One BIG Happy (One Year!)

We're celebrating our first anniversary on April 30, 2012, and celebrate we will. 

The POTUS

Monday and Tuesday were all about seeing the POTUS (President of the United States).

We got the golden tickets! Now it's time to wait in this line, that line and those lines.

Finally entering into Carmichael Arena... Security!

I'm in!! I somehow enjoyed seeing the POTUS from amazing lower level seats (so lucky). 

The POTUS is in the building.

Hearing "Hail to the Chief" as the POTUS entered was my favorite memory.

(*This post does not serve as an illustration of my political stance - either way. If any POTUS is a block away, you go.)

Race Weekend

This past Friday kicked off the Tar Heel 10 Miler & Fleet Feet Sports 4+ race weekend.  I attended the runner's expo on Friday evening with my running partner in crime, May. We picked up packets, played and purchased spirited race day accessories. Then we met up with Hank for one amazing pasta dinner at Hank and I's favorite Italian restaurant (after Roma Sparita). We even got a table outside, in the corner, next to the all lit up fountain.

Here we have May and I's twin race gear laid out and ready to rock (complete with hair pom pom). We even painted our nails Carolina blue with one nail starring as the disco nail.

    

Here's Hank and I prior to the race start (note to self: print and frame this photo ASAP).

May and I are ready. I'm all for a candid snapshot. Face tats and sparkly earrings... Check!

Hey... There's Hank after he finished his race. He was quick! I love the water bottles we got.

Classic Medal Photo

... And The Pose.

Here we are as The Four Finishers.

This was such a fun day, and I can't wait to run again next year and the year after that.

Pet Advice

The best thing we've done for Bentley (besides puppy school and a dog whisperer) was to sit on the porch with him as a puppy during storms. I so enjoy being on the porch during a good rain and/or storm. I find it most calming, and because of this, Bentley is fearless of monsoons, thunder and lightening. It's the best free training we could have done. I absolutely recommend a little front porch storm sitting for you and your pup. This way your dog won't go running to take cover or do the shake during the next thunderstorm. 

Look What Hank Did

I'm still oh la la-ing over the colored pencil and watercolor drawing Hank made his sister, Amy, for her birthday. She graduated from The University of Georgia, and this drawing reflects her time spent at UGA. I may be slightly obsessed with Hank's talent - so proud.

Great Week

Last week was as fun as any weekend. It started with a stroll on Franklin Street:

     



Tuesday brought beer and baseball. I enjoyed my first Blueberry Wheat of the season.

    

I celebrated seniors at the Bell Tower, and a sweet friend brought homemade jam.

Thursday was a night out to see the broadway musical Bring It On with my friend Kristin.

I'm all for a Tuesday night being as fun as a Friday night and a week as lovely as a weekend.

Be a tourist in your own town.

On Good Friday, I spent the afternoon being a tourist in Cary, N.C.

If I were to give you this same tour, it would go like this... This tour begins in historic Ashworth Village with lunch at Serendipity Gourmet Deli with sandwiches and chips.

Then it's off to The Purple Polka Dot. This quaint shop carries wooden signs with cute sayings, "Under Carolina Skies" and "a fisherman lives here with the catch of his life."

Then let's take a nice walk to work off that lunch (and get ready for some sweet treats ahead). The main street is a lovely one lined with trees and historic places to note:

First United Methodist Church, 1871

Little Yellow House, early 1900s

First Baptist Church, 1968

Pink House, 1839 (a gorgeous classic Queen Anne Victorian mansion)

Not pictured but an interesting fact,
"Cary High was the very first public school opened in North Carolina, back in 1908."

Once you've reached the above 'Pink House,' it's time to head back to Ashworth Village. Ashworth Village has a few shops to peek into such as Vintage Vogue (antiques), Cute Buttons (stationary), Beautimous Beads (beads) as well as small art galleries.

Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Cafe' is also located in Ashworth Village. I wouldn't order your sweet treat for the day just yet, but I would grab a menu and plan on ordering your next birthday cake there. My favorite cake is their 10" Milky Way (chocolate cake swirled with a cream cheese, chocolate chip mixture iced with chocolate buttercream and chocolate ganache). You'll see a photo of this cake from our engagement party along with their 9" Key Lime Pie here. This bakery even sells the candles so there is no way you can forget them.

Now the sweet treat wasn't ordered just yet because that's were Ashworth Drugs comes in.

Ashworth Drugs has an old-fashioned soda fountain with hot dogs, fresh squeezed lemonade and milkshakes. Milkshakes? Yes, a milkshake is definitely necessary to order so it can be enjoyed while walking through the drugstore to pick up a few souvenirs (postcards and notecards) as well as for enjoyment in the car on the way to the next location.

The next location is Ivy Cottage. It's a charming shop packed full of lovely decorations.

After that? It's La Farm Bakery for delicious bread and breakfast items for in the AM. 

Then there's always room for a bit more shopping at The Pink Alli for gifts.

The Pink Alli is located next to a Scout & Molly's for your clothing and accessory needs. 

I loved the Scout & Molly's open sign you'll see above. These are a few highlights that are local to Cary (with the exception of Scout & Molly's). Be a tourist in your own town!

Quote Boat - Southern Phrase

Downtown Walking Tour

Sunday was fun! Hank and I enjoyed a walking tour of Downtown Raleigh with friends and fellow alumni of UNC. This tour focused on sustainability so we saw nice green spaces.

We ended the tour on the 23rd floor of a skyscraper to enjoy an aerial view of the city.

I could have laid in the deck chairs on that 23rd floor all afternoon - So beautiful.

Did you know? One benefit to living the condo life, up so high, is that you can leave your doors open and not worry about bugs. Bugs don't fly up high at skyscraper altitudes!