Weekending

Happy Monday everyone! I was going to say ladies, but I'm holding out that I have a small handful [count 3] of men checking in everyday to see what's going on #BTO. How was everyone's weekend? We had a really great relaxing couple of days!

I started out Friday afternoon with my first visit to the pool at our local YMCA. It was so hot and humid that I daydreamed about jumping into a pool all day until that became a reality. I shut things down at work [aka my home office where I still have the taunting treadmill as my cube mate] mid afternoon. It was the perfect way to start the weekend! Mr. B and I rounded out Friday with a stop at our favorite sushi joint for dinner.

Saturday was a leisurely day as Mr. B had to work most of the morning. We finally met up for lunch and headed back home to enjoy the sunny day! Mr. B whipped up some awesome ribs and grilled corn for dinner! Doesn't this picture make you drool?

If I know my husband well enough he would want this disclaimer:
Ribs were cooked and smoked on the Big Green Egg and finished on the Weber
You're welcome Mr. B :)

We had another beautiful day in NC on Sunday! Mr. B and I decided to spend most of our day watching the Ironman race in downtown Raleigh. It was so much fun watching everyone participating! We actually ended up walking quite a bit to see the finish line [read - 6 miles!]. Needless to say after our unintended long walk, we had a very low key evening. Plus, I hate to say it since we were walking alongside real athletes, but I feel crippled from the walk. The flip flops could be the culprit. I love a good race though. So inspirational!

We have a pretty quiet week ahead with a special birthday planned for this coming weekend! What did everyone get into this weekend? Anything exciting on the agenda for the week?

Happy Monday!

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Happy Monday everyone! We finally had a gorgeous weekend filled with lots of sun here in NC. We really had a low key weekend which is exactly what we were in need of! Lots of relaxing, lots of good eating and lots of outside time! 

My thoughts from the weekend...

I know it's getting warm out, but I'm seriously in need of a preseason spray tan! My legs haven't seen the light of day since our honeymoon, and frankly it's scary!

Is anyone else concerned about Zika or is it just me?! The repeated news reports have put the fear of god in me. Anyone else?

I enjoyed my new go-to summer thirst quencher all weekend... Cucumber Mint and Watermelon infused water! So good!

We're still waiting to plant our herbs and veggies, but on our list this year: basil, mint, parsley, oregano, jalapenos, peppers, tomatoes, and new this year green onions. We're out to make sure our urban garden is better than last years!

One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is visit the NC Art Museum. Not only are the grounds beautiful, but the extensive greenway linked to the museum is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon walking. I can't wait for the new addition to be open, too! Our local attraction got some NY Times love recently as well - jump on over and it check it out!

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Lastly, Mr. B and I are excited because we have a short week ahead! We are traveling north to spend the weekend with my father's family. I'm currently dreaming of Wentworth's [the most amazing ice cream...ever] and Louis' Lunch [birthplace of the hamburger]!

Until next time... I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Life Lately...

So, it's been more than a month since my last post! I didn't intend to drop the blog like a hot potato, but it's been hard finding time to sit and focus. In an effort to catalog the craziness here's what's been up...

We'll start with Memorial Day Weekend which I'll call Buffalo Trip #1. My family started out Friday afternoon trailing a Uhaul to Buffalo, NY to move my sister's family. It was a jammed packed weekend, but what I learned is that the further north you go into Western NY the more farm lands you see. Which for some reason really surprised me, and it was actually really pretty. My pictures don't do it justice so I'll spare you!

Exploring the Village of Williamsville

After that, as I mentioned before, my sister's family stayed with Mr. B and I until last weekend. We spent the last 5 weeks grilling, running the museum, going to the park, eating dim sum, serious attempts at juicing (read this article for a laugh) and general fun-ing around the capital. My niece was the perfect helper watering our plants*, and providing endless entertainment. We all thought 5 weeks sounded like forever, but in reality it FLEWWWW by! Sadly.

*Our plants look amazing! We're so proud of our very small produce haul!

Perfecting the BBQ

Callie being very tolerant!

Saying goodbye... for now

Goodbye party with all the girls!

This doesn't look like much, but this pretty much brings us to the present. Last weekend Mr. B and I made Buffalo Trip #2 for the final goodbye. After 30 years of basically living in tandem it's time for my sister and I to spread our wings. It was a sad goodbye, but we already have plans on the calendar for the next several months. Until then, we'll stick with FaceTime. 

With all the action early on, the summer feeling has set in hard for me! If there's any such thing as senoritis for grown adults I have it! With our wedding and honeymoon on the horizon I can barely stayed focused.  

We're on the go again this weekend to the beach to finalize our wedding menu. I'm really excited to see what they have in store for us!

Until next time...

Wednesday Wine Down

Can I call it Wednesday Wine Down if it's not quite wine time? The answer is YES! We can dream, right? And Jimmy Buffett got paid for always thinking it's five o'clock somewhere, didn't he? Anyways, I digress... 

While Mr. B and I were at Southern Season over the weekend I found some great summer wines that I've been ready to have more of. 

First up, Edmeades Zinfandel. I was told that it would be great chilled, and paired well with anything grilled, smoked, or barbecued. It was pretty tasty, and I definitely recommend it!

Second up was described as a great seaside and poolside wine. I usually only like sparkling rose, but this was really good!

l'escargot rose

On to something different, but you'll need a glass of wine for it... spray tans. But not just a spray tan, but mobile spray tanning. First, I have to say that several years ago I definitely said spray tanning was gross and I'd rather be fair skinned than orange, but it's true that everyone looks better with a little glow!

There is a company around town, Glo, that will come to you in the comfort of your own home and spray you down. I'm sort of obsessed! My sister and I will be bridesmaids in a wedding this weekend, and I have set up a little "sip and spray" for us to enjoy!

So, go grab yourself a glass of wine, and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Weekend Recap

Well we're officially less than 6 months away until the big day, and we spent the weekend enjoying every minute. Mr. B and I started off the weekend with a celebratory homemade cocktail and Mr. B's famous grilled steaks. It was the perfect end to a very long week!

Blanca Julep
courtesy of Food & Wine

8 mint leaves
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 1/2 oz favorite bourbon
1 oz club soda

Muddle mint, lime and simple syrup together. Add bourbon and club soda, then fill with ice. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedge. Enjoy! Makes 1 cocktail.

Saturday morning we got up early and headed to our favorite coffee shop and the farmer's market for our first visit of the season. I was on a mission for herbs, and I didn't leave empty handed. I love planting herbs every season, and I'm much better at keeping them alive then flowers. Herbs are easy for me... they are either very clearly alive or dead. I left with a ton of basil, rosemary, garlic chives, cilantro, parsley and oregano. I see lots of great meals in our future! 

Just half of our urban garden... look at that basil!

After we got our plants situated, we cleaned up and headed out for a day date. We ended up at Weathervane and Southern Season in Chapel Hill. Mr. B and I love a good gourmet store, and could seriously spend hours looking at everything! We couldn't help ourselves and left with some goodies including Vivian Howard's Blueberry BBQ Sauce. We used it on grilled pork chops and grilled green beans for dinner and it did not disappoint! 

After Southern Season, we treated ourselves to a couple beers at Carolina Brewery and ended our date back in Raleigh at our favorite watering hole, House of Hops. There isn't much of an outdoor ambiance at House of Hops, but Mr. B is enjoying himself while showing off what he likes to call "engagement beer".

Sunday was just as fun and relaxing. We really caught spring fever, and enjoyed planting our new herbs so much Saturday that we ended up at Lowe's and left with tomatoes, green peppers, jalapenos, banana peppers and cucumber plants. I'm hoping we can keep those alive, and we'll have a small stash later in the season!

Every weekend after grabbing coffee at our favorite coffee shop, Mr. B and I pass the same little sub shop, SubConscious, and comment every time about how it must be good if it's still standing. If you're from the area you've probably seen it before and thought the same thing. The parking lot is always empty, but in a weird way the building seems very inviting. So, today was the day! We decided after our coffee that we'd come back for lunch. Let me tell you. We are way behind on what was a great sub! 

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying the last few hours of what was a fantastic weekend, and a great start to spring here in the City of Oaks!

Happy Monday, ya'll!

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! It's really starting to feel a lot like spring here in NC, and I can't be more excited! I have spring and summer fever. I can't wait for long, hot days ahead, but before all that happens here's what's been on my mind this week.

::one::

As previously mentioned we've been waiting to hear where my besties would be moving to, and the answer is.... Buffalo, NY! I'm pretty sure I can get used to snowy travels to the north. I've already added airline tickets as a line item on our budget! The pro - my sister and I love a layer and we work a scarf. The con - I have yet to find the best lighting for FaceTime and I usually end up looking like I have a case of jaundice. It's a work in progress!

Luckily for me this move doesn't happen before their sweet family makes a pit stop with Mr. B and I for several weeks this summer. We have a long list of things to accomplish during their stay!  I foresee lots of grilling, laughs, and if I'm lucky lots of these in my future!

Besties

::two::

We recently spent several days cruisin' the Caribbean, and it was tons of fun! The only bad thing is now I want to be on a permanent vacation.  I definitely went through a stage where I told anyone that would listen that I'd never go on a cruise again, but this trip has put me back on the map. I'm ready to book another!

A couple of my favorites from our trip...

::three::

I recently made the recipe below for dinner, and it was so easy and quick. I served it over Martha Stewart's Cilantro Lime Rice, and it was the perfect weekday meal. A note - I used Harris Teeter's Roasted Cantina Style Salsa. Highly recommend! 

Creamy Salsa Chicken Tenders

::four::

Mr. B and I are quickly approaching the 6 month mark until the big day! We have so many fun things planned, and I can't wait for all of the festivities to begin. The first on the docket... our engagement pictures! We've decided to have them done at our alma mater (Go Wolfpack!) and the nearby arboretum. Hopefully everything will be in bloom and the sun will be shining just for us. Now on to figuring out what to wear...

::five::

Since it's getting warmer out, I'm ready for my favorite beer to hit the scenes again. I barely scratched the surface on this before its season was over last summer. I will most definitely be indulging on this all summer long!

Fullsteam Brewery Summer Basil Farmhouse Ale

TGIF... Enjoy your weekend!

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

Five on Friday!

::one::
This week in NC we've had several days of snow, so my wish for a silent, quiet city was granted! Mr. B and I always come to a head about winter weather because while I'm sitting home by the fire with a hot toddy he's out working in this nasty weather! It's been a long week for him, but we'll be celebrating the weekend with a trip to his favorite restaurant on Saturday.

::two::
Since I was stuck home for most of the week I actually got back into the routine of making dinner for us. I've been slacking a little due to our schedules, but it was nice to get back in the kitchen! I've been making the Orzo Risotto below lately with a couple of changes*, and it's been a great go to recipe that we've added into rotation. 

Creamy Orzo Risotto with Meyer Lemon and Wild Mushrooms

*Instead of using wild mushrooms I get whatever pre-sliced mushrooms are on sale and I add a little bit of spicy sausage to bulk it up. I think this is a great recipe to add whatever you have leftover in your fridge.

::three::
As some may know, my mother got shocking news earlier this fall with a diagnosis of colon cancer. With a lot of prayer, and some tears, she was fortunate enough to receive news that her cancer was Stage 1 and only required surgery. On March 7th, my family will be participating in the Colon Cancer Coalition's Get Your Rear in Gear race that connects cancer survivors and helps raise funds to prevent, treat and beat colon cancer in our community. We are team Kickin' Butt. If you're in the area, join our team or if you've been affected by colon cancer donate to the cause!

::four::
This lil ol' blog has hit the social media scene thanks to my sister! She's been secretly plotting when she could out me and I think a long snow day put her over the edge!

::five::
The new season of The Voice starts next Monday and I can't wait! It's sooo much better than American Idol and I love how positive the judges are. Plus, shortly after that the Shahs of Sunset starts back up. So, if you need me I'll be in front of the TV for the rest of the winter!

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

until next time... TGIF!

Top 10

I figured since I'm new to blogging I should catch everyone up on a few quick facts. I know the 2.5 people that are loyal followers already know all they need to, but when I make it to the cover of some magazine one day this will be very important.

Onward... Top 10 Fast Facts

1. Mr. B and I regularly drive 20 minutes out of our way for coffee. Seems ridiculous, but all is right in the world when I have my cup of joe. 

2. Growing up I had a very weird obsession with flight attendants. 

3. If I were stranded on an island all I would need is a potato. Hash browns, fries, steak fries, baked, mashed, shoestring. Basically I would carb load until my rescue ship came.

4. I'm 30 minutes older than my younger sister  twin. This only matters when you get your driver's license first. You gotta take the wins where you can.

5. If dragged to a karaoke bar I already have a song in my back pocket... Bonnie Raitt - Something to Talk About.

6. In a perfect world I would be schmoozing it up with Andy Cohen and Seth Meyers.

7. Summertime with the windows down. Enough said.

8. Hi, I'm Anna. I'm an obsessive throw pillow fluffer. 

9. I can sing every word from Grease.

10. I misspelled macaroni in the elementary school spelling bee. I never hit the real stage, and I still have to think how to spell it every time. mac-a-ron-i.

On another note, I made this recently and it was delicious!

Source: Skinnytaste

Happy Monday, ya'll!