Napa unloaded..

 I left town on Saturday morning at the crack of dawn, flew cross country, and landed in beautiful San Fransisco. Bryce greeted us as we filed off the plane. We set out to see the city and all it had to offer. 

 We came upon this beautiful public park. I wanted to invite myself to a local's blanket and enjoy the fresh air.  We hit up China Town and the Pier. The Pier was extremely crowded due to it being Fleet Week. Most branches of  United Sates military were in town. It was an honor to see these heroes walking around in their uniforms. The Blue Angles put on a show at the Pier. Obviously the Pier was packed with peeps. The Sea Lions came out to sun and watch the air show.

On our way out of San Fran went stopped by the Golden Gate Bridge and took time out to snap a few photos. The Bridge is much larger than I imagined and very powerful and grand. I can officially cross that off my bucket list.

Sunday we had a full day of wine tastings and exploring numerous wineries in Napa. We started off at Robert Mondavi, they taught us the ins and outs of wine tasting. Great place to start my wine journey.

The wine makers were harvesting the grapes as we were touring the grounds. It is interesting that this process of wine making has been around for ages. Yet each year the wine makers continue to change and perfect the process to ensure that they are making the most delicious wines year after year. I think being a wine maker would be very satisfying when you develop an award winning wine.

Next we went up the hill and tasted wine at Rutherford. We had a nice time tasting and picnicking. The service was wonderful and the grounds were breath takings.

We finished the day at Del Dotto's cave winery. It was by far my favorite due to the great tour guide, fun group of fellow tour members, and fabulous wine. 

Monday involved visiting several wineries and more wine tasting. We started off at Grgich for grape stomping. I love the episode of "I love Lucy" where Lucy is stomping the huge barrel of grapes. This was definitely a highlight of the day.

The rest of the day was filled with great wine, beautiful scenery, good company, and an abundance of grapes and numerous pictures.

Tuesday started off really rough (having to evacuate our hotel room) but we tried out hardest to make the best of a bad situation. Bryce, mom, and I went out exploring the Napa / St. Helena area for local goods, while Dan worked. We were disappointed in the farmer's market and decided to hit the outlet mall. We went to a local joint called "Gotts Roadside" for lunch. We all enjoyed the roadside atmosphere and fresh fried food.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to wine country with my family.  It is always nice to get away from reality and spend quality time with the fam. I would highly recommend everyone to visit the Napa area. California wine country did not disappoint. You can't beat drinking fabulous wine and talking smack to your baby brother.

I am back..

I am back from a great trip with the fam. We went to Napa Valley. I have never been there and jumped on the invite from the rents. I even talked Bryce into meeting us there = Double goodness. We had a wonderful time touring the winery's grounds and tasting their delicious wine. 

Napa's scenery is breath taking, it is absolutely beautiful.  We had the perfect weather and enjoy everything Napa had to offer. I will post another follow up with actual specifics from our trip and my photos. Back to the real world.. Not sure why I wasn't a trust fund kid and then jet setting could be my reality.

Eclectic lighting

Happy Thursday!! It has been a stressful week around here. Busy, Busy, Busy with work, personal life, and obligations. Okay moving on to the fun stuff. Here is a before and after of the eat in kitchen area. Mister R and I bought a house about a year ago. Our house was built in 1993 and it came with all the 90's charm. We moved into a house full of hunter green, burgundy red, and 1990 blue.

Exhibit A of the 1990's charm: the shiny brass light:

I had been on the hunt for fun eclectic light to add some much needed spice to our eating area. This summer I went to Canton and stumbled upon this beauty.  I love that it's not your average cookie cutter light. I dig the vibrant colors and simple lines.

ignore the junk- just keeping it real

"ain't she a beaut?"

My style is eclectic and definitely not for everyone.  I love mixing and matching things that are unconventional. Lots of people say, " I would have never put those things to together" or "that's unique". I take those comments as compliments. I am continuing to discover my ever changing style. Good luck finding lighting that makes you happy and shows off your style.

In less than 2 months..

I run. I run slow. I run slow half marathons. I run slow half marathons for fun. In less than 2 months I will be running the St. Jude's Half Marathon in Memphis, TN on Dec. 1st..

looks fun right?

My first half was last September in Nashville, TN. I had never run more than 6 miles. I went into it thinking " I will just do my best and walk it if needed."

wishful thinker

oh yeah..I am super star.. yeah right

It was a great experience and I finished the race. Due to my lack of training I couldn't walk straight for about a week. My body hated me. But after the soreness went away I realized that I had the fever.. the running bug bit me.

 In December, I ran the White Rock Half in Dallas, TX. It rained and rained and rained. My first half in 33 degree weather and sheets of rain. Not my favorite experience.

my biggest supporter

 Then in March I ran the Little Rock Half. I set a PR at the race. I trained with girls that I worked with and found some great running partners. Heather and I run about the same speed and have splendid time chit chatting as we run. Without my running buddies, I would be big fat lazy couch potato. Shout out to Heather for meeting me weekly and holding my accountable. 

serious dino hands.. rediculous

together every step of the way

Mister R a.k.a my photog

People often ask me why I run, because at times I whine and complain about doing long runs and or body aches and pains. I run because when I have finished a race I feel like a million dollars. I run to get the runner's high. After finishing a race my head grows about 12 sizes and I think to myself "Man, I am awesome."  If I can run 13.1 miles - I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I could be president of the USA, a world record holder, famous artist, home designer, you name it the sky is the limit. (You get the idea - I have racing grandiose thoughts and think of myself as a super star.) Gotta love a good ego boost!!

A Pop Of Color

The other day I got a call from my mother-in-law saying that she had found a reasonably priced chest of drawers. Of course, my ears perked up and I asked her to send me a pic so I good give the okay for purchase. 

before

 I thought this could be a fun fixer up. It looked like fake wood but she assured me that it was real wood, just old and sad. After some hard work and elbow grease I am happy with the outcome. I have a nook in my laundry room that is perfect for this chest of drawers. You can N-E-V-E-R have enough storage.

after

 

 

 

gifted artwork framed to add a pop of color

baskets are my friend

Oh by the way, I should warn you that I love color. I am don't discriminate against any color. I love them all every single last color. I am always happy to try out something unexpected or  unconventional to see if I can pull it off. Red is a color that I have weaved through out most of our house. I love bold bright fire engine red. 

In a later post I will give out my recipe I use for homemade laundry detergent. It's super easy and very cost effective. Get excited!!

 

be.

be.

 "be." is officially open for business. Yay!!! Erica and I met after work today to set the booth up. Of course she is completely prepared and I am running around like a crazy chicken.  So after I pack up all my inventory and load the big pieces we heard to Dusty Relics to set up shop.

vintage corn stock china

fabulous find @be.

At first we were worried that we had to many items and were contemplating asking for a bigger booth space. Then we decided that we might not have enough inventory. But in the end everything turned out wonderful. We had the right amount of goods and the perfect amount of space.

Come check out our space if you are in Saline County!! We are located at Dusty Relics right off the Alexander exit as your are heading to Bryant!! We would love some feedback. Happy Monday!