Virginia Recap Part 2

On our day of site seeing in Richmond, Virgina, we spent a considerable amount of time driving around, trying to find our way and deciding where we should go. Before our trip, I emailed John and Sherry, from Young House Love, since they're natives to the area, perhaps they could recommend some good spots. Sherry kindly emailed me a blog post with their Five Richmond "Top Fives". On the list was Maymont, a beautiful expansive park with historic buildings, botanical gardens, gazebos, fountains, a nature center and a petting zoo. And it's free! 

We decided to check it out. However, as we entered through the iron gates at 4:30pm, the loud speakers began to announce "THE TIME IS NOW 4:30. THE PARK WILL BE CLOSING AT 5:00. THE GATES WILL BE CLOSED." At which point, we made a mad dash, trying to see as much of the park as we could while capturing a few photos! It was a 30 minute scramble to soak in the beauty surrounding us. We didn't even make it to the petting zoo, Japanese garden, or set foot inside the mansion. 

It was beautiful nonetheless. Scenic views, flowers and rolling hills. 

There were a couple photo shoots actually taking place. Definitely a perfect location. 

I'm glad we got to see it, and if given the chance, I'd go back and enjoy a more leisurely tour. 

After making it out of the iron gates in time, we drove by the Richmond Raceway Complex, and snapped a couple pictures for my Nascar loving Nephew, Elijah.

On Sunday, we left the hotel and headed for home. But not without stopping at IKEA in Woodbridge, VA! The mother ship of home furnishings, textiles, organization and all things Swedish made and affordable. Why, oh why won't they come to update New York? I have been to IKEA before, but this one felt like a college campus. The place is huge.

We took home a cheese grater (no ordinary cheese grater) and a portable wardrobe closet organizer. Ok, two portable wardrobe closet organizers. I got a little overzealous as I tend to, when it comes to bargains and organization. One of these is already helping my husband to corral his clothing off the floor.

As if that wasn't enough, my husband proved his love for me once again by taking me to the newly opened Fredrick, MD Wegmans. A beautiful store with a packed parking lot (of course). It felt like home. We got lunch and hit the road. 

It was a nice little trip to Virgina. Here are a few takeaways: 

1. "We're in the South" - what John and Andrew kept saying whenever we discovered something good, different or better about life in Virgina. 

2. People are nicer in Virginia. There definitely seemed to be a greater sense of common courtesy and chivalry. People opened doors for you. Store associates went out of their way to help you. Even in the not-so-good areas of town people were kind.

3. Why on earth are there random toll stops on sections of the highway requiring .30 cents EXACT CHANGE? Who keeps .30 cents on them? We're pretty sure we'll be receiving a ticket for .60 cents.

4. How does CiCi's Pizza Buffet make money? All you can eat pizza, salad and soup for an adult is $5.49. Kids under 3 are free. ALL YOU CAN EAT. If I had a family of 12, I'd be eating there at least once a week. I saw a few of those families doing just that.

5. Last but not least, it's always fun to travel to new places and make memories (even crazy ones) with good friends.

Virginia Recap Part 1

Our little trip to Virgina was two weeks ago. We saw quite a bit in about 3 days. I'll do my best to share the highlights, but as you know, my travel recaps tend to be a bit long-winded. I try not to leave anything out! 

The whole point of driving to Ashland, Virgina, was to tag along with my husband who is the assistant coach of a boys soccer team. Our friend, John, is the head coach, and his wife, Heather, is one of my oldest friends. We piled our stuff into one rental car, and they piled their stuff into another rental car, along with their 3 kids, under the age of 4. Road trip! 

Here's the breakdown: 2 cars, 4 days, 3 soccer games, 4 adults, 3 children, 1 hotel suite. Yes, that's right. We all roomed together. It was an adventure to remember! This was not a trip for catching up on sleep, but we sure had a lot of laughs and made a lot of memories. As usual, when Heather and I get together, it is guaranteed that there will be tons of laughing. And a few mishaps. And more laughing.

John and Andrew did their coaching thing, and we watched one of the three games. It was muddy. It wasn't as warm as we thought it would be. It was crowded. There wasn't anywhere for the kids to play. Needless to say, it wasn't the greatest morning. 

 

But the kids were troopers, we made it through, and the team won that game!

On to some fun stuff. A Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World was located right across form our hotel. Truth be told, I've never set food inside one of these manly-nature-outdoorsy stores before. Hunting, camping and "roughing it" are not really my type of thing. But, the store was enormous, filled with interesting displays, a cool elevator, a giant fish tank, bears and other (deceased) animals on display, a "shooting range" and game area, a general store, furniture, and more than I could have imagined being for sale in there. 

Tacoma and Kash, testing out the ATV's. 

The best part was getting to hang out with this little sweetie pie! Emerson is such a good baby girl. Look at that smile and her adorable outfit! I loved holding her. 

On Saturday, Andrew and I ventured off to explore Richmond. The sun was bright, not a cloud in the sky, a perfect afternoon for walking around and site seeing. 

I instantly liked the character of this part of the city, and it's cobble stone streets. 

And knitted tree trunk cozies? There's a new craft. Not sure how that would work. Or why.

What is it about ivy growing wildly on a wall that's so beautiful to me? Anyone else drawn to it?

We followed the James River Park and trails. It was a really great walking path along the river, under bridges, through a tunnel, winding along the railroad. Very pretty.

It actually led us right near the Virginia Holocaust Museum. We decided to take the tour and were transported to an unimaginable time in history. The museum strives to provide guests with an interactive experience through life size replicas, such as an actual hiding place, cattle cars, concentration camps and video and written accounts of survivors. It was extremely overwhelming and difficult to see their faces, read their stories and envision the absolute torture that millions of people suffered and endured. People like us. People with families and children. People that were persecuted, tormented and disposed of. I was reminded how much evil is in the world, how sinful mankind is and the depths of depravity of which people are capable of. How desperately we need a Savior and how merciful our God is! I was in tears when we left.

We walked outside, reflecting and talking about what we just saw. It definitely cast a sadness on the afternoon. We continued our site seeing, with a greater sense of gratitude and thankfulness to God.

Later on, we found a little restaurant called City Dogs, where they serve all kinds of "fancy" hot dogs. Andrew and I were intrigued by the menu. 
 

We ordered corn dog bites, Andrew got the Philly dog with peppers and onions, and I got the Southwest dog with jalapenos, guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips. That's right, I proved my ability to take on the jalapeno. Until I bit into one that made my throat burn and my face sweat. Lesson learned.  

My handsome date. He's even hotter than those jalapenos! (cue bad joke drum beat)

There's still a little more of our trip to share, but I'll save that for another post. I think I crammed enough information and photos into one for now! Extra points for you if you're reading this. Stay tuned for the rest!

Happy 30th Birthday To Me

It's official. Today, I am 30! Just a number, as my dear friends have been reminding me. It has been an incredibly wonderful birthday, especially since I was given a surprise celebration on Saturday! (More to come on that later) My co-workers took me to lunch today at my favorite Japanese restaurant. Andrew took me to dinner and has been spoiling me (As always. He was behind the surprise on Saturday). I have received beautiful cards and gifts and birthday messages - I am truly blessed and overwhelmed by the love of my friends and family. You have made this birthday very special for me and I love you!


My Mom and Dad sent me these two birthday photos from years ago. They both make me smile! I would get so excited for my birthday every year (still do!). I can even remember wearing that striped dress. How is it possible that so much time has gone by? God has been so very good to me. I am thankful for these 30 years and look forward to the years ahead!

Spring Fever

These guys have appeared. Yup. It's practically spring. And I've got spring fever. I walked outside without a coat. I drove with the sunroof open. It didn't look or feel like night when I left work (the only reason I like daylight savings). I even picked up sticks around the yard when I got home - voluntarily. You know it must be spring fever.

Sweet little crocus buds. Hope for warm and sunny days ahead.

Even the tulips are making an appearance. Hopefully the dear/bunnies won't get to them before they bloom. 

And a lone cluster of daffodils. Even though we've had an incredibly mild and actually enjoyable winter (thank you LORD!), I am always ready to welcome back spring. Everything is starting to look green again. A new season. New life! 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Virginia Road Trip

Lately, I've been so busy with work and freelance projects, I haven't had much time for blogging. The good news is, I get a little break, in the form of a road trip. We're heading to Richmond for a few days. The soccer team Andrew helps coach is attending a tournament, and I'm tagging along. We're also going with our friends and their 3 kids. It will be an adventure for sure!

I've never visited Richmond. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and checking out a new place. I'm not looking so forward to the drive, but hopefully it will go quickly. See you soon!

Embellished Kitchen Towels

I got this cute and easy idea from my new friend Katie, whom I met at Triple C (Coffee, Crafts & Conversation). She made some of these adorable fabric embellished kitchen towels and they're for sale at her Etsy shop. The minute I saw them, I wanted to give it a try. What a nice gift these would be. 

I found 2 white 100% cotton hand towels at Walmart (.99 cents each). You could use the ribbed kind or bar towels. These are a little softer, like terrycloth. Pick out the fabric you want to use - you only need a rectangle as long as the towel, the width is up to you. Be sure to wash both the towels and the fabric first.

I started by ironing the fabric and measuring it face down on top of the towel. The finished size of mine were 14 inches long by 5 inches wide (so I added about 1 1/2 inches all the way around for folding under). Fold and iron the seams. 

Turn the folded and ironed fabric over and pin in place to your towel. I started 3 inched up from the bottom. Then sew all the way around and you're done! I like to use a zigzag stitch.

Here's the green one hanging on my stove. 

And the yellow one hanging in the bathroom. These would be great for the kitchen or the bath. 

The simple addition of fabric turns an ordinary towel into one that's beautifully customized and instantly pretty in any room. 

These would make a great hostess, housewarming or anytime gift. I kinda want to keep them for myself!

Welcome March!

Photo from ohdeardesign.com
March came in like a lamb today (I hope it doesn't go out like a lion). One of my favorite months, brings the first day of spring, often on the same day as my birthday. That's March 20th, in case you want to mark your calendars. It's a BIG birthday this year. Yikes!

The countdown begins as I get ready to exit my 20's. A lot of amazing things happened in my 20's. I graduated college, got my first full-time job, I met and married my husband, we bought our first house, I've traveled to some wonderful places, and so much more that I'm counting my blessings for. I guess the bar has been set pretty high for the next decade!

I'll be savoring the next 19 days and probably doing a lot of reflecting and looking forward. Anyone have any advice or things I must do before I hit the big 3-0? Besides skydiving. That won't be happening.