....I PROMISE I will write more posts. I can only guarantee this because I literally did not update One. Single. Time. This month. Bad blogger award?
I plan on focusing more on health and wellness in my future blogging endevors as well as my favorite topics of shopping and entertainment. Of course I have a post about Cookie in the works as well. So please don't forget me. And I'll try not to forget about this little blog either.
Happy August!!!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Saturday Morning Love
My weekend is looking pretty darn good. Why you may ask? Well so far today, I slept in (GLORIOUS!), poured a cup of coffee, uploaded some pictures, chatted with a friend overseas, and snuggled with Cookie. Good day so far, right?
Basically we're not doing a whole lot this weekend..and those kind of weekends are absolutely necessary.
David's Bridal emailed me that my DRESS IS IN for sis's wedding.
A trip to the mall is in order and I have a feeling picking up the dress won't be the only thing on the agenda. I really "need" a new swimsuit for vacay next week. Who likes shopping for those when you look like this??
But who cares when you're on this bad boy....
...on your way to HERE.....
via
Ahh...I have a feeling looking good in a bathing suit will be far from my mind in about a week. :-)
Basically we're not doing a whole lot this weekend..and those kind of weekends are absolutely necessary.
David's Bridal emailed me that my DRESS IS IN for sis's wedding.
A trip to the mall is in order and I have a feeling picking up the dress won't be the only thing on the agenda. I really "need" a new swimsuit for vacay next week. Who likes shopping for those when you look like this??
But who cares when you're on this bad boy....
...on your way to HERE.....
via
Ahh...I have a feeling looking good in a bathing suit will be far from my mind in about a week. :-)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Niagra Falls Recap
So Niagra Falls was pretty amazing.
Several months ago, my husband told me we would be going on a special weekend anniversary getaway. For a few weeks, he gave me one clue per week. Somehow I managed to figure out our destination by the following clues:
1. There will be lots of water.
2. We are driving there.
3. We are going on a boat.
4. The hotel is a skyscraper with valet parking.
I can't handle knowing the uncertainty of a surprise, so when I guessed Niagra Falls, he said YES! And now I'm here to recap our trip for you. We had an AWESOME TIME!!!
We left Friday morning and drove through the day (about 7.5 hours with stops). We immediately checked into our posh hotel, The Embassy Suites, after crossing into Canada.
After looking around the hotel, we went down to the hotel restaurant, The Keg, where we had a good view of the falls.
After dinner (I was sooo full, by the way. Walking all over the place after having such a huge meal was not good for my belly) we walked down to the close up view of the falls. About that time of the day, it was starting to get dark so we got to see the lights reflecting off the water. Apparently there were fireworks around ten, but we missed those somehow and continued on with our evening activities which included looking around the hotel and enjoying our jacuzzi in our suite.
We slept in a bit on Saturday morning, then had a lovely breakfast at The Keg. This time, we sat right in front of the window (should have brought my sunglasses to breakfast) and had some delicious muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee, etc. etc. etc. (ok, I tried to eat less this time!)
After breakfast, we took the shuttle down to the falls and got on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Who knew a poncho would never prevent you from getting soaked (so much for hair and makeup that morning) but the view was unbeatable. We pretty much rode right up to the water pouring over the ledge. After we got off the boat (and dried off) we went downtown to see all the nifty shops and entertainment.
We walked through the Ripley's Odditorium and watched a couple 4D short films in the theater there. I had a hankering for ice cream, so we had ice cream cones and Coke for lunch. After we saw everything there was to see, we walked back to the hotel to get all dolled up for the night.
We had an early seating at the Skylon Tower for dinner. Let me just say this was the BEST dining experience I have ever had. The food was to die for and the view took our breath away.
The dining room actually rotated 360 degrees so we got to see the complete view of Niagra Falls in about an hour's time. I just can't even explain in words how awesome this whole experience was. You truly get what you pay for at the Skylon Tower restaurant. (Do I sound like a commercial?)
The rest of the night, we just walked around looking at the falls and taking tons of pictures. Our hotel hosted a manager's reception that we snagged a couple drinks and snacks from later that night. We almost went swimming at the indoor pool, but we were tired so we ended the night in the jacuzzi and sat at the window, staring out at the amazing view and wishing we didn't have to leave the next morning.
It was a lovely trip and I am SO proud to say that my husband planned all the last details. It was so good for us to get away from day to day life and just relax with each other.
So on that note, I better go unpack. Or maybe not...we are gearing up for our next getaway: Caribbean Cruise with the Mom, Dad, and Sis in about a week. I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Several months ago, my husband told me we would be going on a special weekend anniversary getaway. For a few weeks, he gave me one clue per week. Somehow I managed to figure out our destination by the following clues:
1. There will be lots of water.
2. We are driving there.
3. We are going on a boat.
4. The hotel is a skyscraper with valet parking.
I can't handle knowing the uncertainty of a surprise, so when I guessed Niagra Falls, he said YES! And now I'm here to recap our trip for you. We had an AWESOME TIME!!!
We left Friday morning and drove through the day (about 7.5 hours with stops). We immediately checked into our posh hotel, The Embassy Suites, after crossing into Canada.
After looking around the hotel, we went down to the hotel restaurant, The Keg, where we had a good view of the falls.
After dinner (I was sooo full, by the way. Walking all over the place after having such a huge meal was not good for my belly) we walked down to the close up view of the falls. About that time of the day, it was starting to get dark so we got to see the lights reflecting off the water. Apparently there were fireworks around ten, but we missed those somehow and continued on with our evening activities which included looking around the hotel and enjoying our jacuzzi in our suite.
We slept in a bit on Saturday morning, then had a lovely breakfast at The Keg. This time, we sat right in front of the window (should have brought my sunglasses to breakfast) and had some delicious muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee, etc. etc. etc. (ok, I tried to eat less this time!)
After breakfast, we took the shuttle down to the falls and got on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Who knew a poncho would never prevent you from getting soaked (so much for hair and makeup that morning) but the view was unbeatable. We pretty much rode right up to the water pouring over the ledge. After we got off the boat (and dried off) we went downtown to see all the nifty shops and entertainment.
We walked through the Ripley's Odditorium and watched a couple 4D short films in the theater there. I had a hankering for ice cream, so we had ice cream cones and Coke for lunch. After we saw everything there was to see, we walked back to the hotel to get all dolled up for the night.
We had an early seating at the Skylon Tower for dinner. Let me just say this was the BEST dining experience I have ever had. The food was to die for and the view took our breath away.
The dining room actually rotated 360 degrees so we got to see the complete view of Niagra Falls in about an hour's time. I just can't even explain in words how awesome this whole experience was. You truly get what you pay for at the Skylon Tower restaurant. (Do I sound like a commercial?)
The rest of the night, we just walked around looking at the falls and taking tons of pictures. Our hotel hosted a manager's reception that we snagged a couple drinks and snacks from later that night. We almost went swimming at the indoor pool, but we were tired so we ended the night in the jacuzzi and sat at the window, staring out at the amazing view and wishing we didn't have to leave the next morning.
It was a lovely trip and I am SO proud to say that my husband planned all the last details. It was so good for us to get away from day to day life and just relax with each other.
So on that note, I better go unpack. Or maybe not...we are gearing up for our next getaway: Caribbean Cruise with the Mom, Dad, and Sis in about a week. I LOVE SUMMER!!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Happy Birthday Matt!
On May 25, 1987, baby Matthew Benjamin Focht was born.
And here we are, 24 years later, celebrating that special day.
Our friends Jon and Holly joined us for dinner at the birthday boy's favorite restaurant, Mr. Lee's. We then went home and celebrated some more with a chocolate cake.
See the "24" in sprinkles??
I'm never good at thinking of a present. When I asked him what he wanted, he couldn't think of one single thing...so a card did the job accompanied by several gift cards from all the parentals.
Overall, he had a fun day filled with lots of cupcakes, turtle cake, chocolate cake, Chinese cuisine, and who knows what else. Food is the way to a man's heart and Matt is no exception to that rule.
And here we are, 24 years later, celebrating that special day.
Our friends Jon and Holly joined us for dinner at the birthday boy's favorite restaurant, Mr. Lee's. We then went home and celebrated some more with a chocolate cake.
See the "24" in sprinkles??
I'm never good at thinking of a present. When I asked him what he wanted, he couldn't think of one single thing...so a card did the job accompanied by several gift cards from all the parentals.
Overall, he had a fun day filled with lots of cupcakes, turtle cake, chocolate cake, Chinese cuisine, and who knows what else. Food is the way to a man's heart and Matt is no exception to that rule.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Cookie's Haircut
Cookie has a thick curly coat that needs to be groomed about every three months.
Today I thought I'd share some pictures of before and after a typical haircut.
Yes, we let him get this shaggy. Mean parents?
Because he was begging for a haircut, we caved and took him to Judy's Pet Palace.
He loves it there (so we think) and they always do such a good job with him. Trust me, I would groom him if I could, but just ask my parents what our family dog looked like after I took it upon myself to groom her long white coat a couple years ago. My Dad's exact words..."Amy, the dog looks like she ran through a fan..." it was that choppy. Oops... so I'll leave the grooming to a professional.
So here he is, freshly groomed and dressed up in his fancy checkered black and white sweater.
We pretty much just get him shaved anymore because it grows out so fast. He looks like a different dog doesn't he??
He is wild...
...but he is precious, too.
Today I thought I'd share some pictures of before and after a typical haircut.
Yes, we let him get this shaggy. Mean parents?
Because he was begging for a haircut, we caved and took him to Judy's Pet Palace.
He loves it there (so we think) and they always do such a good job with him. Trust me, I would groom him if I could, but just ask my parents what our family dog looked like after I took it upon myself to groom her long white coat a couple years ago. My Dad's exact words..."Amy, the dog looks like she ran through a fan..." it was that choppy. Oops... so I'll leave the grooming to a professional.
So here he is, freshly groomed and dressed up in his fancy checkered black and white sweater.
We pretty much just get him shaved anymore because it grows out so fast. He looks like a different dog doesn't he??
He is wild...
...but he is precious, too.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Misc. Wednesday
Time for a long overdue update!
We finally filled our sun room with a comfy set from Target. It came with two rocking chairs, a love seat, a table, a bistro table, and two high chairs. (and a dog apparently)
We finally filled our sun room with a comfy set from Target. It came with two rocking chairs, a love seat, a table, a bistro table, and two high chairs. (and a dog apparently)
Matt had a really fun time putting this together one Sunday afternoon, didn't you hun?
Since I last updated, the Fochts have kept pretty busy.
*Trip to Effingham for Easter with the family
*Elizabeth New Life Center Spring Partnership Banquets
*Cedarville University graduation weekend for Krista and Dan
They were pretty excited.
*Mom and Dad spending the weekend here, celebrating Mother's Day
With the weather finally starting to feel like summer, we have been trying our hand at landscaping! Matt is quite the professional as he actually worked for a landscaping company in the summers throughout the college years. I, on the other hand, just point out when something looks crooked or the mulch doesn't look even. :-) We now have two new trees, several lilac bushes, fresh mulch, spearmint and lemon balm, and hostas.
Hope you enjoyed all the new pictures! I am just spending my day off baking banana muffins (oops, I might have overfilled them!), cleaning the house, and hanging out with Cookie.
Happy Wednesday!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Weekend Recap
Here I am...posting for the first time from my brand spanking new iPad!
I got it on Friday and I must say after using it this weekend, I LOVE it!!!
So far, I have already loaded all my faves like Netflix, Skype, ABC player,
IBooks, iTunes, Pandora, and Translator. I Skyped with my sister, watched
an episode of Desperate Housewives, and read a chapter of a book that I
am considering purchasing. There are tons of things to do on this thing, I
had to force myself to put it down this weekend cuz it was so beautiful
outside yesterday.
When I was not playing with my new toy, I was walking around the
neighborhood trying to get some landscaping ideas. We went to Lowes
and purchased a strawberry jar plant, two lilac bushes, and a hanging
basket of petunias.
After working in the yard most of the afternoon, we decided to try out a
new place to eat but on our way there, the car randomly broke down.
Hungry and frustrated, we sat in the parking lot we pulled into and called
Matts dad to ask for advice. After cleaning off the battery cables, the car
restarted and we drove back home, still hungry. So we walked to El Toro
and pretended we were at the new fancy place we had originally planned.
We had fun anyway! Taking the car to the shop tomorrow and crossing our
fingers that the damage isn't too unbearable.
Today, we went to church, then had our first cookout.on the grill with our
friends. The menu included pork loin, a yummy spinach broccoli salad,
garlic cheese biscuits, and a strawberry upside down cake for dessert.
We were full and the sun decided not to make an appearance, so friends
left and we took a nap.
And now, here I am, winding down the weekend while hubby watches another
cops and robbers movie and I blog about our fascinating lives. Hope your
weekend was just as fun!
I got it on Friday and I must say after using it this weekend, I LOVE it!!!
So far, I have already loaded all my faves like Netflix, Skype, ABC player,
IBooks, iTunes, Pandora, and Translator. I Skyped with my sister, watched
an episode of Desperate Housewives, and read a chapter of a book that I
am considering purchasing. There are tons of things to do on this thing, I
had to force myself to put it down this weekend cuz it was so beautiful
outside yesterday.
When I was not playing with my new toy, I was walking around the
neighborhood trying to get some landscaping ideas. We went to Lowes
and purchased a strawberry jar plant, two lilac bushes, and a hanging
basket of petunias.
After working in the yard most of the afternoon, we decided to try out a
new place to eat but on our way there, the car randomly broke down.
Hungry and frustrated, we sat in the parking lot we pulled into and called
Matts dad to ask for advice. After cleaning off the battery cables, the car
restarted and we drove back home, still hungry. So we walked to El Toro
and pretended we were at the new fancy place we had originally planned.
We had fun anyway! Taking the car to the shop tomorrow and crossing our
fingers that the damage isn't too unbearable.
Today, we went to church, then had our first cookout.on the grill with our
friends. The menu included pork loin, a yummy spinach broccoli salad,
garlic cheese biscuits, and a strawberry upside down cake for dessert.
We were full and the sun decided not to make an appearance, so friends
left and we took a nap.
And now, here I am, winding down the weekend while hubby watches another
cops and robbers movie and I blog about our fascinating lives. Hope your
weekend was just as fun!
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