you like potato...I like potahto

I am a Polish girl that really loves her potatoes. Normally, my love for potatoes keeps me out of trouble, but this past weekend that was not the case. I woke up a little "tired" after celebrating at a rehearsal dinner with "a number" of glasses of wine. With a full day of wedding festivities in front of us, my sister, husband, and I decided to try out a nearby breakfast cafe. We knew we needed to bulk up on a serious meal and heard great things about an establishment about a mile down the street from where we were staying. The place had a Celtic theme - even the waitstaff had Irish accents - but it was the menu I was most impressed with. They had potato everything! So, we did what any normal person would do and ordered some sweet potato donuts, potato pancakes, and an actual breakfast dish that contained eggs with you guessed it...a side of hash browns. We were so full after the donut course that we were unable to finish to most of our other delights. We didn't want to waste any of the leftovers, so we had it wrapped to go and went on our merry way....and I was so excited about said leftovers that I forgot my wallet on our table. I never lose anything (knock on wood), so I was very disturbed and shocked when I realized my wallet was not in its little home within my bag. Unfortunately, the cafe was also closed by the time I realized it, so I couldn't do anything until the following morning. Next time I eat potatoes out, I am going to take a deep breath and make sure I leave with my wallet. Make sure you know where your wallet is this weekend.

classically organizing with pegboard workshops

There is a store located in Sommerville, Massachusetts, called Loyal Supply Co. that is my visual happy place. If I could take residency inside of the store, I would. They have a new online shop in addition to their space that is full of the most adorable items. I initially saw them via the Design Sponge Instagram account, and then I noticed them again on the actual blog while I was eating my lunch today. There is a virtual tour of the shop here and this is a link to their online store. I don't particularly need anything, but want everything. They apparently have a dog named Huckleberry too, which is such a perfect dog name! 

celebrating many, many milestones this year

The happy family that runs
the place.

This past weekend we celebrated my mother and father's sixtieth birthdays and their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. Instead of a forty-person blowout, my sister and I decided to have a soup to nuts dinner party with them, our grandparents, and my husband. I researched online for spaces in western and central Massachusetts that had private dining rooms. Needless to say my options were not as plentiful as they would have been in New York City, but I narrowed it down to a few and began making inquiries. I was shocked at how rude certain event planners were and knew we would run into some scheduling conflicts because of the time of year, but it ended up working out quite well. (Yes it is November, yes Thanksgiving is this week, and yes it will be December next week. Like whoa!) 

To our joy and delight, our dinner party needs and wants (and there were more than a few!) were met by a restaurant in Southbridge, Massachusetts, called the Vienna Restaurant and Historic Inn. They had a private parlor space available, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, and served German, Austrian, and Polish-influenced food. Win. Although I wouldn't normally choose a venue that was an hour drive away, I knew my audience well enough to know no one would mind the commute. Needless to say, it was a little strange at first because when you arrive at a dinner party you normally sit at a dinner table, but we scheduled a cocktail hour in front of the fireplace to start off the evening, complete with passed hors d'oeuvres. Once we were finished, I gave a speech to honor our wonderful parents and then we finally moved to the table. Before our soups and salads came, the birthday boy and girl opened a few gifts - the rest were opened before dinner was served. Dessert went off without a hitch and then we bundled up and prepared for our drive home. The woman who served us owns the restaurant and inn with her husband. She was an absolute dream to work with and made our birthday/anniversary event quite special. If you are in need of a private space and A+ service, I suggest you take a trip to Vienna (not the Austria one, although I'm sure that would be nice too). Click here to visit their website and order the fried sauerkraut balls.

apple cider vinegar with raw roots, fruits, and honey

Not my photo, but I bought the
8oz. bottle on the right.

I went home to western Mass two weekends ago and embarked on a wholesome fall field trip with my mother and sister (dad and husband were away at work). I am a little shocked I haven't mentioned it before now. It was very fun, very productive, and full of my favorite places around the area I grew up in. Our first stop was Atkins Farms in Amherst, Massachusetts. While there, I picked up some Fire Cider - a product introduced to me by a dear friend that can help support immune and digestive functions. 

Disclaimer: I am not afraid of vinegar. I am a gigantic fan; I love a lot of balsamic, apple cider, or red wine vinegar on a salad, I love dousing my fish and chips with malt vinegar, I always add extra white wine vinegar when putting together my cherished sweet and sour eggplant recipe and extra rice vinegar when putting together my cherished apricot basil chicken salad recipe, and I don't mind a well-made cocktail that contains vinegar (and actually tastes like it). I also grew up with a grandmother who used white vinegar for everything; from a homemade cleaning product to a healer of aches of pains (as in heat it on the stove, put it on a facecloth, and hold it up to where ever hurts - magically better - seriously). Vinegar does not smell like feet to me - it smells like the comfort and joy of a grandmother's love.  

When I am sick or starting to feel under the weather, I make a hot drink I endearingly call "Health" with apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, hot water, and lemon. Fire Cider reminds me most of that drink. It is made with oranges, lemons, onions, ginger, horseradish, habanero peppers, garlic, tumeric. and honey. It is spicy as hell, and when I say spicy, I mean SPICY. I have felt relatively healthy since purchasing it, so I have yet to open the bottle, but I cannot wait. It is something you can drink on a daily basis, but I am saving it for the days I need some extra health. Click here to visit the website and learn more.

if you like pina coladas, in the dunes of the cape...

I had the most wonderful long weekend on the Cape with my sister. We had productive days, but still had fun - I love those types of weekends - they're the best. I took Friday off from work to maximize my time because it is a solid five hour drive. I am all for leaving late on Sundays when it is any season except for summer, which also influenced my decision. Because it is summer, I knew I would be leaving promptly at eight o'clock on Sunday morning, so a day off on Friday was in order. 

We quickly caught up after I arrived Thursday night (which never takes long because we are talking, texting, emailing, etc. all day every day because we love each other so much). We were up and at 'em on Friday before seven thirty and stopped to grab breakfast and lunch. There is a nearby farm market that has the most delicious delights. We got to the beach and went for a run. Then, we changed into our bikinis and spent the next four hours on the beach. The water was clear and warm. The sun was shining. It was perfect! We left and headed home to shower and change. Our plans for the night included stopping at Cape Cod Beer for a tasting and a clambake. I was thoroughly impressed with the beer at the brewery; the porter tasted just like maple syrup - score! The clambake was interesting to say the least; a lot of Vineyard Vines-clad children and adults, a beautiful view of the ocean and boats, delicious food, and a commodore who liked setting off a mini cannon. We left and met up with a few friends once we had our fill of our own personal dance party and dj. I am not sure what the other clambake attendees thought of us and our moves, but we sure had fun dancing to Stevie Nicks and Paul Simon. Our night did not end extravagantly late and we woke up on Saturday around the same time. 

We followed our morning procedure from Friday, but instead of a run I got to see my sister's new place - which is adorbs - very excited for her to be living in such a cool area! After the beach we decided to have an early dinner. We were finished with appetizers and ice cream cones pre-seven o'clock. We set-up a little viewing area and watched the movie Bridesmaids for the hundredth time together. It really was fun and I can't wait to visit again soon. I hadn't been to the cape in ages (like fifteen years or more) and I am happy to say a lot is still the same. It made me happy and comfortable and eager to do more exploring! I just wish time wouldn't pass by so quickly when we are together. Time flies, I guess...

dancing to the beat of a different drum

I wasn't kidding.

I saw scaffolding on my walk to work today and thought about the year I was home between dance school and college in Colorado. Let it be known that I work in Manhattan and see scaffolding every single day I come to work, which is five days a week, every week (for the most part). For some reason seeing it today made me think of an odd job I had during my stint home - this one really takes the cake! I worked in Northampton, Massachusetts, for a dance company that performed on a huge 3-story piece of scaffolding. However, I was not part of the actual company. I was one of the people who helped rotate the gigantic scaffolding as the company "danced" on it, because (of course) the scaffolding was on wheels. I say "dance" because they kind of just swung on it and ran around on the different levels. Like I said, I see scaffolding every day, so I am not sure why this popped in my head today. I could not remember the name of the company for the life of me, so I googled scaffolding, dance, Northampton and their website came up. Wire Monkey is the name and swinging from scaffolding is their game. My boss was called Saliq Francis Savage and he is/was the co-artistic director and a choreographer. It would not appear they are still swinging/dancing, as their touring schedule ends in 2007. Where ever they are, I hope they are happy and healthy and maybe they've moved onto trees or another form of tiered bars. Click here to take a peek at their (outdated) website.

a weekend in the outdoors for me

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am going camping this weekend…and I’m so excited that I just can’t hide it. I haven’t been to Noble View in at least ten years, but in all honesty I think it is more like fourteen (but that makes me sound so old – so let’s stick with ten). I used to go in high school to hike, swim, and…okay, I admit it...party. You get a beautiful view of Westfield, Massachusetts and beyond, on a network of trails that meander along brooks and waterfalls. Count me in. I was laughing the other day because I have to drive up after work to meet the group and I was wondering whether or not there was cell phone service. I don’t even think cell phones were invented the last time I was up there. Aside from announcing my arrival in the darkness, I won't need my phone anyway (except for maybe an Instagram photo or two). Regardless, I cannot wait, and if I have to hike all of my stuff up there on my own, I will - damn it. I am having a peaceful, outdoorsy weekend with some of my favorite people ever. Click here to learn more.

new england delights and changing leaves

I had a really fantastic weekend. The vast majority of it was spent with my sister and we visited parents, grandparents, cousins, and friends. We went to three wineries and four farm markets. The wineries were Black Birch in Southampton, Massachusetts; Gouveia in Wallingford, Connecticut; and Priam in Colchester, Connecticut. The farm markets were Atkins Farm in Hadley, Massachusetts; Bishops Orchards in Guilford, Connecticut; Rose Orchards in North Branford, Connecticut; and Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Connecticut. If I had to choose my favorites, I would choose Gouveia and Black Birch – both have spectacular views and delicious wine. As for farm markets, I am partial to Atkins because we grew up going there, but I also love Bishops because my sister used to work there. Fall tastes so delicious! Get it in ya!

ornament, not my usual taste

This ornament came from Yankee Candle - like the actual store in Deerfield, MA, the mecca of Christmas and all things wonderful smelling.  I love going there, especially around the holidays.

I picked out this gem during a trip there, and although I am not into glitter, it really sang to me (and my belly).  My husband and I are fans of tacos.  Huge fans.  We love tacos so much we plan to name our dog Taco (which if it is up to me will be a Cocker Spaniel, him a Chocolate Lab).  I love the way "here Taco, come Taco, good Taco"sounds.

He enjoys making shrimp or chicken or steak tacos - we never have ground beef tacos because he thinks raw ground beef looks like brains.  Mexican Mondays (aka tacos) and Taco Tuesdays are normal days of the week for us.  We prefer hard shells, beans or rice, lettuce, and very hot salsa - he also likes shredded cheese.  Tacos are a relatively healthy meal and are gluten free (corn shells do not contain wheat).

I am not sure where my hatred for glitter came from, but the stuff makes me apprehensive and I would normally not choose something covered in it.  I always worry about it getting in my eye and then cutting it.  It has yet to ever happen, but for some reason I can't shake my paranoia.  This taco makes me happy though. 

bye bye farmstand

Yesterday was the last official day of our nearby farmstand.  Thankfully I made it there on Sunday and picked up a gigantic satchel of veggies.  I was also about to pay and the $5.00 boxes of Jersey tomatoes caught my eye.  We have quite a bit of roasted tomato puree in the freezer for winter, but I just couldn't pass it up.  I know I will be glad I did when there is snow on the ground and I feel like making a homemade tomato soup.


Thankfully, we have a farm market (Delicious Orchards) about seven miles down the road, so getting beautiful produce year-round is never too difficult.  However, it obviously is not local throughout the winter.  Another aspect that can be considered both positive and negative is their bakery.  They make cider donuts, pies, breads, breakfast treats, and some darn good cookies.  When we visit the farmstand extra items don't usually make their way into our basket, but when we visit Delicious Orchards, our basket becomes filled with baked goods.  


I enjoy taking visitors to Delicious Orchards, especially people that are from New England.  We grew up going to the Huntington Country Store and Atkins Farm Market in western Massachusetts.  Not necessarily the most low calorie places to visit, but delicious none the less.

the big E

I went to the Big E this past weekend too - Big E stands for the Eastern States Exposition.  It is a fair that celebrates each of the six New England states (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire), all things 4-H and farm, crafts, rides and fair games, traditional ways of life, and all of the products you can find on infomercials.  My main focuses are the big, yellow slide and the state buildings.  I primarily go there to stuff myself with food. 

In past years I have eaten the following: Millie’s pierogies (handmade by Polish women in Chicopee, MA), Rhode Island lobster raviolis, Massachusetts apple cider donut, fresh raspberries, maple cream cone, Maine baked potato, Vermont apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese, fresh Ben and Jerry’s, Flatbread pizza, beer, and New Hampshire blueberry pie and maple milk.

This year, I just couldn’t pack everything in, and instead consumed the following delights:

Rhode Island – nothing, too many seafood options for 10:00 a.m.

Maine - baked potato

Massachusetts – Atkins Farm cider donut, fresh raspberries, maple cream cone

Vermont – apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese

Connecticut – chocolate covered slim jim

New Hampshire – maple milk

As happy as I am to have enjoyed a lot on my list, I feel like such a wuss.  I couldn’t fit some of the big ticket items like fresh pierogies or Flatbread.  One could “almost” put together a “normal” meal with what I ate this year.  How depressing.  This was my big opportunity to eat a lot of food I wouldn’t normally eat, but instead just ended up eating a regular meal with a few extra desserts.  I think I need to start training for next year…

fall time

It’s that time of year us northeasterners live for:

v  when you have to shut most of the windows in your house (but not all – not yet!)

v  when the leaves begin changing and people start decorating with pumpkins

v  when you begin having to wear socks if you’re up at night and not under the covers

v  when harvest activities and festivals are in abundance

 

I know that certain things are special because they happen so infrequently, but I really, really wish apple picking could be a year round hobby.  Not only is it as fun as can be, there is nothing more delicious than a crisp, fresh apple you picked from a tree (aside from lobster, butter, ice cream, ham, and pickles, of course).   

those are some of the apples I picked

I went apple picking with my parents yesterday in central Massachusetts.  We went to Brookfield Orchards and had a real good time.  Not only did they have a very well-kept orchard (which would have been plenty), they also had a country store, a bakery, a candy shop, crafts, and concessions.  It was adorable.  We each picked enough apples to fill our own 20lb bag. 

Two things I learned:

      1.  20lbs is heavy and I am not as strong as I used to be in my trail crew days (not even close).

      2.  I need some savory apple recipes.  If I only make baked goods with what ended up being four large bowls of apples, my portion control and healthy eating will end up being null and void.

I did a bit if research this morning and found some cheese and milk/cream free recipes for the following dishes:  apple-parsnip mash, pork and apple stew (I want to try it with chicken though), apple – leek – butternut squash gratin, Brussels sprouts with bacon and apples (I will use ham or prosciutto in place of bacon), and sausages with apples – sauerkraut – onion.  I am excited and eager to begin my testing this upcoming weekend.  Not sure which one(s) I will try first, but there really isn’t any kind of rush, as I will be cooking with apples for at least the next month.  If I come across anything worth making, I will mention it in an upcoming post.  Wish me luck.