Sound Check: One Works Better

by aweighwithme, posted in sound check

clare-bowen-and-sam-palladio

Have you ever watched the series Nashville? It has become one of my favorites, and not only because it stars Connie Britton (you Friday Night Lights fans know exactly what I’m talking about), but also because the music is absolutely AMAZING. And it’s all brilliantly performed by the actors themselves.

“One Works Better” is a gem, sung by the charming duo Clare Bowen (aka, Scarlett) and Sam Palladio (Gunnar). You would never guess that she is from Australia and he from Britain, given their syrupy sweet southern accents on the show (and being from the South, I must say they do a fine job). :) The season finale aired a few weeks ago, so alas, I will have to be patient for the next season.

In happier news, the Mr comes home today after being away for training a whole month! I am over the moon. I intend to have a very happy weekend, and wish the same for you. ;)

Photo by Patrick Fraser.

Living the San Diego Dream

by aweighwithme, posted in life+such

Padres-home-run

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that some friends and I ran a 200 mile charity relay race with a group of kids from a school called Monarch, that serves children affected by homelessness. It was such an incredible experience, and we were excited to be able to hang out with them again last week. To congratulate them for finishing the race, they were invited to a San Diego Padres game, complete with private box seating and a walk on the field. (And we were invited to tag along!)

The kids were so excited and it was powerful to see their accomplishment honored in such a big way. Here are a few pics from the evening.

Monarch-kids

private-box

San-Diego-Padres

Padres-game

Petco-park

Monarch is an incredible place (they just moved to a beautiful new facility), and I would encourage anyone to support what they do! Thanks for taking a look. :)

In Full Bloom: The Jacaranda

by aweighwithme, posted in life+such, travel

jacaranda-tree

This time of year, I am always astonished by the Jacaranda trees that explode into full bloom all around the city. And since it just might be my most favorite tree in the world, it makes me so happy that it happens to be the official tree of San Diego. Here are a few photos I took four years ago, near Balboa Park.

jacaranda-treejacaranda-tree jacaranda-tree jacaranda-tree

jacaranda-tree

jacaranda-tree

It makes me want to travel to Australia just for this. Wouldn’t it be stunning? The Mr and I may just have to start planning a trip. :)

Does your city have an official tree?

Perfect Summer Meal (for the Girls)

by aweighwithme, posted in food+drink

shiitake-mushroom-and-asian-lentil-tacos

Every week, my two best friends and I enjoy a homemade dinner together. We rotate houses each time, and although we love trying new and daring recipes, there are a few staples that just keep coming back into the rotation. And we’re totally okay with that.

One of our favorites that we can’t get enough of is shiitake mushroom & lentil asian tacos from Sprouted Kitchen. It may sound out-there but trust me, you would not believe the explosion of flavors that come bursting forth from these little tacos (hellooo miso herb sauce). They will make you want to go outside and dance in a sprinkler, or something else equally summery and joyful.

Sprouted Kitchen is one of the most stunning food blogs I have ever seen (and her photos are much prettier than mine). We love adventuring into her book too. If you are looking for fresh, healthy, shockingly delicious fare, you should pay her a visit.

(ps – the little cocktail you see above is a serendipitous and inexact blend of vodka, sparkling lime mineral water, muddled strawberries and basil, simple syrup and fresh grapefruit juice).

Here’s to weekends, tasty food and summer just around the corner!

A Memorable Weekend

by aweighwithme, posted in life+such

Coronado-boats

Oh three-day weekends, how lovely you are. I am still basking in the glory of it, trying to hold onto every ounce of relaxation it brought. And even though the Mr wasn’t here to enjoy it with me, I am so thankful for the service that he and thousands of other men and women, past and present, have given so that we can enjoy peace and freedom. Here are a few highlights from my weekend, which was spent with my dearest friends.

We assembled an (appropriately) all-American quilt – a belated/in-progress gift for our friend K’s birthday.

American-quilt

We took bikes to Coronado island and enjoyed a leisurely ride along the strand.

Coronado-bike-ride

And finished the afternoon with an impromptu picnic by the bay, complete with watermelon, stinky cheeses (my favorite), kettle corn, and cocktails made with juice from my grapefruit tree.

Coronado-picnic

I hope your weekend was as lovely and memorial as mine. :) Thanks for stopping by!

xo

Sound Check: Who’s Lovin’ You

by aweighwithme, posted in sound check

Here’s a sweet subway performance by Michael Bublé. How cool would it be to step out of a subway car and get your own impromptu concert?

This busy weekend will include editing a best friend’s wedding video (four years later, eesh!), taking a barre class, clocking some serious beach time, running this race, and of course a BBQ on Monday.

Any fun Memorial Day plans you’d like to share?

Happy long weekend! xo

Stitch Fix

by aweighwithme, posted in fashion+beauty

stitch-fix

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? It is a brilliant styling service that for 20 bucks will send you five pieces chosen for you (based on an online profile you fill out). Whatever you decide to buy, the fee is applied to your total.

Here’s a peek at what I kept from my first shipment. It’s such a lovely color, and not something I would have normally chosen for myself, but I’m quite pleased with it.

They also offer gift cards, which would be perfect for a sister or friend. You should check it out!

Necklace from Pigment.

You Must Try: Turkey Meatball Sandwiches

by aweighwithme, posted in food+drink

turkey-meatballs

Since the hubby is gone yet again for another several weeks of training (sigh), I haven’t been cooking much. But I did want to share this amazing recipe (slightly adapted) that has become one of our all-time dinner favorites. You should really give it a try!

Turkey Meatball Sandwiches

1 lb ground turkey

1 egg

½ cup finely grated parmesan

1 Tbs dried oregano

1 tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

3 cups tomato sauce

Ciabatta rolls

1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil, julienned

Olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, peeled

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a simmer. Mix the turkey, egg, parmesan, oregano, salt, and red pepper in a medium bowl. Roll into medium-sized meatballs and set aside.

Place the meatballs in the water until they are just cooked through, and float to the top of the water. Remove with a strainer and reserve.

Use the saucepan to heat the tomato sauce, add the meatballs and simmer on low until they are warmed through.

turkey-meatballs

Split the ciabatta rolls, drizzle with olive oil, and toast until golden. Rub the toast with a clove of raw garlic.

Fill the rolls with the meatballs, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil.

turkey-meatball-sandwiches

Once the Mr gets home, we’ll be enjoying this hearty meal again for sure. I am forever grateful to Heather Christo Cooks for this weeknight staple! xo

Creative Success

by aweighwithme, posted in art+design

I love this advice from Ira Glass and found it really encouraging.

Malcom Gladwell says that according to the “10,000-Hour Rule”, you have to practice your craft (whatever it might be) for a total of around 10,000 hours in order to achieve creative success. Isn’t that fascinating?

Whether or not this is true for blogging, this video is inspiring me today to keep doing the things I love, even on days when I’m not sure it’s any good. Keep going!

And happy Friday.

xo

Out-of-Towners

by aweighwithme, posted in travel

Coronado

I love playing hostess to people from out of town; not only do you get to spend time with people you love who you don’t see often, but it’s such a refreshing way to fall in love with your city all over again. Last week my lovely parents came for a visit – here’s a peek of what we did. :)

We walked along the Harbor, enjoying all the beautiful, historic boats (which my dad LOVES). Below is the Star of India, the world’s oldest active ship. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Star-of-India

We strolled on the beach in Coronado, and sipped drinks and people watched at the Hotel del.

Hotel-del-Coronado

We even did a city tour, half of which was enjoyed in the water (I highly recommend doing a tour of your own city, if it’s available – I learned so much history and little known facts that were so interesting).

Sea-lions

San-Diego-harbor-tour   San-Diego-skyline-tour

We ate good food at some our favorite places (like here and here), and enjoyed the breathtaking view from C Level restaurant.

San-Diego-skyline

My mom even found the time to completely revamp our backyard (more photos of that to come!). She is a gardening genius, and works her magic in the dirt every time she comes to visit. I love spending that time with her making things beautiful.

potting-table

Since I can’t enjoy regular, everyday time with my family, these visits are so precious. It was such a special time with my favorite people, and of rediscovering this beautiful city the Mr and I call home. I highly recommend coming to San Diego for a visit! :)