Whew, what a weekend!
After work on Friday, I headed to the gym for my weekly fix of Anthony's Extreme Fitness class. It continued with a wonderful night in, with crab-stuffed salmon and veggies, thanks to my hubby's EXCELLENT grilling skills. We watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes (which is a great movie, P.S.), and called it a night around 11:30. It was just what I needed to end such a crazy work week.
Saturday started a little later than usual, as I slept in until almost 9! I made a serving of my new obsession: organic oatmeal, and then got dressed and headed to Sports Authority to pick up some new running gear. Brent got me a fabulous Nike Dry-fit pullover, but I needed something thin to go under it. I also bought a new pair of New Balance compression running tights. Can't wait to run in and post my review of them!
After that, I made my way to the office for a few hours. A little bummed at first, knowing how beautiful it was outside, but I had an 11-mile training run planned, so I knew I'd have plenty of time with nature. As crazy as it sounds, Saturdays might possibly be my favorite day to work. I got more done in the 3 hours I was there by myself than I do in just about any regular 8-10 hour weekday. I was able to get in, get what I needed to do done, and get out. So thankful for that.
By about 2:30 p.m., I was running through Shelby Farms making my way to the Greenline. It was a wonderful run...11 miles at an 8:46 pace. My new PR training plan had me scheduled to stay at 9:02, so I was super happy with the pace. Not so happy about the soreness, though. Feeling like my feet are scraping the pavement + no more arch support + sore knees = new shoes needed pronto...and a trip to Fleet Feet.
Saturday night, we met up with a big group of friends at Blind Bear, a new speakeasy-themed bar in Downtown Memphis. It was fabulous, but of course you can’t really complain being in a super fun place with super fun people (except for the fact that they allow smoking...my only complaint). You have to say the code to get in (LOVE it!), and as you walk through it’s like a normal bar, with the exception of the fabulous prohibition-era décor. The bar area is large and open, which is welcome for a Downtown establishment. We had the "secret" room reserved, which is set up behind the bar. In the dark, hidden room filled with more 20's-style items, we were able to sit comfortably on a couch or ottoman, watch whatever game was playing at the time (Go Grizz!), and see through to the rest of the bar. Gotta love a two-way mirror! After {mostly} good conversation and some great libations, a few of us wandered down to Local Gastropub: ole faithful for a good meal.
Sunday was seriously the most AMAZING day! We woke up relatively early for once and made it to church to hear one of the best sermons I’ve heard in a long time. Do you ever get that feeling that God’s message is completely directed toward you? That’s how I felt yesterday. We're in an "I Quit" series right now, and the topic was Quit Comparing. After the intense struggle of the past few months (more so, the past two years), I don’t think I ever needed to hear what was said more than I did then. "Stop comparing your situation to others and thinking that life is unfair. Be thankful for the many blessings in your life." Our pastor talked about wishing for a better job, more money, and other things we so often take advantage of and envy others for. And then he spent about five minutes covering "everyone around you is getting pregnant and you're not. Be thankful for the life you're living, the blessings in it, and stop comparing your situation to others." Wow...talk about reaching into my soul. I was sobbing, of course, but it was such a wonderful, powerful message. And it couldn't have come at a better time. It's a God thing. SO very thankful!
After that, Brent and I went to our usual brunch spot, and then my precious niece Bailey came over and we began our afternoon of fun (her words, not mine). First, we went through the car wash. You would've thought I took her to Disney World! :) Next, we met up with my best friend Erika and her two sons at Chuck E. Cheese. I'm not sure if Bailey's been before, but she sure had a blast! Anything with cute animals that moved, she was all about it. Aside from quality time with B, it was so great to finally see my bestie. We don't get to spend nearly enough time together, due to our crazy opposite schedules, so it was very much needed. She has always been there for me, through more experiences than I can even try to remember. And no matter how insane our lives get, we always pick up right where we left off. {Thankful!} After that, B tagged along for my weekly trip to the grocery store. She's becoming one of my favorite shopping partners.
That night, Brent made homemade turkey burgers and chipotle sweet potato fries. Yum!! I'm so spoiled. After the last football game ended, we tuned into the Golden Globes. Perfection (not the show, just the day in general).
This morning, Autumn and I had the chance to run together since she was off work for MLK Day...teachers, ugh. ;) Not only is she my running inspiration, but she has truly become another spiritual mentor. She helps relate so many things to God and what he has in store for us both, and that's not an easy thing to come by where friends are concerned. So thankful for her and our brief but wonderful 5-mile run!
Okay, sorry for the novel that is this post. Happy Monday, everyone!
Showing posts with label Local Gastropub. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Gastropub. Show all posts
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday, August 15, 2011
Weekend Wrap-Up
Oh how I love weekends like this! Friday was my sweet sis-in-law's birthday, so of course we had to decorate her cubicle at work:
It makes me so happy to know that there are other people who enjoy making as big of a deal about birthdays as I do. :) That night, my friend Kelly and I went to Painting with a Twist in Germantown. It was a BLAST! They have a theme picked for each night, and you pay $35 or $45 (depending on how long the class is). You can bring in your own wine, and they have an instructor there guiding you throughout the session. Friday's theme was "Wine Lovers," which was perfect for us. I can't wait to go back!
Saturday, I ran four miles, then got ready to meet Kelly for her very last wedding dress fitting. It's been so much fun going with her to all these fittings...her dress is STUNNING, and Will is going to die when he sees her in it. That's my favorite part of a wedding, when the bride starts walking down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time. Such a sweet moment! After that, we went to ol' faithful Las Delicias for lunch. My tab was $4.37, and the food was quite delicious. No joke. This place rules.
That night, it was my company's annual Redbirds outing, so Brent and I rushed to get ready and headed downtown. It was a nice, laid back evening with co-workers.
After that, we walked over to Local Gastropub, of course. As always, it did not disappoint.
Sunday started with a super early morning wake up call at 5:45. Autumn, Erin, and I met at 6:15 and headed to the third RRS race: 5-miler #1. It was the PERFECT morning for a race. Cool, breezy, and overcast. We ran into some other friends while there and finished with a decent time of 40 minutes.
Brent and I made it to the 11:15 service at Hope, then went to Half Shell for an incredible brunch. After that, I went to the mall to finish shopping for Kelly's bachelorette weekend (got a few things for myself, too :), then met my sister at her house to watch her and Cary's wedding videos. They were SO great! The dancing parts were the best. :) Such wonderful memories of a beautiful wedding! That night, Brent made my favorite grilled salmon, asparagus, and bread for dinner, and I got to relax and watch my favorite night of television.
Such a wonderful few days!! I also got in just over 25 miles for the week, which I'm happy with. This week, I get to run three times with my awesome running buddy, so I'm pretty pumped about that!
Happy Monday!
Saturday, I ran four miles, then got ready to meet Kelly for her very last wedding dress fitting. It's been so much fun going with her to all these fittings...her dress is STUNNING, and Will is going to die when he sees her in it. That's my favorite part of a wedding, when the bride starts walking down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time. Such a sweet moment! After that, we went to ol' faithful Las Delicias for lunch. My tab was $4.37, and the food was quite delicious. No joke. This place rules.
That night, it was my company's annual Redbirds outing, so Brent and I rushed to get ready and headed downtown. It was a nice, laid back evening with co-workers.
After that, we walked over to Local Gastropub, of course. As always, it did not disappoint.
Sunday started with a super early morning wake up call at 5:45. Autumn, Erin, and I met at 6:15 and headed to the third RRS race: 5-miler #1. It was the PERFECT morning for a race. Cool, breezy, and overcast. We ran into some other friends while there and finished with a decent time of 40 minutes.
Brent and I made it to the 11:15 service at Hope, then went to Half Shell for an incredible brunch. After that, I went to the mall to finish shopping for Kelly's bachelorette weekend (got a few things for myself, too :), then met my sister at her house to watch her and Cary's wedding videos. They were SO great! The dancing parts were the best. :) Such wonderful memories of a beautiful wedding! That night, Brent made my favorite grilled salmon, asparagus, and bread for dinner, and I got to relax and watch my favorite night of television.
Such a wonderful few days!! I also got in just over 25 miles for the week, which I'm happy with. This week, I get to run three times with my awesome running buddy, so I'm pretty pumped about that!
Happy Monday!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
My Memphis Must-Dos!
I'm ashamed to admit that I have not taken advantage of everything our wonderful city has to offer...and so many of them are FREE! From here on out, on weekends we don't have anything planned (which are sadly few and far between), we're going to start exploring Memphis!
This past weekend, Brent and I made our first trip to the Memphis Farmer's Market downtown. It was just as fabulous as I hoped! Locally grown fruits and veggies, beautiful fresh cut flowers, herbs, organic produce and meats. Mr. Mom was in heaven! :) Let's not forget the fun garden/yard art, pottery, and handmade soaps/body products, which I of course spent too much money on. We even ran into a few friends down there. So fun!
And any time we're out and about in Downtown Memphis, we usually make a stop at our fave restaurant Local Gastropub. As usual, it did not disappoint!
Next on the list is Elmwood Cemetery. This beautiful, historic site interests me so much, and I can't wait to visit! After that, Ghost River Brewery Tour (Brent would surely have this as #1). This is offered just about every Saturday starting at 1pm.
The South Main Art Trolley Tour and a concert at Levitt Shell is on the list as well...I could kick myself for not having done either of these yet.
Check out this list of awesome FREE things to do: http://www.memphistravel.com/free-things-to-do-in-memphis. Also, for those who love Memphis, I highly suggest you follow this fabulous blog: http://ilovememphisblog.com.
What's on your Memphis (or your hometown) to-do list?
This past weekend, Brent and I made our first trip to the Memphis Farmer's Market downtown. It was just as fabulous as I hoped! Locally grown fruits and veggies, beautiful fresh cut flowers, herbs, organic produce and meats. Mr. Mom was in heaven! :) Let's not forget the fun garden/yard art, pottery, and handmade soaps/body products, which I of course spent too much money on. We even ran into a few friends down there. So fun!
And any time we're out and about in Downtown Memphis, we usually make a stop at our fave restaurant Local Gastropub. As usual, it did not disappoint!
Next on the list is Elmwood Cemetery. This beautiful, historic site interests me so much, and I can't wait to visit! After that, Ghost River Brewery Tour (Brent would surely have this as #1). This is offered just about every Saturday starting at 1pm.
The South Main Art Trolley Tour and a concert at Levitt Shell is on the list as well...I could kick myself for not having done either of these yet.
Check out this list of awesome FREE things to do: http://www.memphistravel.com/free-things-to-do-in-memphis. Also, for those who love Memphis, I highly suggest you follow this fabulous blog: http://ilovememphisblog.com.
What's on your Memphis (or your hometown) to-do list?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Weekend Wrap-up!
A note about my new blog background...I'm still not 100% set on it, but I've been looking for a more shabby chic look, and this is the closest I could find to what I wanted. I'm a huge fan of Shabby Blogs, but I found The Cutest Blog on the Block to be just as fun. Let me know your thoughts...
Just a quick summary of this past weekend (or as "quick" as quick can be for me...I do love to write, if you haven't noticed).
This past weekend was so much fun! Friday night, I had the pleasure of watching my gorgeous niece, Bailey. My Dad picked her up from daycare, so I wouldn't have to drive out there after work, so that was very much appreciated. THANK YOU, Dad!! Bailey and I took Buster to the park, then we went back to my house and played in the sprinkler. Hearing her say "let's play in the water" and laughing with that most precious laugh just melted my heart...or maybe it was the 100+ degrees making me melt. ;) Kidding. She is such a joy to be around. So thankful for this sweet blessing in our lives!
Saturday, I woke up around 8:30, went for a five-mile run, then met up with my one of my best friends, Kelly. Her wedding is September 24, and Saturday was her first dress fitting. I am just dying to post a pic, but of course I would never do such a thing...but she looks GORGEOUS in it!!! I can't wait to see Will's face when she walks down the aisle. Kelly's other bridesmaids (with the exception of her sister) met up with us at the alterations place, then we all went to Las Delicias for lunch. To all the Memphis peeps who haven't been there, you MUST go!! It's the most authentic Mexican place I've ever been, and it is sooo cheap! The guacamole is to die for, and their margaritas are quite tasty. After that, we headed over to the mall to shop. Everywhere we went was having a sale, so I splurged a bit. I never go shopping, so I figured what the hell (of course the hubby didn't think it was as great of an idea as me). I headed home after that and cleaned the house. I'm not usually a fan of cleaning on a Saturday, but knew I wouldn't be there at all on Sunday, so I wanted to get it over with. Brent got home shortly after I did, helped me clean, and then grilled up a fabulous dinner: honey-glazed salmon, asparagus, shrimp (in his specially-crafted marinade), and bread. Yum!! Oh yeah...he cooked out Friday night as well. He can be such a wonderful wife sometimes. :)
Sunday was another early morning. A great run, albeit later than usual, followed by some last minute errands, and then I picked up Kelly and her mom (who surprised her by coming in town the night before) before heading to Local Gastropub for Kelly's first bridal shower. It was SO much fun!! There were eight of us there, and it was just perfect. Amazing food, amazing mimosas, amazing service...as always. Chris at Local takes excellent care of us! Kelly got some great stuff, and it was just a fun afternoon of friends and sharing stories of what it takes to make a marriage work. It was truly a great time with great company...complete with maybe 5 out of 20 pictures with my eyes open. Ugh, stupid light-sensitive eyes. At least it made for more laughs. :)
And of course, the True Blood season premiere was Sunday night. Once again, it did not let me down! Here's hoping at least some parts stay true to the book...and judging by the previews, it looks like they will. I heart Eric!!!
Just a quick summary of this past weekend (or as "quick" as quick can be for me...I do love to write, if you haven't noticed).
This past weekend was so much fun! Friday night, I had the pleasure of watching my gorgeous niece, Bailey. My Dad picked her up from daycare, so I wouldn't have to drive out there after work, so that was very much appreciated. THANK YOU, Dad!! Bailey and I took Buster to the park, then we went back to my house and played in the sprinkler. Hearing her say "let's play in the water" and laughing with that most precious laugh just melted my heart...or maybe it was the 100+ degrees making me melt. ;) Kidding. She is such a joy to be around. So thankful for this sweet blessing in our lives!
Saturday, I woke up around 8:30, went for a five-mile run, then met up with my one of my best friends, Kelly. Her wedding is September 24, and Saturday was her first dress fitting. I am just dying to post a pic, but of course I would never do such a thing...but she looks GORGEOUS in it!!! I can't wait to see Will's face when she walks down the aisle. Kelly's other bridesmaids (with the exception of her sister) met up with us at the alterations place, then we all went to Las Delicias for lunch. To all the Memphis peeps who haven't been there, you MUST go!! It's the most authentic Mexican place I've ever been, and it is sooo cheap! The guacamole is to die for, and their margaritas are quite tasty. After that, we headed over to the mall to shop. Everywhere we went was having a sale, so I splurged a bit. I never go shopping, so I figured what the hell (of course the hubby didn't think it was as great of an idea as me). I headed home after that and cleaned the house. I'm not usually a fan of cleaning on a Saturday, but knew I wouldn't be there at all on Sunday, so I wanted to get it over with. Brent got home shortly after I did, helped me clean, and then grilled up a fabulous dinner: honey-glazed salmon, asparagus, shrimp (in his specially-crafted marinade), and bread. Yum!! Oh yeah...he cooked out Friday night as well. He can be such a wonderful wife sometimes. :)
Sunday was another early morning. A great run, albeit later than usual, followed by some last minute errands, and then I picked up Kelly and her mom (who surprised her by coming in town the night before) before heading to Local Gastropub for Kelly's first bridal shower. It was SO much fun!! There were eight of us there, and it was just perfect. Amazing food, amazing mimosas, amazing service...as always. Chris at Local takes excellent care of us! Kelly got some great stuff, and it was just a fun afternoon of friends and sharing stories of what it takes to make a marriage work. It was truly a great time with great company...complete with maybe 5 out of 20 pictures with my eyes open. Ugh, stupid light-sensitive eyes. At least it made for more laughs. :)
Love the style of this pic...especially with the brick background!
The Varsity girls (with the exception of me :)!
Kelly and me!
A parting shot outside Local!
And of course, the True Blood season premiere was Sunday night. Once again, it did not let me down! Here's hoping at least some parts stay true to the book...and judging by the previews, it looks like they will. I heart Eric!!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Festivus Weekend!
What started out as a laid back weekend quickly turned into two days of "I think I'm still in college" madness. It was super fun, don't get me wrong...but as I like to say, I'm never drinking again. :) I sure hope I don't look as bad as I feel today!
Friday was a very much needed chill night, as last week was packed with 10-hour work days and one event after the other. Plus, Brent was out of town most of the week for work, so he was happy to stay in.
Saturday was quite the different story. Autumn and I met up at 7:30 and headed over to the Greenline for a fun 12 miles (so cool that I can say fun about 12 miles now!). We finished in about 1:45, then recovered with a hearty breakfast at Republic Coffee. After that, I ran by Mrs. Post Stationery to pick up my sis' wedding invitations (which are absolutely GORGEOUS and I can't wait to blog about them!) before heading home to get ready.
Saturday was also the annual Southern Hot Wing Festival, which Brent of course is on a team for. He had to be out there at 7 am, which wouldn't have been bad except the weather did a complete 180 on us. While running, it was a brisk 58 degrees, and I was happy in shorts and a thin long sleeve shorts. However, by about noon, the temperature had dropped at least 10 degrees and it looked like the bottom of the sky was going to fall out. Needless to say, it wasn't the best day for a festival. Luckily I came prepared and dressed for the cold temps. After saying a brief hello to the hubby, I met up with my friends and co-workers Angela and Victoria. We proceeded to make our way throughout the fest, stopping by the Celebrity Eating Contest (which Angela was coordinating), and mingling with just about everyone (I have come to the realization that Angela knows every single person in Memphis). :) Despite the cold and dreary weather, alcohol and good company quickly turned our frowns upside down!
It was an early evening for us...though by that time, 8 pm felt a lot like 2 am.
After passing out for a few hours, we surprised ourselves by making it to the early service at church on Sunday, went grocery shopping, tried without success to make it to the Farmer's Market (little did we know it's not open on Sundays), then it was back Downtown with Victoria and Angela. The three of us have been wanting to meet up at Local Gastropub for brunch for quite some time, as Angela's husband is the head chef there. Just last week, we held my sister's bridal shower there, and it was amazing...so I was very excited to go back. Almost four hours, a lot of drinks, fabulous conversation, minimal (but amazing) food, and some fun pictures later, here we are:
While at Local, I also ran into my friend and former co-worker, Andrea...SO great to see her! I was somehow able to remember that I was supposed to meet up with Brent and composed myself enough to walk around the corner to the annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. A few more drinks and lots of old friends later, here we are:
Sunday night, I was very fortunate to have (a) sobered up and (b) the opportunity to go play with my precious niece Bailey. My dad, or "Papa" as Bailey calls him, had her all day, as my little sis Ashley was taken to the hospital for an abscess on her tonsil. How awful! Thankfully she's home now and doing much better. I so enjoyed that time with both my dad and sweet B. We practiced our handstands (girl after my own heart!), ate dinner, sang the Barney theme song, and watched a couple of her favorite shows before bedtime. Love!!
It was a long, eventful weekend, but not long enough as always...I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends and family (one dear friend in particular I wish I had more time with!!). But I have to say I am very much looking forward to a weekend of doing absolutely nothing...with the exception of the Grizzlies playoff game and a fun dinner to celebrate the birth of my husband on Saturday evening! :)
Friday was a very much needed chill night, as last week was packed with 10-hour work days and one event after the other. Plus, Brent was out of town most of the week for work, so he was happy to stay in.
Saturday was quite the different story. Autumn and I met up at 7:30 and headed over to the Greenline for a fun 12 miles (so cool that I can say fun about 12 miles now!). We finished in about 1:45, then recovered with a hearty breakfast at Republic Coffee. After that, I ran by Mrs. Post Stationery to pick up my sis' wedding invitations (which are absolutely GORGEOUS and I can't wait to blog about them!) before heading home to get ready.
Saturday was also the annual Southern Hot Wing Festival, which Brent of course is on a team for. He had to be out there at 7 am, which wouldn't have been bad except the weather did a complete 180 on us. While running, it was a brisk 58 degrees, and I was happy in shorts and a thin long sleeve shorts. However, by about noon, the temperature had dropped at least 10 degrees and it looked like the bottom of the sky was going to fall out. Needless to say, it wasn't the best day for a festival. Luckily I came prepared and dressed for the cold temps. After saying a brief hello to the hubby, I met up with my friends and co-workers Angela and Victoria. We proceeded to make our way throughout the fest, stopping by the Celebrity Eating Contest (which Angela was coordinating), and mingling with just about everyone (I have come to the realization that Angela knows every single person in Memphis). :) Despite the cold and dreary weather, alcohol and good company quickly turned our frowns upside down!
After the sun finally made its appearance :)
It was an early evening for us...though by that time, 8 pm felt a lot like 2 am.
After passing out for a few hours, we surprised ourselves by making it to the early service at church on Sunday, went grocery shopping, tried without success to make it to the Farmer's Market (little did we know it's not open on Sundays), then it was back Downtown with Victoria and Angela. The three of us have been wanting to meet up at Local Gastropub for brunch for quite some time, as Angela's husband is the head chef there. Just last week, we held my sister's bridal shower there, and it was amazing...so I was very excited to go back. Almost four hours, a lot of drinks, fabulous conversation, minimal (but amazing) food, and some fun pictures later, here we are:
Friends!!
Beer!
While at Local, I also ran into my friend and former co-worker, Andrea...SO great to see her! I was somehow able to remember that I was supposed to meet up with Brent and composed myself enough to walk around the corner to the annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. A few more drinks and lots of old friends later, here we are:
Brent and I outside The Pier
Gotta love the bromance!
Sunday night, I was very fortunate to have (a) sobered up and (b) the opportunity to go play with my precious niece Bailey. My dad, or "Papa" as Bailey calls him, had her all day, as my little sis Ashley was taken to the hospital for an abscess on her tonsil. How awful! Thankfully she's home now and doing much better. I so enjoyed that time with both my dad and sweet B. We practiced our handstands (girl after my own heart!), ate dinner, sang the Barney theme song, and watched a couple of her favorite shows before bedtime. Love!!
It was a long, eventful weekend, but not long enough as always...I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends and family (one dear friend in particular I wish I had more time with!!). But I have to say I am very much looking forward to a weekend of doing absolutely nothing...with the exception of the Grizzlies playoff game and a fun dinner to celebrate the birth of my husband on Saturday evening! :)
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