Guess who has been here visiting?
Hailey has had the treat of playing with her Nana, which included playtime in the big pool. She’s turning into quite the little mermaid. I’ve had the pleasure of quality time with mom.
Yesterday we started the day with a brisk hour walk, after I downed a handful of almonds (unpictured).
![WIAW- morning walk]](https://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/WIAW-morning-walk.jpg "WIAW- morning walk]")
That first step out the door is the most difficult, because afterwards it feels great to have it checked off the to do list and move on to breakfast.
Eggs with peppers, onions and spinach topped with some Wild Harvest mango peach salsa and half a wheat English muffin with melted cheddar.
After a productive morning, we headed into Charlotte for the afternoon. The fun began with my first trip to Fern, a new vegetarian spot in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood (our old stompin’ grounds).
From the earthy décor to the ridiculous fresh food, Fern was incredibly impressive. Unfortunately my iPhone pictures were not.
We were seated promptly and sipped on our cucumber water (so refreshing!) and orange and ginger infused unsweet tea while we perused the menu and watched the place fill up.
We started with splitting the bruschetta, which consisted of heirloom tomatoes, corn, fennel, bell peppers and a whipped chimichurri goat cheese on garlicky toast. I wish my picture did it justice. It took all our willpower not to lick the plate clean!
For the main event we split the buddha bowl, something I want to recreate at home. It featured a black rice, red cabbage, purple and green beans, chick peas, squash, zucchini, kale and eggplant in a mushroom broth, topped with a plum tahini sauce. Again, the flavors were vibrant and we polished it off. Hailey enjoyed the squash, beans and rice, though it was tough to share.
Satisfied from such a healthy lunch, we went to run errands, including a trip to Trader Joe’s, where mom picked up these little guys.
I savored 3 of them on the way to another treat…
Later at home after Hailey went to bed, David shook us up some dirty Grey Goose martinis.
It felt like a special occasion as we all sat on the back porch, sipped our cocktails and chatted while dinner grilled.
I’ve become quite obsessed with kabobs this summer and these chicken and veggie kabobs did not disappoint. What’s on the side? Oh, just my recreation of Puree’s kalamata and tomato barley bowl!
I must brag a bit in saying that I came pretty darn close to replicating it from my taste buds alone! It’s a unique blend of flavors that tastes even better if allowed to sit in the fridge overnight. If you’re interested, here is the recipe for this Kalamata Tomato Barley Bowl.
For more WIAW fun, check out Jenn’s WIAW link up! Now off to spend some more quality time with my momma! Don’t forget that tomorrow’s #munchkinmeals is featuring breakfast! I hope you’ll join in 
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Can you believe I have not made kabobs at ALL this summer?!?! That’s just crazy. Have fun with your mom!
Brittany says
You need to grill you some kabobs STAT. Veggies on the grill are unbeatable 🙂
Lisa says
Dirty martinis are the best! Especially with grey goose, best vodka ever. I LOVE kabobs, they are by far my favourite thing to grill!! I haven’t even grilled them yet this season. Not good. Yours look delicious. Have a great time with your mom!! Mom and daughter time is the greatest.
Brittany says
Mom and daughter time really is a lot of fun! and dirty martinis just make it better 🙂
Becca McKinnon says
I am looking forward to making the barley bowl posted in this post- looks and sounds delicious! Enjoy your nana/mama/daughter time!
Brittany says
Let me know what you think! The lime and olives give it so much flavor. We ate all of it in one sitting!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Wow, that food from lunch looks and sounds amazing! I love restaurants that have creative new dishes!
Brittany says
Fern had so many creative dishes that I need to go back a million more times! I love local spots that aren’t chains 🙂
christina says
She looks so cute with her Nana! Awww.. Trader Joe’s chocolates are SO GOOD!
Brittany says
They are! I didn’t even want them, then my mom bought them and now I’m addicted. Luckily Trader Joe’s isn’t too close to me…
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
You’re so right, the first step out the door is the hardest! I ran before work this morning and it felt SO awesome to have it done, but it wasn’t easy to get my butt at the door!
Brittany says
Good for you, Liz!! Yes, my butt never wants to get out the door, but afterwards feels SO good 🙂
Erica says
Photos with nana are so adorable! I’m also on an absolute veggie kabob kick right now!
Brittany says
kabobs rule! I need to invest in some nice metal ones, though. Do you use wooden or metal?
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I’ve been brainstorming dinner, and just got so many great ideas, thanks! Now I just have to decide between those Buddha bowls and kabobs, yum.
jessie says
What a great day with your momma! Where you ate lunch @ sounds like such a yummy restaurant!! 🙂
Hope you are having a wonderful day filled with love, and laughter <3
Katie @ Legally Fit says
I love it when the grandparents visit- it is so cute to see them interact with the baby 🙂 The picture is too cute! We made kabobs on the 4th- they are definitely the quintessential summer food!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Kebobs are definitely a great summer meal!