Weekend Wrap Up : No Laboring

We managed to do just about 0 laboring this weekend and it was fantastic. 

Friday night we made burgers and watched The Boss.  

We love a good, low key Friday night and this was a great way to start our weekend.

Saturday was chock full of action. 

I remember looking at the clock at 8:30 in the morning and then all of a sudden it was 8:30 at night.  I am not entirely sure where the day went.

It was somewhere between bootcamp, brunch with our small group, visiting our friends out on the river, snuggling Floyd and watching Stranger Things. 

Sunday was a day I had been looking forward to for a while.

Last year we had it on our list to take a day trip to Columbus but never got around to it.  I have been up to Columbus a few times but they were always short trips (and the ill fated non Taylor concert) but never with Mister.  There are a ton of good restaurants up there and plenty to see and do.  So with an extra weekend day, we decided to head on up after church.

We had delicious burgers and nachos at Stack City Burgers and walked around Short North.  

 We picked up a few things for Little Mister, including this.  Totally necessary.

We then walked around Easton....possibly bought a few more things for Little Mister and ended our trip with a McFlurry.  All in all, it was a really, really great day. 

Monday I ran some random errands that were on my list, including Target, where I saved $36!  I'm pretty sure that deserves an award.

And we could not miss out on the last pool day of the year.  It was sad to leave for the last time.  I wouldn't be surprised if we caught Mister jumping the fence for one last dip ;)

We ended our evening with grilled salmon salads which I think may need to become a staple on our menu.  And more Stranger Things of course.

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day! Back to the grind!

Weekend Wrap Up : Showered with Love

Last week I was so busy telling you about bottles and zucchini (and growing a child, ohh it's exhausting sometimes) that I forgot to tell you about our first baby shower!

I've mentioned that I changed jobs last fall but I have been fortunate enough to keep in contact with my old coworkers.  They are a great bunch and reached out to Mister and I and offered to throw us a couples baby shower.  It was SO sweet of them and we had the best time.

It was so great to see everyone at once and celebrate Little Mister.

Delicious, delicious food (hello fried mac and cheese balls) was served, mimosas were had (not by me!)

The host, Jay, put together one of the best baby shower games I have ever seen.  It was perfect for a room full of designers.

Jay gathered plain onesies, paint, markers, stamps and craft supplies galore.  He then gave everyone 30 minutes to design the best onesie.  It was a mash up of Chopped meets Project Runway.  

 I loved it!

At the end of the 30 minutes we voted on the best one.

I almost hated to give it to him, but Mister walked away the winner.  

His onesie said, 'Eat Local'....it was too funny not to give it to him. 

We were given a lot of very sweet and adorable gifts. 

Hooded crab towel...how can you NOT make that face?

 Baby cardigan, just get out of town.

Floyd even walked away with a few things and Charlie the Ranch dog books to read to Brother. 

One of the most practical things we received was a fold n' go bassinet!  I didn't even know this was a thing but it is genius! We've actually already put it to use when our neighbors came over with their little son.  Fortunately, or not, it puts the baby at just the right height for Floyd to lick their noggin.  Probably need to work on that....

Overall for our first ever baby shower it was so fabulous and we are so thankful to be surrounded by such sweet and supportive friends. 

Around Town : Top Golfin

This past weekend was the first one since the middle of June that Mister and I didn't have to be anywhere or do anything.  It was so glorious.  It was equal parts relaxing, fun, enjoyable and productive.

Not to say our summer weekends have not been fun, they have been fantastic BUT I do love being home as well.  It was nice to wake up and have 0 plans.

Saturday we woke up leisurely, drank coffee and watched Olympic coverage leisurely and then took Floyd on a verrrry leisurely 2.5 mile walk on a nearby trail.  He proceeded to sleep the rest of the day.  

The only concrete plans we had for Saturday were to check out our new Top Golf with some friends.

We had played Top Golf in Dallas last Spring and loved it.  So when we heard we were getting one here in Cincinnati we knew we wanted to go immediately.

Again, it was SO fun.

Because it was only the second week it was open, it was busy but we were able to get a bay quicker than they said and were swinging away in no time.

I am by no means a golfer or good in the least but even for someone as untalented as I am, Top Golf is a blast!

Mister kicked all of our booties but I did manage a couple good shots and chalked that up to a win.

Plus Mister picked up my ball each time and put it on the tee, because he is the ultimate gem.  And because bending over is getting quite difficult.  

Sunday was full of church, errands, pool time and assembling a side table for Little Mister's room.

Floyd was very, very helpful with that.

Sunday night we had a delicious and colorful dinner at our neighbors to round out our relaxing weekend.

 So relaxing that I fell asleep on the sofa at 9:30.  Ooops. 

Lake Life

We had the pleasure of heading up to the Michigan/Indiana border this weekend and visiting our friends at their lake house.  

(P.s check out Kady's Etsy shop, she makes the most adorable items, Little Mister will be fantastically dressed!)

We have been counting down to this past weekend for a long, long time.

One of Mister's most happy places is to be on the lake, on a boat, on a tube, on jet ski or just generally being in the sun.  

The boys had so much fun you could hear them laughing across the lake.

Floyd was loving life sniffing his absolute heart out.  

If we would have let him, he would have sniffed the entire lake perimeter. 

When he wasn't sniffing, Floyd was using the dock as his own personal runway with a built in fan.

It was a doggie filled weekend, though Floyd did not understand Tucker's love for fetching his ball from the lake.

And when we weren't playing with dogs, we were waiting on this plate of deliciousness to come out of the smoker.

Oh. My. Lanta.  I wish I could describe to you how amazing that brisket was.  I think we were all drooling along with the dogs.

By Sunday morning, Floyd was lake-d OUT.

All in all, it was a great weekend filled with sun, good friends, laughter and lots of doggie snuggles...perfection.

Basset Brigade takes Asheville

When Casey and Eric were (surprise!) visiting me last December we were already talking about the next time we would get together. 

We finally settled on Asheville at the end of June.

After months of waiting the weekend was finally upon us!

We were extra excited because Casey and Eric informed us that Ashville is EXTREMELY dog friendly so Floyd and Pierre were along for the ride as well.

We rented an adorable little house and had the most fabulous, fun filled and relaxing weekend.

We spent the weekend exploring, walking all over, eating, drinking (not for me) and touring around Asheville.

Thursday we headed to dinner at Wicked Weed (yum!) and wondering around downtown Asheville.

Friday we spent the morning lounging around.  Casey and I did what we do best, sit on the sofa, drink coffee and snuggle bassets.  We then headed up to the highest point on the Eastern coast, Mt. Mitchell.

Mister and I realized we've seen mountains on the West and East coast all within the last month.

That afternoon we grabbed the pups and headed to lunch at 12 Bones.  

Floyd's bbq order wasn't filled so he was pouting...

 After lunch we walked around downtown Asheville wandering in and out of shops.  I was so excited to know that the pups were allowed just about everywhere.

Floyd was not quite so thrilled with all the shopping.  But the cool air conditioning inside was a big hit for him.

All weekend we kept hearing, 'there are 2 of them! Awwwww!'  

If Floyd and Pierre were petted once this weekend, they were petted a million times.  And they didn't hate it.  Of course I didn't manage to get a photo of them together but I promise they are besties.

Saturday we spent a large part of the day at the Biltmore Estate.  I had visited Biltmore many moons ago and I was so excited to go back and experience it again.  That place will never cease to amaze me.

For dinner we headed to White Duck Taco (still dreaming about those tacos) and took the dogs again.  They were so welled behaved (sans the slobber Floyd slung...) and stopped by quite a few basset lovers.

We had been wanting to visit Asheville for a long time and I am so glad that we were finally able to.  We had the best time with Casey and Eric and being able to have the dogs explore around with us was a real added bonus. 

Weekend Wrap Up : Startin Summer

We entered this past weekend with just about 0 plans (rare) and it turned out quite perfectly.

Friday we had an impromptu Mexican dinner with two other couples and it was delicious as Mexican is and the company was fabulous.

Saturday I started the day off at bootcamp and getting my butt kicked.  This whole baby thing sure makes it harder to breathe...

Then Mister and I headed over to the Game Day Feels studio to see them and pick up some one of a kind potholders from Fashion by Mayhem.  I love when I have the chance to see Mayhem and her mama in person and now that she is a budding entrepreneur we knew we had to go support her! 

Saturday evening we had dinner with some new friends and ended up chatting for 3+ hours! Don't you just love when that happens??

We ate at the new Northstar Cafe and it was delish.  However what really intrigued me was basically everything on their brunch menu so we will definitely need to go back!

 I didn't manage to take many photos this weekend so this one of Floyd in the sunshine will have to suffice. 

Sunday was equal parts productive and lazy.  You know, the best way to spend a Sunday.

We had finished church and grocery shopping by 11 am, success.  I then busted out a quick 3.5 mile run/walk and we hit up the pool.  Followed by nappin with Floyd and grilling out.  Success again.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday : Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken (minus the cream) + corn on the cob

Tuesday : Leftovers + rice

Wednesday : Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken + rice 

Thursday : Leftovers

Friday : Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet + Zucchini Sweet Potato Fritters

8 hours in San Francisco

After our event filled weekend in Sonoma, we knew we wanted to spend some time exploring San Francisco before our flight out.  The good and bad part of our travel plans was that our flight didn't leave until 10:30pm west coast time, which gave us a lot of time to explore.  The bad was that it was 1:30 am our time...

Regardless, we crammed as much into that time as we could!

We lazed around the hotel a bit and then hit the ground running.  Well, after we stopped at Carls Jr for breakfast burritos and hash rounds because #vacationrules.

Our first stop was Armstrong National Forest for a small hike and to see the redwoods.  Guys, they aren't kidding about those trees.  They are SO tall.  It was amazing.  

The forest was so quiet and peaceful.  I am pretty sure we could have stayed in there all day.  But alas, there was exploring to do!

We then drove up the coast to the small town of Jenner and onto Bodega Bay.  

The drive was gorgeous and we loved the HUGE rocks within the ocean and being able to see the coast.

Next stop, Golden Gate Bridge!  We were able to drive over the bridge on the way to Sonoma but this time we took some time to stop and snap one million photos.  There were plenty of good spots of taking pictures and taking in the scenery.

After the bridge we knew we wanted to hit up Fisherman's Wharf.  

I particularly wanted to see the sea lions, duh.  The bassets of the sea if you will.  I could have sat and watched them all day long.  They were SO funny and so similar to basset attitudes.

Fisherman's Wharf was interesting...it was a little touristy and busy for me but I can see the appeal.

For lunch Mister and I each indulged because #vacationrules.

Mister had this...

Yes that would be a brownie with salted caramel fudge ice cream rolled in heath bar bits.

And I had...

In n Out, DUH.  It's a rule when you see In n Out you HAVE to get it.  

We then hightailed to Ghiradelli Square for a quick look (and smell).

We really wanted to see Lombard Street as well so that was our next stop.  While we didn't have time to drive down it, it was fascinating to see.  

All of the streets in San Francisco seem to crazy (SO steep) but this one definitely takes the cake.  Well that and the ones that took as back to the airport that had us going uphill at 45 degrees.

After that whirlwind, it was time to head to the airport.

There was plenty more we wanted to do and see so we are for sure planning a trip back one day!

And that's how you do a whirlwind trip through San Francisco!

6

Sunday marks 6 years that Mister and I have been married. 

6 whole years that have gone by in a flash but also seems like (in an extremely good way) that we've been married for years and years. 

No one makes me happier, smile more and laugh on a daily basis.  

I'll save everyone the mushiness but let's just say, being married to your bestie is a whole lot of fun.

We are continuing our yearly tradition of giving each other 'traditional' anniversary gifts.  6 years is 'iron and candy'.  Come back next week to see what we came up with! 

And there's a very good chance I will keep my yearly tradition of putting my dress on for a twirl around the house on Sunday ;)

Weekend Wrap Up : I've got the fever

Spring fever that is.  

This weekend was one for the record books.  

I know everyone is talking about the weather BUT holy bananas it was amazing.  

I am fully aware it's going to get cold again but I am basking in the goodness that was 75 degrees for as long as I can.

Friday night Mister and I had a delicious dinner with our neighbors.  I made a very yummy appetizer (if I do say so myself) and will post that recipe soon.  It was very quick and easy to whip up after work.

Saturday was just stellar.

I started the day with a run to bootcamp and a run home.  

Then the plan for the day was to do whatever Mister wanted to continue his birthday celebrations.  We headed straight to The Eagle.  We have been trying to eat at The Eagle for MONTHS.  I wish I was kidding but every time we go it's at least at 2 hour wait and we are always far too hungry for that.

Thankfully two seats opened up at the bar the moment we walked in.  

They are know for their fried chicken and it did not disappoint.  

The food lived up to its name and all of the hype we've heard about. 

TOTAL splurge meal and TOTALLY worth it 

We wandered around OTR for the afternoon and ended up at Taft's Ale House.  A bar in an old church, if you will.  

The interior is beautiful and very well done.  I was obsessed with all of the wallpaper they used.

I took Floyd on a long, long walk that afternoon.

He's working on building his warm weather stamina back up...

My plan for the weekend was also to get a longish run in on Sunday but because it was so nice on Saturday, I headed out for 5 more miles on Saturday.  I was so glad to have it done but also exhausted.

Sunday was our standard day.  Church, grocery, Aldi's, all that good stuff.  

I also spent far too much time working on a puzzle.  Go ahead and call me a huge dork...I am fully aware of it.

Weekend Wrap Up : Calamity

Do you ever have one of those weeks/weekends/days where you seem to drop any thing you touch or forget everything possible?  That has been my life lately.

Rewind to last Sunday when I went to the grocery and literally forgot just about every single thing I needed.  Mister and I usually go after church and he is very helpful at grabbing things for me.  I clearly was missing my grocery buddy last week because I am not sure what I even came home with.  

Fast forward to Tuesday when I was getting hot water for tea out of the hot water dispenser at work and went to shake my bracelets down (you girls know what I mean, they were stuck in my sleeve) and drove my hand RIGHT under the water.  News flash that water is HOTTT.  This resulted in burning the eff out of my hand.  I'll spare you the photos... 

So if anyone has any great scar removal techniques they want to pass along, those will come in handy soon enough for me.  

Other than that I feel like I tripped on every thing I saw (or didn't see) but thankfully not during my run this weekend.  I met up with a friend and we busted out a great 4.3 miles in the beautifully warm January weather.  

But rewinding to earlier in the weekend, Friday I took a half day and hung out with Mr. Floyd.  It was a glorious beginning to the weekend.  

That evening Mister and I made our favorite homemade Thai pizza and watched Sicario.  

Saturday was a busy day.  I got up early and headed to Pilates and then bootcamp.  Then I had the honor of finally meeting Abby in person.  She is even sweeter in real life and I am so happy we were able to grab coffee and chit chat.  

Saturday night we had a delicious dinner and catch up time with some friends of ours.  

Whenever someone tells me there's steak on the menu I am there in a flash.  

Sunday was all the normal church, grocery, laundry, napping and Sunday night family dinner with the neighbors that I've come to love and cherish.  I finally made Mississippi Roast after every one I know has been talking about it...it lives up to the hype.  Don't waste any time, make it immediately.  

Floyd did a lot of sleeping...

I really enjoy a low key Sunday, it really helps me feel more prepared for the week.  Let's hope this one isn't filled with calamities... 

Lately : Winter Version

We've had a few low key weekends lately so this past weekend we decided to spice it up a bit and headed to Dallas to see the bestie.

I had some PTO to use up and we found cheap flights and said 'lets go!'

Our bestie is getting married this year and they had a shower over the weekend and we were so happy to be able to go!

And hang out with Mr. Jax, he's the biggest teddy bear in the world.

Friday night, while watching Straight Outta Compton, he climbed up on the sofa with us and slept with his head in my lap.  I died of happiness.  

I also ran into Emily from The Sweetest Thing at the airport in Starbucks and was too much of a shy ding bat to say hi, just realllly awkwardly smiled at her.  Ugh kicking myself now BUT her outfit was on point, per usual.  

The rest of the time we just hung out, shopped and caught up on life with our friends!  

It was so nice to get away for a couple of days and head to semi warmer temperatures. 

What else is going on?

Floyd is still sleeping. A lot.

and when he's not sleeping his been begging to munch on these treats Chewy.com sent him.  

And when he's not eating treats he has been demanding a second dinner every. single. night.  The moment we sit down to eat, he starts twanging his bowl around and will not quit until he has another dinner.  Hence the 56lbs he weighs...

In other news I've now finished three books so far this month...rolling right along! I finished up Crazy, Rich Asians while in Dallas and started China Rich Girlfriend.  I recommend them both!  I am also listening to Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter and Confess and after some recent book tape duds, these seem to be winners! 

And that's whats going on! Hoping to get back to regular blogging schedule this week!
We've been doing a lot of Netflix bingeing instead of blogging.  We finished up Making a Murderer (along with everyone else in the world), started Jessica Jones and Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt.  What else should we be watching??

Weekend Wrap Up : Low Key

We traveled every single weekend of September (Boston, Marge, Taylor and home).  And while they were all fun trips and jaunts to see friends and loved ones, we were tired.  And homesick for our home.  And waking up in our own bed to a lazy weekend morning.

Mister and I had been looking forward to this past weekend immensely.  With just about 0 plans on our agenda we settled in for a low key weekend.

I am happy to say we were successful with that low key-ness.

Friday night we grilled delicious bison burgers and set up shop on the sofa to watch Wild.

We had listened to the book tape version a few years ago so it was nice to see the film version.

Saturday I was finally able to make it back to bootcamp (thank goodness) and get an excellent work out in.   The rest of the day was full of general housekeeping and all those pesky tasks that stay undone when you are never home.  

Later that evening we had a fabulous dinner out with the neighbors to 20 Brix.  We have been talking about going to 20 Brix for years and I am so glad we were able to make it.  The amazing steak I had made it very worth it.

(OBSESSED with those new shoes)

We ended the night snuggled on their couch with wine and brownies (for them, not me) and once again being thankful that we can easily walk home and right into bed.  

Sunday we started the day with church, picked up even more mums (we can't get enough!) and finally scored some new booties at DSW.  

All wins if you ask me!

Cheers to low key weekends and actually starting the week with all of our laundry done.  

#smallwins