on who I am...

I am...


...sorry but had to take a little breather from my beloved blog well, overall I took a little break from my MacBook. Other than work and emails and some Facebook I just had the MacBook tucked away. I've had a lot on my mind and many projects to think about. I felt every time I returned to type up something witty it just turned up to be a blank page. I am hoping I am back for good. Feeling good about it!!


...a red head! It's totally great and I love it. We mixed two colors and so I was a wee bit nervous as to how the end result would look but I am head over heels for it. I feel like I should change my name to Autumn :)


..feeling good with losing seven pounds on this little diet that I've been trying out. I am not totally sure how I feel about the diet itself. I don't agree with all the teachings & philosophy behind it so I've altered a bit of it to fit my beliefs and it's doing wonders. I've been really strict on my carbs (because we all know I love my bread & pasta) and also my sugars. It's been tough but I've done great. Hoping to keep up with just watching everything I consume and also exercising to get some of these pounds off. Perfect time to do all this, I know! Which all the yummy fall recipes and pumpkin galore. 


...missing my family. 'Tis the season. As the holidays near I feel myself slipping into a slight depression. It's hard to go through the Holidays without my dad and sister. Most of all I wish Sebastian could have more of them in his life. 


...annoyed with the weather here lately. Hot, muggy and sticky yet rainy. Not my favorite. It's suppose to be chilly and I should be wearing layers. Alas, that's not the case and here I am carrying my flat iron for my hair everywhere since as soon as I step outside my hair decides to go all wacko! Not cool. 


...exited for knocking out several crafty things lately. My sewing machine has been in use most evenings at my place. Some pretty projects others not so, like sewing up the crotch area of my husbands work pants that he uses to work on his cars. Aren't I just the best wife? I mean what wife wants her hubby's goods exposed. Too much information? Possibly. Anyways I know I have officially been made the "pant's sewing queen" over here. Since over the weekend my darling sister in law handed me five pairs of dress pants to hem. 


...struggling with not putting up all my Halloween decorations. Halloween as of right now is the only holiday I decorate for. Not that I neglect all the other Holidays but I just haven't got around collecting as much for Christmas. It seems wrong to put everything up before at least October first!


...thankful for an amazing husband who always has him family in mind first :) It warms my heart. Hoping to plan a date night in the next couple of weeks. Much need!


...having a hard time finishing The Stand. The book was pushed aside as well for a few weeks now. I feel so guilty! But I will definitely be showing my kindle some love. Hoping to finish this book so I can get moving on an ever growing list of must reads. 


...needing to add some more things to my wardrobe. Stat!


...loving all my Fall shows. I finally have something to watch during the week :)

♥A.

on five years...

Here is the photo of the day. It's a crack up :)

Yes, this is our joyous leap into five years. Today was fun but most of all it was just a nice day to our selves. We started the day out at Cafe L'aube. A small hole in the wall on South Street. I actually found this little cafe on yelp.com, which by the way is an awesome source to use when searching for restaurants & their reviews. Bobby and I were sold when we read that they serve fancy french crepes! 

 Coffee was first to be ordered! After pondering the menu we both got right to ordering our crepes from a very pretty middle-aged french lady named Alexandra :) She was a gem, made our crepes with love and also wasn't shy when I asked to take a picture of her. Both of us picked a savory crepe. Bobby ordered the Classique: ham, cheese & mushrooms. and I had the Prefere: bacon, swiss cheese & leeks. Although on the plate it looked like nothing at all I assure you the aroma and taste was nothing you would of imagined. It filled both of us to the brim. I hope to visit again and soon!!


Next we head over to the Philadelphia Art Museum. We were bummed to find out earlier this week that the museum is closed on Mondays. Even so we still wanted to walk up those famous steps and just have a gander at the area. In the end we had more fun than we intended :) 

 Before lunch I dragged Bobby to the one place I absolutely had to stop into-- Anthropologie! It's as marvelous as I imagined. I was drooling over so many beautiful things. That store is even better than online.

Lunch was a recommendation from a co-worker of the MIL's. Parc in Rittenhouse Square. It turned out it was a very happenin' place!

 The menu had an assortment of fancy & casual foods. Today we went with casual and simple sandwiches. I got the Chicken Cobb and Bobby got the Cheeseburger. Food was great. People were nice. The structure itself had me giddy with all it's vintage french furniture and lighting. Very chic.
That was our day. I have a happy heart. And so thankful for this day five years ago for it turned into something that I can't imagine being without. A man who means the world to me, treats me like a queen and most of all the best father.

♥A

on some notables...

Today, I write from my bed on this fine Sunday evening. Today I woke up to the crisp chill air in the house, snuggled with my boys and didn't roll out of bed until literally Sebastian pushed my off the bed with a long & ear-piercing Mooooooommmm. I am thrilled that Fall is finally here! It's getting chilly in the mornings and nights. Hoodies, layers and scarfs are slowing creeping back upon us. And most of all I just can't wait until leaves turn colors. Fall is most defiantly my absolute favorite season. 

Tomorrow, Bobby and I will be celebrating our five year anniversary! Eeekk! Now that we are married I just didn't have the heart to totally abandon this tradition of celebrating September 19th 2006 when I flew all the way from Seattle to Philadelphia to meet what now is the man I married. It's still so crazy to think about. Most people might think it's silly but both Bobby and I will probably always do something special on that day for the rest of our lives. This year we are doing something that we've never done before and going out on a "day date". Since Sebastian has preschool tomorrow, we figured it would be fun to do something during the day instead of the usual going out in the evening. The day will consist of a mini photoshoot, a museum, romantic walks, many restaurants, window shopping and maybe a carriage ride (I've always wanted to do one with just us). We are going to hit up downtown and bounce around to several different cafes and restaurants to try out an assortment of goodies. I am super duper excited for all this food, especially since starting Tuesday I'm starting a new weight loss diet. Hold me. 


Lately I've been consumed with neighbor drama. We recently acquired a new neighbor who lives below us and to put it lightly she has become a pain in my tush. She is a single mother of a five year old kid and has been complaining and giving us a hard time ever since she moved. We walk too loud. We get up too early for her on the weekend ends and our walking wakes her up. Wah wah wah. In the end I think my landlord will evict her because she finds her as annoying as I do. I did however have a long pointless talked with her earlier this week and I'm proud to say that her ridiculous post-it notes (that are stuck on my front door with stupid complaints) have ceased. This is my first ever bad experience with a neighbor in an apartment. It sucks to say the least but hoping for the best! 


We are now owners of a nice luxurious tent from REI! We are attending the annual Kamptober Fest camping trip with Aunt Cheryl yet again this year. Starting early and gearing up for everything since we only have about a month. It will be loads of fun and a wee bit chilly since we are going towards the end of October. None the less, having adventures during the day and sitting by the fire at night is my kind of thing. I grew up camping and miss it terribly. Oh and don't forget the s'mores! 


Here's something I've failed to mention to all you peaches out there! Julee the owner of My Happy Life By The Bay, as I still squirm in my seat, gifted me with a trip to NYC to join many other women at the August 2012 BlogHer Conference! Queue the applause :) Best part of it all is Julee her self is flying down from Seattle to NYC to attend with me. Annnnd the even greatest part is she is bringing my bestie with her--TANYA! Ahhhhhh. Already counting down the days to see my two favorite ladies in the world. 


I've got a fun filled day ahead of me! I promise I'll share our day of adventures with you all. In the mean time enjoy these long bright sunny days because before you know it we will all be waking up in the dark. 

♥A.

on bits + pieces...

Bits + Pieces {a collection of recent photos}


1. a very rainy day. 
2. babycakes cupcake maker (gifted on my birthday)
3. fresh chocolate cupcakes
4. oven roasted chicken-- dinner last Tuesday
5. red potatoes 
6. Sebastian playing with all his Toy Story friends :)
7.  mushroom artichoke homemade pizza-- dinner last Friday
8. a lonely stroll
9. fall is in the air!
10. new pie plate
11. rockin' my new Toms (gift via mom)

on an eagle scout...

Yesterday I got to share a wonderful day with family as we witnessed Zach, Bobby's cousin receive the highest honor in Scouting-- The Eagle. I'm not going to lie when I say that I was totally ignorant to the significance of this event. I really hadn't a clue as to what it was all about and yesterday not only did I get to watch Zach become an Eagle but also I was educated on how much time and effort was put into achieving it. It seriously is so awesome. This is something that I truly want Sebastian to have, if not Boy Scouts then something that grabs his passion and lets him grow. For me growing up this was karate. I strived to become better and in the process had great mentors. And as I grew older I made it a duty to help the wee ones in their training and learning. 
Even though Zach isn't my kid as I sat there clicking the camera I couldn't help but swell with pride for Zach! It was a great gathering of people that support and love Zach and he also had really cool guests speak too! Here are some pictures of the day. (I wish I could of taken more but Sebastian was giving me a hard time)...

Days like yesterday touch my heart in a way that is hard to describe. All I know is that I am blessed to have all these wonderful people in my life and thankful for yesterday. Congrats Zach! Fly Eagle Fly :)

♥A.

on who I am...

I am...


...currently without Internet access at home. We've been borrowing it from our elderly neighbors, with their permission of course, ever since we moved in :) They really are the cutest old couple I ever did see! They do yoga together on Tuesday & Thursdays. Come on! Yoga when your in your late 70's. Anyways, their Internet is not working and so in effect I'm not blogging. Ugh. I actually had to do a little creepy neighbor investigation to make sure those poor old folks were still ALIVE! Hey, you just never know. So I made cupcakes and brought them over (they are very much alive). Now, I didn't go on about their Internet not working because that would of been so darn rude. However, I'm not going to lie I wanted to! Bare with me. If it goes on for much long we are defiantly going to jump on the bandwagon and get some Internet but until I know for sure I'm going to be some what spotty with my posts. I know you are all wondering where I went too ;)


...still working on the book The Stand by Stephen King. But boy am I enjoying it. I'm not even half way yet but still I feel like I am so far into it. It's super dreadful and gives me the chills but I love it!


...sad that Borders is going out of business. There is one in the mall I work at and it's a shame to see it go (Monday being their last day). Mainly because I won't get to see the familiar faces of the people who work there anymore. They are all peaches and wish them the best!


...still in shock at how much water and flooding I've been seeing here in Philly. Craaazzzy! Yesterday I sat in my car for four hours! Yes, I repeat FOUR hours. Roads were closed left and right. This road flooded and that flooded. Very scary. I usually get into work at 8am and didn't arrive until 11:30am with a stiff back and a numb fanny. As much as it rains in Seattle I've never experienced anything like that in my life. I'm just thankful that we don't live in a house near any bodies of water!


...going to enjoy a four day weekend. Jumping with glee! I had to take an extra day off and am spending Monday going on a little adventure. I will most definitely let you all in on the happenings Monday night. Let's just say I am very exited and it's something to do with this lovely blog! Eeeep.


...tomorrow I'll get to be a witness to Bobby's cousin Zach getting the highest honor in Boy Scouting, Eagle Scout! Woohoo. Go Zach. I totally think it's awesome and I've been asked to be the photographer for this shindig. Fun.


...loving that Fall is in the air. It's seriously my favorite time of year. I've already starting brewing Pumpkin Spice coffee at work and not to forget the Pumpkin Muffins! Dear lord. Help me. Now I just need to stock up on some new scarfs. 


...proud of Sebastian for having great days at both schools he goes to. I never thought my three year old would have such a busy schedule but he is doing terrific and loving every minute of it. So blessed to have such a chipper and outgoing kid. Who by the way is all ready for Halloween. Can you guess what he is going to be? Yeah, I know. I thought it was going to be Spiderman or Superman or even Iron Man. But noooooo. He chose Woody! Funny how it works. Buzz last year and Woody the cowboy this year :) Ahh well. At least Momma is saving some money with this decision because cousin Danny was Woody last year. Hammy down costume is my friend. 


...missing my dad. Missing my sister. Missing my best friend. 


...happy that my shows are making their way back to me. It's been so long. Although I am sad to see True Blood leave me (like really sad!). Vampire Diaries and Glee plus I totally am going to check out Zooey Deschanel's new show New Girl. Am I the only one who has a lady crush on her??


...thanking you all for coming by my little corner I have here on the web. It's always a pleasure to have you :) 

♥A.

on a birthday dinner...

Another birthday dinner :) This time my lovely & beautiful sister-in-law Brittany's! She is one cool gal. She lives down in South Philly and is a social worker. Very passionate about what she does and lives life to the fullest. All of the things I admire about her. Also she is a total peach for asking mom to make Pasta Fagioli (which is my favorite dish that the mother-in-law makes) and also my favorite dessert ever! Death By Chocolate Cake :) Yummy!

 It was fun. Happy Birthday to Brittany. We're sleeping over at the in laws since both Bobby and I have to work Monday-- Labor Day. Sebastian gets to spend the day with his Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop :)

♥A.