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.

Sunday Brunch: Pineapple Mimosas

I'm a huge fan of brunch on Sundays and mimosas are often a staple. The thing is, I'm not a fan of orange juice so I started experimenting with other juices and pineapple juice has become one of my favorites. Top it off with a strawberry or blueberries and you're all set with a delicious and refreshing brunch beverage!

I fill each glass half way with champagne and the remainder with juice of your choice and then garnish with your favorite fruits.

Enjoy!

Tuesday's Recipe Swap will resume next week. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas break and the holiday season!!

Favorite Brunch Spot in Chicago

I'm not a Chicago local so I'm sure there are tons of great brunch spots in and around the city. This restaurant just happens to be one of my favorite places we tried out on our recent trip to Chicago. We both left the restaurant saying "Wow, that was probably the best brunch we've ever had!"

Bridge House Tavern is located at 321 N Clark Street downtown along Chicago river.

K and I actually just stumbled upon this place while walking around on the Sunday morning and decided it looked like a cool spot to eat outdoors on the river. We took the elevator from the street entrance down to the lower level and found a front row spot by those red umbrellas. Our server was a really cool guy who informed us that bloody marys and mimosas were only $5 on the weekends. That's always music to my ears as I love nothing more than brunching on a patio with cheap/affordable drinks.

K had the corn beef hash with eggs and I had chicken and waffles. I've never been a huge lover of pancakes and waffles but something about theirs was like the Krispy Kreme of waffles. I almost licked the plate.

This was the entrance from the street.

You can't beat the riverside patio on a sunny day watching the boats and cruise tours go by. Of course, there is also indoor seating for the colder months.

I'm definitely missing this beautiful city and hope to go back one day to experience many more great restaurants like the Brick House Taven.

Chicago locals and regulars out there: what's your favorite brunch spot?

Weekend with the Bestie

Hey everyone! Hope you had a fun and relaxing weekend. I'm sad it's

 over because Crystal leaves today. We had such a blast shopping for her wedding and spending time together. 

We spent Friday driving all over town wedding shopping.

 

On Friday night, K took us out to an indoor skydiving place which was so much fun. I don't consider myself an adrenaline junkie especially because I'm afraid of heights but Crystal loves that sort of thing so we tried out some simulated skydiving.  

After the adrenaline rush, we headed to Taverna Opa for some Greek dinner and drinks. This place is always a good time with dancing on tables and celebrating Greek style.

Saturday: More shopping happened and of course I bought stuff unplanned.

 

Saturday night we headed downtown to my favorite sushi place for some dinner and drinks. Shari Sushi Lounge has $4.25 rolls and drinks everyday from 5-7pm which you seriously can't beat.

  

The Come Out With Pride parade was also going on downtown so we went to check it out and walk around the lake since it was a beautiful night. 

On Sunday, we cooked some brunch at home and relaxed after running around & shopping like crazy people for the past few days. Eggs Benedict and pineapple mimosas were on the menu.

Joining Biana for Weekending and Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip. 

Weekending: Live Music, Brunching & Hibachi

 What a fun and hectic weekend!

After work on Friday we headed to Cocoa Village to see Stephen Marley, Slightly Stoopid and a few other bands perform. It was storming heavily all afternoon and finally cleared up just in time for the show. The venue was on the riverfront so lots of people drove their boats up and it was a really great night out with friends.

Before the show, we checked out a couple spots in the village including this cute British pub called The Dog & Bone.

On Saturday we had brunch with one of my college best friends that drove 4 hours to go to the show. We go to Maxine's on Shine downtown Orlando every time she's in town to get chicken and waffles and ginormous mimosas. They also have live music and a great atmosphere for brunch on the weekends.

K had the world's yummiest looking bloody mary.   

On Saturday night we went out to celebrate Kate's birthday at a hibachi restaurant with friends. 

Sunday was perfectly lazy. Lazy as in I cooked, cleaned, did laundry, blogged, worked out and got caught up before another busy work week.

How was your weekend?

Joining Biana for Weekending and Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip. 

Disney Dinner Blate & Sunday Brunching

Monday meets us again way too soon but hope everyone had a great weekend!

On Friday night I met up with Kate, Bella and Deborah for a dinner blate at an Italian restaurant in Downtown Disney. It was such a great time getting to know these ladies and chatting about blogging and our lives.

On Saturday, K and I spent the day together getting some errands done and then had a sushi lunch date.

Florida is hot, hot, hot! We got in the car after lunch and the temperature outside was over 100 degrees.

We picked up some Banana Bread beer to try out and the "Guilt Trip" movie from Redbox and had a chill Saturday night at home.

On Sunday, I met up with some friends downtown for brunch to celebrate one of my besties 32nd birthday. Lord knows brunching is one of my favorite "past-times". It was a great time catching up with friends as usual.

We hopped around downtown Orlando and ended at Aku Aku (Hawaiian Tiki Bar) for some "Tiger Fuckers". So glad I got to see my girls and spend the end of my weekend with great friends!

How was your weekend? 

Joining Molly for Funday Monday and Biana for Weekending.