Category Archives: home

Jam-Packed

Posted on April 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

To say that my trip home has been jam-packed from the get-go might be the understatement of the week! I haven’t been back to Dallas in almost 4 months and I’m trying to make up for it in just 4 short days!

Last night my mom picked me up and we immediately headed to the store to load up on some produce to eat while I’m home. My parents don’t keep much food in the house anymore since they are empty nesters and although she might grumble, I know my mom loves stocking up on groceries!

We had dinner last night at one of my favorite restaurants – Blue Mesa. The only picture I have is of the signature margarita I enjoyed while dining on the patio. The weather is gorgeous – sunny, warm but not too hot, and no humidity. My sundresses and I are in love!

Today started on the right foot with breakfast and a 4.5 mile walk with an old friend. I love when our visits home overlap and we’re able to catch up and squeeze in some exercise along with it!

I heated up last night’s leftover black beans and Adobe pie and enjoyed them a top a salad of spinach, red pepper, zucchini, and some feta.

My mom and I spent some more quality time together in the afternoon doing various things – shopping, manicures, etc. plus we visited my brother’s new residence and met his roommates. For dinner we went to Kenny’s Italian Kitchen as my dad had heard that they serve gluten free pasta. I ended up with a chopped salad for my meal with a small side of pasta and everything was beyond delicious! It was nice to be back home and have a family dinner al fresco to soak up the spring weather.

I’m heading to bed before another [fun]filled day before Passover festivities begin tomorrow night.

Trips home – action-packed or quiet and relaxing?

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Posted in dinner, home, lunch

Tagged Dallas, family, Kenny's Italian

Sharing a Little Too Much

Posted on December 27, 2010 | 1 Comment

Yesterday both of my parents were feeling under the weather with a virus of some sorts. My dad had a runny nose and my mom was foggy headed and feeling blah all around. We didn’t do anything too exciting – I ran a few errands, went to the gym with my dad, and as a family we went to dinner and a movie at night.

We went to Rudy’s BBQ which is definitely a Texas staple. They’re always located in gas stations or buildings that look just like one and are pretty no-frills. I had a brisket baked potato that was as warm, comforting, and filling as it sounds. I barely ate half!

Then we saw The Tourist which was not so amazing. It was decently entertaining but I am not sure I recommend it to you all.

This morning was supposed to be my last day in Dallas and I spent the first part of the day running last minute errands. I had a leftover waffle with an egg white and an orange, hoping that it would fend off a looming icky feeling.

Yet, it appeared like my parents shared their colds with me and as the day progressed I felt worse. I picked up lunch from Pei Wei for my mom and me and by this point I retreated into pajama pants and lots of fluids.

While on hold with the airline to change my return flight I had some of my grandmother’s peach cobbler.

Now I’m in the recliner watching Oprah and sipping tea with my mom. I’m hoping to feel better soon now that I have a few more days at home!!

In this instance, sharing wasn’t too caring but I think it’s going to work out for everyone

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Posted in breakfast, home, lunch, sick

Tagged gluten free, Rudy's BBQ, vacation

My Last 3 Days at Home

Posted on November 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

It seems like right after Thanksgiving, the remainder of my trip home flew by in a blink of an eye. I must have known it was coming because I subconsciously stopped taking as many pictures and started being a little more present in the time I spent with family and friends.

There was lots of quality time with the pup, even if I’m allergic to him.

We saw Burlesque and Love and Other Drugs. I recommend both but for very different reasons! Either way, there was good eye-candy

We went out to eat a few times. There were lots of leftover dishes like this, with bites of all my favorite things.

Sweet potatoes, cauliflower, brussels, cornbread stuffing, chili and turkey, cranberry sauce

I got my Chinese fix on Saturday night at dinner with my grandparents. On Sunday we enjoyed Mexican food after our movie. And there was lots of game playing. We love to play Rummikub and it never fails we find too many things to laugh at and just enjoy sitting around the table together as a family.

I flew back to DC early yesterday morning and got to enjoy a little aerial sightseeing.

Then I worked a full day. Nothing like diving back into a routine head first, huh?

Did you go home for the holiday? What games does your family like to play?

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Posted in DC experiences, family, holidays, home, Thanksgiving, travel, vacation

Tagged movies, Rummikub, Thanksgiving leftovers

Entertaining Gluten Free

Posted on October 4, 2010 | 2 Comments

I don’t usually delve into this topic too frequently but today I want to talk about entertaining gluten free. I tend to focus on this more when I visit my parents’ home as my little studio apartment isn’t conducive to having large groups of friends over at one time. Couple that with the fact that until the beginning of the month I didn’t have a great set up for hosting people and I left the hosting to friends with bigger apartments and more seating options. Until now, that is.

While I still have lots to do with this blank wall and a few other minor updates, here is a peak at my apartment’s “new do:”

New comforter and shams (I just need a purple throw blanket for across the foot of the bed):

New sofa and throw pillows:

Table for dining, homeworking, etc.:

I have also been dying to host a get-together for friends on the rooftop of my building. Sadly, while we had planned to take advantage of the great view and a deck furnished with tables, chairs, and chaise lounges the roof was closed. Boy was I glad to have my expandable table when we made that discovery on Friday! Our meal ending up being nice and cozy

My friend Staci and I worked on creating a menu that met everyone’s dietary needs yet would be fun and festive. On the menu:

Spinach salad with strawberries, pear, pecans, and feta cheese
Stuffed bell peppers
Roasted green beans
Baked apples

Here are a few highlights from dinner on Friday. Over the week I’ll be updating you with the recipes and tips I used to feed my friends a delicious meal that was naturally gluten free and vegetarian.