First Brewers Game of the Season

May 5, 2013 By 12 Comments

Hi everyone!

Hope you had a fab weekend!  I definitely did and will fill you in on all of it tomorrow (awesome wedding of my friend Emily), but first, I’m gonna go in chronological order with the Brewers game.

On Thursday, James and I headed to Miller Park for our first Brewers game of the season.

Brewers games

We were using the tickets of a partner from my firm, but we met up with Brittney and her husband Ryan to tailgate beforehand.

Unfortunately, after BEAUTIFUL days Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday was cold and rainy, so no pics from the outdoor tailgate festivities, but we had a great time with them!  Ryan grilled burgers, and we enjoyed some chips, pasta salad, cookies, and some Blue Moon.

We then headed into the game to watch the Brewers take on the Cardinals.

Inside MIller Park

Roof closed due to cold/rain

Brewers dugout

Cardinals dugout

Ryan Braun

Close up

Although the Brewers lost, it was great to get to a game, enjoy some baseball, and hang out with Brittney, Ryan, and James.

That’s it for tonight, tomorrow I will recap Emily’s excellent wedding!  Have a great Monday!!

Filed Under: Milwaukee

Winter in Wisconsin

February 10, 2013 By 13 Comments

Hi everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Back to work tomorrow, but hopefully it will be a fast week because someone is celebrating her birthday at the end of the week — hint: Me!

But before that, I wanted to do a quick post highlighting winter here in Wisconsin.  As I mentioned before, we got a decent amount of snow this past week (nothing like the East Coast though!), and I wasn’t a huge fan of the shoveling.  But I was a huge fan of how it looked.

In fact, when I was driving home Friday, I was thinking that I wished James was driving so I could take pictures of the snow in all the trees.  Then, when he got home from work, he showed me some pictures he took that morning of the snow in our backyard because he thought I would want them.  Does he know me well or what?

So here are some pictures of how pretty snow looks once we (I) get over our annoyance with it :)  Hope you enjoy!

Blurry Milo because he's running in the snow

Snow in the bushes

Our snow-covered tree

Side of the yard

More trees

I love these pictures, they really make me appreciate the beauty of snow despite my initial anger :)  Hope you are staying warm where ever you are!

Filed Under: Milo, Milwaukee

Thursday Tangents

February 7, 2013 By 20 Comments

Happy Thursday!  More tangents because they are my faves :)

1.  So, I have a random heel injury that kept me from running today.  It’s been bugging me all week, but this morning was the first time it was actually difficult to walk when I woke up, so I decided running was not in my best interest.  I was pretty bummed about it because I hate missing workouts, but I did a 42-minute Jillian Michaels circuit video, so that helped.

2.  Also, I shouldn’t complain about not getting a full workout because then this happens — lots and lots of snow that had to be cleared before James got home from work (because his car isn’t great in the snow and definitely would NOT have made it up the driveway).  So I shoveled.  While it was still snowing, mind you, so that was depressing, but regardless I got it done.  Being a homeowner in Wisconsin in February isn’t awesome.

How great does it look? I know, not great

3.  Community came back tonight!  If you didn’t watch it, you missed out.  And you should also DVR the rest of the season.  Do it now.

Great show!

4.  My BodyPump workout on Wednesday was terrible.  It was a new release, and I wasn’t a fan of the music, so I kind of just went through the motions.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better — same music, but hopefully I’ll be more motivated.

5. I am currently obsessed with two things:  Special K Blondie Bites and Coffee greek yogurt with dark chocolate.  I have to admit, I didn’t realize it was coffee flavored when I bought it and was a little peeved when I discovered it — until I tried it.  Crazy delicious!

Eat these now!

Pleasantly surprised by this

6. I had lunch with Alysha and Brittney to discuss Matched for our book club, so that review is coming tomorrow.  Get excited for that!

Matched review coming

That’s it for tonight!  Have a great Friday!

Filed Under: Food, Milwaukee, New House, Reading, Television

Five Things

February 6, 2013 By 14 Comments

Hi everyone!  We made it through three days, two more to go!

Today is one of those days when I don’t really know what to post — I’m tired and don’t feel like thinking :)  I saw this on Natalie’s blog, so I thought I would partake.  Enjoy!

Five Things

1. Share five things you hope to do before you die.

-Go to Greece

- Run another half marathon

- Do a polar plunge (yes, this was on The Bachelor, but I wanted to do it before, it just reminded me)

- Be on a board of a charity

- Pay a lot of things forward <– vague, but trust me

I want to do this again -- a half with James

 

2. List five things you love about yourself.

- My humor (meaning my appreciation for good comedy, not necessarily my own funny-ness)

- My nails (they are long and good for painting)

- My fitness level

- My hair (super low maintenance and I have finally come to terms with it’s natural color)

- My ability to talk to almost anyone

 

3. Share the five coolest things that you’ve done in 2013.

-Food tasting for our wedding

- Ran a marathon relay

- Hosted our first brunch in our house

- Got our save the dates

- Partnered with Tribesports

 

Save the date

4. List five things that you always have in your kitchen.

- cereal

- milk

- beer (if I’m being honest)

- greek yogurt

- brussel sprouts (our favorite veggie because we are weirdos)

 

We love our brussels

5. Share five places you would like to go on vacation.

-Greece

- Japan

- Maine

- Ireland

- Italy

 

6. List five celebrities/public figures you’d like to meet.

-Victor Cruz

- Gail Simmons

- Amy Poehler

- Will Arnett (RIP their marriage)

- TJ Lavin

 

7. List five bands or artists you’d like to see perform live.

Umm none, I don’t like concerts, so I’ll list my five of my favorites in general:

- Eminem (who I did see live)

- Blessid Union of Souls (yep)

- Sister Hazel

- Shinedown

- The Fray

 

8. List five TV shows that you don’t want to miss.

- Top Chef

- Happy Endings

- Cougartown

- Homeland

- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

This show is amazing!

9. Share five things you wanted to do as a child.

-Be a doctor

- Play in the WNBA (for reals)

- Be married and have a child by 22 (HA)

- Live in Hawaii

- Get a pet (that sounds sad — don’t worry, I got one)

 

My childhood cat, Rae -- still doing well and still the sweetest thing ever

10.  Share five things you hope to do in 2013.

- Run another 5k and one other race

- Not stress out about the wedding

- Renovate at least one major room in our house

- Get another dog? (James would wholeheartedly veto this)

- Finish the AFI Top 100 movies list (I need a fun one, right?)

He wants a buddy!

That’s it for tonight, just something quick and fun!  Have a great one!

Filed Under: Blogging, Family, Faves, Fitness, Half Marathon, James, Milwaukee, New House

Busy Monday Night

January 8, 2013 By 18 Comments

Sorry, no post last night, it was a busy one!

I have no pictures from my camera so a few internet gems will have to do the trick this morning!

Last night, I headed to Catch22 in downtown Milwaukee to meet my law school girlfriends for drinks and apps.  It is always so fun with them, so I had a great time drinking some wine, eating sweet potato fries, and talking about juicers and food dehydrators – yes, I’d say we are growing up :)

Catch 22

(Source)

When I got home, even though it was kind of late, I wanted to watch some tv while hanging out with James and Milo.  So we switched back and forth between the BCS Championship game and The Bachelor.

I am from South Bend, but definitely NOT a Notre Dame fan, so I had some interest in Bama winning, but because Bama pulled ahead so early, it was Bachelor time.

I LOVE Sean!  I think he is adorable, and I spent the entire night making comments like “how does he think he is going to find his wife when I’m sitting at home?” and “James, don’t you think Sean and I would be perfect?”  Don’t worry, James is the best in the world, so he was not only not upset, he agreed :)

How cute is he?

(Source)

I definitely have favorites from last night (and there are definitely some crazypants on this season), but we are drafting for the Bachelor fantasy league later today/this week, so I’ll let you know my thoughts when I have my “team.”

After all that fun stuff, it was off to bed to be up to hit the gym this morning.  Now, another day of working!

*****

Finally, let me say Happy Birthday to the best mom in the entire world!  She is my mom, my best friend, my supporter, and an all around amazing person.  Happy Birthday, mom, I love you!!!  (sorry, no picture, I’ll post one tomorrow when it is another special person’s bday!)

Have a great day!!

Filed Under: Faves, Milwaukee, Television

Weekend with my Parents

December 2, 2012 By 16 Comments

Hi everyone, and Happy Sunday evening!  How crazy that it is December already?  I know I say that every month, but still!  It IS crazy!

Sorry I’ve been MIA all weekend — but my parents were in town!!

Although my parents were with me when I came to the open house, but this was the first time they were able to visit since we moved in, and we were excited to show off the house!

Friday night (after giving them another tour), we had sandwiches from Benji’s Deli for dinner.  This place is kind of famous around here (and on several Food Network/Travel Channel shows), and the corned beef is DELICIOUS!

I definitely recommend this place!

(Source)

After chatting and watching some tv, we headed to bed.  Saturday, my mom and I ran a bunch of errands.  We picked up some Christmas decorations and picked up my wedding dress — still love it!  I would post a pic, but I don’t want James to see it :)

As for the decorations, we didn’t go too crazy this year, but my mom helped me big out some pretty decorations.

Door decorations (and there are bows on the garage lights as well)

Our new Christmas tree in the window

I haven’t taken an indoor pic of the tree yet because we haven’t decorated yet, but it will be up soon!  Don’t worry :)  Once we put the tree up last night, I said that it was the first moment that I really felt like we were in our own home.  We never had an apartment tree, and now we have a 7.5 footer in our living room, and it is beautiful!!

****

Saturday evening and this morning were spent walking through our neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods, and it was so nice to show my parents the area and enjoy spending time with them as we strolled through the neighborhoods.

I always love having my parents around, so I miss them already!  But I know they will be back if for no other reason than to swim in the pool — and in my mom’s case, to play with Milo :)

After they left, I got in a great 4 mile run because the weather was beautiful today!  Again, can’t believe it is December 2nd!

That’s it for tonight because I want to read a little bit of this:

The Postmistress

And, I have to get up early to work out, but tomorrow I’ll be back to fill you in on the Rob Delaney show, and Life of Pi (which I saw Friday before my parents got here).  Until then, have a wonderful Monday!

Filed Under: Christmas, Family, Milwaukee, Reading

Hot & Sweet Crock Pot Meatballs

November 18, 2012 By 14 Comments

End of another weekend, huh?  They go by way too fast :(  This weekend was especially fast because of how busy we were, but it was definitely worth it.

Friday, James and I spent the majority of the night cleaning and finishing unpacking.  The house is finally unpacked (still not filled with furniture), and it’s so nice to have everything in it’s place!

Saturday, James and I went for a run then got ready to host some of James’s co-workers and their significant others.  We had them over for a little game night, and I made a little spread of appetizers.

Apps for the evening

First, I made spinach and artichoke dip using this recipe.  I used plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and next time I think I will use some Laughing Cow cheese instead of cream cheese.  But it was absolutely delicious. We also had some salsa to got with the tortilla chips.

Chips, dip, and salsa

Next, after a little collaboration with my mom, I came up with a meatball recipe we loved (see below)!

Crock pot meatballs

Seriously, what recipe is complete without some mom collaboration?  :)  I definitely recommend making these — soo easy and flavorful.

We also included some pretzel crisps (buffalo and jalapeno) in our spread, as well as these DELICIOUS pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Pretzel and tortilla chips

New favorite cookie

These were a hit, and I would recommend them for any Thanksgiving function you are attending next week.

All in all, between the foods, games, and fun drinks, we had a great night.

Them, this morning, James and I got up bright and early for brunch, and it was well worth it!

We met Alysha and Brittney and their significant others at Blue’s Egg, which is supposed to be one of the bst brunch places in the Milwaukee area.  Alysha had been there before and there was an hour wait, so she suggested we met at 8 a.m.  It sounds early, but there definitely would have been a wait otherwise, and the food was wonderful!  There was such a variety of traditional and nontraditional options, and it didn’t disappoint!

Blue's Egg

(Source)

I know now why this place comes so highly recommended!  I got the hash browns with curry tofu, yogurt sauce, and a buttermilk pancake on the side.  James got a crab cake with toast and two poached eggs.  We were both extremely happy with our choices!

Unfortunately, no pictures (we joked about forgetting cameras), but we spent too much time talking to think about pictures.  In fact, we chatted for probably close to an hour after we finished eating!  It was so great getting to see Alysha again and hang out with Brittney!  I’m definitely looking forward to hanging out with them more.

After brunch, James watched the while Milo and I napped.

This is an old picture, but apparently this is what we looked like

Then we played in the backyard with Milo for a bit, watched more football, and relaxed.

Luckily, this is a short week, because I am a little tired still, but that’s ok because the weekend was definitely worth it.  Fun times with great friends and great food is always the perfect combo!

On that cheesy note, time to do a little reading then bed.  Have a great T-Giving week!

Hot & Sweet Crock Pot Meatballs

Ingredients:

- 1 large bag (or multiple small bags) of frozen, precooked homestyle meatballs

- 12 oz can of beeer (I used Miller Lite)

- 1 bottle plus 1/2 cup more of your favorite BBQ sauce

- 1/2 cup of ketchup

- 1/4 cup grape jelly

- 2 T of garlic

- 3 T hot sauce

- 3 generous T of brown sugar

Directions:

Thaw the meatballs to prevent your sauce from being too runny (I left them out overnight).  Add thawed meatballs and all the other ingredients to a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours.

These were great on their own, and as a part of a meatball sandwich.  Definitely something I will be making again for a party or event.  Enjoy!

 

Filed Under: Blogging, Food, Friends, Milo, Milwaukee

New House = No Internet

October 23, 2012 By 18 Comments

Hi everyone!

A quick check in — we moved in this weekend!!!  We have our old apartment until October 28th, so we are still moving clothes, dishes, etc, but for the most part, everything is in the new house!

The only bad news is that we had trouble with our internet setup, so we have something coming to look at it tomorrow, which explains why I have been so MIA.

This is how I feel about no internet:

(Source)

So I’m keeping this short until then!

Highlights:

- Milo loves the house!  He found his spot on the couch right away and acted like he’s lived there for years!

*(Old picture, but it’s slim pickins right now, and this is what he looks like curled up on the couch)*

- Painted the office

- Got to see some of James’s family when they came to help  us move

- Ran outside in our neighborhood and the neighborhood across the street — LOVE them

- Did plenty of jumping moves in today’s workout because no one lives underneath us :)

Lowlights:

- Internet sitch

- No refrigerator until tomorrow

Another big highlight lately is not house related.  I had lunch today with one of my favorite bloggers, Alysha from She’s on the Run, which was definitely a highlight.  We went to Sake Tumi, which was participating in a 3-course dining deal week in Milwaukee, so lunch consisted of edamame, firefly rolls, and green tea ice cream.  Super delish!

(Source)

I loved meeting Alysha too because I have been reading her blog for awhile, and I love meeting new people.  We talked about so many things, and I felt like I had known her forever!  Love how blogging brings people together :)   Hopefully, I’ll get to hang out with her (and her pup, Oliver) again soon!

Well, that’s my recap for now.  Hopefully, I can get some pics up tomorrow after the internet is in place, but we’ll see how late that is.  Have a good day everyone!!

Filed Under: Blogging, Food, Milo, Milwaukee, Moving, New House

The Comedic Stylings of Louie CK

October 10, 2012 By 16 Comments

Hi Everyone!

This is going to be a short post because tonight I’m going to see Louie CK at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee.

(Source)

Today is my friend Staci’s birthday, and in case you are new to the blog, Staci has introduced me to the world of comedy shows.  It started with Pete Holmes, and then Anthony Jeselnik, so tonight for her birthday, it’s time for Louie CK.

(Source)

If  you don’t know much about Louie CK, he’s kind of a big deal.  He has a show on F/X, guest starred on Parks & Rec, and won a bunch of Emmys a few weeks ago.

Parks & Rec

(Source)

I’m super excited for tonight, and I will fill you in on everything tomorrow.  Have a great night!

Filed Under: Faves, Milwaukee

Finally Some Wedding Plans

August 20, 2012 By 14 Comments

(Note, I accidently published this last night for about .2 seconds, so if you already saw it then, sorry about that!)

For everyone who has asked “how are the wedding plans coming,” I finally have some details!

Yesterday, James and I went to a photographer in Bayview to meet about getting our engagement pictures taken.  We already have a photographer for the wedding, but she lives in Florida, so we needed a local photographer to do some engagement pictures.

We met with a photographer at Front Room Photography, and we absolutely loved the work we saw.

Front Room Photography

(Source)

We want engagement pictures for our save the dates, and so that we can incorporate Milo into our wedding a little bit (he will be in some of the pictures), so it’s nice to have that detail out of the way.  We don’t take the pictures until October, but it’s nice to have it on the schedule.

Although looking at pictures and making that decision was fun, the highlight of the night came after.

Front Room is right next to a restaurant in Bay View that I fell in love with when I went with some co-workers (this restaurant is another one of Staci’s recommendations).

Honeypie Cafe!

Honey Pie Menu

I talked this restaurant up to James last time I went, and it was literally right next door, so we stopped in after our engagement pic meeting for some dinner.

We started out with a beer apiece (North Coast Blue Star for me) and some fresh pretzels with beer cheese.  These pretzels were FRESH out of the oven and still so hot, and they were amazingly delicious!

Fresh pretzels

For my dinner, I had amazing gnocchi with summer vegetable hash and scallops.  Scallops are my favorite food, so those were delicious of course, and the homemade gnocchi with the vegetables (and pine nuts!) were unbelievable!

My amazing dinner!

This was one of my favorite meals ever — seriously!  (James went with the chicken biscuit pie, which he really enjoyed).

Being at Honeypie, we couldn’t leave without a slice of pie!  We got a slice of coconut cream pie (Mary Ann pie as I used to think it was called) to go, which we ate as soon as we got home.  No pictures because I refused to leave the pie to get my camera.  It was that good!

It was fun having an impromptu little date night on a Monday night.  I always welcome a good meal and spending time with James, so I definitely loved our evening!

Needless to say, I didn’t work out last night, so I worked out a bit this morning.  After running a 5k on the treadmill, I came back to the apartment and completed two circuits of squats, regular crunches, alternating lunges, bicycle crunches, plie squats, and superman crunches for a minute each (with a one minute rest in between the two circuits).

Well, time for oatmeal then off to work!  Have a great day!

Filed Under: Food, Milwaukee, Wedding
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