Not-So-Newlywed Map
Have you ever heard of a Newlywed Map? I hadn’t until I saw this post on Heather Drive. You might remember that Heather and I have teamed up for some Operation Baking Gals teams in the past. I can’t remember how I found her blog, but I’ve enjoyed following it. She’s got a mix of food, travel, and life posts in her blog.
The idea of a Newlywed Map is that you mount a map of the world on some foam and frame it. Then you mark all the places you’ve traveled with your Hubby. We have been married almost 4 years at this point, so we’re not quite Newlyweds, but this is still a great idea.
Hubby and I added places we’ve visted together and individually since we met. Hubby spent a couple months working in India and traveling near there and we didn’t want to neglect those travels. When we sat down to make our map, we realized that we’ve been to the Caribbean a LOT (thanks to 3 cruises), and all over the East coast and Midwest. Other than that, there is a lot of world out there that we want to visit!
This project was really easy and Hubby and I had a good time putting it together. First I ordered a map and some pins online. My craft store didn’t have foam in the 24×36″ size, so I had to go with a tri-fold science-fair board. It worked out perfectly. We just used some packaging tape to tape the flaps down to the board so it was twice as thick.
Next we used spray adhesive to glue the map to the board. Once that was dry, we placed it in the frame. We got lucky because about 7 years ago I bought a big painting from a starving artist sale to go over our mantle in our first apartment together. The painting was the kind that just pops out of the frame. Since we don’t have a mantle in Boston, the painting has been in our basement since we moved. The frame was the perfect size and our mounted map popped right into the frame.
The next step was the fun part. Placing all the pins on the places we’ve been. It was a good time reminescing about various trips we’ve taken. And lastly, Hubby hung it on the wall. You might remember me mentioning that during our kitchen renovation, they put a circuit breaker box in our hallway when the electrical got updated. We have been searching for something large enough to cover the box ever since. This map hides the box perfectly!
One Year Ago: Spicy Orange Shrimp
Two Years Ago: Dairy Free Cheesecake Pops and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
Thank you so much for sharing Jen! I completely understand where you’re coming from and how you feel…do nice things for yourself
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 8:50 am
You do the same Fiona
Thank you so much for sharing. This is UNREAL. My husband Jeff ran the Boston Marathon this year, and I spent the day traveling around on the T watching the marathon with my in-laws. We ended the day just a block from the blast sites – I shared my story here: http://decoratethis.blogspot.com/2013/04/bittersweet.html; Jeff’s story here: http://iwasbornready.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-2013-boston-marathon.html.
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:05 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your and Jeff’s stories. What a day you guys had. I’m glad you’re safe.
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
I added these links to the body of the post.
It definitely does help to put some words together. And I feel the same way- even though I was volunteering at the 10k, i can’t help but wonder why wasn’t i volunteering at the finish line so I could’ve helped?
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
I agree – it was therapeutic to write this up.
Thanks for sharing Jen. I haven’t lived in Boston for 4 years now, but my husband and I had a similar reaction. We both wanted to get “home” to the city we love, a city that becomes part of your being no matter where you go next.
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:11 pm
I’m glad to hear I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Living in Boston leaves such a strong impression…
I’m a longtime reader, first time commenter. First I want to give you big virtual hugs regarding the events in Boston. Your feelings are no less valid, no less important. My heart goes out to you. Also, I want to say, welcome to Cincinnati! I live east of the city and am a transplant from Seattle. Cincy is growing on me, and slowly but surely I’m starting to tell people that I’m from Ohio not Washington. 🙂 Best wishes to you and thank you for sharing.
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:14 pm
Jen – thanks so much for commenting. I realize that at some point I’ll say I’m from Ohio, but the events of this week just my my heart tied even tighter to Boston…
I’m so glad all of your Boston people are safe. I can completely relate to your feelings of helplessness, I felt the same way after 9/11. It’s hard to be away from family and friends and a city that you love when tragedy strikes.
Big hugs for you and your crew.
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:14 pm
Thanks Jene. I’m sure it’s very similar to how you felt around 9/11.
I feel the same way–Boston was my home for four years of college. I love that city. I feel like it is MY city. I wish I was there, locked in with friends, watching the news and hugging them. I feel so helpless on the other side of the state, so far away.
As soon as I’m able I’m going to the city and having a moment in the Common before heading to all my favorite places. My heart aches for the city, I wish I was there.
beantownbaker — April 19th, 2013 @ 4:15 pm
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who feels this way. We are trying to make plans to get back to the city sometime soon as well.
Oh I so know how you feel.. I live in Michigan. I’ve been here for almost 10 years, and I still call Boston home. It’ll always be home to me. You’re not alone!
beantownbaker — April 21st, 2013 @ 6:07 pm
Glad to hear I’m not the only one. I definitely think Boston will always feel like home to both me and Hubby.
I know exactly how you feel – I am a 2004 graduate of Virginia Tech. I was at work when the April 16th incident happened in Blacksburg, and I felt SO far away, and SO hopeless – the only place I wanted to be was in my beloved Blacksburg.
To make matters worse, I flew to Missouri the next day (for work) for 3.5 weeks. It seemed that the people out there had ALREADY moved on from the tragedy – it just made NO sense to me. I cried most of those 3 weeks, and since I was out there by myself it was a struggle.
I have always loved Boston, and I know that that community will love and support one another, just as Blacksburg did (and still does). It was the sixth anniversary this past Tuesday, and with everything happening in Boston, and the thoughts of VT and Blacksburg, it was an extremely long and tiring week.
Stay strong.
beantownbaker — April 22nd, 2013 @ 11:46 am
That sounds like a horrible situation for you in the aftermath of the VTech tragedy. Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story.