Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts

Around the World in 5 Hours 

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 -
After a great cruise, hubs and I made our way back to Orlando for our final days of vacation. Leaving Port Canaveral that morning, we had pretty much all of Friday to spend at Hollywood Studios. It was crazy busy because it was also Star Wars weekend. Some great costumes, that is for sure. We didn't last long - rode a few rides here and there, but we ended up leaving early to get some rest at our hotel, the Marriott World Center.



We ended back at the Boardwalk for some dinner that night only to head back to Hollywood to ride a few more rides before heading home. If you haven't seen the show Fantasmic! in the Studios, I insist you see it soon. Great show!


On Saturday, we took our time getting ready by laying out at the pool and relaxing. We grabbed some lunch at the Polynesian resort and then headed over to Epcot to drink our way around the world with one of my great friends, Stacy, and her friend, Matt.


We had a great time beginning in the United Kingdom, only to end in France for the fireworks.


It was a great vacation, ending with a quick lunch at The Wilderness Lodge before saying goodbye on Sunday. Couldn't have done it without Stacy. I always look forward to seeing her at least once a year. This girl can give a hub, let me tell you. She's so friendly, so giving, so caring. A great, true friend that I met back in 2009. Glad to have her in my life.

Now, we have been back in Indy for a bit. Am I missing The Mouse? Absolutely. After all, this is a place that is magical. Hubs and I got engaged there, and we've returned with friends and by ourselves many times always enjoying every minute. Lots of great memories, and I'm happy to say we had another fantastic vacation once again!

'Our' rock where we become an engaged couple in 2006

Muah - love you hubs. Thanks for a great 30th birthday vacation!

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The Celebrations Continue... 

Sunday, April 15, 2012 -
 As my final full week of being a twenty-something arrived, I knew that the celebrations were going to continue. Even if they were small, I was going to celebrate each day as I approach the 3-0 on the 17th. Day 9, a Monday, can sometimes be a struggle to celebrate. If you come off of a wonderfully relaxing weekend, getting up in the morning may not be on the top of the to-want list (vs. to-do of course). However, after a healthy day of eating and working out, I found that I could still enjoy a pool of frozen yogurt at Yogurtz. A combination of fat free strawberry fro yo, waffle cone chips, strawberres, blueberries and three mini-marshmallows had me celebrating. However, I did have two pups that weren't celebrating. Drooling for a bite may be a better way to describe their stares...


Nothing says surprise like unexpected flowers! When I don't have to dig for a way to celebrate, that makes the day that much better. And on day 10, hubs supplied me with beautiful tulips! Perfect for the Spring weather we had been having, these absolutely added a little spring to my step that day. Muah - thanks hubs!

As a self-proclaimed restaurant reviewer, food is obviously important when it comes to socially hanging out with friends. And this was prominent as a few of my friends and I celebrated a dear friend's birthday on day 11 with a progressive through Main Street in the Carmel Arts & Design district. Living in the district, I love that so many great restaurants and art galleries are within walking distance. We began with some bubbly and wine tastes as Shiraz before heading to Sonata for a tapas style meal. Dessert was served up at Detour as we rounded out a great night of conversation and delicious food. You can read more about the tapas at City Nom Noms soon!


And yes, the celebrations are continuing!

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A Brunch of China and Germany 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 -
This china was my grandmother's. I use it more regularly than my own wedding china because it is accessible. But I still don't use it enough. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother - a gift from Germany. And surprisingly enough, it isn't damaged at all. It has made it through the years all in one piece - a full collection. I'm so happy to have this collection. It is perfect for the Spring, so when it was our turn to host Sunday dinner in March, I just had to use them. And when that Sunday dinner was transformed into Sunday Brunch, it made it that much more appropriate.

I failed in taking photos, but two is better than none. We had prepared turkey sausage, bacon, a french toast bake (as pictured), an asparagus and tomato frittata, and fresh fruit. The baked French toast was ooey gooey and delicious. Plus, it is SO easy to make that it is a staple of brunch items for me when a large group of people are coming over. I have prepared this in a variety of ways, and this time was no different.

All I did was gather french bread and layer it in a greased pan. Then, I poured over an egg mixture that included 8 eggs, about a tablespoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg, about a cup of milk and two cups of half and half. This mixture sits in the fridge overnight before being topped with a combination of butter (think one stick), more cinnamon and nutmeg (teaspoon each), pecans and brown sugar (1 cup-ish). I love to slather maple syrup on top too, though it isn't necessarily needed.


Oh, and cookies. We saved them for the movie. Which I chalk up to be our 2012 activity for March since a day off couldn't happen for all involved parties. But more to come on that.

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Three Weeks. But Who's Counting? 

Sunday, March 25, 2012 -
Convo that happened today.

Hubs: "How come I haven't see anything on your blog lately?"
Me: "I'm blogging today, I have some reviews to post."
Hubs: "Nope, I mean on Entertaining."
Me: "Oh. Well, um...I guess I'm entertaining life daily rather than writing?"

Sometimes it happens to all of us who blog. I'd like to say I haven't had the time. But I've been keeping up with one of my New Year's goals. The one where I said I wouldn't over-program myself. The one where I would try to only do a few things a week, 3 max. I've been pretty successful I might say. By successful, I mean I haven't strayed at all. Yup. Go me.

So with that said, I have been Entertaining Life Daily, but I haven't been the best at recapping these events or all the new kitchen creations that hubs and I have noshed on throughout the year.

Like this past weekend, hubs and I went to Clowes Hall (on Butler's campus) for great show with two friends. We went and saw Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. You may think, "Angie. You are a Disney fan. You are a Pirates fan. What is special about it this time?"

Photo Credit
Well, the answer is that it wasn't JUST the movie. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra played all the music in the movie. So while the moving was showing, live music brought it to life in perfect synchronization. A choir sang the music so well that I sometimes forgot that there was a live performance happening while the screen was playing the movie. It was an amazing performance and I'd go in a heartbeat for any other movie they would like to perform. Congrats ISO, it was a beautiful show! Not to mention, we got sippy cups again.

And today, a Sunday brunch rather than a dinner. But that my friends, a recap later this week.

I promise.

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Sunday Dinner: February 

Sunday, March 4, 2012 -
Oscar night. A fancy night. And the way I wanted to spend was just how I did - with my friends. Our February Sunday dinner ended up on the night of the fancy awards, and we had some great food while watching the event on tv.

A delicious, tender pork tenderloin had been waiting for us in the slow cooker. It was accompanied by sweet and russet roasted potatoes and also roasted broccoli. And, it follows the Paleo diet that Ral is doing for their CrossFit challenge.


Delicious. I like Sundays...

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12 of 2012: January 

Sunday, February 12, 2012 -
To kick off 2012, some of our closest friends with hubs and I decided to kick of 12 To Do's of 2012. This list of ours will ensure that we live 2012 to the fullest with good friends and a variety of activities. Some simple, some more planned, it will surely be a great time for all of us. We began with a fantastic New Year celebration, but our list continued:
January: Sledding/tubing in a Winter Wonderland

For one to sled, one needs snow. Alas, we didn't have that.

Instead, we opted for a winter weather movie night. On a Wednesday night, we all got together to watch a movie while drinking hot chocolate and noshing on popcorn. I have to say - it was a really great evening.
Photo Credit
As we watched The Day After Tomorrow, the comments were flying. It is one of hub's favorites and we have all seen it, which leaves the floor wide open for comments such as "why aren't the people freezing like everything else" or "that just doesn't make sense." Of course, these comments are all out of love. And if you know my hub's 'fascination' with Dec. 21, 2012, you would understand a bit more.

In addition to the list of 12, we also decided to start Sunday dinners. Sunday dinners evoke the feeling of family. Of a wind down of the weekend. A time to get back to the things that mean the most before another hectic week begins. These Sunday dinners began at M's house over a bowl of chili and cheddar biscuits. Quite tasty I might add - great job Melly!



How are your New Year goals coming out? So far, my decision to not be over programmed is working, and our goal of regrouping is getting there. I continue to be excited as I look forward to the many things 2012 will offer.

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Fall Harvest Dinner 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 -
When you have friends who can cook, you eat.  That's the rule.  My friends can cook.  Every year, Rachel & Josh host a group of friends to enjoy the tastes of fall.  A quick history lesson - a group of friends get together on an annual basis to celebrate the flavors of fall.  Delicious - my kind of thing for sure.  I happily taste as much as I can while I'm there, and this year was no different.


I wanted to share with you a few photos and comment on some of the delicious food.


Wild Mushroom Risotto - creamy, delicious and oh so perfect.  I had not one, but two servings.  Maybe this is because of my recent risotto kick?  Or maybe it was because it was just plain delicious.  Kudos Unrue brothers!


Pumpkin soup - when I saw the cans and cans of pumpkin puree, I knew Rachel was serving up her pumpkin soup.  Creamy, bursting with pumpkin flavor.  And bleu cheese crumbles and bacon don't hurt either.

 
Sweet potatoes - I can't tell you how much I love these.  I was first introduced to this specific recipe a few years ago and ate loads of it.  I did so again this time around.  Thank you Rachel!


Pork wrapped in pork - you heard me right, pork loin wrapped in pork.  I haven't crunched on pork belly like this before.  It caramelized so well when it was cooked, that a knife and fork weren't going to cut it, literally.  And my dear friends, that is not a complaint by any means.  The pork was a little more than medium and extremely tender.  Seasoned to perfection, this was a pig I would eat over and over again.  My friend Steven, you are nothing less than extremely gifted when it comes to pig!


And to top it all off, hubs supplied some quality ESB and premium bitter beer for the event.  It was a different batch from our BrewMile, but same type.  Delicious for sure - I'm married to one talented man that is for sure!


Another great Harvest Dinner.  My stomach was full and my heart content - good friends, great food and happiness of the season!  Thanks dear ones!

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Introducing Mr. & Mrs. McFerron 

Monday, October 3, 2011 -
Weddings.  The season has about one month left in it, and I was happy to share in one this past weekend as a guest rather than the planner.  Two great friends, Brian & Nancy, became hubby and wife at Meridian Hills Country Club.  A great venue, perfect place to celebrate the beginning of this chapter together.

Brian and Nancy - they are both good people.  The kind of people that make you smile for being genuine and funny at the same time.  She was stunning, he was handsome, and the room smelled of roses and hydrangeas.  Beautiful florals - I can't explain how they were utterly amazing and impacted the whole event.  I couldn't be happier to take one home at the end of the night, thanks to the bride encouraging local residents to take them!

A few photos:



 



How was your weekend?

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Disney Photo Recap 

Friday, August 12, 2011 -
As previously mentioned, I was in Orlando for a conference.  However, I also was able to indulge in a little 'me & Mouse' time while I was there.  But not my typical time.  I really did a lot of things that I never do when I'm on Disney property.  The one day that I really spent in the parks, I spent by myself. 

I always though, what would it be like to spend a day in a park by myself.  Well, now I 'kind of' know.  I say kind of, because it was so incredibly hot, that I think I would have modified my plan quite a bit.  This time around, I...

1. Only  rode two rides the entire visit.  Yup, only two - the Great Movie Ride and Toy Story Mania.  Everything else was a show or attraction.  For instance, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.  A 30 minute broadway type show - I was impressed and couldn't believe I hadn't seen it before!




2. I didn't snack on my normal food.  I had a banana and iced coffee for breakfast at Starring Rolls cafe (which is where these deliciously looking cupcakes were), ate some pizza at Pizza Planet (with a side of Caesar salad), had Moroccan sliders in Morocco and snacked at a few other places.  No Dole whips, no Mickey bars.  All new foods for this gal!





3. Enjoying the beach - I have to admit, I've never been to a resort pool before.  AND I had never walked around the Polynesian Resort.  I did both this time around (and got a great tan doing so!)


 


4. Watching all the country videos in Epcot.  I've seen all of these at one point in time, but I normally skip these as I am usually drinking or eating my way around the world.  However, the air conditioned theaters allowed me a break from the heat, plus another opportunity to see things I hadn't been able to see in quite sometime.



5. Took in the artwork.  I've always known there are great shops with fantastic artwork, but I really took my time taking it all in.  What I would do for a shopping spree in some of these stores - I just love all of it.  Some day, when I have my Disney themed room (yup, hubs knows about this already) I'll decorate to my hearts content!

6. Cried.  Well, this isn't the first time I've cried at Disney, but I walked around Walt's Dream and just took it all in.  How could one man bring so much joy to all these people?  Utterly amazing.  And I found my new motto to live each day with:

One day, I'll only search for hidden Mickey's.  Just sayin'...

Thanks for allowing me to share!  And Stacy, thanks again for a great time!

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Pierre - Good One... 

Friday, July 8, 2011 -
Road trips.  Some people love them, others just don't like to drive.  But when you put me in a car with two of my closest friends, I know I'll have a good time.Especially when you listen to this a few times...


And try to name all the state capitals...


Try it.  Pierre may surprise you...

Anyway, from Indy to Eagle River, Wisconsin we drove.  I was happy to spend time in the big W for the holiday weekend once again, but this time with friends in tow.  Once we arrived, there was plenty of lake, beverages, cheese, brats and more cheese to be had (have you ever dipped a Cheese-It into Ron's Cream Cheese?  If not, you are missing the high life my friend.)  Of course, we bought ice cream from the lake ice cream vendor.  Delicious Choco Taco!


I even introduced the non-Wisconsinites to the concept of a Supper Club.  Sipped Capital Brewing for the first time - even included a brew named Supper Club.  And of course, New Glarus brewing company is always top of my list in Wisconsin...


Mom and dad were absolutely fantastic - thank you everything; I loved seeing you and spending time with you!  Here are a few more photos:

 

 

Hope everyone enjoyed their Independence Day.  And now, it is just about time for the weekend - enjoy yourself again!

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A Wedding in Elmhurst 

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 -
One of my best friends (who was also one of my bridesmaids) married her the love of her life at the beautiful and historical Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst, Illinois.  It couldn't have been a better day - beautiful, bright, sunny and full of love.

The mansion was gorgeous, full of nooks that had beautiful character.  One room was perfect for the personalized ceremony as the couple became Mr. & Mrs., another perfect for the couple's first dance and delicious cake cutting, another for appetizers and mimosa's.  A room for every perfect touch of the perfect day.  And when you add a beautiful bride, a glowing groom, friends and family, the mansion becomes complete.



I couldn't be more happy for Desiree and Jordan - they both were glowing with affection for one another.  It was one of those weddings where you know the couple is perfect together.  You know they'll grow old together, loving each other more and more as the years go by.


Congratulations Desiree & Jordan.  Honored to be part of your day and celebrate your love!

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