A Quick Glimpse

Let's do a lightning round quick glimpse into life lately:

1. I'm back in Barre3 classes - gotta hit that 26 while 26 goal. And speaking of back, oof my back is killing me. Just means it's working!!

2. We celebrated my dear sweet Kimmy's birthday over brunch with friends. Hadn't seen a few of these ladies in months! Such precious time with them. 

In other news - we learned that Carrie is the hulk. Poor fork. 

3. I had a reunion with my three favorite pups while Bobbie and the fam were out of town. And once again, Miss Abbey thought she was a lap dog. "But first, Eliz, let's take a selfie!"

4. My dad's totally awesome Father's Day gift arrived. That's right, it's a custom bobble head -- or as I like to call him, a custom bobble Ed. (hardy har har) I'm so glad that Momma took a video of dad opening his present. His reaction was just too perfect!!

5. I realized just how severe my paper obsession is once I laid out all the cards I've acquired. Big thanks to Wednesday for the grab bag and Chirps and Cheers for my Snail Mail Sunday goodies!! [Oh and June's Lettered Letters are going out in the mail today. Procrastination for the win once again!]

6. I finally went to see The Fault in Our Stars. I've been counting down the days until the movie was released? [Also, remember when I thought the movie came out in March?] So far so good in keeping with my goal of seeing one movie a month in the theatre!

7. The DOKC crew had way too much fun in a photo booth - shocking. 

8. We supported Truck It OKC, got some killer shades from The Okay See, showed off our downtown district love, and I finally got to try Pie on the Fly!

Oh, and I ran into Neighbs among the 40,000 people at H&8th! Wouldn't have survived college without Camal living across the hall. What luck that he was in town from Washington, DC!!

8. I spent quite a few hours this weekend moving all of my photos from iPhoto to Dropbox, per Erick's suggestion, and cleared up some space on my computer. (I'm a real party animal on the weekends)

9. I leave for NYC on Thursday to spend the holiday weekend with Mommacita!! I'm just so excited to have 5 days of uninterrupted girl time!!

10. I am running three half marathons this fall and started my pre-training training. Yep, I'm a little bit sore and there are a couple of blisters on my feet. Here we go again!!

I can't believe that after today we are half way through 2014. Time, please slow your roll. 

Happy Monday friends!

xoxo, E

Let's Go Cards

The very first plan that was made for my trip to St. Louis was a Cardinals game. It was the thing that I was second most looking forward to - after Citygarden, of course. Everything about the game was perfect from the weather, to the Ben & Jerry's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, to the city views, to the big win!! (spoiler alert)

It was really fun to explore Ballpark Village and do a little shopping, of course. There were giant TV screens, plenty of restaurants, famous baseball player statues, stellar views, the dugout bar, plus outdoor seating and games... it was just awesome!

I'm not a beer girl, but I sure did think about it when I saw these beer towers. So cute!! 

(Yes, I'm sure every manly man orders them because they're "cute.")

Once we got into the stadium, I couldn't believe how great the view was from our seats... not only of the ball field, but of the skyline as well!

Even though I love baseball, I can admit that the games can get a bit boring. However, this game was so exhilarating, and it was especially fun to cheer for my friend Hailee's cousin. Go Matt, go!

The Cardinals won and there was even a home run during the game!! The energy in the ballpark was electric. I definitely look forward to going back to another Cardinals game.

I called my dad on Father's Day as I walked around downtown St. Louis in the early hours... 

"So how was the game?!"

"It was great! We won!" 

"We? Who's we?" 

"The Cardinals, Dad!!" 

"I didn't realize you were a Cards fan!" 

"I love this city now - of course I'm a fan!"

#DoesntTakeMuch

Thanks for spending the week with me as I've relived my quick trip to St. Louis. Now it's time to pick the next city to explore for my 26 while 26 list.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

xoxo, E

Good Eats and Birthday Cake Treats

When I was doing my research on things to do in St. Louis, I found two different "must eats" that I knew I had to check out.

I read about Roosters, and their amazing crepes, on the Design Sponge city guide. Then my friend Hailee mentioned it when I asked her for some STL suggestions. I figured I'd be foolish if I didn't go check it out after two separate recommendations.

(to be fair to Roosters, they spelled "hope" correctly - someone had just erased the "e")

You guys. Holy crepes. I ordered a bacon, Vermont cheddar and caramelized onions savory crepe + the classic sweet crepe with Nutella, bananas and strawberries. Oh. So. Yummmm. I need another, like right now.

Moving on... I think I first heard about gooey butter cake when watching the Food Network. Momma and I have a recipe for a gooey pumpkin butter cake bars, and they're pretty bomb dot com. Anyway, after I did some more research, I discovered that the gooey butter cake originated in STL - and Park Avenue Coffee makes over 40 flavors. Sheesh! 

These little squares might look sweet and innocent - but boy do they pack a rich punch! And to be honest, I think the bars that Momma and I make are a bit better. But I am probably biased. Momma does everything better!

And the thing that surprised me the most was that my favorite meal from the trip was the restaurant that Chris recommended - The Over/Under Bar and Grill. We ordered the pretzel sticks & the spinach-artichoke fondue, and all I have to say is that my mind was blown by the flavors. Seriously some of the best food I've ever eaten. Delicious!!

So, I've shared my favorite St. Louis eats. Now it's time to showcase the treats that had me squealing with excitement as I stumbled upon them while exploring the city: the birthday cake statues to celebrate St. Louis's 250th birthday! (I just wish I'd had time to explore the city further and find more cakes.)

We spotted this last cake on the way to the Cardinals game... and speaking the game, I'm taking you to Busch stadium in tomorrow's post. Let's Go Cards!

xoxo, E