With a Splash of Gin

I am a professional woman living where the South meets the Midwest meets the Southwest who is on the cusp of the next decade of her life and trying to transition with grace and joy. I love my fabulous friends, my family, cooking, clothes, and college football.

[withasplashofgin]

Lately...

... things have been insanely busy! Isn't that always the case? But here a few photos to get you caught up on what I've been up to during my blogging hiatus. More details to come on some of the more exciting events!

Abbey, Sammi, Harlan and I traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico for Zach and Amanda's wedding.

After 11 and a half years, I parted ways with my beloved Xterra and bought myself a Ford Edge!

Harlan, Heather, Sammi and I spent a lovely evening with Justin Timberlake. (Apologies for horrible photo quality.)

I owned Thanksgiving, including brining the turkey.

My parents and I decorated their Christmas tree.

I surprised everyone at work with fabulous Christmas decorations.

Christmas, with a little snow to boot, came to the pool house.

I went to NYC for a conference with my work wife, Katie.

So yes, lots of wonderful things going on in my world lately. I'll be back soon with some recipes and a recap of my NYC trip! 

[withasplashofgin]

Worth a Thousand Words

I have been struggling for the last week (or so) with motivation to eat well. I worked so hard during the weight loss competition I participated in at my gym and it went really well. But now that it's over, I'm kind of waffling about. I've done a really good job maintaining my 6 days/week gym habit. I'm really proud of myself for that and feel really good about it. But food-wise, I'm all over the place.

I've been exceptionally hungry this week and exceptionally undisciplined. Nothing I bring for a snack or my lunch sounds good. I just want to eat all the things. It's amazing to me how much the team competition element played into my personal food choices. 

Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it), I spent a little time perusing some pictures of myself from the last year or so on Facebook this afternoon. In the pictures, I can see such a huge difference in my face from just a few weeks ago. And I see pictures where I wish I looked better -- not just thinner, but healthier and happier. And I see pictures that I feel the need to un-tag myself in because I am embarrassed by my appearance. But more than that, I am embarrassed at how poorly I have treated myself and my body. I deserve so much more than that.

Now, I'm ready to go home and cook fish and spinach for dinner and be satisfied in knowing that I have taken care of myself for one meal today. But before that, I'm going to the gym. I know I can't outrun my fork, but I can get a sense of self-confidence and motivation and drive from a really good sweat session and today I really, really need it. 

[Image Credit]

[withasplashofgin]

Weekend in Review

I had one of those weekends that is the perfect mix of relaxing and busy. Oh, and filled with beautiful fall weather! I thought I'd review my weekend in photos -- Friday is not pictured because I did nothing. =)

Saturday

I told myself I was not allowed to go to the Brady Halloween Party unless I went to to the gym so after watching football all morning and running costume-related errands, I forced myself to finish my first week of Couch-to-5k! (Ignore most data listed -- when you run on the treadmill the GPS is all sorts of off.)

Since Sammi, Clark, Harlan and Clay all other engagements before the party, I was very leisurely about getting ready. And enjoying a very ginny G&T.

A little selfie practice. (Circus Ringmaster Costume; Not pictured: Red jacket & riding crop.)

Sunday

Millie trying to steal the camera from the paparazzi. 

My parents, sister, and I went to Whiskey Cake OKC's first Whiskey Dinner last night, which was put on by Hudson Whiskey.

First Course: Crispy pork belly with Hilltop honey glace, spiced Valley View pecans, frisee, and charred tomato paired with a delicious Sazerac.

Second Course: BBQ spiced rubbed tuna loin, marinated watermelon salad, jalapeno and mint vinaigrette paired with Hudson Baby Bourbon. (**This was my absolute favorite of the evening!**)

Third Course: "Surf and Turf" crispy grit cake, charred bacon and tomato jam, wood grilled Texas gulf shrimp, sliced beef tri-tip sirloin paired with Hudson Four Grain Bourbon.

Fourth Course: Lahoma Farms milk ricotta ravioli, country ham, local mushrooms, horseradish beef reduction. (A close 2nd for favorite of the evening. Both the ricotta and pasta were house-made. The garnish was fried sage. I die.)

The sister and the madre enjoying dinner.

Cardamom and local apple fritters, Roxy's salted caramel ice cream, bourbon toffee sauce. 

How was your weekend? Did you do anything special?

[withasplashofgin]

Five course whiskey dinner by Hudson Whiskey and Whiskey Cake! Fabulous!

[withasplashofgin]

Five for Friday

1. I wasn't initially planning to do anything for Halloween this year, but Harlan talked me into it and I'm really excited to put my costume together tonight!

2. I booked my flight for my NYC work trip in December this morning. It's been 12 years since I visited the Big Apple and I cannot wait to spend 4 days there! I'm already yelping restaurants like crazy.

3. Batiste Hint of Color Dry Shampoo in Dark & Deep Brown changed my life. (h/t to Sammi for the discovery of this amazing product!)

4. Last night the Junior League of Tulsa Social Committee (i.e. my placement for the year) hosted a kick-off party for Holiday Market at a local boutique, Tag. Not gonna lie, this is usually the type of event I either avoid all together or attend with a friend whose side I do not leave all night long. I did neither of those things last night and had the best time! It was unusual for me to be so talkative and friendly (I wouldn't describe myself as shy necessarily but it usually takes me a while to warm up) and I really enjoyed myself. 

5. I am already so ready for Christmas. The music I've been playing is going to drive my co-workers nuts before it's even December!

[withasplashofgin]

T-minus 4 Months

4 months from today I'll be 30. The big 3-0. I know it's supposed to be this monumental milestone but sometimes I wonder who decided that? Also, who decided that for women 30 meant that our lives were over? And that we were supposed to mourn the loss of our youth? And feel ashamed of our anti-wrinkle night cream?

Honestly, right now, I feel pretty good about making the leap. (Note: This could change drastically as the big day approaches, but I hope it doesn't.) It is certainly helpful that I've watched most of my near and dear friends gracefully make the transition before I have to -- sometimes it pays to be the baby!

I think ultimately the problem is that we all have the checklists in our minds of things we are supposed to have accomplished by 30. College? Check. Travel? Check. Job? Check. Home ownership?......  Husband? ...... Kids? ...... It certainly doesn't help that most of our mothers had all of the above checked off before 30. But that doesn't mean that where I am right now isn't okay. Or that I haven't done enough with my life. 

There are lots of things I still want to accomplish and lots of things on my 30 Under 30 List I haven't accomplished yet, but I really, really like where I'm going right now. And feeling headed in the right direction is enough for me.

[withasplashofgin]

What's Cooking?

I love to cook and I spend a lot of time doing it this time of year between the cozy fall weather, tailgating, and holidays. Sometimes I make up my own recipes, sometimes I stick to the tried and true favorites of others, and sometimes I give classics my own personal twist. For me cooking is an adventure and something I take pride in doing well. And as previously mentioned, apparently sharing homemade delights with others is my love language. (Is that even a thing? It should be.) 

Here's what I've been cooking lately....

Pioneer Woman's Fancy Mac and Cheese

This Macaroni and Cheese is not for the faint of heart. Or anyone with high cholesterol. I've made several of Pioneer Woman's recipes over the years and this is one of my new favorites. With 5 kinds of cheese, the level of richness is unbelievable. It would have been insanely good without layering in the bacon and caramelized onions (we skipped the mushrooms as the birthday girl is not a fan) but they add that special something. It is slightly labor-intensive, but makes a wonderful special occasion treat. Highly recommend.

Soft Molasses Cookies (Betty Crocker)

The past couple of years these classic, not-too-sweet cookies have become my go-to when I am in the mood to bake. They taste like the holidays in the best possible way and whip up pretty quickly. I never measure the cinnamon, ginger, or cloves and I always use butter-flavored shortening. Highly Recommend.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

I pinned this recipe ages ago and never got around to trying it until book club last week. It was incredibly easy to make and very flavorful. I used the whole can of diced jalapenos because I like things spicy and it turned out great. Oh, and do the bacon. Because it's bacon. Recommend.

Skinny Taste Broccoli and Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes

Skinny Taste is one of my favorite recipe websites. The recipes are relatively-healthy, she always lists the WWer's PointsPlus Values, and there are thousands of things to try. I whipped up these Twice Baked Potatoes because we had a box of frozen broccoli to get rid of. They were really yummy and incredibly filling but the amount of labor involved was too much for my liking. I'm not one to be so invested in a side dish. But I think for a weekend meal when you have lots of time to cook they make a nice treat and feel like you're eating something decadent. Recommend -- if you have the time. 

Breakfast Casserole

I stumbled upon this gem searching Pinterest for something to make for our girls weekend at the lake. It was easy to put together -- although I should have started earlier because we were famished by the time it was finished -- and definitely a crowd-pleaser. I can absolutely see myself making this again and again. Highly Recommend.

What have you been cooking lately? Anything worth sharing? Or any recipes that have been busts?

Oh, and you can follow me on Pinterest here to see what recipes I've been checking out lately!

[withasplashofgin]

Happy Homecoming! 

[withasplashofgin]

Five for Friday

1. This weekend is America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration. I cannot wait to hit the road to Stillwater and soak up all of the orange! Go POKES! 

2. I started tanning this week for my trip to Mexico. I know, I know -- it's absolutely terrible. I am using the fact that the last time I went to Mexico (in April) I got so sunburned, despite using tons of sunscreen, that I was miserable and subsequently sick for half of the trip. I do not want to repeat that at all. In all honesty though, I love tanning. I find it incredibly relaxing. Best power naps ever.

3. It amazes me how much better I feel about myself when my nails are painted. (Yes, Dad, you told me so.) Unfortunately, I'm all thumbs when it comes to applying polish so I've been treating myself to a quick polish and file every week to 10 days. For $7 and 20 minutes of my time, I'd say it's absolutely worth it.

4. Yesterday I bought my ticket to Chicago to visit Liz and Sidney over Christmas. I am incredibly excited! I haven't been to visit them since May 2012 and I am really looking forward to taking advantage of the generous days off our company is giving this year.

5. Reading all of these blog posts (Here and Here) by people who ran the Chicago Marathon last weekend totally makes me want to run. So inspiring! Running a marathon has been on my Bucket List for a long time but I am so far from running shape right now that it seems entirely out of the realm of possibility. I did decide today that when my weight loss competition at the gym ends (tomorrow!) I will start Couch-2-5k for the nine zillionth time. I really, really want to finish it this time. My goal is to just be able to sign up for an occasional 5k run and go do it because I run enough for that. As far as other distances in the future, we'll see.

Happy Weekend!

[withasplashofgin]

The Internets

I am in the habit of having 6-12 tabs open on my Google Chrome browser at all times. I started thinking the other day about what my browser says about me on a day to day basis. There are 4-5 tabs I always have open and then several more that rotate based on the day or my mood.

Every Day All Day

1. Gmail - Pretty self-explanatory. This is my primary email account. I only use my work account for work. And for some reason to correspond with my mom because she only emails me at work these days for some reason.

2. Google Calendar - I adore the mildly complex color-coding system I've developed over the years. I also like that my Google calendar goes all the way back to 2007, when I started using it. 

3. Tabs3 Connect - This is the online interface of the docketing and billing software program we use for work. Wah wah. But I will say the web-based version is infinitely superior to the actual software.

4. Feedly - Because they took away my Google Reader. (In case it was not yet obvious, total Google whore over here.) I don't like how Bloglovin' looks so Feedly was the next best option for all of my blog reading needs.

5. Pinterest - As the first person in Oklahoma with a Pinterest account, I think it is important for me to continue generating an interesting feed. Just kidding. Kind of. But seriously, where else am I going to save everything I find on the blogs I read on Feedly?!

6. Pandora - Maybe my favorite new-to-me site of the last five years? Also, you should do yourself a favor and make a "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Station. 

Most Days

1. Facebook - I tend to hop on Facebook, scroll through my newsfeed briefly and then close it. I don't have time to get sucked into the black hole of stalking on a daily basis.

2. Westlaw Next - Research tool for work. 

3. OSCN - The Oklahoma Supreme Court Network is great for business and pleasure. I use it a lot to keep up/verify things for work but it's also fun to stalk my favorite former classmates turned criminals. 

4. My Fitness Pal/Weight Watchers - I use My Fitness Pal to log my food for the weight loss competition I am competing in at the gym -- my trainer likes to look at it. Oh joy. If I'm not doing the weight loss competition, I use WW online to log my food and exercise.

Today

1. Etsy - Shopping for a birthday gift for an upcoming 30th.

2. Poshmark - I was discussing online clothing re-sale with Sammi and sent her the link. Then I lost twenty minutes looking for short orange Hunter rain boots in a size 9.

3. Albion - I put this swimsuit in my cart yesterday, thinking it'd be perfect for my upcoming trip to Mexico, but I can't decide. It feels like a lot of money for a swimsuit. But omg it is so stinking cute. 

4. This article from Time because it came up on my Facebook news feed earlier and sounded interesting. I haven't gotten around to reading it yet though.

Based on this list, I would say my internet usage is focused on personal organization, social media, and shopping with a little work splashed in for good measure.

What sites do you frequent the most? What is open in your browser all the time?

[withasplashofgin]

Sunset over Lake Hudson with wine, a fire pit, and my loves. A wonderful weekend.

[withasplashofgin]

Five for Friday

1. Based on what I've prepared and planned and packed for my weekend away with the girls, I think it's safe to say that food is my love language. As in instead of showering you with affection, I will shower you with a variety of cheeses. 2. One of my co-workers doesn't drink water. Ever. In more than 2 years. Mind blown. 3. I love hearing people say they visited Tulsa and had an awesome experience. It makes me happy when other people get to know the awesomeness I enjoy daily. 4. I haven't seen my nephews and niece in 4 weeks and it a killing me! 5. I am overwhelmed with excitement for this weekend. The amount of rest and wine and laughter and delicious food and love that will be shared is exactly what my soul needs. Cannot wait to get on the road and start celebrating Sammi's 30th birthday!

[withasplashofgin]

Sushi with the madre!

[withasplashofgin]

You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.

Marianne Williamson

[withasplashofgin]

29 Things You Might (But Probably Don't) Want to Know About Me

1. I have an unreasonable obsession with my hair.

2. I’m an attorney by trade and a romantic by heart.

3. I claim to be — and maybe even was — the first person in Oklahoma to get a Pinterest account.

4. I wish I was born a Southern belle. 

5. I’m really good at tanning.

6. I’ve started writing at least a dozen novels in my life but never finished one.

7. I can’t remember a time in my life when I was happy — or even not unhappy — with my weight. 

8. Thanks to my amazing mom, I love college football. 

9. My friends are by far and away the best thing(s) that has ever happened to me. 

10. Sometimes I worry that my nephews and niece are the only kids I will ever have.

11. I’ve never lived outside of Oklahoma. The older I get, the more I with I had when I was younger.

12. The Lake is my sanctuary. There is no where else I feel more at peace or more alive.

13. I get irrationally attached to fictional characters and mourn them when a book or movie or television series ends.

14. My ancestors were circus performers from Portugal by way of Brazil. Seriously.

15. I love my family and spend a ton of time with them but struggle to talk to them about the important stuff.

16.  I love to travel but have learned that I am far more particular about my traveling companions than I ever realized.

17. I make outstanding guacamole. 

18. I can be both unbelievably girl and unbelievably granola depending on circumstance and mood.

19. I love the way a song can perfectly capture a feeling or a memory or a story.

20. I think I have the capacity to be an excellent life partner. My desire to share this part of myself with someone worthy is at times all-encompassing.

21. I don’t think gluten intolerance is a thing. Celiac Disease? Yes. My stomach hurts when I eat food that is total crap so I must have some kind of sensitivity/intolerance? No.

22. More than anything, I want to stop feeling the need to apologize for where I am in my life right now.

23. At some point in the last couple of years, I’ve developed social anxiety about making small talk with new people. I am fairly confident that I haven’t always been this way and it makes me sad that I think this is in some way related to my weight/subconscious lack of confidence.

24. I think I am a good cook and most of the time like the way I make something more than the way someone else does. I don’t know if that makes me a jerk or just someone who likes what they know.

25. Nothing makes me feel younger than driving with my windows down, sun on my face and radio blaring.

26. If given the opportunity, I would go back in time and live in the sorority house again and again and again.

27. Being a good friend is of paramount importance to me.

28. I love to read and write and daydream. I’m an escapist at my very core.

29. I have no idea where I want this blog to go and I’m trying to be okay with that. I want to stay genuine. And I do not want to have a shtick.

[withasplashofgin]

These are my people. To the ends of the earth. My heart overflows.

[withasplashofgin]

Maybe a little more than a splash...