Beach: Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Every summer I always try to make a trip up to Salisbury Beach, which is about an hour north of Boston. It only costs $9 for the day. The part I enjoy the most is that since there is a long drive way before you enter the parking lot you don't hear any traffic just the sounds of the ocean. A peaceful way to spend your day reading or just relaxing. 

There are restrooms, changing rooms, a playground for children, and picnic areas. One thing you will want to do is make sure that you pack your own food. Since there is no where close to walk to. 

There is a beautiful boardwalk that leads you to the beach or a lookout deck. 

The beach is open all year. The summer hours Memorial Day thru Labor Day are 8AM-10PM. If you would like more information go to: www.salisbury-beach.org

Fitness: Motivation

I am training for my first half marathon and everyday (especially on long runs) I need a way to keep me motivated. So every night I find a new quote to write in my fitness journal and every morning when I wake up I see it and know that I am able to push myself to my goal. Here are some of the quotes I have found that pump me up. Hopefully they can do the same for you. 

Travel: Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery

A couple weeks ago there was beautiful weather, my family and I decided to go try out a winery that we have never visit before. We headed out to the Berkshires of Connecticut to Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery. 

The Land of Nod is on a rural country road that reminded me of traveling through Ireland. When you arrive you pull up to a small barn next to a historical 1700's home. Outside of the barn you are able to enjoy wine and snacks (You have to bring your own snacks. We picked up a sub and some chips.) on the outdoor deck.

Inside we were able to taste fout different wines Bianca, Ironmaster Reserve, Raspberry Wine and Chocolate Raspberry Dessert Wine. They all were great, especially the dessert wine which I would definitely buy for a holiday. The wine tasted fresh and was a great tripe for the end of the summer.

If you would like to check it out here is the address:

Land of Nod Vineyard & Winery

99 Lower Rd

East Canaan, CT 

(860) 824-5225

Healthy Recipes: Mango Avocado Pasta Salad

I always try to prepare my dinners for the week ahead of time so I don't have to worry about it the day of. This week I wanted to make something, summery, healthy and filling. I found an avocado salad recipe on Pinterest but wanted to add some more vegetables and protein in the mix, along with this salad dressing I found in Marshall's that I wanted to use. So I created the Mango Avocado Pasta Salad.

Ingredients
1 bag Orecchiette pasta (wheat is healthier)
2 medium cucumbers
Artichoke hearts (I just bought a small jar)
1 can small pitted black olives
1 can black beans
1 dry pint cherry tomatoes
1 avocado
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Mango-Coconut Grilling & Glazing (also said for salad dressing)

Directions:
Boil pasta. Once done let pasta cool. Add, olives, black beans, cherry tomatoes. Cut cucumber and avocado into quarters and add. Then add crumbled feta cheese. Last add as much dressing as you would like. Mix together and ENJOY!

This amount is six days of dinner for one. So if you have more than one person in your family you may want to double the recipe or use it as a side. Let me know what you think or how you may have added anything!

Travel: Black Dog Tall Ships/ Martha's Vineyard

Here is a brief history of the Black Dog Tall Ships: Captain Robert S. Douglass in the early 1960's was working in a shipyard, built a ship Mary Day and made a plan to move to Martha's Vineyard. In 1964 he designed a 1850's ship and contracted the Shendndoah. You can find more on: theblackdogships.com/our-history

My family and I had an unusual, exciting, crazy experience among one of the Black Dog Tall Ships. It was a beautiful sunny day in the 80's and we were ready to take off for a sunset sail. We were just about out of the harbor when some dark clouds came rolling in. Our captain called onshore to get weather reports while we stayed aboard the ship. Eventually she received word that a storm was approaching and we had to sadly head back to shore. While groups of people were loading a small boat to head back to the main land, we were laughing, drinking champagne in the pour rain, hail, thunder and lightning. We were eventually sent below deck. We received a full refund and rebooked for Saturday where we saw this beautiful sunset. 

On the Black Dog Tall Ships you are able to bring your own food and alcohol while you set sail around Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs for a three hour adventure. If you would like to try it out:             Address: Black Dog Tall Ships Co. PO Box 429 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568                             Website: www.blackdogtallships.com                Phone: (508) 693-1699

There is also Captain Roberts Black Dog Store, Bakery and restaurant which has delicious lobster and other seafood. You may want to make reservations, just in case. 

Travel: Bad Martha Brewery Martha's Vineyard

Bad Martha's just had its grand opening this past June in Edgartown, MA (Martha's Vineyard). My family and I just decided to stop by one day and check it out!

The tasting was a lot of fun. Everyone got a flight and were able to test out four different beers, off of this list.

Belgian Wit.         Coffee Brown Ale

Chocolate Stout.  Double IPA

Vineyard Summer Ale

Weizenbock.         Honey Helles

Island IPA.           Martha's Vineyard Ale

Pilsner.               Sullys Wild Cherry

I picked Marthas Vineyard Ale, Weizenbock, Chocolate Stout and Sullys Wild Cherry. MV Ale and Chocolate Stout were definitely my favorites. 

The location is a little but out of the way from downtown Edgartown but is a great spot with indoor and outdoor seating, a band and you can play corn hole while you are trying out your brew! 

If you would like to try it out the address and contact information are below.

270 Upper Main Street

Edgartown, MA 02539

508-939-4415

Badmarthabeer.com

Travel/Beach: South Beach Martha's Vineyard

 I have been to a lot of beaches, South Beach on Martha's Vineyard is my absolute favorite. Everyday something different is happening, either the surf has dramatically changed, you see Sammie the seal, or there is an event like the Annual Sand Building Competition. 

South Beach is a free admission and free parking in lots or on the side of the road. You can also take a bus from Edgartown Center! A lot of people also bike to the beach. There are public restrooms and showers as well.

South Beach used to be a former moving target machine gun range and bomb target site. So if you go to the center of the beach and look out into the water (not close to shore) you will be able to see one of the machines sticking out of the water. 

The cool thing about South Beach is depending on the weather out at sea the tides change dramatically. Last Wednesday was the Annual Sand Castle competition which involves not just children but teams of adults as well. People using not just sand but props such as seaweed and shells, I was surprised to see some very amazing creations. Especially due to the circumstances. The weather was gorgeous low 80s and sunny but the waves and riptides were insane. Due to a storm off the coast, the water eventually came all the way up to the sand banks, 2 hours before high tide. 

People were running crazy gathering their belongings so they wouldn't get wet, which was pretty entertaining to watch when you're the one who is sitting in a chair and not panicking. I have gone to the Vineyard many times and seen ones bigger than that day, but never saw the tide come up that high. I love going into the waves and getting beat up but due to the undertow and ripe tide I knew if I went in I wouldn't be able to get out. The waves went down a little on Thursday and by Friday little kids were in the waves floating on tubes. 

If you are on Martha's Vineyard you should come to this beach at least once then you will be hooked!