Guest Blogger - Inaugural Edition

Happy Monday! I'm passing today's post over to my sister. She's giving you her top favorite spots in Buffalo, NY, and I can't wait to check them all out while we're there for Thanksgiving/Birthday festivities!

Enjoy!

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As Mrs. B has mentioned, her twinsie, (ME!) has moved to Buffalo, NY for my husband to begin a a residency program and new chapter of life! She asked me to give you the rundown of all things Buffalo that have become my favorite and filled the hole of NC. 

So here it goes:

::one:: 

One of our first memories of Buffalo was the most amazing meal at a small Italian restaurant called Trattoria Aroma.  We went there based on a recommendation over the interview weekend and were blown away.  I kept thinking “If we ever live here, Mrs. B would LOVE this place!” Little did I know! With homemade pasta dishes and the most amazing Bloody Mary list for brunch, it definitely is a must!

::two:: 

Having grown up in North Carolina, and especially Raleigh with so many great greenways, I knew I had to find a place for long walks and runs.  My husband and I found the Delaware Park and fell in love from day one.  With a great paved path for long runs that will take you 5 miles and beyond (still working on that!), the park offers great scenery and people watching.  There is a golf course, soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, and a baseball field all within the paved path! During the gorgeous summer months, we were able to see all those sports being played, and more! We love seeing all the activity! One of the best parts is it backs up against the Buffalo Zoo and you are able to see the bison sunbathing!  And if you get thirsty, stop in at Ashker’s for a yummy smoothie – Berry Booster is my favorite!

::three:: 

We decided to venture down to the Canalside to see what all the hype was about and it did not disappoint! At the Erie Canal Harbor, the revitalized Canalside offers music concerts and yoga in the park during the summer months and ice skating during the winter!  The water comes alive with sailboats and boat tours happening throughout the day and is so much fun to experience!

::four:: 

Top restaurant for us to grab a great burger and beer is the Allen Burger Venture.  I am obsessed with the Tuna Tataki burger with a wasabi yuzu dipping sauce! Amazing! But they have plenty of options for everyone’s taste buds!!

::five:: 

Blue Monk covers it all: brunch, afternoon drinks, creative menu, great people watching. What more can we ask for! When it’s warm, definitely sit outside and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Elmwood Avenue.  The menu has so many great options, but my favorite has been the Duck Confit Reuben!! Delicious!

::six::

To say that I am coffee obsessed is a bit of an understatement.  When I learned about moving to Buffalo, my immediate thought was to start finding those cute little hole in the wall coffee shops.  Took me some time, but I now have several places that make up for not being able to grab Cup a Joe in Raleigh whenever I want to.  First up: Sweet_ness 7 Café.  The best made-from-scratch breakfast options (shout out to the huevos rancheros!) and Vietnamese iced coffee!! If you haven’t tried sweetened condensed milk in your iced coffee yet, you need to start now!  If you are looking for a nitro pour iced coffee like I was (did I mention that I’m coffee obsessed?!), Public Espresso + Coffee is your spot.

::seven::

I somehow came across this bakery that makes everything from local farms down to the wheat that goes in the bread.  I loved the idea and knew I had to seek it out.  My first time at Five Points Bakery and Toast Café had me sending pictures to my husband, and telling him that he has to join me next time!  I had the Power Bread with goat cheese and peach/apricot preserves.  The food is so simple, served on cute mismatched plates and dishes, and the taste is AMAZING!  (side note: BEWARE – they go old school with no WIFI. Read a newspaper.)

::eight:: 

When it is hot in Buffalo (and it does get hot minus the humidity!!), Squeeze Juicery in Williamsville is always busy pushing out tasty smoothies and juices.  The smoothies are the real deal with over a dozen different types to choose from.  I usually go with the Sweet Jane: spinach, kale, avocado, banana, coconut, lemon, almond milk, chia, and flax.  Whoa!!

::nine:: 

Now, this next place is on the list because I have yet to find a great replacement for Neomonde in Raleigh, but have come close.  Pita Gourmet: family owned, Mediterranean options, and ALWAYS busy.  I’m a bit obsessed with their dill sauce with chicken souvlaki.

::ten:: 

Lastly, a quick rundown of a few random places: loved going to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, joined the Buffalo Museum of Science, an obvious Niagara Falls is worth the trip either on the US or Canadian side, and we are dying for a second trip to Pausa Art House to listen to some jazz music! 

Buffalo has definitely started to grow on me, and I'm excited to keep exploring this new city!! 

Hope to talk to ya'll again soon!

signing off,

the other twin!

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Thanks for stopping by everyone! Have a great day!

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! TGIF! Just working for the weekend over here. We are sticking around Raleigh this weekend which will be very nice after our travels last month. Mr. B is looking forward to grilling and football on Saturday (go pack!), and I'll be off celebrating a special friend at her baby shower.  For now though, let's get to what's important... Five on Friday!

::one::
I have to call out a sweet friend of mine. Friend = sorority little sister. I specifically remember when we had our Big/Lil Sister Reveal. Back then each little sister had to dress up in something provided by her secret big sister. I remember waiting to the last minute and the only costume thing I could find was a full zip up dog onesie. The only problem was it was suited for a child. Oops! Anyway, fast forward, she's started her own family and blog - J.Glo Mom-life. She has dedicated her blog to the learning's of teaching her sweet daughter Spanish in an English world and all things fitness, family and fun. I know she's going to do great things with her blog, so jump over and visit her site regularly!

::two::
I finished Elin Hilderbrand's The Rumor right before our wedding. I highly recommend it for your next quick read. I also just downloaded her book Winter Street. So far so good! Winter Street is the first book in her winter series. She just released the sequel Winter Stroll. Can't wait to start that one as well!

::three::
Your next Pinterest dinner... 

Oven Roasted Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin with Maple-Ginger Glaze

Baked Tomatoes with Basil and Butter

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

...is your mouth watering yet?

::four::
Earlier this week I was looking through Instagram and came across this picture. My horoscope! I wonder if this is a foreshadowing? If Dorinda from RHONY and I were friends I would have called her up in disbelief. I think someone has tapped my phone.

::five::
 I love to listen to podcast's while I'm at work because it's a great way to pass the time! You may remember me mentioning my guilty pleasure of Straight Talk with Ross Mathews. I recently listened to WTF with Marc Maron's podcast with James Taylor. It's a great listen! Several years ago I had the chance to see James Taylor in concert, and it was exactly what I hoped it would be. He came out in a long blue grandfather looking sweater and was nothing short of amazing! Do you listen to podcasts, and if so which are your favorites?

Alright folks! Until next time...

If you want in on the fun, join Christina, April, Darci and Natasha every Friday!

Short and sweet

Finally got a haircut after growing my hair out for over a year! 

It took me 2.5 seconds to do it this morning. I'm not sure who's more excited - me or Mr. B! 

Hair and Sweater love

A hotel bag & a salad for the win

Blogging two days in a row is a record around here, so thank you again for stopping by! Now that we're officially in November we can start a whole new countdown... 24 days until my (our - gotta include the twinsie) 30th birthday! Mr. B and I will be traveling to Buffalo, NY for Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations. I couldn't stand the thought of starting my 30's without my partner in crime, and I'm so excited to make the trip. I'm secretly hoping for a white, snowy birthday! Let the countdown begin!

Turning 29 + our dirty martini tradition

We recently got our wedding pictures from our amazing photographers, and I couldn't be happier. I was totally prepared to wait months to receive our pictures like so many people do. I was so surprised to receive them in the time that we did! They really captured the love and caught every little detail. One of the details from our wedding that they captured and one that I really enjoyed planning was the hotel bag. I don't know why!? You know when you show up to an out of town wedding excited and ready to party, and you get hit in the face with a bag full of old Costco crackers? Not exactly my cup of tea. I really wanted our guests to arrive after traveling to something at least fun and appetizing. There is a hole in the wedding industry for curating good, appetizing, fun and unique hotel bags. Not saying this is the prototype for what is my imaginary swag bag business, but I loved how they turned out! We included champagne (of course!), sparkling water, personalized cups, chocolate covered pretzels, Ginny O Cheese Straws, and Jack'snak. 

Now that Mr. B and I are back and I no longer have an excuse for not making dinner I've been in the kitchen whipping up some pretty good recipes. One of the best so far is very simple, but will become a staple. My version of a classic Italian restaurant style salad.  Crisp and delicious! 

Mrs. B's Italian Salad

Serves 2-4

1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped

1 cucumber, sliced then cut in half

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered

8-10 pepperoncini, sliced 

feta cheese

italian seasoning

red wine vinegar

dressing of choice (Italian, olive oil, balsamic)

Chop iceberg lettuce and place in bowl. Layer cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and feta cheese. Sprinkle layer with good amount of Italian seasoning and several dashes of red wine vinegar. Repeat layer. When ready to serve toss together. Dress with favorite Italian dressing, olive oil or balsamic vinegar or eat as is!

Until next time, happy Tuesday everyone!

Monday's are for MRS

Well, hello! How are you? I feel like I need to reintroduce myself to this sweet little blog of mine. Mr. B and I are finally back to reality after a whirlwind [much needed] 2 week vacation. We obviously have to address the elephant in the room (err...in the computer?) ... Monday's are for MRS. That's right people. It's finally official! After 14 months of planning, hemming and hawing, stressing, sleepless nights, many toasts and many more bottles of champagne, Mr. B and I are married. Husband and wife. Officially united as one.

To say that everything we planned and everything I ever dreamed about came true is a total understatement. Everything exceeded our expectations fully! From the moment we drove onto our little sliver of sweet island land that we would call ours for the week to the very last sunset in St. Lucia. We have been blessed with so many amazing memories. There are so many highlights from the last 2 weeks, but the one that sticks out immediately is the weather. Now, don't think I'm crazy, there are sooo many other memories that come to my mind first, but we wouldn't have had the day we had without the absolutely stunningly perfect fall day we experienced on Oct 17th. I'm that person that is superstitious over weather. The more I looked at the forecast the better it got! Mid-high 60's, full sun, and a slight breeze. Every bride knows that picking a date out of the blue and praying the weather is exactly what you hope for is a total crap shoot. But we got it. All I wanted was that perfect coastal fall North Carolina day that people fall in love with. And we got it. 

A gift from God just shy of 7am on Oct 17th. I knew at this moment the day would be memorable.

One of the things that I love most about our weekend is that it was truly Mr. B and I. Everything from starting Friday with yoga on the beach with my girls to the boys playing basketball at the church before the ceremony, and even the grill inspired groom's cake at the rehearsal was perfectly us. To me it was real, true, and honest. Which I think is partly why I was completely calm and zen before our ceremony. At that point nothing mattered anymore, and my only tasks were to get to Mr. B and stay present in the moment. I've never been so locked into something more than I was during our ceremony. I don't think we took our eyes off of each other!

People always say that everything changes after you get married. I believed them, but at the same time I always thought how much can it really change? We already live together. We practically act like we're married already. What will be the difference? Clearly that was naive and out of lack of experience. Both Mr. B and I immediately felt a shift. Protective and responsible for each other. An instant feeling of wanting to do good by the other. We both know that life isn't going to be as perfect and serene as Oct 17th was. And we're both aware that actively loving one another and actively sheltering our love are the keys to keeping our marriage pristine like it was that day. There's so much ahead for Mr. B and I, and we have a lot of thoughts and dreams about what this life together will be like. It's exciting, scary, and exhilarating, and there isn't another man on this planet I'd rather walk this journey with. 

I hope this has been a good welcome back, and I hope now that things are slowing down (until my 30th birthday!) I can keep up a better schedule of blogging for the 3 people that visit this page! Until next time, here's a little treat...

All pictures courtesy of the amazingly talented 

Five Copper Creative that Mr. B and I are blessed to call friends!

Happy Monday!

Five on Friday!

There is something extra special about the change that happens after Labor Day weekend. For one, we can all stop acting like we live in Palm Springs, and have been working with a trainer everyday before hitting the beach to work on your tan. Because let's be real... I still look like it's February 2015 and my abs are still hidden. Pale is the new bronze people. (Until we hit St. Lucia in 38 days!) The next most important change that happens after Labor Day is the immediate smoke filled air that hangs low over North Carolina. It's my favorite time of year. The kids are back in school (and by school I mean college) and the college football scene is in full swing. And I love it! Fall, football, and scarfs!! And grilling and the smell of beer and charcoal. You know you had a great 4 year college run when those smells bring back happy memories.

Onward... Five on Friday!

::one::

I have a very serious guilty pleasure! Everyone needs to start listening to the Straight Talk with Ross Mathews podcast. It's hilarious and fun, and makes the time at work fly by!

::two::

Some of you may remember Mr. B and I started a small urban garden at the beginning of the summer. We loved tending to it, and I was seriously surprised when we actually had produce!! Jalapenos, hot banana peppers, tomatoes, green peppers, and tonsss of basil, parsley and oregano! Our tomato plant kicked the bucket recently, but before throwing it out we pulled off all the green tomatoes. I had just picked a bunch of jalapenos as well and was determined not to let them go bad. Behold... Green Tomato and Jalapeno Jam! It was sweet, tangy, and spicy. The most perfect way to use up everything we had.

Green Tomato and Jalapeno Jam

*I do have to note it took way longer than 45 minutes for mine to become jam like. Probably more like an hour and 15 minutes.

::three::

Earlier this summer I bought the cutest beach cover up from Talbots on major sale, and I can't wait to wear it on our honeymoon!! Just get me to our balcony with a cocktail and a view, and I'll be right at home!

::four::

As I mentioned earlier I love a good tailgate! Everyone has their go to tailgating appetizer, and mine is usually the infamous Buffalo Chicken Dip. I've been searching for something new, and I can't wait to try this Skinny Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Dip.

::five::
I'm always on the search for a really good mascara, and I've finally hit the jackpot! Run, don't walk to your nearest Target and grab L'oreal Butterfly Intenza! No burning or clumping, and really does the trick at making your lashes look unbelievable!

That's all folks! I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend here in NC. Mr. B is off gallivanting around Dallas, TX on his bachelor party. Hopefully everyone comes back in one piece and we can all live to talk about it!

If you want in on the fun, join Christina, April, Darci and Natasha every Friday!

Running around Asheville

Last weekend I had the chance to get together with all of my favorite girlfriends for my bachelorette in Asheville! It was a packed full weekend which is totally my speed. We stayed in the most charming little house in West Asheville which was fun to see the residential areas while we were there. My sister was the party planner and had everything planned out perfectly! Here's a photo recap of our jaunt around Asheville...

::Friday::

• Waking Life coffee shop - BEST nitro coffee pour! You don't even need milk.
• Hike around the Folk Art Center - beautiful views on the way up the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Walking brewery tour - Wicked Weed, Green Man Brewery, Twin Leaf Brewery (my fave!). All of the breweries had a great indoor/outdoor open breeze. It was a gorgeous day to enjoy beers around Asheville.
• After a great day out, we came back for happy hour and to my surprise a cocktail themed shower! So sweet, and so fun!!
• Dinner and drinks at Cucina24 and MG Road - great atmosphere and right in the middle of everything

::Saturday::

• Breakfast and coffee at High Five Coffee - I'm still dreaming about the smoothie I had!
• Gorgeous walk around the North Carolina Arboretum 
• Lunch at Rhubarb - don't let the double burger fool you - it's small and amazing especially with pimento cheese. We followed that up with beers at One World Brewing
• We started our night off at the Grove Park Inn Sunset Cocktail Terrace and it was beautiful! The best view all weekend, plus the peach and basil gimlet can't be topped.
• Dinner was at Rezaz where we had the chef's table (see picture above - right in the middle of the kitchen action) for a 5 course meal with wine pairing. It was absolutely delicious!
• We couldn't get enough of the Grove Park Inn so we headed there after dinner for more fun and drinks. And if you can't tell we ended the weekend on a high by spotting Kate Upton on a girls weekend!

The entire weekend was thought out perfectly and hit all of my high notes for what I imagined in Asheville! It was the perfect way to kick off the festivities for Mr. B and I since we are quickly closing in on 10.17.15!! Next up.... bridal portraits!

Happy Friday!