What a lovely bride

By Nicole | Published Monday, May 21, 2012

Keith and I made it back from Dahlonega, GA last night in time for to continue our Sunday night tradition. Keith always gets a little sappy when it comes to weddings and watching his friends celebrate their love and this weekend was no different. 


We made it in late Thursday night and was able to crash with my sister. On Friday morning, she took us to this cute little breakfast spot that had some of the best coffee. I only wish I had asked them where I could purchase their coffee so I could have a cup or two at home. The visit with her was short as we needed to make our way north for the wedding festivities. It was agreed that we need to make a trip back to see Atlanta and for me that must include the Jimmy Carter library. 


On the drive north, we stopped at a couple of liquor stores in search for bourbon that's harder to find in the District. This trip was quite a success. We found not one but three bottles, including a 100th Anniversary bottle of Four Roses and this bottle celebrating the upcoming elections.  




Once we made it to our destination, Keith's best man responsibilities filled the rest of the time.  However, there was time to make friends with this adorable gal, Biscuit. She was quite found of Keith, letting him pick up and just cuddle with her. I think Sammy is still mad at us; not sure how she knows, but she does. 



The wedding was held at the Montaluce Winery and was quite gorgeous. Prior to the ceremony as guests arrived, I was able to participate in a tasting of five of their wines. Only one left an impression - the mead. For those not familiar mead is made 100 percent with honey, not a single grape. It was very floral on the nose, but way too sweet for my liking. 

The bride was lovely. The groom was smitten. The best man was handsome. The food was good. And the dancing lasted most the night. It's always good to see friends celebrate their love and we wish them a lifetime of happiness. 

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Wedding travel

By Nicole | Published Friday, May 18, 2012


Remember that bachelor party Keith went to last month leaving me home alone for the weekend? Well, the wedding is tomorrow in Georgia at the Montaluce Winery & Estates.

But let’s back up to Wednesday evening and the packing. Does anyone else struggle with deciding what to wear to weddings? Or is it just me? Keith convinced me to go with my “wedding guest dress,” but I went ahead and threw a few others in just in case. Good thing Southwest will let your bag fly for free.

I’ve never been a big fan of traveling. It’s kind of strange given I like to explore new areas. However, once I found myself stranded in London following that volcano, I’ve become a bit hesitant. Keith won’t be home to take care of Sammy if we’re gone for too long. Although it is possible that Sammy will be relieved to have a break.

Anyways, I’ll bring it back to the few things I like to have with me. As you can see, it’s not very much. I always say if you can’t carry it by yourself, then you shouldn’t bring it. Keith gets off so easy.


I use to always bring a book or two, but the Kindle just makes it so much easier. It is easier, but let me tell you I spend so much more on books. Not that this is a terrible thing to spend money on. We subscribe to several magazines. And I feel guilty for not reading them as regularly as I should, so I’m loading up on them for this trip.

Who doesn’t want to be cozy and comfy on the flight? That’s why I have my little neck pillow and basic black pashmina. I will inevitably get cold, so I’m just being proactive. There's also a few essentials like chargers, earbuds, and lip salve. 

The only thing I’m missing is some chocolate, but that had to wait for the airport. I was just too lazy to stop by CVS on the way home.

I can’t wait to share pictures from our brief visit with my sister who lives in Atlanta and the wedding. I hear Dahlonega, Georgia is a gorgeous area. Not to mention, I’m ready to sip on some wine.

So when you travel do you have any must haves that I should consider?

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Love

By Nicole | Published Wednesday, May 16, 2012


While checking my twitter stream as I took in a few sips of my morning coffee, I came across something Keith retweeted. It didn’t strike me as something in his usual area of interest – Mavs basketball, bourbon, US foreign policy, and the occasional cat video. Instead I find a tweet including a link to a letter Ronald Regan sent his son before he got married in 1971.

The letter in and of itself is quite touching and definitely worth the five minutes or so to read. (You can find it here.) Although Keith and I haven’t been married for years, I know he shares the sentiments and views of President Regan. I’m one lucky girl to know deep in my heart not only does he love me, but he respects me.
 “…There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps.”
Or in our case, I find great happiness in knowing Keith is waiting on the other side of the door for my footsteps.

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An Excellent Sunday Morning

By Nicole | Published Monday, May 14, 2012


This morning greeted us with gray skies and a steady spring rain that carried us through most of the day. I know we need the rain; I just don’t like rainy Mondays. Rainy Saturdays are cool. Rainy Sundays are even better. Although had it been a rainy Sunday, yesterday wouldn’t have been as nice.

Andrea and I met up for brunch and shopping in Eastern Market’s craft and flea market. Thank god I can always can count on Andrea for Sunday mornings like this, which is awesome because this kind of morning would send Keith into a tailspin. Let's just say it's not his thing...the brunch, all the people, etc.


We started at the Chesapeake Room for brunch. The Chesapeake Room is Keith’s and my go to place on Barrack’s Row. After brunch, however, I think that may change. The service has left so much to be desired that I want to explore what else is out there. Gasp! I might have to leave The Hill. Service aside the food was pretty good. I had the Chesapeake Room Eggs, which includes a fried green tomato, topped with a lump crab cake, topped with a poached egg and all finished with a champagne berblanc sauce. I love this spin on eggs benedict. Andrea went with the pulled pork sandwich, which she was said good things about. And it did look pretty tasty.

With our bellies full, it was time to work it off with some shopping. Eastern Market has a wonderful mix of crafty items like jewelry and arts, to clothing, furniture, and farmers lined up with their produce. I inevitably find jewelry I just have to have. Unfortunately, Sammy’s check up kind of squashed that for me. And it’s a real bummer – there were some cute bracelets and necklaces I had my eye on. Fingers crossed it will be there in a few weeks.

Regardless, strolling around Eastern Market is one of my favorite ways to spend a lazy Sunday morning. It’s even better after brunch. Do you have any favorite ways to pass your Sunday mornings?



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I'm an Ambassador

By Nicole | Published Friday, May 11, 2012


One of our first vacations together was a trip down to Kentucky to visit the Bourbon Trail. This was the trip that introduced Keith to bourbon and started his love affair. 
While in Loretto, KY at the Maker’s Mark distillery Keith signed up to become an ambassador. For the life of me, I don’t know why I didn’t do the same while there. I was already one of their biggest ambassadors. I introduced anyone and everyone who would listen, including Keith. And even today, I always recommend Maker’s Mark as the bourbon to ease into the larger world of bourbon because of it’s subtle sweetness and wide availability.

I’m happy to say I remedied this little oversight and am now an official Maker’s Mark ambassador. Do you love Maker’s Mark? Yes, well, then I highly recommend moseying on over to their site and getting yourself signed up. 
Not only do you get a sweet ass title of Marker’s Mark Ambassador, they also send you some pretty cool Maker’s Mark loot. Keith has official business cards, which I’m still waiting for him to seriously distribute. Around the holidays, you receive a gift. This year’s was a holiday sweater for your Marker’s bottle. Genius, if you ask me. And they host occasional events close by. 

Last night was one of those events. It’s the first one we’ve attended and featured a panel by the Beam family of products. Here's are the panelists including Fred Booker Noe (first on the left) with Jim Beam and Craig Davis (second from the right) with Maker's. Honestly, we weren't so concerned with tequila, rum and Canadian whiskey to keep track of the other folks. 


Have to admit it was pretty cool to be there and hear from the master distillers of Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. Although, Keith and I were disappointed it wasn’t more of an intimate panel. We did learn that Knob Creek’s Rye will reach our area in August, and we now have new Maker’s Mark shot glasses that were dipped in their trademark wax before our eyes.  




Are you an ambassador for any of your favorite brands? 

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