Oh man…last night was so much fun on sooooo many levels.
Jay and I headed over to Sarah & Jeff’s for a little family dinner party yesterday evening. We were joined by Brian & Mal, and the just-back-from-their-honeymoon-and-super-tan-newlyweds, Denise & Mike. Yes, I’m jealous.
Sarah put out a phenomenal spread of food for all of us.
Spinach salad + breadsticks
And homemade shrimp scampi. Sarah asked me earlier in the week what she should make, and after reading her list of choices, I had to pick the scampi. For some reason, this just isn’t a dish that I usually think to prepare at home, so it was nice for a change.
After tasting Sarah’s though, I may just have to start making it at home. SO good!
Shortly after dinner, I brought out my pumpkin cookies for dessert.
From what I hear, the general consensus was that they were yumm-o, so I’ll work on putting together that recipe for you all later today. I will warn you though…they’re almost more like mini cake puffs than cookies. So if you’re down with that, then you’re good to go.
Our group of 8 spent at least a couple hours just sitting at the dining room table, chatting, laughing (of course), and discussing a few different things.
You may remember that Brian and Mal are getting married this February. Well, shortly after the wedding, their planning a fun honeymoon down in Mexico, at the same resort we stayed at earlier this year. Well, we all got to talking about how much fun it would be if we all went down together again.
Then we started perusing the website…
And then, a couple of hours later, this happened…
YUP! That’s right…it’s another group honeymoon invasion in Mexicoooooo!
The honeymooners will get a few days to themselves, but then, the rest of our original crew from last year, PLUS Denise and Mike, and heading down to join in on the fun.
Words just cannot describe how excited I am to have 10 of us traveling together, again, on vacation. We’re going straight back to the same resort we went to earlier this year, the Valentin Imperial Maya (you can read my resort recaps HERE and HERE), and we are all super pumped.
Big ‘ol pool, sunshine, and swim-up bar…here weeeee come!
******
So there’s really no good way to transition from sharing exciting vacation plans to a plain old English muffin for breakfast, now is there?
Oh well…it may not be super exciting, but it was delicious AND pumpkin-filled. Pumpkin spice English muffin, peanut butter, pumpkin butter, banana slices, chia seeds.
I also, apparently, couldn’t measure out water this morning for coffee and I got stuck with half a mug.
Woops. 
Happy Friiiiiiiday, friends! Hope everyone’s off to a super start!
Questions for the Morning:
Have you ever traveled with a big group on vacation?
If you could travel anywhere for a week in 2013, where would you go?
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
That group vacation sounds awesome!! I love traveling, and I always say the more the merrier. It’s definitely more fun to travel with a big group of friends.
And I love your pumpkin overload this morning
Elaine recently posted..Black Bean and Quinoa Soup
The trip to Mexico sounds awesome! The past few years a huge group of us have gone to Punta Cana for two different weddings. It’s so fun to make a vacation out of something that is a celebration anyway! I would already have a “countdown” going
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit recently posted..Tuna & Tabata’s
Ahh so exciting you get to go back! I checked out that hotel after the last time you went, and it’s on my list of places to go. A vacation sounds so nice right about now… That’s funny you guys are “crashing” their honeymoon – I don’t think I would personally ever have friends come down during my honeymoon some day (well, it’s something I never considered), but I can see the appeal of celebrating with a group after having a couple of days alone.
That’s awesome that you are going back! I’m jealous! My husband and I went to Sandals for our honeymoon in August and I am dying to go back. It was my first time at an all-inclusive resort and clearly that is the only way to travel. It’s amazing!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope recently posted..Pumpkin Ravioli with Butternut Squash Sauce!…
A couple years ago we went to Costa Rica because I was in my friend’s wedding there. I think there was 25 of us in total, it was a blast!
I would go to Greece for sure.
Lindsey recently posted..Strengths & Weaknesses
I want to go to Mexico!!!!!
The last big group trip I was part of was for my wedding in Las Vegas. In total there were 14 of us and it was such a fun time!!!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom recently posted..Need a Challenge?
Wow! What an amazing Thursday evening! I have never traveled with a big group of friends, but I would live to! I remember reading your recaps from the last trip and it sounded like a blast. If I could go anywhere in 2013, I would love to go to Cabo, St. Lucia, or on a Carribean cruise! Europe if I was dreaming!
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life recently posted..Published Recipe + Wellness in College
Oh my gosh, this post makes me want to plan a winter time vacation right. now. I just need money and a job first…hahaha. That’ll be so much fun for all of you!
Angela @ Health’s Angel recently posted..Back on the Train
I so need a vacation right now, but I can’t get away from work. Boo.
I love shrimp. How was the shrimp scampi made? Looks better than how I make mine. LOL.
I have no idea! Haha, but it was delicious
Jealoussss! How fun! I’m curious, how did that group of you get to know one another and get so close? We’ve found that finding couple friends can be hard sometimes, especially a few that make up a group. I would love to have that someday!
Hahaha…actually, Jay, Sarah, Denise, and Brian are all cousins.
We’re just VERY lucky that we’ve all grown so close. We often forget we’re all family because we’re just so close.
P.S. – gchat today???
I need to plan a vacay ASAP to have something to look forward to! Travelling with friends is the best! I would love to visit Australia in the near future…or Thailand!
Khushboo recently posted..Important Questions
I was at a wedding a few weeks ago, and my college girlfriends and I were talking about how great it would be to go on a group friend cruise for a couple of days. Still wishing there was some way we could make it happen.
Beks recently posted..Attempting to be adventurous…
NO WAY!!!!!! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be heading there TOMORROW!
I’ll be thinking of you. So glad you get to experience it again.
Lauren recently posted..Friday Things: Bagels Beer and Break
What a fun night! and that is freakin’ awesome you all are going on that trip! kind of jealous…hehe. Loving all the eats, too.. my mom makes the best shrimp scampi in tons of oil and butter
I have no trips planned, but about 3442432423 weddings. I am in 2 of them. AH! Maybe i’ll be planning my own in 2013?! hehe
Eva @ Committed2Nutrition recently posted..WIAW – Crock Pot Chicken my way
So many places on my list – Prague, Australia, Italy, Hawaii…and more.
I love exploring and staying active during a vacation. Because of that I’ve always found it difficult to travel with a group. But I’m sure that’s only because I haven’t found the right group.
That looks like a beautiful resort! I’m jealous of your group vaca.
Maria recently posted..Don’t Love It? Don’t Do It.
That shrimp scampi looks amazing! And something I would never think of making at home either. Yea for winter vacations… I just booked ours to Marco island in Florida for February!
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted..Foodie Pen Pal–September II
Never traveled in a big group anywhere, though I see how it could be really fun.
If I could go anywhere in 2013, I’d want a week long trip to California with my husband and kids. We’d do Disneyland, California Adventures, and then maybe spend a few days in San Diego. Disneyland/California Adventures may happen, but it certainly won’t be a week long trip. I’m jealous of your trip!
So jealous!!!! Group vacations are awesome! I went to Aruba in May with my whole family, it was a blast! I’m hoping to go back again soon!
In 2013 I would love to go ANYWHERE! But I really want to visit France…Don’t think it will happen in 2013 but hopefully sometime soon
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction recently posted..September Recaps
Sounds awesome! I used to take huge family vacations (we’re talking aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents). Traveling with friends sounds a little more fun! I have vacation plans to ski for a week in Colorado, visit Chicago for a few days, and hike for a week in 2013. So excited!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..The Accidental Tourist
ahh fun!!! I’ve never been on a group trip sadly haha but my sister has and always has a great time
Rachel recently posted..Friday Rambles
Oh what I wouldn’t give to be in Mexico right now, as temperatures hover around freezing here at home. Brr. I’ve never travelled in a big group before, but I can imagine that it would be super fun. One place I really want to visit is Greece, and I’m hoping to make it happen in 2013!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted... eat your veggies? .
I’ve never done a group vaca, but it sounds super fun! I would love to go to Costa Rico next year. I do already have plans to go back to Destin, FL; which is one of my all time favorite places. Yay for the pumpkin butter….I had that this morning too and it was delicious, wasn’t it? Have a great weekend!
Kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted..Friday Favorite- Veggie Stuffed Sweet Potato
I haven’t travelled in a big group, but definitely in smaller groups. We have been to that resort – the Valentin – 3 TIMES (!). We met a great couple there on our second trip, and returned there with them last year. It was an awesome week! Don’t think it’s in the budget for this year, but I LOVE that place! Have an amazing time!
Me and some friends have been trying to get our act together to plan a vacation for months now, that’s so hilarious/awesome that you guys got it together in a couple hours! Way to be spontaneous, you’ll have a blast!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted..Let’s Play Catch up
What a fun trip! I would love to go to Hawaii in 2013! I don’t see it happening but you never know
Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness recently posted..Paleo in Minutes: Antioxidant Packed “Ice Cream”
I like the English muffin idea
Last day to enter this So Delicious health food giveaway!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/2012/09/so-delicious-giveaway.html
Katherine recently posted..Simple Healthy Salads
Vancouver would be my destination of choice! Love that city – I’d need more than a week though! Can’t wait for the cookie recipe!
Michelle@Peachy Palate recently posted..Amaranth Love
That looks like SO much fun! The only big group I have ever traveled with is my family, other than large group trips to the beach for a couple of days with all of my girlfriends from college and our boyfriends. I am very interested in planning a fun vacation for the bf and I next year though, so I may be calling on you for some help because your vacation recaps look so fun!!
Claire @ Keeping Up With Claire recently posted..Just a Little Bump in the Road
What a fun idea!! We just went to the same resort for our honeymoon in July! We cannot wait for our anniversary trip back next summer! Aren’t the guys that do the pool games hilarious?! My hubby’s nickname was “froto”
Actually, my graviatar pic was there!
I love those pumpkin spice english muffins! So yummy
What a fun trip!!! I would love to travel with a group of my friends
Brian and I just booked our Honeymoon in Cinque Terre, Italy…can’t wait!!
A group vacation sounds SO COOL!!! My husband and I are the first couple of our friends to get married so I think we’ll have to wait a few years… But it’s definitely something to look forward to and gives us a reason to have a second honeymoon
We’re actually planning our honeymoon right now- thinking a Caribbean cruise!
Life’s a Bowl recently posted..Favorite Finds Friday 10.5.12 / Charlie’s Birthday
Oh MY goodness!! That sounds SOO awesome & amazing. How fun that you have such a great group of friends
Annette@FitnessPerks recently posted..Friday Tangents
Where did you get the pumpkin english muffin?! I must have those in my life!
The company actually sent them to me…I haven’t seen them in my store yet!
I’ve seen them at the grocery store, but this past week was the first! Maybe they’re just starting to hit shelves!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..The Easiest Crock Pot Roast Ever
I am loving your pumpkin filled breakfast! I had a Pumpkin English Muffin with homemade pumpkin spice peanut butter for breakfast (with banana) but it was SO good!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Fitness Friday & the Yoga Challenge
Thanks for the site. My husband and I were just talking about our 5 year anniversary. In April and planning a trip!!!
Courtney F. recently posted..Busy day prepping for wedding weekend
I only go on vacation with my family which is 6 people total. But I did go to Cape Cod with my Girl Scout troop for a weekend to earn a badge. It was…different. I probably wouldn’t do it ever again though.
Italy- I’ve wanted to go there since the 2nd grade!
I went to South Carolina with my husband’s family a couple of summers ago, and we had about 15 people in a beach house. It was chaotic, but fun!
Emily @ Perfection Isn’t Happy recently posted..Friday Things
I’ve travelled with a couple of friends, but never with a big group. That would be so much fun!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Justice and Social Media.
I haven’t done the big group travel vacation before- but I’d love to! Next year the bf and I are doing Europe! WOO.
Bek @ Crave recently posted..Don’t give up
WOW! That’s awesome! Side note: The banana/english still looks pretty darn good to me even after hearing about your big trip…
I AM hungry though, so, we’ll blame it on that!
Lauren @The Homeostatic Mindset recently posted..Goals, glorious goals…
I love group vacations every once in awhile…but I feel like I prefer smaller more intimate getaways more.
You guys are so gorgeous! How old were you when you got married? I feel like all my friends are getting engaged!
Floey recently posted..The Wordless Year
Aww thank you! I was 25 (a few weeks shy of 26) when we got married
I’ll be in Playa del Carmen in February too! Not at the Valentin, but I’ve heard that place is beautiful. Reading your old posts about it now!
Trisha recently posted..No, Seriously. OMG.
Oh, and Playa del Carmen is where I ALWAYS want to spend a week of vacation. I do so just about every year.
We usually travel in groups as well, even for our honeymoon. It’s nice to have some alone time & time to meet people from all over the world, but it’s also nice to hang out with friends from home when you’re in such a beautiful place!
Trisha recently posted..No, Seriously. OMG.
We are going to Valentin! Completely out of coincidence! I was so glad to see your reviews of the resort – make me feel so good about our decision to go there. Do you have any tips to make our trip better? safer? Did you arrange transporation from the airport to the hotel ahead of time? Thanks! LOVE your blog!
You’re going to LOVE it there! We did arrange transportation through Cheap Carribbean, and it was really nice to have that all prearranged and not have to worry about it. I would definitely recommend looking into that. Other than that, we really just stayed on the resort, which is absolutely safe! If you’re interested in doing excursions, there are companies who are set up right at the resort when you arrive who can help you arrange something. They make it VERY easy to do! Have fun!!
{ 1 trackback }