June Photo Dump

greater swiss mountain dog, finn, beach, puppy, dog, swissy

Because every once in a while you just need to dump…your old photos from your iPhone to make more room for new ones. Get your head out of the gutter. Geesh. Today is Canada Day so I figured what a better way to celebrate our friendly neighbors to the north but to share random photos […]

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Almost 30

moving to a new city in your 30s versus 20s, elitedaily, moving to a new city, lessons for an almost 30 year old,

I noticed this article circulating on social media over the past few days. Sounds pretty familiar, no? I thought so too. And since I just so happen to have recently moved to a new city where I didn’t know anyone except the person I moved with, I clicked on the article, fully expecting 3 minutes of […]

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We’ve got the beets…and cocktails

sweet tea cocktail recipe, sweet tea moscow mule, drink recipes, summer drinks

Growing up, my only experience with beets was when Doug Funnie had them perform on his show. What can I say the 90s were weird. Other than that, I just thought beets were a cranberry-looking vegetable that I avoided at salad bars as a child. It wasn’t until I had what I refer to as a proper beet […]

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Summer resolutions

art class, resolutions, pottery, child

I know resolutions are typically written for the New Year, but the first weekend of summer seems just as good as any, no? I mean this way at least you don’t have to worry about crazy gym crowds, indulgent foods and lots of holiday parties. OK so maybe you do but those hot dogs and ice cream trips […]

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Workout Wednesday: Work out like a dog

get fit like fido infographic, dogvacay.com, working out with your pet, workouts, fitness, exercises with your dog

Before I got Finn, I had two choices. 1) get a dog who could I could take on runs with me but who may be miserable and hyper throughout the day while I’m at work or 2) get a dog who could nap with me. I chose the latter and ever since Finn has certainly lived up […]

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World Cup Cowboy Caviar

cowboy caviar, salsa, corn and black bean salsa, recipes, dips, salsa recipe

Warning: this salsa may cause choking if you ingest it while watching a USA World Cup match. I don’t know if you watched the game or even care about soccer, but in the off-chance you did, you’re probably still recovering from the intensity as slowly as I am. If I had to watch one more guy pull up […]

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Gooooaaaallll

balotelli, bertolli, mario batali, world cup, soccer, why I love the world cup

So I’ve got some bad news. Jurgen Klinsmann did not select me for this years World Cup team. I know it’s hard to believe considering I’m 1) female and 2) retired as of 10 or so years from traveling teams whose international experience included little more than a random exchange student, but still. Those ESPN 30 for 30 episodes […]

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Meeting the neighbors

armadillo, florida armadillo, neighbors, animals, florida wildlife

Matt and I have been in Florida for a little over a month now so we figured it was time we started to meet our neighbors. After all, we don’t want to be known as those stuck up yuppies from Chicago. We have quite the Midwestern reputation to live up to. And seeing as how nearly […]

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Cupcakes and Ice Delis

baseball game, nephews, little league baseball, boys

Please accept my apology for ignoring the blog late last week. I had plans to fly home and surprise one of my best friends for her 30th birthday and I was not entirely confident in my ability not to spill the beans. All of them. All over the table and the floor. I love surprise parties, but […]

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For the love of oats

peach blueberry baked oatmeal, oats, baking, brunch, breakfast, peaches, skillet oatmeal, baked oatmeal recipe

I have a wee bit of a sweet spot for oats. A self-proclaimed carb-lover, I like that oats provide a complete breakfast with little more than a dash of salt and water. And unlike other carby breakfast foods, they actually fill you up.   I also love my cast-iron skillet so I’ve been waiting for a […]

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