Dayton Date Night

Right on the heels of our Nashville trip, as in, we had to leave Nashville in time to be home for the show....we had tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Schuster Center in Dayton. We were gifted these from my parents back in January for our birthdays this year and the time had finally come to see the show.

I took this at the Johnny Cash Museum - how fitting!

If you're unfamiliar, Million Dollar Quartet tells the story of an incredible night in December 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis met for a recording session at Sun Records. The show itself really follows the story of how Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, brought everyone together and where their careers were headed at that time.

The show is comprised of all their hit songs so it was a lot of fun. Our seats were incredible, third row! We happened to sit next to the mother of the actor playing Jerry Lee Lewis which was neat. If you're a fan of this music, you'll really enjoy this show. We did!

Prior to the show, we had a light dinner at Citilites Restaurant in the Schuster Center. We were a bit short on time so we thought it'd be easier to already be at the theatre ahead of the show. Having eaten much southern food the previous three days, both John and I opted for salads. He had the kale caesar and my Wintergarden salad had mixed greens, blue cheese, cranberries and pecans. Both were delicious and very reasonably priced, especially since they were huge. They hit the spot! We also shared the Beef Tenderloin Egg Rolls which were quite tasty. Service was relatively quick in that we got to the show on time and we were able to get a table without having a reservation. We would definitely eat here again!

All in all, a great night out downtown. We are looking forward to trying out some new-to-us restaurants in Dayton in the coming weeks too.

Destination: Nashville

 Do you ever discover a new city on vacation and instantly feel like you could move there tomorrow? That's what Nashville did for me last week. John and I were fortunate enough to be sent there for a convention. It was a great mix of business and pleasure. Because the business side will bore you, here's what we did for pleasure!

We spent three nights at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Our room was $200/night before taxes but it's possible that may have been a group rate. The rooms were modern and spacious with a luxurious feel. Actually, everything in the hotel felt luxurious. The beds were comfortable, the shower was perfect and the room itself was so quiet. I didn't even need my earplugs. TOP TRAVEL TIP: Please tell me you pack earplugs when you travel. It will change your life! Nothing worse than noisy neighbors. There are several restaurants in the hotel and it happens to be attached to the Country Music Hall of Fame. We didn't have time to tour that but plan to do so in the future. Parking was a bit pricey at $32/night for valet but I think that's pretty comparable to other nearby hotels.

Outside the hotel, it was only a short 2 blocks to Broadway. Nashville is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and this is why! Starting in the afternoon and straight on through to the wee hours of the morning, each of these bars, honky tonks and restaurants has live music playing non-stop. It was incredible! If you're not a country music fan, never fear.

Great group at Robert's Western World -- view from the back balcony bar area

A lot of the groups played a mix of some fun, non-country hits sprinkled in. We had the best time at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World and Tin Roof Music Joint. Some of the places even had multiple stages and groups performing. The drinks were pretty pricey ($5/beer and $7+ for mixed drinks) but there are no cover charges. The bands play for tips and boy, do they deserve them.

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge -- awesome fiddler!

We had a fantastic time dancing and singing along with our new colleagues and all the other tourists. We probably stayed out way too late but it was hard to leave! Our last night was just the two of us because our friend, Sarah, and many others had already gone home. It was fun but it's more fun with a bit of a group where you're all enjoying the energy. The whole area has a fun and funky vibe. Everyone is friendly and in a good mood. Please don't miss the honky tonks if you head to Nashvegas (as they say).

Let's talk food. If you are a fan of southern cuisine, you are in luck! If you need lots of green vegetables in your life, you might have a little trouble. We ate at Rippy's BBQ as a group one night with a buffet of pork, chicken, potato salad, and cole slaw. I'm not sure about the cost as it was included in our tour price but I'm guessing it was quite reasonable. We ate at one of the hotel restaurants one night as well, Barlines. Burgers were cooked well and sweet potato chips were crunchy and plentiful. Most meals, however, were eaten during meetings and they were all tasty too. The Omni knows what they're doing, especially with fried chicken. YUM!

We discovered a couple Tennessee delicacies, as well. There were Moon Pies and Goo Goo clusters in our welcome bags. Holy cow! I was not counting calories at all this trip. I'm praying the dancing and walking balanced it all out. And we DID run in the hotel gym one morning (very nice facility).

Besides the food and music, there wasn't much time for sightseeing outside of meetings. We didn't even make it to the Opry or the Ryman. We were able to take a bus tour as a group on Thursday night which took us to some further out areas in Nashville like Music Row and gave a good history of the region. The one place John and I did visit was the Johnny Cash Museum.

It happened to be open until 7:00 pm when all other museums were closing at 5:00. It was also the cheapest entry fee at $15/person. It's a small but well done museum and John is a big fan so he really liked it. Lots of memorabilia and information about his career.

I actually learned a lot about Cash that I didn't know which was nice. One of my favorite exhibits was an ipad that allowed you to hear his songs in all different mediums they were recorded (vinyl, cassette, CD, mp3). That was very interesting and the vinyl really did sound great. The cassettes, not so much. It took us about an hour to go through which was enough time to let the rain outside let up. We had hot, steamy weather all three days but it did rain for a couple hours on Friday afternoon.

Last stop, not to be missed, is Hatch Show Print. This is the letterpress company that prints all of the posters for the artists coming into town for concerts, among other things. This was also attached to our hotel.

We bought a couple prints as souvenirs and I'm excited to frame them in our house. This is one that we bought. I couldn't find the other two online but they are equally cute and will make nice memories from our trip.

I'm already plotting when we can return to this wonderful city. There is so much that we missed that must be seen! I also want to get some cowboy boots really badly. John wasn't into it, but maybe he'd let me go back for this hat?

Even if you're not into country music, I think everyone can find something they'd love about Nashville. It was about a 5 hour drive for us which wasn't bad at all. Very easy for a future vacation......

Minding Frankie

After powering through the book that was supposed to last me all through vacation, I found myself scouring my mom's bookshelves looking for a nice little beach read.

Source

Amazon's Synopsis: "Baby Frankie is born into an unusual family. Her mother is desperate to find someone to take care of her child and she doesn't have much time. Noel doesn't seem to be the most promising of fathers but despite everything, he could well be Frankie's best hope. As for Lisa, she is prepared to give up everything for the man she loves; surely he's going to love her back? And Moira is having none of it. She knows what's right, and has the power to change the course of Frankie's life ...but Moira is hiding secrets of her own. MINDING FRANKIE is a story about unconventional families, relationships which aren't quite what they seem, and the child at the heart of everyone's lives ..."


What I Thought: The synopsis on Good Reads was so tiny I had to turn to Amazon. Theirs isn't much better but, there you have it. I've never read anything by Binchy before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Was it the most riveting story? No. Was it fine for reading by the pool with enough interesting characters and small plot twists to hold my attention? Yes.

Rating: * * 1/2

StitchFix #6

I got my most recent delivery from Stitch Fix back in May before we went to Florida. With all the travelling I've been doing lately, I haven't had a chance to tell you about it until now. I know it seems like I just got one, and I kind of did (in April). Actually, you can sign up to get them monthly but I don't have that kind of money or space in my closet.

Fair Warning: I didn't have time to crop these pics. Sorry about that extra space!

Collective Concepts, Mara Chevron Print & Colorblocked Tank, $58

I really liked the print and color of this tank when I pulled it out of the box. I had specifically requested some items that would be good in Florida and I think this fit the bill. The fabric is a lightweight chiffon but it wasn't see through.

However, the color block at the bottom didn't do me any favors and it's the same color as a blouse I received and kept a couples fixes back.

Verdict: Return


41Hawthorn, Alessandra Striped & Colorblocked Blouse, $54

This navy and neon yellow tank was like nothing in my closet. I really liked the length and it's racerback. Unfortunately, I didn't think it was very flattering on me. A bit too tent-like.

Verdict: Return

Papermoon, Lupita Colorblocked Cross-back Tank, $48

I really loved this one! The colors were unlike anything in my closet. The style was totally new to me. They included a white tank to wear underneath since it is completely sheer. I loved the cross back detail too.

Unfortunately, the craftsmanship on this one was a bit off. There were some seams that seemed unfinished and if I'm spending $50 on a tank top, I'd like the quality to be top notch. Because I was also trying to be judicious and questioned how often I could really wear this (i.e. not to the office).....

Verdict: Return

Under Skies, Olivina Hooded Slub Knit Cardigan, $58

I've actually been needing an outer layer for summer. You don't always want a heavier hoodie or jacket if it's cool at night. I thought this would be perfect for air travel too. Must have layers on a plane. The slub knit is the perfect weight and I dig the pockets.

Want to see the best part?

Hooded!

 Look, I can also cocoon myself in it.

Verdict: KEEP!

Eight Sixty, Kanni Highlow Printed Maxi Dress, $128

And last but not least, a fancy gown for you!

 I adore the Aztec print on this one and the gold hardware at the neckline. It's something I never would have selected on my own but loved it the instant I put it on. It was pretty sheer and has a cotton underlayer for more coverage.

I also really liked the hi-low hem. You could easily belt this for a different look too. Unfortunately, it was well out of my budget. And $30 over the price points I sent. Stitch Fix -- STOP DOING THIS TO ME! Do they honestly think I'm going to throw caution to the wind and pay more than I ever inteded? I guess so or they wouldn't price these things so high. I see plenty of other fixes at lower prices that I love so I don't know what's happening here.

Verdict: Return

Had I kept all five pieces, the cost would have been $244.50 with the 25% discount. Still well over anything I would pay for one shopping trip. I was glad not to have received any accessories in this one though. I don't need any more jewelry or scarves right now.

Interesting turn of events after I posted my last Fix review......a commenter said she also received a few of the pieces I did not keep because they were too expensive. However, they were priced well below (like $60 below) what they were for me. What the heck, StitchFix? I intend to get to the bottom of this. For now, I'm taking a break from them. I don't need any summer clothes right now anyway. But, I'll probably be back......

If you want to give it a shot for yourself (don't let my few sour notes here turn you off of it), PLEASE use my referral link found HERE. I will be your best friend forever.

Recipe Reblog: Summer Salads and Smores

A couple weekends ago, we hosted my brothers-in-law for a few nights. A good time was had by all! And, good food was eaten by all, as well. Here are the new recipes I tried.......


Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad: I wanted to do a potato salad that wasn't mayonnaise based. I love mayo but not everyone does. This recipe jumped out at me because it also used sweet potatoes. While I really liked all of the flavors in the corn, black beans, cilantro, etc. it was pretty time consuming. You have to grilled the potatoes and corn first and then mix everything together. There is no real dressing to speak of, just lime juice. I omitted the avocado so maybe that would have added more of a creaminess? It was light and tasty but only if you have the time to put into it by grilling the veggies ahead.

Quinoa Salad with Watermelon and Feta: When I announced this as a potential side, I was met with skepticism. I insisted it would be refreshing and delicious as a friend of mine proclaimed. I cooked the quinoa the day before so it would be cool when mixed but you probably don't have to do it that much ahead. The watermelon and feta played nicely off each other. The light dressing gave it a brightness that was perfect for summer. It was a hit with those skeptics and I plan on making this a lot more throughout these warmer months.

Soft and Gooey Loaded Smores Bars: Not interested in pulling out the fire pit but still wanting the smores flavor, I decided these bars would fit the bill. These mixed up very quickly in one bowl and were gooey-ing up in the oven in minutes. I ended up adding about 10 minutes to the baking time because I didn't feel like they were setting up. I also refrigerated them prior to cutting into squares. They were gooey and GOOD! The pan was quickly devoured and I will definitely be making these again in the future.


What have you been making lately? Any recipes I must make? Do tell!

Me Before You

Once again, I forget where the recommendation for this book came to me. Either way, here it is.

Source

Good Reads' Synopsis: Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

What I Thought: While that is a very flimsy explanation of the plot, this is a great summer read! It kept my attention all throughout traveling a couple weeks ago when I was in Florida. Thwarting distractions in the airport is not an easy thing to do but Moyes' story succeeded. Lou and Will are intriguing characters that play well off of each other. If you're looking for a bit of an off-beat love story (I suppose you can call it that), this is a good one!

Rating: * * * *

Beer Me: Point Ybel Brewing Company

Having been to Ft. Myers close to 10 times in my life, it's growing increasingly difficult to find new places to explore. But, you didn't really think I'd go somewhere without checking out the local brew scene, did you?

A little help from Google led me to Point Ybel Brewing Company just a few miles down San Carlos Blvd. from my parents' condo.

I meant to take a picture of the board of beer offerings but after we were served our flight, I plum forgot about it! Luckily, our friendly bartender wrote them all down for me. I hate when a flight is plopped down in front of you and you can't remember which 5 beers they rattled off in order for you so kindly.

I loved the Sanibel Red, the YAY! (which was a saison) and the No See Um, an extra pale (not hoppy) ale. Everything else was pretty heavy on the hops so John had a good time with those. I really wanted to like the Black Mangrove but the IBU's were way to high for me. Everything was really smooth with good depth.

Prices were very reasonable at about $7 (I think) for all 6 offerings. On the "nearly finished" side of their board, they listed a key lime wheat beer. I was bummed that wasn't ready yet. Guess we'll have to go back!

Also on point was their snack game. Pretzels AND cheese and caramel popcorn. My request for both was obliged, much to John's embarrassment. I didn't hear him complaining as we plowed our way through the bowl though.

I also loved my souvenir!

It's a pint glass shaped like a can. Unique, only five bucks and it survived the flight home. Winner winner chicken dinner!

There were plenty of seats at a long bar as well as a couple tables and jumbo Jenga all in what they've dubbed the Hurricane Hole. Sure, I'd ride out a hurricane there. We will definitely be back next time we're in town!