Construction Sounds

When I wake up to construction sounds coming from the other room, I'm never quite sure what I'm going to walk out and see.  I am yet to be disappointed because of the noise.  I love this guy. 

The chair is already surprisingly comfortable.  But I think I'll wait to take my next seat until after the wire springs have been covered.

Way to go Hubby!  Keep it up.

Love,
H

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Rochester Eats

I visited Rochester, NY for the first time a few months ago.  Words, nor pictures can describe the countryside of upstate New York.  Well, two words would be Martha Stewart.  We were excited to make the trip for the wedding of friends who fell in love at culinary school. It's fitting, even though my pants no longer, that we ate a ton over the week. Like most cities, Rochester is the home to a few cult favorite foods. We had to try as many as we could.

The rehearsal dinner was a party in the park, complete with a food cart serving Zweigle's famous red hots and white hots.  "Hot" does not mean the dog is spicy, it's Rochester slang for a hotdog.  Did you know this?  I didn't.  White hots are said to have originated in Rochester, and they're white because the meat is uncured and unsmoked, which helps the dog retain its natural white color.  (This was also news to me - apparently I need to get out more.)

Later that night we hit up Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which locals say is the ONLY place you must eat at while visiting Rochester.  The place was packed, but I patiently fought my hunger pangs after hearing that wings, chicken wings, had originated in Buffalo, NY, only a few hours away.  Are we recognizing a theme here?  Help me leave my house.  Anyhoo, I don't even really eat wings, but I had a few, and man, they were delicious.  If ever in the area, I suggest you eat meat (or fish) at the Dino.  Stephen was crazy for his crusted salmon!

And then, and then, it was frozen custard from Abbott's. I think we'd eaten breakfast only an hour earlier, but I ate some anyway. The jury is out - is Abbott's custard is better than our local Nielsen's? The decision may sway to the scenery and feel of upstate New York.  Honestly, Martha Stewart. I couldn't handle it.   Last but not least, we went to Nick Tahou's for the famous Garbage Plate.   I'm gonna be honest. I did not eat this. I'll eat almost anything, but "up to four meats on a plate," combined with mac and cheese, I knew I should pass. Tim inhaled his garbage, and surprisingly, he is still alive today.

So tell me, what must I eat where you live?  I'll bring sweatpants.

xo, stacey

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Holiday Party Dress Dreaming

The holidays are here. Now. This weekend. I doubt I'm going to add a new dress to my arsenal this season, but, not to say I wouldn't like to. If I were unreasonable, I'd buy nearly every lace dress variation available. I'm really lovin' the lace.

one / two / three / four / five / six

What are you wearing this year? xo stace

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What makes you itch?

Lately, I've been trying to figure it out what makes me itch. 

This short video, full of Koyaaniqati-esque shots, narrated by Alan Watts has been all over the 'internet of inspiration' for a while now.  Mr. Watt's distant voice, probably recorded years before I was born, has been bouncing around in my head for a few weeks. 

It's not that I want to quit my job - as an HR professional in the nonprofit sector, I truly love my work, and the mission of my organization.  And to a certain degree, money is important.  However, when I get home, I am exhausted.  Physically, mentally and often emotionally.

 

Is this how someone, "doing what they'd like to do, if money were no object," feels?  Is this how I   enjoy spending my life?  I could think of a million things I'd like to do if money were no object, but the deeper question is, what do I really desire?  

I sometimes wonder if something deeper ails me, or is my life simply out of balance?  What am I missing?  Are my priorities really prioritized? 

Are yours? What really makes you itch?

xo,  stace.

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Woolly Mammoth

I think it's safe to say my favorite experience in Chicago was my stop at Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities.  Brittany suggested the place, man does she know me well.  It was within walking distance of where I was staying, and I liked it so much I went twice.  The fellow working behind the counter was kind enough to oblige my request to take a few photos.  Here's a little walk through Woolly Mammoth.   

I could have spent all day in this shop. But, I didn't have much to spend and I didn't want to over stay my welcome.  So, I made plans to go back a second time (more to come on that).  I did end up purchasing this little book, The Phantom Rickshaw by Rudyard Kipling.  It's currently living on my nightstand. 

Well, that's it for now.  Next time I find myself back in Chicago I will definitely be heading back over to Woolly Mammoth.

ta-ta,
H

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