charlottesville for the fourth year

Back in April, Brigid and I traveled to Charlottesville, VA for our girls weekend for the fourth year in a row! This trip has become one of my absolute favorite traditions, and saying that I look forward to it during the winter months (January + February in particular) is a definite understatement. This year we scheduled the trip to align with Brigid's 30th birthday, and we celebrated by visiting some of our favorite spots and a few new places for good measure. 

[hot air balloon + a cloudless sky]

[A repeat spot for us each year is Blenheim Vineyards, the winery owned by Dave Matthews. The wine is good, but I think what keeps us coming back here every year is the atmosphere. We always do their tasting, standing in front of the expansive windows with the view of the VA mountains in the distance, and then order a glass of our favorite wine to enjoy on the patio. This year we opted for a few snacks, and discussed the love languages of our favorite people from home under sunny skies.]

[beautiful flower assortment from Hedge at the Main Street Market]

[tiles at Sweet Haus Cupcake Cafe, Ivy Location]

[If you've read about our trips to C-Ville in the past, you probably already know about Sweet Haus. If you haven't, #1) see the end of this post for a re-cap and #2) this is hands down my favorite place in the area. I'm not huge on cupcakes (or cake in general, for that matter), but these are ridiculously good and pretty, to boot. A second VA location was added in the recent past, so we made sure to visit both. Brooklyn location: I'm coming for you next!]

[cookies + cream cupcake]

[cookie dough cupcake]

[sunny skies + spring green]

[wine barrels]

[One of the new places we tried this year was Keswick Vineyards, a winery just east of Charlottesville. We did the tasting (a great value), and then ordered a glass to enjoy outside. If you go in the near future, I recommend the 2015 Viognier because it might be the best white wine I've ever had. It tasted like peaches.]

[quinoa lunch salad from Feast!]

[I took a selfie because my outfit was cute and because this is the first time I have done anything other than blow dry my hair with a diffuser since my wedding last August.]

[We celebrated the big 3-0 for Brig on Friday evening, with a trip to the downtown mall. We love the Skybar at Commonwealth Restaurant, and so had drinks and a few apps before heading to The Whiskey Jar to round out the evening.]

[no words for how good these short rib tacos were]

[interesting combo, no?]

[We planned to find some birthday cake for dessert, but saw this place while walking down the mall and stopped dead. Ramen and donuts? But more importantly, donuts? We popped in and ordered two, and to be honest I don't remember the flavors, nor can I figure out what they were from an internet search. What I do remember is that they were very, very good.]

[last indulgence: egg + avocado bagel from Bodo's Bagels]

I recognize that this post is basically all eating and drinking, but not pictured is a lot of walking and a few sessions at the hotel gym. We only spent two and a half days here, but I could literally spend a week and not get tired of it. Thanks for being you, Charlottesville. :]

*If you're interested, we like to stay at the Homewood Suites because it's close to everything, has free breakfast, a nice gym, roomy quarters & a shuttle that you can call at any time for a ride.

previous Charlottesville posts:

-2015: Post One

-2014: Post One + Post Two

-2013: Post One + Post Two + Post Three

an update + a healthy lunch idea

If you're an avid reader of WeThree you may have noticed that I haven't written anything on here in, well, weeks. About two years ago, I started a new, more intense, more stressful job-I-never-thought-I'd-have at my office and to be honest, ever since then I have struggled with the dreaded work-life balance conundrum. In February, I switched to a new department (same role) and that, coupled with a tough transition from the old role, moving to a new home, a death in the family, getting sick a few times, the nagging feeling that I'd gained weight, my own (too perfectionist, at times anxiety-ridden) personality and my near constant presence behind the screen of a computer, made me realize that I needed to cut out a responsibility or two for awhile. This blog, that I love so much and that used to be my favorite past-time, was one of the things that got chopped. 

It's May now (obviously), and I am feeling better. Not everything has changed; I still struggle daily with my job and whether it's right for me (more about that in another post, maybe -- I always feel trepidation at putting anything work-related on a social media platform) and I may never master the work-life balance thing while working in a corporate role. But my anxiety levels are better (I think the warmer weather is helping), we've settled into the house, I've lost close to ten pounds, and overall I think I just feel less stressed. I'm hopeful that this is something that I can maintain, and I feel excited to start re-visiting this space. I'll be honest, it may not be a weekly or even bi-weekly thing for me, because I want it to be a creative outlet and not an extra responsibility. But I love writing and sharing this space with my sisters, and so it is important to me to prioritize it.

So -- today I have a recipe to share! I mentioned above that I've lost some weight, and the truth is that it is all thanks to The 21 Day Fix program + Shakeology.* I haven't followed the eating plan that they provide to a T because, let's face it, my weekends typically involve a dinner out and a few alcoholic beverages. That said, I've used it as a guideline to creating meals and have cut out a lot of cheese (I was eating WAY too much) and a lot of added sugar. This lunch salad is one of my favorite things to eat because it is delicious and really filling. See below for the details.

What you need (for 5 days of lunch)**:

-one batch of homemade peanut sauce (see the recipe I use here)

-one bag of three (3) romaine hearts

-one bag of dried edamame noodles (see the variety I buy here)

-one bag of shredded carrots

-one bag of radishes

-one package of baby English cucumbers

-one bunch of scallions

-one container of hard boiled eggs (pickled or not pickled)

On Sunday afternoon, I make the peanut sauce, cook the noodles, chop up all the vegetables, and store everything in air-tight containers. Then, each night while I'm cooking dinner, I assemble the salad. It sounds like a lot of work, but I promise it's not. I eat this around 12PM after having my shake for breakfast, and it keeps me remarkably full, even with a work-out, until dinner. I'd like to say it's because of all the protein in the noodles, but I actually have no idea whether that's true or not. 

*I am not going to try to sell you anything, but if you're looking to start a program -- this one is good and it works. The workouts are tough, but they show you how to modify everything. Shakeology is expensive, but the chocolate in particular is so good, and I look forward to it every morning.

**The edamame noodles, carrots and radishes will probably last you two weeks. I only cook half of the bag of noodles for one week. 

I'm dreaming up ways to create a quinoa + ranch version of this, so if you're interested -- stay tuned. Thanks for reading this week & have a great weekend!

Lately

The weeks are flying by at rapid pace around here and in what seems like an impossible time warp, it's already the end of July. And although I'd like to drag the warm days of summer out for as long as possible, I can't say that I'm sad to see the beginning of August as we are only eight days out from our vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine! I have spent the last seven months taking very little time off of work to save my days for this vacation and the fall & winter holidays, so believe me when I say that I'm more than a little ready for some R&R. All that being said, I've still been finding time to appreciate the small moments that comprise the hours of my regular days. Here's a little of what I've been up to lately...

[mantle decor]

I managed to score some white hydrangeas free of charge the other day and was inspired to create this all-white mantle. It might be my favorite look yet. 

[roasted veggie pizza + summer fruits]

Amy's Kitchen came out with this roasted vegetable pizza and it is sooo good. Paired with some cherry tomatoes from my mom's garden and some sweet summer strawberries, it makes for the perfect lazy-man's dinner.

[gold rush]

I mentioned yesterday that I've been really loving gold lately and here is further proof: golden sandals from Target (on sale for $6) and golden studs from J.Crew Outlet (on sale for $9). I may never take those earrings off.

[1:30 AM wake-up call]

For most of my life I've been incredibly lucky when it comes to sleep. But lately (and by lately I mean the last three months) I wake up almost every night between 1:29 and 1:33 AM. To try and ease the ill-effects of sleepless nights, I've been sprinkling this lavender oil on my pillow before bed. It's relaxing and makes me feel hazy (in a good, 2 AM kind of way) and comfortable.

[pool-side]

My boyfriend's apartment complex comes with a pool, so we've spent two afternoons (so far!) lounging with magazines and radio and bottles of cold water. It's the perfect way to spend an almost-too-hot afternoon.

[pool-side reading material]

[Little Buffalo]

And speaking of being pool-side -- this past Tuesday all of WeThree were in town, so I took the afternoon off of work and we spent a few hours at Little Buffalo State Park with the wee ones and our mom! Little Buffalo has a super fun pool and splash pad that is perfect for younger kids. Tommy loved riding the water slides and Annabel & Sommer loved flying through the fountains.

[side-walk chalk]

After getting home from the park we grilled up some cheeseburgers and ate corn-on-the cob & watermelon outside. Tommy helped me make this pretty design on my parents patio while we were waiting for the charcoal to heat up.

[a great impromptu visit!]

[yoga]

I am still on a bit of a yoga kick and have been really been enjoying the benefits of the practice. Brig went with me this past Saturday, and snapped this photo and the one below of the beautiful studio at Simply Well. I can't recommend it enough.

Can you think of a better way to start Saturday morning?

What have you been up to lately??

In Case you Missed it:

-Spring Mantle

-The Best Veggie Burger

-Little Buffalo

Select photographs by my mom and Brigid. Thank you for sharing your photos!

2014 Goals Update

Since it is now March, I thought I'd pop in with a little update on how I am doing at keeping up with my goals for the year.  It is definitely a slow process but after looking through some pictures from the first couple months of the year, I think I am doing okay. :)

::a little less change and a little more stability in 2014:: 
so far, so good!  We haven't had any major changes and don't really anticipate any in the near future either so that is great.  We are really enjoying our little apartment and are really looking forward to getting out and about more now that the warmer weather is coming...right?!

::my healthiest and fittest year to date::
is definitely proving to be easier said than done.  I struggle to get to the gym and can barely stand running on the treadmill while there and although I have done somewhat well with working out at home; I always try to squeeze it in during naptime and usually feel like I should be doing something else like cleaning the bathroom instead of working out.  I did just start a new running program which gets me out there 4 days a week so my current goal is to make it through this 4 week program.  Being healthier with my eating is not that hard although I struggle with lunch every day!  Any suggestions for an easy, delicious and healthy lunch?

::improve my handwriting::

I haven't spent tons of time practicing and improving but I squeeze it in where I can.

::have more fun::
has been easy and so enjoyable.  

From bathtub painting, to fort making, to play dough and playing in the snow, we have found tons of fun things to do inside and out to make our days more enjoyable and active.  I am so grateful to be able to spend my days having fun with my people.

::simplify my wardrobe::
I worked on this one at length in the early days of 2014 and have most of the pieces of clothing that I was hoping to have to really make getting dressed easier.  It is still a struggle for me to feel really confident in the outfits that I put together so I haven't really shared much here but I hope to bring a few cute outfits to this space in the near future! 

A little spring style inspiration...

source

  

::worrying less and trusting more::

this is another one that has been easier said than done but I am thankful for my faith and have found comfort in knowing that my God is bigger than my worries. 

Lately

I've felt relatively on-the-go as of late, so it was nice to have a quiet weekend to re-charge a little and run a few errands that I had been putting off (although oil change and taxes: you are still on my list). In just one evening and two days, I managed to do yoga, some running and zumba, eat two delicious meals out, watch a favorite childhood movie and visit with my parents and grandma! And as much as I love to be around all of you wonderful people, it was nice to spend a little time alone, too. Is that weird? It must be the introvert in me. Anyway, here is a little of what I've been up to, lately...

[beautiful roses]

I typically spend a decent chunk of the weekend with my boyfriend, but he was away (in Florida! so jealous) and left these roses in his place. They are so pretty and I've already strategically split them up so that I can enjoy them in more than one section of the house.

[happy hour]

Brig and I have continued our (almost) weekly trip to Andalucia for drinks on Friday. If you're going, be sure to try the patatas bravas, khezzou and anything on special.

[Saturday morning fruit salad]

I love making breakfast (and we had a lot of random fruit hanging about), so this mango-grapefruit-blueberry-apple salad became an accompaniment to eggs and blueberry pancakes on Saturday morning. Especially delicious drizzled with a bit of honey and sprinkled with chia.

[sneakers, well worn]

I have been on what feels like a marathon of working out lately, with multiple zumba classes (including one absolutely fun and exhausting two-hour class), multiple yoga classes (trying and really loving the hot yoga), and some running/gym time in between. It's been a little tiring, but in a good way. Now if only it would warm up so that some of these could be outdoor activities!

[mantle, redesigned]

I dressed up the deer for spring and put in a couple of items for some added interest. 

It's so fun having this to decorate and rearrange with the changing seasons!

[new year, new cover]

I updated my book with a new cover this weekend, and added a few new recipes. (Chicken tacos or avocado salad dressing, anyone?) If you haven't started yours yet, get on that! 

I use this thing so often.

[on the cheap]

I found these little, being discontinued, nail polishes for less than a dollar while out running errands one day. I can't wait to put a little spring in my step come sandal season. ;)

[home goods]

I caved this weekend and visited the home section at Target for some new goods: a white-dipped basket to house my shoes and a bright throw blanket for the couch. Both items feel right at home already.

[souvenir]

I love these city-inspired mugs from Starbucks (Brigid and I already have the NYC and Pittsburgh varieties) and I received this thoughtful gift on Sunday! If only it was filled with a little Florida sunshine! (Seriously I am so over this winter. And I like winter. More than the average bear, so to speak.)

[iPad reading]

I finally (finally!) figured out how to use my iPad as a Kindle and downloaded my favorite author's newest book. I'm really enjoying it so far and am already considering what I might read next.

[kettlepop]

Sometimes impulse T.J. Maxx purchases are the best kind of purchases, and this popcorn falls squarely in that category. This is seriously delicious popcorn. If your Saturday night consists of white wine and Pochahontas on Netflix (yep), consider this a welcome addition.

What have you been up to lately?