Here's what's been going on over the past few weeks {be warned, it's a long one}:
{Memorial Day Weekend}:
We drove up to Cincinnati on the Friday evening before Memorial Day to stay with my parents. Early Saturday Alex met up with his family for a little golf game, while I went for a walk with Zeus and my dad, practiced Pilates with my mom and whipped up some deviled eggs and a fresh watermelon "cake" for the day's festivities {it's not really a recipe, but you can find instructions here} .
{I have always loved picnic food, but deviled eggs are one of my absolute favorites. I have always loved them and will eat at least 3-4 every time. Sometimes more.}
Then my parents and I drove up to Alex's grandpa's house in Forest Park for the annual Memorial Day picnic! We were able to enjoy some delicious food, catch up with family from out of town, including Alex's cousin Summer all the way from Colorado, and enjoy the beautiful weather. We also had the chance to meet his cousin Christie's baby girl Zoey. Such a doll face!
A little bit later in the evening we drove over to the Cock and Bull in Glendale with my parents, Alex's immediate family and his cousin Summer. Our really good friends Rob and Tricia also met up with us there. The pub always has a lot of different beer offerings and we usually order enough appetizers to constitute a meal. We always have a little too much fun there. I just love seeing our families come together, it's so truly special.
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| Tricia & I |
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| All the 'rents - Barb, Linda, Ed & Garth |
The next day we went to church with my parents and then headed out for Alex's cousin Nicole's high school graduation. After the ceremony we went to their house to celebrate her big moment. Next year she'll be heading to OSU! Good choice!
The next day we went to the Taste of Cincinnati with Rob, Tricia and Summer. Food festivals are heaven for me. There are so many options, everything's quick, the weather is usually beautiful and sunny, and you can walk around with beer! Last year I tried Peanut Butter beer. This year there wasn't anything too unusual, but still some new beers to try from Christian Moerlin Lager House. Gotta love the local beers!
My favorite food was a wood-fired fig pizza with bacon, arugula, and a balsamic glaze {my mouth waters just thinking about it}. After we filled up on beer and food we filled up a little more on sunshine by taking a walk down by the river and showing Summer a little taste of the riverfront and all of the new public spaces they've been working on. It's quite impressive and so amazing to see so many people hanging out there!
My favorite food was a wood-fired fig pizza with bacon, arugula, and a balsamic glaze {my mouth waters just thinking about it}. After we filled up on beer and food we filled up a little more on sunshine by taking a walk down by the river and showing Summer a little taste of the riverfront and all of the new public spaces they've been working on. It's quite impressive and so amazing to see so many people hanging out there!
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| Summer and I |
After we had enough sun we said our goodbyes to the family that was still in town and made our merry way home. Now we just have to plan some trips out East and to Colorado so we can visit Alex's relatives in their own towns so they can show us around for a change!
{First Weekend in June}:
A few days later we packed up the car for another road trip, a longer one this time to Pittsburgh! We made our way through Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. It was a beautiful scenic route and we even enjoyed some flavored custard on our way too {you don't feel guilty about that when you eat PB&J in the car with almonds and fruit}. Although a little late, we finally made it to Brandon & Ashley's house in Cranberry Twp after six hours in the car {thank goodness for satellite radio and air conditioning}. Brandon is one of Alex's college roommates from OSU. We haven't had the chance to see them much since they've moved to Pittsburgh so it was great to catch up.
The next day they showed us around town before their couple's wedding shower in the afternoon {they are getting married over Labor Day weekend in Maine!}. They had an amazing turn out for the shower and we were able to meet a lot of their new friends who will also be at the wedding. I couldn't wait to try a cupcake... it didn't disappoint either. I also got try Rascal's Wild Red Raspberry Ale. They only sell the blueberry version in KY, it was super sweet, but had a nice zing that balanced it out a little bit.
After meeting everyone and hearing so much about Maine I am beyond excited for their wedding weekend and our mini east coast road trip!
After leaving the shower we headed south towards downtown to check into our hotel which was close to the river and the actual Point Park. Then we met up with the rest of Alex's family that had just driven in from Cleveland. We drove by Point Park University where Eileen goes to school and finally ended up at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
We were all able to come together and support her in her performance in "Afternoon of Elves." It was a smaller venue so we took up a whole row! Eileen is going to be a senior this year so I was so happy that we had the opportunity to visit her at school and see at least one show! Hopefully we can make it back during the school year too!
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| Our entire row |
Following the show we all went to dinner at the Rock Bottom Brewery. Once again, plenty of beer and food! I tried a zesty lime beer and a strawberry wheat beer. Neither were my favorite, but I always love to try the seasonal beers {I did however love my mini carnitas street tacos. I love watching Alex as he tries new beers and discusses them, especially when it's with his Dad or somebody that knows a lot about beer. It's almost like another language. After dinner Alex and his parents dropped the rest of us off at Eileen's house where they were hosting a keg party!
I've loosened up a lot and have learned to have a little more fun since I was in college so I love any opportunity to party, especially when it's with people I love! We had a blast meeting Eileen's friends and getting a glimpse into her college life. I thought we were going to stay for a couple drinks... then Alex and I's friend Bri {who just moved from Seattle to Pittsburgh} met up with us and next thing I know it was hours and hours later; not her fault, she just happened to be there with us!
When you lose track of time, you know you're having a good night. You only live once. All of these little moments in life are the ones that bond me to my new family and they'll be memories we have together forever. It took a little bit of time, but I am so thankful that I can be so close with my in-laws and Alex's siblings. That's not an opportunity that everyone is given.
The next morning {or maybe a few short hours later...} we got ourselves together for church at the Cathedral. It was a gorgeous day and an even more gorgeous church. Alex's entire family always goes to church together when we are all in town, whether it's Cleveland, Pittsburgh or somewhere else, and I love that tradition. Not only does it bring you closer to God, but I truly believe it also brings you closer to one another.
After church we went to IHOP for brunch {they were out of waffles?!} before hitting the road for home. A whirlwind trip, but it was amazing. All of the traveling can be tough at times, but I know that I'll never look back and regret taking all of these road trips in the early years of our marriage. After a rough day in the car and quite a few stops we finally made it home. I whipped together this pasta using some things around the house. The ingredients aren't so important, but the guidelines I use when I make something that's not on the menu plan are the trick {by the way, making something amazing when others might think there is nothing to eat is one of my favorite things to do, and I am pretty darn good at it too}.
QUICK & EASY GOURMET PASTA
Makes 4 servings
Base: Pasta of your choice
Protein: 2 chicken breasts
Veggie you can find in the fridge: Frozen spinach
Fresh Produce: 1 fresh tomato
Sauce: Leftover Vodka Cream Sauce
Seasoning: Salt & Pepper, Garlic, Basil
I knew I wanted to make pasta because it's easy and there are so many different ingredients you can throw into it; it's very versatile.
I usually boil about a half box of penne or bowtie pasta because I like to have leftovers. While the pasta was cooking and the chicken breasts were thawing in the microwave I went on the hunt to see what we had. I found frozen spinach so I decide to use that and I had a fresh tomato {sometimes I might use frozen broccoli, and fresh onions or eggplant, I just like to mix it up with one of each to make it more cost effective}. I also had half a jar of leftover vodka cream sauce in the fridge so I pulled that out. I also got out my minced garlic because that's a necessary addition in my opinion.
I sliced the chicken into small pieces so it would cook quickly in the pan. Once the chicken was cooked I added the leftover vodka cream sauce, my cooked frozen spinach, my diced tomato and my seasoning. If you don't have sauce open, you can open a new one or just use some olive oil and salt and pepper.
I like to reserve 1/4 cup of the water from the pasta, it adds flavor and helps the sauce coat all of the pasta without everything sticking together. I threw the pasta and the reserved water into the skillet and let all of the flavors meld while I pulled out the plates and the parmesan cheese. If I had fresh basil I would've add that on top, but I had to make due with my dried spices. Easy and delicious dinner that tasted insanely good. I would've easily paid at least $15 for the same entree at a restaurant.
I usually boil about a half box of penne or bowtie pasta because I like to have leftovers. While the pasta was cooking and the chicken breasts were thawing in the microwave I went on the hunt to see what we had. I found frozen spinach so I decide to use that and I had a fresh tomato {sometimes I might use frozen broccoli, and fresh onions or eggplant, I just like to mix it up with one of each to make it more cost effective}. I also had half a jar of leftover vodka cream sauce in the fridge so I pulled that out. I also got out my minced garlic because that's a necessary addition in my opinion.
I sliced the chicken into small pieces so it would cook quickly in the pan. Once the chicken was cooked I added the leftover vodka cream sauce, my cooked frozen spinach, my diced tomato and my seasoning. If you don't have sauce open, you can open a new one or just use some olive oil and salt and pepper.
I like to reserve 1/4 cup of the water from the pasta, it adds flavor and helps the sauce coat all of the pasta without everything sticking together. I threw the pasta and the reserved water into the skillet and let all of the flavors meld while I pulled out the plates and the parmesan cheese. If I had fresh basil I would've add that on top, but I had to make due with my dried spices. Easy and delicious dinner that tasted insanely good. I would've easily paid at least $15 for the same entree at a restaurant.
{Last Weekend}:
This past weekend we headed back up to Cincinnati. Friday night we enjoyed an evening outside on my parent's patio just catching up. Growing up my parents and I ate dinner {or any meal} outside on the patio whenever we had the opportunity. When I was younger we would have picnics and pool parties and I would swim as often as I could. I have very fond memories in that backyard.
Our pool was actually the reason for Alex's trip to Cincinnati. He offered to help my dad open the pool for the summer and of course my Dad held him to his word! After a quick walk with Zeus, Alex and my Dad on Saturday morning I headed over to my friend Amy's new house in Columbia Tusculum for a girl's weekend! I brought a mint plant as a little thank you along with a sangria recipe. We were apparently on the same wavelength because she had a sangria recipe that she was about make, so we got creative and combined the two!
STRAWBERRY MINT SANGRIA
{from The Ultimate Bar Book}
Makes about 6 5 oz.servings
2 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (approx 20)
2 oz brandy {or I say whatever you have on hand}
One 750 ml bottle chilled dry white wine
One 12 oz. bottle chilled club soda {or champagne for added fun & flavor}
Mix and chill everything at least 2 hours or overnight {except for the club soda}. Add your fizz of choice when you're ready to serve!
Once we were all accounted for and settled we packed up a gourmet picnic, thanks to Amy, and drove over to Eden Park. We spread out our picnic where we could find the best view and enjoyed the weather and each others' company. Amy made the most amazing version of a chicken salad that is healthier for you and a great option for those that just don't like mayo - can't wait to make the recipe!
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| Me, Maria, Amy & Erin |
We stopped by Krohn and then strolled around Mt. Adams for a little while. Then we headed back to the house for a little breather before dinner. We checked out a couple neat spots downtown, had a beer cocktail, and then went to Anchor in OTR for dinner.
I ordered a Fair Harbor cocktail with ginger beer, rum, lime and pomegrante juice. It reminded me of a moscow mule which I've been obsessed with lately. All of the girls had Trout BLTs and I had tuna sliders. Everything was delicious, and of course we sat outside on their patio with a view of the newly renovated Washington Park. I am so happy I have friends that encourage me to explore my hometown! It gives me a lot of pride in my city.
I ordered a Fair Harbor cocktail with ginger beer, rum, lime and pomegrante juice. It reminded me of a moscow mule which I've been obsessed with lately. All of the girls had Trout BLTs and I had tuna sliders. Everything was delicious, and of course we sat outside on their patio with a view of the newly renovated Washington Park. I am so happy I have friends that encourage me to explore my hometown! It gives me a lot of pride in my city.
The rest of the weekend we talked and talked until we ran out of things to say... Actually, we can never run out of things to say when we are together! As always, our time together went too fast.
I drove back over to my parent's house and had lunch with Alex and my mom at 50 W Brewing Company. It's a new brewery and restaurant that we hadn't gotten to check out yet. We sat on the patio {this is a must for me when the weather is nice} and had some more beer cocktails. My mom had a beermosa and I had a radler with grapefruit soda and a light ale. For brunch I had C.A.B. sliders {cheddar, apple slaw, bacon}. I am a big fan of mini food and interesting combinations. Alex had the opportunity to chat a little bit with the owner and get pumped up for beer school!
I drove back over to my parent's house and had lunch with Alex and my mom at 50 W Brewing Company. It's a new brewery and restaurant that we hadn't gotten to check out yet. We sat on the patio {this is a must for me when the weather is nice} and had some more beer cocktails. My mom had a beermosa and I had a radler with grapefruit soda and a light ale. For brunch I had C.A.B. sliders {cheddar, apple slaw, bacon}. I am a big fan of mini food and interesting combinations. Alex had the opportunity to chat a little bit with the owner and get pumped up for beer school!
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| Alex & I at 50 W Brewing Co. |
Then it was time for Alex to get on his way to Chicago for his 3-day course, "Starting a Brewery", through the Siebel Institute, America's oldest brewing school {my dreamer is also a doer; so proud!}. I ran a couple errands with my mom and then made dinner for my parents before I left. It was a great weekend because we were able to spend time with my parents together, Alex was able to spend time with just my dad on Saturday working on the pool pump, and then just him and my mom went to church on Sunday together before the three of us all had lunch together. Then to cap off the trip we had dinner just the three of us, on the patio of course.
Today is Alex's last day of courses before he heads home. Of course he's tried lots of different beers over the past three days, but the one that really intrigued me was a seasonal beer brewed with honeydew melon and cantaloupe. Too bad they don't sell it in bottles; It sounds right up my alley. I'm sure I can find something else ; ) I am looking forward to him coming home, because I miss him, but also because my eating habits are much better when he is around! I've been pretty lazy this week with cooking, but last week I made this when he was in Cincinnati for the day:
SESAME GINGER LETTUCE WRAPS
One pound ground turkey
1/4 cup or more - Sesame Ginger sauce
1/8 cup toasted coconut
1/8 cup shredded carrots
2 tbps sesame seeds
Cook your ground turkey {or beef if you prefer} according to the package. I used an entire pound so I would have leftovers for lunch the next day. I topped it with about a 1/4 cup Sesame Ginger Marinade I had in the fridge {I used it more as a sauce once the meat was cooked, rather than a marinade}. If you don't have a similar Asian sauce, just try regular teriyaki sauce, but add a little bit of sauce at a time so you don't over do it. I toasted about 1/8 cup of coconut while the flavors were simmering and grated a half of a large carrot. I threw everything together and topped it with sesame seeds, probably a couple tbsps worth {or you can use peanuts}. Then I doled it out on my {pathetic} leaves of romaine lettuce. If you don't have lettuce large enough to hold everything together, mix it and eat it like a salad! It's probably less mess anyways!
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I think I'll probably be lazy again tonight and go out to dinner with a friend. Usually I am really good, but I'm learning to just go with the flow sometimes and not beat myself up for "not following the rules" all the time!
This upcoming weekend brings some down time at home; I'm envisioning the drive-in movie theater, the farmer's market, home improvement projects, and a cookout with friends. Next weekend I am back in Cincinnati and Alex will be heading up to Cleveland! Oh, summer days!
