Vacation: Acadia NP

Acadia was our Maine destination for this vacation (haha, get it?). When I planned it, I spent hours searching campsite recommendations, distance, and what to do. I wanted the trip to be both adventurous and relaxing; however, I also needed to watch our budget since we have another big trip coming up in a few weeks.

In the end, I'm really happy we made the decision to camp. We cooked breakfast in the mornings (breakfast burritos!) and packed sack lunched to take with us on our hikes. For dinner, we did a combination of grilling and eating out. Remember, we wanted to relax, but we also wanted to watch our spending.

Even though we were camping, we had access to showers and bathrooms. I like to camp, but I do not like to stink!

I loved (love love loved) my time in Bar Harbor and Acadia. It was (hands down) one of the best vacations of my life and if Miles were to ever be offered a job in the Acadia area, I would be on the first flight north. It's a little like Mackinac Island (a dream of mine), but with cars. Oh, I wanna go back!

Vacation: Maine

How has it already been over a month since my last post? It's been a busy one, I guess. Doctor appointments, end of the school year things, my birthday, and vacation. It's like I blinked and it's already mid-June!

Anyway, Maine.

Maine was my bucket list trip and it was fabulous. We did exactly three things: We ate, we drank, and we relaxed. We've taken a lot of trips together, but it's probably the best one to date. Here's recap: We camped in Acadia for 5 nights, saw 5 lighthouses, and at lobster at almost every dinner. We made s'mores by the campfire, went on a few hikes, and saw lots of beautiful views. It was peaceful and beautiful. I'm ready to make this an annual trip.

I knew I loved Maine before my feet hit the ground. 

We stayed at the Press Hotel. It was more of an artistic experience than a hotel stay!

(Yes, it's a wall of typewriters!) 

Once our bags were in the hotel, we immediately set out to see Portland. 

Obviously, Portland is gorgeous. 

... And I think I waited all of a half hour before I devoured my first lobster roll. I'm still drooling.

ootd: Loft crops, Belk top, Chaco sandals.

Four things: Vacation Edition

It's May!  No, it's more like: It's MAY!!!! Summer is right around the corner, so I thought I would share all of my upcoming travel adventures. As a teacher, it's difficult to find vacation time during the school year. Yes, we have frequent breaks, but those are often spent in recovery mode! This summer I will spend most of my days away from home (it seems), but I cannot wait for the adventures.

Trip 1: Maine. I dream of living in Maine one day... only problem is I've never been! This is a bucket list trip and I plan on spending my days lighthouse hopping, hiking, kayaking, sleeping under the stars, eating as much lobster as possible, and wearing all things LL Bean. Thankfully, Miles is pumped about this trip, too!

Trip 2: Western Adventures II. My sister lives in Denver. Last year, my mom and I flew out for a week and spent our days traveling around Colorado. Now, Colorado is a one of my family's favorite destinations, so we've seen most everything there is to see in that beautiful state. This year, we are driving up to see Mount Rushmore, a real western town, the Badlands, and hopefully, lots and lots of stars.

Trip 3: Argentina! This will be Miles' third trip back to the country, but my first. I plan to see and eat as much as possible and speak as much Español as I can. It's winter during our summer months and some of the things I want to do (see the glaciers and get close up with penguins) might not be possible, but I still plan on enjoying my first trip to a Spanish-speaking country.

Trip 4: St. Augustine. Last year's girls beach week was such a success that my friend and I have planned another trip down in July. We make it our mission to do it as cheaply as possible (we are both teachers who love travel), so basically, we stay with my granny, eat bad for us foods, and sit on the beach all day long. Last year we almost pulled an all-nighter laughing about nothing, so I feel this summer trip will be fun too.

Are you headed any where this summer? I love to hear of adventures!

National Infertility Awareness

Last week was National Infertility Awareness week. I didn't even know that was a thing until recently. As I've said before, most days don't bother me. I check my temperature or remind Miles about our, ahem, scheduled play date, but I don't think about my fertility... or lack thereof.

And then there are the hard days. Days where I can't be social with other pregnant women and the big question mark in my life is in the back of every thought.

Today, I'm in between those days which is probably why I can blog about it.

 I'm feeling honest. Honestly, I'm tired of trying and I'm tried of waiting. 5 rounds of fertility medication have not produced results, but I have endured five months of hot flashes, dry skin, rashes, sleepless nights, mood swings, and bloating.

 In May, I will see a new doctor- a fertility specialist who can do way more- for more testing and medication. I've heard that he's not too expensive, that he tries to get results without breaking the bank, but I'm still expecting some fairly large bills coming my way. My insurance will pay for things related to my health [like pre-cancerous cysts, endometriosis], but not things that are considered fertility-related. I'm anxious to find out the treatment plans.

Anyway, if you know anyone who is  suffering  dealing with infertility, you might read this publication by RESOLVE. The first time I read it, I cried the entire way through. It was a nice reminder that I am not alone. So many truths.

Discombobulated

Discombobulated. That's how I'm feeling right now. Over the past two weeks, Miles and I found a new house, turned in our rental notice, signed a lease, moved out of one house, and move into the new one. It's been a whirlwind of a month. My kitchen and bedroom are the only rooms unpacked. I can't find my pasta strainer, my cats freak out whenever someone walks up our creaky stairs, and for the life of me, I cannot find a light switch when I need one. Oh, the joys of moving. Thankfully, this will be our final move here in Knoxville. The next time we sign a lease we will be in Maine! Or Michigan! Or Oregon, Washington, Denmark, Arizona... or Minnesota! (Ha- seriously, we could be anywhere.) But for now, we live in this little house that feels like a mansion in the middle of Old North Knox.

Spring in my Step

Skirt: Banana Republic // Sweater: Belk (maybe?) // Blouse: Land's End // Heels: Clarks

Today I wore heels for the first time since boot season started and it's all everyone talked about. It's funny how a little pair of heels can get so much attention! However, while I was prancing around the building today, I decided that this was the first and last time I'll wear heels this spring. With 33 school days left in the year, I just don't have the time or energy to wear heels. I need comfort! I need speed! I just can't do that in heels this late in the year. So, goodbye heels. I'll see you next school year.

Four Things

1. I've cut my fingers enough times on my hand held zoodle maker... It's time to invest in something that won't leave me bleeding! The Paderno Spiralizer looks perfect. Do you have a zoodle maker you prefer?

2. I'm not sure if it's the L.L. Bean girl in me or the fact that I've been in the south too long, but I need a hat just like this. Monogrammed and faded navy? It goes straight to my heart. I'll be hitting up Etsy to buy this hat soon unless I can find someone with a monogram machine...

3. Last weekend I spent part Miles' REI dividend on the black pair of Chaco Dorra sandals. I'm going back this weekend to buy them in brown leather. Full post coming about them soon (just know they are the best sandals I've found in my entire life).

4. I have three day weekend (do other parts of the country let out for Easter or is it a Southern thing?), so I'm finally going to dive into Rain Reign by my favorite Ann M. Martin. It recently was awarded the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children along with being named an ALA Notable Book (among other recognitions). I'm betting it will be wonderful; I'll give you all he full scoop next week! Any other YA or Ann M. Martin lovers out there?