flower in her hair

I always feel a little gloomy when I'm on the plane ride home from a vacation. The same sort of feeling you get when your birthday party is almost over or while your doing the dishes after Thanksgiving dinner. You just wish you could have a few more days or hours or minutes. Then reality sets in and you're back to work. People on the island have a much different outlook on life then we do, here in the United States. We, over here, work to live.. while locals over there, just live and enjoy life.

Since I've been back, I've been wearing a flower in my hair every chance I get. Just to remind myself..

besties ♥

This vacation was one that I hope to remember until I get Alzheimer's.. The food, ocean, adventures, people, sightseeing, weather, new friends, amazing views and the reason I went there- this girl. Two years is a long time to be away from someone who has always been such a big part of your life. Thank goodness for Google voice and Facebook.. its what kept us together. (wink, wink) More recaps snaps to come tomorrow, so here's a teaser 'till then.   

get your weekend on

San Jose Bacon Festival

Saturday August 31, 2013 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Calling all bacon aficionados!! This summer festival is for you!! Festivities will include a Bacon Cooking Competition, Bacon Beauty Pageant, Bacon Parade, Bacon Square Dance and

Bacon Games. Join the movable feast newsletter here. 

And buy tickets for the event here. $5-150

The Beer walk at Santana Row

3055 Olin Ave
San Jose, CA 95128

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Even though this event is not over the weekend, I feel like it should not be missed if you live in the Silicon Valley area. Santana Row is a great shopping and dining community and they always host fabulous events. 

Santana Row will host its first beer walk to celebrate the last days of summer with a stroll around Santana Row sampling brews from 20 microbreweries. Each microbrewery will be stationed in a shop or restaurant, which also will offer exclusive discounts and specials during the event.

Breweries include:  Speakeasy, Mendocino, Strike, Faultline, Gordon Biersch, Hermitage, Firestone Walker,  Anchor, Santa Cruz Ale Works, Lagunitas Almanac, New Belgium, Sierra Nevada and Devil's Canyon.

And buy tickets here. $30-35

San Jose Italian Festival

Guadelupe Gardens River Park 

438 Coleman Ave
San Jose, CA 95110

 August 24, 2013 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

Stop by and experience what Italians already know. Now in its 33nd year, the Italian Family Fest draws more than 35,000 attendees annually. Share the day with friends and family while enjoying authentic Italian food, live entertainment and seeing the arts and crafts from merchants.

The festival features live continuous entertainment, a wine tasting garden in the Piazza Piccola Italia, Italian foods both sweet and savory, culinary demonstrations, bocce ball, bambino bocce, a grape stomp contests, opportunities to win prizes, unique arts & crafts and other activities for the entire family to enjoy. 

This is a free admission event

Downtown Treasure Hunt

 Plaza de Cesar Chavez

170 S Market St
San Jose, CA 95112

Sunday, August 25, 2013 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Gather your team of up to five people at Plaza de Cesar Chavez and learn a little history about San Jose. The hunt begins at 3:00,  You'll solve puzzles that lead to historic sites. When you're finished, turn in your packet to the person waiting on the patio of Sonoma Chicken Coop where you can grab some grub and a beer.  Prizes will be awarded based on time and number of correct answers at the celebration event beginning at 5:30.

And buy tickets here. $10

Japan Expo 

Santa Clara Convention Center

5001 Great America Pkwy
Santa Clara, CA 9505

 August 23, 2013 9:00 am -  August 25, 2013 5:00 pm

Since its launch in France 14 years ago, Japan Expo has become one of the world's largest celebrations of Japanese culture and entertainment. Japan Expo blends the very best of Japanese traditional culture with modern Pop sensations.

Come experience the bridge to Japan, where you can see the best and hottest items and content being produced and tons of Pocky will be available, of course!!

And buy tickets here $20- $100

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good grub

Panko Breaded Coconut Shrimp, recipe from here 

fresh is always best

ALWAYS boil your plantains for 10 or so minutes before frying

Stabbing and slicing your sweet potatoes speeds up the boiling process

can be purchased from here or Cost Plus

bon appetit <3

My Island Nosh

Chicken: marinade for 1 hour in the refrigerator and grill on the BBQ for 10 minutes on each side. Add extra Jerk Sauce to the top if you want more flavor and spice.

Plantains: Cut the ends off of each plantain and boil for 10 minutes. Brown some butter in a small fry pan and add sliced plantains. Allow to crisp and brown for about 10 minutes (or until they reach a color you like)

Bean Salad: Cube and stab your sweet potatoes and boil until tender, about 15 minutes. While they are boiling, put green beans and tomatoes in a large fry pan on medium with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, red chili flakes and diced jalapenos. add your potatoes and cook until they brown a bit.

Cube up avocado and mango and 1/2 a juicy lemon. Sprinkle a little sea salt to enhance the natural flavor.

grab a beer or jumbie and enjoy xo

Island Style

So I am officially {{physically}} back from the Caribbean... whether, I'm mentally here is another story. If you keep up with my instagram- you saw on Monday night I recreated one of my favorite dishes from my vacation. Jerk Chicken with Plantains and fresh sides. I will be posting the recipe later this week so that you can enjoy your own vacation inspired dinner. 

Jerk Chicken, Plantains, Sweet Potato + Tomato + Green Beans, Avocado + Mango Salsa.. and island lager, duh!!

the view from the back deck

These shorts were the best purchase of my life!! ok, ok.. maybe not of my life- but they were only $7 from Target and I rocked the heck out of them. Super comfy and lightweight, perfect for island style.

my main chick ♥

We are a little goofy, but we've been that way since age two... don't judge.

Today my baby girl is graduating from Medical School, and I couldn't be more proud!!

We have been celebrating all week in St. Maarten and I'm excited to see her walk in the ceremony. I'll be back in California soon, but tonight we will rage.

Congratulations Shanna. I love you

Give me five minutes

http://vimeo.com/69445362

Click on the link for instant relaxation 

If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace.

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process results in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

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