Friends! I can’t thank you enough for sticking around! Sometimes blogging is hard and putting thoughts on paper isn’t always comfortable or fun. But every time I take a break I miss the creative outlet and find myself happier when I come back. So here I am. And I’m glad you’re here too! Let’s catch up on what I’ve been up to the past few months …
1. Ate Skyline Chili and Busken cookies
My Cincinnati heart was happy that a new Skyline opened up in Sarasota – pretty close to where my mom and I spend Thanksgiving. I drug her there on Black Friday – basically it made my favorite day of the year even better. It was so funny because everyone in the place – both staff and customers were from Ohio.
2. Had the most ridiculous Christmas with my second family
This year, mom and I spent Christmas in South Carolina with our most fabulous family friends. We had an absurd amount of presents and cheese, and ate these cookies – what more could you ask for??
3. Went on a boozy bus tour of Asheville’s breweries
If y’all go to Asheville, NC and don’t take a La Zoon boozy bus tour, you’re doing life wrong. Imagine a school bus with a live band taking you and 30 new friends to a few different breweries. Best way to spend $35 and hit some great spots! I have on my list to update the Asheville travel guide, but until then, keep this in mind!
4. Tried the new Pancake Social in Atlanta
Last year, some of the best chefs in Atlanta opened a new spot in Ponce City Market dedicated to, you guessed it, pancakes! I didn’t quite realize how good a pancake could be and now my sad ones made with the skim milk I keep in the fridge just don’t pass muster.
5. Made 2-ingredient bagels (and olive cream cheese)
What did pass muster was the cult-favorite 2-ingredient bagels beloved by Weight Watchers everywhere. While I’m pretty anti dieting, these were so easy to make and tasted delicious. I even tipped a hat to Bagel Pub in NYC and made my own olive cream cheese! Yum!
6. Caught baby fever (well, not really) from all the new babes in my life!
Babies Blakely (of my friend Lindsay) and Jack (of my cousin and friend Courtney) are the two cutest sweeties in my life right now! Blakely was born in October and I got to meet her in Denver last month. Jack was born in January and has already been getting out and about despite Chicago’s cold weather. They’re both perfect in every way!
7. Went to a Denver Nuggets game and painted pottery
My brother’s family lives out in Denver as well, so while I was out there I got to spend some quality time with my niece and nephew. My basketball-loving nephew and I went to a Denver Nuggets game and my little artist of a niece and I went to paint pottery. Both great activities for kiddos and not crazy expensive!
8. Met my new BFF Luna Tuna!
If you follow me on Instagram, you’re probably sick of hearing about this, but my mom got the most precious white lab puppy … EVER. Her name is Luna – because mom and I both love the moon – and she is calm, but playful, and oh so sweet. I got to go to Minneapolis to help my mom pick her up and now I’m in Florida spending a week cuddling her and taking her out in her puppy stroller, because #extra.
9. Became a flower expert
FTD.com throws the absolute best parties and last month they hosted a Galentine’s party in Chicago and taught us how to make this gorgeous bouquet (called Sweetest Crush through the link below)! I’m honestly so impressed by their more modern arrangements and especially the vases. They were nice enough to provide discounts for our readers, so you can get 20% off your order before Friday using this link.
10. Read … a ton!
The time I was previously spending blogging, I’ve now been spending reading! Last month, I added ELEVEN book reviews to my Read With Me page and have 5 more to be written! I have three fav books of the year so far (yes, I realize it’s only been a month) – Know My Name by Chanel Miller, Ask Again Yes by Mary Beth Keane, and The Huntress by Kate Quinn. All three very different and absolutely excellent.
Phew! I know that’s a lot and part of me feels like it barely scratches the surface! I’d love to know what you’ve been up to the past few months – have you read any good books or gone on any amazing trips?! Tell me in the comments below!
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Glad you are back!
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