Meals after vacation. Oh, dear.

Hi! Let me introduce you to my new friend, the Summer Shrimp and Watermelon Salad. We needed something clean and refreshing after a long vacation.

This baby is oozing with flavor.

We packed up our bags and headed for the beach, y'all! (Ugh, I hate that word). You know what that means - lots of snacking, drinking, laughing, drinking, snacking... it was on autopilot and we were just along for the ride. Oh, and sand sculpting!

Miss Mary was our artist de jour each and every day.

Sand sculpting was hard work! There were countless trips back and forth to the ocean to gather water, lots of shoveling sand, packing the sand... and repeat (x 3574758)!

Eventually, we stole a garbage can and watering hose from a nearby resort. Gotta be resourceful!

Top: Aaron using his weight to pack the sand. If it's packed enough, it won't crack under pressure.
Bottom: The team adds water and sand to make a pile the size of a small couch.

But it was worth it in the end! Look! Hardwork, sweat, and teamwork paid off.

Mary and her shark, ocean side view.

Nom! Nom! Nom! 

Our crew! L-R, F-B:
Andrew, Aaron, John, Dad
Megan, Mary, Abby, Mom

But did I mention the food? And the drinks?

There was lots of this during the day
(in cup: Limetime. A genius concoction of Corona, limeaid, and vodka)

And lots of this at night!
Top: Chicago Style hot dog (minus the poppyseed bun - N/A in South Carolina!) Bottom: A taste of home, Goose Island 312 wrapped with some Wrigley gum

But we (read: John, Aaron, and Andrew) really hit rock bottom when John assembled this bad boy, and appropriately named it "The Myrtle Dog." If you look at it and think, "Oh my Lawd, they DIDN'T." No, no. They DID.

Leftover all beef hot dog with BBQ pulled pork, homemade mac&cheese, and mustard.
Hangs head in shame. 

So after we returned, I kicked up the greens to clean out the system. I mean, how long does it take to rid the body of THAT?! 
Enter: the Summer Shrimp and Watermelon Salad. Drool.

Pumpkin seeds, sauteed on the skilled with EVOO, sea salt, and pepper.

Shrimp on the skillet, seasoned with EVOO, sea salt, and pepper.

Watercress.

Add in feta with herbs.

Add pumpkin seeds.

Remove tails of shrimp and cut them into pieces. 

Whole wheat penne pasta.

Add diced watermelon and juice of one lime.

It's so. SO. GOOD! Did you notice how I didn't mention a dressing? That's 'cause it doesn't need any. NONE. There are so many natural juices and flavors, why mess with perfection?! And it's filling, to boot! Winning! You could even say - "There's a shrimp and watermelon salad party in MY mouth!" 

Hidden Valley Ranch Focus Group- SNL - Mod DB

If you didn't get that reference, you obviously need some lolz in your life. Watch that video. Now.

No peer pressure, but this is like, the coolest, and most delicious salad eva. 

Until next time...

Tb2

Summer Shrimp and Watermelon Salad

Recipe adapted from Grayson Schmitz's Watermelon Salad.

Ingredients

- 2-3 cups cubed watermelon

- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

- handful(s) of watercress

- 1/2 cup whole wheat penne pasta

- 8 to 10 shrimp

- Feta cheese with herbs (I found mine at Trader Joe's)

- juice of 1 lime

- 2 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

- salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook 1/2 cup of whole wheat penne pasta per package directions. Allow time to cool.

2. Saute pumpkin seeds on the skillet with 1 tbsp EVOO, salt, and pepper until browned. Set aside to cool.

3. Saute shrimp on the skillet with 1 tbsp EVOO, salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove, peel off tails, and dice into pieces. 

4. Tear handfuls of watercress and put into bowl.

5. Add 1/2 cup of feta, shrimp, pumpkin seeds, pasta, and cubed watermelon.

6. Cut the lime in half, and squeeze in both halves. 

7. Mix together and try not to eat the whole thing by yourself.

4th of July - better late than never.

Happy belated 4th of July (better late than never, I say). 
I told you in this post we'd be back soon - and I didn't lie. Here we are again. So soon! The mister and I had a very relaxed 4th. He worked the day before and after, while I've been enjoying my time as a stay at home wife and cat mom for the past week. This is livin'. 


I thought I'd post up a few pictures from the 4th of July to share with family and friends. 

It was sunny and hot (read: breaking a sweat just thinking about it)
and the beaches were slammed. These were taken before 11:00am!

Later in the evening, we walked* to Belmont Harbor to watch fireworks. It's a pretty great spot; we were able to see the firewor Navy Pier, Montrose Beach, and the best fireworks of all were taking place at a private party just a few feet from us!

From top to bottom:
Sailboats** at Belmont Harbor (imagine these + a bajillion more)
Beautiful moon next to the buildings
Fireworks. Huzza!

I'm now professing a commitment to post up on a very continual basis (litigation of "continual" to be determined). There, I said it. No going back now. I've put that out into the world and I should will follow through! 


Until next time... (soon!)
tb2


*and by walked I mean I dragged J, kicking and screaming (and sweating, of course)


**now accepting fun, friendly young couple friends in the greater Chicago area. Must have boat. 


***just for your enjoyment :)

The Plight of a Lemon Tree.

Awhile ago, I posted this, about the new addition to my green family. Like all the rest of you, I've been waiting on pins and needles for my little baby lemons to grow and flourish. And waiting. Still waiting... oh, wait! Nope, I'm still waiting. 

First appearance
 May 22nd, 2012.
Notice: no lemons.

Now, a month and half (give or take, okay?) this is what I've got.

I couldn't even be bothered to jazz up this pic, it's so disappointing.
*slumps shoulders*

Notice: No lemons. WTfugde. However... that little baby lemon bud smells so delightfully citrusy and sweet. On the positive side, I've got enough mint to make mojitos for everyone on the block! It's hot, drink up!


Speaking of hot, it's been unspeakably hot in Chicago. I have to give a bath to my greenies - lest the wilt and die under my watch. Not this year!!

Getting a bath from the hose. For an hour. 

Does anyone have any tips to make my lemons grow? I'm about to throw in the towel and succumb to the fact that it is what it is. A cute little tree.

Until next time... which will be soon, because we've got things to share.

tb2.