An Exceptional 2nd Anniversary

I know sometimes I get pretty mushy about my relationship with my main guy. But in today's world {with all that is thrown our way} it is important to give notice to those strong relationships. So, I am grateful to be able to gush once in awhile...


This week we had our second wedding anniversary. It was simple and perfect. Dinner, sweets, and conversation. I love spending time with my husband, especially on a night where we can celebrate ourselves as a couple.

We went to dinner at one of our favorite date night locations. While at the restaurant there was a couple {a few tables over} celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They were giggles and kisses, wines and good foods, sweet fancy coffees and photographs. They were having a wonderful night together and it made us happy to see them in their anniversary glory. Their presence was an inspiration to many others in the restaurant, I just know it. To think of all they might have experienced together in the past twenty-five years - wow.


Oh, and I can't forget the "mush"...

Mr. & Mrs. 25th still had smiles on their faces and held hands when they left the building. Maybe in twenty-three years we will see them again for our 25th wedding anniversary dinner.

Yellow Springs Brewery in Yellow Springs, Ohio

Let me tell you about one of my new favorite places in Ohio. Yellow Springs Brewery is the cat's meow in my opinion {and in Yellow Springs there are lots of cats to be giving out meows... so we'll go ahead and say this is a positive review}


First impression: Right off the bike path, long parking lot, awesome lettering and bright yellow pop of color on the outside of the building. What's not to love? This establishment is easy to get to and when you walk up you notice an inviting feel. I just love the metal and wood in the taproom.

Service: Wonderful. The staff is friendly and attentive. They sling beers as fast as needed. Plus, Lisa is just so kind. 



Prices & Other Notes: Yellow Springs Brewery now offers Growlers and Howlers and the service of filling those Growlers and Howlers with their yummy products. 


After the brewery first opened they had such an overwhelming response that they couldn't keep enough kegs tapped. So they took about two weeks to brew and brew then opened their doors again ready to serve. It sounds like they are now moving forward with a higher production rate. I'd advise checking their facebook page or website if you are traveling from afar to stop in. They often post what is on tap and you'll know what their current hours are. 

Food: There are light snacks for purchase and some of the local restaurants {currently Bentino's Pizza & Sunrise Cafe} will deliver right to the taproom. We've also found it is just as easy to stop over at Bentino's or Ha Ha's Pizza to pick up an order and walk over to the brewery. {Bring your own plates and napkins if you plan to really chow down}  

As for the beer: Yum. Order anything. You won't be disappointed.


My favorite is the Captain Stardust Saison. Oh my, it is such a thirst quencher. Not too citrus-y and not too dry. I love it. 


If you aren't able to stop in order up a Yellow Springs Brewery beer at one of these fine locations. 

Our Green Adventure in Acadia National Park

Our favorite part of this summer's awesome {and laid back} road trip was our time spent in Acadia National Park in Maine.

It was fun to camp and hike the park. There were so many different areas to explore.

Every landscape was beautiful - completely and in its own way. Oh my and the colors we found in the park were gorgeous- grass, trees, moss... so much green! So many shades of green. 

It was a most lovely adventure.

I'm linking up with Rebecca of Bumbles & Light and Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud for a summer photo challenge. Check out the photos of so many others thinking about this week's topic "Green/Adventure" {here}.

2013 Summer Road Trip

A mid-summer trip to just get out of town. Away from responsibility. To just do what we do. 

That was all my husband and I wanted out of our vacation this year: go somewhere, eat good food, see some sights, and laugh.

A few weeks ago we took a road trip with loads of stops and hours of being together in the car. We had minimal planned activities, and mostly just went where Lady Luck took us. And it was just perfect.


We planned a stop in Niagara Falls, NY. Just for camping and visiting the Falls {once at night, and once in the day light}.

We happened upon an art walk featuring community member art pieces, drinks and appetizers on a cute little patio, and a coffee roaster in Utica, NY.

We drove through the Adirondack Mountains and had a lovely day visiting Lake George. 

There was a great time had while camping in Burlington, VT. So much good food, shopping, sight seeing, beer tasting at the Magic Hat Brewery Tour. And a stop at The Vermont Pub & Brewery.

A tour and some ice cream eating was very much on the schedule from day one of planning this vacation. Who could pass up visiting the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory in Vermont?

Let's see, we hiked around the Quechee Gorge, ate mussels at the Portsmouth Brew Pub, and hit up bar for a late night bite in Bangor, Maine.

We loved camping in Acadia National Park and spending time in Bar Harbor and Portland.

We rounded out the trip by heading to Boston for Independence Day. An afternoon baseball game in "America's Most Beloved Ballpark", beers and dinner on the set bar of Cheers, then fireworks on the Charles River. Pretty American I'd say :)

It was a wonderful get away. Full of so much fun... with these photos serving tribute to the major highlights.  So happy we were able to spend a little time away from home just enjoying ourselves.

Frugal Living: An Update {Summer 2013}

We started out this year putting ourselves in the driver's seat of our financial life. Things were going smoothly, but totally disorganized. By just looking at our bills and actual debts {and their interest rates} we've been able to focus and pay down some major {to us} debt.

Since January 2013 we've paid off over $7,000 dollars of debt! {these payments were not already scheduled in our payment plans} We're talking done with minimal credit card debt, car payments, and part way through student loans.

And to be honest, we really owe it all to becoming aware of what we were spending. We weren't spending a lot but by finding a few corners to cut we were able to pay down debt.

My take away: It is easy to start planning ways to pay off debt. Just take a look at what you spend in a week or a month. Tracking out going bills and random purchases can be so informative. You may have no idea how much money leaves your pocket - whether as interest fees or impulse purchases.

Needing some inspiration on tracking your spending?
One family's 2012 spending with Mr. Money Mustache

Running Thoughts {Miles in June 2013}

It's a bit late for posting about my miles in June... but I did lots of running, hiking, and walking. So I think it is still something to remember via this little entry.

There were runs with my husband, runs by myself. 

Walks with friends and hikes on vacation.

I didn't do the best in tracking all the miles... but I was over the 56 miles challenge that I chose to participate in.

Here comes 50 miles in July! Good thing I've already started!

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you are enjoying an awesome day of independence with the ones you love.

Sometimes we like to stay home to enjoy the local festivities and time hanging out with friends. 

Sometimes we like to take advantage of the extra day off and get out of town. 

A few years back we hit up Gatlinburg, Tennessee and were able to celebrate just as July 3rd ended and July 4th began with the nation's first Independence Day Parade of the year! 

I guess we will see where today takes us :)

Happy 4th of July!