Hello from South Beach!

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(Since so many people have asked… yes!  I’m staying Naked Faced on the beach.  100% all in!)

 

Our vacation is going very well so far, despite rainy and windy weather in Miami.  I think we’re both just so pleased to be here and away from the grind that we just don’t care if the chilly temperatures followed us down from North Carolina!

 

How can you ever be disappointed to be on Ocean Drive, anyway?

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I love art deco architecture.  Love it.

 

Last night, we stayed at our friends’ Lisette and Danny’s house.  I’ve known Lisette since I was 13 years old, and we were college roomies together.  We spent a few hours catching up on her porch and then headed to a part of town called Brickell for drinks (virgin for me, of course), music, and food.

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We woke up early and wolfed down breakfast before driving to the beach.

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So, I was born and raised in Miami, clockin’ in 18 years before I escaped the big city for the north.  I’ve been gone (save for short trips) for nearly a decade.  When I tell people I’m from Miami, I know they envision the South Beach version of Miami, not the more affordable and livable residential area that I grew up in.  Truthfully, even when I lived just 20 minutes from the beach, I hardly ever went.  Being in Miami for vacation is kind of strange because everything seems familiar and new, like I lived here but never actually saw 1/2 of the city.

 

Playin’ tourist!

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We started off our morning by hitting the beach. 

 

Unfortunately, it began to rain about 40 minutes in.

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We sought cover from the storm and wind gusts in a bar.

 

Sprite for me, Bailey’s for him.

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Twenty minutes later, it was safe to hoof it to Lincoln Road, a walking mall.  The walk – about 2.0 miles in total – was definitely our exercise for the day.

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We found a – get this – Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian fusion restaurant.  Random collection, but it was REALLY tasty.

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I had a brain fart while ordering and ended up with far too many dishes… and yet I managed to eat it all with a little help from Kristien.

 

Edamame to start.

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Well, I also got a salad to start (told you I had a brain fart while ordering).

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For my entrée, I combined a few side dishes, like plantains…

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Coconut rice…

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And perfectly seasoned black beans…

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Very tasty, indeed.

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Whew.  No wonder I’m in need of a nap.  We’ve done a lot today already.  And we’ve got big plans – the baby bump is going dancing – so I better rest up.  Hope your Sunday is fun, too! 

 

Is it strange to go back to your hometown?  Or comforting?  Or both?

{ 62 comments }

 

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb March 4, 2012, 3:39 pm

    what a nice little getaway! so jealous of the warm weather… it is freezing here in chicago. way to rock the bikini — you look great!

  • sara March 4, 2012, 3:44 pm

    such fun. love that you’re sporting the two piece on the beach. you’re bump is adorable!

  • Erin March 4, 2012, 3:48 pm

    Fist of all, you look amazing. Secondly, I also love the art deco architecture of South Beach. I’m from south Florida, too (Hollywood) and I almost never go back but when I do I definitely try to squeeze in that part of town. Hope you’re having a great trip.

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery March 4, 2012, 3:48 pm

    Denver is my hometown and it is weird going back there now. It doesn’t feel like home to me and I only like going back in the fall/winter when there’s snow and I can go to the mountains and be curled up next to a fire place. You look beautiful by the way! Enjoy Miami! BabyHTP is already a frequent flier/traveler!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife March 4, 2012, 3:50 pm

    Awwww fun!! You look so cute and SO happy. Hope the weather clears up for you all!

    I like going home–it is relaxing and peaceful, and my parents are there, so that is super fun too (they’re the best)!

  • Krystina (Krystina Zena) March 4, 2012, 3:57 pm

    Is that Sushi Samba? I love that place! Another good place in that area is TiramesU, it’s an Italian restaurant with a few GF/vegan options. I went there 3 times during one week!

    • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:47 pm

      Yes! So good.

  • Sana March 4, 2012, 3:58 pm

    Happy Babymoon 😉

  • Sara, Food Blogger on a Diet / Ms. Adventures in Italy March 4, 2012, 4:02 pm

    I was also going to say that looks like Sushi Samba 🙂 I was in Miami last month and stopped by there, too! The weather cooperated while I was there and I got in a few runs, so I hope it gets nice for you! Enjoy!

  • Rachel March 4, 2012, 4:03 pm

    i love Miami! i have a friend who went to UM & i would go & visit her during spring break. South Beach is definitely a trip.

    it’s definitely weird to hit up my hometown (the ‘burbs of Detroit) now that i’ve been gone for over 5 years. it’s kinda like, everything is the same but different in little ways.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 4, 2012, 4:06 pm

    That’s weird that people were asking if you were staying naked faced on the beach … I would assume a person would be MORE likely to be naked faced on a beach, seeing as makeup and water aren’t really friends 🙂

    • Carly March 4, 2012, 4:30 pm

      I was thinking the same thing! haaha

      • Shari March 4, 2012, 4:38 pm

        Probably most questions were in reference to the no shaving aspect of the Naked Face Project. Just my guess though.

        • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:47 pm

          Yes, in reference to shaving 🙂

  • Anna @ Blissfully Banana March 4, 2012, 4:07 pm

    Aw, I love that picture of you and your baby bump! 🙂

    Going back to my hometown is kind of weird. Everyone knows everybody, and their business, and it’s odd to see people who never left, and they’re pretty much still the same, and while the people who went away are so different! It’s fun, but odd, because my little town NEVER changes, seriously it hasn’t in at least 10 years!

  • Caitlin March 4, 2012, 4:20 pm

    mmm plantains and coconut rice?? yes, pleas 🙂

    enjoy your babymoon!

  • Su March 4, 2012, 4:23 pm

    Rice, platain and black beans… If you put meat to that combination you have what we call in Venezuela “Pabellón Criollo”

    Have a good vacation!

  • Carly March 4, 2012, 4:30 pm

    Looks like a blast! You both look so relaxed and happy! 🙂 Have fun!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie March 4, 2012, 4:43 pm

    I’m so jealous! I want warmth and sunshine but it’s still a bit chilly over here in the lower midwest. Can’t wait til summer time.

    Love your bikini bump!

  • Kris March 4, 2012, 4:53 pm

    Miami is so much fun! We love doing short getaways from Tampa Bay to Naples and Miami. Even Floridians like to escape to South Florida 🙂

    I’m always comfortable in my hometown (Mpls./St. Paul) even though I’ve lived away from there lots longer than I lived there. The people are so nice and I love so many things there — just not winter. Four years in Fargo/Moorhead for college killed winter for me.

  • Christine @ BookishlyB March 4, 2012, 4:53 pm

    I love making a meal out of sides! We’re going vegetarian for lent so I find myself doing this more and more, both at home and when we go out.

  • Ash Bear March 4, 2012, 5:22 pm

    That restaurant looks delicious and what a unique combination. I’ve really been impressed with the food options more and more each time I visit Miami!

  • Linz @ Itz Linz March 4, 2012, 5:26 pm

    i live in my hometown. 🙂 but we looooooove visiting florida!!

  • Jessica @ MyKindnessCounts March 4, 2012, 5:31 pm

    Like someone else posted, I didn’t get the naked face on the beach either. I would think you’d be more likely to be naked-faced on the beach, but maybe they meant shaving?! yikes! anyways, you look great on the beach! I hope you guys have an awesome time & enjoy the weather :D!!

    • Amanda March 4, 2012, 8:06 pm

      I assume she said “Naked Face” in reference to the project itself, not just the makeup part? I think the not shaving/deodorant would be the hardest part – kudos to you Caitlin!

      • Jessica @ MyKindnessCounts March 4, 2012, 9:36 pm

        Yeah, I totally agree with you. I was being way too literal haha 🙂 You’re awesome, Caitlin!

        • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:48 pm

          Haha yes, it was in reference to the shaving. Makeup on the beach is always a bad mascaray mess!

  • Rachel March 4, 2012, 5:32 pm

    You look adorable in your bikini!

  • Lee March 4, 2012, 5:43 pm

    It’s sort of strange for me to go back to my hometown (the ‘burbs of DC) because my mom has moved houses since I left. It is still pretty close to where I grew up, but it’s not the same area or house so that’s weird.

    Do you miss alcohol? Is it hard to have to order virgin drinks or do you really not feel like you want a drink?

    • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:49 pm

      I don’t really miss hangovers. I miss feeling warm and fuzzy though 🙂

  • joy meece March 4, 2012, 6:27 pm

    Your beautiful photography of South Beach and the food = plantains, coconut rice, etc. has made me homesick for Miami’s Art Deco, the ocean, and the topical plants. Enjoy.

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats March 4, 2012, 6:57 pm

    Looks like a relaxing vacation to me! And that food looks amazing, good choice on going with the combo of side dishes, I love doing that!

  • Jen @ The Well Read Fish March 4, 2012, 7:28 pm

    Sushi Samba! They have one (maybe two) in New York too!

  • Rebecca March 4, 2012, 7:47 pm

    As a home-body college kid who lives two hours from home, going home is amazing. Coming back to school sucks.

    I can’t take much of plantains. Had them once at an Ecuadorian place and couldn’t finish them. It’s the same way with sweet potato fries. I can only eat a few before I get sick of them. My friends who’ve been to Ecuador seem to get sick of plantains after a couple of days on their trips, lol.

  • Kath March 4, 2012, 8:00 pm

    Love that you’re rockin’ the bikini!

  • Carin March 4, 2012, 8:06 pm

    Happy babymoon!
    LOVE…. the bump, the smiles, edamame, the union jack backpack and the art deco.
    JEALOUS OF…. the trip (I think we were busy renovating rather than baby-mooning but I can’t really remember….!), your lunch (yummo!) and being in Miami – I’ve never visited (got as far as Orlando, but that was it).
    WONDERING ABOUT… men who drink Baileys – my hubby does too, and I always tease him that it’s a “girls’ drink”! Is it popular in the U.S.?
    LAUGHING AT…. the term “brain fart”! That’s a new one.

    • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:49 pm

      Come on Carin… You know Kristien. He is totes the man who orders umbrella drinks and Baileys on the rocks.

  • Hillary March 4, 2012, 8:12 pm

    Jealous!

    It’s a little weird returning to my hometown because none of my family lives there anymore. I always stay with friends, but it’s weird to feel a little bit “homeless” every time I return “home”!

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras March 4, 2012, 8:18 pm

    I went to Japan last year, and they actually have a pretty big Brazilian population over there. I was pretty surprised… but that might have something to do with the restaurant you went to!

  • Katie @ Katie Without Restrictions March 4, 2012, 8:23 pm

    Looks like a great trip so far! I’m glad to see you have some clothes with you that fit 😉

    I don’t have any idea what it’s like to “return” to my hometown ~ I’m born and raised, and likely staying forever. I do find comfort in that though ~ it’s a great community and I love it here.

  • Kelly March 4, 2012, 8:45 pm

    I live in my hometown! 🙂 So glad you are having fun!! You look adorable in the bikini! Love!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape March 4, 2012, 8:58 pm

    Way to go taking on the beach “naked”!! Looks like you’re having a great time on the babymoon 😀

  • Stephanie @ Legally Blinde March 4, 2012, 9:25 pm

    Love the beach picture – you look great 🙂 Hope you get more sun and less rain!

  • Sara March 4, 2012, 9:55 pm

    Where in Miami did you live? My boyfriend graduated from U.M, we lived in Coral Cables for 3 years. Wasn’t much of a fan of Miami when we lived there, but I sure do miss it now! Love the city, especially at night!

    Have a great Babymoon!!

    • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:50 pm

      I grew up in Kendall, I went to Killian High School! Coral Gables is fun but $$$$$$

  • SpaceySteph March 4, 2012, 10:25 pm

    I grew up in Fort Lauderdale and, like you, people assume my life was like a vacation. But it wasn’t! I still had to do all that normal life stuff, and I hardly ever went to the beach. My mom grew up in a condo on Ft Lauderdale beach. She says that if you grow up on the beach, you get sand in your bed. She hates the beach. And sand.
    I sure miss it now that I live in big ol’ Texas and never see the ocean, though.

    • Jen March 5, 2012, 1:36 am

      I just wish that I could live on the beach and NOT have to do normal life stuff. And have daily housekeeping. And beautifully prepared meals and drinks. Is that too much to ask?! 🙂

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed March 4, 2012, 10:33 pm

    Bummer that it rained while you were on the beach! It looked beautiful in your pic. And you look so cute in your bikini with the bump 🙂

    Have a fun trip and hope you had fun dancing!

  • marian @ MarianWrites March 4, 2012, 10:47 pm

    1. you are beautiful
    2. i effing LOVE plantains AND coconut rice
    3. your hubby looks so cute in his hat! very miami? very cuban? i dont know

    • CaitlinHTP March 4, 2012, 10:50 pm

      🙂 Thanks Marian.

  • colleen March 4, 2012, 11:15 pm

    You look fabulous!

  • Elisabeth March 4, 2012, 11:58 pm

    You & the bump look soooo cute in the bikini 🙂 Oh, and Miami looks like a lot of fun. I’ve been to Florida, but not Miami 😉

  • Katie Nov March 5, 2012, 12:58 am

    Looks like you had a lot of fun! I’m jealous! Haha 🙂
    I seriously love your pictures– you’re an amazing photographer in my opinion!

  • Jen March 5, 2012, 1:45 am

    I’ve never been to South Beach, but it looks fantastic! Hmmm…might have to keep this in mind for a possible future trip…

    Hope the sun comes out and that you & the hubs (and baby) have a wonderful, relaxing vacation!

  • Katie March 5, 2012, 3:08 am

    I’m from Miami, too! I live in Coconut Grove and went to Ransom. I’m in South Bend, Indiana now for college…totally different!

  • Haleigh March 5, 2012, 6:05 am

    I always find it a bit strange to go back to my hometown. No matter how long I’ve been away, it seems that no time has passed when I go back.

  • Linds @ Linds Eats March 5, 2012, 8:31 am

    You look awesome Caitlin! Way to rock the bikini! I’m loving your mix of food/life/baby posts on HTP lately 🙂

  • hilary March 5, 2012, 9:29 am

    i must say i’m pretty jealous!! i want to be on the beach!!! you look amazing and the food looks delicious! yummy

  • Charity March 5, 2012, 11:58 am

    Just gotta say LOVE your beach baby bump! Super cute!

  • Amber K March 5, 2012, 3:11 pm

    I was born, raised, and currently still live in my hometown! I love traveling, but can’t imagine living anywhere else.

    Looks like a fun trip! That food looks amazing.

  • Jeanelle @ Glocal Girl March 6, 2012, 4:19 am

    Now that I live in Europe going back to my hometown (Sacramento) is so comforting. I only get the priviledge of travelling back 1-2x a year so every time I return some new restaurant or shopping area opens.. its like rediscovering my old neighborhood all over again.

    It at first was weird but now I love it.

  • Heather March 6, 2012, 5:20 pm

    LOVE SoBe! And LOVE Sushi Samba! I was actually sitting in that very spot in your picture you posted about a year ago. Crazy!

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