Valentine's Day Getaway

Since Peter would be at work on Valentine's Day, we went on an early overnight getaway on February 2-3.
We spent the day shopping, running errands, and just enjoying a day away together. I had hours to browse 2 Marshall's stores, Home Goods, Pier 1, Target, Hobby Lobby....oh my goodness!! We checked in at the Courtyard Marriott, then headed to O.C. for dinner at The Shark! I was so excited to go back after the amazing meal we had there last year. We've been trying to go back before now, but you know how it goes. Our dining experience was, once again, a*m*a*z*i*n*g!!! The restaurant is quiet, perfect for a couple's night out, yet, I would feel comfortable bringing kids (and there were kids there now that I think of it). It is decorated beautifully, and it's right on the water, so of course, the view is gorgeous. I had hoped we'd get there before sunset, but being the time of year it is, the sun set earlier than we could make it up there. Regardless, we thoroughly enjoyed our second visit to The Shark.

(The Shark on the Harbor -- 12924 Sunset Ave.West Ocean City, MD 21842)

Our meal: The menu is printed daily. Since most everything they serve is caught/ raised locally, their selections depend on what's in season.



A must, is the bread basket. It's not your average dinner roll. The chef prepares a couple of choices each evening, and it's a highlight for me. Our bread this time was focaccia bread with whipped butter and/or pimento cheese spread. We also got a homemade potato chip topped with shredded buffalo chicken and pickled onion.

If mussels are on the menu, Peter is sure to order them as his app. He said they are some of the best he's had.He likes the addition of sausage to this dish.



I got the Beet & Berry Salad again. It left a lasting impression on me from our first time there. Again, it didn't disappoint.

Peter got the mixed green salad. We ended up sharing our salads so we could try both, and we both thought the Beet & Berry is the best!

We both planned to get the thresher (caught by Capt. Kerry of the Sea Born // brussel sprouts from Quindocqua Farms in Marion Station, MD). Peter did end up getting it, but I ordered the lobster which was the Thursday night special! 1-1/2 lb. lobster, lobster mashed potatoes, & a veggie for $20! Both of our entrees were amazing!!

We split dessert - Chocolate-Covered Pecan Pie Bites w/Bourbon Caramel, and Sweet Potato & Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream (Chesapeake Dairy -Pocomoke, MD) 

OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!

The next morning, we had breakfast at Chick-Fil-A (first time having breakfast there - umm, yes! Chicken Biscuits, that's all I'm going to say!). I little more shopping, then we spent the rest of the day hanging out with Lindsey and Kamry. I love spending time with Kamry - playing, reading, singing, rocking, napping....<3

 She loves This Little Light Of Mine.....:O)

Logan had worked over and pulled in just as we were about to go to the boat. I've only seen him for about 5 minutes in 6 weeks....time for a visit!! :O) Nathan and Kayla stopped by too on their way to the boat --always nice when I have them all together!!! :O)

What an awesome little getaway!!!

Plated Review: Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Beet Risotto

So, I signed up for my third subscription meal box! I love, love Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, but I decided to take advantage of the deal with Plated and try a box. My plans were to get the discounted box then cancel, but oh my gosh...these three meals were a win!!! I scheduled it to arrive on Tuesday so that I would have meals until Sunday, since Peter is at work.

Meal #1 - Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Beet Risotto & Charred Lemon

Absolutely delicious!!!! While I love, love pickled beets, and the Beet & Berry salad at The Shark is my fave, I had never cooked fresh beets before. There were three different colors: the regular red beets, a yellow beet, and a red/white striped beet....interesting....

Ingredients

1 bunch baby beets

1 lemon

1 shallot

⅛ ounce thyme, divided

8 ounces vegetable stock

2 packets unsalted butter

1 cup Arborio rice

½ cup red wine

2 fillets wild Alaskan salmon

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions:

[HERE]

The beets were a wonderful addition to the risotto which was a perfect side for the salmon. DELISH!!!

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Cups

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Cups

Whisk 12 eggs then add - 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt, pepper to taste, 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, diced onion, peppers, mushrooms, ham (or bacon or sausage), 1/2 cup spinach, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite).

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until knife comes out clean. 

Be sure to spray your muffin tin well. Makes 12. Freezes well!

No-Bake Energy Bites

-No-Bake Energy Bites-

1 cup oats

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup coconut

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together & chill.

Roll into 1/2" balls.

[Makes 18]

Delicious -- perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!

Here are a few more I want to try.....

Cranberry Almond Bites

1 cup oats

1/3 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries - chopped

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup almond butter

and

Maple Almond Bites

2-1/4 cups oats

3 T. almond or oat flour 

(you can grind oats if you don't have these)

1/4 cup almond butter

3 T. maple syrup

2 T. apple juice

2 T. water

1 T. almonds

Trying out a new k-cup...

I like a mild coffee, not too strong or bitter....

this one is actually pretty good!! :O)

Banana Chia Coffee Smoothie

Banana Chia Coffee Smoothie

3/4 cups brewed coffee

1 frozen banana

1/3 cup almond milk

2 T oats

1 T chia seeds

1 T honey

1 cup ice

{guest room progress}

We have carpenters!!!!!!! Yaaaaaaa!!!!!! I am so happy that this project is underway, after many months and a few obstacles. I'm actually surprised that I've been so patient, but I know there is nothing we can do about circumstances! Anyway, the project got started last week and I am already so in love with this room!!! The ceiling tiles and trim are up, and the wood floor is about halfway completed. They skipped today, so I spent the day painting. I touched up the walls [Behr: Wheat Bread; satin] and painted all of the wide ceiling trim [white; eggshell]. It's looking good!!

Here are a few pics:

Kamry's 1st Valentine's Day

XOXOXOXO