Tag: beer

What I’m Loving Lately: It’s summer, so everything?

Lauren2 Comments

Well I think that title says it all.  Because what DON’T I love in summer?  Going on early morning runs, drinking all the iced coffee, eating dinner in the backyard, reading on my porch swing.  Life is just all around better when accompanied by sunny skies, warm weather and that carefree summer spirit.  But because “everything” probably doesn’t make for an interesting post, I’ll give you the specifics of what I’m loving lately.

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A/B by Kaleo

Wait, are you still not listening to Kaleo, even after all the times I’ve talked them up??  Guys, get on board NOW.  They just released their first album and even though I knew/owned 90% of the songs already, I’m still listening to it on repeat because it’s serious gold.  “Way Down We Go” is all over right now, but just you wait till “All the Pretty Girls” hits the radio.  I think mass hysteria will ensue.  For me, it’s all about “Save Yourself” though ♥

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Evening Freedom

I won’t subject you to yet another ode to morning running, but I will say moving my workout to the morning means completely freeing up my post-work schedule.  If the Rockies are out of town and I don’t have any other weeknight commitments, I get home and am like “wait what do I do now?!”  But a better question would be, “what can’t I do,” because the sky’s the limit when you have five hours of daylight to do WHATEVER your heart desires.  Lately, my heart has been desiring reading on my porch swing and leisurely cooking dinner.

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Iced Coffee

K, that’s not really anything new but I’d been using this recipe that called for 12 oz. of ground coffee and 20 cups of water before seeing this Bon Appétit recipe that called for 12 oz. of ground coffee and seven cups of water.  I figured the stronger, the better so I tried this new method and WHOA!  It packs a punch, flavor AND caffeine-wise.  I’m in love!

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Gose

It’s pronounced “go-zuh” and it’s my new summer beer.  It’s a wheat beer so it’s got that light refreshing thing going on but it’s brewed with lactic acid and salt so it’s got a sour beer taste with a savory back note and it’s just all around complex and delicious.  If I see one, I feel compelled to order/buy it RIGHT NOW.  Just so so good, so you should do the same.

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Totally ditched out of a seminar last week and walked to Cheesman instead.

Walking

Everywhere and anywhere!  You know how when you’re on vacation, it’s no big deal to walk ALL OVER THE PLACE?  But then you get home and go straight back to driving literally four blocks up the street to get coffee?  Maybe it’s that “I’m in no rush” summer mentality or just general enjoyment of being outside when it’s warm, but I have been wanting to walk everywhere we can.  To the Rockies game, to get a manicure, to grab an ice cream cone.  IT IS THE BEST.

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Summer Mani Inspiration

Totally getting this one for my birthday, but how amazing would it be to have watermelon/polka dot nails??

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Pink Lipstick

I was so into that dark red during the winter but summer has come and this pretty pink color has been on my lips day in and day out.  Up next, actual red.  Do you think I can pull it off??

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Sister Dates

Dates with Joey are great and all, but ain’t no one get you — on a “remember when we used to go to Dairy Queen EVERY DAY after school??,” stream of movie quotes, mutual complainants about mom and dad level — like your sister.  Last Thursday, we had a pedicure-followed-by-dinner date and my heart was so full afterwards.  When most social interactions can leave me feeling a little drained, bonding with my sister always leaves me feeling energized and inspired.  Also, we ate at Vital Root and it was total vegetarian bliss.

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 Tulo

Always and forever ♥♥♥

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What are you loving lately?

Recently Consumed

Lauren8 Comments

A list of things consumed by my head, heart, eyes, ears and stomach lately.

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The Red Tent

I think this is a pretty well-known book, but somehow, I’d never read it.  Hannah’s mom, Tracey, loaned it to me and I LOVED it.  The story, the writing, the way it gave voice to a female character instead of the dozens of male characters.  It made the feminist in me say hell yeah.  It’s not often that I wholeheartedly love a book, but I felt that way about this one.

“The Unhealthy Truth Behind ‘Wellness’ and ‘Clean Eating’“

I don’t mean to offend anyone, but don’t even get me started on the gluten-free fad.  My eyes cannot roll any harder.  Much of this article was focused on Ella Mills of Deliciously Ella and I know nothing about her or her blog/cookbook, but still there were many parts in here that had me internally yelling “YES!”  Namely, Nigella Lawson’s disdain of the term “clean eating,” and this quote at the very end: “Eating a wide variety of foods, trying new things, and taking pleasure in food is good for you. Combine that with the structure of regular meals and snacks, and make an effort to include most food groups at your meals, and you are covered.”  Give it a read and let me know what you think!

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Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Joey and I found this on Netflix while we were in New Orleans and I cried big fat ugly tears at the end.  I couldn’t stop!  But even though it ripped my heart out, I ADORED this movie.  It was quirky, it was heartfelt, it was funny, it was excellently acted and perfectly scripted.  You always take your chances when you watch some lesser known indie film, but we found a real gem with this one.  Watch it, you won’t regret it.  Plus: Connie Britton.

“How to Ice a Layer Cake Without a Crumb in Sight”

This article from Bon Appétit was so timely because I made the crumbiest red velvet cake for Joey’s birthday and realized my icing skills needed some serious work.  I’ve never even heard of a “crumb coat” before, but that it genius!  Can’t wait to test it out next time I make a cake.  Also, originally, I used the picture from the article above but then I was like “wait, is it legal to post this?”

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Overnight Oats with Kefir, Berries, and Toasted Coconut

Ever tried kefir?  When I asked Joey, his response was “Kiefir Sutherland?”  Um no.  This recipe was part of a whole “Gut Health” section in the latest edition of Cooking Light and I was totally into it.  And I was also so into this breakfast, that despite it being so gray and rainy outside, felt bright and summery.  It was like the consistency of Greek yogurt overnight oats, but way less tangy.  More please!

Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail

Joey decided we should be more into bombers, so he picked this one up from the liquor store last weekend and we cracked it open last night.  Just no.  It was 13% ABV and it tasted like it too.  It was hoppy but had that sweet barrel aged flavor and I just couldn’t do it.  Better luck next time, I hope!

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Vermont Peanut Butter

My Peanut Butter of the Month subscription has come to and end and I’m sad.  The silver lining is that it went out with a bang because that Vermont Peanut Butter brand chunky pb is life changing.  It is SO CHUNKY.  Like full peanuts in there!  A chunky peanut butter lover’s dream.  Looking back, that dark chocolate rosemary peanut butter was my absolute favorite, but this chunky one is a close second.

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The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

Just started this one and because I know it’s being compared to Gone Girl, I’ll succumb and say I like this one better.  A) So far there isn’t anything unbelievably crazy happening and B) The characters seem much more relatable and real.  I sort of already have a feeling it’s headed in a certain direction, but I’m only 60% done, so we’ll see how it plays out.  Ten points if it doesn’t end predictably.

Happy Wednesday!