Thursday, June 23, 2011

Friday Special on Saturday

Last weekend we helped host a couples shower for Rett and Haley.

Aren't they adorable? She almost makes me want to give up running completely and only do pure barre. I tried not to stand next to her most of the evening.

We decided catering was the way to go, and what better than Taziki's Friday Special? Nothing, that's what. I think I ate on Friday Special until Wednesday.

The girl who picked the order up works for Jim N' Nicks, so we also got some cheese biscuits. I didn't ask too many questions.

Kegside was a popolur location.



What good party doesn't have an afterparty?

It might not be quite the same as the old days, since we had to get up for early service and all, but we had a great time seeing a lot of friends we don't see often enough.

We also rocked the prom pose while seeing how frizzy and greasy my hair can get in the span of one evening.



We are looking forward to the wedding in three short weeks!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Victory Dinner

Remember March Madness? I do. Even though it was a whole season ago, I remember beating Matt's bracket and earning a date night planned by none other than The Mayor himself. Friday night I decided it was time to cash in.


The taste of victory is sweeter out of a mason jar.

My cute date. He let me snap pictures while we waited on our garlic bread. The food came and the photo session had to end.

I had the choice of a movie or wine and music on our roof. I had to choose the former (latter? I still don't get that phrase).

Which meant Namath got to join us. He was very confused as to the purpose of this evening, but soon found it in pooping directly under the glaring spotlight of the street lamp.

Doesn't he look skinny? Or skinnier?


MS planned a great date night. I'm ready for next year's tournament!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Come Away With Me

It's pouring buckets outside and while I should be grateful for the rain, since we're in the midst of a massive drought, rain on a Friday night kind of puts a damper (haha) on my plans. So instead, I'll revisit sunnier days.

After leaving Santorini, we boarded the ferry for Naxos. It was a shorter trip, just two hours, and the perfect time to do some reading.

I had to take a picture of MS reading a book, rather than a Men's Health periodical.




Finishing up book #3, a recommendation from the in-laws.


Good thing I wrapped that up, because they all but throw you into the water with your luggage. These people don't mess around with getting you off the ferry as soon as possible.

Lowering the ramp before we are even at the port.




I was excited to immediately see the doorway to nowhere, the most famous landmark in Naxos.



Where does it lead to? Who knows?

Naxos is a much smaller less tourist driven island, and the food was amazing. The woman that cooked this dinner had been around the kitchen for a while, and you could tell.













This was how all the wine was served - no wine glasses here.



The view on the walk to the beach.

My more free spirited husband was already talking about retiring here.


All I could picture was the logistical nightmare that would be and couldnt we just vacation here instead? I mean, they don't even have Bravo....




But after a few drinks at the bar, it made perfect sense.


They're even prepared with retirement age activities.



We loved the walk to the beach everyday.

We even found a souveneir for Grizz. They would be fast friends, don't you think? Customs would probably be an issue, so we left him there.




Our last night in Naxos, we went back to Nikos. I was desperately trying to convince myself I can wear my hair wavy.


MS got the fish, and I ordered the lamb with red sauce. Once MS tasted it, it was all I could do to get a bite. I believe he said it was one of the best things he's ever eaten. I'm sure I'll be whipping this up any day now.



It's really hard to pick a favorite leg of our trip. Seeing the historical sights in Athens was incredible, Santorini was breathtaking, and Naxos was gorgeous. But something about those last few days on the beach, leisurely dinners and clear waters really make it hard to beat.


Guess I better go up my retirement savings.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Hot Dog

Sunday night we took Namath to a dog play date. Generally, he doesn't fare well at these events, but it makes me feel good to get him out to see the world. And owning a pet is all about me, right?




While the big dogs ran around the yard, Namath spent his evening on the porch, stalking the back door in search of a way into the air conditioning. He actually did make his way in once, and had the nerve to make me chase him all around the house in order to get him back outside. He knows what's up with the AC.



By the time we got back home he was exhausted.




Hours later, when he was still breathing heavy, we decided it was time to take further action.


The iced towel seemed to do the trick.



Where was he with my iced towel on my Saturday run? So selfish.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Move Over Jason Derulo

I was ridin' solo this weekend. Don't judge my blog title. I spent a lot of time with these ladies and am considerably dumber as a result.


Before I got too involved in Alexis' dress line and Tamra's restraining order, I spent Friday night at the neighborhood park listening to the Alabama Symphony. I went with Matt's parents, who know way more about music than I ever will. Did you know each piece of a symphony was called a movement? I didn't, and I don't think I can blame that on Real Housewives.


I went for a long run Saturday. I almost tricked myself into thinking I was as cool as Skinny Runner and thought of taking the camera just in case something interesting happened.

Spoiler: This was about as interesting as it got. Imagine she's blonde and not running in the desert and this about sums up my morning.



There are few dissapointments a pedi can't at least make a little better. Especially a pedi coupled with wine.




It seems everyone had weddings or vacation plans this weekend, so me and the Grizz mostly entertained ourselves. Which was fun for about two hours.







After going back and forth all morning about going to Sunday School by myself, I was so glad I did when I got to see a friend from high school whose blog I stalk because her little girl is the most precious thing I've ever seen.

I'm all about safety, but I was thrilled that MS arrived home in record time. And not just because he surprised me with Chianti and Snickers.


He's learned a few things in the past 7 months.


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Living in America

Now for a non-Greek post. We've kicked off our very American summer with a few concerts.



While weathering some record breaking temperatures and humidity. John Frieda himself couldnt ease this frizz.












Cooking out some fresh vegetables from the farmers market. With some American beer.


And of course, hanging out with the canine Debbie Downer. The heat and the new diet have made him incredibly pleasant. Trust me Grizz, no one is less thrilled about the high fiber diet than the people who have to clean up your poop.

I'm beginning to think the weatherman is lying when he talks about the heat wave. Does a wave last three weeks? I think not.

I'll be riding it out indoors or by the pool, if you need me.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Sunsets and Souvlaki

Yes, I can just about theme every leg of this trip with food. Speaking of themes, I guess I was into the graphic tee look when I packed my bag at 1 a.m.



We arrived in Santorini at 12:45 a.m. so by the next morning I was anxious to go check out the views I had been looking at on my computer screen for the past 4 months. Spoiler alert: They were better in person.


In case you can't see the images on my Stay Golden t-shirt, its these ladies, who always travel in style.




Besides the light skin and lighter hair, doesn't MS look like he fits right in?

I promise I have pictures that aren't us standing in front of the view. That being said, it was truly breathtaking. I kept having to go back and look again every little bit, and it seemed new every single time. I think having their main source of income as tourism is a pretty safe bet.


We loved all the bright blue and white (who doesn't?) and it was constantly being freshened up. They know what's up.

One of, if not the, favorite day on our trip was the sailing expedition around Santorini with Captain Ted. Ted's parents were Greek, but Ted was raised in Jersey. After getting his fill of GTL, he and his wife moved back to Santorini and opened a sailing business. And a sushi restaurant. My kind of people.



After seeing the other sailing expeditions, we were SO glad we went with Captain Ted. The other boats were crammed and you had one small seat, whereas we could lay out on the front part of the boat (I'm sure there's a technical name for that. Starboard?). They also cooked a fresh lunch on the boat that was amazing.


When we got to the hot springs, we got to jump out and swim. I'm a little ill we don't have a picture of me swimming as well, because it was icy cold, and I would like some credit. But doesn't MS look like he's having fun? Geography 101 - if the 'hot' springs arent contained and the ocean is icy cold, they can't really be hot springs now can they?






Lunch after a rough morning at the hotel pool. I got the lamb souvlaki and it was wonderful - very tender and the perfect pairing with fresh tzatziki sauce. Not to mention, fresh fried potatoes.



Catching up on a little work on the way back to the hotel, while sampling some chocolate.


We read a lot in our travel book (that got left on the plane) about how gorgeous the sunsets are in Santorini. They did not dissapoint.


Mythos gives you wings.









We were sad to leave Santorini, but excited to check out Naxos...


Bon Voyage!