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!