Meal Planning...

Let's be honest: I rarely cook. However, with the possibility of me moving out on my own this year, I thought it would be a good idea to start cooking more often for my family. I've been going through some of my favorite Martha Stewart magazines and my lovely new Kinfolk Table book and putting together a list of some meals that I would love to make. I've also been loving Lauren's Sunday Soup posts and James' Weekly Bread posts! I'm excited to explore cooking and build up my skills. 

I'm also open to any recipe recommendations you might have! Was there a recipe that you loved to make when you first moved out on your own or that you love to make now? 

Peace and Love, 

Em

We Were Stuffed...

 

 

This past weekend we drove out to Reston, VA to spend time with my Mom's side of the family. I love Reston and was happy that we got to spend some time there shopping and walking around. We ate lunch at The American Tap Room. Let me tell you, this place had some GOOD food. I tried fried pickles for the first time and enjoyed their bacon jalapeño mac and cheese. After lunch a few of us split up. My mom, aunt, and I ran over to the Red Velvet Cupcakery to pick up some treats while the rest of our group walked over to Apple to help my grandmother purchase her first iPad. We stuck around and peeked into a few different shops and then headed to my Aunt and Uncle's house to chat and enjoy our cupcakes. It was a fun and relaxing day and I hope that we can do it again soon. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Thanksgiving 2012...

I hope that everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving with the people that they love and care about most. Most of our day was spent in the kitchen (I was on pie and sweet potato duty!!!). I have to thank my mom because she worked so hard to make sure that we all had a great Thanksgiving with tons of yummy food.  

Everyday I think of something new that I am thankful for. I think it's important to think of everyday as thanksgiving in the sense that we should always be counting our blessings. You can't take anything for granted in life and sometimes the smallest things can mean the most. 

Happy Thanksgiving from me to you. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Good Friends, Good Food...

 Last night I finally got to see my dear friend Tara for the first time since I went down south. We would normally see each other at least two days a week during the school year so it's weird going a long time without hanging out. We went out to the arts district in Hyattsville and had dinner at "Busboys + Poets." What a cool place! Oh, and the food was so good! (Thanks Kristen for your recommendation!) Afterwards we drove to Annapolis and did some shopping and got yummy frozen yogurt. So good to catch up with one of my favorite gals and have some really yummy food!! 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Dinner In Leesburg...

On Saturday the family and I (minus my sister) drove out to Leesburg, VA in order to spend some time with my mom's side of the family. Unfortunately, our little trip didn't involve walking the streets of old town Leesburg, but it did include some good quality time and yummy food. We ate at the Blue Ridge Grill and let me tell you it was expensive. Luckily, I wasn't getting the bill. The service was great and all 4, yes FOUR, of the lemonades I had were absolutely delicious!! Not to mention the bruschetta, it took me back to my days spent in Italy.   

Peace and Love, 

Em

Getting Through...

I am so ready for Summer! Heck, I have been for months, but now it's only about a week away. Right now I am just trying to get through finals and finishing up my classes. That said, some quality time with Dorothy Sayers and a piece of pound cake is well deserved. 

Peace and Love, 

Em

Planes and Burgers...

Last night Tara, Maddie, and I drove out to Sonic. Can I just tell you how in love with their food I am?! Their burgers are so yummy. Last night I switched it up and got a raspberry limeade!! Once again...SO GOOD!!

Right behind the Sonic their is a small airport. The light was so good and the old buildings there we just calling for photos to be taken of them. I didn't have my camera so I just snapped this on my iPod but Tara and I have definite photo shoot plans in the works :)

Peace and Love,

Em

Random Foodies...

I found all of these on my memory card. Don't they just make you hungry??

Peace and Love,

Em

I Gotta Feeling...

Last night Kristen, Bryce, and little Dawson came over to hang out. We ate pizza and played Wii the whole time. (Oh, and there were cupcakes involved!) It was such a fun time dancing to Michael Jackson and the Black Eyed Peas, even baby Dawson enjoyed himself. I love hanging out with these guys and love that I have them in my life.

Peace and Love,

Em

Strawberry Cone...

Friday night Sarah and I got together to catch up. Our night included mexican food, girl talk, strawberry ice cream cones, watching sailboats, and Keith Urban :)

Peace and Love,

Em

The End...

How did I end my summer? With a big banana split!! And if you want a little tip: crumble raspberry pop tarts on top of vanilla ice cream. It's simply divine.

Peace and Love,

Em

Yum...

Enjoying my last tastes of Summer.

I can't believe that college starts in a week! Eeeeek!

Peace and Love,

Em

Lovely Newport...

I fell hard for Newport, RI. Heck, I fell for the "Starbucks" alone. I told Sarah that I could live there. Our day included beachy neighborhoods, painted houses, tourist goodies, the best lobster grilled cheese in the universe, cliffs, mansions, old fashioned ice cream dives, fruity drinks, and yummy cake.Peace and Love,
Em