Aww, Chastain! One of my favorite places ever for an evening out to watch some of the greatest entertainers perform. For years, we’ve made the trek to the Chastain Amphitheater with coolers, picnic baskets, flowers, vases and lovely tablecloths to setup for a magical evening …
We’re making more room for celebrating. There’s enough going on in the world that needs little reminding of how cruel it can be. So we’re having moments to toast to good times, blow out candles, dance here and there, and laugh. Laugh so hard that our stomachs begin to hurt. Here’s to laughter!
“Here’s to… family!” That’s how we kicked off an evening with passion fruit margaritas. Then there was a table covered by Mexican food. My parents joined us for a “seaside seafood feast” right along the Chicago River. Think ceviche, an array of seafood tacos, a whole red snapper, seafood-stuffed pineapple, and pitchers of fruity drinks. We had everything and concluded our meal with warm churros filled with flavorful caramel and a side of cinnamon ice cream. Here’s to food!
What are you celebrating?
During a recent visit to New York City, we stayed at the 122-year old Algonquin Hotel. We’ve stayed at the hotel once before, however, this time, the hotel revealed its historical past through the Blue Bar menu and a chance meeting with Hamlet, the cat. …
I am not an optimist. When I tell folks that, they rarely believe me. Surely, you jest. But, but, but you’re so happy… I’ve always armored myself with a fair amount of pragmatism and pessimism, steeling myself as much as one can for the other …
“Nature, time, and patience are three great physicians.” – Henry George Bohn
On a recent evening, I had the pleasure of going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I always forget what makes me come back, time and time again. I have been a member for years and I often take love ones and friends to see the beautiful plants and trees that have been so lovingly tended. Once more, I went with people whom I love. It was a joy for all of us, my sister and me, along with our husbands. I love just taking in all of the vibrant colors of the flowers and the towering trees that provided umbrellas of shade. It warms my heart to see families enjoying the garden as I do. I’m always amazed to see the amount of work and love that would has gone into creating this exquisite oasis in the middle of bustling Atlanta.
This morning as I write this post and reflect on the peace and joy that I feel when I stroll through the gardens. My spirit is lifted and I am present to how simple and beautiful nature can remove some of the cares of the world. Today, I’m sad as I have lost someone dear to me. Remembering times at the Garden takes away some of the pain. I’ve decided that I’ll go more often and take others with me to marvel at nature’s creations.
When I was a kid, there was no shortage of new Easter dresses, patent leather Mary Janes with short white socks, and frilly bonnets to mark the holiday. Think pastel pink, yellow, and green linen with delicately embroidered details. Oh, and there were Easter speeches, …
It turns out that this year’s color is peach fuzz. We at ODB have always liked this range of colors- peach, salmon, rose, blush… You can see it throughout our website. Unlike oranges, peaches come in a rainbow of flavors. What’s your favorite? Everything’s been …
I went to the Emerald Isle fifteen years ago and had the time of my life. From tasty Irish salmon, lamb, and every kind of potato dish to stone circles, castles, and peat.
We started in Dublin and spent a couple of weeks exploring seaside towns, green mountains, and beautiful estates where we slept soundly as sheep bleated here and there. Miles and miles of Erica (or pink and purple heather) everywhere we looked.
Each visit to New York has always included popping into a sweet shop for a little bit of chocolate, pastry or cookie. So much so that I’ve contemplated writing a little black book on sweets alone in NYC. Some desserts trend so much that there …
