Post Hiatus - Happy New Year

Have been on a serious hiatus through the holidays and into the new year.  It's taken me until Jan 20 to write this New Years post because I hate conforming.  I refuse to make a damn resolution.  New Year, New Me . . . My Ass!  Simply put, we have the opportunity to re-invent ourselves or resolve to make changes at any point during the 12 months of every year.  So, I refuse to conform to the idea that come January 1, I'm going to be a new, healthier me.  I ate McDonald's on New Year's Day and I've also drank my weight in alcohol these past few weeks.  The Christmas decorations only just came down this past week so we were still celebrating!  My mother calls me a rebel, and I own that.  I simply hate abiding by rules and am detracted by the conformity and conventionality of things.  (I am, however, quite entertained by Snapchat filters - how conventional is that?!)

Comfort Food

I'm more of a seasonal cook.  Spring and Summer are "eh" - I'm not that inspired.  But, when it comes to Fall and Winter, oh, the inspiration flows.  I can come up with a dozen reasons to make a new dish or craft a new cocktail.  If you've followed the blog, you know that I hate (wait - that's too mild a word), I despise Summer.  But, when Fall arrives, my soul comes alive.  Right now, I'm really into comfort foods.  The cooler weather insists that a meal be warm and comforting, savory and rich and always served with a glass of wine.

Falling in Love with Fall

Metaphorically speaking, I believe you go through seasons in your life, in your marriage, in your emotions.  Without these seasons, wouldn't life be so dull?  I catch myself falling madly in love with Fall each year.  She is one of my greatest loves!  And these are a few of my favorite things to indulge in at this special time of year.  Happy Fall Y'all!

Caramel Apple Cider Mimosa at The Bee & The Biscuit

The perfect ski coat . . . . now what to do with it?

My husband finally bought me the ski coat I've been coveting for years. It was a birthday present. I picked it out, I tried it on, he paid for it. Two extra sizes up because I like them roomy and long enough to cover my bum. Black parka with a faux fur trimmed collar. I will finally ski gracefully down the slopes as the diva in the perfect outfit as I've always imagined. Well, at least in theory. First and foremost, I am nothing if not ungraceful and clumsy. But, I live off the fact that despite skiing down the slopes disgracefully, By God, I will look good doing it.  I can't wait to rock that ski outfit albeit if I never ski down a single slope. Because the thing is, I had a minor incident on the slopes last year, tearing my MCL after a very clumsy right hand turn maneuver and am . . . . 1) slightly scared to re-injure my knee B) petrified of anything but the bunny slope and 3) not willing to mess up my beautiful new ski coat.

Memories from previous ski trips abound . . . . .

Hatteras Island

There is a place on the far Eastern Coast that is a jewel among the sea.  Off the coast of North Carolina and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, lies Hatteras Island.  It is an extension of part of the greater known and beloved Outer Banks.  It is isolated, picturesque and romantic.

Shearling Clog - What Comes Around, Goes Around

Back in 2005, I purchased these Michael Kors Clogs. Shoes are something that I believe are works of art. Well, some of them are just meant to get you from point A to point B. But, others are meant to be admired. These were those shoes for me. They are still in their box, nearly brand new. I wore them a few times and felt like a rock star every time. But, they were the most uncomfortable pieces of art I'd ever worn.

Vinley Market Bubbles and Rosé Club

I recently subscribed to Vinley Market's Bubbles and Rosé Club because well, who doesn't like getting a sweet surprise of Bubbly and Rosé.  Vinley Market is a boutique wine marketplace, selecting specially curated wines and delivering to your doorstep.  

Biding my time until Fall

For those who know me well, Summer is not my season.  The picture below may look serene but deep inside, I was miserable that day.  I'm allergic to heat and sweat and anything that makes me dirty.  Thus - summer and specifically, the beach are my worst nightmares come true.  I can appreciate the beauty of the ocean and the soothing sound of the waves but I am petrified of the icky, gigantic, and monster-like creatures that reside there.  Life Lesson #1 - Stay far, far away from monster-like creatures.

A "Toast" to Toast

On a random afternoon, I ventured out in search of food and booze.  With plans later in the afternoon in Downtown Norfolk, I decided on Toast.  To be honest, it was their home-made Ginger Beer (which happens to pair well with Bourbon) that led my thirsty self there.

Hello Spring

In another life of mine, Spring was simply pollen, weeds and slightly warmer temps.  Seasons changed, time passed and just like the somber ground, my head was full of weeds and unwanted things.  The timeless quote, "Stop and smell the Roses", was taken in jest.  For, when can you really stop and smell the roses when you are knee deep in manure (also known as shit)?