Last weekend...

I ran a 10k.  My third one ever but a personal best!

I went to the NCAA Tournament in Louisville.  I saw UCLA upset SMU, UAB upset Iowa St., Cincinnati upset Purdue and Kentucky dominate Hampton.

As much as I LOVE my Wildcats I still found some time to cheer on Mr. Louisville's Cards.  I'm a lover, not a hater.

I had my first patio drinks of the season pre-gaming for more NCAA madness on Saturday.

I saw Kentucky dominate UC.  I was never worried.  We are going all the way!

Mr. Louisville and I hung out with Payne!  Fun, fun!

I made sloppy joes after the long weekend.  Charlotte loved it!

xoxo

Happy Birthday, Charlotte!!

That little minx turned 1 year old!
I remember when she was brand new.
We celebrated at Molly and Ryan's!
It's been an awesome year watching her grow up.
Watching my sister as a mom has been pretty cool, too.
Happy Birthday, bebe!  You are my favorite!

Thanksgiving Recap

Thanksgiving... success!  Now just counting down until Christmas.  But first, a recap.  Kind of like a timeline!

Thanksgiving Eve
Mr. Louisville and Squirt come for a visit!
We walk to Bar Louie for a drink and a snack then across the bridge for a Cyclones game at US Bank with 40 of my friends.
After the game (and a few dollar beers) we walk back to Newport and head to the Southgate House Revival for a little live music.
We were home by 11am for an early morning.

Thanksgiving
We wake up early for the Thanksgiving Day Race in Cincinnati.  It was a chilly morning but we finish the 10k (6.2 miles) in an hour and 5 minutes.  Not too shabby!
After the race we tidy up for my family's annual Thanksgiving lunch at Orchid's.
Oysters!  Crab!  Prime rib!  Cheese!  Desserts!
Naps.

Friday after Thanksgiving
I head to Louisville!
We meet up with Betas at the Beer Depot for drinks and dinner.  Special visitors Sean and Ellie are in town! Yay!

Saturday
Mr. L and I have another early morning.
We bike to Check's Cafe for chili and grilled cheese.
After our nosh we bike to the Stadium for the Louisville vs. Kentucky football game.

Good grief, the game was back and forth but Louisville pulled out the win.  Fine with me as we'll be seeing them on the basketball court later this month.
Finally, it's a holiday weekend get together at Shenanigan's in lieu of Mr. Louisville's annual cocktail party.
Shew, what a weekend!

Thanksgiving down, Christmas to go!

Grandparents

These photos of my parents with their first grandchild melt my heart.

Read, Watch, Eat: Volume 2

Read
I pre-ordered Lena Dunham's book, Not That Kind of Girl, and I'm liking it.  Like, not love.  I haven't devoured it like I thought I would but her essays are interesting.  Very much like her tv show, GIRLS, I can't stop but it's nothing I'd re-watch or re-read.

Watch
I don't subscribe to any cable service, I'm a Netflix and Hulu gal.  So, I'm throwing things back to one of my favorite tv shows of all time. Gilmore Girls!  I'm currently on a casual binge of the entire series.  It is so witty and fun!  The best part about watching it for the second time through (aside from no commercials!) is discovering some guest stars.

Like Jon Hamm.  Helllloooo, Mad Men!  Another series that I've watched twice.

And Nick Offerman aka RON SWANSON of Parks and Rec fame.

Eat
I hit up Kenwood with my sister and her bebe today and we stopped by Maggiano's for lunch.  This was the first time going somewhere nice to eat with Charlotte.  It was... different. Bebe was great but it was a tiny bit hectic. Related: I tipped 30%.

Gratuitous pic of Bebe and me!

Anyway, we restrained ourselves today but we love love love their fried zucchini.  It's so good! I make a version for myself in the summer when fresh zucchini is aplenty so yeah, it's a favorite.  So, I was excited to try Trader Joe's Zucchini Fries.  Verdict: I was impressed!  I kept them in the oven a bit longer to ensure optimal crisp and ate them with my favorite go-to marinara. I'll be adding it to my TJ list!

Halloween Weekend

I never look forward to falling back for daylight savings but I do love this time of year.  Halloween! Fall! Football!  And, randomly, my parent's 33rd Anniversary!!  Here's to 33 more, Mom and Dad!!  :)

Last Thursday I traveled to Louisville for the Florida State University vs. Louisville football game.  This game was a big deal!  And although UofL didn't pull off a win it was still fun.  Maybe a little too fun!

All the Betas before the game.

Friday I was back in Newport!  That evening was Halloween and I went out for my friend Nate's birthday! Last year we went to Below Zero and I've been looking forward to it again all year.  Mr Louisville dressed up as a nerd (um, not really a stretch for him ;) and I pulled out an old favorite, California Mountain Snake from Kill Bill!  The dance party was so much fun!  I could have closed it down but Thursday night's shenanigans caught up to me eventually so Mr L and I headed home around 1am.

Leyla finally met Mr. Louisville!

Becky creeping, Leyla, Hillie (who KILLED it as Red from Orange is the new Black, Kelly as My Little Pony and me.

Saturday, it was more Halloween fun!  But first, another birthday.  We met up with Mike and Abbey to celebrate Ab's birthday at Dewey's Pizza.  One of my favorites!  Then, it was off to Brett's for a party.  Mr. Louisville has quite the 'stache and after some contemplating we decided to go as a little girl and pedophile! I think we pulled it off!  The lollipops were a nice touch.

Finally, I don't think I can complete a Halloween post with out a picture of my niece on her first Halloween dressed as a little ladybug. I love her!

Friday Five

1.  On the Run
I went to the Great American Ball Park a few weeks ago to see Beyonce and Jay Z.  It was the greatest live concert I've ever been to.  And I've been to a lot!!  The production was top notch and it was just so high energy and fun.  I went with Abbey and we had so much fun dancing the entire time.  Luckily, I was able to slip in my flask so sipping bourbon for the duration helped.

View from our seats.

2.  Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!
I've professed my love of Nordstrom a few times before but this sale hit the spot.  I had a delightful time shopping with my mom and was able to find lots of great things.  I decided to splurge on a black leather jacket for myself.  I'd never wish summer away but I can't wait to wear it!  

3.  How does your garden grow?
After much success last year pickling jalapenos from my parent's garden I requested kirby cucumbers this year.  My mom planted 4 little plants and the cucumbers are growing like wild fire!  I tried a few recipes for refrigerator pickles but wasn't too impressed.  My mom tried this recipe and they hit the spot so I made some as well.  I'm sure I'll be making many more batches before summer's end. 
Also, their sunflowers came up and are absolutely stunning. It's so nice to pop over there to get fresh flowers that last a few weeks to keep in my house!

Care for a pickle?

4.  Charlotte Rose
When I was in San Francisco I popped into a little shop one day to get a gift for my favorite niece.  I had to stop myself from getting one of the gorgeous stacking blocks because she's just too young for them yet and I've been on a roll getting her things she loves!  Instead I got a little sunni rattle for her. Success!

5.  4th of July
I had a very low-key holiday this year but it was perfect.  Spent the day poolside with friends until Mr. L arrived in the late afternoon.

This summer is flying by.  Hope you are enjoying yours!

Barenaked

Last Week...

I went to the ADRP Conference with some coworkers in Columbus.
I stayed at the best hotel, ate some seriously good icecream, chatted with this band at Char Bar and enjoyed a bourbon and some olives at Marcella's.

It was a refreshing little work trip!

As soon as I got home on Friday this little babe came to visit.

And Saturday, these two came to stay.

I had a great week last week.  I hope you did, too.

5 things

1. My beloved CATS made it all the way to the big dance but fell short to UCONN.  It was such a fun tournament and I came in 3rd place in both of my brackets!  So many good players returning next year that I already can't wait until basketball season.

Me, Molly and Hillie!

2. Until basketball there's always baseball.  GO REDS!  I made it out again for another Opening Day adventure which is a big deal here in Cincinnati.

Andrew, Keith, Simon, Clay, Matt, Me, Eric

3.  I went to Vegas for a conference for work and stayed at the Flamingo.  It was more fun when I went for a Bachelorette party but I'm not complaining.

4. Mr. Louisville hosted a Spring Brunch at his home and I was in charge of the Bloody Mary Bar.  Not pictured was a 12-pack of Little Kings to swig in between sips.  I take my bloodies seriously!

5.  Finally, it's been a busy weekend.  Baby shower for Taylor Blessing, Wedding shower for Carly and my niece's Baptism!  I can't stand it.  She's just so cute and chubby!  I'm making these cookies for the lunch afterwards and I highly recommend them. 

A wedding, a baby and Mormans

I got a head start on weddings this year and went to the first one the first week of January.  My cousin, Jared and his lady, Jesse.  Mr. Louisville was my date and he met my 'rents.

I've been stopping over to see this little chubster.  My sister laughs at my awkwardness but is encouraging.  She says I can't break baby C but she still makes me nervous!

I went with some ladies from my book club and saw Book of Morman at the Arnoff.  Goodness!  So good!!

Have you seen any good shows lately?  Held any babies? 

She's here!

Charlotte Rose was born December 1st around 12pm.  Two weeks early!  The little babe was 21.5 inches long, 7 pounds 13 ounces and with a full head of dark hair. 

I'm so happy that things went so well with my sister!  She was in labor for only 3 hours, pushing for less than 1. I've really never heard of anyone, personally, having a better experience than she did and that makes me so happy for her.  She didn't go to any birthing classes or watch any videos.  She decided to let her body do it's thing and that worked for her.

I arrived once she was settled into her room and brought the proud parents Jimmy Johns.

I'm so excited to be an Aunt!

Charlotte Rose

My sister is having a baby!  The whole family is very excited, to say the least.  Charlotte Rose should be ready for her debut the first of December and this weekend I threw Molly a baby shower.  It was a success!  Nearly every single cousin and aunt came along with a few other friends.

I served spinach and artichoke dip, cheese tortellini with a pesto dipping sauce, strawberry and pineapple skewers and three different types of sandwiches.  Chicken Caesar, turkey and colby jack and a warm veggie sandwich.  The veggie was a rip off of my favorite hot veggie sandwich from York St. Cafe.  My mom and I love going there for lunch.  It's so good!

Molly and I

I wish I was able to take more pictures but it I was GO GO GO from the moment I woke up until well after the guests left. 

Luckily, Molly's friend, Rotha, volunteered to take care of the dessert.  Not only did she bring a beautiful cake but also cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, M&Ms.  It was ridiculous!

The hard part is over (for me, at least).  Now I'm ready to meet my niece!