Friends Making Monday-Have You Ever

Happy Monday! What's been going on in your neck of the woods?

This is the extent to what I have been doing.

I don't have much of anything that is interesting (yet..wait a few days, I will have something fun to post then!)

In the meantime, it's time for another edition of FMM. 

((If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!))- Kenlie

Have You Ever?

1. Jumped out of an airplane? YES! Twice! The most exhilarating thing I have ever done. The first time I felt a euphoric high for at least a week. I went with a group of guy friends a few months a few weeks before I had my hip reconstructed and a few months before I moved for Grad School. 

First time -May 2007
L-R: Brian, Dave, Tim, Alex, Me, Ed

The first of the foot picture

Post jump

It is impossible to take a decent looking picture as you are hanging out of an airplane. 

The second time was two years after our first jump. Most of the original jumpers were there. I took Ryan as a present for our first anniversary. 

The second timers. May 2009

May 2009.

May 2009. I wore the same sneakers to both 

2. Lived alone?  Yes. I lived with roommates in college and for a little while after college, but then I got my first "real" apartment and lived alone there. I LOVED IT! 

3. Met a celebrity? Bobbie Brown and Whitney Houston. They came to my dance recital for a few years. No big deal. And this was during the mid-1990's, just a few years into the height of her career. 

4. Said something to someone that you immediately regret saying? Can't really think of anything off the top of my head but I don't doubt that I have done that

5. Had a manicure/pedicure? Yep. I actually spoiled myself and got a pedicure over the weekend. I don't get them regularly but every now and then, I will treat myself to a pedicure. 

6.  Gotten a hickey? No comment

7. Owned a pet that was not a dog or a cat?  Hmmm. We had a parrot named Ruffles when I was really young. I don't remember too much about him other than when my father would walk into the room wearing his uniform, Ruffles would say "Go ahead. Make my day," and then proceed to fall off the perch and pretend he was dead. 

8. Been outside of your home country?  Yes. I've traveled to Israel when I was 15 with my camp, 

1999-Dead Sea in Israel

Paris with my high school (when my mother decided to be a "chaperon" so we could go to Paris together), Aruba a couple of times with my family, Puerto Rico, Florence, Italy to visit my sister...

April 2010. Noses at Trevi Fountain, Rome

And most recently, Mexico with Ryan

August 2012. Carmen del Playa, Mexico

9. Kissed your best friend? Nope

10. Eaten food that fell on the floor?  5 second rule. 

11. Met someone online? No

12. Been on TV? Yes! Ryan and I went to a wedding last year that was feature on TLC's 4 weddings. When watching it back, we were able to catch glimpses of ourselves on T.V. and Ryan had a really funny moment when they featured his "Anyone have any water balloons?" comment after they released wish lanterns and one got caught in a tree. 

13. Had braces?  Twice. I had the regular silver braces in middle school while I was waiting for teeth to grow in. Then, a few years later, I had the pleasure of having braces while I was a junior and senior in high school. I was an orthodontic nightmare and I'm pretty sure that my parents ultimately paid for my orthodontists summer home after all the work I had done. 

14. Gone skinny dipping? I legitimately cannot remember

15. Been to the opera? Can't say that I have

16. Been caught making out by a policeman?  Not that I can remember

17. Sung in public? I have no shame in singing but I have the worlds worst voice. My favorite singing story is from a few years ago when Ryan and I were still in the beginning of our relationship and everything we did was hilarious and fun. We were at his house and started singing-like, belting out songs at the top of our lungs... "Baby Got Back," "Ice Ice Baby," Disney songs, and you name it-we sang it. Or shouted it at the top of our lungs as loud as possible for a decent period of time. A little while later, Ryan's roommate comes home, knocks on the door and says to us, "Hey, I just pulled into the driveway and could hear you guys singing. So can the entire street. In fact, the neighbors across the street set out some lawn chairs and grabbed a few beers. They're just sitting there, enjoying the free concert and laughing their asses off at you guys".  

18. Handed out candy on Halloween? Yes, I love doing that. I'm hoping we get trick-or-treaters in our new neighborhood this year. 

19. Been snowed in? Yes. Being from the Boston area, we get snow a lot. I love being snowed in and losing power.  

20. Fallen in front of other people? Don't think so

21. Cheated on a test? Yes. No further comment

22. Regretted saying “I love you” to someone? No. 

23. Finished a meal in a restaurant and realized that you didn't have your wallet? I realized mid-meal that I didn't have my wallet and called Ryan to bring it to me. 

24. Shot a gun? Yep. My camp offered riflery as an elective and it was always one one of my favorite activities. I actually want to go to a shooting range with my father soon. 

25. Heard a song that was written for (or about) you? Nothing comes to mind. 

Now its your turn! Ansdwer this week's questions and come back here to link up in the comments. 

Happy Monday-enjoy your week

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back here and link up in the comments! Happy Monday, friends!

How To Make The Perfect Iced Coffee At Home and Things I'm Loving Lately

After not buying coffee for over a month, I keep finding it easier and easier to just not buy a coffee. By this time in the summer, I would have easily purchased an iced coffee to go multiple times a week.

The problem of making iced coffee at home, at least I have found, is that it is just too inconvenient. I never think to start it the night before so it can sit in the fridge overnight to get cold. If I tried to make it by pouring the hot coffee over ice, it would become water-y and a weird, lukewarm temperature. When I want my iced coffee, I want it now! And I don't want it to be all water-y either.

So, I found the perfect way to make an iced coffee so it is ready to go in as much time as it takes to make a cup of hot coffee.

The solution to making an iced coffee for you that doesn't require refrigeration time:  A MARTINI SHAKER! Genius! (Thanks Ryan for thinking of it!)

How to:
1. Make coffee as you usually do-just a tad bit stronger. I used our new french press (love it!)
2. Pour ice into the martini shaker and add your hot coffee.
3. Shake. The martini shaker instantly makes the coffee cold so you don't have to wait for it to chill sitting in the fridge.
4. Pour into a to-go cup and leave the house.

Yay! Iced coffee when you want it and the way you want. Love it!


Other things I'm loving lately:

1. This post! How cute!!! I had a 300 pound English Mastiff when I was growing up and I am trying really hard to convince Ryan that our next dog should be a French Mastiff. I LOOOOOOVE really big dogs and these guys are no exception

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Wouldn't these little guys be a perfect addition in our home??

2. This pairing of cheese and crackers. MMmmm delicious.

3. The show, Extreme Weight Loss. 

4. My new french press.

Questions for you:

1. What are you loving lately?

2. Do you like really big dogs? 

Beer Tastings and Girls Night

The teenager was not around so Ryan and I had all of Saturday to ourselves and we took full advantage of it! We both agreed that we didn't want to do "house stuff", especially after all the painting and yard work from the past few weeks after dropping the teenager where he needed to be, we came home and celebrated  embraced the moment. At 11:00 in the morning. No judging allowed. 

This bottle of whiskey was my grandfathers and has aged for well over 50 years.  There is not much left in the bottle so its tiny sips only and for rare occasions. I'm not a whiskey drinker but even I can appreciate how smooth this one tastes. 

While we were getting ready for the day and still debating about what to do, Ryan had a complete girl moment and proclaimed that he had nothing to wear despite looking at a closet full of clothes. We made a stop at the outlets near our house to see if we could find something for him before we headed out to Doherty's in Pawtucket, RI for an impromptu Saturday lunch date. 

Aaaah, Doherty's. Best decision we made. We thought about going to a Jack's Abbey Brewing for a tour and tasting but the times available weren't really working into our schedules. 

In addition to their lunch and dinner options on the menu, they boast a selection of 84 beers on draft. I ordered a flight of six different 5oz. samples. 

P.S. First time using instagram and PicMonkey. I feel so technologically advanced! 

Starting from the top left and working clockwise: Chocolate Covered Raspberry, Southern Tier Plum Noir, Atwater Summertime, Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison, Weyerbacher Merry Monks, and Angie-er Pumpkin.

My thoughts (and a few of Ryan's).....

#1. The Chocolate Covered Raspberry was made up of Lindeman's Framboise and Young's Double Chocolate.
                  

I have had this combination before and still loved it. I think the 5 oz sample size is perfect amount. It reminds me of a very decadent dessert but Ryan still isn't a huge fan.

My verdict: Delicious but best saved for sample sizes only.

Ryan's verdict: Not for him.

#2. Southern Tier Plum Noir:  This is an imperial porter brewed with Italian plums and is quite strong at 8% ABV. I typically prefer porters, especially in the fall and winter months, so that's how I ended up choosing this beer.

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Ryan and both commented how we could taste the hints of plum.  It reminded me a lot of a dry red wine and my first thought was that this would be a good beer to try for wine drinker. 

My verdict: I would get this again, especially in the Fall or Winter

Ryan's verdict: "I like it." 

#3. Atwater Summer Time Ale: The Summer Time Ale has a 5.0% ABV. It is described as "a study in refreshing crispiness. Vienna malt brings a distinct snap to the finish with dark wheat flavors lightly present. The hot wort is briefly exposed to ground lemon peel and grains of paradise which provide a tidy lemon citrus finish."

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This was my least favorite of the bunch. It just didn't do anything for me. While Ryan described it as "drinkable", I agreed and felt it was nothing memorable. Not bad, just nothing worth writing home about.   

My verdict: It wasn't bad at all-I  just wouldn't bother with this again
Ryan's verdict: "Drinkable" 

#4. Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Saison With Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns: A strong brew with a 7.0% ABV, this is described as a "unique farmhouse ale" and is "incredibly complex with notes of lemon, pepper, straw, and herbs balanced by the tang of Mandarin oranges and a spicy kick of pepper"

Photo Credit

I'll admit that the name and description is what peaked my interest on this one. I found it very hoppy and bitter and almost too hard to drink. (I also don't care for hoppy beers). Ryan liked it a lot though and finished it for me. I wouldn't order this again but I am sure that IPA drinkers who enjoy the bitter hoppy flavors would appreciate this one.

My verdict: Not for me

#5 Weyerbacher Merry Monks:  Merry Monks is a traditional Belgian-style Tripel. Described as having "complex flavor packed with notes of spice, banana, and pear", this clocks in at 9.3% ABV.

Photo Credit

This was Ryan's selection when I asked him to choose a beer for me. He didn't think I was going to like it at all but I actually enjoyed this for what it is. It isn't really my preferred style of beer but it was delicious and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys Belgian styles.

My verdict: I wouldn't be opposed to drinking this again

#6. Angrier-er Pumpkin: Combination of Angry Orchid Crisp Apple and Heavy Seas Pumpkin Ale.

                                      

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I was skeptical of this combination at first, but since I have been on such a cider kick this summer, I figured it was worth trying. It absolutely was. It turned out to be my favorite of the six.  I even re-created my own variation later that night using Angry Orchid Crisp Apple and Harpoon's UFO Pumpkin. 

photo credit

After our lunch date was over, we came home, napped (I may have been a tad bit tipsy), and then went on our separate ways. Ryan went out to one of his friends' birthday's while I went to my friend, Leah's, house for a girls night, complete with delicious food and drinks, sweatpants and comfy clothes, inappropriate jokes, and so much laughter my stomach muscles were sore the next day. I cannot possibly say enough or even have the right words to express how much I love my girls. I think it is so important for girls to have their group of girlfriends that will grow with them for life. I truly have some of the best!

Question for you:
What is your favorite beer?
Tell me about your favorite part of the weekend!

Friend Makin Mondays-My Community

Happy Monday Folks! I hope you all had a great weekend. I had a really good weekend, especially Saturday, but first, another installment for Friend Makin Monday. 

Kenlie has a another fun set on her series Friend Makin Mondays. If you're new to this, here is what she writes:

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

This week's topic: My Community

1. Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

I was born in Boston but grew up in a town outside of Boston until I was 9 years old. My family moved to another small, suburban town, half-way between Boston and Providence, which is where I consider the place I grew up. 

2. Tell us about your favorite spot in your city.  

I lived in a part of Boston called Brookline for a about a year when I was in my early 20's and really testing out my independence for the first time. Near my apartment, there was a grassy, park area where people would bring their dogs, lay out, read, etc. It was small, quiet, and hidden but I loved it. I would bring Bauer, my Olde English Bulldog, down there with me and I would read. I loved it. 

3. Do you volunteer for any organizations? If so, will you tell us about it?

Not for any particular organization. 

4. Tell us about your favorite local restaurant. 

Local people in my area will absolutely know about Town Spa in Stoughton, Ma. We would spend so much time there back in high school. They are known for their pizzas, french fries, but especially the honey mustard sauce. I still go back and order pints of honey mustard sauce to take home. Their pizza is so infamous around here that they began the pizza by mail! 

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5. Has your city ever experienced tragedy?  If so, how did it recover?

The Boston Marathon bombings. 

"Today I learned if you mess with Boston, Boston will shut down the entire city until they find you. Don’t mess with Boston"

Marathon To be honest, I don't know where that quote originally came from but I think it's the most honest and appropriate way to answer this question. 

6. Share at least one unique thing about your neighborhood. 

I just bought my house a few months ago in a new to us town, so I am still getting used to it and learning about it. I will say that there are two different farm stands within walking distance from my house (I really gotta go there more often!) 

7. If you could do one small thing to change your community, what would you do? 

I live in a quiet suburban town, very close to conservation land and a state forest. I love living "in the woods" with amenities very close by but I also live near the Outlets and it causes some horrible traffic. I would change the traffic situation.

8. The Powerball is currently up to 400 million dollars. Would you move to a different place if you won?

Not at all. We just bought the house here a few months ago! I would pay off my mortgage though! 

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments! Happy Monday

My Month Without Buying Coffee

It has officially been one month since I have purchased a coffee outside of my house. It has probably been years since I have gone this long without hitting up Honey Dew or Dunkin Donuts. $5.00 to my savings account! 

Speaking of, I used to be obsessed with Dunkin Donuts but in the past few years, I switched to Honey Dew. I love their Mocha ice coffee's. Mmmmm.... Which is your preferred place? (I should say that I am looking forward to getting an iced mocha madness at Honey Dew soon!) 

My favorite though, is Mary Lou's. I don't live particularity convenient to any of the Mary Lou's (which is probably a good thing), so I don't go that often. There is one very close to one of my summer jobs and I am planning on treating myself on Monday.

After not buying random coffee's throughout the day, I found that I saved a lot of money and drank more water. I haven't really had more than my morning cup of coffee and I soon didn't even miss the afternoon cups of coffee.

Question for you:

1. Where is your favorite coffee place?

2.  Do you drink a lot of coffee? 

Too old for pink pants?

First of all, thank you for letting me vent and sob uncontrollably the other day.

Every now and then, we all need one of those days and that's what I did. 

Moving on...

It's my favorite time of the day right now. Ryan has already gone off to work for the day and the teenager and his friend are still sleeping (and probably will be for a while). I'm leisurely sipping on my coffee while reading up on blogs and listening to the pitter patter of the gentle rain outside. Mulder is curled up at my feet and I have no where to be today. Aaaah, relish in the happy place for a minute..

 Few things for Friday, and then I am disconnecting from the internet world for the rest of the day. 

1. I borrowed the Gone With The Wind audio books from the library yesterday to listen while I was driving. So far, I am finding it a little boring. I can usually get into audio books pretty quickly but I think I probably need to give this more time. I was only allowed to take out the first half of the audio books at this time and it is 41 CD's long! 

2. I thought about taking Mulder for a walk on the trails behind our house but it started to rain. Rain=muddy paws. 

3. I should mention this-it's one of the reasons why I love Ryan. When I stormed out of the house the other day, Ryan spent that time cleaning the house. I was gone for just under an hour and in that time, Ryan swept and steam cleaned the floors, hung up all the pictures and wall decorations from when I was painting, picked up all the dishes, cleaned the kitchen counter tops, and made the bed. He's pretty awesome like that. 

4. I had one of these last night: 

                           

Angry Orchard Hard Cider in Elderflower. I loved the light, crisp, floral taste. Ats 5% alcohol by volume, it is described as having "tropical notes from the Elderflower balanced by a fresh, bright, fruity flavor reminiscent of lychee, pears, and citrus." This has been one of my favorite drinks this summer. 

5. Tomorrow will make a full month without buying a coffee.

6. Its my birthday month! I really want to rent a bounce house for my birthday but Ryan isn't totally convinced. Hey, I'm turning 30. Bouncy-houses are totally appropriate, right? 

7. Girls night tomorrow night. Can't.freaking.wait. 

8. Ran into TJMaxx the other day to get a pair of sunglasses and walked out with a few extra items. 

Sunglasses + blackflats, leggings, pink pants, shirt. 

I really debated on the pink pants-they are very uncharacteristic of me but couldn't help myself. Is 30 to old to wear pink pants? I justified the leggings because they were only $5.99 and the black flats because I have been looking for MONTHS for a pair. The shirt was just too cute not to pass up-I love the elbow patches! 

That's all I got for today. Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Question or you:

Whats your favorite summer drink?

Any exciting weekend plans?

The moment when it all hits you at once and you can't help but sob uncontrollably

Ever had one of those?

Last night, I did. Bawling my freaking eyes out, hiccuping and not able to catch my breath, nose all stuffed up and now unable to breath through my nose....I was a hot mess.

And to see how I ended up there:

8:20- The day started out fine. I got up early and left my house 55 minutes before an interview for a job that I am extremely interested in. GPS and Mapquest both tell me it takes 25-35 minutes to get there. I should have plenty of time, no problems.

8:30-ish.- Driving, driving, driving. Shit. Traffic. Look at estimated time of arrival. Still got plenty of time (phew, this is why I leave early).

8:45- Traffic picks up and I continue driving. GPS says I'm less than seven miles away and I still have half an hour before my appointment. No worries.


8:50- Fuuuuuck. What's that in the middle of the road? Shit, cars on both sides of me-can't switch lanes. Shit shit shit shit....well, I guess I'm going over it.


Clunk clunk, shake shake, rattle rattle. Car not working right. Everything is shaking. Shit shit shit shit shit.

8:51- Pull over. Look underneath car, nothing is there. Okay, I can keep going. Try to get back onto the highway and again, clunk clunk, shake shake, rattle rattle.

8:52-Okay, this isn't good. This really really isn't good. Call my father for reassurance. Tells me to call AAA.

8:52- Call interview, explain what happens, try to reschedule. Was told call back in the afternoon to reschedule. Thank them, apologize, reiterate how much I am interested in this position.

8:53- Call AAA. Wait for a tow truck. Call car dealership-let them know I am having my car towed and to please have a loaner ready. I have another interview in the afternoon. Loaner not available. Ummm, part of the deal I had when I purchased the car...fuuuuuck. Now wondering if I will be able to get to my second interview. Want to scream, but start laughing.

8:55-Wait on side of the road with cars flying by. Watch my interview time come and go. Now, I have to pee and am starving. Yell at myself for not eating breakfast. Still waiting for tow truck.

9:45-Tow truck comes, creepy guy who I can't understand tows my car to the dealership and I sit in awkward silence.

Creepy guy charges me over a 100 to tow my car. Fuuuuck. I'm broke. That's just what I need.

10:30-Car gets brought in. Talk to service dude. Wait for loaner car.

11:30 -Still waiting for loaner car. Dad comes to pick me up and I let him take me to Panera across the street for lunch.

12:30-Loaner car becomes available. Just enough time to head over to second interview.

1:00-While driving to second interview, call Ryan and tell him to make a doctors appointment for the teenager ASAP (teenager has horrible case of poison ivy). Doctor's appointment set for 3:00, asks me if I can take him. Yeah, sure. As long as I am done with my interview.

1:05- Call the first interview to reschedule. "Well, it turns out that there were quite a few applicants over the past few days so they actually extended an offer to someone. Thank you and good luck." Clikc. Fuuuuck. Not happy. Want to scream.

1:07- Call Ryan, upset. "Well, that could have been you". Yeah, thanks. It should have been me

1:30- Arrive at interview fifteen minutes early. Breath. Go to bathroom and attempt to freshen up. Take deep breaths.

1:35-Let receptionist know I am here. Shown the waiting area. Sit and wait. Watch clock tick by. Get annoyed thinking that if I need to be at doctors on time with he teenager, I need to leave by 2:30 at the latest.

1:45- Still waiting. Still watching the clock tick by. Interview was scheduled for this time.

2:00- We'll be right with you.

2:01- Go in for interview. Immediately like the people. Warm-up easily and feel confident about this. Not overly confident, but feel like I did well and that's all I can do.

2:45- Leave interview. Call the teenager and tell him to get ready, shoes on and outside waiting.


2:50- Call dealership. No update on my car.

2:53- Call doctors office. Tell them I am going to be late. Sorry. "There is a ten minute policy but we can do our best." Shiiiit

2:54- Text message from Verizon. You have gone over your minutes and will be charged until your next pay cycle begins. Awesome. I love spending more money that I don't have

3:00- Pick up teenager, swing car around and head to doctor. Thankful the doctor is only a few minutes away

3:10- Sitting in waiting room.

3:15- See doctor. "Yep, teenager, have a bad case of poison ivy." Walked out with a prescription to help aid the healing process

3:30- Drop teenager off at home and head to pharmacy to pick up his meds

3:45. Don't have his insurance card with me. Wait for Ryan to meet me at pharmacy.

4:15- Still waiting. Read magazine.

4:40- Ryan brings me insurance card.

4:45 Leave pharmacy

5:00- Home. Cook dinner. Work on summer reading with the teenager. Plan to watch movie together. Phew, finally feeling like my day is winding down

5:30- Dinner is almost done.

5:35- talk to Dealership. "Yeah, you have some problems with you car. You might want to call your insurance company." How bad? "Well, problems with this, this, that, this, and that." Over my head. All I heard was this, "Initial estimate is $3739 and some change." Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! Want to scream and cry

5:40- Teenager's friend calls and invites him over. Ryan says yes. I get annoyed. No. We're about to have dinner..... in the middle of finishing up his summer reading...he needs to take his medicine....makes you tired.....take with food.....I've had a bad day.....something about a movie....think Ryan should have double checked with me about this....overreact over something petty.

5:50 -Pick a fight with Ryan. Scream at each other. Storm out of the house.

6:00-Call friends, need place to go while I bug out and try to calm myself down. Can't go into a store or restaurant. Not wearing a bra. Fuuuuuck . Call best friend. Cry hysterically to her and complain

6:20- Best friend calms me down. Let's me bitch to her. Says all the right things. Thankful for her.

6:45-Go home. Lock myself in my room and curl up Mulder

7:30-Go to living room. Apologize and explain to Ryan what I am feeling, thinking, etc. Turn into a blubbering mess. Cry uncontrollably to him. Everything hits me all once and I continue sobbing until I can't breath.

Needless to say, I'm glad yesterday is over.


(I just got off the phone with the insurance company and now I'm feeling slightly relieved)

Ooops. Totally overreacted yesterday. Glad today is a new day.