Life At This Moment

Photo by K.L.R.

I love this life God has given me.
I'm grateful for the moments I realize there is a lesson I need to learn.
I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned and continue to learn.

Tennis in warm weather is marvelous.
Visiting the high school when I'm not substituting is great.
High school students make life grand.
Walking in the cool of the spring evening is bliss.
Hearing Trey say, "Oh my gosh," while walking down the hall eating brownies I just made makes me happy.
Feeling content is amazing.

Tomorrow I will teach in the morning, go to court in the afternoon (and try to get out of a ticket), and then drive to North Carolina to prepare for the wedding festivities of one of my best friends from my freshman year of college.

It's going to be a fabulous long weekend.

Friends, laughter, champagne, and the beginning of a new life for two individuals.

Christmas and Champagne

Delicious balsamic vinegar!

If you are in Winter Park, FL, check out the Ancient Olive!

Sister store!  Go smell some teas and spices!  Also in WP, FL

Park Ave. Winter Park, FL--my favorite street!

Pink Champagne...it's becoming my signature ;)

Christmas Eve Shrimp

Honor the toil that goes into a bottle of wine--get the last 9-11 drips after it's empty

Emily Ellyn's lovely champagne brunch--scrumptious food!

Lots of mixing options!

A beautiful decanter!

With the hostess!  Photo Credit: Scott Richardson; @1educatedpalate

Christmas lasted a little more than a month longer than usual.
Due to my previous job, I was unable to visit my dad and step-mom in Florida during the holidays.
I planned to visit in January, though.

Thursday I flew from Roanoke to Orlando.
Wednesday I was trying to figure out how to dress for 21 and 70 degree weather.
Thanks to my new, favorite J.Crew chambray shirt layered with a short sleeve shirt, I was successful.

To my complete surprise, the Christmas decorations were still up (and the tree was still alive!).
So, when we celebrated Christmas Eve with our traditional shrimp dinner, the Christmas tree was on.
Saturday morning was our Christmas morning, during which we enjoyed coffee, tea, and cinnamon buns.

After "Christmas" ended, we popped over to Emily Ellyn's (Food Network Star Season 8 finalist) house for a champagne brunch (my first!).
Everything was lovely, from the food, to the decor, to the drinks.  It was a fabulous time!
Her guests were a fun, eclectic group of people with fun backgrounds and great personalities!

Daddy, Pennisu, and I had planned to order sushi and watch Djokovic take on Murray at the Australian Open Saturday night.
However, (and this is why I rarely watch the AO) I had the time messed up.
So, we ordered sushi, watched the latest episode of Downton, and went to bed (because we had to wake up at 3AM to watch the final).

3AM arrived, we watched part of the AO Final, I packed, we left for the airport, and I slept most of the way home.
Elizabeth and Michael picked me up from the airport, along with Isabelle and Amelie (who looked like Eloise in matching pink tutus, white shirts and tights, and black, sparkly shoes).

It was a fantastic trip with visits to the dentist and doctor, an awesome visit with a different Emily (future London roommate!), and a stroll through Winter Park with a visit to the Olive Oil and Tea shops!

Happy 175th Anniversary to Tiffany & Co

Hello Everyone!

Today I am celebrating Tiffany & Co.s  175th anniversary on my blog!

In a perfect world I would have a giveaway for something beautiful.
But, it's not, so I'm not.

Instead of a giveaway, I am going to post a few pictures of my own Tiffany pictures and then a few things I like from the Tiffany & Co website.

I've always (since my teen years) wanted a ring from Tiffany & Co.  People have teased me and told me, "You'd better marry a rich man."

One day I went ring shopping with a friend and decided it didn't have to be from Tiffany.  But, I certainly wouldn't complain if it was.

My dream ring was their six prong Tiffany setting with white gold or platinum.

Image found here

It is still a lovely ring.  But, now I think I may have a new favourite!
The Lucida® with Diamond Band.
Please notice how the wedding band lies flush against the engagement ring.  It bothers me when there is a gap.

Found Image Here

This last ring is listed under their engagement rings (and it would be lovely for someone), however, I think it would be a great right-hand-for-fun-ring.
The Jean Schlumberger Rope Ring, ladies and gents.

Image found here.

That concludes my favourite Tiffany rings.
Next I am going to share a few Tiffany moments of my own.

Taken during my first day in Central London after moving over in Summer 2010

Pretty, isn't it!

So, I was going to post a picture of Tiffany & Co. from while I was in NYC...and I cannot believe it, but I didn't get one.  I am horrified.  And confused.

Anyway, later this evening I am going to celebrate by dressing up, wearing a diamond ring, putting on my tiara, drinking Pink Champagne, eating dark chocolate, and watching Breakfast at Tiffanys!

Happy Celebrating!

Guest Post From a Dualie Like me!

Hello Lovelies,

A few weeks ago I asked a fellow blogger to guest post for me.
She said yes!

I am introducing to you, Freya from With Love from Freya.
It turns out, we have a lot in common!

Without further ado, here she is (and when you are done, head to her blog)!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey, guys! My name is Freya and I am pretty much beyond excited to be here
today! This is my first sponsorship post and, so far, I’m liking the way it feels!

I’ve never been really that good at just coming right out and talking about
myself, so I’ll start at the beginning, with my blog name: From Freya, With Love.
I decided on this name because with everything I send out into the world, my
love goes with it. I’m a firm believer that what you put into the world is what you
get back…so…what you read is from me, with love!

 I started my blog because I was posting way too much on Facebook to an
audience that, let’s be honest, didn’t really care! While I originally started with
the idea that I was going to be a recipe posting, adorable outfit wearing, witty

This is my amazing family on my sister's wedding day August 2011

comment slinging, DIY-ing fiend, I suddenly came to the realization that my
blog is my own and the things I post are deeply rooted in my history.

I, like Kirsten, am a duel citizen of the United States and England. My parents,

one Welsh and one British, moved to the States in the 1980’s, sprouted some
roots and popped out some kids (just two, myself and my older sister, Chelsey).
I am proud to say that I am an Oregonian, through and through! West Coast is
the Best Coast!

I started my life in ballet. I loved the discipline, the beauty, the strength and the
performing! When I hit high school, I decided to ditch the pointe shoes and try
my hand at acting. While that lasted a solid 6 years, it wasn’t until half way
through college that I realized that my lifelong love of writing would take
control. I finished college with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, a focus
on Journalism and a minor Media Studies. Long story short, I speak fluent social
media (and reporter in training!)

I don't know what I'd do without him. (Jake and I)

At this point, I’m 24 years old and still trying to figure out who I am. I’ve spent
the past year and a bit living 3,000 miles away from my friends, family and
anything familiar. Somewhere in there, a transformation is happening. I decided
to spend 3 years moving with my boyfriend as he develops his career. We move
once a year for three years and are currently one our second move. We reside in
Toronto and I love being immersed in a different culture as an Ex-Pat.

 But it’s hard starting over all the time and making new friends. You really get in

My favorite beverage:
Bloody Marys! I even write about them every Saturday!

touch with who you are as a person. And this is where my blog comes into play.
I needed a place to express myself, talk about my thoughts and feelings as well
as share the things I love with a community that cares.

I seriously love the blogging world. Everyone here is so supportive and positive!
While I may have a hard time making new friends in Toronto, I know there are
people out there who would lend me some advise and some positive thoughts.

Eventually I’ll make it back to a familiar place, or maybe I’ll turn the unfamiliar
into the familiar! But for now, I have my blog and the wonderful community that
encompasses it.

Well, that’s me in a small nutshell! Please feel free to come by anytime! And
thank you to Kirsten for sharing me today!

From,
Freya

XoXo

My puppy, Chasey, and I. She now lives with my mom while I become a world traveler.

Like, Like, Like

Hi!

Last night I told you all about my 27 day blog challenge.
Today's challenge is to write about 10 likes.
A little vague, but I can work with that.

1.  Cary Grant.  I like Cary Grant.  He is (was) handsome, daper, English (from Bristol), funny, suave, versatile in his roles, and one of the best actors the screen has ever known.  I will forever be a fan (and will live in denial over any skeletons he may have had).

2.  Christian Louboutin red-soled shoes.  It's a dream of mine to own a pair.  They are gorgeous, comfy (so I've heard), and classy (the pumps).  The red-soles add spice to walking down the street.

3.  My cats.  Rillian and Caspian are cuddly and precious.  They are so sweet when they cuddle together.

4.  Fall in the Virginia mountains.  Fall arrived yesterday.  I'm elated.  The trees have changed shades of green, causing me to believe they are preparing to become hued with red, yellow, and orange.

5.  Diamonds.  I just really really like them.  I don't care if they come in a tiara, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, or earrings.  I love when Matthew McConaughey says, "Frost yourself."  Yes please.

6.  Laughing.  Forget like, I love to laugh. Till my stomach hurts and tears role down my face.  Or till I hyperventilate (which has happened...and can be a little scary).

7.  England.  Germany.  France (never been, but still).  Europe.  Like the chocolate, countryside, and cities.  I am anticipating moving there.  Oh, that will be a beautiful day.

8.  Earl Grey Tea.  Mmmm, smells scrumptious, tastes amazing, chic.  I am ready for tea with the Queen (just waiting for my invitation).

9.  Chocolate.  The dark stuff.

10.  Pink champagne.  Mmmm.  Classy, chic, and DELICIOUS!

Well, there you go, my ten likes.
Tune in tomorrow for #2 blog challenge.

Three Weeks of Life in Pictures

Here are a few photos to document the past, oh, three weeks or so!

A fabulous vintage shop in Staunton

My lovely Aunt Barbara

I bought this umbrella right after.

Glass coke bottles for Holland!

Not only do I want to marry a man who wears a fedora, now I want one.

The lovely Kristy.  She leaves for France in a week.

Ja'dore Winter Park.

Our farewells.

Universal with Josh.

Please read the comic.

Harry Potter World.

"Please respect the spell limits." Ha!

I love the design they did!

Josh was a dear and let me have fun in the I Love Lucy store : )

The beach!

Daddy at the beach.

Lovely morning sun.  The beach is my summertime happy place.

The clouds were amazing!

Pink Champagne

A glorious day!

My mountains from the early morning sky.

A bear cub I saw while driving over the mountain.

Circus McGurkus Cafe!

Aw, my cute cousin!

Summer Trips: Orlando, Daytona Beach Shores, and Columbia

When I last left you all, I was leaving on a plane to visit my father.
As predicted, and prepared for, I was chilly and thankful for my sweatshirt.

My time in Florida was lovely and restful.  I enjoyed soaking up the sun (a little too much sun) and partaking in Pink Champagne, for the second time!  I was able to visit a friend who is leaving for France in a week, and my cousin, who recently moved to FL, came over and we went to Universal Studios and Island of Adventure.  I always love those two theme parks, and our trip was no different.  I rode The Mummy three or four times, the first two with Josh.  I could not stop laughing.  Honestly, I think I laughed more than I screamed.  But, when Josh stopped riding, the ride was not as fun.  The next day Daddy and I left for the beach and were greeted with rain, which allowed for Olympics watching!  Pennisu arrived a couple of days later to enjoy the beach with us, as much as her injured foot would allow.  Uncle Kip and Aunt Ellen joined us for a few hours one day, which was great!

A day after returning from Florida I left for a surprise visit to Columbia.  Only a handful of people knew I was arriving.  My first stop was to visit Hannah, who was thoroughly surprised.  I then stayed the night with Chris and Marie, which is always a joy.  They are a lovely couple whom I have known since they were not a couple.  Saturday Hannah and I went to Indian (translates to Punjabi Dhabi), one of the best Indian restaurants EVER!  We talked, caught up, laughed, AND they had all of our favourite foods.

 Leaving Indian, I took Hannah home and then left to surprise the Crutchfield family (except Deborah who helped me plan).  It was great fun and I loved spending so much time with them, including Sunday lunch!  Baron showed his face and added to the fun, as well!  Throughout the next week I applied for jobs, visited with Steph, and stopped in to visit my aunt.

I bade farewell to a town I've called home for most of the past four years.  While not my favourite town, the people are some of the best I've known.

Au revoir!

P.S.  Pictures will come soon!

Pink Champagne

I've had a long-time dream.
It began when I was 14 (approx.).

I was watching An Affair to Remember, and Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr discuss and order Pink Champagne.

From that moment I have wanted to try Pink Champagne.

7ish years later, the dream became reality.