Housewarming!

This past Tuesday night, I had a couple of people over for cupcakes and conversation. It was great to have old friends meet newer friends and for everyone to see the new place. Since it was a Tuesday night, I didn't have more than two hours to get everything ready after work and before everyone arrived. I felt rushed but, as soon as the first guests arrived, I slowed right down and enjoyed every minute of it. A place always feels more like a home when friends visit. I can't wait to host another shindig soon!

vanilla cupcakes with homemade cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate shavings:

Greg and Jay:

Holly:

Jeff showing off his tetanus shot bandaid?!:

Steven and Ginevra:

Marin "Jimmy" Horikawa and Bruised Ribs

I left work (on time) yesterday and was very ready to start the weekend. It was Marin's birthday and to celebrate, his fiancé Nelia set up a hibachi style dinner at Koto. She had invited a bunch of Marin's friends to the dinner and every one of them accepted the invitation. Our party of 18 filled up two tables! We had a great time toasting Marin, brainstorming-in an effort to determine what his American middle name could be, catching flying vegetables in our mouths and watching eggs spin on spatchulas. Koto always puts on a good show. Last night, the company watching it with me couldn't have been better.

I woke up this morning to SNOW! Maegen, Jay and I loaded up and headed to Stowe to take some turns. The drive down was beautiful. The new, sparkly-white snow hadn't yet fallen from the trees and the sun was beaming through their branches. We arrived and quickly realized that it was a powder day! We surveyed the trails on our way up the mountain and decided on our first run. We took full advantage of the powder trails first-they wouldn't remain a secret for long. I laughed all the way down the mountain. I fell many times while trying to keep the tip of my board up and out of the snow. It was heavy and my legs got tired fast but, it was worth it. It was the most snow I've seen this year! I was having a great second run on Sterling when (BAM!) I caught an edge and fell. I'm not sure what part of my body hit first but, I knew I felt it most in my side. I took a few moments to collect myself and then finished the run. I decided to sit out on the next run to see if I could stretch things out-it was a powder day and I was really excited to ride! I ended up taking one last run-nice and easy-but, called it a day as soon as I got to the bottom. Oy. We all agreed that despite the great conditions, it was time for lunch. We hit up The Reservoir for burgers and fries. Yum!

This afternoon consisted of TV watching and a nice dinner. My side is getting more sore by the hour. I think it's time for sleep. Goodnight!

It's the little things...

I popped into Mirabelle's during my lunch break today. I picked up a cup of soup and couldn't resist this coffee flavored treat. Thank goodness I notice them staring back at me. If you're in Burlington, this needs to be your next stop. It will make your day. All you need is one. They are small but, very rich.

While I was out, I also picked up a new cooking mag that I will put to good use this evening! My fridge has been low on everything for the last few days. The snow slows me down sometimes or at least keeps me from carrying bags and bags of groceries home on my shoulders. Let's eat!

February Blues.

I've started to write a few different times this week but, I haven't been able to find the right words. I came into work a bit late today...just because I needed to. It's quiet here. Many are on vacation, (it's Spring Break for the kids!) or enjoying the new, albeit wet, snow at Stowe. I'm playing, "catch up". Finally, a slight reprieve from the constant flow of emails that have been appearing in my inbox. My mind has been filled with work details for much of every day for the last month+. I realize I'm spending too much time decompressing-things have to change. Perhaps it's the gloomy, February weather too that's making me a little blue. I've been daydreaming of sandy beaches, warmer temperatures and the sound of the ocean. Soon...we'll reunite.

Until then, hang in there. Let's make the best of the rest of February.

Antarctica.

My mom and Patrick have made it as far south as they will ever go. They are in the seas off the coast of Antarctica. It's so neat to think of them way down there, listening to the ice shift while cruising along quietly among the iceburgs. They both love to travel and have done so extensively but, for some reason this trip has been the most interesting for me to hear about. So few make this trip. They say that only 1/5 of the planet is well suited for human life. The other 4/5 of the planet is deemed too extreme and requires special equipment/conditions for humans living there to survive. For me, their trip presents a bigger opportunity-to experience and witness a part of the earth that many do not. I'm proud of my mom and Patrick for making it down there! Stay warm you two.

"Sometimes beautiful is enough."

They are just clothes...things. Sometimes those things can create a feeling too-how you feel in them, or in this case, how you feel when you look at them. I’m inspired! It’s not likely that I’ll own any of these pieces but, I might try really hard to find a dress with a giant bow on the front that sways in the wind and feels great on my legs! Summer, I can see the tiniest little bit of you peeking around the corner!

Marc Jacobs RTW Fall, 2010

My bedroom!

Things are still coming together at my new place but, my bedroom is feeling more like home. The curtains are up, the night stands are put together and there's artwork on the walls. I've lost a little bit of my motivation now that I can get through most days without having to dig through a box to find something. Eventually, I'll find a home for those last few things that are laying around in the dining and living room. You have to come over for a visit soon! xo