What if you could go to an island, eat seafood, crack open coconuts, participate in physical and mental challenges AND watch an entire season of Survivor all in one!? We did. My Survivor BFFs Hillary and Ellen and I started a conversation about six months ago about how amazing it would be to watch a whole season all the way through – you know when you get to the point where you just can’t stop watching! We usually chip away at each season bit by bit a few times a week, but the idea of a Survivor retreat weekend was hatched. There would be challenges, buffs, a beach and lots of Survivor watching.
I seriously wanted to only eat rice and coconuts, live in our bathing suits and not shower the whole time, but the girls vetoed that idea. So we did #SurvivorRetreat comfortable style – with dinners out, wine and time to play on the beach.
We did wear buffs though – the whole weekend!
We took the short trip to Norfolk and rented a tiny condo for two nights. All we needed was a TV!
Challenge 1
The first challenge took place in the car – Ellen prepared 30 trivia questions for Hillary and I. Winner: Hillary by a landslide : )
Upon our arrival we started the first episode immediately. We couldn’t wait!
Then we ventured out to the beach, which was along the Chesapeake Bay.
After hanging out a bit, we showered and watched two more episodes during cocktail hour.
Challenge 2
Our second challenge was at dinner – Hillary’s boyfriend tied three ropes in a bunch of different kinds of knots. Each rope was the same. We had to untie them as fast as possible. Winner: Tie between Ellen and me!!
We had dinner at Groovy’s and shared fried oysters, clams and a broiled seafood platter.
Then it was time for a couple more episodes until bedtime.
Hillary made smoothies for breakfast the next morning, and we watched a few more episodes before going out to the beach. It was SO NICE to be with people who wanted to keep watching the season as much as I did!
Mid-morning I went for a 4 mile run while Ellen walked on the beach and Hillary set up our biggest physical challenge.
Challenge 3
It’s hard to see, but she took garden steaks and made hurdles to go over and under. We had to balance a tennis ball on a racquet through the course.
Once we passed the last hurdle, we had to toss the tennis ball in the solo cup – this was really hard!!
The final step was classic Survivor – a bag of puzzle pieces was hidden in the sand. We had to dig it up and then solve a word scramble.
The phrase was one we say all the time, so I actually figured it out pretty easily and won!! Kath wins immunity! Man was my adrenaline pumping – I can’t imagine how much it would be in a real Survivor challenge! Hillary did the challenge against me in round II though and won. I was exhausted and stumped on the phrase.
Back inside a little later we had some snacks with another episode and then made lunch – open faced sandwiches and tomato basil mozzarella salad.
After the merge we did more challenges!
Challenge 4
Ellen used BananaGram tiles to put phrases into bags for us and then hid the bags in the living room. We had to hunt down the bags (in order!) and then solve 3 word scrambles. This was my worst challenge of the weekend! I was sooooo stumped and Hillary won!
Challenge 5
One of the challenges I planned was a food challenge. On Survivor they often have to eat really gross things like raw eggs and bugs, so I bought gummy frogs, worms and sharks and Ellen and Hillary had to see who could eat a bowl of them the fastest.
Another win for Hillary!
Challenge 6
Ellen brought three mind bending puzzles that we each did a time trial on. They were so hard! I only got 2 of the 3 right. Winner: Ellen!
Challenge 7
Next up: who can hold the coconuts (bocce balls) the longest! Gotta have a “who can the longest” challenge in a season of Survivor. Winner: me!!
We went for a walk on the beach and then showered for cocktail hour and dinner with a few more episodes!
We went to Greenie’s for dinner where we had an OK meal. Fried fish, fries and slaw for me, plus more fried oysters!
Challenge 8
Another word scramble – new phrases. Winner: Ellen!
Challenge 9
Hillary prepared a bunch of quotes from former Survivors and Ellen and I had to guess who said them. Ellen won that one too!
Back at home we watched the final episodes before the finale, which we saved for breakfast.
In the morning we made peanut butter toast and fruit and watched the finale of Survivor One World. Good season, great winner!!!!!!!
Challenge 10
Our final challenge was to see who could crack open a coconut the fastest.
Winner: me!! The water inside was quite briney, which was surprising, but I liked the meat.
Wish we’d had a fire and cast iron skillet to make coconut popcorn Survivor style!
We ended up with a three-way tie for the win. We each excelled in different things!
We had such an amazing weekend, and it got me so pumped that I made an audition tape for the real show!!! I’m sure my chances are one in a million to get on, but I will cross my fingers.
I don’t think Survivor has ever cast a blogger! If CBS called, I would totally accept, buff as a mini skirt and all!
Laurie says
What an amazing idea! Looks like you had a ball. Glad you all survived 🙂
Elyse says
What a fun idea!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Such a fun trip!! Great idea!!!
Emily @ Life on Food says
Haha this is great. I think my heart started beating faster the further along I got on the post. Good luck on the entry. I would be cheering for you.
Molly says
Just wanted to say that your arms are smoking! Jealous!
Linda @ The Fitty says
1. We have similar body types and you look fabulous, Kath!
2. I love that you always make time for play. Most people think it’s a waste of time and they disregard it but you don’t. I think that’s why you’re always so vibrant and young at heart.
Kathleen says
What a fun weekend! Where is your bathing suit top from? It’s lovely !
KathEats says
Athleta! The Twister bikini. It’s the best – I can run in it. It’s what I would wear if I were on Survivor : )
Savannah Thaler says
I applied twice at 19 and 20 years old… on the “hear-by” date the first time, I kept my phone out during my entire O-chem lecture because I KNEW I would be getting a phone call. Needless to say, I did NOT spend my summer on an island fighting to stay alive but I guess it was for the best. If I had won the million dollars, my life would be a lot different now and since being broke builds character, I should be thankful for where I’m at, right?
KathEats says
Haha that’s so cool you applied! There must be millions of people, and they probably have a formula of the two tribes that they need that reduces chances even more. But you’re right it’s worth a try!
Laura says
Sounds like an awesome weekend, what a great idea! I don’t really watch the show but I’d definitely watch it if you were on!
Amy D. says
Haha what an awesome idea! I haven’t watched Survivor in years, but I might have to start again. Especially if you made it on Kath, that would be so cool!
Nicole says
Kath, as a full time working mother, I am finding you as a mother harder and harder to relate to. That used to be my favorite part of your blog…you were a mother trying to balance it all! Now as of late, I feel that all you post about is how you are “forever on vacation”. I mean no disrespect, but you don’t work full time and you are always going away, at a social event, or dropping off your child at daycare. You have SO much free time that it’s very unrelatable. Maybe I’m not getting the correct vibe but I would appreciate your thoughts on this. It’s just leaving such a bad taste in my mouth. I hope you allow this comment as I have been nothing but respectful, and only allowing positive comments truly hurts the authenticity of your blog and blogging ethical standards. Thanks for your time
Ava says
I have to agree with this comment. Nicole was very respectful and genuine in her constructive critism. I have always related to you as a blogger because you are a mom! But I do feel disconnected as of late. You have an abundance of free time that I don’t think most mothers have, especially not working mothers. Perhaps you can use some of that free time to volunteer or give back! That would make really great posts kath 🙂
Lori says
Should Kath stay at home all the time or find more work to do so as not to make you feel bad, because you can’t go on vacation all the time? Or maybe she should lie about how she spends her time so that you can feel like you relate to her. Blog readers are so crazy these days. It’s one thing to be jealous of someone’s ability to go on vacation a lot, but to suggest that she shouldn’t is ridiculous. She has made an awesome life for herself!
Farah says
I agree with Nicole and Ava. I have always loved this blog, especially around the time you were pregnant with Mazen. It used to be genuine and relatable. Now, it is mainly vacation recaps and sponsored posts. Most people are unable to vacation during a majority of the year like you are. Not realistic or relatable to an average person. I also don’t see how you can spend so much time away from Mazen. I’m not trying to be ugly, just stating my opinion. I have always enjoyed this blog, and feel like there has been a huge change.
Tonya says
Nicole, that was a very respectful comment (even if it weren’t, that’s kath’s business, not mine lol) I’m just offering another perspective. There are blogs and shows I follow where I don’t necessarily relate to the lifestyle being presented, but I enjoy the content for…whatever reason. Ya know? Trust me–Kath and I are from two completely different demographics and lead very different lives, but I read her because it’s just passing entertainment–a quick read on a topic I’m interested in. *shrug* Maybe view the vacation posts as a vicarious living experience? IDK Just sayin’, it’s kind of hard to ask someone to make their life more relatable…
So says
I honestly can’t believe these comments, even if they are respectful. I follow blogs to get recipe ideas, fashion updates, and yes to see how other mothers manage their time. It gives me hope that my life doesn’t only have to be about laundry. I have a full time job, and two kids ages 10 and 6, and frankly, Kath’s blog encourages me to enjoy some “me time” and have an entertaining life with the kids, and sometimes without them. I just went on a beach/yoga vacation with a friend and had a great time. I came back rested, happy, and so ready to go on another beach vacation with my kids. bTW these were not expensive trips. While I was away, the kids had a great week going fishing with their dad and grand-parents. They were not stranded on a desert island and we all reunited so happy to see each other and tell stories, show pictures about our week. Life can be boring if you let it, but these blogs give me ideas, that I adapt to my lifestyle and budget, to live a full life, be happy and healthy, and I am sure that it benefits my kids. I must admit that I didn’t do any of it when the kids were under 3, but only gradually after. Blogs do not have to be followed faithfully forever, we must read the ones that inspire us and it may change over time which is totally fine.
Sarah @ O-HI-30 says
I find this string of comments to be incredible, and not in a good way! First of all, I don’t think Kath is always on vacation. Yes, she just went on vacation, but does that mean she’s not allowed to go on a girls weekend too? Second, if you don’t find reading about her life enjoyable or relateable, then you don’t have to read about her life. Is she really supposed to conduct her life differently because of how the blog world perceives it? Blogs are supposed to be authentic.
Also, another thing to think about is that Kath is not sharing every single detail of her life with us. We don’t know exactly what her days are like, what her marriage is like, what her life is like aside from what she chooses to tell us on this blog. Just because you’re reading this and thinking she’s “always on vacation” doesn’t mean that’s how it really is. She’s sharing the parts of her life she wants to share with us, and more power to her!
Kath, I, for one, love reading about your life and find you so authentic and refreshing. Keep doing you!
Lee Harrison says
I was surprised at the criticism too. I’ve been lurking on this blog for years and am much older than Kath’s parents! Kath seems to be a very hard worker and very organized! She doesn’t waste time or sweat the small stuff! We could all take a lesson. Party on Kath!
Candice says
Agreed. Kath’s lifestyle is encouraging for this soon-to-be mother. I am so tired of people telling me my life is over once I have kids, and this gives me hope that I can still enjoy some of the things I do now, just maybe a little differently than before.
Christine says
I hate to correct you all but this blog has never been about Kath being a mom. Ever. She has a completely separate blog specifically for that. This is a food and lifestyle blog which is Kath’s fulltime job. Just because she’s not a 9 to 5’er doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a full time job. And you can say you mean no disrespect all you want but you comments are still judgemental and absolutely dispectful when you feel that you can judge how Kath parents her child. Ever see Mazen look neglected or unhappy? Yeah, me neither. He’s obviously happy, healthy and adored by both his parents and extented family.
Em says
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject:
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2015 21:21:54 +1000
This blog was never about balancing motherhood and full-time work. It began when Kath was fresh out of college and was pitched to inspire people, who were interested, to eat ‘real food’. Kath shares her food journey and with that has come the inclusions of the highs and lows of life, that she so graciously shares with the world. What an inspiration she and Matt are. They have created what looks to be an amazing life and with that I am sure has included a tremendous amount of incredibly hard work. Kath was a pioneer for food bloggers and she has helped put food bloggers on the map. She has created a lifestyle for herself where she is in control of her own business – no she doesn’t work 9-5 hours but I bet she begins work in the early hours of the morning when Mazen is asleep and works till late when he goes to bed. As a mother who works from home, starting a business, I can say I have never worked so hard. Too often we mother’s who work from home can be judged as slacking off some how because we do not physically transport ourselves to a place of work. Our work is breathing down our necks 24/7 and we have to be tremendously driven to be accountable to ourselves each and every day. How inspiring Kath is to women – a beautiful family, strong family ties and a role model as to how to live a healthy life. We women/mums should stick together. We shouldn’t judge each other regarding how we choose to put food on the table and bring up our children. We should support each other, be inspired by each other and stick together in sharing the one job we all struggle with each day – being the best mothers we can be. Thank you Kath, for continuing to share your life experiences and inspiring me each day.
caitlinhtp says
hahaha i love this
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
hahaha this is amazing- such dedication to the show!! Makes me kinda want to start watching survivor again, it’s been yeeeeears since I watched an episode!
Samantha @ThePlantedVegan says
What a cool idea! Sounds like such an awesome trip!
kim says
That last pic of you is INCREDIBLE- you look so great Kath!! What a fun time- glad you shared with us 🙂
[email protected] says
That looks so fun!
Allison says
I want a weekend like this but Amazing Race style!
Alice says
Is a “buff” a wristband? Is that a survivor thing?
KathEats says
It’s like a bandana that they have to wear at all times – as a headband, on the wrist, as a tube top or mini skirt – lots of creative ways!
LindaB says
How fun that you and your friends were able to get away to do something silly for a weekend! I would love to see the faces of the other people at that beach. Did you get any funny looks? Did any kids ask if they could play? 🙂 This would be a fun idea for Mazen’s next birthday party!
KathEats says
Luckily the beach was pretty deserted when we did our challenge! When we did the bocce ball one though people did give us looks – I think they thought we were just working out!
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
What a fun and creative weekend! You look AWESOME!
Katherine says
I can honestly say I’ve never watched Survivor and never had any interest, but if you get on… I’m watching! Best of luck. They’d be crazy not to have you…
anotherLaura says
I LOVE this, what fun!
I hope CBS calls you, Needless to say I would be glued to my TV cheering you on. : )
Alice says
*stakes
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
What a fun get together!
Amanda says
This looks like SO much fun- I totally would have loved this, lol.
Sara says
Hillary I have the same phone case! 🙂
Sydney says
I would LOVE to do a Survivor retreat! What a fun idea 🙂 Now I just need to find some like-minded friends to join me! Good luck with your audition to the show. Would be so fun to watch you on there!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
This is amazing! So creative and fun!
Liz says
How awesome!! I love Survivor too (and Big Brother! But I know you don’t watch that one). That would be so fantastic to see you on Survivor!! Team Kath all the way 🙂
Micki says
I would love to see your audition tape! Have you posted it anywhere? I tried out at an open call years ago. All you did was full out an application and make a video but I did get a callback! I made it halfway through the casting process before I was eliminated. You don’t get much feedback on what’s going on but I had fun and it was neat to see the “other side” of the casting process.
KathEats says
That’s so cool! I haven’t edited it together yet…soon! Not sure I will share though 🙂
Holly says
Kath, you should share it and we can all retweet/regram it and tag the producers!! : )
KathEats says
: )
Jilly says
Yes!!! Long time reader and commenter as you know here! I will retweet and facebook and everything if you post your entry video! We all want to see you on Survivor! Go, Kath, Go!
Micki says
That’s actually a really good idea. I applied before social media was a “thing” but they want you to do crazy, creative, fun stuff to get noticed and be on the show. A creative video paired with a social media campaign from your fans plus your already established blog audience is a triple threat. You have a real shot, Kath. Consiser your options! Good luck!
Kate @ Indulgent Wellness says
About half-way through the post I was thinking “have you ever applied to be on the show?” and I’m SO GLAD you did! I pledge my support for #TeamKath!
Jacklyn @ Jack's Balancing Act says
I share your passion for Survivor and freaked out a little when I saw this post… so much fun to read the recap of, let alone actually do!! Definitely keeping this in mind as a Summer 2016 plan!
Michele says
This looks like so much fun! I haven’t watched Survivor in years but if you were on, I’d definitely watch! 🙂
Kerri says
Love! Love! What an awesome idea! #survivorretreat I’ve always thought the show should put together a retreat that is available to the public where you go for the week or weekend and go all out survivor style. If they don’t create it, you’ve already got a head start with all the fun challenge ideas! Hope casting calls!
Janelle @Wholly Healthy says
This sounds so fun – great idea!
Kate says
Love this! Love all yours posts! You rock. Haters gon’ hate!
Brett says
Kath this is so cute and fun.
Jeanie says
I do not watch Survivor or much television at all, but your getaway looks like a total blast!
Ella says
KATH I want to apply for Survivor too and have since I was 16 but with 3 kids age 3 and under… I don’t even know when that might happen! By the time it does I’ll definitely be in the “old farts” camp (40+, not that that’s old at all, but when they did the youth vs age season “youth” was under 30 and “age” was over 40 lol).
This was such a fun post!
Karen H. says
Fun post. Wish you luck in the application process! I think you’d be an awesome contestant!
Karen b says
Survivor, Blogger! I’d watch.
Amanda says
What a creative and FUN thing to do! I enjoyed reading about it.