by Stella Lancaster | adventures, featured guests
Hi there friends! I just returned from a whirlwind week on the West Coast. Happy & home, my husband and I are preparing for a week in Asheville, North Carolina to relax in the mountains, watch the leaves turn vibrant colors, and take in all the fresh air.
Last week I flew to LAX, excited to reconnect with old friends in Redondo Beach, celebrate the marriage of two dear friends who eloped on their trip in San Luis Obispo, and to catch up with my rockstar sister, Alexandra. This was my first solo trip since we married this past April. I was excited; Burton was a bit worried.
In preparation for my flight, Burton and I talked safety. In October of 2010 we were robbed at gunpoint in Charlotte, NC. It happened on an early Thursday evening as we walked to our car in a yuppy, safe part of town known as Dilworth. These two career criminals were practiced professionals — both had just gotten out of jail for armed robbery. They were going for jewelry, wedding rings, purses, etc. Fortunately a rookie cop caught our 911 call and the description of their getaway car and partial license number. He nailed them. My sassy mouth landed me a black eye that night, so we have taken precautions in our every day life to be more aware of our surroundings and to avert becoming a repeat victim.
Fortunately paranoia does not paralyze our life. We lead a very gypset life and travel frequently. However Burton was nervous about my request to travel solo and bounce around the West Coast. So my travel partners on this trip were a mini can of mace & safety whistle.
Cautious along the way, I cherished every moment with my friends, family, and furry friends. I certainly made time to pet, squeeze and kiss all the dogs that crossed my path in memory of Luna. Here’s looking at you, Brock!!
Got travel or safety tips?
XOXO
-Stella
by Mandi | quotes and toasts, recipes
Maybe it is the little bit of German that I have in me, but I absolutely LOVE a good Oktoberfest. The music, the culture, the dancing, the food and the beer!
This past weekend, The Mister and I headed to Winston Salem to go to an Oktoberfest with his parents and some of their friends. It was SUCH a great time!
You first walked in to this beautiful building that is an old federal building. Just look at those ceilings.
Then, I saw the room of quotes – can I have this room in my house one day?
Everything about this festival was so well done! I just had to get my photo taken with the dancers… I think I need a dress like that, you know… just incase!
Here is one of the dancers in action – check out that leg movement!
The Mister said that the brats were “awesome”
And the cake table… beautiful perfection.
I have decided that I may take a stab at making some German food.
Possibly a Black Forest Cake (recipe from allrecipes.com)
or German Potato Salad? (recipe from allrecipes.com)
I have created a poster of some of my favorite Oktoberfest terms – food, chants, beers, etc! It is a FREE download at 8×10 for your October home decor! Click on the image below for the full-size file.
It was such a great night! We had an amazing time – I would tell anyone to go experience an Oktoberfest near you! And if it couldn’t get better… check out this fab mirror I found as we were heading out — best bathroom mirror ever!
As a reminder it is our BIRTHDAY MONTH!!! Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @SunnySlideUp for this week’s free giveway!!!
by sunnyslideup | sunny slide up
We are so excited to kickstart our birthday month of giveaways with this beautiful set of petite vintage floral china plates from VINTAGE CHARLOTTE.
A note from the owner Amy Herman:
Vintage Charlotte is a two part business, organizing pop-up markets and providing vintage rentals. Our markets combine a traditional craft fair with a flea market. Everything at the markets are either vintage (20 years or older) or handmade by a local artisan. Sometimes our creative vendors combine vintage and handmade!
The other side of the business, the vintage rentals, keeps me busy during the time I’m not planning a market! We provide a large collection of hand-picked vintage china, flatware, drinkware, and decor to make your wedding or special event an occasion to remember.
To be entered to win, you must:
1) Follow @SunnySlideUp on Instagram – http://instagram.com/sunnyslideup
AND
2) Repost the image below to your Instagram account with the hashtag #ssugiveaway
Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on 10/7/13. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on the morning of 10/8/13. Winner must provide shipping address within the continental United States.
