Latte Bowls

These bowls are arriving (cross your fingers) tomorrow! Sure, like I really need bowls, but they're just so darn cheerful.

[via Anthropologie]

P is for Peachy

On our way back to Richmond from our weekend away, we stopped by Chiles Orchard for some down home Southern peach pickin'. You could just smell the peachy deliciousness as you walked under the green canopies dotted with bright orange fuzzy fruits. Mmmmm.....

Staunton Grocery

On Saturday evening we drove about 20 minutes to the little town of Staunton (pronounced STANton not STAUNTon...I tell ya, these Virginians....). The historic downtown is only about five blocks long, but the real surprise and gem was Staunton Grocery. At the recommendation of our innkeepers, we were excited to try out this farm-to-table restaurant -- something I would hardly expect in a small town like this one. 

Our kind innkeeper had told the restaurant we were celebrating our anniversary, and we were met with a yummy amuse-bouche (thanks for the fancy knowledge, Top Chef) and glasses of complimentary sparkling wine to start us off. I ordered the pork loin on a bed of turnips and trumpet mushrooms topped with bacon-maple jam. Yes folks, bacon. maple. jam. I can imagine Paula Deen drooling at the thought of it, as she should, because it was sensational. Chris ordered Maine rockfish on a pea purée (another thing we heard about on Top Chef) and we enjoyed our locally sourced meals with glasses of summer berry sangria. To finish off the night, we ordered brown butter peaches with whipped caramel that tasted like a perfectly toasted marshmallow.

Bravo, Staunton! We were thoroughly impressed, and stuffed. As long as you keep delivering delicious local meals like this, I'm willing to look the other way on this ridiculous name pronunciation thing.

Blue Ridge Parkway

On Saturday morning we hopped in the car and drove about three miles to get to where the Blue Ridge Parkway begins. Six miles down the BRP is the trailhead for a short hike -- an unexpectedly steep hike -- to Humpback Rocks. The views were incredible. When the trail ends at the top you are able to see the valley between the jutting rocks, and you can climb with steady feet to the top of the rocks for a 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Amazing views followed by two wine tastings at nearby vineyards -- my kind of morning.

The Iris Inn

We had a lovely weekend, in part thanks to the kind hospitality of Heidi and David at the Iris Inn. The cozy porch swing just outside our spacious room was the perfect place to relax -- in the morning after a delicious home cooked breakfast or in the evening after a few wine tastings.

Weekend Away

We spent a three day weekend near Waynesboro, VA (about a half hour outside of Charlottesville) to celebrate our two year anniversary. Above: I-64, a country road, Barboursville Winery property, and rows of vines (Can you even believe those blue skies?)

7.18.09

Two years ago we had the best party with our friends and family at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Ore.

So grab a pint of McMenamin's beer for us as we celebrate two years of married adventures!

Bonne Bastille!

Wishing I was back in Paris eating a Nutella crêpe or two....or three.

Opposites

Feeling too busy to blog lately -- I've been going to the Visual Arts Center two nights a week creating (increasingly symmetrical) cups, trying to do at least one evening at the gym, obsessively watching Big Love with husby as fast as Netflix will ship it back to us, and becoming determined to cook more at home. Quite the opposite of this little lady.

Saturdays...

are for sleeping in.

Seeing Multiples

Last Friday we drove up to DC for the day to see some family visiting from San Diego. We spent the day with my grandpa, aunt, and triplet 13-year-old cousins (yes, triplets! TALL triplets). The entire day was a blast -- just hoping it's not another 6-7 years before we see these cousins again!