I’ve had a lot of conviction around this recently and while I am not exactly sure where the burning “yes” is leading, I figure it has to be in the right direction.

Last day of vacation. 🙁

The plan was to hole up at the W Barcelona for the last few days of our trip and it was exactly what the doctor ordered. We have entirely stayed on the property, enjoying the incredible restaurants, spa, gym and AH-mazing pool/sun deck. After a week on the go (and a very hectic last few months) I am almost feeling relaxed. A foreign feeling, really.

At the beginning of the year, I vowed to take all of my vacation time- something I (stupidly) haven’t done in the past. Our time in Spain already has me looking into where I am going next so I don’t think I’ll have a problem doing that- the travel bug is the absolute best to be bitten by!

On this trip, I have learned that there are some things I am good at and some things I am not so good at. This was evidenced at the Jean Leon Winery yesterday.

Things I am good at: wine tasting. I am very good at tasting all of the wine.

Things I am not good at: wine “matching”. We were given several different cheeses to try with several different (full) glasses of wine. Our guide said she had some questions so I volunteered because I thought maybe there was a prize involved and I like winning. So, she tells me to mix up the cheeses and drink them with the “non-paired wine”.

Guide (with a super sophisticated Spanish accent): “So now that you have sipped the Cabernet with the soft, organic, fresh goat cheese, tell me what you are experiencing.”

Me (mouth full, going for some more cheese): “Good. I am experiencing good.”

Guide: “No, no- can’t you feel the favors fighting in your mouth?”

Me (knowing I have to step it up): “Fighting? Um, it’s a good fight. I think they’re doing okay. No one is getting hurt.”

Guide: “No, no, no. The soft aroma of the cheese against the hard bite of the wine, the hints of blackberry and terra firma..”

Me: “Isn’t terra firma dirt?”

At this point, it was clear there was a language barrier, aka my lack of a wine language that goes beyond “This is amazing, pour me another”. So, I had her top me off and Ryan and I wandered through some vines to have our own little wine and cheese picnic. While sitting on some terra firma…

Kudos to JCPenney for being a stand for all families. Whether this ad was the proverbial middle finger to the One Million Moms boycott or not (and I really hope it was) I am really moved. Not because it’s “two gay dads” but because it’s about what makes Dads cool and makes me think about what makes MY Dad cool…

He was my first running partner and soccer coach. He is my important email proof reader, amazing advice giver, constant supporter, the first person I want to call when something great (or not so great) happens. He taught me how to tie my shoes but more importantly, he taught me that families are simply people who love each other and stick together no matter what.

I love my Dad something fierce and seeing other families, regardless of what they look like, loving each other…well, I don’t know what else is needed for the happiest of Father’s Days.

…to eat low-fat ice cream.

Think fast. Dream BIG.

(via Psycle)

We fueled up with brunch at Tavern on Rush and then it was an all out “We have to get ready for Spain!!!” day. For people who love having plans, Ryan and I have been slightly, um, behind for this vacation. Hence, the day of shopping for vacay clothes and final hotel bookings.

I’d like to say that egg white omelette with spinach provided the push to go into excellent shopping mode but it really could have been the Pinot Grigio…

“There is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything. Never apologize for your enthusiasm. Never. Ever. Never.”
Ryan Adams

(via emphasis added; riddle me this)

A weekend full of record breaking heat, lots of time with good friends, the beach, the pool, and grilling out…one of my absolute favorite Memorial Day weekends ever, that’s for sure.

A big thank you to those who have bravely served our country and those who continue to serve. May God bless and protect you!

I have been wanting one of these my entire adult life.

And yesterday, this baby blue Le Creuset Dutch oven came home with me, a gift from my (apparently) super thoughtful boyfriend.

To be clear- we are not “I was thinking of you so I bought you some high end cookware” kind of people. But Ryan said he wanted to do something nice for me and knows I have been wanting Le Creuset the entire time we have been dating so after nice chat about the value of the 4.5 quart vs the 5.5 quart with the salesman at Bloomingdales Home, the larger size won and this gateway to awesome, enjoyable cooking was ours.

Queso Fundido is going to be the first thing prepared in it, in a few hours when we host a Memorial Day BBQ. I am so much more excited about this than I should be…

Welcome to our kitchen, Little Blue!