HER PERSPECTIVES Best Moments: All of the essential items have been checked off our to do list. The clothes are washed. The diapers are stacked. Our suitcase is packed. The car seat is sitting by the front door. And now we relax. And wait. Symptoms: Well, I finally understand what women mean when they say they’re “ready.” I have felt... Read more
If you’ve been following our pregnancy posts, you know that we chose to keep Peanut’s gender a surprise. I believe we’re in the minority, and perhaps we’ll choose to find out for future Peanut(s), but we’re so glad we’ve waited. We figure there is no bigger thrill in life than the jubilant announcement of “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a... Read more
HER PERSPECTIVES Best Moments: My family was reunited this weekend for the first time since February! After seven months in London (plus trips to Italy, Ireland, the French Riviera, Amsterdam, Germany, and Greece), my brother is back on American soil. I’m sure glad he got to see the bump before Peanut arrives! Though I think everyone — especially my mother... Read more
It’s nice to have a photographer for a friend. Because when he buys a new camera — say a medium format camera — he may ask if he can take some photos of you for his portfolio. We were more than happy to pose for our friend, Phillip Mackenzie, and are thrilled with the shots he got! We spent the... Read more
Quick. Name two foods that pregnant women stereotypically crave. Did you guess ice cream and pickles? Because apparently they’re the most popular answers. And I have both covered. More specifically chocolate peanut butter ice cream and oven fried pickles. Of course, you don’t have to be sporting a baby bump to enjoy this simple snack. Sour, crunchy pickles are dipped... Read more
HER PERSPECTIVES Best Moment: We were thrilled to be guests at the grand re-opening of the Carnegie Inn & Spa this week. We stuffed ourselves with roasted mushrooms filled with diced pears and Gorgonzola cheese, butternut squash ravioli, and crab cakes topped with cucumber-melon-corn relish. We stayed in one of the Inn’s 20 cozy rooms — it was so cozy,... Read more
The Carnegie Inn & Spa in State College, formerly the Carnegie House, recently re-opened with redesigned guest rooms, an award-winning chef, and a brand new organic spa. And Nick and I were thrilled to be invited as guests to the opening celebration. It was perfect timing, too — just three days before our second anniversary and three weeks before Peanut... Read more
HER PERSPECTIVES Best Moments: This week we were the guests of honor at a shower hosted by my colleagues. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such supportive and compassionate men and women. And we had a very productive weekend, thanks to help from my sister and her boyfriend. We washed and folded baby clothes and blankets. We sewed... Read more
Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. So grab someone you love and go play in the rain! {2009, credit Robert Winton} {2010} {2011, credit Phillip Mackenzie} Happy anniversary to my best friend, my husband, and the man who will be a fantastic father in just a few short weeks! I love you. Read more
Last week I had the honor of judging a competition for local chefs. That’s right. Chefs who typically work their magic behind the scenes sharpened their knives, packed their frying pans and portable stoves, and came out to the farmers market to compete in a friendly cooking competition. Contestants included: Jamsion Steffan and Gus Aranguiz from the American Ale House,... Read more