It’s been two months?

It looks like the procrastination bug has caught up with me again. Despite not updating the blog, I have actually made some progress over the past two months.

During Lent, I decided to give up refined sugar products. It was a little hard for me since I had convinced myself I needed something sweet each day. My baking didn't help that either. Nevertheless, it was not as hard as I thought it would be. I learned that I can drink diet coke and eat sugar free products or go without it all together. Since completing the goal, I am trying to continue keep my refined sugar intake extremely low. Hopefully, my glucose level on my next physical will reflect a decrease. There is a history of diabetes in my family and I don't want to go down that road as well.

As a result of my sugar intake reduction, I've seen some additional pounds drop off. So far I am at 11 out of 30. I hope to lose one pound a week. To aid in my weight loss, I began going to the gym again. This is my second week of working out. It really helps that two of my co-workers have committed to going with me.

Plans are in the work to attend Essence Festival this July with four of my girlfriends from college. This should be a great time since we all haven't been together in ages.

Lastly, though not on my official list my husband took me out for some weapons training. Yep I learned how to fire a gun. Can't say that I look forward to doing this again but I'll know what to do in case I ever need to.

Only a couple of the shots actually belong to me. Husband is a better marksman than me. :-)

Color of Fall

Today, L and I decided to head over to the restaurant in the Country Store at Callaway Gardens. When we went there for the first time over four years ago, L feel in love with their country ham. Since we had not plans today, we hopped in the car this morning and drove over an hour to the restaurant.

We made it right after the breakfast seating and had to wait an hour before they began lunch. To pass the time, we decided to take a drive through the area. I am so glad we did as it was just beautiful to see the leaves turning on the trees. There was a crisp in the air that just made the day perfect.

Below are a few pics of the area.

Welcome to Miami!

Recently L and I went to Miami for a weekend getaway. It was my first time visiting the city and I am highly upset with myself that I waited this long.

We had the opportunity to stay at the all suite Hilton Bentley on South Beach and I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who is travelling to the area. The hotel is located on Ocean Drive and is associated with the Bentley Beach Club. The hotel staff was extremely friendly and went out of their way to make sure our stay was perfect.

Some friends of ours decided to join us on the trip and we all had a great time hanging out together. On our first night there, we all dined at Gaia Ristorante, an Italian restaurant located inside the hotel. We were actually waited on by the restaurant manager who provided us with excellent service. L is a huge shrimp scampi fan and did not see it on the menu. When the manager overheard our conversation about the scampi, he offered to have it specially prepared for us. Amazing service!

To end our first night in town, L and I decided to check out some local clubs. Earlier, he asked the bartender for club recommendations and she provided us with a list of local spots. During dinner, she brought a couple of passes to Sobe Live to us granting free admission. Besides waiting in line for and hour and having too much to drink I had a great time dancing and hanging out with my hubby.

Saturday was devoted to relaxing on the beach and recovering from the night before. We also and the opportunity to have dinner with another friend who has relocated to the area.

Sadly, all good vacations must come to and end. This was one of the best trips I've had and can not wait to return to the city. Next time I hope to experience other aspects and areas of the city. Below are a few pictures from the weekend.

hustle man is everywhere :-)

view from the beach
my favorite spot near the hotel pool

Chateau Elan

Yesterday, L and I celebrated our first anniversary. Initially, we had planned on marking the occasion by taking a cruise to the Caribbean. Since L, recently started a new job we decided to move our vacation back a bit and take a quick trip. We decided to go to Chateau Elan located north of Atlanta.

Chateau Elan was f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s!!!!! When we arrived the hotel staff presented us with a card for our anniversary. It was such a nice touch to start off our visit. Since we were both a little tired we took a quick nap (wow we sound old). We then started a tour of the property. Our first stop was at the winery. While at the winery we had the opportunity to do a wine tasting and ended up purchasing a couple of bottles. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful when describing each wine, the process to make it and food suggestions to pair it with.

After our tasting we dined a the pub located near the winery. There were several other restaurants on the property but we were in the mood for a casual meal. The food was ok but I think on the next visit we'll hit up another restaurant.

Overall, our stay was short but wonderful and we will definitely be returning. Normally, for quick get aways we head to Callaway Gardens but think Chateau Elan will be our new spot. If you are ever in Georgia, please be sure to check this place out. You won't be disappointed. Below are a few pictures.

Chateau Elan Winery

Our Room

Wine produced on the property...yum!