East Coast Travel and Sunday Morning Coffee

Have you ever been on a trip where everything goes wrong with every flight? Even though I loved my East Coast travel this week, flying was a nightmare.

I recently returned from an East Coast trip filled with family time, friendship, and unexpected winter weather. My travels took me to Atlanta and Richmond, where I visited my brother and sister and their families and helped my best friend Maryliz settle into her new home. Despite ridiculous travel delays and a crazy winter storm, it was a wonderful trip filled with relaxing moments, laughter, and adventure.

Three women seated together in a restaurant booth, smiling at the camera. A bar with patrons and staff is visible in the background. — Maryliz, Jeni, and me

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

Season 4 Volume 7

About Me

East Coast Travels: Family, Friendship, and a Winter Storm Adventure

Bare tree branches covered with ice against a gray sky, creating a wintery scene.

Family Time in Atlanta

My first stop was Atlanta, where I had the chance to slow down and soak up time with my brother and his family. There’s something so special about just being together—no big plans, no rushing around, just enjoying each other’s company. It was a much-needed break, and I loved every moment of it.

Atlanta is always a fun place to visit, but this trip was more about quality time than sightseeing. Whether we were sharing meals, catching up on life, or relaxing at home, it was exactly what I needed.

Off to Richmond to Help Maryliz Move

Living room with a white sofa, coffee table, and a white brick fireplace. Walls are adorned with various framed artworks, including a large painting above the fireplace.

Next, I traveled to Richmond, Virginia, where my best friend Maryliz had just moved into the cutest three-bedroom home in the most adorable neighborhood. Moving is always overwhelming, so I wanted to help her get settled. The best part? Her new home is only 10 minutes from my sister Jeni and her husband, Tom!

The area is charming, and I could immediately see why Maryliz fell in love with it. Although Maryliz had almost done all of the move-in herself, helping her unpack, organize, and decorate was a lot of fun—it felt like a mix of a girls’ weekend and a mini home makeover show. I love the art Maryliz chose for her FrameTV. How amazing is that? We celebrated her big move with cozy nights, good food, and plenty of laughter.

A Winter Storm & Fireplace Camping

Snow-covered landscape with trees and a river in the background. Bare branches and frosty ground create a serene winter scene.

I arrived in Richmond just in time for a big winter storm, and let me tell you—it was an adventure! The storm knocked out power for a few days, which meant we got to experience “fireplace camping”—bundling up, lighting candles, and making the most of it.

Room with a lit fireplace, wooden dog sculpture on the floor, and a person in socks and plaid pants resting on a chair.

Instead of stressing about the outage, we embraced it. There’s something oddly fun and cozy about being forced to slow down—no screens, no distractions, just time spent chatting, laughing, and making the best of the situation—all in front of the working fireplace. It was a trip highlight!

The Not-So-Fun Part: Air Travel Woes

While the trip was terrific, my air travel was a nightmare. Every single flight was delayed by two to four hours, and at one point, we even taxied to the runway before the pilot announced they had “timed out,“—meaning the crew had exceeded their allowable flight hours, so we had to go back to the gate and wait for a new crew.

It was beyond frustrating. Why couldn’t they have figured that out before we left the gate?!

My final flight home on Friday was three hours late, which meant I missed Valentine’s Day entirely. But Dave and I are making up for it by celebrating all weekend at the beach, so it all worked out in the end!

Despite the travel headaches, this East Coast trip was exactly what I needed—relaxing time with family in Atlanta, helping Maryliz in Richmond, and making unexpected winter storm memories with my sister Jeni and her husband Tom.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. (Though I could do without the flight delays!) I think Dave and I might be heading back to Virginia in April.

Have you ever had a trip where unexpected weather or travel delays led to some great memories? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories! 😊✈️❄️

A bottle of feminine wash labeled "Multi-Benefit Daily Balance" next to three sets of differently colored, smooth, capsule-shaped objects in teal, mint, peach, and yellow. — 8 Pack Silicone Bottle Covers

COOLIFE Hardsided Luggage 3 Piece Set

Large Makeup Bag/Cosmetic Organizer

Pink convertible backpack with multiple compartments and adjustable shoulder straps. — Travel Backpack for Women

Set of travel-sized bottles and jars in a transparent pouch, featuring four silicone containers in green, black, grey, and white, alongside smaller accessories. — Travel Bottles for Toiletries

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror

My Latest Project

Remember this dress form?

I bought her many years ago at a flea market.

Over the years, I have “dressed her up” at Christmastime.

Well, now, I will finally use her for the purpose for which she was intended.

I am going to design a dress for her.

Actually, it’s for me.

I have watched too many episodes of Project Runway, and for the first 25 years of my life, I was sure I would be a fashion designer. If I had to guess, I have probably sewed over 200 outfits since high school. I just never took the next step to design my own.

Oh, wait.

I did design my wedding dress, but that was my only attempt at design. I loved it and am unsure why I haven’t tried to create anything since then.

So it’s time I tried to design a dress for one of the many weddings I will be attending this year. I will drape it on the dress form and see if I can figure it out.

I am off to buy about 15 years of muslin and try it.

Am I crazy???

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A beige tailor's mannequin torso on a dark wooden stand with an adjustable metal rod. — Bonnlo Upgraded Female Dress Form

Singer Sewing Machine

free motion foot for your machine

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

Laptop, smartwatch, and a decorative bowl on a light wooden table. Two jars with pink roses and greenery are in the background.

Other than traveling, my biggest challenge was functioning without my laptop, phone, and Apple Watch charged.

Plus, without light in the house, I couldn’t needlepoint. You all know how I am trying to finish Chalrotte’s stocking this month!

Lack of electricity can be challenging, but there is a silver lining.

I spent much less time on my devices, which was very good. It’s a good reminder to unplug more!

Two white power banks with digital displays are shown. One is plugged into a wall outlet, and the other has attached cables. — Portable Charger with Built in Cables

Smartwatch with a rose gold case, white band, and a bold digital display showing the time "10:09. — Apple Watch Series 10

Black portable power bank with a digital display, featuring two USB ports and a blue paw print-shaped charging indicator. — INIU Portable Charger

Take down and store all of my Valentine’s Decor.
Plan my crafts for Spring and Easter.
Get ready for Michel and Ellie’s visit!

A cozy living room with a gray sofa, white curtains, and green walls. A wooden coffee table with flowers is on a patterned rug. Artwork hangs on the walls, and plants decorate the space.

The Most Surprising 2025 Home Decor Trend, According to Designers I am not crazy about.

A jar labeled "mint lemon sugar scrub" is on a wooden board with halved lemons, fresh mint, a small scoop of scrub, and a striped cloth.

How to Make a Luxurious Spa Experience at Home

Stone entrance with an arched wooden door, stained glass, and pendant lights inside. Steps and greenery are in the foreground.

Keeping it classic in Victorian home in Oxford

A rectangular dish filled with a creamy dessert, garnished with chopped nuts. Surrounding items include a lemon, tulip flowers, a pink glass, a pink cloth, and a slice of lemon.

This Recipe for Lemon Lush Dessert looks amazing.

Living room with a white fireplace, black vase, and sculpture. A green velvet chair, red curtains, and a bed with colorful pillows are present. A modern wall lamp and plants complete the decor.

I think you will enjoy These 5 Trends in Paris — They’re Coming for Your Home.

Three nested rectangular white ceramic serving platters of varying sizes are stacked diagonally, perfect for presenting any delicacy, from savory hors d'oeuvres to delightful chocolate marshmallows.

Sweese Porcelain White Platters, Set of 3

Silicone Spatula Set

Porcelain Mixing Bowls, Set of 4

And what a week it was!

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