Andrea: Taking me time

Even though it is sticky today and I have a TON of work to do. I have a friend coming into to town to visit and I am taking the day off and taking some me time on the beach with my friend! I am not going to worry about all that I have to get done before my trip next week, I am just going to enjoy the moment I am in and enjoy spending time with a friend I don't get to see often. Oh and I am going to enjoy the beach and rejuvenating my tan!

Enjoy the good moments today I plan on it!

Wednesday Book Blog (on Friday): Sepulchre, Kate Mosse

Sepulchre
Kate Mosse

This book was recommended to me by a fellow reader and I was attracted to the book because the story line revolves around a deck of Tarot cards, and being that I am studying and reading Tarot Cards now, it piqued my interest.

However, while interested, I was also hesitant at first because I attempted to read one of Kate Mosse's earlier books, Labyrinth, a few years ago and had a hard time getting through the book. I actually did not finish it which is rare for me. But since the subject matter of this book interested me I thought I would give it try.

Lucky for me, it worked out in my favor. The story line was very interesting to me and kept me guessing and turning pages. I also enjoyed how the book would go back and forth between the past and the present, but it was done in such a way that you were not confused as to what was going on and which time period you were in. As you get further and further into the story, the past and the present start inter-twining and connecting and coming together. I found I could not put this book down and was very glad that it was not only recommended to me but that I gave the author another chance.

I think now I am tempted to pick up the other book I have by Kate Mosse and see if in another time and another place that book will interest me this time around.

Happy Reading!

Andrea: Beautiful Morning

I am by no means whatsoever a morning person. I am that person that hits snooze for a good half hour period before I even think about getting out of bed. When I eventually emerge, I have only one eye open and a snarl on my face. And don't even think about talking to me - even to say good morning - for at least an hour after I have gotten out of bed.

But lately, to maximize my time and get a jump on my day, I have been scheduling appointments earlier in the morning. Yesterday morning I had an 8am My Time For Me meeting. Yes you heard me, 8am - luckily we had our meeting at Starbucks so that I could get some caffeine in me to help with the morning sluggishness. I also arrived 10 minutes early for my meeting just to make sure all the morning grump was out of me before the meeting started so I could be nice, and participate intelligently in the conversation.

Once there, sitting outside in the morning sun, I really was happy to be up early. There is something calming and serene about being up and out in the early morning sun. I actually enjoyed it and have gotten so much accomplished by starting my day early. I think I am going to continue to try to rise early on more mornings. Well at least while it is warm and sunny out, I think I will have to reevaluate this practice on the cold, gray winter mornings, but until then, I look forward to more sunny early mornings when the World is just starting to wake up and everthing is fresh and new and the possibilites endless for a great day.

Andrea: Shoe String Summer Continues

So last week, and please forgive me for not writing about it sooner, I embarked on another shoe string adventure and lunch with my Gram.

My Gram is such a great lunch date that I decided that it would be great to have her join me on my summer quest. So Gram and I are now embarking on Shoe String Summer Lunch Dates together! We are having a blast enjoying each others company as well as the fine fares of the area at the great prices.

Our adventures last week took us to the Mansion Clam House in Westport. We actually allowed my Mom to join us too and the 3 of us had a great lunch. I must admit, we did veer off the prixe fixe menu and order off the regular menu, so while it started out as a shoe string lunch, it did not end as one. But the seafood was delicious and the splurge was worth it. Gram had the tilapia, Mom had the famous fried clams and I had little neck clams. Yum Yum. Just writing about it makes me want to go back right now!

But back to my original reason, shoe string summer - yes they do have a prixe fixe menu, I believe it is lunch for about $12(give or take) and you get a starter and a meal. They really had some great choices on there (of course now I can't remember them -shame on me). They also have a great porch room that is sort of outside and sort of not, we could not sit there due to a private party but the table in the window was just as nice.

The Mansion Clam House also offers a happy hour special of free shrimp cocktail during happy hour if you are sitting at the bar. I have not tried out this shoe string summer deal but I plan to soon, especially after writing this blog and remembering how good the food was.

Oh and My Time For Me is in talks with The Mansion Clam House to do an event with them....stay tuned for that information!