Wordless Wednesday: The Man I Love

                                               

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday... hope you are all enjoying your week and staying cool.
Here is my submission for today.... "The Man I Love....."




Don't forget to head over to the WW Hub to link up your post and visit the other bloggers.
Until next time..... Lorie

How Hot IS it in Florida.....

This guy says it all.....




Thanks to my hubby for forwarding this via email from a friend of his.  Hope you are all dealing with the heat where you are (if you have it).

Until next time..... Lorie

NHC Update

A big congratulations to Pete Britton (of Lake in the Hills, IL), Brian Steuerwald (of Brownsburg, IN) and Matt Haugo & Scott Wellington (of Aliso Viejo, CA) for taking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively in Category 22: Smoke-Flavored and Wood-Aged Beer in this year's National Homebrew Contest.

Unfortunately, Old Woodie ("OW") didn't quite make the cut. Actually, I recieved my second round scorecards this week and OW didn't score as well as it had during the first round (average score of 33 in the second round versus 39 in the first round). I kind of suspected that the judging would be a bit tough in the national rounds versus the regional rounds.

See the following link for the results. All in all a great showing this year with well over 6,000 entries. This was my first competition, but I suspect not my last.

Congrats to all winners!

In other news, Meg somehow bamboozled me into doing the South Beach Diet with her. So no beer for me for the next two weeks.

Even though I can't drink it, I suspect I'll be brewing up something during the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend. Stay tuned.

-HolzBrew

arrivederci

Yellow- the color of daffodils, butter, cozy things, happy thoughts, and my personal favorite color-of-choice for most things decor. Arrivederci in Hillcrest appealed to me with their comforting yellow and white striped decor with small, intimate wooden tables and a seemingly inviting atmosphere. With pasta on the mind, Ashton and I took our chances on weekday evening hoping that a later dinner would help us to avoid the crowd that seems to be a permanent fixture at this neighborhood bistro. With only one entrance door and a constant flood of waiters, food runners, hostesses, and patrons, it was a tight squeeze to even reach the hostess stand, which was unmanned and we were ignored for about 5 minutes before a harried hostess rushed up and asked if we had a reservation. Sadly no, but she looked around and dashed off, promising to see what she could do. Not exactly a casual way to begin a meal, but the heavenly aromas pouring off of every table were strong indicators that we should stick it out and see what they had to offer.



After a short wait, we were led to the right side of the restaurant which held a separate wine bar; the entire building seemed to be broken into tiny rooms, seemingly toeing the line of claustrophobic and intimate, but at least we were able to be seated quickly. The menu looked extremely promising, and we had plenty of time to look it over as the waiter did not even glance at our table for a solid 20 minutes. By then, we had decided on wine, appetizers, entrees, and had discussed skipping dessert due to the amount of time we'd already spent without tastebud compensation. Happily, once we were acknowledged it was a steady uphill climb in terms of service and experience.



As a duo of calamari enthusiasts, we decided to begin with the calamari appetizer which featured thin slices shaved over a bed of fresh greens with a citrus vinaigrette. Fresh, light, and plentiful- it was a pleasant way to begin the meal, despite the fact that no where on the menu did it mention that it was a salad and came with anything besides actual calamari. If we had known that, we might not have also ordered the warm duck salad with bacon vinaigrette with pine nuts and golden raisins. However, I'm glad we did because this was absolutely fantastic. Definitely recommended.





By then, we had seen the portions that other tables were being served and opted to split an entree of seafood pasta, which they kindly served in two bowls with some of the best bread I've ever sopped up pasta sauce with. I don't know how or where they get their bread, but it was spectacular. The pasta itself was great- it's always nice to go to a place that puts as much emphasis on the actual pasta as it does the sauce. There was a hearty helping of mussels, clams, shrimp, and scallops, and even with sharing we both left with smiles.

Overall, the service was lacking, the rooms themselves were stuffy, but the food booted it up high enough for me to go back again. Worth a shot- but don't go expecting the white glove treatment. Also, apparently you need reservations for even a Tuesday night, so plan ahead, and don't be surprised if you're met with a hostile wait. It's worth it though!

happy birthday, mandoo so hee!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR FOREVER CUTE SO HEE!!..YOU ALREADY MATURED NOW AND I TOTALLY CAN SEE YOUR IMPROVEMENT..NO MORE SO-SHY-HO HEE..YOU CAN EXPRESS YOURSELF BETTER NOW AND EVEN YOUR SINGING IS IMPROVING..KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK..MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH LOTS OF LOVE AND FIGHTING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW..SARANGHAE <3333

Cartoon of the Day - Advantages???? of Telephone Technology

Sometimes technology can really be a pain in the butt!  I know that when we had a house phone, there were days at our house that were just like this:



Hope you all had a great week, sorry I haven't been visiting and haven't posted much, but my whole week has been like that cartoon - I just can't seem to get organized.  I'm going to try and do better next week.
Until next time..... Lorie

Fred's Mexican Cafe

Anyone who can tell the difference between a jalapeno and a habanero knows that Fred's Mexican Cafe is nothing more than a gimmicky tourist trap flaunting pseudo-Mexi-American eats that's fun for the whole family! I'd say it's closer to a fancy Taco Bell or at best a Don Pablo's where the waiters are all white and there's not a bowl of pico de gallo in sight. Velvet Elvis leers at you from the bathroom and brightly painted maracas are passed around to the scores of overweight children sipping on neon plastic straws leading into a gallon of soda. Regardless, being the open-minded restauranteur that I am, with a margarita craving the likes of which I have never experienced, we headed over there for some Happy Hour slush drinks that sometimes you just gotta have.



To be honest, despite the scores of pale kids from places like Iowa and Oklahoma on Spring Break with their sunburnt parents flush with the excitement of vacation so obviously showing with their getup of sandals and socks, the atmosphere wasn't bad and the experience was surprisingly casual and yes, perhaps, even fun! It's a giant place in the heart of Old Town with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The building really does have a (albeit stereotypical and somewhat cheesy) "old town" feel to it, and while it's not cheap, for a mixed drink that I'd be ashamed to order anywhere else, it wasn't bad at all. Luckily the drinks were stiff and the fajitas sizzling, so although I might not find myself there on a return trip, I was able to sit back, sip on a sugary slush, watch the passerbyers, and enjoy some chips and salsa. It was one of those evenings filled with a guilty sort of pleasure that one shit talks later but enjoys at the moment. Fred's- the best place to hate but secretly love.

Be Strong, Min Sun Ye!

Fighting Sun Ye..you are a strong leader..cry your heart out now and you will be better later..i know you are always a positive person and never give up..we will always here to be with you...remember that you are not alone, alright?..saranghae~~p/s: at moment like this..i really hope other celebs will be there for her esp hae n teuk...well, they are her fanboys so it isn't wrong to be there for

Self Portrait Sunday: At My Favorite Place on Earth

Welcome to Self Portrait Sunday, started by my friend Maria of Maria's Space. According to Maria, here are the reasons for playing: Come on, admit it, you look through your photo albums or computer folders and see very few photos of yourself. Maybe it is because, like me, you are usually behind the camera. Or maybe, it's because you never feel you look good in photos so you tell everyone, "

happy birthday, my cute endorphin, ryeowook!

it's my forever cute maknae ryeowook!!..i even can't call him 'oppa' since i feel that he's wayyy tooo adorable to be called 'oppa'..haha..happy birthday, dear!..hope you have a blast birthday this year and i heard that u've celebrated few times already for this birthday..your stomach must be fulled with yummy cakes, huh?..hehe..anyway, do take care and S.A.R.A.N.G.H.A.E! ♥ ♥ ♥

Happy Father's Day

You could call Sonora Smart Dodd the "Mother of Father's Day." After all, the holiday, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, was inspired by her.


Dodd's mother died in 1898 during childbirth, leaving her father, William Jackson Smart, to raise Dodd and her five younger brothers (including the newborn baby) on a remote farm near Spokane, Wash. While attending a Mother's Day sermon in

proud...=D

wanna know why i'm being so proud right now?..coz our xander wears 'baju melayu'!..omGD..i'm really shocked when saw this pic..uploaded by a person..once i saw this i got my jaw dropped for a while..haha..he is just too handsome..and does he preparing to attend his own wedding?..LOL..if he wears this during Eid day..then it will be just perfect...^^||HERE HE IS...||V..this is just P.E.R.F.E.C.T!..

Snuggles With Ma

A good hug from mommy always makes you feel terrific!



{Photo Courtesy: Daily Squee}

Until next time..... Lorie

Silly Joke From My Hubby

There was a snail who wanted to be a Formula One racing driver. He went to the track and asked if he could drive. The racing team manager said, "Yes, but you can't have a number on your car, you can only have an 'S' because you are a snail."


 





The snail was ok with this, so he entered the race. The race started and the snail's car was at the back, but suddenly he sped to the front,

happy?..jealous?..definitely yes..

ok..here i go..anybody knows what day is it?..it's a day when ukiss had their 1st fanmeeting in Malaysia..and what am i doing?..*sigh*..honestly, i really wanna go but it's just that i can't due to few reasons..and the biggest obstacle is one and only..my Mom..LOL..if let say i tell her that i wanna go, definitely she won't allow and forbid me from going..i can go out from Malacca only if i'm

Anointing of the Sick

On Monday morning, June 21st, Father Larry will bless me with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at morning mass (7:15 am EST). Please keep myself, my doctors, my family, and my friends in your prayers during this sacred time of healing.

Para. 1526: "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (Jas 5:14-15).

About the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (from American Catholic website)

Although the sacrament began as a ritual of healing, over time the emphasis shifted to the forgiveness of sins on the deathbed, when such forgiveness would be the final preparation for heaven. The Second Vatican Council returned the original meaning to the sacrament by emphasizing that it is not only for those who are at the point of death, but for anyone who is seriously ill, including mental or spiritual illness. It also helped move the Anointing away from a private service and back toward a community-based one.

Today we are all aware that tensions, fear and anxiety about the future affect not only our mind but our body as well. These illnesses can be serious. They can move us to ask for the healing touch of Christ in the Sacrament of Anointing. Persons with the disease of alcoholism or persons suffering from other addictions can be anointed. So can those who suffer from various mental disorders. The anxiety before exploratory surgery to determine if cancer is present is a situation in which Christ's power can be invoked in the sacrament.

In these cases the person does not have to wait until the illness is so grave that he or she is in the hospital or institutionalized to celebrate the sacrament. Sacraments, after all, are community celebrations. It is preferable to celebrate them in the context of family and parish even before going to the hospital. The sick person has a better opportunity to appreciate the prayers and symbols of the rite when in her or his customary worshiping community.

'Nuff Said.....

To borrow a saying from my friend Erin of Slice o' Heaven..... 'nuff said:


{Photo courtesy Oddly Specific}

Until next time..... Lorie

Beautiful White Tiger

Here is another gorgeous animal I have found on Cute Overload that I wanted to share with you all. My favorite thing about this cutie is his eyes.... enjoy:



Until next time..... Lorie

Happy 50th Anniversary to Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho"

Alfred Hitchcock is my favorite director because I adore suspense movies... NOT horror movies (that's Bill's forte) but the kind of movie that has you sitting on the edge of your seat and holding your breath.  Alfred Hitchcock was the MASTER.  Fifty years ago today, the movie Psycho was released in theaters.  It was something truly unique to its time because before that movie, people used to come

youtube channel...

hey folks!..i have new youtube account...please do subscribe me ok..i'm new there anyway...he3..AIZAMIA33 YOUTUBE CHANNEL

el take it easy gastro-cantina

These days, it's a pretty ballsy move to expand your business, especially in the ever-fickle restaurant world where it could be months, and more often years before you can even begin to see a profit in such a major investment. However, when you've got a good idea, you can't let the economy excuse hold you back from some major potential, which is exactly what chef Max Bonacci from The Linkery has done with partner Jair Téllez with the new North Park venture El Take It Easy gastropub, a unique concept meshing tapas style with casual Mexican atmosphere with a slightly upscale twist. Comfortable enough to be considered a cantina, but with oddities like sweet & sour chicken heads and pork belly & quail egg terrine, it's sure to bring in a food-crazy crowd of a higher level.



El Take It Easy is nestled next to Ranchos, one of my favorite local vegetarian/Mexican joints, and the long-vacant space has been transformed seemingly overnight with a windowless vertical wood board facade with metal accents that both recall Soviet-era coldness mixed with contemporary industrial, yet remains strangely inviting by the warmth of polished wood. Inside, the sweeping room with its worn cement floor can be taken in one glance, despite the dark decor and powerful bar presence on the left hand side. Technically, the gastro-cantina is still in the soft opening stage and has not yet opened to the public beyond reservations made by those in-the-know enough to already be on the Linkery email blast, so when we arrived there were perhaps only two other people in the dining room.



The absence of a crowd proved to be a blessing, and I set aside my usual assumption that an empty restaurant has nothing to offer me. The waiter was straightforward in manner and made no excuses for the fact that they've been open less than a week. It almost was presented as a challenge- of course one that I could not refuse. To get the evening off on the right foot, I decided to finally indulge in a beverage I've waited to try until I felt the opportunity would be sure to end in pleasure- sangria! I've heard far too many horror stories about disgusting sangria, so until I felt confident that the result would be a good one I have avoided the fruity wine. I have to say, it wasn't quite love at first sip, but it certainly wasn't unpleasant by any means. The fruit held the alcohol quite nicely, and while I can't compare it to any other, it seemed to be a refreshing drink and the perfect cocktail to begin the experience.



We started with the grilled beef cheeks, and with all other previous experiences with this particular cut being pretty spectacular, I wasn't expecting to be disappointed. Thankfully, this tender cut atop a salad of baby romaine and drizzled with a slightly sweet, tinge of spice dressing that appeared to be hot sauce but was happily far more complex proved to be a solid dish. You could cut the meat with a fork easily, and with the tiniest veins of fat marbling through the meat, each bite of the tender cheek exploded with its own juices and gave off a full, rich, just-off-the-grill flavor.



The Linkery is known for its meats, so I wasn't completely disappointed with the thin strips of cured bacon atop the salad. What they lacked in explosive flavor they made up in quirkiness as a garnish. The one complaint I had with overall meal is the main focus of almost every dish was a sweet/sour juxtaposition. On the beef cheeks, the sauce was, I felt, well paired to bring out the flavor of the meat, but it got repetitive throughout the meal. Either the dish was savory with a sweet side sauce, or vice versa, and this dish, while not quite as extremely paired as others, was just the first of many.



Since 1/3 of our trio abstains from all things meat, we explored the vegetarian options on the menu. In San Diego, it's almost a requirement, even in a meat-enthusiastic restaurant, to have several vegetarian options. One of the (I felt) most boring items was the grilled asparagus. Certainly a well-executed dish (no good comes from soggy, overcooked greens or charred asparagus) in flavor and presentation, it was enjoyable without being anything more than grilled asparagus. Again with the sweet and savory compliments, the grilled stalks were rubbed with garlic and salt and dressed with an Asian-fusion sweet and sour sauce with flecks of the red chiles you so often find in Thai dishes. Enjoyable to be sure, but nothing out of this world- a safe dish.



Rabbit, for some reason, isn't readily available in many restaurants and almost no stores, so whenever I see it on a menu I usually have to get it, however it's prepared. Cry me a river about how it's like eating an adorable puppy and how sick and sad and twisted it is to munch on a bunny- just save it. Rabbits are adorable AND delicious- where does it say your meal has to be ugly and smelly while alive?

Anyway, when it comes presented in taquito form, there's no way I'm passing that up! (It was also found further down on the menu as rabbit sausages, but upon the waiter's suggestion I went with the rolled tacos). As far as rolled tacos go, I enjoyed everything about these particular ones. As far as the rabbit expressing itself in this dish, that unfortunately just wasn't there. It lacked the gamey flavor that I hope is evident in the sausage dish, but that's a question to be left unanswered until next time.



Their longaniza was described as a smoked chorizo with curry notes over a navy bean and cheese puree, and while I like everything about that dish, this one felt a little flat. The chorizo was well smoked, not too spicy and the mild curry taste really brought out the flavor of the meat, but there simply wasn't enough of it over the puddle of puree. Once the small pieces were gone, it was a mushy, baby food-esque dish with superb flavor but lack of bulk. With a little tweaking, this could be a top notch dish.



The second vegetarian option of the night was the veggie torta, which was served on a flat crisp with grilled produce and topped with a radish garnish on a crown of guacamole. I am extremely enthusiastic about the emphasis that the grill has at El Take It Easy, and hope that they continue down this path. As simple as this dish was, it was one of my favorites. Very clean, and the quality and freshness of the produce was obvious with the first bite. A slighty peppery aftertaste was a pleasant way to end each bite.



At this point, we were reaching the end of our stomach limits, but the special of the night was a goat cazuela, which was a greenish broth in a clay bowl served with tender goat meat and fresh tortillas. This was hands-down the best dish of the evening. If the tortillas weren't made within a few hours of being served I'll eat my hat. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't realize what a tortilla SHOULD taste like, and highly recommend heading over there to try them out. It was the epitome of tapas to tear apart some tortillas to share with the group and dip them into the highly flavorful broth, wetting your fingers up to the knuckle and digging in. This is what food should be!

The goat itself was beautifully shredded into large chunks, and the broth was thick without being oppressively filling. As much as I love getting down and dirty with a dish to share, it would have been nice to have a spoon with it as well to get the smaller pieces near the end, but no matter. Decorum went out the window and every drop was eventually devoured and enjoyed.



Somehow, we found room for one last dish to cleanse ourselves from the feast. The melon, chile, and lime didn't sound particularly appealing to me, but even a simple dish tiptoeing the line of boring can be spectacular when the ingredients are right. I'm not even particular to melon, but the yellow watermelon absolutely oozed with clarity of flavor. I could literally taste the sun that it basked in before getting sliced and served. The dash of chile powder could have been slightly more aggressive, but overall with the right produce this is definitely a dish to try.

The atmosphere is high end without being pretentious, and the music was an eclectic mix of anything from hardcore rap to mariachi music. With a few paintings or photos on the walls, I think this place is ripe for success, and with a bit of tweaking, the dishes all have the potential to be top notch in every way.

El Take It Easy
3926 30th Street
North Park, San Diego 92104
Open nightly at 6pm, closed Tuesday

Beer Haul

Unfortunately I've been extremely busy at work since my recent trip to the Pacific NW, so I haven't been able to report a proper run down of the beer related events. Maybe I'll find time this weekend. Regardless, Meg and I returned with lots of beer. We have drank some of it. Tonight at dinner we tapped into my favorite named brew (for obvious reasons), Eric's Ale. It's a sour ale through and through. My fascination with sour's is increasing by the day. I forsee more sour brewing in the future. The only thing is that a decent sour takes at least a year to brew (more like 2-3 years to perfect) so it requires some patience.

That's all for now!

-HolzBrew

Free Hugs in Italy

This touched me and I wanted to share it with you... enjoy.





How about we all give someone a hug today?

Until next time..... Lorie

just few updates about me today..

just like yesterday..actually i dunnoe what to write today..but i still want to keep you guys update about me..so, i make a list just like in one of my previous posts..1) i'm, busy preparing gifts to xander and other U-Kiss members..my friend will pass them to him since i'm not be going to the fanmeeting event..2) i will be really busy with my work since for 5-6 days straight i will be at the

Oktoberfest 2010

Oktoberfest brewing for this year is complete! I want to take a moment and share some numbers with all of you.

-This year Left Hand brewed 900bbls of Oktoberfest, that’s 15 brews into 5 tanks

-Wort production alone took 120 hrs man hours

-The brewers lifted and milled 26,625 kg (58,698 lbs) of malt, that’s 1,065 25 kg bags!

-118.74 kg (261.7 lbs) of hops were used

-89 bbls of water in the brewhouse per batch, that’s 41,385 gallons total

At last year’s Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, a record 6.5 million liters of beer was consumed over a 15 day period. Based on the hours of service in the beer tents, the 900 bbls (105,612 liters) Left Hand brewed would have been consumed in 3 hrs 12 mins.

The season is approaching!

Prost!

Ro Guenzel

Head Brewer

Left Hand Brewing Company

Left Hand Brewing Summer Beer Dinner at Bigelo’s Bistro

Left Hand Brewing Summer Beer Dinner at Bigelo’s Bistro

Sunday June 27th

4pm

$38 Gratuity not included

140 N Main St

Edwardsville, IL 62025

618-655-1471

http://www.bigelosbistro.com/events/

MENU

1ST - Roasted Corn & Pablano Quesadilla with Chimmicurri Salsa

**Polestar Pilsner**

2ND - Asian BBQ Pulled Pork over Creamy Ginger Coleslaw

**Good JuJu**

3RD - Bratwurst Slider Topped with Grilled Onions & Sharp Cheddar,

with Bourbon Baked White Baked Beans

**Sawtooth**

4TH - Andoullie & Crawfish Jambalya

**400 Pound Monkey English IPA**

5TH - PEach Cobbler with Maple Syrup

** Haystack Wheat**

Tickets must be purchased in advance

We will be joined by Mike Walters from Left Hand Brewing Company to discuss everything Left Hand!

Saint Paul Summer Beer Festival

Saint Paul Summer Beer Festival

Sunday June 20th

VIP admission: noon - 5pm

General admission: 1pm - 5pm

Midway Stadium 1771 Energy Park Drive St Paul MN 55108

http://www.stpaulsummerbeerfest.com/

Saint Paul's biggest beer festival dedicated to craft beers! The 2nd annual St Paul Summer Beer Fest will take place Sunday, June 20th, 2010 at Midway Stadium in beautiful St. Paul. With over 50+ breweries in it's first year, the St Paul Summer Beer Fest is fast becoming the Twin Cities foremost craft beer festival. Update: 70+ breweries confirmed for this year!

This outdoor festival will feature unlimited beer sampling, a commemorative tasting glass, live music, food, a silent auction, and the fun atmosphere of Midway Stadium.

Jungle Jim’s 5th Annual International Beer Fest

Jungle Jim’s 5th Annual International Beer Fest

Friday June 18th

7-10pm

5440 Dixie Highway

Fairfield, Ohio 45014

513.674.6000

http://www.junglejims.com/beerfest/index.asp

For one evening each summer, Fairfield, Ohio is the center of the Beer Universe. The 2010 Jungle Jim’s International Beer Festival is almost here! Come celebrate with us Friday, June 18, 2010 and plan to join the brew masters and diehard beer connoisseurs who make the pilgrimage to Jungle Jim’s annual festival.

Last year, the near sell-out crowd enjoyed the 'best of the best' that 57 breweries from all over the world showcased, including Brew Dog from Scotland, craft beers, home brew clubs and microbrews, along with delicious food from the Jungle - all inside the beautiful Oscar Event Center.

Firkin Friday at Flagstaff Brewing Co.

Firkin Friday at Flagstaff Brewing Co.

Friday, June 25th, 2010

5-8pm

Flagstaff Brewing Co.

16 East Rt. 66, Flagstaff, 86001

(928) 773-1442

www.flagbrew.com

Flagstaff Brewing Company was opened in July, 1994 with the mission to not only provide craft-brewed beer to a thirsty mountain town, but also to break the mold that has typified the atmosphere, structure, and goal of brewpubs for all too long. That unique spirit continues on June 25th as Flag Brew will be putting Left Hand cask ale on one of the only beer engines in the state. Come taste real ale the way it was meant to be served.

Left Hand Tasting at Susan’s Fine Wine & Spirits

Left Hand Tasting at Susan’s Fine Wine & Spirits

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

4-6pm

Susan’s Fine Wine & Spirits

1001 Pen Rd., Santa Fe, NM, 87505

505-984-1582

Come out Saturday evening to one of New Mexico’s premier liquor stores and taste four of Left Hand’s wonderful beers. A brewery rep will be on hand to talk about what you are tasting and answer any questions. Don’t forget to grab a 6pk or the seasonal Chainsaw 22oz before you leave.

Left Hand Pint Night at the Cowgirl

Left Hand Pint Night at the Cowgirl

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

8-11pm

The Cowgirl Bar & Grill

319 S. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, 87501

(505) 982-2565

www.cowgirlsantafe.com

Come join Left Hand Brewing Co. at the famous Cowgirl Bar & Grill in Santa Fe and celebrate Polestar Pilsner on draft in the high desert . You may have read about the Cowgirl in the New York Times (“great margaritas”), The Wall Street Journal (“best Nachos”), Cowboys and Indians Magazine (“One of the Best BBQ joints in the West”), or maybe you’ve seen the Cowgirl on Rachel Ray’s Forty Dollars a Day TV show. Their fame continues to grow on June 16th, as National Distributing and Left Hand will be giving out samples and prizes, so don’t be late. Live music will accompany.

i don't know what to blog..

for some bloggers..surely at one point you will have no idea what to write, isn't it?..same situation happens to me right now..haha..seriously i have no words to say or feelings to be expressed..maybe tomorrow i will think of something to blog about coz i kinda tired today..well, works are really tiring, right?..-----STAY TUNE FOR TOMORROW POST-----^^

Help me Puppy Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope

I found this little love on The Daily Squee.  I think I have found Nano and Mia's next Halloween costumes.





Until next time..... Lorie

Happy Flag Day

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress proposed that the United States have a national flag instead of the British Union Jack. The 13 stars of the flag represented the 13 new states. There were few public ceremonies honoring the Stars and Stripes until 1877, when on, June 14, it was flown from every government building in honor of the centennial of the adoption of a national flag. Schools

love eunhyuk current hair!

credit: as taggedshared by: twelfs.com+aizamia@blogspotSERIOUSLY I DON'T LIKE HYUK'S HAIR FOR BONAMANA CONCEPT AND NOW HE CHANGED TO SPIKEY STYLE!!..I'M SO HAPPY AND HOPE HIS STYLIST WILL STOP MAKING HIM AS A VICTIM..LOL..|||PRESENTING MY NEW HYUKKIE!!!...XD|||v

Jija make me do this....LOL

1. Apa yang akan anda buat bila tahu member anda tikam belakang anda?--> pergghh..mesti rase macam nak cekik je die if buat macam tu...2. 6 orang di hati anda?--> Family..Friends..Jae..TVXQ..SUJU..KPOP..3. Anda rasa anda comel?--> mana lah saya tau tapi orang ckp saya mcm tu..x tau betul ke x..LOL4. Single or taken?--> Single lagi..x de orang nak..haha5. Blog yang anda suka?--> SharingYoochun..

The Critters of Celebration, Florida

During our walks here in Celebration, we see lots of different kinds of wildlife and I love photographing everything that I see.  So today I've decided to share some of my photos.  Please enjoy.....

Until next time..... Lorie

new style new look....

hey readers...miss me??..haha..i know you do...lolsorry for the randomness..anyway, i'm just so excited being here..i really like when i'm customizing my page..changing here and there..getting mad if things don't work for me..haha..silly, right?..but the best part is when your page appear in the way you wanted..keke..by the way, i have few things to be talked about..1. Uni is going to start soon

Sheltie is Baby’s Favorite Comedian

To me, there is no sound greater than that of a child's laughter, enjoy.....






Until next time..... Lorie

Cartoon of the Day - Excitement for a Stay at Home Mom

I remember when my kids were little and I was just SO happy to get out of the house, it didn't matter WHERE I went.




Until next time..... Lorie

Hosted by Krystyn

Welcome to Mommy and Me Monday hosted by my friend Krystyn over at Really, Are You Serious?

Here are the photos of me and my "babies" I am showcasing this week..... aren't they just the cutest little ones?  They aren't spoiled in the least.  {Cough, Cough}


Want to join in with Mommy and Me Monday? Head on over to Krystyn's blog, grab the button, write your post and put up

A New Look at Our National Anthem

I wanted to share this video with you all because it moved me to tears.  Although the man in the video says it is the second verse of our National Anthem, it is actually the final verse, but it is still a truly wonderful moment.  I really wish I knew all the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" and I think I am going to try to learn them by the end of this year.  Please enjoy.....






Until next

Papalucci's, Long Beach/Belmont Shore

Guilt is a strange feeling associated with eating. It's most often experienced after something unusually decadent or fatty, a brain warning letting you know that what you just enjoyed, while delicious, in copious amounts could kill you. However, I experienced my first guilty meal last night not because I ordered something overly fatty or sugary, but because I found myself in a restaurant 100 miles from home in a city I was only in because my grandmother is in the hospital. Luckily, I don't have a lot of experience with the wishes of the ill and balancing being there for them along with giving them much needed rest, but it was somewhat difficult to enjoy a meal of this magnificent magnitude knowing she hasn't eaten since Tuesday and is lying in agony after gallbladder surgery. I guess you gotta eat though, right?

Regardless of how or why I was there, in between visits my uncle, aunt, and myself traversed to Belmont Shore (also home to Frosted Cupcakery) for some highly-recommended Italian eats. Papalucci's is a family establishment smack dab in the middle of bustling 2nd Street, and while many of the overpriced, overcrowded restaurants around them serve underwhelming food with glitzy decor, Papalucci's is a welcoming understated joint complete with rickety wooden chairs, mismatched silverware, and red checkered tablecloths. The decor is rustic without being tacky, and the smells coming from the open kitchen caused my tastebuds to ululate with desire. As creatures of habit, my relatives knew that the linguine with clams (extra sauce, extra garlic) and the Tutti Mare on linguine (no mussels, extra calamari) would be their dishes of the evening, and with the waters of the Pacific only blocks away how could I order anything but fruit of the sea? Mussels marinara with linguine it was to be!



Of course, when they have an appetizer called Garlic Rolls, how could we resist a dish infused with such a wonderous herb? Dipped in butter, sprinkled with basil, heavily seasoned with fresh crushed garlic and parmesan, there was absolutely nothing about these balls of heaven that were anything less than orgasmic.

Also, as a oil and vinegar based salad dressing enthusiast, the simply dressed green salad, paired with extra tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs from the simply named Tomato appetizer, was a light and surprisingly flavorful way to begin our meal. Whether the dressing is homemade or store bought, it doesn't matter. The perfect amount was drizzled across obviously fresh greens, and with a bit of extra black pepper for kick it was a screaming success.





Personally, I don't find clams to be the most mind-blowing sea creature of all time, but the sheer amount of them adorning the crown of pasta with a simple garlic butter sauce was impressive enough. And when I say he asked for extra garlic, I can honestly say I have never been served a plate with that amount of garlic in my life, and in no way was that depressing. However, it was obvious that as this was his regular request, the overwhelmingly powerful flavor that bordered insanity isn't the norm for Papalucci's. Unobtrusive, all of the dishes that were being served placed an authentically delicious emphasis on simple and fresh without depending upon heavy sauces that American crowds tend to favor. The perfect choice for a summer meal!



Unfortunately, this picture doesn't do the Tutti Mare justice. Plump, ripe shrimp were in full force, and the fresh tomato sauce did absolutely nothing to unpleasantly weigh it down. I would say this rivals the infamous Mamma Zu's in Richmond, which I will easily place as the #1 restaurant in the city. Actually, Mamma Zu is probably the reason that I ordered the mussels here- linguine with mussels and marinara is my usual choice, so the opportunity for comparison couldn't be missed!



I'd be hard pressed to say which was my favorite, and I think it would take a few more visits to be able to say for sure. I'm definitely planning on making Papalucci's a regular place for me, and with the scent of pizza wafting from all around, and an entire Internet full of recommendations, it seems as though anything I would be served would be absolutely first rate. Grandma, when you get out, we're going to Papalucci's!

Papalucci's
4611 E 2nd St
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 434-4454

Cartoon of the Day - Why, Mommy, Why???

Sometimes you just have to say, "Because I said so!"




Until next time.... Lorie

Happy First Blogiversary to Me

    

I couldn't believe it when I looked back on my blog and saw that this week marked the one year anniversary of my regularly blogging.  I cannot believe how quickly it has gone by and how much has changed - for the good! 

I first started blogging quite sporadically in 2005 and really just let it fall by the wayside.  Then in 2009 after my spinal surgery while I was recuperating on the

The Oktoberfest Girl Waves

A Trip to the Magic Kingdom

On May 16th Bill and I were lucky enough to meet one of my Twitter friends Barb S. (@winterbabe98) and her family at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World for an afternoon of sunshine, laughter, and lots of fun sprinkled with Disney Magic!


Here is Barb with Wendy and Peter Pan... she was so excited to see them, she was just like a little kid.  Kind of like I get when I see Mickey Mouse.  I

I Just Couldn't Resist....

{Image Courtesy: I Has a Hotdog!}


Until next time..... Lorie

I Has a Hotdog: What Your Dog Is Really Thinking

Give Your Baby the Best Start in Life

To all of you out there who are expecting or who know someone who is expecting, I want to show you something wonderful.  It is called Enfamil Family Beginnings.  It is a wonderful program for your baby that allows you to get up to $250 in free gifts, and trusted advice for your new bundle of joy.  Click on the banner below and register for some fabulous savings and free gifts.  Plus enjoy your

Praha Restaurant & Left Hand Beer Dinner

Praha Restaurant & Left Hand Beer Dinner

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

6:30 p.m.

7521 Hwy. 66

Longmont, CO, 80503

303.702.1180

www.praharestaurant.com

Here is the story of an exquisite beer dinner that you can be a part of. It begins with a man from Left Hand by the name of Mark Sample. He wears many hats at the brewery and in general is a fine fellow who enjoys beer and food and goes out of his way to pursue these interests. Mark attended a wine dinner at Praha in Longmont and afterwards in relaying his praises of the event to the owners came upon the notion that perhaps Praha could host a Left Hand beer dinner. The owners Chef Monica and her sister Judy then came to the brewery and with Mark and a few others tasted all the options beer wise that might comprise the dinner. All the while Monica studiously took notes as ideas were evoked. Then we were invited to come to Praha for a trial run of the dinner to ensure the pairings were true. Were they ever! I will not go into great detail (Check out the entire menu on the Praha website) but the courses included lamb chops, shrimp, and duck breast. Collectively it was agreed that this was one of the finest dinners that we have attended. Do not miss this event! Call Praha for reservations. Seating is limited. Seats are $65 per person. 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Colorado Horse Rescue. Please come and join Mark and the rest of us at Praha.

400 Pound Monkey IPA Cask Pin Night at Murphy’s

400 Pound Monkey IPA Cask Pin Night at Murphy’s

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

5:00p.m.

2731 Iris Ave.

Boulder, CO 80304

303.449.4473

www.murphysboulder.com

At 5:00 p.m. the mallet drops to tap a cask pin of Jackman’s at Murphy’s in Boulder. Our cellarman/brewer Matt Scholbrock has also added a bit of the Boadicea hops used in the 400lb. Monkey to add a little twist to the cask. There are only Forty pints so don’t be late. Get a Left Hand logo pint glass with your first pint, while they last!

Rails & Ales Brewfest

Rails & Ales Brewfest | Saturday, June 26 via the Rio Grande Scenic Railways

Ride the rails up to a pristine mountain location at 9,700 ft. Depart the train where breweries from around the state will be giving a sampling of their finest brews - altogether 80 different beers to sample. Bands will be performing on our boxcar stage at our off-the-grid concert venue. Round the event out with great BBQ fare and you'll see why this is the most popular train of the season.

For ticket sales & more information, please see www.riograndescenicrailways.com

BrewGrass

BrewGrass | Saturday, June 12, noon-10pm

The annual Old South Pearl Street Music Festival will return for the 2010 season with BrewGrass. Come and join in the fun! The Old South Pearl Street Festivals are sure to please your ears as well as your taste buds with 8 bands performing Bluegrass and Blues music respectively, food vendors from the neighborhood including Pearl Street Grill, Hansons and Moe's BBQ to name a few.

To purchase tickets please call Main:(303) 734-0718 |Ticket:(303) 734-0718

Rocky Mountain Brewfest

Rocky Mountain Brewfest | Saturday, June 12, 12-5pm @ Estes Park Brewery

Taste some locally brewed beer, along with more than 15 other Colorado Craft Brewers. Listen to live music and enjoy the afternoon. Admission includes souvenir glass, food ticket and beer samples. You must be 21 or over to attend; no admission for children or pets. For more info: 970-586-5421. www.epbrewery.com

Colorado Brewers Festival

Colorado Brewers Festival | June 26-27, Saturday Session 1: 12-3pm, Session 2: 3-6pm, Sunday 12-4pm @ Civic Center Park, Downtown Fort Collins

All Colorado beers, delicious food, Colorado music and fun. This year's festival, the 21st Annual Colorado Brewers' Festival in Downtown Fort Collins will take place June 26 & 27, 2010. Over 50 Colorado beers and 400 kegs will be enjoyed along with great live music Saturday and Sunday in Historic Downtown!

For ticket sales & more information, please see www.downtownfortcollins.com

Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brewfest

Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brewfest | Fri-Sat, June 4-5, 4-10pm @ Snowmass Village

This multi-faceted festival has developed a tremendous following in just a short time. Over 12,000 attendees are expected to come and enjoy popular music, frothy brews, and serious chili with a magnificent mountain backdrop and outdoor playground.

For ticket sales & more information, please see http://snowmasschiliandbrew.com/

Music

Kyle Hollingsworth

Brett Dennen

The Wailers

George Clinton & the Parliament

Garden Grapes & Hops

Garden Grapes & Hops | Friday, June 11 5:30-9:30 @ Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens is excited to bring back its Garden Grapes & Hops event– a fun summer party featuring food, drink and live entertainment.

Ticket includes:

• Tasting mug

• Savory light bites by local restaurants

• Unlimited beer and wine samples

• Live entertainment in Denver’s most intimate amphitheater

For ticket sales & more information, please see http://www.botanicgardens.org/content/garden-grapes-and-hops

Bike MS

Bike MS | Saturday June 26 @ CSU Campus

Bike MS is a two-day inspirational ride held by National MS Society chapters a cross the nation each year to raise funds that support programs to enhance the lives of people living with MS as well as fund vital research to help create a world free of MS. The 25th Anniversary of the Colorado race will be held June 26 – 27, 2010, with a goal of raising over $3 million! More than 3,000 cyclists, 600 volunteers, and countless supporters will enjoy majestic Colorado scenery while riding from Front Range Community College in Westminster to Colorado State University in Fort Collins and back. This year Left Hand Brewing Company is proud to support the Colorado chapter as the official beer sponsor of Bike MS. Join us on June 26th as we pour from our draft trailer to celebrate the bold riders & fundraising accomplishments, at the CSU campus.

The 4th annual NY Brewfest

The 4th annual NY Brewfest

June 19th

2:30pm – Connoisseur Entry - $75

3:30pm - 8pm – General Admission - $55

Governors Island, NY

www.nybrewfest.com

The 4th annual NY Brewfest presented by Heartland Brewery, will be held on Saturday, June 19th, 2010 from 3:30PM until 8:00PM on New York City’s Governors Island. The festival is a celebration of craft beer and will showcase samplings from New York State's outstanding breweries. In 2007, we expanded our participating craft breweries beyond New York's borders to include craft brewers located throughout the U.S. and the world.

NY Brewfest is a craft beer sampling event sanctioned by the New York State Brewers Association. A commemorative 4-ounce glass is given to all attendees at the Information Booth/Entrance. Admission allows samplings from over 300 styles of handcrafted beers from more than 100 breweries. Great local foods will be available for purchase, and New York bands will perform throughout the evening. The event is a venerable gumbo of the Empire State’s creativity.

In addition to the many breweries, food offerings and live bands, this year's Brewfest will offer seminars (featuring tastings of limited edition beers) led by master brewers from New York State. What's more, Governors Island provides acres of green space, and water taxis will run all day between Governors Island and Manhattan's Pier 11, Brooklyn and New Jersey, making festival access not only easy, but scenic too.

Brewmasters and brewery representatives will be on hand to answer questions about their brands. The festival is designed for mature adults; no one under the age of 21 will be allowed access, and legal identification will be enforced. No one without proper Brewfest glass and wrist band credentials will be served.

Tickets are $55 (including water taxi transport to and from the island) and are available online or at any one of the seven Heartland Brewery locations in New York City. A limited number of $75 Connoisseurs' Pass tickets, which allow 2:30pm access to the event and a special tasting glass, are also available. Music Lover tickets (includes water taxi transportation but no beer sampling) are available for $25. The festival will draw beer, food and music lovers, as well as those eager to explore historic and beautiful Governors Island. To ensure entry, prospective attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early; the first three NYBrewfests sold out.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the New York State Brewers Association a NYS 501(c) 6 Not-For-Profit Corporation.

Brunch Beer Cocktails featuring Left Hand Brewing

Brunch Beer Cocktails featuring Left Hand Brewing

June 13th

11:30am – 3pm

Varga Bar

941 Spruce

Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 627-5200

www.vargabar.com

Stop out for some relaxing brunch with specialty brunch cocktails made with beer from Left Hand Brewery. Expect some great new drinks!

Dunk Tank! (Dunk a Philly beer celebrity for a good cause)

Dunk Tank! (Dunk a Philly beer celebrity for a good cause)

June 10th

2-4pm

London Grill

2301 Fairmount Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19130

(215) 873-5120

This is a biggie, folks! Come drink some Beers and take a turn trying to Dunk a Philly beer celebrity. All proceeds go to dunkees' favorite charity. Left Hand Brewing’s Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager Dan Conway will be donating to the Pennsylvania Mental Health Association.

All Day Wood

All Day Wood

June 11th

Resurrection Ale House

2425 Grays Ferry Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19146-2450

(215) 735-2202

www.resurrectionalehouse.com

Join us for an entire day of wood aged beer from around the world. The line-up includes Russian River Supplication, Allagash Odyssey, Boon Kriek, Cantillion Rose de Gambrinus, Great Divide Oak-Aged Yeti, Left Hand Brewing Oak- Aged Widdershins and more TBD!

South Paw Brunch

South Paw Brunch

June 12th

5pm

Wishing Well

767 S. 9th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19147

215-238-6555‎

Come, sit, and stay for brunch with Left Hand Brewing at the Wishing Well located just North of the Italian Market. A portion of the proceeds from this brunch will go to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). For more information on PAWS visit their website: www.phillypaws.org.

Sawtooth 5 way

Sawtooth 5 way

June 9th

5-9pm

Misconduct Tavern

1511 Locust St.

Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 732-5797

www.misconduct-tavern.com

Misconduct will be Featuring Sawtooth Ale in five different forms: Bottle, Cask, Draft, Nitro Pour, and doubled in the form of Left Hand’s coveted Chainsaw Ale.

Good Dog says “Damn right Dan Drinks it”

Good Dog says “Damn right Dan Drinks it”

June 9th

8:30- 10:30pm

Good Dog Bar & Restaurant

224 S 15th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 985-9600

www.gooddogbar.com

In celebration of their favorite t-shirt that’s ever been mailed to them, Good Dog Bar invites Dan Conway to tap a cask of Jackmans Pale Ale hopped with Warrior hops. Good Dog Bar will also feature Chainsaw Ale and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Widdershins just to get you over that mid- beer week hump.

2nd Annual Lumberjack Night @ SPTR

2nd Annual Lumberjack Night

June 8th

8pm-2am

South Philadelphia Tap Room

1509 Mifflin St.

Philadelphia, PA 19145

(267) 971-2698

Show South Philly you have some chops. Join us as we celebrate flannel and everything from the mountains on down. Wear some gear and you get a discount on Left Hand beer $3-$4! 6 drafts to chose from and prizes for best dressed. Come, Chop, and sit and Widdle.

Crawling to the Collar

Crawling to the Collar

June 8th

3-5pm

2349 Fairmount Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19130

(215) 765-1616

An afternoon with Dan Conway, Eric Wallace and Terrapin Brewery. “Another reason to drink early!” – Jeff

Left Hand Brewing Tasting @ Brew

Left Hand Brewing Tasting @ Brew

June 8th

6-8pm

Brew/ Ultimo Coffee Bar

1900 South 15th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19145

(215) 339-5177

www.ultimocoffee.wordpress.com

Stop by before or after SPTR's Lumberjack Night for 25% off all Left Hand bottles. Hang with us from 6-8pm for an informal tasting.

Midnight Project: Collaboration Celebration @ Varga Bar

Midnight Project: Collaboration Celebration

June 7th

12 midnight

Varga Bar

941 Spruce

Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 627-5200

www.vargabar.com

Come and get down on the last keg of the Depth Charge the 2nd collaboration between Left Hand Brewing and Terrapin Brewing. Do not miss this.

Lunch with Eric Wallace and Adam Anderson

Lunch with Eric Wallace and Adam Anderson

June 8th

11-3pm

263 S. 15th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 545-4101

www.josepistolas.com

Come and join one of Center City Philadelphia’s favorite bartenders as he welcomes Eric Wallace to tap a Pin of Jackman’s Pale Ale hopped with Cascade Hops. Other featured drafts will include: Milk Stout Nitro, Chainsaw Ale, 2003 bottles of Widdershins, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Widdershins.