Asheville Goodness #2

Over the past couple of years, J and I have taken fun trips during Spring Break. Our first trip was to Washington DC with our friend Amy. Last year we trekked down to Atlanta. This year we wanted to get away from Nashville for awhile and just relax. We settled on Asheville, NC, a city I truly love.

While I have always dreamed of owning a Bed and Breakfast, I had never actually stayed at one until Spring Break. Because relaxing was the main focus of this trip, staying at a B&B was imperative for me. (Plus, it gave me time to do a little research!) After searching online, I came across North Lodge on Oakland.

I cannot tell you how perfect North Lodge was for me! The location and price were the first things that popped out on me, but then everything else worked out so that it was as if God was smiling on me. Greg, the innkeeper was very willing to talk and share advice with me about how to run a B&B. He even gave us a little "backstage" tour of the kitchen! We stayed in the Library Room which had shelves full of books that fit perfectly. We even found 4 books on B&B operations! I spent a lot of time in the clawfoot tub which was a mini dream come true. And breakfast... Bless. Baked pears, granola and fruit with yogurt, biscuits, eggs, stuffed french toast, pistachio bread. Yum, yum, yum. My favorite was Greg's Egg and Cheese Puff. Coffee served all day. Happy, happy Beth.

After my stay, I can that this is something I really want to pursue. It might be several years before my little dream becomes a reality, but I am happy just even thinking about it.

North Lodge on Oakland just another bit of Asheville goodness...

Asheville Goodness #1

Spring Break flew by! Our trip to Asheville was fabulous, but for now just a preview of one of the delightful things about the trip.

On Friday, J and I found ourselves heading into Biltmore Village for lunch. I had a place picked out, but after reviewing the menu we opted for Gianni Panini which we had walked by earlier. It was a good decision.

I ordered the Greek Chicken panini and when paired with a Peach Izze made my mouth happy. However, that did not compare to the potato salad. The potato salad I had was literally the best I have ever put in my mouth. I savored each bite which is something I rarely do. Secret ingredient? Feta Cheese. (Of course there might be more, but that is the one the server told me about.) Why I have never thought of that before?

When I got home I looked for a recipe that would be close to the yumminess I had on the trip. I plan on making this real soon!

Feta Potato Salad

(Recipe adapted from Southern Living)

Ingredients:
3 pounds small new potatoes, diced

2/3 cup olive oil

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

3/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until tender. Drain and place in a large bowl.
Whisk together oil and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Pour over potatoes and add green onions, parsley and feta. Toss gently to coat. Cover and chill.

Yield: 8-10 side dish servings

Sunday Evening with OneRepublic

After the family left on Sunday afternoon, I spent some time napping and reading. I just happened to get on Facebook just a couple minutes after some friends in Colorado posted they were in need of a place to stay while I am in Asheville. Place for them, free house sitting for me. Check. I also saw that the lovely Ashley Jordan's status inquired if anyone liked the band OneRepublic. I responded and a few minutes later I held two free tickets to the show at the Ryman. Yea Facebook!


Because J dragged his feet getting home from Arkansas was spending time with his family, I called my friend Amanda who I was supposed to meet up with anyways. We snagged cheap parking at the main library and entered the Ryman excited. Our excitement grew when the usher ushered us to our front row seats. You heard me.

Opening band, Jared Evans was not so impressive. Next band, the Daylights was impressive. (Bought their album!) OneRepublic was super impressive and loads of fun. The whole time though I felt a little guilty that Ashley was not there. She will recieve a star in her crown, I'm sure.


What topped the evening off though was the girls sitting right beside us. Think 17 year old pregnant Miley Cyrus who thought she was witnessing the return of Christ. You think I jest, but oh no my friends. Hands lifted up, Amen-ing away. Calling upon the Lord. One word... Bless.

Great Sunday evening.

Sunday Afternoon.

Yesterday would have been the perfect beginning to Spring Break except for the fact that Spring Break begins on Tuesday this year.

My family came to my house for lunch. 10 people. I was happy though. I had invited them all to come on Saturday, but then yesterday morning Grandpa fell and had to go to the hospital. Dad and Mama scurried around all morning taking care of things, so it worked out quite nicely that they did have to worry about cooking for all the kiddos. It was nice for us all to be together even if it was only for a short time. (Grandpa did get sent home in the evening and is recovering.)

Another sight that did my heart good was my niece wearing jeans and the tutu I made her, carrying a dinosaur, holding Aunt LiLi's hand. So adorable. She had everything she wanted and so did I.

7 Days!

I booked my B&B for Asheville next week! Paper-chain countdown coming soon. :)

(I didn't kick A or take names today. Boo. Left work at 9:30pm and still have one more thing to do before bed.... BUT "I am going to Asheville, I am going to Asheville.")

Me, Kicking A and Taking Names

So stinkin close to putting in my resignation yesterday. This has been a heck of a week at work. 7:30am-9:00pm days does not make for a rested or happy Beth especially when she gets to work another hour or two when she gets home. Today will be another one of those days. However, tomorrow...

3:15pm out the door.

Rest of the evening... nothing.

Promising not to make plans and going to enjoy being lazy.

This morning, I am putting on some "kick A" music because that is what I aim to do today. "I will kick A and take names. I will kick A and take names. I will kick A and take names."

Donald Miller

Donald Miller's blog is one of my favorites. Not familiar? Check out the video below and then check out his blog.

Are you living a great story with your life? from Donald Miller on Vimeo.