Maifest - Part 1

Something HUGE is going to happen tomorrow.

MAIFEST!

3 Local Homebrewers and 200 of their

close friends / family.

I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Look at their 'Brew Menu' - They mean business!

Weekend in Review - HCFM Style.

Good Morning! This past weekend was nuts. It started off with me in a terrible mood because we spent 4 hours in the car on Saturday driving to Hays. However, the end of the weekend was pretty freaking awesome. So like I said, we ventured to Hays, KS on Saturday and one our friends, Oz joined us for the ride. We were on our way to celebrate Chubbs and Hayley getting married. I must say I-70 is a pretty awesome high way...pretty well taken care of and hardly any cops! Which made the drive superfast! We arrived in Hays around 230 and checked in to the ultra classy Ramada Inn. Lets just say we will not stay there again. It wasn't terrible just not the best. Then we decided to grab a drink at a local diner / brewery prior to the wedding. We had about an hour to kill and everything in Hays is so close together, we were not even concerned with being late or getting stuck in traffic! We found our way to this local favorite Gella's Diner. Who knew this gem was in Hays, KS? Well, actually Ashley did because they were at the GABF last year in Denver. It is a cute little restaurant and they brew their own beer! Their beer is great and has won a lot of awards. So we quickly taste tested a few them then headed off to the wedding. Wedding - short and sweet. Hayley and Chubbs married. They had their reception at the Fox Pavillion which is this old movie theatre in town. Pretty neat place and the food was terrific. After the reception some of the guys stayed up and hung out Pi Kapp style. I went to bed...as I was picked to drive home on Sunday.

Sunday was probably the best day of the weekend. We had decided to stop in Manhattan on the way home. It was all we could think about for some reason... and it was a unanimous vote to stop at So Long Saloon for lunch. Raspberry Chipotle Blackbean Queso and The BIRD sandwich. It really made my day! Then we ventured over to Varney’s to buy some KSU garb. There are a few new stores in ol' Aggieville, and I happened to run into one of my favorites. It isn't new...but it is a goodie! Krystallos! I bought a new ring. It is this cute jewelry store that I just love! I met the guys at Ballard’s after my ring shopping...and as we were coming out of the store we heard this very distinct low cuban voice. It was FRANK MARTIN! He was coming out of one my favorites - Bluestem Bistro with his family. I about died. Ashley and Oz pretty much said “Don’t say anything, he’s with his family”. Which they were right…it would have been awkward. But how freaking awesome is that? He is much taller in person and has very broad shoulders. We made our way to our car and made the car ride home. I turned around to get a picture of him...in his car! Am I a dork or what!?!?!   Congrats Hayley and Chubbs!

Did You Know - Thursday

So what if I keep a jar of Peanut Butter - Honey Roast in the drawer of my desk at work? I like to make toast for breakfast.

Next to the trusty jar is a great coffee replacment - the ultimate Diet Coke. I am not a huge pop drinker...but sometimes I cannot just pass up a good Diet Coke.

Happy Thursday All! The weekend cannot come soon enough! :)

Hays, KS

This weekend, I am going to stretch the legs of my trusty Ford Fusion.

We are making a trip to Hays, KS for a wedding.

This is my first time to Hays, and well pretty much any city West of Salina. 

It is about 4 hours away from KC.

I can't decide if I should drive or make Ashley?!?!?

I think I may get bored just riding along.

There sure is a lot of land between KC and Hays.

In the back of my mind...

I anticipate the car ride being very sceneic and full of fields.

Is there a Braum's in Salina?

I am hoping to stop through Manhattan on the way home, 

to get some So Long...

A Conversation with Giada!

I spent Monday evening with Giada De Laurentiis, one of my favorites from the Food Network. Her latest cook book 'Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California' was released at the end of March. Rainy Day Books held a conversation gathering at Unity Temple on the Plaza to discuss her new book, life, and work. With a purchase of the ticket, the participants received a signed copy of her new book! I cannot wait to get cooking! If anyone wants to taste test...come on over! :)

Did You Know - Thursday

I love Tulips.

The landscaping in the front yard has about 80 tulip bulbs.

They are early, mid and late bloom tulips.

Lucky Me.

Did You Know - Thursday

I am a KC Royals fan. I tend to be a fair-weather fan, and only cheer for them when they are playing great. Haha, the KC people reading this blog are scratching their head wondering if they are ever good? This year I have decided to be an ALL-SEASON fan. You just wait. My goal is to attend 10 games this season. The home opener is this coming Monday and I definitely wish I could skip work to attend. I guess I'll just have to listen to the game in my cube.

Say it with me...."Let's Go Royals.....Let's Go Royals..... Let's Go Royals"