just another typical ‘holly & andrew vacation’

Except for the harried schedule we usually ascribe to when overseas. I think both of us needed an ‘anti-schedule’ kind of trip this time.

We took off after our Manhattan Bagel lunch yesterday and leisurely drove along Hwy 98 through small town after small town before jumping on I-90. Along the way, we saw this sign:

We weren’t even in the turning lane and I looked over at Andrew, and he looked back at me. He threw the car into reverse, switched lanes and turned in. There is just something about our trips; I all of a sudden feel spontaneous and we’re such foodies that ANYTHING that looks intriguing is fair game. A random, old-school, obviously well-known chocolate shop? You bet.

Initially the ‘cashew glaze’ caught my attention, but we ended up leaving with a pumpkin pie sundae with hot fudge for me and bag of goodies for the car. Andrew chose some flavored candy sticks, white chocolate-covered pretzels and caramel corn; I threw some white chocolate-covered oreos and a small container of glazed cashews.

We broke into the caramel corn in the car and it was quite covered in caramel. I’m not a huge fan myself, but it’s definitely one of Andrew’s weaknesses.

We arrived at the Oliver Phelps Bed & Breakfast just after 3 p.m. and were shown to our room. I opted for the cheapest room, which doesn’t actually have a bath connected to the room (it’s just outside the door), figuring the money we saved would cover a dinner out or something.

The room is small and cozy and even has an electric fireplace, something I knew Andrew would love. He’s had it on ever since…

They have WiFi (sweet!) and while we could have rushed around and find something to do, we ended up lying in bed watching the news and falling in and out of pseudo-sleep until almost 5 p.m., when we got ready for dinner.

We knew we were going to Eric’s Office for dinner (I’d scoped-out restaurants beforehand) and when we saw it was only .8 miles from our b&b, I decided we should walk. I’ll admit, it was a bit chilly (and seemed WAY longer than less than a mile) but in the end I’m glad we did. The walk back wasn’t quite so bad.

Eric’s Office is a local bar/restaurant with a teeny-tiny dining area, which is why we went to dinner so early. While we waiting for a table, we sat at the bar with some beers and popcorn (dangerous! we had THREE bowls of it!) and watched ESPN…with everything going on at our alma mater, PSU, we’re pretty keen on catching as much news as we can.

We loved the atmosphere at Eric’s and it was a clear local favorite, pretty much a prerequisite of ours when choosing where to eat when on trips. Andrew ordered a pork tenderloin with a root-beer reduction, and I got beef tips and mushrooms in gravy served over blue cheese mashed potatoes, covered with crispy onions. It was a bit heavy, but the flavor was amazing. The atmosphere was really the best part; it was casual but not too casual.

After a crisp walk home, we snuggled in bed with come Dexter episodes before turning out the lights.

I had thought about running in the morning, but decided I needed sleep more than exercise after the week I’ve had. Unfortunately, I didn’t get as restful a night of sleep as I would have liked (the bed is a double and not a queen, and it’s always hard for me to sleep in new places), but I made it until 7:15 a.m., which is a good three hours more than all last week.

We headed down to breakfast by 9:30 in the high-ceilinged breakfast room of the b&b.

We were brought apricot walnut scones, coffee and juice to start. While a little sweet for me, the scones were a fantastic way to begin.

Next, a fruit plate of pears and blackberries drizzled with a cinnamon-balsamic reduction. Yum.

And the coup de grace: a strawberry/lemon/mascarpone mix sandwiched in a croissant, drizzled with a strawberry-balsamic reduction. The reviews online of this place all raved about the breakfasts; now I know why!

We’re headed out today to walk around the main ‘downtown’ area, visiting some shops and things, as well as the Christkindl Market, which is just across the street. Must walk off breakfast!

a (giant) list

WHEW! What a day…

1. Tried to have a relaxing morning. Sort-of did. Until it turned into a whirlwind day of studying while on the elliptical, rushing out the door to breakfast with Andrew, a 2+ hour hair appt then running an errand with Mom Layer. At least I slept-in this morning until 7.

2. Didn’t breakfast look yummy? It so was. And filling! Holy cow! I’m STILL full and we ate 5.5 hours ago–that’s got to be a record for me. I’ll probably have something uber-healthy before my night class tonight so my tummy doesn’t start grumbling. (And I totally blogged on my iPhone from the salon–how cool is that?!?!)

3. LOVE. MY. HAIR.

It’s not too drastic; Megan chose one shade darker for a base color, then even darker low-lights and added in some highlights, too. If I’m really going to try to grow my hair out, I NEEDED a change, and a trim, badly. Two hours and a small fortune later, I love my hair and think it feels so much healthier. While there, I invested (pun intended) in color-treated hair shampoo and conditioner, a purifying conditioner for days I swim, and that volumizing root spray/mousse she used. I figure if I’m going to pay this much for professionally colored hair, I might as well take care of it. And I just told Andrew that if he wants me to grow it long, he’s going to pay the price 😉 He’s a good sport; he said I’ve never really given growing it out a fair shot, and if this is what it takes, so be it. The man must really like long hair!

4. Speaking of my man–he’s amazing. (And I’m not just saying that to butter him up about the price tag of my new look!) Not only did he surprise me with Sweetest Day candy and a super thoughtful card; he surprised me AGAIN last night with flowers and another card, this time to let him know how much he missed me after his 85-hour workweek and business trip this past week. Awww.

5. Reason number 9,673,268 that Andrew is awesome: souvenirs from his business trip!

He went to Orrville, OH and it is the home of the J.M. Smucker’s store! He called me and let me request some goodies: cherry and blueberry ‘simply fruit’ jams, cider apple butter, honey-flavored natural peanut butter and a gadget for stirring the separated peanut butter before refrigerating. (Surprisingly enough, I’d seen it in a magazine forever ago and have been on the lookout ever since! It’s no easy to task to get natural peanut butter mixed up really well without creating a huge mess…) Thankfully, Andrew goes to Orrville somewhat regularly, so I’ll always be able to get more of the flavors the regular grocery stores don’t carry! BTW: Real Simple did a natural peanut-butter taste-test awhile ago and Smucker’s won for chunky and got #2 for creamy. I’ve been buying it for awhile now, mostly because it’s widely available and reasonably priced. I LOVE peanut butter!

6. Who is this man I married? He’s been showering me with gifts 🙂 He must know me pretty well!

7. I’m teaching a Food for Thought class Monday evening. Or I MIGHT be, if enough people sign up. So, if you’re local, SIGN UP! I’ll be instructing on how to choose wisely at the grocery store and ‘smart switches’ you can make to eat healthier. The classes are sponsored by the EA Co-op and you can sign up at the Aurora Rec Center website.

8. Don’t forget about the Co-op’s Pizza Party and Membership drive Saturday night! If you’re interested in joining, or are a member and know someone who is, come on out! It’ll be a great chance to try Elm Street’s brick-oven pizza and support OUR co-op!

9. I’m running the Niagara Falls International Half-Marathon Sunday morning–so excited! The weather looks good for Sunday and the race doesn’t start until 10 a.m. (good for not having to get up at the crack of dawn, but I’m not used to running that late). If you’re local and up for spending some time in the fresh air across the border, I’d love to have a cheering section! Note to self: do not forget passport!

10. Abigail is coming home this weekend–can’t wait!!

my new favorite breakfast

maple/banana/nut butter toast!

Seriously, it is THE best.

I’m on a maple-kick right now, inspired both by my Justin’s Maple Almond Butter and the unopened maple spread that has been sitting in my pantry since last fall when Andrew and I spent a week in Quebec.

Get thee to a grocery store and find some maple spread as fast as you can! It is THAT good. You won’t find the specific brand I was using, but you might be able to find something like it, either with the maple syrups, honey or in the jam aisle. Or in the specialty/gourmet/organic foods section. And if you absolutely can’t find it, just drizzle some (real) maple syrup over the top.

Here’s what I did:

Toast a slice of whole grain bread, spread with your maple butter/spread/whatever you’re using, top with half a sliced banana, then drizzle with whatever nut butter you currently have open. Almond butter isn’t as rich to me as some peanut butters and sunflower seed butter, so I find it pairs well with other things. If you’re using syrup instead of maple butter, spread your nut butter on your warm toast, then add the banana and syrup.

I had this for breakfast two or three times and just raved to Andrew about it. He’s Mr. Picky and rarely strays from plain jam on toast, so I was floored this morning when he requested this concoction for breakfast! I called later to see how he liked it, and he said it was “outstanding.” This is big, people.