It’s very strange to be home. I feel like a stranger in my house! Matt is cute as ever and I can tell he really missed me
And although he cleaned the house, it feels SO dirty! I’m going on a cleaning spree today.
Yesterday afternoon I unpacked quickly, which was easy because everything went straight into the washing machine. I unpacked some of my trinkets!
He loved his elephant beer bottle opener!!
Estate tea!! 
I was able to take a 30 minute nap, but I held up pretty well throughout the day. After a shower and chance of clothes, we headed out to Justin and Amanda’s for the party!
There were lots of fun things to nibble:
Kelsey brought her famous pimento cheese, which I hate many unphotographed nibbles of:
Matt made homemade spanakopita with spinach and feta and puff pastry:
Hummus + veg!
I had some wine
I also had some sips of Matt’s latest home brew: Buzz Bently’s “Hop To Me Honey Child” Lager (more info on that later!)
I was famished by the time we got there! Multiply this plate x3!?
For dinner Justin and Amanda grilled burgers and chicken sausages. I had an Apple chick sausage, which I loved, plus some of Kate’s Famous Salad and Michelle’s pasta salad.
And tried a few sips of this passion fruit wheat beer!! So cool since I just ate fresh passion fruit for the first time. I could def. taste it in there.
A bit more wine
We watched the Lipton Highlights Video on Justin’s huge TV!
And THEN….Amanda made chocolate fondue!!!!!
And Kate made these amazing butterscotch choco chip cookies. She used salted butter and let it melt some, but otherwise just the Tollhouse cookie recipe. These were the best cookies I’ve had in ages. I think I had 2 whole ones??
And Michelle made brownies, which were divine in the chocolate sauce
My plates. You can add a few more spoonfuls of chocolate to this. I think we all went a little crazy with it and left really full.
The party was a wonderful way to end a wonderful week. I passed out as soon as my head hit my pillow.
Sunday
I woke up at 5:30a wide awake and humming one of the African songs!!! But eventually fell back asleep until almost 9! Guess I’m all caught up now. I’m still pretty disoriented and making oatmeal was strange. In fact, I wasn’t even really craving oatmeal today!? But I had some anyways – to try out my new bowl!
This was basic 1/3 cup whipped banana with a few raisins topped with a bit of Whitney in Chicago’s last few bites of granola and a few peanuts and a dollop of PB. It was simple and divine.
Old faithful
I don’t even know what’s on my agenda today, but one thing’s for sure: I can’t WAIT to go for a run!!!! Luckily we have nice weather.
I also can’t wait to get back to eating 90% healthy again. This week was a big change for my body in a lot of ways (no sleep, eating new foods and too much of them, little exercise) and that was fine and appropriate to fully enjoy my adventure. But as you can probably tell from the photos, I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and truth be told that I’ve gained a few (not just this week, but the weeks preceding too.) So I’m back on the healthy living wagon and excited and motivated about it.
Off to dust this house!
Jessica says
Welcome back to NC, Kath!
Jessica says
Welcome back to NC, Kath! Love the trinkets your purchased, cute bottle opener, purses and oatmeal bowl. I hope you get some more rest and enjoy yourself today!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
Welcome home!!! It looks like you had a blast at the party, and I love all the trinkets you brought back. Was that tea any different than the tea we get here?
Amy says
Hey Kath, long time lurker, just wanted to let you know I just got back from my spring break too and have also enjoyed myself FULLY in the last couple of weeks, and I’m recommitting myself to my good old healthy lifestyle of exercise and nutritious eats. Good luck! Now I’m off to the gym 🙂
life coach jen says
Sometimes we all need a break from the constant healthy thoughts and eating, but they always get us ready to be back on track! I love your giraffe piece!
Michelle Hisae says
You’re so right – it wouldn’t have done Africa justice if you hadn’t enjoyed all the different foods to the fullest! And it’s always nice to come home and settle back into that routine, too. Enjoy your run!
Joanie says
Glad you’re back safe and sound. What a fun party last night. Thanks for sharing all of the good times.
K says
Welcome back!! What a great pot luck and I adore your African dishware 🙂
Marisa (trim the fat) says
Oh, love all the trinkets you bought! That bowl is so beautiful!
I can’t believe you said you weren’t in the mood for oats??!!! Africa really did a number on you – LOL!!!
Enjoy your run today!
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday says
Glad you are back safe and sound. All of the jewlery and trinkets are so pretty, you will enjoy those forever!!
Moran says
Its good to see you are home safe and sound!!!
Looks like you had a fun party last night!
Thanks again for sharing your awesome experience!
Kori says
It’s great to have you back Kath! At least the few extra pounds are “happy” pounds gained through adventure and enjoying your experiences! You look great already and I’m sure that you’ll be back in your comfortable “fighting form” before you know it!
Kailey (SnackFace) says
Welcome back, Kath! I absolutely adored every single vacation post, but it’s always refreshing to be back home, isn’t it? I’m glad you got to fully enjoy everything, including enjoying the delicious foods. You’ll be back to the 90% healthy eating in no time! Enjoy your Sunday!
Fancy says
Welcome home, Kath! 🙂
Meghan Telpner says
Now this could be a random shot in the dark but from I where I stand, this looks like a great big case of small world but were you just on the Lipton tea tour with media? And did someone named Vanessa happen to cross your path?
M says
I think the few pounds you may have gained were absolutely worth it and will come off as soon as you resume your regular schedule. I’m glad you were able to enjoy your trip to the fullest and didn’t worry too much about calories and exercise, etc.
Oh She Glows says
I LOVE the goodies you bought on your trip- such beautiful keepsakes!
It would be really easy to gain weight while on such a fun trip like that…I’m glad you enjoyed it without worry. You set such a positive example for women everywhere…keep it up!
Bev says
Welcome back ! I’m sure it feels really weird to get back to normal life style. Your oatmeal bowl and other goodies are really cool. You hair looks great. Did you have it highlighted ?
VeggieGirl says
WELCOME HOME SWEET HOME!!
Laura says
It’s so inspiring to hear that gaining a few pounds is no big deal. I’m definitely an avid reader of your blog, but figured I would “introduce” myself so I would feel less creepy. =]
-Laura
Kara says
Mmmm homemade spanikopita!! Glad you’re home safe and sound!
Priyanka says
Welcome home Kath! I like the animal print bowl and the accessories.
I am really fond of accessories.
Have a relaxing day!
Ryane says
It’s like spring cleaning time for our bodies too!
You look great with your little tan though!
Sarah (lovINmytummy) says
I bet it feels so good to be back with your hubs, in your own bed, eating your own food! Traveling is nice, but there’s nothing like home.
Kelsey Miles says
I love the new oatmeal bowl + spoon!!.. I plan on making my outfit match the giraffe today :).. + your Decemberist CD is ready for you– complete with artwork!!
Meaghen says
Welcome home and way to get right back into the swing of things and back to the healthy and active!!
That new bowl is super cute!
thepinkpeppercorn says
I love the elephant bottle opener too! What a wonderful adventure – again 🙂 I hope you feel back to normal soon!!! (I overdo it on trips…so I know what you mean)
Sonia says
what a great trip!!
thanks for sharing your adventures, and all the foods you ate!
(KLM rocks!)
I love your African bowl , looks great with the oats! 😀
if you are getting interested in environmentalism you can check out my blog! (http://www.ecotoad.org)
Enjoy the sunshine!
and welcome back!
Sharon says
Oh wow, what a trip! I love the trinkets!
Leanne says
Nice that you got to catch up with your friends right when you got back… As much fun as vacation is, the feeling of getting back into your own routine is always nice!
WEEKLY BITE says
Great to see you got back safe and sound!
Caitlin says
Wow-I love that bowl!
Jessica says
Kath! your hair looks really cute in that picture towards the beginning of the post!!
And the chocolate fondue and cookies sounds soooo good!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
Welcome back!
Katie says
Glad you made it home safely and were able to stay awake to enjoy your friends’ party. Looks like a blast!
You brought back so many fun trinkets!
Haleigh says
The African trinkets are adorable and it seems like you had an amazing adventure! I love how you didn’t freak out about gaining a few over vacation, I wish I could do the same! You are such a healthy inspiration! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and welcome back 🙂
Julie says
I love all your little trinkets! They look so…African! It must feel great to be home, welcome back! 🙂
Heather says
Welcome back!! It’s been so interesting to be able to follow your trip… so THANK YOU so much for sharing it all with us!
The party sounds so fun! I’m surprised you were up to it after such an adventure, but I’m sure you were glad you went!
I know you did a lot of flying and I was wondering if you ever get motion sickness? I can barely ride in a car for more than 30 minutes without getting sick! Dramamine is my best friend 😉 Just curious if you had to take anything or had any problems with that?
brandi says
i love all the trinkets! glad you got back safely 🙂
kirsten says
welcome back ! I love all the stuff you bought !!
Marissa says
Welcome back!
Kate says
so glad you’re back!!! I am in love w/ those apple chicken sausages!
JR says
Kath,
Just wanted to thank you for putting so much time, effort and honesty into all of your posts. Your blog is so inspiring and always puts a smile on my face. Welcome back!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
Welcome back!!
Your trinkets are adorable — great finds 😉
Bec says
love all the souvenirs you got, Matts new bottle opener in so cute!
Kath says
Mara ,
The estate tea was more red/orange than the black tea that I’m used to, but it was good and still similar to regular Lipton.
Meghan,
YES and YES!! Actually Vanessa just sent me your blog link yesterday! Have you been reading KERF long or did you just stumble over and know Vanessa was there too?
Bev ,
Thanks 🙂 And no, the highlights are natural. I guess that equatorial sun was super bright.
Laura ,
Nice to meet you!
Heather ,
I don’t have any trouble with motion sickness (I was able to blog in the back of the van while driving!) but if you do, I would never go on a safari. It was soo bumpy. Good thing they have medicine though.
Kath
Diana says
i love all of your goodies! 100% my style!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Welcome back!
seelee live (for the love of peanut butter) says
this has been very inspiring to read. the fact that You are not “flipping out” and making the slight weight gain a huge deal (are ya sure it isnt in ur imagination 😉 ?) is totally rejuvenating to read. See, the difference is that U still know that the sun also rises!! there is always a new day-the world does not END after an enjoyful week-u deserved every bit of it. great work, kath!!
Amelia says
Welcome back! I loved hearing about your travels.
I really like your bowls and bracelets. Very cool souvenirs, especially because you can use them daily!
capedaisy says
yum. that new dish will make oatmeal lots of fun!
NAOmni says
I gained some weight in kenya…all the fried food! People were surprised, but that’s just what happens sometimes…
NAOmni
Lauren says
LOVE the bowl!
The party food looks amazing – passion fruit beer sounds yummy! The chocolate fondue looks divine 🙂 We have an as-of-yet unused fondue pot. I can’t decide whether to make cheese or chocolate fondue first. Hmmmm…
Meg says
Welcome home! Love all your goodies you brought back.
Caroline says
Love the trinkets–especially the new bowl!