And I'm Back!

I started, even completed, several posts this past week while we were visiting family.  But either I couldn't get the pictures to load or the post didn't sound how I wanted it to, and so I just left it.  It was nice to have the break.  We got back into Baltimore about noon today and my house smelled like nothing.  The air hadn't been on, we hadn't been home cooking, no candles had been lit and so to fix that problem we went to the store, grabbed some maple syrup and bacon and decided pancakes with bacon and hot tea was what was called for!  (It didn't help that as soon as we got home I picked up the Little House book I had forgotten!)

The week was so busy it was exhausting.  Literally every day, every night we had something we were doing.  And we still didn't get to see everyone we wanted to!  It's been a hard balance, going home, and trying to see everyone in one go.  Some people's feelings get hurt, some understand and we chat and re-schedule, but we do what we can.  We love seeing everyone, but boy is it madness!  

On the drive home it got really cold at night, enough I was wrapped up in my scarf to even walk into a building.  I got so excited!  The heat has been too much for me and I am looking forward to another crazy winter of a soup pot on the stove and a kettle on water on constantly.  I'm hoping to take a couple knitting classes soon, and one will be knitting socks so that I can knit some warm wool ones for G and I.  Maybe I'll even go crazy and knit some for the dogs....hey, their feet get cold too!  I'm just excited for the homey feeling our house gets in the colder weather.  I became much more of a busy bee then, cleaning, cooking, sewing, knitting, and it feels more like me.  Where can we move that it's just enough summer to grow a good veggie garden but it's cold most of the year? 

Quick

I've been busy busy since our vacation began, I've made time to write a couple posts, but having trouble uploading pics to finish them.  So I thought I would do a quick update.

Went to a dessert auction, ate too much sugar, still couldn't keep me awake.  Played faux parents, had a blast, lots of giggles and horsey rides.  Sophie and Audrey vet visit, went well, spoiled puppies.  Late night with a friend, strange, overwhelming, exhausted at 4 a.m.  Breakfast and lunch with inlaws, excellent girl time, new old typewriter.  Typing love letters to one another, nothing like that ching, old school romance.  Hamburgers grilled tonight, so excited, delicious simplicity.

I will expand with a bunch of photos later, still so much planned for this week!

Off Track

Do you have moments where you get off track from the lifestyle you love?  Maybe it's as soon as life gets busy?  Maybe it's around certain people?  For me, it's often when I go home to visit family.  Because I see it as a vacation.  And for a long time vacation to me meant getting to do things I normally wouldn't.  Like consuming half a bag of cheetos (now you know why they're not even allowed in our house!).  Or just eating mindlessly because it's there. 

So I'm resolving that the next time we go on "vacation" (which happens to be in a couple days), we don't do this.  We don't decide that it means being lazy and thoughtless with our life.  We're picking up our CSA before we leave, so we should have plenty of veggies for healthy lunches during the day.  We're not planning on drinking much wine while we're home (since I really do need to remember that wine is not calorie free).  I'm hoping the weather permits daily walks.  I know G and I have both missed taking walks at night, something that wouldn't be smart here.  

And a very important thing is I'm not packing many options for clothes.  We're bringing my tiny suitcase (the one I packed to fly home in April), and packing carefully for the two of us.  We have to pick a few things up from home and we need the trunk space.  We are packing 2-3 small coolers for the ride home (2 are ones that belong to my parents).  That way we can make some sandwiches for the road rather than caving and hitting up fast food.  We can also cut up some veggies, bring some fruit, and also include some cold izze drinks.  We're heading out bright and early after getting a good night's sleep, so we're packing food accordingly.  We'll be stopping for coffee along the way (or hot water for tea) and enjoying the day.

How do you prepare for the moments of weakness when it comes to remaining chic? 

Staycation Break

So, while I take a mini break from my staycation (G is unloading and reloading the dishwasher), I thought I would post real quick about how it's going.  Thursday pate and wine was amazing, but we were so tired neither one of us remembers going to bed.  We were there and then we woke up (really early, we fell asleep by maybe 9:30).  Which was nice, and very well needed as neither one of us had slept well last week.  


Friday was spent being lazy, reading, heading to Indian for lunch (we closed them down after having been there 2 1/2 hrs).  For dinner we had leftover veggie soup with bread.....and wine of course.  Woke up early today to head to the market where we picked up more broccoli, sugar snap peas (most of which we devoured immediately), garlic, red potatoes, peppers, romaine, and radishes.  Headed to coffee afterwards and enjoyed flipping through my new Vogue (the one with Marion Cotillard on the cover).  Then dropped off the veggies and headed out to the library.  


On route to the American Visionary Art Museum we stopped off in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, picked up The Washington Post, and stopped at a Bistro for lunch.  Three hours later, completely sated we headed to the car, only to stop at a park bench to sit and read more of the paper.  Finally we headed to the museum where it was firmly decided in my mind that most modern art just isn't for me.  Walked along the water, took in some sun, then headed home to finish off some wine.  


Dinner was simple.  After spending the evening consuming nearly all the peas, plus going on a nearly mile and a half run, we were hungry, but wanting something simple.  French bread, goat's cheese, caramelized onions and a tiny bit of fresh time made a delicious meal.  I also made tomorrow's lunch and dinner, but you will just have to wait and see what that is!


Now we're sipping on watermelon coolers (watermelon, lime juice, crushed ice).  Perfect in this hot weather.  Staycation has been an amazing success so far, and we're only halfway through!  

Staycation

G has a 4 day weekend!  We thought about going away for the weekend, taking off with the puppies to a bed and breakfast and escaping the whole holiday weekend.  But then I suggested us saving our money (we're wanting to rent this place for a week or so next Spring in Paris) and having a staycation instead.  Where we stay in, stay local, and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  Last night we jumpstarted it with pate and prosecco at one of our favorite haunts.  Then home, where we quickly fell asleep, with me waking up at 5 this morning.  Crazy, right?

We're going out today to work out, eat, and then it's back home for some canoodling and perhaps G will finally get to watch Slum Dog Millionaire (I saw it over a year ago).  We're also planning to hit up a modern art museum.  (and come to think of it I have a piece of my own to finish for the house....)  

Tomorrow is a free day, we'll be headed to the farmer's market and a local cafe for coffee, of course, but then it's home to relax.  Sunday we have a very early breakfast/brunch at a neighborhood diner I heard about from the girl's at the bookclub and then yesterday got an e-mail about from a brunching friend.  Fate?  I think so!

What I can assure you we will not be doing this weekend?  Fireworks.  The crazy crowds are just not my thing.  There's just something about any environment where parents let their children run around like they had no home training that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  So, adult activities it is!

*As for the lack of photos lately, iPhoto is acting wonky, or the browsers are.  We're figuring it out.*

Why My Heart Is Full

This weekend we are headed home for a week to see my eldest baby brother graduate high school.  Normally I will admit I kinda dread going home since I feel out of place there.  However, I am so excited I can barely contain myself.  While we will have a full schedule, it's a goodness.  I will be:


* Running every morning with G around my parents neighborhood as well as down to a local place that has been serving classic American food since the 30's I think. (might be the 40's).  
* Walking the puppies daily.
* Meeting up with my best friend for always needed coffee talk as well as an overnight stay I think.  
* Meeting up with one of my oldest and dearest to plan being a bridesmaid for her this fall!  I've never been to a fall wedding, and to be able to celebrate her happiness means so much to me.
* Going to sushi with a friend G has never met.
* Hopefully making it up to Omaha to see a friend I haven't seen in years as well as another friend's new baby!
* Working on a surprise project for my parents home.
* Getting G's motorcycle out to ride as well as taking a ride on his dad's Harley.
* Going target shooting with G's dad.  I've never shot a gun with real bullets, so I'm a wee bit nervous, but G's betting I'll be a good shot.  
* Taking my Grandmama out for lunch at my favorite brunch place.
* Relaxing and having a good time with some of my favorite people in the world!


I have other things I have yet to book, but people I need to see, so I better get right on that!  

Vacation Fashion

Just a couple shots from my mini vacation:

Lunch with Daddy

In the mirror of the hotel before heading out.

Me and T out.  I love those gold earrings, so glad I picked them up at Express.

Me with my yummy croissant in Chicago.

It' Been Real Fun

But I am so ready to be home with G!  He took off Thursday and Friday so that we have a 4 day weekend together, and I am so appreciative of that.  We're hoping to maybe get to D.C. again this weekend (wearing more practical shoes this time!).  He's also planned a lo key date night for us tomorrow evening.

I have loved being home with my family.  I've been lucky enough to spend a bit of quality time with each of them.  My Grandmama and I spent yesterday afternoon just sitting around chatting.  Nice, relaxing, with a bit of madness thrown in.  (large families always seem to have a bit of madness) 

I went away to be able to see my family.  Before I left G and I had begun workng on things, so I wasn't leaving to leave him.  In fact I didn't want to go.  But it gave us both time to think and figure some things out.  G has been figuring out how to clean up after himself, and I've been figuring out how to not check up on him so much.  He's going to make mistakes for sure, and I'm going to have to let him. 

I also learned that as little as I sometimes think I do with my day, I'm busier than I think.  Being home and not being able to really sit and do research and write (my computer is with G) has been odd.  And while I do read a lot of blogs and catch up with shows during the day, a lot of time doing those things has caused me to pause at something and think, sometimes applying it to my own life, sometimes tucking it away for writing later.  It's been nice to have afternoons where I have nothing to do, but it has helped me figure out that realistically I do more than I think.  And I need that.

This vacation has made me so thankful for my life.  I like being in charge of my own home.  I like having a schedule.  And I love my husband!  I'm hoping he continues to bring me coffee in bed, because short of the morning I was at the hotel, I haven't had coffee in the mornings at all!  And that, dear friends, is madness!

"You Haven't Posted Since You've Been Home"

Yes, thank you, I know, Maman.  I also still need to draw for the giveaway, but without my handy dandy computer I am having trouble figuring out how to do it all.  So it may have to wait until I get home on Wednesday.  Whatever, I'm a bit late.  I will be posting the winner on Wednesday and then get it out by Friday.  Yay!

I've been home.  It's been a whirlwind.  Yeah, that about sums it up.  My best friend booked a hotel room (a Victorian suite) for Friday night in something that looked like either the Titanic or The Shining.....or both.  It was amazing, and we're definitely staying there again.  The night out was just what I needed.  Until I fell a few feet off a chair, without even alcohol to blame.  Heels and this klutz don't mix, and though nothing is broken I am very, very bruised. 

Yesterday was shopping with maman and the niece.  Good times, and I think my mom is happy with what she got, so mission accomplished. 

Today I painted my niece's toenails Essie's "Raspberry."  Super cute, and now I will paint mine and my maman's to match (if she'll agree to it). 

I promise pictures are coming, I'm just unsure how to use my parents computer.  Isn't it funny how used to our ow equipment we get?

Packing Is Troublesome

I have a confession.  I am a horrible packer.  I went to London for 5 days when G and I were engaged and packed 2 suitcases, and an extra that I filled while there (my maman had sent gifts for our Christmas and I picked up a few things as well).  I cannot pack light for the life of me.  

But I'm gonna try.  I'm packing a handbag and a carryon and making it work.  After I pack I'll post pics, because it will be a miracle in my vintage Lady Baltimore case.  

Helping is that the outfit I am wearing today and the outfit from yesterday are getting packed.  

Yesterday's Outfit

Shirt:  Old Navy

Belt:  Target

Seersucker Skirt:  Gap, thrifted

Shoes:  Thrifted ($2!)

Tote: Liberty of London for Target

Sunglasses: Target

Today

Necklace:  H&M

Ceramic mug:  Target with my Africa Love cozy

Shirt: Banana Republic

Cardigan: LOFT

Jeans:  Banana Republic

Shoes:  Bandolino, thrifted

The skirt outfit will be for church on Sunday.  Cute, springy, and easy to carry my niece around in.  The jeans outfit might be for my flight back or a coffee date for a friend.  Apparently the key to packing light is multi-tasking.  For instance, the blue shirt can be thrown on with jeans.  The black cardigan is a lightweight cashmere and can be mixed with most of my clothing.  I'm packing quite a bit of mix and match things so I have more options. 

What is the one thing you have to have when you travel?  Music?  Water?  A sleep pillow?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a spring green bundt pan and a few things picked especially for you!

Taking A Breath

I don't know how to write this.  I am taking a break from my life for a bit next week.  I head home on Tuesday (still need to book my flight) and will be staying a week or two.  Garret and I both need some time apart to think and it gives me a chance to spend some time with family and friends.  There was some issues the other evening that left us both exhausted and I finally have made the decision to take a petite break from the stress.  It also means that I have had to cut ties with a few people for a while.  Without going into details here, suffice to say there has been some words said that people didn't have a place to say, lies told and a wee bit of betrayal, and I need a break from the stress and drama.


I will still be doing the giveaway and will have G mail it out for me afterwards.  He and I are still speaking, in fact as long as we aren't arguing we're still headed to a birthday party on Sunday.  We're both working on things, but a break is needed for some perspective.  I would like to make it clear that we are not separating, just taking a breath.  


I want to thank each of you who have read here this last month and commented or e-mailed me with encouragement.  I will be posting a bit while home, though I don't know how much.  I am wanting to see some friends that I haven't seen in a while, and I will also be busy going through things we had in storage to make sure nothing useless was included (old paperwork and the like).  And I plan on spending tons of time with my grandmama and maman!  (I will say I'm a tiny bit excited to see my niece as well, just a tiny bit)  And when I'm done visiting I will be coming back here.  My birthday and our anniversary are in less than a month and I am planning on coming back in time for those!

Sledding

On G's birthday we went sledding down the huge hill in front of my parents house.  There also may have been some snow balls thrown.  And I made a snow angel.  I laid in the snow for about 3 minutes straight waiting for my maman to get the camera.  It was quiet there.    Thank God for my daddy being a firefighter because I was wearing part of his get up (my brother was wearing the other half since it swamped me) and I kept nice and warm.  My mom has video of us sledding, which I am going to have to have her send to me to post.  It was hilarious and a blast!  After we came inside and had hot cocoa with the marshmallows I had dipped in chocolate and crushed peppermint.  Yum!  G and my daddy started up a fire and we were nice and toasty!

We are soooo sexy!

The group of us!  Me with my men!

Lying in the snow angel pose.

My husband's sexy firegirl wife.

Doesn't he look homey?

I love our sledding adventures!!!