Wine Tasting

So Steve and I have been trying to come up with some new fun ideas for a date night. One idea that we came up with was wine tasting. I’ve only done it once when I was 21 and I didn’t really like wine back then so I think this might be fun because I will have more of an appreciation for it (that’s what Steve tells me). 

We were doing some research to find a nice vineyard near us and we came across Grape Creek. My cousin went there one time and said it was absolutely GORGEOUS! She also said that we can take a tour of the vineyard which I think would be so fun to do!

So ever since we decided to go wine tasting, I’ve been totally obsessing with finding out everything I can about wine so I can pretend to be an expert. I think I’ve been to every wine blog and website out there. One blog that I really enjoy reading is 1 Wine Dude. He talks about different vineyards and types of wine. It’s getting me really excited!

I also checked out Bloomberg’s wine news to see if there is anything new out there that I should know about. They have a ton of great information and helpful wine reviews. So far, I am definitely still an amateur. Maybe after our trip, I will actually know what I’m talking about….somewhat :)

I will be sure to post pictures after our trek out to Fredericksburg!

Top 7 to-dos for summer time!

Here are the top seven to-do’s for summer time as well as a few ways to have fun!

1. Enjoy the pool & invite friends over: Even if it isn’t used that holiday weekend, it is still nice to sit by the pool and enjoy a cocktail and have a BBQ with family and friends.

2. Get the garden going: While late May and early June is the perfect time frame for setting up your garden, you can still do it in July! Make sure you turn the soil and look into what plants will thrive best in your area. If you aren’t sure, consult the staff at your local garden center. To help plant growth along, try starting with small plants instead of seeds. The website Urban Farmer is a great website for planting and gardening advance and buying.

3. Birthday parties: If anyone is going to plan a birthday party, the summer is the time to do it! Unlike winter birthdays, you get to enjoy the weather and sunshine outside when having a summer birthday party. Birthday parties in the summer mean lawn games, BBQs, and swimming in the pool.

 4. “Non-summer birthday” party: While everyone loves to have a birthday party, the best time to have a party is in the summer. So why not plan a “non-summer birthday” party? If your birthday is December 15th, have a “half year party” June 15th! If you are going to have a birthday party, you need to go all out with birthday cake, favors, party hats, and treat bags. Think about how much you loved going to birthday parties as a child and go all out. By doing so, both the kids and the adults will have a great time!

5. Camp out…in the backyard:You can roast marshmallows, tell funny stories and just enjoy time with your friends.

6. Go to a public farm: There are lots of farms that are open to the public, so check out one! Many farm owners enjoy showing off their farms and teaching the public about what they do on a day-to-day basis. You can all learn how to milk a cow, collect eggs from a chicken, and feed goats. Local Farms can help you find a farm in your area.

Have a great summer!

Summer Bod

So I’ve fallen off the fitness bandwagon and decided it’s time to get back on. I was doing so well eating healthy, running, and working out… and then… well, not sure what happened really, but I stopped! Now it’s summer time and it’s time to get back into the swing of things, it’s never too late right?

The only problem is now it is WAY too hot to run outside, and I really HATE going to the gym after work because it’s just so crowded. I’ve decided I’m going to start working out at home.. why not!  So I think I’m going to splurge and order the Insanity Workout from Beachbody!  Not sure what I’m getting myself into with this one.. I’ve heard it’s super intense.
After watching this little clip of it online, I’m pretty scared…



While I was checking out the website I came across some other cool gear I may need too! I’ve always wanted a heart rate monitor just so I can see if I’m reaching my target heart rate and that my workout is actually effective. Judging by the looks of this Insanity video, I really don’t think I’ll have an issue reaching my target heart rate though!  I’m also definitely going to be purchasing a stability ball . Not like I’m going to want to do my own ab workouts on top of doing the Insanity workout, but I think I’m going to try swapping out my chair at work for the stability ball for some extra core work!

I’m so excited to get these new products and start my new health kick! Now all I need is some new Lululemon workout clothes. Can you tell I’m addicted to shopping?! Hopefully Steve doesn’t kill me when he finds out about all the stuff I’m buying! :) 

Planning a baby shower!

So a week ago I found out one of my friends from my old job is going to be having a little boy! How exciting! Since she had moved to Texas from the Northeast just like I did, she doesn’t really have any family here, so I offered to throw the baby shower. I’m pretty excited to throw my first baby shower.

 I still have a while to go but I started thinking of some ideas…

Baby shower invitation from Tiny Prints

Mustache Banner

Mustache Chocolate

I know the whole mustache trend is starting to get old, but I honestly think it’s adorable for a baby shower theme! What do you guys think?

Creamy Goat Cheese and Kale topped Portobello

So I wanted to try something a little different and when I came across this recipe and knew I had to try it. I just recently started eating portobello mushrooms (Steve made me try them) and I actually really like them now. They are healthy, filling and delicious! I never liked mushrooms but now they are growing on me. I was hesitant about working with the kale because I have only ever used Kale to make Kale chips in the oven but it ended up turning out great and really filling. Here's the recipe, I'll definitely be making this again. Could be used as a small meal or as a side dish. 

What you need

-Large portobello mushroom

-Kale 

-Olive oil 

-Goat Cheese

-Garlic

-Sun dried tomatoes

-Salt and Pepper to taste

What to do

Roast the mushrooms in the oven until they start to get brown and juicy. Meantime in a frying pan add the oil and garlic and then the kale and let it all cook down. Once the kale has cooked down add the goat cheese and chopped sun dried tomato and watch it all melt together then put it on top of the mushroom and put it back in the oven for another few minutes. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Yesterday I wanted to experiment with some recipes from Pinterest so I tried this no bake oatmeal cookie. The recipe was very simple and it was all things that I already had in my house which made it even easier. 

What you'll need
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 stick butter 
- 3 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 cups oatmeal (old fashioned rolled oats, not instant)

What to do

Mix the sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan.

Boil for 1 minute.

Add the peanut butter and vanilla. 

Mix quickly until peanut butter melts, then add the oatmeal and mix til well blended.

Drop spoonfuls on tin foil, wax paper or parchment. Allow to set and cool completely.

Makes 2 dozen 3 inch cookies.

They were delish! I even froze some for when my friends come next week. 

Let's Go Mountaineers!

So how about those Mountaineers!! 

Steve and I waited all day for this game to come on! We spent the day Saturday doing things around the house and I went grocery shopping. We also carved pumpkins and I made some roasted pumpkin seeds. 

I made taco rollups for dinner click here for the recipe they were sooooo good but they didn't look a thing like the picture which was fine with me. I don't care how they look as long as they taste amazing! Here's a picture of what they were suppose to look like...and I'll spare you from my disaster of a picture

And then we tuned in to watch the WVU Game! What a game I was nervous for a little but Steve was cool, calm and collected as usual. After the win we were both ecstatic! I wore a West Virginia shirt to the grocery store and got so many compliments! Today (Sunday) we just finished watching the Steelers beat the Eagles and are enjoying a relaxing weekend at home. I turned the couch into a pillow nest and have been laying here working and watching football all day.

For dinner we are going to have left over eggplant parm that I froze a few weeks ago. I've never froze individual pieces of eggplant parm and then reheated them so I wonder how they are going to be ill let you all know! Happy Sunday!