Posts in Life
Newbie to Newbie: A Belgian Beer Guide
Newbie to Newbie: A Belgian Beer Guide

I was fortunate to come of age in the company of two proper Belgians (my now husband and the best man at our wedding), so when I first learned to drink beer, I benefitted from their expertise. What this developed for me was not necessarily the most refined beer palette—I still consider myself quite amateur—but rather a solid sense of the varieties of beer I like and what is not worth ordering for myself, no matter how trendy. But since we recently traveled to the motherland, I took the opportunity to try as many different beers as social responsibility for a person of my stature would allow. Here, I offer my completely amateur opinions of the experience...

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LifeMeredith StorrsTravel, Beer, BelgiumComment
Holy Ground

It's a quiet Saturday on the coast of Southern California, and a sunny beach day is our gift to the visiting inlaws. The kids dance with delight in the shallowest fingers of the waves, their shovels and buckets abandoned before me. I am charged with guarding the blanket, which is my own delight. My black yoga pants draw in the sun and its warmth prickles my skin, the ocean breeze a balancing cool on my face. Familiar sounds. Familiar smells. I gaze out to infinity.

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Life, WorshipMeredith StorrsThe BeachComment
The Sad State of Storrs Books
The Sad State of Storrs Books

I am glad that I asked for books instead of cards at my first baby shower. I didn't know how much of a reader Eloïse would be, but it has certainly worked in our favor to be well stocked. And still, two children over the course of four years have put a substantial wear and tear on our collection...

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LifeMeredith StorrsreadingComment
Storrs Family Camping Hacks: Tips for Ladies, Babies, and Toddlers

We got back last week from camping* with the family, which was our most successful trip ever. There was family napping, good food, lots of relaxing in nature, and even a little bit of pinterest-inspired nature crafting. It was so good that even a double-vomit situation on the drive home couldn't derail it. Now that we've been camping with the kids in a variety of different settings, I think we've finally found a good groove. With that in mind, here is my working list of Storrs Family Camping Hacks...

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Life, FamilyMeredith StorrscampingComment
Miscarriage
Miscarriage

I was halfway through my first pregnancy when my OB's archaic sound device couldn't find a heartbeat. She seemed non-plussed and suggested a follow up with the ultrasound tech. I had already seen and heard my baby at previous appointments, already announced to overjoyed friends and family that we were expecting our first child in June. At nearly 20 weeks, I found the her referral odd, but I didn't know enough to be worried....

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Life, WomanhoodMeredith Storrspregnancy, miscarriage Comment
2nd Helpings

When Phil and I went to Mexico on our honeymoon, we were surprised and a little naively flattered when we walked through the market to catcalls of "Newlyweds! Newlyweds..." Each vendor seemed to know we were just married and offered jewelry and candies just for "the special couple." We must have exuded that doe-eyed romantic glow. It wasn't until the second time we went to Mexico, a year later with some friends of ours, that we realized "Newlyweds!" was a ploy they use on any couple under fifty. Probably also on any particularly happy-looking geriatric couple. The flattery makes you feel looser with your wallet. A second pregnancy has some of the same amusing revelations...

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LifeMeredith StorrsAnderson Columbus, pregnancy, MexicoComment
Talk Like a Pirate Day

I have a secret. I was saving it for the next time I play "Two Truths and a Lie," but will instead let the cat out of the bag now. When I was in high school, a boy-who-I-had-a-crush-on hit me in the face during a game of Ultimate Frisbee and knocked my right front tooth loose. He felt horrible...

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LifeMeredith Storrsdentistry, pirates Comments