Hot Springs, NC

Last weekend my Mom, Audrey, Jared, and I went to Hot Springs, NC.  Oh and Franny of course! We all stayed in a very tiny cabin at Hot Springs Spa and Resort that was for sleeping only! It did have air conditioning in case we got hot or heat in case we got cold, but it was still very tiny!

We arrived late Friday and decided to kick off our trip with some cold ones. Dinner that night was done by Audrey. She brought a big pot of chili that was precooked so all we had to do was to heat it on the stove. It was DELISH!

We had a slow start to Saturday just hanging around the cabin and the fire. Sipping on champagne and eating a late breakfast.

Shortly after breakfast we went on a hike around the campground  - LOL so not really hiking. What?! We drank a LOT of champagne. 

After our "hike" we headed in to town for a quick bite to eat before our appointment at the Hot Springs Spa. All of us each ordered appetizers to share. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but their fried pickles and mozzarella sticks were ahhhhmazzing. They actually fried whole pickle spears (yum) and the mozzarella sticks not only had cheese but ham and pepperoni in them. My belly was more than happy to be full, but not happy to be in a bathing suit not too soon after eating.

We took a short drive over to the Hot Springs Spa where they fill up hot tubs with natural hot springs water. It was very relaxing, but after about 30 minutes we were done and ready to get back to drinking.

On the menu for dinner were scallop boats and kabobs. Of course we had a late dinner because everyone was still full from lunch, but it turned out great! 

The next morning Jared and I got up early and headed home. We were ready to sleep in our bed - plus a certain someone forgot their pillow and our blanket/comforter. 

All in all it was a nice weekend spent in the mountains with great friends, food, and plenty of alcohol.

Solo Trip to Raleigh

Friday after I got off work I headed home to cook dinner and pack for my trip to Raleigh. Jared and I made these delicious stuffed shells that of course required the use of the casserole dish again.

I quickly made a dessert for the tailgate (NC State vs Boston College)finished my glass of wine and headed off to bed. I was so eager to get back to the city I used to call home. 

After a short two and a half hour drive I had made it! Audrey, Alyson, and I met up at Alyson's house before it was off to the tailgate. The tailgate was filled with champagne, beer, food, and of course friends. Unfortunately a few of us did not dress appropriately for the weather. Long sleeves and scarves (not summer scarves) in 80 degree weather?! What were we thinking?

We dined on BBQ sandwiches, sausage dip, and everything unhealthy - clearly not sticking to my

diet at a tailgate. 

The short time we were in the game (due to the rain) I was able to capture this stunning photo of my friends Audrey and Alyson. Definitely will find a good place to put this in my house :)

The rain kind of dampened the mood (LOL) so we headed back to Alyson's and ordered pizza (ughhh I know more unhealthy food). After resting our feet and our livers we had to motivate ourselves to get it together and go out for our friend Katie's birthday. 

The first stop was at Calvela a great Mexican restaurant that has SUPERB nachos and excellent margaritas. Unfortunately we were all still full from the pizza so there were no nachos to be eaten :(

But we did save room for margaritas.

After Calvela we headed to Capital City Tavern for some dancing, which was highly entertaining. We got there rather early so it wasn't as crowded, but once people (youngins) started packing in it was time to go. 

Alyson, Charlie (long time friend), and I headed to Landmark - this was our jam the first couple of years out of college. The mood/scene is a little different and the beers are more expensive...but it was still fun going back. It had been a long day/night so after one beer we headed home.

The next day we went to brunch at Cameron Bar and Grill which was not my favorite. I was very disappointed that I had wasted a meal there while I was in Raleigh. Shortly after brunch I headed home because I was exhausted and wanted to catch the Panthers game - what a disappointment.

It was great seeing friends in Raleigh and to actually be in Raleigh (gah I love that place) even though it was for a short while. However, I will be back in a month for the NC State vs Wake Forest game!

Random Things

I finally made something healthy that did not include a casserole dish. It was pretty easy too - it just consisted of baked salmon and steamed broccoli (put some asiago cheese on top of the broccoli). Jared and I have noticed that every meal we cook consists of olive oil (shit aint cheap)and garlic, but the good thing is we both love it - clearly.

Jared's sister and her husband are currently in Jamaica (they have been since Saturday - jealous) so we are watching their dog (Gabby) until this Sunday. And I have to say I haven't minded it.

Now don't get me wrong that sweet pup sleeping right there is an escape artist. She loves to venture out in the neighborhood, which we never have to worry about that with Franny because she always stays in the yard. Also, she sheds, I know she is a dog, but she sheds A LOT. I think Gabby is just preparing me for our future goldendoodle (which will not shed).

My freaking sister is a senior in high school - still can't believe. And can you check out how my dad still has a great tan going on?? WTH why can't I be that tan right now?? Anyway I'm so proud of her for surviving high school - gah what a nightmare. She is looking at going to ECU for sports medicine..of course I want her to go to the best school in America - NC STATE, but they don't have sports medicine as a major :(

Any who that's my random assortment of things and I'm headed to Raleigh this weekend!

I WILL take more pictures - I hope.

Gatlinburg Trip

So not last weekend but the weekend before Jared and I went to to Gatlinburg, TN. It was my anniversary present to Jared (which was back in July). I don't know if you have every been to Gatlinburg before but it's very touristy. They have a little strip with shops and restaurants that Jared and I weren't very interested in because they were very commercial. It was still fun to get out and see a new place, but next time we will definitely get a cabin way up in the mountains. However, the whole reason we were there was to go whitewater rafting. We drove 2 hours further West to Oconee, TN where apparently they have the most popular river to go rafting on? Anyway it was a blast and I definitely want to do it again! I was scared at first because our rafting instructor only had around 5 teeth, but I began to trust him. "You're here to raft not swim" - that sentenced had me sold. He also made up numbers like "There are around 5,327 rocks in this river and you don't need to hit any of em." I thought he was hilarious. Of course I didn't take any pictures of the rafting trip, but I did manage to snap a couple...

The view from our hotel room.

Our last meal (breakfast) before we headed back home :(

All in all I think we had a great trip!

From New Jersey to North Carolina

Last week I had to go on a work trip to Red Bank, New Jersey. I was terrified. This would be the first time I would be traveling alone, and I did not want to get lost on the Jersey turnpike. However, it ended up being a breeze of a trip besides the fact that the rental car place was in the ghetto and the hotel overbook my room the first night. The best part of the trip was the second night there when I did get to stay at the hotel I had originally planned on staying in. I was done with all my work, and I could finally relax. See below for my relaxation pictures.

The hotel was right on the water, which gave me this amazing view as seen above. Red Bank, New Jersey is beautiful - the complete opposite of what you see on the Jersey Shore show. 

So, if you ever find yourself in New Jersey take a trip to Red Bank and stay at The Molly Pitcher Inn. The bar service is wonderful as well as the food! 


I came back home Thursday night and Friday we were headed to Wilmington to visit some friends of ours. Zero pictures were taken except the one below. 

My best friend, Heather, has the most adorable puppy. Jared said "if we ever get a small dog, I want to have one just like this." HAHA we are getting a Golden Doodle you silly little man. I guess if we wanted a third dog I'd be down.

Anyway it was great catching up with friends, but we had to rush home Sunday because we were going to the Panthers vs Steelers game. Well I was just going to tailgate, but Jared was going into the game.

It was the perfect day for tailgating especially if you were lucky enough to find shade. I was exhausted by the end of the tailgate and could not wait to crawl in bed - of course Jared was skipping into the stadium. Doubt he was skipping out :(

It was a long week last week, and this weekend we are off to Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Hopefully I'll remember to take pictures...

Charlotte Restaurants

A goal of mine is to go to a Charlotte restaurant I have never been to before at least every couple of weeks. Hopefully Jared will be on board - if not I'll give him a big screw you and go with a friend :)

A couple weeks ago Taylor and I went to The Liberty  located in the heart of South End for lunch, and damn was it delicious. Both of us got the Painted Hill's Natural Crunch Burger (pimento cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, stacked with house chips) with a side of fries. Of course we could have ordered one of their salads, but why the hell would we have done that when they have burgers???

Of course I had to have a beer wash it down. If you are looking for a good burger while you're in Charlotte I highly suggest looking this place up!

My instagram has exploded with pictures of food.

Yes, I have become one of those girls that has to snap a photo every time I cook something. I mean I'm still getting used to the fact that I can cook so it's like I need to document it to make sure it's real. I have to admit I am not the only one in the kitchen cooking - Jared does assist. However, he gets on my damn nerves. I will print the recipe out and he pretends like he can't read. Well, sometimes he really can't...but he will keep asking me for measurements and what to do next when it is right there on the paper I PRINTED OUT. Sorry, it just kills me. 

The food I have veered towards cooking most likely will end up in a casserole dish. And I am always trying to go the healthier route when choosing ingredients, but sometimes I just can't seem to find them :) Take a look at the meals I have been cooking up lately in the pictures below.

Caprese Mac and Cheese

Caprese Dip

Enchiladas!

A Weekend at Lake Gaston

I used to spend almost every weekend at Lake Gaston growing up. My mom and guncle (gay uncle) got a place up there when I was around 6 years old, and it was definitely worth it. For those of you who don't know this lake is located on the Eastern part of the state. Half of it is in North Carolina and the other half is in Virginia. It's a quiet lake - nothing like Lake Norman. Don't get me wrong I like both lakes, but at Lake Gaston it's just so peaceful as my friend Audrey would say.

Speaking of Audrey she accompanied me on my trip to Lake Gaston this weekend. Raleigh is on the way to the Lake so I swung by and picked her up. In a short hour and a half we were there. Mom of course greeted us as soon as we pulled up to the trailer. Yes, trailer. Mom arrived a few hours ahead of us, therefore she was already pretty deep into her wine bottle. Audrey and I were jealous. So as soon as we put our bags down we poured a glass of wine and settled in on the screened-in porch. All three of us spent the night catching up until the wine was gone and so were we.

The best thing about the lake is the screened-in porch - we spend almost every second out there when we aren't on the dock. Every morning starts off with baileys and coffee then we jump into the champagne. Notice how I didn't say mimosas because we only drink champagne.

We typically head/stumble to the pier around oneish where sunscreen is or is not required. Saturday was SUPER hot so most our time was spent jumping in and out of the water.

After a few hours, we were spent. We decided to head up change into some dry clothes and eat dinner, but not before changing beer out for wine of course. I'm telling you being at the lake can give your liver a run for its money.

Mom made some of the best chicken wings I've had in awhile. She uses my grandaddy's sauce which MAKES the chicken wings. Oh and you have to burn the outside of the wings to a crisp. Sorry rambling on about chicken wings, but hell they were good. The night wrapped up pretty quickly after dinner and after a day of drinking.

Sunday was overcast and I was extremely hungover so Audrey and I cut out around noon to make in home in time for FOOTBALL. God bless America that football is back.

A Delayed Labor Day Weekend Post

This post will be pretty short - One because it was so long ago I don't really remember and two because I only have like three pictures. 

We hung around the Charlotte area for the weekend. Saturday morning consisted of yard work and cleaning the entire house. I hate cleaning the house, but I hate yard work more so I normally do the inside and Jared does the outside. Getting old fucking sucks. 

The rest of the afternoon was filled with college football. NC State played early in the afternoon and ECU played in the evening. HOUSE DIVIDED. Thanks again Audrey for the beautiful wreath!

Since we were planning on going out that night I had to make something for dinner that was going to soak up the alcohol. And so we have the Chicken Cordon Blue Pasta Bake.

I got this dish off of a website, http://www.emilybites.com/, that has great low fat recipes. Perfect if you are trying to stick to your weight watchers diet. Side note: I did not use whole wheat pasta. What?! Food Lion didn't have any...

After dinner, we went to a bar in the epicenter located in downtown Charlotte called Mortimers (http://www.mortimerspub.com/) to watch the ECU game.  Apparently it is an ECU bar...as if I care. We met up with a couple of Jared's college buddies, and enjoyed a few rounds of beers and shots while we watched the game. After they started creaming NC Central we decided to head on over to VBGBs (http://vbgbuptown.com/), which stands for Very Big German Beer. I highly recommend this place to anyone who comes to Charlotte. They have every outdoor activity you could think of - volleyball, lifesize chess, cornhole, etc. Please go if you get a chance!

Sunday we spent the day with Jared's family at his parents' neighborhood pool. I struggled MAJORLY that day due to all the drinking I did before, but I sucked it up and had a beer with dinner.

Monday I went shopping with Jared's sister, Stephanie, and Taylor at the Charlotte Premium Outlets. We didn't find much, but it was nice to get out with them and be away from Jared for a little while. Gotta have your space - I'm just sayin. After a morning slash afternoon spent shopping I headed home to a house full of boys doing a fantasy draft. Yawn.

Sorry the weekend was not that exciting, but every once in awhile it's good to have a boring weekend.

Miss Teen Garner 2006

No I was not Miss Teen Garner 2006, but my dear friend Lauren Elizabeth Rhodes Harris was. This past weekend we made the long trek to New Bern, NC to celebrate Miss Lauren's 25th birthday. I had not seen Lauren since Christmas and since New Bern is such a cute little town I didn't mind making the drive to see her. Added bonus a couple of my other friends were going to be there, and her husband's family has a boat :)

Ain't no sham in denying it, but I'll admit it - I stole a bunch of pictures from instagram because like I said I am horrible at remembering to take pictures. The caption on this picture is a great example of Lauren. Everything is the "Best .... in America (Amurrica)." You can't help but love her. Of course we did the boobs and up shot while we were in our bathing suits. We did get rained on, but luckily it was only for a short while. We headed in early so we could get ready for what Lauren didn't know yet, but Shep (Lauren's husband) had planned a surprise cook-out party!

While we were getting ready I had to snap a selfie with their adorable puppy Millie. Come December I will own one of these precious pups myself! Still winning Jared over on that one. 

Once we got all dolled up of course it was time to take a group photo.

At this point Lauren thinks we are still going somewhere out to eat - bless her. After Shep's mother stopped by to drop off some fixins for the burgers she started to get a little suspicious. Then her parents and brother showed up. I laughed so hard because she yelled "DONNA?!" (her mother) in a what the hell southern accent. Other people started arriving and Lauren was equally as shocked as people kept coming. After a few hours of eating and chatting - the parents left and it was time to really drink. We played a couple games of flip cup and then headed to the bars. 

I told Jared to stay at home because he was a little too far gone, but against my advice he went out. However, not for long. Shep and Jared headed home early (around 12:00ish) with not your typical cab service. Apparently it's really hard to get a cab in New Bern so they hire high schoolers to drop them off and pick them up. Strange, but innovative. We stayed out until the bars closed, and as you can see by Lauren's caption we had a rough next morning.

Jared and I unwilling got out of bed to make the trip home. We said our goodbyes and drank tons of water/Gatorade on the way home. 

I swear the older I get the more I hurt the morning after.

What is happening to me?

I've started crafting and cooking. What. The. Fuck. Not too long ago (before I moved to the burbs) my dinners consisted of dinosaur chicken nuggets, egg sandwiches, and frozen pizza. Now I'm making shit like baked eggplant parmesan?Again, I ask, what is happening to me? Jared's sister-in-law, Taylor (also a very good friend of mine), is very crafty and I think she is rubbing off on me. At least when we were crafting she offered that we drink while we craft. SOLD! See results below of the new found me. 

If you are't familiar with the quote on the pallet above - that is the North Carolina state toast. My dad used to recite this alllll the time even though he's from Virginia (he's a strange man). When I saw my friend Alyson used the toast on a piece of her home decor I wanted it in my home as well. It took a couple days to finish and a couple months to hang, but I think it has made a great addition to our home!

Speaking of great additions to our home Jared's parents gave us rocking chairs for our birthdays. The screened-in porch that Jared is building is almost complete, and these two pretties are going to look great out there. Once again, what is happening to me? 

Jared's 25th Birthday

I've come to realize I'm not great at taking pictures for my blog, however, I'm working on it. It was especially hard this weekend because we went to Lake Norman to celebrate Jared's 25th birthday. And when you're at the lake the last thing you want to do is be on your phone or take pictures of yourself while you're in a bathing suit. It always has to be a boobs and up picture for me because everything below that no one wants to see. Hell, maybe not even boobs and up. Any way we got to Lake Norman on Friday.

           

Taylor (Jared's sister-in-law) was kind enough to let us stay at her Maw Maw's lake house, and as you can see by the picture above this place is AWESOME. We grilled up some burgers to go along with a side of chips, and relaxed until it was time to head downtown.

We went to a place called Ri Ra's (http://www.rira.com/charlotte/) which is a pretty fun bar especially when they have a band, but the place can get packed. Like so packed it takes a good 30 minutes to get a drink - aint nobody got time for that. Booze is key when being packed in by what feels like a hundred people. I need to be drunk to deal with that. But back to Jared's birthday - the only picture I got is the one below - please take notice of Ben's awkward hand, and Blake's ecstatic face.

I'm pretty sure Jared had a good time because he couldn't talk or walk by the end of the night. Some people just can't handle their alcohol. The rest of the weekend was full of relaxation and alcohol. We consumed sunshine, margaritas, champagne, beers, wine, and I could go on. 

I guess now that we are getting older you get "old" person gifts for your birthday. See picture of him and his ladder below.

While he was up there I told him to clean the gutters - he started to and then realized it was still his birthday. Since living in the burbs I have tried to become more domestic, therefore, since it was his birthday I took a crack at making Jared this molten chocolate lava cake that he never shuts up about. I had consumed almost a bottle of wine (not a double bottle) before starting to cook/bake it, but I think somehow it turned out pretty well.

It was a great ending to the weekend where calories don't exist. Which leads me to a weight update - I've gained 5.6 lbs, but who's keeping track?