“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” –Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally Five months to go until the rest of my life begins, and it’s all I can think about. I dream about our [...]
Last year Nick and I prepared a fabulous gourmet meal on Valentine’s Day. (See photos and recipes.) This year we took a little help from Wegman’s. We enjoyed stuffed clams and lobster bisque in a bread bowl (for two). And, of course, you can’t go wrong with chocolate martinis and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Every little girl dreams of the perfect wedding day. And the perfect marriage proposal. Last weekend Nick made one of those dreams come true. And the other isn’t far behind. He arrived in State College late Friday night — with surprises. He brought ingredients for breakfast, a box of brownie mix, and “Love Actually.” We [...]
During the first weekend in October I returned to Dover for High School Homecoming festivities, and I realized that no matter how many years pass, I can still go to a place where time seems to have stood still … Some things never change. During that same weekend I glimpsed the future through a dear [...]
No sooner did Nick arrive back in Happy Valley than we had to pack and leave for New Jersey. (But not before he signed some paperwork and received the keys to a 2009 Chevy Malibu. And he also found a moment to surprise me with an iTunes gift card and new NANO! Just because.) We [...]
Nick returned from Indianapolis on his birthday — well, that was the plan. Due to rain and wind, his flight was delayed out of Philadelphia and he didn’t arrive in State College until almost 1 a.m. I spent the night cleaning and baking and watching The West Wing. Fortunately, it took a good two hours [...]
In high school, it wasn’t uncommon to give the gift of a mixed tape. Whether it was for your best girls and included songs like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Manic Monday,” or for your boyfriend and featured “Truly Madly Deeply” and the best of Boyz II Men. Later in high school and [...]
Food evokes memories. The sweet strawberry aroma that fills my grandma’s kitchen while making jam on a warm morning in June. The feeling of sticky sugar cookie dough between my fingers, from a recipe that has been passed down for generations. The smell of my dad’s homemade pizza pie with pepperonis, mushrooms, and jalapeno peppers. [...]
There’s a lot to be learned about a partner during a moving weekend. The organizing, tossing, packing, and loading can wear out a couple. But not us.Last weekend we moved Nick to Happy Valley. We’ve been waiting for this occasion for the past year … to finally see each other on a regular basis!We tossed [...]
I’m not the type of girl who expects expensive or extravagant gifts from her boyfriend. Any guy can drop a fistful of cash on a fancy present, but it takes creativity to impress me. I prefer more intimate gestures, such as notes posted on my bathroom vanity or refrigerator door. It’s these moments that catch [...]