Wow you guys, I never meant to disappear! I don’t think I’ve ever gone that long without blogging which is either A. Impressive or B. Sad, but I spent the week (the whole week!!) on Oak Island with my family. I brought along several things with full intentions of using them (my computer and my running shoes for example), but instead I left them untouched in favor of truly unplugging.
It felt strange, a little uncomfortable, then finally, incredibly rejuvenating. I can’t wait to share pictures with you as soon as I sort through them because goodness knows I snapped about a million. But here’s a sneak peek at Hailey’s interpretation.
Two drinks in mommy’s hands? You nailed it kiddo.
The true sign of a great getaway to me is how you feel when you return. Not well-rested of course, because every parent knows there is really no such thing as “vacation” when young children are involved, but I returned home yesterday feeling inspired and excited! With fall literally days away and the weather starting to turn to match it, I’m pumped for the fresh start and hyper-focus I’ve attained to eating well, getting organized, and jumping on some goals. Oh, and working out again because my body needs a good bootcamp butt-kicking.
Did I mention yesterday was my birthday too? 32 years young and ready to hit the ground running! I celebrated with the thing I wanted to do most- meal planning on the ride home! I live life full throttle, I tell ya.
It felt great to peruse my new cookbook (it’s beautiful!) that mom and dad gave me for inspiration and create a week of newly inspired health meals.
Then pick up Chipotle for lunch of course.
We unloaded the car, then Kaitlyn and I took off to make this week’s culinary dreams come true.
We met David out to do a car switch and he took the girls to vacuum out my sand-filled car while I got to unload my treasures in peace (insert birthday jig).
Once we got everything washed (I’m a bit of an unpacking/cleaning nut) and the girls down to bed (which took a while- readjusting is fun for all), David and I sat down with our Mediterranean salmon parchment packs (my favorite!!) and exhaled. Then he surprised me with gifts!
Nothing says love like a 5 lb bag of Himalayan salt, a pinch bowl I’ve been talking about forever! Isn’t it funny how you never buy little things like that for yourself? I loved that his gifts (which also included an apron and wine opener) fit in line with my re-energized in the kitchen theme I’m really feeling right now.
We hit the hay hard in our (OWN!) clean, cozy bed, right after I put my cashews into soak.
Cilantro cream sauce that I’ve been thinking about forever, I’m finally going to make you happen.
And that’s what has been going on!
Hoping to start combing through pictures and get the girls back on some semblance of a schedule today, along with some food prep that I’ll be sharing (hopefully) live on periscope. On that note though, Kaitlyn is up early so off I go!
What is the last vacation you went on that left you feeling rejuvenated?
What are you excited to refocus on lately?
Karen says
Mountain hiking in Utah….left me wonderfully sore and rejuvenated. I can’t wait for our next adventure.
I love the beach but mountains are my true happy place:-)
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Happy late birthday! I’m glad you had such a wonderful week!
I agree that unplugging is so hard, but so worth it.
Katie says
I haven’t gone on a great vacation for the soul in a while. But that’s alright. I’ve been going to yoga a couple times a week and that feels freaking fantastic.
Lee says
Happy Birthday!
John J. says
Your “rejuvenation” jumps off the page. Keep it going! Looking forward to anniversary trip to Amelia Island this weekend. Tough to beat beach time!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
My last two major trips have been (purposely) exciting and exhausting. Relaxing at home has been more rejuvenating 🙂
Glad you’re feeling good after travels and Happy Birthday!
Gena @ orgenazation says
Vacations where you truly unplug are the best! I’m was a meal planning nut this weekend too. I did two weeks worth of freezer meal dinners to get me back in the groove. Can’t wait to see your vacation pics – and Happy belated birthday too!
Erin says
Good for you for unplugging for a whole week!
I’ve been feeling re-energized to clean/organize some parts of my house that rarely get touched. Last week was so busy though I barely got anything done… So I’m glad Monday is here to give me a fresh start!
brynn says
Happy belated! I love meal planning and (after a busy month) am looking forward to more cooking, prep and trying new recipes.
Kate says
Happy belated birthday!! You can really feel the energy reading this post!
Once we’ve fully moved I really want to get back into running and cooking – too much takeout lately…
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Happy birthday Brittany!!! I am so glad you got a chance to unplug and rejuvenate. And that sauce you are making with the soaked cashews sounds amazing. Share it maybe? 🙂
Tracy says
Happy happy happy belated birthday, Brittany 🙂
Elizabeth says
Awesome gifts! Happy bday!
I’m getting reinspired to have a consistent workout schedule! When I’m disciplined about exercise everything else in my life seems to have more discipline & organization (eg work, food choices, chores, financial decisions,etc). It’s just hard to stay committed
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Happy Birthday, B! Glad to have you back 🙂
Jenny says
Happy birthday! I can’t wait to see the pictures!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Happy Birthday September baby! Mine was Saturday!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says
I definitely missed you, but I am thrilled to see you back! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Ruth says
Happy Birthday!!! Our last family holiday was for a wedding at the beach. It was really wonderful having time together as a family. Hurray for meal planning! i need to find my planning groove again after having bub #2. I have a free meal planning printable on my blog if you need one 🙂 I’ve made it pretty!
your menu for the week sounds delicious!!