Greetings from the sandy beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. As you read this post, I’ll be sitting on the beach with my toes in the sand under my Tommy Bahama umbrella.

Life is better on the beach. Yes, I have to sit under an umbrella with layers of sunblock slathered all over my ghostly white skin so I don’t burn to a crisp, but I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. The sound of the ocean and a good book in my oily paws… Life is good!

IMG_1368This week was a fun one. I visited my best gal pal on Sunday for some girlie time at the mall. We shopped until we dropped ran out of money. We left with bags of goodies. I found the cutest dress ever. It screamed Jennie and was calling my name from the rack. I couldn’t resist its lure. The dress has pastel colored ice cream cones all over it. Cute, right? I love ice cream. I’m a baker. It’s so me. I grabbed up on it and pranced to the dressing room with glee.

I also found this: IMG_1369

It’s a pink piggy grill! She even has eyelashes. I rounded the corner and there she was in all her glory. I squealed as soon as I saw her. I had to have it…that is, until the gentleman told me her price–$2000.00. Eek! Sorry grill, but no.

Monday was Memorial Day, and we did it up right. There was food out the wazoo. Food as far as the eye could see. We had mesquite marinated pork tenderloin, juicy burgers, corn on the cob, my mom’s famous green beans, baked beans, pasta salad, deviled eggs, and french baguette slices topped with homemade ricotta and tomatoes. I piled my plate high and chowed down. I love holidays!

IMG_1374The rest of the week was spent preparing for the beach. I love going on vacation, but I hate packing. Packing gives me anxiety. I always fear I’m going to forget something.

My BFF gifted me a homemade cupcake throw on Sunday. I love it! I can’t wait to snuggle up with it on a cool night out on the patio. She’s so thoughtful.

Here’s what I pinned:

Fruit Salad with Port Honey Drizzle by Family Foodie
Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream by Baked By Rachel
Banana Stand Smoothie by In Katrina’s Kitchen

What I’m craving:

Snickerdoodle Cookie-Butter Sandwich Cookies by Bakeaholic Mama- Carrie took a classic cookie and blew its mind with a cookie butter center. Yum!
Homemade Almond Milk by Nutmeg Nanny- Homemade almond milk is the best. Strawberry and chocolate almond milk is even better!
Mini Cupcakes with Lemon & Lavender by Movita Beaucoup- I can’t stop thinking about this combination of flavors. Movita knows what’s up!

Look what I made:IMG_1372

Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Oat Bars by A Kitchen Addiction- I loved this recipe so much that I’ve made it twice already. My dad is in love with these bars. I’m sure he’ll be asking for them on a weekly basis now. Thanks for such a great recipe, Jess!
Lightened Up Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie by Sally’s Baking Addiction- Oh. Emm. Gee. This pie is good. It’s so easy to assemble, and oh so delicious. My family went nuts over it. My dad’s exact words, “That pie was incredible!”