Fort Lauderdale

Since the North was under a deep freeze and snow storm from hell, I traveled to Fort Lauderdale with my bff before I drove to Chicago.

I was pretty excited to just relax after my last day on the ship.  I literally stepped off the ship and got on the road, and arrived to drinks at our hotel.  We then went to have drinks at the Blue Martini. After some delicious beverages, we had dinner at Seasons 52. I love Seasons 52.  So much.  Especially dessert.

The next day, we relaxed, and then had lunch at the Royal Pig Pub. So amazing.  Worth the trip.  My bff went to a wedding, and I just relaxed at the hotel.

The last day, we went out and about on the beach front.  We had some drinks at McSorleys, and then lunch at Primanti Brothers.  Yes.  A NYC bar and a Pittsburgh deli in Ft. Lauderdale.  I thought the same thing.  But yes.  Yes.

We had dinner at Coconuts our last night, and it was worth the wait.  We drank a glass...er bottle..of prosecco while we waited.  Incredible meal, key lime pie, and company.  Couldn't ask for more!

First Night.  Love the necklace.  Got it at Versona.

Blue Martinia

Royal Pig Pub.  Yummm.

View from our balcony.

Suns Out.  Another Outfit from Versona.

Great artwork next to a tattoo parlor.  No worries, came out of there unscathed. 

Farewell to Jax

I hate goodbyes.  Like.  Hate.

So instead of just looking at a goodbye in the face, I tend to avoid them at all costs.

I had a good few final days in Jax.  You can see them in pictures below..

Date Night at Marker 32.  

Dinner with Friends at the Schnizel Haus

Quite Possibly the Best Sandwich I have ever had.

Last Duty Day.  See that smile!!

Promotion

So if you remember this post, I was selected to be promoted back in July.  I was slated to put on my new rank in February, and I delayed the actual ceremony for a few days so my husband could come.  It was definitely worth it.  I asked him and my former CO to both put on my collar devices.  It was a quick, simple ceremony, and I was on cloud nine.  We went and had an amazing dinner at Ragtime afterwards.  Shrimp and Grits.  Oh my goodness, it was good!

My Commanding Officer Administering the Oath

Former CO, Me, My Awesome Husband

So happy that there is another LCDR Gill in the family!

I Drink To Make Other People More Interesting

No truer words ever spoken-Ernest Hemingway.

So this is part two of my Key West trip.  I had a great time there, and had an extra, unexpected day there.  We started out the day at Havana for breakfast.  Amazing crab cakes benedict. 

We walked around, did the touristy stuff, like walk by Hemingway's house, looked at the "buoy"..and walked back to the ship.  We almost set sail again, and..surprise!! An extra day in port!

The guys and I went out and about, and walked around Bahama Village.  We heard that was where you get the best food, and man-were they right!  We literally stumbled into one of the best restaurants, Blue Heaven.  Amazing live music, great food, and roosters everywhere.  Yes, I said it, roosters.  Apparently roosters are protected and kind of a big deal in Key West.  They provided great entertainment during dinner. 

After our dinner at Blue Heaven, we went to a cigar bar.  I had some amazing coconut ale, a cigar, and just relaxed.  It was a great time on the island!!

Breakfast at Havana

Roosters aplenty

Me being a nut!

I love the Keys!

Dinner at Blue Heaven

Famous Key Lime Pie

Cigars with the girls.  Such an amazing garden we hung out at!

Mile Marker Zero

So as luck would have it, work allowed us to have a little detour to Key West for a day. 

What an amazing day at that.  Believe it or not, Key West is different from Jax.  The grass is greener, the water is bluer...it may sound silly-but it is true! 

We didn't get to leave work until about 730pm, so the ladies and I went to a Brazilian steak house.  The atmosphere was just what we needed, and the cocktails weren't too bad either! 

We stopped at two other bars that night, as it was Cinco De Mayo.  Might as well celebrate in the Keys!  Hog's Breath Saloon and Fat Tuesday's had great music and drinks!  Was glad to get out. 

I am looking forward to going back...with Mike!!

Sunset, Key West

Swooopin???

 

 

Brazilian Steak House.  Yum!!

Wedding Wednesday: Engagement Photos

We took our engagement photos with a Navy photographer on the beach on base.  The jetties are so beautiful!

Hiring an up and coming photographer, definitely worked out for us.  We saved a ton of money, and I love the results!

Jacksonville Weekend @ Home

My fiancé came to visit this weekend, and we had an amazing time!  The logistics were hairy because I was at sea, but luckily a friend of mine picked up Mike at the airport while we were entering port.  He then brought Mike to the ship, and we all took off to Seven Bridges Brewery.  I love their food and beer..especially any kind of mac and cheese they make.  Yumm.

The next morning, I took my guy to Mimi's Café for breakfast.  I love their muffins and mimosas.  I mean, who doesn't?  Then I dropped him off at the apartment so I could get a manicure and groceries.  I figured he wouldn't want to endure the "girly" part of the day, so he relaxed at home with Bella.  I may or may not be addicted to gel/no-chip manicures, since my job is a bit unforgiving on the hands.  The nails were almost out of standards with the Navy, so I had to get them trimmed down.  I then made him this for lunch, and we relaxed at home doing some much needed wedding planning.  After the relaxing afternoon planning fest, we went and got dolled up for date night.  I took him to Matthew's, and it was everything I expected and more!  We ordered foie gras, escargot, for appetizers, and I ordered gnocchi for my entrée, he ordered the grouper.  We shared a Mexican chocolate souffle.  I was so impressed by the ambiance, the service, and above all, the food. 

Sunday, we woke up late, and I made this.  I love this recipe, turns out he doesn't like baked oatmeal.  Lesson learned.  I will continue to make it for me, and make an alternative for him.  We then went to lunch at the North Beach Fish Camp.  I had some amazing Fish Tacos.  I can't wait to go back.  The location was great, and the food was even better.  We killed some time walking around, and then hit up the jetty's where we took  Engagement photos.  I can't wait to see how they turned out!  We went home, and I make him his favorite dinner.  I made him meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and steamed green beans.  I will post the meatloaf recipe soon!  We relaxed, and watched We're the Millers.  Hilarious.   

Monday, I had to work in the am:(  Luckily it was a quick pop in, and left to take him to sushi at Bento, and then to the airport. 

I am so happy we had a bit of a staycation this weekend.  We were able to enjoy time together, eat great food, and just have fun! 

Mimis Café.  Yum. 



Rent the Runway.  Dress for Date night!

Blueberry Oatmeal in the making

Oatmeal baby

Cocktails at North Beach Fish Camp



Amazing Fish Tacos!

Beach walk..

Sunday night dinner.  Yum!

Holiday Cheer

I was fortunate enough to have the weekend off from a busy time at work.  I got home Wednesday, and just relaxed at home with my pup.

Thursday, I spent my Thanksgiving with Bella, as most of my friends are out at sea.  Not what I had in mind, but due to my work, I just couldn't get back to Chicago.  Just makes me realize how grateful I am for my family, friends, etc. 

Friday, I got my nails done, and some shopping accomplished.  I am not a "black Friday" shopper by any means.  We don't give gifts in my family, unless they are for the kiddos.  I have finished shopping for the littles, and I am very happy.  I love my nieces and nephews more than anything.  Spoiling them twice a year is my favorite thing to do! 

Saturday, I got Bella  a spa day, and my friends came over for dinner/sleep over.  My dear friend just got back from deployment, so I figured a home cooked meal and catch up time was just what we needed.  It is amazing that despite the fact that we haven't seen each other since May 2012, we caught up without skipping a beat. 

Sunday, we went out for Brunch, and it was amazing!  We went to Mimi's Café, and it was so great.  I can't wait to take Mike to get some delicious food next time he is in town.  After brunch, I went to see "White Christmas" with another dear friend.  I had never seen the movie, but it got me in the Christmas mood.  I really want to see it again, and soon!

Tablescape.  Love my new holiday décor.  I don't have much, but it is a start!

I Heart Weekends in Jax!!

So I finally had a 4 day weekend. Yup.  After I worked over 12 hours for 4 days this past week, and was exhausted by the time Thursday evening came around.  I think I even forgot to eat dinner.  Yep. 

Friday I ran some errands on base, went to get my car maintained, and met a friend for lunch.  We actually hit up the Olive Garden.  I haven't been there in forever.  Salad and healthy (under 500 cal) pasta (Ravioli de Portabello).  Yum!  I hung out most of the night Friday.  Just cleaned the house, and hung out with my puppy.

Saturday was a big day.  I went to Jaxtoberfest with friends during the day.  I got a mean sunburn.  They had great bands, good beer, and good food.  I wasn't really in the mood to drink all day, and the sun was a blazing, so we went home early. 

Sunday I god locked out of my apt building.  Long story:(  Kind of put a hamper on some plans, but I did end up going to a fundraiser with friends!  All proceeds went to a local dog rescue!

Monday I hosted brunch at my place.  I love hosting brunch, and having company.  It is a good excuse to clean;)  I also shopped for an upcoming trip, and grabbed some amazing sushi at Bento.  Oh my, it was amazing. 

Life-size beer pong.  Yup, they thought of everything.

I keep forgetting that yes, It is still hot in Florida, and ouccchhh.  Sunburn hurts!

Holy moly.  Mac and Chees bites.  Made with orzo.  Amazing.

Me n my ladies.  So much fun with these gals!

Col's first taste of Jager.  She was pretty excited!

Sushi.  And my foot.  But really great sushi. 

More Decor!

Many of you have seen my post "All Settled" where I wrote about my new apartment in Jacksonville, Florida.  I still had a few more pieces of art work at Michaels getting framed.  Here they are! 

I purchased the Pineapple print from the Third and Elm Press.  It is owned and operated by a sweet woman, named Mrs. Nesbitt.  I bought this print and other cards from her at her shop. 

The other two prints I purchased from a local Newport artist by the name of Anthony Gill.  His shop is located in Bannister's Wharf. 

I absolutely love these three pieces, and they embody Newport to the fullest.  The pineapple is a major symbol of hospitality, especially on the East Coast.  The other two pieces show the Newport Pell Bridge and the lighthouse, as well as Bannister's Wharf, two prominent locations in town.  I really want to visit Newport more often, perhaps even purchase a home or a time share there.  Dreams...dreams. :)

Neighborhood Highlights: Atlantic Beach Florida

This past weekend I went out and about to explore the area.  I hung out mostly in Atlantic Beach, which is near Naval Station Mayport. 

Some highlights:
Poe's Tavern.  Such a gem.  Really like this place. 
Culhane's Irish Pub.  Great food, great atmosphere.


There are a ton of great shops and restaurants I want to go to in the future.  Mostly I just walked around on Labor day, and took great photos for my photography class.  Most days I can't believe I live in Florida.  Gorgeous sun, great places to go.  Now if that whole work thing didn't always get in the way...

Me @ Poe's Tavern

Great part about Poe's, they make half pints!

Local haunts

Main drag

Walkway to the Beach

Beach

Beach

Lemon Bar

Pete's Bar