Weekend Collection

Friday's dinner involved walking around countless people and food trucks.  "The Battle of the Food Trucks" was in full force, and believe me, the husband and I got around.  Both of us were happy with our respective selections for dinner, but I was even happier with our selection for dessert.  A salted caramel chocolate, mint chocolate, fudge, and orangescicle cupcake each went home to be devoured over the weekend.  They were well worth the calories.

This weekend brought a visitor from Pennsylvania.  A fellow teacher who loves all things English (in both the British sense and the language sense).  And thus, our great adventure began.

On Saturday, we left early in the morning to drive to Montgomery where the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum was waiting for us.  Although not extensive, the museum sits in a lovely house where the Fitzgeralds resided when living close to Zelda's family.  Because of in-law issues and the oppressive summer heat, F. Scott was not particularly fond of living Montgomery, and they were never around for long.  However, it was one of the longest places of residence for the Fitzgeralds, including their daughter.

The museum included pictures and memorabilia from Zelda and Scott's respective families, as well as pictures and letters dating from their courtship and on.  Some of Zelda's artwork was on display, and first editions of all Scott's novels!  The excitement and complete nerd-ing out was overwhelming.

Then we jumped into the car and headed to Monroeville, Harper Lee's hometown.  We had tickets to see a performance of "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the courthouse that inspired the events in the famed novel.  It was breathtaking.  The performance was wonderful, and we wanted Atticus to come home and read us a bedtime story.  He was the perfect performer.  A long drive home and a stop at a Waffle House capped off our long Saturday.

Sunday was a day of BBQ and relaxation and that was alright with me.  It's hard to come back down to earth after such an exciting, fun-filled weekend, but I am so glad that such a dear friend was able to visit.

April Favorites

This month was probably my busiest of all the months thus far.  I was looking for quick and easy fixes to issues I was dealing with at the time.  As the cold months left, my skin was doing crazy things, I was completely depressed by the beautiful but dark colors in every room, and I was looking for a little color in every corner.

West Elm bedding | The first thing I wanted to update was our cranberry-colored bedspread.  These lighter, coastal tones of the duvet cover paired well with slate Pottery Barn pillow covers and a matching throw.

Bella Kettle | This "hot pot" or kettle was the perfect colorful replacement.  It earned its spot on the counter.

Le Pens | The office supply nerd inside of me could not pass up the beauty of these pens.  And the fine tip.

Clarasonic Mia2 | For my crazy skin, Karl bought me this long-coveted face cleansing tool for my birthday.  Dealing with all sorts of sun, dirt, and general track grime deep in my pores, this little beauty has lived up to its reputation.

Underarmour hat | Although I hate hat hair, this has been a necessity as the sun comes out longer and hotter every day.  While the other coaches and kids walk around with sunburned scalps and faces, my head is fairing much better.

An Hour or Two

The state track championship was held in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was three days of sleepiness, watching, and running. And eating, of course.  Karl and I have been meaning to make it to the gulf, but our endeavor was cut short with his work schedule and life.  I am an ardent fan of the beach, and if I wasn't so afraid of storms, I would also be a supporter of coastal living myself.

I was not brave enough to don a swimsuit and jump into the water. But for the hour or so that the kids frolicked and posed for pictures, I dug my feet into the sand and the water.  I let the breeze off the waves tangle my hair.  I thought of big, floppy straw hats to shield my face from the burning sun.  And I imagined coming back to the beach because I do love it so.