Weekend: Blogger Happy Hour & Sunday Brunch

I'm ready to tackle this week after a fun yet relaxing weekend spent in and around town. On Friday, Pinky was in town so we organized a blogger happy hour with Kerri, Pamela and I at Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar. We had a blast meeting Pinky in person and sipping on some martinis and wine!

Saturday was all about relaxing and getting stuff done around the house plus some blogging and cooking powered by the aroma of pumpkin candles and Lola snuggles.

K and I went out for a sushi lunch date but that was the extent of leaving the house.

On Sunday a friend hosted a brunch at her condo downtown so we started off at her place for a Latino style brunch and Bloody Mary's before heading over to the Fiesta in the Park around Lake Eola to walk around and check out all the local art, entertainment and food vendors.

 Quick reminder that our Kendra Scott + Sephora giveaway ends tomorrow...

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Joining the lovely B for her Weekending linkup.

Weekends are best spent with Friends

Another relaxing, productive, and fun weekend for the books. We finally had a few breaks from the crazy rain that's been lingering the last few weeks so took advantage of some outdoor brunching and fun.

On Friday after work I met up with Kerri and some other peeps at The Porch for some happy hour and end of the week unwinding.

 After happy hour, I picked up some takeout Vietnamese dinner and went home to hang out with K and Lola for the rest of the night. We watched the movie The Switch with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman (2010) and relaxed for the rest of the night.

Saturday was a great day to catch up on some sleep after the busy work week. It was also an exciting mail day. My first Amazon Prime Pantry shipment arrived plus all the fabulous goodies from Amanda's giveaway which were all gorgeous and I got to wear out to brunch the next day!

The rest of Saturday was spent being productive around the house - cleaning, laundry, exercising, food prep, etc. in preparation for our guests visiting next weekend.

On Sunday it was time to celebrate Kate's birthday with some brunch and mimosas downtown at 310 Lakeside. It was such a fun time catching up with friends despite it being a million degrees outside but we were just thankful the rain didn't interfere!

 

How was your weekend?

Joining the lovely Biana for her Weekending linkup.

Rainy Days & Sunday Brunching

Last week's rain continued into the weekend so it made for a fairly relaxing weekend spent at home on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday after work I went to the Asian market to pick up some ingredients for the chicken low mein recipe I posted about on Friday. I loved how cheap everything was and will have to go back to make more Asian inspired recipes.
 

K and I had some happy hour drinks at home on the patio, dinner at home from Publix deli and then watched the movie Drunk Wedding from Redbox which was pretty funny.
 

On Saturday I slept in until 11:30! It was exactly what I needed after the lack of sleep all week. That's the latest I've slept in in a very long time. It was storming all day again so I was productive around the house - laundry, cleaning, meal prepping etc. I put together all the chicken low mein ingredients in the crockpot and let dinner cook itself. It came out amazing!

The weather looked like this most of the weekend but I'm sure Lola was happy to get lots of quality time with us.

On Sunday the weather was still shitty but it held up for us to enjoy some brunch to celebrate one of my best friend's birthday. We all met up at a KASA downtown and enjoyed a really nice brunch buffet along with some mimosas.

Joining the lovely Biana for her Weekending linkup. 

Weekend Entertaining & Brunching

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

As I mentioned last week, some friends arrived on Thursday night to stay with us and visit Orlando/go shopping. On Friday night we went out for some Korean BBQ and sushi which was delish. We cooked different meats on the grill in the middle of the table and enjoyed a variety of salads and sushi from the cold bar.

On Saturday, my guests went out shopping for the day so I took the free time to indulge in pure relaxation at home which consisted of catching up on all my shows, blogging, laundry and all that fun stuff.

On Sunday morning it was time for some brunch. We went to Spice downtown which has a really nice brunch menu along with half priced mimosas and blood marys. We ate on the patio and enjoyed the sunny weather and view of the lake. 

After brunch we walked around the lake and looked at the turtles and swans before heading to Sportstown because the guys insisted on playing some ping pong.

The rest of Sunday was relaxing. K and I grilled out at home for dinner and mentally prepared ourselves for the arrival of Monday. It was nice catching up with one of my best friends from high school and getting to know her boyfriend who is her perfect match. Now back to the grind!

Joining the lovely Biana for her Weekending linkup.

Brunch Cocktail Ideas

Brunch is probably my favorite cheat meal. I've always been a breakfast person and then you add in some cocktails and that just makes it a fun occasion to meet up with friends to catch up and cap off the weekend in style on a Sunday. I have a handful of favorite brunch spots that we frequent but it would be nice to host a brunch one of these days at home for the ladies. I found some fun cocktail recipes that would be perfect to serve. 

Pomegranate Prosecco

Blood Orange Bellini

Kiwi Blueberry Mojito

Old Bay Bloody Mary

Strawberry Smash Cocktail

Pink Lemonade Moscato

And a Mimosa Bar is always fun so your guests can customize their own drinks. This is also a cute idea for bridal showers, engagement parties and jewelry/nail parties.

What's your favorite brunch cocktail?

Weekend Relaxing & Blogger's Brunch

After traveling last weekend, I was in need of a relaxing weekend and that it was...

On Friday after work, K and I went out for some dinner at Red Lobster to use some gift cards from Christmas. Of course dirty martinis ensued but that was the extent of my Friday night.

We slept in on Saturday which was very much needed and then headed out to get some errands done. We stopped at Marshall's for some new home decor and then I spent a few hours with the Geek Squad at Best Buy because genius me spilled wine on my Macbook last week and my laptop immediately died. Stupidest $1000 mistake. Ever! 

I also stocked up on my favorite beer which is now in season ~ Abita Strawberry from New Orleans.




We decorated our master bedroom with the new wall art I picked up from Marshall's.

On Saturday night, we relaxed at home and watched Gone Girl from Redbox and snuggled with Lola.

Image credit

On Sunday morning, I met up with Kate, Kerri & Pamela at Santiago's Bodega for buffet-style brunch and unlimited mimosas. It was a blast catching up with these pretty ladies and fellow bloggers.

Foodspotting & Friends Weekend

Another play-it-by-ear weekend, which turned out to be fun-filled with good food, friends and puppy love.

Friday:

We did our usual Friday date night ~ dinner and drinks followed by a relaxing night at home with movies...

And, of course, snuggles with Lola. Our new slogan for her is "that tongue tho"

Saturday:

We took Lola to her puppy training class and then I headed to the hairdresser to get my hair done. I decided to add a burgundy/purple streak in my hair just for fun!

On Saturday night, K and I went for dinner at an Asian tapas restaurant which was amazing! After dinner, we met up with my "Emily-squared" girl friend for some drinks and to plan out the details for our trip to Vegas this summer.

Sunday:

We went to my favorite brunch spot downtown with friends and brought the pups along to play.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Joining the lovely Biana for her Weekending linkup.