Live Laugh Snap

Being a mom

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 21:24:00 +0000

Today, Mark and I took Benny to his four month check-up. It's been four months. Four amazing, life changing, totally chaotic months.

I've tried writing a new blog post numerous times. But then I'm needed for one reason or another - by baby or husband or work - and this blog post falls to the bottom of the list, right behind taking a shower.

Alas! Here I am again.

When I was pregnant, everyone told me my life was about to change forever. That I was about to experience a whole new kind of love that can't be described in words. That I was going to be extremely sleep deprived. That I was going to cry for no reason at all. That time would become so precious. But I had no idea.

I'm a mom. And it's the most challenging role I've ever had. I thought I was going to be a natural because I've always wanted kids. I also thought I was going to have an easy baby. Why? I dunno, my mom told me I was an easy baby. Is there even such a thing as an easy baby?

The first two months were exhausting in every which way. But then it started to get easier. I started to get to know my baby. I could tell when he was hungry or tired. When he needed to be rocked or sang to. And when I couldn't figure him out, his dad seemed to always have the magic touch.

I fall more in love with this little man everyday. It's incredible to watch him grow and develop. I get so excited by all the little things, that really aren't that little at all to me. Like when he smiles ear to ear and those dimples pop out. Or when he studies Mark playing guitar. Or at the doctor's office today when he decided to roll over! Ya know, just showing off for the doc.

Well, as expected, I can hear him crying from the other room and that's all the time I have for now. Until next time...

Waiting for baby

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 12:50:00 +0000

I'm 40 weeks plus 2 days pregnant and anxiously awaiting the birth of our son. The calls, texts, emails, Facebook messages, etc. have been insane. Appreciate all the love but everyone wants to know where he is (um, still in my belly...) and when he's going to make his debut (your guess is as good as mine...). I've been doing everything possible to stay busy and enjoy these last few days as a family of three - yes, I'm including Rusty. So for all the future mamas out there eagerly awaiting the arrival of their own little bundles, here are some things that may help pass the time.

1. Get out of the house. Stop nesting, put down the mop, and just leave. Meet up with friends for lunch, go to a bar (even though you can't drink) and make friends with the couple sitting next to you (we did that last night and it was so fun), visit a museum, etc. etc. You're going to be housebound very soon!

Girls lunch!

2. Go for lots of long walks. Rusty and I have been walking about two miles a day. We hear this might get the baby moving towards the exit sign. No luck just yet. But it's been really nice to put on a pair of headphones and explore our neighborhood. Make sure you bring water for your trek.

Belly shot while walking the poodle

3. Plan some date nights. Last weekend we did dinner and a movie. Nothing fancy, but something we know we won't get to do for a while once baby arrives.

4. Finish your non-baby to-do list. The nursery is ready to go, newborn clothes have been washed and put away, and the car seat is installed. Now what? Take your car to get serviced. Get the dog groomed. Back up all the photos on your iPhone. Return that thing you've been meaning to return. You get the picture.

5. Get into a good non-baby book. I just downloaded The Hand that Feeds You and am excited to start reading it.

Ok, that's enough for now. Everyone is telling us to sleep now (!!!!!) but I have major pregnancy insomnia and am up every couple hours to use the bathroom. If you're in the same boat, I feel your pain - hopefully these few things will keep you busy until baby arrives!

Our Living Room

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:11:00 +0000

Decorating a row home in Washington, D.C. is no joke. The majority of our existing furniture wouldn't fit through the front door or up the narrow staircase. It wasn't long until we realized we had to start new...which is tough after emptying your savings account to buy the house in the first place. While we're still adding and subtracting things here and there, our living room is complete so I wanted to share on LLS, especially before it's taken over by baby stuff in about a month.

First, let me tell you about the brick wall. The weekend before we moved in, my husband and I recruited a friend (in exchange for free babysitting) to expose this beautiful brick. It was the best/worst decision ever. The wall took over a week to complete and we had to call in professionals to finish and seal it. Reminder, we were broke. I should probably write a separate post just on the brick wall. In the end, I'm glad we did it despite the sleepless nights, sore back for weeks, and never-ending plaster dust.

The couch, coffee table and gray wing chair (sorry it's cut off in the photo), are all from West Elm. The couch was a floor model so we got it for a good price and we waited for a sale to buy the other two pieces. The blue chair and ottoman are from Ikea and were also floor models. The lamps were originally in our bedroom but no longer fit the space, and the gallery wall frames are also from Ikea.

Our entertainment console is from Nadeau and is probably the most complemented piece of furniture in the room. You have to open the doors for the remote control to work which is annoying at times. Oh well. It's pretty.

Our LEBO painting has been with us since our first date and looks great on the brick wall. It also gets a lot of complements and everyone loves the story behind it (which I'll save for another post too).

I love this key rack. It was a wedding present from Mark's sister and I believe it's from the Coconut Grove Art Show but don't quote me on that.

And I had to include the moose from the Container Store. The only reason I let my husband spend $40 on this is because we had a gift card. But I'm glad he was insistent because I really like the moose and we use it to hang headphones.

A Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 02:36:00 +0000

Today, I randomly decided to show a colleague my blog. I looked at the date of my last entry and it was just sad. October 2013. So much has happened since October 2013. I changed jobs, we moved to Arlington, celebrated numerous friends' weddings across the country, I turned the big 3-0, marked our one year anniversary with a trip to Paris, Amsterdam and Venice, bought our first home and moved back to the District. And here we are! Crazy to think we about to close out 2014. Lately, Mark and I have been talking about how life is good right now. Our families are healthy. We have good jobs. We just bought a house. We have great friends...and they're all healthy too. Then we knock on wood. Because it's doubtful things will always be this easy. Don't get me wrong, we still worry plenty. Are we saving enough? OMG we bought a 120 year old house, are we insane? What if we lose our jobs? Should we move back to Florida? In the end, we try our hardest to live in the moment because who knows what tomorrow brings. Cheers to 2015! Wishing everyone reading this health and happiness in the new year!

A Visit to Butler's Orchard

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 13:25:00 +0000

My sister, brother-in-law and almost 2-year old nephew Dylan came to D.C. last weekend and despite the crummy weather and government shutdown, we still had a great time. Thankfully, the rain turned to a light mist for a couple of hours and we were able to go apple, raspberry and pumpkin picking at Butler's Orchard. The pumpkin festival was closed due to the weather but Dylan still had a blast running around and collecting apples that had fallen off the trees. He especially loved picking the raspberries and wiping his bright red juice covered hands all over his face. His mom loved that too! Before heading out, my sister and I picked a bunch of fresh flowers and made a very colorful garden bouquet that is now brightening up our apartment.

Of course, my camera battery died as soon as we got to the farm so these are all iPhone pics. Happy fall!

This is your life

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sat, 05 Oct 2013 13:19:00 +0000

I love everything the Holstee Manifesto says, so much so that I had the poster framed and it hangs on our wall to serve as a constant reminder to live life to the fullest. In our cozy one bedroom apartment, it can't be overlooked. I read these words while making coffee, paying bills and doing laundry. With new change on the horizon, I've been searching for inspiration. I haven't had to travel very far to find it.

Sneak Peak: Our First Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:37:00 +0000

This summer has been insanely busy, but in a very good way! On July 6, Mark and I tied the knot and our wedding was everything we could have wished for and more. Having all of our closest family and friends in one place was truly momentous. I now get to spend the rest of my life with the best man I know. I'm one lucky girl.

We're still going through the thousands of wedding photos but I wanted share this one from our first dance. We chose "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne. We talked about taking dance lessons, but we were so busy leading up to the wedding and just didn't have the time. So we did one practice round for Mark's mom in her living room and I had her advice in my head come our wedding day - "Be a noodle." Now this may seem weird but it really made perfect sense. I had to let Mark take the lead and loosen up. All in all, I think we did a pretty good job!

Graduation Day

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:44:00 +0000

Where does the time go? Feels like just yesterday that we packed up our Uhaul and moved from Miami to D.C. so Mark could go back to school. It takes a lot of courage to make such a big change and leave a life so comfortable. I never had a doubt about joining him on this adventure. If he was going, I was going too. I look back at the past nearly two years and feel so proud of all that he has accomplished. Change can be a very scary thing. Resigning from a great job, signing an apartment lease in a new city sight unseen, leaving our best friends and family behind. Tough decisions were made. But in the end I wouldn't change a thing. This has been an incredible journey and I'm so excited for what's coming next.

Cherry Blossoms Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:08:00 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of people each year travel to Washington, D.C. to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. It's a total gamble because you never really know for sure when they will hit their peak. Lucky for us, the National Mall is just over a mile away from our apartment so I traveled by foot (with Rusty) to catch a glimpse of the blooms. With all the tourists, it was hard capturing great shots without someone's head or arm in the frame! But I managed to snap a few I'm happy with.

Sign of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:18:00 +0000

Spotted today on my morning walk with Rusty...a sign of spring! Not to mention, birds were out chirping away. Ladies and gentleman, spring is almost here...

Monday Music: The Lumineers

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:20:00 +0000

Last week we saw The Lumineers play an incredible sold-out show at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. I have to say my favorite moment was when the band left the stage and set-up shop right in front of us to play "Ho Hey." I would have captured video but lead singer Wesley Schultz had a strict no cell phone recording policy that I wasn't about to break. Second favorite moment was when they played this new untitled duet. Warning, this song is really catchy! The band will be back in the D.C. area July 26th to play at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. Buy tickets soon before they sell out!

Key West Holiday Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:08:00 +0000

Over the holidays we planned a last minute trip to No Name Key and Key West - and it was probably one of our better travel decisions. I was looking through my pictures today and realized I never put these up on LLS. I'm so happy we stayed in Florida and found a way to put our precious vacation days to good use. First stop: The Caribbean Club to sit out on the dock, take in the scenery and enjoy an ice cold beer.

Instead of rushing straight to Key West, we stayed at a family friend's house on No Name Key for two nights. It was so peaceful and a great way to disconnect. We went kayaking, fishing and spent time at the famous No Name Pub. Order the pizza!

Despite it being "the season," we were able to snag a room for two nights at The Weather Station Inn in Key West. Special thanks to the Innkeepers Association for coming through for us. I would totally recommend this B&B if you want to be close to all the action, yet still feel secluded in a rather romantic setting. We will definitely be back!

We did Key West right. Walked around Mallory Square to watch the sunset and get a glimpse of the characters and their daredevil acts, bloody's and brunch at Blue Heaven and live music at the Green Parrot, the best dive bar on the key. Let's also not forget fruity drinks poolside at Dante's and a stop by Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden to meet Peaches the parakeet.

Christmas in the Keys

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 21:25:00 +0000

We escaped to the FL Keys for a few days before heading back to D.C. A couple extra days of sunshine never hurt anyone. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

hey good lookin'

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:37:00 +0000

For months (maybe longer), Mark has been telling me that he wants to buy me new eyeglasses from this site called Warby Parker. He's clearly not happy with my current frames, and I really can't blame him. Then yesterday, one of the founder's and CEO of Warby Parker was in D.C. and after Mark heard him speak at Georgetown, I think he developed a tiny man crush. Once again, can't blame him.

So last night we headed out to their Class Trip event, loaded a custom-designed bright yellow school bus and I got to finally try on these infamous frames. Happy to report that I drank the kool-aid. The price is right - just $95 including lenses, and for every pair sold, they donate a pair to someone in need. (Think Tom's but for eyeglasses.) And if you're one of those people (me) who can't shop online because you're nervous about the fit, they offer a program where they ship you (for free) five pairs of glasses to try on so you can be sure about your selection. Now I feel like Mark...totally going googly eyed over this company.

Austin Comes to D.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:29:00 +0000

The great folks at the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau invited Live Laugh Snap to the Gibson Guitar Showroom for the Austin Airstream Road Tour. As soon the invite appeared in my inbox, I knew it wasn’t going to be hard to convince a couple of the guys to tag along.

We drank Shiner Bock, ate Texas BBQ, toured the 1970s fully decked-out RV, drooled over one-of-a-kind guitars, and had front row seats to the Austin-based Marshall Ford Duo. Not bad for a weeknight! Otherwise known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is definitely on my cities-I-must-visit list. I almost went last month to celebrate a girlfriend’s birthday, but couldn’t splurge for the $600 plane ticket. That’s ok though, now that I’ve had a small taste, it won’t be long until a trip is planned! Check out some pics below and also this music video which showcases some of Austin's local musicians.

Election Night 2012 on U Street

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:58:00 +0000

This is what my neighborhood looked like on Election Night 2012 after Obama was re-elected as President. Screaming, dancing, hugging and crying! U Street was completely shut down because of the celebration. Such an exciting time to be in Washington, D.C.

Fall in the Country

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:51:00 +0000

I totally crashed a guys trip last weekend, packed up the poodle and tagged along with the fiancé to visit our good friend Andy in Baltimore. We started the trip at a ridiculous BYOB sushi joint in Fells Point called Asahi Sushi. We woke up the next morning, after a lot of sake, and drove about 20 miles outside of the city to the beautiful country. Fall looks completely different in the country - the colors are brilliant! After a gorgeous hike in the woods with the pups, I joined the boys on the golf course to be their cheerleader. Really, I just drove the cart and laughed when one of them chucked the ball in the water, which happened more than a couple times. It was way more entertaining than it sounds. Guess you have to know these guys. Check out the pics below which were all taken with my iPhone!

Apple Picking

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Ever since we moved to D.C., I've been dying to go apple picking! It's just something kids growing up in South Florida don't get to experience. However, I do have fond memories of riding around in my grandfather's golf cart going orange picking! Nevertheless, I was really looking forward to apple picking this fall season. The weather could not have been more perfect so we rented a car and ventured out to Larriland Farm after reading great reviews. The apples were plentiful and we got to pick several different varieties including Braeburn, Stayman and Fuji apples. We also went home with some fresh broccoli. And of course, we had to stop by the market for fresh, ice cold apple cider and fried apple fritters before heading back. All in all, totally worth the trip!

Visiting Kingsmill Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Thought I'd share a photo collage from a recent trip to Kingmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. We spent the weekend here with Mark's parents, two of my favorite people. We went sailing on a schooner (think pirate ship!), took a beautiful bike ride around the entire resort, played golf and even had time to shop at the outlets. Kingmill is about 2.5 - 3 hours from Washington, D.C. and the drive was beautiful because all the leaves are just starting to change. During our next trip, we will have to tour historic Colonial Williamsburg. This time was mostly reserved for just enjoying each other's company.

We're engaged!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Six days ago my boyfriend took me to the rooftop of the W Hotel, overlooking all of Washington, D.C., and asked me to marry him. It was completely heart stopping! Even though we’ve been a couple and have lived under the same roof for many years, something feels different. I don’t think I have ever been this happy. I get to marry a man who I truly could not be more in love with.

California Pit Stops

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Below is really just a mod podge of photos. We've been taking full advantage of our time in California and have discovered some great spots, like El Pescado Fish Market and Karl Strauss Brewery - both in La Jolla. We also made a quick trip to visit friends in Los Angeles this weekend, one of which who lives in a 100-year old house in Los Feliz. Outside he had lemon, grapefruit and avocado trees! It's rare to find this in L.A. In fact, his house is the only one left on a street now filled with apartments.

During our visit, we also saw a friend perform in "The Late Henry Moss" at Theater 68. The play runs until early August so be sure to check it out and support local artists. A final quick note to pet owners traveling to L.A. Stay at Hotel Palomar! We were completely blown away by how wonderful they are to dogs. Upon checking in, we were even given a doggie gift basket with food and treats...for free! Little did we know that all Kimpton Hotels are pet-friendly and don't charge extra. Must admit, they won me over as soon as I saw the sign out front welcoming Rusty, and all the other cats & dogs. Just goes to show it's the little things that make all the difference...we're now Kimpton fans for life.

Fish Tacos at El Pescado

Enjoy a beer at the Karl Strauss Brewery

At Hotel Palomar in L.A. - the best dog friendly hotel

Home grown avocados

100-year old Los Feliz house with character

$1 Oyster Happy Hour in La Jolla

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:32:00 +0000

It's Friday, finally! This week just felt off with July 4th smack dab in the middle. It's a good thing America's birthday doesn't fall on a Wednesday for another eight or so years.

Photo: La Jolla Blue Book

If you're looking for a place to unwind with some friends, order a strong cocktail or two and shuck oysters, I highly suggest heading to Herringbone in La Jolla for Happy Hour. We were there last Tuesday and had a great time. The floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor-outdoor layout, and 100-year old olive trees scattered throughout give this eatery a really cool, unique vibe. In addition to the $1 oysters, I also opted for the "Vodka Something," one of their snake oil cocktails made with carbonated water and vodka infused seasonal berries. No complaints here.

Happy Hour also includes discounts on wine and beer, and is Monday - Friday from 4pm to 6pm. Cheers!

Photo: San Diego Food Finds

Del Mar Dog Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:28:00 +0000

We went looking for surf yesterday but ended up at the Del Mar dog beach since the waves were pretty flat. It was high tide and we found a group of pups diving for tennis balls. They didn't seem to mind when the waves came crashing down. Rusty on the other hand pretty much stayed on shore sniffing the rocks and seaweed, but every once in a while he would feel brave and try to keep up with the big guys. It was dog paradise and the perfect way for us to end a long week. We stayed for an hour or so just enjoying the scenery, making friends with the other dog owners, and talking about one day owning a house with the beach as our backyard.

Livin' the California Life

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 04:56:00 +0000

About a week or so ago, I hopped a plane from Miami to San Diego with two suitcases filled with clothes and of course, my pup Rusty. You see, one of the benefits of working remotely and having a boyfriend in business school, is that I get to go on adventures like this one. For the next two and a half months, we’ve made San Diego our new home and so far, so good. I told my mom the other day that when you’re outside here, it feels like the AC is on. No humidity, just cool and crisp. Life is good, no complaints here. I’m just really looking forward to exploring our new city and meeting some new friends along the way.

Exploring DC

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Sunday was a gorgeous day and I really didn't have much to do except for a few errands. I decided to take advantage of the time and go exploring around town by bike. Let me just say that joining Capital Bike Share was a brilliant decision and I highly recommend to anyone living in DC without a car. And yes, I am that dork with a bright pink helmet!

My first stop was the National Sculpture Garden. I brought a book along and sat by the fountain sunning myself. It must be tourist season here because the National Mall was packed with people and graduates in cap and gown, and the double decker tour buses were out in full force clogging up traffic.

Next was a quick trip to the National Archives Museum on my way to grab a bike home. Said hello to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Ya know, just an average Sunday.

I felt a little guilty knowing Rusty was inside all day and not getting to enjoy the beautiful weather. I picked up the poodle and we spent an hour or so lounging at Meridian Hill Park.

You never know what you're going to see when you come to this park. Tightrope walkers, hula hoppers, yogis and you may even catch a few arrests! Yup, saw some dude getting hauled away in a cop car for what I assume was selling or possessing illegal drugs...but that's just my speculation. Nonetheless, we had a good time and met some new friends.

The day ended with dinner at Lauriol Plaza but of course the restaurant had a ridiculously long hour and a half wait so we walked across the street to find $2.50 sake and Kirin Light. Not a bad day at all!