Funtastic
This weekend was so.much,fun. I know I say that every weekend, but really, this one was just one of those go-with-the-flow, eat, see friends, and relax in between kind of weekends.
Not many people showed up to Fuqua Friday, so we ended up going out to dinner. Sometimes Fuqua Friday can be overwhelming because there’s soo many people to talk to, so it was nice to just eat dinner while chatting with two of our good friends. We tried the new G2B Gastropub and enjoyed the contemporary, but funky vibe. They had an awesome beer and wine list on tablets and colored lighting (thus, the weird pictures).
We split this bottle of wine with our friends – a recommendation from the bartender after I described my taste in wine. Oh my goodness, this was one of the best reds I’ve had in a loong time. It was so full with a smooth, velvety finish. Tons of flavor, but not too peppery.
I had a grilled salmon filet with sunchoke puree, sauteed spinach, and chili oil. The fish itself was one of the best filets I’ve had in a while, as it was perfectly cooked (medium instead of well) and practically falling apart. The flavor was great too, although there could have bit a bit more bulk to the dish.
On Saturday, we joined friends at Fullsteam Brewery for a birthday party.
Though I’ve been to Fullsteam before, this was the first time I’ve gone and just spent the afternoon hanging out at their picnic tables. I probably spent about four hours there and it’s such a great place to go with a group (or babies or dogs!)
The girls! Thanks to Rachel for the picture.
We all drank way too much and ended up at the Federal for a late dinner. Though we scored a perfect table on the patio, we had to run inside just as our entrees arrived due to a thunderstorm. I got the veggie sliders again and they are still fabulous. We also shared some of the fresh cut fries among the table and I’m still thinking about them.
We rounded out the weekend with lunch with my family in Hillsborough, as my sister is in town for a wedding.
My mom made a great spread of food and we sat around the kitchen chatting. It was a nice way to fill this cold and rainy Sunday, as I don’t feel like doing much except sitting around.
I did manage to put some laundry into the washing machine. Though it’s only at the end of the hall, I struggle with the task every single week. If that’s the worst of my complaints right now, I’d say the weekend was a giant success.
PS: I’ve been feeling a zillion times better since taking those antibiotics, so I’m thinking something was up. It felt amazing to feel normal these past few days.
Read MoreProtest
Does the monotony of everyday life ever make you feel like a boring person? I’m not very spontaneous anymore because the self discipline that comes with being an adult has taken over. I once read that self discipline is a limited resource… Since graduation I feel like, as an adult, I’m supposed to just work, exercise, eat healthy meals, and save money during the week. I think the thing I miss most about college is the feeling that the only thing I’m really supposed to be doing is learning.
Anyway, I got home from work and decided to protest being an adult. I skipped my workout, ate cookies that arrived in the mail (thanks to Matt’s mom!!), fell asleep on the couch at 5 o’clock, avoided my to-do list with five episodes of House Hunters, and ate cereal for dinner.
Sometimes, ya just want to feel like a college kid!
I called Matt and asked him to pick up a movie.
Toasted Coconut
Fruity beers are always hit or miss. They are either too light and watery or too syrup-y. But this was nutty and subtle and perfectly balanced. It’s a nut brown with toasted coconut!! Beer on the weekdays tastes extra good.
If only I were drinking it in Hawaii.
On the menu this evening was TJ’s crab and cheese stuffed flounder with Mediterranean couscous.
Since Easter, I’ve gotten really into the Jolly Rancher jelly beans. The flavors are soo good and I’m such a texture person. But these things make me so thirsty and my water intake has been horrible recently. I just get so tired of drinking it all the time. I go through phases when I’m good about it and then bad again. I crave sparkling water or vitamin water- something with just a wee bit of flavor. Anyway, I need to get in bed asap because this frosty weather is making my feet freezing. Can’t wait for May Flowers.
Read MoreEaster Eats
Hola, Happy Easter. I’m currently blogging from bed, where I’m in a cake coma. A glorious cake coma. Let’s rewind though and I’ll tell you about my weekend.
It started like any weekend – a spinning class and dinner at Fuqua Friday. Matt had a soccer game on Friday (Duke beat UNC), and I watched [freezing cold] from the sidelines with the other lovely Fuqua partners. It was a low-key Friday, because…on Saturday, Matt’s parents came to visit from Maryland!
My parents met us in Durham, and we all headed over to Tyler’s Tap to drink beer.
I stuck with Belgian beers, as I’m moving away from darker beers now that it’s warm out.
Matt’s mom loves a good stout any day of the year!
Dinner was pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Despite hearing about this place for years and years, I don’t think I’ve actually eaten at one before. Well the pizza is fantastic, especially the crust. I couldn’t stop eating Matt’s crust. We had a bacon and pineapple pizza, artichoke and sun-dried tomato, and an old fashioned cheese and tomato.
Luckily, we all recovered from the massive dinner in time for church this morning. The obligatory Easter-on-the-porch picture:
We strolled and picnicked in the sunshine this afternoon and I started a new book and watched some of the Masters. My mom prettied the dinning room and we feasted on ham.
And chocolate and jelly beans in between bites.
I had some of both wines – it was fun to have a Virginia Riesling after last weekend.
The ham was rounded out with green beans, corn pudding, and brandied pears.
But this beautiful Easter cake stole the show! Matt’s mom shares our love for cake and special ordered this one from my favorite Durham cakery!!!
It was huge and dense and awesome.
I obviously had two pieces because I love this stuff. Thanks Candace!
I’m sad the festivities are over, but will be glad when I’m no longer stuffed silly. Oh yeah, and spring break is over too. But the school year ends in June!!! I still cannot get over this fact. Off to the home stretch I go. Night.
Read MoreTake A Hike
Despite some looming showers, my mom, dad, and I made it on a hike today. We did a damp three mile loop at Umstead Park and emerged from the woods to sunny skies! It was nice to be out in nature and there sure weren’t many other people out hiking on a chilly Thursday morning.
We were hungry for Mexican food afterwards, so we went to Dos Perros in Durham for lunch. I’ve only been once before, but I loved it! ‘Upscale’ Mexican food is one of my favorites.
My mom and shared a Pacifico (on draft!).
And the table shared the sweet potato empanadas with fig jam. I had this last time and enjoy the combination of sweet jam and cilantro. My dad is one of those ‘cilantro tastes like soap’ people…glad I didn’t inherit that because I love it.
I wanted to order a salad with a taco on the side, but the waitress informed me that they actually ran out of taco shells! I was disappointed, but just asked her to throw the taco on the salad. Taco salad was born. This was braised beef over spinach with roasted peppers, queso fresco, and pumpkin seeds, in a roasted tomato and serrano vinaigrette. I didn’t like that the beef made the spinach warm (my fault), but the flavors were great. The chips at Dos Perros also come with a really thick and flavorful salsa verde which I ended up drizzling over my salad.
After lunch, I went on a mad cleaning spree because I recently got a new vacuum. Once I started cleaning, I couldn’t stop until every room was clutter free. It looks soooo much better. Then I got an email from Matt suggesting we go out for a bite to eat!! Yay. We walked to Bull City Burger in the cold night air. I can’t believe I was ever able to walk in 30 degree temperatures. I’m such a wimp now.
Enter the beer sampler with stout, brown ale, and a golden ale.
And a juicy burger topped with green chiles. I wish this didn’t go down so fast:( Guess I’ll have to go back sooner rather than later.
Tomorrow marks the end of this nice break in work, but I have an exciting Easter weekend to look forward to. Is anyone expecting a visit from the bunny?
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Welcome to TBT!
I've created this blog because I'm in a bit of a quarter life crisis. Since graduating from college in 2008 and earning an advanced degree in school psychology in May, I still don't know what career path to follow. All I know is that time is moving way too fast and I find myself living only for the weekends. Bear with me as I attempt to reclaim my twenties by finding pleasure and balance in the work week and incorporating my passions of food, fashion, fitness, and fun into everyday life. 
She said what?