Happy Halloween 2013

Here's a photo of Cory and I on our first Halloween together. Throwback to 2 years ago as Alfalfa & Darla. 

Ever since we started dating I've called him my Alfalfa. Simply for the reason that his hair stands up in the back all the time. Not as exaggerated as it was here, but close. 

This was a fun night. And I'm excited to one day dress up along side our little ones and make an event out of Halloween. This is one of Cory's favorite holidays and it seems like it's never a big deal around here. We have decor up but nothing spectacular. I'm hoping to one day throw a big Halloween party. That will be fun. 

Hope everyone has a safe and fun night. Make sure to have  more treats than tricks.

xo leah

Recipe: Spring Rolls

Last night I was inspired to try out a new recipe of Spring Rolls with a Rice Noodle stir-fry. It turned out really good and super easy. One thing I like about the Spring Rolls is that you can make the filling a head of time and then make the rolls when your ready. The rolling and frying part doesn't take long at all. 

The Stir-Fry was a simple recipe of Rice Noodles, chopped Carrots, Water Chestnuts, Cilantro, Garlic, and about 1/2 c. of Peanut Sauce (store-bought for me).  You can add more veggies to it if you prefer. 

For the Spring Rolls you'll need 

1 lb. package of Hot Italian Sausage 

(you can get medium or mild for your spice level preference)

1 cup Sliced Carrots

1 cup Chopped Cilantro

2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce

2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a hot oiled skillet

2. Ground meat very finely

3. Once cooked thoroughly place in fridge to cool off completely. 

*** Make sure your filling mixture is completely cooled off before rolling.

 If not, it could cause holes in the spring rolls ***

Once your ready to start making the rolls grab a little cup of water along with a Tablespoon and the bowl of filling.

  Place your oil into a large pot and turn on med-high heat. 

1. Place 1- 1 1/2 Tablespoons of filling in corner of roll. 

2. Fold up bottom and spread filling out like a hot dog. 

3. Place a small amount of water on the folded up side (I just dip my fingers in the cup of water and run them along the side) and fold in the edges.

4. Place more water along the top of the newly made triangle section and roll the spring roll up from bottom to top of the triangle. 

5. Set aside and keep rolling. Once your finished and the oil is starting to crackle, place the rolls into pot. It should take about 5-10 minutes to get to golden brown. Once golden brown, take out and let sit for a few minutes. They will be hot inside! 

These are a perfect compliment to any stir-fry or as a snack by themselves.

Enjoy!

xo leah

PDX Foodie: Oven & Shaker and Southland Whiskey Kitchen

This past weekend my sister Bekah visited. 

And with that we chose to try a new places out in downtown. 

First Oven & Shaker 

This place is known for it's amazing pizzas and dangerously delicious drinks. The food, drinks, and location of this pace makes it one of my new found favorites. Located in the heart of Portland's Pearl District, it makes for a great lunch, dinner, or late night happy hour. Oven & Shaker is listed in Willamette Week's Top 99 Restaurants of Portland.

 Go and see for yourself just why. 

My Favorites

Eat: Pizza - Wild Fennel Sausage        Drink: Pineapple Trainwreck

Second Southland Whiskey Kitchen

If you like whiskey and some good ole' southern food this is the place for you. Lots of choices for the Whiskey you may prefer and just some yummy comfort food. This Portland Place is located off 23rd Avenue and would make a great stop for dinner after an afternoon of shopping. 

This weekend was another filling one. 

Good for the body and soul!

Some other places we tried:

Tear Drop Lounge

&

Masu Sushi

Food & Fun,

xo leah

Drinks: Black Sangria

This recipe for Sangria fits exactly with the Halloween spirit. When it comes to trick or treat, I choose treats and this drink is perfect for just that.

Some Sangria recipes call for 1 cup sparkling water. That helps to downplay the strong taste of the wine. For this recipe you do not need that. I chose a wine that was extra sweet and not too wine-y tasting (that is such a thing in my book).

I chose Roscato. It's like a red moscato, hence the name. You can buy these at World Market.

You'll also need:

1 cup of Blackberries

1 cup of Blueberries

3 Black Plums

Directions: Add all ingredients into a pitcher and stir. Let sit in refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Best served chilled. 

This drink is perfect for a Halloween party. 

Enjoy!

xo leah

*All thoughts on this wine product are my own

3rd Annual October Beach Visit

Every October we go to the beach. It started when Cory and I were dating and we just kept it up the last two years. I personally think the trip to the beach is perfect during this time of year. The color of the leaves, the crisp air, it's all so beautiful. 

We decided to leave Lucy with my parents and take Gretta for her first visit to the beach. 

We were blessed again to have sunshine for most of the trip. It started off foggy that morning but as the day went on the sunshine peeked out. It just didn't rain. And that made me happy. 

We drove through Tillamook to get to the beach.

Gretta loves to dig. We of course don't let her at the house, but at the beach she was free to dig as much as she wants. And it was pure joy for her. 

It was so much fun seeing how happy she was. When her paws hit the sand she couldn't walk or run, she hopped! This dog loves water and the ocean was no exception. We will be back again (hopefully before next October)! 

xo leah

Seattle Visit: October 2013

At the beginning of this month  I took a visit to my sister's in Seattle. This trip was yet again a wonderful one. We got hit with some early fall sunshine. 

We always visit Pike's Market. Either for a little souvenir, a taste of their fresh veggies or fruits, or to try out a new restaurant. 

We ventured around and did find some new places to try out. There is this one little stretch of the market that makes you feel like your in Europe. Perhaps Italy (never been but I can dream). The brick buildings, tight alleys, the smell of delicious food. We stopped in at an Antique shop before grabbing lunch at the Pink Door. 

The Pink Door was a very cute restaurant. One that I could see going back to year round. The entrance is very fitting. No large sign, just a pink door. 

The inside is ornately yet cozily decorated. Again bringing back that what-I-imagine-Italy feeling like. One certain days of the week they have shows inside - hence the inside swing. 

Since it was such a beautiful day everyone was outside on their back-covered terrace. The outside portion of the restaurant had a different feel to it. Brightly covered picnic-tablecloths covered each table with brightly matching chairs. The view was spectacular as well. 

 I would like each of the tablecloths please and a set of table and chairs:

During this trip we also: 

* Stopped in at Starbucks for a coffee date

*Viewed the Space Needle from a high-rise

*Stopped at Ikea for a few things I've been wanting

One night we got a little dressed up and headed to Amber for a little girls night. This is probably one of my favorite bars/dance spots. They have a very nice bar with yummy drinks with a teeny dance area in the back. It's a great place to hang out with a group of friends. Especially if half of you like to dance and half of you don't. There is seating all around the dance floor. It's just good fun. 

During this trip we stopped for happy hour at Lola. Get the goat cheese turnovers. Oh my goodness...delicious. If I could bake I would make these everyday. We also went to Black Bottle and had more food with one of the best Sangrias I've had. And finished the trip with some sushi at Umi Sake House. 

Can't wait for my next visit!

travel and dining,

xo leah