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From good ol’ Wiki:

Seaside is an unincorporated master-planned community on the Florida panhandle in Walton County, between Panama City Beach and Destin. The town has become the topic of slide lectures in architectural schools and in housing-industry magazines, and is visited by design professionals from all over the United States.

While Seaside is fun to visit, I have a feeling that all that perfection might get tiresome afterawhile and a dorky klutz like me would stick out like a sore thumb. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take advantage of the town’s perfection while I’m there!

Figure A: The Pizza Bar.

After getting stuck in the rain (guess you aren’t so perfect after all, Seaside!), this pizza joint spoke to the Mister and I like a message from the Lord himself. And we’re not ones to ignore the Lord.

The Pizza Bar was a cool, hip place to dry off from the rain and recharge our batteries.

As I evaluated the menu, I immediately knew that I wanted the Farmer’s Market Pizza, topped with market veggies and arugala. One might even say it was in God’s plan.

Thank goodness.

My fridge is empty.

My house is in shambles.

And I’m currently questioning the state of my underarm region — did I remember to put on deodorant this morning?

Yes, I am packing. Because tomorrow the Mister and I leave for a four day Florida adventure!

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We’re currently in the process of trying to figure out what we NEED to bring. To the Mister, this means EVERYTHING. Need I remind you that the Mister is the type of man that actually purchases and keeps emergency kits in the car/basement/everywhere JUST IN CASE. Please try to imagine packing for a trip with this person. (Love you, honey).

Anyway, while we argue over what toys and gear is necessary for Beanie, please share some of YOUR travel tips — we’ll take all the help we could get right now

And if you are travelling via plane this weekend, please, please don’t roll your eyes at the family with the screaming baby. Your efforts would be better spent sending them a complimentary cocktail

Anyway, we paid another visit to Northstar this past weekend. This time, we decided we’d see what they could do with lunch.

No disappointments here.

Salad contained: mixed greens, dates, goat cheese, roasted chicken, almonds, corn, avocado and tomatoes (reminds me of another salad favorite!). Served with a huge chunk of freshly baked bread that I’m fairly certain Jesus himself might eat every day up in heaven. No butter required — and how often do I say that? Correct answer: never.

The simple fact, really, was that I was too lazy to walk back up to the counter and ask for some. Instead, I scarfed down the bread and then realized that just this once, I didn’t miss the butta. Could it be because I was too busy dipping it in the lemon oil vinaigrette dressing? Or calculating how much I would need to fix myself a bath of it? You betcha.

We booked a cabin in Hocking Hills (through Old Man’s Chalets) and my brother and his girlfriend also joined us for a night in the wilderness. Of course, when you are camping with the Mister, the “wilderness” consists of a log cabin equipped with a plasma screen TV and hot tub. Not that I’m complaining…

actual view from cabin

Coming off that great weekend with friends, this week’s topic is easy. This week, I’m thankful for friends.

I’m thankful that even though we don’t talk every day, and haven’t seen some of them since Christmas, we pick up right where we left off. And that takes a very special friendship.

I’m thankful for their love of Bean, their excitement to meet him and the way their faces light up when he smiles.

I’m thankful for old stories, inside jokes and creating new memories.

I’m thankful that they accept me for me, despite all my quirks, and never pass judgement.

• Like running through the mud together
• and having a debate over extra sharp cheddar cheese
• and using silly voices
• and giving up your blankets
• and not judging when one person (ahem, the Mister) uses a clean towel to wipe mud off their body
• and toasting over turkey legs

Why are you thankful for your friends?

A little upset because unless you live in Columbus, Ohio, start driving now, or are willing to fork over some mulah for a plane ticket you will not know the joy of The Clever Crow.

Exhibit A:

Can you guess which one was my half?

Ah, yes.

What you see above is the Winter Squash pizza, which features a spiced winter squash puree, house-smoked provolone, mozzarella, red potatoes, caramelized onions and corn.

No this is not a dream.

Seriously, you can pinch yourself — this is all very real.

I know because I didn’t savor the dream-like pizza long enough and scarfed it down way too fast. My nightmare began as soon as I shoveled in the last crumb. No. More. Pizza. Tragic.

Oh Clever Crow, you certainly have me under your spell! I shall return — and no halfsies next time! (I know better)

1.) Sorry (if you don’t live in Columbus)

2.) I really don’t think you can go wrong with these ingredients, so try making it at home!

What’s the most interesting topping combination you’ve enjoyed on a ZA?

Of course on our Babymoon, we wanted to make sure we got things started off right, so the Mister researched some stellar breakfast joints to lock in the day’s success.

The first on our list? Northstar Cafe.

The Northstar Cafe has just a few locations throughout Columbus, one of which located directly across from our hotel at Easton Town Center.

The Northstar Cafe is known for its incredible breakfasts and freshly baked items that are cooked in-house each morning. The scones looked OUT OF THIS WORLD. But I resisted. (Didn’t wanna be a glutton, and I figured my body could only handle so many near-god experiences).

I settled on the homemade granola with greek yogurt and fruit.

Did I say settle?

This granola is nothing short of amazing. In fact, I hear that little magical gnomes whip it up every morning, which is why Northstar is unable to share the recipe (because you know I’ve looked into it).

The Mister ordered an egg and sausage sandwich on a homemade biscuit.

I don’t think he looked at me for 238.4 seconds — exactly how long it took him to gobble up this sandwich.

I’ll be back later with another fun breakfast joint and a run-in with a local (but nationally recognized) celeb!

Which breakfast would you have chosen? My sweet treat or the Mister’s savory sammie?

Not, not these guys.

But THE MEATBALL SHOP.

What is the meatball shop you ask? In a word, heaven.

Where else can you select a protein option (chicken, pork, beef, vegetarian, etc) paired with your favorite sauce and cheese to be served over the dish of your choice — mashed potatoes, pasta, veggies to name a few! Me? I kept things simple and went for the old-fashioned meatball sub.

Mamma mia!

Holy moses. Bursting with flavor, the meatballs were tender and juicy, perfectly seasoned. The dough was just crunchy enough on the outside to hold up to all the gooey goodness while the inside became soaked with saucy flavor.

Need I say more?

Oh yes, yes I do. Did I mention The Meatball Shop also serves homemade ice cream sandwiches? The best part: you can mix and match your cookie selections! I chose chocolate peanut butter and chocolate chip with vanilla ice cream.

Why, hello gorgeous.

Don’t worry, it was as good as it looks

Sure, there are lots of restaurants I still want to try in NYC. But next time, I can ASSURE you I will be returning to The Meatball Shop — maybe twice I encourage you to do the same. Make sure you bring extra napkins, good things tend to get messy!

One of my favorite lunches:

Roasted duck salad with fresh oranges, tossed in a lime vinaigrette.

Best enjoyed poolside

This dish just screamed “summer!” to me, I loved the sweetness of the orange and the tangy tartness the lime dressing provided.

What’s your favorite poolside treat?

And it’s definitely one of my favorite meals to eat OUT. Especially when a city (like Chicago!) is sprinkled with heavenly spots like JAM.

My super cool aunt was kind enough to take me to the hot new spot before driving me to the airport.

Upon sitting down, we were presented with these little gobs of goodness.

Mini marmalade muffins with orange cream.

Adorable! Too adorable to eat? NEVER!

The homemade granola and greek yogurt immediately caught my eye.

See the raspberry preserves in the middle?

If there’s a hell, it’s a room of people being forced to watch others eat raspberry preserves and not getting to try any themselves.

Seriously.

What’s your favorite flavor of JAM?

2.) Order fruity drinks

3.) Go make-up free

4.) Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet

5.) Get lost in a book

6.) Don’t forget about breakfast

7.) Stop to smell the flowers

7.) Wear a floppy hat – trust me, this is key

8.) Indulge — now is not the time to count calories, especially when it comes to homemade chips and desserts

9.) This includes the bread basket

10.) Trust your pilot – he knows more than you, I promise

11.) Spend it with the love of your life

For those of you who don’t have the time or the dough to take long vacations, read my post on STAYCATIONS – they’re just as wonderful!

How do you relax on YOUR vacations?