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Friday, March 30, 2012

rode the ole bike to work today.
With these gas prices at $4.15 a gallon, you will find me riding my bike everyday for the next 8 months or until the snow is too thick to ride on the streets.
 I just hope I look as cool as the guy in that first picture. 
picture sources:
1 2 3 4

Thursday, March 29, 2012

grow 'em & roast 'em. 
Roasted Beet Salad
  • 1 bunch beets (3/4 pound without greens or 1 1/4 pound with), trimmed
  • 1/4 cup sliced natural almonds
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large Asian pear
  • 3 cups mâche or baby arugula (3 ounces)
    Preheat oven to 425°F.
Wrap beets in foil and roast in middle of oven until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Unwrap beets and cool.
While beets are roasting, cook almonds in oil in a small skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden. Cool almonds in oil (nuts will get darker as they cool). Transfer almonds with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and season with salt.
Stir together shallot, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil from almonds in a large bowl.
Slip skins from beets and halve large beets. Cut beets into 1/4-inch-thick slices and add to dressing, tossing to coat.
Quarter and core pear and cut into julienne strips.
Arrange beets on a platter and drizzle with any dressing remaining in bowl. Top with mâche, then pear. Sprinkle with almonds.
Cooks' note:
Beets may be roasted and tossed with dressing 1 day ahead, then chilled and covered. 
(Keep toasted almonds, covered, at room temperature. Bring dressing to room temperature before using.)

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Yesterday I woke up early to go with my friend Bekah (she has a great blog read it here) to pick up her bees & goats. We hopped in the truck & headed east. Once we picked up the bees we continued going east and picked up her goats (Lady & Banjo). We went to her farm & set up the hives. It was the most peaceful experience--I know what you're thinking--peaceful? But it truly was. We didn't get stung and there were thousands of bees flying around our heads. We milked Lady. Once we finished all of that we got really hungry so we killed her rooster Rocky & cooked him up for dinner. It was the craziest & best day. We had so much fun--everything from good conversation in the car, beekeeping, goat milking, to chicken killing & laughing around a lovely campfire. 






















Friday, March 23, 2012

Cinque Terre

With all of this warm weather I can't help but be reminded of the time we went to Cinque Terre. 
We were staying in Florence & had seen all the sights we planned on seeing & we had one day to spare. Why not hop on the train & tour Cinque Terre?! It was the best decision. We had the most perfect day--exploring the five small villages, cliff jumping, eating gelato, & soaking in the gorgeous views. 
I hope to go back someday but for now I will just reminisce on our fun adventure. 


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Aimee Mullins


A few months ago I was listening to The Moth & heard the amazing story of Aimee Mullins. It inspired me so much that I have shared it with all of my friends & now anyone who reads this blog. If you have the time you should definitely hear her story--it is so good! 
 Paralympic athlete, actress and model.





Monday, March 19, 2012

Weekend Goodness


I love weekends! I wish they lasted a little longer but we've always done our best to live it up on those two special days. This past weekend was so great. We got to spend a lot of time with friends!


Friday
We went to Bekah's
Ate pizza 
Ben somehow made a campfire with wet wood
Ate s'mores
It was absolutely perfect!


Saturday
We ate breakfast with Morgan at Toast
Ben began building my beehives
We scored 7 free rain barrels from the neighborhood association
I met another neighbor (Jen) who offered to give me some of her raspberry bushes
Sam & Adam walked over for a mid-afternoon visit
We met up with a bunch of people at Four Pegs to watch the UK game 
Celebrated St.Patty's day


Sunday:
We slept in
We ate breakfast with Adam & Sam at North End Cafe & Ben ate his usual Cheddar Bacon Pancakes.
I took a serious nap in my yard on a tarp
Ben continued hive building
It was a gorgeous day so we walked the dogs
Ben kept building so I went to Whole Foods
We went to Sojourn at 7
We ate dinner with our friends at Uncle Maddio's


Did I mention that I love weekends? They are AMAZING!!!