Mom weekend!



Me and my beautiful mom

My mom came to visit over the weekend!  Its funny how we always seem to plan a weekend get-together in spring. 

She arrived early Saturday morning just in time for brunch at my favorite spot- Paris Cafe. It is a local favorite to many palm-beachers and it was a gorgeous day to grab an outside table on the sidewalk.

Paris Bakery and Cafe

I ordered my favorite: the Moulan Rouge made with fresh spinach, goat cheese, pistachios, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.  It never disappoints. 

My mom got the Quiche Florentine with a fresh spring mix salad and their famous tarragon dressing.  We both rounded out the meal with fresh french bread, soft goat cheese, and homemade strawberry jam.

After brunch we walked down to the green market to see and taste locally made baked goods, gourmet olive oils, and view the gorgeous display of orchids and herb plants.  If I only could keep it alive, I would have bought one!

West Palm Beach Green Market
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 As always, my favorite thing at the green market is the olive oil tastings!

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After browsing around downtown, I decided to take my mom on a tour of the island of Palm Beach.  There is a beautiful chapel overlooking the inter coastal waterway that I have always dreamed of getting married in.  Of course I had to show her that ;-)

After time on the island we decided to give our legs a little rest and got some cold vitamin waters to nourish our thirst as we drove up to Juno Beach.

Juno always holds a special place for us both.  We used to go there all the time the first year we moved to Florida back in 2007.  It is so refreshing, lined with tons of natural sea shells.  The beaches in South Florida are way different than those in Central Florida where my parents now live.  Though the sand isn't as soft as New Smyrna or Daytona, the beaches here have a natural beauty to them.

After some much needed beach time (Thank GOD for warmer weather again!), my mom and I headed to the Gardens Mall to get in a little shopping :-) Girls Weekend + Shopping + Starbucks = HAPPINESS!!!!

After one of this...

Venti Zen Tea with steamed Soy

I was ready to roll! My mom and I stopped at Macy's first since we both have the Macy's credit card (I know.... trouble!) and had some extra 20% coupons to use up.  I ended up getting a cute maxi dress in aqua and yellow stripes, a short red dress for work, and a few cute tops.  Love Macy's!!!! :-)

After some relaxing shopping and browsing we headed back to my condo for the last hour before my mom had to head back up to Orlando. 

I showed her our view of the intracoastal since she hadn't seen it yet.

Balcony view

Final pic before she had to leave! sniff sniff

Mom weekends are sooo needed, even if they only last for 6 hours!  It was so refreshing to catch up with my mom and share some quality time bouncing around South Florida for a day. 

Question:
Do you get to see your family often?  If so, how often?
Since my family is 3hours away, I usually see them once every 2-3 months.  Its good but I always wish I could see them more ;-)

Date-Night Re-Cap

For our date night (which happened to be on Valentines Day) Bryan and I went to our favorite spot -Cheesecake Factory - for salads and (OFCOURSE!) dessert.  A perfect meal in my opinion always involves high protein and TONS of sugar carbs ;-)

We exchanged gifts:

Roses from Bryan

A gift from me :-) (with several pairs of running socks because I ALWAYS borrow his)

Homemade cookies

Gluten Free Butterscotch glazed Sugar Cookies

I was so nice to enjoy each other's company and talk about where the year has taken us so far.  Next month we will have been dating for 22 months! I know its crazy to believe how fast time flies!

After dinner we went for a littel walk around CityPlace, WPB and rented a movie. 

Crazy Stupid Love starring Steve Carell

I thought it was great!  Steve Carell is so funny.  I recommend it to all :-)

Anyways, off to run errands for work!

Valentines Day Cookies!

Saturday, Bryan and I celebrated our Valentines Day early with an all-day event!  We met some friends for bfast at Panera Bread at 9am.  Then headed out to .............(beware, this is totally random!)...the ZOO!  It was such a beautiful day to spend walking around outside!

We even saw a slouth!  (haha, the are so cute! and Kristen Bell would be proud)

After 4 hours of bird shows, sight seeing, and animal viewing, we went to our favorite spot for lunch- Howley's Diner.  Its an upscale local trendy diner in the heart of west palm beach that has been around for over a century.  We love that place and are NEVER disappointed!

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I ordered the egg white omelet, fresh fruit cup, and fresh baked rye toast with apple pie jam.  Bryan ordered his usual Philly Cheesesteak Sub with Sweet potato fries (and offered me two delicious bites!)

Today, I decided to do some Valentines baking for tomorrow night.  Bryan is taking me to dinner at Cheesecake Factory and I decided to out together a little care package for him ;-)

I found a few recipes for vegan, gluten-free sugar cookies so I combined a few inspirations and came up with the following delicious recipe:

Butterscotch Iced Gluten-free Sugar Cookies!

VALENTINE COOKIES

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,161,134173-234202,00.html Content Copyright © 2012 Cooks.com - All rights reserved. 3/4 cup oat flour 1/4 + 1/8 cup organic sugar 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup oil 1/4 cup banana Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat wet ingredients with an electric mixer until mixture is light and fluffy. Add dry ingredients. Chill 1 hour Roll dough, cut into heart shapes, no more than 1/2-inch thick. Decorate as desired by following one of the tips below or by using a tooth-pick, fork or other kitchen tool to create a design. Bake 15-16 minutes or until edges turn brown. Cool 5 minutes and remove. Decorating tips: (via cooks.com) You can create a design on top of the cookies using white or colored candy sprinkles. Or you could crimp the edges of heart, making a design using the tines of fork, or a knife, spatula or spoon. Sprinkle baked cookies with powdered sugar. If you are an experienced baker, you may want to paint a design with a simple egg-yolk paint. Separate an egg; put the egg yolk in a small bowl and mix with 1/2 teaspoon water and enough red food coloring to make the desired sired shade of red. Using a clean paint brush, paint a design on cookie using the colored yolk. Or place a small doily on cookie and, using a clean, stiff brush, work the egg paint through the cutouts and create a lacy effect. Remember that this is all done before the cookies are baked.

Race For the Cure 2012

My grandmother was beautiful.  She was graceful, had a great smile (with bright pink lipstick), beautiful figure, and was the most amazing host and cook.  She always brought our family together for huge celebrations and dinners.  I was so lucky to live near my grandparents from the age of 4 to age 12.  Then, one day she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My whole world changed.  I had never experienced loss before in my life.  Suddenly I had a fear that she might not make it.

Two slow and steady years later, I was surrounded by family hugging my grandma for the last time.  There was tons of family and she left to Heaven in the comfort of her home.  It was the day before Thanksgiving and I couldn't imagine being thankful for anything that year.

Now, looking back, I am thankful to have known my grandma!  I am thankful I had such a wonderful person in my life.  Someone who bought me ballet clothes, someone who baked cookies with me, someone who was always excited to see my brother and I. 

Without a doubt, I am who I am today because of my grandmother's positive influences in my life at such a young age.  I still strive to live life with the grace she did.  She was a hard worker, always cleaning, always smiling. 

I ran this year's Race for the Cure in her honor.  Shirley Berg - I will always remember you and know you are looking down from Heaven. 

I ran a 20:43 5K, 12th overall, 3rd in my age group

Every step of the way I thought of the battle that so many face with cancer.  Every breath, I thought of my grandmother's fight, her physical battle to stay strong in spite of the disease.

Right to Left: My friend Ashley and I