It's Tucson Time! Pt 2

Could I have waited any longer to post part two of the Tucson trip?  Ugh. I'm blaming it on the big exciting move and all the stress that comes with that...not to mention, looking for a job!

Pictures below are from Josh & Heather's rehearsal dinner and wedding.  I'll keep the typing to a minimum and the pictures to a max. :)

Chris the creepy lurker in the background, lol!

And now for Static Session performance! (ps still learning how to handle my camera, especially in low light)

The next day, I met with a couple of my best girlfriends Krysta and Kindra for brunch at one of my favorite places, The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress.  It was so good to see them and catch up while sitting on the patio sipping bloody marys and enjoying a beautiful spring Tucson day.

 delicious huevos rancheros

 The lovely Krysta

Krysta, me, and Kindra

Afterward, we took a stroll down 4th Ave and I a couple things caught my eye that I just had to snap a photo of..

 Go cats!

Pretty, right?


I'll leave it at that.  Next post will be dedicated to wedding photos.

It's Tucson Time! Pt. 1

I have been slacking on my blogging and I apologize for that!  I've had so many people ask when I would post about Tucson because I took so many pictures and promised everyone I would blog about it.  SO here we go!

A few weeks ago Scott and I flew back to Tucson to attend our friends wedding.  It was a super busy weekend with lots of friends, family, and food!  We were able to accomplish a lot in a short four day trip. 

Scott and I promised each other that we would make time for our beloved sonoran hot dog.  The sonoran hot dog is infamous, it was featured on an episode of Man vs Food, and we have not been able to find the sonoran hot dog outside of Tucson.  So, our first day in Tucson we took my mom to Guero Canelo for lunch.  This was the first meat I've ate in almost two months, and it was glorious.

 We placed our order, then loaded up at the salsa/condiment bar.

 I highly recommend dipping the radishes in the avocado sauce...mmmmmmm.

Mexican bottled coke is so much better than canned coke

 This is a caramello.  So tasty.

 My moms first sonoran hot dog...she approves!

 nom nom nom!

 I'm happy to see that this establishment recylces!

Later that night Scott, the groom, and the groomsmen did the bachelor party...so I met up with some friends at 47 Scott for dinner, then ventured to Hub for ice cream, then Playground for a night cap.

A great night with friends in the very cool downtown Tucson.  That place has totally transformed and I am really digging the atmosphere.  I miss that small town community from time to time!

Meat-Free for 3 weeks!

I decided to give up meat and become a vegetarian. Actually I guess I am a pescatarian since I continue to eat fish. For about a year, I've started to become somewhat, for lack of a better word, disgusted my red meat, pork and poultry. I would hardly eat it, but when I did I couldn't help but think about all the chemicals I'm consuming along with the meat product. Hormones and antibiotics were all I thought about. I started to buy organic and grass fed beef, but I would still feel awful...not to mention, my wallet became lighter.

It was hard for me to wrap my head around this whole vegetarian idea because I grew up LOVING meat. Steak and baked potato was my absolute favorite meal. The last time I had a steak was probably six months ago, and I barely finished half of it. My have times changed...

I needed to try being meat free for a while, so I thought what's a better time to give something up than for lent. So many people give something up for lent, regardless if they're Catholic, so I won't be alone.

I've been meat-free for three weeks and I don't miss it at all!  I have even noticed that I can fit into a pair a pants that I haven't been able to wear in forever!  YAY!  All in all I'm pleased with myself for having the strength to do this. It really hasn't been too difficult, and I am feeling great now that I'm eating clean! 

I do have to admit, I miss bacon.  After lent is over, I will probably continue to stay veggie...but I will submit to the occasional bacon strip from time to time.  AND I apologize in advance but when Scott and I go back to Tucson in a few weeks, I WILL be consuming a sonoran hot dog.  I must.  Those things are non-existant in LA and I need it.

Source

Chicken Curry & Cupcakes

I had President's Day off this past Monday, but unfortunately Scott did not.  He didn't have to go into work until later in the afternoon, so we were able to grab some lunch and spend a little time together.  We went to Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach.  I was so excited to try this place as I have been driving past it for over a year and have always wanted to try it.  We arrived and it was packed!  We waiting for about 20 minutes before we were seated, but it was well worth the wait.  The place had a modern-rustic feel, with the servers dressed in flannel shirts and jeans.  There was a cute outdoor area with a bocce bail court too!  We sat outside and I had the chicken curry sandwich, and Scott had the burger.  Both were phenomenal!

After lunch, we walked next door to SusieCakes for dessert.  Ohhh my beloved SusieCakes.  How do I love thee.  I got my usual red velvet cupcake, and Scott has an obsession with bananas so he tried the banana pudding which was delicious!  The nilla wafers were a nice touch too!

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

Scott was sneaky and called me Monday night from work asking if we were doing anything for each other on Valentine's Day.  I said that we didn't have to, and he agreed.  HOWEVER, on Tuesday morning when I woke up, I found roses, a sweet Valentine's card, and a coffee mug adorned with hearts waiting for me on the credenza.  Swoon!  He always tries to trick me by saying he won't make a certain holiday a big deal, but then he does.  I should know his antics by now...

Scott had to work so we weren't able to celebrate Valentine's night together, so we celebrated the day after.  We drank wine and made homemade pizza, which gave me a chance to break in my new pizza stone Scott gave me for Christmas!

Chopping the burrata.

 Scott staged a photo to highlight the cork.  He said it's one of the best corks he has seen...and he knows his wine.

My attempt at throwing the dough up like you see in pizzerias.

Don't mess with me or you get the rolling pin ;)

 Voila! Burrata, prosciutto, and arugula pizza.  Our first attempt at pizza was a success!

Bon appetit!