July 15, 2015

CRAB AND SHRIMP DIP.....BEACH TRANQUILITY



Each one of us spends hours thinking of spending days and nights at the beach...
we can thank Mr. Wonderful for that...it was how he spent his childhood and
 it clearly is in his soul!

Last year, we had an impromptu beach trip.
It was the first time in visiting Ft. Walton Beach AND
staying a week in a condo, rather than a beach house.


There are two bunk beds tucked within
the hallway which form a darling little
nook for children!
Each bunk had their own wall-mounted flat screen TV
along with reading lamps...very cute and colorful bedding too!


They had done a superb job of decorating.
The colors were coastal and every detail
had been the perfect accessory
from pillows, to dinnerware to lamps to napkin rings!


I fell in love with this watercolor and have looked
for one similar ever since.


I want a beach house to decorate....
can you think of anything more fun?

The condo belongs to a coworker of the darling's and in fact,
they own another condo in Destin, along with their
own beach house!

There is an abundance of june grass, which is an algae that stays in the water and shoreline
in Fort Walton which makes the water appear murky, greenish-brown
and just rather gross!
I am going to show you what this really looks like at the very end of this post...


However, the beach is pristine and simply beautiful!
Ft. Walton is full of condo's both for full-time residents,
as well as renters!
It was very busy, full of vacationers and not as private as we prefer.

We sat close to others when down on the beach, so you
were listening to parents reprimand their children.
their choice of music being played and the experience
was totally different than any previous family trip.

The condo was just cute as could be however!
I thought I had not captured any good photos,
however when revisiting our pictures of last year,
I did manage to shoot a few great memories.


Our first selfie


It certainly was a luxury having "Cabana Boy" everyday!


The darling and me....
What? Of course we can paddle board....
(just kidding)


Not a bad view for that first cup of morning coffee....


It is so entertaining to enjoy watching families on vacation....
such beach fun!


The perfect time of day for us


Walking down the beach for our sunset cocktail hour...


No worries....just total relaxation


More wine needed....


The gloaming 


This is a long line of beach condo's


Even though, I love this shot. you can see some of the junegrass along the shore


Their family beach picture in progress


Take two....


Arriving for dinner


Playing until sunset
I think this is a glorious view of that beautiful skyline



His favorite thing to do


A family..
enjoying their days


My hero...
not an easy job all by himself

Now..... onto this fabulous appetizer!



Crab and Shrimp Dip
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 pound lump crabmeat
1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp (about 1/4 pound)
1/3 cup shredded smoked cheese
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in crab, shrimp, and cheese. Spoon mixture into a 3-cup baking dish. Bake at 375° for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with almonds.



Ick!
So, if you do plan to visit Fort Walton Beach, just know this june grass will be there. 
This is due to the shape of the shoreline, 
in addition to the winds and currents which seem to hang on to all that slimy algae. 
As I said, the beaches are gorgeous and further down the way, toward Destin,
the water is that gorgeous aqua and blue. There is an abundance of things to do
and there would be no doubt you will have an enjoyable time! We sure did! 

8 comments:

  1. Estelle!! i spent my childhood playing on the beaches of Ft Walton and Destin... I must say we always preferred Destin... we would go to Ft Walton to ride the water slides only... Believe it or not there was a time when building on the beach side of the road was prohibited because it would destroy the view... But the rich hotel builders etc... eventually won out.. It was a sad day... I can remember the sugar white sand of Destin.. truly it spoiled me for all other beaches... all brown sand beaches just look dirty now. lol... Like i said we didn't hit the beach in Ft. Walton often and maybe thats why i don't remember the green algae...Hugs! deb

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    1. Oh I am so glad you told me this Deb! I know those must be wonderful memories for you. Yes, it was very clear that those who had built their beach homes across from the beach, were clearly "blocked" from their beach views once the hig rise condos came in and overtook their area. It was rather heartbreaking to see. We are not condo people....Destin is gorgeous but too overcrowded with numerous high rises....the beaches and water are lovely however! We are Pensacola lovers! Have a lovely day...hugs!

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  2. AnonymousJuly 15, 2015

    What lovely snaps and I'm sure you had a marvelous time. We lived on Galveston Island on the Texas Gulf Coast for the last 20 years until we moved here. The beaches were not quite as pretty as these but it was nice. Just too hot and humid! :) Fun times though.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. Oh Galveston....yep...totally different vibe isn't it? I am sure you had wonderful times there Shelia! All that humidity kept your skin glowing thought didn't it? Hugs for stopping by today!

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  3. Ohhhh...is there a beach house in your future? I think your beloved would be very content there. How true that the love of certain experiences and places can be generational. Hope that you have a beach vacation coming right up soon.

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    Replies
    1. He would love nothing better Vee....all good except for the sand that blows inside however...pesky!!!

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  4. We are a beach loving family! I don't care what beach it is--My favorite beach is the one I'm at with my family. Lovely photos and great sounding recipe. ♥

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  5. My parents live near Destin and we are there a few times per year. Always a gorgeous place! Looks like you had a great time!

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