Dear Mama...

Mother's Day is always a holiday that has me reflecting on my childhood. I don't have children of my own but I know a lot of amazing mothers out there, including my sisters. At this age, most of my friends are mothers and mother's day takes a whole new meaning. But for me, there's only one.

I don't even know how to begin to describe my mom. If you've met her or know her you would probably describe her as pleasant, sweet, but shy and even reserved (she'd probably even fuss knowing I was writing this). And you're right.

She's a mother, a sister, a daughter. She loves music like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Carole King, Joni Mitchell. She's a feminist. She can finish a book in 3 days. She loves cinnamon, the color green, sunflowers, and cats. You get the picture. But my mom is a woman of so many layers.

As a kid, I always viewed her as fun but stern. She would make up games and play with us and she was always welcoming to our friends. We had season passes to Hersheypark, she took us down to the pool in the complex we lived in, took us to the neighborhood parks, and let our friends sleep over on the weekends. However, she wasn't without discipline for us -- and I always got the feeling that it stemmed from nervousness. Nervous about what, I'll never be sure. 

When I was a teenager, my  mom and I would butt heads a lot. Over stupid things like homework, boys, and curfew. My dad died when I was 14 and she became really depressed, a depression that I don't think she ever fully recovered from. All of that while raising two teenagers all by herself.  I lost a little bit of her in those times. She began to be really nervous about the future and small things overwhelmed her. And I can't blame her. Looking back at those times as an adult, I couldn't image losing the man I spent 30 years of my life with. And a not an easy 30 years either. She went through a lot with my dad because she loved him. They weren't married but they had a family, and you stay with your family even when the times get rough. That's just the way she is, she's from a different generation. 

As an adult my mom and I have been able to form a deeper relationship. I'm able to go through hard times WITH her. We need each other. She depends on me for certain things, even though I can tell it kills her to ask for my help. She is still only a phone call away with advice I need and she always knows just what to say. Quotes like:

Don't ever try and change someone, you'll only be disappointed if you try

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time

You have to be happy for you, no one else 

will always stay with me and have shaped the way that I live my life. She's been honest with me about the things that she feels she gave up in her life or missed out on. And encouraged me not to do the same thing. That I can be whatever I want to be.

But I am the person I am because of her. She's always been a guiding force in my life and someone to really look to as an example of a strong woman. She's a woman who has been shaped by the experiences she's endured in her life. So, I'll take her to breakfast and send her some flowers but it still won't be enough to show her how much she really means to me. But I think she knows, I hope she knows.

Cause when I was low, you was there for me. You never left me alone because you cared for me.
And I could see you coming home after work late, you're in the kitchen trying to fix us a hot plate.
Just working with the scraps you was given, and mama made miracles every Thanksgiving.
But now the road got rough, you're alone. Trying to raise two bad kids on your own.
And there's no way I can pay you back, but the plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated.

xoxo

Southern Charm Recap : Invite Gate

Even from the title of this episode I know I'm doomed to hear about Kathryn Calhoun Dennis not being invited to parties. I agree with Landon's sentiments "I'm so bored" of her. Also, can we stop adding "gate" to the end of every little disagreement?

Anyways, let's see what these kids are up to this week.

Craig and Naomi are packing up their things because apparently the house has been sold. Conveniently, she has a "fixer upper" house they can move into. I have to say again that I love her and them together. He confides in Naomi about pretty much getting TRav's panties in a bunch with the Jennifer Snowden issue and thinks that its Whitney's fault that Mother is not inviting Kathryn Calhoun Dennis to the parties.

He tells her his elaborate reasoning as to why Whitney is jealous of TRav and Naomi speaks for all of us when she says "Its really hard to follow you on this..." #mahgirl

Basically he thinks Whitney has feelings for Kathryn Calhoun Dennis.
Don't think so, he has Larissa, his Austrian reality show celeb/model girlfriend and we actually see them talking on the phone as if they're still really in a relationship! Dawwww, how cute.

Speaking of Kathryn Calhoun Dennis, we see her meeting Cooper for lunch with a new Birkin bag...a reward for herself...because of "everything". Yes sweetheart, you deserve it.

 Its FAUX real...she says is like fo' real but them spells out faux so we know its fake. She doesn't have money but she just wants everyone to think she can still keep up the appearances. I really don't get it, Kathryn Calhoun Dennis is trying to act like she doesn't have a dollar to her name but that's so not true. I can't be fooled with your little act, I watched season 1 and 2.

Cooper says Mother told him its not good for his imagine to hang out with Kathryn Calhoun Dennis. *Yawn* I'm bored with them.

HOLD ON, he actually tells Kathryn that he doesn't trust Jennifer Snowden. This is new! It's different to hear someone besides TRav say that.

Who's this girl bringing shit to Shep's house? Bailey, we find out her name, She's umm..painting him? He poses with a surf board so that she can paint a picture of him fully dressed on a horse at the beach. Okay. He tells us that they haven't defined their relationship but she's definitely DTF. Oh Shep...she's not cute.

Landon and Whitney go thrift shopping...of course! They're looking for outfits for their roller disco party she's throwing for Shep's birthday. Sounds like fun to me, I'm down Landon. They have drinks IN THE SHOP and discuss the party, Landon says that Kathryn Calhoun Dennis is Debbie Downer! HA. I love it.

Ahhh, so Shep DOES still own the Palace Hotel bar. This is the first time he's mentioning it. Good for him! Cameron meets up with Shep at his bar and they talk about her new listing that she's going to mentor him through. Oh what wacky hijinks could come of this? Cameron always has to mention her commission..its weird. haha. I don't know why she does that.

We learn that Shep does think about settling down but he says you can't force "the right one". Which is true. I hope he's not thinking this Bailey is the right one...over Landon? Nah...(yes, I'm still hoping they get together)

We see Kathryn and TRav moving into their respective homes. I have to say...Kathryn Calhoun Dennis's house is ADORABLE. TRav's is grandiose and a perfect Charleston home but it's kind of tacky and he's definitely trying too hard with the decor.  Kathryn's is cute and settled and something that is fitting for her.

Kathryn stops by Danni's house. She says she thinks that her friendship with Danni is genuine and I think its because Danni IS genuine. Kathryn Calhoun Dennis says she hasn't reached out to Danni cause she's friends with Cameron and those guys and Danni encourages her to reach out to people in the group one on one.

I'm not okay with Landon's friendship with TRav. Oh well, she stops by to see his new place and she invites him to Shep's party...he can't make it but wants to know if she invited Kathryn Calhoun Dennis, ugh. We find out that she hates Landon because of a picture Landon posted of her and TRav out and about in London. Seems like a stretch to me..

Landon tells TRav that she's meeting with investors about a travel website she wants to start. I'm pretty sure you don't need investors to start your own travel website. Just start writing! You're on Bravo, someone will pick up your blog and start paying you for it.

KCD reaches out to Cameron to see if she wants to get a cup of coffee and Cameron straight up says no. Ha! I love it. Also, do you love Cameron's kitchen? I do!

We finally get to the roller rink for this party. Its going to be Shepic...

Omg, hot mess time...Shep is chilling on time for his own party and everyone else is late. Including Landon who is throwing the party! And there's no booze! I'd be pissed. Sorry this party sounds all about Landon...he doesn't seem excited at all. She straight up lies and says that she invited Kathryn! I don't know, Shep doesn't seem too into this party. Are there even non reality show friends here?

There's an awkward scene of everyone flailing around while trying to skate.

They all discuss Kathryn Calhoun Dennis because they're under the impression that Landon invited her but she didn't come which is a complete lie. Did Landon forget this show was being filmed and they were going to eventually see the truth? Or is this drama specifically constructed by Bravo? I'm on to you.

Craig is disappointed in Cameron for not wanting to get together with Kathryn Calhoun Dennis when she reached out. He also takes it upon himself to call Kathryn Calhoun Dennis and find out why she didn't come to the party if she was trying to smooth things over with the group.

JD and Elizabeth show up and they are so cute. It seems like with season 3 of this show, I'm more curious about the lives of the "side characters" like JD& Elizabeth, Danni, and even Naomi. I want to know more! Why have them around if they're only there to randomly comment to the newest drama?

Anyways, Shep talks with Kathryn Calhoun Dennis on the phone and she informs him that she was not invited to the party and didn't even know about it until she got Craig's voicemail. He gets really upset and I don't blame him. This is his party and Kathryn Calhoun Dennis is his friend. If Landon had a problem inviting her, she shouldn't have offered to throw him a party. End of story.

Shep confronts Landon in front of everyone about why Kathryn Calhoun Dennis wasn't invite to the party and she's all "If she didn't want to come, its not my fault, I texted everyone". Come on, Landon you didn't invite her. But homegirl keeps trying to put up the rouse the KCD was invited but just didn't come. She's all "Who cares" and Shep says "I care." And that's the end of the episode.

I don't know, I feel bad for Shep. The party was for him but had no trace of him in it at all. I mean no alcohol? It almost felt like he was mad about the party and finally had an excuse to get annoyed with Landon about the whole thing.

Landon is getting some major flack on Twitter about this episode and the last. Everyone is all #TeamKathryn and I'm over here like #TeamDanni. I'm BORED with these people this season. How do I get Andy Cohen to put some more air time onto Danni and JD & Elizabeth?

I feel like there is unnecessary drama and anything that gets Kathryn Calhoun Dennis more attention doesn't really do it for me. I miss the Landon from last season when she was just hanging out and being adorable. She's still super cute but she's all Bravo-tized now with her little comments about KCD which seem unwarranted.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Til next time!

xoxo

Savannah, GA - Travel Guide

My husband and I try and take a trip to somewhere new once a year. This year we picked Savannah, GA and I'm so glad we chose to escape here for a couple of days. I've never been to this part of the country before and it was everything I imagined this deep southern historic city to be. It was April so the humidity was pretty mild but the temperatures rose to 80-85 degrees. I could see how the temps might be a bit grueling in the summertime. Its a great trip if you're into history, yummy food, and beautiful scenery.
Here's a bit about what we did for our week away.

Where We Stayed

There are so many places to stay in Savannah. Lots of historic Inns and a lot of newer hotels, too. We stayed at the 17 Hundred 90 Inn on President's street right in downtown Savannah. It was such a cute spot with the charm of the city in our hotel rooms. Apparently this place is haunted...by a ghost named Anna who at one time jumped from Room 204. EEP! We had one of the guest houses so we weren't in the main building so I didn't get the chance to be spooked by Anna but it was kind of cool to have your Inn as one of the mentions at the old town tours. Our room had a beautiful hand painted ceiling and a jacuzzi tub, hello!

What We Saw

I don't even know where to start, there were so many things to see. If you stay downtown, there are a lot of things to just walk to. River street has a lot of shops and bars along the Savannah River, and its pretty but this spot was pretty touristy, its a good spot to go pick up one of the town tours.  We did a lot of walking around downtown where you would just run into beautiful spots. We also rented a car for the afternoon to get to specific things we looked up beforehand. 

Bonaventure Cemetery 

Since Nate and I are both book nerds, we HAD to see Bonaventure Cemetery which was featured on the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Unfortunately, the "bird girl" statue made famous on the book cover had to be moved because she was getting vandalized. hmph. People don't respect anything anymore.  Anyways, Bonaventure is about 20 mins outside of the downtown so we had to rent a car for this visit but its so worth it. Here we got to see a bunch of old cemetery statues underneath the Spanish moss. It was so haunting and beautiful. Note: Even though this brings a lot of tourists, it is still a cemetery with real burials. 

 Wormsloe Historic Site

 This is a state park site 20 mins outside of Savannah (about 15 mins from Bonaventure Cemetery, we visited both sites on the same day while we had the car). It is the site of colonial plantation ruins of  Noble Jones who arrived in Georgia as one of the first settlers. These ruins are one of the oldest standing structures in Savannah. The site is covered with huge canopy style oak trees with Spanish moss...I mean, its so beautiful. There's about a 1 mile trail around the site that explains the story of Noble Jones and his estate. If you think the driveway with all the trees looks like the "run Forrest run" scene from Forrest Gump, its because it is!

 Mercer House

Again, book nerd alert. We had to find the Mercer House, now called the Mercer - Williams House Museum. This house was the scene of famed shooting death of Jim William's assistant, Danny Hansford, which is the story in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Also, its gorgeous. We didn't go inside but its easy to run into around town. 

Forsyth Park

This is a beautiful park right smack dab in the middle of the city. It has a beautiful famous fountain in the middle of the park and its just so shaded and beautiful. Its nice to just grab a cup of coffee and spend your morning in the park. AHHH, if I lived there I would be there everyday with a good book. 

First African Baptist Church

This is one of the oldest churches in the city and one of the oldest for an all black congregation. Slaves were permitted to go to church on Sundays since there was no working. It was part of the underground railroad and has markings on the ceilings that would let slaves know that it was a safe church for them. In front of the church, they had a mural of the Charleston 9 of the Emanuel AME Church shooting last summer. Which of course, I loved.  

Jones Street

Okay, so you can't walk around downtown Savannah without running into a beautiful street. But Jones street was especially beautiful with its cobble stone streets and picturesque homes. If you find yourself just wanting to wander around the historic district (basically the historic district is the part of downtown where you'll notice the street signs look old fashioned) try and find Jones street. You'll love it. Also, the gray house on the right of this picture below is for sale, anyone want to buy it for me? It's probably only a million or so...:)

Where We Ate

This is a section I have to mention but its so hard to condense. There are so many amazing restaurants around town in Savannah. We checked out a lot of places to just grab some food and a drink to relax. Places I need to mention was the cool looking bar at the 17 Hundred 90 Inn where we stayed (we got one complimentary drink each for staying, how cool??) and I ordered a mint julep...because I'm in the south! Bay Street was awesome for some bar hopping, We stopped at the Treylor Park to have a drink and this place was cool. Kind of super trendy but in a non obnoxious kind of way. We didn't eat here but the bar had a good vibe. We also checked out Churchill's Gastropub which was so funny because we didn't really want to try out a British style pub while we're in the South but we were walking around downtown and we saw this huge brick building with an adorable rooftop terrace and since it was such a beautiful night we searched around to where the terrace belonged to and we found Churchill's. It was cute, it didn't disappoint. For a splurge dinner we ate at The Pirate House which seems like an annoying, kitchy place at first but the food was amazing! Pricey, though, but hey, we were on vacation. 

The Collins Quarter

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you probably would notice that I kept posting pictures from a coffee shop/restaurant called The Collins Quarter right downtown. I LOVED this place. It was right down the street from our Inn and we just bumped into it one day walking around. I stopped and got an afternoon cold drip coffee and it was AMAZING so I told Nate we had to stop by the next day and try their food. Plus the ambiance is so relaxing, I just wanted to pick it up and take it home to Lancaster county with me. I love a good cup of coffee just as much as I love a coffee shop where I never want to leave. Also, is the coffee cup not the cutest thing you've ever seen?

Driftaway Cafe

We found this adorable little cafe, The Driftaway, that was located right outside of the Wormsloe Historic Site (so you would need to rent a car to get there). But it was low key, GREAT food, and good prices. Exactly what you would need to break up the day of driving around. 

Savannah Travel Tips

• We only had a couple of days and we didn't want to spend a lot of it driving (its about 10 hours from Lancaster, PA) so we flew from Washington Dulles to Savannah airport. From the airport it was really easy to grab a taxi and take it downtown which amounted to about $50 (with tip). If you stay at one of the chain hotels they would most likely offer a shuttle from the airport but since we stayed at a small Inn, that wasn't the case for us. 
• Downtown is in a grid shape so its really easy to walk around. And the blocks are super short so if you're staying downtown, you really don't need to worry about transportation to get around. 
• We did rent a car for the afternoon because we wanted to see Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe Historic site and there is not a bus that goes out to those areas. Enterprise Rent a Center is right downtown and easy to walk to. It ended up only being $36 for the entire day. 
• Don't pick up the Spanish moss! I don't know if its just something to scare the kids but apparently it can be full of fire ants. And you'll see a lot of it just laying on the street.
• Bring bug spray with you for walking around in the evening. It wasn't too bad since its still early in the season but we did get bit up a bunch. I can imagine its worse over the summer. 

I hope you enjoyed hearing about Savannah as much as I enjoyed sharing our trip with you. If you ever have the chance to get down there, please go. It was such a nice area and a really relaxing trip. 

It's back to work tomorrow for me, but I'll still be daydreaming about Savannah. It went by too fast!

XOXO