birthday shenanigans

As you all know I celebrated my birthday this weekend. Minus the fact that I am officially old ballz 25, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. On top of the Nike Fuel Band that Brad got me, he also made me cook my own dinner on Friday night at the Portland Culinary Workshop... and I had a blast. 

We attended a 4 course cooking class that featured a Sommelier and wine pairing with each course. 

The kitchen was adorable (and had exposed brick, my favorite!). 

Melinda Casady and Susana Holloway are the owners of PCW and here is what they have to say about the place on their website:

We could wax poetic on how we LOVE food, LOVE to teach and are a hoot to hang with, but the nitty gritty of it all is that we are two smart, hilarious women who talked over a breakfast one morning and knew what we had to do. We had to follow our dream of teaching our way…for you.

Susana was our instructor for the evening and she did a fantastic job of balancing teaching techniques and sharing kitchen tips, with letting us learning on our own.  

These mashed potatoes were lovely, in case you were wondering. 

Check out that form. 

We were paired up with another couple for the evening and they were super friendly, which made the experience more enjoyable, since we did have to share equipment and food with them. 

My favorite dish of the evening, besides the Pork entree, was the Huckleberry and Rhubarb compote over ice cream. 

It was paired with a sweet port and it was fantastic. 

Do you have these must have items in your pantry? If not, get on it! 

Once we were done prepping our food, the whole group (24 of us total) sat down family style for the meal, while the Sommelier, Maxine Borcherdine, explained each of her wine pairings. I found that portion of the evening super informative, because while I know my way around a kitchen fairly well and have worked in a restaurant, I am by no means a wine expert. 

Like I said, how cute is this space? The tables were made from doors and that brick, I want! 

Plus we got to take home goodie bags that each featured a 10 inch chef's knife. Yes please! 

Needless to say, I had a great evening and a great birthday weekend and I HIGHLY recommend checking out one of PCW's classes if you're in the Portland area or ever want to come visit me and cook together!!!! 

Cheers to 25! 

<3 BB 

tutta bella

When I was in Seattle over the past weekend, we had lunch at a place called Tutta Bella.  It's quite lovely. 

Here is the blurb up on the website: 

Welcome to the Northwest’s first and most celebrated authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. We use the finest imported ingredients and century old artisan traditions to bring the definitive Neapolitan pizza experience to our guests.

Check out their menu here. 

Naturally, because I am a horrible blogger I forgot to take pictures of the actual pizza that was ordered, but I did snap some others! For pizza we ordered a few different kinds including: the Margherita and the Tutta Bella, (which was my favorite of the pizzas.)

Photo Cred: Brittany

Oh hey, Bruschetta. You're yummy.

The Grad gal and her sister had lemon drops, that looked super sweet and delish.

I didn't get a chance to take a photo of their Napoli salad, but it was awesome. I may have even liked it more than the pizza, which is saying something, because I loved the pizza. 

But my favorite, by far, was the Tiramisu !

Who doesn't love Tiramisu? No really, who doesn't love it? I will change their minds.

Kelley and I were excited to eat.

Brittany, was even more excited.

Roomie love!

If you're in Seattle be sure to check out Tutta Bella. They a few different locations and it is worth the trip.

Cheers to the Tutta!

<3 BB

weekend roundup

These weekends are just flying by and I don't like it.  Let me clarify: I like my weekends, I don't like how fast they leave me.

Friday after worked Brad and I attempted the CrossFit Open 13.5 workout:

It was hard, but I got more reps finished than Brad did so there's that :) Granted, his weight for the thrusters was more, but no one needs to know that. 

The most annoying part of the workout was the fact that my lungs wanted to explode we do not belong to a Crossfit Box (aka gym) and so we have to make do with what is available at our local LA Fitness.  We ended up having to wait like 15 mins after our warm up for the squat rack / pull-up bar which was really annoying.  Almost annoying enough to want to bag the workout... almost.  Nevertheless, we got it done and I finished with a total of 75 reps or 2 full rounds of the 15 thrusters and 15 pull-ups and then another 15 thrusters before the 4 mins was up.  Let me tell ya, my body was sore on Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday, it was spent at Willamette's track, where it rained pretty much all day. I'm talking downpour, didn't stop, sideways at times, annoying rain.  I was there from 9am till almost 7pm and it definitely poured for over half of that time.  I looked like I had just gotten out of the shower by the end of the meet. Needless to say by the time I got back to Portland a hot bath and bed were calling my name.  Brad had gone to the Timbers game with a friend since I couldn't go and he might have found me sitting up in bed, asleep, with the light on, iPad in hand when he got home. Long hair, don't care. 

Don't I look so official with my clip board?! Image from here. 

My tiredness crept into Sunday, because I woke up at 7:30 wandered out to the couch where Brad was playing FIFA and fell back asleep until 9. It was awesome, until I woke up hungry and we had no food.  After a quick trip to the grocery store we made a breakfast hash. It was glorious.

Can I just say that my sweet potato / yam concoctions are really starting to hit their stride:

{what you need:} 

::1 diced yam

::6 pieces of turkey bacon

::1 avocado

::4 over-easy eggs

::1/2 a green pepper

::1/4 of a red onion

::dash of cinnamon

::dash of garlic powder

::Red pepper flakes

::Black pepper

::finish it off with tapatio hot sauce.

{what you do} 

::Chop up all the veggies and turkey bacon

::Sprinkle with cinnamon, garlic powder, and the red and black pep

::Cook until the yams are soft and the bacon is sizzlin'

::In a separate pan, fry the eggs until they are over-easy (keep those yokes nice and runny)

::Throw the fried eggs on top and break the yokes so all the goodness oozes into the hash.

::Then nom away :)

After a lazy morning, I finally pretended to get my life together and cleaned the apartment, which had been neglected for the past few days.  Speaking of cleaning, does anyone know what makes the Mr. Clean - Magic Erasers so magical?! Do they have cocaine in them or something?! These things don't stop. They are awesome. 

While cleaning, I came to the conclusion that Brad and I have a Nike problem. This photo only represents a portion of our shoe collection.  We need to find a better storage option instead of right in right of the door or get a place with a second bedroom to just store our shoes.... hmm, decisions, decisions. 

Speaking of running shoes, after we cleaned Brad and I met up with my sister for a circuit workout on the track, but I'll share the details of that one later in the week (I know you can't wait!).... 

So yeah, that was more or less my weekend.... how was yours?! 

<3 BB 

Healthy Treats From Your Favorite Lumber Jack

Do you ever have one of those mornings where you start with a cute outfit, but then by the time you add layer after layer it is no longer cute?  That was me this morning.  Started with a simple outfit of black skinnies, cute glittery black flats (similar), and a white tee (best v-neck ever).  By the time I was out the door I had added a flannel, scarf, and puffy down vest over top.  Something went wrong, I now look like a lumber jack, a sexy one not actually sexy, but a lumber jack none the less. I blame February. 

In other news, this awesome place by my apartment called Uptown Market - which features beer galore, wine, and home brewing supplies - just got a new espresso bar and in celebration they are offering 1 dollar coffee drinks all week.  So, I obviously had to stop and get one. If you live in the Beaverton area you should totally support local and go here.  They have usually have around 6 beers on tap and a ton of other options to purchase, as well as wine and now coffee, too!  Plus, they often have a food truck in their parking lot and events (like trivia) in the evenings.  

Yes, i know that daily calendar pic is from Jan. 2nd and no, I don't care. How presh is the photo?!

Now, onto the good stuff!!!!! Today, I have not one, but two healthy treats for you!!!!! I tested them both out this weekend and they are super easy to make and even more awesome to eat. 

First up we have a 2 ingredient 'cookie'.  It's awesome (if you're into naners, that is). Here is the recipe I followed. 

{What You Need} 

::2 quite ripe bananas 

::1 cup of oats (I used the old fashioned kind)

::Technically those are the only ingredients you need, but you can add whatever fun extras you would like, such as: dark chocolate chips, cinnamon, honey, etc. 

{What You Do}

::Pre-heat oven to 350 

::Mash together 

::Bake for 15 mins

Always buy your honey in bear form. 

I pre-mashed my bananas a little bit before I added the oats so everything would mix a little more easily. 

Next, mix in all your goodies until the bananas are pretty gooey. This way everything will stick together when they bake.

Pre-oven.

Got that little sign for Bradley on Valentine's Day! And if you know me, that is saying a lot. I LOVE BACON. 

Post-oven goodness! 

For the second treat, my cousin, Kyndra, and I made No-Bake Energy Bites on Monday while I was busy being a Stay-At-Home-GF.

I didn't take step by step pics, but here are the basics: 

{What You Need}

::1 cup oats

::1/2 cup chocolate chips 

::1/2 cup peanut butter 

::1/2 cup ground flaxseed 

::1/3 cup honey 

::1 tsp. vanilla

{What You Do}

Mix everything together, let it chill in the fridge for a half and hour.  Roll the mixture into little balls with your hands and your finished product should look something like this: 

ballz! Photo cred - Kyndra!

Enjoy!!!!

<3 BB 

Double the fun :: Weekend Roundup and Tunesday

Guys,

Can we just talk about how good my 3 day weekend was?! Cool, glad you said yes...Let's begin:

-I got to eat so much Kraut while hanging out with my sister and grandparents at the 40th Annual West Linn Lions Sauerkraut Feed on Saturday.  My German roots we very, very happy.


-Did a little number to my shin while going beast mode on box jumps at the gym Sunday morning. (and by beast mode - I obviously mean the opposite of that since I slipped off the box on one of my attempts.) 

#toughmuddertraining 

Don't let the blood scare you away from box jumps though! Here is the workout:

3 rounds for time:

::30 pull ups::
::30 dead lifts::
::30 box jumps::

I finished in 23::19 and Brad kicked my butt with a time of 19:06. I used an 80lbs bar for my dead lifts and my hammies are now sore and tight.  I have had 3 different people tell me to try hot yoga and I am thinking I might have to give in and see if it helps make me more flexible and less cranky.


-I attended my first Portland Timbers game as a season ticket holder. Let me tell you, I just felt that much cooler being there as a ticket holder. I got to flash my official plastic ticket and wear my awesome lanyard around my neck like a VIP backstage at a Mrs. Carter concert.

-I might have given the stank eye to a 3 year old girl who had the cutest yellow hunters. Gosh, I want a pair so bad.  And really how stupid is it to buy a child a pair of $75.00 dollar rain boots?!  She's going to grow out of them anyway. Buy them for me instead, I am done growing!  Who wants to buy me an early Easter present? 


-While being a stay-at-home-gf yesterday, I made this awesome Indian inspired dinner.

It features -

::2 chicken breasts::
::3 stocks of celery::
::dash of minced garlic::
::half a red onion::
::hand full of chopped baby carrots::
::snow peas::
::small can of diced tomatoes in tomato juice::
::patak's tikka masala sauce::
::brown rice::

How to -

::chop all veggies
::saute them in a frying pan with a little olive oil (start with the garlic and onions first to sweat them out a bit, then add the rest)
::dice up the chicken, add it to the veggies, let it cook all the way through
::mix in the sauce and tomatoes and let it simmer for about 10-15 mins
::serve over brown rice and enjoy :)
::it will make about 4-6 servings (depending on your definition of serving)


Anyways, that pretty much sums up my weekend.  Let's get to some music!!!!!


Alex Winston :: Everlasting Light (Black Keys Cover) 
This is one of my favorite Black Keys songs and I really like her take on it.

Givers :: Tiny Desk Concert 
They just sound so happy and that, in turn, makes me happy.

Bahamas :: Lost In The Light 
Double bonus, it's one of my favsies kind of sessions - the Mahogany kind.

Emeli Sande :: My Kind Of Love
My old roomie Rachel saw Emeli in concert a few weeks ago and said she was one of the best live performances she has ever seen. Plus, Jay-Z thinks she has what it takes to take over the US (she is British). That's how you know she's good.

Kisses :: The Hardest Part 
This new song from Kisses is my jam. It's catchy, plus I like the lyrics.

Tegan and Sara :: Love They Say
Tegan and Sara's take on a love song.  Has a little bit of an 80's / electronic vibe, which I don't mind one bit.

Happy Tunesday!

<3 BB

Hitting the Links :: 2.8.13

Happy Friday!

Quick question, am I the last gal in the world to figure out the secret of putting your hair in a braid before bed to quicken the curly hair process in the morning?! And by that, what I actually I mean is, I was running a little late super lazy this morning and when I took my hair out of my braid, I realized that all I needed to do was fix a few curls instead of showering and I was good to go! dirty hair, don't care.

Don't mind me, just taking selfies in my cube. Typical. 

I have some good things to look forward to this weekend.  Things such as sleep and this:

I have been waiting patiently to use this and I am thinking it may be the perfect treat over the weekend.
With that being said, I am still annoyed that Starbucks changed their rewards system and have been boycotting them a bit.  Instead, I have been hitting up the local drive through spot right by my apartment for my weekend treat. Double bonus - they give you free chocolate covered espresso beans with your order! Suck it, Starbucks.


Also, The other day I went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few goods.  Almonds Butter was one of those goods. I would say that 73% of the reason why I bought almond butter as opposed to peanut butter was not for it's nutritional value or taste, but so I can use the term nut butter on the regular.  No, I am not embarrassed by my immaturity.

Totally double dipping. don't be a hater. The answer to your questions is yes, I am lazy and picked the pre-cut apples even though they are more expensive, but I just hate when apple gets caught in my retainer! #orthoproblems 

Now onto the links!

First, let's discuss how I am famous and not because of this blog, because The Biggest Loser retweeted me yesterday.  Ask Brad, I ugly cry every time I watch an episode of this show.  Their commitment to change and their success is so inspiring.

If Schmidt isn't your favorite New Girl character, we can't be friends.

This Samsung commercial and this extended version were the best thing that the Super Bowl had to offer.  Mainly because Paul Rudd is in them.

What if guys and girls switched roles at the gym?

Pictures of hipsters taking pictures of food.

What is your ugly face?

I am a Tom Boy at heart, hence the North Face vest in the above pic, so this Portland brand is right up my alley. Plus Megan Rapinoe is a fan. Can't go wrong there.  It also reminds me of one of my favorite blogs, Tomboy Style.

Speaking of style, who wants to buy me these for Valentine's Day?!

Since Riri and Chris Brown are back together, I thought this TED Talk was applicable.

And lastly, here are 5 reasons to not be excited about the upcoming Grammys.


Cheers to the Weekend!

<3 BB

Fresh Veggie Salsa

For the Super Bowl get-together I attended at Jessi and Dan the Man's place over the weekend I wanted to bring something that was super delicious, but wouldn't make me feel horribly guilty eating, so I decided to make my favorite fresh veggie salsa. I got this recipe from my dear friend's mom back in high school and have been loving it ever since.  I may or may not have lost the actual recipe a long time ago and have kind of just adapted my own version, but it's really not something you can screw up! The original also calls for Cilantro, but since I believe the Devil invented Cilantro I choose not to include it.  

{Here Is What You Need} 

::2-3 Tomatoes:: 

::2 Avocados::

::1 Red Onion::

::2 Green Peppers::

::1 Jalapeno::

::1 Can of Corn::

::1 Can of Black Beans::

::1 Can of Garbanzo Beans:: 

::Cilantro::

::1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil::

::Dash of Lemon Juice::

::Red Pepper Flakes:: 

::1-2 tablespoons Vinegar:: 

:: Dash of Hot Sauce:: 

::Salt & Pepper::

{What To Do With The Goods} 

First, lay them out all nice and pretty for your viewing pleasure. Maybe make a nice pyramid with everything, you know which items need to be the base, even if they dream to be on top like the other tiny flyers. Wow, I jut went wayyyy too far into detail about that cheer leading joke and I didn't even know what a flyer was until Brad told me. His besties in high school were some of the top cheerleaders in Indiana, so he says. I personally think he was on the team himself, but I have yet to find video proof. 

Anyways, back to the salsa. I like to get the beans and corn out of their cans right away and drain their excess liquid before putting them in the bowl, to keep the salsa from getting mushy later.

Next, chop up all of the veggies (and fruits - don't want the tomatoes and avocados to feel left out!).

Try not to cry while cutting the onions.  There is really no need for the emotional attachment to them. You'll be eating them later anyway.  

You want to try and keep all of the diced goods a consistent, bite-able size.

I also like to throw the tomatoes in the strainer too, to get rid of their excess juice as well.  

If you're like me and love avocado, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if you added 7 to the mix, but then it may be more of a guacamole at that point... but really, who's keeping track?!  

I don't have them pictured, but if you don't want the salsa to be overly spicy, make sure you gut the jalapeno seeds, that is where most of their hotness comes from! Also, not that I know from experience or anything, but make sure you either use gloves or realllllllly wash your hands after you handle jalapenos.  They can do a number to your eyeballs and ruin a good pair of contacts.... Again, not that I know from experience or anything.  I just read it on Google once.  

After you have all the veggies chopped up, throw everything into a big bowl and mix together.  I just use my hands, but I suppose you could also use a big spoon.  

Next, add your Olive Oil, Vinegar, Hot Sauce and Lemon Juice. Now, I just add according to taste and don't usually measure anything.  You want enough OO for a light coating, but you don't want there to be so much that the salsa is sitting in liquid on the bottom.  

Add a dash of Vinegar and Lemon Juice for a nice acidic kick,

For the Hot Sauce I used Tapatio, but Tobasco is also a winner. 

Lastly, add S&P and some Red Pepper flakes and you're ready to enjoy. 

I like to pair the salsa with the greatest chips known to man.. JUANITA'S! They can be found at most grocery stores and they are gluten free! #winning 

Rumor has it, if you keep the avocado seeds in the bowl it helps them from browning.  Not sure if it actually works, but it can't hurt, right?


The best thing about this salsa is it is super versatile   It can be used on it's own as a side salad, in wraps, on a pizza like Brad and I did the other night, you name it - I'll probably try it. Hope you enjoy!!!!


Cheers to Salsa!

<3 BB

Tuesday Tunesday :: 2.5.13

You want to know what the best life decision I made this week was? (Bold statement to make as it is only Tuesday, I know.) Taking the day off from the gym yesterday and hitting up Mellow Mushroom's Happy Hour with a few friends since I had time to kill before picking Bradley up from the airport.

The good part is I had gotten some good workouts in over the weekend and didn't feel too guilty about the amount of carbies I consumed... That was until I headed to my Grandparent's house to visit with them after HH and Grandma had made a huge dinner...Couldn't offend her by not eating some right?! Wrong  Two meals later I was feeling full, guilty, and ready for bed, but still had to wait until 10pm for his flight to land. Best GF of the Year Award goes to: this girl

I am a happy girl now that the apartment is no longer quiet.  I enjoyed some solo-dolo time, but am glad he is back and I have someone to watch the Bachelor visit with.

Here are my thoughts wrapped up into one corny printable you can buy on etsy.  

Anyway, enough of my blabbing, let's get to the important stuff this fine Tuesday... MUSIC! I went to finish up the post this morning and realized I had stockpiled a lot of music for you this week.  Hope you enjoy!


Penny and Sparrow :: Creature
I'm a creature for your love. Big fan of those lyrics, it reminds me of how we are a little bit (or a lot a bit in my case) creatures of habit. I read that this band has some pretty big ties to faith in their music, but at the end of the day, the great thing about music and lyrics is you can interpret it however you need.

Flightless Bird :: Iron & Wine 
I have been in an Iron & Wine mood lately. I blame January. Not that being in an Iron & Wine mood is a bad thing, but just that their music can give off a very January Grey type of vibe sometimes.

Iron & Wine :: 4AD Session
Like I said, Iron & Wine kind of mood. Also, the first song in the set is my favorite Iron & Wine song of all time.  Super nostalgic and I think it's safe to say everyone has an experience like the one he is describing.

Sleeping At Last :: Turning Page 
Some of you Twilight fans might recognize this song and for those of you who have not see the movies, give it a chance in spite of KStew.  It's beautiful.

Robin Thicke :: Lost Without U 
Taking it back a bit here with this baby makin' jam.  Popped up on my shuffle the other day and took me back to college.  My old roomie and I used to rock out to this song in my car. Gosh it just never gets old for me.

The Lighthouse and the Whaler :: Under Mountain, Under Ground
My friend Creshea reminded me about this band.  She has good taste in music, guys! This is one of my faves by them, but check out the rest of their work.  You won't be disappointed.

The Neighbourhood :: Sweater Weather
This song is fitting right now, because it really is too cold for you here.

Goldroom :: Fifteen
This song makes me wish it were summer.  I think it's the synth that helps This remix is also good, if you're into that kind of thing. Oh, and Creshea also suggested this band too -we have good taste, get used to it.

Annnnd lastly, happy birthday to one of my favorite blogger friends, Kait. I hear Baltimore is throwing a Parade in her honor today..... Or maybe it was for the Super Bowl win... details, shmetails. 

Either way - HAPPPPPY BIRTHDAY! Eat cake for me!!!!!



Enjoy the music and hint of sunshine while it lasts!

<3 BB