A Quiz:

Anyone remember that game/show "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?" I used to love that game. I thought that would be the greatest job ever. Traveling around the world, gathering clues, seeing different cultures. See, I really should be independently wealthy, so I could travel the world. Or just work for Samanta Brown.

But, I am happy to say that the Carver's will soon be having our passports stamped very soon!

Last night was a big night. We decided to book our first big trip since our honeymoon. B. and I took the plunge and bought airline tickets to visit two places that I personally have been DYING to see for the past...oh....30 years. As a celebration to us, our new life, and to celebrate our 5th anniversary. After we got the confirmation email, we did do a little happy dance. I'm pretty excited. Copper seemed excited too, but not sure he understands yet that he doesn't get to come.

Anyone who knows me, already knows the answer to where we are headed. But do you know? I've added some clues below:

The land of afternoon tea, Harrod's, Notting Hill, and Hugh Grant. Oh, but our jaunt doesn't end there. We are also headed to:

*sigh. I'll leave you with the image of us sipping cappuccinos at one of those roadside cafes.

Bonne Vacances!

xo,

A

Fabulous Fiesta!

Thanks to everyone who came out and was here to help us kick off our new home with a fantastic first bash! We had great weather, great food, and a great group of friends and family here for the event. Thank you everyone who came! (and a special huge thank you to my Mom, Aunt and Uncle who helped out with all the prep work. We could NOT have done it without you)

Naturally, being the hostess I didn't take nearly enough photos...but here are a few for the flavor of it all. I didn't capture everyone who came either, but hopefully it will feel like you were here with us. Can't wait to do it again!



Welcome friends!



us before the party began


our complete living room




Chocolate lollipops favors, cactus and chili peppers



our outdoor patio set



notice the chic lanturns..they were a big hit



our backyard. Shed and garage, and volleyball net :)


Flower arrangement on the screened in porch.


me and Melissa



fun!



more fun!



yummy desserts



side board looks all spiffy




the festive table



are these not the most fun straws ever?


even Copper was feeling festive. (He sadly didn't attend the party but wanted to be apart of it all)

Hope your weekend was fun. xo!

"In summer, the song sings itself" -William Carlos Williams

This weekend will mark the first official party at the Carver household! We are having our housewarming party and are thrilled that so many can make it! (30-gasp!) We are happy to say that the weather is going to be on our side- sunny with no rain! And are confident that it will be a good time. Hope you are ready to party!

I have prepared a feast of delicious Mexican food to include, a beef and chicken taco bar, Spanish rice, corn and avocado scramble, homemade sangria, and of course chocolate chip cupcakes. (Not Mexican themed, but fab nonetheless) Did I tell you why it's Mexican food? Well, it's to celebrate the fact that we DIDN'T move to Albuquerque and are starting our new life on familiar territory. Back in November, we had a fabulous "going away" party all planned, and since that did not happened, we asked ourselves why let those fabulous preparations go to waste?

Fast forward to July 31, 2010 and we are now throwing ourselves a "Not Going Away Party" and keeping the same theme. I love the irony of that. And let's be honest, who doesn't love the idea of a taco/fajita bar?

Also, make sure you bring your sneakers, we are also putting up the volleyball net.

Can't wait to see everyone and join us in this exciting new time in our lives. Will post party photos and house photos next week!

xo

"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance." -Bern Williams

Hello friends-

Wow- a lot has happened since my birthday. We've moved into our new home, and are happy to be settling in, and enjoying being home owners. I've also quit my job and am excited to have been promoted at a different company! Below are some assorted photos of our summer so far....we've been having a blast so far, can't wait to see what else lies ahead!




B. and me at the Baltimore/ Red Socks Game.


After the game we took a side trip to another Baltimore spot that I was dying to check out. Charm City Cakes



Love the detail!



OMG!!


My family threw me a fabulous 30th birthday party! It was a Paris/Luau theme. What's not to love about that?!


As a foodie, you knew I would have atleast one photograph of food. So, this is a photo of the most delicious appetizer, at my birthday dinner in Virginia Beach. Roasted peppers with garlic, capers and fresh mozzarella cheese. yum.



Here we are heading out for a night on the town in Virginia Beach



Sold!



we just bought a house!! We went out for Cuban food to celebrate.



To celebrate the 4th of July, we went to a local old fashioned festival. Complete with watermelon and carnival rides. Best part was the hot air balloon rides! B. didn't have a say, we were waiting in line for it. Here we are waiting for the balloon ride.


We were excited...and I'm not going to lie, I was a little scared.


up in the air! It was sooooo fun.



Hope y'all are enjoying your summer too!! Go out and do something fun, I can recommend the hot air balloon ride! Stay cool.

xo,
Allison

Bring out the Bubbly!

Happy Birthday to Me!

In honor of this big, monumental Birthday, I thought I would post some thoughts about the subject. As everyone knows, turning 30 is a big deal. In fact, I found a bunch of blog postings online on this very subject. I guess a lot of people have a lot to say about this particular birthday :) So, I thought I would join in!

I can honestly say that I am okay with turning 30, because I've got big, fun things happening to me in my life right now. B. and I have been married for 5 years, yes, it's been a tad emotional (anyone who knows us is agreeing) but we've overcome it all. We still love each other, and it's only brought us closer. This month, we've also bought a house in an adorable neighborhood, AND I'm feeling more confident about my career path and where I hope it will lead.

Good things are finally happening for the Carver Clan. Copper agrees, He's very excited about his new backyard, and the fact that he has a whole entire room to himself in the house. He's pretty psyched.

Please read this post about being 30 that I found online, and let's all embrace it, 30 Somethings. Let's face it, none of us feel old, so obviously we were mistaken when we were 16 and thought 30 was old. So, have a glass of champagne and feel fabulous.


"Samaraleigh feels comfortable being in her 30s:

I remember when I was quickly approaching my thirtieth and my older friends would rant and rave about how great the big 3-0 was. Back then, in my 20-something naïveté, I thought it was a big old lie they were telling me. To make them feel better about getting older. I quickly discovered it was not a lie at all. Since turning 30 some 7 years ago I have learned a lot about me. I don’t feel the need to sugar coat my words, or explain my actions. I don’t apologize for my mistakes and I no longer beat myself up over them either. I don’t live by someone else’s definitions of what I should be, how I should look or what I should wear. My madness is my own, even without rhyme or reason.
I can drink with the best of the 20-something crowd. But I have the wisdom to know when to stop. I take pleasure in my size 10 frame. I have a level of confidence that most women in their 20s have yet to discover. The type of confidence that attracts men of all ages. From 22-62. Yeah, you can’t do that in your twenties."

Hello City!

Given that I have a new found appreciation for Richmond, I am looking at it through much different eyes. And I have to say, I like what I am seeing. I think it's time that I give Richmond some much deserved props for all of it's growing up and expanding that it is doing.

As of May 1, 2010, Richmond re-opened the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. And I have to say, it is an amazing Art Museum. Now, before you say that this is old news, I would challenge you to actually go and check it out. Because when you do, you will agree. Now that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has had it's face lift, it's unrecognizable!

It feels hip, and open, and modern. Very urban and New York-ish. Anyone who has spent any time in New York's Museums will know what I am talking about. Being inside makes me want to curl up in the lobby in one of it's red, retro, chairs and read a good art book with a cappuccino and biscotti. I love it. My friend and I went last week, and had a glass of wine in it's newly redesigned restaurant and it was amazing.

Really. You should check it out. As always admission is free, and they have tons of great events coming up. Plus, on Thursdays it's open later...I may even get a membership.

Check it out!

http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Default.aspx

Staining

Hello friends,

I apologize that I have fallen off the face of the Earth for the past several weeks, things have been a tad hectic. But, more news to come on that later.

The reason for this post is to show of my new "staining skills." Who knew refinishing furniture could be so fun? I'm rather obsessed with doing it (I have about 4 more pieces that I want to do.) But, really what's not to like? You get to keep your cash by making good "old" furniture new again, with a new color and hardware.

So, here's our chest before:

And here's the beaut after: (please note that the lighting in the room was horrible, and you really can't tell how dark the color is. It's now a deep chocolate brown, and very glossy.)

It looks fab. We are going to convert it into our bar. Our wine rack fits perfectly, and we are going to get this from Bed, Beth, and Beyond for our glasses to finish the look.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14914927

Love it! Staining in so easy, so if any of you out there need tips, please let me know! Happy Staining!