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?