a bar in the middle of the ocean

a bar in the middle of the ocean

I just came back from a wonderful vacation in Jamaica.  A week of laying on a beach drinking lots of frosty beverages is just what the doctor ordered.

One of the highlights of our trip was a catamaran cruise to Floyd’s Pelican Bar that sits about 3/4 mile off shore in the middle of the ocean on a giant sandbar.   It is just a tiny hut made out of driftwood located on the south coast of Jamaica in Parottee Bay.

Floyds Pelican Bar Jamaica

 

To get there, we had to ride a little tiny boat over from our catamaran.  What an adventure!

Pelican Bar Jamaica

 

Once there, you can hang inside in the shade, tan outside the deck or swim down in the water on the sandbar.   Lots of  locals and tourists to mingle with.

Inside Floyds Pelican Bar Jamaica

 

Pelican Bar Deck

 

Party In The Ocean

 

They serve two drink options…. Rum Punch or Red Stripe.  Step right up to the bar and don’t forget – cash only!

Jamaican Floyds Pelican Bar

 

They even have food!  Two options….fish or lobster. Both served with rice.  Fresh caught and cooked right on the spot.

Food At Floyds Pelican Bar

 

When hanging out in the water, be sure to watch out for boats bringing people in.  Oh, and Stingray too!  We saw two that day.  Luckily, we were up on the deck when they came by.

Pelican Bar Jamaica 2

Stingray Floyds Pelican Bar

 

When you go, be sure to leave something behind.  I brought a pair of fun sunglasses from a friend’s bachelorette party.  And I brought along a business card…I couldn’t resist.  Think I will get any referrals?

Jamaica Pelican Bar Tour

The Creative Stack in Jamaica at Floyds Pelican Bar

 

There was even a cute dog inside taking a snooze.

Dog at the Pelican Bar in Jamaica

Bar In The Middle Of The Ocean

 

The Pelican Bar was a very cool excursion – not to be missed.   A once in a lifetime opportunity for sure.  Thanks to Island Routes for the fun catamaran cruise too!

Heather Johnson - The Creative Stack

 

my favorite breakfast these days

my favorite breakfast these days

I am absolutely in love my new breakfast discovery, so I must share!   These are so easy to make – and while you are at it make a whole dozen to last for a few days.  They easily heat up in the microwave (just wrap in a paper towel for about 50 seconds).

Breakfast Egg Cups

  • Canadian Bacon Slices (12 for a dozen egg cups)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup or so of shredded cheese (I prefer cheddar)
  • Cherry tomatoes (about a cup full) quartered
  • Garlic Salt
  • Salt and Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Spray a muffin tin well with non-stick spray.  Place one slice of canadian bacon in each muffin tin.

Scramble your eggs together with a tablespoon or two of water and seasonings (garlic salt, pepper).  Spoon egg mixture evenly into each tin (I typically use a 1/4 cup for this).

Sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese (or whichever you prefer) and place a couple of quartered cherry tomatoes in each cup.  Take a fork and push the tomatoes and cheese down into mixture.  Don’t worry if the egg mixture goes underneath the ham.  It will pop up when baking.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-18 minutes just until eggs set.  Pop them out of tin with spoon and enjoy!

Breakfast Egg Cups Recipe

See, I told you it was easy!  Perfect for an on the go healthy breakfast!

Heather Johnson - The Creative Stack

don’t mess with (austin) texas

don’t mess with (austin) texas

I had the pleasure of visiting Austin, Texas about a week ago.  What a great town!

Some friends of ours were getting married and we decided to make a long weekend of it.  We stayed at the historic Driskill Hotel right in the heart of downtown.  What a beautiful place, and over 100 years old!

Driskill Historic Hotel Austin Texas

Driskill Hotel Entrance

Driskill Hotel Bar Austin Texas

 

Some awesome things about Austin….

– The Food: Delicious restaurants everywhere!  You must try the Magnolia Cafe.  Those are fudge brownie pancakes below.  Yikes!  I mean, YUM!

Magnolia Cafe Austin TX

 

– The Food Trucks: They are on practically every corner.  I seriously had one of the best burgers of my life from a food truck.  (Sorry no photo.  I gobbled it up before I could take one!)

 

– The Bars: They are everywhere.  This is a party town (home of the University of Texas).  Drink up.  This bartender had a gun of tequila…Only in Texas.

Bar Gun Moscow Mule

 

– The Bats: You have to see it to believe it.  http://youtu.be/2g6DLECHdL4

 

– The Art:  Amazing art everywhere.  Especially on out South Congress St.

Willy Wonka Art Quote

Austin Elvis Dillo

(Both pieces above found at Prima Dora on S. Congress St.)

Have I convinced you to go visit Austin yet?  I can’t wait to go back!

Heather Johnson - The Creative Stack