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Weekend Highlights – November 21st, 2016

vermont-snow

What a wonderful weekend we had up in Vermont! As I mentioned on Friday, we made a last minute decision to head up to Manchester Center, Vermont on Friday night to spend a relaxing weekend with my aunt. It’s hard to believe that we were able to enjoy a weekend away without taking a vacation day. Friday and today were long days, driving up to Vermont from 5-9pm on Friday and returning this morning from 5-9 AM. Luckily, the 48 hours in between were filled with rest and relaxation.

Here are a few highlights from our weekend in Vermont.

Snow – The temperatures dropped forty degrees Saturday night as a strong front moved through the region. Much to our delight, we woke up Sunday morning to a winter wonderland. There were more than six inches of wet, heavy, dense snow covering my the yard and surrounding towns. We spent an hour outside playing fetch with my aunt’s Samoyed, making snow angels and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Ponce Bistro – After a morning of relaxing and shopping, we enjoyed lunch on the front porch of Ponce Bistro. A local favorite, this small bistro serves an eclectic menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner including customer favorites such as the spanish meatloaf sandwich, pumpkin soup, lavender goat cheese salad and an array of refreshing homemade iced teas. Bo ordered the meatloaf sandwich while my aunt and I each shared the pumpkin soup and north country turkey sandwich. I wish we’d saved room for their sweets as the bakery items I saw when I went inside to pay looked delicious – especially their chocolate chip cookies.

Solo Farm & Table – This cozy, farm to table restaurant is tucked on a quiet road in South Londonderry, about 20 minutes from Manchester Center. Within seconds of trying our first bite, we could tell that the numerous James beard nominations their chef has received as well the recognition in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and the New York Times was beyond justified.  Since my aunt, Bo and I all love to share meals, we ordered two appetizers, a pasta, two entrees, and two desserts to share. This method allowed us to sample far more of the menu than normal, which made for a very tasty and fun evening. Unexpectedly, it was the fresh made bread and smoked butter as well as the homemade potato bisque which stole the show.  After cleaning the bowl with a piece of bread, I requested the recipe from the waitress, in hopes of recreating this rich, yet simple bisque at home.

It’s A Wonderful Life – As soon as the snow started, we found ourselves in the Christmas mood. Our typical rules of saving Christmas movies and music until after Thanksgiving were replaced with an afternoon of Christmas music followed by watching It’s A Wonderful Life that evening. When my aunt discovered that Bo nor I had seen this 1946 classic, she insisted that we watch it over dinner. I can see why this wonderful, touching and emotional film became one of the most acclaimed fils ever made and has received so much recognition over the years from AFI.

With that I’m off to enjoy the evening with Bo as we celebrate our seven year wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed since we danced the night away with our closest friends and family members in Savannah, Georgia.

dancing-with-bo

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Friday Favorites – November 18th, 2016

Oh friends, do I have a story for you today to kick off this glorious Friday. Last night, I had the pleasure of hosting six friends in our home for a Fall Potluck dinner. The cool, Fall weather inspired me to make chili as the main course while the other ladies contributed the wine, appetizers, salad and s’more ingredients for our fire pit dessert.  Even though I’ve been told hundreds of times to never try something new for a dinner party or when hosting, I fell down the Pinterest trap and tried a new recipe last night. Not only was this a new chili recipe but it was also very unique and nontraditional. I almost collapsed in tears when after an hour of prep and cooking the final product was horrible. Luckily, Bo came to the rescue with the suggestion of laughing about it and ordering pizza for everyone.

pizza-for-the-win

friends-get-together

So now that we’ve had our Friday laugh and I’ve reminded you guys, in advance of the holidays, to never make a recipe for the first time when you’re hosting, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • As I mentioned, last night’s dinner was saved by a local pizza restaurant, Table 87. The group couldn’t stop raving about the pizza because it was seriously delicious. If you’re in NYC you should definitely order or visit one of their two Brooklyn locations.
  • After a stressful week, sometimes a simple image is all it takes to cheer me up. Luckily, Theodora introduced me to Meddy Teddy, a yoga-practicing, meditating teddy bear. The brand has a great Facebook and Instagram feed that will brighten even the worst of days.

meddyteddy

sorel-slippers

  • I tried Orange Theory when it first opened in New York City a few years ago but due to a less than stellar experience, never returned. Heather’s Orange Theory post this week inspired me to sign up for a class after the Thanksgiving holidays. Have you tried Orange Theory? Thoughts?
  • I remember watching Beauty and the Beast in the movie theater with my mom and while it will always be one of my favorites, I can’t wait to see the updated version, starring Emma Watson. Did you see the trailer that they released this week?
  • I’ve read Kath’s blog for years and consider her a blogging friend and mentor. Though I remember many of her posts, this post on balance is one of my favorites. Balance is something that I believe I’m only starting to find and this post articulated so may of the thoughts I’ve had over the past six months.

Okay, with that friends I’m out! I have a busy work day ahead of me and then Bo and I are heading up to Vermont to spend a relaxing few days with my aunt. Hopefully the weekend will include a lot of sleep, delicious food, reading by the fire and some snow!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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Tips for Running in the Dark and Gear to Keep You Safe

brooks-half-zip

Jacket – Crops – Shoes

Now that the time change has happened, it’s virtually impossible to squeeze in an evening run after work before the sun goes down. Even though Heather and I met for our Prospect Park jog earlier than normal, it was already pitch black when we entered the park.  It is so important to not only use the buddy system when you are walking or jogging in the dark, but also to ensure that drivers and cyclists can easily see you.

ashley-and-heather

The experts at Brooks shared the below infographic and helpful tips so you all can ensure you are safe when working out in the early morning or evening hours.

run-happy-in-the-dark

In addition to the above tips, Brooks has also expanded their high visibility and reflective collections this year to include multiple items for men and women alike.

 

brooks-reflective-gear Brooks makes it easy to run safely, regardless the weather. The below are a few of my favorite bright, reflective items that I’ve been wearing this Fall, even on warmer days.

  • Brooks Drift 1/2 Zip – Perfect for colde runs, this jacket has a soft, fleece lining, reflective detailing on the side and back and is wind-proof. I own this in two colors including the neon yellow with blue accents.
  • Brooks 5 inch Chaser Short in Reflective Gray –  I’ve shared my love of Brooks 5 inch Chaser shorts multiple times due to their wide leg openings, wide waistband and lightweight material. But, until last month I had no clue they also had a version with reflective detailing. I have been wearing these on early morning or evening walks and runs when it’s warmer and love that the reflective detailing helps ensure cars and cyclists can see me.
  • Brooks Dash 1/2 Zip – This flattering, cozy pull-over is perfect to wear throughout Fall, Winter and Spring. There is reflective detailing at the wrist and back on the neon yellow color which makes this a great option for outdoor workouts.
  • Brooks Run-Thru Hat– Perfect for both male and female runners, this lightweight hat will ensure that you’re safe year-round while protecting your face from the sun during the day and from the icy elements during those cold, frigid morning or evening runs.

Your turn – Are you team AM or PM? If you’re running or walking in the dark, how do you ensure you’re seen? 

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