Guess what song has been stuck in my head for 3 days:
TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS
I love big cities, but they stress me out!! All the planning and walking and the fact that I’m usually traveling when I’m in them – give me fields, open skies and a front porch!
My flights went swimmingly today. Way to go American Airlines, ORD and RDU!
I opted out of in-flight internet to start a new book – American Wife– that Larbs gave to me. I’m about 50 pages in and am loving it. The author is VERY clever in her writing style and details, and to me, that’s what makes a book.
Dad picked Matt up from the airport at 1PM and they went to a few museums until my flight came in at 5:15. Then we all went out for salad bar for dinner before Matt and I hit the road for home. (Mom is already up with my grandmother in Baltimore)
I think this is the first time the Souper! Salad! salad bar has been shot with a DSLR camera 
I heart salad bars so much.
I piled mine high with veggies and tidbits of this and that – some fettuccini noodles, olives, spicy peanuts, beans and GOLDFISH!!
And on the side I had a sweet potato!! I was thrilled to see they had these, but sadly, it was not the best sweet potato I’ve ever had.
My dates! I think between the two of them they made about 10 trips to the salad bar – 8 kinds of soup, 3 salads, 2 extra plates, 2 desserts. Buffets are fun 🙂
The sign made me do it!!
My GOSH this was a fabulous ice cream cone!!
I also heart places with all-you-can-eat soft serve!
Luckily, all I did eat was one 😉
Other than 3×3 hours of “are we there yets”, our car ride went well. Welcome home Bears!
I cannot WAIT to sleep in my own bed again! It’s been 12 days since I’ve been home and all I want is a little downtime with my house and husband.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I heart soft serve! Especially when its free 🙂
Nite 🙂
Marissa says
I loved American Wife! I think the bears were anxious to get home because they were too hot in their plastic travel carrier 🙂
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write says
I bet it’s amazing to be home. I hate being away from hubby for very long. The bears looked thrilled too! 🙂
Sheri says
I am also reading American Wife and am really liking it as well! Enjoy your down time.
Evan Thomas says
It was so nice to finally meet you, Kath. You girls really did a great job at putting on a production. I’m excited to hear your sister is now a Boston blogger; more of those are always welcome.
Kath says
🙂
jessica @ how sweet says
I LOVED american wife. I wish I could read it all over again for the first time. Best book ever.
Kristy @ KristyRuns.com says
Mmmmm…salad bars and soft serve. Sounds like a winning combination to me. 😉 And welcome home! It’s always good to be back, no matter how much fun is was to be away.
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
I love salad bars as well, I tend to feel overwhelmed at them due to the sheer amount of options they have. Also, self-serve soft serve and froyo places are some of my absolute favorite simple pleasures.
Have a good evening with your hubs. Also, many condolences to you and your family regarding your Grandfather.
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
I love salad bars as well, I tend to feel overwhelmed when at one due to the sheer amount of options they typically have. Also, self-serve soft serve and froyo places are some of my absolute favorite simple pleasures.
Have a good, peaceful evening with your hubs! Also, many condolences to you and your family regarding your Grandfather.
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i LOVED american wife – can’t wait to hear what you think of the rest of it. have you read “prep” (by the same author)? i didn’t really care for her sophomore one (“man of my dreams”) but i liked her first book, and american wife is my fave.
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
Welcome home!!!! What fun adventures you have had!!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says
Glad you’re home and able to relax 🙂
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
Aww glad you’re home and able to have some downtime!!
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman says
Feels so good to be home, I’m sure! Enjoy your down time 🙂
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i know what you mean about the stress of cities…it’s fun, but always great to get home 🙂
Brooke - One Healthy Cookie says
Glad you’re home and relaxed! I’ve got an 8 1/2 hour drive to get home tomorrow 🙁
Hannah says
I’ve read Prep and The Man of My Dreams by Sittenfeld, but not this one. The Man of My Dreams freaked me out because it hit so close to home – not only is the character’s name Hannah, but some of her thoughts about herself and guys made me cry because it was so true to me. So in my mind, Sittenfeld’s an amazing writer!
Char says
Looks utterly delicious!
xoxo
Angela says
Your salad looked amazing! I made a big salad too! HLS looked like a great time, I can’t wait to go next year. Is there a city picked out?
Kath says
Not yet!
Janna (Janna's Keeping it Real) says
Welcome back, kath and bears!
katie says
Curtis Sittenfeld used to work at the bookstore where I work now, so I always think it’s funny to see people reading her books. I guess she stops in when she’s back in town, though I’ve never been there at the same time (I always miss the famous people who come in, which is just my luck). I’ve read Prep and The Man of My Dreams, but not American Wife (though I have a copy of it sitting on my bookshelf)- enjoyed Prep, but not her second venture.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Remember to share your AllieBars with da bears!! Oh PS!!! Top a smoothie with AllieBar crumbs…the smoothie freezes them so they’re crunchy but still chewy. Ya gotta try it.
Wei-Wei says
Wait, 3×3 hours of Are We There Yet? You drove for 9 hours?!?! (That restaurant sounds like my idea of heaven!)
Wei-Wei
Kath says
3 bears x 3 hours
Camille says
I love American Wife!
If you like it, trying reading Curtis Sittenfeld’s other book next, Prep. I have read it about 4 times… one of my favorite books!
Mama Pea says
Aww, that looks much like my beloved Sweet Tomatoes. Take me home, indeed!
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
That book looks really great! Too bad I have 4 books on my nightstand waiting to be read or else I would pick up that book in an instant.
Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
That salad looks awesome!! I love salad bars, too! In fact, I just asked the question on my blog: “What’s your favorite kind of bar?” Salad, sushi, dessert, etc. Salad bars are in the lead, I think, lol. 🙂 The more options, the better!!
Jenn
Marina says
I never been to a salad bar place! But I think I would love it.
Yesterday I had an awesome salad in a restaurant, with tofu, mixed greens, butternut squash, avocado and wasabi dressing. So amazing.
Enjoy your time at home 😉
Laura (Starloz) says
I’ve never noticed how beautiful your ring is until now, its incredibly beautiful.
I’m a city girl, the country isn’t for me at all.
Jac says
so sad no salad buffets here in msia! Only one in Pizza hut, with minimum variety! 🙁
jassy says
it’s always good to be home after being away for quite some time 🙂
sarah (the SHU box) says
WOAH i am currently reading that book! and i love it, too. i never thought i’d identify with [a fictional version of, but still] laura bush . . . but so far, i totally do.
Lynn @ The Next Chapter says
I loved American Wife, was one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I couldn’t put it down!
Kaci Higgins says
Glad you made it home safely! Oh me oh my I LOVEEEEE Souper Salad! It’s kind of a tradition for my twin and I to eat there right after being picked up from the airport when visiting our parents in Texas. =) Sadly, there isn’t a Souper Salad near where we live. 🙁 Your ice cream cones looks so cute and picturesque. I can never turn down dessert there. 😉
Kori says
🙂 I can’t wait for us to do reinstate this tradition again soon! Kath, I am SO glad that you had a fabulous time but that you are now safely and soundly back home.
Tina says
Enjoy being home! Hope you had a wonderful night of rest in your bed.
I have that book on hold for me at the library. I have only heard good things about it.
Colleen says
I love, love Souper Salad! I so wish they had them in Baltimore. I hope you enjoy home, even if briefly!
Joanne says
I’ve read American Wife and LOVED it. I couldn’t put it down! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
Enjoy your downtime and sleeping in.
Courtney (Delightful Devours) says
Salad bars and soft serve ice cream. What could be better?
It looks like you had a great time at the HLS. I’m so jealous but can’t wait to go next year 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I LOVE salad bars! Love the goldfish touch for some crunch on the salad! I am sorry things are so crazy right now and I hope you get some rest before you head to Baltimore.
Heather says
I just finished American Wife and loved it! What a great book!
Enjoy being home – I think there is nothing nicer then sleeping in your own bed.
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
Glad you made it home safely! It was so great to meet you in person this weekend- you ladies did an AMAZING job of organizing the summit and deserve some definite R&R. Hope you enjoy your week at home!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home. When my hubby and I take vacations we sort of like to keep it within 5 nights because for some reason that’s the point where we want structure and our own bed! I totally know how you feel. Twelve days!? You’re a trooper sister.
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says
good salad bars are the best – there are so many ingredients to try that I normally wouldn’t buy myself – just because I know i would only use a tiny bit and have a huge portion leftover!
Eileen says
You should read Prep by the same author…amazing book! It looks like teen lit from the description (about a girl in a boarding school) but is VERY adult in its themes…self acceptance, self confidence and what lack of those 2 traits can do to you in life. Highly recommend it.
Love your blog, thanks!
Suzanne says
I just started American Wife this morning! I already really enjoy it. I loved Prep, so I’m excited to rad another Curtis Sittenfeld book, esp since I’ve heard such good things!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I love your facial expression in that last photo or you! It says “MY ice cream cone!” 😛
tiffany says
Glad you are home safely. I hope the bears are happy in their new home.
Amber K says
Soft-serve is the best. And did that sign say lactose-free? That is AWESOME!
Amy says
I loved that book! It made me like Barbara Bush (even though it’s only loosely based on their relationship). Great read.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I love that song! I totally agree that I enjoy quiet country life over the big city.
I’m glad you’re finally able to enjoy some downtime with Matt at home! 🙂
Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up says
Never heard of the American Wife but I might have to look into reading it if I get time away from school. 🙂
Errign says
I just couldn’t get into American Wife, but I was also trying to read it during a very busy couple of weeks – I need to give it another shot!
Sittenfeld’s other book Prep is FANTASTIC.
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
Next time you come to Chicago, you’ll have to stay in / check out the neighborhoods outside the downtown / Gold Coast / loop area. Chicago’s actually pretty laid-back and residential, with lots of cute neighborly restaurants and shops, once you get away from the hustle and bustle of the loop, etc.! Everything really unique and quaint and good happens in places like Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, and Roscoe Village!
Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says
Welcome home. It’s so amazing to just be in your own house after traveling around.
Curtis Sittenfeld is great; I read Prep, which was young adult lit (probably my favorite genre). Like everyone else, I liked it. I thought was wonderfully written. Sad, but like you said, love the details!