FAMILY, FOOD & FITNESS

This year, Nick and I spent 5 days in Florida with the whole family for Christmas. It’s always nice to take a break in the sunshine state, and this trip was no exception. There was a lot of togetherness, early morning runs, and excessive eating.

OUR OWN LITTLE CHRISTMAS

The night before we flew out to Ponte Vedra, Nick and I planned to do our own little Christmas celebration. First, we put to good use a $50 gift card to Taki Sushi, a bottle of rose, and a gorgeous setting: a cute centerpiece Nick got at a work holiday party, dimmed lighting (and a lit Christmas tree), and Sinatra crooning in the background.

We did not hold back when it came to the sushi: that’s 5 rolls right there. Also, you can’t forget the spicy mayo and soy sauce. Nom!

After dinner we opened our stockings and presents to each other. It was so much fun!

Disclaimer: Packing after multiple glasses of wine is slightly questionable.

THE ADORABLE RIO

Once we got to Florida, we immediately fell in love with my brother and sister-in-law’s mini Shar Pei, Rio. She is the absolute cutest, but also the most skittish. It took a few days for her to warm up to us. The trick is to constantly offer her treats. 🙂

SO. MUCH. FOOD.

Speaking of constant eating, Nick really got to learn what I meant when I said, “Prepare to feel uncomfortable all the time.” My family is comprised of professional eaters. We really know how to chow down. If you’ve been reading The Real Life for a while, are you really surprised?

Above is a photo of the infamous cheese fries at Cruiser’s Grill in Jacksonville Beach.

Nick and I made pizzas for the family on Friday, which was my dad’s birthday!

Even though Nick and his family are from the Philadelphia area, Nick’s sister’s boyfriend is also from Jacksonville. How weird is that?! On Saturday morning, we met up with them for brunch at Biscottis in Avondale. Pictured above is our light Boston Cream Cake dessert, like ya do.

A RECORD MONTH!

Even though we were eating more than our weight in goodies each day, I managed to run the highest monthly mileage I’ve ever accomplished (and counting). For the month of December, I’ve run over 90 miles! I crushed my original goal of 75.

Every morning we were in Florida, we ran alongside my mom on her bike. There were 4 mornings of running: 7 miles, 7 miles, 5 miles, and 6 miles. Not too shabby for vacation time.

Our trip was such a great retreat from work and responsibility! 🙂 And though I’m getting back to the grind this week, it’ll be short-lived, with further celebration: a holiday party with friends tonight, a dinner-and-a-show date night on Friday, and fun New Year’s Eve plans on Saturday night.

Here’s a sneak peek of my dress:

Alright, that’s all, folks!

HOW WAS YOUR HOLIDAY?

This post is a part of the Weekend Snapshots link-up with HerHeartlandSoul.