Saturday, March 31, 2012

the Big One

We traveled down to NC for a first birthday party this month. Amazing how fast a year flies by!!! Our friends had a picnic party at this wonderful park--trains, boats, and a carousel. This public park put our local parks to shame and it was PACKED full of kids and families enjoying the spring weather. The decor from the party was absolutely adorable. Good parties take so much work, but are fun to just soak up when you are a guest.




Friday, March 30, 2012

This Moment 3.30.12


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, March 23, 2012

This Moment 3.23.12



{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (From Soule Mama...love this tradition so I am striving to do this as well...I need to take more time to savor and it will be such a treat to look back and remember these moments)

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Philly Foodventures

I recently ventured up north to Philadelphia for a work conference. In the past, I have been stuck in hotel no man's suburbland while traveling for work. This time around, my co-worker booked a room in a prime location in downtown Philly. Close to the convention, close to the Liberty Bell, and close to great food spots= Perfect 
Every morning while I was there I walked over to the Reading Terminal Market for coffee and pastries. After morning sessions I walked over to the Market for lunch. If I could have eaten dinner there I would have done that too...I know that sounds boring, but that place is amazing and overwhelming. Fresh delis, produce, baked goods, dairy...food everywhere. It is truly is a slice of heaven for foodies. I had a cheese steak inside a pretzel one day. YUM. I ate delicious Amish baked sticky buns and purchased my favorite truffles...champagne and caramel. Chocolate and cinnamon rolls truly are the way to this girl's heart. This was my first visit to Philadelphia so I was determined to try the real Philly cheesesteak. We went to Geno's (featured on the Food Network) and Campo's (across from Christ Church). I also shared a meal with a college friend and her family. Wonderful times. Needless to say, I consumed a ridiculous amount of calories. The food was worth every single calorie and it was awesome to see historic places up close.

me dorking out at Independence Hall


my first official "Philly" cheesesteak

the city

Friday, March 16, 2012

This Moment 3.16.12

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (From Soule Mama...love this tradition so I am striving to do this as well...I need to take more time to savor and it will be such a treat to look back and remember these moments)

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Craft Hope

One of my 2012 resolutions is to do some charity crafting. I want to make something special that will positively impact someone's life. No idea what this project will be, but I plan to craft blog stalk Craft Hope for some inspiration and motivation. It is always so absolutely amazing to read about their projects and see photos of beautiful items given and made with love for total strangers.
What a wonderful use of crafting skills and social media! If you haven't looked at their website or Facebook page, check them out. Craft Hope reminds me of one of my all-time favorite quotes: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead

In 2012 my happy crafty creation will brighten someone's day...and hopefully give hope and love to another.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Banana Bread!

If you are like me, your kitchen always has bananas waiting to be eaten...it seems like I buy too few and run out quickly, or buy too much and end up with a few overly ripe bananas. Usually I have good intentions of using these bananas...and get too busy with life to bake using these bananas.

I realized a couple days ago that my current bananas were dying...and decided to try a new recipe. This loaf recipe is from the Magnolia Bakery cookbook.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Banana Loaf







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, March 9, 2012

This Moment 3.9.12

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (From Soule Mama...love this tradition so I am striving to do this as well...I need to take more time to savor and it will be such a treat to look back and remember these moments)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

"Wicked" Good Times

My dear sweet Mums organized and purchased tickets for a girls only matinee showing of the traveling Broadway production of "Wicked." I saw it several years ago and loved it...so a second time around is double the fun. Such a treat.

Pre-show lunch at Bite 

Love the clear blue skies at Chrysler Hall

Mom, my sisters, and me

Because I knew you...I have been changed for the better

Monday, March 5, 2012

Another year older, maybe wiser??

So I celebrated another birthday this weekend. I am a year older and might be a little bit wiser?? I am undecided on that one. I am grateful for so many moments over the past year...watching my baby grow into a precocious young toddler...helping friends celebrate major milestones...sitting on a porch listening to the ocean with my husband as our vacation came to an end. I can't wait to see and share the year ahead. 
We shared fun times this weekend with some shopping, dining, and painting. We took a group to the pottery place down the street. I painted another egg for my Easter collection and a new mug for my little sister. I painted one for her about 10 years ago and it is about to completely break apart. My daughter painted the heck out of a little ladybug and an initial letter. She kept excitedly declaring, "I'm painting!" Love it.












Friday, March 2, 2012

the "Big Tree Park"

Our neighborhood has a little park down the street sandwiched and surrounded by homes...I have no idea what the official name of this park actually is...I just call it the big tree park. The name should be self explanatory when you look at these photos. There is a lone huge tree in this little park, along with some basic play equipment. It is not the most popular park in the neighborhood or the fanciest, but I like to come here occasionally with my daughter because of this tree. I just love this tree...it is majestic. Not California redwood majestic by any means, but Norfolk beautiful. It has a dedication plaque dating back to the World War. What a beautiful living tribute to lives lost in battle.






This Moment 3.2.12



{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. (From Soule Mama...love this tradition so I am striving to do this as well...I need to take more time to savor and it will be such a treat to look back and remember these moments)
Craft Hope Spreading seeds of hope one stitch at a time