Last Night at the Beach

For our last night, Mom took all of us to dinner at the Flying Fish. Our waiter was super funny and the food was delicious. It was great to have a nice dinner together before heading back to Texas.

Sophie loved the bread.

Gilbert and I

Me and Dad

Another Day of Fishing

Thursday started out a little dreary so we joined Amy, Cory and Sophie on a little trip to Nags Head. We went to a great BBQ place for lunch and then Amy, Cory and Sophie went to build a bear and Gilbert and I went to the place next door for wine tasting. For $5 I tasted 9 or 10 North Carolina wines. Some were great, others not so good. But was a great way to kill some time. After we finished there we went to the Coach outlet. And lucky for me - they were having a 20% off sale followed by another 25% off coupon!! I got a great purse and Gilbert got a new wallet. Glad we stopped there!!

By the time we got back to the house, it had cleared up a little and we headed to the beach to do some fishing. The first fish that Gilbert caught was a beauty!!

On Friday we went to the beach to go fishing again, but Gilbert wasn't as lucky - he seemed to only catch seaweed!! But the whole family came out to the beach, so that was nice!!

Miss Sophie

Sophie has been loving all the attention she has received over the past week. She has learned how to be a tease very well - and won't always come to you when you would like. But when she reaches her little hands for you or gives you a hug - it is easy to forget the previous rejection suffered!!

Reading with Grand-Pardie

In Mimi's red visor

At Build A Bear

I was chasing after her. She wouldn't hold my hand!

Watching Uncle Beto fish.

Amy, Mimi and Sophie

Fishing Round 2

Today Gilbert and I decided to try fishing again, but we drove to Avon - about 30 miles further south. I liked the Pier there a lot better. It was as long and didn't move so much in the wind. And we were successful!!

The man at the Pier recommended blood worms as bait - and blood worms are super gross. But the fish seemed to like them. I caught 2 - actually 3, but the first one fell off before we finished reeling it up. Gilbert caught a bunch (I grew tired of fishing after 20 minutes and resorted to reading). We threw all the fish back - I couldn't think of actually killing them and eating them!!

For lunch we stopped at Bubba's for some good Carolina BBQ. For those of you that don't know, I grew up in North Carolina and prefer NC BBQ to Texas BBQ. Gilbert looked at the lady like she was crazy when she asked if he wanted cole slaw ON his sandwich. Gilbert doesn't understand that the cole slaw makes the sandwich!!

Here are the nachos with salsa. Note that the salsa is the tomatoes, olives, green onions, and jalapenos (sweet, not spicy).

Here is North Carolina's version of sliced beef.

Here is my wonderful pork sandwich with cole slaw on the meat!

Vacations Days 1 and 2

We arrived safely in Virgina and made the 2.5 hour drive to Rodanthe, North Carolina. The beach house we are staying at is HUGE - and is right on the beach. We keep the doors open so we can hear the waves crashing on shore. The only bad thing is that is has been incredibly windy, which has made going to the beach and going fishing almost impossible.

The house

Sunrise




Yesterday Gilbert and I walked a mile to the pier to go fishing. Actually Gilbert was the only one fishing. I had a bit of anxiety on the pier - since it moves in the wind and looks like it has been there for years. I was so afraid that a big wave would knock the whole thing over.... We are going to try again another day when it is not so windy....












Today we took Sophie to the beach for a few minutes. The sand was stinging our legs, so we didn't last long. Maybe tomorrow will be better...

Sunday Football

After church, we rushed to do a few errands before heading home. Poor Gilbert missed kick-off!! But I made it up to him by making his favorite football food "Macho Nachos".

Gilbert loves watching football in his football office. And I have to admit, the TV in the office has a great picture!

McCormick and Schmick's

On Saturday night we went to dinner with some friends at McCormick and Schmick's. As always, it was wonderful!! Gilbert and I shared the jumbo gulf shrimp appetizer and then we got the same entree - grilled redfish with shrimp and crab sauce. It was so good!!!

The restaurant is located downtown and as we were leaving around 11:30, we saw the flock of people headed to the bars - probably to celebrate UT's big win. I saw a lot of short shorts and short skirts. I think "What Not To Wear" needs to come to Austin!!

Healthy Twist

When I used to work part-time at Garden Ridge, my partner in crime Cat and I would try to eat the healthiest thing on the Cafe Menu. With the selection of nachos, popcorn and pretzels - we would usually default to chicken tender salad. This would consist of fried chicken strips, iceberg lettuce and cheese. Real healthy, right?!?

So I have taken a mix of different recipes to come up with my version of chicken tender salad. Here goes...



Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

Line a cookie sheet with foil and brush the foil with some extra virgin olive oil.

Put 1 cup of buttermilk in a bowl and add chicken tenders. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.

In a shallow pan/dish, mix 1 1/4 cups of fresh Parmesan and 3/4 cup breadcrumbs. Add a tablespoon of ground flax seed and some salt and pepper.

(Benefits to flax seed - Flax seed is high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals called lignans. Flax seed can help reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels — and, as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Flax seed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids.)

Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and roll them in the dry mixture - coating completely. Once all chicken tenders are on the baking sheet, drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil. Bake for about 12 minutes - they will turn golden brown.

For the salad - I like mixed field greens - much healthier than iceberg!!

Salad Dressing - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a little salt. Whisk together.

Note - I HATE mustard. But with this recipe, you can't taste the mustard....

End result is this - Enjoy!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Everyone knows that I am the product queen. Here are 2 products that I can't live without.

Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleaner - gentle enough to use everyday - it is a mini-facial in a tube. Gilbert and I are opposite skin types and we both can use this product.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Intensive Moisturizing Body Treatment - this lotion is a dream. It will make your skin super smooth - no need to re-apply later in the day - it really lasts for 8 hours!

Labor Day Weekend

Gilbert and I had a great and relaxing Labor Day weekend. On Friday night we went to a going away party for Mario. He is moving back to Mexicali. We are going to miss him, but I can understand the need to return "home".

Gilbert's parents came to visit and we were able to take them to dinner on Saturday night. On Sunday we went over to Nikki's for a Labor Day cook-out. It was great to see everyone - Robby and Katie are both at such a great age. Little James is 2 and we found out that he will do just about anything for a quarter!

Robby and Little James

Katie, Robby and Little James

Katie, Buddy and Mariah

Buddy

Nikki and Nora

We are goofy because we got a lot of sleep!!

Ever notice....

Have you ever been driving and see a car that has been in a wreck? And after watching that driver for all of 30 seconds you can tell why they have been in a wreck?
Austin is full of horrible drivers. Horrible.