Dec 13, 2011

I can haz fitness?

Now I know you’re really impressed—another post just one day later!

Yesterday I wrote about WW and motivation.  This time of year is just almost impossible for most of us to entertain the idea of paying better attention to our eating habits.  There are parties, events, work lunches, kids’ events, and family events.  Not to mention the running around for presents, decorations and other ‘fun’ stuff.  I realized this morning that I haven’t made a full trip to the grocery store in over a month.  My list for today is quite long.  I haven’t even started to bake yet!!!  Normally my baking is just about done.  That new oven is begging to be tested out!  DH and I have not been home on the weekends in weeks—this weekend will be no exception.  *whining over* 

So what do I do in the midst of all of this chaos?  Well I did tell you a while back I was thinking of joining a gym.  And I did—joined LA Fitness in November.  As I told you before, I was hesitant because I’m really not a gym person.   Other than classes, I had no idea what to do!

I also realized I do so much working out with a structured plan.  Most of us ADDers need to have that or else we end up wandering around looking at all the bright shiny machines and people watching!  You may laugh but it’s the truth! 

I considered doing my Chalean Extreme at home and doing cardio classes at the gym.  But I had already done 2 rounds of the program and while I love you Chalean, it was time for something new.  Plus—I wanted to use as much of the gym as possible.  It seemed just a waste to go for classes when LA Fitness has a lot more to offer me.

Live Fit Trainer

Enter Jamie Eason’s Live Fit Trainer.  What the heck is that?  It’s a hardcore, full training program.  I had already worked out with free weights at home with Chalean Extreme, to me this was the next step.  Before deciding on this, I read over my old Oxygen magazines for ideas on a routine.  But I have to be realistic about myself and my goals.  I know that in order for me to not wander around like a kid in a candy store, I need a plan.  In short, I need to be told what to do and how to do it.  So the search was on for a good training plan.

So why this plan?  Well look above—that’s Jamie Eason.  Her body is amazing.  If you aren’t familiar with her, she’s a fitness model and has written a column in Oxygen magazine.  She also works with BodyBuilding.com, and that’s where this program comes from.  If you take a few minutes to read some of her past columns from Oxygen Seize the Day, you will see just why I consider her a great fitness role model.  She loves fitness, but she’s realistic and understands that we all can lose motivation and need to find ways to stay up on it.  And if you follow her on Facebook or Twitter, you can see her sweet personality shine through as well.  She’s never too busy to cheer on someone or answer a question.

So back to the plan.  It’s a 12 week program in 3 phases.  Phase 1 is mainly about lifting heavy weights.  NO CARDIO!  I couldn’t believe it either.  It is going to be very hard for me not to do anything. (Phase 2 and 3 adds the cardio back in, so not to worry.) I may take a walk around our block to keep my legs moving but she is very emphatic about no cardio so that you aren’t losing the muscle you are building with your weight workouts.  I just completed week 1 and my arms and legs are STILL sore from Sunday’s workout!  This is no joke!

They say that being fit and healthy is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  I kind of believe it now.  Until I joined WW, I worked out but wasn’t seeing results until I started paying attention to what I was eating.  Jamie also came up with a meal plan for each phase as well.  Warning—it’s definitely going to be a change for those of you don’t already follow the ‘eating clean’ guidelines.  It’s lower carb and also heavy protein to support the muscles you are working to build.  Don’t dismiss how important nutrition is to your body—it’s the fuel for the fire of getting leaner.  If you want to see the sample diet for Phase 1, please go here.  I will be honest and say I didn’t completely follow it for week one because I desperately need to get to the grocery story. But I do have my list updated and ready so I can follow pretty closely.   Jamie also has a great listing of her own recipes too! Just click here to see them.  I have tried many of them and they are good!

To help me stay organized, I got an an old binder from work and printed out each day’s workout for that week.  Then I take it with me each time I go to the gym to keep track of my progress.  I admit that I am getting a little bit obsessed with this, but I really want to see some results.

After week 1 of Phase 1, I definitely feel strong and see more definition in my arms.  I think that once I get the eating plan down and planned out better, I will see even better results and more energy.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress as I go along.  Looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself and hopefully come out of the program smaller and stronger!

Even if you aren’t interested in the program, it’s worth checking out for the nutrition tips and recipes that Jamie offers.  Like I said, just look at her and that will tell you she knows her stuff!

Do you have a fave fitness routine or program?  What is it?

Thanks for reading such a long post!  I’ll be back later this week with latest Favorites! 

Dec 12, 2011

Ch-ch-ch-changes….

Are you impressed I have posted again so quickly?  Winking smile  A little bit more time on my hands this week.

So those of you who know me in real life know that I’m an avid Weight Watcher. I am really proud of being a Lifetime member and I have zero problems talking to anyone who wants to listen! LOL  But like anyone, I struggle with staying motivated.  I’ve lived this healthy lifestyle since 2007 but there are times when I just lose my mojo and have a hard time keeping focused.  What’s a girl to do?

Well WW has helped with some of it and I’m thrilled.  This past week at our meeting, we learned of some new changes to the plan they are calling Points Plus 2012.  The biggest plus of all was that Lifetime members no longer have to pay for E-tools!!!  Open-mouthed smileOpen-mouthed smileOpen-mouthed smile As long as you are coming to meetings regularly and weigh in at least once a month, you will receive a voucher that enables you to receive E-tools for free!  E-tools will be going up to $14.95 a month, so that is a pretty decent savings for a year.  It will more than pay for my weekly Starbucks trip with my WW friends.

The other big news is that you can adjust your daily points allowance.  One of my big gripes with the Points Plus was that I thought they were giving us too many Points to use during the day.  There were days when I didn’t eat them all.  Well I guess the folks at WW did some research because they made it adjustable.  My old PP for the day was 29 and it was changed to 26.  I changed it to 27 and usually do not go over this.  Some Points Plus values were also adjusted.  One member pointed out that wine had dropped by 1!  Winking smile

We also received a bunch of new materials: a Q&A book, a new Pocket Guide (with a special one for us Lifetimers), and a new book to help us get started.  The information is really helpful and laid out very well. 

After the meeting,  our leader Jane held a special info session to answer question and help us get started.  When you’re a new WW'er there is always one Getting Started session after the meeting.  This time, WW has realized we will need a bit more help and addressed it.  Now there will be 4 sessions.  I stayed for the first one which dealt with how you can remove tempting foods or ‘trigger’ foods and replace with healthier options.  In my case, licorice is something I ask DH not to keep in the house.   It’s not that bad for you, but it can be if you eat the whole bag like I tend to do!  I can’t seem to stop going back to the bag and grabbing a few more Twizzlers.  Rather, than feel bad about it, I just don’t buy it.  Or I tell DH to just put it in a drawer that I never go into so I don’t know it’s there.  That works so much better!

I am impressed that WW is listening to feedback and updating based on that and science.  It shows they are committed to helping people succeed.  Even with the meetings and online tools you can still get a bit confused.  This January will be my 5th anniversary at WW and I STILL get confused!  Glad they are setting us up to stay successful.  Also really glad they are giving us Lifetimers a little reward!!!  YAY!

It’s a perfect time for this as you know this month is epic food month.  DH and I were at 2 parties on Saturday and I did okay with my eating but still indulged a little.  I’m trying really hard to stay on track with everything, but I know I’ll have a slip up or 2 along the way. But you just have to let it go and keep going no matter what. Rome wasn’t built in a day and we are all human beings! None of us are perfect.  If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, you HAVE to allow for treats and just life in general.  Not every party you attend is going to have lots of healthy food to eat—so be prepared.  Eat before you go or bring a healthy item with you just in case.   Get in your exercise so you won’t feel too guilty for indulging! 

Anything special that you do to keep yourself from overloading on holiday goodies???  Love to hear them!

Stay tuned for my next post, which will be about a new workout plan I am doing.  Let’s just say that I have never been more sore in my life but in a good way!!!  Smile

 

 

Dec 8, 2011

I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way…..

 

*Warning---super random post coming…..

Srsly---I’m not hiding! 

Holidays around here were super busy.  My grandma is still in rehab center and doing famously.  Truly is mind over matter.  And she bosses the nurses around too.  Or as she tells us “I don’t boss. I just advise.”  Haha.  My grandfather is still feeling effects from radiation but he is starting feel better.   Work was a crunch too with big meetings and staying later and lot of presentations.

Turkey day was insane.  I made these amazing Pumpkin Blondies (pic above is from the link) 3 times in a week.  Once for work, once for a friend recovering from a surgery, and once for Thanksgiving.  They were delish!  Very easy to make as well.  I also made green bean casserole and a WW sweet potato casserole that was a big hit!  But seriously, make these blondies and you will be loved by all.

The other big part of our long holiday weekend was our big kitchen purchases.  Our microwave (above the stove) had died a few weeks before and we figured we would check out hh gregg that opened recently.  DH had gotten it in his head that we should get a new oven as well so that they would match.  And before you ask, he is aware he has OCD tendencies!   I argued that there was nothing wrong with our current oven until Salsa Judy said to me “You always have to fight to get new stuff.  If he wants to spend, just shut up!” and I complied.  Smile  We meandered over to the store and looked at stuff WAY out of our price range *coughElectroluxcough* and found some nice microwaves and checked out the ranges.  Our salesguy Bruce suggested that we get the same brand since different brands had different colors of stainless.  DH just loved that.  After hemming and hawing for a LONG time, we ended up with the LG oven above.  I just want to point out that I wanted the less expensive stove and DH wanted the MOST expensive one.  Just sayin’  Winking smile  Anyway---we got those ordered and DH says we should get a fridge.  Prices were extremely good so we looked.  Then Bruce says did we measure?  Good point, Bruce!  We’ll be back!

 Tessaro's menu

DH and I leave hh gregg in search of food.  We tried a place in Bloomfield that was given a thumbs up from his co-worker, Tessaro’s.  Of course if you live in Bloomfield, you know this place.  But we don’t and we’re glad someone told us.  They have a full menu but are mainly known for their burgers.  DH hates getting a burger out but he made an exception here.  We both got a Bacon Bleu Cheeseburger.  It was sooo tasty.  Like melt in your mouth good. So worth extra WW points. 

After we got home, DH measured our old fridge—he wanted to go back to hh gregg!!!  I’m sure Bruce was overjoyed to see us (well maybe since they work on straight commission).  We got in and weedled around some more (measuring and such) before we settled on the fridge above.  I happily agreed to spend money on a new fridge as I hated our old side by side.  Just no room for anything.  And once my mom got a fridge like this, I was in LOVE.  Look at all of that room, plus a little drawer in the middle to put the stinky stuff (garlic, onions) in.   DH used is OCD-ness and ‘arranged’ the fridge for 25 minutes.  It’s great.

I give props to the shoppers who go out all hours to get their goodies.  I did that once and it just wasn’t for me.  I can shop online at home in my jammies instead!  Which is what I did.  I found some good deals for gifts for family and friends, but can’t post them here in case someone may read it!

I’ll have updates this weekend for you on WW new plan changes (good and bad), progress (or lack there of) on my room, and fashion-y post on ideas I need.

What are your holiday plans---do you have any time for yourself this time of year?  Saturday is our anniversary and we have my work party and then another party!  I am ready for a nap already!

Keep warm and cozy……..

 

Nov 14, 2011

Workin on mah Fitness….

 

It seems that me being a slow poke with posting is becoming a habit.  Sorry about that for those who do read!  You know how it can get this time of year and I still have some loved ones that are ill.  I still have tons of ideas and stuff I’m working on but just haven’t had the time to sit down and get it out to you!  Today’s post is going to be really long to make up for it. 

Since becoming Lifetime at WW, I’ve had a lot of people (even my own family!) ask me how I have maintained my weight.  The simple answer is: eat right and work out.  Of course we all know that. But if it were so easy to do then we’d all be at our ‘perfect’ weight right?

The longer version of this is well—long. The first and MOST important thing to me after reaching my goal at WW was: What’s next?  I have listened to many WW'ers who have been there 3 or 4 times because they stop going to meetings after they reach their goal.  I made a promise to myself that I would continue to attend meetings AND weigh in (even though I don’t have to) to keep myself accountable.  That’s the big thing for me.  If I am forced to be held accountable, I will do better.  Plus, I enjoy the meetings to see my friends who I have met there.  It’s also a great source of motivation, which is another biggie on my list.  When I am having a down day or a bad weigh in, there are people there who have been through the same thing and can offer support.  My DH has never had a weight problem in his life so he wouldn’t understand it at all.  And it’s wonderful to hear other’s successes.  It spurs me on!

Now the the main thing and it’s a MUST for me.  Working out.  Before WW, I was a half-asser at working out.  I did it, but never consistently and never for very long.  I wanted a better body but I didn’t feel like doing the work to get it.  It was hard work, duh.  Harder than I wanted to do at the time.  Well, once my weight became WAY higher than I wanted and I joined WW, I knew I had to get more fit.  For some people, they don’t have to work out and just eat better and the weight comes off.  I am so NOT that person.  I realized that I NEED to work out to see improvement in my weight and my body. 

My evolution in fitness started out slowly. I had decided to just work out at home for one thing.  I had never really enjoyed the gym and I would rather just go home and do it and then jump in the shower.  No packing a bag, no racing to and from the gym.  I have (still do!) the FIRM DVDs with various steppers etc.  I started doing the videos when I started with WW and they were so hard! I could barely get through 20 minutes without feeling like I wanted to die!  Slowly, I built up to getting through all of the video at least 3 times a week.  And the weight started to come off a little faster.  But then I got bored.  Anyone with ADD (or knows someone with ADD) knows that boredom = death.  I need to change it up to keep myself interested.  So I started trying out other videos like Jari Love. And I started enjoying fitness again.

Then the dreaded plateau came.  It came with a vengeance and didn’t want to leave for a long time.  I often went home from meetings in tears or else I was fighting mad (ask my friends there!).  I was so mad at the damn scale.  I was following WW to the letter, working out diligently, but nothing to show for it.  I spoke with my leader at the time, who said that maybe I was too focused on my food and being too hardcore.  She was right.  I have a tendency to hyper-focus on things when I get really into them (a hallmark of ADD).  She suggested that I not be so worried about my food intake and eat a little bit more.  That maybe my body was fighting me and hanging onto weight.  Good theory but I was SO scared to eat a bit more after losing that first 10%.  But at this point, I was so frustrated I was willing to give it a try.  DH and I went away to a wine festival that weekend and I ate a bit more and drank wine and enjoyed.  When I came back I lost 1.2 lbs!!!  Yay!

Changing it up is essential.  I do get into phases where I like to eat the same things every day and will often do this for weeks at a time but then I realize I need to change it up.  That was true for exercise as well.  My body was getting used the FIRM and Jari workouts and quite frankly, I had progressed to another level.  I was ready for something else. 

Enter weights.  Both the FIRM and Jari extolled the virtues of weights but I never really thought about it until I realized that the cardio and light weights I was doing was just too easy for me now. I’m also a magazine whore and saw a copy of Oxygen at the grocery store and picked it up.  A little mini-epiphany occurred. These girls (look at Jamie Eason above!) were not overly muscled; they were sleek and tones and HOT looking!  The body I was hoping to get somewhat close to!  Oxygen focused on those who wanted to get fit and healthy.  They not only advised lifting weights, but HEAVY weights.  Heavier than I ever lifted before.  I was scared—I didn’t want to look beefy or make my legs BIGGER!  But if these girls lifted heavy and looked that good, I should be able to do it too right?

I started with my research.  I’m always a voracious researcher before I get down with something.  I have to read reviews, check out websites and get opinions before I commit.  I lurk on several message boards, one of them for fitness.  Many of the posters there loved Chalean Extreme.  After trying a few different other DVDs I decided to try Chalean.  I had done some of her Turbo Jam workouts and loved her energy so I figured I would probably like this program.

Success!!!  Chalean Extreme is totally different to those of you who just do cardio all the time.  It’s HEAVY weights, heavier than I ever have lifted in my life.  But it works!  After my first go-round, I actually had muscles you could see!!!  I was so excited!  I felt so strong and confident.  And that was just using 8lb dumbbells!  The DVDs come with a schedule, a great book explaining everything to you and recipes too.  The DVDs are not very long, maybe 45min at the longest.  But you will feel it.  Be prepared to be sore, really sore if you haven’t done weights before.  And take it easy---start out with light weights and build up—no need to injure yourself. Chalean has the people in her DVD at all levels, from beginner to advanced. 

I will be honest with you.  As much as I love Chalean Extreme, I’m getting ready for something else.  But I will always keep this one near by to go back to as it provides GREAT results.  I ordered Turbo Fire a while back and tried it with Chalean Extreme in a hybrid schedule. But I had to shelf that for a bit.  I was really lazy when I was laid off and was nowhere near ready to do that intense of a program!  I feel like I am ready now to start the hybrid again. 

The other thing was that I got really into Zumba classes as well. They are so fun and get you moving and you definitely SWEAT!  My work has a good program with a gym that I believe I am going to join.  I am so scared to join a gym.  I think it must be that fat girl in me who thinks everyone is going to laugh at her and think “what is SHE doing here?”.   I figured I don’t have anything to lose since I am going mainly for the classes like Zumba.  I’m not so sure I would venture into the weight room because I have no idea how to use the machines and I would need a leader to help me out on that.  Plus—I love DVDs—they have a start and end point and keep me focused.  I do plan on seeing what it’s all about though.  I have a TON of old Oxygen mags I could use  to pull together a routine that would work for me.  Just super nervous about it.

Wow---that was a super long post—thank you for reading if you made it this far!!!

I would love to know some of your fitness stories, ideas or tips. Especially for a first time gym-goer.  I’m probably going to join tomorrow through work and then check it out this week.    So feel free to pass them on! Smile

Nov 1, 2011

Latest Favorites…

 

So I have been a very bad bad blogger! Or a bad kitteh as I tell my kittehs when misbehave!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween!  With the rain we got here, there were hardly any kids that came for candy.  Maybe 25?  Lots of candy left over, which I am hoping DH puts out of my sight so it’s out of my mind. 

But I’m back with some finds for you!  Open-mouthed smile

Can I say how much I just love Etsy again?  I’m amazed by the talent of the artists there and also the talent of the vintage sellers who seem to have an eye for things I just don’t. 

I admit it—I’m a boot whore.  DH says I have enough boots for an eternity but I love finding new and different pairs.  I’d rather wear boots in the winter than any other shoes---warm and stylish.  I’d been obsessing over finding a great pair of grey tall boots.  I already have a shorter pair but really wanted grey.  Of course, every pair that I had my eye on was $400 or more.  FAIL.  So I checked Etsy and found these beauties:

 

I got them from afternooncoffeespoon. They are just retro enough but also not too retro and I loved the slightly Westernized look.  The price was fantastic so I snapped them up.  They arrived last week and I’ve already worn them twice.  Fit perfectly! Cannot say enough about Cris’ shop and her lovingly wrapped package she sent the boots in!  There are also other great items in her shop as well. (Not affiliated, just appreciate good vintage!)  When I wore these to work, I received 3 compliments!  Smile

Another Etsy find was this necklace below from sariahbelle

This little beauty had been on my Etsy wish list for sometime and I admit I kinda forgot about it.  But I realized how much I needed a necklace with blues in it as the color blue makes up a big part of my wardrobe.   Look at all the cool old buttons she used to make it.  I’ve worn it 3 times already and it goes with so much in my closet.

I also admit to being a scent lover too.  I like to layer different lotions and perfumes to get my own individual scent.  When the leaves start to fall I’m on the hunt for a thicker body cream to keep my skin soft. The air seems so dry in the winter and since I shower twice a day (once in the AM before work and once after working out—I’m a sweater!) I am always putting the lotion on so I don’t get the hose. LOL

Anywho---I finally placed an order with Haus of Gloi. A message board I regularly lurk on has nothing but raves for HOG.  After having a somewhat unhappy experience with an e-tailer with a well known turnaround time issue, I decided it was time to try something new! And had received a trial size from a Secret Santa swap. I was hooked on the scent, Twice is Nice. I ordered up some Twice is Nice pumpkin butter to see how I liked it.  The whole site is filled with intriguing and unique scents!  My butter was in my mailbox in less than a week and with minimal shipping.  I LOVE THIS STUFF!  It’s thick but not greasy, all natural (no parabens), moisturizes my skin for hours!  And the scent is vanilla-y goodness with a bit of comfort thrown in.  Here’s a pic of the butter from their site:

After that I placed another order for the Pumpkin Eater pumpkin butter which is the PERFECT fall scent.  I have layered with a few different perfumes and it all smelled heavenly.  Now I’m jonesing for the Ghost Puffs pumpkin butter since I’ve heard how great and marshmallow-y it smells.  Also eyeing Vice pumpkin butter since it looks like it has a S’mores scent.   These would make great gifts for friends who love a good lotion.  I know a few people on my list may be on the receiving end of a package!

Have to share a new fave recipe as well:

Starbucks Pumpkin Scone recipeLove the time of year when Starbucks has these scones.  I’m not a Starbucks person on a regular basis, but I meet up with my WW friends before our meeting to BS about life and if these are there I always make sure to get one to split with another friend (AFTER we weigh in of course!).  I found this recipe and had to try it out.  Here’s a pic of how mine turned out below:

The only difference is that I didn’t use the glaze they did.  I melted cinnamon chips instead and drizzled over the scones.  I would also recommend that you bake them for less than the recipe indicates.  Mine were a little done on the bottom, at least to my taste.  But I took them to work and they were gone instantly.  Everyone said they were delish!!! 

Also wanted to update on my little room project I mentioned.  The room is slowly getting cleaned out.  I am working on it a little teeny bit a day.  Just would like to get my curtains ordered and my paint ready.

Did you have any good finds lately?  

Oct 20, 2011

Coveting….

imageI haven’t yet decided if Pinterest is the best invention ever or the devil in disguise.  It give me wonderful ideas but makes me want to shop and spend even more (if that’s possible!!!)  I can always find a fashion idea, a decorating idea or a ‘hey I never thought of that!’ idea. 

Here’s what I’m coveting this week:

Vintage fashion advertisements—DH redid one of our bathrooms for me in black and white with a real vintage vibe.  The walls are kinda naked for me so I am looking for the right kind of artwork to hang.  I just love the idea of vintage ads like the Chanel one above. I think that this would look so pretty in a silvery frame on the wall and add some class to the bathroom.

Zig Zag CurtainsI’ve seen these popping up on blogs and site everywhere lately! In my slow as molasses attempt on fixing up ‘my room’, I’ve been pinning wishlist items for weeks.  I came across a bunch on Etsy and found a sweet seller at La Fortune Linens who will most likely be making some for my strangely shaped window.  We have a 60’s ranch that has windows that are placed higher up on the walls and I want curtains that don’t hang to the floor.  Plus, I always seem to want something that no one ever has in a store.   I adore the color of these and the design and I think when I get my furniture painted with ASCP in Provence it will look smashing!

 

This top from ASOS—I fully admit to being a sucker for animal print. I have it on belts, shoes, dresses, tops and even a headband! This top is a bit different—kind of a dalmatian print.  The neckline can be worn in different ways and love the cuffs with the full sleeves.  Blair from Atlanta-Pacific (a fave blog) also wore in pattern mixing way.  I don’t know if I could wear it as well as she does (and not to work) but I love her styling of it.  Here’s a pic:

Cobalt Jeans--- As I’ve said before, this is my fave color EVER.  I LOVE these jeans.  The only thing that scares me is the fit.  I will have to go and try them on first.  I’ve got more curves than the model ever will so I’m not so sure they will look good on me.  But I’m willing to try!

Have a great Thursday---what are you coveting?

Oct 18, 2011

Our little weekend away…..

Wow---you are getting 2 posts from me in one day!  What does that mean?  It’ means that DH is playing poker tonite so I have more time to write! :)

A few weekends ago DH and I made our annual trip to Maryland.  We’re one of those couples who enjoys Renaissance Festivals (RenFest).  Although---we are NOT the people in the above photo!  That just cracked me up. 

DH introduced me to RenFests when we were first married.  Where else can you shop, eat, drink and see shows in one place outdoors? The whole scene is just fun and I enjoy supporting artists who actually make their own wares to sell.  Much of the artwork and other items in our home are from various RenFests all over the country.  We have everything from fountains to perfume and then some.

When we lived in MN, were certainly were spoiled as that RenFest is the one of the largest in the country.  But when we moved back to Pittsburgh, we were told to visit the Maryland RenFest.   It does NOT disappoint!

We leave early on Friday and take our time driving to Savage, MD where we stay.  Right down the street from our hotel is our must visit restaurant: Frank's Diner.  We learn to always ask the locals where to eat and someone at the hotel suggested this to us. It’s a REAL diner. When I say real I mean it’s a dining car.  The manager told us it was bought in NY and transported to Maryland.  The decor is still the original 50’s, with the stools and booths.  The food is so delish too.  We always stop for a big breakfast and DH loves their biscuits and gravy.  The owner also has at least 6 cakes on her counter in glass cake stands.  This time she had cupcakes and we each tried one, caramel and chocolate.  YUMMMM.   If you are ever in the area, check them out!

On Saturday it’s festival day!!!  We eat and leave early to get there when it opens. Yes, we are the geeks that stay most of the day.  This year, the festival takes place during the time King Henry VII was married to his final wife, Katharine Parr.  Here they are arriving to the festival:

King Henry

Generally, we don’t plan our day there.  We check out the programs and see what shows look good.   Puke & Snot are never to be missed.  They always make me laugh and they usually break up in the middle of their own show!!

renfood And of course we love to eat!  There are always tons of great stuff to try.  I had been itching to try deep fried pickles for months and there were here!  So of course I sampled some:

friedpickles

There were delectable.

We tend to get a bit spendy at these festivals, but we always plan and know we are going to spend a bit. This year we got a fountain from Bronze Age Studios.  Last year we got a big dragon light that everyone seems to love. This year I wanted a fountain.  DH wants to keep it in the house this winter but I reminded him some kitties would have the entire house wet if we did that!

fountain

We also got a Pirate head pumpkin from the pottery store, some lotions and soaps from our ‘soap guy’ and a few other trinkets.  Mainly we just like to go and enjoy the day there.

On Sunday, we met up with a friend of mine at a wine festival which turned out to be a bit lame but at least the band was good.  Monday we spent at Annapolis.  DH always wears Air Force gear to annoy the Navy guys, esp since AF beat Navy this year in football! 

The best thing we saw was the ‘half Steeler fan’ at the RenFest.  We have seen this little boy before and realized that his mom is a Steeler fan and dad is a Redskins fan.  As long as he’s not a Ravens fan, that’s fine with me!

Steelerfan

I finally got a pic of him and had to show you!  I thought it was a pretty cool idea for parents who like different teams.   Never an issue in our house---HERE WE GO STEELERS!

If you’ve read this far—thank you!  

Question—Have you been to a RenFest?  What did you think?