Wedded Bliss

This spring, on the 28th day of March, we were married in a private ceremony at Mount Lebanon Chapel on the grounds of Airlie Gardens. My father sang Annie’s Song as I walked down the aisle and Will’s father performed the ceremony. Our mothers served as our witnesses. With 82 years of marriage between them, we couldn’t think of anyone more perfect to stand beside us as we started our lives together.

Christmas Wish List

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 

which means...

time for my LIST!

Mi Gemi Drivers
I have been wanting these shoes for quite some time.  They are so chic.  My drivers from Paris are so worn out and I desperately need another pair.

Tata Harper Mask
My favorite face mask and also a great stocking stuffer.

PJ Harlowe Pajamas
I am obsessed with these pajamas.  They have been on Oprah's Favorite Things and they look like Olivia Pope might have several pairs in her closet.

Kristin Cavalari Booties
I love these booties with the slouchy ankle.

Tea
It is that time of year again.  I fancy a glass of hot tea in the afternoon.
Teavana Chai is my favorite and a great stocking stuffer.

Steamline Luggage
I love to travel and I find myself needing a great carry-on.
This one is uber stylish and my favorite color.

Tequiza

Across from our hotel was the most perfect taco restaurant.  The first day, famished from traveling, we dropped our bags and headed out for lunch.  We arrived to this little taco haven and placed our order at the outdoor window before taking a seat on the patio.  We were so impressed, we went back twice more.  

Although the menu is limited, everything is perfectly executed.  There is a list of tacos, which while small, are sensational.  Side dish options are Street Corn, Masa Chips w/ Guac or Salsa (we did both), and Quinoa Salad. We tried all three and the majority of the taco options.  Aside from the "beef tongue" taco, which Bethany just couldn't get down, everything else was divine.  The Masa Chips were our favorite and something we will be dreaming about and attempting to re-create for a while.

Welcome to Miami

Bethany had a conference in Miami last week, June 1st-4th.  Our birthdays, a week a part in June, seemed like a good excuse to take this trip together.  We had only been back from Maryland a night before it was time to leave again.  We took the early flight out, arriving in Ft. Lauderdale Wednesday morning.  We met at the airport and headed for the hotel.  After an extremely long "car pool" Uber ride, we finally arrived at our destination.

The pool was pretty spectacular and where I spent the majority of my time, especially when Bethany was in the conference

. 

The first night we had mojitos for happy hour and headed out for dinner.

The city itself was a bit dirty and reminded me a lot of Barcelona.  However, we managed to do everything we wanted to while we were there: eat authentic Cuban food, drink mojitos, lay in the sun, and enjoy some quality time together.

I had fun sassing up her outfits! :)

I think endless days in the sun turned me into a full blown Cuban.  I don't think I have been this tan since I spent a week in the Dominican. 

Mandy loaned me this book, which was beautiful. 

Struggling to decided which was more important, food or sun, we ordered the nachos and mojitos from the hotel.  Turns out, we made a great decision.  These were the best nachos I have ever eaten and we didn't miss out on our last pool day together.  

While Bethany was in her session, I headed out for a little shopping.  Miami is home to Zara, which we do not have in North Carolina.  I scored both of these dresses.  I had been telling Bethany that the off the shoulder trend was perfect for her, and as you can see, I was right. 

Memorial Weekend on Still Pond

Every year, the Hukills head to Maryland for Memorial Weekend, 4th of July, Labor Day, and New Years.  I try and make it up with them on at least one of these trips.  Rob's grandmother, Jane, has a beautiful home on the Chesapeake Bay.  They have been visiting Still Pond since he was a boy and I am so happy they let me share in this family tradition.  Days on Still Pond are spent reveling in the holiday fun.   

I met them in Rocky Mount, where we picked the boys up from daycare. We grabbed some chick-fil-a and took off for Maryland.  The days following were filled with sun, food, laughs, bonfires, boat rides, and booze. 

I hadn't seen the boys in a little over a month and was so excited to kiss this baby.

I even managed to get a little yoga in on the dock.

The boys got up at the crack of dawn so we often headed out for a golf cart ride, as not to wake the entire house.

Farewell to Teaching

Last week I closed the door on this chapter of my life.  After nine years of teaching, five at W.C. Friday Middle School and four at Cape Fear Academy, I decided to hang up my teaching hat.  While this chapter has afforded me lifelong friendships and wonderful experiences, I am ready for a new challenge.  We had the 8th grade graduation ceremony on the 26th, a truly bittersweet day.  This 8th grade class was my most favorite group.  They are every teacher's dream.  It seemed poetic to end my teaching career with this group of students.  As one of them wrote to me, "You are leaving us to be fabulous somewhere else, and that is pretty cool." I couldn't agree more.  My hope, as always, is that through this decision, I have shown, not just taught, that one should be fearless in the pursuit of their dreams.

News of my next adventure will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

Bucket List Item- Willie Nelson

I have loved Willie Nelson for as long as I can remember.  My Papa used to sing "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and "Red-Headed Stranger" to me when I was little.  So often we hear a song and it brings us back to another time; Willie Nelson always conjures up the fondest of memories for me.  I have been dreaming of seeing him live.  It was announced, this winter, that Willie would be preforming at Greenfield Lake this May.  Tickets sold out in four minutes, but luckily a friend of mine scored two.