Friday Five.

My favorite bites of the week. 

[Refinery Rooftop sriracha honey hush puppies, with momma fingers]

[Egg Shop custom egg & cheese biscuit]

[Luzzos 'diavola' pizza]

[BAKED almond croissant and soy latte]

[Ted's Bulletin poptarts - blueberry cheesecake & strawberry]

Masters, Priceless.

There is no greater feeling then having the opportunity give someone special an unforgettable gift. 

This year, I was able to surprise my dad with tickets to the Masters practice round and Par 3 tournament. Since I doubt I will ever win a green jacket nor be accepted as a member, the privilege of being a "patron" at Augusta will do (who am I kidding, it was amazing!).

I walked the hallowed grounds of Augusta National awestruck and utterly oblivious to the masses of people around me because the beauty was astonishing. As you would imagine, the grounds were indeed impeccably kept - not a stray weed in sight. Azaleas trees line the fairways and the polite, friendly faces topped off the experience. At the Par 3 Tournament we were an arms reach from golfers elite - Jordan Speith, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and the likes. Watching along with someone who appreciates the game more than I could ever hope too, THE ultimate golfer lover, was priceless. 

Notes I took away from the Masters:

• Walk the entire course 1st tee to 18th green - but definitely leave some time to stop and enjoy Amen Corner
• Zero cell phone policy - I was shocked (and impressed) to see that policy is not broken. How many events in this day in age successfully get viewers whilst demanding cell phones be left at home or checked? 
• Food - Heavenly BBQ pulled pork, pimento cheese sandwiches, sweet teas and beer- nothing priced over $3.00 - unbeatable.
• Regret - not grabbing a georgia peach ice cream sandwich on the way out! 
• Bring a hat - and maybe buy one, too
• You may be wondering how I got these amazing pictures. In practice rounds you are allowed to have a camera. 
• Add to bucket list if it is not already number one :)  

Be Mine.

Oh - how I love this day! 

Here are five things that I have enjoyed this past week in honor of Valentine's Day.

I hope your long weekend was filled with nothing but love (and maybe a few sweet indulgences!) 

xx

[adorable (uber sprinkled) Valentine's Day cookies] 

[stack of mini pancakes on a lazy morning] 

[month of love gift guide] 

[homemade s'mores cake, sprinkled with hearts just for Valentine's Day] 

[a hike with Bella in Valentine inspired red kicks]

Do As The Coloradans Do.

I was able to jet off to CO for a couple of days and in true fashion, my parents planned an unforgettable week. From skiing and sporting events to snowy walks and hot tubs, I had an authentic Colorado experience and was able to spend some quality time with two of my favorite people.  I always leave Colorado with a heavy heart and an overwhelming urge to book my next flight - one ways are increasingly tempting! 

My adventurous trip is way more exciting via pictures - enjoy! 

[chasing the sun all the way to Colorado]

[Copper Mountain - only a mild pizza formation needed]

[ski lift selfie]

[yes, my first rodeo]

[mouthwatering grapefruit pancakes with cornflake crunch from Root Down]

[CU basketball game - go Buffs!]

Love Notes.

With Valentine's Day around the corner I began to think about little gestures of love. Nothing crazy or elaborate, just simple tokens of appreciation - mailing a handwritten note, making an unexpected phone call, picking up the tab for the person in line behind you.

As I thought about these sweet nothings, I began browsing Pinterest for inspiration. Initially I was in search of creative valentines to hand out (it is my favorite holiday after all), however I stumbled upon this free PDF print off that is much more versatile - no holiday needed!

I instantly fell in love with the sweet, simple idea of custom Post-it notes. Easy to print, personalize and post around the apartment - proving the little things do not go unnoticed. Just place the blank sticky notes in the lines on the template, pop it in the printer and print!

In the spirit of Valentine's day, happy month of loovveeeeee!

GF (surprisingly) Good Food

My parents decided to test out a gluten-free diet for 30 days. After reading about the benefits of a GF diet (heightened energy levels, improved mood, better focus, clearer skin, less bloat...just to name a few) I figured I could at least try it for a day!

After a trip to Whole Foods I left with all the ingredients I needed - and more - for a home cooked GF dinner and I was pleasantly surprised by just how delicious it was!

I made whole grain rice pasta with sweet italian chicken sausage, broccoli, shallots and freshly shaved parmesan.

I thought that the dish came out so well I think I might just make gluten free a frequent thing throughout my weekly meals.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good.

Anyone who truly knows me, knows my love for Harry Potter. There is something captivating about the perfectly crafted magical world that left a lasting impression on me. I anxiously awaited the day I would visit the newly opened Diagon Alley at Universal Studios, Florida. Luckily for me, with some spontaneous decisions, that day came last week. And what a magical world it was. The books came to life with rides, replicas and reenactments. 

Highlights included a fire-breathing dragon draped atop Gringotts bank, a vanishing act as you enter platform 9 3/4 to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, the Dragon Challenge roller coaster and butter beer (the appearance rather than the taste!)

Kids ran around in full Gryffindor robes equip with wands and marauders maps, signature music from the films played throughout the park and with each turn, hidden surprises revealed themselves day after day. The park surpassed my expectations and made it all too easy for muggles to get lost in the enchanting Wizarding World of Harry Potter.