tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25890941300941272072024-03-19T15:18:16.115-04:00A Texas BellePaigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-79304574106399420132016-06-24T07:47:00.005-04:002016-06-24T07:47:51.546-04:00Six MonthsOur little boy is sixth months old. He has been in our lives for half of a year, which feels simultaneously like a lifetime and like the blink of an eye. Our life is vastly different than it was a mere six months ago, but I can no longer imagine my world without these bright blue eyes and big gummy smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqO4Xefn6uofNCFJCTmVbC-RO1U1VhubMdAp3LpmkjiCIdvoGEv6NdO6surh_eFGSjVpn77z3Du0efTHLcIc9wW7ZYCPM58PuP1P8QuAE1MokBTXWrz6Z1GXeEiPIdnBYsVMYecVxM_Kb/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqO4Xefn6uofNCFJCTmVbC-RO1U1VhubMdAp3LpmkjiCIdvoGEv6NdO6surh_eFGSjVpn77z3Du0efTHLcIc9wW7ZYCPM58PuP1P8QuAE1MokBTXWrz6Z1GXeEiPIdnBYsVMYecVxM_Kb/s640/IMG_4974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Aaron is a sturdy kid, clocking in at 20 pounds now. He's between 12 month and 18 month clothes -- ridiculous, right? He sleeps through the night (I'm one grateful mama), though he struggles a bit with naps. He is such a happy baby, and he's so curious about the world around him. He is generous with his smiles, he has a great belly laugh. He grabs everything within arms reach and chews on everything he can get his hands on. He's sitting now, which blows my mind. He loves to stand and gets frustrated that he can't crawl. I swear he has said "Mom" a couple of times, but, of course, no one believes me. He gives a good high five, and babbles and squeals and screeches away. He is particularly fond of riding around on his dad's shoulders and is a sucker for a good game of Peek-a-Boo. He's beginning to pet the dog and grab fist-fulls of fur -- poor Charlie. He loves to bang on the pages of his books and will help me turn the page. He has a tendency to chew on his books as well, but his book-loving mother tries her best to discourage such disrespectful behavior toward the written word. Bath time is another favorite. He chews on a rubber ducky while kicking with those chubby legs as hard as he can, splashing water all over the bathroom.<br />
<br />
It's such a joy to watch this baby learn and grow and change. My brain cannot fathom how these months will someday turn into years, when my little boy will no longer be so little. But what a fun adventure it's going to be!Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-38937985505543930942016-03-03T17:16:00.000-05:002016-03-04T06:51:17.942-05:00Aaron Louis<div style="text-align: center;">
At long last, let me introduce the newest member of our family. We now have a sweet little boy named <b>Aaron Louis, born December 14th clocking in at 8 lb 10 oz and 21.5 inches long</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsrD4FjJttE3809h8ZZ0WqZzgsjecfXeOYilGXb1pFbdjXvrJazby7GQ9yfnKgrKJq1uTveCJV6BJC3A7CbQhTxhUSfgXEcpQScZ4g2lPiaYzj3jq7R5_EVlPtOy3uNvsV7QuKyXPlPVZ/s1600/DSC_3255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsrD4FjJttE3809h8ZZ0WqZzgsjecfXeOYilGXb1pFbdjXvrJazby7GQ9yfnKgrKJq1uTveCJV6BJC3A7CbQhTxhUSfgXEcpQScZ4g2lPiaYzj3jq7R5_EVlPtOy3uNvsV7QuKyXPlPVZ/s400/DSC_3255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now he's almost 12 weeks old! He's gigantic, now weighing about 15 lb 7 oz and filling up every inch of his 6 month-sized outfits. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's a happy, active little boy who charms everyone he meets with his big smiles and laughs. He "talks" up a storm, he loves rolling over from his tummy to his back, and he tries so hard to sit up, though he can't quite do it yet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's got chubby little arms and legs, and he grabs onto toys, especially a favorite stuffed rabbit. He is enthralled by watching the airplanes dangling from the ceiling of his nursery "fly" around. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Each day brings a new discovery and a new challenge, and I love watching him learn to be a part of the big world surrounding him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've decided to keep him!</div>
<br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-63954343188547607352016-02-25T14:30:00.002-05:002016-02-25T14:30:05.317-05:00Nine MonthsBefore I get to the fun of introducing our new little bundle, I want to take a moment to reminisce on the nine months preceding his birth. When we learned that I was pregnant, I thought it would be an eternity until he was born. Nine months sounds like forever, doesn't it? But as cliche as it sounds, it's nonetheless true that the time absolutely flew by. I was blessed to have a fairly easy pregnancy compared to many, so the months were full of moments that are now happy memories. Sure, sleeping became pretty difficult for the last few months, my bladder became a bit cramped, and some doorways became difficult to navigate, but we still managed to have plenty of fun before welcoming our little guy into the world. So here goes!<br />
<br />
First, no pregnancy post would be complete without a few sonograms! On the left is my very first sonogram, when our baby was just a little blob. And next to it we see what a difference a few months can make at our 20 Week appointment when we find out we're having a little boy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nEYcVGd43Qta3dHNN06iraXCixyyaL7dbzt47qbL8tYFecBOGd9QS3OPpTzUcZclY35YZBZxwUK7UBKDW6BEK7xtvVJRNUdwQcs0Q45uGDOHC_ILoWjB-nOmkwuUyDWgIRG5IGvIvGcK/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nEYcVGd43Qta3dHNN06iraXCixyyaL7dbzt47qbL8tYFecBOGd9QS3OPpTzUcZclY35YZBZxwUK7UBKDW6BEK7xtvVJRNUdwQcs0Q45uGDOHC_ILoWjB-nOmkwuUyDWgIRG5IGvIvGcK/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We celebrated the <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-texas-july-4th.html">4th of July! </a>In Paris we watched the Paris Municipal Band and the city fireworks at Noyes Stadium after spending the day with my family. In McKinney, we lit sparklers and watched the McKinney fireworks with our neighbors!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6Ke7CrI-kNQTsSgiXKWMv8hCHpWPP653EGUQ2Tg3fIXwVZ4E1Qo9SaD3IdLnU02E5epRf_vPcO1GMleMpNX9t5lbj2sFWGJyNriq96Rndjx0vwH1MHm4iDUcVFyZz7xvDYSXi48mxBaD/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6Ke7CrI-kNQTsSgiXKWMv8hCHpWPP653EGUQ2Tg3fIXwVZ4E1Qo9SaD3IdLnU02E5epRf_vPcO1GMleMpNX9t5lbj2sFWGJyNriq96Rndjx0vwH1MHm4iDUcVFyZz7xvDYSXi48mxBaD/s640/Picture2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We had visitors! Our sweet friends <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2015/06/kurt-nina-come-to-dallas.html">Kurt and Nina </a>visited from Arizona while Jeff and Jessica came in for a few days from South Carolina!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Tw80cSUXfrAfm0zAPmg0oEXrgAfWugj7JA7l2COCgAxHVEMoFsGdeOhKS_njxaagr-y7KiZhDqmOGmEGzD7UKa6NBZfV1T_b44v6wxrDrmVlteRqXq8OTXW0xOxEfE-5srIeL3jrYpZy/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Tw80cSUXfrAfm0zAPmg0oEXrgAfWugj7JA7l2COCgAxHVEMoFsGdeOhKS_njxaagr-y7KiZhDqmOGmEGzD7UKa6NBZfV1T_b44v6wxrDrmVlteRqXq8OTXW0xOxEfE-5srIeL3jrYpZy/s640/Picture3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-multi-generational-baby-shower.html">threw a baby shower, </a>along with my mom and grandmother, for my friend Alison. She's now a momma to adorable little Mason!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpjJrG9xROQhiG1iZrxroKxGstBOSio7_MApC1nBypWVQznKqd0vjrw-NFpnExfiofQuDZFmz30dhVjWkfe4mK9osDSWWKwTF_1Jt-jHbrGAidHV0hyphenhyphengBAo3XjSj2rM9DqHSat8WV5sH_/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpjJrG9xROQhiG1iZrxroKxGstBOSio7_MApC1nBypWVQznKqd0vjrw-NFpnExfiofQuDZFmz30dhVjWkfe4mK9osDSWWKwTF_1Jt-jHbrGAidHV0hyphenhyphengBAo3XjSj2rM9DqHSat8WV5sH_/s400/Picture4.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
We traveled! We spent a lovely week meandering around <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2015/10/nova-scotia.html">Nova Scotia</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloCMmvjBjtPZtdHXYnXaH38DerdZEhmfvQ1V3FtGCxztVKLnIzKOyolViSrvzshCH3xGfYkX7YKCNgIqHMl43lWF6H69ITQ-HSD_wY2CWELrgdEcIgsD6McDwPSAA14MzXqwuLYFb_7OE/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloCMmvjBjtPZtdHXYnXaH38DerdZEhmfvQ1V3FtGCxztVKLnIzKOyolViSrvzshCH3xGfYkX7YKCNgIqHMl43lWF6H69ITQ-HSD_wY2CWELrgdEcIgsD6McDwPSAA14MzXqwuLYFb_7OE/s640/Picture5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We got a porch swing (that still needs to be stained). Does it get any more southern than this? Thank goodness for a husband and father-in-law who know how to hang things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73tqbEWOxkQySyO8rmiHSLOyKrxRXUSt4TaetYitnKIXROOQfirfqb8Ggb11CSDkY2m34pauv_FQuICmu55fgGxNi2xMgM4jmlAf9kONrrLOVV4LIsF9FNIOqEBVxUJpIMt8I-06NKInM/s1600/Picture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73tqbEWOxkQySyO8rmiHSLOyKrxRXUSt4TaetYitnKIXROOQfirfqb8Ggb11CSDkY2m34pauv_FQuICmu55fgGxNi2xMgM4jmlAf9kONrrLOVV4LIsF9FNIOqEBVxUJpIMt8I-06NKInM/s400/Picture6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2015/08/hello-30.html">turned the big 3-0 </a>and had a lovely time celebrating with family and friends!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH8TE7RvlXdmzHOcpEN6flpRJEmVaeYi9C5ohAIBtp7CTaHVx_Q98t8srsxPNG_rbupE5GTPp9-EMeoiy1evvb2AF0wTDN9j3zf3JWeuBsBygZ3PVH6FXS1xMhQxxv1Lop9qJM82o56OV/s1600/Picture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrH8TE7RvlXdmzHOcpEN6flpRJEmVaeYi9C5ohAIBtp7CTaHVx_Q98t8srsxPNG_rbupE5GTPp9-EMeoiy1evvb2AF0wTDN9j3zf3JWeuBsBygZ3PVH6FXS1xMhQxxv1Lop9qJM82o56OV/s640/Picture7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My husband and amazing in-laws painted the nursery! Goodbye horrid blue and tan stripes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsJpXz1S2bv6iydArs-J60PJCuDbCag-HuLC75zmKrxH_Ul04Wsk5r3P5PP7EeWOVYthyphenhyphen0ZDsukOiJVDFIvq6JdzqoeeoiunvhvLKtYuXhomfw4I4lO5SPr5D8Mmbt99cRFs2fLq0c4Q9/s1600/Picture8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsJpXz1S2bv6iydArs-J60PJCuDbCag-HuLC75zmKrxH_Ul04Wsk5r3P5PP7EeWOVYthyphenhyphen0ZDsukOiJVDFIvq6JdzqoeeoiunvhvLKtYuXhomfw4I4lO5SPr5D8Mmbt99cRFs2fLq0c4Q9/s400/Picture8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We went to Frisco Rough Riders games, ate cheesy nachos, and root-root-rooted for the home team!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFT0Aqv9xvbmj0QxR4q-sCfQnfp3Ike8OcbCOOYykiV1HNWseWBoocaxbicv1C7wC9wZEZeGk4AFwA_WfGqdbwuxW2eGpyf_ZJ7KL3Dgi8eP-UnUOptJoNOgF9lXWL50BzqoTZEjuVIQF/s1600/Picture9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFT0Aqv9xvbmj0QxR4q-sCfQnfp3Ike8OcbCOOYykiV1HNWseWBoocaxbicv1C7wC9wZEZeGk4AFwA_WfGqdbwuxW2eGpyf_ZJ7KL3Dgi8eP-UnUOptJoNOgF9lXWL50BzqoTZEjuVIQF/s640/Picture9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We brewed lots of beer, and my husband built a kegerator that lives in our garage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30czD1El1PzLzzGFXqW2X508-rCk2SHiKC2WD3O2Z0P6IDKGdorLN6wBhlXQzzv39H-MtmyvBxglMz2Zrhz5YAiGKfuDBWOo68cK-cekmyV5prKwVdjFUZZ6lp9dbBGsVel7yDIUV0Vvt/s1600/Picture10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30czD1El1PzLzzGFXqW2X508-rCk2SHiKC2WD3O2Z0P6IDKGdorLN6wBhlXQzzv39H-MtmyvBxglMz2Zrhz5YAiGKfuDBWOo68cK-cekmyV5prKwVdjFUZZ6lp9dbBGsVel7yDIUV0Vvt/s400/Picture10.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
My bump got a bit bigger, and Charlie impatiently waited to meet his little brother.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRa8tjmoAph1D-k6HBzaCCKthADfgRJtbk1gJv5VvrMkcPjFF_ndYVgVnbhRW25BcCxFXewtgp3oxu4gMCARCdoH38AQVjtDftLkBiiQIjnFvEyQIJTMP3b3Cq-LNRELXlNSce_e2jDhpc/s1600/Picture11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRa8tjmoAph1D-k6HBzaCCKthADfgRJtbk1gJv5VvrMkcPjFF_ndYVgVnbhRW25BcCxFXewtgp3oxu4gMCARCdoH38AQVjtDftLkBiiQIjnFvEyQIJTMP3b3Cq-LNRELXlNSce_e2jDhpc/s400/Picture11.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
My family came to town to celebrate Mom's birthday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0E-n1bIUt49PIw2IhM868xPA95uyZGH4wbNQNUEC3ebm1capQEF_th21KDsgUrEkI3Mfd80n19gfOH9k8-JZw7MCWdwAQbKwDsLCWgDTlQ3Gokr9fWY1UDUSw8zNX6Tx-TrpuAVcbZg5/s1600/Picture12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0E-n1bIUt49PIw2IhM868xPA95uyZGH4wbNQNUEC3ebm1capQEF_th21KDsgUrEkI3Mfd80n19gfOH9k8-JZw7MCWdwAQbKwDsLCWgDTlQ3Gokr9fWY1UDUSw8zNX6Tx-TrpuAVcbZg5/s400/Picture12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We had a blast at the Red Bull Air Races at Texas Motor Speedway. The bump continues to grow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jbfDqytDWVNSnas4-LDgDsO4PHZFA8E_OJcaVpkTeFBHKKUemZW7G1RRWmxqzUmk-mnpLtX3noD8bcdVbbJkZMhiG4jzoYov-iK0sIAGVCs93o01ZRxqr-GhLBXeqMq04gkjoNxD44bn/s1600/Picture13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jbfDqytDWVNSnas4-LDgDsO4PHZFA8E_OJcaVpkTeFBHKKUemZW7G1RRWmxqzUmk-mnpLtX3noD8bcdVbbJkZMhiG4jzoYov-iK0sIAGVCs93o01ZRxqr-GhLBXeqMq04gkjoNxD44bn/s640/Picture13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We drove down to Wimberley to spend a relaxing Labor Day weekend with our friends Jimmy and Laura and their family. The weekend included grilling, time in the hot tub, lazy mornings on the porch, refreshing cool-watered swimming holes like the <a href="http://friendsofbluehole.org/">Blue Hole</a>, generous slices of pie from the <a href="http://www.wimberleypie.com/">Wimberley Pie Co</a>, and a little beer sampling (for everyone else) at <a href="https://realalebrewing.com/">Real Ale</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX5ljshJJLwRvnuquaYW5zwDvsWcYOnXV-L9ZPYVIuXKY7KHGcm3LwwVcnqwDfOft10dmNhsM_wSv13VLc7sBY_8zcxGNBgMJEDTWqxSaFYIHBYP6EEXDDUZfh3Nw3tozuPo9QavCuEnE/s1600/Picture14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX5ljshJJLwRvnuquaYW5zwDvsWcYOnXV-L9ZPYVIuXKY7KHGcm3LwwVcnqwDfOft10dmNhsM_wSv13VLc7sBY_8zcxGNBgMJEDTWqxSaFYIHBYP6EEXDDUZfh3Nw3tozuPo9QavCuEnE/s640/Picture14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Ali and her mom and grandmother threw me a wonderful baby shower!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEp13E_ygfq1x_jJIqeOujvGSgxcvPDXPw80259CTHe2bVxpTA6dRjQNZCF5FLmL9u55LTjzd9kGf-OpTVxnEdkjUtxfhyphenhyphenDoICyYdoyT3_mt6xinS53PSG-aHab_XxUo6eu3iEBANZswg/s1600/Picture15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEp13E_ygfq1x_jJIqeOujvGSgxcvPDXPw80259CTHe2bVxpTA6dRjQNZCF5FLmL9u55LTjzd9kGf-OpTVxnEdkjUtxfhyphenhyphenDoICyYdoyT3_mt6xinS53PSG-aHab_XxUo6eu3iEBANZswg/s640/Picture15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We spent a day in Dallas visiting the <a href="http://www.jfk.org/">6th Floor Museum</a> and <a href="http://lakewoodbrewing.com/">Lakewood Brewing</a> (again, I got to watch other people sample great beer).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu0J2mNrOpXqfMS1BNBnsY8bh9NpC0u3IRCwV-2UIWMlqAPNtPhoPRVhPKPFIj_gLH1TxzYlTwjvYVhlFtUYeLURIxx1oVGOgWuFsvdaFsuPW2wtKb4cIL3eTGKLEARpKen-64le70Aai/s1600/Picture16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu0J2mNrOpXqfMS1BNBnsY8bh9NpC0u3IRCwV-2UIWMlqAPNtPhoPRVhPKPFIj_gLH1TxzYlTwjvYVhlFtUYeLURIxx1oVGOgWuFsvdaFsuPW2wtKb4cIL3eTGKLEARpKen-64le70Aai/s640/Picture16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We celebrated Oktoberfest in Downtown McKinney! I indulged in heavenly apricot strudel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut in place of beer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TLsVI7IVMt4NTho25zdBprG55oDzWlU-x0WOQhZdKpZAmu5pjWg-DetDQuXvVvNG4ZzDqOPNxg-5Hj3MOM-uquLd3DYfFW_QO9gmHF2xqGdmwa6BBbRqEOdGTHCOixxzNJge2aF5CtcB/s1600/Picture16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TLsVI7IVMt4NTho25zdBprG55oDzWlU-x0WOQhZdKpZAmu5pjWg-DetDQuXvVvNG4ZzDqOPNxg-5Hj3MOM-uquLd3DYfFW_QO9gmHF2xqGdmwa6BBbRqEOdGTHCOixxzNJge2aF5CtcB/s400/Picture16a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My company participated in the 2015 Corporate Challenge (in support of the Special Olympics) where yours truly became a Miniature Golf champ (ok, 3rd place, but we still got a medal) and completed her very first 5K!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKTPt2y79NgEKjOLQ-UQSP6VB-7H_hBPPwZGDXvHnar8ttTdwjNh8FRx_oru90ykZ_YFvLxP9KntKj4ulJY3Vq5Q6eZK8C49v3y9LIjXMv5QTHM_8dkcHuPeJ3JeIVDWQUxfx1cC3jeeM/s1600/Picture17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKTPt2y79NgEKjOLQ-UQSP6VB-7H_hBPPwZGDXvHnar8ttTdwjNh8FRx_oru90ykZ_YFvLxP9KntKj4ulJY3Vq5Q6eZK8C49v3y9LIjXMv5QTHM_8dkcHuPeJ3JeIVDWQUxfx1cC3jeeM/s640/Picture17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We celebrated our 5th Anniversary at <a href="http://www.nhstheoriginal.com/">Neighborhood Services</a>. The bartender made me a fabulous mocktail, my husband enjoyed well-made fully leaded cocktails, and the food was some of the best we've had in Dallas. It was a lovely evening. I'm so thankful for 5 years married to this man, and I look forward to many, many more together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMJFmgZYV2DB4-Xs3WnXCgVj_3fjeJrNwPe-IBTGMpd41ShSkU3r13WX8-YbelZSenqZtgaN3icYqNZOHJ0pkNsUsZ8MtF-IysePC12KXjnQKC9i8R83j1ctDmFYZR-GyhxQvfo61XU6l/s1600/Picture18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMJFmgZYV2DB4-Xs3WnXCgVj_3fjeJrNwPe-IBTGMpd41ShSkU3r13WX8-YbelZSenqZtgaN3icYqNZOHJ0pkNsUsZ8MtF-IysePC12KXjnQKC9i8R83j1ctDmFYZR-GyhxQvfo61XU6l/s400/Picture18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My last trip out of town (before the doctor recommended we stay put "just in case") was to visit family in Austin. We saw The Martian at Alamo Drafthouse, we had dinner with friends at <a href="http://lamanchatexmex.com/">La Mancha Tex-Mex Tavern</a>, and I spent some time showing the baby around some of Mom and Dad's old haunts at UT.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL2dHEUUwmnLPohKzq07I25Kmx72p5qKcI5W7HkDepH7iq2wS4Jx8mpUgX4zv8Dw1RLfbfwz6vtzGn3zGYV5HrB1fu6SPSKT0nMgbhuS8sIBq6fLBs6TeaO6qKQzVh1CjPhYKwYSaSpDU/s1600/Picture19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL2dHEUUwmnLPohKzq07I25Kmx72p5qKcI5W7HkDepH7iq2wS4Jx8mpUgX4zv8Dw1RLfbfwz6vtzGn3zGYV5HrB1fu6SPSKT0nMgbhuS8sIBq6fLBs6TeaO6qKQzVh1CjPhYKwYSaSpDU/s640/Picture19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We hosted our first family Thanksgiving! It was a hit, in large part thanks to my husband's smoked turkey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWvjUshMfLTYFKktiu82DcMLy7UZ5gkEf1AtSvzOdZ_Wz9j_qxT1IEYlpwqFsRhjYwPNoB6OAXut9cn3hJQDamscEleBGbyGZGHTR8w5Q-axfPTyKvbHqZHnjmX9o4ct19lncieThZh3d/s1600/Picture20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWvjUshMfLTYFKktiu82DcMLy7UZ5gkEf1AtSvzOdZ_Wz9j_qxT1IEYlpwqFsRhjYwPNoB6OAXut9cn3hJQDamscEleBGbyGZGHTR8w5Q-axfPTyKvbHqZHnjmX9o4ct19lncieThZh3d/s400/Picture20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Sadly, we sold Clementine, my wonderfully zippy and impractical orange Mini Cooper. We replaced her with a much roomier (though decidedly less zippy) Honda CR-V.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bFMk-zpe65yLwFkxS-X1CRhemUJYs55X-N28XfC-1LVPXLI0-aR8nP5upC1VwlC4DCD5QR5IxruZyNF1FxSwl5u-viBWCBcCM2hyphenhyphenEwDNfNjlFKdd0FMq51-uxEdfjDw36w7mkJMW9Baa/s1600/Picture21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bFMk-zpe65yLwFkxS-X1CRhemUJYs55X-N28XfC-1LVPXLI0-aR8nP5upC1VwlC4DCD5QR5IxruZyNF1FxSwl5u-viBWCBcCM2hyphenhyphenEwDNfNjlFKdd0FMq51-uxEdfjDw36w7mkJMW9Baa/s640/Picture21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And last but not least, there was plenty of nesting. Most notably, we put together this little air and space themed nursery, complete with rocket ships, stars, and airplanes hanging from the ceiling! We put in the finishing touches about a week before our little guy's arrival!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuBlE8R-yQH2ra2-txNtZXK9moSBAIQUIBrHp8U1o-qmHb4Tn9qhZW2oYnaXi8sS0mAMI64a-s02SlE6pqx6HfuiQVbSB1HknrFCwTuKgfruTwsCprsdYbn0x7bEOiQRoJhZJ3Lmusv9L/s1600/Picture22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuBlE8R-yQH2ra2-txNtZXK9moSBAIQUIBrHp8U1o-qmHb4Tn9qhZW2oYnaXi8sS0mAMI64a-s02SlE6pqx6HfuiQVbSB1HknrFCwTuKgfruTwsCprsdYbn0x7bEOiQRoJhZJ3Lmusv9L/s640/Picture22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-87413499728574341962015-10-07T13:24:00.001-04:002015-10-07T13:24:27.046-04:00Nova Scotia<strong>Back in July, my husband and I took a trip to Nova Scotia</strong>. When we found out I was expecting, we began brainstorming vacation ideas. We wanted to go somewhere new and fun, but we also wanted it to be a trip truly centered around rest and relaxation. The more we researched, <strong>a trip to Nova Scotia to visit the quiet seaside sounded like just the right thing for us</strong>. We also loved the idea of going somewhere a little milder during the sweltering Texas summer. <br />
<br />
When we told people our travel plans, we received quite a few puzzled looks, as I don't think Nova Scotia is a particularly popular destination for Texas folks, but it should be! During our years in Boston it was always a trip I longed to take (especially since one of my favorite literary heroines, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_Green_Gables">Anne of Green Gables</a> herself, grew up in Nova Scotia before moving to Green Gables on Prince Edward Island), and we had the most wonderful time during our week there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNyQ9LzsJdAVi-s-kGghKK_ahZmoZzIlGe32ahpKP3rOylj9gLsW4Pty_VvKe2c2YbbhuGIZwppQJfMJ7iOJWoi17TkN4DM0_fAseJaBxJB4vEP-iR-2a6J3-HZkxUZIvxKUcGZJd_coq/s1600/NS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNyQ9LzsJdAVi-s-kGghKK_ahZmoZzIlGe32ahpKP3rOylj9gLsW4Pty_VvKe2c2YbbhuGIZwppQJfMJ7iOJWoi17TkN4DM0_fAseJaBxJB4vEP-iR-2a6J3-HZkxUZIvxKUcGZJd_coq/s400/NS1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>We spent our first three days on the far western shore of the peninsula in the tiny fishing village of Middle West Pubnico where we rented the most amazing </strong><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4361948?s=Aug788FJ"><strong>waterfront guest house on airbnb</strong></a><strong>.</strong> The owners lived in the main house next door and were so welcoming and friendly. We woke up to the sun rising over the water, seen through a wall of windows along the back of the house. We spent quiet mornings on our patio eating breakfast and enjoying the view. We explored the area during the day, visiting little museums, trying our hand at geocaching, taking scenic drives, and eating seafood directly off local fishing boats. In the evenings, we pulled on a sweater and sat around the fire pit. It was just as beautiful and relaxing as we hoped it would be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo6ht4Sz_TRRfhHGwXWigP43uuKn9N1Vy2ohwttzDbMivFktB90ltkMfvfko-PWFAGgte9ClDFewoTXgOoUHk51syXlXhht9086EVSouOt-gdxtrf7AHzvnorkEIK0zx9-sPVe98JBUXQ/s1600/NS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo6ht4Sz_TRRfhHGwXWigP43uuKn9N1Vy2ohwttzDbMivFktB90ltkMfvfko-PWFAGgte9ClDFewoTXgOoUHk51syXlXhht9086EVSouOt-gdxtrf7AHzvnorkEIK0zx9-sPVe98JBUXQ/s640/NS2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong>For our last three days, we rented a different apartment in Lunenburg, a slightly larger (and as it turned out, much more touristy) fishing village about halfway between Pubnico and the capital city of Halifax.</strong> On our way from Pubnico, we stopped in Shelburne, a lovely town on the water, for lunch and for a brewery visit (more on that later). Once in Lunenburg, we spent some time exploring the area, but we also took a couple great day trips while we were there: one to the post card worthy village of Mahone Bay and another to Peggy's Cove to visit the Peggy's Point Lighthouse. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFuCPaZsUVnP7KtK57WXPmknCyOG8cgGndj4uWp6GljzcX7mRdOwic6VrcaEzWrtc8VZFPj1dC3NopbXrhyNm3_Or8kwbi1S_krd0ipq56_7dkxiQCiHWuG-lyFvI92OZBduc1f-Km7-e/s1600/NS3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFuCPaZsUVnP7KtK57WXPmknCyOG8cgGndj4uWp6GljzcX7mRdOwic6VrcaEzWrtc8VZFPj1dC3NopbXrhyNm3_Or8kwbi1S_krd0ipq56_7dkxiQCiHWuG-lyFvI92OZBduc1f-Km7-e/s640/NS3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Things We Ate:</strong></div>
<br />
We stumbled on to some truly wonderful food in Nova Scotia. Our most memorable meal was at a more upscale restaurant off the beaten tourist path in Lunenburg called <strong>Lincoln Street Food</strong> (#1). The menu was fresh and seasonal and boasted plenty of Atlantic seafood. We also loved trying a local favorite, <strong>haddock with creamed lobster, at the Red Cap Restaurant</strong> (#7) which was right down the street from where local fishing boats brought in their catch. Throughout the week we found <strong>pizza</strong> with <strong>delicate seafood chowder</strong> (#2), <strong>hearty breakfast</strong> fare (#4), <strong>authentic (and fantastic!!) German schnitzel</strong> thanks to descendants of German settlers (#8), <strong>ice cream</strong> with a view (#5), <strong>loose leaf tea</strong> by the pot (#3), and <strong>mussels by the pound</strong> served on a patio overlooking the water (#9).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTiIYAljvcORayNvapZ_Jxs6zSBLsydv036jnbLGtVsU6pzOqDrk7GgK6GiiiO9Wx-aWQ-0ILgqJejhVP63cWX3W0VNtn_V_-AuJSC_Th36MzyU6tSKyyDi7iwJWG23b5f9uDA-t6q2pI/s1600/NS4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTiIYAljvcORayNvapZ_Jxs6zSBLsydv036jnbLGtVsU6pzOqDrk7GgK6GiiiO9Wx-aWQ-0ILgqJejhVP63cWX3W0VNtn_V_-AuJSC_Th36MzyU6tSKyyDi7iwJWG23b5f9uDA-t6q2pI/s640/NS4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>1:</strong> <a href="http://lincolnstreetfood.ca/"><strong>Lincoln Street Food</strong></a> in Lunenburg, <strong>2: </strong><a href="http://www.rhubarbrestaurant.ca/"><strong>Rhubarb</strong></a><strong> </strong>near Peggy's Cove, <strong>3: </strong><a href="http://www.teabrewery.com/"><strong>The Tea Brewery</strong></a> in Mahone Bay, <strong>4: </strong><a href="http://thesavvysailor.ca/"><strong>The Savvy Sailor</strong></a> in Lunenburg, <strong>5:</strong> <strong>La Creamy Treat</strong> in West Pubnico, <strong>6:</strong> <a href="http://www.charlottelane.ca/"><strong>Charlotte Lane</strong></a> in Shelburne, <strong>7: </strong><a href="http://www.redcaprestaurantandmotel.com/"><strong>Red Cap Restaurant</strong></a> in Lower West Pubnico,<strong> 8: </strong><a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/old-black-forest-cafe-and-gasthof-lunenburg"><strong>Old Black Forest Café</strong></a> in Lunenburg, <strong>9:</strong> <a href="http://www.saltshakerdeli.com/"><strong>Salt Shaker Deli</strong></a> in Lunenburg</div>
<br />
Other notable meals (not pictured above) were had at <a href="http://dennispointcafe.com/"><strong>Dennispoint Café</strong></a> in Lower West Pubnico (get the fried clams and the poutine!), at <a href="http://www.rebeccas-restaurant.ca/#!"><strong>Rebecca's Restaurant</strong></a> in Mahone Bay (I loved the vegetarian options here), and <a href="http://brooklynwarehouse.ca/"><strong>Brooklyn Warehouse</strong></a> in Halifax (you can't go wrong with their burger and with a pint of local craft beer).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Things We Did:</strong></div>
<br />
To stick with our relaxing vacation vibe, we limited ourselves to one or two activities per day (meals don't count, obviously). <strong>My favorite outings were geocaching around the Pubnicos and a visit to </strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggys_Point_Lighthouse"><strong>Peggy's Point Lighthouse</strong></a><strong> in Peggy's Cove</strong>. Geocaching led to some great scenic drives off the beaten path, and the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove was so incredibly beautiful. It was easy to see why it's one of the most photographed spots in this region of Canada. We made the drive from Lunenburg on a perfect sunny day. Once we walked up the rolling granite rocks to view the lighthouse, we found a perch on one of the rocks to soak up some sunshine and watch the waves come crashing in. I think I could have sat there for ages if only our stomachs hadn't started growling (if you visit, definitely visit Rhubarb for lunch afterward)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrclBlxck4c6rXdpePN2KbxNn2ZsAOagbiw0Pq9wpVFFnarovmUSCGaUwHw_qrdpkAdc6uB-bMyxs5zt9RFwg8j6GhQWo80uRvTkFNoQBYGaJM5sixqbF4A4Mv5yoUtDyJG-ZjZFxjdwN/s1600/NS5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrclBlxck4c6rXdpePN2KbxNn2ZsAOagbiw0Pq9wpVFFnarovmUSCGaUwHw_qrdpkAdc6uB-bMyxs5zt9RFwg8j6GhQWo80uRvTkFNoQBYGaJM5sixqbF4A4Mv5yoUtDyJG-ZjZFxjdwN/s640/NS5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We also paid visits to a couple <strong>Acadian museums</strong> in the Pubnicos (Acadians were French settlers that were eventually driven out by the English. Some eventually returned, but many ended up in Louisiana and are the ancestors of the Cajuns), a <strong>fantastic craft brewery</strong> called Boxing Rock, <strong>fishery and railway museums</strong> (including incredibly detailed model railroad recreations of historical regional rail stops), local <strong>scenic spots</strong>, a <strong>distillery</strong>, and even a <strong>UFO museum</strong> (touted as the Area 51 of Nova Scotia)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWFSZa4z0Vj6ixxEKy8Gou9yCCmJDlnoAeZh5w9KsMRKQwIE-Xgeceq77Jrjb4PYYSYAo9AkT8CJHhC-iORrsP7XN5WAImrryia-BA8o4jev2Ykl_IU5LqQL_HONoZ00qcvje0GCA4fwn/s1600/NS6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWFSZa4z0Vj6ixxEKy8Gou9yCCmJDlnoAeZh5w9KsMRKQwIE-Xgeceq77Jrjb4PYYSYAo9AkT8CJHhC-iORrsP7XN5WAImrryia-BA8o4jev2Ykl_IU5LqQL_HONoZ00qcvje0GCA4fwn/s640/NS6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>1: </strong><a href="https://levillage.novascotia.ca/"><strong>Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia</strong></a> in Lower West Pubnico, <strong>2: </strong><a href="http://boxingrock.ca/"><strong>Boxing Rock Brewing Co</strong></a> in Shelburne, <strong>3: </strong>Geocaching at <a href="http://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=1353"><strong>Pubnico Harbor Lighthouse</strong></a> in Lower East Pubnico, <strong>4: </strong><a href="http://www.hswmuseum.ednet.ns.ca/Home.html"><strong>Halifax and Southwestern Railway Museum</strong></a> in Lunenburg, <strong>5:</strong> The Three Churches of <a href="http://mahonebay.com/"><strong>Mahone Bay</strong>,</a> <strong>6: </strong><a href="http://ironworksdistillery.com/"><strong>Ironworks Distillery</strong></a> in Lunenburg, <strong>7: </strong><a href="http://shagharbourufo.com/"><strong>Shag Harbor UFO Incident Museum</strong></a> in Shag Harbor, <strong>8:</strong> <a href="https://fisheriesmuseum.novascotia.ca/"><strong>Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic</strong></a> in Lunenburg, <strong>9:</strong> <a href="http://www.museeacadien.ca/"><strong>Acadian Museum and Archives</strong></a> in West Pubnico</div>
<br />
And would it be a vacation with this husband of mine if there weren't a few stops for beers along the way? I think not! He's drinking for two now, after all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfueKeT4VsM5KtxPHg5EcKCbM6YkpbaXaZ5JcVC-N6fdY84xl7OW73taxMq_lqthulhYAjuKa5AxSrKGLFuXTG4WEtUoRe6LwOssWCl-XLAnCYC3a1_y3Qx1dL9UiNENYUO72fXCWPlcC/s1600/NS7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfueKeT4VsM5KtxPHg5EcKCbM6YkpbaXaZ5JcVC-N6fdY84xl7OW73taxMq_lqthulhYAjuKa5AxSrKGLFuXTG4WEtUoRe6LwOssWCl-XLAnCYC3a1_y3Qx1dL9UiNENYUO72fXCWPlcC/s640/NS7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With that, I think I've managed to hit the high points of our trip. It was a great final long-distance get away before baby's arrival, and I know I'll treasure the memories we made. </div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-6381524901379207702015-10-06T11:44:00.002-04:002015-10-06T11:44:48.437-04:00Oh Boy!I've been awfully remiss in updating this little corner of the internet, but given that my husband and I have some pretty big transitions coming up this year, I hope you'll forgive me. You see, come December 18th or so, things around our house are going to be a bit different. <strong>We'll be welcoming a baby boy into our family! </strong>Our little dog Charlie is pretty excited about it (and by excited, I mean that he has no idea what's coming), and my husband and I are thrilled! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-AgDIV_PRhl5i2OVTcV0GmJSSfGgdNJ4wOFjqbS3mNnlY2rbMjKa6PzlaiBv3Gpe0zZBKJDWHf6UAhleFQ1ZZor8gCnu_fl1_EbkK8Kha3V5JC8gP1lHigCJKcRJz8YNIA6-SmxVzvJH/s1600/Baby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-AgDIV_PRhl5i2OVTcV0GmJSSfGgdNJ4wOFjqbS3mNnlY2rbMjKa6PzlaiBv3Gpe0zZBKJDWHf6UAhleFQ1ZZor8gCnu_fl1_EbkK8Kha3V5JC8gP1lHigCJKcRJz8YNIA6-SmxVzvJH/s400/Baby1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Currently, we're scurrying around trying to get ready for the little guy. We finally got a full-sized dining room set along with a buffet for storing our china. After 5 years, our beautiful china, formal flatware, and crystal are finally out of boxes! And once we get curtains and a few prints hung, our formal dining area will be complete. Though it's only a matter of time before a little boy's spaghetti-covered hands ruin those white chairs, isn't it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFm1m31WbHny2sQ57TzeHz2uwGirIFdW0vOVa57SPM__Pvx5q7qWnl7UfSqIj7dEPa6ux_1t7Qfwo9cidORacvTBeeOXipFVTO30rfeAFOsdIT_hkfELKTMUPpN4BXR1B9XmyHo7kxtGX/s1600/Baby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFm1m31WbHny2sQ57TzeHz2uwGirIFdW0vOVa57SPM__Pvx5q7qWnl7UfSqIj7dEPa6ux_1t7Qfwo9cidORacvTBeeOXipFVTO30rfeAFOsdIT_hkfELKTMUPpN4BXR1B9XmyHo7kxtGX/s400/Baby2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We've been working on the nursery and tackling a few DIY projects along the way, including painting and staining a piece of family furniture to use as a chest of drawers and repairing a bookcase that I used in my own childhood bedroom. My fabulous in-laws repainted the nursery so that it's now a nice, soothing neutral instead of the horrible blue and khaki stripes that were present when we bought the house. The crib is assembled, and we have a refinished antique dresser that we're using for a changing table. We've ordered a comfy upholstered rocker, and my mom is repainting a wooden family rocker for us to use that originally belonged to my great-grandmother. I can't wait for it all to come together!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9U3ebWJtZSkcDYR-7Sm_EKqIVJcDBF6UNENIj7M_2UoMJtE_o9T210qo82bfgoMwIFNRfpVuWrQAJYlToT2qSZaPwki7ujhHtgTjGvGGg1JbMJkQUWfsXm1T1PA4aIoMikoVY9bnqpi4/s1600/Baby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9U3ebWJtZSkcDYR-7Sm_EKqIVJcDBF6UNENIj7M_2UoMJtE_o9T210qo82bfgoMwIFNRfpVuWrQAJYlToT2qSZaPwki7ujhHtgTjGvGGg1JbMJkQUWfsXm1T1PA4aIoMikoVY9bnqpi4/s640/Baby3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We're researching pediatricians, setting up baby registries, picking out freezer recipes to make and put away before baby's arrival, going to baby showers, and just having a great time (while trying not to panic about everything that we still need to do). <br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure we have no idea what adventures lie ahead of us, but we're excited to find out!Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-89372663791995202862015-10-06T10:35:00.002-04:002015-10-06T10:37:03.638-04:00Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and PepitasI typed up this recipe last winter and for some reason never got around to posting it. But now that there is an autumn chill back in the air and the heat of summer has passed, it feels like it's time for roasted vegetables again. <strong> </strong>These brussels sprouts are roasted so that they get a good char on the outer leaves while remaining nice and tender in the center. Once they're out of the oven, they're tossed with a balsamic glaze for some sweetness and roasted pepitas for a little crunch. I used grapefruit white balsamic vinegar which I bought from one of those specialty olive oil and vinegar shops, but regular balsamic vinegar makes for a fabulous glaze as well. The glaze is also wonderful tossed with roasted carrots. This is a side dish custom-made for welcoming fall, so bring on the cooler weather!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm4gnNNfh-Bt0p-ToNpH_RPcfLa0jGv05IkgDV65yhQKZXgsdjSBQEy1ip8cr572ZdXHBTun8LKJH5X612HX0QVXtEzE6fRLYuN_OT5XIRCxQ-1m7fqRkHvQhuuEbx_vU1UQuPtYgfflZ/s1600/IMG_20150322_145525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm4gnNNfh-Bt0p-ToNpH_RPcfLa0jGv05IkgDV65yhQKZXgsdjSBQEy1ip8cr572ZdXHBTun8LKJH5X612HX0QVXtEzE6fRLYuN_OT5XIRCxQ-1m7fqRkHvQhuuEbx_vU1UQuPtYgfflZ/s1600/IMG_20150322_145525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><i>Serves 4</i></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 lb brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and tough outer leaves removed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Tb olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup <a href="http://www.atasteofolive.com/shop/white-balsamic-vinegars/ruby-red-grapefruit-balsamic/">Grapefruit White Balsamic Vinegar</a> <em>(or regular Balsamic Vinegar)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~1/4 cup roasted pepitas</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Directions</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 400F. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slice the brussels sprouts in half, and spread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with about 1 Tb of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roast the brussels sprouts for about 20 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While they roast, combine the vinegar and sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer and reduce for about 15-20 minutes until it's thick and syrupy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the brussels sprouts are done, toss them with the balsamic vinegar reduction and a handful of roasted pepitas. Serve immediately.</div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-3853289474649348072015-08-12T13:15:00.000-04:002015-08-12T13:23:34.642-04:00Hello, 30!Well folks, it's official. <strong>I'm 30</strong>. And you know what? Not only am I ok with it, but I think my 30's are going to be really great! I was tempted to say that it's hard to believe that my 20's are already behind me, but that's not really true. I squeezed a lot of wonderful memories and adventures with really great people into my 20's. I was (and am) very blessed, and I feel like I have only enjoyed myself more as I get older. So when I say that it definitely feels like 10 years have passed since I turned 20, I mean that in the best way possible.<br />
<br />
To celebrate, we really turned it into a birthday week, which is my favorite way to go! There was a Paris celebration with my family the weekend before my birthday. We had a nice dinner at <a href="http://perrysoffthesquare.com/"><strong>Perry's Off the Square</strong></a> with custom table decorations courtesy of Mom. There were lovely flowers and old pictures featuring me over the years with each family member. My in-laws also sent a GORGEOUS bouquet to the house. Talk about making a girl feel special!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkRVsNjxHg-xKLTb9BBdpF9h0u6qWzRVgNO9oMj1Doi2_B5FeP7pt3OI7W_4Yrz16na5M2WHCOSujSFyEMXRSiWi0twZNMCBDXOrNkYpb1upqgJbKKl5ec6xAj95Jq8AK2Q7LxO00UQmV/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkRVsNjxHg-xKLTb9BBdpF9h0u6qWzRVgNO9oMj1Doi2_B5FeP7pt3OI7W_4Yrz16na5M2WHCOSujSFyEMXRSiWi0twZNMCBDXOrNkYpb1upqgJbKKl5ec6xAj95Jq8AK2Q7LxO00UQmV/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After dinner, there were more presents than a girl deserves followed by my favorite dessert, <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2012/12/dershs-peach-cobbler.html"><strong>my great-grandmother's peach cobbler recipe</strong></a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSj_o_QSjjG7O9bnhuDBOXnpMLhcNH1CYpoolJ9L8NbNiGViiu0vHGWip4N2h5wc-HCIDkS6CvkiTJY4rhKrAEBpXjz2qG-0Xf64g7V0QVDficyPMccDEH7kQD-ndSuvEA1b1JigMZ5g8/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSj_o_QSjjG7O9bnhuDBOXnpMLhcNH1CYpoolJ9L8NbNiGViiu0vHGWip4N2h5wc-HCIDkS6CvkiTJY4rhKrAEBpXjz2qG-0Xf64g7V0QVDficyPMccDEH7kQD-ndSuvEA1b1JigMZ5g8/s640/Picture2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The grand finale was<strong> a fireworks show out at Dad's farm</strong>! On the first explosion, we sent the cows running for the back of the pasture. Mom and I sat in the back of the truck toe enjoy the show while my husband and dad were on pyrotechnics duty. It was such a blast (literally)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVF8zNMSAcTGA_lPuuNRohN8ORIPs4MSEkPmq61AKAYqEcS0ARXxdC-q7nJyCvC6L14Eufk_557JXj3adNuM4-j1ISWRn4mc8tDI1z90eWDMfc5TnUwuzKLY7VWWLb7W0VBmRoYtUjoBc/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVF8zNMSAcTGA_lPuuNRohN8ORIPs4MSEkPmq61AKAYqEcS0ARXxdC-q7nJyCvC6L14Eufk_557JXj3adNuM4-j1ISWRn4mc8tDI1z90eWDMfc5TnUwuzKLY7VWWLb7W0VBmRoYtUjoBc/s400/Picture3.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
Back in McKinney on my actual birthday, there were <strong>balloons, a sparkly banner, and the cutest itty-bitty pinata</strong> that you ever did see (named Li'l Sebastian after Parks and Recreation). I couldn't bring myself to bust it open with the broom handle, so eventually I cut it open to retrieve the candy inside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HxPux1OBNTBftiAJlCZW1SVXbKzcrBkyvEwSRYI5sa7GKmZdZPp5c6tEAG5thK-Mj-IKWi0rEIfAh72ZO6d6mO_MCk4hh7IBKgFMrPSFZXE4FdUgCfA3PzlqV07QuHKWyp6fV3yCPH-V/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HxPux1OBNTBftiAJlCZW1SVXbKzcrBkyvEwSRYI5sa7GKmZdZPp5c6tEAG5thK-Mj-IKWi0rEIfAh72ZO6d6mO_MCk4hh7IBKgFMrPSFZXE4FdUgCfA3PzlqV07QuHKWyp6fV3yCPH-V/s640/Picture4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After <strong>dinner at a new restaurant in downtown McKinney called </strong><a href="http://sugarbacon.com/"><strong>Sugarbacon</strong></a> (where the Wild Arugula Salad really stole the show), there was a <strong>dreamy Lemon Raspberry cake courtesy of </strong><a href="http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/"><strong>Nothing Bundt Cakes</strong></a><strong> </strong>and even more presents. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5t72tRzFyPBTUVLwPtvzZpPhkdBOyJq6K3H8ri6wdwgffAGaxEZPQb3Ekxep08wOv2MCdbufB-FFwsV6OBVdhsm26FFlecDiPSEUszDHggbjSm1kJf0RQ6jqhg-wXYumIZvA9dHXak4P/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5t72tRzFyPBTUVLwPtvzZpPhkdBOyJq6K3H8ri6wdwgffAGaxEZPQb3Ekxep08wOv2MCdbufB-FFwsV6OBVdhsm26FFlecDiPSEUszDHggbjSm1kJf0RQ6jqhg-wXYumIZvA9dHXak4P/s640/Picture5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Finally, last but not least, the weekend after my birthday brought visitors to us! <strong>My in-laws and my husband's aunt drove up to join in the fun.</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFljxsqUxXQFeYG6Pl8b1NsHIHIoQBdS5NmQ-fzzuLi2Gawrqz-sCzOO0FwreQHl5UDV6F27ye6nzIhw-BJ40ye-fK6LyhJ460SqBm7DFNKnB-vuV6neoEU-EXs9hF2_xitc59axpi0KE/s1600/Picture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFljxsqUxXQFeYG6Pl8b1NsHIHIoQBdS5NmQ-fzzuLi2Gawrqz-sCzOO0FwreQHl5UDV6F27ye6nzIhw-BJ40ye-fK6LyhJ460SqBm7DFNKnB-vuV6neoEU-EXs9hF2_xitc59axpi0KE/s400/Picture6.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
Saturday night we went to dinner at <strong><a href="http://www.patinagreenhomeandmarket.com/">Patina Green</a></strong>, also in downtown McKinney. It was an absolutely fabulous experience. The chef does a multi-course blind tasting menu where he cooks whatever he is inspired to make based on what he found at the market that week. <strong>Seven courses went by all too quickly, each as good as (or better) than the last!</strong> It's a casual environment where fine-dining worthy dishes are brought out in cardboard boats, which was fun. The food was delicious, and even we learned some new (to us) ingredients like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porophyllum_ruderale">Papalo</a> and <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/what-are-pullet-eggs-118434">pullet eggs</a>. The chef didn't lead us astray once.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ubw2_zrMRHsQJNZPL29bZr1asn9A_0WRKf2qGjZ9Gmbxl-e7_SQu32YWTO37Hw3Gu_wdpykNKSGrD3Z7UR5Xi9pehMUrMhiKpmtrQYavMZjNPsyS4JWceeFAp48vN4LBLuGysk0l21mv/s1600/Picture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ubw2_zrMRHsQJNZPL29bZr1asn9A_0WRKf2qGjZ9Gmbxl-e7_SQu32YWTO37Hw3Gu_wdpykNKSGrD3Z7UR5Xi9pehMUrMhiKpmtrQYavMZjNPsyS4JWceeFAp48vN4LBLuGysk0l21mv/s640/Picture7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The weekend was also filled with more presents (talk about spoiling a girl) and all kinds of projects around the house. They were kind enough to help us <strong>paint one of our guest bedrooms</strong> (finally removing all evidence of the most horrid stripes), AND my husband and father-in-law went to some pretty great lengths to <strong>hang a porch swing</strong> for us. Does it get any more southern than that? Despite how hot it has been, I'm absolutely loving evenings spent in the swing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT3N8QZK2VVscrayzq3Xmw1SEwV4PP7syKWSm91YXWG5_D5CKicueDf1o4BdYl8QjBZNTIUG9VGUIs8_hyphenhyphenQj9jTWEL8pAHmcNfX8TqK1re9npJ1jrapiva5sk_fOXgvBQREbrsNkgABZR/s1600/Picture8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT3N8QZK2VVscrayzq3Xmw1SEwV4PP7syKWSm91YXWG5_D5CKicueDf1o4BdYl8QjBZNTIUG9VGUIs8_hyphenhyphenQj9jTWEL8pAHmcNfX8TqK1re9npJ1jrapiva5sk_fOXgvBQREbrsNkgABZR/s400/Picture8.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
After a birthday week full of fun memories with family and friends, this new decade is off to a fine start. I look forward to seeing what is in store for us!
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-49474085628889562902015-08-11T20:50:00.003-04:002015-08-12T13:23:26.539-04:00Quinoa Bowl with Kale and ChickpeasAugust is here, and the dead of summer is upon us! While it's definitely my favorite time of year, the heat can be a bit de-motivating when it comes to the kitchen. It's even too hot to grill (yesterday, it was 107)! So tonight, I turned to a quick salad that only required cooking a batch of quinoa on the stove. Everything else is just tossed into a bowl as-is! <b>I loved the heartiness of the greens, grains, and chickpeas along with the crunch from the pepitas, the sweetness from the golden raisins, and the vibrancy of the vinaigrette and feta. </b>Now it's time to put my feet up and enjoy the AC for the rest of the evening. Stay cool, everyone!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwbo0o49W2IJK_uWHj-1OaSS9hnmZ6VBqTSjnHGnmGrrSysQCOpwaug6CfA1nOtE9ZJ6iHlQZVm-3jvw4OMdeRwY0SXl8jaT4n2MSLTFYpP8amAVbq92UK6umZXP-iNhtQeI05k8mi3um/s1600/2015-08-11+07.16.24+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwbo0o49W2IJK_uWHj-1OaSS9hnmZ6VBqTSjnHGnmGrrSysQCOpwaug6CfA1nOtE9ZJ6iHlQZVm-3jvw4OMdeRwY0SXl8jaT4n2MSLTFYpP8amAVbq92UK6umZXP-iNhtQeI05k8mi3um/s400/2015-08-11+07.16.24+1.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Serves 4</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup quinoa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 cups water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 Tb olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 Tb white balsamic vinegar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 lemon, juiced (roughly)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 can chickpeas, drained</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup golden raisins (roughly)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup pepitas (roughly)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz feta, crumbled (roughly)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add quinoa and water to a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let cook for 15 minutes, and then remove from the heat. The water should be absorbed, and the quinoa should be tender.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the quinoa cooks, make your vinaigrette. Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, and salt until the salt is dissolved. Then slowly whisk in the olive oil until well combined. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Massage" the chopped kale a bit by squeezing it firmly with your fingers a few times, until you notice that the leaves are a bit more tender. Toss the kale, chickpeas, and golden raisins with the vinaigrette, and let sit until the quinoa is done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the quinoa is finished, toss it immediately with the vinaigrette, kale, chickpeas, and golden raisins. Then toss in the feta cheese, and stir to combine. Taste, and add more salt or lemon juice if desired. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serve topped with a good handful of pepitas.</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />
<br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-20862015876130468662015-08-04T19:44:00.003-04:002015-08-04T19:44:20.845-04:00A Texas July 4thWell, I suppose now that it's officially one month past the 4th of July, it's fitting that I'm finally uploading a few photos of our celebration. <b>July 4th is one of my favorite holidays as it combines many of my favorite things: summer, fireworks, watermelon, small town parades, and Sousa marches. </b> It was such a fun weekend that, belated or not, I hate to let it pass by without a little reminiscing.<br />
<br />
We started the weekend in my hometown of Paris where we spent the 3rd of July with my family. That evening, after indulging in BBQ, beans, deviled eggs, and watermelon, we went to see the <b>Paris Municipal Band</b> concert (as a former member, I love going to their concerts) and the <b>Paris Fireworks at Noyes Stadium</b>. We doused ourselves in bug spray, lugged our lawn chairs out onto the football field, chatted with old friends, and then sat back to enjoy the show. This was my husband's first time at the Paris July 4th festivities (and the first time at my high school football stadium), so it was really special to be able to share it all with him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbTO9gCUMZBzTUObIU0fvUSIbk5l40-wcolJ4oJzZ7kwGegnClrs_YnTLInW0nPGs1lvD8Nf78yRYeSc22c5K0RDgMhy8MuQJ6jbD9__NslGwWTZIiDhqSDiNP7jvEk9cSeNibH4qUzEp/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbTO9gCUMZBzTUObIU0fvUSIbk5l40-wcolJ4oJzZ7kwGegnClrs_YnTLInW0nPGs1lvD8Nf78yRYeSc22c5K0RDgMhy8MuQJ6jbD9__NslGwWTZIiDhqSDiNP7jvEk9cSeNibH4qUzEp/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once the last march was played and the last firework exploded, we made the trek back to the truck with a few more mosquito bites on our legs and with a smile on our faces. It was such a fun evening, small town life at its best.<br />
<br />
On the actual 4th, we bid Paris farewell and hit the road back to McKinney, but on the way, <b>we made sure to stop at a country fireworks stand to load up on sparklers for later evening</b>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wgLbb9nlbLEjaPIu-igXHdO5sEGSwcd4b0agWeze_YxxkWS_EUfKjqSjlmQqLSURWQzES6ChoA2N_l__w7ofBtaZoJjI_jPS7Vb-y05wa40lrlChlVeymVVdNDKG7DkY6gIZN06Jj0yH/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wgLbb9nlbLEjaPIu-igXHdO5sEGSwcd4b0agWeze_YxxkWS_EUfKjqSjlmQqLSURWQzES6ChoA2N_l__w7ofBtaZoJjI_jPS7Vb-y05wa40lrlChlVeymVVdNDKG7DkY6gIZN06Jj0yH/s400/Picture2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We were invited to celebrate that evening with our neighbors and some of their friends, so we figured we would bring along our <b>backyard games (ladder golf and corn hole), some <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/spicy-appetizer-recipe-roasted-152920">Roasted Jalapeno Lime Hummus</a>, and a few packs of sparklers </b>since they're hard to come by for city dwellers. So yeah, we were the people that showed up with no kids of our own but with plenty of flammable objects for other people's kids to play with! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ein7hFWZR3_WklNe66x5zoIXtNMsMoYjgFIhWeDYR7n0WLlo0tPkcfpFN8dWv7THp5dFuOOj3nzcnaiFbwKMENOtXTBu8_WCwfuTQbcsadsC8G0OKIiEvVQJPFP8VWnb1mgSVvp-phOd/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ein7hFWZR3_WklNe66x5zoIXtNMsMoYjgFIhWeDYR7n0WLlo0tPkcfpFN8dWv7THp5dFuOOj3nzcnaiFbwKMENOtXTBu8_WCwfuTQbcsadsC8G0OKIiEvVQJPFP8VWnb1mgSVvp-phOd/s640/Picture3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After dinner and fun out in the backyard, dusk finally arrived. We dragged our lawn chairs to the corner of our street, one of the guests pulled up their truck and turned on the radio so we could hear the music to go along with the fireworks, and then we waited. The kids ran around squealing with excitement until it was finally dark enough for the first firework to go off, and then everyone settled in for the show. And what a show it was! We enjoyed the heck out of it. After a fantastic finale, it was time to call it a night. Little ones were exhausted and melt downs were occurring left and right. We bid everyone farewell, and the celebrations drew to a close.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone else had a lovely 4th of July as well! And enjoy these wonderful long summer days that we have left!
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />
<br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-37027208082685328712015-07-09T21:30:00.001-04:002015-07-10T16:44:14.852-04:00A Multi-Generational Baby ShowerLast month, I was lucky enough to be able to throw <b>a baby shower for my sweet friend, Alison</b>. She's expecting a little boy within the next couple of weeks, and we had a great time celebrating his eagerly anticipated arrival. What made this shower especially fun for me was that<b> I got to play hostess alongside my mom and grandmother</b>. You see, our moms have been best friends since childhood (Alison's mom actually hosted a shower for my mom when I was born -- check out that vintage photo below), and our grandmothers are friends as well! So we turned this into a shower that spanned three generations of family and friends, and it was just so much fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY24rPbko79Yaqx3n-OFx-UdKcRtjmT5yhj7n8WnK5WRYJs3itxodgGG_XYfKmXa0BUjcBsQHiscNCEJS60qTHQ40J8sSQFTggoSuebPocCNqJIBKg2SoGjnEtVIaRBCqzXepSTw9ETsV-/s1600/shower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY24rPbko79Yaqx3n-OFx-UdKcRtjmT5yhj7n8WnK5WRYJs3itxodgGG_XYfKmXa0BUjcBsQHiscNCEJS60qTHQ40J8sSQFTggoSuebPocCNqJIBKg2SoGjnEtVIaRBCqzXepSTw9ETsV-/s640/shower1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our goal was to tie in elements of baby shower trends from over the years. For our current generation, we opted for mason jars, paper straws, and cutesy favors. Our punch was popular during Mom's generation, and we were sure to include butter mints and nuts in a nod to my Grandmother's era.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zJI9IQPTrr60Ra_R-HEfahdFyHrSPzGUJNipFZKXN1uQRieOR4TPwpFP9X7_p05SIF9Dm9Dl9Z7gefjoY9R67PGOTB1ZFmQs-qUcuH7eW34wYBQD93AhobwFCXRpX5SjcaADvDFJ8ull/s1600/shower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zJI9IQPTrr60Ra_R-HEfahdFyHrSPzGUJNipFZKXN1uQRieOR4TPwpFP9X7_p05SIF9Dm9Dl9Z7gefjoY9R67PGOTB1ZFmQs-qUcuH7eW34wYBQD93AhobwFCXRpX5SjcaADvDFJ8ull/s400/shower2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
For our invitation, I turned to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119989543/bird-baby-shower-invitation-typography?ref=shop_home_active_1"><b>Freshly Squeezed Cards</b></a> on Etsy. How cute is that little yellow bird? And it went perfectly with the colors we wanted to use: light blue, yellow, and grey,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDPp3pRRf6CTnscFkqVZ6BaFkzjyZYT_9T0JZ98c1Kv_qIraU76TuSPOM46sn68gtZipvV7PyrUv2G-Q4MfDKM5KhNnadSr-ghxdlODlOK2MupApGiltuVMAFgBBA_yBxmqcfOT5z5igv/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDPp3pRRf6CTnscFkqVZ6BaFkzjyZYT_9T0JZ98c1Kv_qIraU76TuSPOM46sn68gtZipvV7PyrUv2G-Q4MfDKM5KhNnadSr-ghxdlODlOK2MupApGiltuVMAFgBBA_yBxmqcfOT5z5igv/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We kept decorations pretty simple. I made a table centerpiece using antique blue mason jars filled with white hydrangeas and a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/hand-made-modern-wooden-letters/-/A-16781431#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=wood+letter">wooden "S" monogram</a> spray painted grey for the family's last name. We draped the serving areas with white tablecloths and hung <a href="http://www.target.com/p/spritz-phrase-banner-80-white-71-pc/-/A-16453705?lnk=rec|pdp|viewed_viewed|pdpv1">a customizable banner</a>. I like to use clear plastic plates and metallic plastic cutlery (that looks deceptively like real silverware) for food and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B80TJWQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00">mason jars</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EQD3D9W/ref=sr_ph_1?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ie=UTF8&qid=1436481885&sr=1&keywords=grey+paper+straws">patterned</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TE08RJS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00">paper straws</a> for drinks. This time around we also used Susty Party's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OTKH8AM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00">punch cups</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J9RV7ZC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00">cute</a> patterned <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J9RVB6C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00">napkins</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyjASXIUHMmJ8UcWQAhQeP5a7YH99VJstdY0kuQdF7FktmolQWTWmyOLV44IkUVlhtJNx4NKJwFuyNAb3jEfY2NKItyAZhP9edUe6BsWZdg5alnQg76_zyMSTEPyHwa-gKlm_IcnIeoNm/s1600/shower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyjASXIUHMmJ8UcWQAhQeP5a7YH99VJstdY0kuQdF7FktmolQWTWmyOLV44IkUVlhtJNx4NKJwFuyNAb3jEfY2NKItyAZhP9edUe6BsWZdg5alnQg76_zyMSTEPyHwa-gKlm_IcnIeoNm/s640/shower3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Food we kept fairly simple as well. Since it was an afternoon shower, we wanted easy to eat finger foods. The final menu consisted of <b>fruit skewers</b>, <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/makeahead-recipe-crustless-min-125509"><b>Mini Zucchini Basil Quiche</b></a>, <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/01/rosemary-lemon-white-bean-dip-recipe.html"><b>Rosemary and Lemon White Bean Dip</b></a> with pita chips,<b> marinated mushrooms and mozzarella</b>, <b>spiced pecans</b>, <b>butter mints</b>, <b>frosted sugar cookies</b>. A local girl made the cookies for us, and we were thrilled at how well they turned out. They were a big hit! For drinks, we served <b>Cucumber Citrus Water</b> (just fill a large beverage jar or pitcher with ice and lemon, lime, and cucumber slices, and top it off with water) and a <b>Pineapple Punch</b> (Ginger Ale and pineapple sherbet). I placed <b>frozen blueberry skewers</b> in each punch cup for a little extra color and fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JOpxTAXcuolyH5EZE3lnBes9MdUUj1SZtbewRTRZv65iCahg77MZosLW91nU1vGMFvJ4wlvgc0I2LReGl9idtZ5iXP-9JK-haHNMMei-fBc0DVTfeNecpt0qUMiLGfmWiZpwYtz_t8_h/s1600/shower5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JOpxTAXcuolyH5EZE3lnBes9MdUUj1SZtbewRTRZv65iCahg77MZosLW91nU1vGMFvJ4wlvgc0I2LReGl9idtZ5iXP-9JK-haHNMMei-fBc0DVTfeNecpt0qUMiLGfmWiZpwYtz_t8_h/s640/shower5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once everyone arrived, we had a wonderful time catching up. After snacks and sips, we moved into the living room for Alison to open presents. Thankfully, she had some expert help from a couple little girls in attendance! Along with gifts, we gave books in lieu of cards. I picked this darling book,<b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399242864?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00">How to Catch a Star</a></b>, that tells the story of a boy who longs to befriend a star. It's so sweet, and the illustrations are beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfnwgwS5mAuAhFlkupcN5QuZOHrnD3p3OUZVpEXi1XOaXfHslYY9KHQEglNryHhhwEtdVLcvbPpg7PlUKU8OoWSsKa_4GXX5Wh2OnAY2QFB2dEouCgFI_uKOHGrqb_SQbXfbWLbpZLCAd/s1600/shower6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfnwgwS5mAuAhFlkupcN5QuZOHrnD3p3OUZVpEXi1XOaXfHslYY9KHQEglNryHhhwEtdVLcvbPpg7PlUKU8OoWSsKa_4GXX5Wh2OnAY2QFB2dEouCgFI_uKOHGrqb_SQbXfbWLbpZLCAd/s640/shower6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once the afternoon drew to a close and hugs were given all around, we sent folks home with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Teals-Lavender-Epsom-Salt/dp/B003GC4GH2/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1436392575&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=lavendar+bath+salts"><b>lavendar bath salts</b></a> tied up with colorful ribbon and twine in little paper sacks. Because who doesn't deserve to put their feet up in a hot bath, especially a mom-to-be? It was a lovely afternoon with lovely people. Now for the countdown to meet that little baby!<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-312827203505712522015-06-24T20:46:00.002-04:002015-06-24T20:46:46.735-04:00Kurt & Nina Come to DallasGuess who came to town a couple weeks ago? Kurt and Nina! After <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2015/03/tucson.html">a fun visit to hang out with them in Tucson </a>a few months ago, they decided to make the trek to Dallas. We had a great time catching up and showing them around town. Here are the highlights from the weekend (I doubt you'll be surprised to discover that most of them involve food)!<br />
<br />
First up was one of our favorite downtown McKinney combos: <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2014/09/pie-night.html">Pie Night!</a> To start things off, you get yourself a couple pizza pies at <a href="http://www.cadillacpizzapub.com/"><b>Cadillac Pizza</b></a>. Then you follow that up with heavenly dessert pie at <b><a href="http://emporiumpies.com/">Emporium Pies</a> </b>(favorites this time around were the Cherry Bomb cherry pie and the Mellow Yellow lemon chiffon pie). And that's it, simple as that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU3x8WA1glRGmq7gq4rj4NJzSxCC4SBNHVTSfmNQXW86zzJuoJis3r1YqlsJCdynh5u0itx20ge55nMiKcMp3Z_J3Z4A5syiQBVOTw7UZnjEI-S_SCf5PQxeFmw3Nhjy9OnGx7n5bbp8m/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU3x8WA1glRGmq7gq4rj4NJzSxCC4SBNHVTSfmNQXW86zzJuoJis3r1YqlsJCdynh5u0itx20ge55nMiKcMp3Z_J3Z4A5syiQBVOTw7UZnjEI-S_SCf5PQxeFmw3Nhjy9OnGx7n5bbp8m/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We spent a little time enjoying the warm summer air out on the back porch (and I finally got to light the mason jar lanterns that we made)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1F2H0VQ6GXNquuRmReNcZWswKdSf1MxG1gQ56HVqCsGtl4HmWjMAw1OXEwx-wbH0KkgHlr1x80ANU6ffcpEDM5zta8CIE-iwD6-ZnuAhyphenhyphenwmEcphiJMs-1CZBoiDTohDPiXlOBtijI4tE/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1F2H0VQ6GXNquuRmReNcZWswKdSf1MxG1gQ56HVqCsGtl4HmWjMAw1OXEwx-wbH0KkgHlr1x80ANU6ffcpEDM5zta8CIE-iwD6-ZnuAhyphenhyphenwmEcphiJMs-1CZBoiDTohDPiXlOBtijI4tE/s400/Picture2.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
There was TexMex to be eaten and margaritas to be sipped at<a href="https://www.laharanch.com/"> La Hacienda Ranch</a> in Frisco. Because you can't visit Texas without indulging in a little TexMex!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpnVqfpNxMgHcNcrnb-WSlTwkdhh6Gs90Ug1rZWueVunm9NB22-cLTyvtiL2Gg-QVSn7ckqvAzw80eAeUm0Cgn7a-qcC9AqKof88L8HJUAx8XAQCyXsuD7k-o8F7gRfGOtpZbMdIjJLG_/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpnVqfpNxMgHcNcrnb-WSlTwkdhh6Gs90Ug1rZWueVunm9NB22-cLTyvtiL2Gg-QVSn7ckqvAzw80eAeUm0Cgn7a-qcC9AqKof88L8HJUAx8XAQCyXsuD7k-o8F7gRfGOtpZbMdIjJLG_/s640/Picture3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We made the trek into Dallas so we could poke around the Bishop Arts District. It's such a fun neighborhood, and we discover something new each time we visit. This time, we meandered around the neighborhood, sampled delicious (and sometimes delightfully weird) homemade chocolates and toffees at <a href="http://dudesweetchocolate.com/"><b>Dude Sweet Chocolate</b></a>, cooled off with icy cold <a href="http://topochicousa.net/">Topo Chico</a> at <b><a href="http://www.thewilddetectives.com/">The Wild Detectives</a> </b>(a cute coffee shop with a quirky book selection), sipped glasses of locally made cider at <a href="http://www.bishopcider.com/"><b>Bishop Cider</b></a>, and we cozied up to a table at the wonderfully divey <a href="http://www.tenbellstavern.com/"><b>Ten Bells Tavern</b></a> for local craft brews and bar snacks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwSeEc_JxxpdDxpg8DFG8CW2pqqk999otmVxn7LC0cd5yZHSDT6UdchUCS0kSHA-cH3v6AYbo0fjhmJhWfUsgxVilZDQ2YhadC04iH8o1nn1aK6xQ8nnJ6GckQkdsX5-fqSZvx_MNC7-L/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwSeEc_JxxpdDxpg8DFG8CW2pqqk999otmVxn7LC0cd5yZHSDT6UdchUCS0kSHA-cH3v6AYbo0fjhmJhWfUsgxVilZDQ2YhadC04iH8o1nn1aK6xQ8nnJ6GckQkdsX5-fqSZvx_MNC7-L/s640/Picture4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here we are out and about in Bishop Arts!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-9rpwCM3f2977VwLXgTBBzVYWn9Il7RZvQIdQGHMUM2df33uKHFf4dUnui8HM48afXhLnC8kJw-ojfMvaY3Aa8C9YNsgRsOzeTRZ43zs8NZPAh73CVilhzx_r_Y-yE6HptTeMHdLKvFv/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-9rpwCM3f2977VwLXgTBBzVYWn9Il7RZvQIdQGHMUM2df33uKHFf4dUnui8HM48afXhLnC8kJw-ojfMvaY3Aa8C9YNsgRsOzeTRZ43zs8NZPAh73CVilhzx_r_Y-yE6HptTeMHdLKvFv/s640/Picture5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Finally after a long, arduous afternoon of food and drink....it was time for dinner at <b><a href="http://stockandbarreldallas.com/">Stock and Barrel</a>! </b>Gosh I love this place. Favorite dishes of the evening were the avocado toast topped with chorizo (I don't care how trendy it is -- it's delicious), the goat cheese dumplings, the duck confit, and the ribeye.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTIXLOjOImCa1BO03OOWCVW0iabR0xR3rDiap2bDj6zbP7UPpvxdvTAASMRUsvPJcxhGzw-a5aTp76mvXFcYXjkqWi_L0S9obaJCCFTM8N1QDudLBSD4Da-QY7hNLKN2BtCKQDJA8nUni/s1600/Picture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTIXLOjOImCa1BO03OOWCVW0iabR0xR3rDiap2bDj6zbP7UPpvxdvTAASMRUsvPJcxhGzw-a5aTp76mvXFcYXjkqWi_L0S9obaJCCFTM8N1QDudLBSD4Da-QY7hNLKN2BtCKQDJA8nUni/s640/Picture6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
One morning, we had a laid back breakfast around the kitchen table thanks to <a href="http://www.rudysbbq.com/page/home"><b>Rudy's</b></a> and their brisket breakfast tacos (talk about killing two birds with one stone for out-of-state guests -- BBQ and breakfast tacos)! Another morning, we drove across town for breakfast at the oldest restaurant in McKinney: <a href="http://www.billsmithscafe.com/"><b>Bill Smith's Cafe</b></a>! While it's hard to go wrong with anything on their menu, I love to get the chicken fried steak and eggs or the taco omelette. Or you can go my husband's route and get pancakes, eggs, and bacon...with a side of biscuits and gravy! So much food!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifACtoizpKycaIooLhUit7JTaBeKRYrpiTL8xWWBH_TFZDOSs_4RHWvnd6L5yPs0u3t3_snosnNbBMJhzZ9FfgdGkemgzaPeuc8KJ1_yOfziWBox3yFlfmeMGrvlC98xj7fNeEBqZWlRuN/s1600/Picture6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifACtoizpKycaIooLhUit7JTaBeKRYrpiTL8xWWBH_TFZDOSs_4RHWvnd6L5yPs0u3t3_snosnNbBMJhzZ9FfgdGkemgzaPeuc8KJ1_yOfziWBox3yFlfmeMGrvlC98xj7fNeEBqZWlRuN/s640/Picture6a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kurt and Nina were also nice enough to go with us to the <a href="http://www.localyocalfarmtomarket.com/"><b>Local Yocal</b></a> to participate in their Steak Class! A cattle rancher husband and wife team who believe in high quality meats that are raised properly (you know, eating grass and stuff like that without exposed to hormones or antibiotics) started their own meat market to butcher and sell locally raised meats along with some other locally made products. The class involves a "lecture" from the owner himself about the meat industry, a tour of the butcher shop, a tutorial on all of the different cuts of steak along with where they come from on the cow, and finally (they save the best for last) they grill 17 (seventeen!) different cuts of steak for you to sample! I don't think I've ever had so much steak in my life. It was so fun to compare the different cuts, and they were all the best bites of steak I think I've ever had. It was a really fantastic experience. It was educational, fun, and delicious (also note that the class is BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite beer or wine along)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T4ywx9Meg4ZK9A1B4IU2Itemrxc2fk2-NS0c09J38ygRwmj6Mb-kFfx-kY7hIFMHhpN7gYQRXamLozqBSNM70m_9NKNPAmhEvn-CtJRz8Xnlo8yZAQ-36zbPKT9TogWv0Y-c2r8fPYtp/s1600/Picture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T4ywx9Meg4ZK9A1B4IU2Itemrxc2fk2-NS0c09J38ygRwmj6Mb-kFfx-kY7hIFMHhpN7gYQRXamLozqBSNM70m_9NKNPAmhEvn-CtJRz8Xnlo8yZAQ-36zbPKT9TogWv0Y-c2r8fPYtp/s640/Picture7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
That's a big side of beef (and I don't mean Kurt)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib85xOOswGAOsnXBz4m50RZzqEvUhV8KqTqmv9o9skGHJLgMXj4cBjAzaC1CNMQh6HbGaroNHL0vm7mkM0Vf8_U-GyGOBv9vwuxTruZxUwG43wAGQ0obszZA5oRsHUgr9UQGoq8HQUpWFU/s1600/Picture8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib85xOOswGAOsnXBz4m50RZzqEvUhV8KqTqmv9o9skGHJLgMXj4cBjAzaC1CNMQh6HbGaroNHL0vm7mkM0Vf8_U-GyGOBv9vwuxTruZxUwG43wAGQ0obszZA5oRsHUgr9UQGoq8HQUpWFU/s400/Picture8.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
After all of the steak was gone and the class drew to a close, we piled into the car and drove 45 minutes north to Sherman to hang out at <b><a href="http://903brewers.com/">903 Brewers</a> </b>for their 2nd Anniversary Party! So far, they're our favorite brewery in the area, so it was fun to introduce them to Kurt and Nina, fellow craft brew enthusiasts. Throughout the party they were constantly tapping new beers brewed solely for the anniversary party. Some were amazing, some fell a little shy of expectations, but they were all fun to try!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzv_B2pBQuEVpGC7vdvFsDgSYrwsvwW7Yj_b5RgsXYWPOr_TyiS1teulsAk0zNia2y_2NOhGjuU7RyMKe36BbegwM-ie4y9hDHDES2dYHCLKoHu593uGZ6Uk5jgVzm70WElKxp02gTynx/s1600/Picture9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzv_B2pBQuEVpGC7vdvFsDgSYrwsvwW7Yj_b5RgsXYWPOr_TyiS1teulsAk0zNia2y_2NOhGjuU7RyMKe36BbegwM-ie4y9hDHDES2dYHCLKoHu593uGZ6Uk5jgVzm70WElKxp02gTynx/s640/Picture9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hanging out at by the taps (these three are beer festival pros)!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZxN-bmmsk3nNlbJ6HnxzPHtlJXprWaReuT2T-eCct2peA6SgkmebnZWdkeuO8cV7rxFa2HCrBRel1beevXzZEebPDVVXSzqMCj3dfIeVEKNFkvww8LsvwL1a37QYefxrzoXA-tr0QpEP/s1600/Picture10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZxN-bmmsk3nNlbJ6HnxzPHtlJXprWaReuT2T-eCct2peA6SgkmebnZWdkeuO8cV7rxFa2HCrBRel1beevXzZEebPDVVXSzqMCj3dfIeVEKNFkvww8LsvwL1a37QYefxrzoXA-tr0QpEP/s400/Picture10.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
For their last day in town, we went to <a href="http://snugonthesquare.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Snug</a> for their breakfast sandwiches. Snug is just the coziest, cutest little local coffee shop on the square in McKinney, and we always try to take guests there if we can!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkIXkHdMVqLbTsVuRSBsrKcQ2zhrz_b1uJ9W7sWnizsAnY3MdHzJzxtdAnzjfR4ohjJMFOfbrQkEDjf4-lfEo56KKJ60BJYp45T_WHEZW00DZruZBVbu6fdl2B_sFdtBC0A486fUla2nQ/s1600/Picture11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkIXkHdMVqLbTsVuRSBsrKcQ2zhrz_b1uJ9W7sWnizsAnY3MdHzJzxtdAnzjfR4ohjJMFOfbrQkEDjf4-lfEo56KKJ60BJYp45T_WHEZW00DZruZBVbu6fdl2B_sFdtBC0A486fUla2nQ/s400/Picture11.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
Finally, we played a little golf at <a href="http://topgolf.com/us/" style="font-weight: bold;">Top Golf</a> (I came in last, as usual, but it's still surprisingly fun)<b> </b>followed by lunch at <b><a href="http://freebirds.com/">Freebirds</a> </b>before we had to make the trek back to the airport.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PlKS30603gUB5OImfpJLXhzDvsQtVSsoCvyMkorLZuKREWXskLHf9CSE9E9KZCD1y8pnBlEKa_NAtI_UgC4wvUTjE-P0l_KBNQx83WtQ-ZhBT7pERVhbvXFSBC54ce0JQyNQQ_MH2J5_/s1600/Picture12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PlKS30603gUB5OImfpJLXhzDvsQtVSsoCvyMkorLZuKREWXskLHf9CSE9E9KZCD1y8pnBlEKa_NAtI_UgC4wvUTjE-P0l_KBNQx83WtQ-ZhBT7pERVhbvXFSBC54ce0JQyNQQ_MH2J5_/s640/Picture12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Such a fun weekend with sweet friends! Who wants to come visit us next??<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-86257444825513804192015-06-04T12:41:00.000-04:002015-06-08T09:52:04.937-04:00Grilled Pizza with White Beans, Spinach, & Yellow Cherry TomatoesI've mentioned my love of grilled pizza before when we hosted a <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-host-grilled-pizza-night-and-how.html">grilled pizza party for friends</a>. It's fun to make, a cinch to throw together thanks to fresh pizza dough at the grocery store, and ridiculously versatile. Whenever warm weather and grilling season arrives, it's one of our favorite things to add back into our dinner rotation, but since this spring has been so rainy in Texas, the grill has been a bit neglected. Until now! This week has been sunny and beautiful, so when I saw this <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-spinach-white-bean-and-taleggio-pizza-weeknigh-dinner-recipes-from-the-kitchn-86176">White Bean and Spinach Pizza</a> recipe from The Kitchn, I knew it was the perfect inspiration for our first grilled pizza of the season! So without further ado, let's get to the pizza.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-0cP_iYydH9uEG2QxWpLau49hY7FDIK5AA_ZhGcw6HtGP9t8LpzJ5CEDVy5lz5AbRVZAueJvvJpAEwlVugSUcD30DkLOZuFzsq5W1lJFYsyua5U_QMa6hJQ4YoWBouR1hiDoX8cKivcG/s1600/IMG_20150527_194529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-0cP_iYydH9uEG2QxWpLau49hY7FDIK5AA_ZhGcw6HtGP9t8LpzJ5CEDVy5lz5AbRVZAueJvvJpAEwlVugSUcD30DkLOZuFzsq5W1lJFYsyua5U_QMa6hJQ4YoWBouR1hiDoX8cKivcG/s400/IMG_20150527_194529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 ball of fresh pizza dough</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flour for rolling out dough</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3 cup olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 large garlic clove</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 oz taleggio, rind removed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grated mozzarella</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 can of cannellini beans <em>(though you wont need the whole can)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A handful of fresh spinach</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 or so yellow cherry tomatoes, halved</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Directions</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Light the grill, and let it get as hot as possible. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(</em><em>Warning: my grilling instructions will be a bit lacking, as my husband is in charge of the grill at our house).</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the grill heats, toss and roll out your pizza dough.<em> </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(We try to get ours as thin as we can</em> <em>and as round as we can, though it usually ends up pretty oddly shaped. There's no judgment here. It'll still taste good)</em>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, heat the olive oil in a small pan on the stove over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and let simmer for a few minutes to infuse the olive oil with the flavor of the garlic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the grill is hot, toss on the pizza dough. Close the lid, and cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(We use a wooden pizza peel dusted with semolina to prevent sticking. One good quick jerk of the arm should slide it from the peel to the grill).</em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the bottom has crisped nicely, remove the dough from the grill, and flip it over so that you can decorate the cooked side with the toppings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brush the crust with the garlic-infused olive oil, and top with roughly torn pieces of tallegio and the grated mozzarella. Scatter with a good handful of white beans, tomato halves, and fresh spinach leaves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(Try to avoid overloading the pizza too much so that everything will heat through and melt nicely in the quick amount of time required to cook the bottom of the crust)</em><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Return the pizza to the grill, close the lid, and cook for another 1.5 to 2 minutes. The bottom should be cooked and crispy <em>(a few charred spots are fine)</em>, and the cheese should be melted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut into pieces<em> (I use kitchen shears)</em>, and serve immediately!</div>
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-42638998168775368772015-04-24T08:59:00.000-04:002015-04-24T08:59:00.508-04:00One Pot Chicken Orzo Salad with Blood Orange VinaigretteCan I tell you how long I've been wanting to share this recipe with you? It's been months since we improvised this little dinner number (you know, back when blood oranges were in season), and yet here I am, only just now letting you in on the secret. I love a warm pasta salad, and this one can be pulled together using just one pan. <strong>Orzo is tossed with a citrusy vinaigrette, shredded chicken, cilantro, toasted almonds, and sweet little pomegranate</strong> <strong>seeds</strong>, and the results are pretty darn good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMWnRoNrmfm7uBlM05rmjmo6l6hYj-hnVcjouPk3DuR2_CEIQPUgM8YOmm1AN94R9s-7dZFm3t6Lf1x3HM2zZ-jDEfbtXnT9rVwBtGniuTwwx7h1Y6lt1XF41Ak48vKoS_BWb5IM96pZt/s1600/IMG_20150322_145426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMWnRoNrmfm7uBlM05rmjmo6l6hYj-hnVcjouPk3DuR2_CEIQPUgM8YOmm1AN94R9s-7dZFm3t6Lf1x3HM2zZ-jDEfbtXnT9rVwBtGniuTwwx7h1Y6lt1XF41Ak48vKoS_BWb5IM96pZt/s1600/IMG_20150322_145426.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Serves 2-3</i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup orzo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 large chicken breast</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3 cup sliced almonds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup juice from a blood orange juice<br />
<em>(regular orange would work fine too I bet)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Tb balsamic vinegar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salt and pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Directions</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heat a dry saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, toss in slivered almonds and toast for a few minutes, stirring and tossing occasionally, until the almonds begin to turn golden brown. Once toasted, remove the almonds to a bowl, and wipe out the saucepan.<br />
<br />
Place the chicken breast in the same saucepan, season with salt, and cover with enough water to cover the chicken by about two inches. <br />
<br />
Place the saucepan on a burner over high heat, and bring the water to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil reduce the heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes or so, until cooked through.<br />
<br />
Remove the chicken from the water to a cutting board. Return the water in the saucepan to a boil. Once boiling, add in the orzo and another pinch of salt. Cook the orzo according to package directions (about 8 minutes).<br />
<br />
While the orzo cooks, whisk together the blood orange juice, the balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt until the salt is dissolved. Then slowly whisk in the olive oil to make your dressing. You can also shred your chicken breast once it's cool enough to handle.<br />
<br />
When the orzo is done, strain and return to the saucepan. Pour in about half of the salad dressing and toss in the shredded chicken. With the burner on medium-low, toss the orzo, chicken, and dressing and cook until the orzo has absorbed some of the dressing and the chicken is warm. Taste and add more dressing as desired.<br />
<br />
Once warmed through and dressed to your liking, remove from the heat and toss with the chopped cilantro, about half of the pomegranate seeds, and a couple cracks of black pepper. <br />
<br />
Serve warm (though I imagine that it would be good cold as well), topped with the remaining pomegranate seeds and almonds.<strong><br /></strong></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-7189695163634891992015-04-15T09:59:00.001-04:002015-04-15T09:59:28.373-04:00Texas Pimm's Cup<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a trip to London a couple of years ago,<strong> </strong>I ordered a Pimm's Cup on a whim while browsing around the <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/">Borough Market</a>, and I was hooked. <strong>Pimm's is a gin-based liqueur that's </strong><a href="http://www.anyoneforpimms.com/recipes/pimms-original/"><strong>traditionally</strong></a><strong> mixed with lemonade, mint, cucumber, and strawberries to form one of life's perfect drinks</strong>. Since it's sometimes fun to riff on a classic, I tried giving it a Texas twist (or more accurately, a Mexican twist, beloved by Texans). Along with Pimm's and lemonade, I added a good splash of Lime Topo Chico, a sparkling mineral water imported from Mexico. I'm not sure if it can be found outside of Texas, but if you're in the Lone Star State or if you ever see a bottle, please buy it immediately! The combination was a delicious one, as it adds a little fizz to the drink while keeping the sweetness of the lemonade. It's crisp and refreshing, perfect for sipping on a beautiful Texas spring day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzLv0hc6QgJ42F0Yv8Y6pGld189jc_qnWA1WJDSmxmRkrbWF9qhn7h6rMUU6c55EAn6j0N6r_7BcocMbZxutB3rQYbIu7BgaElGPyM0Y-mErRQZm6vaR5TgXlLrdlIK69ieBd-Vwedvm6/s1600/IMG_20150403_154253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzLv0hc6QgJ42F0Yv8Y6pGld189jc_qnWA1WJDSmxmRkrbWF9qhn7h6rMUU6c55EAn6j0N6r_7BcocMbZxutB3rQYbIu7BgaElGPyM0Y-mErRQZm6vaR5TgXlLrdlIK69ieBd-Vwedvm6/s1600/IMG_20150403_154253.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Serves 1</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz Pimm's No. 1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 oz Lime Topo Chico</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 oz Lemonade<br />
a few English cucumber slices, cut into half moons <em>(regular cucumber will also work)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 strawberry, thinly sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mint leaves, thinly sliced into ribbons</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Directions</b><br />
Fill a tall highball glass half full with ice.<br />
<br />
Toss in a few cucumber slices, strawberry slices, and a good pinch of mint leaves.<br />
<br />
Pour the Pimm's, lemonade, and Lime Topo Chico into the glass, and stir.<br />
<br />
Serve with a straw, and enjoy!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-64962394352388311072015-04-04T10:50:00.002-04:002015-04-04T10:50:35.820-04:00Pan-Seared Salmon over Arugula SaladAs much as I miss Boston, can I tell you how thrilled I am that warmer weather has arrived in Texas while winter lingers long past its welcome in New England? Hopefully this post finds you enjoying warmer weather as well, but if not, I'll try sending a little Texas sunshine your way, because Spring has arrived. And with the arrival of spring, so returns my excitement for making salads again!<br />
<br />
One of the first meals we cooked in our new house was this beautiful recipe from <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/07/one-pot-salmon-arugula-avocado-salad-recipe.html">Serious Eats</a>. While perfect without a single tweak, I couldn't help myself from throwing in a few more things here and there. I've added a splash of soy sauce for the pan-seared salmon. And into the salad, I tossed cucumber slices for a little extra crunch and mandarin oranges for a little sweetness to balance out the bite of the arugula. I feel like mandarin oranges are a little "un-cool," but you know what? They taste good, and they add a pretty pop of color as well. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDK0x4By9cjlhq8hoGG5se7qZIwDEJNeFwRyL5RQkpxzdbQEMPZAXmteer-8ICQU7w_6wBlsLKWz1B47TV7fc8ceB9f_1x-amxz4pF4RaLCjeEW_Hb92jWnObCf02dixjH6GeSq_g33nZ/s1600/IMG_20150331_193309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDK0x4By9cjlhq8hoGG5se7qZIwDEJNeFwRyL5RQkpxzdbQEMPZAXmteer-8ICQU7w_6wBlsLKWz1B47TV7fc8ceB9f_1x-amxz4pF4RaLCjeEW_Hb92jWnObCf02dixjH6GeSq_g33nZ/s1600/IMG_20150331_193309.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Serves 2</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 4-6 oz salmon fillets, skin on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tsp soy sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3-4 cups baby arugula</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 can of mandarin oranges, drained</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 avocado, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Tb lemon juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Tb olive oil + 1 Tb olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
salt and pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Directions</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in a tablespoon or so of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon in the pan, skin side-down. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cook for about 6 minutes, until the skin has crisped nicely. About 1-2 minutes into the cooking process, pour a good splash of soy sauce over the top of each fillet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the fish cooks, make the dressing by whisking together lemon juice and a pinch of salt until the salt is dissolved. Then whisk in the remaining 2 Tb of olive oil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the salmon skin is nice and crisp and the fish is cooked about halfway through, gently flip the fillets, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until a thermometer inserted reads 130-140 degrees (130 is medium).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the fish finishes, toss the arugula, cucumber, and avocado with the dressing. Divide onto two plates and scatter with the mandarin oranges.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the fish is done, remove from the pan, and place on top of the salad, skin side-up. Serve immediately, and enjoy!</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-76526802137842713002015-03-28T14:56:00.001-04:002015-03-28T15:42:42.318-04:00A Night with GemmaA couple weeks ago, my husband and I made it into the big city for a date night at <a href="http://gemmadallas.com/"><b>Gemma</b></a>. It was a chilly, drizzly evening (as so many have been this month), but inside the restaurant was cozy and warm. We sidled up to a little table for two and started with a round of cocktails while browsing the menu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOrJBrXa7BdEcgKCwShtCLQx8ygvHEXzsV_4pXD-K19TmI1VA8Q9JxYDM2GfL0FNfkmJcK0U_xmKrwqhDYuTWGvVBf-ocgmQZY-IVwLPgnBUK5s6oLxE28gYCGXE3JoKxzP3Z8WIK39qy/s1600/gemma1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOrJBrXa7BdEcgKCwShtCLQx8ygvHEXzsV_4pXD-K19TmI1VA8Q9JxYDM2GfL0FNfkmJcK0U_xmKrwqhDYuTWGvVBf-ocgmQZY-IVwLPgnBUK5s6oLxE28gYCGXE3JoKxzP3Z8WIK39qy/s1600/gemma1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
My husband sipped on a <b>Fennel Rickey</b> while I tried a <b>Muddled Kumquat Caipirinha</b>. I wished for a little more sour kick from the kumquats, but it was very good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIK8dcTKHZLZZrR33AsuoFedvtMdKgic7tWbU6JxP8XknPSYWeJiKH89ua0DLzwHXSt9V1wGdS0n9lmj1MgN9MQyyYCJ7tB4Hv2AcTRXmSn2gWR3eNHcg1AOYBFO4YzMb5VlkT87cnpph/s1600/gemma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIK8dcTKHZLZZrR33AsuoFedvtMdKgic7tWbU6JxP8XknPSYWeJiKH89ua0DLzwHXSt9V1wGdS0n9lmj1MgN9MQyyYCJ7tB4Hv2AcTRXmSn2gWR3eNHcg1AOYBFO4YzMb5VlkT87cnpph/s1600/gemma2.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
The food was the real star of the show, though (along with the wine on tap)! I started with a beautiful <b>shaved vegetable salad</b>. Crisp romaine leaves were topped with creamy-tangy dressing, parmesan, and paper-thin but still crisp shavings of carrot, a couple radish varieties, and kohlrabi. We each opted for one of their homemade pasta dishes for our main course. I honestly didn't think we would find good homemade pasta after leaving Boston, but both the <b>pappardelle</b> and the<b> ricotta cavatelli</b> tossed with rich, braised meats were wonderful. Along with glasses of red wine, it was perfect fare for a chilly evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bNpPFyQsLyNnZ0oHRdzWjOKRr0EThAvJOFJVqOdKxEIMejCSVKTyEIvhAps-NuQnRk90ER_dHiX5FT3Hpq27-jpgXABQv5rPs0XbZDkGjvn2-CXrk-rKKQuVxL6e5vqdDHxI-Xvt8tL8/s1600/gemma3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bNpPFyQsLyNnZ0oHRdzWjOKRr0EThAvJOFJVqOdKxEIMejCSVKTyEIvhAps-NuQnRk90ER_dHiX5FT3Hpq27-jpgXABQv5rPs0XbZDkGjvn2-CXrk-rKKQuVxL6e5vqdDHxI-Xvt8tL8/s1600/gemma3.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-63196629447257555772015-03-22T15:50:00.004-04:002015-03-22T15:50:45.353-04:00Spring Green FrittataMarch has been a happy month around here between<b> <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/03/lemon-chess-pie.html">pie</a></b> for Pi Day,<b> <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2014/03/irish-soda-bread.html">Irish Soda Bread</a></b> for St Patrick's Day, and the first day of Spring! To celebrate the change in the seasons, I whipped up a frittata chock full of vegetables (plus a handful of grated cheese for good measure). It's perfect for a quick dinner or weekend breakfast! And wouldn't it be lovely for an Easter brunch? Here's to looking forward to warm weather and sunshine!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJNaexWjQCmC_EaPZV0U-7hyphenhyphenTj9sCxw8Z_Q8Dz1fhJS2PRvKj3quTpT8OERHyVP6VumYRKajOsq_Op0nmUOkPESRUqt5Y6p4T3yG0P4tnfU7X1CXAhG569-Pn-6taCvO1tdutr01Qeyfj/s1600/IMG_20150321_230223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJNaexWjQCmC_EaPZV0U-7hyphenhyphenTj9sCxw8Z_Q8Dz1fhJS2PRvKj3quTpT8OERHyVP6VumYRKajOsq_Op0nmUOkPESRUqt5Y6p4T3yG0P4tnfU7X1CXAhG569-Pn-6taCvO1tdutr01Qeyfj/s1600/IMG_20150321_230223.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Serves 6</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Filling</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Tb olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 bunch swiss chard, stems removed and leaves sliced into ribbons</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 bunch of asparagus, tough ends removed and sliced into 2" pieces</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4-5 mushrooms, thinly sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp herbes de provence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Frittata</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9 eggs + 3 egg yolks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup gruyere cheese, grated</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Tb panko breadcrumbs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
black pepper to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat the oven to 325F.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heat oil in a large (10") oven-proof skillet (I used cast-iron) over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, herbes de provence, and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 minutes or so. The mushrooms should be browned and the extra moisture evaporated.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the mushrooms cook, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, cream, salt, and pepper. Then stir in the breadcrumbs and grated cheese.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the asparagus and swiss chard to the pan, stirring for 3-5 minutes until the swiss chard has just wilted. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, stirring to combine. If you need to, shake the pan a bit or carefully tilt it to make sure that the eggs settle all around the vegetables. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smooth the top of the frittata with your wooden spoon, and then place it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the eggs are set and cooked through.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove from the oven when done, and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve sprinkled with a little pinch of grated parmesan if desired.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznP87EeLsNnRt5AWFgdGDtNX2NqQQQHpbuTfRO6Lbg0XOLqb0du8lAVY0Q5mUh5dwXF5dxXL-gcGC4wGsczJenJwFpGzOBps9sB9tc60Vu-F_r0tDPhpigleeAKKWbKqe1XFxCeLmdd_e/s1600/IMG_20150321_225921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznP87EeLsNnRt5AWFgdGDtNX2NqQQQHpbuTfRO6Lbg0XOLqb0du8lAVY0Q5mUh5dwXF5dxXL-gcGC4wGsczJenJwFpGzOBps9sB9tc60Vu-F_r0tDPhpigleeAKKWbKqe1XFxCeLmdd_e/s1600/IMG_20150321_225921.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-561954352379492682015-03-10T18:28:00.004-04:002015-03-20T11:36:24.781-04:00TucsonLast week, we spent a long weekend (that went by all too quickly) with friends in Tucson, Arizona. We met Kurt and Nina while living in Boston and bonded over a mutual love of good food and drink. They moved to Tucson around the same time that we moved back to Texas, and now that we're settled in our new homes, we figured it was high time for a reunion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom29v1NjuT28Vx-R-Cj4FtrAVJ0fEeP9gB2MVV8xIGRl3HFUjyozRdwuoN3xh0mRvuU1w5_QpIrbWWaI6lnXka-BHMxvud-WRp0MNRng1QhsH2vE97XRk6PETQKmwJGpY8bNCQgcLvLpO/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom29v1NjuT28Vx-R-Cj4FtrAVJ0fEeP9gB2MVV8xIGRl3HFUjyozRdwuoN3xh0mRvuU1w5_QpIrbWWaI6lnXka-BHMxvud-WRp0MNRng1QhsH2vE97XRk6PETQKmwJGpY8bNCQgcLvLpO/s1600/Picture2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Now, I have to tell you -- I wasn't expecting a lot from Tucson. We were just excited to spend time with our friends. But boy was I pleasantly surprised. We had the best time catching up and exploring the city. First off, there is plenty of beauty to be found in the dessert. Below is the view of the mountains from our friends front porch as well as the view of the sunset from their back porch. Gorgeous. And given that it was snowing in Dallas when our plane took off, we didn't hate the warm, sunny weather!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg8CvH2GMKNOTlEW1CQ6RlfosSMu3j2hyYcdwixfENH-FU0Up-IlWg8_tcgjyyudiOdprtWlDVEmL21SnON2BhXVcfZ3vFTgMAEpCPweRPLFyYSQandNwzuj1aCh7WDlJBacE5_XMcpUx/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg8CvH2GMKNOTlEW1CQ6RlfosSMu3j2hyYcdwixfENH-FU0Up-IlWg8_tcgjyyudiOdprtWlDVEmL21SnON2BhXVcfZ3vFTgMAEpCPweRPLFyYSQandNwzuj1aCh7WDlJBacE5_XMcpUx/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Things We Did:</b></div>
We didn't do too much sightseeing on our trip, but we did pay a visit to the <b><a href="http://www.pimaair.org/">Pima County Air and Space Museum</a>.</b> What a treat! The indoors portion of the museum is fantastic all on its own (the highlight is the SR-71 Blackbird, but I was also pretty excited to see an F-14, Maverick and Goose's fighter jet of choice), but the outdoor area is the real star of the show. Rows and rows of retired airplanes are lined up for visitors to admire. You can walk right up to them, touch them, take pictures with them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAh9QtbCnLZ4neSWGEmrewJ7U2bUSJe__uGnkIdgy9D5wsiQNItBZd1FdQkK2sGIUAXORrsx_N1W-IHmrVPzHExY2lAoowXGveKMKw2idgVxjHID5T1ltesx-ytuKEzW_r3Hc3RPCz_Kd/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAh9QtbCnLZ4neSWGEmrewJ7U2bUSJe__uGnkIdgy9D5wsiQNItBZd1FdQkK2sGIUAXORrsx_N1W-IHmrVPzHExY2lAoowXGveKMKw2idgVxjHID5T1ltesx-ytuKEzW_r3Hc3RPCz_Kd/s1600/Picture3.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
Here we are with a very large bomber. Like, very large. At the museum, you can also buy tickets for a bus tour of <a href="http://www.visittucson.org/listings/Davis-Monthan-Air-Force-Base-Aircraft-Boneyard-/1134/?fromMenu=0&maxshow=10"><b>The Boneyard</b></a>, a startlingly large collection of retired aircraft located across the street at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. We didn't arrive early enough to take the tour, so we made do with sneaking a peak as we drove past the base. Talk about airplanes as far as the eye can see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtviFx2S4xLVXCOtinrzFqhKjwnG84AHiIMnJJpytLbb-mH7kIgPUCjHYogJXO12JpNtQI1nIlLr3SgIYVfZjsnaGGZjYVzCMiJX_cvay9SCZT1unlRNpWS8CVrySfETreQ0wL4rG0xboL/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtviFx2S4xLVXCOtinrzFqhKjwnG84AHiIMnJJpytLbb-mH7kIgPUCjHYogJXO12JpNtQI1nIlLr3SgIYVfZjsnaGGZjYVzCMiJX_cvay9SCZT1unlRNpWS8CVrySfETreQ0wL4rG0xboL/s1600/Picture4.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
On Saturday, we spent the most fun afternoon playing Putt Putt, laser golf, and go-karts at <b><a href="http://golfnstuff.com/">Golf 'N Stuff</a>.</b> It was a blast, and not just because I tied for first at Putt Putt!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6YFVg7bmUAcHfZlGbVdCv7kbg0mqmkINEy5GpR5tKkwU88wCYtVdMnlzxQJmQbCdnDxwyZ1GFfz8ZfAigOfQVIvunposHRBoyRen2GsOn4qGwnTPfUMPYKqiw0P3qpSniKq2oZSXoehc/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6YFVg7bmUAcHfZlGbVdCv7kbg0mqmkINEy5GpR5tKkwU88wCYtVdMnlzxQJmQbCdnDxwyZ1GFfz8ZfAigOfQVIvunposHRBoyRen2GsOn4qGwnTPfUMPYKqiw0P3qpSniKq2oZSXoehc/s1600/Picture5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also spent a good portion of our time lounging in Kurt and Nina's hot tub while admiring their view of the mountains, but I don't think that attraction is open to the public. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Things We Ate:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we're getting down to serious business: food! And since this is Tucson, let's start with the Mexican food. It's so fun to visit different regions of the southwest, as each area has its own specialties. In Tucson, one of those is <b>Carne Seca</b>, beef that has been shredded and dried in the desert sun. We ordered an entire plate full at <a href="http://www.elcharrocafe.com/"><b>El Charro Cafe</b></a> served with rice, beans, calabacitas, and fresh corn tortillas and enjoyed every bite. For breakfast at <a href="http://www.pocoandmoms.com/"><b>Poco and Mom's</b></a> I loved my Green Chili Tamales, but my husband's phenomenal <b>Silver City Breakfast </b>stole the show<b> </b>(a plate piled with scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, green chile sauce, machaca, cheese, and refried beans). Our last meal in Tucson was another local specialty: <b>Sonoran Dogs at <a href="http://www.elguerocanelo.com/">El Guero Canelo</a></b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8jj_ATrPY67jmfIo6mzKjmKt6UcN0JSk8RYtlFthMLKu-ILBV4oCOgDy0QcseL7tzdijzu3Q0hobe9PxmA6KfIxIFo0Dq0R24SfDvtCLYLJPYQXlsLbrkZo-C3QWRoBVLPvD-EcmkOvb/s1600/Picture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8jj_ATrPY67jmfIo6mzKjmKt6UcN0JSk8RYtlFthMLKu-ILBV4oCOgDy0QcseL7tzdijzu3Q0hobe9PxmA6KfIxIFo0Dq0R24SfDvtCLYLJPYQXlsLbrkZo-C3QWRoBVLPvD-EcmkOvb/s1600/Picture6.jpg" height="638" width="640" /></a></div>
Though it may not sound like it, we did make room for a couple non-Mexican meals, most notably <b>pizza at</b> <a href="http://www.reillypizza.com/"><b>Reilly</b></a> in downtown Tucson. Their Speck and Egg pizza was heavenly, and I loved their roasted brussels sprouts with homemade hot sauce and pecan brittle crumbs. Right next to the University of Arizona, downtown Tucson was bustling with life and full of cute local restaurants and bars.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgmRhHOgjGDy0wlNRA0_VhbEPk_0zHttTCnM4_sVHDP8XLqbGKuu55WBIWKp3-ABLRsRQ8uPgepyAgRY5nIj0hvLMxgg4IW_KuZuPPjsJg4UTiG3sMP01BQZ_Wk0xCy051HAf-MNbm0pc/s1600/Picture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgmRhHOgjGDy0wlNRA0_VhbEPk_0zHttTCnM4_sVHDP8XLqbGKuu55WBIWKp3-ABLRsRQ8uPgepyAgRY5nIj0hvLMxgg4IW_KuZuPPjsJg4UTiG3sMP01BQZ_Wk0xCy051HAf-MNbm0pc/s1600/Picture7.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Things We Drank:</b></div>
Tucson is also not without some great drinking establishments. We sipped cocktails at the <a href="http://www.reillypizza.com/#tough-luck-club"><b>Tough Luck Club</b></a> (in Reilly's basement) and at<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theStillTucson">The Still</a> </b>(located in the back of an Italian restaurant called Vero Amore). While both were great, The Still was hands down our favorite. It was a quiet, cozy little place, and the drinks were absolutely fantastic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-UQYizLWX__nx1dlMvvZVtrXf74iB9tqkmU1YeFt2uBZZ30rJ5sI6fqxUb2F1i0TqdwhosW4V9N6JQPNPcEevnz4Efyb7uJekRxWMLjsC5NdX4xyH9yZMmmvewPS4sSERdcOKrdV7G4i/s1600/Picture8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-UQYizLWX__nx1dlMvvZVtrXf74iB9tqkmU1YeFt2uBZZ30rJ5sI6fqxUb2F1i0TqdwhosW4V9N6JQPNPcEevnz4Efyb7uJekRxWMLjsC5NdX4xyH9yZMmmvewPS4sSERdcOKrdV7G4i/s1600/Picture8.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
For an early evening pick me up, we stopped at <a href="http://www.tcroasters.com/index.php"><b>Tucson Coffee Roasters</b></a>. While I enjoyed my traditional latte, Kurt was more adventurous and ordered a Bulletproof Coffee featuring namely butter and coconut oil. I don't know how you would drink an entire cup, as it was incredibly rich, but it was delicious to sample.<br />
<br />
Last but not least, we visited a couple of local breweries, <a href="http://www.nimbusbeer.com/"><b>Nimbus Brewery</b></a> and at <a href="http://www.sentinelpeakbrewing.com/"><b>Sentinel Peak Brewing Company</b></a>. With two homebrewers in our midst, how could we not? We started the weekend with a round of <b>Old Monkeyshine</b> at Nimbus and finished with pints of <b>Dewpoint Dunkel</b> Sentinel Peak.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPMSNm7LmRkUZJ4SgeKPAr1xTbNThQX6aJ5mQ4NT_5qTCaVg3KxK7RiSQAzSUDq9Y4BhyZ8GdbqS4T9fvvkhpHfeRyACJmxAh3l91rj5O6hvnJlAe6b-G2HvuUvelVDX-VSbpew-vlP2s/s1600/Picture9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPMSNm7LmRkUZJ4SgeKPAr1xTbNThQX6aJ5mQ4NT_5qTCaVg3KxK7RiSQAzSUDq9Y4BhyZ8GdbqS4T9fvvkhpHfeRyACJmxAh3l91rj5O6hvnJlAe6b-G2HvuUvelVDX-VSbpew-vlP2s/s1600/Picture9.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
As all good things must come to an end, the time came for us bid farewell to our friends and to catch a flight home, where this little furball was pretty happy to see us! We're already looking forward to returning the favor of such a wonderful weekend by plotting a great tour of the Dallas area!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-NljDffZDxbSwdvx89xioiAoAV_xbZMEFiccQcmLOVGahjFpEz-zXU1wYZB6FIVzbxfn5fn-aGnqCXFAHpfoshQYABBHQxD8kGrVCibgxjbd0UBcrjzv6BLhg0T8h9XO8D_mglP8UY7T/s1600/Picture10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-NljDffZDxbSwdvx89xioiAoAV_xbZMEFiccQcmLOVGahjFpEz-zXU1wYZB6FIVzbxfn5fn-aGnqCXFAHpfoshQYABBHQxD8kGrVCibgxjbd0UBcrjzv6BLhg0T8h9XO8D_mglP8UY7T/s1600/Picture10.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-67697268070981168872015-01-24T14:16:00.000-05:002015-01-24T14:16:03.398-05:00My 10 Favorite Things in DecemberMy final installment of "Favorite Things" for 2014 is better late than never, I suppose. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! December is always such a whirlwind month between finishing up tasks at work for the year, shopping for presents, Christmas parties and activities, and in the special case of this particular year, coming down with the flu! Despite being under the weather for a few days, there was still plenty to be thankful for throughout the holiday season.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>1) Our first big Christmas tree</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong>It was so much fun decorating our new house for our first Christmas back in Texas. From the full-sized Christmas tree that actually fit in the living room (instead of the little tree we had to put in our dining room in Boston) to stringing up lights on the house, things felt downright Christmas-y!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04vataXz-jaf2OkYNuW1a6v_cfuwtcDU46Iq-nz6cv1qy_3mkSyJOsyHl0CJG5EGU09Pl1CUsS1o3wbvGE1hmIVDetycO-51UfC6CCDfYuenoBs9RLndS91mfmNDeStg2GHtIyx1iqQHX/s1600/dec7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04vataXz-jaf2OkYNuW1a6v_cfuwtcDU46Iq-nz6cv1qy_3mkSyJOsyHl0CJG5EGU09Pl1CUsS1o3wbvGE1hmIVDetycO-51UfC6CCDfYuenoBs9RLndS91mfmNDeStg2GHtIyx1iqQHX/s1600/dec7.JPG" height="400" width="397" /></a></div>
<strong>2) The <a href="http://www.mckinneyparadeoflights.com/">McKinney Parade of Lights</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong>My in-laws drove up for a weekend visit and joined us for the McKinney Christmas parade, complete with all the local marching bands, classic cars, fake snow, adorable kids, and floats lit with thousands of lights!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L9lHoV6nh_WH6mQETC4o_hVS0o4M4IRYXW3_C6WgnWMWyOibOfVEqlTwAj9pytAjvYxHKlWR9e2cmTVtGal4DmNC-pifge4pDcPL3QWBXrClmNW0gDpGG_uSxmxlpvbGi9VjW0jF59vk/s1600/dec5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L9lHoV6nh_WH6mQETC4o_hVS0o4M4IRYXW3_C6WgnWMWyOibOfVEqlTwAj9pytAjvYxHKlWR9e2cmTVtGal4DmNC-pifge4pDcPL3QWBXrClmNW0gDpGG_uSxmxlpvbGi9VjW0jF59vk/s1600/dec5.JPG" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>3) <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-reunion-in-dallas.html">Nate and Kate's visit</a></strong><br />
December also brought us visitors from Buffalo: Nate and Kate! We had a great time taking them around Dallas along with our friend Joseph!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkYm3TPf8e6iV5DvSlO4rqwPPTGAnZygfkIiFQFi9JvHJajhNcbQdkHQeferKCU3H8Npj1orShc3gwy0vWtfKbVxIUdo0cZJ2hCJ6GT6fWlem8ryRgcVOlne6THerZycc9EK_iJ_KLjMF/s1600/dec6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkYm3TPf8e6iV5DvSlO4rqwPPTGAnZygfkIiFQFi9JvHJajhNcbQdkHQeferKCU3H8Npj1orShc3gwy0vWtfKbVxIUdo0cZJ2hCJ6GT6fWlem8ryRgcVOlne6THerZycc9EK_iJ_KLjMF/s1600/dec6.JPG" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>4) My husband's homemade buttermilk white bread</strong><br />
My husband has many talents, including a knack for baking. One chilly morning in December, he got the itch to bake bread, and opted for an absolutely delicious buttermilk white bread from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beard-Bread-James/dp/0679755047/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422124051&sr=8-1&keywords=beard+on+bread">Beard on Bread</a>. That was a good day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixlZplSGmWTDPnGGpVBLKdpmkyo6rG2LfyenyIPK_8N6PCQiwY6KvClx05XSpOMBXULHp80PLgeZygEz-UzYi6HYDZWojlWI24zGVCQp0LNEXyv2W_MUue7pSJHRdEKmaNlhn0BJ1Su2l/s1600/dec3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixlZplSGmWTDPnGGpVBLKdpmkyo6rG2LfyenyIPK_8N6PCQiwY6KvClx05XSpOMBXULHp80PLgeZygEz-UzYi6HYDZWojlWI24zGVCQp0LNEXyv2W_MUue7pSJHRdEKmaNlhn0BJ1Su2l/s1600/dec3.JPG" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>5) Catching a hockey game with my mom and brother</strong><br />
My mom and brother came to town for a little Christmas shopping, which also gave us a good excuse to catch an <a href="http://allenamericans.com/">Allen Americans</a> game. There's nothing like watching grown men get into fist fights on the ice for a little family bonding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUsou1RYLbH5t4rgbS6NbBE7cSuB0h8EilI_ym44EMPrW73Xh0oBOKfAJkmF6n2YELZOrZbIWRHE_5w7AOyC4w1zPXJe1kD10Q1_M_wNdv6fPXazmIX308CejJogAuUWCAj-MQPWJ_SmA/s1600/dec4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUsou1RYLbH5t4rgbS6NbBE7cSuB0h8EilI_ym44EMPrW73Xh0oBOKfAJkmF6n2YELZOrZbIWRHE_5w7AOyC4w1zPXJe1kD10Q1_M_wNdv6fPXazmIX308CejJogAuUWCAj-MQPWJ_SmA/s1600/dec4.JPG" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>6) Christmas with our families</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong>This one kind of goes without saying, doesn't it? Despite being under the weather, we loved spending time with both of our families this Christmas. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12ycjV3IEnw51dI1wz6u0sDv68BqOriRRCv1UxR2HJNIdi7L0TTNQ9cyNSV8YhRdTNxdxoherY4rJOOy6zEOawNBnQafT20zuDvA8KTVkuzv05sb5AP5vuvuCw3As_dYUnxsKc81llBRR/s1600/IMG_20150124_124426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12ycjV3IEnw51dI1wz6u0sDv68BqOriRRCv1UxR2HJNIdi7L0TTNQ9cyNSV8YhRdTNxdxoherY4rJOOy6zEOawNBnQafT20zuDvA8KTVkuzv05sb5AP5vuvuCw3As_dYUnxsKc81llBRR/s1600/IMG_20150124_124426.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>7) Decorating Christmas Cookies</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong>I loved watching my husband bake his grandmother's famous Christmas cookies, and we made a glorious mess decorating sugar cookies with (homemade) icing and sprinkles and such. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoSqtINRn8QNlSIeSHJMwyEY58oIdenHiH8Eys9AcmtKYr09yZng4AgxeSOT3f781ORBrOROtfKceHD5pOi-ud1KWmDV9Zf743cjx3cHa2mlt0nKSk0QEI-wtLw_k-myp4EOUMvvposUo/s1600/IMG_20150124_124700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoSqtINRn8QNlSIeSHJMwyEY58oIdenHiH8Eys9AcmtKYr09yZng4AgxeSOT3f781ORBrOROtfKceHD5pOi-ud1KWmDV9Zf743cjx3cHa2mlt0nKSk0QEI-wtLw_k-myp4EOUMvvposUo/s1600/IMG_20150124_124700.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<strong>8) Visiting friends in Victoria</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong>We don't get to see our friends Jimmy and Laura too often these days, so we were tickled pink when they invited us to spend a few days with them in their hometown of Victoria over the holidays. We had the best time! We laughed and caught up, we ate Gulf oysters and fresh-caught flounder, we sipped Jimmy's homebrewed sour beer, we lounged in the hot tub, and we even visited the beach! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-MNOGXk08y8ln7S9DnI-qNF6WwaydOXw5QdQsW3HXulXL3mlygDRoKeVJKgFIdgau3cOi9jELWxjftS5-oFkVOhH0LZCRDXLFJz8i2GKmFnNBM48jhbnWAhLUSv_cqnbJzYsqMieVlU2/s1600/dec1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-MNOGXk08y8ln7S9DnI-qNF6WwaydOXw5QdQsW3HXulXL3mlygDRoKeVJKgFIdgau3cOi9jELWxjftS5-oFkVOhH0LZCRDXLFJz8i2GKmFnNBM48jhbnWAhLUSv_cqnbJzYsqMieVlU2/s1600/dec1.JPG" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>9) Fried Flounder</b><br />
Growing up in Northeast Texas, we didn't exactly have access to fresh seafood, even from the Gulf of Mexico. So eating fresh Gulf seafood right out of the fryer while visiting Jimmy and Laura is right up there with a lot of my favorite food memories. The fried shrimp and fried oysters were wonderful, but the flounder is what really stole the show.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-dOPQojk8IaYscUSCzlgZgGv7iPUQakgK9G-QP4Dym5oVjS6SikvOlu2W_iEC9sREFJ0S80RD57a_gSlhfnYegNPZst4X3fwUohvIGogvrUpdZHUKISq5HsR0eX7AyKmuhhIG0dZB6HW/s1600/IMG_20150124_124912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-dOPQojk8IaYscUSCzlgZgGv7iPUQakgK9G-QP4Dym5oVjS6SikvOlu2W_iEC9sREFJ0S80RD57a_gSlhfnYegNPZst4X3fwUohvIGogvrUpdZHUKISq5HsR0eX7AyKmuhhIG0dZB6HW/s1600/IMG_20150124_124912.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>10) Charlie's First Christmas</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you even believe how cute Charlie is in his little Santa vest?! Nope, didn't think so. This little guy loved every minute of his first Christmas. He got more attention than a puppy could ever dream of, new chew toys, and even a tennis ball cannon! Does it get any better?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPU2YDL54ofiWjBao0-6x46BkU8VqMXHhLTNAUHg9lrqquRzRXhtacyRGIVwSMKMoKk-13LXKJoJhd4nHLQzjdJiF9sbCCQhVijzSESUFcmxwA_ULew34tR_GUaSK7iLhNOnhLhFxTEo1/s1600/dec8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPU2YDL54ofiWjBao0-6x46BkU8VqMXHhLTNAUHg9lrqquRzRXhtacyRGIVwSMKMoKk-13LXKJoJhd4nHLQzjdJiF9sbCCQhVijzSESUFcmxwA_ULew34tR_GUaSK7iLhNOnhLhFxTEo1/s1600/dec8.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />
<br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-63577890334805467102015-01-22T14:03:00.000-05:002015-03-22T15:31:37.474-04:00Green Chile Cornbread<strong>Happy belated New Year everyone!</strong> Boy am I behind! We rung in 2015 back home after travels to Paris, Austin, and finally Victoria to visit family and friends. Our New Year's Eve was quiet -- just the two of us, the dog, and a bottle of champagne. On New Year's Day, <strong>I cooked a big pot of black-eyed peas studded with green chiles and bacon</strong>. In the south, there's a superstitious tradition that promises good luck for the year to come if you eat black-eyed peas on January 1st. I love silly traditions like that, and it's a great excuse to enjoy one of my favorite legumes. <strong>I served them over this green chile cornbread, and it was a delicious way to kick off the year.</strong> Here's hoping that plenty of good luck comes to all of us this year!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeaYu6jFsdYw4uaKusZlv9Fnu-OG47-P5CIczpyFmeEazwhaI3sCHlmqU3QCxQNgSZqyZxyd2SViKgawsOvKuXiRfDcK4pAvy6OSEkktzwnkfVDGLA9FGDSELrE3HT1OawpHf5pzaCxHW/s1600/cornbread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeaYu6jFsdYw4uaKusZlv9Fnu-OG47-P5CIczpyFmeEazwhaI3sCHlmqU3QCxQNgSZqyZxyd2SViKgawsOvKuXiRfDcK4pAvy6OSEkktzwnkfVDGLA9FGDSELrE3HT1OawpHf5pzaCxHW/s1600/cornbread.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Serves 6-8</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup cornmeal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Tb sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup milk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup melted shortening</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Hatch or Anaheim green chiles, roasted, peeled, and chopped (or a 4 oz can of green chiles)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Directions</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat the oven to 400F. Scoop a little shortening into your cornbread pan (I use a round metal pie pan), and let it sit in the oven while it heats up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, sift together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder into a large bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg, and stir in the milk.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour the milk and egg mixture into your dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in melted shortening and green chiles. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove the cornbread pan from the oven. By this time, the shortening should be melted. Swirl it around a bit, so that it coats the bottom of the pan. Then pour the batter into the pan. You will hear it sizzle a little bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. </div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-28324790288033089622014-12-22T19:01:00.004-05:002014-12-22T19:01:57.512-05:00My Favorite Christmas Cookie - SnickerdoodlesMy very favorite cookie, especially around Christmastime, are these wonderfully soft Snickerdoodles. Based on a recipe from <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-super-soft-snickerdoodl-115237">The Kitchn</a>, they're always a big hit. Soft and buttery with a cinnamon-sugar crust, I love them with a steaming mug of black coffee, preferably shared with family or friends. Throw in a Christmas tree and a crackling fire, and you've got yourself one heck of a cookie!<br />
<br />
P.S. Sorry that I don't have a pretty picture of the cookies...we forgot to take one before eating them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVkY-n2YPsgslBBFd2GsYUkPH1InUy6Lq1q4tdGXj_IFn9Yi5BcbEaTBEVBG1u4_4vekrx_WUeBdgZC3YuSnZztrRskbSjHTHRsr-8uKQjoHVErp9hHhJhxuAJJ8Q3FCopPXCKPNUzv-U/s1600/christmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVkY-n2YPsgslBBFd2GsYUkPH1InUy6Lq1q4tdGXj_IFn9Yi5BcbEaTBEVBG1u4_4vekrx_WUeBdgZC3YuSnZztrRskbSjHTHRsr-8uKQjoHVErp9hHhJhxuAJJ8Q3FCopPXCKPNUzv-U/s1600/christmas+tree.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo from <a href="http://www.woohome.com/interiors/25-creative-and-beautiful-christmas-tree-decorating-ideas">WooHome</a>)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup unsalted butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup light brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup white sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 cups flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup white sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Tb cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat the oven to 425F.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from the heat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the butter cools, mix together your dry ingredients (brown and white sugar, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whisk the eggs with the vanilla extract, and then stir in the cooled melted butter (you don't want to scramble your eggs).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir together the wet and dry ingredients, just until combined. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 Tb cinnamon. Roll the cookies into 1 inch balls, roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat, and place on an ungreased baking sheet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake for 8 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove from the oven, let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, and then remove to a cooling rack.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-7439258889685848412014-12-21T13:15:00.000-05:002014-12-21T13:15:02.874-05:00All I Want For Christmas - 2014 EditionOk, it's that time of year again! Christmas is almost here! Our tree has been up for weeks, a wreath is on the door, and lights are on the house, but I'm scurrying around doing last minute shopping. Here are some things I'm loving this year! Happy Christmas shopping to those of you who, like me, still have a couple folks left on your list!<br />
<br />
How cute is this <a href="https://food52.com/provisions/products/1886-magnetic-hand-embroidered-julia-child-bookmark"><strong>Julia Child cookbook bookmark</strong></a>? She never fails to make me smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCJM-eFRkmRaTLWovDpCr4_nyeeVGlQyrWFCLCOAhJSNZqvmlzRpu7PSnyqDS6vhRJqXVMNTRhTL0z-GTrXpaR5_dCZwhPqDIFlOzV5LD12y3XV4qV1zvoTmUJZ-MOO1_1Vwx65AJUwtV/s1600/C10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCJM-eFRkmRaTLWovDpCr4_nyeeVGlQyrWFCLCOAhJSNZqvmlzRpu7PSnyqDS6vhRJqXVMNTRhTL0z-GTrXpaR5_dCZwhPqDIFlOzV5LD12y3XV4qV1zvoTmUJZ-MOO1_1Vwx65AJUwtV/s1600/C10.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="https://food52.com/provisions/products/1886-magnetic-hand-embroidered-julia-child-bookmark">Food52 Provisions</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm a sucker for just about anything from Rifle Paper Co, and these <strong>Floral </strong><a href="https://riflepaperco.com/shop/coaster-sets/floral-assorted-coaster-set/"><strong>Coasters</strong></a> are no exception.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnpvjddToqBqa9nWoEk5SYMRJeMz8zJyNtVndppMJ1zKUUCIEawKlAAI4d9WIWYQ_l1DqZ-5wwizzLwTEhaTF5l52Ps42PNvyzthg-5OkMeIyD3WOykQNMOCrVRuF2vlhtdol7iX8AUtN/s1600/C9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnpvjddToqBqa9nWoEk5SYMRJeMz8zJyNtVndppMJ1zKUUCIEawKlAAI4d9WIWYQ_l1DqZ-5wwizzLwTEhaTF5l52Ps42PNvyzthg-5OkMeIyD3WOykQNMOCrVRuF2vlhtdol7iX8AUtN/s1600/C9.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/shop/coaster-sets/floral-assorted-coaster-set/">Rifle Paper Co</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Wouldn't this<strong> </strong><a href="https://food52.com/provisions/products/1898-2015-buy-local-calendar"><strong>2015 calendar</strong></a> be perfect in the kitchen?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaYgvVgtttr6AYbVklAIrVciixRx9eq6Xe6I4NOL48Z2Oc-4RT8SgURL4uBHueudgrtxSq3qrHTYe4_dUEKaYPnSfdg7wXLwByhyps38iJQnPBjyzjgP3AijSce2Si5P7fH7va_b830Mp/s1600/C8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaYgvVgtttr6AYbVklAIrVciixRx9eq6Xe6I4NOL48Z2Oc-4RT8SgURL4uBHueudgrtxSq3qrHTYe4_dUEKaYPnSfdg7wXLwByhyps38iJQnPBjyzjgP3AijSce2Si5P7fH7va_b830Mp/s1600/C8.JPG" height="400" width="277" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="https://food52.com/provisions/products/1898-2015-buy-local-calendar">Food52 Provisions</a>)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm dying to add this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/118982291/east-of-eden-framed-print-john-steinbeck?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=east+of+eden&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery"><strong>East of Eden print</strong></a> to the collection in our library.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA_hvL3qPG_cGfsfWv1Uwywx1D0voFp5aDTIwreHKlUQQ3iEZNx93CqYyjsjPFiOKjojJhW77fKPdo9PFzJ4jE6krdXbMhH-cHPEiLOguW3MSTvB_Jzl5a0oCnRedrkQNGxoc-JARXj7D/s1600/C7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA_hvL3qPG_cGfsfWv1Uwywx1D0voFp5aDTIwreHKlUQQ3iEZNx93CqYyjsjPFiOKjojJhW77fKPdo9PFzJ4jE6krdXbMhH-cHPEiLOguW3MSTvB_Jzl5a0oCnRedrkQNGxoc-JARXj7D/s1600/C7.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/118982291/east-of-eden-framed-print-john-steinbeck?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=east+of+eden&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">FRAMEDVINTAGE Etsy Shop</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A cheery monogrammed <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/33779562.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS#/"><strong>Ring Dish</strong></a> would look great on someone's nightstand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWak4yW-WICPcxayu7NZLztgDeJoTZfoBZT_m0ize6umDMenS-dv-WSASQOpN28ako7lTzNBHijS5KohP8D-htQA7S1dYpIzMXY_cLHs0hNaAzzdn6eoA3qtPG58pS7PRqHBpmsV0Otcl/s1600/C6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWak4yW-WICPcxayu7NZLztgDeJoTZfoBZT_m0ize6umDMenS-dv-WSASQOpN28ako7lTzNBHijS5KohP8D-htQA7S1dYpIzMXY_cLHs0hNaAzzdn6eoA3qtPG58pS7PRqHBpmsV0Otcl/s1600/C6.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/33779562.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS#/">Anthropologie</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Have you seen this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1780671067/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1780671067&linkCode=as2&tag=acoj-20&linkId=SZHTCCCTHTL6NFTE"><strong>Coloring Book</strong></a>? What a perfect way to spend dreary winter afternoons!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFClF-3tk6Z_5POLrEamiH4c9P77serxDkeC1yj3cGDcaGQa14OioIjwngOr3kYGNyuE6do_KqQnHvtQcgWmbGqvoqefuAT8DO9Cu5-k6RB0KSg_PtH0z9Bp2GClZ1sNnzSr_4DZSqG_VD/s1600/C5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFClF-3tk6Z_5POLrEamiH4c9P77serxDkeC1yj3cGDcaGQa14OioIjwngOr3kYGNyuE6do_KqQnHvtQcgWmbGqvoqefuAT8DO9Cu5-k6RB0KSg_PtH0z9Bp2GClZ1sNnzSr_4DZSqG_VD/s1600/C5.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1780671067/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1780671067&linkCode=as2&tag=acoj-20&linkId=SZHTCCCTHTL6NFTE">Amazon</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Who doesn't like a cozy pair of <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=36107&vid=1&pid=145377022"><strong>PJ Pants</strong></a>?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIR_piP8chz98ruPZlCAOEn34noVVdTZSkWCYOvF4DwizzWjpSvJWts3VxXRrnFQt0LQX9VtIe2rD4ajrhahyuquglTBDbVZRe7MR5OMsR5CnXLYoM3qQHPD1MWyXLxsmtI4P_LNB0cCc/s1600/C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIR_piP8chz98ruPZlCAOEn34noVVdTZSkWCYOvF4DwizzWjpSvJWts3VxXRrnFQt0LQX9VtIe2rD4ajrhahyuquglTBDbVZRe7MR5OMsR5CnXLYoM3qQHPD1MWyXLxsmtI4P_LNB0cCc/s1600/C3.JPG" height="400" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=36107&vid=1&pid=145377022">Old Navy</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Even though I have no room for new cookbooks, I would love to have <strong>David Lebovitz's newest, </strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Paris-Kitchen-Recipes-Stories/dp/1607742675/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418739712&sr=1-1&keywords=david+lebovitz+my+paris+kitchen&pebp=1418739715480"><strong>My Paris Kitchen</strong></a>. He's just the best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2nm2_S4Z5f4GsBDpTEI20cNqgnBTPCRqv7EOpNei6i3fip5cHPBiOaqpVBWqbdD87YAu22p1DBJVw1gOzeuCDVIB03n3_qf6xUsNTxqwKdVSUrluNVY79DKKsrnombi7Is4Z6S2CoRPW/s1600/C4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2nm2_S4Z5f4GsBDpTEI20cNqgnBTPCRqv7EOpNei6i3fip5cHPBiOaqpVBWqbdD87YAu22p1DBJVw1gOzeuCDVIB03n3_qf6xUsNTxqwKdVSUrluNVY79DKKsrnombi7Is4Z6S2CoRPW/s1600/C4.JPG" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Paris-Kitchen-Recipes-Stories/dp/1607742675/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418739712&sr=1-1&keywords=david+lebovitz+my+paris+kitchen&pebp=1418739715480">Amazon</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I know I asked for a pretty copy of <strong>Little Women</strong> <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/12/all-i-want-for-christmas-2013-edition.html">last year too</a>, but have you seen this <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/little-women-alcott/"><strong>In Bloom</strong></a> version?! Swoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBWD46EFmqaVrBNjSb67hucsXFvop4t95nnjQFaqFqN_vFbjELUGuWEiJqWauY7V8hJeVEbJZ_UulloQ8ehoyWVhC-21JYcSAE_XveATR6IdmcbH7COSIzRHtpv1xtslnB20HTvK-uVG7/s1600/C2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBWD46EFmqaVrBNjSb67hucsXFvop4t95nnjQFaqFqN_vFbjELUGuWEiJqWauY7V8hJeVEbJZ_UulloQ8ehoyWVhC-21JYcSAE_XveATR6IdmcbH7COSIzRHtpv1xtslnB20HTvK-uVG7/s1600/C2.jpg" height="400" width="375" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/little-women-alcott/">Rifle Paper Co</a>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Finally, how about this completely gorgeous <strong><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/mrk-smeg-toaster-2-slice-e870/?pkey=e%7Csmeg%2Btoaster%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules">Smeg Toaster</a></strong>? How can someone make a toaster that pretty?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4h2ZpMhX9GyMDScXA3MWDgJaJn5ceT8F6qRjNbycMqx11BAdXcOAFPzgwvXJgjywcbbgt986Xy1GQmnjLCS541DYqLYR4tzLcao272TtiQaB0p1vXZFZDQB35f-bgw9EYIjQbQrg8hFe/s1600/C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4h2ZpMhX9GyMDScXA3MWDgJaJn5ceT8F6qRjNbycMqx11BAdXcOAFPzgwvXJgjywcbbgt986Xy1GQmnjLCS541DYqLYR4tzLcao272TtiQaB0p1vXZFZDQB35f-bgw9EYIjQbQrg8hFe/s1600/C1.JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/mrk-smeg-toaster-2-slice-e870/?pkey=e%7Csmeg%2Btoaster%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules">West Elm</a>)</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-45709282746154631022014-12-15T14:37:00.005-05:002014-12-15T14:37:49.885-05:00A Reunion in DallasThis past weekend, our friends Nate and Kate came to town to visit us along with our friend Joseph! As I've mentioned <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-surprise-visit-to-buffalo.html">before</a> (and again <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/07/buffalo-and-wedding.html">here</a>), Nate, Joseph, and I came to be good friends while studying abroad in Toulouse, France. We even gave ourselves a cheesy nickname -- The Trio! We've been scattered across the country over the past few years, but upon our recent relocation to Dallas as well as Joseph's, we figured it was high time for another reunion. We had a great time catching up and exploring our new home together. <br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>McKinney</strong><br />
We kicked off the weekend in McKinney. We took them to some of our favorite spots, tried a few new ones, and spent some time at our house playing with Charlie and mixing cocktails in the kitchen.<br />
<ul>
<li>We sipped wine at a cozy corner table at <a href="http://www.lonestarwinecellars.com/"><strong>Lone Star Wine Cellars</strong></a>.</li>
<li>We devoured breakfast sandwiches at <a href="http://snugonthesquare.com/"><strong>Snug on the Square</strong></a>. The spinach mushroom melt with their homemade green salsa is the best.</li>
<li>We brosed shelves piled high with rare and vintage books (including some cool signed first editions) at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-book-gallery-mckinney"><strong>The Book Gallery</strong></a>.</li>
<li>We had pie for lunch at <a href="http://emporiumpies.com/"><strong>Emporium Pies</strong></a>. Our favorites from the winter menu were the Father Christmas (peppermint cream pie with chocolate cookie crust), Buttermilk Blitzen (chai-spiced buttermilk pie), and Merry Berry (cranberry pecan topped with a layer of chess pie)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDHPsw0pO9U7Ws8cw4UDTDmcPYOWRfX4TOhkbtLuzJGx-s5E0xRc_06QpNONTPx7R5UIGYm_W3DSXqpm7Vi-2YTkqnJl2Qy9Xb4uKygav0344-2yHRa4DimLuEQvUqY8f6blFbZPRkUfu/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDHPsw0pO9U7Ws8cw4UDTDmcPYOWRfX4TOhkbtLuzJGx-s5E0xRc_06QpNONTPx7R5UIGYm_W3DSXqpm7Vi-2YTkqnJl2Qy9Xb4uKygav0344-2yHRa4DimLuEQvUqY8f6blFbZPRkUfu/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>We went wine tasting at <a href="http://www.mitashillvineyard.com/MitasHill/"><strong>Mitas Hill Vineyards</strong></a> right outside of McKinney in a little town called Squeezepenny. We loved the "Sip and Savor" deal where you could try four different wines while chatting in the tasting room and admiring the lovely grounds.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lVS2M4iHraPoyGEmgdxmpPjY59sxlIItWWEFsKwqn264QbqAcobNAQHs3NnMTbpKpLZDOfpSJM9S5g792wczM0_NzMuyuxcGuVgYSIP6l1BsYVY9-YCVV9moaxr1DlLj4bNIQIbXg9ZN/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lVS2M4iHraPoyGEmgdxmpPjY59sxlIItWWEFsKwqn264QbqAcobNAQHs3NnMTbpKpLZDOfpSJM9S5g792wczM0_NzMuyuxcGuVgYSIP6l1BsYVY9-YCVV9moaxr1DlLj4bNIQIbXg9ZN/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The whole gang at Mitas Hill:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoXbcsP3gUnkFpkru7bUG2ZFmodKRiNF7RX0f-HKPljkeNa-MpexDTJVG7PHRhnEEeoQUb8e04yZDmxs9sjs3XBa6KrDraRDGG5ycILIYqIlDX1gbQw6b04zua05nnkIkGyXeaEvxmEcy/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoXbcsP3gUnkFpkru7bUG2ZFmodKRiNF7RX0f-HKPljkeNa-MpexDTJVG7PHRhnEEeoQUb8e04yZDmxs9sjs3XBa6KrDraRDGG5ycILIYqIlDX1gbQw6b04zua05nnkIkGyXeaEvxmEcy/s1600/3.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Dallas:</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, we headed into the big city. It was time to explore Dallas with Joseph's apartment as our home base. We rolled into town just as the sun was setting Saturday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSesDo9HgI4Ob0HzX6GRcgi5rj86sPw2DSwEyp_qxK7HUkWGEltohbxcCFce9oMeTvy8Z_cm41fNx06upSiOzEDIzkDh72z5cvyB8dqW1fd8GjfClur11CiRjqBjIlBkpUoot72gB7_IMW/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSesDo9HgI4Ob0HzX6GRcgi5rj86sPw2DSwEyp_qxK7HUkWGEltohbxcCFce9oMeTvy8Z_cm41fNx06upSiOzEDIzkDh72z5cvyB8dqW1fd8GjfClur11CiRjqBjIlBkpUoot72gB7_IMW/s1600/4.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We explored the <a href="http://www.bishopartsdistrict.com/home"><strong>Bishop Arts District</strong></a><strong>!</strong> After reading about this trendy part of town flourishing in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, we were excited to see what all the fuss was about!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis42hrLUh5PM_1XbNsb3Px1UVBqvRy4OMS6bDpm_bs-v5V2tka6HflSniWMtXrw03aRZVZRS5D0kJKoWDF7P6WhSgRHRi85pc2DcGeUM26j9X5_BhZ_GT9wci16s50O0iZd5Ybt5RNOEWd/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis42hrLUh5PM_1XbNsb3Px1UVBqvRy4OMS6bDpm_bs-v5V2tka6HflSniWMtXrw03aRZVZRS5D0kJKoWDF7P6WhSgRHRi85pc2DcGeUM26j9X5_BhZ_GT9wci16s50O0iZd5Ybt5RNOEWd/s1600/5.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>We snacked on appetizers and clinked cocktail glasses at <a href="http://stockandbarreldallas.com/"><strong>Stock and Barrel</strong></a>. This place was phenomenal. We loved the goat cheese dumplings and the caramelized Brussels Sprouts doused in chili oil. I can't wait to go back for a full meal sometime soon!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLmFrfmKZRBwEabNJv5gcFTht5YnOLmSh-k6l_En5YiTjZP2jwLinkm0Sqp8N5pNVP4AzLNSEvebkrsdtYMpwSoJeSxysL3lUh1kpBiGnBVgHj41z17bELvGc-Yny6rhdC_QzQNKKdxcJ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLmFrfmKZRBwEabNJv5gcFTht5YnOLmSh-k6l_En5YiTjZP2jwLinkm0Sqp8N5pNVP4AzLNSEvebkrsdtYMpwSoJeSxysL3lUh1kpBiGnBVgHj41z17bELvGc-Yny6rhdC_QzQNKKdxcJ/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>After sampling the BBQ at Lockhart Smokehouse, we sipped cider at <a href="http://www.bishopcider.com/#!"><strong>Bishop Cider Co</strong></a><strong>.</strong> The boys preferred their peach and pecan-laced cider, but Kate and I loved the OC Funk, an unfiltered and wonderfully funky (as the name implies) cider.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwMTTY4fCpcA-oiSyefFcnd0e0QS3An7DESxLZGEkBQlWxGM8oE8IpuXgYpC_FCeJMD_gFE3Vcg_lc0k_mThxA0qx6awjCQU-99RmdsuJaubQkr3XFEf3j14C3dzPpoDa2aABLA4wOI8r/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwMTTY4fCpcA-oiSyefFcnd0e0QS3An7DESxLZGEkBQlWxGM8oE8IpuXgYpC_FCeJMD_gFE3Vcg_lc0k_mThxA0qx6awjCQU-99RmdsuJaubQkr3XFEf3j14C3dzPpoDa2aABLA4wOI8r/s1600/7.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>We poked around the crowded shelves of<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/DFW-MAntiques/170058366407307"> <strong>M'antiques</strong></a>. What a cool antique store, targeted toward the men-folk, but just as enjoyable for the women.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnnLLTqWbvijkPFQl5l2xSCW2NYjLadONIdbj51wGx5iWk-QV_94pSJo8GP0bQwCf1aR9crz5qDemcJrW0pyt_e2nHAhyphenhyphenTVChdjYSdpqm5Hx4eI_E5-JeEYmHodxf2CKxGf0hc-33kmrb/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnnLLTqWbvijkPFQl5l2xSCW2NYjLadONIdbj51wGx5iWk-QV_94pSJo8GP0bQwCf1aR9crz5qDemcJrW0pyt_e2nHAhyphenhyphenTVChdjYSdpqm5Hx4eI_E5-JeEYmHodxf2CKxGf0hc-33kmrb/s1600/8.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took a little hike along the <a href="http://www.katytraildallas.org/site/PageServer"><strong>Katy Trail</strong></a> on Sunday morning and stopped for breakfast at the <a href="http://katyicehouse.com/index.html"><strong>Katy Trail Ice House</strong></a>. The outdoor tables are plenty warm thanks to blankets, heaters, and wood fires, and we loved introducing our Buffalo friends to breakfast tacos! The classic bacon, egg, and cheese was great, but our favorite was the brisket, egg, and cheese that they made for us upon special request. The Paloma cocktail was pretty delicious as well!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fAMmJY3B0HDETk4BMn2FRMN3_SRnoQIyzM9lIIKiIUXr0xz2pqRM6-tSUyNGx2lKtgLVXtRji4Mtiy7FIGRhmmbGCFB56MfeknBxquMQXq2fyfif6B9IKnC-spyCYQHIjL-epBafcVoK/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fAMmJY3B0HDETk4BMn2FRMN3_SRnoQIyzM9lIIKiIUXr0xz2pqRM6-tSUyNGx2lKtgLVXtRji4Mtiy7FIGRhmmbGCFB56MfeknBxquMQXq2fyfif6B9IKnC-spyCYQHIjL-epBafcVoK/s1600/9.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Lunch found us back in Bishop Arts at<a href="http://dallastexmex.com/"> <strong>El Corazon de Tejas</strong></a> for our TexMex fix. Along with $1 mimosas (!!), my lunch combo of a sour cream enchilada and a cheese taco (doused in queso) was ridiculously good. The atmosphere is also lots of fun for TexMex newbies and veterans alike. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lHCOw8dcp20wykyApUrg0ntc05DiwhCXVqME9UxeEHrlReQujI1fuQWHi8Yfw2S-EBA5Np3M8L027sR2sa17YEE53jJFOV_YKBokWQcsJwscgLsqlrEWcQj34fVKJ_nJFonKJHXCkAZ_/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lHCOw8dcp20wykyApUrg0ntc05DiwhCXVqME9UxeEHrlReQujI1fuQWHi8Yfw2S-EBA5Np3M8L027sR2sa17YEE53jJFOV_YKBokWQcsJwscgLsqlrEWcQj34fVKJ_nJFonKJHXCkAZ_/s1600/10.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>After lunch, we popped into the<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.zoomos.com/"><strong>Zoomos Pop-Up Shop</strong></a> where we posed for photos with their fantastic <strong>"You + Me = Love"</strong> mural. Super cute, right?</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTJ14YWNAxRURlq4z1dRT7sNNNf4KQ-wP8NiR1oMC_xZXtDlh5f6b8CWmdFpl165XBH9hukAb6ANioIgy0RD8WxNX4FZqanG5DuwA0R6M7IjwJ3ptX4tX0-oKEJ7R0Je69ErQV_aJoTx2/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTJ14YWNAxRURlq4z1dRT7sNNNf4KQ-wP8NiR1oMC_xZXtDlh5f6b8CWmdFpl165XBH9hukAb6ANioIgy0RD8WxNX4FZqanG5DuwA0R6M7IjwJ3ptX4tX0-oKEJ7R0Je69ErQV_aJoTx2/s1600/11.jpg" height="322" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_1003677464">This was our last stop before delivering Nate and Kate to the airport, and what a perfect way to wrap up a fun weekend with such special friends! I'm so glad they came to visit!<br /><br />
</span>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script>Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-18066632168017174332014-12-04T22:22:00.000-05:002014-12-04T22:22:40.829-05:00My 10 Favorite Things in November<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Did everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving? Are your Christmas decorations up? We have Christmas trees decorated, lights hung outside (a fun first for us), and I have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Christmas-N-Sync/dp/B00000DALT">NSync Christmas album</a> on in my car. The Christmas season is upon us, but before I get too swept up into the most wonderful time of the year, here are some highlights from the past month!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>1) Decorating our first big Christmas tree!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our little Christmas tree served us well over the years in our cozy Boston apartment, and it will continue to bring festive cheer in our library, but this year, we graduated to a full-sized tree in our living room. I'm pretty excited about it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWAgdJaUiGh2w7tNpvVYRkIddRzcKP22fKloo2qlku7JnMB6K-l8Y8MdMQWEjgt-qv7vgVH6oyJPEbgws3PoYHTDFGlMulzlC232KeZxtgnQu8PZMDNhGnPwuKyk6cY8kryjdtglu41Lg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWAgdJaUiGh2w7tNpvVYRkIddRzcKP22fKloo2qlku7JnMB6K-l8Y8MdMQWEjgt-qv7vgVH6oyJPEbgws3PoYHTDFGlMulzlC232KeZxtgnQu8PZMDNhGnPwuKyk6cY8kryjdtglu41Lg/s1600/1.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>2) Thanksgiving with the family</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2014/11/thanksgiving-dreaming.html">As I mentioned</a>, this was our first year to spend Thanksgiving with family since moving away from Texas. We drove to Austin to spend the day with my husband's wonderfully large and boisterous family. We ate well, we chatted and laughed, we watched football, and we played with puppies and little children. Later at my in-laws' home, Charlie had the best time playing in the lake bed of Lake Travis, intrepidly jumping in and out of the chilly water (a little stream through the lake bed is all that's left on their part of the lake)!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZCZocprMIs-nbbW49Yr2mti7jrot1M0XLs7JnxP9wLkhXPJPfDh_N5ybvKtxKN1kUoDI-qbvQff134Y1U-0Je1bXbu7t3g6yuyE9vwaFGnZ62VOuuZcbYb8KFwfpAda-yNnlAQGV-prv/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZCZocprMIs-nbbW49Yr2mti7jrot1M0XLs7JnxP9wLkhXPJPfDh_N5ybvKtxKN1kUoDI-qbvQff134Y1U-0Je1bXbu7t3g6yuyE9vwaFGnZ62VOuuZcbYb8KFwfpAda-yNnlAQGV-prv/s1600/2.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>3) Our first fire in our first fireplace</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
November brought unseasonably cold weather (and even a little snow!!) to the Dallas area, so we enjoyed the excuse to put our new fireplace to use. Curled up on the couch in pj's, dog curled up on the rug, and <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-for-warmth-hot-applegin-101989">Apple-Ginger Hot Toddies</a> in hand, it was pretty great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IIyE6SbEZZn2cN7gFH4uLZLsFZ7T7JWrjp4vSNn2dJMyiTsK63ZpmO45LwdVVp9V9SVGzFQSdbhizhUOCEAsrdWC702DEkI4vaJC4fshdU85zwr91IC1M03-tuxap1f2MBUURjVOxbHu/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IIyE6SbEZZn2cN7gFH4uLZLsFZ7T7JWrjp4vSNn2dJMyiTsK63ZpmO45LwdVVp9V9SVGzFQSdbhizhUOCEAsrdWC702DEkI4vaJC4fshdU85zwr91IC1M03-tuxap1f2MBUURjVOxbHu/s1600/3.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>4) Pie Night!</strong></div>
Do you know what else I was thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Living within driving distance of our friends Liz and Peter, who hosted their annual Pie Night celebration on Thanksgiving Eve. This year, Liz baked 17 pies from scratch, and we happily helped her eat them. My favorite (besides her classic <a href="http://sommerkorn.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/french-silk-pie/">French Silk Pie</a>) was a <a href="http://sommerkorn.wordpress.com/2014/12/02/lemon-sour-cream-pie/">Lemon Sour Cream Pie</a>. Delicious!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglnAM9dpecjFx-5KRe3AoWj3B2beCePnOiHkWPWJ3Bt3lyiwqswGMDa7TbclRti-OjM0Ib8HlDle-9ZydomFZdr4jGiZtix4MrWcQrOdq69PqQqDNY8ZYaQLUGrE4KejL9YkmKFL6aKda/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglnAM9dpecjFx-5KRe3AoWj3B2beCePnOiHkWPWJ3Bt3lyiwqswGMDa7TbclRti-OjM0Ib8HlDle-9ZydomFZdr4jGiZtix4MrWcQrOdq69PqQqDNY8ZYaQLUGrE4KejL9YkmKFL6aKda/s1600/4.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>5) <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2014/11/wurstfest.html">Wurstfest</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wurstfest is one of my favorite places on earth, and we had the best time this year with my husband's family. Beer, bratwurst, and polka music -- what's not to like?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYgNi9tFN8y6FG-8DUtpVjEQaeAC6hsExbCbxnlqH5C_10SUolzT7H1ue51fjbjKzwlZB_YIuu39hsOFiMQfp_AP1YIsj1IVhLgcXFxjV1WU7ShUlJ5KxnQF-micsjFt9UiPQ8sBPfdih/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYgNi9tFN8y6FG-8DUtpVjEQaeAC6hsExbCbxnlqH5C_10SUolzT7H1ue51fjbjKzwlZB_YIuu39hsOFiMQfp_AP1YIsj1IVhLgcXFxjV1WU7ShUlJ5KxnQF-micsjFt9UiPQ8sBPfdih/s1600/5.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>6) Breakfast Date at the <a href="http://allen-cafe.com/">Allen Café</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Both my husband and I have work schedules such that every other Friday, we have the day off. On one of our off Fridays this month, we went out for a "Breakfast Date" as an excuse to try the Allen Cafe. It's the cutest little local spot serving up classic diner fare...and one of my personal favorites, Chicken Fried Steak and eggs!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1aXO7jBpT1E-z7UOW_UsOjdqIkxRcdypnvUVp2vY4Jk_T8OXryI3_NkP44GSlUSK3MVaR2Nkp2S75DZ9zKlaVLRGoS6GYCtwyQ06TMLr7u5CoCKf8wNm0BSoHsI0UeV9lPNTMnoBXJlc/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1aXO7jBpT1E-z7UOW_UsOjdqIkxRcdypnvUVp2vY4Jk_T8OXryI3_NkP44GSlUSK3MVaR2Nkp2S75DZ9zKlaVLRGoS6GYCtwyQ06TMLr7u5CoCKf8wNm0BSoHsI0UeV9lPNTMnoBXJlc/s1600/6.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>7) Catching an <a href="http://allenamericans.com/">Allen Americans</a> game</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why are minor league sports so much fun? I love minor league baseball and hockey games, so we jumped at the chance to go see the Allen Americans take the ice. They won the game, and there were a couple good fights, so it was quite a success!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO2Yu4L3LNhtDz-4WXcFsRDChP75NC-TzK1Jplba-6ZO1fQDa0GkM2v7EU7mLkqfVj_9erJFV1ZukG42w8tXg8UbzbRaqwKe_scv4DlwnHhs5z7x8ivs5HHrwKfs1Ly6LDNM0tLFIrsGk/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO2Yu4L3LNhtDz-4WXcFsRDChP75NC-TzK1Jplba-6ZO1fQDa0GkM2v7EU7mLkqfVj_9erJFV1ZukG42w8tXg8UbzbRaqwKe_scv4DlwnHhs5z7x8ivs5HHrwKfs1Ly6LDNM0tLFIrsGk/s1600/7.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>8) Wine and Star Wars Mad Libs</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't say this is one of the fanciest date nights we've ever had, but gosh did I enjoy sipping on a glass of wine and laughing over silly Mad Libs stories about lightsabers and the Force. (Speaking of Star Wars, everyone saw the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOVFvcNfvE">Episode VII trailer </a>right? I went from cautiously excited to very excited).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAaoqui6vUHPr_mCCNfFW3_a2UekCGaA6wluIv2tLIpQ5LKfG8Th8BDNkPtwFzXlJ7xlWPV7q_MOvVBcKsBFcZuiRBrMe0NG2JCyNvdBh8DFq47qP_XSaVVlDD5vUZMVrdJ7wXLz03Jzn/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAaoqui6vUHPr_mCCNfFW3_a2UekCGaA6wluIv2tLIpQ5LKfG8Th8BDNkPtwFzXlJ7xlWPV7q_MOvVBcKsBFcZuiRBrMe0NG2JCyNvdBh8DFq47qP_XSaVVlDD5vUZMVrdJ7wXLz03Jzn/s1600/8.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>9)Paying a visit to perennial Longhorn Band favorite, <a href="http://posse-east.com/">Posse East</a> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband and I went to the Texas-TCU game on Thanksgiving, and beforehand, we grabbed a beer at this wonderfully dive-y bar, a much-frequented haunt of Longhorn Band kids (and plenty of other UT folks), and it was great to be back! We also ran into friends at the Unofficial Official Longhorn Alumni Band tailgate on our way to the stadium! Despite the score, it was great to be back at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium (our first time back since graduation).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrC-jihGOq-RRLB1WIsXb1pxaNSlRWPpnRCsF9x8cha2NOACPaaxk1qH8Dd6jEDjezwyV3jBC-vaNb_Q6tBXX6arivXTVOJv4O1TTHG5J0QOrjAC_TOT0tklaXh5ME0ikjKvfT4h7iJRR/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrC-jihGOq-RRLB1WIsXb1pxaNSlRWPpnRCsF9x8cha2NOACPaaxk1qH8Dd6jEDjezwyV3jBC-vaNb_Q6tBXX6arivXTVOJv4O1TTHG5J0QOrjAC_TOT0tklaXh5ME0ikjKvfT4h7iJRR/s1600/9.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>10) A good bowl of Pho!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last but not least, we found good pho in Fairview at <a href="http://www.phocrystal.com/">Pho Crystal</a>! It seems to be a little family-run place, and the food is wonderful. I've been hooked on pho ever since trying the (admittedly unorthodox) vegetarian pho at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-veggie-redondo-beach">Happy Veggie</a> in Redondo Beach, and I've been missing <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pho-1-woburn-2">Pho #1</a> in Woburn, so finding this little gem was pretty exciting news. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmWQ0u_94aTzK2syJWSHEYk8H7rxkfJTmAaCwlgYPb9E1Pw4T1yS1y1G9GPczKRixHtwqJ0cZzNjBQC-ivtRG1osgf3uZVHOPcnavnSrL73c2bfJZUKAMTxhDnkPK3n9sCLCSXyO7vszo/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmWQ0u_94aTzK2syJWSHEYk8H7rxkfJTmAaCwlgYPb9E1Pw4T1yS1y1G9GPczKRixHtwqJ0cZzNjBQC-ivtRG1osgf3uZVHOPcnavnSrL73c2bfJZUKAMTxhDnkPK3n9sCLCSXyO7vszo/s1600/10.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2589094130094127207.post-51024753720935144492014-11-26T11:39:00.001-05:002014-11-26T11:47:26.992-05:00Thanksgiving DreamingHappy Day-Before-Thanksgiving everyone! Are your turkeys thawed? Have you started cooking yet? Is your family in town? Do you have your <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R_rDXDZ_uc"><strong>stretchy Thanksgiving pants</strong></a> ready? This year, we'll be spending the day with my husband's family, our first Thanksgiving with family in 6 years! I can't wait! But as excited as I am, I'm a little bummed that we're not cooking this year. Gosh did I love hosting Thanksgiving in Boston, spending the day cooking, decorating the house, sharing the day with friends who were also a long way from home (or celebrating with just the two of us like <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/12/thanksgiving.html">last year</a>). So to help scratch that itch, I decided to put together a Dream Thanksgiving, if you will. If we were hosting this year, this would be my road map, my inspiration, and my menu.<br />
<br />
First <strong>let's decorate</strong>! How fun would it be to make these <a href="http://www.ohmydeerhandmades.com/2012/11/diy-thanksgiving-placemat.html"><strong>"I am thankful for..." placemats</strong></a>? And I definitely would want to recreate these adorable <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/thanksgiving-table-settings-1108?click=main_sr#slide-9"><strong>rosemary place setting cards</strong></a>. When it comes to centerpieces, I love to use seasonal produce, greenery from the yard, and candles. They make for lovely and affordable decorations, and arrangements tend to be low and spread out so guests can still see each other. I also love this <a href="http://garlandofgraceblog.com/keep-fall-on-the-wall/#.VHS7l2dOWAg"><strong>leaf</strong> <strong>garland</strong></a> for the dining room wall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_j5q5gMkWGhiIS67kt4j0KXR570CVlFzpg2xUvY-6QPPPcwU7t_HMAOTj20ydwnsj9YvNtCo6RO0BklRQGITKVn7ImAqW-G2XmzOkptJ7lSdApWlonTXsnZ8URa0V6xaHl6b2RVepqBo/s1600/decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_j5q5gMkWGhiIS67kt4j0KXR570CVlFzpg2xUvY-6QPPPcwU7t_HMAOTj20ydwnsj9YvNtCo6RO0BklRQGITKVn7ImAqW-G2XmzOkptJ7lSdApWlonTXsnZ8URa0V6xaHl6b2RVepqBo/s1600/decor.jpg" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1) Photo from </span><a href="http://www.ohmydeerhandmades.com/2012/11/diy-thanksgiving-placemat.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh My Deer</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 2) Photo from </span><a href="http://apartment34.com/2013/11/how-to-set-the-ultimate-holiday-table/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Apartment34</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 3) Photo from </span><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/thanksgiving-table-settings-1108?click=main_sr#slide-9"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Country Living</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4) Photo from </span><a href="http://theglitterguide.com/2014/11/24/thanksgiving-tablescape-from-lovely-little-details/?slide=14#content"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glitter Guide</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 5) Photo from </span><a href="http://garlandofgraceblog.com/keep-fall-on-the-wall/#.VHTH4WdOWAh"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Garland of Grace</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 6) Photo from </span><a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/12/thanksgiving.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Texas Belle</span></a></div>
<br />
Now for the food! Every year, I start with these <a href="http://familyspice.com/recipes/recipe/?recipe_id=282"><strong>Rosemary Roasted Cashews</strong></a>. It's nice to have something to nibble on while I put the finishing touches on dinner, and these are light enough so folks don't ruin their appetites. Also, they're delicious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SurbmfmP7YoCzvPmq0oTagaoXYfuU7FJFdS8CEiiMyL5Aa6yEcKz3g2Ur5iWvJqul8gUlsVmfF6RuRxWIvlLKxhrbHnIK1CCJ5ttfdRMHJEjq8yElfd982bYy7NaePNHNqznxDhIY9lT/s1600/cashews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SurbmfmP7YoCzvPmq0oTagaoXYfuU7FJFdS8CEiiMyL5Aa6yEcKz3g2Ur5iWvJqul8gUlsVmfF6RuRxWIvlLKxhrbHnIK1CCJ5ttfdRMHJEjq8yElfd982bYy7NaePNHNqznxDhIY9lT/s1600/cashews.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from </span><a href="http://familyspice.com/recipes/recipe/?recipe_id=282"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Family Spice</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
For dinner, the star of the show is a <strong>smoked turkey</strong>. We get up early to get the smoker going, season the bird with this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/thanksgiving-turkey-with-holiday-rub-recipe.html">simple but flavorful rub</a>, and by dinner time, we have a beautiful turkey that left the oven free for side dishes. Speaking of side dishes, how good does this <a href="http://www.thebittenword.com/thebittenword/2014/11/thanksgiving-2014-cornbread-chorizo-cherry-and-pecan-stuffing.html"><strong>Cornbread Chorizo Cherry Pecan Stuffing</strong></a> sound? I don't know if I could branch out from our classic family cornbread stuffing, but this recipe makes it awfully tempting. I'm also itching to make these <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2014/11/mushroom-mash/"><strong>Mashed Potatoes with Mushrooms</strong></a>. What an ingenious idea. For something green, I love these <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/11/seared-brussels-sprouts-with-lardons.html"><strong>Seared Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Lardons</strong></a>, which we made last year. And for something green covered in cheese, I like to make my great-grandmother's <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-great-grandmothers-green-pea.html"><strong>Green Pea Casserole</strong></a> rather than the more traditional green bean casserole. Finally, we can't forget the <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/11/sam-siftons-basic-cranberry-sauce.html"><strong>Cranberry Sauce</strong></a>! I make this super simple recipe from Sam Sifton, the man who literally <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Sam-Sifton/dp/1400069912">wrote the book on Thanksgiving</a>. It made me a believer in real cranberry sauce. In addition to the homemade stuff, I always leave a little room on my plate for a slice of "can", the canned jellied cranberry sauce that I will always love, regardless of stigma.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ylfqUT9XA74gt_7fi7LrDlV7rXPUOLXCkT_iMZ5nZV4bK3o5CIerkB8q2YlGbPf-wJqTRDrdj86NYITgKVhDKL54DoMTwxZAiKDIZZQ5_KvZRFDTyRCN0nt_5HCLz224LjC0t_xEZa2a/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ylfqUT9XA74gt_7fi7LrDlV7rXPUOLXCkT_iMZ5nZV4bK3o5CIerkB8q2YlGbPf-wJqTRDrdj86NYITgKVhDKL54DoMTwxZAiKDIZZQ5_KvZRFDTyRCN0nt_5HCLz224LjC0t_xEZa2a/s1600/Picture1.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1) Photo from </span><a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Texas Belle</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 2) Photo from </span><a href="http://www.thebittenword.com/thebittenword/2014/11/thanksgiving-2014-cornbread-chorizo-cherry-and-pecan-stuffing.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bitten Word</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 3) Photo from </span><a href="http://joythebaker.com/2014/11/mushroom-mash/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Joy the Baker</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4) Photo from </span><a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/12/thanksgiving.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Texas Belle</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 5) Photo from </span><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/11/seared-brussels-sprouts-with-lardons.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serious Eats</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 6) Photo from </span><a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-great-grandmothers-green-pea.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Texas Belle</span></a></div>
<br />
After dinner, I would serve theses <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-for-warmth-hot-applegin-101989"><strong>Hot Ginger Apple Toddies</strong></a>. It's fall in a mug, perfect for chilly evenings. They're great with a generous splash of bourbon or cognac.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCcc5B0Dd_eSuEoWxB3t4lKzBfxpt79bVCN5Oz7Aq3gjgcgyMdLQmpvOsLmaH0Wy87FkmmHKrAez6MK1qn82kZNoBWhVbzVTRiimk8ephIUuH0yabZ5OzKQRSjVCsAEYzVKOSMdhqHI_h/s1600/cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCcc5B0Dd_eSuEoWxB3t4lKzBfxpt79bVCN5Oz7Aq3gjgcgyMdLQmpvOsLmaH0Wy87FkmmHKrAez6MK1qn82kZNoBWhVbzVTRiimk8ephIUuH0yabZ5OzKQRSjVCsAEYzVKOSMdhqHI_h/s1600/cider.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from </span><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-for-warmth-hot-applegin-101989"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Kitchn</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Finally for dessert, I would stick with a <strong>classic pumpkin pie</strong>, but if I was feeling extra adventurous, I would love to try this <a href="http://www.libbiesummers.com/recipes-2/desserts/salty-pumpkin-spice-cake"><strong>Salty Pumpkin Spice Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting</strong></a> too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8Mkwrjq7uSSzMZqBsM1eb__qgDZSaZ-ZKMnMYiiQp_2zN_U2ISaBWXIGZdVa92dnAwjeWjNDl-3exdMBvaWJLHCkgOr2PfR7j9JdBisKymMDKaaEZkuTd8k8WVLg_5NSXT3lGPjWdzNW/s1600/pumpkin+spice+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8Mkwrjq7uSSzMZqBsM1eb__qgDZSaZ-ZKMnMYiiQp_2zN_U2ISaBWXIGZdVa92dnAwjeWjNDl-3exdMBvaWJLHCkgOr2PfR7j9JdBisKymMDKaaEZkuTd8k8WVLg_5NSXT3lGPjWdzNW/s1600/pumpkin+spice+cake.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from </span><a href="http://www.libbiesummers.com/recipes-2/desserts/salty-pumpkin-spice-cake"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Libbie Su</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">mmers)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>
As a side note, how lovely are these <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/holiday-collection/thanksgiving/copper-rose-thank-you-card/"><strong>Thank You notes</strong></a> from Rifle Paper Co for thanking the host/hostess or thanking your guests for helping you celebrate? You could also use them for guests to put on paper what they're thankful for this year! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybqxB309lKo69shBKxH63cDCRKeBZXkiO8KOASO8l5a81sl7yMuPy27uXHOlowKQf9soTDbxRlq0CSwIDueLN3lOhcUX1KnPb-i0YtlrknS6CzULhUvBX-yBWUAz7REOSxOZ-2-cJgu9t/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybqxB309lKo69shBKxH63cDCRKeBZXkiO8KOASO8l5a81sl7yMuPy27uXHOlowKQf9soTDbxRlq0CSwIDueLN3lOhcUX1KnPb-i0YtlrknS6CzULhUvBX-yBWUAz7REOSxOZ-2-cJgu9t/s1600/Picture2.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo from <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/holiday-collection/thanksgiving/copper-rose-thank-you-card/">Rifle Paper Co)</a></span></div>
<br />
And let's not forget the day after! I would start the day with strong coffee and this <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2012/12/cranberry-orange-cake-with-vanilla-crumb.html"><strong>Cranberry Orange Cake with Vanilla Crumble</strong></a>. If you feel guilty eating cake for breakfast, maybe call it Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake. That sounds more breakfast-y, right? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubl7POsuS_yrZz89VsWZ2_I9TzeSFarUWSsTC78Ty9Y-dK7CYKwuc7TSaE7uCW2kri3VeaHGIwhv1DsYQpbUywzBRFzL2-VoD7nmpiCncqvdK5baqwkNLeO3_hy0BhBqXjDVBPV06W3S2/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubl7POsuS_yrZz89VsWZ2_I9TzeSFarUWSsTC78Ty9Y-dK7CYKwuc7TSaE7uCW2kri3VeaHGIwhv1DsYQpbUywzBRFzL2-VoD7nmpiCncqvdK5baqwkNLeO3_hy0BhBqXjDVBPV06W3S2/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
Then to use up all of those beautiful leftovers, here are some of my favorites: <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2012/11/cranberry-brie-grilled-cheese/"><strong>Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwiches</strong></a>, <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/11/thanksgiving-salad-sweet-potatoes-brussels-sprouts-recipe.html"><strong>Thanksgiving Leftovers Couscous Salad</strong></a>, <a href="http://atexasbelle.blogspot.com/2013/11/neillios-turkey-terrific.html"><strong>Turkey Terrific sandwiches</strong></a>, and <a href="http://www.homesicktexan.com/2013/11/turkey-gumbo-ham-recipe.html"><strong>Turkey Gumbo</strong></a>.
<br />
<br />
So there it is! There sure are a lot less dishes to wash this way. As much as I'm going to miss hosting this year, it's such a blessing to have family welcome us in their home and cook for us.<strong> I'm so thankful for our families, and I'm thankful to finally be able to share this holiday with them after so many years away from home.</strong> And hopefully someday it'll be my turn to return the favor!<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-37187218-1']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script><br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538018866192237483noreply@blogger.com0