Tag Archives: East Coast

March Madness Roundup

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In like a lion, out like a lamb, right?

I feel like that March lamb is still on it’s way, but the lion that was this March sure kept us on the run.

I thought today I’d share a look back at all of the places I went in March and all of the things I did.  Because usually, it’s a line up of market photos and delicious dinners, but this month it’s from coast to coast (twice), with a lot of amazing events and people in between.

We kicked off the month with packing up all of our food for terminate extermination.  This was a low point… Like packing to move without the new improved apartment?

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But then we were off to New York!IMG_2274Where it was freezing, but Sarah and I celebrated turning 30!IMG_2306And we ate an amazing meal prepared by the Fishing With Dynamite guys at the James Beard House.IMG_2383

And I played Cards Against Humanity for the first time.  This was one blog appropriate winner…IMG_2558

When I got back to the west coast, I made a quick batch of pickled onions… and just about ate them all.IMG_2663

I messed around with my blog.  Spring cleaning?  Did you notice?  (I didn’t go with this one…)IMG_2685

Then I flew back to Maryland for a memorial service for my grandfather.  It was a tough weekend, but being surrounded by family that hasn’t all come together in close to 20 years, there was also much to celebrate.

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Plus, I got to hang out with these little guys…IMG_2798The last time I saw Miles he weighed just over 5 pounds and he was all hooked up in the NICU.  I’m so impressed and grateful for how healthy and awesome he’s turning out to be!IMG_2805

I mean, don’t you love his shirt?  I dig you, too, Miles.
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And then Mr. Max.  Starting to talk, count, and know his alphabet.  No pants don’t care!IMG_2850Before I left town, I whipped up a batch of fudge to leave with the east coast crew.  I even used this crazy old candy thermometer of my Mom’s.  I don’t know why, but I was a little obsessed with this thermometer.

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And ate entirely too much of the chocolatey fudge it produced… delicious. IMG_2843

I don’t have a story for this next picture, other than once I was back on the west coast, this is precisely how I felt.  And I love this picture of Brad and Gibson.
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I fit in a little studio time somewhere in there, singing on a commercial for a kids toy that is coming out soon…IMG_2892

And my car broke down… again…IMG_2895

But then we cooked a delicious lunch at Coleman’s Farm, which went off without a hitch…IMG_3033 IMG_3110

Then, last night we had an unusual Sunday night off together.  So after a delicious dinner (where I almost killed a crab with an iPad.  seriously.), we headed to the Sprinkles cupcake ATM and treated ourselves.IMG_3199March, you were great, but I’m kind of glad you’re ending.  On to spring and weekends with a little bit of time to ourselves.

But the fudge was really great.  Thanks for that.

xoxo

 

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Blood Orange Gin and Tonics

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Blood Orange Gin and Tonics @thekeyofkels

My March has been a little bit insane.

As of the beginning of February, I wasn’t going to be on the east coast even once this month.  We were watching what we spent.  We had family coming in town and birthdays coming up, so we were being responsible.

And now, as I’m unpacking my suitcase from my second trip east in 3 weeks, I am realizing I should really stock my body up on Vitamins before I get super, super sick from all of the traveling.

So Emergen-C it is!

Speaking of Vitamin C, it is coming up on the end of citrus season here in California, so I brought some blood oranges from the market all the way to Maryland with me this weekend.  I figured, along with the strawberries, raisins, and trail mix I smuggled from coast to coast, the blood oranges would be something fun and different to play around with.

blood orange gin and tonicsAnd the juice is just so pretty!

So on Friday night, after we had finished most of the preparations for everyone to come over to my parents’ house after the services for my grandfather on Saturday, we decided it was time to relax and catch up.

My mom’s favorite Friday night happy hour cocktail is the classic Gin & Tonic, so I decided to dress it up a little bit.

blood orange gin and tonics blood orange gin and tonicsBy just adding a little bit of that fiery blood orange juice, the classic G&T took on a whole new persona.

And also left the place looking like a bit of a crime scene when not poured just so…

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The citrus added just a little bit of bright red cheer to a somber occasion, a little bit of sweet citrus to a classic cocktail, and a little bit of Cali sunshine to a chilly, rainy (super jet lagged) day.

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I wish this counted as enough Vitamin C to keep me healthy until the weather really warms up, but for now, I’m drinking tea and stocking up on Emergen-C packets.

Cheers to another busy, busy week!

xoxo

Blood Orange Gin (or Vodka) & Tonics

1 part Gin (we used Bombay Sapphire, but it was also delicious with vodka!)

1 part fresh squeezed blood orange juice

1 part tonic water

Fill glass with ice.  Add equal parts gin(or vodka), blood orange juice and tonic water.  Stir and serve.  Cheers!

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Three New Babies

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Since it is the third day of NaBloPoMo (right?), I thought it would be appropriate to tell you a story of three. Three newborn babies, that is. I’ve known for I guess about nine months now that the end of … Continue reading →

Home For Christmas

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Brad and I have lived in Santa Monica just about three years. It seems every year is getting a little easier than the last.  We know our way around a little better.  We know a few more people.  We have … Continue reading →