You've probably guessed this, but I love traveling. I'll scrap together a way to go just about anywhere. And I was lucky enough last year to be awarded a fellowship that pays a travel stipend so I can attend conferences. This past weekend I went to Seattle for the American Education Finance and Policy annual meeting. Lucky for you, I have no pictures of the actual conference sessions I attended, but I DO have a bunch from the rest of the weekend.
Click here if you'd like to see them!
It was a pretty fantastic trip. The flight is long, but I really love getting out to the Pacific Northwest.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Awesome Brunch -Amy
Kelly hosted an amazing Brunch/Clothes Swap at her house on Sunday afternoon. It was great to meet the girls that are in her book club. It definitely made me want to become a member after hearing all of the funny stories that they told. I thought the idea of having a clothes swap along with a brunch was a great idea on Kelly's part, and she is definitely the hostess with the mostess!
Here are some pictures of the excellent Sunday afternoon activity. Brady, we wish you were there... but I'm sure you had a blast in Seattle!
Some of the clothes from the Swap:
The delicious oatmeal bar:
Some of the food:
My BeautiControl Station
It was an excellent end to the weekend, although I always hate to see it go!
Here are some pictures of the excellent Sunday afternoon activity. Brady, we wish you were there... but I'm sure you had a blast in Seattle!
Some of the clothes from the Swap:
The delicious oatmeal bar:
Some of the food:
My BeautiControl Station
It was an excellent end to the weekend, although I always hate to see it go!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Nashville - Amy
I had an awesome weekend in Nashville, TN with my best friends. We definitely had a rootin' tootin' good time! The weekend was filled with a lot of country music, food, and fun!
Here are some of the highlights of my trip:
- Karaoke with friends (4 times!)
- Lunch at a fantastic Mexican restaurant
- Cooking dinner each night in the condo
- The fact that we rented a CONDO instead of a hotel room (I highly suggest www.homeaway.com)
- Walking around and checking out the shops
- Running along the riverfront
- Staying in historic "Printer's Alley"
- Dancing the night away with friends!
I have amazing friends and we had a great time. Can't wait to go back sometime soon!
Here are some of the highlights of my trip:
- Karaoke with friends (4 times!)
- Lunch at a fantastic Mexican restaurant
- Cooking dinner each night in the condo
- The fact that we rented a CONDO instead of a hotel room (I highly suggest www.homeaway.com)
- Walking around and checking out the shops
- Running along the riverfront
- Staying in historic "Printer's Alley"
- Dancing the night away with friends!
I have amazing friends and we had a great time. Can't wait to go back sometime soon!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunny Saturday, Rainy Sunday - Brady
Yesterday I:
- Went on a 10 mile run down to the end of Navy Pier and back (and kicked butt at it, I might add)
- Had brunch #1 with Kevin's parents at Stella's - a diner down the street
- Shopped in my cute little neighborhood
- Shopped on Michigan Avenue, bought a Frank Lloyd Wright mousepad for my office at the Chicago Architecture Foundation store (GREAT store, by the way)
- Had brunch #2 with Kevin's parents, Lesley, and Paul at The Gage (so so good!)
- Took a nap to shake off some of my post long-run fatigue
- Did some work
- Had wine and fancy blue cheese with Kelly and Kevin
- Ate absolutely delicious vegetarian food at The Chicago Diner (yes, I ate all 3 meals out yesterday. Ay ay ay.)
Today I:
- Attended a loooooong yoga class with Kevin
- Tried out the Saugatuck Coffee Company on Halsted
- Drank my "tricked out" coffee (lots of half and half with cinnamon sprinkled on top) while reading the Chicago Tribune and watching the rain through the coffee shop window
- Speed-walked home in the drizzle
- Looked at pictures of all of the trips Kevin and I took this year
Still to come:
- More work
- Dinner and Jane Eyre with Kelly and a new Chicago friend
Life is good in Chicago this weekend - rain or shine.
- Went on a 10 mile run down to the end of Navy Pier and back (and kicked butt at it, I might add)
- Had brunch #1 with Kevin's parents at Stella's - a diner down the street
- Shopped in my cute little neighborhood
- Shopped on Michigan Avenue, bought a Frank Lloyd Wright mousepad for my office at the Chicago Architecture Foundation store (GREAT store, by the way)
- Had brunch #2 with Kevin's parents, Lesley, and Paul at The Gage (so so good!)
- Took a nap to shake off some of my post long-run fatigue
- Did some work
- Had wine and fancy blue cheese with Kelly and Kevin
- Ate absolutely delicious vegetarian food at The Chicago Diner (yes, I ate all 3 meals out yesterday. Ay ay ay.)
Today I:
- Attended a loooooong yoga class with Kevin
- Tried out the Saugatuck Coffee Company on Halsted
- Drank my "tricked out" coffee (lots of half and half with cinnamon sprinkled on top) while reading the Chicago Tribune and watching the rain through the coffee shop window
- Speed-walked home in the drizzle
- Looked at pictures of all of the trips Kevin and I took this year
Still to come:
- More work
- Dinner and Jane Eyre with Kelly and a new Chicago friend
Life is good in Chicago this weekend - rain or shine.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Truffle Mac and Cheese! -Amy
Wanted to share this recipe. Just let me say... DELICIOUS! I feel like anything with tons of cheese and truffle oil is bound to be delicious, though. Enjoy!
Truffled Mac and Cheese
Serves: 4
Ingredients
3 tablespoons white truffle oil
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
1/4 pound Swiss cheese, grated
1/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 pound Fontina cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of the truffle oil, the breadcrumbs, and the Parmesan and set aside.
In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 3 minutes, or until the flour blends with the butter.
Whisk in the half-and-half, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 minutes.
Stir in the Swiss, cheddar, Fontina, and mustard. Remove the sauce from the heat once the cheeses have melted. Stir in the remaining truffle oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium heat and cook the macaroni for about 7 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and add to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well.
Pour the macaroni and cheese sauce into a 1-quart buttered baking dish. (At this point you could refrigerate the casserole dish for up to 24 hours.) Top the casserole with the breadcrumb mixture and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling.
Truffled Mac and Cheese
Serves: 4
Ingredients
3 tablespoons white truffle oil
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
1/4 pound Swiss cheese, grated
1/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 pound Fontina cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces elbow macaroni
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of the truffle oil, the breadcrumbs, and the Parmesan and set aside.
In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 3 minutes, or until the flour blends with the butter.
Whisk in the half-and-half, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 minutes.
Stir in the Swiss, cheddar, Fontina, and mustard. Remove the sauce from the heat once the cheeses have melted. Stir in the remaining truffle oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium heat and cook the macaroni for about 7 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and add to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well.
Pour the macaroni and cheese sauce into a 1-quart buttered baking dish. (At this point you could refrigerate the casserole dish for up to 24 hours.) Top the casserole with the breadcrumb mixture and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Weekend Highs and Lows - Brady
Highs:
- Spending time in La Porte with my parents, Amy, Buckner, and Lucy
- Crashing the engagement party of two good friends (lots of other good friends in attendance)
- New veggie burger at Redamak's (!!! Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?)
- Baby shower
- Actual baby at said baby shower (adoption is awesome)
- WINE at baby shower (having a drink with the new mom is also awesome)
- Morning Glory with my dad (cute movie)
- Nice easy run around Stone Lake this morning
- Hearing about my parents' Siesta plans (they haven't been in 3 years!)
- Sunday morning brunch in New Buffalo
Lows:
- Kevin's sick
- Tax night tonight
- Spending time in La Porte with my parents, Amy, Buckner, and Lucy
- Crashing the engagement party of two good friends (lots of other good friends in attendance)
- New veggie burger at Redamak's (!!! Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?)
- Baby shower
- Actual baby at said baby shower (adoption is awesome)
- WINE at baby shower (having a drink with the new mom is also awesome)
- Morning Glory with my dad (cute movie)
- Nice easy run around Stone Lake this morning
- Hearing about my parents' Siesta plans (they haven't been in 3 years!)
- Sunday morning brunch in New Buffalo
Lows:
- Kevin's sick
- Tax night tonight
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Random Sunday Night Thoughts - Kelly
Hey blog world! Sorry I've been so M.I.A.! As a mentioned in my last post, life has been kind of busy!
As Brady wrote about in her post, our trip to Florida was AWESOME. I wasn't nearly as active as she was- mostly because I had just finished a bout with the flu then was hit with allergies once I got to Siesta Key. I spent most of my time sleeping and laying on the beach.
Let me just reiterate that my grandparents are the best hosts EVER. Seriously- I love spending time with they anywhere, but they know how to live the good life in Florida. We never went without great snacks, glasses of wine, or awesome conversation. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa for an AWESOME trip- I wish I was still there with you!
I had a pretty nutty few days getting back in the groove here but got to escape it all with a trip to LaPorte to see my parents (and my dog who they are graciously watching for another week as I head out on another work trip to Houston). My parents also know how to have a good time- my mom and I got take out from Mucho Mas (a great little Mexican place in LaPorte) and watched 'The Hangover', my dad and I stayed up until 2 am talking and drinking wine, and on Saturday my mom made us some amazing garlic (fake) cheeseburgers before I had to head back to the city.
I rounded out my weekend with coffee with a coworker at my favorite Chicago coffee shop, an easy 6 miles at the gym, and a fun date with a new guy I've gone out with a few times.
After a quick trip in to the office this morning I was driving home via Wacker and Lake Shore drive and realized how much I love my life. Moving to Chicago was one of the best decisions I've ever made- I absolutely love this city but I love living so close to the people I care about even more. I have amazing friends here, I love my job, I get to see my family all the time... I just don't think it gets any better than this!
Have a great week, everyone. :)
As Brady wrote about in her post, our trip to Florida was AWESOME. I wasn't nearly as active as she was- mostly because I had just finished a bout with the flu then was hit with allergies once I got to Siesta Key. I spent most of my time sleeping and laying on the beach.
Let me just reiterate that my grandparents are the best hosts EVER. Seriously- I love spending time with they anywhere, but they know how to live the good life in Florida. We never went without great snacks, glasses of wine, or awesome conversation. Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa for an AWESOME trip- I wish I was still there with you!
I had a pretty nutty few days getting back in the groove here but got to escape it all with a trip to LaPorte to see my parents (and my dog who they are graciously watching for another week as I head out on another work trip to Houston). My parents also know how to have a good time- my mom and I got take out from Mucho Mas (a great little Mexican place in LaPorte) and watched 'The Hangover', my dad and I stayed up until 2 am talking and drinking wine, and on Saturday my mom made us some amazing garlic (fake) cheeseburgers before I had to head back to the city.
I rounded out my weekend with coffee with a coworker at my favorite Chicago coffee shop, an easy 6 miles at the gym, and a fun date with a new guy I've gone out with a few times.
After a quick trip in to the office this morning I was driving home via Wacker and Lake Shore drive and realized how much I love my life. Moving to Chicago was one of the best decisions I've ever made- I absolutely love this city but I love living so close to the people I care about even more. I have amazing friends here, I love my job, I get to see my family all the time... I just don't think it gets any better than this!
Have a great week, everyone. :)
Florida, Florida - Brady
In Siesta Key, I:
- Got up early every morning and ran or walked on the beach as the sun came up.
- Dranks lots of coffee. (This cup was on the porch of a local coffee shop AFTER my sunrise run. One of the best mornings I've ever had.)
- Spent lots of time with my grandparents. They know how to live.
- Wandered around by myself and ate and drank delicious things.
- Watched three sunsets, always while drinking white wine. (Okay, there may have been a Miller Lite in there at some point, too.)
- And the highlight, for sure....visited my good friends and their new baby girl.
I love love love vacation. Even though the last day was really sad, as it always is, I came back to Chicago so rested and ready to tackle these last few weeks of winter.
- Got up early every morning and ran or walked on the beach as the sun came up.
- Dranks lots of coffee. (This cup was on the porch of a local coffee shop AFTER my sunrise run. One of the best mornings I've ever had.)
- Spent lots of time with my grandparents. They know how to live.
- Wandered around by myself and ate and drank delicious things.
- Watched three sunsets, always while drinking white wine. (Okay, there may have been a Miller Lite in there at some point, too.)
- And the highlight, for sure....visited my good friends and their new baby girl.
I love love love vacation. Even though the last day was really sad, as it always is, I came back to Chicago so rested and ready to tackle these last few weeks of winter.
I haven't told you about Florida yet, have I? - Brady
It was, in a word, fabulous. I'll post more details later. Sorry 'bout the delay. Here's one gorgeous picture for now.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Indianapolis Mini Marathon
The three sisters are tackling the Indianapolis Mini Marathon together in May, and Brady and Kelly are heading to Minnesota for a Marathon in June. Check out our Sister Mini Marathon Countdown at the bottom of the blog!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Homesickness -Amy
Homesickness is a feeling that 2 out of the 3 Jones girls are very accustomed too. Kelly, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think somehow you lucked out and did not receive the homesickness gene. Anyways, I have been homesick many times in my life, starting when I was little all the way up to the present when I have to be away for a long amount of time. For anyone who also has suffered from homesickness, you know it can be the absolute worst feeling in the entire world. I associate terrible things with being homesick, and I never thought I would say what I am about to say.
I think homesickness call actually be an awesome thing.
After being incredibly jealous of my sisters who just returned from my favorite place in the world (Siesta Key) to visit two of my favorite people in the world (Grandma and Grandpa) I got to thinking. I couldn't really pinpoint the feeling that I was having when they were leaving, when I was getting text and facebook updates on their trip, and when I looked through the photo album of pictures that they took on their vacation (which I'm sure you will get an update on soon). It wasn't really jealousy. It wasn't really sadness. It wasn't that I was mad I couldn't go. It was homesickness.
I am homesick for Florida and my Grandma and Grandpa. No, this isn't the worst case of homesickness I've ever experienced, but that's definitely what it is. I miss everything about Siesta Key. The restauraunts, Grandma's snacks for the condo and beach, the feeling of being in the sun all day, having cocktails and conversation with my grandparents at sunset, sleeping with the windows open and listening to the birds, the sounds of the fountains in their condo area, staying up late to talk to family, The Village (where we shop and eat), the coziness of the condo, having nothing to do all day but read hand-me-down books from Grandma... all of it.
Now, I said that this homesickness was a good thing. I'm sure it doesn't seem like missing all of these things is a fun feeling.
But how lucky am I that I have such an amazing family that gives me this amazing place to miss?
I'm feeling pretty lucky to be feeling homesick.
Miss you Grandma and Grandpa! Have a cocktail for me at sunset tonight!
I think homesickness call actually be an awesome thing.
After being incredibly jealous of my sisters who just returned from my favorite place in the world (Siesta Key) to visit two of my favorite people in the world (Grandma and Grandpa) I got to thinking. I couldn't really pinpoint the feeling that I was having when they were leaving, when I was getting text and facebook updates on their trip, and when I looked through the photo album of pictures that they took on their vacation (which I'm sure you will get an update on soon). It wasn't really jealousy. It wasn't really sadness. It wasn't that I was mad I couldn't go. It was homesickness.
I am homesick for Florida and my Grandma and Grandpa. No, this isn't the worst case of homesickness I've ever experienced, but that's definitely what it is. I miss everything about Siesta Key. The restauraunts, Grandma's snacks for the condo and beach, the feeling of being in the sun all day, having cocktails and conversation with my grandparents at sunset, sleeping with the windows open and listening to the birds, the sounds of the fountains in their condo area, staying up late to talk to family, The Village (where we shop and eat), the coziness of the condo, having nothing to do all day but read hand-me-down books from Grandma... all of it.
Now, I said that this homesickness was a good thing. I'm sure it doesn't seem like missing all of these things is a fun feeling.
But how lucky am I that I have such an amazing family that gives me this amazing place to miss?
I'm feeling pretty lucky to be feeling homesick.
Miss you Grandma and Grandpa! Have a cocktail for me at sunset tonight!
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