Almost every year for the past decade, my mom and I have gone on annual trips together known as the “Mother-Daughter Weekend.” Last year, one of our very best, we went to the Hudson Valley for a weekend of wining and dining. You can read all about it!
- Hudson Valley Girls, Pt. 1
- Hudson Valley Girls, Pt. 2
- Hudson Valley Girls, Pt. 3
This year, we traveled to Stockton, New Jersey for a couple days of pampering and playing. Before we left, though, we kicked off the weekend with dinner together at Candle Cafe West.
This was our second visit to Candle, and once again, it did not disappoint. Over glasses of organic Sauvignon Blanc, we shared a relaxed meal full of ingredients that made our tummies and hearts happy.
My mom ordered the special, a vegetable lasagna with tofu ricotta, seitan, roasted peppers, and tomato sauce. We both agreed that had we not known the dish was vegan, we’d never have guessed it. It was delicious, and my dad enjoyed the leftovers!
I ordered thee grilled kale salad with haricots verts, beluga lentils, red onions, turnips, avocado, sunflower seeds, spelt berries and chive vinaigrette. Another winner! Dishes like these make me wish- if only for a moment- that I lived in a place where grilling was easy. Sometimes, as with grilling greens, the George Foreman just doesn’t cut it!
For dessert, we shared the brownie sundae with vanilla bean ice cream, strawberries, banana, salted peanuts and hot fudge. I ate every last bite, but to be honest, the brownie was a little dry and left something to be desired.
Just as we left, I stumbled upon wise words in the ladies’ room:
The next morning, we packed up and headed to our bed and breakfast, the Woolverton Inn. I love bed and breakfasts. They’re so cozy! Spacious rooms…
Comfortable reading spots…
Endless cups of hot coffee that someone else made.
Our room, the Balustrade, even had a balcony! It was such a treat.
On our first day, we spent our hours getting completely pampered. That meant manicures, pedicures, and massages. I felt so spoiled! My mama’s the best.
At our spa (cutely titled Skin ‘N Tonic), my mom’s manicurist was also a hairstylist and had her hair up in the cutest updo. Moment of truth: I never know what the heck to do with my strands. I’ve looked all over Pinterest and have found things that look easy, but I can never quite pull it off. Well, I just tried this one out and it worked! (I can try to put together an easy tutorial if any of you gals are interested.)
There will be more food in the post to come!
Do you and your mom/aunt/grandmother have any fun traditions?
