tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69269046393668973402024-02-19T08:02:06.283-08:00Lively HoodsStuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-14817314915602502852012-04-24T11:36:00.004-07:002012-04-24T11:36:45.861-07:00Spring ForwardSpring has sprung and so much has been happening since my last post in March! I fully intended to update this blog more, but it is so hard to find the time. I decided to give a snap shot of all the adventures that we have embarked on over the past month so that we could remember this amazing time. Warning* long post ahead.<br />
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<b>Cooking Creations</b><br />
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Everything in NYC is expensive, but that is old news and we are over the shock. The price of everything was hard to adjust to at first, but now we hardly notice it. Prices of things in NYC come with the territory and if we wanted a bargain we would have moved to Detroit (jk); there is a cost to trying new things especially in one of the most popular cities in the world. One of the most noticable cost differences other than rent is the cost of food, so we have changed our eating habits a bit which has resulted in improving my cooking game and made us focus our attention to only the best restaurants (quality over quantity). The latest gem we have stumbled upon is Stiles Farmers Market, which is 4 blocks away from our house, and has amazing fresh produce, fresh ground coffee, herbs, eggs, and all of the basics of a healthy beautiful meal for a cost lower than most Texas grocery stores!! Below are a few of the best plates we have been whipping up this spring. </div>
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<u>Roasted Chicken and Onions</u></div>
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<u>Homemade Baba Ganoush with Rosemary Bread</u></div>
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<u>Vegan Blueberry Banana Loaf</u></div>
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<u>Zucchini Cakes with Roasted Brussel Sprouts</u></div>
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<b><u>Visitors</u></b><br />
Calling all friends, acquaintances, family and friendly folks...we LOVE having visitors in NYC! We want to extend an open invitation to anyone we know to come on up and visit the city that never sleeps. Stuart and I do not plan on staying in NYC long term so this is the time you get to experience the city without the $200+ a night hotel bill, so please take us up on the offer, we would love to have you. Here is a snap shot of our most recent visitors along with a short list of all guests we have had in NYC.<br />
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<u>My Mom (Janet Godsy) and her best friend Shawn Durrett- April 19-23</u><br />
We had the MOST amazing past weekend with mom and Shawn!! Some of the highlights were: Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, dinner at the South Seaport Pier 17, biking through Central Park and up to Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (largest cathedral in the USA and some say the world), delicious italian dinner at <a href="http://uvanyc.com/" target="_blank">UVA Wine Bar</a> in the Upper East Side, Empire State Building visit and views, Chelsea Market, NY pizza party at home, sitting and people watching in Bryant Park at midnight, and <a href="http://www.loreleynyc.com/" target="_blank">Lorely Restaurant & Biergarten</a> for an authentic German experience. I LOVED this weekend with my mom and it was such a treat to show Shawn around since she has never been to NYC.<br />
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<u>Empire Views</u></div>
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<u>Central Park Cruise</u></div>
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<u>More Empire Views</u></div>
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<u>Joel Thompson- April 12-15</u></div>
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Joel is one of Stuart's best friends and we were so excited to hear when he had officially booked a trip to visit NY. Joel was our neighbor in Dallas and him and Stu loved to spend time "fixing" things around the house (aka drink beer together, chat about sports, lay out by the pool, work on house projects, build things, game, etc.) so I know Stu has been missing Joel so much and he was very excited to have him here to visit. Some highlights of the trip were: Happy Hour with Deloitte, <a href="http://dekalbmarket.com/" target="_blank">Dekalb Market</a> Mimosas, <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Flea Market</a>, stumbling across Soul Food in Brooklyn being sold beside a church, Brooklyn Brewery, brunching at <a href="http://georgioscountrygrill.com/" target="_blank">Georgios</a>. </div>
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<u>Deloitte Happy Hour</u></div>
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<u>Night Stroll</u></div>
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<u>Dekalb Fun</u></div>
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<u>Absolute most cravable Soul Food we have ever experienced.</u></div>
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<u>Master behind the food</u></div>
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<u>Afternoon at Brooklyn Brewery </u></div>
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<u>Other notable guests from Dec., Jan., Feb.</u></div>
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I have already included posts for these other notable guests, but just wanted to give them a shout out since these include some of our most favorite people. :)</div>
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Dad and Maggie</div>
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Megan Godsy (best sister in the world)</div>
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Haley and Seth</div>
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Laura Hansen</div>
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<b>Weekend Escapes</b></div>
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The title says it all, the cliche of New Yorkers escaping the city on the weekend is actually quite accurate and is not limited to those with summer homes. The city is amazing, happening, hopping, buzzing, and electric, but too much of a good thing can turn sour and that is what happens a lot to Manhattanites. We are surrounded and literally swimming our way through crowds of people everyday, honking and garbage truck growls wake up us up more than our alarm clocks, laying in the meadow or on a rock in Central Park means you have about a 20ft. x 20ft. area between yourself and the next person, the fastest way to get anywhere is by foot or subway so forget about Sunday drives, to take the dog out you must get completely dressed for the weather and be ready for a 20-30 min event, and if you want peace and quite you might need to resort to a spa trip because there is none of that here...all of this being said we are embracing this adventure, so grateful for the opportunity, and discovering that a weekend away is the best medicine. Here are highlights from recent getaways and a note on what's to come!</div>
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<u>Berkshire Mountains- Western Massachusetts</u></div>
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Car Rental: Stu loves driving and misses it so much now that we do not have a car in NYC, so car rentals for weekend getaways have become extremely exciting! He couldn't wait to get behind the wheel in our black Hyundai; Stu smoozed the car rental guy and got us an upgrade. ;) And we're off to the Berkshires!</div>
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Oh yes, we rent cars for weekend getaways so that we can bring munchkin Nora. "Hi mom, I don't really fit on this seat"- Nora</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvOLsmA3s9-INUDTEdFs6rvAewZALOGoPGDUXa8ARKHYQU8aOO_kYeCGVIX8B6Iaw9YK5krDkQ2BwFII9Gu2e9ldpySYVVk-ia7yp_bNDSgkheoE-_ltFXIA46pNsXuzCQD5vHpSIrscQ/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvOLsmA3s9-INUDTEdFs6rvAewZALOGoPGDUXa8ARKHYQU8aOO_kYeCGVIX8B6Iaw9YK5krDkQ2BwFII9Gu2e9ldpySYVVk-ia7yp_bNDSgkheoE-_ltFXIA46pNsXuzCQD5vHpSIrscQ/s320/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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On our drive out of New York we passed the new Yankees Stadium!</div>
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Enjoying the open road and rolling Berkshire foothills in Western Massachusetts.</div>
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We love getting lost... OK, I love getting lost, not sure if Stuart does. Either way, I always convince Stuart that getting lost is exciting because of how unpredictable it is and he agrees once we stumble across something amazing off the beaten path. This sign represents us getting a little lost in the Berkshires, and this road was perfectly named because it really felt like a Pumpkin Hollow Road and it was the perfect time of day to experience this winding path to beautifulness.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWHgGuGRt_Qz_X513633_QfLYYj1nc3YqP2hp4nkSccqH09LEmCcCf8-aV93h6F2oLlm0tgfHjKtw-1dFfFQMy3Rix27nuuI6SWbMHPCog1_PS22vfkUCA-vdoVCF4YD0xrdr8ISfxo_Z/s1600/photo%5B4%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWHgGuGRt_Qz_X513633_QfLYYj1nc3YqP2hp4nkSccqH09LEmCcCf8-aV93h6F2oLlm0tgfHjKtw-1dFfFQMy3Rix27nuuI6SWbMHPCog1_PS22vfkUCA-vdoVCF4YD0xrdr8ISfxo_Z/s320/photo%5B4%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Berkshires are known for the rich dairy and farm lands and here was a picture perfect red barn during the drive on Pumpkin Hollow Road. We passed Maple Syrup markets, farm stands with fresh produce, and fields filled with Oreo cows. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO0bXFooi0dgo95U7Ev95OKRghHYJ5UYfuaLkEoMTrfq4TrJln62BPXGAainaND5oHzHjMXdplvQugRpUynBfvPexO_ikD4mctGwpYIL_s0_aLp93IRG3POkEcUzigXqmd7m3-TbSehaK/s1600/photo%5B5%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO0bXFooi0dgo95U7Ev95OKRghHYJ5UYfuaLkEoMTrfq4TrJln62BPXGAainaND5oHzHjMXdplvQugRpUynBfvPexO_ikD4mctGwpYIL_s0_aLp93IRG3POkEcUzigXqmd7m3-TbSehaK/s320/photo%5B5%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We arrive at our condo for the weekend~ we could have brought like 6 other people because the place was huge and had two bedrooms, couch bed, and more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Eipx3czoqXbyJ0NYLMjTCfKHF_CdHKCBsYelBnTrnRQY7myKn5SeDHOfwMK4gRvwxtuulSvim-tC8XRkdlWZtE8QXCcl2zm3OomvpGsOgyvQicPsXzbq0bfd5-szxpKTtRrlpaW9htfL/s1600/photo%5B6%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Eipx3czoqXbyJ0NYLMjTCfKHF_CdHKCBsYelBnTrnRQY7myKn5SeDHOfwMK4gRvwxtuulSvim-tC8XRkdlWZtE8QXCcl2zm3OomvpGsOgyvQicPsXzbq0bfd5-szxpKTtRrlpaW9htfL/s320/photo%5B6%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We could barely relax once we get to the Berkshires because of our excitement to explore, so off we went again to the old main street to find a restaurant that came highly reccommended.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KYrPLqJc9Y894dwmo43cARLJgWZl8pPMZmYbaIJCJlAeXAiE6j7tv7gvWjtBBMBJjH6NVhaFTzbxrtopMLARH0wwHNsCwtsnUDk6DZCrVMsTCxqCqxE6s_7wm6uB33pjtVvevvrRY_HC/s1600/photo%5B7%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KYrPLqJc9Y894dwmo43cARLJgWZl8pPMZmYbaIJCJlAeXAiE6j7tv7gvWjtBBMBJjH6NVhaFTzbxrtopMLARH0wwHNsCwtsnUDk6DZCrVMsTCxqCqxE6s_7wm6uB33pjtVvevvrRY_HC/s320/photo%5B7%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We found it! <a href="http://alliumberkshires.com/" target="_blank">Allium</a>...a unique little restaurant with huge windows facing the adorable main street. The restaurant serves a varying seasonal menu focusing on local, farm-fresh ingredients.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kl9oLqD_keaowB_3BudaShsMBgbI9hb2EfgGKbsEuhBKwaW6kseLHVxNBuQvOwX7R3L9Fa5AAwWjaZ9y6Sa1mpYjGWmRvTg55vvnXh9MmmVwz2_i_FzXQmsXGkprFVWvA5DNnReJwhIV/s1600/photo%5B8%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kl9oLqD_keaowB_3BudaShsMBgbI9hb2EfgGKbsEuhBKwaW6kseLHVxNBuQvOwX7R3L9Fa5AAwWjaZ9y6Sa1mpYjGWmRvTg55vvnXh9MmmVwz2_i_FzXQmsXGkprFVWvA5DNnReJwhIV/s320/photo%5B8%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ambiance was serenely energetic and the menu offerings were creative; it was a perfect way to kick off the weekend!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcWAhnCJOY8G3xgL4pbwvC-0aAz2i9-w1qIcTuQL_HFDAARf27imoRUZVL8XSbLPBa5tCxCIB9CgfbcMuCwGJ49brrlSwfHyZzNijIkNqsajytLu_QYLpvUcNrIo0MhX9COXecgilp1AV/s1600/photo%5B9%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcWAhnCJOY8G3xgL4pbwvC-0aAz2i9-w1qIcTuQL_HFDAARf27imoRUZVL8XSbLPBa5tCxCIB9CgfbcMuCwGJ49brrlSwfHyZzNijIkNqsajytLu_QYLpvUcNrIo0MhX9COXecgilp1AV/s320/photo%5B9%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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A Pale Ale to remember.</div>
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We spent St. Patty's day this year shopping, relaxing on a patio with Smithwick's, enjoying the spring weather, driving through the mountains and exploring new things.</div>
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The last night we were there we were on the hunt for the best restaurant in the area, and oh boy did we find it! After a lot of research of the area we decided to head to the hills (literally) and find this little restaurant that was in the middle of no where called <a href="http://jarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">John Andrews</a>. It was like a storybook. We drove for 30 minutes up a mountain road until we found the little farm house restaurant where the front door was framed with twinkling Christmas lights. The pictures do not do justice to show how quaint, warm and inviting this restaurant was!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc9slgpDNZOxIsoX1mps2vk-2uef7pCfyYA4Mb384u4J60SWJ58IqS1jPBk0aTxkIxQdLfLauZLIR_2VYHk2nG-O3cG8eqEMoG389GHU8kZy7nqzr9stgo1-n-9J6uxUOFs8EGhtUPFlY/s1600/photo%5B13%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc9slgpDNZOxIsoX1mps2vk-2uef7pCfyYA4Mb384u4J60SWJ58IqS1jPBk0aTxkIxQdLfLauZLIR_2VYHk2nG-O3cG8eqEMoG389GHU8kZy7nqzr9stgo1-n-9J6uxUOFs8EGhtUPFlY/s320/photo%5B13%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The inside was chic and romantic and the smell was magical! This was the kind of place you want to savor and enjoy for hours over a nice bottle of vino. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTJit0duFRoLwKjY5H7j0YvwehYdF_UimLXtDiR6sflbYvIvj4Sx4VuxpQ7rH35LJDu7kQnBtDqzD8200QyqE8Ff_oOdY3vMUrbxHNQGfLuuV5VT6jExh2i_2jWBWKRqvhcXFhlSDToSv/s1600/photo%5B16%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTJit0duFRoLwKjY5H7j0YvwehYdF_UimLXtDiR6sflbYvIvj4Sx4VuxpQ7rH35LJDu7kQnBtDqzD8200QyqE8Ff_oOdY3vMUrbxHNQGfLuuV5VT6jExh2i_2jWBWKRqvhcXFhlSDToSv/s320/photo%5B16%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After our adventures in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts were done we took the long scenic route home so that we could hit the coast of Connecticut for some fresh seafood before returning to the city. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4nPISIZh7xHp9Ud54KNXxKpxugxU9Gz7-KcSaYOuqv8rIcbZ2Hnm_z1CNR0g-0M88oU7lTzzBzJCW9USyWRtoj_NZJ27srZRzOFILxROoKEqwzS83TpDShl-nqBXgkMiXwtKdEtAafSI/s1600/photo%5B18%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4nPISIZh7xHp9Ud54KNXxKpxugxU9Gz7-KcSaYOuqv8rIcbZ2Hnm_z1CNR0g-0M88oU7lTzzBzJCW9USyWRtoj_NZJ27srZRzOFILxROoKEqwzS83TpDShl-nqBXgkMiXwtKdEtAafSI/s320/photo%5B18%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-C_ycWwtWD464jT_7Z4B8WOwtaVDVgyGmcm2ZhrOzFMoIWNEBSvvByvj6_yQFktlH2e_qZ0I-Iq2b31zz-m1k-1gYOooBTwHMon9LMG0o0xtD7mpx6tRHtF95eq3yYPx8i7PqqX5zX2s/s1600/photo%5B17%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-C_ycWwtWD464jT_7Z4B8WOwtaVDVgyGmcm2ZhrOzFMoIWNEBSvvByvj6_yQFktlH2e_qZ0I-Iq2b31zz-m1k-1gYOooBTwHMon9LMG0o0xtD7mpx6tRHtF95eq3yYPx8i7PqqX5zX2s/s320/photo%5B17%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We did a lot of other site seeing and exploring, but those pictures are on our big camera, so I will have to add a post and talk about the towns we visited. :)</div>
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Our other weekend getaway was to Mystic, CT, which we already blogged about! Our next trip is in May and we are trying to decide between Boston and Niagra Falls/Toronto Canada.</div>
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<b>Spring Time in New York</b></div>
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Funny Fact: Stuart and I had never been to New York other than Fall or Winter before deciding to move here. So, when New York decided to get even more beautiful than we could have ever dreamed this Spring, we fell deeper in love with the city. Spring in New York reminds me of the summer I studied abroad in London because all of the spring/summer markets that have popped out of the wood works and this is what I have always loved about European cities. All of the restaurants have opened their "doors" and "walls" and expanded onto the sidewalks with outdoor seating for soaking up the warmer air and sunshine. Everyone has a little pep in their step walking to work in less layers and enjoying their lunches outside wherever they can find a flat place to sit. Stuart and I have even enjoyed our first picnic in Central Park now that the weather has turned. It is truly a happy time in New York! Here are some things on the "Spring Scene" that we have explored:</div>
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Sharing new Spring menu offerings such as creamy Barrata Caprese Salad</div>
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Experiencing the world's largest pillow fight in Washington Sq. Park!</div>
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Spent Easter with the most fashionable Lads and Ladies at the Annual Easter Hat Parade down 5th Ave.</div>
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Daily walks in the park with my two loves. </div>
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Lunching with friends at outside eateries.</div>
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Star gazing (or light gazing since you can't really see too many stars) in Bryant Park.</div>
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Cheering on Central Park races each weekend!</div>
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Discovering a taco joint that could stand up to any establishment south of the border.</div>
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Stopping to smell the flowers blooming all over the city!</div>
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Weekend markets!</div>
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I am going to continue to try and update the blog as much as possible, because everyday offers new adventure and we are having a blast exploring the city. We miss our friends, our family, and certain aspects of Texas but we are so incredibly thankful to be here, we wouldn't change it for the world right now.<br />
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Much love- E & S<br />
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<br /></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-23631565079566153382012-03-05T11:54:00.009-08:002012-03-05T13:22:36.671-08:00Keystone, CO Annual Trip 2012<div style="text-align: left;">Stuart and I watched from our tiny window in the sky as blackness turned to spots of light and finally transitioned into the glittering city of NYC as we flew in last night from Keystone, CO. This is the first trip we have taken where flying "home" means flying into NYC. We have not flown anywhere since moving here, and coming home here was the first time it sunk in for both of us...about where we are and where we live. We both looked at each other as we rode into the city in a cab and both agreed, it felt good to be coming back to the city. I think it is starting to feel like home a little more each day. The streets were empty last night as we were driven to our house in the sky and I just starred out the cab window as if I had never seen it before, the city was enchanting. I thought to myself, "I made it to the place that used to be a flicker of a dream", it was a surreal feeling. New York has not been an easy place to live by any means, it is a lot of work, and I will write a post on that soon, but I know why people love it, you become addicted and there literally is no place like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day after vacation is always hard, but today is extra hard because it wasn't just a vacation, it was a gathering of the best of friends, new and old, surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and glistening snow, it was the definition of bliss. I cannot express how much I LOVE my friends. It is so hard to find special friends now that you are not surrounded by people your age like in college, but Stuart and I have hit the million dollar jackpot of friends and I will hang on to them forever. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some brief highlights from our Keystone, CO annual 2012 Snowcation!</div><div><ul><li>Accidentally left phone at home and realized it in the taxi ride to JFK- turned out to be the best gift the vacation gods could give me. </li><li>Arrived at the airport too late to check my bag (30 min. before flight), so Stuart rescued me and took a later flight with my bag while I ran to catch my flight. </li><li>Meal times together with friends: Cooked Chili, Chicken Tacos, Brownies, Breakfast Galore, made Snow Cream, took an annual trip to the Mexican Food place in Breckenridge, CO. </li><li>Hot Tubed while snow flakes fell and froze to my head. </li><li>Skiied in 18 degree temps with 30 mile winds blowing through my hair. My nose snot froze. :)</li><li>Snow shoed down a mountain trail which included some fun face plants in the snow. </li><li>Lots of "All in the Family" and "Thumper"games. </li><li>Took an annual trip to 9280 the ski lodge bar where we always meet colorful characters. </li><li>Took a day to curl up by the fire and chat it up with the girls...best day ever. Definitely planning an all girls getaway for the summer. </li><li>Enjoyed time by the fire de-thawing and sharing stories with friends. </li></ul><div>Stuart and I will be forever grateful for being invited on such a special trip. An enormous thanks to Haley Bryant and her family for letting us stay in their mountain house. It was our third annual Snowcation and I really think they are getting better every year. We miss the Snowcation crew already and wish we could all just go back and do it again next weekend. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUF8Oidc7178_sGb7ZD57PstqBVrAcZnJKjixIIoUzQRFTzhrEFgyXhfeqp-NIeE8WrRdGcqAcx_FePzRMeUipXvc6bU4X9qr9c1MBd1-1Y092oHZwXLUr-9XciZPsV9T3Z7VhCuiEYAI/s320/417704_908646513337_39600182_38906666_1325886991_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716525693943583618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfp5pnj10UMzap3gGNk59KNa-YHjQz-1PMn86fIYP-ao5E0ok-vmnxnsgIe47cKEWQfye3Iyp45yCln4yWbIzje4hmpleHqXH3JKV3pQDrOW8jhK9cxzybQ1g43f05ma5Fxyk_Vdio7md/s320/422035_908553419897_39600182_38906383_1678495445_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716525862643173234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLwJ6SXv0jfcmoEaqWJL54UqFii5ASMBkAXWTD1FQXqrqfJV0uDyKyj7IDL-gENDy6UhEstny43X2aj4NQk9QkmrsKHdhF9LoxzLns5gXGndHao95oHH2n_Fnq1P5hKu-nOAVBwvL-UXo/s320/424157_908653634067_39600182_38906677_840417038_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716525951414960466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULeLrGH79GF55_xxUgKQv_Dy2QZQMaFTkIRa40YOHXaTZKTLpbdXkg0PpcTGKH5waRdCqQzcmLcX5xDO4qun3E9l1wfF7y9Q-w7azfH_PBcsXPf8pou-xkrvDxhAAnUy7eVCAwQj1QddD/s320/427166_906995142697_39600182_38900113_602659493_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716526048401419842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu2NgPFBxQ6ce4yZK-kdq2E9UuTxv0sSkWg8297dTLoG11msFBPLmtlCukBK3RXgekJK_UdGYEBWd59WcQntWagbagsBqkRBb-Yo7pQFVMTNIKPL70tatH0LyeeKVZckOPXL9QQJ3nOoU/s320/427386_906730053937_39600182_38899034_1549817874_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716526157124581746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYVtnsjl6ANNsgtLppfO1BGuxpEhntEztffAxzafHJW7rDrCz6kPBqxAebK77ZMwAs3kL9EAop0pmMsgMrqO3M4W8tqprI7Bz41BOnP4ohD0nDq_fF6qLPVogawHMYeV13ugCHm8sb8BG/s320/429427_908903034267_39600182_38907922_617163323_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716526257567764050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhXYGs_PiSW5iJIqBA_i2SwvbmrU81-R95j75aupXF6BnN_PrnnATugOuI7o01YldZwUBt5eGhPfHgQS4sOvFa9BXYRlChTut3xgQ5l0XQ2IY2x5vDQgAVL77Y5YmUDiPb3G3D2ok0uAB/s320/431369_908855898727_39600182_38907773_1796117747_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716526359933515554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBw4g8i1fqGcezUIVND_8Offo0Y8sFUF3xxjfJ8xvjmRyuBOzJal4HwL5jCBAYP8TmLEe8Q9_LXay6nXVf93Nnwso2iUg79Jpq7fOU8VREsD5njEiqbeVdq0_9yEjjWzU2NFXFP4geGKM/s320/431421_906966909277_39600182_38900016_1121163879_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716526463148125138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-80423151973754907252012-03-05T09:47:00.002-08:002012-03-05T11:54:10.748-08:00Dad in the Big AppleA few weekends ago my dad and his wife Maggie came to NYC for a visit. My dad was definitely excited to come and visit Stuart and I, but he insisted he had been to NY before so I could tell he wasn't expecting too much in the form of an adventure. After a robust 5 days in the city though and a lot of "inside" information from a few locals, ;) I think we changed his mind about the Big Apple. Although my dad is a nature and country boy to his core, I think he left with curious appreciation for the city that he not had before. The rich history, old buildings, and the sheer magnitude of the city won him over...just a little bit. <div><br /></div><div>Some highlights from the trip include:</div><div><ul><li>A Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour (Dad & Maggie went and LOVED it, it's a great intro to the city)</li><li>Lion King on Broadway (Dad's first broadway experience)</li><li>David Letterman Taping</li><li>New York City Museum</li><li>Brooklyn Bridge Stroll</li><li>Grimaldi's Pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge</li><li>Chelsea Market</li><li>East Village Thai Food</li><li>Amor & Amargo Bitters Bar</li><li>911 Memorial</li><li>Early morning walks through Central Park (Dad & Daughter)</li></ul><div>Every time my parents or friends leave us from visiting the city, Stu and I feel a little sad. We have never lived this far from home, and it has been hard to adjust to the thought that we cannot just hop in the car and drive down to see someone. It makes time together more precious and too short, but this NYC adventure is teaching Stuart and I SO much about ourselves. Moving here is literally the best thing we have ever done together so every time I get sad and miss someone I think about the big picture and it helps to put it in perspective. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>My dad and Maggie took a ton of pictures, so I need to get those from them and then I will post pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div>I love you Dad!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-34287751114254253622012-02-15T08:39:00.001-08:002012-02-15T09:53:47.124-08:00Sweetest Valentine<div style="text-align: left;">Stuart out did himself this Valentines Day.</div><div><br /></div><div>It started by coming home to gorgeous Hydrangeas, an adorable card and the most insane looking Chocolate Ganache Flourless Cake! Now, all that know Stuart, knows that he does not cook. I have made it my personal endevour to teach him all of the basics like scrambled eggs, grilled cheese. etc...but he has never taken on a full meal by himself and I have to say he blew competing Valentines menus from fancy-smancy restaurants OUT of the water last night. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I walk into the house, this Chocolate Ganache Cake had just been removed from the oven, and Stuart is in the midst of removing a casserole dish full of boiling water from the oven. He proceeds to explain that the water was crucial when cooking a chocolate ganache cake so that it helps create a moist and steamy environment, which prevents cracking in the cake. </div><div>My heart does a flip, "who is this chef in my kitchen?" ...Cracking, steam pan, spring form pan, Chocolate Ganache...what has become of my husband. I was so curious as to what the rest of the night would include, and loved this side of Stuart I was meeting for the first time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPF6U5re9vhvEVHam5USczvT9zyx8YXEM6MHCbZcfQ8gUJjihrHjpC_p1_lnEcjxMju7SXFd5XPRo0Go7kMPAdPKSEepveZTp_FdjNZJn8m76FQAbK-bxpnO7fF-nXD-SHj3km5_ZDhxc/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709414284110883362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div>Stuart's new interest is mixology. We are building a fully stocked bar complete with every cocktail ingredient imaginable and due to his new interest I have been deemed Chief Taste-tester!!! Tonight's special was a Pink V-day Cocktail that was slightly fruity, with a hint of bitter, and overall divine! yum</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0GStxCqYcZiLBps43DQqSh7ywFfXYqw5U8Rbn1sstW9Cud-Geu72vFbu7_cBiuAu_wAE6KGj-sCDcj8MEGpt7rragN8LrQH7ICyFaEcQWL7kwsMgvwm6uF6Z9QsGsW7uvifaUm4QxRpw/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709415351885320210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Next up, the surprise appetizer was unveiled- Oysters Rockefeller, our FAVORITE appetizer ever. I couldn't believe he got all of the ingredients and wanted to take this one on...we have always ordered it at restaurants, but never made something this complex. The adventure began!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSVlb58bzFF_o8gNY9vDjVNFS2taG8k3xr_PgDKrDfLiKf7A0cmkwwgovAXaRclKDzKXrDYOa8Hnvo4pRDKj8m9c9cV18dqDNapEOoWVcOjEttj7i7zZj6g453N3ui6-8PkEPUzsh06S1/s320/photo%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709416106660704850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">So, I removed the oysters from the fridge to find they had not been shucked. Eeek, I dunno how to shuck an oyster. Stu steps up to take on this challenge, and after lots of great attempts and a few bent butter knives, he decides to take a run down the block back to Whole Foods to get them to shucked. hehe It all worked out in the end.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTpIksSBMjx0c-xlEnkWVMPA9pq7wWHUPPOXcrP4BVxOprkhmnVekjwPdPs-u3JO9NFfrv8FcElBsWray73OHQ4MKQ93SS3EjCNrBiUaUkZJDVdn8nwh5kSpGuYzT-GjHe1pW0a0bCqja/s320/photo%255B3%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709416854772988434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKCw9qArW51jwDpMfCNHmlnLydvguKAq0RCU0OkJECQQ58poMEdiCMHayYEjZHkka6TrlJR1lvkWi6HFJDozaYSjuURmsi6btWPOH-DMSgpLa-V2rEtYnYJORog4F1yy1zPF6vYZ5-cII/s320/photo%255B2%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709417140650721202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The finished product turned out to be so delicious...that it is going to be hard to order these at a restaurant anymore knowing how good they can be. I totally reccommend taking on the Oyster Rockefeller adventure if you love Oysters. I am sure Stu would be flattered to share the recipe he found.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIosnKb5vb96LIi2nPZosPs4JqnMws808oaATjM4MCk693G5I3NgTA7tem3HibiYiPsVPuuFxwJ0eHbQjscLvvH4zxGraVtXvGrPmedonhZ9Rq6uZQZxdwibCtKx_3ZmZmVv0z-Hhzsis/s320/photo%255B5%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709417975257676226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Next course...was a build your own Margarita Pizza! It was a great lighter balance to the Oysters and it was perfect since we have lots of left overs today. :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcCsAh351oxZM1OoqGwoKk7hkgjBJX2iJf10Faz2abhlhc_FJqllpbE4oJcPXQOd73Na9o56ws6Cqsj0lKBRcQrS6m5VfgUN_nlFY8qTFFWcu8blUzmFFilQlapwZRFoYgsipfTHddva9/s320/photo%255B4%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709418795348465010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Lastly, it all came full circle and we devoured a slice (or two..) ;) of the Chocolate Flourless Ganache cake. GAH...heavenly.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>I just love that after knowing/dating Stuart for 11 years now, I am still pleasantly surprised to discover something new about him. When he puts his mind to anything, he masters it. So proud. It was so refreshing to come home and have the best Valentines Day celebration because coincidentally I had spent my day with a lot of V-day cynics. I do not fall for some people's argument that holidays like V-day are all worked up for nothing, it's a marketing ploy, and the excuses go on... You know, if no one ever got worked up or excited about any holiday what would we all look forward to? What would force us out of our everyday routine to do a little something extra for ourselves or others? Holidays like everyday are what you make of it, and I choose to go with the big, fun, enjoyable, loving option rather than choosing to downplay the excitement that can come with these special days sprinkled throughout the year. What is your take on it all? </div><div><br /></div><div>And...I just wanted to add that Stuart got some Valentine surprises himself. The problem is...I got way too enthusiastic about his Valentines Day present and gave it to him the night of Feb 13th. I just couldn't stand hiding it or waiting an entire night. So now...he will be sporting a few new fashionable items around NYC. He has been working super hard in the gym and has needed some downsized clothing options to show off his new form. ;) </div><div><br /></div><div>Love you Stu. Thank you for the best Valentines Day ever.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-75401627509233606942012-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:002012-02-14T06:53:47.682-08:00Be Mine, Valentine<div style="text-align: left;">It's Valentines Day and love is in the air. On my morning walk with Nora to Central Park there was an Edible Arrangements truck unloading lots of fruit bouquets in front of an office building, a guy was walking down the street with the most amazing bouquet of roses, and even Nora found a little dog boyfriend at the park this morning...it is all so sweet and there seems to be a lightness in my heart today.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to dedicate this post to the ones I love, because they are the ones that make everyday special. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Valentines Day Stuart, I Love YOU! I know that nothing in my life will ever be as great as the love we share.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNiXzJjt4DGmRNxBg0CpbFLq6UAp2QsSSufokDCaNT24xp40iB690RaJUOpEiEdfbENbahTxhQzoHtIL4s5UIttzIygRjBbVnIT4BXgvUpCJEs6KVcoIJKm91uQ4dSRRWTdl50t7Zl8DS/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709000082718739890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Nora is my angel. I know that everyone loves their dog, and I have had dogs in the past I loved, but none like Nora. She watches over me, cheers me up, and constantly brings me down to earth by putting into perspective what this life is all about. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Bp7VbMRni_yXCc1CUM28L59MRiqlf_u0zfB6SMGiNS7wsMn8Ed07DeH70VGxyBXwa1r9Arf_BCUX26_OaxBen1AXMokP6rbqhV_dA0-uSptxBdjSg02aFvtB-_L1UM5MQB8TYAn1AReJ/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709003147974245666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div>I LOVE my family. My family=my parents, sister, in-laws, aunts, uncles and Stu's grandparents. I cannot think of any better support team. My family is fun, quirky, unique, and most of all loving, which makes me deeply happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I LOVE my friends. My friends are some of the most giving and loving people I know. I want to spend a lifetime building our friendship; traveling together, sharing great meals, having amazing parties, and sharing life's moments. Ooooo I cannot wait. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Valentines Day! Find your love today.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-3235626048322957922012-02-03T11:47:00.000-08:002012-02-03T12:10:55.182-08:00Nuyorican Poets Cafe NYCHappy Friday! <div><br /></div><div>Tonight is the night where we are going to experience the slam</div><div>BAM BAM BAM</div><div>We are headed to the East Village to explore</div><div>No not to a store, something much more</div><div>Going to feel the rhythm and the beat</div><div>Nodding our heads and tapping our feet</div><div>Grooving to the moving of the artist and his word</div><div>We can all relate as they mediate and the word strikes the right cord</div><div>BAM BAM BAM</div><div>It's called Nuyorican Cafe where the artists poetry slam</div><div>and I cannot wait to chill with my mate </div><div>on this new and adventurous Friday night date.</div><div>BAM!</div><div><br /></div><div>We will report back on thoughts about Poetry Slam concluding our Friday night outing to <a href="http://www.nuyorican.org/">Nuyorican Poets Cafe</a>. Should be interesting and fun... cheers to trying something new. </div><div><br /></div><div>Go outside your comfort zone and do something extra special tonight. It's the first weekend of February, ground hog saw his shadow, the weather is beautiful, and love is in the air for Valentines Day, things are looking up and lots to be grateful for. </div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-40925518632831014632012-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:002012-02-02T21:34:23.720-08:00Eating Clean<div style="text-align: left;">Health and Nutrition are the two topics that excite and interest me more than anything else. I believe in the power of healing and altering your body for the better through healthy eating and exercise. I get all of my health and nutrition knowledge from reading articles, magazines, books, and documentaries and I try to integrate all of it into our everyday life. My dad can be thanked for my health-minded mentality and awareness and I will be eternally grateful for this amazing gift he has given me. My entire life my dad has lead through example by dedicating himself to exercise and healthy eating everyday. He told me once, that exercise is not something you choose to do or not to do, it's something you choose when to do. Exercise should be viewed like brushing your teeth, not like an event you might get to if you have time. No one would go a week without brushing their teeth, so why do people go months without doing anything to exercise their heart. I understand this mentality might seem extreme to some, it took Stuart a while to understand how important it is and why I was so gung-ho, but if health and nutrition were taught in this way to children from birth, there would be no obesity epidemic in this country.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although my passion for the subject of health and nutrition seems strong, it does not mean that I am perfect. I LOVE dessert, ice cream, pizza and lots of things that are deemed bad for you, but these are very special treats in my eyes and not something anyone should have every week or even every month. I think everything is about balance and I strive for that daily. I think that I could have an entire blog just about health, nutrition, and exercise but for now I will just weave in a few posts about little things I am doing to constantly improve my health and well being. And...since I have the joy of being married to my best friend, I get to rub off on him a little so we build an extremely healthy lifestyle together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight I tried a new recipe for a Veggie Lasagna with no noodles! It is made with eggplant, zucchini, fat free ricotta, egg whites, marinara (with NO salt or sugar added-you can find at a local natural foods store), and low fat Mozzarella. I was inspired by <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/weight-watchers-no-noodle-vegetable-lasagna">this recipe</a> on Dr. Oz's website (Dr. Oz is my hero) but I made my own tweaks such as egg white instead of egg, no Parmesan (it has enough cheese), and added tons of herbs and spices (basil, red pepper flakes, oregano, pepper, minced garlic)- who says super healthy doesn't have super bold flavor. Two things that I ALWAYS eliminate or drastically reduce in any recipe is 1. SALT 2. SUGAR. We get enough of these two ingredients throughout the day eating normal things and they are the leading cause of diabetes and heart disease. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some pictures of the process and finished product. Stuart and I had a square of it tonight and it will be perfect for our lunch and dinner tomorrow. I got 2 thumbs up from my man...so that is good! Stuart and I tend to only eat meat on the weekends and mainly get our protein and vitamins through tons of greens, veggies, whole grains (oatmeal & quinoa), fruit, lentils, beans, and eggs during the week. It really makes us feel great and I believe it is so much better for your heart and the earth. This is a great recipe that gets the weekday seal of approval!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvheSq4o5sYhUlTiD1M4CtGz5bb476jZkfEvTBdfZvhhAg_SEP2F3Mt6jyk_FVoMwcEo4wjBqAHlvbaBl7P9FOylBjQ7dfRlbNinDDR2wXV3fXSfEIOWltCrm28ejfdGB_U3C6VISUaiYr/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704778145156587282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4vMOsFYJ5JjtUgOeggj4RQ44DAjixfQ4UTXioGYztJz4DgiHWRWJuPcmm-sm8WknOIYhjOifdw4hhZ1fmedP4_zc1y5Z2IRMTFqsN9qs2XxEikbxpqfbPPHAeApwvzXqyWhTIJL5XSR9/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704778308460840066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HvBtcfLlROYCxxqkq-sINPj5rsa0U74hUO_1ksWuo9pKUYCIt7o5xCCObDty5VG38ZOJB4PZivQ2qsRH_CnzBSN1z_Wdcsot_QFrEdVYKYeQu06V5c_0H5TDCcEnqZoKbAmnHwYGCGv9/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704778473806128930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-8679551740359511782012-02-02T10:02:00.000-08:002012-02-02T20:35:46.977-08:00Brooklyn Brewery and Brewing Thoughts<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); ">The best weekends are the ones with no agenda and last weekend we did exactly what we both love to do..."head out and explore the unknown without a plan." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Friday night was a super fun night spent with a lot of new friends eating Chili, enjoying good wine, sharing our week's stories and later playing games...love kicking off a weekend like that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Saturday, Stuart and I got up and decided to hit NYC by foot. We made our way south to the <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/">High Line</a> and walked all the way from the beginning of the path to the end. It offers an amazing perspective of the city and with weather in the 50's, which is insanely beautiful for January in NYC, we could not pass up the chance to experience it again. We have already been to the High Line a few times since moving here and we will most definitely be regulars this summer. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Next, Stuart and I made our way to <a href="http://chelseamarket.com/">Chelsea Market</a> (another favorite NYC spot) to indulge in a Growler of Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout, Spicy Tuna Sushi from The Lobster Place Fish Market and a small cup of Scallop Chowder. Talk about tastebud euphoria. Pretty much the best way to start a day. :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">After Chelsea Market we swerved around the winding streets of Greenwich Village, Soho (with a brief stop at Magnolia Bakery for a heavenly cupcake), and then onto the East Village. We poked our heads into shops, oouuu'ed and awww'ed at the architecture and pointed out every single glorious townhouse or apartment we someday wanted to live in. This is why I love NYC.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Sunday we took a quick <span style="font-style: italic;">jaunt</span> over to Willimasburg, Brooklyn to try out Brooklyn Brewery! Brooklyn Brews have been one constant in our household since moving to NYC. They are all so so good. Actually all the beer we have been drinking lately has been so so good. I can't believe that just a few years ago I couldn't stand the taste of beer...but Stuart changed me and now I actually prefer it over wine. And, I don't want to play around with a light beer either, I prefer the dark full bodied beers. I am definitely no expert in beers but I am up for anything and everything now as I am trying to nail down my favorites. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHR9XJxEXtttKEaI1qlpTONVhmHvr5E6YGV-KQmerEkZ6xTdYCGNOVaC8gFu66ef-nC4Dqh66Yx24USuWHoKwOmWXhI7y78RWx64-VLZ6rvm9xjkepgzxnDgOh53iA0alYu3_vwezBg-y/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704623059368244898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " border="0" /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); ">Brooklyn Brewery is such a cool place. Sundays through the Winter they host a SmorgasBrewery where food vendors set-up tables in the Tasting Room so you can munch while tasting all of Brooklyn's best brews. We tried a Tofu Spicy Hotdog and a Grass-fed Beef Dog topped with jalapeno mustard! My favorite beer was the West India IPA...I will definitely be getting some of that for our house. I really wish that wineries were as laid back and fun as breweries. Stuart and I went to Napa a few months ago and while it was beautiful and yummy and all that jazz that everyone tells you, we did not love it. Wineries and tastings are stuffy, expensive, and all about selling the wine and wine clubs...blah. Every winery we went to included 20% education, 40% tasting, and 40% sales...and none had the laid back vibe that I love. You go to a brewery and what you get is an exciting tour with lots of information about every step of beer creation, always an enthusiastic tour guide, and then a huge FUN tasting room where you can chill and enjoy the brewery for as long as you want WITH NO SALES PUSH! Brooklyn hit the nail on the head with the environment of their tasting room, it was full of people playing cards and hanging out and enjoying themselves while eating the most delicious food from local organic and sustainable NY food vendors. It was a perfect package of fun for a Sunday and we will definitely be bringing all of our visitors here.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJmZ55aQh8hWGuRbQpjb1ju-iuvdzQp4eolK4Uw5tR4a4oGIyex6KGFYpjgvYAEmP8ExpyJBto0f3SaJ39BjHCvqRjW9Q_5GCGTbSkg5QYX20BGAgn_H_fqiU09iyitiNIceyvjmb6yoM/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704623306565009426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " border="0" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5igKUBQa7qLY8b7sGSRKFRotmjFfxkMH3_kan9lh5khHPmX21chvKe69jeg-DKuWtTTY3GZi6MQ7_g4uPJRqm6STiqfAogs1yoz9-kYhCtlGTsD4U6BRV3U13EObAKeaXCMqSJ6vb233G/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704623563677459042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YHnftZeMYP0aoWTiLarG5rB_C_bgFLI7cAbQHvQjcDJxRIjXtvkkpv_oU-ATBBxFAuvdEH6gSuWyDr5VUNKocllUhbAgM4IKL4W_-xoz5otAp9F7D3mo1tY-dLXBquMDxDR49ZnZuP8O/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704623784318516258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-39494869908989302042012-01-29T16:29:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:40:56.470-08:00I am dreaming of a white New York City...<div style="text-align: center;">There is something about waking up to a world covered in white glittering snow that makes even the most ordinary day, seem extraordinary.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we slowly opened our eyes last Saturday morning (as Nora nudged my hand to tell me to get up and take her out), we awoke to fluffy white snow flakes floating past our window. Now, since we live high in the sky and use the clock and thermometer that top the building next door for our weather report, we rolled over to check out the frosty truth and it was a shivering 20 degrees!! Ahhh Yayyy- Winter had finally arrived in NYC!!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJoyT_QXmMSlTTCRGlAQaCarAk3Ac0Zl7oDqOlnQnxt9eVXFRZkN-q4xtnTMGfnl7l9HkKu4YQcEhsuqkjHBa_0P6xOWPVjk0RpJ7m-XoMWce9A5s_OwK6iVK4uEInSOrhgj3kfeZC_Ai/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703228128954330514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>We quickly rolled off the bed towards our bedroom window and looked down to the ground below, it was just the scene we have been waiting so long to see. The ground was covered in a blanket of glittering snow and other than our doorman shoveling snow from the side walk to carve out a walking path from our entry way, the streets were empty. We are early risers on Saturday mornings because first we have to take out Nora, but second we LOVE getting up early, eating an amazing breakfast, and getting a huge head start on the day while everyone else is still asleep.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_JeUwDesdjsVgpHKPZHUcV3OcuVrCoI2tu_7R8bZDPIAl8QsSOAQPqTHetdCdKx4bK3PZwu9rd18qm-ptZVj7G0sxsHyjGmGBubeN9p317W1HRzMk3JBhbwC0thWPl8TFYDCTSbPjmSt/s320/photo%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703228368748414914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>I quickly bundled up, prepared Nora for her morning walk in the snow and headed out!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahhh, the muffled sound of crunching snow beneath my snow boots, the feeling of freedom as I took to the quiet streets of NY as if the city was abandoned, this was the snowy bliss I had been waiting for. As we learned last year when it snowed so much in Dallas, Nora LOVES the snow. She hit that snow and there was no turning back, she was ready to run and play!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa3MrsKKLtcgxRoIE5a9cDnl9U_PgOpsfUxKaml7h8VUn0LCXLuFu_HEP4Q4JUWkdCBZ20T4VpdANdPEx7RVSGROStT1Q7kf5tNlN2KXvfQqgH7gspY6rLcqF9AQCtvIoQyJ0KD3D4z1l/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703228809978777602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEL1608nthyDdZDe6xi5MgZTdf8m_mtIsxz0YQX3AcTWwjEAVbddyKWYRYStYvPMcSLs6atRHGpTwFTg4FelNqa7bmc56g82XINwI4crzv7gRp-TuJVrJHhy41ZndgsbfPcrk1LMvTCo8/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703229039970719090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Central Park Morning Walk</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4ox7GVJ9_LlcQIpxE949nEfZC8CZpZ3sEirS9ZjR7uTIc1hU4Iq67qYejelvVuEx7M0NTlBmCSgKNUs7ubaV3tgZvrKWStd7O0349Cf_Mbcm8KoB9LZPOPJRiwrA0idinoGq-9EiPaqo/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703229695935813570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Cold Nose!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsaby2BYWFd431q4dDco8mC1uXOGsnqXxDGxxxyXtxvnvc-5pfn5PK4uIY_CKHX3XZyRibn2s0vqc5yk6IJ1pTpwhYP0xVQk7hJDqbLHIUvFsejyiGi2haP4m5vifg1mU2ndOXlubCKxM/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703230021299882226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Quiet Streets</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnt-QjmnX9Z6fIN6ojVhuDhGlkxy1uu41kgS4I7bf3i5MBkyRUkHdsqHMWU4VdDvBLl8l9j9S5HdClXYIbl2e-nFbuyI6B0Asx8BqFqjLR4fqAH-zxt444cW9KA78g7Ym8vdh-uKHBxvO5/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703230382022753378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12EEPE515f8lNBWYcJcfLiVxE2oiA1ci2mCdc1z-EVV7FK9diuNo0Cy1-tTpG4fYGtJu-wUI7cZwO92BIIPYKS-dYbO7oq4YRZqsgRBSJY6tZZlkpn9Y9_VgfXfMZwO4Z_xMLnBUxBntr/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703230593023171010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Snowing in Columbus Circle</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF2wWzuIGsZuJ_DwhJcIjxCbv8u2IaRb2_bcFLZEdAYGJuMLQOQuYf4Uma9HAW4b-jNyIcbFGAo7C6YouiJ3HH63qr8q5yutWaAhdXJKpclmyMtwsH6bAMS-dxNzxXTFQKd6Dqde7n5dK/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703230912679742402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">After a fun walk in the snow, frozen hands, icy hair, and one happy, wet, dirty dog, it was time to curl up inside with a Cup of Joe and a NY bagel. Days like this are made to force you to drop everything and relax, it was so so nice.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-PHcTbPXPzliXbS6EXctXuk1Xguo3doXw-aFi2Kw71A0zVgNev9rYUfn-gJq3TZJZ2kqf4lHY3Fq5qr74mGQL-dizvO_oqo7yuBUBsMOl9rak_3BgdPlang37JG6brRcAZql3gA1yYOy/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703232306199633938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>Later this snowy day, we decided to invite all of our new friends over, Neil and Iliana and Bridget and her boyfriend visiting from London for a movie day. We made gourmet grilled cheese, tomato soup, and munched on Chocolate Macaroons and all watched Money Ball. We then all bundled up later that night and went out for Thai and to grab some drinks at a cozy bar down the street. It was a perfect snow day in NYC that we will remember forever.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-33298286040957567232012-01-24T08:36:00.000-08:002012-01-24T14:53:10.128-08:00First's<div style="text-align: left;">This past Friday Stuart and I got to experience two of our first's in NY, the NYC Ballet and our first Mexican food dinner. We had high hopes for the NYC Ballet but not so much for NYC's interpretation of 'South of the Border' specialties...I mean we are really far from Mexico, but we had to try since our hankering for a taste of home was so strong.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jalapeño</b></div><div>As we made our way north from our house to the Upper West Side, we came across Jalapeño, a Mexican food restaurant. The interior was warm and inviting and upon entering we were kindly welcomed in and did not get the normal "crooked, confused face" from a rude hostess that can't believe we would not have made a reservation. Geezzz...one thing we have learned about NYC is never show up somewhere expecting you can just go in. Everything seems to require reservations, tickets, 3 months pre-planning, or a possible hour or two wait. We are adjusting though and in the process becoming a little less spontaneous and instead a little more planned, by force of the city. Stuart made the comment the other day that he has become a lot more patient because of this city, and I totally agree. You have to approach NYC with the idea that so many things are out of your control and you just need to roll with the punches (literally, since this is how I feel walking home sometimes as I get elbowed in the back by the other hundreds of people walking home in Midtown). Anyway, back to Jalapeño, Stu ordered a pulled pork burrito and I tried the Veggie Tortilla soup. Both dishes were fairly basic, not very memorable, and definitely did not look or taste like anything you get back in Texas. And in true Texan form, you can only judge a Mexican restaurant by the chips and salsa, and Jalapeño just did not deliver. A shot glass size plastic cup full of Salsa won't cut it. All in all, we really did have fun trying our first Mexican food restaurant and judging it like a snooty Texan who knows a little bit about the cuisine. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ballet</b></div><div>Our next stop was the NYC ballet to see Concerto in G Major! Another thing about NYC is that everything is insanely expensive, for this reason we got a little crafty in finding tickets to the ballet. Normal third tier tickets to the ballet have a face value of $89. This is pretty high for your first ballet experience, not knowing what to expect or if you will even enjoy it! There should definitely be a discount for first time ballet ticket purchasers, I am sure there is no way to keep track of this information, but it would surely get "non-ballet" goers to give it a try. After researching the ballet, I did a quick search on Craigslist and hit the jackpot with a guy selling third tier tickets for $20 each. Wow- it sounded too good to be true, but we are not scared and we went for it. It turns out the tickets were real, the seller was very nice, and it ended up that the seller works at the NYC Ballet and always gets discount tickets. We will now be pen pals with the seller and hopefully score many more tickets to the NYC ballet. The ballet was absolutely beautiful! It is mesmerizing to watch the dancers and imagine the work they have to do to bend, leap, and stretch into the positions that they do. I cannot wait to see a ballet with a more well known story line so that I am able to follow along easier. For two people who never see ballets on a regular basis, there is a shift in thinking that must take place because it is an art form where the story is played out by movements instead of words or pictures. It is quite interesting and keeps you engaged the entire time as you try to connect and interpret the dancers moves to the story they are trying to tell. I am sure this stands true for Opera but in a different way, and we plan on giving that a go next!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsZL8tMdfUsAKSJLok-9gc_vqHnrp11xzHqcX2u_JVLsLN7p3tmboPFBxPIZistirvju-4JO6GlEDWVjbTT1JsZ4SFJtHptbgeJnknSujq10UeMsP19ho9VJKC7bFWSgutPBlKiZHH5Sv/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701334664308353746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3jKn2c-qMX7k2XFPDvMCdHQSMxK2R23ynOdMYgiJ40iVkDpWxHV30Enz6EkEDVEqiJsvVmTLRGC6eDLkWRyxuChxPt_IBVXxlqdLoXCRdHefBqFXqCQKRPpyfJ1PhxygsD5eBl_oSaLl/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701334864812223522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJforZQmaYTZMotkQTkefui4nIYJ4SFW-Aa6zvido-8_aCVqndBPiy9G8UAK0AZbnLWpHteZ8AZKO6i2KOBGajwYN0eIhALGoEIk2z2WM5AZ9ZoAobaK15MidndvOEsvajgQAKSdi3LXZ/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701335011953520498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5NzFoefVAR8pYUV7i5jwrF95jFrVJ3NQllvIS2I81QwXV7BnnI7jhhOAhWFL5O7xDQmWj6vGtFpIzJbKU3fJsR0kopeKLlv2SZ6l5bq0dxZdG5ve4altUj6loOpSB7EaUmXk64-TEi4J/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701335201318573218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>After all of Friday's fun, and just when we didn't think anything could get better, Stuart and I woke up to snowflakes falling past our window and our first white New York Day. I will save this story for the next post though...hehe! You can so tell I am in advertising with my little teasers- got to draw my viewers back for something. ;)</div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-47009648052939657502012-01-22T17:01:00.000-08:002012-01-22T19:40:57.712-08:00To Mystic and Beyond...<div style="text-align: left;">Our road trip to Mystic, CT turned out to be quite a magical and relaxing weekend! After living in the city now for almost 2 full months we were seeking the peace and quiet, but in normal "S&E Hood" fashion, also a great adventure. We successfully found both last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Friday</b></div><div>Our weekend started Friday night with an extremely fun night out with our new friends Iliana and Neil to a local neighborhood pub called <a href="http://valhallabarnyc.com/home.php">Valhalla</a>. This particular pub has a robust beer list and it was packed to the brim people which turned out to be a cozy way to spend a cold Friday night, and a perfect way to kick off the long weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Saturday & On...</b></div><div>We were up and ready to go Saturday at 6a...we couldn't wait to start the trip! We had to get creative in planning our first big weekend trip away because we wanted to bring along Nora but in NYC you cannot bring a dog on a subway, Amtrak, or Greyhound so we decided to rent a car and road trip it instead. All packed up, we grabbed a Taxi with Nora and headed out to LaGuardia airport to pick up our rental car. You are able to rent cars everywhere in Manhattan but the price per day for a car here versus near the airport will run you approx. $50-$100 MORE per day. After picking up a cute Nissan Rogue, we were off and onto the open road. If anyone knows Stuart, you know he LOVES to drive and after months of getting around by foot, subway, and the occasional Taxi, Stuart felt free behind the wheel and we were both excited to break out of the constraints and limitations of the city. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTisPw-jjzx_-QPThVA6PtEzIf1C8Nedgms_tqNK8URPgn1qNw4B2QnSVoREVz2NSG8MpLIToqZJaaR59tu7GhyphenhyphenlqCRbJwvVDzRsbi3EkfmgWvanzUUcEwmnfv-v8loDlvTdjQsTmdnnZ6/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700658881842865218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi24Uf34C8t919ciY4dj5KGoFXgenGPCTHOcQsLyEO2VBmBabSjK6A9I1_vye4Zij3MxgDnlfo6QhG-q0wS2XobnViQemhyphenhyphen7v2F9XYei_TA4CVNK8pS2I7Hxes54PfQYLFtIhV4HK0bSS/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700646390916910978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><i>Yale</i></div><div>Our first planned stop came from a suggestion by our friends Iliana and Neil who attended Yale in their undergrad. They told us we had to stop at <a href="http://www.clairescornercopia.com/">Clarie's Corner Copia</a> in New Haven, CT across the street from Yale and get a piece of the Lithuanian Coffee Cake. Following one of our top adventure rules, we took the advice of a former local and made our first pitstop, which turned out to be delicious!! Stuart and I split a piece of the coffee cake and I had the most amazing omelet made with basil ricotta cheese (something I will remake at home soon).</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGZxRRWHNx6ky4QKfq85sGvYaGrU_ubj9k0G18frYxxXqwODZlEtYkuAaVuRV0CyWvOrD7loD5gImAxLq61_cYqWeY6c2g3Y-VnJJxedDMiPiRMlr1DcEXbxqdYzgDfN3JHBcYXHM4I9Z/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700646861481491442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>After breakfast we took a stroll around Yale's campus!</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWP4iNFqBk4RW5_fovzl_Cp1qR5NGJCWe-tzTc0levCbhzWQhHz9cqRfLk_W3qe94I94wreR4uWXYD3OTGeHOsUC9VVb1idk__xQV5tm78CiUwJfMagT5evvxxU9z8SakrkPfRwfaiWxS/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700660446545122258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6d2jEyOnHC6fbpn2WH82AORCEDMMn9Ha0KzauFjYlOUtoHhN_KuP02BQuaYc85q8ZH8hvL0zDYYWVHWDOHD7YYTtApU3_gg5Y1xg1i-4AX8PfmuoiyVba0BhIz3Qx5CnJbthWi5DUYF8/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700660564582420450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e0edUXvbzURD761EDiOCYKiOx-rrn1mTTO-6_PyZ2ePS9S-l1Rr8YdsZziXoOu6gYpIhvQ1sR9NwvxD_Lwp47LrEe_WfpPNxhuuF8sfw1wIO4vkNTWqIGKqLYGwTzNn7bjMWsahihJ6R/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700660714342522610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyToXG88Xj3LYvTvjT1XA5Smh2rttx9Y0eckABJ9TOlR5yvAgetS50zz3nxiGN0wz38bqKuic5BtCsQdS1sQgn6k4uKeYpz9VNncSSPo3ajGe1kiMvqbPfCl1vHY3PDE5aKtKgPSwCa-dx/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661247994678978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BMYcnrXL-cIAhtV74v5pyZHkn3KMKONX_kHi9cOMwUwM7UJ6fa2_vqsi-LqJYCkzn7AIxnvRD_x78s0yiBvNNjsD-inqRoYlLEM118l1Vm3bSSAe-QzTIh4vB-3lSXwUOHPAsogkUhh5/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661423080415442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtlgj1Dz1igYWSVdE34Z9SN35bm6nbwAruttTJ2SU83McazJx_gEuOT0-98A6-CjuFpX1tnOSrSocu0DtZcq4jG9SMk0ejumE5Od0Nb8TTd5u-Hlf7wLglZsQHNXzHF3XYbBpcl9HPW65/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661600357581634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr7M7sS3UNXLWd36KM3x135Iz6JYdsVGdnBQ7NaZOwi-FHUR0k7H8t-Qx5iDSpEFXiKLjG273igkU0Ffrs-u0yjbuMIK4FPwnz7oxYUDvCMQNj6Hh8Fm5MxSOV24cZPm5_yGqGCulApxE/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700661903912966786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Next, continuing North to Mystic, CT we took some detours to explore a few small towns along the way. The small towns lining I-95 to Mystic, CT are so quaint with a rich sense of history dating back to the 1800's. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qr9HnFVrQgaLZOiLZ4Bs37SxkRxZC7JzsADZMtRKqBbNodwPRNQhz4Z1_noiWC1x2Ak4jZTKzDyxVHvJxGoFuBQLG4eAKAAK3BwZv2AKLlCjEJnAFuKb0bqyOyj_EJ5s90YYUZMa5ACw/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700662070813426418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>We finally reached our Mystic, CT B&B which was a perfect little place nestled in the harbor just a few blocks from downtown Mystic, CT. If you want to travel by Amtrak, the train lets off right downtown where you can walk to all of the hotels, B&B's, and restaurants...it's all planned out in perfect Northeast fashion.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D-K-hA0oOmAEPd4stAMqz_mnyxUL2SQhR-ZR4oa41h89nu3da9gUv1OgTpDJhiVkHnjTuo0nDYyz61v7Sm1rwjx5ItyG_intF1CuyxekavbqiHKzYmMxyyZn6BI0uV5MUFgAOrJbLnrO/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700662426075094450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcNOB8m4g1becHRxA9eqkW5OCt1T86gdPnTgrr9FGkG6dSB5MSGOOKXBubkFqmYg5ysJYecBsEKqCCHhT7shjxPWS3NYHr6iq2cY5S1OJ0gs5Zt9N-_TESIAdTU32TOr4qViFPuBnAgpe/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700662615021418482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm-OsU2mMJ9yMiydpCXRmLyQCZgyi8TMZnpBvH0mBpmFtd2fKkEEVHdL898VeQBNF5DVgjnnNYoLshyphenhyphen09ZtEoSY5NMf0yR11Ne-sFWawuAQTXQYY74ybT2Vu9hwS7UZWXZ_qLlARkecj9/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700662809522129922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Here are some of the Mystic, CT highlights from our trip!</div><div><br /></div><div>Little White Steeple </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FGwK_EAsQWSeAbsYYpaDaV70LRGthRxazMfaE8dITjHGXtq-FtfaslDeXCFA-_HSiRKlUz1u6z_hCZk6ISZxQtHvp84AuUv3v4jCr0hby2n8I0zBYdHmC38T35T2do-MjBKYqH4HYaCJ/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700663058683993218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Local Pub</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45bR2luzjb9wpSuDY7P82ZPORNBY-YKo2O-miyHitCu23BSyHfdjfFv9DHUZKsvMqmjzFFOTlzZ91M_nzBeqMYdqzs0h3G7yqItT79MJrZgs0jb41bhpo2KOqODWC204YFNtpRkyNOrma/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700663240626825602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Main Street</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMj6NuJVjXpC5FGjCuCmXnNLYqXtySjsJjM1siNL2ydKwL-AZndN9NjQhn78LL-fjdDrJCWa5odTc3ePMOh_ouAgeHm3FH3-u-aHan-3qpn5TXV8W2riO14QeyTSfaw6bwgzLsvzenr85/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700663489238109170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>The Famous Mystic, Pizza!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIL4_8rP1Nphrflbb48DV-JgbHXf8xTWqzCUMpyuPWmaafzLkStfIsDaFvVJlYgyt1foveKopcH0T_UD9qMfiVMEi7JQHzZ3mBVzs8GkoEeyxmajOivXLqd-k2pIgKfZwCFR5ONwd1j1k/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700663666637581218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Beach in Stonington, CT</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQMSYDpCJeTVBJ15kLLA4phqOBMduCBiHVwqRmyvUtxWMctOkJarfSIUZ-LYUEvT7crYb0la7l770Kj2hn3qhQ0N1O2bsCxJHQgjADXjWHqzwrSXgNwDiLmkd_mJt3qw5hdf4deuNqZSn/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700663934209679234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwL77Y7VHLMOV_dsqSmDCo0BYD2y1qQhlp3rr4BvlLCcYIK33iuOLxfI5KZS1FyE3MGk1uWesdGc10PSJ_3NHZfEEk_U3TTfVz6FdbB7q861aDubhiwfGdEfK6yM9WcKaZlQ-GBmU1M-sf/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700664156228319650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6y_8S87OGco8zzSnhEHTd-VcngRPx23MFbTyEV78FMxgQUGpUrBnhD96LQy-IWQtA5PIrEuXsoTKf4lE8Pi0wyx36ZzyOUN-OB2gECKMcw-xV4p8sT7fegNhcIukvMxGp2H9-stcIbVK/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700664354622506114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></div><div>The Old Lighthouse in Stonginton, CT</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyBHIwhqT5a6YewoSHFP6CNVTbo_YVTEVRRCicdqlPa86kpFYaoKLe8IPZKdyovZ795fmlW3BYW8jArTA1UDoPnWdSlyVz04a99YQmzZxjfXaewJFnPqVsV1kIM4SpBvGikR8d0V6ZMCy/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700664654166771186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Our dream Summer Home</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGAk4TL-x1gpx4ERKZ-_hCJLXqOAjbfCDIkUl0tRUgcECDYDyR-K3t2pDU5LehzfewcHOi9X74MyIR7DV_hbpwPQueOG_ZEyf6s7qYzoOiLjJa2pB3D_TC62L2h8PpeGRbUD5f052VxqO/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700664850525571762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>City Park</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54sqNdPB7QYpuGodyh9pm32qUlbptaaWHC_Wj67S9y2LH2tBYV_MKDGD7AWZ8bIeYbbaA-FQ5U0GnwxBolL0qS62SSuwvUouLg3r4pHnRgrrYABFAR_4wdtIKnXOUcy3NRhF4y6MmIuCT/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700665026262437346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Small Town Feel</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZH0FV97RdLvc5BxhEcDbMHla-gUkikX5M7H8Rzjp3EfwUu1II49r9g0ITPCXL-jtyi7IjpDvdsCiveNJ98tPd2-rMw3GJKzZa8n3qLGhWs1nCv60Ox_04640RPUXk_v0doMurKlXWffQ/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700665248633178866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>Colonial Architecture</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKh455g_Kqdy17rGTWXm1iM0Ebd5HNpIdDI_1NIpukXtKdmz6R2FfGpZqoWetkbJpw3Vst9dbF57VDN5ZDVQ-xh1xp2BS5Pm3tjTp2-mz6Yovzl6-2RQRA0oQB-bhkgtt8JUBLIQC7YVx/s320/Mystic%252C+CT+Weekend+081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700665439874362386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div>THE Best Lobster Roll. A traditional Maine Lobster Roll is made with cold Lobster Salad but other states have adopted a warm Lobster Roll with a garlic butter topping. We decided to try both and make our own judgement at one of the best Lobster Roll restaurants in Mystic, CT. </div><div>Erica's Vote: Lobster Salad</div><div>Stu's Vote: Lobster Salad</div><div>I guess we should listen to Maine where these rolls of deliciousness originated. YUMM</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9lFhYOC4lL4wL7jcVJwVkDncpWrPDC5fqJ-SkLwDnNfCnNNqmJHMz8qdtQmPE24eixSoVyfU0GbT6opqkgsb3PWwDmAVZLyTKabi50pODdZTndSpnlba6j-NXf3U6DRPkmDgLbP0V8Ip/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700655375489753826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IfcEaPQiWiZRr0lY0NtCnVTpYR5LHTnhWiYAHmhfnjFl2OGlbpX-KRwcbCRm9ye5k1b76PvEFEMscJeXOSOmeTcqvYpSv6gchh5DMkE_KAliVP4Q7oX4XT4T_fxRk7e06GAkfBtm94QD/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700650726426761922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Stuart and I spent our days driving around Mystic, Stonington, and surrounding small towns exploring the architecture, food, local shops, book stores, and just relaxing back at our B&B with a book or fun TV show. Not all trips result in making our personal "Best of" list, but this one has a few of those honors. Criteria for making "the best of" list is experiencing something special enough to be cravable. Stuart and I do not love routine, doing the same thing over and over, or visiting the same vacation spot time and again...we like to experience the "new" because we feel there is so much to see in this world. But, there are a few exceptions and those are most definitely on our "Best of" list. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Best of Mystic, CT</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">#1. Best quaint northeast getaway. If we are ever craving the peace and quiet again, there is no doubt this will be our secret refuge. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">#2. Best seafood we have had anywhere. Hands down. We had amazing seafood dishes at Bravo Bravo and Noah's Restaurant. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>After 3 days of bliss in Mystic we packed up and headed back to the city on Martin Luther King Day. Our fun didn't end there though because we got an exciting call from Stu's cousin Allie in NYC to invite us to the recording of The Colbert Report. This was our first live TV show taping and it was a BLAST!! It was incredibly sweet for Allie to invite us and it was the perfect way to wrap up an absolutely PERFECT weekend. We cannot wait to explore other Northeast towns and cities!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0uyUY3kdzO4Ahzg-MVhIohSBpe4uR8VW6UEpgM7PA7KCfPFvXRdx9di6-hDuaCD15zYj2wCj9d01-14OBToZkr2pvAmGO8ywbNK6UgOmUUyCysHOuS4X5K63wU16jrjo2U04NKScLFmW/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700667270039869730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-20843470809608578992012-01-13T11:43:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:51:34.259-08:00A New York FridayThe feeling on a New York Friday puts butterflies in my tummy because I know I get an entire weekend to float around with Stuart and explore the unknowns of this amazing city. This Friday is extra special and I am especially giddy because we both get Monday off for Martin Luther King Day and we are going on our first Northeast Coast road trip to Mystic, CT.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gvc7gDLFkRxOegh1skpb5EXFgusgevKmhacgoScVcXIExqK_qdsOX1568TVnKebFNljJlSkKI4UUfUYpqR8QvEMwm9e_4iTIcM4yMk76CwqTFT3ETyQ7RpYJ2icdy-cZaYJOme-3jS7E/s1600/217791331949470808_9PMbIYTD_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gvc7gDLFkRxOegh1skpb5EXFgusgevKmhacgoScVcXIExqK_qdsOX1568TVnKebFNljJlSkKI4UUfUYpqR8QvEMwm9e_4iTIcM4yMk76CwqTFT3ETyQ7RpYJ2icdy-cZaYJOme-3jS7E/s320/217791331949470808_9PMbIYTD_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697216828319687938" /></a><br /></div><div>It was so hard to choose what area we were going to explore first around NYC, but we chose the Connecticut coast for a variety of reasons. </div><div><ul><li>The coast of Connecticut is a major summer destination, so we wanted to discover it first in it's off season when things are quiet and empty. Stuart and I have really changed since moving to NYC in this fact, because we were always itching to go to another great big city every moment we had off from work when living in Dallas, but for the first time ever we are seeking a true escape from it all. NYC will do this to you with the constant hustle and bustle. We cannot wait for a peaceful weekend.</li></ul><ul><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8OMw7uHbGBlwn0bU_wfdL1qrh24t7NH9Gto-MczbX9sy6NU1neZp_C6AX7dU1ihOxM0x0oWKWplisKsBDSIZJA6XExwYdgl-K8z3JUm5oqschPz7BD_QhVdEDk1vYCndT2H1S0GHe63-/s1600/179792210093533208_CkC6Ryzx_c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8OMw7uHbGBlwn0bU_wfdL1qrh24t7NH9Gto-MczbX9sy6NU1neZp_C6AX7dU1ihOxM0x0oWKWplisKsBDSIZJA6XExwYdgl-K8z3JUm5oqschPz7BD_QhVdEDk1vYCndT2H1S0GHe63-/s320/179792210093533208_CkC6Ryzx_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697213844546951330" /></a><br /><li>We love seafood! The area is known for having incredibly fresh, right off the boat, Lobster, Scallops, Clams, and Oysters. Nothing sounds better than that.</li><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_yP8i9GiwCQP5Dh7NOU_3Om9PmMbDgBDZmd6GZ87PCstBXEr5RrUEoxJB7s0InvPorYIKn3qWCXkJ-_zF68-a1rY3Hjq5Bz_NHKqokzOqZfNTyVAE6ja2QhbGF1ru1Cs8SLrkFe-wLeH/s1600/201113939579364941_yY0H9Z7U_c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_yP8i9GiwCQP5Dh7NOU_3Om9PmMbDgBDZmd6GZ87PCstBXEr5RrUEoxJB7s0InvPorYIKn3qWCXkJ-_zF68-a1rY3Hjq5Bz_NHKqokzOqZfNTyVAE6ja2QhbGF1ru1Cs8SLrkFe-wLeH/s320/201113939579364941_yY0H9Z7U_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697214226484685970" /></a><br /><li>Water, boats, fresh air, and a tiny B&B are just what the doctor ordered. One would think that the only fun time to be around boats and water would be the summer, but then they would be missing out on the best secret. There is nothing sweeter in life than sitting on a cold front porch wrapped in thick blankets, reading a book, sipping a cup of Joe, and listening to the water roll over the shore. It is easy to get lost in its collective magic and visiting in the winter ensures you miss the crowds and the heat.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JzfgGPgbRYgQNiED2UqF9Q5-e5YuUn-oO6_jqFDv-NU0drcWSgLdyq_23ChoN6FJK5-vXgG68dC0LPjX7gUD13rbRwdoFpYWn2ydnlBWFDded0qoPrN-epjnR-MQauX_32tFPUYhF5xz/s1600/271341946268794200_ciuHFecV_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JzfgGPgbRYgQNiED2UqF9Q5-e5YuUn-oO6_jqFDv-NU0drcWSgLdyq_23ChoN6FJK5-vXgG68dC0LPjX7gUD13rbRwdoFpYWn2ydnlBWFDded0qoPrN-epjnR-MQauX_32tFPUYhF5xz/s320/271341946268794200_ciuHFecV_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697216971791894930" /></a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div>We plan on posting about our adventures in Mystic, CT so look for all of those good times next week. Happy Friday everyone~ find your adventure this weekend, and let us know how you made it extraordinary!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-73253849926799713702012-01-11T18:54:00.000-08:002012-01-11T20:31:49.002-08:00Winter FoodStu and I LOVE and appreciate really great food and we have become so good at finding it due to a few tiny secrets. Dive in and get ready for delicious finds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Secret #1 Google-</span> Complete a mass search on Google on the city you are visiting, pull up published articles from reputable food critic publications such as the New York Times, Travel and Leisure, Food and Wine, Bon Appetite, etc. Scan articles for "best of" lists, trends, new restaurant openings, and anything else you can find. This initial research helps us understand the essence and culture of a city and helps us narrow in on finding the "best of" in a specific region. For every trip we choose one of the top restaurants in the city to a get a real taste for the culinary greatness the best city chefs can provide.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Secret #2 Yelp/Trip Advisor/Urbanspoon-</span>After finding out everything we can from reputable publications we turn to the people. We like to balance the opinions of the critics with local reviews from the people in order to undercover "real" truths and insight on the information we discovered through articles. If a city is known for a specific cuisine from our initial research we may begin to focus our attention on reviews from praised restaurants in that category. Sites that we use for "the peoples" reviews are Yelp, Trip Advisor, and UrbanSpoon.<br /><br />http://www.yelp.com<br />http://www.urbanspoon.com<br />http://www.tripadvisor.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Secret #3 Recommendations-</span> More than the critics and consumer reviews, we talk to the ordinary people in the city. As soon as Stu and I land at our destination, we immerse ourselves quickly with our surroundings by befriending anyone we can to get the real town scoop! We talk to people at the airport, our taxi drivers, hotel concierge, store clerks, and the person sitting next to us at a bar...you never know who is around you and we are not shy. This has proven to be the most successful way of finding the off-the-beaten path gems in a city. Never underestimate the power of a LOCAL.<br /><br />One other fun note to add is that over the past 2 years we have tapped into one other "food find" resource, The Food Network!! Our most trusted sources are Anthony Bourdain (travel channel), Guy Fieri, or Giada's recommendations, they are our favorite FN personalities and we trust their finds but we look into all of them. Once you find a restaurant in a city that was featured on the Food Network, we go to YouTube and watch the episode and note all of the dishes that the host features to remember the most well made items on the menu. This is just another way to dive into a city food first.<br /><br />http://www.foodnetwork.com/local/index.html<br /><br />Please let Stu or I know if you ever need restaurant recommendations, we love sharing our yummy finds.<br /><br />Since great food is one of our loves, here are some food adventures we have had lately.<br /><br />Road Trip from Dallas to New York City- Stu and I had THE most amazing BBQ we have ever had on our road trip to move up north! We followed our rules above as we were driving through the Arkansas hills and stumbled upon this little gem. Just thinking about it I am ready to grab a car and make the drive back down just to stop again. Get the Collard Greens...they 'der cook 'em up right.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoeyUOKoi60HsJHhdyXtETlEvehzXdhQm2UWPGM6xNEAsHGeDEyYdxkEPV2HAnvWZ046NJl4VhKgGQeZbiqOeGUMdjkp__fNdOeKiYKA6KQ0iErERerc93Vd4jqSB_lnddpf_bgwsv9V_/s1600/l.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoeyUOKoi60HsJHhdyXtETlEvehzXdhQm2UWPGM6xNEAsHGeDEyYdxkEPV2HAnvWZ046NJl4VhKgGQeZbiqOeGUMdjkp__fNdOeKiYKA6KQ0iErERerc93Vd4jqSB_lnddpf_bgwsv9V_/s320/l.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696590134925376674" /></a>First night in New York Dinner- Well, you would think that our first night in New York would be glamourous and exciting, but since we were up to our eye balls in boxes (literally) and were recovering from a traumatic day of moving (including parking tickets, Russian movers, chaos, and city shock) we just wanted something warm that we could eat in our new home. So, our first night included our first experience with NYC takeout and what better way to find the best takeout than ask our doorman (they know everything). We were quickly directed to Luigi's which was supposedly the best takeout Italian in our neighborhood. We ordered the "normal" Chicken Cutlet Parmesean and a garden salad and Stu picked it up from around the corner. In the only space left in our apartment we huddled around two chairs and had our first meal in NYC. To be honest, the dinner was nothing out of the ordinary, but due to the circumstances...it was pretty extraordinary.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qy4Z46Uwa7qmgFbUqAOapBJineOUSAnVaBg3mCS6sPgZ2W3D7H6om1FgF8INDzR6ARWBdnxICUgDrC4Lhu3xwCmSB9ozx33X_kvMYLS1pK2QXrT4mdu5yZ206IHY4FZShX78Zx1JhxzH/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qy4Z46Uwa7qmgFbUqAOapBJineOUSAnVaBg3mCS6sPgZ2W3D7H6om1FgF8INDzR6ARWBdnxICUgDrC4Lhu3xwCmSB9ozx33X_kvMYLS1pK2QXrT4mdu5yZ206IHY4FZShX78Zx1JhxzH/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696592840803082258" /></a>Union Square Greenmarket- The best food that New York has to offer is not in the $500 per person meals at Masa in Columbus Circle (although I cannot attest), but rather found in the Greenmarket in Union Square. If you are like us and a sucker for fresh food, sustainable farming, and you like you support local agriculture, this would be your dream foodie haven too. This is where 140 regional farmers, fisherman, and bakers sell their goods to NY city dwellers. Our first trip to the market was pretty much the most exciting thing ever and I just had to restrain myself from buying every shiney apple and tomato I laid eyes on. The best thing we got were a dozen of the largest most beautiful eggs, so incredibly fresh that when we opened the carton to make breakfast the next day feathers were stuck to the shells. <div><br /></div><div>Growing up I noticed that most dads watched football on Saturdays and Sundays, read sports or golfing magazines, and defined a steak or burger as their favorite meal, but this was not my reality. My dad read Organic Gardening Magazine, planted gardens as big as some people's homes on the weekend, and loved vegetables as the main course. Maybe my love for fresh food comes from my dad and my appreciation of fresh produce reaches deeper than just the tastebud, never the less I am so thankful for what he has taught me. I CANNOT wait to bring him to the Greenmarket and buy everything in sight! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Our trip to GreenMarket</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbZsybjLLq68tzCx6WSr1JGElJEGy6bpLFoKmWRFp72cOhFPong-HN9Z4rc58O8mT_rXKgEfHSTZivH3cQRRNkNTENuA4Iwv6ZB02qqrlSdLL8AKvD_HL4mlefbEAmNa8ZT3b0wSYMGit/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbZsybjLLq68tzCx6WSr1JGElJEGy6bpLFoKmWRFp72cOhFPong-HN9Z4rc58O8mT_rXKgEfHSTZivH3cQRRNkNTENuA4Iwv6ZB02qqrlSdLL8AKvD_HL4mlefbEAmNa8ZT3b0wSYMGit/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696597472492383314" /></a></div><br /><br />Stu and I would love to share our reviews and point of view on many restaurants we visit as we travel the world. Stay tuned for more sweet finds.Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6926904639366897340.post-75698568484290846652012-01-09T19:35:00.000-08:002012-01-09T20:43:21.150-08:00Testing the WaterHello New World of Blogging.<br /><br />We decided to take the plunge and start blogging since we moved to New York City from Dallas, TX and wanted a way to document our crazy life adventures. Stuart and I (Erica) and our "baby" Golden Doodle Nora (you will meet her soon) moved from a 3 bedroom 1959 ranch-style home in Dallas to a high-rise in New York City which we refer to as "living in the sky." We both want to present our unique voice on this blog so whenever I start a post I will include my name in front of my entry and Stuart will do the same so you can keep up with the REAL story, from both sides of the fence. :) We hope you enjoy our posts and I cannot wait to look back at these times, years in the future, and remember all of these sweet life stories we experience everyday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Erica:</span><br />It was so hard to say good-bye, but we loaded up and waved farewell to Dallas on Nov. 30th, 2011. I will never forget all of the love Stuart and I felt as we broke the news of our move to friends and family. Stuart and I knew that the good-bye part would be the worst part of it all, so to have such a supportive group of people around us made it much easier.<br /><br />Here are some of the things I never want to forget about our move!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">1. Stu's PawPaw drove 2 hrs. to Dallas about 4 weeks after his major cancer surgery to help load our Uhaul. No, no, we did not let him lift anything, but he used to own a moving company and he wanted nothing else but to help Stuart and I load up as we headed North for our great New York adventure. So much love.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVi2B0P7fB0YpetUf4L76A8CPKhxz3PF7uKA-w6wC9lSCypmzc0d_ddaTZ4b5gAfBr9rZTgJjBTM6_3ritbPqGubVY9WHiYSZ-LZjs5Oicri_mrdp_spKSPiquPW4MQvb1_8BDQbdUgGD/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: center;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVi2B0P7fB0YpetUf4L76A8CPKhxz3PF7uKA-w6wC9lSCypmzc0d_ddaTZ4b5gAfBr9rZTgJjBTM6_3ritbPqGubVY9WHiYSZ-LZjs5Oicri_mrdp_spKSPiquPW4MQvb1_8BDQbdUgGD/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695850992239039570" /></a><br /><div>2. My dad took off work and came up 3 days before we left to help pack-up and ship us off. It was the sweetest 3 days ever and I loved having him there. Our goodbye as we drove off early the morning of the 30th will always be engraved in my heart.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OCZ_fF0NnArVGDwUeLnkbV0smr2YYsnMJdreK2U0ffPLRlUXtsB67GrUNNTZSBsWQYjClrYWFv-xzZ0_vdi6N2nVOHO47vmMOsl5yGJo8qbaV0dh2P2_kvgfIX38LFCt-gbjLyKcK3zE/s1600/384846_10101480629019450_7927420_75056646_1012423451_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OCZ_fF0NnArVGDwUeLnkbV0smr2YYsnMJdreK2U0ffPLRlUXtsB67GrUNNTZSBsWQYjClrYWFv-xzZ0_vdi6N2nVOHO47vmMOsl5yGJo8qbaV0dh2P2_kvgfIX38LFCt-gbjLyKcK3zE/s320/384846_10101480629019450_7927420_75056646_1012423451_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695851610603180290" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>3. My mom offered any available space in her house to help store things that would not fit in our NYC apartment. She babysat Nora so many weekends and provided so much support and love throughout this process.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZO3K3bfzs7QeouI00UnssiBM8VnPZ6IEftgxbRSnqfGnLW5-aDvOZr7jYLynZ0z8YI56st-Y68I6KtfLlVzVFLAAJ2JfYB804RhEkoJafcgUC3clTB0XrD5OnKb_zKrZ4GBR_uaYW9OJ/s1600/391168_10101480630132220_7927420_75056656_1735965650_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZO3K3bfzs7QeouI00UnssiBM8VnPZ6IEftgxbRSnqfGnLW5-aDvOZr7jYLynZ0z8YI56st-Y68I6KtfLlVzVFLAAJ2JfYB804RhEkoJafcgUC3clTB0XrD5OnKb_zKrZ4GBR_uaYW9OJ/s320/391168_10101480630132220_7927420_75056656_1735965650_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695852326883577090" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4. Our friends, which are the best friends in the world, threw us a Good-bye party of all Good-bye parties. Big time thanks go to Maggie and Joel and everyone who showed up to bid us adieu. Stu and I went to bed that night talking about how lucky we were to be surrounded by the most amazing best friends. We owe our friends the world, they make us so happy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqOHfb0M4d6AjI-3ccMZfvnXs9EH9rtnZjyBTAJE2fA8aqwTdPqG8SDYRapWgaShs9DFa9n_UgqvoLWWjRQZqe5is3T99yN30cKzOxCG6nLITYnjdfg7fZPt2QO_DQFCyYQFLfWltZfN3/s1600/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+739.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqOHfb0M4d6AjI-3ccMZfvnXs9EH9rtnZjyBTAJE2fA8aqwTdPqG8SDYRapWgaShs9DFa9n_UgqvoLWWjRQZqe5is3T99yN30cKzOxCG6nLITYnjdfg7fZPt2QO_DQFCyYQFLfWltZfN3/s320/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695854827635030162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlvlnkY5PrdGjKKIjTy6BV-MGoek85IU3akU6iO2sH9cwMlBErXiOusaG03r5eG6hVVAQMiML0bjzSMBUZ_iZhUjZES76FrtQc6rbSg5xqLGurdfwY-4JzEsZrqD7jZBv7uUcEoDruR3P/s1600/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+807.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlvlnkY5PrdGjKKIjTy6BV-MGoek85IU3akU6iO2sH9cwMlBErXiOusaG03r5eG6hVVAQMiML0bjzSMBUZ_iZhUjZES76FrtQc6rbSg5xqLGurdfwY-4JzEsZrqD7jZBv7uUcEoDruR3P/s320/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695855016237328018" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGVH7hcbgw6LzbV_FQHgFEi5TVH9ErBGDJb0A95hKEiT_opETHmJgxj11QuiGUMzKKI48mAe5vHMLx9Ptkv0KYdu_vr8DK5C3Qn4OUoX-LU8hPwbEfVpru-qj14c4cBFcdeIXUklwaUeC/s1600/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+725.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGVH7hcbgw6LzbV_FQHgFEi5TVH9ErBGDJb0A95hKEiT_opETHmJgxj11QuiGUMzKKI48mAe5vHMLx9Ptkv0KYdu_vr8DK5C3Qn4OUoX-LU8hPwbEfVpru-qj14c4cBFcdeIXUklwaUeC/s320/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+725.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695855526153592562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDlAV1KLVhSPtZtF4UVzeXTJSrKOVQSeMrRpIuX93VZzggW3PKTTP3hmjS9MhCEMT12v2tvy8UbeICkecJ5JOgv8s11SAdtRtHtzljfeyOJUGOJ7tIGnnMuUmD8ulhu4NChvziIZH3MWZ/s1600/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+678.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDlAV1KLVhSPtZtF4UVzeXTJSrKOVQSeMrRpIuX93VZzggW3PKTTP3hmjS9MhCEMT12v2tvy8UbeICkecJ5JOgv8s11SAdtRtHtzljfeyOJUGOJ7tIGnnMuUmD8ulhu4NChvziIZH3MWZ/s320/Cruise%252C+San+Fran%252C+going+away+party%252C+etc+678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695856400165299394" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you everyone for all your kind words, love, support, gifts, and all the promises to come and visit...so start BOOK'n! :)<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcAJ-4qfJhGsG1fkE0-qdlY0y9RYf-fTHGGG9ZGHIuPaLyOPXXcLhb9caQMOMhJhoJjBztWrPmQ5WDGKGBoEMKeQ-S6zgICqC5a9kcjUcHPNaAkKa6hOw1T6fGYUhf64vJPX5CJeiXXQg/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcAJ-4qfJhGsG1fkE0-qdlY0y9RYf-fTHGGG9ZGHIuPaLyOPXXcLhb9caQMOMhJhoJjBztWrPmQ5WDGKGBoEMKeQ-S6zgICqC5a9kcjUcHPNaAkKa6hOw1T6fGYUhf64vJPX5CJeiXXQg/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695854559645106114" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MPUL89493xMZYKA_9eKVbRd7YPTwqfrcBPJzyMmmREk8pjJgfCnfca7fCKz3EzKmuZBUI9XkW_I7Mh1S7LLYBBVbmYNRYu3uwZoSBc5X3o4EuKMVLBzIiir8ykcU69sRJ2TPeOOWUbAr/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MPUL89493xMZYKA_9eKVbRd7YPTwqfrcBPJzyMmmREk8pjJgfCnfca7fCKz3EzKmuZBUI9XkW_I7Mh1S7LLYBBVbmYNRYu3uwZoSBc5X3o4EuKMVLBzIiir8ykcU69sRJ2TPeOOWUbAr/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695855794298596306" /></a><br /></div><div>P.S. I promise to get better at formatting pictures. :)<br /><br /></div></div>Stuart and Erica Hoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08273638149612052413noreply@blogger.com0