GRAND MANAN

Over the weekend we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary in Grand Manan, New Brunswick.  I wanted to go away and had never been to GM, so we figured, why not?

Grand Manan is a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride from Black's Harbour, New Brunswick.  It's a teeny tiny island (by my standards) and it takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from one side of the island to the other.  I'm from a small town, but this place gives a whole new meaning to rural!  Literally the people who live there know everyone else - it's just that small.  When we went to the convenience store they recognized us as outsiders right away.  I wonder what it would be like to live somewhere like that!

We rented a little cottage that was pet friendly (or baby friendly, as we say).  We spent our time at the bakery, doing a few scenic hikes/walks, sea kayaking (super fun!  We tried to do this last year on our anniversary but couldn't because it is very weather dependent!), and playing on the beach with Leroy.  It is definitely a spot I would recommend for a weekend trip.  Very peaceful and quiet.  Next time we go back we'll definitely look for more hiking trails.  Only one side of the island is populated - the side with a coastline conducive to lobster fishing as that is the main (only?) industry apart from tourism, I suppose!  The back side of the island apparently has a more 'rugged' coast line, has few or no houses, and has one long hiking trail across that entire side of the island.

So I guess what I'm saying is we definitely recommend Grand Manan for a little getaway.  It was a nice way to celebrate 5 years of marriage!  (Or halfway there, as I say.)  :)

TWAS THE DAY BEFORE NEXT

Twas the day before next when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a doggie.
Leroy and I were nestled all snug on the couch while visions of treats danced through our heads.
Leroy in his collar and I in my socks had just settled down for a long afternoon of studying.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a miniature brown van and a delivery boy!

He brought me checkered Keds!  So exciting for a Monday.

I found them on Haute Look and they were less than $20 if I remember correctly.  Who could say no? Leroy's a sucker for a deal.

LOOK, MOM, NO HANDS!

No hands is extra cute.  Sometimes a guy just needs to warm his paws.

In honour of Will and Kate's new baby (congratulations, you crazy kids!) I thought I'd post a photo of my baby.

Now I'm going to muster up the energy to go to the gym and study for the rest of the night after that... Oh, energy.  So hard to come by.

GRILLED PEACH AND GREENS

I'm back at home after (another) rotation away and back to eating my regular foods.  Today I decided to try something new inspired by Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere.  I cut a peach in half, drizzled it with some olive oil, and hubby grilled it on the BBQ.  Then I fried some swiss chard in a pan (I think the first time I've ever eaten it) with olive oil and salt and pepper.  I plated the swiss chard first, then added grilled chicken breast, peach, sprinkled some unsalted peanuts around the plate and finished it off with a drizzle of honey and lemon juice.  An incredibly healthy supper and very yummy.  I will definitely be grilling fruit from here on!

WEDDING WEAR

I thought I'd do a little post on what to wear to a wedding this summer.  Last summer we had five (!) weddings to attend and this year we only have two.  And since I don't know my schedule for two days from now, I have no idea if I'll be able to go to them.  And I have no money so I'm not buying a new dress... But maybe you'll be a wedding guest with some money for a new purchase!

Option 1: alice + olivia.  Tracey sleeveless peplum dress in pink. On sale!  Find it here!

Option 2: Tibi. Velocity dress in pastel multi.  More expensive but oh so pretty. Find it here!

Option 3: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Abigail evening dress. Find it here!

Option 4: J Crew. Louisa dress in silk chiffon. Find it here!

Some cute options if you're on the market for a new dress!  I wore the same dress to all of the weddings we attended last summer.  It's pretty and no one besides hubby and I ever knew, right? :)