Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Cape Cod-Girls Weekend 2013

So, continuing my travel bug kick I've been on lately, last weekend, my Mom and I headed up to the Cape with my lifelong friend, Erin and her Mom, Beth for a girls weekend. We had a blast walking on the beaches, visiting their pond, and hunting for some vintage finds at estate sales. 
Thanks so much for having us, ladies!! xo
































Thank you, Beth & Erin for letting us share in your little slice of Cape heaven! Love you both xoxo

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Love you, Mom

My Mom is a pretty special lady, and I consider myself lucky to have her in my life. We may not have come together in the traditional mother-daughter way-I was adopted at around 4 weeks by my amazing parents. They tried very hard, but couldn't have children the natural way. They opened up their minds and hearts to adoption, even when others questioned the decision and I'm so thankful they did.

My Mom and I are like two peas in a pod. I'm not sure there's anyone else in the world who gets me like she does. As a young working mother, she worked close to 10 hours a day, and then managed to come home and turn on the Mom mode. From girl scouts, to homework and school dances, she was there for me always. I know she has guilt for not 'being there' as much while I was growing up, but she was and I'm so proud of the successful businesswoman she is, and always has been.

We had some rough times throughout my high school years, and I'm so thankful she forgave all the awful things I said and did during the growing pains of those years. And then, when I went away to college and came home, something changed. I had a newfound respect for her, and an amazing friendship developed between us. We got really close through planning my wedding. We had so much fun, and just enjoyed every minute of it, I know I couldn't have done it without her. And then came the roughest point in my life, my miscarriage. She took time out of her life to be there for me. Through one of the worst days of my life, she was right there next to me, holding my hand, wiping my tears, and giving me a gentle smile that let me know, I'd be okay.

We've had some unforgettable mother-daughter times, and I'm so incredibly grateful to have her in my life. I owe everything to her. She's the reason, I'm the woman I am today. She's a constant, positive presence in my life, and I hope to someday live up to the example she's set.









Happy Mother's Day, to an amazing mother, confidant, and best friend!

Love you to mergintroy, Mom!

xoxo

Saturday, May 11, 2013

California Love... Part 2

Day 2 brought us to Mumm vineyards, a vineyard filled with amazing sparking wine and beautiful views. We meant to stop here for a bit, and ended up staying for most of the afternoon!

























Perfect ending to a wonderful short-but-sweet vacation!! Thanks Alex for being such a fabulous hostess! xoxo Can't wait for the big day next summer!





Thursday, May 9, 2013

California Love Part 1

This year for April Vacation, I got to travel across the country to visit my cousin, the bride-to-be-Alex!! We had a blast shopping for her wedding dress, tasting wedding cake, and of course visiting some amazing wineries. I just think it's so fun how instead of bar hopping, they all go to wine tastings out there...I'm already itching to go back and can't wait for the beautiful napa valley wedding next summer :)

Here's day one...San Francisco!


 On the way...


On the ferry to San Fran...











Golden Gate Bridge in background



Saturday, April 27, 2013

Crusin' 2013

Over February vacation, Nick and I were lucky enough to be invited on a cruise with my parents. We had such a blast, and after everything we had gone through, it was a really nice way to re-connect and start the process of moving forward. We all had an amazing time together-from gourmet meals, to snorkeling in Cozumel, to climbing Dunn's Falls in Jamaica, it was family time that I will cherish forever.

Here are some of the highlights: