Jeremy and I went up to the blue ridge mountains for the weekend with our small group! I enjoyed the drive there and back. The road was framed by such beautiful fall colors. All I brought was my phone but the camera is pretty nice! Here are a few of my favorites from this weekend.
I had a super eventful Halloween. Not only did I finally get an iPhone 5s (yeeeesss!) I found a fluffy little stowaway in my engine! I was leaving home to head into work when I heard a loud howling coming from the front of my car. I drove back into my neighborhood slowly, parked and opened the hood of my car with an awful lot of apprehension. I was thinking small raccoon or possum or rat or something making that howling noise. I was also fully expecting some half mangled animal caught in the belt. Thankfully, it was a fluffy brown and black kitten, badly shaken up but not damaged. I was able to grab it without it hissing at me and trying to destroy me so I brought her inside! I named her Tabitha and Jeremy and I took care of her until she felt safe enough to run around and play today!
She is so adorable that I had a taker at work within 5 minutes of sending the adoption e-mail! Tabitha’s new name will be Deborah (named after Dexter’s sister from the show Dexter) and her new brother is a puppy!! :)
Goodbye Tabitha! You scared the bejebus out of me but I’m glad we met! :)
Fall in Georgia always feels too short. I think it’s a personal problem since I always balk at the idea of saying goodbye to summer. I enjoy getting into warm sheets, feeling the wall of heat as I leave my house, and never shivering. October is coming to a close, and Fall is almost over, leaving me facing the incoming, unwelcome winter. I spent Sunday morning visiting Gibbs Gardens again, with friends. I spent an inordinate amount of time under this still-green tree, saying my goodbyes to warm weather.
If I’m a hundred percent honest with you, I’d tell you I don’t read much. Books were something I enjoyed in my youth until schooling and expectations turned books into these heavy things that carried your future. They were not fun and they were a means to an end, always. The joy of books seeped out of me slowly, all through high school and college and as I used them to only hone my skills in other fields after graduation.
But the truth is, books are pretty amazing. They can carry entire stories and place them in your soul like no television series, or movie, or even some life experiences can. And I was reminded when, on a whim, I decided to buy a copy of Tell the Wolves I’m Home. I even remember the moment. I was walking through Target. Unlike most stores, in Target I meander in the aisles for no reason at all. The style of the items they tend to sell just resonates with me. As I was walking around with pillows, throws, shower curtains, and decorative doo-dads swimming around in my eyes, I saw this book on a shelf.
I’m not sure what was so eye-catching about it, or why I had to buy a copy when I got home, but I did.
The general story is that June, a 14 year old girl, loves her uncle Finn, who soon passes from AIDS. She is then approached and befriended by a man her family hates for what he “did” to Finn, and their family. The story follows as everyone begins to face their own demons and become keenly aware of the demons living in the others. After I had read this book I felt like I had just finished opening a Pandora’s box for emotion. It was all so sad but so deeply uplifting at the same time.
I really connected with June, the main character of the book. The way it was written, it was like Brunt reached out and pulled some of the words from my heart and pasted it on the pages.
Here are some of my favorite quotes, pulled from both my personal Kindle highlights and GoodReads by Carol Rifka Brunt from Tell the Wolves I’m Home:
“You can build a whole world around the tiniest of touches.â€
“I was in a place where nobody knew my heart even a little bit.â€
“I felt like I had proof that not all days are the same length, not all time has the same weight. Proof that there are worlds and worlds and worlds on top of worlds, if you want them to be there.â€
“I knew the way lost hopes could be dangerous, how they could turn a person into someone they never thought they’d be.â€
“I thought how that was wrong and terrible and beautiful all at the same time.â€
“I thought of trying to catch her eye, so she’d know I understood what she’d done, but I decided not to. Everyone needs to think they have secrets.â€
“The kinds of things I want don’t cost money.â€
I highly recommend this book. I don’t think I have felt this way about a novel since I read Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.
Forest Park in St. Louis is one of the most picturesque parks I have ever seen. The size of Central Park in NYC, this city gem houses the museums, zoos and plenty of gorgeously maintained green. I can’t stop thinking about the weather in St. Louis. Day after day of sweet breeze swirling the 70 degee air around you. Fluffly clouds drew their shadows over your face all day and you never really felt the sun. Jeremy and I didn’t get to ride the paddle boats around the large lake and it’s canals through the park. Next time we find ourselves in this beautiful city we are spending a little more quality time in Forest Park.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]People in St. Louis know how to eat and eat well. Noticeably, they area very meat savvy lot. Wherever Jeremy, Henry and I ate, the meat was perfect. The quality of the meat outpaces what we generally find available to us here in Atlanta. There are plenty of locally owned food and drink places to keep any foodie occupied for days. Lets cover all the best foods from our trip to St. Louis![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Kayak’s Cafe
The first morning we went to Kayak’s cafe, the 2nd store in the chain of locally roasted Kaldi’s coffee.
We tried this amazing ‘butter cake’ which Henry introduced to us as a St. Lous specialty. We also ordered the Guatemalan coffee in the Chemex. The coffee was spectacular, both bold in flavor and aroma. It was a caffeine kick we sorely needed after an entire day of driving and falling asleep closer to dawn than dusk. It was never crowded and it had a university feel with all the students studying inside. Just outside was the university. We would visit this coffee house twice more before we left. Now that’s good coffee![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24861″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24862″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
I had been craving the cronut for weeks when I finally came across the version served in St. Louis: The doughssant! It lived up to its hype. The flaky interior with the doughnut consistency is really something you should try. I think this may be a pastry fad, so get them before they areobsolete! We had ours at Nadoz Cafe. It’s a pretty standard cafe that reminded me of the coffee houses you often see in bookstores. They specialize in European goodies and really friendly service.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24840″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24839″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]I\’m not done with the breakfast foods! I really love breakfast food all day. Eggs and bacon and hash and coffee appeal to me no matter the hour. A pastry may be thrown in from time to time for variety.
This super cute 2 story historic town home has been transformed into a wonderful little breakfast spot. I was itching for a Benedict and I got myself one! The ham was perfect. It arrived in copious amounts and cooked perfectly. It wasn\’t chewy and it fell apart as I dug into the Benedict. And that hollandaise? It coated my tongue and I swear I was in heaven. The waits were a bit long, but it was Sunday brunch when we arrived. The weather in St. Louis was divine the entire week with sunshine, temperatures in the 70\’s and a pleasant breeze every day and there was outdoor seating, but we ate inside because of the crowd.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24841″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” alignment=”center” border_color=”grey”][vc_column_text]
A local coffee, breakfast, and locally sourced eatery, the Mud House has a distinct character. The walls are full of modern art pieces and antique steam room accessories. They make beautiful lattes and a version of the St. Louis slinger made entirely with locally sourced materials. Their space is split into two rooms, one where all the order are taken and another where the visitors sit. Their chef has some serious skills as the bacon and eggs were absolutely perfect. Their baristas too, know how to pour a pretty drink.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24849″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24850″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
Are you tired of breakfast foods yet? Henry took us to an awesome dim sum place for what was something between lunch and dinner. Have you ever had just a dish of beef tendon? That rubbery crunch is something that usually turns off the common westerner but if you can step out of your food habits for a minute, it\’s a dish worth having. My favorite though, are dumplings. Shrimp, chicken, vegetable, pork,beef, it doesn\’t matter. I am all about dumplings. I had something new this time though: soup dumplings. A little ball of meat is surrounded by a broth inside of the dumpling. The savory gush in your mouth is really an experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24843″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” alignment=”center” border_color=”grey”][vc_column_text]
It wouldn\’t have been right to go to St. Louis and not partake in their barbecue! Famous for it\’s ribs, there was no shortage of BBQ places to choose from. On recommendation from our friend Henry, we went to Bogarts. The restaurant itself is small, nestled into a street corner, the bright white and yellow trim reflecting the street lights.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24844″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24842″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24845″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24883″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The ribs and brisket served at that place… I honestly don\’t have words. It is hands down the best bbq I have ever put in my mouth. It\’s soft, fall off the bone, and savory like no other ribs I\’ve consumed. No knife needed. A fork cuts through the meat without any effort. The service is crazy fast too. They\’ve been cooking the meat forever, and it\’s all ready and waiting for your order. 2 minutes lapsed between the completion of the order and the ribs arriving at the table. That\’s fast.
For our anniversary dinner, we opted for a intimate dinner on the rooftop at Vin De Set. Jeremy and I don\’t really frequent french restaurants but the promise of a culinary adventure into the undiscovered parts of our palate was just too attractive to pass up. Trying something new on our anniversary is so us. We went all out with beautifully seared steaks, mushroom purees and french onion soup paired with some strong drinks made with vermouth. My favorite parts of the meal though were the cheese plate, the escargot dish and the finisher: a decadent crème brûlée.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”24886″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”24887″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”24885″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Once I saw the escargot on the menu, we knew we had to get it. I was instantly flooded with memories of our evening dinners on our honeymoon. Buttery, spiced escargot was an option we chose frequently. I\’m not fond of cheese, and we ordered the cheese plate knowing Jeremy would consume most of it but I discovered a cheese that I really loved. Cotswold cheese enchanted me. It had a sharp taste, the added pleasant aroma of the chives and onions blended in, and a smooth consistency. It was good. Really good. We bought half a wheel to bring back with us!
It was a beautiful night.
I\’m a tea drinker. I love coffee, but I\’m much more of a tea snob. The London Tea Room is a great place to spend a quiet moment in the heart of St. Louis. They have a great menu, written with a sharp humor. I had an aromatic mango tea and Jeremy enjoyed one of Churchill\’s favorites: Lapsang Souchong.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24855″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24889″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”24852″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” img_link=”medium” alignment=”center” border_color=”grey”][vc_column_text]I have no self control so we ordered this scrumptious blueberry cake. The icing tasted like a very sweet cream cheese and the cake was a little heavier than I\’m used to but it worked well with the cakey part of it. It was a great pairing with my mango fruit tea.
This is a dining spot you really shouldn\’t miss in St. Louis. It\’s similar to the Westin in Atlanta, with the rotating restaurant atop a tall cylindrical building. I was adamant about going at a time where we could catch the sunset and we were not disappointed. The view was grand. The food was droolworthy and I just enjoyed the heck out of myself. I ordered a rack of lamb. Usually, for me, ordering lamb is like playing foodie russian roulette. The lamb either comes out tasting gamy or mediocre or it comes out juicy and with the right type of flavor. I\’m happy to say that the lamb is great. Jeremy and Henry enjoyed their meals too! and we shared a huge cake! Perfect dinner.
The hotel afforded us a great view of Busch Stadium as well as the Arch as it turned. The city was on sunset fire.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24894″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24854″ img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” img_link_large=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24851″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24895″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]I have a few honorable mentions that you should consider if you have the time and have already tried or decided against all the other things in my list.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
I encountered authentic Schezwan here for the first time! Used to your local sugary Americanized Chinese food? Don’t go here if you want to keep your palate ignorant about true, amazing schezwan! It’s not for the cuisine challenged but I had a great time, ate well, and slept like a baby afterward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
Located right on Delmar, this little hookah place is a great spot to reminisce, discuss life, and blow a few smoke rings. Great conversation was had at this place, and many a smoke filled bubble started an epic journey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]
We came here one of our nights and enjoyed very reasonably priced drinks, and some of the best blues live! I have an entire post dedicated to BB\’s soon since it was so fun to photograph! Get lost in the music.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I know there are supposed to be a bunch of posts on this blog already about St. Louis and all the great things to do in that wonderful city but life caught up with me!
Resources and circumstances lined up and some home projects I had been meaning to do just got done!
Molly lived under the guest bed for two straight days thanks to the workers in my home. Here she is, finally out, yesterday!
No that you have this cat to appease you, I’ll start working on finalizing my other posts! :)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
St. Louis has a bad rap. When we were getting ready to leave, a few opinions surfaced about St. Louis being a subpar place to spend one’s anniversary week. People were incredulous that we would be going to a “boring” city and of all things be spending an entire week there! Of course it’s not the usual fare of some grand trip to the Bahamas or Europe but in truth, Jeremy and I have fallen in love with discovering US cities with a lot of culture, at a pace we can savor. Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely planning to enjoy the world outside the US Borders, but we just don’t give the many culture rich cities within our mainland enough credit!
I’m going to, over the course of the next few posts, take you through the awesome city of St. Louis, Missouri. The streets filled with old townhomes and a unique culture had a lot to offer us. Stay tuned!
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One year ago today, I married my best friend of 11 years.
There’s never a moment where I really feel like I’m limited with Jeremy. I wondered if marriage would change this.
It didn’t.
I’ve never felt more supported or trusted by anyone else. I truly have his respect, and then his fierce love. He isn’t afraid to let me know exactly how he feels… while considering how I feel. It was our relationship like it was before except I get to enjoy it more now that we are around each other all the time. That’s awesome.
The first year of marriage… I remember being warned by a ton of people that it’d be our hardest as we figure out and understand all the little things that will annoy the hell out of us. We were told to be prepared to split the chores and agree on who does what ahead of time. Define our roles. Never go to bed angry. Communicate.
All great advice.
However it made me feel like I would suddenly have to try very hard to be his best friend now that we had signed some documents and emptied our bank accounts in a wedding display that drained me like nothing else in my life. Was everything going to be different now?
Well, no.
We are so in tune it’s amazing. And trust me when I say it doesn’t have all that much to do with me. I’m brash. I have ideas that flare up, make plans and execute them without always asking, I can be last minute, messy, and as stubborn as a mule. I’ve got a lot of my father’s good qualities (hard work, the ability to garner the trust of his colleagues, the ability to produce value in whatever he does) but I am very much my father’s daughter and I don’t know how to prioritize all that well, I am prone to losing control of my eating habits, and have a propensity to be pound AND penny foolish. I’m more caring like my mother but I am just as messy and I am not always an empathetic person, with the tendency to be quick to judge. Really, someone has to really love me to be able to tolerate all the crap and then focus on the good in me because I know, I know, I am nowhere near perfect. He has his quirks too, like all of us. But he is so great, it doesn’t matter.
Knowing all that, do you realize how lucky I feel to have the first year of my married life be the easiest, fun, most fulfilling, warm, accepted year of my life?
Want some advice?
Marry your best *friend*. Throw your expectations for the word “marriage” out the window and focus on your partner. Preconceptions and expectations are just roadblocks. I hate having them put on me, and refusing to put them on each other has only served us well, both for the first year of our marriage and the many years before!
I don’t have any other advice .
And for the future? I want to be best friends forever.
THATS RIGHT. BFFS.
Happy Anniversary to my other, totally better half.
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