Honeymoonin' (Part 2)

Where does the time go during summer vacation? I had every intention of writing this post last week but alas, I was busy with who knows what that it got away from me. When we left off last week, we had finally arrived in Grenada after a bit of a stressful travel day and a few too many nose swabs in my opinion but we were there! 

We had a lovely dinner at one of the 10 restaurants on the property that first night after getting settled into our room. Particularly given some of the travel restraints still in place, it was so wonderful to be at such a fabulous resort. Where we still got to enjoy dinner at a new restaurant each night and over indulge in all the deliciousness. Our first official full day was spent at the beach. We got up early the next day (husband is an early bird and he's working on getting me to become one too) and headed down to the beach where our chairs were already set up for us, under the umbrella with a cooler of drinks and towels ready to go. While the butler service is definitely not a must, and a bit over the top, it was super fun to be pampered on our special trip. 

The beach at this particular sandals isn't huge but its beautiful. They have two areas jettied off to allow for some calm shores and the chairs are spread out a bit so you're not right on top of your beach neighbors. And it never felt overly crowded or anything less than relaxing. Our butler had also set up a snorkel trip for us for that afternoon so after some relaxation, dipping our feet in the ocean and a walk down the beach we headed over to watersports and loaded up for some snorkeling.

As you can see, we ended up with gorgeous weather for the trip. We arrived on a Saturday and didn't see any rain until Wednesday. And even then, it was a quick downpour and then done, never ruining the day. 

It was after our snorkel trip that we wandered to a separate area of the resort that we hadn't explored yet and found ourselves at the swim up pool bar. So fun!

We toasted our first full day with some yummy frozen drinks (a must when you're on vacation) and decided that this is where we'd camp out tomorrow. At what our butlers fondly call the "party pool". The resort has a couple of pools, including 2 main large pools. One is right off the beach and the other is towards the other side of the property, complete with a swim up bar and some games and entertainment each day. I was a big fan of the trivia! I've decided that trivia, which I love anyways, is even better when you're standing in the pool sipping on a daiquiri. 

And so this is where we spent the next couple of afternoons. Hanging out in our personal lounge chairs, or in the water. We made friends with a few other couple that were vacationing there as well which filled our days with even more laughter and fun. Hubs even played a few games of pool volleyball. And after a day of sunshine, we would head back to our room, maybe take a final dip in our swim-up pool before getting cleaned up for dinner. 

After dinner each night we typically would head over the "living room" which is a communal bar space where there was nightly entertainment. We'd play pool, or enjoy the live music or show for the night. 

Our "couple friends" from the week! And unexpected bonus for the trip was new friends!

Unfortunately due to island restrictions, they weren't offering their usual off property excursions. Initially I was worried, we would end up feeling like we didn't have enough to do but honestly I loved getting to stay on property the whole time and relax by the beach and pool. But even without excursions they still have their usual watersports and activities. So like I said earlier, we were able to snorkel early in the trip. And a couple of days later we took an island boat tour where they take you around the coast to give you a feel of the island outside of the resort. 

The island is beautiful and if we come back, I'd definitely love to explore it more. But we were able to see some of the downtown of St. Georges's, the vet school, and Oprah's house! 

And during this trip we were able to talk with another couple who talked my husband into signing us up for Snuba!  

What is snuba you ask? It is a snorkel/scuba combo of sorts. You have a regulator attached to an oxygen tank like in scuba. But unlike scuba that tank is actually sitting on a float, not your back, and you are connected via a long hose. It allows you more freedom than snorkeling, and you can go to about 20 ft. They have you practice with the regulator in the pool the day before you take your trip so your comfortable. Although I still needed some warmup time in the ocean before feeling comfortable to go under all the way, with the weight belt. Hubby was a rockstar and loved it! I enjoyed it, but was definitely a bit more hesitant. I'm going to share a bit more about our snuba trip hopefully in a later post once we get our underwater photos developed. Apparently, disposable cameras are so rare these days, it takes weeks to develop... So stay tuned on that one! 

That was Thursday, only a couple days before leaving and so that last full day we had, was spent enjoying every second of sunshine we could at the pool and a special last dinner at their french restaurant. 

We were able to snag these pictures before dinner I love them! The evening sky behind us, the palm trees, the sunkissed faces and relaxed smiles after a week of paradise.

It was the perfect celebration of our marriage and all the joy that's to come! 

Here's to many, many more! 

Honeymoonin' (Part 1)

Well multiple loads of laundry are done. Groceries are shopped for. And my weather app tells me that it's only 60 degrees outside. So I guess that means, we're back from our honeymoon. Hubs and I scooted off to paradise last week for our delayed honeymoon. We got married in January, but due to a bunch of travel restrictions opted to wait until now to actually take off. And let me just tell you that even waiting almost 5 months, there were still a whole bunch of hoops to jump through. Travel verification forms, and authorizations from the Grenada government, and several covid tests but we were finally ready to go! 

We have two sweet dogs, and one of them is pretty medically fragile these days so we wanted to leave them with family. So Friday, we loaded up the car and headed down to meet up with our families, enjoy dinner together and leave the dogs. Can I just pause here for a moment to share  how awesome it is that our parents get along so well? I love that my parents and in-laws are friends- it is just the best! Moving right along, we were up bright and early to head to the airport. We arrived at the airport with what we thought was PLENTY of time- 3 hours. But as we walked in the airport we realized that may not have calculated that correctly. Because apparently, the entire state of North Carolina decided that was the day to travel internationally. After waiting in the longest line of my life and running through the airport (an experience I would like to never repeat), we skidded into the gate as they were boarding the plane. Whew! 

But 4ish hours later. We landed in Grenada and headed straight for customs. We were going to be staying at the Sandals resort, which meant we could forgo the covid test at the airport (since Sandals does them on site for you) and after the quick little shuttle we were greeted by the world's friendliest staff with cool towels to beat the heat and our butlers for the week. Yep, butlers- you only honeymoon once right?  After our quick nose swab and negative results we were given a short tour of the resort and escorted to our room where a bottle of champagne and hors d'oeuvres were waiting for us. 

And we toasted to our marriage, paradise and the rest our lives.

This post was a bit more long winded than I had anticipated so you'll have to stay tuned for the rest of our trip until later this week...

It's Hodgepodge Time!

I'm linking up with my mom today for the Hodgepodge. It's a little late. But better late than never! 

 

1. Besides the flag, tell us about something red, something white and something blue from your weekend. 

There was a lot of white in my weekend...white trim paint that is. We painted all of our baseboards on the main floor this weekend. And we had chili one evening which is kind of red. Yep, you read that right, CHILI, in MAY! Because it was 48 degrees and rainy. Blue...hmm we did have some beautiful blue sky FINALLY on Monday. 

2. June is here and it's National Give A Bunch of Balloons Month. Who would you give a bunch to if you could? Tell us why. 

I would give a bunch of balloons to my nephews. Because I think they would most thoroughly enjoy them. We got a big 2 balloon for my oldest nephews 2nd birthday a couple of years ago (is he really almost 4?!?) and he had the best time! I think his almost 4 year old self would still enjoy them and now the little one could get in on the fun too!

3. What are three adjectives you associate with the month of June? Something you're looking forward to this month?

Relaxing, HOT, Leisurely. June is always the start of my summer vacation as a teacher (see my random thought below). But this month is going to be even better because not only will it be officially summer but hubby and I are headed on our honeymoon!! Woohoo!! I actually quite recommend a delayed honeymoon because it gives you something to look forward to that lets you savor that just married feeling for even longer!

4. Tell us about a time (besides the obvious Corona answer) when you felt stuck in second gear.

Waiting to see about job things for next school year. The position I took this year was a permanent term sub position, meaning that while it was full time and through the school year, the position isn't necessarily available for the following year. So I've reapplied for a new position and am waiting on what that will look like as the district is still making their plans for next year. 

5. Sum up your May in fifteen words or less.

May was full of house projects, rain, countdowns to fun and glimpses of summer. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Friday is the last day of school for the kiddos. We made it!  This school year was wild. And crazy. And all around challenging. But I had a sweet group of kiddos that I am confident in sending to the next grade, which is pretty much all I can ask. Happy Summer to all my other teachers out there! 

Bathroom Reno: COMPLETE!

We made it! I've been sharing snippets here and there about us redoing our master bathroom. We actually finished it last weekend but my blog was giving me attitude this week and would not upload pictures. I digress. We have a very small master bath and we wanted to update it the best we could. Adding additional space was not an option for us but upgrading definitely was. So we opted to do some painting and replace our fiberglass insert shower with a nice new tiled shower. 

The before picture does not do justice to what we were working with since the shower curtain is closed, but you get the idea at least. Just needed some TLC.

A while back we had painted the vanity cabinets in both of our bathrooms a dark grey- from their original wood. So when looking at tile colors and wall color we wanted something that would compliment it well. So we went with a solid grey oversized subway tile and a very light grey for the walls. We could not be happier with the outcome! A new shower curtain, that was more suited to the new color scheme was added and we feel like we have a whole new bathroom! 

And of course...why paint one bathroom on a Sunday afternoon when you could paint TWO! We matched the guest bathroom with the new paint color and everything feels just wonderfully fresh and updated. 

Two weeks. A day for demo (my hubby is very handy), a few days for the plumber and tile guy and one Sunday afternoon with my man in two tiny bathrooms taping, painting and smiling. Totally worth it! 

Catching You Up

Whew! Where did the last week go? I feel like things have been going a million miles a minute...although I don't feel like I have all that much to say to show for it HAH! So even though I missed the hodgepodge questions this week from my mom's blog...I present to you a hodgepodge of my life right now. 

Over the weekend, hubby and I enjoyed some delightful weather and a delicious lunch out! We had the yummiest fried chicken sandwiches complete with a hot honey drizzle. I have determined that I need to be better at taking pictures of my life so I have better images to go with my blogging words. But for today I will leave you with this picture of our yummy lunch...with a few bites taken out of it because I remembered to snap a pic only after I dove in! 

It is finally warm here! So what did I do on Monday? Made soup hah! Because why not? I love soup and can eat it year round even though it feels more "fall/winter". This particular soup was a new recipe and it is 100% one I will be trying again! I've linked the recipe I used and I followed it almost exactly. It's full of italian sausage, creamy tomato sauce, tortellini and kale (which I swapped for a kale/spinach combo). It was a big hit for both me and my hubby. And it made the perfect amount! Each of us had 2 bowls for dinner and then we had just enough for leftover bowls for lunch the next day. So do yourself a favor and pretend its 30 degrees out and curl up with a bowl of this deliciousness! 

Gemma...sweet Gemma. Last week I mentioned that she was having some trouble with her foot. We did go to the vet and had a corn removed and had a little sore on her foot treated. Well a week later and we were back at the vet today...some more yucky boo boos had developed and I noticed them last night. Why do things with pets always seem to happen after vet hours? But nevertheless we managed to squeeze in for an afternoon appointment. Only to be told that these new booboos were actually a result of her foot being bandaged from the previous injuries. Maddening! So I feel like a horribly neglectful puppy parent that I allowed them to develop but she's gotten treats and snuggles and I think she's forgiven me. 

And I will leave you with a story from yesterday. I am a teacher, for those that didn't know. And in these warm weather days some of us enjoy eating our lunch outside to soak up that sunshine. So yesterday as we're enjoying our lunch, we heard a yell. And we all kind of looked at each other because you just knew this was not a "playing with my friends/being silly" scream. This was a a hurt/scared scream. So we stand up and look over in that direction, not really seeing much and then all of a sudden I spot it...

"That kid is stuck in that tree!" And lo and behold we heard the scream again. And this time I was sure..it was coming from this boy who had climbed up a tree one leg on each side of a y shaped branch only to decide he in fact did NOT want to be up there, and was very scared. So I ran. Yep I RAN. And let me tell you I do not run. Should you see me running, know something important is going on. But myself and another teacher got moving because it seemed like he might fall any minute and was going to need a grown up pronto. Luckily, he decided as we came skidding to the base of the tree that he could attempt to jump down and he made it to the ground with no injuries and only a few more tears. 

One thing is for sure...there is never a dull moment. 

It's Hodgepodge Time

Joining up with my mom on this week's hodgepodge. Head on over to her blog to join in the fun! 

1. It's like my mama always said, "______________________________________________." 

My momma says a lot of things, she's definitely one with the words. If you read her blog you know this and she often says it herself. She likes words. So choosing one thing seems hard. I'm not sure why this was the first thing to pop in my head, and truthfully I'm not sure my momma says it "always" or even often for that matter. But she said it at a time when my life felt impossibly difficult and unfair and while that season of my life is long past, I periodically think of her saying this to me, when I face struggles or things just don't go the way I thought they would. I hear my momma with her arms around me telling me that "This is not a surprise to God."  And I'm immediately comforted with the knowledge that God is in control and that I have a momma who reminds me of it. So even though she may not say it out loud always, she says it in my head and that's a good place for a momma's words to stay don't you think? 

2. May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day. What will you be having by way of celebration? 

Well we'll be having the Home Chef meal I ordered this week.... but if I WAS having an "eat what I want" meal it would definitely involve french fries- super crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside fries. There would also probably be a super cheesy dish, perhaps a cream-based pasta and there would be some yummy dessert too, preferably cheesecake! And I would end that meal oh so satisfied but certainly with a stomachache as well. 

3. Describe your idea of a perfect spring day.

SUNSHINE! That's really all I'm looking for these days. If you read my blog yesterday you'd know that it was a high of 42 and rainy this past weekend here... But once I've got some sunshine I also want to be able to sit out on our porch with my husband and have a drink while we listen to some music and just relax while getting some vitamin D. 

4. Success, fulfillment, growth, achievement...pick one and tell us how it relates to your life in some way, either currently or in days gone by. 

I'm going to go with growth. And specifically for today spiritual growth.  I decided that this year would be the year I would read through the bible. I've attempted it several times- reading it cover to cover in a year and always get lost somewhere along the way. I get behind and give up and lets be real it usually around Leviticus. BUT this year, I've been reading through it with the help of "The Bible Recap" which provides a reading plan along with a short podcast that "recaps" each days reading. And I cannot tell you how much it has helped with my spiritual growth. I learn something new about the Lord every day. Even on the days when I think...what could this passage really show me? There is always something. And there is definitely something to be said about reading the bible every single day. With purpose. And yes, I've definitely missed a couple days and had to read double other days but I'm committed and the growth I'm feeling in my own heart fills me with joy. 

5. I saw this going around on various social media sites and thought it would be fun to answer here. The last thing you bought on Amazon is your weapon in battle. How will you wield it?  (if you're not an Amazon shopper, then the last thing you bought online anywhere)

I had to go back and look because we order so many things its hard to keep track. But the last thing I ordered was a book- titled "Growing Boldly". And I suppose if I needed to use it in battle I would whack people over the head with it! (It's a decent sized hardback) .

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A shower update...we're having our master shower tiled for a more updated work and the tile part finally started today! So exciting to see it start to take some shape. I already love it!

Tuesday Rambling

Not much has been happening in my neck of the woods, hence the lack of blogging. Without the commitment or accountability of a challenge, writing when there isn't too much to write about can be tricky! So here is an assortment of the everyday I've been living! 

This past weekend here was  mucky, rainy and  grey so it was spent mostly indoors. Although, Saturday we did venture out to the gym, followed by some Mexican food (because balance) and managed to go to both Lowes and Home Depot. Because apparently they have different things... Anybody else's husband particular like that? Apparently Home Depot has the better selection of valves needed for a few leaky pipes, but Lowes has the paint selection we want.  So both it is! Conveniently, they are literally right across from one another which I find rather curious. 

Speaking of paint...we were picking out some samples for the "master" bathroom. Why is that in quotes you ask? Because our master is itty bitty, so itty bitty I actually use the guest bath instead, so calling it a master seems a bit silly. Nevertheless it's getting a facelift which hubby and I are both super excited about! I posted the demo picture in a previous post but we've pulled out the fiberglass insert shower and are having the shower walls tiled with a lovely grey oversized subway tile. And so, we decided to also go ahead and paint since the current color doesn't fit the color scheme we're going for. So we went to Lowes (after Home Depot) and picked up about 20 color swatches - whoops! We essentially picked up all of their light grey shades, particularly the ones with a blueish undertone to bring home and examine closely. We've narrowed it down to 6 which feels like good progress. We won't do any actual painting until the tile is up, so stay tuned! 

Also on Saturday, I received this fun package of earrings! A sweet friend of mine from college has started a business selling these beautiful, fun, unique handmade earrings. I gifted several to family members for Christmas (and myself!) and these lovely stud packs were from the newer release. If you're looking for some new earrings or a great gift her shop is called Mixed Off Main.

Sunday was of course Mother's Day but hubby and I unfortunately couldn't be with either of our moms. So instead we made several phone calls and Facetimes. We talked to my mom, hubby's mom, and all the grandmothers. It's hard not to be with your mom on Mother's Day, particularly when you're someone like me who is so close to their mom, but its those days when I am extra thankful for the invention of Facetime! My momma sure is extra special and I gifted her this picture of us on my wedding day. Having my mom with my on my wedding day was the most precious and special thing. Many loved ones were unable to attend due to travel restrictions, including my sister, so having my mom by my side every step of the day was exactly what I needed. And that's who she is, someone who is there for me every step of every season of life. 

And outside of all the phone calls we managed to squeeze in a grocery run, some sushi for lunch and several episodes of the new show we've been watching. Which is definitely not a new show, but it IS new for us. Boardwalk Empire- all about the men who "ran" Atlantic City in the prohibition era. 

And this little one here...has something going on with her foot. She's been limping around for several days, just looking absolutely pitiful! I've got her a vet appointment for tomorrow to hopefully figure out what's going on. She is the world's sweetest dog, and I sure do hate it when she's not feeling like her cheerful, lovey self. 

The last thing I will leave you with is my favorite summer pasta recipe...it is not summer here. It's May and this weekend was a high of 42. But I am working on some serious wishful thinking to get summer to show up soon! I made this veggie side dish last week and then the following day put it over pasta- with a little extra liquid added. It's always been a favorite both ways- on it's own or with pasta. And in the summer when squash, zucchini and tomatoes are ripe and readily available it's the best! I don't have an exact recipe but roughly...

Ingredients: 

• 3 (ish) yellow squash/zucchini- quartered 
• 1/2 yellow onion or a whole one if your onion is small- diced
• 1 cup (ish) fresh tomatoes- chopped (I prefer grape or cherry tomatoes but whatever you have will be great!) 
• salt/pepper
• garlic
• Mozzerella cheese- shredded, or fresh whatever you have!
• pasta (optional)

Directions: 

1. Put about a tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan- I prefer one with high sides particularly if you're going to go the pasta route. 

2. Let the onions, and squash saute by themselves for about 5 minutes and start to soften. 

3. Add the tomatoes and let them begin to blister and release their juices- most of the "sauce" element comes from how much tomatoes you add. If I'm doing pasta I typically add a few more tomatoes than if I'm just doing a side dish. 

4. Give everything a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. 

5. Let everything saute together for about 10-12 minutes until the squash is soft, and the tomatoes have released their juices but aren't total mush. 

6. While the squash is cooking, boil your pasta if you plan  to use it.

7. After everything has cooked- add in your mozzerella. Fresh is great in this, because it gets really stretchy and you end up with these gobs of cheese throughout. But shredded works just fine. 

8. If using pasta, drain it and add directly to the squash mixture and toss. If needed, add in some pasta water for extra moisture- I don't typically find this necessary. 

9. If not using pasta, then just spoon up and serve alongside some grilled chicken, steak, whatever you want and enjoy! 

Unfortunately this is the only picture I took and while it's not great you can definitely see the glorious summer colors of this delightfully flavorful, chunky dish/pasta sauce. Enjoy!