her biscuit dipped honey. I LOVE fresh honey on a biscuit! It was one of my favorite McDonalds staples when I was a kid.

My work out this morning consisted of more water sports.

I was so proud to make it up on the water skis on my second try.

I also enjoyed a lot of this.

Boats were definitely meant to be relaxed on.

My Mom, Aunt, Sister and I split a Peanut Butter Cookie Luna Bar around midmorning.

Everyone was really kicking butt on the water this morning.

We pulled up for an early lunch and I had a nice assortment of eats.

I toasted a piece of the Sourdough Wheatberry Bread then slathered it with a nice hunk of freshly ground Almond Butter, Spinach & Carrots. It sounds like an odd combo, but I promise its good!