The Break

So between Chicago and Cincinnati we had SEVEN weeks off...no paychecks, no shows, lots of sunshine. I've been in and out of New York, but had the chance to spend lots of time with my family. My youngest niece was baptized, my eldest sister had a post-wedding reception, brother went off for second year of college, and Jeff and I visited each of our families. And of course, plenty of pool time, nap time, and eating time in between.

So in a moment of impulse and curiosity, I dyed Daniel and my hair blue. Just the ends for me, more like highlights for him. Of course, three days later I had to go chop it off for an audition- so sad!! But it was very fun while it lasted. It's a shame the dye fades so quickly, otherwise I might keep it up.

I love to try new recipes, and it's definitely more fun with a fully equipped kitchen-aka at home. This was a watermelon cilantro lime salad with ricotta salata and pine nuts. SO refreshing and tasty at a summer BBQ.

Teddy was in serious need of a grooming and vet visit so I took him. He was so fluffy and giddy when he came back, it was fun to see him like a puppy again.

Mom and Catherine arranged for Berkley's baptism to be on a Saturday while I was home, which was a nice intimate family reception. With so many of us, it is impossible to catch everyone with their eyes open. This one is closest. 

Bishop Bill Frey came to our house to give the baptism. He is such an amazing speaker and kind, funny man. We were blessed to have him for such a small little group of us.

Berkley looking like a sweet little angel with her Uncle and Godfather Matt. She was so good that day, which is big for this little diva! :)

Lots of pool time to be had at the Kittrell house. All the babies LOVE to be outside and in the water, so its no surprise everyone is tanner than me.

I saw this cool DIY decorating project on Pinterest- my newest internet obsession- where you wrap wine bottles in yarn in the colors of your kitchen. I did red, burnt orange, and golden yellow for my mom's kitchen. 

Jeff came to town!! We had lots of fun- sunshine, food, family time, and Carrie's wedding reception! This picture is at La Gloria, an amazing Mexican food restaurant downtown at the Pearl Brewery complex, San Antonio's fun new development. 

The WHOLE fam!! I was adamant we got a group shot at Carrie's reception that I could print out to take on tour with me. It was a wonderful night, as you can see in everyone's shining faces.

Berkley being a cute little booger at the reception.

Then to Marathon, (central upstate) New York...where the weather couldn't have been different from San Antonio bone dry 104 degrees...It rained for the first three days we were there!

I cooked dinner one night at Jeff's house! Salmon with salsa, corn tomato basil salad, and a lemon icebox pie for dessert. It was a huge hit. :)

Mango salsa with jalapeno and cilantro that went on top of the salmon. Sweet with a little kick, I'd probably eat this on anything. SO easy to make too!

I've been searching and contemplating these platinum Sperrys for a while, and I found them at a DSW at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse! I have an affinity for the brand and I'm so excited to take these guys on tour.

So my new project began just before Jeff got to San Antonio: knitting! I'm trying to only work on one thing at a time (my arts and crafts itch often gets a bit multi-tasky), so this is my scarf in progress. It is very therapeutic and I think it'll be a better alternative to reading backstage.

Now I'm in the midst of packing up my life for a year.... I feel like have periodically parred down my possessions several times over the last year and a half, but here I go again. You really learn what is a non-essential when two suitcases YOU must lug around sit at your feet. I made sure to underpack a bit to keep weight down. I'm sure I'll end up sending some items back and requesting others be sent out. Several of the girls in the group have agreed we'll be shopping too :)

Headed out to Cincinnati on Sunday after I say some goodbyes. This will be my longest departure from New York since I moved here in 2006. Eight months away, then one week in the city in May, and another three on the road. I'm very excited for this year of adventure to begin!!