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Monday, August 30, 2010

summer challenge - week 2

Hmmmm well I was off to a great start last week but I have slacked a little this week.  Oh well:(  It is certainly not the end of the world and instead of dwelling on what I didn't do so well last week I will just focus on my energy on stepping it up this week (as I write this I am laughing at myself for deciding not to go to the gym today, so much for starting out strong, haha).  I have three weeks until my vacation with Kevin so I need to get super serious about this challenge.  Here is my week 2 summary:

Workouts: 3 (ugh not so great)
Food Journal: maintained 6 entries
Thought of the week: If at first you don't succeed, try try again!

Friday, August 27, 2010

an italian love affair.

My dad goes to the Amalfi coast in Italy every summer to teach a watercolor course to Hotchkiss students.  Even though he has to keep track of a bunch of high school students it always seems like such a dreamy trip.  I LOVE looking at all the watercolors he does on the trip.  I have one of his watercolors hanging in my living room and it is my favorite piece of artwork (well it's a tie with the large charcoal thistle drawing my brother gave me - I love my family art).  I will have to take some pictures of the artwork Kevin and I have and do a little post about that some other time.  

Anyway back to Italy... My dad always brings back presents for everyone in my family and the present he brought me this year is hands down the best present he has gotten me.  I am head over heels in love with this GORGEOUS, GREEN, ITALIAN LEATHER handbag:
Isn't it just to die for?!?!?!  I feel as though this bag was made for me.  I use it every single day and just love how soft it is.  I have never owned any real leather before, I feel so chic!  So thank you thank you thank you sooooooooo much dad for the greatest present ever.  It makes me think about you every day (not that I didn't already).

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

the simple things.

Last weekend was full of simple things that brought a smile to my face.  Who wouldn't love...
Fresh tomatoes off the vine.
Watching a hunter at work.
Visiting an old friend.
An outdoor shower.
The most amazing homemade meal eaten by the light of a lantern.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

summer challenge... week 1?

Is it cheating to start my summer workout challenge from the beginning again?  I sure hope not because that is what I am doing, haha.  The month of July was pretty crazy and emotionally draining with the move and some other stuff going on in my life so working out was not on my agenda.  Now that we are two weeks into August and my 4 year anniversary vacation with Kevin (first vacation we have ever taken together) is just a month away I have to seriously kick my butt into gear.

This week went surprisingly well.  I am not quite sure what happened to make me more motivated than I have been in months, but I am so happy that I have gotten back to the gym.  I had forgotten how great I feel when I am working out on a regular basis.  I am finally feeling excited about this challenge.  Here is my week one summery:

Workouts: 5
Food Journal: maintained 7 entries
Thought of the week: I am strong enough to do this!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Welcome Henry Michael Fournie!!!

Kevin became an uncle this morning when Henry Michael Fournie was born in Dubai.  I am happy to report that Lindsey and Henry are doing well.  I cannot wait to meet the little man this Christmas in Montana!  
 Congratulations Michael and Lindsey!!!  Don't they make the cutest little family?
 

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

family dinner.

On Sunday night Kevin and I had our first family dinner in our new apartment.   I have to clarify that by "first family dinner" I mean that it was the first dinner Kevin and I cooked together and ate together, just the two of us, in our new apartment (and yes Kevin and I are a family).  Kevin grilled for us and we ate out on the roof deck on our new table.  This rood deck is the main reason we moved to this apartment and sitting outside in our own space eating a meal that we grilled is awesome!
Kevin really loves the new electric grill.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

thank god for the country.

This weekend Kevin and I headed to Lakeville for a much needed break from the city.  I can't even tell you how great it felt to step off the train and only see trees and just smell the clean air.  

Saturday afternoon was the annual Jen Lloyd Fund Clambake Fundraiser.  Just a little background on the Jane Lloyd Fund: My mother plays on a hockey team with a great group of women.  I am not sure how long ago this was but her teammate and great friend, Jane Lloyd, lost her long battle with breast cancer.  The fund was started to help people going through cancer treatment pay for their everyday living expenses such as car payments, morgage payments, etc.  Now every summer the fund puts on a clambake to get the community together and raise money.  Kevin and I had never been to a clambake before and we have soooo much fun!!!
There was way too much food!!!  Clams, lobsters, corn, a raw bar, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, beer and wine.  
So many children were running up and down the ski jump hill, it is an extremely steep hill and I don't think I would have been brave enough to climb it.
The live music was great.  Nick and Merrick were supposed to play but instead they just jumped on stage for a couple songs with The Chain Gang.
This was the first time that my entire family had been together since Thanksgiving.  It is so nice to have Nick home for the summer, Kev and I have to get back up to Lakeville at least twice more before he goes back to Florida in September.  
Poor Pula was a little scared by the music at first and insisted that my mom hold her.  She was shaking like a leaf!
The best part of the whole clambake was when they auctioned off a wood bird sculpture by a local artist.  Kevin ran up to buy tickets at the last minute and ended up winning!!!  He bought my dad 6 tickets and 10 for himself.  He bought my dad's tickets first but if he had bought his tickets first then my dad would have won.  I think my dad was pretty jealous. 
That night Nick and Merrick played a show at Mannadew in Millerton, NY.  They started at 11pm and we didn't make it home till 2am!  They played an awesome show and it really warmed my heart to see them play together.  I am so happy that they have been able to spend so much time together and play so much music.  I know they are really gonna miss each other when Nick returns to Florida.  
The album cover.
I am so lucky to have the most loving, hilarious and talented brothers.  Not only that but I have the best parents anyone could ever have.  I don't know what I would do without my family.  They have welcomed Kevin into the family and it is so special that we get to go to my house and see them so often.  I know I say this a lot but I LOVE MY FAMILY!!! 

Sunday was a relaxing day just hanging out around the house.  
Big Mama came up to hang out and get some food scraps, Dad mowed the lawn, I checked out the new baby chicks and as usual Kevin and I went to Whipporwill Farm to get more grass-fed beef and pork, yum!

Monday, August 2, 2010

marissa's birthday dinner.

On Friday night we had a dinner party at La Nonna for Marissa's 26th birthday dinner.  The food was out of this world and it was so nice to finally have a girl's night out!!!
I had the most incredible pizza for dinner... fresh mozzarella, arugula, prosciutto and parmesan.
Claudia had some super yummy pasta... I forget what it was though, oops.
Claudia brought Marissa a housewarming present... new Absolute Brooklyn vodka, how perfect!
Claudia's model pose... gorgeous.
Yay chocolate cake!
The night would have not been complete without a couple subway shots.
Kerry decided to take a nap on the way home.