Archive for February 2012

"A" is for Against the Grain...

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Sooo... Eating through the Alphabet officially began last night! I met my friend Holly downtown last night for "A" at Against the Grain .

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Against the Grain is a brewer-owned brewery & smokehouse located downtown in Slugger Field in the spot that formerly housed Browning's.


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As both a beer & bbq lover... I was stoked to try this place! Upon arriving, we checked out the inside which was nice, but we opted to take advantage of the unusually nice February weather and took a seat on the patio out front.
Turns out, there is no printed "beer list", but instead it's listed on the glass windows. Pretty cool :) Normally I'm not a fan of dark beers, I find them too bitter a lot of the time, but our waitress insisted I try the "Dilator", so I took her word for it. And... boy am I glad I did! It was definitely a dark beer, but not at all bitter. It was much heavier than my typical pale ale, but I really enjoyed it... it had a really smooth, rich, sort of coffee like taste, and I may or may not have felt a bit tipsy afterward! haha.

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They also have a sampler for under $10 so you can try a variety. I think I'll go this route next time!


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Holly decided to opt for a bloody mary, which she said was excellent!
After some serious thinking, we decided to order some food. I went for the Veggie Mushroom Burger.. a portabella mushroom served with greens, special sauce, and a fried egg. It came with house made chips.
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The mushroom burger was pretty good, but the chips were a bit greasy for me. Holly decided to get the Smoked Chickpea Club. She ended up not being a fan. (But she liked the chips) For some reason we were both thinking the chickpea's would be in the hummus type form.. but they were whole and smoked. Odd flavor. But a lot of people must love it, because our waitress seemed pleased when Holly ordered it.. who knows!
Pricewise it was very affordable,... Each of our entree's consisted of a TON of food, and were just $10 bucks each. The beer was reasonable, too. You could eat and drink for less than $20 per person.

Overall we had a great time catching up (outside. in FEBRUARY!) and really enjoyed the atmosphere. I will definitely go back for that alone. The food I would compare to typical bar food, not wonderful, but not bad either. The drinks were awesome! Next time I visit, I think I'll combine it with catching a Bats game this summer. Or you could also stop by during the next Trolly Hop. Downtown is the first Friday every month. (Click here for Trolly Hop schedule)
Now to decide on "B"... I think we are leaning towards Blue Dog Bakery. Catch you later :)

xo

Sam

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These are a few of my favorite things...

Monday, February 27, 2012

These are a few of my favorite things....
So today when I was getting suited up to complete my Bodyrock workout... I was sliding on one of my headbands and thought, what the heck would I do without these??? So I thought I would share a listing of my favorite products ever :)..

First up... BondiBand headbands! They are inexpensive, non-slip, and they come in so many cute colors and designs, you can seriously buy one for all of your workout outfits. I originally saw these in Shape magazine, and right now have about 4 of them. These are the designs I have...


This pic is from BondiBand's website and the headband is super cute!Click HERE to visit the BondiBand website.







Next up... what girl doesn't like a great purse??? I'm actually not a fan of name brand designs like Coach & Dooney most of the time (don't like the logo designs), nor am I a fan of the outrageous price tags... However, I really do appreciate a well made, chic bag any day. I was browsing Etsy and came across Adeleshop bags. They are genuine leather bags, in super cute colors and designs. AND they are handmade, so you are supporting a local artisan with your purchase. Plus they are affordable & unique, so it's highly unlikely you are going to run into anyone with your exact same bag. This is the bag I have in teh mustart yellow color...

And here is one I have been lusting over...


Click HERE to visit Adeleshop.

Looking for your coffee fix??... Because we can't always hit up Starbucks or Java for a custom crafted beverage, someone out there invented K-Cups! My boyfriend got me a Keurig Coffee Maker two years ago for Christmas & I have been loving it ever since.

I love the individual K-Cups because you can spice up your flavor every day. (Or every hour if it's one of those days! ha!) My favorite flavors include...

Green Mountain Coffee's Caramel Vanilla Cream

Gloria Jean's Cappuccino

Timothy's World Famous Kahlua
YUM! I usually buy mine at Kohl's whenever I can bum a 30% off coupon from my Bff... but you can also purchase online HERE.

And if it's not coffee that's flowing in my house it's likely one of my other fave's... Little Black Dress Wine... (Did you know they just came out with flavored vodka, too??? Can't wait to try!) I like the Merlot the best.

Or, Skinny Girl Cocktails!! Love me some Bethenny Frankel. Bethenny Ever After is new tonight FYI... you're welome!

I guess that's all for favorite products for now, but I will do another round soon! Also, on my blog you will start seeing more reviews about restaurants, entertainment, and events in and around Louisville. I'm meeting my friend Holly tomorrow night to begin our "Eating through the Alphabet" journey... we will begin with downtown Against the Grain Brewery on Main St. in the "NULU" East Market District. So I will post pics & let you know how it is! So excited!!

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Fridayyyyy!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Hello :-)

Happy Friday y'all!
Sooo... tonight we have dinner plans with a couple of great friends. We're going to their house for tacos and margaritas! Basically this is prep work for our plans next weekend...



Jimmy Buffett! We're going to tailgate & see Buffett at the Yum center next Saturday, so I'm super pumped about that!!

Also.... I bought a skydiving ticket!!! My friend/hair girl Morgen at Shear Artistry Salon  and I are going this summer :) Found the ticket on Groupon so I got a great deal, too.



Anyways... time for another round of Friday finds!!

First up...
Favorite Decor: Art Wow Wall . Sooo want to do this. The fact that it's black & white makes it not so over the top.





Favorite Fashion: Tights & shorts... with short boots of course!! Chic.

Favorite Saying... You can do it!

Favorite Recipe: Spicy Shrimp & Fettuccini Yumm!!!



Favorite DIY: Post-It Note Covers... these look easy, and the options are unlimited... would make great gifts!

That's all for today... off to have a margarita! (or two)

xo
Sam

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Spice It Up!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Happy Hump Day :))

I had a sales meeting this morning, then had a few phone calls to make, errands to run.... and finally home to make dinner. I was so excited to try this recipe for...

Thai Chicken with Mango Salsa!!


I got the idea from one of my favorite blogs, Iowa Girl Eats. I usually love Kristen's recipes, and this one did not disappoint!

I adapted her recipe for Thai Chicken Burgers with Mango Salsa and instead used whole chicken breasts and let them marinade in the Thai sauce.



Soooo Good!! And something totally different!

To make the evening even better... after I do my Bodyrockworkout tonight, I'm going to try out another one of Kristen's recipes for dessert...

Brown Butter Banana Bread Cookies!!!


These sound (and look!) amazing!! Hope mine turn out just as good :)

Jason and I have been going back and forth about a possible kitchen makeover... right now we just have oak cabinets, regular solid surface countertops, and white appliances. The layout is great as is, but we're thinking about a stone wall, granite and/or concrete countertops, tile backsplash, painted cabinets with new hardware... and maybe, just maybe new appliances... but who knows!

I'm thinking we could totally tackle the cabinets, backsplash, and possibly even the concrete countertops on our own. I found these pictures for inspiration...





Who knows what we will decide!

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Friday Finds.... Again!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Well we made it to Friday again! Sorry for the lack of posts, but it's been a busy week. Time for another round of Friday finds!!

Favorite movie: One for the Money
Saw this on Wednesday night & loved it. Katherine Heigl nailed Stephanie Plum right down to the Jersey accent.




Favorite Recipe Find: Theresa's Sweet Chili Linguine

Excellent! Made this last night & it's safe to say there were zero leftovers. The sauce is made from heavy cream, Thai sweet chili sauce, and parmesan. So good! The recipe is from the Bristol.

Favorite Summer Sip: Strawberry Margarita Popsicles

I'm so ready to make a batch of these. Maybe I will make them for the Buffett concert coming up in March.... hmmm...

Favorite DIY project: Pallet Bench

I never thought of so many projects with pallets. So cute! Love this blog too: http://www.ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/

Favorite Outfit: Military Jacket


Love the military inspired jacket. Maybe I'll find one on sale since spring clothes are coming out... here's to hoping!!


Well, I have a lazy night ahead, a free day tomorrow, and 4 showings on Sunday... Enjoy your weekend!!

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Friday, February 10, 2012

Well we've made it through another week and now it's time for Friday Finds!


I thought today I'd switch things up a little bit by sharing not only my Pinterest finds for the week, but a few other fab finds I've stumbled upon away from the computer....



Who has heard of Underwired Magazine?! It's a monthly publication here in Louisville, and it's purpose is to empower women. Clever name, huh?! Anyway... you can find it free at Kroger as you walk in, and around town at restaurants, liquor stores, etc. alongside other free publications... (Leo, apartment guide, etc.) I found my copy at Kroger.



Each edition features cover art by an artist & an inspiring quote, and inside you will find local events, local store ads, short stories, and profiles of local women. If you cant find a free copy, you can also subscribe. www.uwmag.com.

Anyhooo.... Another "find" I stumbled upon this week is the CUTEST house on the market in Germantown.


This house has been completely redone inside & out. We're talking new plumbing, electric, siding, decking, energy efficient windows & doors... and fun stuff new like hardwood & ceramic tile flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. AND as a bonus, the seller is allowing the buyer to choose the finsih for all new appliances! (Stainless, anyone??)






It's a steal at just $112,000. (Listed by Jan Scholtz Realtors.) For details, click this link:
http://www.raineyjonesandshawrealtors.com/property-search/detail/3/1323825/1013-e-burnett-ave-louisville-ky-40217/


Now on to the Pinterest finds....
                            How cute for V-day.... & looks easy, too!


http://griffithsrated.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentine-prezel-buttons.html

Loving the side bun! Makes me want to grow my hair :(



Gorgeous! Love the yellow... thinking about printing and framing in a thick black frame.



This may be my next DIY... I have an old window like this. Looks cute, right?!


                                                    http://www.betterafter.blogspot.com/

Well that's all for today I suppose... Have a great weekend :)

xo

Sam

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Snow Day

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Snow last night? Seriously??


I wish it would either snow snow (like inches...) or not snow at all!

My baby, on the other hand, seems to be enjoying the snow just fine...



This is Kobe, my baby! He's yellow lab & he's 2 1/2 years old. In lab years, that means he still acts like a puppy the majority of the time :) Ok by me.

Also... I finished my vintage printer drawer project!! I started with a vintage printer drawer I found at Traderbakers...


Next I sanded lightly, and applied 2 coats of black paint in a semi-gloss finish..



Then I screwed i-hooks in at an angle in some of the openings..




And lastly, I hung on the wall & went to town hanging my jewelry!



I think it turned out great & the black looks nice against the red walls in the bedroom. What do you think?!

In other news.... Sushi tonight! I'm meeting a friend and we're going to indulge in some of our fave rolls tonight at Rikishi. At first I was a bit skeptical of a sushi joint in Crestwood, but boy was I wrong! It's excellent! So I'm counting down until this evening...



xo

Sam

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Another week, another project!!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Happy Monday! It's sunny so I'm happy :)


Time to start another week!

I'm super excited because this week signals the beginning of the next Bodyrock 30 Day Challenge!!! If you haven't heard of Bodyrock you have got to check it out! Basically it's an online workout website that provides you with quick & effective daily workouts.



No joke, each workout is typically 12 minutes long, & some days you have 2 workouts. - so we're talking a 1/2 hour tops. Plus it's 100% FREE!!

I know you're thinking-- yeah, right! 12 minute workout is effective? not!

That's what I thought! I was totally wrong! I used to do Insanity - so I know a tough workout. These workouts give me results without taking up an hour or more of my day. It's a win-win!

&& the host Lisa-Marie is super cute & fun to watch! Check her out! I want those abs :)



Go to http://www.bodyrock.tv/ to get started!  You will NOT be dissapointed!
Also - I went to Traderbakers this morning & found something I have been lusting after for ever.... a vintage printer drawer!!

This is what it looks like now....



And this is what I hope it looks like when I finish! ...



This jewelry display board is from Etsy shop Aurea && I'm using it as inspiration for my own version. Cute way to show off all of your jewelry, don't you think?!

I'll post pics of my after so you can be the judge :)


In other news, my first time homebuyer client (& friend) found a house! We still have to get through inspections & get to closing - but I'm so excited for him! I'll post pictures after closing so you can see how cute this house is! :)



Until next time...

xo
Sam

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