A Weekend of Celebrations

This weekend – though cold and snowy – was a fun-filled weekend of celebrations. From my sister-in-law’s swearing in as a U.S. citizen to my friend Nicole’s baby shower, we had a a few fun reasons.

Friday started with the swearing in ceremony. More than 50 people were sworn in as citizens in the ceremony, including my sister-in-law, who is from Finland. It was a pretty cool ceremony to be able to see, and it was amazing to feel part of so many people’s emotional journeys.

The ceremony lasted a little over two hours, and B and I had taken the day off, so afterwards, we went out to lunch – just the two of us. We don’t get to do that often, and it was nice to have a relaxed grown up meal and drinks (or a sip for me).

We were planning on going to the movies after lunch, but we were both so full and in a semi-food coma, we decided to go for a walk instead. We visited the Towpath for a 4+ mile walk in the snow. The path was paved, so it was at least pretty.

We then spent some time reading and warming up in a coffee shop. These are all things we used to do all the time before FW, so it was nice to get out and do them once again.

Then, it was time for the first celebration- off to a bar for my sister-in-law’s celebration in honor of her new citizenship! We hung out for about an hour with FW before it was time to head out.

AND we picked up my favorite local pizza on the way!

Even FW ended up having a few bites (he is picky and hasn’t been liking pizza).

Saturday ended up being a pretty low-key, yet productive day. It included some cleaning, reading, piano playing, and baking.

baking – buckeyes!

And a quick stop to our favorite local chocolate shop for some goodies before dinner. Fun fact- chocolate covered pretzels are pretty much my FAVORITE.

For dinner, B made us homemade pasta with potatoes. I made the pesto. It came out SO good!

FW had grilled cheese – but also a peanut butter macaron for dessert! It was his first macaron and he wouldn’t put it down.

Sunday morning started with my friend Nicole’s baby shower! She’s due a little before me with her first and it was fun to celebrate with her. Isn’t she adorable?

She is also part of my Ladies Craft Beer Society – so naturally, we did a craft at her shower!

That afternoon, despite the snow and cold, the sun was out, so we got in a short walk with FW in the backpack.

And then it was time to go out to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday. We went out for Italian food to celebrate.

And that was it – 3 celebrations in one weekend 🙂 Some questions for you:

  • Is it still snowy near you?
  • Do you like chocolate covered pretzels? Or what’s your favorite chocolate treat?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Let’s Taco ‘Bout the Weekend

I had SUCH a wonderful weekend. Seriously. It started with a day off and long walk with B, then chilling with my brother who SURPRISED me with a trip to Cleveland, spending time with my parents and then being showered with love during my taco-themed baby shower! I couldn’t have planned for a better weekend and am still feeling in the love bubble from all the greatness of the weekend! (Or maybe it’s from the tacos ….)

The weekend started with a walk around downtown and the Flats on a gorgeous day….

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Then some coffee shop hopping with Greg.

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Then dinner at Taza with my family.20160520_190112

And dessert at Cowell & Hubbard.20160520_214250

Obligatory family photo! ❤ 20160520_201108(0)

Saturday morning B and I took another walk around downtown.20160521_102241

And then it was shower time! Time for a Mexican fiesta. Yes, that is a taco piñata that the amazing hostess, Cuoghi made.Screenshot 2016-05-21 21.35.51

Cuoghi and I.

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Some of the amazing taco-themed food.Screenshot 2016-05-21 21.10.03

Me and my momma ❤

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And my “aunt” Pam – family friend forever – I can’t believe she made the trip all the way to Cleveland from Connecticut!IMG_2876

Cari and me 🙂

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Me and the “awesome aunts” IMG_0256

And yes, we managed to save room after the shower to get dinner with my family. Superior Pho, again.20160521_194148 20160521_194133

Sunday included some brunch at Phuel (and yes, of course I had my favorite yogurt and granola) and more hanging out with my family. I hate when they leave – and it’s crazy to think the next time I see them all B and I may be a family of 3!

fam chandelier

Followed by a nice walk on a new area of the Towpath.

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And a little work – not that bad when you can be outside enjoying your favorite local tea!

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Dinner was on our own. Since we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and spent most of the day outside (and not cooking) – we had leftovers for dinner. A perfect end to a GREAT weekend with family and friends!

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Some questions for you:

  • What’s the best themed shower you’ve been to?
  • Which cuisine do you prefer – Lebanese, Mexican or Vietnamese?

I’m linking up today with ErinKatie and the weekly wraps.

Weekends Are Made for Fun

This really was the perfect fall weekend in Cleveland. 1 part fun (wedding!) + 1 part productive (baking! and working) + 1 part running and walking (and ellipticalling) = pretty much an ideal weekend. Oh yeah, and gorgeous blue skies, 60 degree temps and beautiful fall foliage didn’t hurt!

Friday night I had to work somewhat later than usual so  B and I decide to have an early night in and got takeout sushi and watched a movie. I can’t remember the last time we had sushi and staying in meant I ended up getting more sleep than I’ve gotten in weeks. Winning!

Saturday morning B and I met up with Mary for a run. We typically run throughout the different neighborhoods of downtown, Ohio City, Tremont and Uptown, but this weekend we opted for something new – the gorgeous Towpath! I’ll admit, nature runs typically bore me, but for some reason this Saturday I was feeling GREAT. B and I even sped up the last half mile of our 10 mile route and managed to make that mile our fastest (and only sub 9-minute mile)!

Our loop

Our loop

post 10-mile run

post 10-mile run

Saturday afternoon, B and I picked up our CSA (only a few more weeks!) and then hit up Soupermarket for a lunch that hit the spot. Clambake soup (corn, clams, sweet potato, chicken, chicken broth), a hunk of bread an a salad. OMG i want more of that.

Perfect post-run lunch

Perfect post-run lunch

Saturday night it was time to get dressed up and head to the east side for Cari and Bryan’s wedding! Cari is my froworker (just went to her bach party last weekend) and she looked GORGEOUS. B and I had a great time dancing, loving the fall decor, enjoying the food and of course the autumn-inspired drinks (including pumpkin beer!).

enjoying the wedding (and beautiful day!) with my other coworker Grace

enjoying the wedding (and beautiful day!) with my other coworker Grace

Beautiful bride at her first dance

Beautiful bride at her first dance

B and I

B and I

Sunday started off early with an easy workout (2 miles and 30 minutes on the elliptical) and a little baking. I will definitely be posting this recipe soon because these pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies are amazing.

PUMPKIN SNICKEDOODLES with PUMPKIN SPICE CHIPS

PUMPKIN SNICKEDOODLES with PUMPKIN SPICE CHIPS

And then since the weather was just so gorgeous, B suggested we go for a walk. Yup – another day out in nature!

Those leaves ...

Those leaves …

Walking along the river

Walking along the river

We finished off Sunday with an amazing fall meal at B’s parents house, complete with homemade pumpkin and apple cider ice creams. SO GOOD … but no photo. Sorry!

Some questions for you:

  • How was your weekend?
  • Do you like to dance at weddings? Yes! I’m an awful dancer but I do like to have a good time and have gotten over my moves (or lack thereof). B’s a great dancer though so I tend to believe people are watching him, not me 🙂
  • What’s your favorite fall drink (alcoholic or not)?  i love a good pumpkin beer. Shipyard is currently my favorite. But I also like warm spiced wine.Or is that winter?
  • Favorite pumpkin recipe?