Last Saturday Ray, Brie, and I woke up obnoxiously early to drive down to Orlando and enjoy Epcot’s Food and Wine festival. We checked into our Hotel by 8:00am and made it to the park by 9am at opening. We rode rides in the morning, and enjoyed lots of delicious food and drinks in the afternoon. Here are a few snapshots from the day!
It was such a great trip! I love Epcot! In the next few day we’ll be posting a full review of all the food and drinks we tried- so be on the lookout for that!
Monthly Archives: October 2015
3 things I need for being 30
In 3 days I will be 30. The big 3-0!! I’m a little sad because I don’t want wrinkles, but I’m mostly happy to be older and wiser. Here are 3 items I need to purchase for my 30 year old self and why:
(there are far too many 3’s in the post. sorry, kind of) 1. Jord Cora Koa & Rose Gold watch – On the real, I haven’t worn a watch consistently since I was working at summer camps. My summer camp watches were plastic, costs around $10, and were usually broken by the end of the summer. I think it’s time, being an almost-thirty-year-old lady, to have a nice watch. I love the rose gold + wood combo. As my wedding band is also made of wood, I think it they’ll look nice together.
2. 600 thread count polka dot sheets – Good soft sheets are important, and not just once you reach 30. I believe every adult should have at least one pair of good sheets. I love these because polka dots are (still) my jam!
3. Raw Opal Ring – Can I tell you a sort of sad story? When Ray I got engaged he gave me a vintage opal ring. I love it with all my heart. The opal was a little “dusty” which made it unique. Then one day, a few years ago, the opal fell out and was gone forever. Ray had the stone replaced, but the ring just wasn’t the same. Even though that special ring is no longer the same, it made me fall in love with opals. Also, apparently it’s my birthstone!! I’ve had my eye on these raw opal rings for a while! Aren’t they fun?
Well, that’s it. I’m sure there are more things I need like anti-aging cream and orthopedic shoes, but maybe those can wait a few more years. We’ll see…
Halloween Costume Round Up
Everyone knows that I love Halloween and agonize over picking out a costume. I like to spend a few weeks before the 31st planning, shopping, and most of the time even making my own costume. But lets be real, many of these were last minute situations. Most of my costumes are relatively easy and cheap to recreate. So in honor of my (and everyone’s) favorite Autumn holiday, I thought I’d do a roundup of mine and Ray’s 10 best Halloween costumes throughout the years.
1. Pizza + Delivery Boy (2014)
I loved this costume combo!
2. Willy Roberts from Duck Dynasty + a Duck (2013)
Quite possibly one of my worst pictures ever. This was at the height of the show, and Ray was getting asked almost daily if he grew his beard out because of Duck Dynasty (he didn’t).
3. Little Mouse, Big Hungry Bear, and the Red Ripe Strawberry (2013)
I worked at a library at the time and the staff all dressed in literary costumes.
4. Khaki Scout from Moonrise Kingdom (2012)5. Pawnee Goddess + Pastor Dale (2011)
I loved this costume! I had just started getting into Parks and Rec and was quickly turning into a super fan. My mom made this vest for me, but unfortunately I couldn’t find a photo that really showed it off. I made most of the “badges” out of paper and used star patches.
6. Bjork as a Swan (2010)
I had the forethought to rent a crinoline skirt and purchase white boas, but I was sewing that swan head together an hour before the paper.
Also, Black Swan7. Kindergarten Indian (2008)
For adult Indian vests, I suggest finding a large paper to-go bag from a restaurant. Mine was from Cracker Barrel. I painted the vest with regular acrylic paint.
8. Scientist + Robot (2007?)
On the real, my costume was pretty lame and last minute. My friend MeLissa’s costume though… that was on point!Here’s another one from the same party…
9. Glenda the Good Witch (1989?)
10. Ballerina (1989ish) and Devil (1987ish)
Check out that wallpaper!
More fun stuff:
– Here is my sister dressed as Sherry Lewis. One of my favorite last minute costumes ever!– Here is another great costume of Bries! A foreign exchange student super excited about being in America (seen with Fidel Castro).
– I’m not sure if there’s a photo of this, but one year I dressed up as the earth. I wore brown boots for dirt, green pants for grass, a blue sweatshirt with felt clouds for the sky, and a rainbow ribbon headband. Whew!
– One year Ray dressed as the invisible man. He wore a suit and wrapped his face in an ace bandage. I know there is a photo floating around the internet of it somewhere…
– Here is a photo of photo my dad took on his iphone for me. So, probably the best quality you’ve ever seen. This is me in a poodle skirt and Brie dressed as a sunflower. Also, photo evidence of Brie wearing tennis shoes. – I have a really good idea for us this year, but no one is actually having a party on Halloween and we’ll be out of town the weekend prior. SOMEONE HAVE A PARTY ON THE 31ST!!!!!
Now, tell me all your Halloween costumes!!!
Strawberry Basil Ice Cream
For months, maybe years, Ray has been talking about Strawberry Basil Ice cream. I’m not sure if he came up with the flavor combo, or saw it on a menu somewhere, but it wasn’t easy finding a recipe. I decided to stick with my basic vanilla ice cream recipe (minus a little vanilla), and just add strawberries and basil. It turned out pretty well!
Here’s how you make it:
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 1/2 c sugar
4 c Heavy Cream (or half and half)
2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 lbs of strawberries (1 lb pureed and 1 lb diced)
1/4 c chopped basil
1 tbs vodka – this is optional, but it helps keep the ice crystals at bay
Whisk eggs until light and fluffy. Slowly add sugar and continue whisking for about 2 minutes. Pour in cream, milk, and vanilla and whisk until thoroughly blended. Blend 1 lb of strawberries in the blender and then add to the ice cream mix. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker (or Kitchenaid attachment) and follow the manufacture’s directions. About 5 minutes before the ice cream is ready add diced strawberries and chopped basil.
You can serve immediately, or let it set up in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Enjoy!