Florida - Part II

Sarasota is home to The Ringling Family, which means that they have the fantastic Ringling Museum of Art, The Ringling College of Art and Design, and The Ringling Mansion. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't jealous. We spent the afternoon walking through the extensive exhibits and kind of spooky gardens. I fell head over heals for that place. Everywhere I looked there was something unique and charming that you just do not usually get at an art museum. And maybe something magical too.

Florida - Part I

You know what the middle of January needs? A trip to Florida. I'm a big advocate for four seasons fully experienced. But who can say no to a future mother-in-law with a lovely condo just minutes from the beach. Not me.

We flew into Tampa and spent the first day in St. Petersburg on the Pier. I helped drag the boys out of bed bright and early on the second day. By afternoon we had seen several alligators, survived a boat crash, enjoyed a canopy walk, and climbed a million stairs up past the tree line.

Destination Birthday

I spent the better part of my morning researching and planning a birthday trip that Mark and I later agreed would be too expensive to take. So slightly depressed and defeated I searched for an interesting hotel in Ohio that accepted my employee discount.

And really I have not spent more than a few hours in Cleveland so it's just as new to me as the smoky mountains, right? And how gorgeous is their indoor pool atrium? And they have tons of fabulous restaurants and interesting galleries. So it's settled (as soon I run it past Mark), I will have a destination birthday to Cleveland.

So exotic, right?
(photos via Renaissance Cleveland

Snow Country

The pictures do not do the snow justice.

Will be back on Monday.

We are leaving tomorrow morning, even before the early bird gets the worm, to travel to upstate New York for my cousins wedding.

I am packing my warmest sweaters.
Even my dress is wool.

I heart Columbus - Downtown

This once dead little cluster of buildings has begun to resuscitate into a thriving metropolis. It's still in the beginning phase. There are clusters of construction and open soon signs. Most restaurants still close at 3pm but those that stay open are packed in the evening. New galleries like OSU Urban Artspace, the endless list of theatre events, and cool hangouts like Dirty Franks all help to bring our downtown back to life.

21c Museum Hotel

I have been obsessed with booking a room at the 21c Museum Hotel since my aunt and uncle sent me an article about it being the number one hotel according to Conde Nast. It's also a museum that is open to the public and features artwork from the 21st century. How cool is that?

Road Trip - family, food, and Donna Summers

Then we headed to D.C. to visit a couple of our favorite people. We had a fantastic time walking around the city, eating the most amazing food, and picnicing outside of Wolftrap before watching Donna Summers perform. Life is way too short not to enjoy the ones you love.

Road Trip - Carnegie Museum's

I LOVE natural history museums. I should not get so excited about dead things but I just find it all so fascinating. Maybe I should rethink a career in taxidermy?

And of course I love art museums too.