Tasting Dinner

A couple weeks ago, we attended a tasting dinner at a local wine bar, 20 Brix.  It was sponsored by a California winery, Rodney Strong.  The most exciting thing about the dinner was creating a cabernet blend all based on your tastes and preferences at the end!

We LOVE our 20 Brix!  Derek and I do date nights here quite frequently.  Especially on retail wine nights :)

Menu included:
1) Bone Marrow Whipped Butter
2) Beef Fat and Red Wine Braised Conger Eel
3) Tilefish Migas
4) Braised Kentucky Lamb Belly

This bone marrow whipped butter dish was super delicious.  Maybe even the table's favorite dish of the whole night.  The strawberries with the charred broccoli greens pesto paired so well together!

We learned a lot about Eel that night.  When eel is on a menu, it is not typically the long slithery animal you normally think of.  Rather, it is almost like a grouper...think huge!  This dish was a huge hit.  And not to mention the chorasco sausage was out of this world!

This was my favorite dish of the evening!  It was full of mexican flavors, which are my favorite! 

And overall, this was the least favorite dish of the night.  The lamb was pretty fatty and the onion overpowered the rest of the flavors.  Still, Chef Paul never disapoints!

This was the most exciting part of the dinner...the blending of the cabernets we tasted throughout dinner.  Derek's Mom & I went with a pretty similar blend and Derek & his Dad did something similar.  We all ended up liking the boys blends better...go figure!

The Blogmopolitan Quiz

I’m linking up with Erin today with this adorable idea…Blogmopolitan quiz.  You know all those quizzes that celebrities answer in magazines; well, here is our chance to answer them!  Enjoy reading and getting to know me a little better.




Hope you have a great weekend!

Latest Parenting Trend

OH my…I found this article via the Huffington Post and bookmarked it immediately.  I knew I wanted to share it with Derek….it is just too funny not to share!
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Latest Parenting Trend: The CTFD Method   
David Vienna

I know many people want to stay current with the latest parenting trends -- attachment parenting, minimalist parenting, Tiger Mother parenting, et al. Well, I've stumbled upon a new technique that will guarantee your child grows up to be an exemplary student and citizen. It's called CTFD, which stands for "Calm The F*ck Down." And that's not a message to give your kids. It's for you.

Using CTFD assures you that -- whichever way you choose to parent -- your child will be fine (as long as you don't abuse them, of course). To see it in action, here are some sample parenting scenarios and how CTFD can be employed:

• Worried your friend's child has mastered the alphabet quicker than your child? Calm the f*ck down.
• Scared you're not imparting the wisdom your child will need to survive in school and beyond? Calm the f*ck down.
• Concerned that you're not the type of parent you thought you'd be? Calm the f*ck down.
• Upset that your child doesn't show interest in certain areas of learning? Calm the f*ck down.
• Stressed that your child exhibits behavior in public you find embarrassing? Calm the f*ck down.

Yes, using the CTFD method, you'll find the pressure lifted and realize your child loves you no matter what, even if they've yet to master the alphabet. You'll also learn that whether or not you're the best parent in the world, as long as you love your child, they'll think you are and that's what matters. Plus, CTFD makes you immune to those that prey upon the fears of new parents, like pseudoscientists and parenting authors.

To use CTFD, just follow these simple steps:

1. Calm the f*ck down.
2. There is no second step.

So, ignore all those other parenting trends and stick to CTFD. You'll be glad you did and so will your kid.
This post originally appeared -- without the asterisks -- on TheDaddyComplex.com.
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So, in all seriousness, I think this parenting “method” is so perfect for me!  I’m the type to obsess over everything…then have some anxiety about it.  This pregnancy has been a total mind game, and I can’t even imagine what being a first time new mother will be like.  I’m expecting my brain to go into overdrive and stay there forever.  I’m counting on second guessing everything and being totally unsure of the decisions I’m making.  Thank goodness for Derek because he calms me down in about every situation.  I’m hoping that I can take myself out of any situations that I’m going a little crazy in, and just calm down!  Sounds easy enough, right?

Habits of Happy People

I saw an article the other day of the secrets to being happy and it sparked my interest.  I consider myself a pretty happy person.  In fact, I’m happy go-lucky most of the time…maybe annoyingly so to some.  However, I don’t think it is a negative thing.  In fact, I’m thankful this is a trait I’ve inherited.  Now don’t get me wrong, I have my bad days and bitch sessions with my husband and friends, but that’s normal.  Right?  Right!

So, I got to thinking, what are the habits of happy people.  What can we practice in order to keep ourselves in a positive mood?  Because we all know, practice makes perfect.  Here are the things I can think of:

-Appreciate the small things in life.  This one is a huge thing for me.  I get sooooo excited for the smallest things.  Getting mail, winning a blog giveaway, eating a yummy home-cook meal that was prepared by my husband, getting Chick-fil-A for lunch, etc. etc.  All these things get me in a giddy mood and feel happy!  Even though they may be small, I try to appreciate even the smallest things every day!

-Talk through any issues you have and then let it go!  So, this one is a bit harder for me to follow.  BUT, the one thing I do like to do, is talk about my problems.  I’ve been know to beat the issue wayyy after it’s dead (just ask my husband).  This just really helps me move past whatever problems I’m having and forget.

-Positive thinking.  I feel like being an optimist can only ever work out in your favor.  Plus, positive thinking (in my opinion) is contagious so you can get everybody else on board.

-Plan for everything but be up for anything.  I’m a planner, that’s no secret.  I over-plan and that may be an understatement.  However, I feel like experiencing some unexpected is one of the best things ever!  Derek is always up for anything and that’s one thing I love about him. 

-Surround yourself with other happy people.  This one is probably easier said than done.  Just as positive thinking is contagious, negative thoughts can also infect your brain!

-Make fun of yourself.  So with this point, what I really mean, is laugh…a lot!  A way that I do this is to not take myself so seriously.  If you could peak inside our house, you would see Derek and I dancing around/belting out lyrics randomly, making ridiculous noises to see how bad we can annoy each other, and other silly things.  These episodes always make me laugh.

So, that’s all I’ve got.  What do you think are the habits of happy people?

What’s In a Name?

The other day I was Panera ordering my usual, the pick two combo of chicken noodle soup and fuji apple chicken salad, and I gave my name as they call out names instead of order numbers once your food is ready to pick up.

Well, the Panera employee was like, “you look like a Katie.”  And I responded with, “thanks, I guess.”  But then I got to thinking, as us bloggers do when searching for some blogging material, what’s in a name?  What makes me look like a Katie? 
According to Wikipedia, Katie is of Greek origin and means “pure.”  Well, I guess I look pure then?  No, I definitely don’t think the name’s meaning has anything to do with what the person looks like.  So, maybe all of us Katie’s look alike or a certain way.  So I googled, famous Katie’s.
-Katie Holmes
-Katy Perry
-Katie Couric
…and a lot more Katie’s that I did not recognize.  Safe to say, we all do not look the same.  So I guess there is nothing concrete that makes somebody look like a Katie.

But here’s the thing, I totally get what this stranger was saying.  Sometimes I look at people I know, and I think, man they do/do not look like their names.  I do not know exactly what it is, but there is definitely something there.

So, do you look like your name?  Is there somebody you know who does NOT look like their name?

PS- Totally unrelated to my ramblings, look what I received in the mail yesterday:

Isn’t my husband the sweetest?!  Seriously the most creative surprise ever!!

AND this is why i love him

First, thank you all so much for the positive comments about my vlog!  You ladies sure know how to make me feel more confident :)

So, Derek helped me with my vlog by getting everything set up.  The power strip, turning the lamps on, getting the video program set up, etc.  I asked him to make sure the recording and audio were working correctly.  Anyway, while I was cleaning up my desktop with all my "takes," I accidentally deleted some clips I needed.

Well, low and behold in the recycling bin, I found a video made by the man himself.  He must have made this when double checking my computer's recording program was working...while wearing his awesome robe.  Once I watched it, I could NOT resist and had to share.

Please enjoy this Friday funny and realize that Derek and I make fun of each other to give each other a hard time.

Have a great weekend!

Sorry I’m Not Sorry

I’m linking up with these lovely ladies for a round of Sorry I’m Not Sorry!

Sorry I’m Not Sorry for….

Making lists all the time.  And I prefer lists on paper (in case you were dying to know) so I am able to cross it off.

Yelling at my husband when he is driving crazy and then when I’m by myself, I do the exact same things.  Hey, he’s so much scarier when he does it ;)

My head being full of song lyrics.  Seriously, I’m pretty sure 80% of my brain is full of lyrics.  Super helpful when making my commute everyday to work.  Singing along to the radio is the only thing keeping me entertained every day while driving.

Being drove crazy when people do not shut cabinet doors.  Seriously, how hard is it for you to shut the door?

Being in love with their dog and treating it like part of the family. 

Using too much of every product…this drives my husband crazy.  Whether it’s body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, eye cream, etc. etc. etc.  You name it, and I use way too much.  I know I do it….I just have a hard time visualizing how much I need.

Watching crap tv.  Reality tv is about the only thing I watch.  The crappier it is…more likely I’ll watch it!  I’m craving that fluff stuff when I get home from work.  I don’t want to watch anything that needs my brain to work.

Being horrible at geography (ahem, Mr. TBC).  I promise you, it’s not my fault!

Derek and I have our own secret clap.  You know, a hand clap routine you did with a rhyme or something when you were 5 years old?!  Well, we were awesome when we were in high school and started doing a small secret “handshake” (which involved clapping each other hands).  We have been adding to it every since and now it has gotten kind of long.  But every so often we will pull it out to see if we can remember it. 

I’m On Instagram!!

I’m finally on the ever-so popular Instagram!  You can find me with my username: Marriedwithapup.  Or leave a comment with your username and I’ll find you :)

Guessing Game

Yup, it’s time for another installment of The Guessing Game!  Are you ready??

 

Out of the 3 pictures below, which one is the oldest?  I’ll give you a hint, it’s the oldest photo I have on my computer!   
   

A

B

C

ANSWER: A!  From March of 2006 

Photo B is from 2008 and photo C is from 2007.  If you didn’t notice, I had dark hair all through college.  This may or may not have been to fit the look of my fake ID.....

Anyway, hope you are having a great week!

Do It! I Dare You!

Source: trenchwarfaretoo.blogspot.com via Kaitlin on Pinterest

...and that's all I have for today : )

Guessing Game

Ok, time for another guessing game!  This one revolves around some fashion!  It’s super easy….all you have to do is guess which article of clothing (A or B) is the cheaper alternative….

….Here we go!

Guessing Game 1 by marriedwithapup featuring a long jacket

Guessing Game 2 by marriedwithapup featuring a racerback dress

Guessing Game 3 by marriedwithapup featuring platform pumps

Guessing Game 4 by marriedwithapup featuring a quilted shoulder bag

Guessing Game 5 by marriedwithapup featuring super skinny jeans

Alright…you ready for the answers?


1. A
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. B

An Answer & Weekend Recap!

First, thanks for playing along with my little game!  The answer is….

5’9 and some change

We recently made some updates to our life insurance (officially an adult thing to do, I know) so I got measured a couple weeks ago.  Everybody's guesses were pretty close actually!  So, I have a few other questions for you to guess…we’ll play that game again!

On to the weekend recap.  Hope you all had a great weekend.  Ours was seriously crazy busy.  But a fun busy because we got to see family and friends all weekend.

Friday Night

Derek’s parents came to Cincinnati and we went to a Reds game.  First, we went to Crave, a new restaurant right across from the stadium.  Seriously delicious food people.

Before going to the game, we stopped by a bar for a pre-game beer.

The weather was absolutely perfect!  And for the first time, we stayed for the fireworks.  I was impressed by these suckers!  A perfect night if I say so myself!

Saturday Morning

We got up and tried Taste of Belgium in OTR for brunch.


I’ve been wanting to try this place ever since I had one of their waffles at a wine tasting.  It was such a great little spot with some local & tasty food!

Saturday Night

Dinner at Nada and then night out on the town with friends!

 

Sunday

SO, we had Sunday Funday with Sarah and her husband!!  It’s been a while since I had one of these…and honestly, it was perfection!  Nothing better than hanging out at the pool all afternoon and chatting with friends.  Did I mention that her husband was so incredibly sweet and surprised her with this?  I know, right!

Whew….good times!

Guessing Game

 Ok, so I've received a lot of comments lately asking me about my height.  Kate once did this, so it sparked my interest....

Leave me a comment and guess how tall I am.  This should be fun and I can't wait to see what you think!

It’s a Dog World

Yes, you all probably know by now that we love our dog, Brutus!  We spoil him any chance we can get…and it’s only because he’s the best dog in the whole wide world.  Right? 

Haha, we all know that dog owners all spoil their furry friends.  So, I thought I would share a couple of dog luxuries I have stumbled across lately

Bark Box

So, you know Birchbox…well this is the pet friendly version.  That’s right, you sign up, and then once a week you get a box tailored to your pet with all kinds of goodies.  Not going to lie, I’m totally thinking about signing up for this! 

AND, 10% of all proceeds go to a local shelter or rescue.  Have you heard of this?

Pet Wants

This is a local thing, but basically it’s a restaurant for dogs in Cincinnati!  No, I’m not kidding you!  It has house-made/gluten-free snacks and food for pets.  In addition there is a dine-in menu, especially for dogs, just in case you want to order off of that! 

Well, we all know Brutus would be too crazy for that kind of shop….but geesh, if we had a normal well behaving dog, I would sooo be there!


What other crazy pet related things have you seen lately?

Also, my giveaway ends on Sunday night!  So, don’t forget to enter!

Photo Fun

First, thanks for all of your sweet comments and for entering my giveaway yesterday!  If you are late to the game, no worries, just go here and enter!

Now, on to some photo fun!

I have a game for you all.  And this is seriously the best game in the world.  I’m not saying that I invented this game or anything….but, I have pictures dating back to 2007 as evidence.  So, I’m at least a master then right?

Anyway, all you do is a) go out with your friends and have a good time b) get your camera out c) right before you snap the picture, call out an action/event for the people to act out d) capture this picture. 

YUP, that’s all you do!  It’s that easy and soooo much fun!

For example, you can do it while you are waiting on campus transportation to take you to the next bar…..

“You just saw something that grossed you out”

“You are looking at a shooting star”

“You just found out you have a STD”

Or, you can play this game while you are waiting on a taxi……

“You are surfing”

 

“You just found out you won the lottery”

Or, maybe you are sitting at a restaurant waiting for some food….

“You are playing the saxophone”

“You are a serious pool shooter”

And then, sometimes you look back at these freaking hilarious pictures and can’t figure out what was said right before the photo was taken….

“??????”

That’s all you gotta do; and I guarantee it will get a lot of laughs!  Try it out next time you are out!