We took a hike

Does anyone remember those cheesy public service accouncements on TV that tried to encourage teens to do something other than play video games?

Some hip actor would yell at you through the TV, "GO OUTSIDE & DO SOMETHING!"

Well, on Sunday, we did just that! We went outside and did something.

That something happened to be taking a 4+ mile hike on this awesome new trail through the woods. It was 10 minutes from our apartment and we didn't even know it existed until just recently. I guess advertising is not in the Parks Department budget.

The trail was probably a huge victory for our town's version of Leslie Knope.

We got suited up in our fancy hikin' shoes & even packed a little backpack of water and snacks. I mean, who knows when you're going to get lost in the woods, right?

We were definitely sore the next day. And I even got a blister.
Hardcore.

Camping is In Tents

In an effort to enjoy the beautiful weather we experienced here in SEPA (southeastern PA) over the weekend, Tim and I practiced setting up our new tent!

Can I just say that registering at REI for our wedding was the greatest idea ever?

We are totally tricked out with the best camping gear and are already planning a trip for this Spring.

The only decision we need to make is whether we're going to a local campground which is 30 min. away... or if we're making the trek to a campground 2 1/2 hours away that has the most gorgeous natural waterfalls we've ever seen.

Convenient or Scenic!

Gah!



Ricketts Glen, 2008



Colonel Denning State Park, 2007



French Creek, 2009



After dealing with torrential downpours and bear encounters, we're kinda professional campers now. So what do professional campers do? Practice, practice, practice!

Barely fits in our backyard? Check.



Large enough to fit our queen-sized air mattress? Check.
Yeah, we don't exactly "rough it."

Tall enough to stretch out in? Check.

Quality? Check.

Husband-approved? Check.





Weekend in Review

Spring is officially here. Our yard is sprouting.

Daylight savings time took a hike. Tim and I chatted about how daylight savings time is totally lame and should be banned. I mean, who does less daylight really benefit anyways?

We went grocery shopping, which turned into an extensive man-hunt for anchovy paste. After trying 2 grocery stores, we ended up finding it at Carlino's, an Italian specialty store in our 'hood. (I know, you're thinking "anchovy paste... vomit" but I'm re-creating a really awesome pasta dish we had in Miami and it's absolutely required to make it. Recipe to follow of course!)

Haircut!

And when I put it in a pony tail and wear a hood, I look like an emo chick.

Not a good look for me.

Mr. Annan and I hit the town for the official St. Patty's Day celebration that was going on a few days early. Naturally, we went to Kildare's, an Irish pub. It was packed with people in bright green t-shirts who'd been bar-crawling since 3pm. Yyyyikes. Clearly we were a little bit behind the crowd as far as drunkenness goes. But we got caught up quickly and even saw cops arresting people. We were those people standing around outside the bar staring. Yep.

And finally, I baked some scrumdiddlyumpcious muffins.

If you want the recipe, stay tuned until Wednesday...

[Apple Cream Cheese Muffins]

 Hope you guys had a great weekend!

Now it's off to finish up the laundry and catch the 5 o'clock church service...

Pretending it's Spring

Mother nature gave us a small dose of Spring over the weekend, 

and we took full advantage of it.

*****

So what else has been going on lately? Hmm, let's think. 

Tim bought be some great perfume from Victoria's Secret. 

[How cute is the bottle!?]

I've never really been a perfume girl (I shower, I'm clean, what's the point?) but 

this stuff is amazing. I literally smell like a burlesque dancer. 

But not a trashy, gross one.  Think Dita Von Teese.

*****

Ran for the first time in 2 months. THAT was interesting. I did a little over 2 miles and almost vomited afterwards. My leg muscles hated my guts he next day. Gotta push on though. I start reffing girls' lacrosse again in mid-March. My 3rd season! And I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing.

*****

The hunt is on for a solution to our boring non-working fireplace.

This is what it looks like right now.

We nabbed the grate from my parents house & believe it or not, I snagged the birch logs on eBay! They are real but way too small for this huge fireplace and I am getting angry with their lameness. 

I've googled lots of solutions: potted plants, stacks of books, giant candles, giant glass vases... but none of them are calling out to me. Do you guys have any ideas? 

I'm looking to spend no more than $30. 

I'm thinking of thrifting for a shelf or something. I can't describe it.

I always need a little project to keep me occupied. 

Can't ever sit still :-)