Miami-Thanksgiving-Day 3 Part 1

We got up early, had breakfast and than and headed to South Beach! 

a Decaf Carmel Macciatto

 Berry and melon juice

We arrived at South Beach around 9:00 am, The photo shoot was wrapped up, and since we got there early, we had the beach to ourselves.

The water was chilly for swimming, but it was great for relaxing and reading a great book.  I forgot, how peacefull it is to enjoy a good book, with the sound of the waves!

Mr. P even caught a fish (a seagull dropped it right near us)

 
That's me!

When you are not cooking Thanksgiving, you have a very peaceful morning, I was Thankful for this!

Miami for Thanksgiving-Day 2

On our second day, we did breakfast at the Four Seasons.  The bill always surprises us, but the food is delicious and always worth it:

I got the Juevos Rancheros:

Mr. P got the eggs, Chorizo, and hash browns:

I love the Four Seasons.

Next was kayaking, we went to Oleta River State Park, about 40 minutes away from downtown Miami.

The water was very calm, you kayaked in the mangroves which lead to a lake, which than took you to the inter coastal highway. 

I was hoping to see a manatee, the closest I got was this sign:

The scenery was beautiful:

We saw some wildlife, Mr. P was happy he spotted a butterfly, we saw some beautiful birds, below is this beautiful blue bird:

I found some snails on some rocks, can you see them?

Now what is more interesting a butterfly or some snails?

The rest of the family flew in today, we had dinner at this little sushi restaurant, they had this delicious lightly seared tuna, and we ordered tempura brownies--Very good!

I did not see any Manatees or Dolphins however it was another great sunny day in Miami!

Another other good suggestions of what to do in the Miami area?

Miami for Thanksgiving-Day 1

Mr. P and I jetsetted to Miami for Thanksgiving, to spend the holidays with his family.  It was beautiful, the trees were green, and not bare and brown.  The sun was shinning and the sky was blue compared to a grey sky.  You can wear flip-flops and not spend the time trying to find your warm socks and your warmest shoes.

This was our first time spending Thanksgiving with my husband's family.  I was excited to see how other families celebrate Thanksgiving.

We traveled from Tuesday to Friday, which I have to say was splendidly wonderful.  Our flight was empty on the way there, we had the three seats to ourselves.  This started the trip out right. 

We picked our car up at Hertz-a Camry hybrid.  Very nice, quiet, however a small trunk.  We were thinking of purchasing one, however the trunk is probably to small for us.  Our four days of luggage did not even all fit in the trunk.  Yes, I pack a lot.

Next we were off to our Hotel.  We try to stay at Four Season's if they are in the city we are traveling to.  Also, at this specific Four Seasons they have a deal with buy two nights, get the third night free.

Another perk of staying at the Four Seasons is you know the food will always be good! 

Also, we were able to check in at 11:00 am which was great!

Mr. P and I were so excited for our next stop, Jaguar in Coconut Grove.  The description of the restaurant is:  Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Bar.

We had been talking about going here as soon as we land for the last couple of months!

They start out with tortilla chips, pita chips, and plantain chips.  With this delicious red pepper dipping sauce:

Surprisingly, Mr. P wanted me to order for him:  We each got the ceviche spoon sampler.

This is so good!!!  And not just even good, amazing.  We have tried to visit many different restaurants in the Philadelphia area trying to find ceviche this good and have been unsuccessful.  Is it bad that we want to be able to have dinner in Miami once a month to eat this delicious ceviche!

Please go to this restaurant, you will love it:
http://www.jaguarspot.com/

Mr. P did not know this at the time, but I wanted to explore Miami Beach to find a good spot to visit the beach later on during the trip.

In the book, a 1,000 places to see before you die, it suggests Joe's Stone's Crab Place.  I had in my plan, ceviche at Jaguar, and than Stone Crabs at Joe's.  This did not work out, as we also ordered entrees.  I got the Manchego Cheese Quesadilla's, and Mr. P, the Pibil, which was the best choice.  I love the vinegar onions.  I need to find this recipe!

However, we got a photo: 

Next time, I want to have a Stone Crab Claw with a big piece of Key Lime Pie! 

Right near Joe's is a great parking area, and a pretty park:  South Pointe Park.  We got out and walked the path, and than walked the beach.  We saw a photo shoot, and our beach spot.

There was a photo shoot going on at the spot I deemed our perfect beach location.  However, I knew I would get back at some point during this trip!

After going for a two hour walk, we drove down Collins Avenue, and passed the numerous hotels, restaurants, and enjoyed the warm weather.

Look at these cute pink snails:

We kept looking for the Fontainebleau, and we found it!

After doing this drive, I realized why I love staying on Brickell Avenue.  Quiet as it is not too touristy, a lot of businesses.

That night we met up with my mother in law and sister in law, went to this great, french restaurant. 

I got the mussels, Delicious.  Mr. P's family loves France, and I mean loves Paris, so this restaurant must be really good.

http://www.lebouchondugrove.com/photos.php

After day 1, I realized there are some recipes I need to try to experiment with: 

1. Ceviche

2. Pickled Red Onions

3. Pibil

4.  Red Pepper Dipping sauce

Anyone have these recipes to share???

Apple Butter Spice Muffins

Ingredients:

1 egg
3/4 cup of milk (I used 2%)
1 cup of raisins
1 cup of chopped apple (I used whatever apples I had at home-The last two apples from apple picking)
1/4 cup of apple butter
1/4 cup of oil
1 cup of quick oats
1/8 cup of sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 tsp of ground nutmeg
1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice

Pre-Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

1.  Break up the egg with a fork, and added the liquid ingredients, including the apple butter.
2.  Add in the remaining ingredients.
3.  Place in a paper-lined muffin pan, about 3/4 full.

4.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
5.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

I ate mine warm with homemade apple butter on them.  I have to say I ate these again another day dry, and the apple butter really makes these muffins taste better!

Enjoy!

Love it, Like it, Must have it Wednesday

Well after Oprah's favorite things, I figured, Let me show you some of my favorite things that I like:

from Vermont Soap works:



from Sephora:



from QVC:






Now I love my my relationship with my husband Mr. P.

This year will be five years, to be completely honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I said I do.

I know to honor...to  cherish..in sickness and in health!

But I had no idea, that marriage is such a special bond. 
    That our love grows deeper every year,
         Or that I tear up just thinking of the mere fact of how much I love him!


In the last 5 years: I have developed peace with myself, peace with my relationship, and found true love with my husband, Mr. P.

What I want for the future is a lifetime together of happiness, dedication to each other, and true love.

Below are some photo's from our special day:

Results of the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale Fall 2010

Mr. P and I got to the Valley Forge Convention Center at around 9:30 am we had to wait in line for about 10 minutes, not bad at all. 

This was the line for the entrance, once we were leaving.

However, once we walked in, we saw that the sale was much smaller than last year.

Mr. P and I went out on our mission.  He was looking for the Men clothes and I was looking for whatever unique items I could find.  The only men items they had were ties and boxes, Mr. P was not in need of either.

I was able to score two cardigans; I love the Lilly cardigans, they wash up excellent!  I have had some cardigans for 6 years now, after numerous, numerous washings.





I also got this polo:



I was also able to get 4 murfee Scarfs.  Three for me, and one to give as a gift to my Mother-in-law for her birthday.  They are regularly $118, and they were at the sale for $50.00, not bad at all!

Now which three should I keep?

I am excited to start to wear them.  Bright colors help get me through the cold, dark winter.