Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Quick picture of my little man!


Hello again...

It's been a LONG time since I have sat down at the computer and dedicated some time to blogging.  There has also been a lot that's happened since my last post.  We could spend hours catching up but instead let's start off fresh.

There is really only one update that I need to catch you up on....my son Gavin!  I'm thinking the primary focus of my blogging from here on out is going to center around my little G; his firsts, his new adventures, his ups and his downs.  Gavin was born June 16, 2012 and he has been the center of my world ever since.  He is an amazing little boy and I had no idea how powerful love could be until I met him!  I can't believe he is already fast approaching seven months...the time, as everyone had told me, has truly flown by!

Gav is honestly the happiest little boy ever!  He has such a great attitude and is so much fun!  He has been through a lot these past few months (string of nasty colds, a hemangioma, DOC band more about these my next post), but he is a true joy in our lives and I don' know what we ever did before him!

Until next time....




Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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!

Friday, August 26, 2011

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!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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!

Friday, August 12, 2011

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! :)

Sunday, August 7, 2011

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!!


Monday, August 1, 2011

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!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Thursday, July 14, 2011

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?!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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!


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

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)!

Friday, July 1, 2011

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, June 27, 2011

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!

Friday, June 24, 2011

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!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

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!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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!