cositas

[colorful sweet treats]

sorry for the break in posts guys. truth be told, i didn't have anything to write about! so, i felt it was a signal to take a little time away. i love my little corner of the blogging world, but don't want to ever feel like i am forcing a post...does that make sense? so, i keep to a simple rule - when i don't have anything to say, or feel i'm working too much to make a post happen, i opt out. so, i took the time away to enjoy the warmth and springtime storms rolling through. i hope you all have had a lovely weekend, and cheers to the week ahead!

[thirst quenchers]

[heavenly layers]

[happy hour, mexican-themed]

[all the heart eye emojis]

[savory eats in progress]

#mormanforalex

last week, several 'maids and friends got together for alex's bachelorette weekend away! we kicked off our plans with a road trip up to tulsa for the night. for our first night, we had to kick things off on the right foot. so, once the gals got in, we went to have mexican food + margies while we took in rooftop views of downtown t-town. 

[sporting our bach rings]

[yum and yass]

after dinner, we glammed up hit the bars with our wiggin' out theme (read: sport your most colorful/awesome wig you can find). i'd be lying if i said it wasn't a magnet for strangers to either compliment our theme or stare intensely. bonus, because of our accessory choices for the bride, she ended up looking like an adorable elton john. 

[tiki bar (above) and scorpion bowls for the win (below)]

[main stop, drag show and dance party because, reasons]

[group photo]

[an indulgent brunch]

the next day, we enjoyed a delicious brunch (think all the savory and sweet menu options chosen, including loads of cookies), packed up our goodies, and headed on to our next 'venture...a day at the spa. it was the most relaxing, and restorative, experience that had us all wishing it wouldn't end.   

[spa cocktails]

later, we trekked out to grand lake to hole up at the lake house for the remainder of the weekend. after decorating, we put on the bride's lingerie shower, and bra pong. 

[pinterest for the win]

[extra large cinnamon rolls - who can resist?]

the next day, we snacked on seriously delicious foods and had a chick flick marathon while it rained and snowed outside. ...the weather couldn't have been more odd, but we took advantage of the excuse to hang in :)

[pretty views]

after having our fill of movies, the booze olympics games began! amanda (my fellow co-moh) and i selected several games for each team to compete in. all of them led to more and more hilarious results, and were even better than i'd hoped for. 

[gold, silver, and bronze prizes for the olympics]

[champs racing]

[junk in the trunk]

[our gold, bronze, and silver place teams]

we spent the remainder of the night playing more drinking games and chick flicks. it was awesome. 

then, our fun trip sadly came to an end. but, it was the perfect way to countdown to the upcoming nuptials...only 48 days to go!

in between

[beer menu for opening day of 405 brewery's taproom]

while our weather may not be springlike, our agenda has been! there have been so many great mini moments, i thought it was high time for an 'in between' post. hope you guys enjoy, and fingers crossed warmer temps are headed our way soon :)

[colorful meal prepping]

[grilling at dusk before bike gang 'ventures]

[the boys' first ice cream cone]

[my birthday surprise from my awesome co-workers]

[post-work sunset running]

[best's bachelorette prep]

[girls night over champs, sushi, and champs-themed candy]

[okie wedding reception for these two love doves; congrats again!]

[wedding brew and gifts]

[night out at the deli for my so called band]

[blu babes reunited again]

adventures in pasta making

after trying out pasta making by hand (and finding out how hard/exhausting it was), i'd been keeping my eyes out for a pasta maker of my own. then, my darling 'rents gifted me one with three types of pasta attachments, and three ravioli shapes. i actually squealed when i saw it. 

on a serious note, i have a lot of respect/admiration for anyone who can flatten their own pasta dough by hand. it really was way harder than i thought (insert shocked face emoji here). 

[gorgeous pasta sheets]

this may make me sound super old/adult, but i couldn't have been happier watching my dough become pasta sheets and then linguine noodles. even T had fun making it!

[carbonara cooking away]

to christen my pasta maker, i had to whip up an extra indulgent dish...insert the pioneer woman's 'pastor ryan' pasta carbonara. to set the tone, picture a dish that has a divine mix of butter, egg, bacon, wine, and garlic cloves. i'm drooling just thinking about it!

[pasta and cocktails]

[yum]

en croute

[cheese dreaming]

a couple of weekends back, T and i went on a little birthday dinner date to the lovely en croute. between the cozy atmosphere, mouth-watering wine selections, amazing edibles, and stellar service, it was perfection. i had been waiting ever since they'd opened to try it out, and boy, did it supersede all expectations. 

[tasting what may be one of my favorite wines to date]

[a curious combo of umami, salty, sweet, and bitter]

[cioppino with garlic bread]

i honestly couldn't decide which entree was my favorite, but i can tell you each bite was taste bud heaven. the ambiance was near what i imagine julia and paul child would have frequented...aka the most splendid birthday treat. 

[braised short ribs]

we finished the night with the most delicious treat - caramel beignets de carnival served with espresso ice cream and fresh berries. thanks en croute for the most beautiful evening...we can't wait to come back!