Get It: Custom Address Stamp

Yesterday I ordered a fabulous custom address stamp from Paperwink. They have so many amazing styles available, I ordered the Highway 1 (pictured below). I also really like the design and text of the  Imprint address stamp. It is made with a vintage style wooden handle - I cannot wait to get it! 

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I am looking forward to sleeping in and spending lots of time with Adam and Chloe this weekend.

image from thenest.com

Portugal Images

I was looking through some images from my trip to Portugal, one of the most beautiful places I have been. I hope you enjoy and if you have a chance visit this amazing place. 

I become obsessed with doors when I was on my trip. The architectural detail of all the buildings and churches in Europe amazes me. 

Chocolate Must Haves have from the Chocolate Flower Farm

My sister gave me the best chocolate themed gift from one of my favorite stores, The Garden Shed the retail store for the The Chocolate Flower Farm on Whidbey Island. I am a huge fan of the Pink Himalayan Bath Salts infused with Chocolate & the Chocolate  Suds ~  bath and shower gel. The Garden Shed  is a must shop on your visit to Langley on Whidbey Island. 

Inside the Garden Shed - photo from Chocolateflowerfarm.com 

Drink: Orange Drop

I love lemon drops and with an abundance fresh oranges at the restaurant thought an orange drop would be a refreshing update on the lemon drop. 

Orange Drop 

1.5 oz. Stoi Ohrang Vodka 

.5 oz. Triple Sec 

1.5 oz Sweet & Sour 

3 Orange Wedges 

Splash of Lemon & Lime Soda 

In a martini shaker filled with ice combine vodka, triple sec and oranges. Muddle all ingredients. Add Sweet & Sour and shake for 60 seconds. Add a splash of lemon &  lime soda and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist. 

A Great Sunday

Fish tacos we made for dinner 

Homemade Pico de Gallo 

Lemon & Lime Thyme

Peppermint

3 Varieties of Rosemary 

Sweet Basil

Today was a productive and fun Sunday around our house. We watched my sisters golden retriever this weekend (Chloe's brother) and started the day at the park with the dogs. We had perfect weather and Chloe and Olen only had 1 other dog at the park. We worked in the yard - filling all 3 yard waste bins, went grocery shopping at out favorite store for fresh produce & fish - Tacoma Boys, bought 2 new pots (the red ones pictured above) and planted our mint and sweet basil, cleaned our house, did laundry and made an amazing dinner. I made tilapia crusted with lime cilantro fish tacos and beans. I made a fresh (non-spicy for Adam) pico de gallo to top our tacos. Looking forward to the week ahead. 

Pineapple Mojito

2 oz. Bacardi Light Rum

12 Mint Leaves

4 Pineapple Chunks 

Splash of Fresh Pineapple Juice 

4 Lime Wedges 

2 Tbsp. Simple Syrup

Club Soda 

~ Perfect Pineapple Mojito ~ 

In a stainless steel shaker combine 12 fresh mint leaves,  4 fresh pineapple chunks and 4 lime wedges and muddle. Add 2 Tbsp. of simple syrup, splash of pineapple juice and 2 oz of Bacardi Light Rum. Add ice and shake until until all ingredients are combined. Pour into a tall chimney glass and top with club soda & garnish with a sprig of mint.

Mother's Day Brunch at Varsity Grill

We had a successful Mother's Day Brunch at Varsity Grill yesterday! Our catering division, The Vault  led by Executive Chef Randy Spears and his team did an amazing job. In the restaurant business you end up working most holidays and crazy hours; I am so thankful I have an understanding fiancee and family.
My Mom, Grandma & Dad came in for the first seating and was so happy to see them. I am so lucky to have the most amazing, inspiring, caring mom and friend in my life! Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there. 

The Menu

Omelette Station 

Crepe Station 

Carving Station ~ Prime Rib & Ham 

King Crab Legs & Prawns 

Eggs Benedict 

Biscuits & Gravy 

Scrambled Eggs

Breakfast Potatoes  

Bacon & Sausage 

Caesar Salad 

Pea Salad 

Thai Noodle Salad 

Chicken Tortellini in a Mushroom Wine Reduction 

Fresh Fruit & Assorted Pasties 

Cheesecake 

Oreo Cheesecake 

Apple Studel Cake 

Cream Puffs 

Chocolate Mousse Cake 

Vanilla Bean and Raspberry Mousse 

Mother's Day Preparation

Today we double checked all 500 +  Mother's Day brunch reservations at the restaurant and began setting the space. I took on the flowers for brunch - all  40 Centerpieces and 15 arrangements for the buffets - it was a ton of fun! I am excited to share pictures of the brunch and final look once we are done.

Belated Birthday Wishes

I got home from work tonight and had the sweetest belated birthday wishes arrive in the mail today from my friend Jessica who lives in Charlotte. I wanted to share this cute idea. I am loving.. A Gumball A Day  ~ includes 31 gumballs with a cute bag of 31 gumballs attached.  I am a major office supply & paper lover - so the adorable letterpress card and While You Were Out phone messages were quite fabulous!

Drink Infusion : Pepper Infused Vodka

We created a pepper infused vodka at  Varsity Grill this week. It makes the perfect vodka for a bloody mary cocktail! Our customers have been loving it and this will featured at brunch this Mother's Day Sunday.

Pepper Vodka Infusion

2 Yellow Bell Peppers 

2 Orange Bell Peppers 

2 Jalepeno Peppers
2 Cloves Garlic 

1 Habanero Pepper 

1 Serrano Pepper 

1 Tomatillo 

Chop & combine all peppers and garlic with 3 bottles premium vodka in an infusion jar. Let sit for at least 24 hours and enjoy! 

photo by J. Hobson Photography 

Napa Valley, California

Adam and I took a detour home through Napa on our recent road trip to Berkley California. He had never been to Napa before and we did not have much time with the 12 hour drive ahead of us, so we made a few stops that I have loved from visits before. We first went to the town of St. Helena - otherwise known as the heart of Napa Valley. We stopped in downtown St.Helena at a cafe for coffee then wandered down main street through the galleries and shops. I loved Footcandy- a fabulous shoe store and Vintage Home, they had a spectacular collection of entertaining pieces, furniture and candles. 

Footcandy 

Vintage Home

We also enjoyed looking at all the real estate listings that lined the windows of the offices in St. Helena; although not something we could ever afford it was fun to see all the amazing homes in wine country. We only had time to go to 1 winery so chose to visit the beautiful Rubicon Estate formerly Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. The estate was renamed to honor it's flagship wine. It made it hard to find as I did not know about the name change but as soon as we drove up the long tree lined drive and saw the breathtaking fountain in front of the estate I knew we found it. I enjoyed a wine tasting (Adam had to drive) and we selected some wines to being home with us. 

Rubicon Estate

Our Rubicon Estate Passport for the wine tasting notes 

We also got a fantastic book called Wine Dogs USA 2. This book features over 300 wineries across the United States with over 450 photos. This is a great coffee table book and the perfect gift for any dog lover. We are thinking that a honeymoon in Napa would be perfect.