Jamaica, a timeline!

A few months back Mr. Louisville said that for my 30th birthday he'd like to take me on a trip.  He's a keeper!  Anyway, right around this time a few friends suggested planning a trip to get us through the winter.  So, it was decided that the 6 of us would all travel together and I became the official trip planner.  It only took me a few days to decide on Jamaica since it was someplace we'd never been.

Jamaica, a timeline!

Saturday
5:00am - Our adventure begins as our friend, John, picks us up for the airport.

6:30am - Our travel companions ran into a few snafus but luckily we all made it on the flight.  First stop, Orlando and then Montego Bay!

12:30pm - We arrive and head to our hotel, Hilton Rose Hall, which ended up being a steal!  A last minute change in rate allowed us to cancel and re-book.  We paid about $425 per night and it was all-inclusive!

1:30pm - A quick change into more appropriate attire and then lunch and drinks at one of the restaurants.

2:30pm - After lunch we walked around (with drinks!!) to check out the grounds. Then we all went to the pool to lounge for the rest of the afternoon.  I couldn't resist a quick dip!

5:30pm - Drinks at Bar King Frog.

6:00pm - Dinner at Three Palms which was the restaurant on the golf course.

Kath, Harry, Mr. Louisville, Me, Brian, Tracie on the first night.

8:30pm - A night cap, or two, then we call it a night.

Sunday
8:00am - I was too excited to sleep in so I was up and at it early!  I went to the gym and knocked out 3.5 miles at about a 9/min/mile pace.  That's the fastest I've run!!  It felt good to get my long run finished since I'm training for a 10k.  But don't be too impressed.  I started strong but didn't make it back to the gym for the rest of the trip.
10:00am - Breakfast with the gang at FRESH.  Then pool time and fun drinks!  They had various fruit slushes that you could mix with any kind of alcohol.  I was fond of the pina colada/strawberry/mango/vodka mix as well as the mudslides!  Red stripe light with lime was the beer option and much of that was had as well.  There was also a drink of the day that we always tried, as well as champagne, red wine... :)

12:30pm - At some point we went back to FRESH for lunch where I loaded up on their salad bar.

4:00pm - Happy Hour!  We went to the resort's swim up bar for a drink then hit up the lazy river.  We'd do two rounds then have another drink, head to the waterslides and then have a soak in the hot tub!  So fun.

7:00pm - After spiffing up we met for a pre-dinner drink. 

8:00pm - Dinner at Luna di Mare.  I loved the lasagna!  After dinner there was always something going on.  Maybe a band, talent show, dancing.  But after dinner we were usually beat and called it a night!

Monday
8:00am - Quick breakfast at FRESH.
9:00am - Excursion day!!   We all traveled about 90 minutes away to Dunn's River Falls for a hike up the falls.  It was fun and intense at times.  I fell a few times but so did some others so it wasn't terribly embarrassing.

Climbing up the falls!

Halfway!

2:30pm - Back at the resort we had a quick snack around the pool and lounged in the sun.

4:00pm - Happy Hour!!  Drinks at the swim up bar, lazy river, water slides, hot tub.  Hey, no use messing up a good thing, am I right?

7:00pm - Dinner at Three Palms. This time, the boys weren't messing around as a few ordered 2 entrees which I thought was hilarious but it was fun to try it all.  Both nights I ordered the same thing: The seafood rundown which had shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish, simmered down in coconut
sauce with jasmine rice. 
After dinner we may have lasted another night cap or two before it was off to bed!

Tuesday
8:30am - It was our last day so I was not messing around.  I woke up early to pick out the best spot for the day by the pool but facing the ocean.  Perfect!!  After a quick bite I proceeded to lounge all day in the sun.  Breaks for lunch, swimming, beach walks and ocean exploring were had at some point but it was the most relaxing, perfect day.

4:00pm - Happy Hour!!  Drinks at the swim up bar, lazy river and extra trips down the water slides since it was our last night followed by a soak in the hot tub.

6:00pm - Sunset drinks on our last night.

7:00pm - Dinner ocean side at Seaside Grill.

Wednesday
8:00am - It's a sad day!  We wake up to lay by the ocean for an hour or 2 and take a walk on the beach. 

12:00pm - Before we know it, it's time to catch our ride to the airport. :(

I'll miss Jamaica but I'm already thinking about the next adventure. 

Yeah, mon.

30 in California

I'm not big on birthdays so for my 30th I knew that I wanted to get out of town.  I turned 30, on a Monday, in January, in Northern Kentucky... blah and brrrr!  When I turned 26 and 27 I went to California so I brought that back this year.

Friday
I had a direct flight and landed around lunch time in LAX.  Uncle Eric scooped me up and we stopped home to change and have a sandwich.
Then it was off for a hike at Eaton Canyon Waterfall.  It was a sunny, warm day and getting outside was just what I wanted!

Later, it was off to the market and home to chill.
Tony whipped up some margaritas that we had with homemade salsa and guacamole.
For dinner, Mexican!  Rolled tacos and burritos.

Not a bad way to spend a day.

Saturday
We woke up early and had a nice little breakfast of perfect hard boiled eggs and grapefruits picked fresh from their back yard then drove about 5 minutes to the Rose Bowl to walk the 3-mile loop.
Afterwards, I got ready and hit the road an hour south to meet up with Eli!!!

We had lunch at 25 Degrees in Huntington Beach then drove around, walked along the beach for a bit, chatted.  It was a perfect visit with my little brother.  I miss him!!
I got back to the Guncle's early evening.  We had wine, homemade Bahn Mi's and a papaya and mango slaw.  Yum!!

Sunday
After another great breakfast I ventured out on my own to the Getty Museum.  I hadn't been in many years and it was a perfectly clear day.  I loved the special exhibits: Give and Ye Shall Receive: Gift Giving in the Middle Ages, World War I: War of Images, Images of War, Josef Koudelka: Nationality Doubtful.
After the Getty, a little shopping and then home for pizza night!

Monday
My actual birthday.  Plans to bike ride were changed because it rained!!  So I slept in and then watched The Imitation Game.  We went out to lunch at The Alcove, did some more shopping and just chilled.  For dinner, per request, we had a cheese plate and watched Cake!  Followed my Dots mini cupcakes and homemade ice cream.

Tuesday
I headed to the airport mid-morning to head home.

California was a perfect birthday trip and a nice little start to my 30's.

610 Magnolia

Mr. Louisville might not be the best at coming up with gift ideas. But that's fine by me because that means I get to choose what I want!  For Christmas this year, I chose a trip to 610 Magnolia since it's more fun to spend money doing things together instead of getting stuff.  (Related: We are leaving for Jamaica in 10 days. Happy Birthday to me :)

The evening was perfect.  We grabbed a drink beforehand at Magnolia Bar (known to the locals as Mag Bar) and then it was off for our 7:30p.m. reservation.

The dining room was small and cozy.  

We each opted for the 6 course prix fixe menu over the 4 course and whenever there was an option of 2 things we ordered 1 of each so we could try everything.

Because it was a special night I even sprung for the wine pairings! I loved our waiter for the generous pours and messing up on a course resulting in 2 glasses of champagne instead of 1.  Score!
Chef Ed Lee came out of the kitchen and greeted a few tables.  I wish I would've gotten a picture but I kept quiet.  It was still cool to see him since I'm a huge Top Chef fan.

It was one of the longest dinners I ever had.  We were there for about 2.5 hours but it felt relaxed and fun.

The meal was excellent.  All small plates, intricate, delicious.  I asked the waiter for a copy of the menu to have it framed because I imagine it will probably be the only time we go since the bill was around $350 for two people!  

I'll spare you every last garnish but here was the gist of it.  Oh!  And excuse my poor iPhone photos, I felt nerdy enough trying to take a picture of every course!

To start

//610 BLT

First Course
// Bison Rib-eye Carpaccio

Second Course

// Duck Confit and Foie Gras Ravioli

// Surf & Turf: Veal Sweetbreads, lobster mushrooms, grits, mustard seeds

Third Course
// Buttermilk Panna Cotta, Fennel, Pickled Grapes, Celery, Red Wine, Orange Pumpkin, Smoked Greens, Country Ham
This course was the salad and you were meant to take a little panna cotta in with every bite, like a dressing.

Fourth Course
// Diver Scallops, Butternut Gnocchi

// King Crab, Cashew, Banana, Mango, Coconut, Cilantro and Mint

Fifth Course

// Seared Duck Breast

// Beef Rib Eye

Sixth Course

// American Artisan Cheese Duo

// Three Chocolates, Saison-Orange Ice Cream
This was the only course we didn't 'split!  I want all the cheese all the time!!

To finish

Chocolate Truffles

These truffles left quite a last impression!!  They were minty and fresh and smooth.  The perfect last bite.

Overall, I was seriously impressed and so fortunate that Mr. Louisville was up for splurging on a most excellent experience.

A look back at 2014

Happy New Year!  I spent the last day of the year having champagne in a new house in Louisville followed by sushi.

Looking forward to 2015... But first, time to wrap up the year.  Just like 2012 and 2013.

What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?
Rode a trolley in San Francisco, snorkeled in Mexico, fell in love with cheese curds in Milwaukee.

Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make any for next year?
For 2014, and I think I say this every year, I'd like to drink more water!
Per usual, I failed.  When will I drink more water?!

For 2015 I'd like to send more mail to friends and family.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few friends had babies but it seemed like everyone got married this year.

Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness.

What countries did you visit?
Mexico!
I also went to Seattle, Portland, Milwaukee, Vegas, Asheville and San Francisco.

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
A new job!

What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
The Mexico trip in early January was pretty unforgettable.
Reds Opening Day because it is such a fun Cincinnati thing.
Derby weekend because I did the wing ding, oaks and derby tri-fecta!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I accomplished a lot professionally this year.  I'm in a full on management roll and have quite a bit of responsibility.  Hopefully positioning myself for a career change in 2015.

What was your biggest failure?
Failing to get my finances in check.  That's a big goal of mine for 2015.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not at all.

What was the best thing you bought?
I'm going to cheat and say the best thing my boyfriend bought is a new (to us) house in Louisville.

Where did most of your money go?
Gas getting to Louisville and groceries.

What did you get really excited about?
Traveling.  New Christmas traditions.  Charlotte.  Serial.

What song will always remind you of 2014?
Fancy.

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
Happier, about the same, richer from experiences!

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Read!  2014 was a book slump for me.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Go out to eat instead of cooking at home.  Except in Louisville because trying new restaurants there is the best!

How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas eve with my parents, Mr. Louisville and his sister.  And 5 dogs!
Christmas day dinner at Molly and Ryan's.

What was your favorite TV program?
I enjoyed Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, Veep, Top Chef.

What were your favorite books of the year? 
Where'd You Go, Bernadette and State of Wonder.  I also re-read the Godfather this year and it remains one of my all time favorites.

What was your favorite music from this year?
Django, Django was new to me and I loved it!
Otherwise, CHROMEO all day everyday.

What were your favorite films of the year?
The Tom Cruise flick, Edge of Tomorrow was such a delight!
Birdman because I love Michael Keaton.
The One I Love surprised me.
Boyhood was one-of-a-kind.
Wild the movie was good.  Wild the book was great.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 29 on January 26.  I'd just returned from a trip to Mexico and went to Rhinegeist with some friends!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I wish I that I could have seen Andi more than once this year.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?
Nordstrom and Madewell is where it's at.

What kept you sane?
Evening bike rides, living alone, talking it out with Leyla.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
Never grow a wishbone where your back bone ought to be.

I been bakin'

For a dinner with two girl friends (and your men!) you used to see much more of.  And then again to bring to work because they were just that good.
Smitten Kitchen's cranberry bars.  From her cookbook!

For your lovely co-workers.  Because you like test new recipes on them.  Shutterbean's cookies and cream peppermint bark and snickerdoodle blondies because they're your fave.

For Christmas Eve dinner with your parents.  Because your mom will think it's special.  And, Ina!
Vanilla semi-fredo with raspberry sauce.  From Make it Ahead.

To take to Hillie's because you and Lauren used to have dinner together every month before L moved to Colorado. Smitten's raspberry buttermilk cake.

As gifts for your father's family because your mom commissioned them from you.
Marshmallows! The recipe is perfect and impressive.

Salted caramels wrapped in pieces of parchment to look like candy.

A special chocolate bark.

Happy Holidays!!

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!