Our first solo getaway since becoming parents

Matt and I just got back from our first solo getaway since Ryan was born, and it was SO nice!

Leading up to the trip, we were both excited about going, but it wasn't until we were there that we realized how much we really needed it.

We love our time with Ryan so much that we hadn't really ever thought about how we are always "on" when we're with him.

Getting away just the two of us was such a relaxing time to just be and not focus on anyone or anything else. It felt like we were dating again!

We were going to eat breakfast before we left and then thought, "Wait a minute! We have no schedule! This drive can be as long as we want it to be!" So we got breakfast on our way and talked about how much we were looking forward to the trip ahead. Well that and life insurance, so maybe it wasn't exactly like we were dating again ;)

One other stop on the way to take in the mountain views- there is nothing like being in the mountains in the Fall.

We were gone for just one night, but as refreshed and relaxed as we felt, you would have thought we stayed for at least half a week.

We went to The Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC and it was amazing!!

Because we were celebrating our anniversary, they gave us a free upgrade- and whoa was our room nice:

The tiles floors in the bathroom were heated, the shower had five (FIVE!) shower heads, there was a clawfoot tub with mineral bath salts (yes you better believe I used that tub twice in less than 24 hours), a fire place in the living area, a super comfortable bed with black-out curtains, and cookies, roses, and champagne waiting for us in the room when we arrived. SO, so nice!

First stop- a cute little coffee shop in downtown. I had big plans to stay awake for our whole day and make it through dinner (a later reservation- what a rarity these days!) and dessert without falling asleep at the table, so a cup of coffee was the perfect first treat of our trip.

We had a light lunch at a cute little sandwich shop, and I just loved this little sign on the wall:

No Wifi

Talk to each other!

Call your mom!

Pretend it's 1993!

Live

Love it :)

After our lunch, we went back to our room and sat by the fire in the living room and read our books and magazines- I read and wrote new recipes while Matt caught up on sports. Ahhhh- so relaxing!

Then Matt went for a workout at the fitness center while I read more recipes and enjoyed my first bath. I had four Southern Living magazines to catch up on and now have tons of new recipes I want to make!

That night we had dinner at a restaurant called Madison's (highly recommend!) and they had rose petals waiting on the table for us. Who knew that mentioning it was our anniversary in the reservation would carry over to so many sweet accommodations?!

That crab cake appetizer- Mmm Mmmm.

And that dessert. The one on the left is mine. Yeah the table of six near us shared it, but since Matt doesn't like chocolate, I had to tackle to whole thing on my own. ;)

Nonna and Papa were the best to watch Ryan for us while we were gone. He had a great time with them and did so well the whole time we were gone, with made being away so much easier!

We've already decided we'd love to take the same trip next year- the perfect one-night, two-day getaway right before Thanksgiving. And next year we'll have two little loves to come home to when we return! (Okay, three counting Tally) ;)

Life Lately + a WINNER!

We've been fighting off a whole lot of sickness around here lately, but in between the long nights and sometimes-tough days, there have been a whole lot of sweet moments too.

Here's a look at what we've been up to lately:

I love my mornings with this little guy. He has made so many games out of these blocks. They are my new favorite gift to give for 1-2 year olds! On this particular morning, he decided he would get inside the box that holds all of them. :)

All in one day, Ryan decided that he wanted to wear his backup around the house and asked to sit on the potty to go "poo poo." And while he has not actually done anything on the potty, it is his new nightly routine to ask to sit on the potty for around 10 seconds, and then tell us he's all done and clap. This buddy. #pleasedonttrypottytrainbeforeFebruary #oranytimesoonafter

In 15 months of his little life, this has never happened. We had a fun-filled morning playing at the park with some friends and this sweet guy fell asleep on the way home, stayed asleep while I carried him in (with his head on my shoulder- melt) AND while I changed his diaper. He was OUT.

So one of Ryan's new favorite words is "a-MEN!" He uses it at the funniest times, but on this particular afternoon, we were driving home from the mall, he was sucking on his big toe, and in between loud sucking sounds he was shouting, "a-MEN!" Somebody is thankful for big toes.

Reading books with Aunt Dre!

This was just another Friday night. Piggy back rides through the house with daddy... and his spoon.

Bath time with Noah and Maddox on our sleepover night!

Tasting Nonna's chocolate birthday cake

The first thing he wanted to play with in the morning was his "tak-tor." I love being a boy mom. :)

Chillin in his car. In his pjs. 

The weather was so nice on this day. We played outside for a couple hours and for part of that time, Ryan walked himself over to the fire pit, climbed in the chair, and just relaxed. Sweet buddy. 

Nonna came into town earlier this week to help me out in a pinch and ended up staying the night, going with us to back-to-back doctor visits within one hour, driving me to pick up my car from the shop, AND insisting that Matt and I go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary. She is the SWEETEST Nonna there is. And Ryan just adores her!

I took this pic on our second dr. visit that happened less than an hour after the first. On our drive home, my mom and I noticed that one side of Ryan's face was red and had raised bumps all over it. He hadn't eaten anything new or had new medicine, so we went straight back to the doctor. They were so great. They took us right back to the room and determined that his hives (first time he's ever had them so I had no idea what was happening) were a reaction to his virus. They gave him some Benedryl and they were gone by the time we left. So thankful for my pediatrician and that my mom was there to go with me! 

I noticed toward the end of one of Ryan's naps that his monitor screen went black and couldn't figure out what happened. When I snuck in his room to see what happened, this is what I found. Now that his bumpers are off, he figured out he has access to the cord, which means mama needs to find a new spot for it and cover up those plugs!

Tricks of a one year old: figuring out how to get one arm out of your pjs. :)

Ryan and I met Matt and his mom for lunch this week and Matt suggested I go with the ribs because I was eating for two and they had won all kinds of awards. So when they brought out our plates, I had about 3 times the amount of food as him and his mom. Hahah! I thought it was embarrassing and hilarious, so I took a picture. And yes, they were GOOD.

Just a little peek-a-boo while we waited at a red light... that tongue :)

Yesterday we celebrated this sweet girl's first birthday! It's hard to believe that one year ago she surprised (and scared) us all with her 6-week-early arrival. One year later you would have no idea she came as early as she did. We love our little niece so much!

And the winner of the Usborne Books & More giveaway is:

SARA HUGHES!

Congratulations, Sara! You and your little guy will love the book that is heading your way!

And friends, I know this time of year is so crazy, but if you are like me and trying to knock out your Christmas shopping before December, you must take a look at the incredible books for sale at my online book party. Mary Ellen, the party host, has agreed to keep the party open for those of you who missed last week's ordering deadline. You can take a look at all of the options of books here or order through the online party here.

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends!

Poor Man's Beef Bourgignon

I made this dish for my mom's birthday dinner last weekend and we all loved it! We are pasta LOVERS in my family so a meal like this is right up our alley.

I made it a few weeks before my mom's birthday dinner, using up some ingredients from our fridge and wanting to make something like a beef stroganoff but a little different. I used wine and mushrooms and some heavy cream and decided that it most resembled a beef bourgignon... but a much cheaper and easier version.

Point is, we loved it! And I hope you all do too!

Ingredients:

2T butter

1 sweet onion, chopped

8oz baby bella mushrooms

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup red wine (I used cabernet)

1/2 cup beef stock

1 can cream of mushroom soup

heavy cream (or 1/2 and 1/2) up to 1/2 cup

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup fresh parm

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1T dried parsley

1lb ground beef

1lb short pasta (I used farfalle, or bowtie)

Directions:

Saute onions in butter until clear (5-7 minutes). Add in garlic and simmer for 2 more minutes. Add mushrooms, wine, and beef stock and simmer for 5-7 more minutes. Add in soup and blend with a whisk. If sauce is too thick after adding soup, add up to 1/2 cup of heavy cream (I add a little at a time and stir). Add in sour cream, parsley, salt, pepper, and parmesan.

While sauce is cooking, I brown the meat in a separate pan, drain, rinse, and return to the sauce pan after all of the above steps have been completed.

Also while the sauce is cooking and meat is browning, I boil salted water and cook the pasta to al dente. Then drain and return it to the pan. 

Pour sauce (now with meat added) on top of the pasta.

Garnish with parsley and parmesan before serving.

The book giveaway ends tonight! (enter here) And the party will stay open through Friday at midnight. Don't forget to get your orders in by then!