Weekend in New Hampshire ♥

Hello Friends! Happy August! ♥

We are back from a lovely (but HOT) weekend in the mountains.  New Hampshire is honestly one of my most favorite places on earth to visit.  There is something so serene about being nestled in the woods, surrounded by nothing but nature. 

This was my view every morning while I sipped my coffee.  

 

Every summer we do a little trip with Rob's family.  Last year we went to Cape Cod and spent 3 days at the beach, which (aside from my sunburn) was lovely.  This year we decided on a rental house on Loon Mountain in New Hampshire.  Only a 2 and half hour drive from Boston it wasn't too far, but just far enough to feel like I was in a different world. To be honest, I had a bit of anxiety leaving home as it was my first vacation since my mom's passing.  I worry about my Dad and in my mind everything can go wrong in 3 days.  He assured me he would be FINE so off I went to the mountains.  It turns out it was a wonderful decision because I was able to relax and recharge my batteries for the first time in months :) 

The house was absolutely lovely.  Rob, John, and I were the first to arrive and the first thing we did was make a pot of coffee.  Naturally! ♥

There were 10 of us all together and we all fit perfectly.  I adored the kitchen!  (not that I used it! LOL) 

At night we watched TV and played games. 

There were card games going on at this table all weekend.  

Our meals were simple.  

Pizza in on the first night and two other dinners out, but very comfy and casual.  One night we went out for gelato which was delicious! 

On Friday some of our group went hiking (which I heard was beautiful).  We decided on a ride over to North Conway center.  A tradition for us is to go to Zeb's General store.  It's so fun! 

It's like a step back in time ♥

Lots of cute things to shop for too! 

There's an old-fashioned candy counter AND John got a huge pickle from a barrel.  

We walked the square and visited the train station across the street.  

The only downside was it was SO HOT!  Luckily my favorite coffee shop in New Hampshire is right in the square.  The Met has the best iced coffees! 

They really hit the spot.  Mine was French Vanilla!

Another thing I love to do on 90 degree days in New Hampshire is visit Christmas stores...haha!  

This one is a wonderland! ♥

I'm so ready for this! 

People ask me all the time and the answer is YES he still loves Elvis! ♥

              The next day we had plenty of pool time.  I sat under an umbrella and read my book.  

On our last day we all went out for pancakes and then visited a very large (and very dangerous) candy store in Littleton, NH.  I picked up a bag of saltwater taffy to bring home to my Dad.  

This fudge was so temping!!! My sister-in-law caved and bought some for us to snack on.  My favorite was the fluff-a-nutter, which tasted just like a peanut butter and fluff sandwich! Exactly like it, just like the sales guy said.  OMG it was to die for! I'm glad I didn't buy any to bring home because I definitely would have eaten it all.  

Overall, it was a fun weekend with family that I really enjoyed.  We got home Sunday afternoon.  I unpacked, threw in a load of laundry, we chatted with my Dad for a bit (who was absolutely fine btw) and then laid on my bed to feel how comfy it is.  I missed it. There's nothing like your own bed.  Am I right?! 

It's fun to go away, but even better coming home.  I slept like a dream last night and today it was right back to work for me. 

 Not a bad way to start August ♥

I hope your week is off to a good start too!  Have a wonderful day friends!  

XOXO  

Welcome October! ♥

Happy Monday my friends, and Happy October! 🍂

I am just back from a beautiful weekend in the mountains of New Hampshire.  Something I highly recommend, especially in the fall.  I heard the locals saying the foliage wasn't at it's peak yet and maybe it wasn't, but it was certainly enough for me! 

Windy roads, clean air, a general store, and the only time I don't mind having bad wi-fi. 

It's nice to be cut off from real life for awhile.  Even if it's just a weekend.

I managed to get in some outlet shopping and even bought my first Christmas present! 

(I've officially started! Yay).  

 

It's such a peaceful feeling to wake up in the mountains.  And yes, the coffee does taste better for some reason : ) 

It was quite chilly and we were happy we brought our warm clothes! 

Our beautiful condo (courtesy of a family friend who loaned it to us for the weekend).   We were nestled in the woods nice and cozy.  It was so quiet but if we went out on the balcony we could hear the river running down from the mountain.  

The roads are a work of art!  

My favorite store in the world!  If you ever visit North Conway NH you must stop in.  It's like stepping back in time, complete with creaky wooden floors and an old fashioned candy counter. 

  My favorite section is the Christmas corner on the second floor.  Heaven! 

We saw pretty waterfalls and streams all along the roads. I took deep breaths in and filled my lungs with the fresh air.  I could smell the snow coming! 

And of course we ate.  Waffle breakfasts with warm syrup and pumpkin spice coffee.  For lunches we had soups (to warm up) and sandwiches.  We ate at the same restaurant both nights for dinner because we loved it so much.  I had a fish sandwich that was so yummy I'm still thinking about it.  And of course dessert....because we just had to! One sundae, 3 spoons! 

And just like that I'm back home again. It was short and sweet but fun quality time with my people ♥

Tonight we are celebrating my Dad's birthday with a pork roast dinner.  His favorite! We are having it with onions and potatoes.  I roasted 2 acorn squashes last night which I will cut into quarters, drizzle with butter and brown sugar and heat in the oven.  We must have a green veggie so broccoli it is.  And corn bread rolls. For dessert he requested apple pie which I made this morning. The house smells so good right now!   

Little by little more of my Halloween and fall décor is appearing.  I love to light these lights early in the morning when it's still dark so the house glows.  I really love this time of year.  

Have a wonderful day my friends! I'll be around to visit your blogs soon.  I took a little internet break last week but I'm back and looking forward to catching up with everyone! 

Happy October! Stay cozy!! 🎃

Weekend in New Hampshire ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

I am just back from a long, relaxing, weekend in North Conway, New Hampshire.  We've been here many times before so it felt like "going home" if that makes sense.  We are creatures of habit and enjoy going back to the same places again and again.  Its comforting.  The ride is about 3 hours from Boston which is not bad at all if you pack enough coffee and snacks : ) 

The weather was a bit chilly but I didn't mind.  We got hot chocolates instead of ice creams, which was perfectly OK (even better) by me.  We shopped, ate good food, and soaked up as many beautiful mountain views as possible.  The scenery is breathtaking and the air is so clean.  It felt good to be outside walking around.  

One night we ate at an Irish pub which was so COZY I didn't want to leave. The French onion soup....YUM! (I'm kissing the tips of my fingers and waving them in the air....: ) 

We shopped at handcrafted stores (which I LOVE), and visited a Christmas shop because I'm never satisfied with the season I'm in. That store made me so unbelievably happy my family was embarrassed....lol

At night we hung out in our hotel room, played trivia games, and watched Seinfeld.  When I say it doesn't take much to make us happy I mean it.  We honestly had the best time.  It's been awhile since we had a change of scenery and this weekend came at the perfect time. 

It was needed. 

♥ 

So now that I'm relaxed and recharged it's time to get back to real life.  Today I'm working, doing laundry, and planning meals for the week. When's the next vacation??? 

Have a wonderful Monday Friends! ♥

I hope your week is off to a great start! Time for me to get coffee and get to work : )