On Tulum - Eating Well

As you can imagine, the food in Mexico was pretty awesome. I actually didn't take a lot of pictures of food because I wanted to focus on enjoying it rather than photographing it. The cool thing about the area is that there is a strong focus (in many restaurants) on local produce. Many of the hotels have their own gardens and grow their own vegetables.

The following is a little lunch we had in a town called Vallodolid. It wasn't the most special of meals we had, but the avocado gazpacho was pretty amazing. I also really enjoyed the mole as well as the very very necessary cold Sol. The sun was pretty brutal that day, so the frozen mugs were a major bonus.

One of our best meals, I did photograph. I had actually read about this restaurant before we went, so we made it a priority to go. It is called Hartwood and is from the same folks who created Peasant in NYC. Let me preface this by saying that during travel, especially to ocean locale, I am a pescatarian... in that I definitely enjoy some fish along the way. I have no problem sticking to my vegetarian ways elsewhere, but I can't resist when in the presence of such delicious fishy opportunities.

So, we saved Hartwood for our last night and boy were we pleased. The food was super rustic seaside fare, with fresh fresh fresh veggies. There are no electrical appliances in the kitchen, so everything is made over an open flame and served in a skillet. I enjoyed a lentil salad, a fish of the day and some delicious coconut cake with cream cheese frosting. Scott had a beet salad and pork chop as well as the same cake. But, ambiance is what really made the experience.














Should you find yourself in Tulum, eat here! It was a treat.

On Tulum - A lot of Nothing

So, as I mentioned yesterday the trip was wonderful. Restorative and rejuvenating and reinvigorating and... today, I'm starting to feel less sniffly and less skin peely, so I feel that now I can properly reflect on just how great everything was. Also, we've had a bit of sun today in Chicago which is if but a weak reminder of the way things were.

Honestly, we didn't do much, which is exactly what I think folks on a true vacation should do. We had a wonderful beach side cabana that would allow for consistent ocean sounds and air flow. The days, with few exceptions, were filled with morning breakfast of eggs and fruit, along with the most delicious fresh squeezed orange juice I have tasted. A cup of coffee was followed by a day of quality beach time. Mostly, I just stared at the ocean. Sometimes I would take it upon myself to actually get in the water and enjoy the waves, but I was happy just to stare. Scott managed to do a bit more reading than I.

Somewhere in the afternoon we would enjoy a drink or two. I made sure to taste the mojitos made of fresh pressed sugar cane and a few piña coladas.

When the sun started to set and my burn became too painful, we would make our way back to the cabana to enjoy the airflow and prep for possibly a walk and dinner. We ate so terrifically well and I will blog more about that later... but I wanted to just share with you generally a day in the life.

On Where I'd Rather Be

Hey all! We are back, and redder than ever. No, seriously, I am peeling like scorched mess, and I have a cold... and... but it was great! I mean, look at this scene. This is where I stared for the last week and where I would rather be staring now.

But alas, life calls and the return was necessary. So, here we are. I will follow up with many pictures in the upcoming days.

On a Vacation - Mexico!

As mentioned, probably too many times, we're headed to Mexico! Leaving for a week, so no bloggage during that time. No nothing, really. We're ditching cell phones and computers and embracing the simple life by the ocean... with lots of eating and drinking. My camera will be in tow, so documentation will be posted upon my return! Have a great week. I know I will.

On "The Gentleman" Laptop Sleeve by Debbie Carlos

My friend Debbie Carlos, has a really good thing going. Not only is she a stellar photog, but she makes some pretty things that she sells on her successful Etsy shop. She's made a bunch of sweet posters that seem to be selling like hot cakes, but while perusing her site the other day I noticed this sweet little laptop sleeve called "The Gentleman." I have an Incase laptop case, but it makes my laptop bulky and doesn't fit into one of my most used bags... but I still want to protect it. So, I asked Debbie if she would make me 15" version and she happily obliged. Here is what I got in the mail.

How charming, right? I'm so pleased to support my friend's work and to have this sweet little sleeve.

On Remember When / Take me There

I told you I was feeling nostalgic.

I just came across these old pics Jen and I took back in 2007. I'm struck at how my trips to Michigan used to always include some sort of outdoor adventure, usually involving some field and often involving my dearest Jennifer. This particular afternoon we decided to go for a rainy day walk in the Nature Center of Kalamazoo, MI. Who knew we would happen upon such a stunning field. This was such an incredible afternoon. I love my friend was there to share it with me and that I can remember it in this way.