Essentially Jackie

25
Sep
2015

Adventures through Niagara Falls

With summer coming to an end, I wanted to sneak away for one last weekend getaway with Nick. Last year we traveled to Portland, ME for a weekend in September and had a wonderful time. As always, I debated on where we should go. I had been talking about traveling to Niagara Falls pretty much since Nick and I first met. Finally, I was able to find a great deal and a free weekend. So I booked the trip!

We crossed the border Friday evening, checked into the hotel, and headed out to explore. Niagara Falls is a tourists paradise. There’s a large casino, family friendly activities from bowling to haunted houses to mini golf courses. I would guess there are close to a hundred restaurants in a five mile radius, giving visitors plenty of options. Plus, you know, the world renowned natural beauty of Niagara Falls. Hundreds of people travel through the falls on the Hornblower (Canada Side) or Maid of the Mist (US Side) to get the up close and personal experience…And a bit soaked! In the evening, they light up the falls with all of the colors of the rainbow. Plus, bonus! Fireworks on Friday nights during the summer months. (more…)

23
Sep
2015

USA Food Tour: Colorado

categories: Life & Adventures

I was very excited to learn that Nick and I would have a great excuse to travel to Colorado again. We had a wonderful time on our last visit a few years ago. However, due to the weather and wild fires, we were unable to see all of the sights we had intended on seeing. Not to mention, I was able to cross one more state off of my USA Food Tour List. When we found out his cousin Jessica was to be married in mid-July, we quickly planned our trip. (more…)

23
Sep
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 30

categories: Life & Adventures

The past few months had been a bit hectic. Trying to find a “Photo of the Week” was a bit difficult. However, looking back it was probably a good thing given the running around I had been doing between weddings, a new job, and vacations. I was able to sneak away up to my parents camp in the Adirondacks. A relaxing day by the beach was just what the doctor ordered. Not to mention I was able to savor some QT with my dear twin who was moving to Philadelphia the next week.

23
Sep
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 29

categories: Festivities

The week of July 20th was a very special week in the life of one of my best friends. Hannah was expecting any day now! You have been following the sequence of events leading up to this point. Starting with my first “Gender Reveal Party” where we learned Hannah and Craig were to have a Baby Girl! Then there was the beautiful shower thrown by family, where I made the sunflower cake. Now the day had finally come, and Hannah gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl.

Welcome to the World Marylyn…and to a wonderful, caring family! xoxo

23
Sep
2015

Photo(s) of the Week – Week 28

categories: Festivities

As I have previously mentioned, our vacation this year was centered around Nick’s cousin’s wedding. The ceremony was held in Estes Park, which is a part of Rocky Mountain National Park. The name alone just paints a beautiful picture in your heard. It was a gorgeous ceremony with an amazing mountainous backdrop. Jessica and Tony’s theme was elegant, yet rustic so this venue was the perfect location for their big day.

The reception was just a few steps away in a 1920’s log cabin turned Steak House. The food was delicious! The interior was a perfect setting, needing very little decor to keep up with the theme. Everyone had a great time, especially since the DJ was none other than their Uncle Tom!

(more…)

26
Jul
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 27

categories: Life & Adventures

Nick and I decided to schedule our summer vacation around a family wedding. His cousin who lives in Colorado was to be married in July. We took this opportunity to explore as much of the state as we could fit in. The last time we were out there, there were huge wild fires that prevented us from seeing some of the sites. They were not to be missed this time! So we settled on a pretty decent itinerary, with just enough planned and just enough free time to have a great vacation.

Our first day was spent in the State Capital, Denver. We made our way to the Art Museum for a few hours before closing. From there we headed to the 16th Street Mall; a pedestrian outdoor “mall” loaded with shops and restaurants. Not to mention awesome people watching. We had a great first day with perfect weather, sights, and a lot of walking!

24
Jul
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 26

categories: Festivities

The 4th of July is a day for barbeques with family and friends. It’s the second holiday of the summer season. Many people take advantage of the three day weekend and venture off to the lake or ocean or wherever their heart pulls. This year, I did not participate in a family barbecue. We did not take a weekend getaway. I actually spent most of the weekend studying for a Sunday morning exam that was required for my new position.

We did however, take part in one of my favorite traditions of America’s birthday…fireworks! Plans were not officially made until that evening. Nick and I decided that we actually had enough time to make it down to the Capital for the big fireworks show. We made our way right into the main event. Though it was crowded, the weather held out.; no rain and limited humidity. Even though we didn’t take the nice DSLRs with us, we took a few photos on our phones. Hope you all had a nice 4th as well (she says, 3 weeks later)!

01
Jul
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 25

categories: Treats

My darling friend Hannah is expecting her first child in about a month. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little lady. So when Hannah and her sister asked me to make the cake for her baby shower, I immediately said yes. This is a very special time in one of my best friend’s life and I was more than happy to be a part of it.

Even though she is having a little girl, Hannah wanted to steer away from the traditional pink. She has decided to decorate the nursery with sunflowers, so the shower was appropriately centered around this theme. We went back and forth with ideas for the cake but settled on what I think turned out really cute. The cake itself was lemon with fresh blueberries and a buttercream frosting. It was quite delicious if I do say so myself.

01
Jul
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 24

categories: Life & Adventures

It has been a whirlwind of a year for us three ladies shown below, Theresa especially. She was married, got a new job, and moved all within about two months time. I also started a new job and Sarah was bouncing around her numerous friends weddings and life events. It is pretty crazy to think that that three of us met a little over three years ago and have formed a lifelong friendship. I’m thankful to have these two in my life. We have shared lots of laughs and adventures over the years, with many more to come.

The picture below was taken on Theresa’s drive through town. She was heading from her parents in western NY to her new home in Boston. Luckily, Sarah and I are just about half way so she made a pitstop to enjoy lunch. To top it off, it was Sarah’s birthday!

27
Jun
2015

Photo of the Week – Week 23

categories: Quattro the Malamute

Nick and I actually had a day off together where there was not a wedding, car event, or family gathering taking place. We decided it would be a good idea to take the beast on a little adventure. There is a State Park not too far from us that has a waterfall towards the middle of the trail. It makes for a great hike, especially since you do not have to drive an hour to get there.

We made it to the waterfall fairly quickly and then ended up taking a different trail than our normal route. This created about an hour and a half hike for us, which was great! Especially after our weekend full of walking around Montreal. The picture below is pretty fun. Quattro was quite curious about the waterfall.