The Mustard-Colored Apartment

Tomorrow is the day....my return to Vegas! I haven't been there in two years, and for someone who was relatively a local for a few years, I CANNOT WAIT to get back there!! The southwest owns my heart.

Before I leave, let me recap a bit.

Although most of my meals have been super nutrient-and-veggie-dense this week (hey, pool parties!) and have looked like this:

....the week before, not so much. First was dinner I cooked at my parent's house last Friday...homemade guac, green chili chicken enchiladas, and blackened shrimp tacos with cabbage, radicchio, an avocado cilantro crema (made with plain Chobani), and homemade pico de gallo. I could eat like this every day.

Then St. Paddy's Day in Philly.

First we met a friend at a house party. Coop called to get the details about where to meet, and when he said, "Oh okay, the mustard-colored apartment?" I scoured the horizon for a bright yellow, French's colored building. Then he pointed here.

"That's mustard-colored?"
"Yes you know, like, spicy brown kind?"

...really? I would never consider that mustard-colored, but okay!

After the mustard party, we headed to Moriarty's for some drinks and apps. If you are ever in the area, Moriarty's is known for their wings. They are amazing! I didn't have any this time, but they are killer. The  girls from my dance studio and I used to go here before we would see any Broadway shows at the Forrest Theatre.

Even Stacy was in the St. Patrick's mood!

The next day, Coop and I wanted to try something a little different. Sunday was gorgeous here, so we opted to walk to South Street again. This time, German food was on our mind.

Two Germans at Brauhaus Schmitz!

Ohhhh my goodness. We both agreed this is one of the top places we have ever been. The atmosphere was awesome (the front of the restaurant was open-air since it was so nice out), our server was fab, beer selection was amazing, and the food was spectacular. Fresh-baked bread, a delicious soft-pretzel, smokey fish spread, spatzle with veggies, housemade bratwurst (I just typed "mousemade".....Ratatouille on my mind), sauerkraut....everything was on point. So different and so fun!

Oh....and two mustards came out with our pretzel. One is what I would consider "mustard-colored", and the other is what Coop apparently considers "mustard-colored."

Just like the building! He is a treat.

I also laughed at "WinterFahrt." Because I am a twelve year old boy.

We then stopped in the Adidas store where Coop picked up some sweet new high-tops and I lusted over interesting kicks and gear of my own....

Wow.

And then I talked him into sharing a humungous fro-yo on the way home, in true foodie form, of course. :)

Hope you all had a great week...happy Friday!!! Enjoy your weekend....I know I will! See ya when I return!



Oh....and to hold you over here until I get back from my vaycay... you may watch the penguin cam.

...you're welcome.

The 'guin Cam <- click here for instant happiness.

As my BFF said (thanks for the penguin links, Biggie), "Penguin has to get to the stock markets. Penguin has work to do."

Freakin' penguins. So cool.

Just So You Know....

First, I discovered this via coupon attached to my receipt after buying out my grocery store's stock in Chobani....

And then last night, this happened....

......and they are all as phenomenal as you may imagine.

(I obviously had to taste-test each one before feeding them to my family for dessert tonight.)

Buy them, like, now. Or yesterday. That Blueberry Vanilla Graham? Oh. Gosh.

Tonight I am making blackened shrimp tacos, chicken enchiladas, and skinny "jalapeno poppers," which will essentially just be mini, spicy, baked mozz sticks. Well, pepper jack and habanero cheese sticks. Just another trial in the kitchen, I will post the recipe if they turn out!

So happy it is finally Friday. And although I am not sure what our plans are tomorrow, I can promise you that I will be celebrating my Irish heritage and wearing the best green shirt ever. You HAVE to drink beer on St. Paddy's Day. And then a week of eating super clean (the TIU 7 Day Slimdown, perhaps?) for my trip to Vegas. So that I can indulge guilt-free! That is what vacations are allll about.

In other news, I am officially a nail polish addict. I have bought so much Essie nail polish that CVS has decided I get a free one.

I love receipt surprises!!!!

Happy weekend, friends! xoxo
Have any plans for St. Paddy's Day?

Caution: Do NOT Read If You Are Hungry!!

Hello everyone!

Sorry I have been non-existent lately...I have been super busy with some freelance gigs (that I just can't share yet, up in here!) and preparing for my upcoming vacation. Promise I will share more art here when I can! Hopefully I will have time to work on some personal art ideas when I return from Vegas with the fam. Next Saturday! Can't wait!

I will have a foodie-based giveaway the week that I return, so be on the lookout for that! I have been super active in the kitchen lately, trying new-to-me things like chia pudding, homemade pesto, overnight oats in a jar,

and new creations like healthy Bang-Bang Shrimp Pasta, taco pie, and a Southwestern chopped quinoa salad inspired by one in the newest Fitness magazine. Agave + apple cider vinegar + lime juice + olive oil + spices makes the BEST dressing....oh man. And for some reason, when fresh salad ingredients are chopped up into itty bitty pieces, they just taste so much better! This reminded me of a salad I would be able to get at Choice Greens in Tucson. MAN I miss that place...and their ciabatta bread. Yum.

We have also checked out some amazing local food joints...South Street Diner in Philly made my dreams come true with a Crab Cake Eggs Benedict,

and La Laconda del Ghiottone in Old City proved to be one of the best Italian joints I have ever encountered. The staff was knowledgable and fun, and oh-so-South-Philly-Italian, the setting is unique and intimate, and the menu...ohhhh the menu....

I was craving mussels, so we ordered those in a red sauce while we sipped on red wine. I planned on sticking with a relatively healthy fish dinner, but when I saw that they had gnocchi on the menu that they make with ricotta (the authentic Italian way!), I had to try! It is a signature dish of theirs and after hearing rave reviews, I went with it. The time that I made my own gnocchi, it was a ricotta gnocchi, as well! So I was pumped to try theirs. It was absolutely delicious; the gorgonzola and tomato sauce was perfectly creamy but not too much so. We all agreed it was the best dish of the night. The serving wasn't huge, so I didn't walk away feeling like a blimp...plus, we all shared a little of each dish that we got. The veal was also spectacular, and the sauce was just as good as mine. No sauce was left behind, thanks to the bread basket at the table.

Plus...BYOB always makes me happy. We came armed with plenty of Malbec! Definitely check out La Laconda if you are in the Philly area.

We also went to our friend's 30th birthday party at Clipper City Brewery in Baltimore (they make Heavy Seas beer) for a beerfest;  Black Cannon IPA was on point. Lots of good brews. We took a pitstop at Little Havana before heading home to Philly. Little Havana....best. Mojitos. Ever. I didn't take many pictures, but hopefully I can get a few from friends who did.

Pup has also gotten plenty of outdoors time, especially since the days have gotten longer (wahoo!!) and the temperature has been hovering around 60-70 degrees around these parts! Spring is in sight!!!

He's also been extra-spoiled since my dad is still at home recovering from his surgery, so Koda gets a lot more social time and extra walks.

And jelly beans. Goodness gracious, does this dog LOVE jelly beans. Even more than spinach and cheese (his two formerly-favorite foods).

Enjoy your Thursday! xoxo