eventually

As we near the end of January, I have a confession to make: I think better-in-2014 declarations are silly. Not because research has proven only 8% of people ever achieve their resolutions (that's actually a bummer), but rather because an enthusiastic post or tweet is hardly an effort towards the progress we're already capable of making. Plus, if we are to dig deep into those souls of ours, we know the most valuable resolutions aren't accomplished in measurable successes. Take these brilliant intentions:

"This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again." -Howard W. Hunter

I've decided to strive for each and every one this year. As for those epic, seemingly unattainable goals? I'll take them on, too, but quietly. We can want and work with all our might. We most definitely should. And yet the biggest and best, who and what we actually need most, oftentimes without even being aware of it, tend to happen outside the realms of our control. Opportunities have a way of creeping up on us once we've cleared the space for them. Go on... be and do, hope and dream, create and trust.

don't feed the ducks

Or so the sign says. Being the huge rebel as I am, I like to treat the ducks to a little bready snack. They get so excited :). Sunday morning weather called for anything but the beach and being as it was supposed to rain, the boy and I had quick complimentary breakfast and drove over to the pretty park we passed on day one.

We had oyster crackers from our soups the night before (the New England Clam Chowder was amazing, just sayin', again) so we shared with our new friendly friends. This one was my favorite "big mama" grey goose. She was so big I got scared when she came so close. Once we were out of the goods though, the geese became uninterested and instead thought they'd cross the road. At least they put the Duck Crossing sign to good use! Then we went to go see the duckies in the pond. They were awfully relaxed around us as well.

I felt bad that we no longer had anything to share. Did you ever feed the ducks when you were little? It used to be a weekend tradition with my uncle and I... and stale bread :).

I wish we could have had a picnic in this beautiful little park--for some reason it's always been a childhood dream of mine, picnic basket and all, and it hasn't quite come true yet.

I love parks; the trees, the water, the flowers, the animals... nature's so lovely.

And so, our time was up. There wasn't much left to do in Milford and the boy wanted to catch his visiting sister at home.

But not before stopping by the beach to say our goodbyes.

We got as far as the exit back onto 95 when it hit me. Fresh. squeezed. lemonade. I don't know what it was (perhaps the lack of true amounts of real food because of my aching mouth) but this very attainable craving could just not be ignored.

We headed back into town to find that most of the potential lemonade stops were closed :( except Café Atlantique.

This place was adorable and so me. The boy even said so :).

There were so many yummy salad, wrap, panini and crêpe varieties available it was just amazing. I wanted everything, and yet, ever so sadly, could not possibly chew it all.I could order from their vast list of hot and cold beverage list though! And so I did. One ice cold fresh-squeezed lemonade for yours truly. The boy had the same but his was a special with strawberry. Delish.

I was one very happy girl, my drink of choice was oh so refreshing. A sweet yet tart ending to a wonderful weekend getaway. Oh, summer. How I am going to miss thee.

I like long walks on the beach

Cliché but true :) and here we finally are at part two of my three weekend getaway series. On Saturday evening, we made dinner reservations for 7:45 so that we'd have time to hit the beach beforehand. Too late for sunbathing, but dusk is pretty, too. It was still warm but cloudy so it was fine that we were all primped and pretty for our dinner date :). When tide is low beachcombers can walk to Charles Islands... tide was low, we followed suit. But not before a quite a few catalog-worthy photos! I won't bore you with them all (we had too much fun) but I'll share our favorites.We had a good time playing around on the beach like models for some American brand ;).

I also made sure to capture the sheer beauty of shell abundance. Lovely.

It was a long walk, 2 miles there and back from the island, over a narrow strip of shells and pebbles.

The island was tiny and secluded and, even amongst other visitors, had a sense of mystery.

Legend has it that the island itself comes with three courses. Kind of thrilling, don’t you think? ;) It’s also a bird nesting area. I guess that means they win since people haven't actually settled there since the 1930s.

We didn't want to be late for dinner so we just explored for a moment, or two, before making our way back to Silver Sands State Park.
We walked a ton, and it was wonderful.
All the way back to where we'd parked the car. I've been working on perspective as I'm sure you could tell :) and I'm also highly considering getting back into sketching (I used to be a regular in school) so these shots will be perfect landscape subjects.

In the past year, I've been to many beautiful locations that were also picturesque and romantic. It's so nice to finally enjoy one with my boy.

Afterwards, we headed to the Stonebridge Restaurant We sat almost immediately on the patio overlooking the lake. The atmosphere was a quaint combination of elegance and Nantucket casual. In the cool breeze, we ordered our food. [Photo source]
My entrée came with a salad, but after the episode earlier, I asked to sub it for New England Clam Chowder :).

In scouring their list of seafood specialties, I decided on a Shrimp Scampi. The linguine was just al dente enough, and the shrimp, large and flavorful. I also appreciated the spinach throughout. If I can’t have a salad, might as well cook down some greens ;).
For the boy, on the other hand, all was not well. Not only did he fill up too heavily on lobster bisque, but as we took a stroll through the neighborhood (we were too exhausted to enjoy the bar scene), he started to feel sick. Let’s just say it didn’t end too well. Poor thing :(. [Photo source]

I’ll be back in a few with the final Milford, CT post and more foodie delights. Whether you’re on your way to the Healthy Living Summit or not, enjoy our last days of summer to the absolute fullest!

weekend getaway (1 of 3)

The boy came down on Friday night so that we could leave immediately upon waking on Saturday. We were on the road by eight and within an hour had arrived at our destination.

Milford, Connecticut, a small coastal town between Bridgeport and New Haven, seems like an unlikely place and it definitely was random. But the deals that we got were too good to pass up ;).Luckily it was adorable, a corner of quintessential New England. We went directly to Tony's when we got there for our kayaks. I was embarrassingly nervous. I'd never kayaked before and I was afraid to get crushed by a boat, sucked out to sea, or flipped over... don't worry, none of that actually happened :).

We entered the water at the marina which was scary and comforting at the same time. Between the weather and the views, it was also absolutely beautiful.

I wish I had a boat. My grandfather did when I was younger and I have the fondest memories from our outings, sometimes for leisure, sometimes for fish. It's so relaxing and humbling.

My family's friends also own a boat and a CT lake house for it to live at but I prefer the ocean, or the Long Island Sound I suppose ;). Lakes have always kind of freaked me out because the water doesn't flow.

Bottom line: I'd want my boat to be docked in Milford, Connecticut, it's close enough to be convenient and far enough away to feel like a mini-vacay.Anyway, at this point I can only get as far as renting a kayak for 24 hours... but I'm hopeful ;).

My first kayaking experience went surprisingly well! We each borrowed life jackets and packed water bottles (mine is from Fitness) for utmost preparation. And then we were off!

What an amazing workout! We floated around for a while but when we were on the move I felt it everywhere, arms, abs, even legs, especially when we were on our way back and against the current.

Phew! I'd like to think that my adventure-seeking friends from Chile would be proud :).

I would have happily stayed out longer but our tummies were rumbling so lunch it was!

We headed back into town and passed a gorgeous park, of which we ended up returning to the following day. Then we parked and walked around.

There are a lot of super cute shops too, the boy insisted I take a picture of the creative garden goods at this one. I'm partial to the little flying piggy. When I have a darling garden of my own, he's invited.

We ended here, a Connecticut chain of breweries with American nouveau and seafood specialties. To start we split the beer sampler. I was very pleased with most of them, so cold and refreshing.

I made sure to supplement with copious amounts of water though. Kayaking takes a lot out of you and I didn't want to be dehydrated and drunk. Ha, well, at least I'm honest.

Due to the heat and physical activity though I wasn't hungry anymore. Since the boy was he ordered an appetizer... which he ate all of himself.He said it was good and I certainly thought that it looked pretty.

I was dying to order the Halibut special over greens but my mouth was still sensitive so I thought I'd take the safe route and order the Portabella Burger. It was soft enough with all the roasted vegetables.

But I still couldn't eat it! Even though I had taken two ibuprofens my mouth began throbbing after a mere couple of small bites. It was so sad and my left cheek swelled soon after :(.

The boy enjoyed a beer battered burger classic with provelone cheese and bacon served alongside crispy fries. I was so jealous of all his chewing!

So what's a girl to do? My appetite was nonexistent and I was so upset to waste food but I knew that I couldn't go without lunch. I had definitely earned my meal with my morning workout.

We had seen this place, Liquid Lunch, on our way in and immediately considered going. It's name was deceiving, however, it had fruit smoothies and soups alongside classic café fare.

Not that there's anything wrong with that! Normally I'd love the sandwich-salad combo but my choices were limited to their liquidated options and I was beyond tired of soup and yogurt.

It is possible people :) and thus, the search continued!

Then we passed this sign on the way to the car. Perfect. Frozen custard, to me, is the quintessential summertime vacation food memory. I've had my fair share as a child on the Jersey shore boardwalks with my family. It's so creamy and delicious!

Yum, yum, yum. Vanilla and chocolate swirl without any crunchy toppings.

I'd take frozen custard over fancy candies, pastries, or fudge any day. I know, I'm crazy, but you must admit, it keeps things interesting ;). What's your ideal summa dessert? We strolled around for a bit before settling in at the hotel and cleaning up after our active morning and early afternoon. Stay tuned for Saturday night's dinner and beach walk. We took lots of pretty pictures! Hope you have a very happy Tuesday :).