Weekend in NY

Note: I started this post in the car on Saturday, and will be adding the new stuff at the end.

Well, we’re officially in a crapload of traffic so I’ve taken the opportunity to type out some of my blogging so as to avoid Geoff’s cursing / frustration.  Somehow, it never fails us – the New Jersey Turnpike always delays our trips.  I think it’s because it’s such a beautiful day and we’re approaching Exit 8 – the exit for the Jersey Shore.  Remember that MTV True Life episode – Summer at the Shore?  Awesome.

Last night was spent packing for our weekend away.  It’s amazing what we end up packing for just two nights away.  I mean, between work out clothes, church clothes, bbq clothes, pajamas, Thumper’s gear, food for today’s bbq, and presents for Geoff’s family we picked up on our honeymoon – we have a LOT.

I’ve gotta tell you – the eats were pretty boring.  Last night was another Boca Patty with Light Laughing Cow, Buffalo Sauce, Tomato, Spinach and Cucumbers

Edamame

This morning I took Thumper on an extra long walk knowing that he would be cramped in the back of Geoff’s Mustang for four hours. 

When we got back I made Geoff and I some Green Monsters and we loaded up the car.

Before we got on the highway we made a pitstop at Starbuck’s for some Grande Skim Mistos.  Totally necessary for a car trip.

 

We stopped along the Turnpike for a bathroom break at around 10:30, and my tummy was roaring to be fed.  Luckily, I had packed this Odwalla Superfood Bar.

Thumper had a bite and enjoyed it too!

New York on the horizon!

New Additions to Post:

We finally arrived at the in-laws around 12:45 on Saturday.  We planned to head to Geoff’s friend’s barbecue a little late, so we knew we needed to eat a little something, so my mother-in-law set a few things out.

I chose a piece of rye with a slice of American and some fruit. 

I was really getting hangry, so it was the perfect thing to hold me over.  I also prepared my signature spinach dip to bring to the party.

I left my camera at home, but I plan to post some of the group’s photos soon.  It was a fun night with Geoff’s college friends and their significant others.  There was much chatting, beer pong, and flip cup to be played. 

However, the host had made a ton of ribs, bacon explosions (it’s alarming, don’t ask) and more meat, so it was hard to find things to eat.  Honestly, between conversations I just nibbled on my own veggies and dip.

Sunday morning my father-in-law made his famous Buttermilk Pancakes.

These are from scratch and my FAVORITE breakfast he makes.  They are so light and thin – I had three!

After church with the family, we came back to prep for my grandmother-in-law’s 89th birthday party!

Guess what I made again?

It’s always a hit!

There was so much to eat!  I chose some strawberry salad, potato salad, couscous salad and fruit salad.

Lots of salads!

The men – not so much salads – I think this was their third burger, steak, meat product?

And of course birthday cake!

My piece:

Happy Birthday Grandma Shirley!  She’s the one on the right!

After the festivities we played some lawn games with my inlaws and then headed into Pleasantville (seriously, there’s a Pleasantville there, and it is exactly what you would expect) with my brother-in-law and his girlfriend to Lucy’s, a small martini bar with an outdoor patio.

It was so fun to catch up with everyone!

This morning I was up early with Thump and had breakfast with the family before we said our goodbyes.  I had an English muffin, but forgot a pic!

Geoff and I hit his old high school to do a two mile run on the track and then he showed me around his old school.  Famous graduate of Westlake High? 

Mr. Carosi from Saved by the Bell.  Awesome.

Before we headed out of town we hit the Christmas Tree Shoppe and then one of the town’s best pizza places.  I got the Bruschetta, Ricotta and Eggplant Slice.

I love NY pizza because you can just order a slice – of ANYTHING!

This pizza was hands down the best I’ve ever had.  The bruschetta was such a better addition than just plain tomatoes, and the garlic was not overbearing.  The ricotta was just light and creamy enough – and the eggplant?  Well, it was fried (pretty confident), but soooo good.

I was a happy camper in the car ride home.

We took the long way home through Pennsylvania, and switched places about 1/3 of the way through so Geoff could nap.  We swapped again the last 1/3 of the trip when we stopped here:

Bruester’s Ice Cream

It was a good spot for Thump to do his business, for us to stretch our legs, and to pick up a cup of Oreo.

Delicious!

We finally got home around 6:00 to unpack, grocery shop and settle back into normalcy. I like to call a 3-day week normal!

For dinner I used a Trader Joe’s Lentil Package, Half a Lemon, Feta, Tomato, Olive Oil, Balsamic and Cucumber to make a salad.

With corn on the cob on the side.

The salad is such a great side, a main dish, or in a sandwich or wrap.  It’s a perfect summer meal!

I love weekends away – especially with family – but it’s always a challenge to get back into gear. I am proud, however, that I did a firm balance of moderation.  I had some alcoholic beverages, but interspersed with water.  I had some cake, but also some veggies.  I also made sure to exercise and walk Thumper longer distances.  As a result, I’m not coming back into this week feeling bloated or unhappy with my choices.  I did well!

Off to prep for the week!  Hope you all are enjoying your short weeks and had fab-u-lous weekends!