Food & Texas

Visiting Gerred in Texas for Spring Break was absolutely fantastic. It was so nice to spend time with my fiancé again, running, beaching, and exploring. We tried our own hand at cooking new recipes and enjoyed all the fun and food Texas had to offer on nights out.

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by a big hug followed by, "There's this Bar-B-Q place in San Antonio we have to try!" Now, I never was a huge BBQ fan, until my southern road trip with Danny and Sam back in December. After pone trip down south and my tastebuds got hooked on all things BBQ. And OMG BBQ was Augies Barbed Wire Smoke House good. Sloppy. Meaty. Everything. I kept joking, that I couldn't be happier to share BBQ with my BBQ-T.

The first night of Spring Break we picked out a few recipes to try over the week. We started off with a Quick Lime Cilantro Chicken that neither of us were too thrilled with and we think it had to do with the bottled lime juice instead of actual limes as well as the overpowering cayenne powder. We learned that we won't be making that again. At least we had a side of honeyed brussels sprouts (we are wild about brussels sprouts) and wine followed by Disney's Frozen. My takeaway was that the film was cute, but overall did not deserve all the hype surrounding it.

The next day Gerred and I headed to the beach across the street from his house for a picnic. Essentially, it was super chilly in Texas, but the sun came out at one point and we enjoyed sandwiches, chips, and fruit. After that I feel like I'm 100% ready for beach life when we get married and that everyone should take more picnics.

Gerred and I went shopping in the only mall in Corpus Christi so I could get cheap disposable running clothes for the Jailbreak 5K. Well when we went out I saw sale upon sale and realized I had a gift card at Victoria's Secrets. Basically, I snagged a Union Jack sweater and necklace from Forever 21, a cute Brooks running shirt from Dick's Sporting Goods, and a bikini that actually fit me from Victoria's Secrets all for under $50. In short, I'd say it was a good haul. After returning from our shopping, we cooked up some delicious Hawaiian Chicken. Delicious and Paleo!

When I think Texas, I think cowboy boots. So Gerred and I had to stop at Cavender's Boots to witness the seriously Texas boots that lined all the shelves. We got a kick out of just how cowboy the place was. Then we made the most delicious Rustic Tomato Kale Stew ever. We had so much we wound up having it for lunch over and over. I'll be making this again, I can tell you that.

Another night, we decided to venture away from the kitchen and explore downtown Corpus Christi. It all seemed very deserted, but clean and safe. It looked like there was a ton of renovation going on and I hope to see some great things from the city. My favorite part of downtown, was this robot mural that I proceeded to dance in front of. 

"There's only one kind of dance,

The robot

Well, the robo boogie…

Oh yes, the robo-

Two kinds of dances."

- Flight of the Concords

Once we sufficiently explored the town we headed to this small Thai restaurant called Thai Spice. I ordered the Red Curry and it came out in an actual coconut. Let me tell you, they weren't kidding around when they called it Thai Spice. My mouth was on fire and I was so confused, but it turned out that the whole restaurant was made sure everything that was in the curry was natural. So the curry's I've had before at Lemongrass had never amounted to the spice I witnessed that day.

Before Gerred and I visited the Alamo Draft House to see The Grand Budapest Hotel, we stopped by this perfectly hip restaurant in downtown Austin, Second Bar and Kitchen. I highly recommend it! We sipped out blood and stone cocktails up on the balcony overlooking all the South by Southwesters. Ah we absolutely loved it and even better, we shared some of the most mouth watering brussels sprouts ever. Brussels sprouts + mint +goat cheese + bacon = Yum.

That night we watched the sunset over Lake Travis and in the morning we found waffles in the shape of Texas. We gave it a chocolate center so we could say "Deep in the heart of a texas waffle is a chocolate center."

Loved the trip. Loved the food. Loved the company.

A Day in Annapolis

I had a wonderful day back home in Annapolis. It was simply beautiful out, the streets were flooded per usual, shops, movies, and people were seen and it was in all around great day.

After picking up Gerred from the Academy, I went to The Pink Crab and tried on this cute Amberly Dress that I think would be perfect for the St. Johns/Navy Croquet Match or Easter Sunday.

I then checked out the Grand Opening of Refuel in Annapolis. It's run by my old manager from American Eagle and I will definitely be stopping by before I run any races this year. She had a promotional push up contest for 50% off. I set the record for 21 in the morning, but someone may have taken my spot by the end of the day.

We then headed over to Nano's for a sushi lunch. I had the Kamikaze roll. Afterwards, I even picked up a few postcards to send for postcrossing.

I then saw the Navy Seals movie, Act of Valor, with Gerred at the mall. It was so real since they used actual seals and it definitely got the appropriate applause from the audience of both midshipman and civillians alike. And can I just say if this movie doesn't make you appreciate the United States Navy than I don't know what will. 

We then headed over to Cadillac Ranch for Andrea's 23rd Birthday and there was a bull riding contest. Gerred has a really great stance there.

From left to right we have Winters (Phoenix's sister,) Andrea, Katie, and me. My pose is a little strange, but whatever.

Best friend and me. She's wearing heels, but even then she's like an inch or two taller. Tomorrow we're having a pre-bachelorette t-shirt decorating party at my house for Katie with Caroline and Andrea. As well as Aileen's 20th Birthday tomorrow in downtown Annapolis.

Weekend back home = Yes!

Shannon

My Week In Instagram

I've just started using Instagram (a little late) and thought I'd share with everyone my week according to Instagram.

First Instagram with my leopard scarf.

I've been trying to drink more tea.

I like having classes in the Lit House because I get to sit on a couch and because of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Literary Style on the wall and ceilings.

Studying for Foundations of Western Literature: Bible.

I got Eye Rock Designer Liner Stickers and I tried them out. They look silly up close, but from afar they're alright.

My friends and I were adventurous and ventured out to The Lemon Leaf Cafe in Downtown Chestertown for dinner.

I'd say it's been a good week.

Shannon

New Years Date

This New Years, Gerred and I went out for a New Years Date. After last New Years 2011 dinner at Osteria followed by fireworks in Ego Alley we had to go all out again.

Here's a weird picture of us making silly faces. We were catching up with Katie and Phoenix before the fireworks for some hot chocolate. This time for 2012 we did dinner and a movie with style.

We saw Girl With the Dragon Tattoo at this theater with leather seats that lean back. Those seats made going to the movie theater so comfortable. It was a nice mysterious drama and even though I have not read the books yet (I was too busy with English courses) I enjoyed it. I mean, there was one scene that was a little too violent, but I would still highly recommend it to everyone. Great storyline and that magic "movie" feel that makes me feel all snug in the dark. Anyways, I'll have to watch the Swedish ones since they've been downstairs for a year.

After the movie, we headed to Downtown Albuquerque for our reservations at Tuccanos Brazilian Grill. I'd never been to a Brazilian grill before, it's apparently like Fogo De Chao in Baltimore.

 Basically you have this marker that when you flip it to green they bring you meat, vegetables, and pineapple on skewers. When you flip it back to red they stop. There was so much food, but it was absolutely fun to see something different like that. I think trying new things is certainly the way to go with restaurants and all parts of life.

What a wonderful night to bring in the New Year!

Shannon

DC Trip - Part 3

What's a trip to Georgetown without visiting the famous Georgetown Cupcakes of TLC's DC Cupcakes? So we had to see for ourselves.

We waited in the cold Fall air in the line that went out the door, huddling for warmth in the cold Fall air.

Then two people from Georgetown Cupcakes came out with thermoses of Hot Chocolate and distributed to us free Hot Cocoa. It certainly kept us warm and was awfully nice.

Once we got inside there were just so many cupcakes.

So fancy.

The pink boxes are so iconic. I'd almost equate them to a blue Tiffany box.

I even got to see them bake and decorate the cupcakes.

That day there was a promotional deal for both their new book and for the wedding that included one free cupcake for everyone and the free hot chocolate we got outside. I got red velvet and pumpkin spice.

My favorite Red Velvet!

YUM!