Book it. Buy it. BELIEVE it! - TR is started! link posted 8/11

[dizneeat]

Sorry to hear about all the damages!
It really sucks when it happens. I keep my fingers crossed for you, so it will all work out and be repaired soon.

LOVE all your shoes!

And that breadpudding looks yummy. I guess we will have to try it when we get home from Disneyland Paris.

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry to hear about all the damages!
It really sucks when it happens. I keep my fingers crossed for you, so it will all work out and be repaired soon.

LOVE all your shoes!

And that breadpudding looks yummy. I guess we will have to try it when we get home from Disneyland Paris.

2 cars have been repaired, as well as the roof. On the other leak, we couldn't get it done before my MIL's visit and Easter so haven't taken care of it yet but just need to schedule it at this point. Problem is finding the right time to be home while they do it!

I'm quite pleased with the shoes, all were things on my mental list so it wasn't as spur of the moment as it might look. Still probably want one more pair for the cruise but then I think I can call it could.

The bread pudding is amazing!!! My family was so bummed that there weren't leftovers (at least until Jeff realized there was a small vat of caramel sauce. One of the better creme anglaise recipes I've made as well, in the past i've done a bourbon creme sauce but this might have been better. Typically at gourmet club there is but it was a bunch of bread pudding vultures. Which tells you what everyone thought of it!

 

[Misskitty3]

Sorry about your neck and house/car repairs and tax issues. No fun!

What is fun is seeing all those great sandals and cute dresses not to mention the photos of the bread pudding! Yum!

 

[DisSarahK]

I have to thank you for the Evergreen Wings and Waves rec you posted earlier. We went last week during our trip to the Oregon Coast and my two (ages 6 and 8) LOVED it. Huge, huge hit! It was a haul from where we were staying (kind of near Tillamook) because we did it as a daytrip, but it was 100% worth it.

Who knew I would find Oregon recs on the Dis board?

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry about your neck and house/car repairs and tax issues. No fun!

What is fun is seeing all those great sandals and cute dresses not to mention the photos of the bread pudding! Yum!

Yes, those all lessen the pain of the other stuff huh! Thanks!

I have to thank you for the Evergreen Wings and Waves rec you posted earlier. We went last week during our trip to the Oregon Coast and my two (ages 6 and 8) LOVED it. Huge, huge hit! It was a haul from where we were staying (kind of near Tillamook) because we did it as a daytrip, but it was 100% worth it.

Who knew I would find Oregon recs on the Dis board?

Oh I'm so glad you all liked it, especially given that it is quite the trek from Tilamook (did you do the tour?). We were very very impressed with it. Talk about a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. It is funny the stuff you pick up, I know I'm still waiting to copy Mary Ellen's trip to Niagra lol!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Good Morning! Just to let you know, my mouth is watering! I had come across the banana bread pudding recipe and I'm planning on making that one this weekend - we have Ryan's boys for the weekend. This one would get my vote, but Jim hates raisins and it just seems like it would be lacking something without them...

Glad some of your issues have been taken care of - have a great weekend!

 

[eandesmom]

Good Morning! Just to let you know, my mouth is watering! I had come across the banana bread pudding recipe and I'm planning on making that one this weekend - we have Ryan's boys for the weekend. This one would get my vote, but Jim hates raisins and it just seems like it would be lacking something without them...

Glad some of your issues have been taken care of - have a great weekend!

Yeah, I do like it with the raisins. I'm sure it would be good without but between the raisins themselves and what you soak them in, it would change it. I love the Ohana one too but it's a bit sweet for me. I think I like this one better as I love the combo of the sweet and savory...

Let me know how yours turns out! And have fun with the boys

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Cynthia !!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry to hear about the various expenses due to leaks. I've always said how amazing it is that life is so much like the game of Life...except I never get the "you won the lottery!" card.

Good job on your exercising and therapy. Judy and I are doing the Insanity workout program. Lots and lots of cardio; it's, well, insane. I wasn't sure if I could do it because my knee wasn't allowing me to jog anymore, but it's doing okay.

Are those rashguards for the boys good for playing in the surf? Might be something we should think about for James.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ugh to the leakage and new tires! I hate when things like that happen.

Yeay to some weight loss and your cute new vacation clothes fitting so much better!

Loving the way your plans are shaping up!

 

[Misskitty3]

I forgot to mention in my earlier post about the LE rash guards you posted. Not sure if you bought white ones for your boys but those will turn yellow if you apply the spray type sun screen. We spent 10 days in Hawaii in January and DH, DS and DD's LE white rash guards all had yellow rings around the collars (not very attractive in photos!) by the end of our trip. I tried washing them in Oxiclean and the stains would not come out. I looked online and apparently, if you apply sun tan Lotion/spray and leave the shirt off for a few minutes after, the shirts won't stain.

My advice is to stick with the colored rash guards and then I don't think you have to worry about any type of sunscreen stains.

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Cynthia !!!!

Hi Rosie!

Sorry to hear about the various expenses due to leaks. I've always said how amazing it is that life is so much like the game of Life...except I never get the "you won the lottery!" card.

Yeah, but even then, half of it would go to taxes!

Good job on your exercising and therapy. Judy and I are doing the Insanity workout program. Lots and lots of cardio; it's, well, insane. I wasn't sure if I could do it because my knee wasn't allowing me to jog anymore, but it's doing okay.

Good for you! I'd been doing ok on the cardio but really needed to watch the diet a little and add back in the strength training. The combined results without sacrificing diet wise too much is making me pretty happy! This week was a bit of a setback in PT so I'm a little frustrated on the strength side but just have to amp up the stretching more I guess. After this week I am seeing it may well be a longer term investment in PT, I was thinking it'd be the 10 weeks they shoot for initially but given (lack of) progress this week and the recurrence of some pain, I won't be surprised if it's a longer term thing.

Are those rashguards for the boys good for playing in the surf? Might be something we should think about for James.

They are! Originally created primarily for that actually I think. They are great for sand and surf, and spf protection. Eric burns if you look at him and will sit in the sand and surf for hours and hours so really needed two. Evan often doesn't wear one as he's less popne to burn, decent about the sunscreen and cares about the look lol! He actually wanted one and it's nice he'll have it as an option. The LE ones are MUCH better than the cheaper options you might find at regular stores, with Eric burnign so easily we've tried lots of different ones and come back to the LE. Like a womens swimsuit though, the shouldn't go in the dryer.

Ugh to the leakage and new tires! I hate when things like that happen.

Me too, happen they do but they don't make it any more fun do they?

Yeay to some weight loss and your cute new vacation clothes fitting so much better!

It's funny, I almost returned the red dress due to fit and then decided no..this one is the catalyst. Very glad I didn't return it!!

Loving the way your plans are shaping up!

Me too, food is up next!

I forgot to mention in my earlier post about the LE rash guards you posted. Not sure if you bought white ones for your boys but those will turn yellow if you apply the spray type sun screen. We spent 10 days in Hawaii in January and DH, DS and DD's LE white rash guards all had yellow rings around the collars (not very attractive in photos!) by the end of our trip. I tried washing them in Oxiclean and the stains would not come out. I looked online and apparently, if you apply sun tan Lotion/spray and leave the shirt off for a few minutes after, the shirts won't stain.

My advice is to stick with the colored rash guards and then I don't think you have to worry about any type of sunscreen stains.

Good info!!! Evan did get the white. Wasn't my top choice but versus him refusing to wear one as in the past, it was a palatable compromise. We don't use the spray stuff, I'm a bit psycho about the sunscreen and get organic zinc stuff for Eric as he burns so easily and make the others use it. The spray doesn't get the UVB plus I always feel like half is in the air, so we've switched everyone over.

I'll definitely make sure Evan is "dry" though before he puts the shirt on, or back on.

 

[glennbo123]

Good for you! I'd been doing ok on the cardio but really needed to watch the diet a little and add back in the strength training. The combined results without sacrificing diet wise too much is making me pretty happy! This week was a bit of a setback in PT so I'm a little frustrated on the strength side but just have to amp up the stretching more I guess. After this week I am seeing it may well be a longer term investment in PT, I was thinking it'd be the 10 weeks they shoot for initially but given (lack of) progress this week and the recurrence of some pain, I won't be surprised if it's a longer term thing.

We're halfway through the 60 day program and the "muffintop" I was beginning to develop is going away, so that's good! We'll do a "fit test" sometime this weekend...I'm not sure if I'll be able to outdo my results from the last time, but we'll see.

They are! Originally created primarily for that actually I think. They are great for sand and surf, and spf protection. Eric burns if you look at him and will sit in the sand and surf for hours and hours so really needed two. Evan often doesn't wear one as he's less popne to burn, decent about the sunscreen and cares about the look lol! He actually wanted one and it's nice he'll have it as an option. The LE ones are MUCH better than the cheaper options you might find at regular stores, with Eric burnign so easily we've tried lots of different ones and come back to the LE. Like a womens swimsuit though, the shouldn't go in the dryer.

I figured that was a dumb question when I wrote it, but we've never bought one, so what do I know? I remember scraping my chest and stomach raw when I was about 12 at Myrtle Beach...I had a ball taking a raft out beyond the waves, getting up on it, and then riding it in....but at the cost of a lot of skin...in salt water. Coulda used one of those!

 

[Misskitty3]

Hi


Good info!!! Evan did get the white. Wasn't my top choice but versus him refusing to wear one as in the past, it was a palatable compromise. We don't use the spray stuff, I'm a bit psycho about the sunscreen and get organic zinc stuff for Eric as he burns so easily and make the others use it. The spray doesn't get the UVB plus I always feel like half is in the air, so we've switched everyone over.

I'll definitely make sure Evan is "dry" though before he puts the shirt on, or back on.

I would like to know what type of of sunscreen you use! Sounds perfect for my pale DS! And while I like the ease of the spray cans, my kids don't like it at all! Plus, you are right half goes into the air anyway!

 

[eandesmom]

We're halfway through the 60 day program and the "muffintop" I was beginning to develop is going away, so that's good! We'll do a "fit test" sometime this weekend...I'm not sure if I'll be able to outdo my results from the last time, but we'll see.

That's exciting, congratulations! Jeff is starting to have the same issue. Ok, maybe not starting lol. His challenge isn't getting the workouts in, it's admitting that even with them, he can't eat like he's 20 just because he does work out very consistently and does a lot of cardio. All sugar in his coffee doesn't help either!

I know for me it's been very nice to see that start to go away as well, I was pretty jazzed to find a pair of shorts that have never fit well, ones I bought for our Hawaii trip that didn't end up breathing the way I'd want in heat now fit perfectly and are going to get a lot of use for gardening and hiking! Now I'm questioning how they really did in the heat so will have to test it out.

I figured that was a dumb question when I wrote it, but we've never bought one, so what do I know? I remember scraping my chest and stomach raw when I was about 12 at Myrtle Beach...I had a ball taking a raft out beyond the waves, getting up on it, and then riding it in....but at the cost of a lot of skin...in salt water. Coulda used one of those!

Ok, thanks a lot! I was reading this and started thinking you know...Kendall and I really should have something! It's 9 days of sun and surf, chances of us needing something are rather high plus if we do Atlantis, something like that would be much better to slide in.

And so I peeked at my favorite swim site for me, Athleta, and voila, rash guards on sale and now ordered. Posting them in case you might be interested for the girls!

sizes are limited due to the sale but some cool colors. A long sleeve for each of us (pink for K, yellow for me)

And two sleeveless for me, yellow and black. I figure it isn't something she'll wear a ton and I'll use them for spring and summer workouts so she can just borrow one of mine if she wants.

But...to your point about them protecting, I think they are great for the surf...but nothing really protects from Belly Flops! So a few of our kids will likely still have red stomachs at least once on the trip.

 

[eandesmom]

I would like to know what type of of sunscreen you use! Sounds perfect for my pale DS! And while I like the ease of the spray cans, my kids don't like it at all! Plus, you are right half goes into the air anyway!

Absolutely! And with the spray, more likely to get on the clothing for sure.

I use this site to check on sunscreen and then basically look for what I can find locally for the most part.

EWG's Skin Deep (Environmental Working Group)

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

Apparently they now have an app for the sunscreens! LOL. But handy when you are at the store.

What's nice is not only will it tell you what's "best" you can also look up what you already have in terms of effectiveness. I do think many have improved since I researched this back in 2010.

We like Blue Lizard, California Baby, Aveeno and Alba. I do special order for Eric and we've been making the rest use it at times too. Eric can't use the Blue Lizard or Aveeno, it makes him turn red (super sensitive skin) so if I only feel like hauling one kind, everyone has to use this.

Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stuff Mineral Lotion

http://www.purpleprairie.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=40_41&product_id=52

I like this for my face as most stuff will make me break out

Karen's Botanical's Lovely Lavender Facial Cream. It's only a 15 but b/c it's mineral, works more like a 25.

http://www.karensbotanicals.com/sun and summer care.htm

I do probably need to order new stuff though...it does have a shelf life.

 

[eandesmom]

It’s all about the food!
For most of us, half of the fun of vacation planning is planning where, and what, to eat. I know for me, I look forward to days of not cooking, not doing dishes and someone waiting on me. I don’t necessarily love the cost that comes with it but it certainly enhances the vacation experience. For this trip, at least the front end, there will be some cooking but I’m hoping to keep it pretty low maintenance. First up is the part that requires the most planning, Vero Beach.

Right now, here’s my tentative plan.

Day 1, Vero. Arrival day.

We land around 11:30 am after the red red eye. We will undoubtedly hit Starbucks (unless we did that on our layover) before grabbing the rental car but will need food shortly thereafter and plan to head straight to lunch. A slushie credit was in play here and we had some good guesses, WPE or EOS.

I’m honestly a bit surprised no one got this one.

Although it will only be lunchtime, for us, nothing says vacation more than this place.

With our change in latitude, it will help us get that attitude right!

It’s five o’clock somewhere! And always at Margaritaville and the Lone Palm Airport!

Lunch will be in Margaritaville and we will definitely hit the store before leaving to see if Jeff can get yet another seaplane T Shirt. It is entirely possible at this point that every single shirt he brings on the trip will have a seaplane on it. It is not exactly on the way but 20 minutes out of the way, to hit one of our favorite places in the world and start it off right…plus chill before the drive to Vero, well…we can’t imagine any other choice! We’ll use our AAA discount here and in the store.

After that, we are on the road to Vero. Now here is where I’m not sure what we’ll end up doing. I need to hit the grocery store. However, do we want to do that before check in? Or after? Or the next day? I have a feeling we will be playing it by ear. After a red eye and a margarita, and a drive, I may not be up for shopping or cooking.

So…1st night dinner? I don’t know! I know we won’t want to do a nicer sit down. We could order or go out for pizza. I could cook. The options at Vero itself for dinner aren’t jumping out at me for that first night, nor are any of the restaurant’s I’ve looked into (Mo’bay and Hiram’s Sandbar…which seems a bit close to the lunch we had though the atmosphere seems cool). So…those of you that have been, factoring in the red eye, the kind of lunch we’ll have had and the fact we’ll be trying to stay awake to make the time change but probably won’t have a ton of energy…what would you suggest?

Days 2-5, Vero.

My plan is to cook at least 3 nights, maybe 4. My mental menu is…
• Grilled fish, salad, risotto
• Ribs, corn on the cob, salad
• Fajitas

These are all items that require a minimum of ingredients plus a few things that I’ll bring with me to supplement (my rib rub, and a rub for the fish). Basic and boring but easy and everyone likes them. I may need a 4th idea for dinner though if we eat in that first night so other quick cook meal suggestions are welcome! No spaghetti though. LOL!

We’ll be making sandwiches or grilling burgers for lunches. 4 of our breakfasts will be in the villa.

I do plan to do Sunday brunch at Sonya’s. I haven’t made an ADR yet but should soon I suppose.

Sonya's Sunday Brunch
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Advance Reservations Suggested

• Fruit and Cheese
• Whole Strawberries with Chantilly Cream
• Sliced Fruit Display
• Bowl of Whole Fruit
• Assorted Cheese with Crackers
• Salads
• Caesar Salad
• Waldorf Salad
• Yukon Potato Salad
• Seafood Salad
• Shrimp Cocktail Salad
• Cold Seafood and Charcuterie Display
• New Zealand Mussels Vinaigrette
• Classic Smoked Salmon Display - capers, red onion, chopped eggs
• California Rolls
• Deviled Eggs
• Omelet Station
• Build your own omelet with all the fixings
• Breakfast Items
• Eggs Benedict
• Smokey Bacon and Sausage
• Breakfast Potatoes
• Mini Waffles
• Assorted Filled Crepes - with a strawberry sauce
• Kid's Station
• Chicken Tenders
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Hot Side Dishes
• Fingerling Potato Corn Chowder
• Stuffed Mahi
• Chicken Florentine
• Andolusion Steak Rolos
• Carving Station
• Garlic Stuffed Beef Brisket
• Soffrito Pork Loin
• House Baked Pastries and Breads
• With Whipped Butter and Preserves
• Desserts
• Chef's selection of gourmet pastries and desserts
• Coffee, tea, sodas, and assorted juices
• Bloody Mary, Mimosas, or glass of champagne for adults

YUM!

We are also planning on dinner here one night, but will play “which” night by ear.

Squidlips.
I’m not overwhelmed with the beer selection here but it seems like a margarita kind of place anyway. I MUST try the coconut onion chips and am drooling over lots of things here but am very intrigued by the Mahi Rueben.

Appetizers
Ahi Tuna Tartar
Artichoke and Crab Dip
Baja Fish Tacos
Cajun Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Coconut Onion Chips
Coconut Shrimp
Conch Fritters
Cracked Conch
Crunchy Chicken Tenders
Crunchy Fish Fingers
Fried Calamari
Jerk Chicken Kabob
Jumbo Chicken Wings, mon!
Lobster 'n Crab Cake
Seared Tuna
Smoked Fish Dip
Baskets
Fish-n-Chips
Fried Clam Basket
Fried Shrimp Basket
Scallop Basket
Sandwiches
Abaco Fish Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Crunchy Fish BLT Wrap
Crunchy Fish Sandwich
Cuban Sandwich
Fish Sandwich
Half Pound Burger
Lobster-n-Crab Cake
Mahi Reuben
Oak Grilled Chicken Breast
Overwater Grill Burger
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Shrimp Caesar Wrap
Veggie Burger
Entrées
8 oz. Sirloin Steak
Bahama Mahi
Black Cherry Pepper Pork
Cajun Bacon wrapped Sea Scallops
Citrus Salmon
Coconut Shrimp
Conch Parmesan
Crunchy Fried Fish
Dry-Rubbed Steak
Florida Classic Fried Shrimp
Grilled Boneless Chicken Breast
Islamorada Redfish
Key Largo Style Baked Fish
Keys Combo
Lobster -n- Crab Cake
Mahi and Florida Fried Shrimp
Oak-grilled Grouper, Mahi Mahi or Tuna
Praline Tilapia
Seafood Enchilada
Seafood Lasagna
Seafood Scampi
Shrimp
Shrimp & Cajun Bacon Alfredo
Shrimp & Jalapeno Jack Cheese Grits
Stuffed Flounder
Stuffed Shrimp
Teriyaki Pork Kabobs
Thai Mahi
Raw Bar
Clams
Sashimi Scallops
U-peel Shrimp
Soups & Salads
Caesar Salad
Garden Salad
Joe's Conchy Chowder
Our Salad
Sides
Drunken Sweet Potato
Twice Maple, Sweet Potato
Something Sweet
Carrot Cake
Chocolate Seduction Cake
Key Lime Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake
Mike’s Key Lime Pie (as featured on the Food Network)
Red Velvet Cake
Reeses® Peanut Butter Pie

What am I missing oh Vero veterans? Suggestions are very welcome!

 

[dizneeat]

Never been to Vero, but my jaw has dropped with all the yummies and I am drooling!

Can't wait for more food planning - favourite part in my trip planning all the time.

 

[tinacaplan]

Wow...I was seriously behind! Glad you're feeling better, although the leak situation certainly isn't fun. We had to do a major repair on our central a/c unit this past week. Ah, the joys of being an adult.

You picked up some adorable shoes. I feel your pain on the feet thing. After three Disney trips with painful feet, I finally figured out what the problem is. I always go for a pedicure right before I leave and then go and walk around Disney with no calluses! Ouch.

Your dining plans look great, especially all the seafood. Yum.

 

[mousescrapper]

I should not have read that last post before lunch


Sounds delish, I love seafood on the beach!