Eureka Springs

My dude and I went to Eureka Springs for our 1 year anniversary.  It was such a relaxing trip (even though it was freezing!)  We still got out and saw some very cool things despite the cold temps.

We stayed at The Inn at Rose Hall.  I highly recommend this B&B.  The owner and innkeeper are very nice.  The breakfast is very good and the rooms are very comfy.  We definitely took advantage of the giant jacuzzi tub a time or two (with a little champagne nearby).

One of my favorite places was Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.  You can read more about the awesome work these people do to care for "Big Cats" that have been found and/or surrendered by their owners.  (Seriously people, why would you think a Tiger would be a good pet?  FYI - they're not - don't be an idiot and get a regular cat).  If helping animals is your thing, consider donating to this organization.

Another cool spot was a store called Fresh Harvest.  This place is a tasting room for olive oils and balsamic vinegars.  They have the standard oil and vinegar but also infuse the oils with things like Basil, Blood Orange and Cayenne (just to name a few).  We had a great time checking out the different flavors and I think I found a secret weapon for the State Fair Chili Cook-Off.  I took home a bunch of stuff from this place.

My favorite restaurants were Local Flavor Cafe and Ermilio's (the waitress at Ermilio's asked me if I was old enough to drink the wine and then asked hubby for my age to confirm.  heehee)  Highly recommend both! 

And, Finally, Here are a few pics:

When hubby was born, his hippie parents lived next to this artist.  Apparently he's in the Louvre and NYC Modern Art Museum.  From the hills of Arkansas to NYC - who knew? 

Cool little amphitheater

I love Irises - there are lots in this area.

The Crescent Hotel is supposedly haunted.  We didn't see any ghosts.

Thorncrown Chapel - Beautiful and Peaceful -  http://www.thorncrown.com/

Cheers to 1 year of marriage!

Our beautiful anniversary cake from Frosted Art Bakery in Dallas, TX.

Me and my man.  He's a cutie.

A little gift from hubby...he did good!

If you have a long weekend, Eureka Springs is definitely worth a visit!

Getting older

So here's the biggest difference I've noticed between 20 and 30 - there seem to be more wrinkles around my eyes when I smile. Like when you're 20, you have two wrinkles around the eye but when you're 30, you have five. What a difference it makes. I can still pull off a fairly young woman if I wear jeans and a t-shirt and keep my face perfectly neutral. But the minute I smile back and those tale-tell crinkles pop up, it's evident I'm not a college girl anymore.

"Yes ma'am", they say as they pack my groceries.

The store clerk looks at me again as she scans the bottle of wine, gauging my appearance. The freckles throw her off a bit.  The minute I smile back at her she doesn't even card me.

Dammit.