From 904 to 404

Posted in Living Life, Seeing the World by

I had my first taste of Atlanta (as well as about 60+ flavors of Coca-Cola) during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. I was feeling pretty blessed to be able to take some time off of work to make the six hour drive, in pouring down rain, to spend some time with my sweetie. Even with the rainy conditions, it seemed like just about everything worked out. I experienced a lot of touristy aspects of Atlanta, like visiting the Coke Factory, taking a tour of the Aquarium, and watching a true American firework spectacle at Olympic Park. What was truly nice were those little moments that gave me a sense of home, like attending a family block party with some of the best pulled pork I’ve had (and way too many jalepeno poppers) or dining at a small pizza place that you would only be able to find if someone told you how to get there. What I enjoyed most, though, was being able to spend some REAL face time with Steven. It’s made me appreciate the little moments we do get to have since being apart during this transition period. I’ve come to find that the 404 could easily be my new 904, because home is where the heart is. This short trip has made me ready for the move more than ever. For now, I’ll continue to daydream over photos and hope to hear back from a prospective ad agency in Atlanta. This girl’s got Georgia on her mind.

I couldn’t visit another city without documenting some great food!
Goodness!
a whole WORLD of Coke = heaven
Happy to be together!
Nothing but adverts of Coke? Two of my favorite things! (Ignore the craziness going on to the right. Steven must have been looking around, too.)
So, that’s how they make it?
This sweet little guy tried to eat Steven’s head!
I adore how the bear smiles!
I was taking notes, but I’m not sure this will be of any use.
Jaguars represent!
If only they would bring this bad boy back!
Where all the secrets are locked away…
Just a “bitte”
Atlanta Nights ❤
So happy it stopped raining for some fireworks!
We smoked the neighborhood!
Hooray for ordering tickets on my phone so we could avoid standing in a 2 hour line for the aquarium!
And the award for best beer picture goes to…
Why do all fish make the “nemo” face when you go to take their photo?
Unda da sea
Can’t decide between lasagna or pizza? No worries, you can have BOTH!
Chaos? Yes. Delicious? YES!

Cookie Chick (pea)

Posted in Foodie by

I wouldn’t consider myself a health nut, and I haven’t jumped on the “gluten free” craze just yet either. However, I’m a fan of cookies of all shapes, sizes and ingredients (especially when it includes chocolate). So when I saw a chickpea cookie recipe, I decided to give it a go.

Seems weird, yes, but these actually turned out to be quite delicious. I’m not sure I’d trade them in for a traditional chocolate chip cookie, but considering this little dough ball has no flour, white sugar, or eggs, it could be a “healthier” alternative.

The oozing, gooey chocolate was the killer for me. It was a perfect compliment to the chunky peanut butter. I’m actually quite surprised that I managed to snap a picture before I devoured them.

I found the recipe here in case you are feeling rather adventurous, too.

Just look at those cute little chocolate drops, like a Hansel and Gretel trail leading you to the cookie goodness
Mashed chick peas? All I see is dessert!
Patiently waiting their descent into the oven, where chocolate and peanut butter collide in harmonious cookie delight.
So nice, I had to eat them twice. I love how they stayed in the shape of a dough ball even after cooking.

Pretty (Tough) In Pink

Posted in Living Life by

FlagFootball_YTeamI’ve never been an athlete. In fact, I chose to take up dance as a child because you got to dress up in frilly costumes, practice inside and perform on a stage. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of sweating outside in the sun, surrounded by bugs, dirt and all that jazz (insert comedic drums). So, when the opportunity came to me to play flag football I was a bit hesitant to say the least.

But this is the year about making changes and going outside my comfort zone. With that in mind, I agreed to join the fun and slap on a flag. I went to practice, met new coworkers, put on a “jersey” (well, a matching team T-shirt), took the field, and learned that I’m still no athlete – but that’s OK. I’m glad that I tried something new, and it may just inspire me to do things like this more often.

Finer Food Society

Posted in Foodie by

Who doesn’t love to take pictures of food? While I don’t recommend sharing EVERY meal you have (that picture of your cheerios cereal could probably be saved for another time), I do like to look back at a good meal and think of all the wonderful people I shared the experience with.

That’s the premise of the Finer Food Society. We eat to live, and live to eat. We appreciate fine foods with finer company. We’ll indulge in the local dish, and always have room to try a dessert.

This month’s meeting was at The Salty Fig. We were told that the owners started out in a local food truck and recently opened the restaurant with huge success. Most of my food looked too good that I wasn’t able to photograph it before I ate it. I’m sure another member was able to snap a shot or two before we devoured the bread pudding and skillet chocolate brownie.

In addition to the fine food and finer company, we were all endorsed as Finer Food Society members with special member cards. It’s official, everyone! I may start a new career as a food critic – or at least someone who gets to eat like one.