Raleigh Weekend!

I had the best weekend! Notice that I said "I" and not we. That's because I left the kids with Carl and flew to Raleigh for the weekend. It was so much fun! Just the break, this Mama needed after a busy winter of solo parenting while Carl has been traveling so much.

Our sweet babysitter Karen spent Friday with the kids which helped ease my mind that they would be just fine until Carl came home from work. That gave me three full days off duty. What a treat! I have only had one night away in over four years without kids so it was time.

I landed in Raleigh at lunchtime and Candice picked me up. We made a bee line to Cameron Village for lunch and some shopping. It was a gorgeous day made even better by spending so much time with sweet friend and some retail therapy. It was my first visit to a Penzey's store. I stocked up on our favorite spices and added a few new ones to the mix. Henry scored some new seersucker shorts from the Lilly Pulitzer store that were just darling. Can't wait to add those to his Easter basket. I picked a few other odds and ends all while enjoying our leisurely pace. We ended our shopping with a delicious cupcake.

It was so good to see Curtis and Carl. Curtis is one year younger than Evie and just the coolest kid. He was so excited that I was visiting him for the weekend.

Candice and I went out for drinks and dinner while Carl kept Curtis. We went to The Fox and enjoyed their unique drinks with speciality ice. Dinner was absolutely divine at Chicken and Honey. We started with Carolina Fried Shrimp and Cheese Grit fries. Dinner was a vegetable plate along with some biscuits. Mac and Cheese custard with pimento was out of this world good and I want to re-create it at home. I was too stuffed for dessert and y'all know how I love dessert!

Saturday morning, we visited the Raleigh Farmer's Market. Such a treat! Carl and I used to frequent the Farmer's Market while we lived in Raleigh. We picked up a few essentials plus some Valencia peanuts for Carl. He is thrilled to boil them this week.

I left after lunch for some meeting and greeting around town. Our neighbors from Raleigh are the sweetest people ever so a visit with them was essential. It was so good to see them. Some things never change - their house still smells amazing and Betty is still filled with encouraging words on life. It was such a pleasure to spend some time visiting at their house. Driving down the street felt like I had never left although it has been almost six years which seems impossible.

Next stop was North Hills mall for a coffee date with my precious friend Courtney! Time stood still while we took the opportunity to catch up on life. I am always amazed at her balance in life. She manages to work full-time, contribute to her community, mother her son and be a fantastic wife all at the same time. She's one of my oldest friends and I treasure our visits especially now that they are so rare.

Candice hosted some friends for a Russian dinner.Everyone brought an authentic dish to share with the group. I was so excited that Annie and Steve stopped by to visit us. It was wonderful to see them. We had a great time catching up! Shockingly, I stayed up until 2:30 until in the morning. It was a fun night and morning came early.

Candice and I went out to brunch at Zest. I frequented Zest when we lived in Raleigh so it was good to get back for another meal. Candice dropped me off at the airport. I had a little time to kill so it seemed like the best time for a massage. It was the perfect way to end a great weekend!

I was so excited to get back home to see my kids and Carl. They were excited to see me too which always thrills my heart. Carl did a fantastic job holding down the fort. He even commented that it was easy. Guess, that means, it is time to plan another trip and I'll stay longer next time.

Pictures will be posted tomorrow along with a Stella and Dot giveaway!