Colorado... a (belated) timeline!

Sorry for the summer break around here. But I'm back!  With a belated timeline...

Wednesday- Mr. Louisville and I catch a flight first thing to Denver.  As soon as we land we pick up our car and head to lunch.  Ate at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.  Quite possibly the worst meal of the trip.

Afterwards we drive over to Heather and Aaron's whom we haven't seen since San Fransisco.  After a nap we wined, dined and had a great time!  They made us delicious grilled fish tacos with fresh pico and guac.  It was a lovely night of catching up!

Thursday - Duck eggs and bacon for breakfast before hitting the road to Fort Collins.  M and I get cleaned up then head out in search of drinks. We had a drink at the Blind Pig (moscow mule for me!) then walked around a bit landing at the Drunken Monkey.  We were there early so we snagged a swing at the bar.  Fun!

Finally, we found Social which was by far my favorite drinking hole. Ambiance, good service, rose!  Highly recommend!

After our own little happy hour we met up with Andi, Payne and their families at Beau Jo's for a pre-wedding pizza party.  After feasting the younger crowd went out for night caps at the Town Pump.  Jello shots and light beer at this point!

Friday - M and I woke up early to go on a little hike per the recommendation of the bell hop at our hotel.  First, a little breakfast burrito fuel at Wild Boar Cafe then we made our way to the Horsetooth Reservoir and did a quick little hike to Horsetooth falls.  It was perfect!

Afterwards, we hit up Target then went back to our hotel to freshen up.  Mara and Brian came in and we went to lunch at Fort Collins Brewery.  Then walked to Odell Brewery and New Belgium Brewery.  Shew!

Around 5 we met in Mara's room for some celebratory sparkling rose before heading to the hostel for a welcome barbecue.

Saturday - We woke up early again and grabbed a quick breakfast at Avogadro's.

Afterwards we met up with Mara and Brian again to go white water rafting.  A little 30th birthday adventure for Mara!
We lunched at Vern's after then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding!

Before the wedding we went to Black Bottle Brewery for a drink then headed back to the hostel.
The wedding was perfect!

After the wedding we made our way to the reception at Horse and Dragon Brewery.  We were greeted with Bluegrass music and beers and feasted at the taco truck parked outside.

Sunday - Mr. Louisville and I got up and freshened up before heading back to the hostel once last time to say goodbye.

Afterwards we hit the road for Boulder!  We met some of Mr. Louisville's friends for lunch at Med and then walked around downtown a bit. I even got to stop into a legal pot shop to check it out.

After lunch M and I made our way back to Denver where we met Aaron and Heather at the pool.  It was a perfect pool day and I proceeded to drink a bottle of rose all by myself. We grilled a bunch of different sausages and had a few different types of salad for dinner.  Perfection.

Monday - Our flight wasn't leaving until 6pm so we were up around 9 for more duck eggs and breakfast sausages.  Then Heather took us up the Mountain to Evergreen Dam.  We walked around the dam and wondered about living in such a place.  We drove around a bit to look at the big homes nearby and we spotted some Elk!  We stopped off for a quick lunch which would've been great had the waitress not dropped an entire ramekin of salad dressing on Mr. Louisville's shorts!!  She was apologetic but didn't comp a single thing. Poor form.

After heading back down the mountain we cleaned up and got ready to go then were off to the airport.

Colorado, you're okay!

Summer Weddings

Erik & Angie
They were married at Elk Creek Vineyards.  DJ Buttonz (Dave!) was the DJ and there was a light show!  Made for a most excellent dance party.

Studs!

Mara and Brian, best dressed couple!

Matthew and Lindsey
I was excited to spend a weekend in Lexington, KY for their wedding.  I haven't spent much time there since I graduated back in 2007 so it was terribly nostalgic.
Highlights:
Visitng Sara and baby Luna!
Going to Enoteca with Scott and Laura Hunt on Friday night.
Lunch at Pazzo's Saturday.
Buying a new red dress at Black Market for $40!

The cake topper Sara made for the bride and groom.

This cake topper.  So cute!!

Little West Sixth Brewing cans on the back!

The lovely ceremony and fun reception with music by the Turkeys.

Myself, Dave, Clay and Chase looking down at the reception.

With Mr. Louisville in front of the Round Barn.

Brett and Jessica
These two got hitched the weekend before in Jess' home state of California.

Tyler and Kevin at the California reception.

Because I was going to Portland that same month I couldn't swing two big trips but I was able to make the reception they hosted the weekend after.  We all showed up at The Grand a little disoriented because we didn't come from a ceremony.  But the open bar and appetizers helped us get acclimated.
I danced the night away thanks to DJ Buttonz!

Abbey and Mike
After the bachelorette and shower festivities I was ready for their big day!  I was asked to do a reading at their ceremony so I was a part of the rehearsal dinner and wedding day.
They got married at a barn in Dry Ridge, The Josephina.

At the rehearsal dinner.

Pre-ceremony selfie with the bride.

Josh and AshleyLast but not least the winner for best reception!  These two got hitched at a barn in Union, KY, Farmhaven. They Turkeys played their reception and then DJ Buttonz took care of the music during their break and after, late into the night!  The fog machine and light show put this reception over the top!  So so fun.

The boys gettin' that garter!

Turkeys in the fog.

Whew, it was quite a wedding season!  Cheers to all the newly betrothed! 

Carly got married!!

Carly & Adam

Back in May one of my best friends got married!!  I was honored to be a bridesmaid which meant I got to be a part of all of the wedding happenings!

The festivities started on Friday evening where we had the rehearsal at the church followed by dinner at the museum!
The bride got tipsy enough to convince to go out afterwards and I suggested Igby's as a place her Charleston crew would enjoy. And they did!  So much so that I had to cut Carly off after a few drinks and drag her home with me.  Wedding day started early the next day.

Ruthie, Jay, Me, Brian, Mara

Carly and I were up around 8 to start the day.  Pink Lou Lou arrived to start on hair a little after 8 and my friend, Leyla, came over to finish up with makeup a few hours after that.

It was funny to get a few professional photos at my house first.  Hi, bar cart!

My bike with the brides shoes.

After we were all ready we took a few pictures at my house then were off to Covington for some more formal shots.  It was funny because there were about 5 other wedding parties that came through the same park to get pictures.  I decided our bridesmaid dresses were the best and I felt bad for other brides having to see Carly.  She looked STUNNING!!

From there the limo scooped us up and we scurried into the waiting room at the back of the church while everyone arrived.  This is one of the only pictures I took that day.  The rest I took from the photographer.  It was nice to put my phone away and just enjoy the day.

The ceremony was perfect and then it was time to party!  The wedding party hung out and drank in the limo while Carly and Adam got some sunset pictures then it was off to the Reception.

Drinks!  Eats!  Dancing!  Drinks!  Cake!  Dancing!  So much fun!  The end of the night was a blur but I definitely went home and crashed.  Hard!

So lucky to have those Hickeys in my life.

Mexico, a timeline!

Mr. Louisville invited me to accompany him to a wedding in Mexico for 6 nights.  I said hell yes!

Saturday
We have separate flights to Mexico but I arrive just in time to join him and his friends, S&L, in line at customs.
We arrive at Hacienda Corazon a few hours later!
Cocktails are had and we settle into our room.
The bride and groom arrive shortly after that and we have a cocktail and appetizer party before dinner.
A delicious late dinner and then sleep!

Sunday
Breakfast is made for us.
We take the kayaks out to some Mayan ruins about 20 minutes away and swim in the lagoon.

Afterwards, we head to town for lunch at The Pub.
The welcome reception is that evening at the Omni Hotel.  Appetizers and drinks on the beach followed by a delicious dinner.

Monday
It's wedding day!!
We hang by the pool for a bit and the girls go to town for lunch while the boys hang out with the groom.
A beautiful ceremony.

Followed by coconut drinks, cocktails, appetizers and a mariachi band!

Dinner is served in the Hacienda Corazon courtyard.

ML and his Beta buddies sang their Beta sweetheart song to the bride.

Dancing!  Tequila shots!  More dancing!  Late night tacos, tamales and churros!

Tuesday
An amazing brunch spread was much needed and had!
Later, a group of us go to Dos Ojos Cenote and snorkele.  My first time!

It was so chilly we all return to the Haciendas and take hot showers before another delicious dinner followed by drinks by the pool.

Wednesday
A great day!  I sleep in and skip breakfast opting for margaritas instead.  We hang out by the pool, drink, swim in the ocean, some folks go kayaking...  It was a perfect day.

The Beta boys: Scott, Wes, ML, Sean

That evening a group of us go to a Hartwood restaurant in Tulum.  I eat octopus for the first time and love it!  The restaurant was about an hour drive away (or an hour and a half if you're name is Ernesto!) so we play trivia games and solve riddles to pass the time.
Back to the Haciendas for nightcaps by the pool.

Thursday
aka Mr. L'ville and Laura adventure day!
Coba ruins.

We race to the top!  I lost.

Followed by an outstanding local lunch at a place recommended by Memo.  Best ceviche ever!

Next, Tulum ruins and beach!  This beach is my favorite. The water was perfect and the waves were bouncy.  Beautiful.

Back to the Hacienda for a final dinner and games with the bride and groom's family.

Friday
A driver picks us up bright and early to head to the airport. I'm wondering when I'll get to go back. 

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? 

Let's play catch up!

Happy Holiday weekend!

Here's what I've been up to.

Weddings!  Predictable. I had three Saturdays in a row celebrating my friends' nuptials.
First up...  Kristen and Gerry!  Their wedding was in Lousiville so I made a weekend out of it.  The wedding was lovely and I was able to spend some time with the bride before I skipped out before supper to meet up with my friends Katie and Casey.  We went out to eat at Holy Grale and then for drinks afterwards at Flanagan's.  K & C were the best hostesses!  Hadn't seen them in a long time (years maybe?) so it was good to catch up.

 

There's a funny story about that cup...

Last weekend I celebrated Taylor and Garrett!  They eloped in New York City, Central Park, last month so this was just a fun reception.  It was at York St. Cafe (bonus!  I can walk there from my house!) and it was so nice!  This couple, they've got charisma and style.  DJ Buttonz played some fun music and we got pretty dancey.

The last of the three weddings is for my friends, Kiley and Noah, tomorrow evening.

Oh, but speaking of weddings!  I went to my friends Carly and Adam's engagement party and I was asked to be a bridesmaid!! I've attended many weddings but have only been in two so far (my sister's and Mara's).  Honestly, there are only a few friends left that I'd like to be a bridesmaid for.  Otherwise I'm happy to just attend the festivities.  But, Carly is definitely one of those few!  So excited for the upcoming year!

A new bike!  My previous bike got stolen when I moved into my new house.  So, I wanted to spend some money on a good bike since I love to ride around the city. Nothing serious, so I didn't need a 20 speed road bike but this Public 7 speed is perfect for the city.  And cute, to boot!  It took longer than expected to come in since I ordered it through a small bike shop here in Newport so they threw in a bell, flower vase and rack for me.  My favorite thing lately is to ride up to Washington Park for Bluegrass Thursdays or to Findlay Market on the weekends.

House parties!  Last weekend I had my co-workers over to celebrate the end of our fiscal year.  We had a good time and I made quite the spread...

Peach Shortbread with blueberry sauce, caprese skewers, ham & swiss and turkey & colby jack sandwiches, spinach and artichoke dip, vegetables with a wasabi goat cheese dip.

Lake weekend!  My friend Becca's family owns a nice home right on Lake Norris so she invited a few gals down for a weekend.  So, so nice!!  Their dock is right by the house so we hung out and swum around, took the boat out a few times, road jet skis.  Lake life is nice, I totally get the appeal.  I made these and they were a hit! 

Kelly, me, Leyla, Katie, Becca, Stacy.  Elle's fingers are in the picture!  A budding 4 year old photographer!

Becca's friend Stacy and her daughter Elle came up from Charlotte.  It was great to meet them and seriously, Elle was the best little gal ever!  Fun times.

Food!  It's been so rainy here lately that I've been spending some time in the kitchen.  I made the best lunch ever today!  My favorite blogger and my favorite cookbook never do me wrong.  Seriously, the tomato scallion shortcakes with whipped goat cheese was easily the best thing I've made in a while.

I don't think I'm allowed to post the recipe, so you'll have to buy the book.

Look!  The recipe I made is the cover photo.