LADDventure

Next in October

My theme word for the year is "next," both a reminder to take one step at a time, and to keep going when things get tough. To do the next right thing to move me toward the big goals and happenings of this year. So, each month I'm looking ahead to what's next.

It's October! Fallelujah! Enough said.

Next in travel... No travel to speak of lately around these parts. But, I do love being home this time of year, fallifying the house and planning for holidays and entertaining ahead. We definitely have a few mountain weekends in mind though. I'll keep you posted.

Next in adoption... I painted one of the kids' rooms, and have been rearranging them both and setting them up. We got the carpets cleaned and both are a blank slate now, ready for some finishing touches. Hopefully we'll have our final home visit by the end of the month, and our agency specialist told us we're her next adoptive family to submit for certification. Also, our friends threw us a suprise adoption shower! More on that Monday. 

Next in writing... This is tricky for me right now. After working on Candid Classroom for the past year and a half, I'm finding myself flailing a bit in the writing department now that the concrete project of finishing the book is over. I'm trying to get back into a more consistent writing schedule, set some goals for completion of a new project, and generally stop staring at the screen blankly. Stay tuned. In the meantime The Girl Next Door Podcast is keeping me busy and so much fun. Check out this week's episode where we freak the freak out about fall!

Next in food... I declare every Sunday this month as soup day. I've discovered how simple and tasty it is to make my own soups, and I can't get enough. There is something so comforting and relaxing about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove on a lazy Sunday afternoon. So every Friday for the rest of the month,  I'll share a Soup of the Week recipe here on the blog, so you can grab your ingredients in time for Sunday.

Next in life... As I've said, we've been purging like crazy around here in preparation for expanding the family, and I am once again reminded about the very real connection between cluttered homes and cluttered lives. I'm feeling more and more passionate about surrounding ourselves with truly useful and/or beautiful things and letting go of the rest to make some breathing room. We are pretty neat people in general, but it is mindblowing how quickly things accumulate.

Thank You & Airplane Pants

I have no words to express how grateful I am for all the support of my book this week. So, I'll stick to two...Thank You!

I am in Wisconsin visiting family and friends, so I'll leave you with a little midwest love to kick off the weekend. I'm from just south of Milwaukee and will be attending a wedding there tomorrow. This video demonstrates all that is good and right with that lovely city on Lake Michigan...

I bought these pants from Target for the airplane ride. So comfy and cute. Obsessed.

Also, Airplane Passengers as Explained by Their Pants. Hilarious.

Key West "Babymoon"

We're trying to squeeze in a few trips as a couple before we adopt our little ones. Mr. Ladd had a two-week work trip in the Miami area, so I met him there for the weekend, and we took off to Key West. The beauty of a "babymoon" when you're adopting is you can do all the things you would normally do on vacation, like stay up way too late and have one too many cocktails. It was amazing on all levels, and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for a tropical trip of your own.

First of all the drive! It's about 3 1/2 hours total from the mainland through all the little keys down to Key West. It's a stunning drive over the ocean with plenty of places to stop along the way for some Muddy Buddy's (our road trip snack of choice) and potty breaks. Bonus for a rental car with satellite radio and plenty of Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley on the way down, to shamelessly embrace full-on island mode.

We stayed at Casa Marina Resort and splurged on an ocean view room. The resort was gorgeous and relaxing, with excellent service. It's on the quieter end of the island, so it was a great mix of relaxation and quiet with access to the livelier parts of Key West.

After the drive down, we were hungry and our number one priority was to plant it oceanside with food and drinks to watch the sun go down. We didn't miss a single sunset while we were in Key West, and dinner at Louie's Backyard was a great spot to watch the first one. It was only two blocks from our hotel, and like many other establishments in Key West, a renovated old mansion with little tables for two, each nestled between their own set of french doors, all along the upper deck.

After dinner we hit Duval Street, the main drag known for it's laid back party vibe, where we stumbled upon McConnell's Irish Pub to use the bathroom, and ended up staying for the great band and these authentic Irishmen.

We stopped at The Rum Bar for a Dark & Stormy (which Kelsey and I first tried on the podcast, and which I'm now officially declaring the drink of Summer 2014). We finally made our way back to the hotel, strolling  through the old neighborhoods with tropical gardens and gorgeous Victorian houses turned inns and B&B's

The next morning consisted of Bloody Mary's, breakfast buffet at the hotel, wandering around town a bit, and a full afternoon at the oceanside pool. We took a cab to dinner down on the other end of the island, and started with happy hour on Sunset Pier followed by dinner upstairs at Hot Tin Roof, where I had one of the best appetizers of my life, the lobster cocktail, and a tasty pineapple-tini.

We had a front row seat from our balcony table overlooking Mallory Square, where everyone gathers every night to celebrate the sunset. It's worth celebrating here, let me tell you.

 After dinner we meandered slowly back to our hotel via Duval Street again, stopping along the way for a walk through a few shops and a drink here or there. My favorite stop was 915, on the way back where I had the most delicious Moscow Mule made with homemade ginger beer, and Mr. Ladd had The Moneypenny, a crazy refreshing cucumber gin concoction.

The next morning was Sunday brunch at the cutest little spot with seriously fabulous eats and attention to detail, 2 Cents.

After brunch, we took our time on the way back to the mainland, stopping for occasional breaks and listening to our own special roadtrip soundtrack of Randy Hauser. We discovered him a couple summers ago on this epic roadtrip, and he's just kind of been one of our things ever since. 

You know those special little things you have between you that seem to evoke a mood that nobody else necessarily gets, but it's just your thing? Randy Hauser is one of our things, and now so is Key West. Just absolutely lovely.

Any other recommendations for mini "babymoon" trips we can squeeze in before we are instantly a family of four?

Next in June

My theme word for the year is "next," both a reminder to take one step at a time, and to keep going when things get tough. To do the next right thing to move me toward the big goals and happenings of this year. So, each month I'm looking ahead to what's next. Here's what's coming up in June...

Next in travel...We are taking a mini vacation to Key West! Mr. Ladd is working in Miami for a couple weeks, so I'm meeting him there for a long weekend getaway to Key West. I'm looking forward to cooler temps, ocean breezes, and a tropical drink or two!

Next in adoption...Our adoption classes started (more details on Friday)! So that's where we'll be every Monday night for the next 12 weeks. It felt very real to be actively involved with other adoptive/foster families, learning about the process and preparing for parenthood!

Next in writing...In case you missed it, my book, Candid Classroom: What Parents Want to Know & Teachers Want to Tell Them, has a cover and a release date! It will be available August 4th, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Be sure to head over to The Candid Teacher and sign up for the email list to stay up to date with ways to help spread the word and upcoming events.

Next in food...We started a supper club with two other couples! We call ourselves Foodies With Booties, and the first month was tons of fun. It's our turn to host in June, so I can't wait to share all the details with you later this month.

Next in life...I'm working really hard to lose weight and get into shape, and although progress has been slower than I'd like, I'm determined to stick with it. I just moved on to Level 2 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, and I'm still sweating. I don't do it every day, but 4 times a week, and yoga twice a week, so it's more working out than I've ever done! My goal for this month is to finish Level 2 and move on to Level 3. Yikes!

Thankful Thursday - Meal Memories

Memories often revolve around food for me, great meals shared with good friends or family.  So, I am dedicating this edition of Thankful Thursday to some incredible meals I've had this past week with incredible people that I'm oh so grateful for...

1.  Frank's Diner with the Sharkey's (pictured above) You might remember Vicki from this post.  I heart her.  She and her lovely husband hosted me in Kenosha the last two nights of my WI stay, and insisted I experience Frank's, of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives fame.  I'm so glad they did.  It was possibly the best Eggs Benedict and Bloody Mary I had ever tasted, and it was by far the best meal I've ever eaten in an entertaining lunch car where everyone speaks their mind.

2.  Villa D'Carlo the night before for pizza and beer definitely did not disappoint.  It was a beautiful night so we sat outside under colorful umbrellas with a view of Lake Michigan.  All the classic cars drove by that come out of the woodwork on a Midwest summer night.  Good pizza is by far one of the things I miss most since we moved so far from Chicago, and Carl's pizza did not disappoint.  It hit the spot, and I'm sure Vicki and Brian were sick of my sighs and yummy noises.

 3.  I stayed with my sister-in-law Emily, while my brother David was gone for a show too.  They eat mostly vegan, so they always have some creative, healthy goodness for me when I'm there.  Emily introduced me to many things including Archer Farms Spicy Six Grain tortilla chips from Target (and Mr. Clean all purpose cleaner with Gain.  I know it's not food, but holy entire house smelling like fresh laundry!)  But the most unexpectedly delicious combo was a toasted croissant, smeared with hummus and avocado, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sea salt.  Sounds so weird, but it was tasty!

4.  Wilson's Coffee, of which I bought two pounds to bring home.  Nothing like it.

5.  Seven Sisters danish pastry from Larsen's Bakery for breakfast at the in-laws more times than I care to admit.

Ok, now I'm hungry so I'm going to go make some lunch.  What are some unforgettable meals or treats that you are still remembering?

Wisconsin Wednesday

July 3rd - 13th, I was back in the motherland.  This trip to Wisconsin was difficult at times.  There was a lack of sleep and lots of running around, trying to fit in time with everyone who we miss so much.  Things are changing and coming to an end, and there were tough conversations and messy situations. 

Sometimes it's hard going home because it can feel less and less like home each time, but then we spend a day on a boat in Lake Michigan, seeing a new side of the city where we grew up, or I sit on the front porch of our first home, watching my niece draw with sidewalk chalk on wet pavement, and it feels just right.  There were lovely moments, people, sounds, and tastes I miss. This trip was all of that.  I'm still catching up on laundry and writing, but glad for the items crossed off the summer bucket list and memories made.  

There was catching up with friends we miss dearly...

 

Family & Fireworks on the 4th of July...

Some were big fans of the pyrotechnics....

Others not so much

Midwest sunsets after perfect summer days

 

 Cool summer nights, rainy days, and sidewalk chalk

Until next time Wisconsin...love you.

S'Mores and Summer

This weekend was about as hot as it gets here in Arizona, so we lived in the pool.  We hosted a pool party/early 4th of July BBQ on Saturday, where the s'more bites were the easy hit of the afternoon with no need to stand around a blazing fire.

Here's the recipe:
Break graham crackers in half.
Put a marshmallow on each half graham cracker.
Put them in the 375 degree oven on a cookie sheet for about 3 minutes.
Take out of the oven, and promptly plop a Hershey Kiss in the middle of the marshmallow while it's still all melty.

Delish, simple, and seriously 3 dozen of them were gone before the guests were.

On Sunday we finally crawled out of the pool, pruned and a bit sunburned, after spending another day in the water with friends who had come over to help us finish leftover beer and burgers.  It was the best kind of summer weekend, and in the Phoenix area, where summer is long and uncomfortable, it got me thinking of other ways to make the most out of the season.  A trip to Wisconsin this week will help.  Lake Michigan, fireworks, friends, family, and much cooler temps make for good summer memories.  So here are some other ways I am determined to enjoy summer to the fullest.  It's here for a while, so I might as well make the best of it.

Summer Bucket List 

Make rhubarb dessert of some sort

Host a pool party

Head to the mountains and go camping

Eat S'mores

Have a girl's pool day

Go for early morning/late night walk

Sit under the porch during a monsoon

Join a gym  

Take a road trip

Organize my teaching supplies

Read a magazine cover to cover

Go to the beach

Spend a day on a boat

Swim at night

Watch fireworks

Draw with sidewalk chalk 

Watch National Lampoon's Summer Vacation  

Dig in the dirt

Drink an Italian Greyhound cocktail

Catch fire flies

Drive up to Flagstaff for the day

Buy new sunglasses

Pack a picnic

Spend an entire day with a good book

Drink a beer at a baseball game

What's on your summer bucket list?

Five Minute Friday - Rhythm

I miss the rhythm of a place I've only been to once before, but man it has a beat that stays with you.  The pace is too rushed at first, deafening, and hurried and like you can't find the beat.  It's like waiting to jump into double dutch on the playground for the first time...scared to get caught in the ropes, but then when you find that sweet spot in the middle and sync with the rhythm, it's oh so lovely.

New York City is like that.  Full of so much life and activity the streets seem to be actually pulsing.    There's a lot of talk about "not looking like a tourist" when you are in New York, and I think there's something to that.  It is inspiring and exhilarating to join in the dance of the city, and let it take you where it may, blending in and swimming along.

But there is also value in stopping to gaze (just not in the middle of the sidewalk), taking pictures, and whirring through Times Square late one night after a Broadway show in a pedicab you will undoubtedly pay way too much for.

Its unlike any other place I've seen, and today I'm literally craving the concrete, and the green oasis of Central Park, and the busy.

This post is linked up with other writers who took 5 minutes to write unedited on one word today.  Join us!

Cottonwood, AZ - A Hidden Gem

We celebrated our 8th anniversary with a weekend getaway to Cottonwood a few weeks ago.  Now, I have to begin this post with a bit of a brag - I have an uncanny knack for finding the best spots for unique experiences on trips.  We try to make it a priority to spend a weekend away every anniversary, so I did some research online, knowing we wanted to try something new and found that this sleepy little mountain town is having a bit of a resurgence of late in Arizona's northern wine country.  This little two block stretch of Old Town Cottonwood had literally everything we needed for a perfect, relaxing, anniversary weekend.

We stayed at the fairly new Tavern Hotel, which was a gorgeous, intimate boutique hotel on an awesome Sip & Stay wine tasting package.  It was an incredible deal, and we could not have been more pleased.

We've discovered that Cottonwood is a great launching point for Sedona, Jerome, etc. because those places tend to be more expensive/touristy.  It's great to spend the day in one of those areas and then come back in the evening.  So after a delicious breakfast across the street from the hotel at the Red Rooster Cafe, we took the short 20 minute drive up to one of our favorite little ghost towns, Jerome, which is quite literally built right into the side of the mountain.

We wandered the winding, crooked sidewalks in and out of quirky little shops.  We bought a few unique souveniers, including an antique Christmas ornament.  It's becoming a tradition to get an ornament on every trip we go on to help make our Christmas tree a yearly memory of our travels.

Then we headed back down toward Cottonwood.

Our hotel package included tastings at 3 wine rooms in Old Town,  so we spent the afternoon tasting wines at The Wine Cellar, and Pillsbury Tasting Room.  Our favorite was Burning Tree Cellars, where every wine we tasted was amazing, and the lovely Katie recommended we come back for a glass of The Poet 100% Pinot Noir after dinner at Nic's.

We followed that suggestion, and another to head to RIOT (Rendezvous In Old Town), a bar down the street afterwards.  It was a wine/craft beer spot that had the feel of a beach bar with the friendliness of a local favorite.  This friend was playing live music, and we were having so much fun we had to buy his CD.  We also discovered this beer, heavenly!  After wine tasting all afternoon and a few of those tasty brews, we giggled the entire walk back to our hotel like we were in college again.

Breakfast the next morning at Crema Cafe was to die for. I could have sat in that courtyard all day, but alas, it was time to head back down the mountain.

 Sometimes everything in the Phoenix valley seems so new and canned.  I love exploring the remains of the Wild Wild West in places like Jerome and Cottonwood.  I love the raw textures and history of the old mining towns and am intrigued by these beautiful buildings that hold over a century worth of stories. 

I would highly recommend Cottonwood for a weekend away.  In fact, I just highly recommend weekends away in general.  They help you reconnect to yourself and each other, in a place free from the distractions of work and home.  It reminds you of why you promised your spouse all your future days when you spend a perfect one exploring a new place together.

Google Map Masterpieces

I was determined to use two old frames I had with 3 small 3x3 inch openings each.  I was also determined not to spend any money doing it.  So, I typed all of the addresses we have lived in since we've been married into Google Maps, printed them off, trimmed them, and filled up the first frame.  One had our first cozy hobbit hole of an apartment in Wisconsin, the second the first house we bought there, and the third our current house in Arizona.

For the other frame, I just wanted it to be filled with places that hold a lot of important memories for us, so I typed in the college house that Mr. Ladd lived in, where all of our best college memories are centered.  I also used our honeymoon spot in Niagara Falls, and our favorite hotel on our trip to Maui 2 summers ago.

 

And voila - instant, free, personalized art to add to my skinny hallway gallery wall, which I will show you when it's complete!