This past summer when we had to skip our annual family beach trip to put energy into the bakery, I was really, really sad. I LOVE THE OCEAN. The beach. Everything about it. I always feel calm when waves are in sight, and a year without touching the ocean breaks my heart. Those emotions are partly to blame for booking this Christmas-week vacation (although my family is sad not to be here with us!)
Four days before the new year, I dipped my toes, then ankles, then whole body in!
It was glorious, and I loved this mat and the mild waves that allowed me to float for an hour.
Well…almost ; )
[This is also about the time where Matt saw a sting ray and I raced back to the shore in fear!]
Before we hit the sand, we enjoyed an amazing buffet lunch. It’s no different than a Whole Foods salad bar here! They have sweet potato salads, bean salads, fish, and tropical fruit that I piled on top.
Mango sorbet to finish!
Then there was a whole lotta this:
And this:
And this:
And sips of these:
Late afternoon we had had enough lounging and we ventured over to the sports complex where I took a SPIN CLASS! How fun! It felt so good to be exercising again. Exercise is definitely on my list of relaxation techniques.
Balanced by cocktail hour:
For dinner we dressed up and enjoyed four courses: crab dip with sweet potato chips, salads, a seafood calzone and entrees: blackened mahi-mahi for me and steak for him. Desserts were banana bread pudding and a coconut chocolate pie! The portions here are really small, which is a blessing because even after all of that I wasn’t stuffed – just satisfied. The lighting in these restaurants is SO dark I resorted to flash – something I rarely do. But it helped clear the fog!
A walk on the beach..some evening entertainment..
And a run-in with El Tigre’s cousin!! Wish we had some Discovery Channel night vision cameras to capture him : )
See ya when I sea ya!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Looks like you’re having a blast! Be sure to bring some of that sunshine back here in 2012 😉
Heather H @ Run Eat Play says
Looks like you’re having an amazing time – I’m jealous 🙂 That sorbet looks so refreshing. It makes me wish I was somewhere warm!
Linde says
Hi Kath!
I’d like your opinion on something I’ve noticed when it comes to making the right food choices.
When I’m at the heavier side of my weight spectrum, I tend to choose the ‘wrong’ foods much more easily compared to when I’m already a little thinner and losing. It‘s like when I lose weight, I gain willpower :-).
Do you recognize this from your own experience with weight loss?
Do you consider it easier to make healthy choices now that you’re already at a healthy weight?
So overall, do you think maintaining your healthy weight is easier than it was achieving it?
To the both of you: have a great vacation!
PS: excuse my English, not a native speaker!
Roxanne says
Wait until she comes back or email her because she’s taking a break on commenting on the bog!
Roxanne says
I guess she does comment, sorry, I thought she said before she left that she probably couldn’t comment but she would READ all the comments…. my bad!
Jen says
Hi Linde, I just wanted to pipe in and say I think you may find it easier when you have lost the weight because you will have developed healthier habits and will be more used to it. It’s not so much ‘willpower’ as it is just continuing the changes you’ve made. Also, you may feel more motivated once you’ve lost weight. In contrast, once you start gaining again, you may not feel as good about yourself and more likely to revert to old behaviors.
kelsey says
I love swimming in the ocean! I’m so jealous of your warm weather vacation – it’s way too cold here I’m shivering inside!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
So jealous – the water looks amazing. We missed my family’s annual summer beach vacation because of our wedding, I can’t wait to get back to the beach! Enjoy!
John Gorss says
outstanding guys! Glad to see you are having a good time…well earned!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
Love your swimsuit and cover up!
Hillary says
You just reminded me that I also haven’t been in the ocean in nearly a year—which is total blasphemy since I grew up in Rhode Island! Glad you’re soaking it up (literally).
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
As I bundle up in layers to head to the gym, I am incredibly jealous of your tropical post! Enjoy the warm weather!
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
I’m glad to see they have such wonderful healthy choices there! Your meals don’t look much different than what they usually are. Enjoy the ocean and relaxation.
Anne P says
I love the ocean, too. So calming and peaceful!
katie @KatieDid says
I feel the exact same way about the ocean. I grew up a 5 minute drive from beaches in Massachusetts and missed it this past summer when I lived up in Vermont. Looks like you two are really soaking it all in, thats awesome, enjoy your stay!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
oh gosh. that looks fantastic! I love the motion of the waves! Although I always feel it when I’m laying in bed at night! And that lunch salad looks delicious! It makes me want to go to whole foods!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
What an amazing time you must be having! Continue to soak up the sun and enjoy every single minute!
Amanda says
Your vacation looks lovely. I also love the ocean, but I would have been out of there so fast if I saw a stingray! I’m such a wimp when it comes to fish swimming near me.
Molly @ RDexposed says
Nice to read this as I am grabbing my winter coat to head out the door.
Jo says
The ocean looks lovely. Biologists say that generally stingrays are NOT aggressive; they DO NOT attack humans unless threatened, so you probably didn’t need to scramble back to shore!
Enjoy your holiday!
Julia says
But they will attack if you accidentally touch them! I stepped on one and it stung straight through the back of my ankle.
Mom says
Ouch. How much did it hurt?
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
it looks like you guys are having a blast so far! i, too, just love the peaceful feel of the ocean and light waves. love your suit – very cute!
Lee says
I want to go where you are! All the resorts that I’ve stayed in have had terrible food. Is yours all-inclusive?
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
how fun! looks like everything is just amazing… including the food. and really, is there anything better than a relaxing float in the ocean?!
Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says
I am so happy for you both. I know it is selfish, but I am so glad you are blogging on your vacation. I feel like I am there. Being in the bakery business myself, we work 300 days a year. There are no vacations. Occasional overnight camping trip is the max.
Have a great day. I just love seeing the updates! 🙂
Also, the food looks to die for. I think I will buy a coconut and mango in your honor.
HRCK the Herald says
Looks so, so relaxing!
And hey Kath, whose leg is whose in that last picture? It’s unclear…:)
Stephanie says
Your drinks reminded me that I need to start putting pineapple slices in my iced tea. Had those in Hawaii and it changed my world! Enjoy your vaca!
Mom says
Don’t you remember when we swam with the stingrays?
Ocean looks glorious. Glad you’re having fun!
KathEats says
Those were tame!
Roxanne says
Quote: This is also about the time where Matt saw a sting ray and I raced back to the shore in fear!
Matt probably said that just to see you run out of the water!!!!
Roxanne says
you know how guys are…..
Elisabeth says
Looks like a fabulous, relaxing vacation – so jealous here in northwestern Ohio…with our high today around 29 degrees! Enjoy the ocean 🙂 (bathing suit is adorable by the way)
Sarah (I Dream of Beets) says
Give me water, and I’m a happy girl. Right now, I’m vicariously happy. I miss waves, sand, wind, water! Time to book a vacation, I think:)
Amy says
This is such a nice vicarious escape. Pretty dress by the way!
Susan says
Glad you are enjoying some much deserved time off!! Just a note on the stingrays, unless you step on them there is really no threat. I live in Florida and schools of them frequent the shallow water. We do the ‘stingray shuffle’ which is just shuffling your feet when walking in the water as opposed to stepping. They will scurry out of the way. If you step on them you will likely be stung with the barbed tail. They are really very timid creatures. Enjoy!!
Sonya says
When you get a chance, PLEASE share which resort you stayed at! It’s perfect for me! I’ve been to Jamaica just once and the place we stayed at was a tiny joint. Thank you! P.S. I just noticed the check box to confirm I’m a real human! Ingenious.
Jen says
Lol about the sting ray 😉 You look like your glowing from the relaxation and fresh air! Jamaica seems to serve some great, fresh food.
Kati Mora, MS, RD, Kellogg's FiberPlus(R) Wellness Advocate says
It looks like you are having a great time! And I’m loving the salads -probably many fiber-licious options to choose from! I bet it also feels great to eat something good-for-you while away. Have fun in the ocean. 🙂
Jill in Chicago says
Hi Kati! i just saw your name and wondered why it looked familiar — I’m also a CMU Grad and saw your story in the recent issue of Centralight. It’s fun to see you ‘lurking’ around the same blogs I read 🙂 Fire Up Chips!
Kati Mora, MS, RD, Kellogg's FiberPlus(R) Wellness Advocate says
What a small world! Yes, that was me – and this is definitely one of my favorite blogs to “lurk” around. Kath rocks.
Maybe I’ll see you around some other parts of the blogosphere as well. I’ll keep an eye out. Afterall, us Chips have to stick together. 🙂
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
What a pretty place! I miss salt water SOOO much!
Jill in Chicago says
Looks like an awesome vacation and what amazing food to have at a resort! You’ll have to tell us where you’re staying.
Also, it was fun to see your name and nutrition suggestions in my copy of Every Day with Rachael Ray that came in the mail yesterday!!!
KathEats says
Oh yeah!! What did it say!?
Cait's Plate says
Sooooo incredibly jealous!!!
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Just glorious! A treat to live vicariously through you 🙂
[email protected] Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Looks like you’re having a wonderful time…keep it up!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Crab dip with sweet potato chips sounds incredible! That last shot of your toes is really cute. Glad you’re having a good vaca!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
You seriously must have a cat magnet somewhere on you! How you can find them all (and they all look the same!) is crazy!
This place looks to die for. I’m literally sending my husband this link and saying once we find out where this is, I want to go. 🙂
Katie @ Arugulovers says
Sooooo jealous 🙂 Your photos remind me of my honeymoon in Hawaii this past September! I wish I could go back….
p.s. I bought a $2.99 milk frother at IKEA this past week and I’m SOLD! My coffee will never be the same.
Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy says
Beautiful pictures, looks so relaxing! Love the dress you wore! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
CaitlinHTP says
I love hairy man legs!!!!!!!!!
Army Amy* says
Time in the hammock is the best way to relax!*
Jennifer says
That water is so clear. You both even look relaxed. 🙂
You will come back, right? (haha)
Steph @321delish says
I’m totally an ocean girl too! Love your swim suit! Where’s it from?
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says
Sting rays are scary! I almost stepped on one in Charleston!
Victoria says
I recognize that resort from the pictures. My husband and I stayed there a couple of years ago. I am glad you’ve had a good experience with the food because it was an abomination when we were there. Absolutely horrific, even at the “nice” restaurant. We did love the athletic complex, though!
Andrea @FrSeed2Stomach says
Ah I’m going to Jamaica next week and reading your vacation posts is really getting me in the mood! I can’t wait!!!
Jennifer L says
I think I feel more relaxed just looking at your relaxation!
Cat @Breakfast to Bed says
I am so.freaking.jealous.
Jodi S says
I am so happy that you are in my country – Jamaica! I hope you are having a wonderful time – we are a warm, friendly people and I want you to know that you have a fan here in Jamaica who enjoys reading your blog every single day. Have fun mon!!!!
Karen says
What a small world…Hi Jodi 🙂
Jodi S says
Hi Karen!
KathEats says
So cool!!! Thanks for sayin hi!
Jodi S says
You are welcome! Have fun!!!!
[email protected] for the Soul says
How cool!!!!! That floating thingy looks so fun~Hehe, love the comment above me by Jodi 🙂
Sarah says
Gorgeous – these posts are making me long for a beach vacation! I actually learned to swim when we went to Key West a couple years ago, the shallow, calm water + the added bouyancy from the salt water gave me the extra courage I needed to give it a shot, and by the end of the trip I was swimming around the fresh water pool at our bed and breakfast. Nothing like floating on the ocean!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Looks so so amazing! Love the dress 😀
Kavi @ Lab to Fab! says
Wow, looks like an amazing vacation! Warm weather vacations during the winter months are the best 🙂 Enjoy!
Karen says
Glorious!! I too to have always been infatuated w/water, which is why I love living a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Water represents tranquility in my mind and calm overcomes me at the sight of it (though 80 degree temps work this trick better than the current 35 degree Chicago temps 🙂 ) Hope you guys continue to have fun recharging!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Everything looks wonderful, Kath! Swimming in the ocean….just yesterday I was doing that and right now I am freezing my butt off and yes, it’s “warm” in San Diego compared to say Fargo but it’s still a shocker to me after not being in anything other than flipflops for a month 🙂
Thanks for posting the great vacation pics so I can keep the vacay vibe going!
And using flash…just the fact that you’re taking pics in a restaurant while on vacation is appreciated. Who cares if there’s flash 🙂
Ashley @ Coffee, Cake and Cardio says
I’m so glad y’all are getting this time to relax!
Amanda says
love the dress!
Khushboo says
Wow Kath you are really rocking that bikini- looks great!
sarah @ sarah learns says
i love all of your beach wear! and now i’m wishing i had an excuse to pick up some beachy flowy dresses for myself…
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
You guys do vacation right! That salad is gorgeous.
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
I love your vacay so far! =)
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
Keep enjoying yourself!!!
LEM says
Where are you staying? It looks wonderful! Enjoy the sun!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I love being near water…so calming, soothing…it’s where I like to go to clear my head. Enjoy!
kyla says
Mmm that water looks delightful. Enjoy your vacation!!!
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles says
Enjoy your vacation. It looks fabulous! I have that same swim floaty at home, and it’s pretty much my favorite possession.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I can’t wait to find out what resort you’re staying at – it sounds and looks incredible! So glad you guys are enjoying yourselves. 🙂
Dilek and Alba @TwoBaklavasStory says
Oh my goodness! Looks like you’re having an amazing time. And I am here having an amazing time living vicariously through you! 😀
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I’m so jealous of this vacation – it looks amazing! Glad you’re having an amazing time! 🙂
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Love your last pic! My husband and I always take feet pics whenever we are on beach vacations. Bare feet and sand = pure bliss!
Victoria says
You look gorgeous!! And it looks like you’re having so much fun 🙂
Olena (The Fit Gourmet) says
Whoa!!!!!!!!!! (last picture). Kate and the Yeti 🙂 LOL
Amanda at the red table says
Oh how fun! What a great way to relax. You deserve it, girl! Thanks for giving us a peak into your fantastic vacation!
Christina says
Hot body! Courtesy of bofy pump and short runs? You look amazing!
Kinder says
Looks fantastic – both exciting and relaxing! Enjoy your time!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Flash or without, your blogging skills are so commendable. Enjoy your vacay — so well deserving 🙂
Claude Fullinfaw says
Hello, I happen to fall upon your blog today while I was researching some online work for a project and what was to be a very short visit turned out that I spent a good 20 minutes on your site. You have a way in sharing your life which is so enjoyable.
You certainly have created a site around pictures, making each picture tell a different story, yet each photo shares what you have been doing in a sequence which is like a picture book. What a great way to share passing moments with friends. I use a flickr.com account and this has given me an idea on how to share my journey through life in pictures on my blog too. Thank you for this beautiful experience today. Claude Fullinfaw.
Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine says
Coming from someone who lives quite close to the ocean, I completely know what you mean about it having a calming effect! There is nothing more peaceful than floating in the salty spray of gently, lapping sea water 🙂
Emily says
Great Post!
Jealous says
Couples Resorts are wonderful. We’ve never stayed at Swept Away where you’re at, but we’ve been going down the past 6 years in a row and have visited the other 3 and they’re all amazing. Make sure to do the trading places day trip over to Couples Negril, it’s a great resort.
If you want an amazing picture, go to the bar and ask them for a couple of “Bob Marleys.” Be sure to also get a reaction photo as soon as you’re done drinking it. You’ll see. 🙂
Andrea @ MainelyVeggies says
Your trip looks amazing, must get out of the freezing New England ASAP! I have that swim suit too, it’s so cute!
Angel7 says
Floating on a raft in the water looks sooo relaxing!
You and Matt are going to have tans in the winter 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Blue says
I love both your sun hat and your sundress/bathing suit cover up in this post! Can you share where you found them, please? Thanks!
KathEats says
They are both from Target 🙂