Me and my Valentine

Oh Valentine's Day. I know I shouldn't be reinforcing the obligation to buy your loved one flowers and candy, especially since they mark them up so much on this day, but how can you not love it when you get roses and chocolates? I had planned to make Clint and myself dinner at home that night, and Clint showed up with these beauties. So sweet.

I also got a little treat for him. Bull and bear cuff links since he can't seem to shut up contain his excitement about the stock market these days.

For dinner, I was excited to try this recipe I found on Pinterest. The video made it look so easy, and it was! Also, super delicious. The celery root was a hit, and of course we love our horseradish. I'll definitely be making it again when I feel like splurging on ribeye. AND, look how adorable this "sweetheart cut" from Met Market was.

Aww <3

I also found a recipe for beet mashed potatoes to try. After having them at the Iron Grill for my birthday, I've wanted to try them out at home. Plus, they looked so festive!

Ribeye with horseradish butter, root vegetables,
and beet mashed potatoes

For dessert, I tried another Pinterest find. Conversation heart cheesecakes. I bought the mold off of Amazon, lined it with a graham cracker crust, and filled them with cheesecake filling that I added food coloring to.

They ended up to be very tasty, but not quite like the pictures online. I didn't have a paintbrush handy to add the little sayings, so I used a q-tip instead. The result…a scary looking "did you write that in blood" version.

nailed it

We then watched a couple episodes of House of Cards (still finishing the first season), and Clint finally finished off his gallon tub of ice cream he's been keeping at my place.

loves his ice cream

The next day, we slept in before heading to Ma'Ono for brunch. We lucked out since you're supposed to make a reservation if you'll be ordering the fried chicken, but they had a couple cancellations and had some left when normally they would have run out.  So good, but made me painfully full. 

chicken and biscuits

It was another great Valentine's Day with great food and even greater company. Thanks, Valentine!

How bout them Seahawks?

Seahawks pandaemonium has started to die down a bit now after the big game, but how awesome was that?! I'm not the biggest football fan, but it was hard not to get swept up in it all. We had tailgates at work on Blue Fridays, where we'd wear our Seahawks gear and bring snacks for a potluck lunch. That was a lot of fun, and a good excuse to step away from our computers for a bit. I also had some posters and stickers printed of the 747-8 that Boeing painted to represent the team. They actually took the plane and flew it over the state in a flight pattern in the shape of a 12, how cool is that? You can read more about it here. They also flew the big jet over Seattle during the post Super Bowl parade.

Boeing 747-8 swag

For the actual game, Clint and I went over to his friends Kyle and Jen's house for a Super Bowl party. They had the perfect set up…huge tv down in their basement, plenty of seating, and a TON of food. We contributed some crackers and cheese, and a batch of cupcakes that I had baked and decorated with blue frosting, sprinkles, and 12's scribbled on top (forgot to take a picture…).

It was such an exciting game to watch, especially with a room full of friends. Sean and Jen were in town with their 3 year old who'd go crazy and run all over the place anytime we all cheered.

Sunday funday

The week following the game, the whole city was on a high. Everyone was buzzing about it, and even I got caught up in watching highlights and reading related articles on how awesome we are.

My dad stopped by my office on Monday (my birthday), and had a copy of the Seattle Times for me. Pretty cool to have a copy of my birthday paper with the Super Bowl champs on the front!

On Wednesday, the office was pretty quiet. I think everyone played hooky to go watch the parade (along with 700,000 other people!). I ended up streaming the news coverage at my desk, and the people who were at work huddled around to watch. It would have been awesome to be there, but boy was it cold out! We then we out to lunch and lucked out by being sat next to a tv so we could continue to watch Russel, Beast Mode, and the white-haired party animal make their way down to Pioneer Square.

Marshawn throwing out Skittles

Congrats, Seahawks! And if you make it again next year, I promise to stay on this bandwagon.

Birthday Staycation

Are you tired of my birthday posts yet? Tough. Cause I like to celebrate all. month. long.

Clint turned out to be sick last Monday, so our plans to go to the Big Picture for a movie and a bite to eat  on my actual birthday got postponed. Instead, I stayed home and ordered Pagliacci all to myself and binge-watched some tv on Netflix (best birthday ever, in my opinion). Clint felt bad though, so he made it up to me with a surprise stay at the W hotel downtown on Saturday.

We got there in the afternoon and were able to check in to our room right away. The room was amazing (forgot to take a picture), and with floor to ceiling windows, the view was awesome.

W hotel lobby

Clint had brought some champagne, so we drank that in our room.

aww, favorite <3

We headed downstairs to have a drink in the lobby bar while we decided on where to go for dinner. We were close to Sazerac, Purple, the Capital Grill…although, once it started to SNOW, walking anywhere didn't sound so fun. So, we cozied up next to the fire and ordered some sushi, pulled pork sliders, and roasted brussel sprouts.

It was fun to watch the snow fall and people watching as everyone stopped inside to get out of the cold. We eventually called it a night, and headed back upstairs.

view from our room (of Mom's office
building) once the snow started falling

The next day, we took advantage of late check out before we got ready for the day and walked across the street to Starbucks. After coffee, we drove down to the waterfront and had lunch at Red Robin, yum.

It was such a fun getaway without actually having to get away. Thanks, Favorite!

Birthday Twin celebration

It had been a while since Weiner and I have done a joint birthday celebration. Actually, since the Ohana debacle of 2009…but we won't get into that. Instead, here's a photo to commemorate that night.

This year, Kylee was so sweet and offered to plan an amazing night for us to celebrate with all the girls. She came up with the fun idea of doing Palettes and Pairings. It's been something I wanted to try, but just hadn't gotten the chance to yet. You go to an art studio where they provide you with everything you need to paint a canvas including step by step instructions, and of course…wine.

We started the night off with happy hour at Indigo Kitchen in Lynwood. Rachel (a brand new mom) was even able to make it for dinner, and Jenni was in town from San Diego. All my favorite ladies.

me, Kylee and Colleen

Becca and Erica

Rachel and Jingle

Weiner and Jenni

birthday dessert!

We headed over to Palettes and Pairings after dinner and got ready to paint. Everyone had their own station and the instructor stood up front both with a finished painting and a blank canvas so that we could follow along as she showed us how to do it.

Being artsy, I knew I'd enjoy it, but it was even more fun than I anticipated. Everyone else had a great time, too. We even got Jenni to participate!

a sure sign Colleen is concentrating - mouth open

the progression of my painting

all done!

group shot, love how similar and different they all are

birthday twins <3

Thank you to Kylee for organizing, and to everyone for making it such a fun night!

My supermodel birthday party

So if you know my dad, you know he's a bit…quirky. You never know what he's planning since he likes to appear elusive (although, sometimes I think he makes it up as he goes along). However, this year for my birthday, he planned quite the night. All I was told was that he wanted to get some old family friends together that I hadn't seen in a while, and to "look my best."

He showed up to my place after work on Friday in his limo full of people, and they all came in for a drink. Lucky for them I'm a wine hoarder, so there was plenty to choose from.

My dad is one of three Steves who are all friends and have known each other for quite a while now. My dad and Steve Ferris met in kindergarten, and have been best friends since. His wife Monica was able to make it to my birthday extravaganza, while Ferris was at his son's basketball game. The third Steve is Steve Hines who grew up in the town next to my dad and Ferris, so having that in common has made the three of them good friends. Steve Hines and his wife Barbie came along as well. After showing everyone my place, we all piled in the limo to be taken to dinner. 

Me and Monica reminiscing about summers
at the lake house

We pulled up to the Gilman Village in Issaquah where'd we be having dinner, but were informed by my dad that he had a surprise for us first. Uh oh. He took us around the corner to a photography studio where he had set up some time for us to all have our pictures taken. Everyone was surprised…and nervous. It's a little awkward to be thrown in front of a camera, especially when you weren't expecting it. Although, to give my dad credit, it turned out to be pretty fun, and everyone enjoyed it (once it was over).

We're talking a full on professional photo shoot here…lights, backdrops, footstools, and the best part? A fan! We all laughed at how silly we felt…and at dad for making us do it…but the photos did turn out pretty good.

Monica looking gorgeous

father daughter <3

Barbie and Steve

Dad had yet another surprise…as surprise guest. Krista is a friend of Barbie and Steve's that they do business with that my dad has now met. He thought it'd be nice for us to meet. His reasoning? She's only a little older than me and has never been married…is he trying to tell me something? She was very sweet, and even brought me flowers and chocolates, so I like her.

Krista

and an awkward "family" photo to end with

After photos, we went to the Flat Iron Grill for dinner, which was absolutely delicious. They had a table waiting for us since we were running a bit late, and we ended up staying till they closed. I had the tenderloin with mushrooms and beet mashed potatoes. It was so good I'd definitely order it again.

We then left the restaurant and dad dropped everyone off at their homes, while saving me for last. It was an interesting night that turned out to be a great time. Thanks, Dad!

Vegas!

Man, I love Vegas! But you knew that...seeing as how this was my third trip in a year!

When Clint and his brother went last January for CES, Rebecca and I tagged along. After having such a fun time, we decided to make it an annual trip. This year, Rebecca and I only came for the weekend before, then left the boys to attend the conference for the week without us.

Clint and I left early Saturday morning so that we could have a full day once we got there. I'm starting to question getting on a plane while it's still dark (I'm not a morning person), but it worked out well once we landed and I was able to nap on the way down.

pretty sunrise from SeaTac

Clint splurged on this trip and got us a swanky room at Caesar's in the Octavius Tower. It was a huge upgrade from our room last year at the Quad with the sticky carpets and a love tub in the middle of the room.

beautiful day - arriving at the casino

comfiest bed ever

Clint forgetting how to vacation again

so fancy

loved this jetted tub

We had a while until Blake and Rebecca's flight got in that evening, so we walked around the hotel and looked for something to eat.

checking out the pools - too cold for a swim, but still
so sunny out!

the topless pool sans anyone actually topless

We found a place just outside (Serendipity) to grab some burgers and fries and sat outside people watching. Then it was back to the room for a nap and then get ready to meet up for dinner.

watching the Bellagio fountain show
from our room

awesome view

Once Blake and Rebecca got in, they met us at our hotel and we went to the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill for dinner. The place was pretty cool, and the food was delicious. Clint and I ended up splitting the pork chops, the portions were huge!

brothers!

Rebecca and me

After dinner, we did a little casino crawl down the strip stopping here and there to do some gambling and drinking.

view of the Aria from the tram

electronic craps at Monet Carlo

Our final destination was the New York New York where we all decided to ride the rollercoaster (well - with the exception of Blake and his bad neck - he was the purse holder instead). We made it just in time before they closed at 11pm, and it was a blast. The tracks take you right outside looking over the strip, and at night all the lights looked amazing.

We then stayed put and did some more gambling. Clint talked me into putting $50 on black on the roulette table, and can you believe it - I won! He said to let it ride...but I snatched up my winnings and was done for the night.

stackin chips

I watched Clint play blackjack for a while and was entertained by a Michael Jackson impersonator at the same time. This guy really drew in the crowd and really was impressive. He must have had 10 costume changes where he'd swap out his jacket and add a glove or a hat, so funny.

MJ, and maybe Macklemore there on the bottom

We called it a night around 2am and made the long trek back to the hotel. My feet were definitely feeling it the next day. Note to self for next time - bring at least one pair of shoes without heels.

watching them take down the Christmas decorations
at the Bellagio

The next morning, we met Blake and Rebecca at their hotel (the Quad - same as last year and conveniently just right across the street) for breakfast at the Hash House A-Go-Go. This place is a must when you're in town, but be warned, the portions are ginormous! Blake and Rebecca split the chicken and waffles. I wish I had taken a pic, but it came skewered into a huge tower, and the waffles had full pieces of bacon baked right into the middle. Here's Clint's country gravy breakfast pot pie.

After breakfast, we hopped in a cab and headed to Old Town to do some gambling where it's cheaper. I'm not so sure I'm a fan of Old Town now, too dirty and a little sad with all the homeless people peddling while we're all inside throwing our money away into the slots. We had fun, but I think I'll stick to the glam of the main strip from now on.

super old Keno machine

they even had actual coins!

casino hopping

Clint and Blake checking things out

watching this street artist paint was amazing

We split up for the afternoon and went back to our hotels to rest up. Blake and Rebecca stopped on their way to get us dinner and show tickets for the night, and a couple hours later, we were meeting them again at Mandalay Bay. We ate at Lupo by Wolfgang Puck, and besides the hostess being completely rude, the food and our waiter was great. They even made Blake a calzone that wasn't even on the menu!

dinner at Lupo

After dinner, we walked next door to the Luxor to see our show. I don't think I had ever been inside the huge pyramid before, so that was cool to see.

roof of the Luxor

just guess who picked this one

The show was great! The guys obviously liked it, and what girl doesn't like a good cabaret? Afterwards, Rebecca and I were feeling pretty sleepy from all the champagne, but the guys were amped up and ready to go. So, we marched our poor aching feet along with them back to the New York New York for some more gambling. After about an hour, we convinced them to take us back...this time in a cab!

On Monday, Rebecca's and my last day, we met up at Harrah's for lunch. Blake had gotten a Groupon for the KGB (Kerry's Gourmet Burgers). Again, portions were huge, and Clint and I probably should have split something. Clint got the Thanksgiving burger. A turkey burger with stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Unfortunately it sounded better than it actually was, but the tater tots made up for it.

Clint checking out the shrine at Caesar's on our way
to lunch

After we ate, we walked down the strip to the Venetian, one of my favorites. Again, it was a beautiful sunny day out, and not too cold.

The Venetian

pretty tree made of lights out front

checking out the gondolas

Christmas decor still up - and Clint being silly

Rebecca and I really didn't want to leave (just one more night!), but in order to make our flights, we needed to head back to our hotels and pack. Clint and I walked back through Caesar's forum shops, another one of my favorites. I think it's the pretty blue sky ceilings.

capturing one last taste of Vegas

Rebecca ended up meeting me at my hotel so that we could cab together to the airport. We said goodbye to the guys, and we were on our way. Overall, it was an awesome trip. I ended up breaking even with gambling, ate at some great places, saw an amazing show, and of course - got to spend time with Blake and Rebecca. Can't wait for CES 2015!