Scenes of Spring

Weekly Wrap Up

I haven't had as much time this week to surf the web, but here are just a few wonderful finds from the Internet this week! Have a lovely weekend!

Pure awesomeness!

Can we buy less and still be happy? I think so! Read this.

Have you noticed that mustaches are all the rave!? See here.

Blue Collar Joe's

One of the exciting things about living in a new city is discovering the local gems -the bakeries, restaurants, shops and parks that the locals own and flock to.

I am happy to report that I discovered one of those local gems.

On Friday morning my husband’s boss brought a variety of donuts to work from Blue Collar Joe’s. My husband called to rave about the Blueberry Pancake Breakfast donut he ate. And since he had such great things to say, I had to check this place out for myself.

On Saturday morning I took the short drive to the town of Daleville, and was pleasantly surprised! Now when you see the pictures below, don’t judge Blue Collar Joe’s by its appearance. This transformed gas station is truly a diamond in the rough.

As I entered the small facility, I was about the fifth person in line which was almost extending out the door! “This has got to be a good sign.” I thought.

I knew I was going to try the donut my husband raved about, but what else!?

There was the North meets South donut with Vermont maple syrup and Virginia smoked bacon bits.

Or was it going to be the Botetourt Bog, their most popular donut, triple chocolate with an Oreo Crust.

And then there was the Caramel Apple Pie, an apple cider donut with honey glaze, graham and caramel.

Not wanting to hold up the line that was forming behind me, I quickly chose two Blueberry Pancake Breakfast donuts, a Blueberry Cheesecake, a Reese’s Pieces, a Digging in Dirt donut and a plain Blueberry donut.

Each of these donuts cost less than a dollar! With the $3.00 cupcake trend happening now, I was really excited that these special donuts didn’t break the bank!

I must say that the Blueberry Pancake Breakfast donut was my favorite. Made from blueberry pancake mix and topped with maple syrup icing and fresh bacon bits! It sounds like it would be very rich and filling but actually it was quite the opposite; very fresh, light and delicious.

Donuts aren’t their only specialty; they also offer wraps, ice cream and milkshakes! Blue Collar Joe’s is now on my list of local favorites!

Check them out online here.

***update: 4/2013 Sadly, Blue Collar Joe's closed last year unexpectedly.***

Weekly Wrap Up

Here's this week's wonderful finds from around the web!

Why didn't I think of this?

Cool invitations.

Love these phrases.

This is a cute and useful idea. If only I knew how to sew.

I must have these calling cards.

When we have our own house, I want to do this and this.

Weekend No. 1

This week is flying by! On this cool, gloomy day we're having, I'm dreaming about the wonderful weekend we just had. We took full advantage of the sunny weather. On Saturday we visited the downtown farmer's market and grabbed some tomatoes, strawberries and fresh ground beef (from grass-fed cattle). On Sunday we took a lovely bike ride in the mountains. Check out our pictures below.

Weekly Wrap Up

Here's this week's wonderful finds from around the web.

A cool concept - Transition Towns (via Design Sponge)

Someone who shares my love for Pioneer Woman

Creative kid birthday party

An orange accented wedding

Looking to improve your photography? This blog has the resources.

A word about failure...here (via English Muse)
and here (via Stuff Christians Like)

"Just because something failed doesn't mean you're a failure.
Just because something has ended doesn't mean it was all a mistake.
Just because you've been rejected doesn't mean you're worthless and
unlovable." Dominquie Browning, the former editor of House and Garden.

Easter!

On Easter we packed up our covered dish - roasted new potato salad with bacon and green onions..

and we headed to the country!



We joined 34 other 1st cousins and 2nd cousins twice removed.



There was lots of food...



and plenty of desserts to choose from!



Then it was time to work off all the calories we just devoured with some friendly competitive games.





Then we could relax and take in the scenery and nature.




There were fish who were hungry too...



plenty of music making frogs...




and several children to keep them busy!

Weekly Wrap Up

Here's this week's wonderful finds from around the web!

I love this Easter place setting for the kiddos.

Here's a great baby shower theme.

A blog with great photography.

Loving this Letterpress.

If I had an iPhone, I'd probably want one of these.

Yummy!

I'd like to be sitting on our patio with one of these in hand. (see it again here.)

Meet Dukie!

Dukie is our 6-year old Golden Retriever! He's quite handsome, quite affectionate, and quite rambunctious.





You're wondering about his name, aren't you? Dukie's father's name is Duke Ellington. So instead of Duke, Jr. my husband decided to name him Dukie. (I will also insert here that I did not know my husband at the time.)

Before my husband moved to Virginia two years ago, Dukie enjoyed the life of an inside dog AND outside dog. While hubby was in class during the day he'd take Dukie to his Nana and Papa's where Dukie played in a spacious fenced-in backyard and pool! After class my husband would pick him up and take him home. This is where Dukie enjoyed the finer things in life, such as air-conditioning and the personal attention of 'his master'.



For the past two years, Dukie has taken residence in both Georgia and Virginia. He takes the seven hour commute like a champ. He rides amazingly well. Dukie is back in Virginia for the second time since hubby and I got married in September. We miss him dearly when he is away, and therefore, enjoy his company so much when he is here with us. But we also hate to see him inside all the time. We know he longs to be outside chasing animals and swimming in the pool. We are living in an apartment at the moment, so there's no spacious yard for him to enjoy.

This may be the reason he has to find entertainment with my feet. I don't know what it is about my feet. If I am sitting some where with my legs crossed, he'll come find me and stand over my leg. Then I will proceed to pet his belly with my foot. After a few moments of rubbing, he'll lay down, I assume so I can rub his belly some more. Dogs! I didn't know they could be so high-maintenance.




Enjoy these last pictures of him playing with his two favorite toys - his duck and any pine cone he can find.