Memorial Day Recap

As I mentioned yesterday, we had a wonderful holiday weekend. To be honest, I was a little worried that having a baby might make things more on the stressful than fun side. Hauling diapers, changes of clothes, bottles etc down to the beach sounded like it could get complicated for a long weekend. I actually had way more fun with a baby around than I can remember! He loves the beach. My parents said I would fall asleep by the time I got down to the beach as a baby, and Weeks is the same way. Most of the time he wanted to snooze with the peaceful ocean sound in the background. We set up a huge tent each day that he could stay under and also give us some shade. 

Thursday night we celebrated a very special anniversary, my parents! We went to a favorite restaurant and indulged in the s'mores for dessert. Roasting s'mores is the best, isn't it?

{Weeks is also in the corner behind me!}

I hope everyone had beautiful weather like we did, especially in spite of the recent tornadoes. I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

One of our beach days, I could spend every day like this I think...

Sunday, Stephen and my brother gave me a chance to get out with the girls and do lunch and shopping. Good men, right? When I got back to the beach that afternoon, they had bought American flag bandanas. Look at this sweet thing sporting a bandana. I swear I'm a good Mom.

I have a feeling Weeks will cherish this picture when he is older.

Monday, we took Weeks for his maiden voyage on the boat. Babies do not particularly like life jackets, FYI. Just like any kid I know. His is infant and has a huge piece behind his head to support it and it ends up pulling up around his neck and crowding his face. Poor thing did not enjoy it.

  

Of course, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy such a lovely weekend if it weren't for the men and women who serve and protect our country. Thank you to all of you, and especially thinking of you Grandpa! 

I've been working on our birth story...eek! I hope to finally have it ready this week.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

xo.

What I've Been Up To

I mentioned last week that my family was in town, and I had the best time catching up with them after work for dinners and wine. One of the first nights they were here Stephen and I met them out on the beach for wine and cheese at sunset. This time of year, you are allowed to drive on the beach if you have a pass, which makes it really easy to head out for a little impromptu date instead of trudging through the sand out there.

I was having a very not so photogenic day, this one was the only one I could salvage, and in black and white at that;) Don't you hate it when that happens!

I think my parents picture turned out great!

 The sky ended up being very pretty in shades of pink and blue...

I love the reflection on the water in this next one...

Last Wednesday, we continued our adventures outdoors and took the boat to an island here, Shackleford, or as we call it "Shack". It was a chilly day so we bundled up in coats, boots and blankets for the ride over. My Aunt and Uncle's dog Nala joined us for the trip...

My mom and Aunt Pat and Nala, headed for adventure...

When we got to the island, one end was literally covered in thousands of birds. I had never seen it like this before! When they saw us coming, they immediately took off right in our path. It was funny to watch them fly away, it was almost like a scene from Happy Feet, but this was the bird version.

Walking around the island, I felt like I was an explorer in Antarctica, haha! This island is absolutely packed in the summertime, and being the only ones there was really crazy. 

 Wild ponies upon our arrival...

It was so much fun, despite the cold weather...It's always nice to enjoy some outdoors time even if it isn't your ideal warm day. 

I was introduced to Downton Abbey this past week by my parents (and Aunt & Uncle...and even my Grandma!) and after hearing the rave reviews I decided I had to jump on the bandwagon. Lucky for me, my Dad bought season 1 on DVD and let me borrow it. I'm definitely hooked and finished it all on Sunday afternoon. I have to catch up on Season 2 now, so hopefully they will be showing some reruns! Do you watch it?! Seriously, it's so good!! 

I love the clothing, the decor and the interactions. So intriguing.

 

And to wrap things up for the weekend, I made this breakfast that I had mentioned in last week's breakfast post HERE. I thought they were really tasty and came out perfectly! If you have to make breakfast for a large group, it's a great way to get the eggs cooked all at the same time.

Are you still with me? Whew. That was long I hope you aren't bored! I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day and at the very least indulged in some yummy sweets! I know I sure did. Thank you for all of the sweet comments on the last post as well. I think hubby enjoyed the spotlight for the day!

Happy Thursday!! xo.

Weekend in Pictures

Our weekend was exactly what I needed. We spent the weekend at my parent's beach house with them and my younger sister. When I say we go to the beach house, it is very convenient. As in, it's a five minute drive over a bridge! Very nice for an easy getaway. We spent the weekend going out for nice dinners- once with Stephen's family and once with mine. Saturday was absolutely gorgeous. Perfect for some shopping with the girls. This picture really doesn't do any justice, but I snapped it as we were going over the bridge in Emerald Isle- we ventured down that way for some shopping and lunch.

After we got back from shopping, my sister and I took our dogs out on the beach. There is something so therapeutic about the smell of salt air. Here's my sweet girl doing her best to pose. Yes, she has to be on a leash on the beach. Stephen and I made that mistake once and I thought I would never see her again as she bolted down the beach.

This is my sister's golden, Teddy. I've never seen a dog lie down and dig holes at the same time, but that is what he did. He's still quite the puppy and this was the least bit of sand that he had all day on his nose.

Last night we had another amazing dinner. This fresh crab dip came from a market that sells food from one of our favorite restaurants, Beaufort Grocery. We also picked up a frozen lasagna that you better believe I am fixing for dinner this week! 

I'm really hoping after being spoiled with 60 degree weather this weekend that we don't plunge into a really cold February. I have the itch more than ever for spring and summer! 

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend!! xo.

Friday Finds: Simple Pleasures

{Wake up to this...}

{Sweetheart Sugar Cookies}

{Some beautiful tulips}

{A nice relaxing breakfast}

{Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake}

{A room with a view}

We are so looking forward to a relaxing weekend! My family is in town and I can't wait to spend the weekend at the beach house enjoying simple pleasures like these. Hope you all have a wonderful, fun weekend! xoxo.

*Also linking up to Sarah's blog for Inspiration Friday- check it out!!*



Our Weekend

This was my view leaving work Friday afternoon. It might have been the prettiest day of the month so far. I only wish the sunsets lasted a little longer this time of year, they go so quick!

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am in that I live in such a beautiful place. Even though we live in a coastal town, it's easy to take it for granted in the winter months. We took our lunch break in Atlantic Beach on Thursday at our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Zarape {so so good}, and just simply crossing the big beach bridge made me miss the beach house and all that comes with it. That prompted a mini getaway Friday night at the beach and it was perfect. Absolutely what I needed. My husband, our dogs, wine and listening to music on the porch wrapped up in a blanket. I need not ask for more!

We made a delicious dinner with fresh shrimp, peppers and a garlic/wine/butter sauce. There is no recipe, just simply adding things here and there as needed...my favorite way to have pasta.

Our sweet babies enjoyed a night out as well. They love coming to the beach house...they get to sprawl out, hang out on the porch and usually get way more snacks than they do at home! 

Saturday night we went to a friends house to watch basketball and have dinner. I had been wanting to make a fun holiday drink but couldn't decide at the store, so I ended up with Cranberry Juice and Lime Juice and figured I could do something with that. I ended up crunching up candy canes into small pieces and mixed that in with my juice and vodka. It was awesome, the peppermint took the bite off of the cranberry and sweetened it a little more. I brought a pitcher over for everyone, and don't worry it was gone at the end of the night. For a similar recipe, use this and add crushed peppermint to your mix, or even add it on the rim of the glass.

Don't you love this photo of these drinks? Mine looked similar I promise. 

{Image Via}

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I cannot believe it's the week of Christmas! It finally feels like it here too...there was frost on the ground this morning and I will definitely be wearing the fur coat today! xoxo.

yachts and seafood

This weekend Morehead City hosted the 25th Annual NC Seafood Festival on the waterfront. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the megayacht Seafair came to port and hosted an exhibition of art galleries primarily from North Carolina Artists. The yacht was so worth the $10 to tour, do it if you ever have the chance! The only seafood I ended up eating all day was a delicious shrimp burger, I enjoyed every bite!

Entering Seafair, definitely deserves a photo!

Plenty of bars for the gentlemen!

It was a gorgeous day.

time out for corn on the cob

Live music, yes please!

And a pretty day made for a seriously gorgeous sunset.

Off to finish reading The Help (I think I am the last person to read it!)