Sunday, October 24, 2010

I can't really blame it on the weather...but I will a little bit.

In my leave of absence from blogging (though I do it mainly for myself,... hello two followers ) I've been doing a lot of thinking. No, take that back. I've been dancing around thinking and in a nutshell: driving myself crazy.
 Point #1: I never stop moving. I go all the time. I do things because I "need" to do them. Examples: going to the gym (stay in shape), walking the dogs (don't pee inside the apartment), going to the coffee shop to get work done (didn't I looove to go to coffee shops to relax not too long ago!?)
     I love working out because I feel so great afterwards. But lately it's just been so much of a routine...the bad kind.
     And I love to walk the dogs!! They are so cute, and it gets me going in the morning. Motivating factors to wake up: coffee, happy dogs...and every once in a while I wake up to delicious smells from B in the kitchen:
Good morning heaven.


I'm even at a coffee shop doing school work right now. To be honest, I'm kind of not even enjoying writing this blog because: I haven't done it in a while and I should... and my ethnic grocery store assignment is 80% done and I feel like not finishing it up right now.
 So I've been making some progress. Today I have fully enjoyed my day. Woke up, ate delicious breakfast and read, went to the gym, got ready for the day, walked the dogs, visited my AMAZING grandparents, walked the dogs, got frozen yogurt with my mom (Dear Orange Leaf, I will be a repeat customer. Thanks)...etc.
 Some things that I've thought about:
 - I think this blog could do more good for me than I'm letting it
 - I need to maybe start yoga, or take some classes at the gym
 - I need to visit my grandparents more
 - I need more day time dates with my boyfriend
 - I need a glass of red wine
 - I just need to be.

Week full of treasures:
days like this:


eating at Aladdin's with this cat:
these deviils. I adore them endlessly:

I'm starting new with this blog. Right now.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Today, I'm happy I live in Ohio. There, I said it.

It's not everyday that I feel like I love living in Ohio. But sometimes, a sense of comfort and pride comes over me when I say I'm truly from the midwest. I love having four seasons. Hello, autumn.
I love sitting at my favorite coffee shop, being able to see this:
sitting here:


I can sit here as long as I want, and know I am not bothering anyone. I love feeling safe here. Night and day. These two gentlemen are not only protectors, but the best companions around.

I love being from a town that is centrally located and small (though it is much more posh than it used to be). It's a small town in the heart of a big up and coming city. My most recent treasure found in the city is this place:


Honestly, it's the Big Little Palace. I love this place. Branden and I especially enjoy their brussel sprouts pizza with pancetta and their Avery white beer... mmm..

I love that my best friend came home this week and no matter what city she and I are in, I still get an overwhelming sense of comfort and bliss.
a wine induced kind of love in this picture.


On my nights in, I love cooking with B. He makes me look like a good cook because he is an amazing cook.





I love driving to Appalacia with a car full of this:

I want to take a minute and write some "reviews" about a couple restaurants that Branden and I have recently visited. One: Third & Hollywood
Located: On Third and Hollywood (clever)
Owned by the same people who own Northstar Cafe, well, ta-da: It was simply delicious.
First: beer- I got the Victory Golden Monkey.. so good!


 
Our nice waitress Carrie was good at selling me that drink.
Second: Appetizer. We split the guacamole and pimento dip plate with fresh tortilla chips
You could tell that both dips were freshly made, and the tortilla chips were fresh and crunchy as well. Branden liked the pimento dip more than me, but it was a stellar appetizer.
Main course: I've been jonesing for a good burger for a while now. Enter: The best burger I've had in years..

(the stuff that looks like a pile of crap is ACTUALLY balsamic onions)
This burger was simply heavenly. It was so juicy and full of flavor. On the side: Roasted peppers with goat cheese... how could that not be perfect?

Overall: A wonderful experience. Everything tasted great and the wait staff was certainly friendly. We are going back again soon.


Another new restaurant...well, chain rather. Jason's Deli aka my new favorite deli.
I made my own sandwich on herb foccacia with smoked turkey, avocado slices, yellow mustard, pesto and basil with pinenuts, tomatoes, spinach, onions and mild peppers.
This chain is amazingly fresh and you can be totally healthy there! Next time I go, I'm definitely
going to hit up their salad bar.

 
I love nights like this:

Day drives

this snack!!

My most prized possession (okay, it's up there) vintage yellow chair from retag it. I love finding things for apartments and this is my golden ticket/chair. I want this chair forever.


I love old cameras... and one day I hope to have them lined all around my house. So, I love this camera.



this ;-) for all intense love purposes.

la fin.