Sunday Funday

February 19, 2013 By 2 Comments

This Sunday, Allie and I decided we wanted to have a more relaxing day. On previous Sunday Fundays, we usually try to pack in as much fun as we can into one day…which don’t get me wrong is always exhilarating and wonderful…but every once in a while you just need a day to sit back, relax, and unwind. Without a worry in the world.

So, after enjoying a tasty breakfast in the serene atmosphere of Shutters on the Beach, Allie and I decided to walk right down the steps of Shutters to the beach.

DSCN1443edited

DSCN1445edited

DSCN1471edited

^^This is the hotel, Shutters on the Beach. On the right hand side is the restaurant where we ate our lovely breakfast.

DSCN1450edited

DSCN1452edited

DSCN1461edited

DSCN1446edited

We just kept walking until we found an area of sand we wanted to call our own for the next couple hours.

DSCN1463edited

DSCN1472edited

And then we just sat, read magazines, read a book on Marilyn Monroe, and just appreciated the beauty of the world around us.

DSCN1476edited

DSCN1483edited

DSCN1480edited

DSCN1490edited

DSCN1491edited

I had the best time! It was a much-needed day of relaxation in the midst of our busy lives. And I suggest that all of you try to fit in a day of rest just like we did. Just give yourself one day. It will give you so much more energy, a recharge, to get back into your busy and fast-paced lives. That’s an order!

Filed Under: Caroline, Family, Sunday Funday 2 Comments

Quest for the Best Breakfast: Shutters on the Beach

February 18, 2013 By 2 Comments

The weather this weekend was to die for. It was the perfect summer day (even though it’s February – I would complain but I’m going to NY next week so I know I’ll get my winter fix). It was not too hot and not too windy; it was just right! So, Allie and I decided to go to breakfast somewhere with a view. And boy did Shutters on the Beach deliver.

The atmosphere was so serene and relaxing. And the food was pretty darn good too!

DSCN1437edited

DSCN1400edited

DSCN1409edited

DSCN1394edited

DSCN1405edited

^^They brought out complimentary sourdough bread, banana bread, and cranberry pistachio bread…so amazing!

DSCN1410edited

DSCN1413edited

DSCN1416edited

^^Here comes our food!!

DSCN1417edited

Unfortunately, the restaurant did not serve blueberry pancakes. But, they did serve this amazing Belgian Waffle with fresh berries and whipped mascarpone. It was like a dessert! So, we didn’t mind that we missed out on the blueberry pancakes this week.

DSCN1429edited

DSCN1431edited

^^First Bite!

The Eggs Benedict was prepared traditionally with an English muffin, Canadian bacon, and, of course, hollandaise sauce. And luckily, it was way tastier than last weeks traditional dish.

DSCN1421edited

DSCN1424edited

DSCN1425edited ^^First Bite!

I have come to realize that restaurants seem to underestimate the power of the meat part of the Eggs Benedict. The Canadian bacon is usually pretty wimpy, and is a missed opportunity to make the dish fantastic. The Griddle got the meat part right with their version of the Eggs Benedict.

Even though, Shutters did not win the award for the best Eggs Benedict, it was still delicious. And the atmosphere was so amazing. So, overall it waas a wonderful experience.

So far, the Griddle is in first place. But, I am feeling confident that there might be something a bit better out there. So, I’m going to continue the quest!

Please let me know if you have any suggestions on what restaurant Allie and I should try next!

Filed Under: Best Breakfast, Caroline, Sunday Funday 2 Comments

My Valentine’s Day

February 15, 2013 By 5 Comments

Mondays and Thursdays are my busiest class days of the week. You can usually find me frantically speed walking around campus, getting from one class to the next in just the nick of time. But, despite my busy and hectic day, all of my Valentines made my Thursday extra special.

After my first two classes, I had 30 minutes until the next set of two classes, which I spent…frantically speed walking around. I grabbed lunch to-go. I stopped by the dining offices to pick up this lovely package of chocolate covered strawberries.

IMG_5816edited

Then, I stopped by the mailroom to pick up a sweet package from my sweet mom!

IMG_5817edited

IMG_5830edited

She even put a little something in for Natalie and Hannah too!

IMG_5819edited

By the time, I picked up these deliveries and ate lunch I had three minutes to spare to get from my room to my classroom. And to my surprise, I made it to class on the dot!

Once my classes were finished, I had one last delivery to pick up. Colin had a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting for me! Fresh flowers are probably one of my absolute favorite things. He knows me well.

IMG_5824edited

When I got back to my room, I found this little Valentine Hannah left for me on my desk.

IMG_5814edited

IMG_5827edited

I indulged in some of those Valentine’s sweets while I waited for Natalie and Hannah to get back from their classes. Once the school day finally came to an end for all of us, the girls and I jumped in the car and headed down to Santa Monica for a dinner and a movie date!

IMG_5832edited

We have a tradition in my family to eat Chinese food on Valentine’s Day, so the girls and I chose to continue the tradition by eating at P.F. Changs. Oh, how I love eating food from a place other than the caf.

IMG_5834edited

(^^Let’s try to ignore my “middle part”)

IMG_5835edited

And since it was Valentine’s Day, we were in the mood for a love story…so what better movie to pick than the movie Safe Haven based off of a Nicholas Sparks novel?! The movie definitely hit the spot! And if you are ever in the mood for a love story, I would certainly recommend it.

IMG_5838edited

After the movie, we headed back to campus, got cozy in our matching Valentine socks that my mom gave us, ate a few chocolate covered strawberries, and called it a night!

IMG_5844edited

Thank you to all of my Valentines who made my day special, especially the ones who did so from all the way across the country! I love you so much.

I hope your Valentine’s Day was full of love and I hope you have a HAPPY WEEKEND!

Filed Under: Caroline, Holidays 5 Comments