tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29594179525692582452024-03-19T15:26:18.380-07:00love type thingmusings of a midwestern girl.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-23172985670291198932014-04-07T11:32:00.000-07:002014-04-07T11:33:28.208-07:0051 Days...51 days...you guys, it's been 51 days since I got back from India and I am just now making the time to to tell you the story of this amazing adventure! Better late than never, right?<br />
<br />
I figured starting at the beginning would be best, so let's go to Mumbai!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-jfOEEguRG9PmtZVJhAiBOloiiXXCgG2LdISoRY9GriQUjduzHi02V4hdRa6Uzg3MAW3gnhQesaePvoKdhHUhjwILz-kn16d-uvTXwRh0ynQe3UgkBOBL5OuvZL9zxcxQ_e8lXL_M8g/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-jfOEEguRG9PmtZVJhAiBOloiiXXCgG2LdISoRY9GriQUjduzHi02V4hdRa6Uzg3MAW3gnhQesaePvoKdhHUhjwILz-kn16d-uvTXwRh0ynQe3UgkBOBL5OuvZL9zxcxQ_e8lXL_M8g/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After one bus ride, two plane rides (shout out to Turkish airlines) and approximately 24 hours of traveling, we arrived in Mumbai! We easily met up with my girlfriend Anu and then set about finding a taxi to get us to the rest of the group--word to the wise, hold onto your luggage in the taxi...they don't quite believe in actually tying things down to the roof.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJPYeG5swm17-5WysnV0TYddeYoxE3xTlZMXIsvs5g3z3Bb0V08Ihfo-jV6IbeGSD5P4GhgPd6Ouz7WNzC8FtHQhNVBBsw8xxhQ0XW1-XiUc3R4hxqZg21K4LKEAAsAuHxAnx9o60d_w/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJPYeG5swm17-5WysnV0TYddeYoxE3xTlZMXIsvs5g3z3Bb0V08Ihfo-jV6IbeGSD5P4GhgPd6Ouz7WNzC8FtHQhNVBBsw8xxhQ0XW1-XiUc3R4hxqZg21K4LKEAAsAuHxAnx9o60d_w/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were able to see a beautiful sunrise during our drive to the hotel and started getting our bearings for the layout of the city or at least a portion of the city--Mumbai has a population of over 13 million people and beyond the "downtown," the city sprawl is larger than what we could have even attempted to cover. In many ways, Mumbai is like a subtle assault on all of your senses--a mix of delicious street food smells, bright colors, trash, chaos on the roads, spices, the sea air...you really have to just take a deep breath and absorb it all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I could probably write for days about every sight and sound we experienced, but hopefully the highlights can create a least a snapshot of our few days there. Our hotel was in a perfect location in the Colaba neighborhood of Mumbai--right down the street from the infamous Taj Hotel and Gateway to India, both impressive structures in their own right. There we got our first dose of being very noticeable American tourists and were approached over and over again to have our pictures taken with the locals. Probably the closest we'll ever get to feeling like celebrities! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite Mumbai being very urban, there are a few options for getting some fresh air and escaping the crowds (kind of) which led us to go check out Malabar Hill. This is a really beautiful neighborhood and has an amazing view of the city, plus a beautiful garden that we spent some time exploring. I love being in big cities, but having the ability to strike a balance between the concrete jungle and green space is ideal. Sidenote--apparently this garden is also a hot spot for young Indian couples to sneak off and spend some time with their significant others (PG rated...lots of hand holding) and we certainly saw some cozy couples. Apparently, no matter where you are in the world, teenagers are looking to get away from their parents ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moving on to a place where there was definitely no teenage romances in sight, we visited a local temple, called Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati dedicated to Ganesha. Surrounding the temple, there were many vendors selling flowers and sweets to bring in as offerings to Ganesha. As we approached, the crowds were already lining up to make their offering for the day. Barefoot, very aware that we were the only "tourists" there, we waited in line for our own opportunity to walk through the temple. I wish I could say that going into the temple was a peaceful, meditative moment; however, it was more like the crowd spotted a celebrity and we were whooshed into the main area of the temple, elderly Indian women pushing us along and we quickly gave a nod to the statue of Ganesha and we were whisked right out. Definitely a different experience than going to church at home, but fascinating to be a part of, even if only for a few minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last highlight I will share (for now) was our trip to the Chor Bazaar aka the "Thief Market"--one of the largest flea markets in India. Most of our cab or rickshaw rides throughout the trip were intense, but the ride over to the Bazaar seemed especially long and full of "close calls", so by the time we reached the neighborhood, I was not feeling particularly adventurous. Luckily, after a few moments of soaking it all in and realizing we were just getting the same stares we always were subjected to, everyone was ready to explore and try our hand at a bit of bargaining. There was shop after shop down each street--everything from old Bollywood movie posters to antique cameras to appliance parts. The market itself felt a bit like an antique, not appearing to have drastically changed over the past few decades. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Traveling lesson: TRAVEL=TRUST </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Trust your fellow travelers, trust yourself, trust your cabbie, trust your stomach won't freak out, trust that throwing yourself into the belly of what might be a ridiculously uncomfortable situation might just make for one of the best times of your life! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bH_JvnjLwR5QIWPSMga8aRRtiKU6oC_36hi3PASwth-OEcmOHfX8Clg-g2p3icTtL7kM14L7odKoZnmdFOmGhUV80wcXLu6Zs5vaurllascltG423mcggXsNLgy7lhvqQ8ykkTnOnP4/s1600/IMG_5245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bH_JvnjLwR5QIWPSMga8aRRtiKU6oC_36hi3PASwth-OEcmOHfX8Clg-g2p3icTtL7kM14L7odKoZnmdFOmGhUV80wcXLu6Zs5vaurllascltG423mcggXsNLgy7lhvqQ8ykkTnOnP4/s1600/IMG_5245.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Gateway to India</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSW73EeWeAVCEyKOr_n1YjScQzHYzPyzPKTywX3u6ZGhlHJS1aZTeR1Rm3huqrtLOcyckyprlKnCaSeaMMnZNYTl0V-Lf4D8zo-QbgmJD7-1Y6i5rhRS2stE4oJLFqYdfpuWLnKP47p4/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSW73EeWeAVCEyKOr_n1YjScQzHYzPyzPKTywX3u6ZGhlHJS1aZTeR1Rm3huqrtLOcyckyprlKnCaSeaMMnZNYTl0V-Lf4D8zo-QbgmJD7-1Y6i5rhRS2stE4oJLFqYdfpuWLnKP47p4/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aREwrLfVQJiCswz4GNbFVzm8jGWiK938dbeOjk4BWD8EvK3bwqfsxDKgNi6NyvKAx6OGsQlfi0wP50ql5wksYfNSsljU-pL3t15JD8JTACdeQwpNrYWj_1U_RD0y1kZgmF3VbbEoIu0/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aREwrLfVQJiCswz4GNbFVzm8jGWiK938dbeOjk4BWD8EvK3bwqfsxDKgNi6NyvKAx6OGsQlfi0wP50ql5wksYfNSsljU-pL3t15JD8JTACdeQwpNrYWj_1U_RD0y1kZgmF3VbbEoIu0/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhzITJ-I1W7oeNipJp-niaw3KkBPJwGCYzdhgo08zXCJz-02xxZvMiiPS33Pr9KmNHgJ4XQD9x5Odu5aMTZnpzeA8ZiXEKqlolLW5gcLvxup64G4KjpVA5vIyChUUWpS6UPa7GL1gXQH6E/s1600/IMG_5275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzITJ-I1W7oeNipJp-niaw3KkBPJwGCYzdhgo08zXCJz-02xxZvMiiPS33Pr9KmNHgJ4XQD9x5Odu5aMTZnpzeA8ZiXEKqlolLW5gcLvxup64G4KjpVA5vIyChUUWpS6UPa7GL1gXQH6E/s1600/IMG_5275.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>delicious pav bhaji</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby9MesSCnFCQLlI45mPWMk3anN2HcHTUMTh9xE-XaXxJG-Ck6Z9QKWWHs5IuxQPi50UVUnOAr26zFlVkON7fnhmGO9Zuu4ktsQlMJyr87mPdmrvCUaQ-Vrf4rBb7PHRGTIbu16Zrsdkc/s1600/1618567_10100880248397171_1713810629_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby9MesSCnFCQLlI45mPWMk3anN2HcHTUMTh9xE-XaXxJG-Ck6Z9QKWWHs5IuxQPi50UVUnOAr26zFlVkON7fnhmGO9Zuu4ktsQlMJyr87mPdmrvCUaQ-Vrf4rBb7PHRGTIbu16Zrsdkc/s1600/1618567_10100880248397171_1713810629_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Chor Bazaar</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ArffNMJAZIN4fuUYzqRmeG3uqE8ysCEz2hcqDisXs4wtr7OxQWnPktNNSWNCfjiKNjkXx7Oo_Z4hoaGDU7YmIB_CvTEHKBerhyphenhyphenuPpK5bDQciUfuj5rUijNGkLx5feJWs_yV4pvWLZeI/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ArffNMJAZIN4fuUYzqRmeG3uqE8ysCEz2hcqDisXs4wtr7OxQWnPktNNSWNCfjiKNjkXx7Oo_Z4hoaGDU7YmIB_CvTEHKBerhyphenhyphenuPpK5bDQciUfuj5rUijNGkLx5feJWs_yV4pvWLZeI/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>sunset at the Arabian Sea</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflvihG3ExPCrv7SRLQilgw-myip7Egn_BWx5CGyl0snTgle8GvzrGWZxOBYfnCzcvMetHGrxD3_Y_0Pke95lK4kJapEXoxp-3Deg7H-AcUFXpjzHHjfv6sRf3Odz2Gi5Tf3VaTKzklmw/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflvihG3ExPCrv7SRLQilgw-myip7Egn_BWx5CGyl0snTgle8GvzrGWZxOBYfnCzcvMetHGrxD3_Y_0Pke95lK4kJapEXoxp-3Deg7H-AcUFXpjzHHjfv6sRf3Odz2Gi5Tf3VaTKzklmw/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>view from Malabar Hill</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are dozens of other stories and fun facts I could throw your way, but hey it's one of the first few days where the sun is shining and it actually feels like spring...so I'll let you off the hook and you can get outside to soak it all in!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snapshot:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hotel- Sea Palace Hotel in Colaba, Mumbai</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sights- Malabar Hill, Chor Bazaar, Gateway to India, Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati temple</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Food/Drinks- Chowpatty night vendors, Cafe Mondagar, Leopold Cafe, Taj Hotel, Aer Bar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-91538007456992858892014-03-10T08:38:00.001-07:002014-03-10T08:38:50.810-07:00nurture and build<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM97C1L3X6MVSvPV18lN31leHZKWpybqwBx4fAnyGW6yMCceYXzsxObW4EYgM1LujwZesGzK2wXLi1zlHna4DVWZncqjWvZq1VQgl7r_b6d1tzCTuf4KvwrkEdiZ5EfqaIDEyWJBeFPc/s1600/leave+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM97C1L3X6MVSvPV18lN31leHZKWpybqwBx4fAnyGW6yMCceYXzsxObW4EYgM1LujwZesGzK2wXLi1zlHna4DVWZncqjWvZq1VQgl7r_b6d1tzCTuf4KvwrkEdiZ5EfqaIDEyWJBeFPc/s1600/leave+people.jpg" height="320" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-51086303486947379982014-02-19T13:32:00.000-08:002014-02-19T13:37:13.376-08:00back from the adventure! [cliff notes version]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgdizaNZ3PBNhHEDGDvtKTCxChsR9foD8WYTFvgT1TR4Nn6FBdLfx0SAbraeUjAPwCqucP2lsef_-tKCMPAqpX1S_KP3ydI6LKITcldKqm-sCW6W9V7pZc52BFHh37ia2HMgdafGGo14/s1600/goa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgdizaNZ3PBNhHEDGDvtKTCxChsR9foD8WYTFvgT1TR4Nn6FBdLfx0SAbraeUjAPwCqucP2lsef_-tKCMPAqpX1S_KP3ydI6LKITcldKqm-sCW6W9V7pZc52BFHh37ia2HMgdafGGo14/s1600/goa.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Sigh) I have returned from my grand adventure and since I've had to quickly jump back into work, I must keep reminding myself that just last week I was on one of my favorite traveling adventures so far! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
India, oh man India. You really were a full body experience, one that I think we are all still digesting and already feeling nostalgic about...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were many, many pictures taken and even more memories made and I hope to share some highlights for each of the stops, but in the meantime I thought I would share just a few of my favorite moments. More visuals are soon to come, I promise! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Cheese garlic naan. Enough said.</li>
<li>Chor Bazaar in Mumbai</li>
<li>Surviving the driving situation--there are zero lanes and possibly zero rules, but we survived.</li>
<li>Attempting to haggle at the market</li>
<li>Monkeys! Elephants!</li>
<li>Awesome music on the radio (think classic American music from the 90s/early 2000s)</li>
<li>Moped rides through temples</li>
<li>Home cooking and getting totally overfed</li>
<li>Traveling with some top-notch friends! </li>
</ul>
<div>
Hope all is well in your time in place...I'll be back soon with more stories!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>[photo by Eric Schleicher aka <a href="http://filmerkid.com/" target="_blank">Filmerkid</a>, sunset in Goa]</i></span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-76568323134200512732014-01-31T10:20:00.000-08:002014-01-31T16:29:58.566-08:00adventure is calling...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9VxvF4NtfStcau_JfXpVuQmcvUgkfN6gxXcYByhJUoJmPJK2_wXdvHiss4iZYrIkCxjSAHCdHy0DP6O4l4RuG4s2P3UA1WBaGx6HPhyTzbj-Sy5E0uiLLSeEDv9AHW6k8mYtb-8TNJI/s1600/all+adventurous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9VxvF4NtfStcau_JfXpVuQmcvUgkfN6gxXcYByhJUoJmPJK2_wXdvHiss4iZYrIkCxjSAHCdHy0DP6O4l4RuG4s2P3UA1WBaGx6HPhyTzbj-Sy5E0uiLLSeEDv9AHW6k8mYtb-8TNJI/s1600/all+adventurous.jpg" height="398" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/207939707769136854/" target="_blank">via</a></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
SO. It's been quite some time since I've made any kind of effort to give this little corner of the digital world any kind of attention, but sometimes life throws you a few curve balls and suddenly you don't have time to really share recipes, diy inspo, life updates or anything else in between.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What's that saying? Try to tell God your plans and he'll just laugh at you...some days that seems pretty spot on. Luckily, it's the twists and turns and surprises and "whoa I never thought I would be doing this/saying this/feeling this" moments that really just make life grand.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today is one of those days, though it certainly did take plenty of planning! Later tonight I head out for a 14 day adventure to INDIA! There's just a few hours left of work...a bus ride...a plane ride...and another plane ride standing in between me and what is sure to be one heck of a way to kick off 2014! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Five of my friends and I are all heading to Mumbai to meet up with my girlfriend who has been living there for the past 8-9 months. From there, we will travel to <a href="http://www.timeout.com/travel/features/377/goa" target="_blank">Goa</a> for some much needed beach time (you win polar vortex, I'm outta here), then to <a href="http://www.mustseeindia.com/Dandeli" target="_blank">Dandel</a>i for some time in the jungle (there may or may not be tree houses involved). Next, <a href="http://www.indiamike.com/india-articles/4_hampi-everything-you-want-to-know" target="_blank">Hampi</a> to explore ancient ruins and then finally <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/travel/36-hours-in-bangalore-india.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Bangalore</a> where we will be able to see where my girlfriend's family is from and even get to meet them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To say I am excited would be the understatement of the year. A friend asked what we were most looking forward to and for me, I can't wait to be immersed in a cultural, in a world that is drastically different than my own. To take in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes of a place I never thought I would visit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't wait to share my stories and pictures with you--I might even be able to post a few along the way, but until then....all adventurous women do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-40082893522275124992013-10-04T20:06:00.001-07:002013-10-04T20:06:55.941-07:00friday night wisdom<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/080965a30e294227650fa26c4c03fd92/tumblr_mu03d8YhRQ1rbc7e8o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/080965a30e294227650fa26c4c03fd92/tumblr_mu03d8YhRQ1rbc7e8o1_1280.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://peoplevsplaces.tumblr.com/image/62821470890" target="_blank">via</a></span></i></div>
nothing like breaking this radio silence with some wide words from <a href="http://www.megfee.com/" target="_blank">megfee</a>...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 26px;">And it is okay not to know. Let me say that again:</span><b style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 26px;"> It is okay NOT. TO. KNOW.</b><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 26px;"> Which really means you gotta hold yourself accountable in those moments when you start filling in the blanks with what you think or predict or divine because the not-knowing is so damn uncomfortable. At first, you may not even realize you’re doing this. Don’t confuse what-you’ve-made-up with reality. Give it more time. Exercise patience. Remind yourself, again and again that the unknown can be a delicious thing.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-4661803392477022192013-08-27T06:52:00.001-07:002013-08-27T06:52:29.981-07:00take a minute to unplug<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OINa46HeWg8?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know about you, but lately I feel like I have been way too attached to my phone/technology in general. Obviously, some of this is just unavoidable during the work day, but it has become too easy to get home and hop right back on the computer or sit there checking all the different social networks I find myself plugged into. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love this short film...a reminder that we miss out on a lot of the wonderful things right in front of us because we are so busy being virtually connected. Just a good reminder that the best and most genuine connections are the people right in front of us everyday. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Embrace those moments and the people around you!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-40033434954229488702013-08-19T06:15:00.001-07:002013-08-19T06:15:39.676-07:00listening to | volcano choir, repave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/08/18/210220081/first-listen-volcano-choir-repave" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/08/08/volcano-choir-1_wide-c752ede0286990c5927018f6268e8246a3a91018-s40-c85.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a fan of Justin Vernon's work and you have been missing some of the sounds we heard with Bon Iver's <i>For Emma</i>, then the latest album from Vernon's band Volcano Choir might just do the trick. Set to release September 3rd, <i>Repave</i> creates the familiar mysterious, but expressive sound and lyrics that are reminiscent of Bon Iver and "work wonders in arrangements that swell and boom."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/08/18/210220081/first-listen-volcano-choir-repave" target="_blank">NPR's First Listen</a> once again lets us have a sneak peak at this latest body of work and I highly recommend pressing play right now...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-11260449538870790042013-08-18T21:05:00.001-07:002013-08-18T21:05:57.455-07:00passion pit!<div style="text-align: center;">
I am super excited to be heading to the Passion Pit concert tonight and NPR must have been tuned in because this <a href="http://www.npr.org/series/tiny-desk-concerts/" target="_blank">Tiny Desk concert</a> featuring the band just came out-perfect timing! I am actually going to be volunteering with <a href="http://www.radiomilwaukee.org/" target="_blank">RadioMilwaukee </a>prior to the show, so if you're local and checking out the show be sure to swing by the 88.9 booth for a chance to win some free "swag" :)<br />
<br />
In the meantime, check out this stripped down Passion Pit performance<br />
to get your morning started off right! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" src="http://www.npr.org/templates/event/embeddedVideo.php?storyId=163656642" width="600"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-61608802577936320722013-08-18T21:05:00.000-07:002013-08-18T21:05:22.416-07:00listening to | sharon van etten "serpents"<div style="text-align: center;">
I just started listening to <a href="http://www.npr.org/artists/129870037/sharon-van-etten" target="_blank">Sharon Van Etten</a> in the past few months and I definitely like what I am hearing! I have a whole handful of friends who have been fans for years and I wish I had tuned in earlier...but glad to have some new music to listen to now :) Take a listen to "Serpents" from her latest album <i>Tramp</i>....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F6DPkJFox3g" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
You can also check out more of her music <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/07/09/148294466/sharon-van-etten-on-world-cafe" target="_blank">here</a> from NPR's World Cafe interview over the summer!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-13483694343515318272013-08-18T21:04:00.000-07:002013-08-18T21:06:27.985-07:00listening to | mumford & sons<div style="text-align: center;">
Very excited that <a href="http://www.npr.org/artists/101141614/mumford-and-sons" target="_blank">Mumford & Sons</a> released their new album, <i>Babel, </i>yesterday<i>.</i> Since they are one of my favorite bands, I figured we could all start out day with one of their new songs, "Whispers in the Dark". If you like what you hear, you can check out more of their live performance (and an interview) on <a href="http://www.wfuv.org/audio/archives/words-and-music-studio/mumford-and-sons-words-and-music-2012" target="_blank">WFUV</a>...I know I will! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now if they would only come to Milwaukee for a show, fingers crossed!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="338" scrolling="no" src="http://www.npr.org/templates/event/embeddedVideo.php?storyId=161710232" width="600"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-8239509243988523122013-08-15T10:09:00.000-07:002013-08-15T10:09:44.674-07:00local spot: Anitgua Latin restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5MPVETODNw/UfmC2AHVugI/AAAAAAAADbw/qqiDhME44Ww/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5MPVETODNw/UfmC2AHVugI/AAAAAAAADbw/qqiDhME44Ww/s1600/13+-+1" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">^^delicious pupusa and empandas^^</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media.jrn.com/images/uask04-15-mjs-uask04-15_-nw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.jrn.com/images/uask04-15-mjs-uask04-15_-nw.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>^^best.flan.ever^^ <span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by Michael Sears</span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few weeks ago, we finally made it over to <a href="http://www.antiguamilwaukee.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Antigua Latin restaurant</a> (I've had a groupon for this for months!) and we were both very impressed with....everything! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The restaurant, located in West Allis, was totally different than I expected-fresh, lots of bright colors and of course, traditional Latin American decor. Our waitress was wonderful which is always huge and appreciated in any dining experience. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We decided that we would just sample some of their small plates so we could get a taste of a variety of dishes, but I think we will certainly head back to try an entree or two next time. First, we started with ceviche-a first time for both of us and it did not disappoint! Light, great citrus sauce on top and served with homemade tortilla chips, a win-win-win for sure!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next we tried the Yolanda empanadas, an Argentian dish with ground beef, onions, egg, and raisins-seasoned really well with a great balance of salty and sweet. We also chose the pupusa, corn tortilla pockets filled with pork and beans...simple, but great flavors. Final dish of the night: cochinita sliders! Pulled pork perfection.<br />
<br />
So even though I was feeling pretty satisfied with the meal, when our waitress brought out the dessert menu and I saw "Milwaukee's Best Flan" right on top, I couldn't pass up the chance to try a piece. I will selfishly (and embarrassingly) admit that I miiiight have had the whole piece to myself, but MAN was it g-o-o-d! Lucky for me, I happened to <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/42973807.html" target="_blank">stumble across the recipe for their flan</a>, so now I can recreate the magic at home!<br />
<br />
Long story short: fun, vibrant, delicious, can't wait to go back!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-39934943373827115362013-08-13T06:30:00.000-07:002013-08-13T06:30:23.628-07:00listening to | lorde<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Lorde_PhotobyCharlesHowells_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Lorde_PhotobyCharlesHowells_2.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The past few weeks I keep hearing the hit song "Royals" by the New Zealand native, Lorde aka Ella Yelich-O'Connor and it has managed to completely get stuck in my head (in a good way!) Apparently, Lorde is the <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5646226/lorde-first-woman-in-17-years-to-top-alternative-songs-with-royals" target="_blank">first woman in 17 years to top the alternative songs</a> chart AND she is only 16 years old-nuts! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlcIKh6sBtc" target="_blank"><b>Have a listen and see for yourself </b></a>why some call this the real "song of the summer"...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-24606761109744757022013-08-01T08:20:00.003-07:002013-08-01T08:20:50.201-07:00happy online shopping with H&M!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/environment/2013/1CV_0274_001R_0.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[0.2]&set=key[width],value[4268]&set=key[height],value[4990]&set=key[x],value[377]&set=key[y],value[60]&set=key[type],value[FASHION_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/environment/2013/1CV_0274_001R_0.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[0.2]&set=key[width],value[4268]&set=key[height],value[4990]&set=key[x],value[377]&set=key[y],value[60]&set=key[type],value[FASHION_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For those of you who have a (slight) online shopping addiction, than today is your day! <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/" target="_blank">H&M finally opened it's website</a> for US shoppers and now everything in their stores is at your fingertips! As much as I like to try and choose more high-quality pieces to include in my wardrobe (let's face it, those items just last so much longer!), I personally am still a sucker for their affordable and trendy fashion so this will be hard to resist! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2012/P40%200155022%20006%2033%200709%204.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/model/2012/P40%200155022%20006%2033%200709%204.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[]&set=key[width],value[]&set=key[height],value[]&set=key[x],value[]&set=key[y],value[]&set=key[type],value[STILL_LIFE_FRONT]&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/environment/2013/V26_0036_029R_0.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[-0.45]&set=key[width],value[3879]&set=key[height],value[4535]&set=key[x],value[729]&set=key[y],value[386]&set=key[type],value[FASHION_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/environment/2013/V26_0036_029R_0.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[-0.45]&set=key[width],value[3879]&set=key[height],value[4535]&set=key[x],value[729]&set=key[y],value[386]&set=key[type],value[FASHION_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/environment/2013/1CA_0438_014R_0.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[0.25]&set=key[width],value[4215]&set=key[height],value[4929]&set=key[x],value[448]&set=key[y],value[39]&set=key[type],value[FASHION_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lp.hm.com/hmprod?set=key[source],value[/environment/2013/1CA_0438_014R_0.jpg]&set=key[rotate],value[0.25]&set=key[width],value[4215]&set=key[height],value[4929]&set=key[x],value[448]&set=key[y],value[39]&set=key[type],value[FASHION_FRONT]&hmver=0&call=url[file:/product/large]" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Be sure to stop by H&M today to get your fashionista fill (they even have home furnishings available) and <a href="https://www.hm.com/us/newsletter" target="_blank">sign up for their newsletter to get FREE shipping</a> and stay up to date on other fashion news and discounts!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
p.s. <a href="http://50statesoffashion.com/start?rules." target="_blank">they are also having a Instagram contest</a> with a chance for the finalist to win $250 gift card and a grand prize trip to travel to NYC for and H&M shopping spree! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy shopping!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-51729699955609759392013-07-31T07:27:00.000-07:002013-07-31T07:28:34.451-07:00courage can contagious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.freesworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mov-tw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://www.freesworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/mov-tw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #302f2f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;"><b><i>"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own..." </i>-Michelle Obama</b></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-61418600490632173182013-07-30T13:56:00.003-07:002013-07-30T13:56:43.092-07:00afternoon inspiration: the Earth Harp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/07/30/science/30earthharp-3/30earthharp-3-articleLarge-v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/07/30/science/30earthharp-3/30earthharp-3-articleLarge-v3.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/07/30/science/30earthharp-2/30earthharp-2-articleLarge-v4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/07/30/science/30earthharp-2/30earthharp-2-articleLarge-v4.png" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/07/30/science/30earthharp-1/30earthharp-1-articleLarge-v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/07/30/science/30earthharp-1/30earthharp-1-articleLarge-v2.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Earth Harp, invented in 1999 by William Close, is the longest stringed instrument in the world. The instrument is set up using the surrounding architecture (buildings, natural landscapes, etc) so that the instrument actually becomes a part of the architecture..."the environment and architecture are transformed by the strings, forever changing the perception of those who see the installation." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Close and his Earth Harp Collective have traveled all around the world giving some pretty magical performances, so be sure to check out this one below and read <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/science/harnessing-physics-in-grand-spaces-to-make-music.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">this interview from The New York Times</a> for insight on Close's vision for the Earth Harp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!-- This version of the embed code is no longer supported. Learn more: https://vimeo.com/help/faq/embedding --> <object height="331" width="500"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=26579009&force_embed=1&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=26579009&force_embed=1&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="500" height="331"></embed></object>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-15775966724817137812013-07-26T07:36:00.000-07:002013-07-26T07:36:00.244-07:00ny visit, bachelorette festivities! so last weekend-yes, last weekend...that's how behind I am! SO, last weekend my sister and I headed out to New York for my cousin's bachelorette party/annual cousins gathering and we had such a great time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-moyI7DhpcKU/UfJ6FAzBHZI/AAAAAAAADZg/2bPX4Uw5mZ4/s1600/NY+7.19+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-moyI7DhpcKU/UfJ6FAzBHZI/AAAAAAAADZg/2bPX4Uw5mZ4/s1600/NY+7.19+-+5" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bGpABVQAjk/UfJ6FG71lfI/AAAAAAAADZM/C_WY9vseV2o/s1600/NY+7.19+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bGpABVQAjk/UfJ6FG71lfI/AAAAAAAADZM/C_WY9vseV2o/s1600/NY+7.19+-+4" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeCSd1xP0dM/UfJ6FAKjQ8I/AAAAAAAADZw/KvMQp5U70KQ/s1600/NY+7.19+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeCSd1xP0dM/UfJ6FAKjQ8I/AAAAAAAADZw/KvMQp5U70KQ/s1600/NY+7.19+-+6" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xd5vGuZnz4/UfJ6FAbeI0I/AAAAAAAADZo/86xiDfgoJaE/s1600/NY+7.19+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xd5vGuZnz4/UfJ6FAbeI0I/AAAAAAAADZo/86xiDfgoJaE/s1600/NY+7.19+-+2" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iR-vCawu3DU/UfKEKx8cxJI/AAAAAAAADaI/wVBpcn5uxOE/s1600/2526269_1374845154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iR-vCawu3DU/UfKEKx8cxJI/AAAAAAAADaI/wVBpcn5uxOE/s1600/2526269_1374845154.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></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/AVvXsEhy2WZEBvEPmqV3PZGXoWcmFIq09TsEx3AaHDsm-UCmCafQEth1Mgd3vm62qRe_ZWZyUBv5Dg_os2D6eYwGr-dpLOWp0IT5IHbd3Z9ZAEsZtk5notPj94DcSYfDK4fBSXyqe8zl8FBC7d0/s1600/13+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2WZEBvEPmqV3PZGXoWcmFIq09TsEx3AaHDsm-UCmCafQEth1Mgd3vm62qRe_ZWZyUBv5Dg_os2D6eYwGr-dpLOWp0IT5IHbd3Z9ZAEsZtk5notPj94DcSYfDK4fBSXyqe8zl8FBC7d0/s1600/13+-+2.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5XkS1IL9cE/UfJ6FMW2UyI/AAAAAAAADZE/OToma6kp740/s1600/NY+7.19+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5XkS1IL9cE/UfJ6FMW2UyI/AAAAAAAADZE/OToma6kp740/s1600/NY+7.19+-+1" height="320" width="286" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLGH9t-UzOk/UfJ6FE_cxeI/AAAAAAAADZY/RSJsZm2TpYk/s1600/NY+7.19+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLGH9t-UzOk/UfJ6FE_cxeI/AAAAAAAADZY/RSJsZm2TpYk/s1600/NY+7.19+-+3" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I can't deny that the heat was just a tad bit out of control, but we managed to push through as we traveled around Long Island on party bus for a winery tour, danced, played late-night charades, enjoyed a few moments at the beach, and caught up on one another's lives.<br />
<br />
I feel pretty blessed to have such a wonderful family and can't wait to see all of them at the wedding in a few months-whenever that I see them multiple times in a year, it's a good year in my book :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-76190624051787575302013-07-17T17:25:00.000-07:002013-07-17T17:25:26.339-07:00in the kitchen | kale and brussels sprouts salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/images/recipesmenus/2011/2011_november/368295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.epicurious.com/images/recipesmenus/2011/2011_november/368295.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">image by Christopher Testani</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Brussels sprouts. Some people love them, others h-a-t-e these little baby cabbages. Personally, I am a huge fan-steamed, roasted, raw...I'm down for brussels sprouts of any variety.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On Sunday night, I joined my parents in the 'burbs for dinner and we were fortunate enough to have our good family friends in from Nashville also share the table with us. During our conversation, our friend mentioned how they had recently found a new recipe for brussels sprouts that is sure to please any one, so naturally I had to look into.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Lucky for me, this took all of two seconds, and I happen to have enough of the ingredients laying around to make my own twist on the dish. So if you are looking for something quick, easy, healthy, and pretty darn delicious, give this one a whirl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>adapted from Bon Appetit</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1lb brussels sprouts, sliced very thin or grated</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1 C kale, leaves thinly sliced</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1/3 C roasted almonds, chopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Dressing</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
2-3 T Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (yes, I cheated)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1 T Dijon mustard</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1-2 T olive oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1 T lemon juice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1 small garlic clove, minced</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Salt & pepper to taste</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
1. Mix balsamic vinaigrette dressing, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl and set aside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
2. Toss shredded brussels sprouts, kale, and pepper in a large bowl. Add in crushed almonds. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
3. Toss salad with your somewhat-homemade dressing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
4. Serve immediately paired with a lovely white wine and fresh bread :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bon appetit! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-10106564462033488822013-07-12T15:17:00.001-07:002013-07-12T15:17:07.444-07:00a summer of festivalsMilwaukee might be best known for its abundance in cheese, brats, and beer, but the one of the other (many!) great parts about this city is most certainly its' abundance of festivals all summer long! Summerfest, Bastille Days, Festival of the Arts, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Indian Summer Fest, to name a few PLUS a whole handful of neighborhood street fairs and festivals all summer long...whew!<br />
<br />
So far I have managed to make it out for a few things! First was <a href="http://www.summerfest.com/" target="_blank">Summerfest</a> aka the world's largest music festival-we went and saw a few sets put on by Minneapolis-based hip-hop collective, <a href="http://www.rhymesayers.com/" target="_blank">Rhymesayers</a>, which featured P.O.S., Brother Ali, and Atmosphere. I also got to experience my very first country music concert (Craig Morgan) a few nights later...there is a first time for everything!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2THsBwFcqE/UeB1gDxa07I/AAAAAAAADDY/5xUSqsnRqA8/s1600/Fests+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2THsBwFcqE/UeB1gDxa07I/AAAAAAAADDY/5xUSqsnRqA8/s1600/Fests+-+2" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztmTYMpv_aA/UeB1gVLt3xI/AAAAAAAADDc/Robim07qgKI/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztmTYMpv_aA/UeB1gVLt3xI/AAAAAAAADDc/Robim07qgKI/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+4" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VslrNvvo2cY/UeB1gBdwLcI/AAAAAAAADDs/rYS2oy-kzzY/s1600/Fests+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VslrNvvo2cY/UeB1gBdwLcI/AAAAAAAADDs/rYS2oy-kzzY/s1600/Fests+-+5" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^my brother filming k'naan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Just last night I also got to experience Milwaukee's Bastille Days celebration...we meandered through the crowds, watched the "Storm the Bastille" 5K in action, and even tried frog legs! Ry and I decided that we would definitely have to participate in the run next year-it looks like a great time, more of a "fun run" than a race! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBm13k7z_7g/UeB1gF-05FI/AAAAAAAADEQ/13iveJLDn_Y/s1600/Fests+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBm13k7z_7g/UeB1gF-05FI/AAAAAAAADEQ/13iveJLDn_Y/s1600/Fests+-+6" width="240" /></a></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/AVvXsEhb5FH0FTm3UZBPVigluUv3cShUkSF4wFXJTRT7EcilDl-4ctUhtWV0UdUnLBl_9eSHNQC52AB6v7PCky9AtiMdKmlmbrYGnNP_oXOhQ6h97bGC6Ufs3zh9Ov1cO-nwTk5iZ1iHs_96ii0/s1600/1069864_10201567024163283_1293216286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5FH0FTm3UZBPVigluUv3cShUkSF4wFXJTRT7EcilDl-4ctUhtWV0UdUnLBl_9eSHNQC52AB6v7PCky9AtiMdKmlmbrYGnNP_oXOhQ6h97bGC6Ufs3zh9Ov1cO-nwTk5iZ1iHs_96ii0/s1600/1069864_10201567024163283_1293216286_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^ mmmm frog legs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Do you have a favorite summer festival in Milwaukee or your own hometown? Summer always seems to go by so quickly, so make sure you get out there and have some fun (but maybe skip the frog legs!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-27509413351139205032013-07-10T07:45:00.001-07:002013-07-10T07:45:31.682-07:00an all-american weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbhe1ANxjh8/Ud1MAfEc6qI/AAAAAAAADDE/UCn_ySPQB6I/s1600/7.4.13+-+11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbhe1ANxjh8/Ud1MAfEc6qI/AAAAAAAADDE/UCn_ySPQB6I/s1600/7.4.13+-+11" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^sunsets at the cottage</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdD5ik71ug4/Ud1MAVs7OtI/AAAAAAAADCE/Gdad7xTayuI/s1600/7.4.13+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdD5ik71ug4/Ud1MAVs7OtI/AAAAAAAADCE/Gdad7xTayuI/s1600/7.4.13+-+5" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^ice cream treats at the well</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrc_AuWES0k/Ud1MAcVRlII/AAAAAAAADB0/X7302nGYz1g/s1600/7.4.13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrc_AuWES0k/Ud1MAcVRlII/AAAAAAAADB0/X7302nGYz1g/s1600/7.4.13+-+1" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Rnn5DyvgAY/Ud1MAUyHC0I/AAAAAAAADCc/CNgmbEOy0u8/s1600/7.4.13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Rnn5DyvgAY/Ud1MAUyHC0I/AAAAAAAADCc/CNgmbEOy0u8/s1600/7.4.13+-+2" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^fireworks, naturally.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-z5prF3eZk/Ud1MAdgaE5I/AAAAAAAADC0/kyzaB51G7Ys/s1600/7.4.13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-z5prF3eZk/Ud1MAdgaE5I/AAAAAAAADC0/kyzaB51G7Ys/s1600/7.4.13+-+3" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^first boat ride for Colton!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxxRp5OAxA8/Ud1MASEd4CI/AAAAAAAADCs/jiZw44SxqKg/s1600/7.4.13+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxxRp5OAxA8/Ud1MASEd4CI/AAAAAAAADCs/jiZw44SxqKg/s1600/7.4.13+-+4" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qEMJBFKHE8/Ud1MAeqcoQI/AAAAAAAADC8/jDDSA2jd7Yw/s1600/7.4.13+-+7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qEMJBFKHE8/Ud1MAeqcoQI/AAAAAAAADC8/jDDSA2jd7Yw/s1600/7.4.13+-+7" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^had to get Grandma in the big chair</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDajeenXXqw/Ud1MAWUvpXI/AAAAAAAADCU/frQGczfDRJg/s1600/7.4.13+-+8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDajeenXXqw/Ud1MAWUvpXI/AAAAAAAADCU/frQGczfDRJg/s1600/7.4.13+-+8" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2LsQgbigshs/Ud1MAYiNATI/AAAAAAAADCM/Z_6akaHo0kY/s1600/7.4.13+-+10" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2LsQgbigshs/Ud1MAYiNATI/AAAAAAAADCM/Z_6akaHo0kY/s1600/7.4.13+-+10" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^sunsets back in Milwaukee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We had a lovely, but jam-packed holiday weekend: boating, swimming, knee-boarding, soaking up the sun, eating way too much BBQ, experiencing my first country music concert, and loads of family time. I was definitely exhausted by the time I got back to the apartment on Sunday night, but it was such a fun weekend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Now I am slowly getting back into the real world, though it's already Wednesday, so can't really complain! I hope you were able to do all sorts of fun activities for your holiday weekend too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-14859086306716916022013-07-02T15:35:00.003-07:002013-07-02T15:35:36.147-07:00in the kitchen | boom boom baked beans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8u_ozxK1qgOqY3_ptpfEwCJ3Hpj4cd-foSDOlAaHm-wW_sPJXWYICdBg-CrcK-UW57n-j0Nt3FGU3rclHGFOndrAzxZ9zLDzr-52frnY2bMIDMjS-JhR9sNqLNrhOX9n6JYH7U8TMPw/s1600/baked+beans+08+24+10+-+reduced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8u_ozxK1qgOqY3_ptpfEwCJ3Hpj4cd-foSDOlAaHm-wW_sPJXWYICdBg-CrcK-UW57n-j0Nt3FGU3rclHGFOndrAzxZ9zLDzr-52frnY2bMIDMjS-JhR9sNqLNrhOX9n6JYH7U8TMPw/s1600/baked+beans+08+24+10+-+reduced.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Well this is pretty much a guest post coming straight to you from my mom featuring the infamous boom boom baked beans! Consider this an upgrade to the standard baked beans in a can situation and pretty perfect for your 4th of July barbecue (I'll definitely be whipping this up to share with Ry's family!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This dish has quickly become a family favorite and if you like REAL bacon in your baked beans, then this is sure to impress you (and your friends!). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Boom Boom Baked Beans </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>via my mom</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-6 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped coarsely</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1 large yellow onion</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-2 cans of B&M Original Baked Beans</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1 can red kidney</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1 can dark red kidney</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1 can butter beans</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-1 can cannelini beans</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
1-2 Tbsp brown sugar*</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (or mustard powder)*</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
1 Tbsp Ketchup*</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<i>*These are estimates, so feel free to play around with the taste as you to make it to your liking!</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Cook bacon and set aside. Do not throw bacon fat away.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Chop onions and cook in bacon fat until they are transparent, set aside.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Using a strainer, drain all the beans except for the canned "original baked beans" (helpful to have a large bowl to keep all the beans in as you rinse them)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Place the beans in a large pot. Open the two "original baked beans" and add them to the pot with the sauce from the cans</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Add in brown sugar, Dijon mustard/mustard powder and ketchup and mix all together. Once you have the desired flavor, add the onions and most of the bacon; mix ingredients. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Pour into a casserole dish or Pyrex dish. Put the remaining bacon on top. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Bake in 350 oven until really hot all the way through...approx. 30 minutes.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
Serve with your favorite grilled meal (burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob-the possibilities are endless!)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
Bon appetit! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-68962841458367123252013-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:002013-07-01T14:29:14.891-07:00life lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aU7ogxpUffc/UdHyOHo6MsI/AAAAAAAAC_k/fuROuRG5AAQ/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aU7ogxpUffc/UdHyOHo6MsI/AAAAAAAAC_k/fuROuRG5AAQ/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+7" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hl4LpO10nmQ/UdHyODSMhMI/AAAAAAAAC_U/VHyTkg9rRv8/s800/Lately+7.1.13+-+8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hl4LpO10nmQ/UdHyODSMhMI/AAAAAAAAC_U/VHyTkg9rRv8/s800/Lately+7.1.13+-+8" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H49ZEp4nBgY/UdHyOFYE1pI/AAAAAAAAC_s/Lszsh64SBfI/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H49ZEp4nBgY/UdHyOFYE1pI/AAAAAAAAC_s/Lszsh64SBfI/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+9" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAyjOZ5alog/UdHyODLjpFI/AAAAAAAADAE/nmAgynzpMKs/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+10" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAyjOZ5alog/UdHyODLjpFI/AAAAAAAADAE/nmAgynzpMKs/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+10" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p91x0bxuD7E/UdHyOE5pxSI/AAAAAAAAC_0/jgPnL5d1MpI/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+11" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p91x0bxuD7E/UdHyOE5pxSI/AAAAAAAAC_0/jgPnL5d1MpI/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+11" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0nCEnzp_c/UdHyOKO-3BI/AAAAAAAAC-8/CKg5Jwappkw/s800/Lately+7.1.13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0nCEnzp_c/UdHyOKO-3BI/AAAAAAAAC-8/CKg5Jwappkw/s800/Lately+7.1.13+-+1" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8O6NXRidk8/UdHyOIUXeEI/AAAAAAAAC_E/CGfd68C1dTE/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8O6NXRidk8/UdHyOIUXeEI/AAAAAAAAC_E/CGfd68C1dTE/s1600/Lately+7.1.13+-+6" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a visual of what's been going on in my time and place...trips to duluth, serendipitous reunions with friends, lovely summer sunsets, flowers bloomin', quality time with Bailey, and gorgeous views of the city! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-64215051674696978412013-06-26T08:52:00.001-07:002013-06-26T08:52:22.253-07:00still here, i swear and some tunes...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>obviously documenting life and things has gone way down on the priority list, but I swear I am still here! Having just started a new job, life has become a bit hectic and necessary to focus on one thing at a time BUT I hope to start sharing what's going on in my time place again :)</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now I must tell you that while I have been settling into a new routine, I have been really excited to check out a new album from one of my favorite performers, <a href="http://www.doomtree.net/dessa/" target="_blank">Dessa</a>. She just released <a href="http://store.doomtree.net/product/parts-of-speech-dessa" target="_blank">"Parts of Speech"</a> and it has more or less been on repeat the past 24ish hours. Intelligent and thoughtful lyrics, great beats, and an evolution into something much more than just your everyday "rapper" are all clear in this album, so I highly recommend checking it out! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lucky for you, a local radio station in Minneapolis, <a href="http://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2013/06/24/first-listen-dessa-parts-of-speech" target="_blank">the Current</a>, hosted a special session called "Dessa Deconstructed" discussing the creative process of making the new album, as well as a few live performances...enjoy! </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/le0LS0RFEbM" width="640"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-12474505083882276062013-06-18T09:18:00.002-07:002013-06-18T09:18:34.668-07:00summer is here! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lt61XQwFgqg/UcBewiY-ixI/AAAAAAAAC80/KiNRd0avud0/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lt61XQwFgqg/UcBewiY-ixI/AAAAAAAAC80/KiNRd0avud0/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+9" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-bVCG2GPYY/UcBewhzsU3I/AAAAAAAAC88/HwmXunXie7M/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+10" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-bVCG2GPYY/UcBewhzsU3I/AAAAAAAAC88/HwmXunXie7M/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+10" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnvXtsjVrz8/UcBewj82XYI/AAAAAAAAC8s/At4Cs1Hur1c/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnvXtsjVrz8/UcBewj82XYI/AAAAAAAAC8s/At4Cs1Hur1c/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+8" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^lake views from McKinley Park</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l57710hxBdA/UcBewoMuObI/AAAAAAAAC8M/JjT3kVjAZA4/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l57710hxBdA/UcBewoMuObI/AAAAAAAAC8M/JjT3kVjAZA4/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+1" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD0vKxw6EjE/UcBewnInLLI/AAAAAAAAC8k/8TdlzJnHW14/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD0vKxw6EjE/UcBewnInLLI/AAAAAAAAC8k/8TdlzJnHW14/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+5" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F4aXDZ6CQU/UcBewotFmMI/AAAAAAAAC8c/y0mtMBXulEk/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F4aXDZ6CQU/UcBewotFmMI/AAAAAAAAC8c/y0mtMBXulEk/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+7" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^Ry's grandma aka the new spokeswoman for Lakefront Brewery</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuDXNImT-gY/UcBewgYPsKI/AAAAAAAAC9E/-KpygvLoRYA/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuDXNImT-gY/UcBewgYPsKI/AAAAAAAAC9E/-KpygvLoRYA/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+6" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjxbhWdep2w/UcBewu4FX-I/AAAAAAAAC8E/cQ7LohTgiKY/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjxbhWdep2w/UcBewu4FX-I/AAAAAAAAC8E/cQ7LohTgiKY/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+2" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PepXdy5yPE8/UcBewkNf00I/AAAAAAAAC78/KUUSj6n-vhw/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PepXdy5yPE8/UcBewkNf00I/AAAAAAAAC78/KUUSj6n-vhw/s1600/6.12.13+wknd+-+3" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
^^father's day stroll at Lion's Den Gorge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I recently accepted a new job (yay!) and during the transition I had a few days off to let life slow down and reorganize myself. This meant I was able to spend some time strolling around Milwaukee while enjoying some of the most perfect summer weather we have had yet, reading, paying a visit to Lakefront Brewery aka Ryan's "office", and a trip to the cottage for birthday celebrations. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Last but not least, I spent almost the whole day with my dad on Sunday-chipping paint off the fence and sanding it down (it's true, I used power tools), exploring Lion's Den Gorge with our dog Bailey, and had a great Sunday night dinner (I made <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/06/bowties-with-sugar-snaps-lemon-and-ricotta/" target="_blank">this pasta dish</a> for everyone) with the fam. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-38098431752339968712013-06-14T07:44:00.000-07:002013-06-14T07:44:16.018-07:00frances ha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm2UAINYY1yWEN7ioWvga55JlaercXIxKDUJjOdu_cXjOp9Dvk1UvkktrRWI7zbFl5TsXr-YmJIdqM3J1otJC-YwTGgbfefnErwMHNxrScyynjDl6x3-YfJhpe5M2wU6yfhKEVLx3T2o/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-06-14+at+9.12.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikm2UAINYY1yWEN7ioWvga55JlaercXIxKDUJjOdu_cXjOp9Dvk1UvkktrRWI7zbFl5TsXr-YmJIdqM3J1otJC-YwTGgbfefnErwMHNxrScyynjDl6x3-YfJhpe5M2wU6yfhKEVLx3T2o/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-06-14+at+9.12.44+AM.png" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.ifcfilms.com/films/frances-ha" target="_blank">image via</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I came across the trailer for Noah Baumbach's new film, Frances Ha, starring Greta Gerwig and was pretty smitten with it! Gerwig's character, Frances seems to have all the best intentions to really do something with her life, but has become lost in the mix of trying to figure it all out (which we all should know by now is easier said than done!). Despite a lot of things being (hilariously) imperfect, Frances remains continuously optimistic and tells a story of <span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"...a young woman in crisis that turns self-consciousness into an exalted form of authenticity...."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y9YKHRQkf7k?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
p.s. Check out Landmark Theater's interview with Greta Gerwig <a href="http://www.landmarktheatres.com/podcasts/francesha/FrancesHa_051813.mp3" target="_blank">here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
p.p.s another <a href="http://youtu.be/NHsuMs2TG8I" target="_blank">great looking (and funny!) film</a> that is on my list! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959417952569258245.post-57423966943344392132013-06-13T13:48:00.000-07:002013-06-13T13:48:00.690-07:00local spot: love handle<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eN6AolFoYLw/UbfhUJhTkMI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/zo8OWcuneHw/s1600/Love+handle+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eN6AolFoYLw/UbfhUJhTkMI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/zo8OWcuneHw/s1600/Love+handle+-+4" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The other day a few of my co-workers and I decided to stroll over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LoveHandleFoodDrink" target="_blank">Love Handle</a> for a bite to eat. This Eastside cafe, owned by husband and wife Chris and Ally Benedyk, just opened a few weeks ago and I have had my eye on this place, watching it slowly take shape over the past few months. My curiosity was especially peeked when I had a chance to peruse their (ever-changing) menu: Buffalo duck croquettes, Black Tea Ginger ice cream (homemade!), foie gras cheese cake, black truffle bologna, and churros with spicy chocolate sauce to name a few.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSvBXL-hCDg/UbfhUNAX-gI/AAAAAAAAC60/5m03_-6mSzs/s1600/Love+handle+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSvBXL-hCDg/UbfhUNAX-gI/AAAAAAAAC60/5m03_-6mSzs/s1600/Love+handle+-+2" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XniJynZXIcY/UbfhUB_yM_I/AAAAAAAAC68/z4Ma8lDYNH8/s1600/Love+handle+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XniJynZXIcY/UbfhUB_yM_I/AAAAAAAAC68/z4Ma8lDYNH8/s1600/Love+handle+-+3" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnh7eltqqfo/UbfhUDx46nI/AAAAAAAAC6o/ZsZ52fmXiIA/s1600/Love+handle+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnh7eltqqfo/UbfhUDx46nI/AAAAAAAAC6o/ZsZ52fmXiIA/s1600/Love+handle+-+1" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I really love the interior design of Love Handle's space: clean, but charming with the chalkboard menu, paper table cloths, and fun art pieces on the walls. But onto the important things like what we ate! We all decided to go with a sandwich and chose the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.5px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px;">Rollie Fingers" - Pulled Pork Shoulder, Pickled Watermelon Rind, Blue Cheese Aioli, the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">"Mitch" - Egg Salad Fritters, Pea Shoots, Wine Mustard, and I had the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">"Love Handle" - Porchetta, Cactus Pickles, Tomato Jam.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Oh, man....were these sandwiches t-a-s-t-y! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">There was plenty to eat, so we all tried one another's pick, but </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I personally liked my sandwich (the Love Handle) best. Honestly, it was the tomato jam really pulled everything together and almost was like a sweet BBQ sauce. The porchetta wasn't too shabby either-very rich and savory. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">All in all, I would definitely recommend paying Love Handle a visit. Their menu is constantly changing and it looks like they are in no shortage of creative and eclectic choices. I know I will be heading back to give their homemade ice cream a whirl! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02621252862654535180noreply@blogger.com0