Weekend Wanderings

First off I need to brag... I slept a full 10.5 uninterrupted hours on Friday night. It was absolutely glorious! Finally I got to go to sleep and wake up because my body was ready, no alarm, no phone call... just me. Bliss.

Sorry, I warned you about the brag!

Saturday I met up with my friend Jess from college for a needed catch up day. We wandered around King Street, grabbed lunch and got up to speed on each others' lives. After she left I went to the mall to go to Bubbles and fix my hair. I got a bonus at work last month for something I did and most of the $1,000 I was awarded went to plane tickets. But I took a small chunk just for me!

See, after dying my hair red (which I loved and still miss!) I used Color Oops to get it back to blonde. It got most of the red out, but I was stuck in a sort of strawberry blondeish middle color. Not red, not blonde. So I went and got highlights! I hope it pushed me more back to how I used to be.



Before picture. I sent all these to the hubby so he could see and compare as well.



During. Luckily Kyndra was with me for company and to take pictures of me looking like an extra terrestrial baked potato.



And after. Not bad!

I must say the mall having its Christmas Tree up made me cringe! TOO soon!!!

Kyndra and I had some cuisine de food court before heading back to her place where her husband and his friend were engrossed in Modern Warfare. Can I just say I am so glad Ryan is not into those games? Don't get me wrong, I love video games. We have a Wii, and Mario of any degree rocks my socks off, but these run around control your vision and shooting and exploding games make me a little nauseous! I think the viewpoint gives me some motion sickness. I like going in a straight 2D line when I play video games! Old School much?

Sunday I had another mini college reunion with my friend (and bridesmaid) Cat. We went around Eastern Market, did some major major catching up, drank apple cider, at amazing El Salvadorian food at Cafe Tortilla, and hid in the used bookstore. Bliss.



My to die for empanadas from Cafe Tortilla, featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives!



And my favorite used book store! (:

Of course work today is billing. Sigh. And there is a mix up with our rent at home the leasing office has been emailing me all day about. And I kind of want to just hide under my desk.

But I leave for California in two days! I CANNOT wait! I am excited to see Ryan and to meet all the guys he has been in school with and to go to a ball once more!



Bragging once again, here is Ryan's class graduation picture from his first school... where he graduated with honors and the second highest GPA in the school. And earned another NAM (Navy Achievement Medal) for his leadership. I may be bursting with pride. Just a smidge.



And of course I made a wish. Or four. Did you?

Coco Sala!

For my birthday Kyndra took Carrie and I to this amazing restaurant in DC called Coco Sala. Oh my word, if you love chocolate you need to go to this place because you will die and go to culinary heaven! We sat in the back in this semi VIP area with cushy red seats and gauzy curtains all around, I felt pretty special (: The day of my birthday it rained like crazy, but that Friday night was gorgeous so it was a great celebration with great friends, even a day later!



I started with a 'choco-jito'. I am not a huge drinker but that thing was GONE. It was made with chocolate infused vodka and had chocolate shavings on it, but it did not taste too chocolatey at all. The lime and mint were almost just given a boost by it, hard to explain but I could sure use another one of those right now :P The joys of work eh?

Now Coco Sala has entrees and salads and regular food, but they are known for their desserts... obviously. I ordered the "Three Course Desert Entree" where you basically get a starter, a three selection 'main course' and petit fours. Oh my...



This is the starter. Home made warm churros with a chocolate dipping sauce. YUM. The chocolate was perfect for the churros which was just the right mix of sweet, crunchy and yet still doughy.



Kyndra and I



Carrie and I. I am not sitting in her lap, I just leaned in the chair weird....

Next was my entree!



I got the Chocolate Seduction. It came with a warm linzer chocolate souffle, raspberry rose panna cotta and hazelnut praline. As well as a candle as someone told them it was my birthday! Delicious.



Kyndra got the Some More Coco, which was chocolate crème brulee with toasted marshmallow and graham crumble, chocolate brownie and a chocolate malted shooter. I may have tried all of them, and they were awesome. I don't normally care for crème brulee but this was good!



Carrie got Coco Grown Up. It came with milk chocolate peanut butter gelato (honestly one of the best things I have ever eaten, holy cow), bananas foster, a mini co co. cupcake and a malted shooter.

Are you hungry yet?

I did not eat dinner before we left, and I am SO glad I didn't! I would have burst! The portions may look small, but they aren't. All of them ar so filling and just the right size. It was delicious and if you want a great night out I highly suggest Cocos. But make a reservation ahead of time! They are part of Open Table so you can do so, otherwise you may be sitting in the bar instead of the lounge. If you don't mind that sort of thing you're fine, but the lounge was much quieter and enjoyable for me!



Saturday and Sunday I wandered that King Street Art fair with Carrie and I got a gorgeous print to put up... somewhere. I also went to church, a movie, and had some loooong talks with the hubby. On what? Well, you may find out... if there is anything to find out!

Also, I added a new button to the top right of my blog. I joined the National Bone Marrow Registry (well, applied to join and get my free cheek swab kit!) and it has been something I have wantd to do for a long time. Reading about Super Ty encouraged me to finally sign up... you should to! You may just help save a life (:

Oops, Hello Blog!

So when your mother calls you and says, "Allie you haven't updated your blog since Friday. You are being a slacker blogger!" you know that you're a bit behind. Properly chastized indeed! So here I am filling you all in on the past few days so my mom doesn't drive down here from Jersey and ground me for a lacking of blogging!


Friday apparently was the last time I blogged... since then Ryan and I have been spending a lot of quality time together before he goes to school. He has leave so he has been doing a lot of errands around the house and such and nights and weekends we do as much as we can! Friday we dragged a whole bunch of neighbors out in front of our building. It was literall 105 degrees, even when the sun went down, but we had wine and beer and liquor flowing so it was a blast! The dogs were out, people were chatting, cigars may have been lit, we had so much fun.

Saturday we slept in (finally for me!) and then went with our neighbor Adam to the indoor shooting range. We had about a two hour wait and once we got in there it was BOILING. Apprarently the fan or the AC was not functioning, so we literally had sweat pouring off of us. Icky. I was so hot I honestly had a hard time aiming, I did much better in March when it was cold! :P

When we got home I made Ryan these amazing grilled cheese jalepeno sandwiches that I borrowed from another blogger and he liked it so much he asked me to make them for his going away party on Saturday! Done deal my love. I am also making cheesey cornbread ala secret family recipe since I love you so.

Sunday was church, IHOP (tradition!) and then we went and saw Friends with Benefits. Hilarious at times, predictable at others.

Monday we hung out at the apartment, watched season 6 of Weeds on Netflix, then went and finally regsitered me at our church. We'd been going since January but we thought we were leaving, now knowing we, well I, have 8 months left I might as well.

Yesterday we had a delicious steak dinner, curtosey of my husband and George Foreman. It was so nice out we decided to walk down the street to King St and get some ice cream at Pops. We sat down at the waterfront and enjoyed that. Going back Ryan realized he had never ridden the free trolley, so on we went!



We snagged a seat and Ryan had his arm around me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. The old lady behind us smacked his arm saying, "Stop that!" It was hilarious, she was joking around so it wasn't creepy I promise. I said, "I can't take him anywhere." to which Ryan looked quite affronted as the woman offered to call security! :P

We got off the trolley at our favorite bar Murphy's where they were having TRIVIA NIGHT. I was pretty stoked. I love pub trivia nights, even did one at my bachelorette day! We didn't win and ended up being out way too late for me (since I do have work in the mornings)so I was totally dragging today!

Tonight I am going to see JOSH GROBAN! So so so excited.

Tomorrow Ryan and I are going to Busch Gardens, gotta love places that let military in for free!

Notice how I am being upbeat? Trying not to panic that he is leaving in about four days? Yea... we'll pretend that is really working!

Family Weekend

Friday night Ryan and I went to the 9:55pm showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Oh my goodness did I love it! Yes I cried, twice, and yes I think certain aspects could have been truer (or more in depth) to the book, but overall a darn good movie. Sometimes watching a movie, especially one based on a book, I think Oh man they are only at this part and there is a lot more to go! no matter how good the movie is! I didn't think that once.

I do wish certain scenes were longer, like the pensieve scene, or that more histories were revealed, but I'll take it. Sorry I don't want to say too much for those who haven't seen it, but if you want to go nerdy like me and analyze it and talk it over, shoot me an email! I am dying to, Ryan doesn't read the books so he doesn't get the conversations I want to get into. We can talk about the movie, but if I start mentioning the book he gets that glazed look in his eyes... :P

So needless to say we went to bed pretty late, but we were up early and on the road to New Jersey by 10am the next morning. We arrived around 2:30 or so, not bad, and had a huge bbq lunch with my family. After I went around the house and took pictures like crazy. My family is moving to North Carolina in about three weeks so it was my last time in my childhood home! Then we went to mass and after the church threw a party for my mom. She has been the parish secretary there for eight years, and it was a great time!

This is the cake they had made for my mom, very cool! Our whole family is on it thanks to one of my wedding pictures!
I got to talk with my dear friend and email buddy Joan for awhile, it was good to see her and talk face to face for a bit rather than online!
Father Tom and Deacon Paul said some sweet things and my mom got teary of course. Then the presented her with a crystal cross inscribed with her favorite bible verse, Luke 29:12, "...don't worry."
And then they blessed it.
My family and Nicole... I do love this picture!
Ryan and Miss Fran 2.
Mom and Ruth and Joan, all the church ladies!
Stefan and Father Tom
I really wish I remember what we were talking about, I look quite obstinate!
Mom and her girls! She cried after this one was taken.

There was a ton of food, tears, hugs and laughter as well. I got to say goodbye to my Church Family and see a lot of wonderful people again. The party was just proof of how awesome my mom is at her job and how she will definitely be missed!! I was so glad Ryan and I were there to see it all.

After we headed back to the house and Sam was there! We got some definite quality girl time and even hung out with the boys in the pool a bit before retreating to the hot tub to chat. We were up pretty late once again and then out of bed early. My family had an anniversary to go to for my mom's cousin and Ryan and I had to get back on the road (after a huge breakfast of course). I definitely cried leaving my house. I know it is just a house, but I grew up there from the age of six on. I got ready there for school dances, dates, shows, prom, my wedding... I had sleepovers and family parties, graduation parties... so many amazing memories. I know those will always be with me, but I definitely struggled walking away.

We zoomed back to Virginia, getting pulled over once in Delaware but not gettign a ticket as Ryan managed to get a military loving cop! Lucky duck! I did give him a big I told you so and he did the speed limit again. At least until we hit Maryland.

Luckily we made it to Virginia before my mother in law and sister in law arrived! We did a speedy cleaning of the house and just as we finished they pulled in. Sunday night was mainly hanging out until we were hungry, then walking up the street for dinner. Hannah, my sister in law, has a birthday verrrrry soon so we got the restaurant to surprise her with a dessert! She is six shades of adorable!





They all got to hang out yesterday but I had to work :( After work more wine was enjoyed and then we walked up to King Street for a nice dinner together. We got home kind of late and I just passed out in bed shortly thereafter! After not sleeping in all weekend and being up so late I am exhauuuuusted!

Quality Time

After my surgery, when I was recovering and Ryan was on leave, we had a big realization... it seemed that our quality time together diminished. Once my drains were removed and I was able to move around we took a day and drove down to King Street and sat by the harbor and talked. As we were doing that we realized it had been so long since we could just sit and talk with nothing else rushing us. No deadlines, no work the next day, no need to go to bed early, no stress... it was just us. Talking and being together.

And we loved it.

With re-enlisting, both of us working full time, my upcoming surgery, family matters, and other things we were just both so distracted. We talked, but we didn't talk. We spent time together, but we were distracted. Having all of those removed it got to just be us.

So the past few weekends we;ve done our best to preserve that. We have been doing chores during the week and using the weekends to just be together. This past weekend we did just that. Friday we were both exhausted, but we cleaned up the apartment and then just watched Netflix. Saturday we slept in and then went to Mount Vernon. After a delicious lunch at the restaurant there (and a bit of a wait) we toured the grounds and then the mansion. I'll post pictures soon!

Then we found our new favorite obsession. Enter: 3 Buck Chuck

When my mom was here for my surgery she told us about it and that it was sold at Trader Joes. We have one down the street so naturally we had to check it out. Officially it is Charles Shaw Wine, but it costs $3.29! My mom said it used to be 2 Buck Chuck and it went up in price, but it is still pretty good. That is how Ryan and I ended up buying SEVEN bottles of wine for $23!!!! (One of which was a $2.29 bottle of Sangiovese for those who may be doing the math)

The rest of the night was spent at La Madeline (a good french cafe), hanging out in the cigar shop, watching Sweet Home Alabama, and drinking our wine. We were up verrry late and had a wonderful night (:

I woke up early Sunday but let the hubs sleep in. We watched more Netflix, ate left overs, and then went for a loooong walk up the trail near our apartment and into the marsh. It was beautiful at first, but once the sun went down the wind picked up and we were freezing!!! I was in a light sweatshirt and jeans and Ryan was in shorts and a long sleeved button up, so we were warm at the beginning of the walk and freezing at the end! Our plans for the evening went out the window as we didn't want to leave the apartment again once we warmed up! Instead we watched Despicable Me and snuggled on the couch.

Now Ryan is microwaving some s'mores and we are watching NCIS (never saw it before yesterday, its ok if not a little gory at times) and I am loving this time with him!

Valentine's Dayyyy

First of all this was the weather! So I was pretty happy.


Then my boss got Georgetown Cupcakes from her husband... and shared!

But when I got home the chain was on the door. I was locked out! I hear, "Hold on a second!" Now I am curious. Ryan lets me in and makes me close my eyes. So he guides me to the living room and I see this set up, but with lit candles!



All from this wonderful guy....




Who also got some magnets from me in his card that looked like this because I could not resist...



We then went to my FAVORITE restaurant for dinner in Old Town. We even walked like old times this summer since it was nice out! It is a greek restuarant that I just love. Usually it is closed on Mondays but it was open for Valentine's Day and Ryan got a reservation. We had saganaki, an amazing bottle of red wine, and the sampler platter for dinner (yes we ordered the same thing, but it is my favorite that I always get!). It comes with Moussaka, Pastitsio, Dolmades (my absolute favorite), Soudsoukakia and Spanakopita (Ryan's favorite!). YUM. Plus bread and spiced olive oil and I am full. We sat for a long time talking and finishing our wine. As we were just about done the owner gave all the tables a free glass of dessert wine (or port?). Oy. It was just amazing. I love that restaurant and if I could go there once a week, I totally would!

We had a very full, slightly tipsy walk home where Ryan told me to pick out a romantic comedy on Netflix. Really??? So we watched When Harry Met Sally because I thought he actually would like it. He did. But scarily some of the things Harry said in the movie are SO Ryan it kinda weirded me out. I made this dessert the night before so we ate this too...



It is a mini cake with raspberry jam and toasted almonds inside, covered with a chocolate-y shell. I may share the recipe (it is pretty simple) if anyone wants it! My mom sent it to me.


And thanks to Liv at Simply Sunshine and Daisies for the awesome Valentines! They definitely made me smile, especially the Mickey and Minnie one!




I couldn't help but take more pictures of my flowers this morning.

Friday Fun

I hung out last night with my friend Jenny, who was in town looking at Grad Schools. I met Jenny when we worked in Disney together and since she lives in Utah it was so great to see her again! It has been about ten months. We went to my favorite Greek restaurant on King St and despite the torrential downpour it was wonderful. The owner and waiters were dancing to the live music, the food was great, plates were broken on the floor, and the owner gave everyone a free glass of dessert wine! YUM.

Ryan has duty tonight :( Boo. Hanging out with Cat after I get my nails done after work. Whew what a sentence. I haven't seen Cat since June! Not cool.

I am so excited for the weekend! No big plans, just general weekend awesomeness and hopefully sun. It is sunny today but SO windy! Oy!


It is Friday! That means it is the MilSpouse weekly round up and Friday Fill In!



1. What is the silliest get-up you have ever worn outside of a Halloween party?

I am an actor by training/trade so I have had a LOT of those...




Just for an example! I have also worn a mascot costume for a minor league baseball team in NJ... hot! Plus my costume for Disney was kinda laughable!


2. What is something that you gave up in order to live the military lifestyle?

I gave it up willingly, but I guess you could say working for Walt Disney World. It was a great job and I loved it, but I do love Ryan more.

3. If money wasn’t a factor and you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why?

Ireland comes to mind first because I want to see the entire country, the moors and the rolling expanse of green and the cliffs... everything. Especially Skerries, where my family is from. I'd also like to go on an African safari and see a wild giraffe!

4. If you were going to join the military, what branch would you join? Or which MOS/rating would you choose?

Between my Poppy and husband I would want to say USMC and do intel or something cool, but I know physically I never would qualify. I teased Ryan recently and said I wanted to join the Coast Guard and his eyes bugged out a little.

5. What is your favorite thing to make for dinner?

I love making chicken fried steak as a special treat. But for a normal dinner I love my stuffed baked mushroom chicken. It is delicious!



And don't forget to join the MilSpouse Weekly Roundup!!! This week it is hosted by Mrs G.I. Joe at ACU's, Stiletto Shoes and Pretty Pink Tutu's!







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