Experiencing Jersey Boys

Day 4: Leaving MD

Well, I had a great visit, Maryland-Virginia-Washington-DC! It's an even split between having had a good time and being ready to get home.

Things I miss:

My bedtime routine snuggling with hubby

My dogs

Not lugging around heavy bags

Not this airport

I don't think I was built for big cities. Well, Memphis is kind of a big city, so maybe I wasn't built for northern big cities. I'm sure if I stayed around I'd adapt, but I'm much happier in a smaller or at least slower town.

Waiting for the flight on a Friday afternoon was not the best. If you're traveling out of DC and can manage to avoid Friday at rush hour, do it.

But I will say the sunset is beautiful. I think I have a thing for sunsets!

Feet, don't fail me now! At this point I was exhausted and had just scarfed down a tomato mozzarella panini from Fresh to Order. So good! I also got a vanilla latte from Dunkin Donuts in an attempt to stay somewhat alert on my last flight. My feet were also in a lot of pain. I can't say that I would have brought another pair of shoes if I had the opportunity, because these bad boys did the job and did it well, but I have a feeling after wearing any shoe for four days straight, walking through a convention center and walking around DC, my feet would have hurt no matter the shoe.

Atlanta from the plane looked like a land of shining stars. I was happy to be on the last leg of my trip. When I finally arrived, T and I somehow managed to time it just right and I hopped in the CRV just as I was walking out.

So happy to be home, sweet home!

10/28/17 11:24p

Day 3: Experiencing National Harbor

National Harbor is beautiful. I would love to go back and have more time to experience it fully, but the few parts I saw, it was so relaxing and serene.

This was in the Atrium in the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Every day, just to look out at the harbor--what a treat! This fountain was part of the scene, and the sound it made just made the atmosphere even more peaceful.

This was the sunset the night we went out to the event. Just look at the colors!

The event we went to was at The Sunset Room and I was just hypnotized by the sunset. The appetizers and food were really delicious. Even the salads were fancy. Look at this view!

Welcome to the Capitol Wheel. We were 180 feet above the Potomac River waterfront. I can say it was a little bit scary to be that high, but not as scary compared to Disneyland's ferris wheel with the swinging gondolas.

Purchases

So I splurged and bought some pretty things from Rifle Paper Co. I couldn't resist!

HONEYDEW WEEKLY DESK PAD 

2017 MIDNIGHT 12-MONTH AGENDA

HANGING GARDEN RECIPE CARDS

HOLIDAY SNOW SCENE POSTCARD

NORTH POLE MAP POSTCARD

Day 2: At the Conference

Woke up with a beautiful sunrise. Every morning I opened up the curtains so the sun could fill the room. It was comforting.

The convention provided breakfast and then we were off! We listened to the opening messages delivered by Mike Gianoni, Steve MacLaughlin and Aaron Sherinian, and then moved on to the sessions.

After we finished for the day, we took a cab to the Lincoln Memorial and walked along the Reflecting Pool. The weather was beautiful, but the sunset took the cake. I picked up a Peet's coffee along the way to dinner after walking by the White House (intimidating!). We ate pizza at Vapiano's and I had panna cotta for dessert (yummy!).

Day 1: Arriving in Maryland

Well, I actually arrived in Virginia at the Reagan National Airport after a very long morning.

The day started when my parents picked me up and we had to drive to my work, because that's where I forgot my laptop charger. Of all things to forget!

We said our goodbyes and I started on my way. There's no better way than to start a day that got off on the wrong foot than with a Starbucks. I picked up a latte and watched the sunrise while waiting to be called to board.

My layover was in Charlotte, NC, so I picked up a bottle of water and a magazine. I was actually too tired to read it, but did enjoy staring at its beautiful cover.

When I arrived at the airport, I was overwhelmed. With all the traveling and being in an unfamiliar place, it was a lot to take in. I took a moment and ate at Wow Bao. I ordered chicken dumplings and they were really good. From there, I found the taxis. I was so thankful to be in a quiet space.

The driver dropped me off at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and I was scared because I thought I was at the wrong place. My Google maps hadn't caught up with itself and it told me I was still ten minutes away. I had to hit refresh a couple times before it finally updated and I let out a sigh of relief to see I was where I needed to be. The hotel was beautiful!

As soon as I checked in, I took a shower, crawled into my king size bed, and turned on iZombie with a cup of chamomile tea in hand. I was so exhausted I fell asleep by 8.

Packing for DC

I scoured and studied the internet on the best items to pack for a short trip that could fit into a carry-on.

Building My Workout Wardrobe

When I went shopping yesterday, I was on the hunt for my newest love: workout clothes.

I ended up finding some really great pieces at Target and TJ Maxx. Reebok high-waisted skinny pants, a new sports bra and a flowy short sleeve shirt.

• Reebox pants: I actually picked these over a pair of Under Armour pants because of the high waist. I'm shaped so funny that normally all my pants fall and squeeze me, giving me an awful muffin top. High waisted is just what the doctor ordered.

• Champion Sports bra: What's not to love about hot pink? I love the band at the bottom because it makes me feel extra secure. I own a couple pairs of sports bras that have built in "petals" (aka those awkward things that add unnecessary shape to my already over-shapely chest) and I gotta say I like the bras without those better. So this was definitely a win.

• Cushion Active tee: This was my most joyful purchase! I hate compression tops. Absolutely hate, especially now that I'm working out and don't want to look like a suffocating sausage. This shirt is perfect for me. It's soft, complimentary, and doesn't hug my body. It's an understatement to say I'm super excited about wearing this tomorrow!

Day in the Life 1

Right now I'm lounging in my recliner, enveloped in the crisp, white quilt I found at Dirt Cheap today and drinking Clear Mind Kombucha. Spoiled. I feel so spoiled right now.

Today was a really great day. I cleaned house. Laundry, dishes, hanging up clothes...setting myself up for a good return home at the end of the week. I leave for DC Tuesday and get back Friday night.

Tonight I went shopping at Target and came upon some great stuff. I was able to get two discounted sports bras, one amazing workout shirt, and a Spanx slip. I am absolutely loving finding sales at Target for work out clothes. Since I've started working out and working out a lot, it's been great to grow my wardrobe, so that I'm not always having to do laundry.

Minimalism

If I were to show you a picture of my house two years ago, even a year ago, the image of the clutter would give you anxiety.

When my husband and I got married and moved into together, we had amassed two lifetimes of stuff...of things. I always thought more was better until this point when our 1950s home in East Memphis was bursting at the seams. I did what any girl would do and I got on pinterest and searched for ways to organize my life. If I couldn't beat the clutter, I would organize it.

What I found instead was not a way to organize anything, but the word minimalist. What does it mean to live a minimalist lifestyle? Simply, uncluttered. Simplifying your life and pairing your material possessions down.

I knew that I needed a change, maybe your like me and need a change.  These tips are for anyone, whether your house is in a state of distress or if You'd just like a tidier home, these tips are for you.

The first is release yourself from the myth of "this might come in handy." If you haven't used something in a year, chances are you are

T going to used. Second vacuum. On the off chance we might need it.

The second, Imagine the life you want. If you donT want to have to dig throuh your closets every day. For pots and pans for close, get rid of stuff.Everything we own requires time, money, energy and focus to maintain

Keep things that bring you joy and discard the things that don't.  This gave me th e freedom to part with things. A lot of times we keep things because we siren money on them. More harm than good.

If you do these three things, you'll find relief in not having to struggle 

Minimalism or decluttering is not about just owning less, it's about appreciating what you have. Everything you add to your life, more clothes, more decor, adds increased anxiety.

Seeing: Lauren Daigle

I have tried to remember when I was first introduced to Lauren Daigle, but I can't!

All I seem to remember is there was a time I didn't know who she was and now she's on constant rotation on my iPod.

Last Wednesday, I went with friends to see her in concert. I absolutely love her voice, and hearing her live—experiencing the powerhouse she is—just whoa! There's an itty bitty figure on stage, and all of a sudden she belts out this beautiful honey-full voice.

Destination: Pensacola

Strange Finale