Tag: navy wife

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.

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

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

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! :)

Dating

by aweighwithme, posted in love+the like

William And Audrey

The other night when the Mr and I were out to dinner, we started talking about some of the quirks we’ve observed about each other, that maybe we didn’t know about ourselves.

He told me something I was completely unaware of. Apparently, when I’m in a large group in friendly conversation and am trying to make a point among a lot of competing voices, I raise my voice suddenly (and my eyebrows). Since I am mostly a soft-spoken person, this often catches him off-guard, and when he demonstrated his reaction (a funny expression of shock) it made me laugh out loud.

I love those moments when you get a glimpse beyond the everyday familiarity and see each other in a new way. It brings back a little of the new-ness and the mystery from when we were dating and getting to know each other.

Other questions we’ve asked each other on dates: What were you like when you were little? Where did you go on “dates” in high school? What was your favorite music in college?

I’d love more date night question ideas! Do you have any?

(Also, another list of funny questions to ask your date.)

Photo credit

The Best Fudge You’ll Ever Have

by aweighwithme, posted in food+drink

healthy-peanut-butter-fudge

I should start off by saying that I have an ENORMOUS sweet tooth. In fact, all of the teeth in my head might possibly be sweet. And while I enjoy most sweet things, there are a few treats out there (like this and this) that straight up turn me into a five-year old who has no concept of moderation and willingly eats it until I am sick.

I have now found another such treat.

And not only is this the best fudge I’ve ever had, but it is also the HEALTHIEST fudge I’ve ever had.

I know. Nuts, right? But it’s true! These lovely delectable bites are so silky and rich and decadent, but made with whole and clean ingredients.

Healthy Peanut Butter Fudge

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey (or natural sweetener of your choice)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor. Pour into paper-lined muffin tin cups and fill 1/2-inch full. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 10 minutes, until firm. Store in the fridge. Makes 10.

You can find the original recipe here.

Enjoy, and happy Friday! xo

Anniversary Getaway

by aweighwithme, posted in love+the like

Rancho-Valencia-courtyard

Last weekend, the Mr and I were gifted a one-night stay here, to celebrate our four-year anniversary. Here are a few pics of our mini getaway just a short drive from home, if you’d like to see!

Rancho-Valencia-poolside

The weather could not have been more perfect. We sat by the pool for hours and read books (his + mine).

Rancho-Valencia-villa

Rancho-Valencia-fireside

We enjoyed a lovely dinner and cocktails, and cozied up by the fireplace every chance we got.

Rancho-Valencia-OJJPG

The next morning, fresh orange juice was delivered with a morning paper (isn’t that such a great idea?). We ordered room service for breakfast, and enjoyed coffee by the fire.

It was such a lovely time of reminiscing about all our sweet memories of falling in love, traveling, figuring each other out, and just enjoying life together. It was hard to come back from such a beautiful and brief trip, but we both came home so relaxed and recharged.

Thanks for taking a peek! xo

Darling Magazine

by aweighwithme, posted in art+design, fashion+beauty

Darling-Magazine

Have you read Darling Magazine? You should. I received a copy from a friend who contributed to the spring issue, and it is such a joy to read. It covers topics of daily life, food, literature, travel, work, beauty, and style while compassionately redefining what it means to be a woman in today’s world of materialsim and merciless expectations. It is empowering, uplifting, enlightening, and gorgeous all at the same time.

Their blog is equally amazing and a daily dose of beauty and inspiration, but there is just something about flipping through the thick pages that makes it come alive. Check it out! xo

Darling-Magazine