Happy belated (by 12 days!) Anniversary to me!

I've said it before, but I'll say it again....time is flying and I am rushing to get to the gate on time!

Anyway, in other news, Jake and I celebrated our wedding anniversary almost 2 weeks ago. I can't believe its already been four years! Instead of a weekend away, we decided to go to the Bears game instead. Awesome, I mean, really awesome idea. We attended the home opener against the Atlanta Falcons on 9-11 and what a game to attend. Weather was great (by great, I mean HOT and sunny, hello sunburn!), 9-11 pre-game memorium was incredible, and they won!

The game was the weekend prior to our actual anniversary, so for our anniversary itself we went out for dinner at a nearby restaurant and they chilled together at home. Couldn't have been better! Not to mention the wonderful diamond necklace Jake suprised me with!

Here's to many great years ahead of us! I love you Jake, so lucky to have married my best friend!

Caaaarazy.

Life has gotten in the way of blogging yet again. Unacceptable, I know. I owe you more than I'm about to give you, but here is just a snapshot into the week past/week ahead.

- Bears game. Awesome. Amazing. When's the next one and who's buying me tickets?!
- 10th anniversary of 9/11.
- Wedding anniversary - 4 years of wedded bliss on 9/15!
- Pumpkin spice latte is back.
- Lung Run 10k. Haven't ran since May, perhaps the 10k turns into a 1k.
- End of an era, Entourage era that is.
- Work is awesome and BUSY.

Whew. That's all the time I've got today.

Here's to a great week!

Trolley time.

Trolley birthday!! The best and only way to party and celebrate one's birth.

And on that note, Happy belated birthday to one of my besties, Kris!!!

Last year was the first trolley party and and in the words of Eminem, it was a 'White Trash Party'. I know, I know you're jealous of how awesome we look. I would be too, that denim dress is a treasure.

Well, its a year later, Kris got older, we got wiser (hmm...maybe?!) and we are trolleying once again!

Maybe we'll be classier this year, maybe we won't. Only the night will tell. It is a trolley after all. One thing is for sure, fun times are in store for everyone! Even you, innocent bystander standing at the stop light. Yes, we're yelling at you!

Happy Birthday Kris! Party on!

Brew Review, Bourbon Edition: Maker's Mark Distillery and Makers 46

Its a brew review mix up today! It's Friday, the last weekned in August is 8 hours away, why not?!

As I'm sure you recall, Roadtrip 2011 was about a month ago (I can't believe it was a month ago, where does the time go? Honestly? That's an entirely different blog entry. Ok. Focus Ali, focus....).

Anyway, to wrap up Roadtrip 2011 Jake and I went through a portion of the Bourbon Trail in northwest Kentucky. There are roughly seven distilleries throughout the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. Fairly widespread across the beautiful Kentucky countryside, the distilleries are about 30 minutes apart from each other. Because of the distance and time alloted, we only got to vist 3 this year; Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Heaven Hill. Despite the commonality of bourbon, each distillery is very unique and different from the next.

For the purpose of this post, I'm focusing on Maker's Mark from here on out. It was my favorite of the 3 distilleries after all. Maker's Mark distillery is set deep in the Kentucky countryside. A covered bridge leading to the Whiskey Creek that runs along the distillery greets you as you pull into the parking lot. There are several buildings making up the distillery; its like a little town made just for bourbon. The tour is roughly an hour, is free of charge and includes bourbon tastings at the close of the tour.

Throughout the course of the tour, you get to visit several of the buildings onsite; the Still House, Fermenting Room, bottling and labeling building, and the Barrel Warehouse. While in the Barrel Warehouse, there are two different types of barrels showcased; the typical barrel used to hold the original Maker's Mark and a barrel with wooden planks inside used to hold the new Maker's Mark 46. After the warehouse, you head over to the gift shop to begin your tasting. On the docket for the tasting is Maker's Mark and Maker's Mark 46 with a bourbon cherry chocolate to wrap things up.

Now, I could go on for much longer telling you additional details of the distillery, but lets get down to business. I know you are waiting for my rating and here goes...

Maker's Mark Distillery
Ali's Rating: ****1/2
I loved this place! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the bottling/labeling service was down when we visited and I would have liked to see the bourbon in action! Overall, the tour was very interesting and the gift shop is full of unique Maker's Mark souvenirs. You even have the opportunity to dip your own bottle and take home! Its a must see if you are traveling through this part of Kentucky.

Maker's Mark 46
Ali's Rating: ****
Jake loves bourbon. While, I am still working on acquiring his love for bourbon, I have grown to appreciate the stuff and this new product from Maker's is quite good! Fairly smooth as far as bourbon's go and I think it has a better taste and finish than the original Maker's. This product is the first new product in 52 years from the distillery. They took an already great product, added the wooden stakes to the barrels and aged them for an additional 2-3 months on top of the six to seven years they have already aged. The result as the bourbon mingles with the wooden stakes, other than the higher alcohol proof...stronger hints of caramel, spice, and vanilla. Sounds tasty doesn't it?

Now, its your turn. Head to your local liquor store and pick up a bottle of Maker's Mark 46 and give it a shot (yes, pun intended).

I anxiously await your verdict or hangover.

Cheers!

It's not you, it's me.

Sorry Summer, but I'm checking out.

It's not you, it's me and you've really done nothing wrong. In fact, you've been a pretty great. The things you bring out in me are amazing and I wouldn't take anything back. The love for a frosty margarita in the hot sun, a great roadtrip, BBQ's, windows down with the country music turned up, and a sunburn. Ok, you can have back the sunburn. Those aren't too kind to a ginger such as myself.

We've had some really great times together, but the other day I caught glimpse of a pumpkin and the scent of fallen leaves and I hate to say...I've moved on. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of fall, my favorite of all the seasons. I'm ready to put my boots on, tailgate at a football game, and sip on a Pumpkin Spice latte.

I guess you can say I've cheated a little, I've already got my Bath and Body fall scents ready at the house. Who isn't ready for sweet cinnamon pumpkin and caramel apple?! You can't deny it. And come September my pumpkin decor will be on display, ok maybe some of it already is!

It's been a real slice Summer.

See you next year!

It's an apple, it's a peach, NO, it's...well, keep reading!

Attention readers, attention! I have a new favorite snack. Ready to hear all about it?

You sure? It does not involve chocolate and is healthy.

Ok, first any guesses? They look like mini apples, taste like peaches, but actually are....



Cherries!!!

Rainier cherries and these little suckers are awesome!!! I saw Kelli buy these at the farmers market a month back. While I was intrigued, I never tried one. At the store this weekend I decided to let my guard down and give 'em a go. Glad I came out under that little rock I've been hiding under, for I've been missing out on a wonderful little treat!

Back to the store this weekend to buy more! I suggest you do the same.

Cheeries! :)

Best meal ever.

I've been back from vacation for one week and I still can't stop thinking about my meal at Commander's Palace in New Orleans. If you're ever headed to NOLA, you must make a reservation for Sunday jazz brunch here. It is phenomenal. AMAZING. Seriously, the best dining experience I've had yet. That's a pretty serious statement. Be prepared to bring your checkbook, the place isn't cheap but it is well worth every penny.

After being escorted through the large kitchen, we were taken to our table. The waiter was right there waiting to walk us through the menu and take drink orders. I went with a peach Bellini with fresh peaches from Alabama. Delish. Soon after the drinks were ordered, fresh garlic toast was brought tableside. Who wouldn't like to munch on garlic toast as you survey the menu?

The menu is short but nearly everything looks worthy of ordering. It's a three course menu, so you choose an appetizer, entree and dessert to complete your meal. I went with a savory, sweet, sweet/savory lineup; cajun eggs benedict, bananas foster pancakes, and creole bread pudding souffle with whiskey cream sauce to wrap things up. Survey says....I loved every minute of it! Hands down, the best pancakes I've ever had in my life!

So, just as the food was impeccable, the service was spot-on. The server and waitstaff were always there and we never had to wait for anything. Can't forget to mention the music, the live jazz ensemble playing throughout the dining room was the perfect accompaniment to the meal!

I will definitely be going back to Commander's Palace the next time I visit New Orleans.

De-Lish!!

Back to the grind.

Have you ever had an ice cold drink dumped on your head? A pie in the face? No? I haven't either but, I imagine the feeling you get is equivalent to the first day back to work after vacation. Nothing like four hours of meetings the first day back to snap you into reality. Welcome back Ali, wel-come back!

Free at last.

Escaping from reality in 3 days. CANNOT WAIT!!!!

Rabbit Hole

Have I been passed out since the 4th of July?! I can't recall what I've done the past two weeks and somehow today is July 14th already? It seems like the holiday weekend was just yesterday. How on earth is it the middle of July!?

Time has gotten away from me. I definitely feel stuck in the rabbit hole. They don't have computers there. I haven't checked in on Foursquare or tweeted all week. Oh, the horror! I'm sorry social world and friends. Not to mention, I haven't been holding up my end of the deal. I write, you read. Well, I don't write, then you don't read. Or, you read elsewhere. I'll fix that. Promise.

Let's hope I don't get stuck in another time warp. I am going to New Orleans in a week afterall. Who knows what will happen there?!

Brew Review: RAM Restaurant Barefoot Wit and Capital Brewery Pale Ale

It's brew review time and today's a double!

First up...
RAM Restaurant - Barefoot Wit
Barefoot Wit is a season brew at the RAM. It's an unfiltered Beglean wheat beer brewed with coriander and orange peel.

Ali's Rating: **** My favorite beer at the RAM is the 71 Pale Ale and I rarely stray from my favorite. The Barefoot Wit was a nice change of pace from my usual. It's an easy drinking beer and I enjoyed the light citrus flavor. I'd say this one is a perfect beer for a summer afternoon on the patio.

Beer Advocate Rating: A

Another round please...
Capital Brewery - US Pale Ale
US Pale Ale is an American Pale Ale. It's medium-bodied with 5.0% ABV.

Ali's Rating: *** 1/2 US Pale Ale is a standard pale ale as far as I can say. I was in Wisconsin last weekend with friends and thought it was appropriate to order a Wisconsin brew while in WI, and I really didn't want a Miller. Its not a stand out beer that I'll remember a year from now (thank goodness for this blog!), but its an easy drink. If I am across the border again, will I order again? Yeah, probably so, but I won't be searching the local stores in hopes of finding it for my next cookout.

Beer Advocate Rating: B-

Cheers!

Just heavenly.

Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp Peanut Butter candy bar is amazing! Go buy one. Now!

Welcome to crazy town. Population: Ali

First things first, thank you America for the three day weekend! A relaxing and fun weekend, I wanted. A relaxing and fun weekend, I got!

Great news because things at work are about to get caaaarazy! Change is happening here at work and I am moving teams as a result. I couldn't be more excited, but transitioning jobs means a trip to crazy town. Well friends, the plane has landed and I hope I brought enough for my stay!

I'll be doing double-duty for the rest the month, so things here will be busy, busy. But, busy is good. It's always good to spice things up a bit. This week I've started working on new projects and come August-Sept I'll be ready to bring it in my new role.

But, don't worry your pretty little reading eyes, blogging is allowed and encouraged in crazy town so I will keep you updated with all my latest adventures (and more brew reviews)!

I will be loved.

Cheese and crackers, check. Wine, check. Blanket, check. Adam Levine, check. Well, in my dreams (Love you Jake! :)) Maroon 5 at Ravinia tonight and I could not be more excited! The weather is looking beautiful and 'it won't be soon before long' before the show begins!

I can't think of a better way to kickoff the holiday weekend and I hope your Friday will be just as great as mine!

Happy 4th of July, cheers!

Monday, Fun Day: Weekend Edition

While I couldn't get out of D-Vegas (Danville to those not up on the slang) fast enough when I was younger, I enjoy heading back every now and then to reunite with the people and places I love most in my hometown. This weekend, I did just that and it was the perfect mini getaway from suburbia. Roll the highlights:

1) Family time all weekend. I loved having three days with mom, Kelli and Bogey all to myself. Also, enjoyed spending time with the rest of the family and family friends. Bands, boats, babies, and beer! A unique combination, but wonderful time with the fam!

2) Custard Cup, of course! A must-go every trip home, March through October that is. Key Lime Pie snowstorm is seriously the best thing ever. This trip we managed to go twice. 3 minutes before closing time and a little rain won't stop us from another go the Custard Cup. Love that place.

3) Dance camp! The Devillete dance team was holding camp at the high school over the weekend and I had the honor of leading a Zumba class for them to close out the camp. It was an absolute blast!

Until next time D-Vegas!

Party time, excellent!

Its the weekend lovers and I am signing off! Half day in the home office and now its time to head downstate for the weekend. Custard Cup (and, mom & Bogey:)) I'll be seeing ya!

Where will you be November 6th?

I'll be at the Willis Tower (let's be real, Sears Tower) for the Third Annual SkyRise Chicago. That's right, I've signed up again! SkyRise Chicago is a stair climb up the Willis Tower to benefit the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). Its the worlds largest indoor, urban stair climb - 103 flights of stairs, 2,109 steps total to the top!

This event is so motivating to be a part of. While the majority of participants are climbing to the top, there is an option for those unable to climb to complete the feat by hand. The category gives those competitors the option of testing their upper body strength using hand cycle to complete the feat. Participants that have spent time in RIC are in attendance and complete the climb along side everyone else. Firefighters also climb to the top in their full gear -talk about strength and endurance!

2011 marks my third year participating in the climb and I am pumped! I've already recruited a couple SkyRise newbies. Soon enough I'll be hitting the stairs to start training. My goal is to beat last year's time and hopefully finish in less than 30 minutes!

Tower up!

Summatime is here!

Here are two of my favorite summerly products in honor of the solstice!

1) Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisterizer

I'm a ginger and while I love being out in the sun, I don't tan. Underneath millions of freckles is very pale skin and if I'm out for loo long, my skin might catch on fire. After years of trying to 'tan', I finally accepted my fate and sought out the perfect product to help me cope. I lather up every morning after I shower and within a week developed a nice little glow. Continuous use enhances the color and now I actually look tan! Even friends and coworkers have noticed. This bronzed ginger is turning heads.

2) Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Sun Tan Lotion

While the Jergens makes me appear tan, I've still got to cover up my pale skin to avoid those scorching rays. This new product from Hawaiian tropic is wonderful! The added shimmer highlights and enhances my fake lotion tan to perfection. The coconut scent actually smells good too! And, just in case you do feel the burn, there is an after sun lotion available too.

The only thing left to do now is lather up and hit the pool!

Monday, Fun Day.

It's always tough to start the work week when its dark and gloomy. What I'd really love to do is spend the day in the basement with a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream watching a Real Housewives marathon, but instead I'm here in the office plugging away on this week's projects.

That said, I think its time for another rendition of Monday, Fun Day!! Here are a few things that I am loving about today:

1) I am 4 days closer to spending a weekend in my hometown! Kelli and I are heading home this weekend to visit Mom. On Saturday, I am leading a Zumba class at my former high school. The Devilettes (dance team) are holding camp this week and I've been asked to come back and lead a Zumba class. We'll get to see Cooper Wilson, my cousin's baby girl, who is just the cutest little babe! Oh, and Custard Cup!

2) New opportunities at work. Excited for a lunch meeting to start figuring things out. Stay tuned...

3) Bachelorette. Guilty pleasure. I never used to watch the show, but everyone at work always talked about it and I wanted to fit in at the water cooler. I've already read the blogs and know who 'wins' but I still love to watch the drama unfold every Monday night. Team JP!

What tops your Monday Fun Day list?

All work and now play...

...makes the AK's very happy!

Only because I'll probably be too busy tomorrow to write, today's post goes out to my husband Jake. He'll be graduating with a 4.0, yeah 4.0!! from the MSIT program tomorrow at Northwestern University!!!! It was a short, long two years, but tomorrow it will all be worth it. And, I will finally get to hang out with him again on weeknights and Saturdays! What could be better?! Well, winning the lotto...maybe. But, in all honesty I'm so proud of him! This is a huge accomplishment.

Congrats babe!!!

I'm royalty.

Ok, that might be stretching it. But I am the owner of a shiny new crown, dental crown that is. Happy to have wrapped up my 5 trip tour de dentists this month. Not so happy that in order to complete the work today, the dentist had to burn away part of my gums. Burn, that's right BURN away my gums to put on the crown. The bright red tip of that scorching tool meant business. Holy moly, my mouth hurts!!! Please, please let the pain subside soon. I've got important things to do, important people to see. I am royal afterall.

So delicious.

My thoughts on Starbucks new Mocha Coconut, with caramel (my special addition), Frappucinno....AMAZING, so delicious!!! They've had all these flavors forever, but give it up to their new marketing campaign to encourage customers to make it their own! Vacation in a cup.

They were also giving away samples of Strawberry-Banana Coconut Frapp's while you wait. Another tasty combo - kudos to who came up with that one.

Brew Review: Commodore Perry

Another one already?

I'm a fun lovin', beer drinkin' gal, what can I say. In all seriousness, as serious as beer reviews go, I tried something new tonight and I want to make sure to get it on the books.

Here goes...

Great Lakes Brewery - Commodore Perry

Commodore Perry is another IPA, an English India Pale Ale (IPA). It's medium bodied with 7.5% ABV.

Ali's Rating: ***1/2 This one is tasty, but with a stronger alcohol % I can only drink one or two. Its a good summer beer, but most IPA's are. I mentioned in previous posts Burning River Pale Ale from Great Lakes is my favorite at the time. Having tried Commodore Perry from Great Lakes, I am intrigued to try some other beers from this brewery. For an IPA, I'll drink Mr. Perry again but it won't be a regular buy for me.

Beer Advocate Rating: B+

Cheers!

Brew Review: New Holland Mad Hatter IPA

Take one.

If you've read below, you understand, a little, what led to this post. Jake and I hit up the local wine and beer shop this weekend (plug: Wine Knows in Grayslake) to pick up some beer and it occurred to me that I've tried all these microbrews lately but I can't recall how I felt about each one. Was it great (hopefully if it was great, I'll remember)? It was ok, I'd pick it up again. Was it gross and I dare take another sip?

Lightbulb! New idea and use of the blog! What a great idea to write about the beers I try and rate them. I am not an expert in this area, so I am going to lean on Beer Advocate for help. But, I will give them a score ala Yelp or Yahoo. Now, you too can try them and see what you think. We're friends, surely you like what I like.

That said, here is the first review!

New Holland Brewery - Mad Hatter IPA
Mad Hatter IPA is a light-medium bodied American IPA 5.25% ABV.

Ali's Rating: **** (out of 5, just to clarify :)) I've had before and I will have again! Great for a sunny day on the deck. Very drinkable as far as IPA's go.

Beer Advocate Rating: B+

At the start, these reviews will be short. Will I or won't I drink again? The only thing I know about hops is that's how bunnies get around. Like a fine wine, I'll get better with age. Or by drinking more beer? I think more beer.

Cheers!

Picky, picky.

Eight years ago I turned my nose at most foods. Very, very, verrrry picky. Calamari was gross; eat squid, you can't be serious? Spinach, no thank you. Turkey burger, who would eat anything other than a 'real' beef burger? Well, me. You could call me sheltered, but that's not it. Mom cooked all kinds of great meals, I just thought if it looked funny or had a weird texture than I just won't like it.

Same goes for beverages. Ok, adult beverages. College days hit, it was necessary to acquire a taste for beer. I do like to fit in. But, just light beer, Bud or Miller. Guiness, weird sounding beer, IP what?, from some brewery in a small town in Vermont, ewww. My theory was, if I can't see through it, I don't want it. Same applied for wine. White only. Red, let's not get crazy.

Then, I met Jake. Maybe I just grew up, but I will give him some credit. A lot of credit. Thanks to him, the foods above are some of my favorites. Whoa. Who ordered calamari for an app last week? This girl! What's my current beer of choice? Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale. Pale Ale?! That's right.

We are both beer snobs now. I love it. Sure, we'll still drink Bud Light. But, its way more fun to try microbrews from all over the country. Enter new recurring post, the Brew Review! Keep reading....

The Sounds of Summer

Music is such a huge part of who I am and I love all genres. Usually, you can tell a lot about a person by the type of music they listen too. Seriously, put my iPod of shuffle, you'll get a little bit of everything. Celia Cruz (who?! yep, Latin artist, Zumba influence), Britney, Enya, Glee, Jason Aldean, Journey, Police, Good Charlotte, RHCP, Ting Tings, and the Biebs just to name a few. Good luck figuring me out :)

There is nothing better than sitting outside in the summer, sipping a cool beverage and enjoying your favorite tunes. I recently discovered Ravinia, an outdoor theater in Highland Park. Aaaaamazing place for a concert. Nosh on cheese and crackers from your picnic basket, throw back a couple of bottles of wine, and relax outdoors with a few hundred of your closest friends. I'll be going back this year to see Maroon 5 July 1st. Cannot wait! Love you, Adam Levine!

Here are a few other concerts on my wishlist this summer:

~ 311 ~ With a new single, aptly named 'Sunset in July' and a new album dropping in July, 311 is on my must-see list this year. They'll be playing Summerfest and in Chicago, both in July.

~ Jason Aldean ~ Kelli, thanks for bringing me over to the country side. This guy is awesome and I'm sure he puts on a pretty good show! He'll also be at Summerfest and Chicago later this summer.

~ Blink 182 ~ Love these guys, they always put on a good show. Travis Barker is awesome. Say no more. Coming to Chicago late-August.

~ Lolla ~ So many I'd love to see here. Christina Perri, Eminem, Foo Fighers, Muse, the list goes on. Another hot one for August.

Not quite on my hitlist but who would have thought?!
~ Debbie Gibson and Tiffany ~ Talk about a blast from the past! I think we're in love now.

That said, who's coming with me!?!

Are you there 5 o'clock?

It's me, Ali and I'm ready to go home!

Ever have those days that just seem to go on forever? Today is one of those days. It's beautiful outside and I am stuck in this cubicle for what seems like hours.

My work for the day is done. Maybe I'll research vacations to pass the time. Disney, a cruise, New Orleans, St. Lucia, anywhere that serves a margarita?

Jimmy Buffet says 'It's 5 o'clock somehere'. In the midwest, Jimmy, I'm still waiting.

Another day, another dentist.

Couple months ago it was just a cleaning, few weeks after that some fillings and yesterday a root canal!! A root canal! WTF! Cue anxiety.

Everyone told me it won't be as bad as I think and for the most part they were right. The procedure itself was painless. The worst part was holding my mouth open for an hour an 15 minutes. After I left, I was invincible...pain-free! That lasted for all of 30 minutes and then the pain kicked into high gear! Mostly, just uber-sensitive and sore from all the poking and proding of my poor little upper molar. Today, things are looking up! I think I'll make it.

That said, here are just a few tips for surviving the next one or your first one (but, let's hope I won't need to refer to this post ever again).

1) iPod. Music is my savior. Thank you Adele for your healing words. And, thank you Sennheiser for earbud volume control and being able to crack it up at seconds notice when the dental tools got a little too loud.

2) Painkillers. In my case, Ibuprofen. 3 an hour before appointment. And, 3 there after.

3) PTO. Take the day off. Nobody, except my husband and animals needs to see me the day of a root canal. Plus, the three hour nap after I got home was the ticket to masking the post-canal soreness.

Let's hope that the final dental visits in the next couple weeks for the crown are the last for a loooong time. Or, the next time I need a crown it isn't because of a trip to the dentist. :)

The 'Napa Valley' of the Midwest

Yeah, you've read it right and its AMAZING!

The southwest corner of Michigan, an area called Harbor Country, is home to about 12 wineries. Its roughly a two hour drive from Chicago, so there's really no excuse to not get up there at least once a year! I first visited the area three years ago and it was love at first taste.

I have a few favorites to pass along for your next (or first :)) visit!

1) Round Barn Winery. This place is a MUST visit! The best part...its a winery, brewery, and distillery! You can't go wrong. Something for everyone. $8 for 5 tastings plus souvenir wine glass. The wine and spirit tasting is done in the well, round barn and beer tasting in the Brew barn. Favs: Pinot Noir and Imperial IPA.
http://www.roundbarnwinery.com/

2) Free Run Winery. The sister winery to Round Barn. Take your souvenir wine glass from Round Barn for discounted tastings here. Also, serves spirits. Apple Brandy was actually quite tasty! And, I thought I only liked brandy if it was served in eggnog :) Fav Wine: Union.
http://www.freeruncellars.com/

3) Chocolate Garden. No wine here, but after all that wine you need a little chocolate. Its necessary. Really. Amazing truffles at this stop, love the traditional white and milk chocolate. Deeeelish!
http://www.chocolategarden.com/

4) Karma Vista Winery. I'm a sucker for cool wine names and labels. This place gets me hook, line, and drinker! Wine names like Cha Cha Chardonnay, Moondance Merlot, and Stone Temple Pinot. Sold.
http://www.karmavista.com/

5) Last reco and its not wine. Sorry, but you also can't go to Michigan and not go to a brewery! New Holland Brewery is in Holland, Founders in Grand Rapids, and Bells in Kalamazoo. This trip we hit up Bells. Taaasty! For $12 you can try 6 of the beers...generous samples I might add. Fav brew: Two Hearted IPA.
http://bellsbeer.com/

So find your DD, drink up, and enjoy!

Shame on me.

Sorry friends, guess the blog has gotten away from me and I've neglected to write! Summer is almost here and life is busy, busy!! I've been checked out for the past three days enjoying the nice, long Memorial Day weekend. And, what a great weekend it was! Here's a quick recap: Hangover 2, wine, more wine, ok alot of wine (read next post for all details wine), wedding (cheers to the happy couple!), BBQ and beers, friends, and finally couch, ice cream, and the Bachelorette! Hmm, I see a trend. Seems as if my weekend should have ended with the Hangover :)

I've made it!

Ok, not really, but keep reading for a small accomplishment nonetheless :)

I've been working on my photography for the past couple of years now. It all started as a hobby and now I am lucky to be thought of when friends and family want pictures taken. Last December I visited my sister Kelli in DC while she was training there for work. DC is a photographer's dream. With the history of the city and amazing architecture, I was not at a loss for great photos.

When I got back from the trip, I came across a photography contest on the Washington Flyer website and thought I might as well submit a couple photos from the trip and see if anything comes of it! Unfortunately, I didn't win the grand prize, but was pleasantly suprised yesterday when I found out one of my photos was listed on the Flyer website! They were promoting a new spring photo contest on Twitter and posted a link of some of the great photos that were submitted during the winter contest. What do you know....there was one of my photos!

http://www.washingtonflyer.com/slideshows/reader-photo-contest-winter-2011
Mine is the last in the bunch...the red cardinal on the white fence at Mt. Vernon, isn't it beautiful?! :)

Like I said, small accomplishment, but so exciting to see my work featured somewhere other than my own website! (Shameless plug...visit www.alikreider.com to see more! :))

I hope to get out this spring and summer and take several more photos to continue working on my skillset! Bring on the requests, friends!

Monday, Fun Day???

It's often dreadful. Nobody likes it. Monday always gets a bad rap. In an effort to have a better outlook on the week, here are a few things that I actually love about Monday (this particular Monday for the sake of this post):

1) I get to see all my work friends. Lucky for me, I work with awesome peeps and Monday lets us catch up and chat about the weekend!

2) Amazing leftovers from my weekend with Mom and Kelli. That's right, I'm excited about leftovers. I'm 30 and getting old, its the small things. But, this past weekend Mom and Kelli visited and we made an awesome dinner together and tonight I'll savor the last bit of those ribs and cheesy potatoes. YUM!

3) Gossip Girl, duh. Tonight's the season finale...its gonna be goooood! Oh, and How I Met Your Mother....NPH, love you!

I think you might see Monday, Fun Day again. We can all use some positive thinking on Mondays!

It's that time of year...

Swimsuit season!!!!

As a fair skin, freckled red-head, I am not one to spend hours and hours at the pool trying to get a tan. It just doesn't work. My freckles merge together giving the allure of color, but then it burns, I peel, and well, I'm getting off topic. Sore subject. Anywho, I still want to fit it with all the other bronzed beauties so its time to shape up for that suit!

That said, I decided to start up a new fitness program this week. As of today, I am on my fourth day of RevAbs. Its a Beachbody fitness program designed by trainer Brett Hoebel. You may have heard of Brett, as he is one of the new trainers on The Biggest Loser. It's a 90 day program designed around working your core. Brett uses capoeira and works to target your abs from 6 different angles. I'm only three days in so far, but I'm sore! The workouts are shorter in length so it fits right into the day and there is really no excuse not to get the workout done!

Stay tuned for my progress!

Random Thoughts

On the subject of the weekend away, some random thoughts on Indianapolis or Indiana in general.

1) Servers at the restaurants are so nice! There were 4 of us and we were always asked if we wanted separate checks at every place we dined out. No dirty looks, no smug face. Every server was so courteous! Very refreshing!

2) The speed limit is 70.

3) Some folks just didn't understand my race shirt. The back of it said "Second Half". I got asked "Did you change shirts on the course? Oh, I thought you had a different shirt for the second half of the race" and "Look, that means she's in the second half of the race." No, crazies! This was my second half marathon! Next time, when it says "Third Half", what will they say?

4) Chicken Limo.

Oh, Indiana...

Step 1, Start running. Step 2, There is no Step 2.

Back to the grind today my friends. Had an amazing weekend in Indianapolis, IN for the Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon! Couldn't have asked for a better race. The course was awesome. We started in downtown Indy and ran past the Zoo on our way to the Indianpolis Motor Speedway. After entering the IMS around mile 6, we completed the 2 1/2 mile (yep that's right!) track and headed back downtown. Running on the track inside the IMS was AWESOME! Entering Victory Mile (the last mile heading to the finish) was so encouraging! There were black and white checked flags lining the roadway and friends and family of all the runners lined up cheering everyone on. Its crazy how a stranger yelling at you can give you the extra motivation you need to run a little faster to cross the finish line. The water and gatorade stops were perfectly placed giving you hydration just when you needed it. While it rained on bit on the course,the clouds broke and the sun came out just as I crossed the finish line. I'm so glad my little sis joined my friend Kris and I this year. It was her first half and I'm so proud of her!! I think (or, hope) we've got her hooked now :) We all have our hopes sent on the Disney Princess and Wine and Dine half marathons! Watch out Orlando...we're heading your way next!!

Quick Thought

Speaking of Maroon 5, are you watching The Voice?! Move over Idol, I am loving this show so far! Not to mention the coaches, what a great group of artists to mentor the participants. Adam Levine, I'd pick you!! Oh wait...

I heart Pandora Radio!

It always seem to know exactly what I need. I created a station aptly named 'Chillin' out Max and Relaxin' all Cool' by adding in two of my fav artists - Adele and Maroon 5. The musical blessing they have birthed is amazing!! So far today, I've been served up with Corinne Baily Rae, Jack Johnson, Bruno Mars, Colbie Calliat, and Jason Mraz (LOVE!).

Blog Post #2

Thrilling title, I know. But I figured since I made it past the 'intro', I'd give this one the satisfaction of being post #2 instead of another fancy title about what I'm about to say. Today is my Friday...Yay!!!! :) Because...I'm heading downstate and to neighboring Indiana to run a half marathon in Indianapolis, IN this weekend...Scary!!! One of my bestest friends Kris, my little sis Kelli and I are running in the Indy Mini Marathon this weekend. The best part of the race, besides the finish, is that we get to actually run on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! And...who knew that that track itself is 2.5 miles long! Holy cow! I'm sure as I'm a third of the way through the track I'll be hoping for the pace car to speed by and scoop me up. It should be a really fun race. This will be the second race for Kris and I and its Kelli's first - I'm super excited for her to get to run her first half marathon and that we get to do this together! Cheers to us! Can't wait to carb-load on the all spaghetti and bread I can get my hands on Friday night to prepare for the race and then go out Saturday night to celebrate! That is, if we are able to pull ourselves off the couch and move our legs! Stay tuned to see how we did!

My, like, fourth attempt at starting a blog...

This is not a new years resolution, call this a I've turned 30 resolution. I've given this blog thing a try, seriously, like four times. I've never made it past the first 'intro' post. Today is the day that I attempt blogging again. This blog has no certain direction or goals. Consider it a collection of my random thoughts day-to-day. Check back tomorrow to see if I actually made progress and have more than one entry for you to read. I'll give you....well, I'll give you something to read :)