Snowshoe Summer Trip

After Rob's mountain weekend, Jack was ready to go back to the mountains the next weekend. Spur of the moment we invited two of our friends, Ben and Christina, up to Snowshoe Mountain for a weekend getaway. We arrived in the wee hours of the morning {1:30 am!} on Saturday due to getting a late start & then me losing the keys to our place, whoops! On our way up the mountain we saw lots of wildlife. At one point we saw a black bear cub cross the road right in front of us, which was truly amazing to see a bear in the wild.

While “planning” the trip, I knew that there was a mountain bike event going on during the weekend and Snowshoe would be packed, which it was. There were people, tents, bikes, and mud everywhere, which only meant that there was going to be plenty for the 4 of us to do and watch.

Saturday morning we woke from our slumber and started off the day with morning coffee & breakfast. I enjoyed feeling the crisp mountain air and the glorious sun on my skin. Since it was so pretty, we started off our adventuring with a trip on the ski lift to the bottom of the mountain to see what activities Shaver’s Lake had to offer. Although we could have gone swimming, the water was pretty chilly so we opted to do stand-up paddle boarding. We also were horrible played some disc golf.

Planning ahead, we had packed our lunch + some wine, we decided to take a hike up a freshly cut trail that a Yoga instructor told us about. The Eight Rivers Yoga trail went through the woods, up and down the mountain and we ended up at a spot with a beautiful view of the Greenbrier river area.  On our hike we saw a deer just sitting in the brush under a tree cooling off, and it was likely the closest I have ever been to a deer in the wild. The boys climbed in the trees and we simply enjoyed the serene and views. On our hike back I found a really cool rock that looked like NC and I brought it back to use as décor somewhere in my place.

It was about 3pm and we were tired from the hike and wanted to see some of the mountain biking events. We rode the lift for Western Territory three times {even though everyone but me wanted to get off after the second trip} and enjoyed seeing and cheering on the bikers as we past. Next it was pool time followed by dinner at Sunset Cantina. While waiting in line we took some pictures and were entertained with Magic Card tricks. We can all honestly say that these were some of the best magic card tricks we have ever seen. My mind is still blown away with the tricks Mr. Ellis showed us and I hope to see him again the next time we go up to snowshoe.

Sunday morning we repeated our coffee + breakfast routine followed by the pool. After packing it was time to head down the mountain. Our weekend was perfect. Pure Bliss and I cannot wait to repeat it again soon.

ps. sorry for  the lack of pictures, I only took 1 photo the entire time we where there, so these are from Jack's iPhone

xx

Rounding out my week

I have wanted to try Nan and Byron’s for quite some time, but somehow it always slips my mind when trying to figure out where to eat. They happen to be on the Queen’s Feast list so why not a perfect time to go and try a few things. Their menu had some many great choices it was hard to decide what to order. I ended up getting: wine- Row Eleven, Pinot Nior, app- wings, entrée- grilled salmon, dessert- hazelnut chiffon cake. Everything was delicious & did not disappoint. I cannot wait to go back soon!!

We had so much fun in the mountains last weekend that Jack+ me + some friends are heading up this weekend to the mountains of West Virginia. We will be staying in Whistlepunk at Snowshoe Mountain. Snowshoe offers so many fun summer activities including off road tours, hiking, geo cashing, sporting clays and so much more. Jack and I enjoyed the off road tours back when we went in September 2009. We had a great time & got covered in mud during the tour. It was a fantastic experience and I am excited to relax and spend time with friends in the great outdoors.

Flashback to our trip

Hope y’all had a great week!

xx

Merry Christmas Eve | 2014

Merry Christmas Eve from me to you and yours!! I hope that you are spending your Christmas Eve the same way that I will be—enjoying the true meaning of Christmas. We will be going to Christmas Eve service, eating a delicious meal, skiing/snowboarding, hanging out, watching Christmas movies, playing games, and jumping into our matching pj’s before bed!

Each year when we get to Snowshoe for Christmas we stuff our wooden tree with presents & wrap it with lights and a few ornaments. This year Alex 3D printed white snowflakes to add to our tree. I love how large the snowflakes are. They really pop out in photos & will be something we will use for many years to come. It might not be your traditional tree but we sure do love that it’s easy clean-up and involves no watering!

Can you spot the snowman?

For Christmas Eve I wanted to finally share our 2014 family Christmas card. It was hard deciding on what pictures and memories to put into the card that we could have honestly send out a photo album…but we didn't! This year’s card highlights our family {photo cred: Jack Gillespie}, Alex’s College Graduation, our 16 year old puppy Cricket, and crossing one off my Bucket List: Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge! 

Merry Christmas Eve!

xoxo

Five on BLACK Friday | In a Snowglobe

Hello Friends! I have been blessed with my Friday starting on Wednesday just like many of you who have Thanksgiving and Friday off from work. Although it was a short work week it seemed like I had a few hiccups before Vacation mode. Monday morning I woke to having car troubles and my car had to go to the shop. Thankfully though, I have wonderful friends who were able to tote me around until my car was fixed--- just in time for me to pack it and head to Snowshoe. I made it safely and it has been snowing ever since I arrived.

A little peek into my week...

ONE: I'll admit I am completely obsessed with Taylor Swift. Did you see her performance of "Blank Space" at the 2014 AMA's? Ahhhmazing-- per usual.

TWO: My drive up to Snowshoe was clear the entire way until the last few miles of the drive--it had begun to snow!! The entrance to our condo buildings was so pretty as I pulled in.  It was beautiful to see my first snow so early in the season even though it was MIDNIGHT when I finally made it! Mom and dad rolled in around 3am and we moved a new refrigerator into the condo. After a long night it was finally bedtime at 4:30 am!

THREE: Have you ever had one of the gourmet cupcakes from Gigi's? I had never tried them before {sorry you cupcake lovers} and my dad brought these decadent cupcakes up to the mountains. I split the Candy bar Crunch cupcake and I was in Butterfingers heaven. I have never been much of a frosting person-- but this frosting was savory and sweet.

FOUR: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! To see what I am thankful for go here. This Thanksgiving I woke up to a beautiful view of snow-covered trees, saw the Turkey Skiing, and had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with my parents. By the end of the day we had gotten a FOOT of fresh powder and more on the way.

FIVE: BLACK FRIDAY {ONLINE} DEALS! Although I am doing no shopping today, I wanted to share my top 5 online deals for Black Friday:
BAUBLEBAR: 15% off two items

GAP: 50% off sitewide | code BLKFRIDAY

JCREW: 30% off select full price items, 40% off sale | code HOLIDAY

KATE SPADE SATURDAY: 30% off everything, free shipping | code DEALME

OLDNAVY: 50% off sitewide

FIVE A: Today I woke up and watched Live! with Kelly and Michael, which was a treat since I usually am at work. They wore these hilarious Christmas sweaters on the first part of the show and now I am looking forward to Tacky Christmas Sweater parties. Jack has been wanting this Knitted Crackling Fireplace sweater and I already have TWO new sweaters in my closet. TACKY CHRISTMAS here we come! 

Post by LIVE with Kelly and Michael.

Thanks to Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha!

xoxo

Thanksgiving 2014

"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge"

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS!!
I hope that you are enjoying spending time with family & friends, watching the 87th Macy's Day Parade or a little football, eating turkey and all the fixing's and MAKING SURE to leave some room for dessert-- the most important part!

There are so many things thanks I am thankful for--- I am SUPER thankful for my family {and dogs}, friends, health, shelter, food, faith, and everything else I have been given. Today has consisted so far of the parade {Alex was on the Kool Aid Man Balloon}, yummy food, and incredible skiing weather {it has been snowing all day--- 12 inches in the past 24 hrs!}.

Tonight i'll be at the condo with a nice fire and enjoy not being in the midst of the hustle and bustle! Please be safe if you are going out for "Black Friday" sales.

xoxo

Vacation | Thanksgiving 2014

It's that time again for first tracks, powders stashes, and downhill fun---- TODAY Nov 26th is OPENING DAY at Snowshoe Ski Resort in West Virginia. LUCKY me I am heading up after work to Snowshoe for a Thanksgiving Celebration with my mom, dad, and Cricket! Current weather forecast is 32°F with 16 inches of snow for the season already-- and looking for more tonight! I am super happy that the eastern part of the state is getting fresh powder & cannot wait to hit the slopes.

Snowshoe 2013 Christmas

This year will be a little different Thanksgiving for my family. Alex is visiting friends up in Hoboken/ NYC- which is where we have done Thanksgiving for the past 5 years. Our normal Thanksgiving those years involved watching Alex in the Macy's Parade carrying a balloon {last year was BUZZ LIGHTYEAR, not sure yet which balloon he is on this year}.

View from Hoboken of NYC 2013

Blowing Up the Balloons 2013

Although the plans are different, I am going to enjoy the vacation time skiing/ snowboarding, spending time with my parents, eating Thanksgiving food + leftovers, and relaxing. There is not much shopping within a hour from Snowshoe so there will not be any Black Friday shopping during my Thanksgiving vacation. Time to hit the road now...

Safe Travels to all !

xoxo