“The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in the pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of everyday moments.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
I know I wanted to write (post) more in 2016, but I also wanted to take more time to live in the moment (aka less time on my phone and computer). I’ve been trying to find a balance of the two…quickly snapping the photo and then putting it away to be more present.
On a completely unrelated note, this came in the mail the other day…
From, Aretha.
First, I haven’t lived in Charlotte for over a year. Second, the apartment complex is gated and we lived on the third floor, did Aretha really treck up the stairs to win me over? Third, how did she get my full name?! Fourth, I am not becoming a Jehovah’s Witness.
My cousin, Heather, posted this adorable photo of little Madison for Valentine’s Day and I quickly realized that I dress like a three month old baby!
Twinsies.
Making decisions at restaurants can be really hard. They can be especially hard when you’re tired, stressed out and hangry. So, sometimes you just need to get two things….and eat breakfast all day.
Brunch and dinner from Another Broken Egg Cafe. Top :: Veggie & Goat Cheese Omelet & Bottom :: Cinnamon Bun French Toast.
Babies, babies, everywhere! Last weekend I flew home (again) for another baby shower. My cousin, Brittany, is expecting next month. I flew out of Charlotte so I could have a direct flight. To my surprise, I had the whole row to myself.
#BLESSED.
I landed in Providence shortly after 9am. First stop, Allie’s Donuts. Ashley introduced me to them the last time I was home and they’ve been on my mind ever since. I was going to visit some family after, so figured getting a dozen was a fantastic idea. Obviously I couldn’t wait an hour to eat one, so I sat in their parking lot, listening to “Work” as I inhaled a donut with sprinkles…and then sampled a piece of two others.
I made my way to my Aunt and Uncle’s (one of the many) house to meet my cousin and baby Madison. We hung there for a bit and then went to lunch with two of my other cousin’s. My Aunt pulled out this gem…
PLEASE say you remember this book?!
After some quality family time, it was off to meet Ashley at the bar(re) to do damage control. After baby she can meet me at the other bar — can’t wait!
That night, we went to dinner in Providence at Hemenway’s. I was the fifth wheel…is that a thing? I guess not, but oh well. We started with oysters and calamari and I was torn between about six menu items for my entree and finally decided on this….
Whole lobster, Cavatappi pasta, Vermont white cheddar, bechamel & seasoned crumbs served with garlic sauteed spinach.
The spinach balances out all of the pasta and cheese.
The next day, I decided to continue my healthy eating streak and picked up Papa Gino’s to bring to my Nana’s house to have lunch with my Nana and one of my Uncles.
Clearly, I had to put it in the trunk so I didn’t have to torture myself on the drive over. It was so so wonderful to catch up with my Nana and Uncle and reminisce about when I used to go over there when I was a little kid.
Been a loud mouth since the beginning.
Not really sure about this outfit…
…guess mini Danielle wasn’t either. Tights were a better look on my head instead.
Been practicing my Pure Barre moves since a young age.
My Mom got into town on Saturday night and it was off to get Mexican with her and Aunt June.
Cadillac Margaritas all around!
Thee FEAST.
I woke up Sunday morning to this surprise….
From Jumbo Donuts.
Welp. So much for all that healthy eating in February…maybe, I’ll get back on track soon. Maybe not.
Then it was off to Brittany’s baby shower.
Hangin’ with some of the cousins waiting on our little mama.
Cake. Cake. Cake. Cake.
Can’t wait to meet baby girl!!! ❤
It doesn’t take much for me to cry, but felt pretty confident I was going to make it through Britt’s shower with out tears. Ha, yeah right. A good friend of the family, made such an amazing blanket for Brittany (and baby). It was made from shirts that belonged to Peter (Brittany’s late brother)….and I literally lost it. Can’t take me anywhere.
This past Wednesday, I made a bad choice to go get TWO cupcakes from Gigi’s. One for Randall and one for me. I couldn’t decide what kind to get so that number got upped to two. I was trying to decide between 5 options….and then, the girl suggested I do the buy 5 get one 1 free. And there you have it…
Peanut Butter Cup. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Red Velvet. Strawberry Shortcake. Wedding Cake. Carrot Cake.
Yesterday, I made chocolate covered strawberries for Kristyn’s baby shower. Go get yourself some strawberries ASAP, they are so good right now… Or just let me make you some of these 😉
I met Kristyn back in 2013 when we both joined the Pure Barre Training Team. When I moved to Greenville last year, I had the privilege of getting to see her more now that we teach at the same studios. I was itching with anticipation to give her these Splits 59 Tendue leggings for future baby girl. When 80% of your wardrobe consists of “athleisure” clothes, you get way too excited about something like this:
Now, I just have to wait until she’s big enough to wear the leggings! Hurry up, baby girl Belote!
After I made the strawberries, Randall and I went to Charlotte to see our friends and their little princess. I absolutely fell in love and can’t believe I didn’t take a picture of her (or with her). She’s so so precious. She’ll make her debut on here sooner than later.
The only way to close this “I love you like a fat kid loves cake” post out is this….
Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday! Enjoy what’s left of the weekend.
Northern Produced, Southern Seduced. 