TO THE BAY

Well, the weekend was a few days ago already, but I still feel like I'm on a vacation - in the very least, it's still a mental vacation. My parent's 25th anniversary is actually tomorrow, but over the weekend Tim accompanied me to Tampa where we stayed with them and celebrated. It was a very short stay at just over a day, but it was nice to get away for a moment and see the beach. Even though I grew up in Tampa, it's become so exciting to see an open body of water. Atlanta has barely any water whatsoever, so even rain is exciting.

Early Sunday morning we got up at seven and drove to my favorite beach of all time, Anna Maria Island. The water was still cool, but as the sun came through the clouds, it was perfect.



My parents took us to this Indian restaurant called Tandoor, that was amazing. If you live in the Tampa/Brandon/Valrico area, definitely stop by this place. It reminds me of a good restaurant here in Atlanta, Panahar. It hurts my heart to know that I had to leave my leftovers with my parents. I don't think it would have lasted a 7 hour drive.

After the dinner, my good friend Ryan came by and we paddled a canoe out on the Tampa Bay. My parents live just off the bay, so it was a nice little surprise boat trip. The only downside was that the mosquitoes took that opportunity to eat the hell out of us. I still have 30+ itchy reminders of that fun night. ;)

I hope you had a lovely Memorial Day weekend too. I know a lot of people traveled.. so where did you go?


instagram photos by me! follow me @ciarasames

WEEKEND PIE

This weekend was a very nice, sometimes relaxing, sometimes entertaining and exciting weekend. I got a new iMac, (wahoo!) after spending too much time going to work early to use that or my lagging 5 year old macbook. It was time for something I could rely on - especially with design school on the horizon.

Later on Saturday I saw Beach House with Tim and our friend Emily in Athens, Georgia, at the Georgia Theatre. I love taking little trips out of town to see a show. It's funny, and it's exciting. Of course the best part was the post-show hotdog from the guy who sells them outside the venue. It's a must.

So let me explain this whole "Almost breaking leg" thing. I was standing on the toilet seat lid, slipped, and all my weight via my shin hit the edge of the clawfoot tub's edge. I'm not sure I've experienced pain like that. I was laying on the ground sobbing my eyes out for 15 minutes before I looked at my leg, half expecting the bone to be sticking out. No bone, and I'm assuming no break, because it's just sore now. One hell of a knot and bruise came up, but I was able to stand on it after a few minutes of icing it down. It sure is a ghastly sight, but I'm fine. Totally scary though.

Mother's day was sweet. My mother and grandmother live in Florida, so I skyped with them for a while in the morning. It was nice to see them and talk about things. ♥ The dinner later in the day was spent with Tim's family and his mom, who is also a doll. We went back to his parent's house after dinner and caught up on all our shows. I don't know if any of you watch Girls, but I loveeee it. Lena Dunham is a genius.

Hope you had a lovely Mother's Day, all you mamas out there!

ROAD TRIP!

Ciao, friends! Heading down to the homeland for a weekend family visit and celebration of my brother's 40th birthday. Tim is coming with me and this will be the longest family time to be had for him with my family. *nervous* It'll be good! I'm sure that it will still surprise me how much warmer it is down there. One state south and the weather is so different. We're even going to my favorite beach. Wow. I hope you have a great weekend too! :)


photo here

SISTER SISTER

I spend the majority of last weekend with Tim's family for Thanksgiving. Tim's sister, Katie, and her boyfriend, Andrew, live in New Jersey and work in New York City. She is a Creative Merchandiser for Urban Outfitters and has amazing style. I guess it helps when you work for Urban, right? So naturally, every time I saw her in a new outfit my jaw was on the floor. So I thought I'd share with all of you some Katie highlights. Besides all the clothes, she wore MAC Rich Ground Fluidline which is to die for. It was interesting seeing her pairings, as I found I was loving them all, but might not have paired them for myself. I love new ideas. Also, that picture doesn't give the poncho justice. It was a real looker in person.

coat // poncho // ring // shoes

LETS GET STUFFED!

I hope you have a great time with your families during this long weekend. I wish I could be with my folks, eating my dad's AWESOME turkey and stuffing, but I'll have that soon. As a tradition, every time I visit my parents in Tampa, our first meal together is a Thanksgiving meal. I can't wait! But for this weekend, I'll be with Tim's family, and it will be wonderful. His sister and her boyfriend are coming down from New Jersey and I look forward to seeing them again.

Next time you hear from me, I'll be 20 pounds heavier. haha. (I HOPE NOT)


photo by jcrew, design by me!