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!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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.
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!
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!
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! :)
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!
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