Recent Random Happenings – Late Fall Edition

It’s been a whirlwind of a week for us!  In New Jersey, schools are closed for a teachers’ convention around the 2nd Thursday and Friday every November.  We usually try to take the kids somewhere fun .  In the past, we have done Disneyworld, Vermont, day trips etc.

This year we planned to drive down to Washington, D.C but for some reason, no one in my family was that excited about going, especially since we had gone just a few years ago and I wasn’t able to get tickets to tour the White House.  So, a week before we were due to leave, I had the brilliant idea to look into a quick getaway to the Caribbean.  Unfortunately, all the direct flights were booked and I was only able to find flights with layovers.  We were looking at travel times of 7-8 hours in each direction…not exactly ideal for a long weekend.

Then I thought – let’s look into some flights to Los Angeles since we could get there in 5-6 hours from New Jersey.  Sure enough, direct flights were available and cheaper than the Caribbean flights.  Within 1/2 hour of suggested my new idea to my husband, we booked flights along with a hotel room using his Westin points!  He’s such a trooper, that guy!  We decided to take the kids out of school on that Wednesday to give us an extra day.  So in less than a week from our decision, we were off on a spontaneous California trip!

This is the view from our hotel room at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown LA.  If you try really hard, you can see the Hollywood sign on top of that mountain in the distance.

We packed in a ton of activities from the minute we hopped off the plane on Wednesday until the time we left Sunday morning.  As soon as I go through all my pictures, (and finish laundry), I will write a trip report with all the fun details!

Of course, while I was away, I missed my little girl, Rosie…

Luckily, my niece was able to take care of her while we were gone.  In fact, between playing with my niece’s dogs and a spending a some time at doggie daycare, she had a vacation all of her own!

Now, I am not going to comment on the Presidential election because everyone has an opinion and I am sure we have all read enough comments on our personal facebook pages.  Seriously, how many times were you tempted to un-friend someone this election season?

I think I should just settle it and be President!

I don’t share too many pictures of my kids but I figured I was safe with this lovely one…

Aren’t they handsome boys?!!  So sad that they are no longer wearing the cute costumes.  It was bound to happen sooner or later!

On a happier note, I was flattered when Shutterfly asked if they could use this photo of my kitchen for a page on their website…

You can see the full article here – Shutterfly – How to Decorate a Small Kitchen.  I was so excited to have my kitchen included with so many other pretty ones!

And speaking of pretty…

This beautiful chinoiserie pumpkin was painted by the lovely, Karolyn from The Relished Roost.  I have been admiring her gorgeous pumpkins for awhile and am so excited to have one of my own!  I will be displaying it on my table this Thanksgiving.  Wow, is that already next week?

I don’t do any Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving but the day after, it all comes out!  No Black Friday shopping for me!  This year I am honored to be taking part in the Pink Door Holiday Tour hosted by Annie from DIY Decor Mom.  I met Annie at the Haven Conference this summer and she such a sweetheart.  I love her blog and am impressed with all she is able to accomplish with two babies in the house.  I was lucky to take a shower back in those days…Anyway, I will let you know more about the holiday tour schedule as soon as she schedules it.

Like most of you, I am looking forward to all the family time and holiday fun over the next month or so!

What’s been happening in your life lately?