Celebrating the 4th on the 5th

Well before leaving to visit my friends in Jersey I added their hometown to my 'favorites' list on the weather app on my phone.  Just to be prepared. Other people do that too, right?

Okay, anyways prior to even boarding the plane I had seen that there was a pretty significant chance of rain on the 4th.  Thumbs down.  It turns out that while meteorologists may only get the weather right half the time, Hurricane Arthur wouldn't be deterred.  Damn him.

Just to spite the rain we packed up and headed to Dan's brother's house anyway!  It took two cars to get all the gear, food, drinks and dogs down there. 

Mmm, pie!

Obligatory red, white and blue food.

The rain finally quit late afternoon, but the fireworks had already been moved to Friday.  And it honestly worked out for the best!  It was a beautiful day!

Practically perfect, actually.  

Hot roddin'!

Yep.  This didn't suck.

PSA: In that red cup there, one of the tastiest margaritas I've ever had!  My friend Laura perfected this recipe before I got to town.  We made one EPIC modification, pureed strawberries.  Just do it!

While floating in the pool drinking Laura's dog Sailor went from a position on the pool deck much like this...

 

To this in nothing short of a millisecond!  It should be noted that I successfully handed off my margarita, without spilling a drop mind you, after I was pounced on!  Then Laura snapped that gem of a pic.

Sailor, the floating silver Labrador.

We finally lost the sun, but were treated with a pretty fantastic sunset over the water.  All the boats... they're just biding for the fireworks to start.  Nothing like a front row seat for the show!

Did you get to watch fireworks on Independence Day?  Or like me, did Mother Nature have other plans for you?

Cape May, NJ

This past weekend while I was visiting friends in Jersey one of the things we did was drive down to Cape May.  Cape May is as far south as you can get in New Jersey without cruising straight into the Atlantic!

This seashore town oozes curb appeal with its gorgeous homes and gingerbread cottages!  While there are many private residences, most of the big homes near the water are B&Bs.  The restaurants are all very unique and offer a completely different selection compared to what this Midwesterner can get at home!

One of my favorite places was the Cape May Peanut Butter Co. 

 

Not only was there grinding stations for all different kinds of nut butters (almond, cashew, and hazelnut to name a few!), they had packaged and baked goodies to take with you or enjoy as you walked around town.  Hands down the coolest part was the custom PB&J's made to order!  It took everything I had to not get the s'more inspired sandwich!!

Another awesome shop that we found was Sea Bags.  All of the bags are made in Maine from recycled boat sails!  Pretty neat stuff!

If you're still undecided on where you're headed for summer vacation, give Cape May some serious thought!  We only spent the day down there, but I know you could spend several days enjoying the beaches, shops, restaurants and wineries!

Vacation Recap, Days 1-4

It seems like forever since I've last posted something to my blog here.  Sorry about that!  Since most of the people who frequent this site are friends and family I'm sure you knew I was out on the East Coast visiting some family friends.  This was my first trip to New Jersey and hopefully it won't be my last!  My friend Laura invited me out to celebrate her son Luke's HS graduation and I jumped at the chance.  Laura, her daughter Kelsey and I met showing horses a long time ago and we've stayed in touch after all these years!
Side note: Kelsey and Luke are actually both attending my (and Matt's) alma mater, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  
I flew in to Philly, PA Friday and arrived at Dan and Laura's house in New Jersey around 1pm.  That evening we all went out for a nice supper and then headed back to the house to crash.  The next morning Number #1 on my To-Do List for the day was to create these little wonders....

Have you seen them online or via Pinterest?  They were a cinch to make and everyone at the party loved them!  They are so simple to make you literally unwrap the peanut butter cups, attach the chocolate square with some melted chocolate chips and then attach a 'tassel' using frosting and top it with a chocolate candy.  In addition to the candies, Kelsey and I were in charge of decorating the porch and pool deck with balloons and streamers.  We were also enlisted to go to the ice cream shop down the road and get some 'fun' flavors.  Ice Cream on 9 has over 127 varieties of homemade ice cream, as well as sugar free and Italian ice options!  Kelsey and I decided on Smurfette, Mint Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Covered Pretzel, in addition to good ol' fashion Vanilla.  The Chocolate Covered Pretzel was the freakin' BOMB!!  Salty!  Sweet!  Delicious!  Laura and I actually discussed with 100% seriousness, shipping some back to IL using dry ice.  Instead, I've decided that it is my mission this summer to re-create it back here in IL.  Not just the ice cream was amazing either, I took full advantage of this machine and created some yummy margarita's for myself the party guests!

Isn't she a beauty?  This is by far the best way to make margarita's!  I'm adding it to my wish list for birthday's, Christmas, etc.

To recuperate from the party, Sunday we did a lot of this...

Cotton Kitty used to be a barn cat back in Illinois when Laura owned her own boarding and training barn, but as you can see she is assimilating nicely to the fine living she is enjoying now!

On Monday we headed down to the NJ shore.  Laura's brother-in-law opened up his home to use for an afternoon of swimming, socializing and jet skiing.  This was the first time I'd ever had the opportunity to ride, let alone pilot a jet ski and it was a blast!  The whole afternoon was ahh-mazing, the house, the view, the hospitality all above and beyond!  Although this Illinois girl is a Chicago Cubs fan, who can fault Yankee fans when they let you come hang out at a place like this?

 

From Bill's we went down to the boardwalk at Seaside Heights.  This is the same location the television the Jersey Shore is filmed at.  Although we didn't see any celebs, we did partake in some delicious fried treats and pizza bigger than my head!

Tuesday morning we all headed for New York City, more details to come!