Design Adventure

Last weekend, The Girl, In the Tweeds, and I took a little road trip to Leesburg, VA.

Our first stop was a winery, where we were rushed through six tastes of wine by a girl who was quite talkative. Isn't wine-tasting supposed to be enjoyed slowly ? Oh well.

Our next stop more than made up for it. We went to the Old Lucketts Store! - a place full of vintage treasures . . and yes, even some junk. Much of it was overpriced, but not everything, and you better believe I found a couple things in that "not everything" category.

Would've loved to take home that cowhide over the railing!

It's hard for me to look at that ornate white frame mirror back there! So lovely!

Not only did we spend awhile browsing the three levels of the store, but we happened to be there during a Design House weekend where they open up a house they've fully decorated, marking everything on sale!

There are the girls walking through the breezeway to get to the hidden house.

Here are a few of the lovely things we saw . .

I'm loving the headboard here, although my tastes tend more toward chic than shabby.

Preeetty table.

I called dibs on the sofa! . . but not before ITT did. Of course, neither of us took it home.

I wish I had the patience for sewing, because I'd love to make a look-a-like ruffle pillow!

What a uniquely gorgeous chair!

Now here's something practical I would've liked to take home. The color is nice and subtle, and the couch was actually quite comfy! At $400, I'd call this a good deal.

Here's another piece I wanted. Not so much the shade, but I loved the floral design and happy yellow. But alas, I don't really have a place for it right now.

I don't really have a place for this faux bamboo mirror either, but I couldn't pass it up. Imagine was a coat of paint will do!

I also walked away with a smaller white ornate frame mirror. I'm in love with it!

All this treasure hunting and design loving wore me out, and I fell asleep in the backseat on the ride home. Sorry, girls! I can't wait for our next design adventure!

Today

Today was a little bit worrisome.

But then I remembered that I don't ever need to worry.

There may just be a test on the horizon.

"Hi test! It's been a little while. But by God's grace I'm going to pass you!"

On not-so-happy days, cookie dough tastes even better.

Delicious Dinner

With only three weeks left before seeing our friend off to an 8 year neurosurgery residency in Denver (whoa), KC has put some fancy farewell dinners on the calendar. It’s exactly what I would want if I were moving . . or even if I were not moving! The first of these dinners was last weekend, when four of us made reservations at DC Coast downtown. My initial plan was of course to only indulge in an entrée and skip the first course and dessert. However, as I'm sure you could've guessed, plans changed.

Several first course items caught my attention, and the extremely knowledgeable server sold me on the tuna tartare in coconut milk and lime juice. The presentation was top-notch! The tuna came served in a coconut bowl that sat atop a bed of ice and slices of lime! Scooped onto wonton crisps, the dish was absolute perfection.

Although the Coast is apparently one of DC’s best seafood restaurants, I had also heard great things from the bartender about their pork chop. I almost always order seafood at upscale restaurants, so I was in need of a change. Served in a light delicious sauce (of I don't know what) with snap pea ragout, wild ramps, and Norland potatoes, I devoured it with no ordering regrets. It was by far the best pork chop I’ve ever tasted! In addition, we all shared sides of sautéed spinach (best ever!) and macaroni and three cheese gratin.

When the dessert menus were delivered, we laughed that the homemade ice cream trio specified Tahitian vanilla bean (in addition to milk chocolate caramel and strawberry) as if it were that much different than regular vanilla bean. But oh, how wrong we were! The Tahitian part was amazing.

I do a fair amount of eating out, but between the sharing, the laughing, the eye-closing enjoyment of the food, and the phenomenal flavor, presentation, and service, this is one dinner I won’t forget.

I'm anxiously awaiting our next meal!

(Unfortunately KC hasn’t sent along pictures and my camera was dead.)

I'm Definitely Interested

“One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. they come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

(Thanks, Kelly.)

Gold Cup

(not our car)

This past weekend, I spent all day Saturday at the horse races - the big-deal Virginia Gold Cup. I'd been in the fall, but the spring event is a much dressier, even rowdier affair, and quite honestly, a lot more fun.

We secured a spot right at the fence and set up our chairs, grill, and table full of snacks. Our table was not nearly as fancy as many others we saw with floral centerpieces, real china, and silver. Not exactly the kind of tailgate I'm used to!

Someone else's definition of tailgating includes a pitcher of sangria and a sit-down meal!The fanciest spread of all!

Before the races began, we sat back and watched the pretty (and ugly) dresses file in, especially taking note of all the hats.

One of my favorites.

And one of my least favorites

.

The ladies aren't the only ones in fun outfits. Check out what the guys were wearing . .

Seersucker and John Deere, not two things I would normally put together, but I like it!

Bowties and pastels galore.

Oh and look at this - an actual "gold cup".

Between races, we also . .

Walked around the "members only" camp

Tried on fancy hats

Placed (dollar) bets among our group

Grilled burgers (and some made drinks)

And then the races began . .


It was a fun day out in the countryside and hopefully I'll be able to go back next year!

Collecting

Over the past three years it's been fun collecting small things that will later tell the story of my life here. I don't hold on to everything, but a ticket here or there, a receipt, or a bottle of champagne with the Presidential seal remind me of experiences I've had that I might otherwise not fully remember. You can't always take pictures of everything.

The other day, I snagged this plastic card my boss mistakenly brought back to the office. (I'm covering up the call-in number.) I have friends that have traveled with the President (Bush), been responsible for ensuring that his speeches were factual, even a friend that flew solo on Air Force One with the secret service. I can't tell stories quite that cool (or let's be honest, even close), but I still think it's pretty great that I get the opportunity to work so closely to the leader of our country (since my boss meets with him and his advisors regularly). To be a part of something that will one day be written about in history books, whether I like that piece of history or not.

The fact that I'm here is proof that God's plans are way bigger and better than anything we can dream up. It makes the future that much more exciting.

(By the way, I think bigger and better plans can be had anywhere. In homes, in families, in jobs that don't seem very exciting. My job is no more significant than my stay-at-home mother's was or my car salesman dad's is. It's just different, and it's just where God wants me.)

Cookbook Giveaway

I am all about giveaways and commenting for a chance to win. I'm also all about sharing great blogs, like Erin Cooks. She regularly cooks up delicious meals and takes lovely pictures of them. You're not surprised I love it, are you?

This week, Erin is giving away a copy of the cookbook "Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It". Go comment for a chance to win and check out the toaster tarts she just made. Mmmm.

Sunday Service

God reminded me of a great song pre-church service today:

"O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes up on Jesus
Look full in His Wonderful face
And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O'er us sin no more has dominion -
For more than conquerors we are

His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!"

This entire weekend was fun-filled and wonderful . . but church service was the best part!

Pastor's message from Acts 2 was excellent!

I'm so glad that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! - Hebrews 13:8

Happy May Day!

Courtesy: Crazy Loves Company

My Kids

I can’t believe they’re six years old today, those precious little twins I met only 3 weeks after their premature birth. The moment I saw their beautiful faces, I knew I’d become Nanny Laura. I also watched their 3-year-old brother, a red-headed boy that was at once terribly challenging (to say the least) and completely lovable. But it was with Evan and Caroline that I really developed a bond. I can still envision them there on the padded table, sleeping while touching, rarely opening their eyes. I knew what their cries meant, how to get them to sleep, and I loved every moment of watching them grow and change, seeing their little personalities develop and observing their interactions. My heart aches a little just thinking about them; I miss them so much! “My kids”, I used call them. And how could I not feel that way in some small capacity, after spending so much time watching them grow?

They made me realize how much I’ll love my own children someday.

I wish I could be there to celebrate with them, but instead I'm just remembering them with this post.

Four years ago, I wrote about them here.

Aren't they precious? (Clearly didn't have digital pics.)

A Fun Birthday Dinner!

The other night, I celebrated the 34th birthday of a dear friend here - the one The Texan introduced me to.

It was one expensive celebration, but a delicious one for sure! She is such a good friend to me, and I'm so thankful to have met her. To be honest, we've both been surprised at how well we get along given our strong and opposing political views.

As I said to her last night, "I understand where you're coming from and I love you . . I just fundamentally disagree."

We joke that we agree on the most important things in life and that's all that matters: Nebraska football, her dog's lovableness, and which gym is the best in town.

I'm glad I've been able to build friendships with those I don't see eye to eye with, something I honestly didn't have back in Nebraska. It's important to listen to and love those that see things differently . . even if they are wrong. ;) Kidding, kidding.

And after last night, we can add another thing to the list of things we have in common: loving the restaurant Eventide. I'm adding it to my list of favorites. The ambiance was um, sexy? - not sure how to describe it with its tall ceilings in a dark, spacious dining area lit by gorgeous chandeliers and surrounded with exposed cement walls. The booths even had little doors you opened to step inside - how cozy! It was laid back elegance at its best! I only wish the portions had been larger considering the prices. Then again, maybe I am just used to walking out of a restaurant nearly comotose from food consumption. I'd love to go back soon - especially if someone else wanted to pay. :)

Of course I took pictures!

Braised rabbit cannelloni

Roasted chicken breast with carrot puree and pan stuffing

Lobster tagliatelle with lobster meatballs (the birthday girl's dinner)

Dessert was shared among all of us . . caramelized banana crepe, chocolate mousse, and olive oil cake with berries. Mmmmm.

All eaten while sipping a glass of Pinot Noir.

I love birthdays!

The Tulips

Remember my vow to pick up some tulips last week? I did it! But they were a pretty sorry bunch of flowers. Still, for $5 I can’t complain. The pink made me happy. Thanks Trader Joe’s! *Next time I’m gonna splurge at the shop around the corner, though. :)

I know I was just looking forward to Spring, but . .

Ate another dinner at Pizzeria Paradiso with my roommates this week. Tuna and white bean salad scooped onto their delicious bread. I should’ve been unpacking, but the beautiful weather was perfect for walking across the bridge to Georgetown and eating in a dining room open to the air outside.

“What are you most looking forward to about summer?”, one roommate asked during dinner.

I knew immediately.

1) More open air dinners
2) Baseball games
3) Water-skiing
4) A line-up of six country concerts
5) Going home for the 4th of July

Summers may be terribly humid here, but I love them anyway.

What are you looking forward to?

She's Country

*Yawn*

Is it Friday yet? I am feeling sick-exhausted from my quick weekend road trip to Nashville. The “quick” part certainly wasn’t the driving, at a whopping 10+ hours each way. I learned that if you’re tired enough, the floor space between the front and back seat? You’ll find a way to make it work. I barely fit, but I slept there for several hours as we drove all night on Thursday. I wish car manufacturers would do away with that bump in the middle!

Despite the lack of sleep, the two days we spent in Nashvegas were a total blast! I was the only one out of nine girls that didn’t run in the Country Half Marathon, but the roles of official cheerleader and picture-taker were fine by me. I began training for a half last year, and a subsequent foot injury sent me to the podiatrist for a shot of cortisone and six painful weeks in flats. I like to avoid repeat injuries when possible, although standing in the check-in line with the girls, I almost last-minute signed up. Better judgment won the day, thank goodness!

I think the trip recap would best be told in pictures, and goodness knows, I took plenty!

Downtown Nashville, Broadway

Live music at Tootsie's

Bar top dancin' with the girls. Nothing scandalous, of course! Like my new Stetson hat?

Lounging by the river before dinner

Drooling over real gator boots. The pair I loved were on sale for $300. Typical.

The fun doesn't wait until dark to begin.

Speaking of dark, we headed to the marathon at 5:30am. This sign was right outside the hotel.

I made friends with a woman who was there to cheer on her husband. She drove me around to watch for my friends. This little girl was making a sign for her mommy at the 6 mile marker.

And here come the 31,000+ runners.

The post-race evening concert featured Billy Currington. He was doing a few things right. :) GREAT concert!

And this was the point at which I was ready to call it a night. Way too crowded. Way too many drunk people.

I've come to the conclusion that Nashville is heaven . . in the daytime. I was disappointed to see so many clubs and such a rowdy atmosphere once night came. During the day, we'd had a blast at the karaoke bars, listening to great live country bands and getting excited for the line dancing and even better bands we thought we'd see that night. But it seems that Nashville's trying to appeal to the non-country lovers and young'uns that don't care about the city's roots. I didn't need to go to Tennessee to see bass bumpin' cars and sketchy characters running the streets. Thoroughly dissapointing. Then again, maybe I just hit the wrong places.

But I don't want to end on a bad note. I still loved Nashville! It's a beautiful city filled with loads of talent and very friendly people. I'm excited to go back someDAY.