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Block Island Recap and Vacation Meals

It’s been a while! I thought about you guys and BLT often, but to be honest, this little break was necessary. I hope you had a great Fourth of July! We were in Block Island (Rhode Island) for the 4th, so I wanted to share a little bit about what the past week has been like, as well as some bits and pieces of what I ate since being home in Rhode Island. 

To be truthful,  my eating schedule has been pretty off over the past week, which usually happens at holidays and family events.

I didn’t cook much, my veggie intake was pretty low on most days, and I relied on a lot of convenience foods. I wasn’t eating at my typical meal times and sometimes I found myself munching all day long. I also took a necessary mental break from blogging, which means I didn’t take as many photos of my food (sorry!).

While I could have put more time and effort into preparing healthier foods, I opted to not think much about it and just go with the flow.

I really try to preach to make memories and enjoy whatever food is presented in front of you because even if it may not be the first choice to nourish your body, it can nourish your heart and soul among the company of others.

Breakfasts:

Since being home, breakfasts have mostly consisted of yogurt bowls (topped with mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies), egg bakes, and more donuts than I care to admit (also, the only breakfast picture I took).

I actually only ate oatmeal once while I was gone! It’s almost like I transport to another person since being home.

donuts

My coffee intake hasn’t changed though. That would be tragic.

coffee

Let me just say that Block Island is one of my favorite places for a little weekend getaway. It is 13 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island, and just a beautiful ferry ride away.  

It’s non commercialized and has a local grocery store, a couple of non-Starbucks coffee shops and lots of mom and pop restaurants that thrive in the summer. It’s a lovely spot if you want something a little more low key than Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. Have I sold you yet?

We set off for BI with a bunch of friends and family, and thoroughly enjoyed the company, beach, fireworks and beautiful sunsets.

BI sunset
BI sunset

One thing that stayed constant was my marathon training. I couldn’t miss my beautiful running scenes on Block Island. They are among some of my favorite!

Block Island running
Block Island running


And, of course, there were tasty beverages and lots of laughs.

Bloodies
Dead Eye Dicks
group picture
Block Island fun

Lunches

Most lunches turned into afternoon snack sessions, as we kept chips and salsa and hummus out for the crowd. We also ate a lot of sandwiches, especially on the beach days because they are a) delicious and b) they are easy crowd pleasers.

On the 4th of July, we have an annual tradition where we eat brunch at the National Hotel. The hotel porch has a spectacular view of the Block Island parade and all the ferries coming in. They have a pre-fixed menu, and the options are typically swordfish, steak, or lobster.

This year, I went with the grilled swordfish with baked beans, corn on the cob, and potato salad, though I wish I had went with the lobster. The parade was wonderful, as always.

Three years ago, my cousin proposed during the parade, so it was fun reminiscing about that little love moment.

swordfish
BI parade

The 3rd of July was the big night for fireworks. The fireworks on Block Island are consistently impressive each year – pictures never do fireworks justice, am I right?! The town does a great job of making the show so worth it!

fireworks

Dinners

Again, not my normal dinner routine – we focused on meals that could feed crowds. We made frozen lasagnas, burgers, hot dogs and pizzas at the house. I did get to eat some fresh salmon when we ate at The Oar alongside some sushi rolls!

salad with salmon

Desserts

Desserts were consumed nightly (and sometimes daily as a snack). Can you really argue with this school of thought?

ice cream
ice cream

I leave Rhode Island with a happy heart and full belly, as always.  I’m preparing to head back to Charlotte (with all of my road trip snacks) and then we are closing on our house on Friday!!

Hopefully, I’ll get back to my normal posting schedule (with some nutrition-y posts) next week once we begin to settle in – eeek! Thanks for sticking with me through this transition period.

Have you moved recently? How did you stay sane?

Favorite firework? I like the weeping willow ones 🙂

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  1. Yum! Sounds like such a fun time with family! Ive never heard of Block Island–youve definitely sold me though. I’ll add that to my travel list! YES to the weeping willow fireworks! They are the best. The worst ones are the paparazzi ones that are bright and loud for no reason.

  2. Weeping willows are my favorite too!! Ugh moving…not one of my favorites!! I’ve moved 3 times since we got married 7 years ago and each time I have just made sure to start packing WAY in advance so that I can avoid stress. To me being prepapred is the key!

  3. I moved across the country a year and a half ago, and then down the street 2 months ago. Neither was easy! My only advice for sanity is to go with the flow and don’t stress about your routine too much. Just get through it and then get back on schedule. Good luck!!!

    1. Totally going with the flow. I’m already out of my comfort zone with boxes and things thrown everywhere .I’m learning to embrace the messiness that moving brings πŸ™‚

  4. YES- I think it is so important to not stress over food when we are away and on a trip! I’m glad you are able to be flexible and just live in the moment. πŸ™‚ Block Island is such a beautiful place. Those fireworks look amazinggg. And my coffee consumption is for sure one thing that doesn’t vary when I”m away πŸ˜€ Glad you had lots of fun this weekend and were able to spend time with the people you love!

  5. The flexibility in your eating schedule was well-worth the memories. And there is nothing that can replace a holiday in RI. So glad you enjoyed it to the fullest and took time for yourself.

    Regarding the craziness of a move….been there, done that…several times. I attended graduate school in Ohio for my M.A. rhen Chicago for my Ph.D. During those years I spent a lot of time in limbo, including a 6 month stint in Italy for research. I finally moved back to RI when I got engaged, but lived between my parents and our new home for several months before we finally got married. 6 years In a condo before we ultimately made the transition to our “forever home.” Exhausting at every level, but so worth it. Take a deep breath, Plan as best you can and PACK LOTS OF SNACKS. It will all fall into place as it should πŸ™‚

    1. Sounds like you have survived many moving experiences with much finesse! Glad to hear you settled in RI – I always always enjoy going home to visit. I can plan lots of snacks – I’m definitely on board with that train of thought. Thank you for your wonderful tips, Kerragh!

  6. That sounds like my kind of vacation spot. I much prefer going with the flow when it comes to eating on trips like this. I get in veggies and fruits when I can, but I don’t make healthy eating my priority. It is such a short period of time, ya know? I love burgers and ice cream at the beach… got to have some pizza too!
    When I moved in with Terry I didn’t have a crazy amount of belongings, but it was still stressful. I dread the day we have to move all of our stuff together- I have a feeling I will throw everything out. I am glad you had a blast!

    1. So true – such a short period of time in the scheme of things. I have thrown alot out and I still feel like there’s so much more to get rid of. It’s so liberating!

  7. I’m glad you had a nice break! And those donuts look amazing πŸ™‚

    I haven’t moved in awhile but my parents are getting ready to move here (to Virginia) next week! So I’ll be helping with the unpacking! I Can’t wait πŸ™‚

  8. The Block Island 4th of July parade is eclectic while still being a Norman Rockwell “original” Americana experience. Looks like the weather was fantastic. The secret of Life is enjoying the passage of time and it looks like you are doing so. Way to go, Sarah

  9. My travel eats are so different too. I usually want to go with the flow and not try to make things too complicated. IT’s so cool that you are a registered dietitian, and you have such a balanced view of eating. πŸ™‚ That Block Island looks like a dream vacation. It’s great that you savored every moment there, and don’t feel bad about not taking very many pictures. You made memories, and that’s what matters! πŸ™‚ I agree with the ‘nothing goes better than fourth of July icecream.’

    That parade by the water = I would love to go someday, and I’m glad you got to spend such wonderful time with your family.

    Hmm.. During moving, I think I stayed sane by going on runs or going outside. It helps clear my head. πŸ™‚

    1. Running definitely helps clear my head too πŸ™‚ Block Island really is a beautiful place. I hope you get a chance to go! Memories are what matters most, I completely agree!

  10. I literally want to talk with you for HOURS about Block Island. Nobody knows about that little island and it’s my favorite place to visit (besides Jamestown, of course). Did you grow up there? The Oar is one of our favorite restaurants on Block, mostly for the views. We used to stay at Champlin’s marina but our yacht club has a mooring now so we use that instead, and I just sneak into the marina for showers haha July 4th is one of my favorite weekends to visit, but we aren’t going until later in the summer this year. Too bad, because we could have hung out!

    I 100% am with you on your eating philosophy while with family. My mom always makes very balanced dinners and my breakfasts look the same as they do on a normal week, but I eat a lot more dessert, a TON of chips, and I don’t think anything of it. I’m all about enjoying my time with family and I’m not going to make separate meals for myself.

    1. Block Island really is an amazing place! I actually grew up in Warwick, but we have been going to BI every summer for the last 8 or so years – Have you ever done the 16k race? I did it 6 or so years ago and have been wanting to do it again! I think it’s important to be able to be flexible with our eating habits when with friends and family. Hope you enjoyed your 4th!

  11. I’m going to say staying sane is probably not of high possibility during a move. At least, if you go a tad crazy you will make me feel better for when I turned into a lunatic in the midst of all my own boxes. So right now I say embrace the crazy, embrace a bit of stress and embrace the change of schedule and eating routine and even – gasp – lack of veggies you may encounter.
    Your time away with friends and family sounds marvelous. And LOOKS marvelous – you are so lucky to be near such beautiful ocean and running paths! You hit it on the head that time with family >> routine and normal eating schedules. We don’t get these moments so we need to treat them like the lithe gems they are.
    Good luck with the move miss!

    1. You’re totally right about embracing the crazy – I’m totally expecting it to be that way! Oh well, just roll with the punches πŸ™‚ Rhode Island has beautiful ocean views and beaches if you’re ever seeking a nice little getaway! πŸ™‚

  12. I find that when I’m on the road I eat a lot more. I think traveling increases energy expenditure, not sure how, but I’m always exhausted after a day of driving. My favorite fireworks are the swirly ones but I’ll take any as long as there’s bright colors.

  13. Looks like a great trip! I love all the views and that must be a beautiful place for running. I agree its important to just enjoy the experience when you are away and not worry too much about food! Good luck with the move!

  14. It sounds like you’ve had so much goodness happening in your life lately!

    I am totally with you on the weeping willow like fireworks! They’re definitely my fave as they’re so pretty! That or the really sparkly ones!

  15. Your 4th of July ice cream looks so yummy! What flavor was it? And my vacation eats sound similar. Ice cream is a daily thing and sometimes even a snack and it’s wonderful! The transition back to normal eating is a little sad because I miss my mid-morning ice cream snack haha but know that’s not a healthy and sustainable life choice! πŸ˜‰