Saturday in the Park

Remember this post?

Well, it has been so nice to enjoy the fruits of good city planning. Not something you can say too often in Birmingham. It was beautiful last weekend (better late than never on this post), so we walked down to the park with our picnic lunch. Because we're hip and urban like that.

What says hip and urban better than a monogrammed picnic basket? Not much.

Unless its a monogrammed Tervis Tumbler filled with lemonade.

We had some of my favorite chicken salad. It's healthy too. If you know differently, do not tell me.


Not a bad spread.

Saturday night, we grilled out deer burgers, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

I'm a new fan. Sorry, Bambi. You are delicious and lean.

Hate math. Love wine. I was torn about this.

But, it was pretty tasty.

Fantastic weekend that was over entirely too quick. TGIT!

Wordless Wednesday - Spring Fever Edition

On the Road Again

We were both out of town for work last week, so the week totally got away from me. My apologies for those of you waiting on the edge of your seats for exciting five ingredient recipes and pictures of Namath.

While Matt headed North, I did a tour of the great state of Alabama. Ice cream from Peach Park for lunch? Don't mind if I do.

While I was cooling down with two scoops of cookies and cream, Matt was staying warm.

I was a little dissapointed he didn't pop in, make friends and score us a new quilt. I'll be strong.

Fantastic Friday

It is Friday. FINALLY. This week, brought you you courtesy of our good friends over at Theraflu.

But ahead...warm temps, mexican food and a fun date tomorrow night. Don't tease me Spring.

While I'm trying to wrap my small mind around the Viva Italia! sale this week, let's look at the spoils of victory from last week. Anytime I can score Starbucks ice cream for a buck, it's a good week.

Spent $52
Saved $44

I definitely feel the effects of the 12 week grocery cycle. We are filled to the brim with groceries, so just hitting up the basics this week.

Hope your weekend is full of t-shirts, flip flops and maybe a few pop tops.

Opa! Vacation!

In a few short months we'll fly here....

Then a ferry ride to here....

and here.

We are so excited about this opportunity! Also pretty overwhelmed.

It's a little out of the comfort zone. But something we decided we wanted to check off our list before babies and houses and general adult responsibilities take over.

We're excited about planning this trip together over the next couple months and hoping it will be full of great memories for many years to come.

Opa!

Here We Go Again

It's that time of year again...getting geared up for numerous weddings with showers, bachelor/bachelorette weekends and everything else that goes into the big day. We kicked this season off with an Around the House shower for our friends Cal and Laura. Conveniently hosted downstairs at our complex.

I also got my hair cut Saturday. Does the bang length scenario stress anyone else out? They always turn out too short, are the right length for about 10 days, and then just get mixed in with all the other layers. I digress...

Me and MS

Most of the guys stayed outside. Also the location of the keg.



One of the hostesses was kind enough to make a wine run at Trader Joe's before she left Atlanta . I've been wanting to try this wine for years and it didn't dissapoint. Now wishing we had a Trader Joe's. And H&M.

I don't think you can go wrong with a good Southern mix of BBQ, beer and red velvet cupcakes.

If it weren't for my trusty foam roller (seriously, if you run at ALL, I highly recommend. Unless you can afford frequent sports massages. In that case, we should be better friends) and the handicap stall at work, I'm not sure how I would have made it the past two days.

Put some polka dot pj pants and a tshirt on this girl, and this was how I've spent a good bit of time since Sunday.

On that note, I'm signing out.

We Ran...

A long way. Let's recap.

Of course I set all my stuff up the night before. Prep is key for a 5:20 wakeup call.

Hello, post race party ticket. Made sure that bad boy was on nice and secure. I was so glad to get an even number. Odd numbers...not my thing.

We were blessed with perfect running weather. Chilly at the start, but great temps once you got out on the course. Bright blue sunny skies didn't hurt either. After firing off the starting gun, U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" sent us off. Reason #428 I love this race.

Highlights:

1. Runners racing for a local runner who tragically died on a morning run training for the race.

2. Runners racing for the Bell Center.

3. Great crowd support. Particularly loved the "You're not last!" and "Don't walk now, people are watching" posters.

4. My past self -who in some stroke of good sense I can't remember- had the wisdom to put "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch in my running mix. Fantastic surprise at mile 3.

Lowlights:

1. Miles 9-13. Ouch. Consider the price of running the first 9 too fast paid. In full.

2. Smokers. I don't grab you and force you to run the race, so please don't BLOW YOUR SMOKE DIRECTLY INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING RUNNERS. Rant over.

I sent MS ahead at mile 9, as my legs began to feel remarkably similar to concrete. He PR'd at 1:56 and some change. I was so proud of him! It's such a great feeling when all those early dark, cold runs pay off on race day. Also, I think the bulldog shirt he sported brought good luck.

I finished a couple minutes behind him and was ready to hit the booth of my favorite race sponsor - Michelob Ultra. I'm not sure a cold beer has ever tasted so good. Ever.

We ran into some friends with the same idea. This was their first half and they did awesome! I'm so glad to have some more running friends!

MS and the twins had the same math teacher in high school. She was running the half too, and scheduled to meet up. Added up to equal a great photo op.

First married Mercedes half! Beating a dead horse here, but I love that we can run together. Makes it so much more fun!

We got back to the apartment and decided to walk downstairs and watch the marathoners pass. Of course, Namath wanted to cheer them on too.

He was unimpressed. He's not much for distance running. More of a sprinter.

This was the water/banana/orange/gummy bear stop at mile 25. Cannot. fathom. this. It was so cool to see them run by and cheer them on. Kudos to them for pumping out a great soundtrack as well.

The last mile stretch. Told you it was a gorgeous day! At this point I was counting down the blocks. And trying to keep up with the barefoot runner next to me.

Super cheesy picture. Please refrain your jealousy of my hair.

Taking suggestions as to what to do with the finishers medal that weighs close to a pound.

All I want for Valentines is some ibuprofen.