Argh Matey! 1/27/2014

Today marks Day 21 on the Whole 30 Challenge, ya'll. And I am bey-ond ready for it to end. I will absolutely be sharing my results, and a few more recipes, soon. In the mean time, I'm sharing my weekend, because it's Monday, duh.

...and then she turned 30.

This weekend was another one for the books! We celebrated my birthday with friends,and went to dinner with my family. And of course, if you follow me on Instagram, you may have also noticed Jason and I went to St. Augustine {a week early} for my birthday.

Unfortunately, on my actual birthday, both the Crews' had to work, and Jason was also sick. So I made my own birthday dinner. Such sadness, right? Actually, it was just what I needed. After a Christmas Party, actual Christmas, our trip, NYE, and our upcoming weekend, I wanted nothing more than to just stay in.

Friday, I arrived at work to a decorated cube. Minus the 10,000 pieces of glitter I will inevitably continue to find, I thought it was very sweet of my co-workers to remember me after many of us were out for the holidays {even if it was a day late}.

After work,  Jason and I hightailed to downtown St. Petersburg to attend First Friday with friends. But due to the "freezing" weather that we had Friday...First Friday, where they block the road off, playing live music, and  food and beer vendors, was cancelled. We live in Florida, and while it was cold, a jacket {and adult beverages} would warm us, right away. And so, an impromptu pub crawl with loads of friends was decided!

But not before Jason surprised me with a room for the night at the WaterGarden Inn!

After getting ready, we met our first round of friends at Cask and Ale. Apparently, they just opened last week. I loved the vibe, decor, and style. I felt a little under dressed, as it was a tad hipster, but I would definitely go back.

Apparently, we weren't the only ones wanting to brave the "cold", Friday, as places started to become packed. Our next stop on this tour was to Five Bucks Drinkery. Full of folks, we were able to snag two tables, at least while more friends joined {and others left}, and I sipped some tasty Sea Dog Blueberry Ale.

spot the creepers.

Initially, I thought as I celebrated the next decade, that this night would be full of crazy debauchery that would kill me the following day, but it was more of a chill night with friends. And truth be told, as many stories as my friends, and husband could tell you, I have calmed down, and don't need to act white girl wasted in public. Plus, at twenty-two, that's fun, but at thirty...it's sort of embarrassing.

That doesn't mean my siblings, and a few friends didn't buy me extra drinks at the next stop, Midtown Sundries, where I wanted to die at the thought of it all. But I held my own, uhthankyouverymuch. We stayed at Midtown the longest, since they had pool tables, a hockey game on tv, and actual food that people ordered.

Since we knew come Monday, it was back to clean eating, and all that jazz, Jason and I had a tasty brunch at Salt Rock Tavern.

Much later in the day, and it was time to do the family thing. We had dinner at Grille 54, in Trinity. I had my favorite dish ever, the eggplant stack. Followed by cake; chocolate cake, and nutella cheesecake. Both my mom, and sister made a dessert, without the other one realizing it. Good things calories don't count on your birthday week, right?!

I had a wonderful 30th, and am now bey-ond ready for a bit of routine here, at Casa de Crews.

Thanks again for all the birthday love, friends!
XOXO,
Nichole

Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes!

As the oldest of four, I had to learn to share just about everything from an early age. That also meant that if as a family of six, we went to an event, A) we ALL had to go and B) It didn't happen often because really paying to even go to a movie for six is pricey! But one exception my mom has made for her oldest, theatre loving daughter was to take me, and only me to see the Rockettes twice, now {even at twenty-nine, having a night with just my mom is special. I guess the oldest child syndrome does exist, ha ha}.


So when I received an opportunity through the Tampa Bay Bloggers to attend opening night of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, at the Straz Center, downtown, you know I was in! And who else could I take but my dear, sweet momma?

My mom, who does not read my blog, or care about most technology suggested we "take a selfie".
How could I deny her?

Have you seen the Rockettes live? It's pretty impressive. When I told Jason I was going, he asked if all I would see were, "a bunch of ladies kicking?", and I had to tell him that seeing the Rockettes is so much more than, "some ladies that kick"...It's an entire show. There are twelve scenes full of singing, dancing, and the BIG GUY himself, Santa. It is quite beautiful, really. The Rockettes dance their way through a story with scenes, an array of glamorous costumes, dramatic lighting effects and a 50-foot LED screen that enhances the show with breathtaking scenes.

To me, seeing the Rockettes is a classic Christmas event, that you should see at least once, in you life, live. Fortunately for Tampa, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular will run Dec. 12 - 29, 2013 at the Straz Center.

Candid. {Kim Geraci Photography}

Oh hi, remember me? Things have been in-sanely busy this week!  I just wanted to pop in real quick and share some of the professional photos Jason and I took for our upcoming Christmas cards. Funny enough, Jason is very comfortable in front of the camera, whereas I am better with candid shots. But husband was a good sport, and we got a few great shots. A HUGE thank YOU to Kim Geraci for snapping such great photos {even with my super sensitive blue eyes {that do not like the sun}}. If you're in the area, I highly recommend Kim!

That would be Jason and I ::ahem:: discussing the "luscious locks"

XOXO,

Nichole

Foodie Friday: Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Who can even begin to think about food, after the feasts we all had yesterday?! Me, that is who. But in all seriousness, if you're like me you may be hitting the stores, and mall hardcore today for some {hopefully} impressive Black Friday deals. And since I am assuming you didn't bring a to-go container filled with copious amounts of leftover turkey to eat between stores, may I suggest you hit up your local Grimaldi's Pizzeria. There are three in the Tampa Bay area, alone!

Last week, I was invited to try their menu at the Westshore location with the Tampa Bay Bloggers, and let me just say they prepared quite  the spread for us to sample.

Before we were served, the General Manager, Randy Bartoe, discussed a little bit of Grimaldi's history with us. I wish I loved my job as much as Randy clearly does. You could tell he was passionate about pizza, which in my opinion is never a bad thing to be passionate about, really. He informed us that most everything was made in-house, or specially made for Grimaldi's. As an example, their pepperoni is distributed by Hormel, but specifically for Grimaldi's, only. He also explained that their coal ovens at each location were designed just for them. And my favorite little "tidbit from Randy" was a concept. He explained that rather than being a pizza joint with other menu items that were just so-so, they focus on what they know, so they can be the best at it. I loved that, and whole heartily agree. Also, I don't actually recall Randy saying, "pizza joint" -- I may be paraphrasing, but you get my point.

House Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, Oven Roasted Sweet Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Sicilian Green Olives, Vinaigrette Dressing

Now...on to the food! To start, we shared the House Salad, Mediterranean Salad, and a personal fave, the Antipasto Plate. I love salad, and generally eat it four, or five times a week. Of the two we were served, I think the Mediterranean, was my favorite. A bowl  filled to the brim with Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives {the real deal, pits and all}, Feta Cheese, Red Onion, Vinaigrette Dressing. How could I not love it?

Medterrian Salad

Have you been to an "Italian" restaurant and ordered an antipasto salad/platter, only to be disappointed with slices of what taste like pre-packaged deli lunch meat and cheese that could have been bought yourself at the grocery? I have, and it's a sad day for my palate when that occurs. Fortunately, Grimaldi's Antipasto Plate is spot on; Fresh Mozzarella, Oven Roasted Sweet Red Peppers, Genoa Salami, Olives and Fresh Baked Bread. Their Mozzarella is hand-sliced, and fresh, as well. Mozzarella makes my heart, and stomach very happy.

Antipasto Plate

We could have stopped with salad, antipasto and the red sangria I was drinking, and called it a night. But oh no, we had so.many.pizzas.to.try.

Red Sangria!

Regular/Pepperoni

To start our pizza smorgasbord, we were served a Regular Pie. Don't let the name fool you, as there was nothing just regular about this pizza! I am learning in my culinary travels that less is sometimes more, and that was apparent with Grimaldi's Regular.

Added to the other half of our regular pie was a classic, pepperoni.

White Pizza/White Pizza with Spinach and Tomato

Next, we were served the White Pizza; a generous amount of hand sliced mozzarella, with garlic and a blend of olive oil, and seasonings. Yum!

Are you keeping track of all the food?! After Regular, Regular with Pepperoni, and White, there were more varieties to try.

Pesto/Pesto with Artichoke

Up next was my favorite of the night -- Pesto with artichoke, and sun dried tomatoes! Oh mah gosh....it was delish.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Last on our pizza pie "tour" was my second favorite, a special, Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Frank's Red Hot, Sliced Celery, Gorgonzola, and Grilled Chicken. Had I not been bursting at the seams, this may have been my favorite, since you all know how much I love Buffalo Chicken! I also enjoyed the addition of celery to this pie.

After all the food we consumed, I wanted to cry I was so full. But then someone mentioned cheesecake, and somehow, I dug deep and magically found a bit of room within me. Listen, there is always room for cheesecake! Generous in size, moist, and flavorful I do believe I have found a new place to get my cheesecake fix.

We were also served cannoli. In all honesty, I have never been a fan of this dessert, anywhere. The filling was good, but I was all about the cheesecake. Those who ate the cannoli raved, so you will just have to take their word for it.

I already can't wait to dine again, and bring Jason, and friends along!

Last minute shopping, bourbon, and turkey {weekend recap}

Last week, my best friend came over to help me make eat mini pumpkin pies for the Thanksgiving feast I prepared, yesterday. During this pie prep, we both discussed how this year was the first year we were keenly aware, we are grown-ups. I love it, and hate it. The end.

Just kidding...that would make for a boring post. So, our weekend in photos:

I waited until Friday to do the majority of my Thanksgiving dinner shopping. It took me over an hour. I had the most detailed of lists, and purchased everything I needed. But I felt mental throughout this process. This time of the year, Jason starts cramming for finals, and I am left alone to do this. I get cranky, and miss him. So add a full day of work, gym time, and then shopping...I wanted to hurt someone. But then I had a little aha moment, and realized if the only stresses in my life are buying a ridiculous amount of food to feed my slightly nutty in-laws, and missing my husband as he kills himself working full-time, and going to law school, then really I have NOTHING to be cranky about. I am actually quite blessed, if I take a moment to step out of myself and see that. So I made a drink, unpacked the car {three trips, thankyouverymuch}, and cleaned the casa.

Jennifer, yours truly, and Lane

My new fave

As a reward, I went to the Jim Beam Bourbon & Brew Festival, Saturday. Jason had too much studying to do, so luckily I had the ever so awesome Jennifer to take. You know your friends who met through blogging when the initial text of the day is, "I wonder what food they'll have" instead of, "what are you wearing"...she's one of my faves. Thanks for being my "date"!

The Bourbon & Brew Fest was awesome! Not being a huge bourbon fan, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was able to sample quite a few drinks, and found a new fave cocktail; Jim Beam Honey Bourbon with Ginger Ale. It's definitely on the sweeter side, but the ginger ale definitely masked any boozy taste that you normally have with liquor. That could be a deliciously dangerous drink for me!

The fest was located in The Tampa Heights Waterfront, and the breeze and weather were perfect! I only wish I could have stayed longer, but after three-ish hours, I had to leave since I had a feast to prep the following day. Thanks again to Big City Events for hosting such a great event! 

Sunday, I woke up at 5:30am. Not on purpose mind you, but clearly I had a lot to do.

I finished cleaning, and started to cook. Most everything went off without a hitch! However, more than half of the family was over an hour late because they got "distracted", and understandably I was annoyed. But then there was nothing I could do, and I like hosting Thanksgiving so my mother in-law doesn't have to, and to create some happy memories for our nieces, and nephew. At the end of the day, no one fought, the food was good {if I do say so myself}, and  now it's over, and I can go to my mom and dad's like the child I am and do nothing, but bring dessert and drink, holla!

Not surprsingly, I feel a tad sick after all this busy. I think it's time to spike a hot tottie with a little bit of honey bourbon ;)

Linking up with Sami.

How was your weekend?

Jim Beam Bourbon and Brew Fest {giveaway}!

It's a Country, Rock, Bourbon, BBQ, Craft Beers, Line Dancing, Fireworks Show, and a whole lotta fun kinda thing!

This Saturday is the Bourbon and Brew Festival thrown by Big City Events, the same people who brought Tampa the Margarita Festival and Summer of Rum Festival earlier this year. I wasn't able to attend either, unfortunately, but am stoked to go to the Bourbon and Brew Fest! Located at The Tampa Heights Waterfront, right on the Hillsborough River in an old warehouse. Have I mentioned I can't wait?!

In all honesty, I'm not a huge bourbon drinker, but Jason is. And let's be honest, have I really ever met a drink I didn't like? Well, yes...but that's not going to stop me from trying! #duh. Plus, there will be craft beer, and wine. This could be a good thing or bad thing for yours truly.

I mean...if I "have" to try this Maker's Slushy, then so be it ;)

Would you like to go to the Bourbon and Brew Fest, tomorrow? I have TWO pairs of General Admission tickets to giveaway {that is four tickets, folks}!

General Admission gives you access to the Bourbon & Brew Festival with all day re-entry privileges and a chance to enjoy the all day live bands along with a special headlining performance by the LoCash Cowboys.

Once inside, enjoy the other entertainment, games, and activities such as a mechanical bull, corn hole, and the all the Bourbon Drinks and Specialty Craft Beer starting at only $5.  CLICK HERE to see all the featured bourbon bar & drinks.

Finally, end the night with a bang with Tampa Bay's biggest fireworks show overlooking the river bend and gorgeous Downtown Tampa skyline!

To enter:
Just leave me a link in the comments, and tell me what your favorite adult beverage is! I'll pick TWO local, lucky winners, TODAY.

For more event info, visit here.

Good Luck!
Nichole

*I was given two VIP tickets for this event. All opinions are my own

Oxford Exchange {giveaway}

Last week I was invited with the Tampa Bay Bloggers to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer, and also swoon over the beautiful location that is Oxford Exchange.

The night was full of festive inspiration. Entering through The Bookstore, I was greeted with a warm welcome, and a bit of bubbly. We could have stopped the evening right there, and I would have been a happy girl; books, comfortable seating, and champagne that was magically replaced when I was low. I mean who couldn't get used to such a thing?!

Friday Foodie: Salt Rock Tavern

I swear I didn't mean to post two Oldsmar restaurants in a row, but lately I have been sticking close to work, and home, so Oldsmar it is has been.

Located off Tampa Rd in the same plaza as Tijuana Flats, and one of their sister restaurants, Rumba's, Salt Rock Tavern is better each time I dine. I have been three times now, and each visit is better than the last.

{taken from Salt Rock Tavern's Facebook Page}

The first time I tried Salt Rock Tavern,  after they first opened and they were packed. Parking was a nightmare, and we had to circle several times to find a spot. But I assume that is because they were new, and who doesn't want to try a new spot on Friday night?

The second time, I went with a few girlfriends for a catch up dinner, and also to take advantage of their happy hour special, a $3.50 glass of house Pinot Grigio. They also offer $3.50 well cocktails, and $1.75 PBR, or Bud Light M-Sat 4-7, and all day Sunday.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

To start, we ordered the Buffalo Chicken Dip served in a tasty bread bowl, while waiting for one more friend to arrive. It was thick and creamy, with just a kick of heat. It was delicious and I have been craving it, ever since!

Mile High Meatloaf: topped with garlic mashed potatoes, red wine demi glaze, and crispy onions

Leftovers ;)

For dinner, I ordered the Mile High Meatloaf. I kid you not, it was like a pound of meat {there's a joke in there that my husband would use, I'm sure. I digress}! Very filling, and enough for two-three meals. It was very flavorful, and moist. My only complaint, was that it was a bit too peppery for me, but other than that, I recommend it, if you are looking for something hearty.