Weekend in Sedona Part II

Even though Mia had to opt out, we went for a great hike to explore Sedona further.  The scenery is beautiful no matter which way you look, so there is a lot to take in.

There was SNOW!  C and I couldn't believe it.  It was probably 70 degrees in the sun, but in the shade there was snow on some parts of the trail.  I had to touch it to believe it!

The trails were awesome, there were bikers too.  If you dare, good for you.. I'm sticking to hiking for now!

Here we are about half way up, it was a really nice hike.  I hope we're back again very soon to explore the area more, there's a lot to see!

Update from Thailand

Euro Deli - Sedona, AZ

After Mia's eventful morning we stopped for lunch on the way back from the vet.  I read good things about Euro Deli and was in the mood for a wrap so it was a good fit.  When we arrived we found beautiful outdoor seating too!  Love surprises like that.

They had a bunch of very unique foods to buy.  Fresh meat that you could purchase by the pound, also what they use for their sandwiches etc.

Homemade salads, and foreign cheese - hello lover.

Many different kinds of jam and jelly from all over the world.  There was a lot to browse around and take in as you waited for your food.

German egg noodles, spaetzle.  Had to really contain myself and not buy everything they had in stock.  I love these noodles.  Reminded me a lot of Jorg's Cafe Vienna in Dallas.

I ordered the chicken Caesar wrap, which came with a homemade sauce and a whole wheat pita wrap.  I really liked how they didn't skimp on the chicken, it was jam packed and very good.

Also ordered a cup of their white bean soup, which was spicy and very good.  Reminded me a lot of a stew, and I enjoyed every bite.

If you're in the Sedona area and are hungry for a great sandwich this is the place to go.  They have many different items on their menu, including brats!  If you go and try one please let me know how it was :)

Weekend in Sedona Part I

Valentine's day weekend C, Mia and I headed to Sedona for a long weekend.  We rented a guest house a little outside of town and intended to relax, eat and hike.  We did just that with a few last minute changes too!  This was the view from our little house.. so pretty!

Rocking chair by the fire pit, so comfortable and with the best view.

The owner of the property had four dogs and huge pens for them to play in.  She said Mia could take part any time!  Three of the dogs were very nice, one of them did not like Mia.  Here she is playing with one of the friendly ones!

And this is what happens when the unfriendly dog got a little upset.  Mia's nose got scratched.

And her paw pad was ripped.  To the vet we went to get her checked out.  She was a champ, I think we were freaking out more than she was!  What's a weekend getaway with a trip to the doctor or vet, right?!

Like I said, she was fine.  Here she is eating who knows what and exploring as soon as we got back to our house.

We went up one of the mountains to watch the sunset one night and it was so beautiful!

This is one of my favorite pictures, the landscape goes on for forever it seems. 

More pictures to come!

3 Things I'm Loving Right Now

Big news everyone - I am headed to Thailand in two days!!  I leave early Sunday morning and will be gone for a couple weeks.  I am so excited to spend some time with family and explore.  This week I've been preparing, and bought a few new things for the trip.  Including these sunglasses.  Finally found aviators that fit my face! 

This cute sundress from Old Navy that I picked up for $14, can't resist that!  It'll be perfect for dinner one night. 

My travel pillow.  I realize that I am going to look like a huge dork, but if it allows me to sleep more comfortably on a plane I'm all for it.  It even has a chin strap --- just in case it wasn't ridiculous enough.  I'm guessing everyone will be wanting to use it though once I've slept for 8 hours straight. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ristorante Limoncello - Boston, MA

After the bike trip we headed to Boston to spend a couple last days with my brother before heading back to real life.  Boston's food is just awesome.  There are so many great, small, hole-in-the-wall places and trying them out is something I really enjoy.  My Mom's favorite place is Limoncello's in the North end of Boston, so we headed there to toast the end of our trip.  My brother's girlfriend joined us as well, the more the merrier!

Olives in olive oil... yes, please!

And freshly baked bread, this was off to a good start.

We started by sharing the scallops which were sauteed in their limoncello sauce and served with baby arugula.  Yum!  The scallops were excellent, and the sauce was so good.  I'm guessing that's how the name of the place came about!

My Mom had the risotto special with shrimp and asparagus.  The risotto was different than I had tried before, it had less of a creamy sauce but was still very delicious.

I ordered the "rosetti al montasio ed olio di tartufo." In case you don't speak Italian it was wide noodle pasta cooked with prosciutto, cheese, mushrooms and topped in a tomato cream sauce with truffle oil.  I have never tried anything like this.  It was bursting with great flavor, and it was really hard to stop eating it.  I let my brother take home the leftovers, but was very sad I couldn't take them on the plane back with me!

We finished with the Limoncello after dinner drink.  This little shot will for sure wake you up after dinner, and hopefully make the walk back to your hotel (or home) a little more interesting :)  

I really loved this place, it's very busy so make sure you make a reservation.  It's worth the wait even if you don't!

Wordless Wednesday

The Black Dog - Martha's Vineyard, MA

Our last stop on Martha's Vineyard before heading back to Boston was lunch at The Black Dog Tavern.  This wasn't a normal tavern, there were multiple buildings, a bakery, a retail shop - quite the well rounded business.  It all started with the tavern though, and after tasting the food I completely understood why it has become so popular.

This was the retail house - they had really cute stuff.  I bought Mia a toy (which has proved to be very durable) and a cook book.  Obviously!

My Mom started with the clam chowder.  I snuck a bite and it was delicious.  Creamy and packed with potatoes and seafood, as a good chowder should be!

I opted for the lobster roll with fries.  The plate was HUGE and could have easily been shared.  I didn't even eat half, but had to get my lobster fix while I could.  I think this is the one dish they're very known for, so if you're a lobster roll fan - dive in.

My Mom chose the summer salad which came with walnuts, chicken, strawberries and balsamic dressing.  It looked so fresh and tasty!

I could have walked around the Black Dog property for a couple hours, they have a lot of different things going on and a lot to browse through.  Plus, I had seen the black dog t-shirts all around the east coast, and now I finally know what it means and where they got it :)

Salmon Stir-Fry

This is another one of Jenn's recipes from For the Glow.  I knew it would be tasty just reading through the ingredients.  Plus, topping anything with avocado instantly makes it delicious.  This is a healthy and fast recipe that you are sure to enjoy.  Let's dig in...

Mix together orange juice (freshly squeezed) honey, and tamari sauce.  Set aside.

I have been going to the farmers markets around the Phoenix area lately and have really enjoyed picking out fresh and local food.  I was excited to use these plum tomatoes that I had picked up on a whim! 

Heat coconut oil in a large pan or wok and add broccoli.  Stir-fry for around two minutes. 

Add the salmon and green beans, cooking for another two minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook until the salmon has cooked through, with the veggies still keeping a crunch.  

Add the orange dressing, cook for another minute.  Remove from heat, plate and serve. I topped with a slice of avocado.

The many different textures and flavors make this dish very tasty.  I really enjoyed the orange sauce as well, gave it a kick while adding flavor.  It also helps that this dinner is very good for you!  

Happy Monday - here's to a good week! 

Salmon Stir-Fry

Adapted from For the Glow

Serves 2

juice of one orange

1 teaspoon raw honey

2 tablespoons wheat free tamari sauce

1 tablespoon coconut oil

2 8oz salmon fillets, skinned and sliced

6 oz broccoli

4 oz green beans

2 avocados, peeled and sliced

6 cherry plum tomatoes, halved

6 oz baby spinach (I used kale)

2 oz walnut halves

Mix together orange juice, honey, and tamari sauce and set aside.

Heat coconut oil in a large pan or wok and add broccoli.  
Stir-fry for around two minutes. 
Add the salmon and green beans, cooking for another two minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients and cook until the salmon has cooked through, with the veggies still keeping a crunch.  
Add the orange dressing, cook for another minute.  
Remove from heat, plate and serve. 
*Optional: Top with a slice of avocado.

5 Things I Loved About Martha's Vineyard

The back patio of Hob's Knob.  Perfect for drinking tea and relaxing after the bike rides.

How beautiful are these bike trials?!  The do a great job at maintaining these trails and it shows.  I'd never get tired of that scenery.

The serenity of Chappaquiddick island. 

Fairy tale houses.

Oyster pickers on Chappaquiddick.  They mate for life, so you'll always see two of them together.  Love is all around.  

Have a great weekend and welcome to March!