One Night in Richmond

Quirk's Maple and Pine restaurant looking through to the lobby. 

With less than a month before we become three, the Hubs and I decided to take a quick trip to Richmond, Virginia last weekend.

+ SATURDAY

After a two hour drive, we arrived in the heart of downtown Richmond at our hotel the Quirk. You guys! Quirk is bold and bright while also being sophisticated and inviting. I mean, check out their lobby (pictured above)! Since its opening in 2015, I'd been hearing tidbits here and there about this hotel and it did not disappoint. Working with local artists like Sarah Hand, the hotel feels like a fresh adventure with the potential of discovering something new in each corner whether you are taking in the Quirk Gallery, sneaking a moment at the boutique shop or simply waiting for the elevator.

One of the many portraits hung throughout the hotel by Sarah Hand.

We settled into our hotel room and returned to the lobby to hatch a plan for the rest of the afternoon and evening. From the Quirk we strolled down Broad Street and popped into a collection of recommended shops including Rider Boot Shop, which offers affordable handmade boots for both men and women, and Verdalina, a women's clothing shop that I must return to once I'm not pregnant! We then Uber'd to Need Supply Co. for some quick perusing before we walked to Stella's for an early dinner.

If you only have one night in Richmond, Stella's is the place to dine for dinner. This rustic yet modern greek restaurant sent us back to our honeymoon in Greece like no other meal has. To start, the grilled octopus was tender and not over dressed - just like we like it! And there was no judgement when I ordered my one and only glass of dry white wine while also double fisting water (because I still have pregnancy guilt despite being well into my third trimester- ha!) For dinner, the Hubs had the rockfish special and I simply couldn't resist the Shrimp Santorini. Another bonus of Stella's? Old movies play projected on the wall. Squee! Is there anything more romantic?

Veil Brewing's dry-hopped Czech style pilsner "Coalesce"

Post Stella's, full and happy, we quested out to Veil Brewing Co. for one last nightcap for the Hubs. We arrived just in time to miss the long line but still enjoyed the funky collection of taxidermy and our chic industrial surroundings. And always planning ahead, we snagged a four pack to bring back to the hotel. :)

+ SUNDAY

Paper, fresh-squeezed OJ and an almond milk latte at Maple and Pine- makings of a great day!

Waking up early, we breakfasted at the hotel's Maple and Pine. Nothing to write home about here. We'd hoped to brunch as the menu looked much more interesting but brunch is not served until 10:30 AM which was too late for this pregnant lady! Thankfully my almond milk latte was damn delicious and spending more time in the open lobby was of course a plus.

Terracotta Armored General

Packed up, we checked out of the hotel with minimal tears and drove to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art (VMFA) to see the Terracotta Army. This visiting exhibit spurred the trip planning and oh boy was it worth it! Although there are less than a dozen figures that have made the trek from China, each is unique and awe inspiring. I'm still baffled by the beauty of each piece and the fact that these soldiers and an accompanying horse are over 2,000 years old. The exhibit closes this weekend (March 11th), so if you're even thinking about it... get on it!

Jaume Plensa's "Chloe" at VMFA.

Before heading back to the car, we took a moment to walk through VMFA's outdoor sculpture garden where we came across "Chloe." This 24 foot tall sculptural head created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is a stunner and magically changes as you stroll past. Dreaming of our baby to be, we'll be back to VMFA during my maternity leave to enjoy this outdoor space and drink in more of the museum's offerings.

You'd think VMFA is where our weekend ended but no! Remember my growing tummy and need to constantly eat? We popped into Urban Farmhouse for a sandwich, stopped at Sugar Shack Donuts for a few sweet treats for the road and made it over to Belle Isle to take in the natural beauty of the James River Park System. 

The verdict on Richmond? I believe I've already shown my hand... but yes we'll be back with baby in tow!

+++

QUICK HITS

+ FOOD/DRINK
Stella's // Maple and Pine // Urban Farmhouse // Sugar Shack Donuts // Veil Brewing Co.
+ ACTIVITES
Belle Isle // Virginia Museum of Fine Art // Take a stroll down Broad Street and pop into a collection of eclectic shops
+ GOODS/SHOPS
Need Supply Co. // Rider Boot Shop // Quirk Gallery and Shop // Verdalina
+ WHERE TO STAY
Quirk Hotel

OUR TO DO LIST NEXT TIME...
The Jefferson for afternoon tea // Pop's Market on Grace // Brunch at Helen's // Riverfront Canal Walk // Black History Museum // Science Museum of Virginia // American Civil War Museum // Charm School Social Club for ice cream // Lucy's for lunch // Coffee at Lamplighter

Weekend Musings

EATING // Constantly. At 34 weeks and after a stomach flu and food poisoning, my hunger has definitely escalated! Who's been hitting the MacDonald's drive through for basic hamburgers? This girl! I'm normally pretty careful about what I put in my body (not to Gwyneth Paltrow "my body is a temple" level) but there is something about Mickey D's these days that is calling my name... And damn is it delicious!

HOME*WORK // We are just a few items away from having baby boy's room ready for the big reveal... And, you guys, I just can't wait! So much so I already gave you a preview here... Whoops!

CRUSHING ON // Cuyana's latest release for spring. I mean this sweater could be a great option for nursing and maintaining some sense of style and self, right? It's officially now on my postpartum wish list...

READING // David Sedaris's Theft by Finding (1977-2002). Although I have devoured many of his other books, this one isn't a winner for me and in some ways just makes me happy the man survived through some of the early years of these journals. I love David on NPR and especially on This American Life but this book has been a tough one to get through.  It's saving grace and why I keep reading? The entries are short so when I'm up in the middle of night with the baby on board, it's easy for me to read a few pages and put it down to get back into bed.

THANKFUL FOR // Our friends and family. The weekend before last was our baby shower and this baby could not be more loved. My two best friends from college, mom and mother-in-law hosted a magical afternoon full of great food and laughter. It was such a solid gathering of people from all parts of my life, it's something I'll never forget. Our journey to get here has not been the easiest but these are the people that gave us strength to keep one foot stepping in front of the other.

THINKING ABOUT // My lists and google docs. In these final weeks before baby's arrival, my love for such things has gotten a bit out of control. We still have so much to do but one way I destress is by drafting an action plan and carrying it out. Whether it's a trip to Ikea or Target, we're armed and ready and thank gahhhd for AmazonPrime!

WATCHING // The Bachelor... duh! Although the Hubs and I are not the biggest fans of Arie (I mean who isn't bored with him?!) We still look forward to this little unreal reality show each week. The travel alone this season is topnotch but we're looking forward to more drama. Speaking of drama, anyone watching the Bachelor Winter Games?

WEARING // Pajamas. At this point, PJs are what's most comfortable. I am in search of a new pair for my hospital bag but nothing I've seen thus far has sealed the deal so please send any recs!

* Image credit from one of my favorite blogs... One Fine Day! Ashley is taking a blogging break right now but save her site to your favorites because once she's back you won't want to miss a thing!

Valentine's Day Edit '18

It's no secret Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays! It may be manufactured but by golly what's not to LOVE? (Pun intended!) For me it's an excuse to send snail mail (my fav) and spring a smile or two on the unsuspecting with a special treat. Here's a quick roundup of some of my favorite Valentine goodies, come on now - it's all about showing some love...

MULTI EYES SOCKS FOR HIM // These KENZO patterned socks are sure to keep your man cozy and remind him he's a looker!
BUENOS NACHOS COOKBOOK // With this cookbook, you may just be speaking your secret admirer's love language...
BE MINE VALENTINE CARD // Because no one does Valentine's cards like Sugar Paper.
XOXO BENTO BOX // This Sugarfina bento includes some of my favorite gummies - watermelon, rose, champagne and peach bellini...
CLARE V. LIPS KEYCHAIN // This little number is made to #TreatYoSelf
LOEFFLER RANDALL ESSENTIAL WALLET // At $95 this mini pebbled wallet may just steal your heart!
CONFETTI PRINT MATCHBOOK // Set the mood with these babies and you're sure to have a bright night!
BKR GLASS WATER BOTTLE // Nothing says I love you, like staying hydrated!
DIPTIQUE TUBEREUSE CANDLE // Flowers don't last but you'll get up to 60 hours of burn time with this lil' ditty standard size!
RIFLE PAPER CO. VALENTINE CARD // For the classy broad!
BOBBI BROWN LIPSTICK // Feeling romantic? Try the "Rich Berry." Or spice it up with "Tahiti Pink." Either way, with Bobbi Brown you'll be ready for a smooch!
ROLLER RABBIT ONESIE // Soft, snug and sweet dreams guaranteed?! This onesie will make you smile! Next year our boy is sure to don this little number just before turning one!
PEONIES // Maybe for your Galentine? It's hard to go wrong with peonies and these beauties are sure to last a lifetime. But does anything beat the real thing?
LOVEY HEART SHAPED BAG // Fill this bag up with sweet treats to give out for the day!
"CHEER TO US" CHAMPAGNE BEARS // More Sugarfina because it's the perfect sweet treat for your sweetie!
THE REGULARS BY GEORGIA CLARK // This has long been on my reading list, so no time like the present!