Pretty Girl Rock: The Importance of Inner Beauty and Confidence ~ Peace Love and Pretty Things

Pretty Girl Rock: The Importance of Inner Beauty and Confidence ~ Peace Love and Pretty Things

It's Been Awhile!

Hi loves!!! It's been a minute. Sorry for my absence. Let's see, I went to Essence-had the time of my life. I will post a re-cap soon. But I've missed writing so much. so check for more posts soon.

Love,

B

This Week Columbus

If you are not a part of the solution, you may as well be a part of the problem. In keeping with my spin of this mantra, I decided to be a part of the solution. I'm such a solution person. We can go on and on about the wrongs and negatives pertaining to a topic, but that is so counterproductive. It's far easier to find solutions.

So here is my SOLUTION. Weekly, I'll do my best, to supply you with different activities happening in the Columbus area. No more "there is nothing to do here" or "I'm tired of seeing the same people". And I will try to include something for all different types of people.

Today, Wednesday: 

• Try out Jazz at the Park, Sounds on the Lawn at Easton from 6 to 9.
• While at Easton, head over to Edamame for some great sushi. Wednesday offers special of Buy 1 Roll, get 2nd half off!!!! Great deal!

Thursday:

• Columbus Young Professionals, CYB, is hosting a Personal Finance Panel at 5:30pm at Members First Credit Union. 
• Check out local farm specials at Easton's Farmer's Market, from 3 to 7, in the parking lot behind Fado.
• Columbus Commons, hosts Play in the Park, with Cornhole tournaments, live music, and a merry-go-round and reading zone for kids. This week's featured artists are Feedback and LDNL. (Major plus~~ the winner of the Cornhole tourney wins $50 off Dirty Franks!!!!!)

Friday:

• The Kickoff to Comfest, a community festival around since 1972. Fest will go Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Head over to Zydeco on High for Soul Social, completely free networking event from 5pm to 9pm. Go for great food, drinks, music, and even better conversation!
• Comedian Chris Tucker will be at Vet's Memorial this night. Get tickets!
• Capa Movies Series will be showing Bridget Jones' Diary at 7:30pm at the Ohio Theater.
• Easton Art Affair kicks off at 4pm.

Saturday;

• Farmer's Market on 18th and Main for King Lincoln District.
• UniverSOUL Circus kicks off at the Fairgrounds.
• Powell hosts their 15th Annual Powell Festival
• Columbus Clippers take on the Gwinnett Braves at Huntington Park, where there is not a bad seat in the house.
• Long Street is back open every Saturday night!
• Comfest continues.
• Movie + Magic is 7pm at Columbus Commons, this week's movie is Shrek Forever After! plus catch a magic trick.

Sunday:

• Comfest ends for this year. 
• Get a good workout in at Fit Club Yoga, at Columbus Commons, at 9am.
• Zoo is great for Sunday activities.
• Visit the Columbus Museum of Art for Art challenges at 1pm and challenge your loved ones in their creative ability, then stick around for Family Adventures at 2pm.

To close out every week, I will feature a restaurant of choice for a great meal. Family is super important to me, so Sunday makes a great time to get everyone together and eat until your heart is content. But for those unable to be with family all the time, or even those that can take the family along, here is my weekly pick: Marcella's!

Marcella's is your traditional Italian ristorante! from the family style seating to the red and white plaid tableclothes. There is not a bad pick on the menu, and the drinks are far from watered down. 

My choices are :

• Appetizer: Calamari- amazing garlic aioli paired with fried zucchini and lemons!
• Salad: Go for the Apple Salad- the tart flavor of the apples is great for a summer appetite!
• Plates are meant to be shared so team up with the fam and go for gold with the:
•  Margherita D.O.C. pizza and the Chicken Giardiniera. The sauce on the Chicken is so Amazing! my mouth is watering now. And they pickle their own veggies. The pizza is so fresh and refreshing with just enough basil!
• They even offer a Sunday Special:  Dine with us Sundays and enjoy a Marcella's Chop Salad, Spaghetti & Meatball and a Choice of Chocolate, Pistachio or Honey Vanilla Gelato for only $15.95

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Happy Week and Weekends! And remember there is always something to do!

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever!

While stalking some of my favorite blogs, I came across some of the most delicious looking cookies I have ever seen. Normally I am not a cookie fanatic, but when I saw this I knew they were a must try. Boy was I right. This cookie takes the soft, chewiness of a chocolate chip cookie and mixes it with the crunchy and creaminess of an oreo. YES, you read correct! OREO STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!!!! Thank you Picky Palate for this delectable recipe. I was so excited to try that I forgot to take pics during process, but it was so simple. Here are my results.

Doesn't this look amazing? The cream in the middle was the best part!!

Check out Picky Palate for more stuffed cookies ideas. I think I will try the Smore's next.

Here is the Recipe:

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla

3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

10 oz bag chocolate chips

1 bag Oreo Cookies, I used the double stuff 

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.   In a stand or electric mixer cream butter and sugars until well combined.  Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2.  In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda.  Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined.  Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie.  Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo Cookie.  Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough.  Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking.  Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.  Serve with a tall glass of milk, enjoy!

Makes about 2 dozen VERY LARGE Cookies

Nothing to Do in Columbus, Ohio

I'm so over hearing the same thing, "Columbus sucks", "there is nothing to do here","I always see the same people". Truth is, no matter where you go, Miami, Vegas, or even Atlanta, there is someone there singing the exact same tune. With age comes growth and maturity (at least these should come). Meaning you should open your mind to all the great possibilities that ANY city has to offer. Granted Atlanta is the "new" black Hollywood, but their job market is terrible so you will spend the majority of your time working 3 part-time jobs just to blow all your funds in the club, hoping to get CHOSE by some would-be celerity. I love talking to locals when I go out of town; fastest way to find the best eats. Last year in Vegas, the majority of the locals only go to the Strip when they have to work and steer clear of it and all the tourist activities as best as they can.

So all in all, the best way to discover the POTENTIAL of a city is to OPEN your mind to new avenues of entertainment. Columbus is no different. You just need to know where to look. Some great places to find what's happening are Columbus Underground or 614 Magazine. I love these sites.

Below find at list of some of the summer activities that are going on around our fantastic city. Step out of the club and into something FABULOUS! And most place little hindrance on your pocketbooks!

This weekend, June 17th - 19th, visit Juneteenth Ohio at Franklin Park during the day and head out to Gahanna at night for the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. Also check out the great food and music at Zoofari.

June 24th- June 26th brings Comfest back, a community festival taking place sine 1972.

In addition to the many summer festivals that go one, there are also day to day venues that love spoiling their patrons. Check out Easton on Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 for "Sounds on the Town" or Thursdays from 3 to 7 for Farmer's Market.

And if Clubs are your "thing", one of my other guilty pleasures, be sure to check out Prime on Saturdays at Lounge 62 in Gahanna, Arena District's many venues, and even the Return of Long Street, one of the best venues in Columbus.

Be sure to find me out and about all of these venues, most likely with a plate in hand. If you want to know more of places to see and be seen or need a partner in crime, follow me on twitter and I'm there!

Man Down

I'm a huge fan of REAL videos. That is videos that go with the lyrics of the song and ones that have a strong message behind them. Rihanna killed this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEhy-RXkNo0

Lasagna Rolls

Pasta, pasta, pasta, pasta! Oh how I heart thee!

No but seriously, I could eat pasta every day of my life and never get bored. Lasagna is up there on my list as all time favs, however with it being so hot lately, I was not in the mood to have my oven on for an hour or longer. Insert Lasagna rolls. Same gooey goodness of lasagna, just not as long in prep and light on the tummy.  I snagged this recipe from Pennies on a Platter, which she adapted from Giada from the Food Network. Trust your stomach will be glad for this present. (All my swine-free, avoid the prosciutto and use turkey Italian sausage in its place).

Here are some pics as I was going along to give you an idea of how it should look. I added more marinara than recipe called for but was still delish. I love sauce so use more or less to your liking.I served with Pizza Bread from Pickie Palate. Eat up!!!

Cheese mixture

Filling before rolled

the bechamel sauce was a great addition

All ready to go in oven. I was so excited to eat I forgot a picture at end of whole pan.

Giada’s Lasagna Rolls

Printable Recipe

Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch ground nutmeg

Lasagna:
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped
1 large egg, beaten to blend
3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting water
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)

To make the sauce: Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk the sauce until it comes to a simmer and is thick and smooth, about 3 minutes. Whisk the salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the bechamel sauce. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Mix the ricotta, spinach, 1 cup Parmesan, prosciutto, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl

Add a tablespoon or 2 of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil the noodles until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Arrange the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.

Butter a 13-by-9-by-2-inch glass baking dish. Pour the bechamel sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish.

Lay out 4 lasagna noodles on a work surface, then spread about 3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle.

Starting at 1 end, roll each noodle like a jelly roll.

Lay the lasagna rolls seam side down, without touching, atop the bechamelsauce in the dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture.

Spoon 1 cup marinara over rolls and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat until hot, and serve alongside.

Ciao!!!

Lost at 26

It's weird to think that at the age of 26 I can feel less aware of who I am as a person than I did at 16. At 16, you have your whole life ahead of you. Senior year of high school had started. I was on Homecoming Court. President of our Community Service organization and knew I would be a Buckeye come the next Fall. Everything seemed so clear and easy.

Fast forward 10 years later and my high school dreams have come to a stand still. I've become the person I've never wanted to be. a 9 to 5-er, (more like 6:30 to 3), sitting behind a computer, pushing paper. My passion for life that I had at 16 is long gone. My drive for more is fading. I literally feel like I am drowning and there is no one around to pull me out.

Every day is a new opportunity for growth and change. Each morning promises a few more hours where I can make it right. Every smile from Chris tells me I am doing something right. Every kiss from Steve helps me to breathe. Every blog I read helps me understand that I am human and that though I feel ugly at times or more flaws seem to radiate across my being, I know that I am never alone.

The Write Curl Diary and SexLoveLiberation are two of my favorite blogs out. Its as if GG and Ev'Yan are the composers of my soul. These two ladies have touched me in ways those  have known for years never can. Thank you ladies for sharing your stories and helping me share mine.

Columbus Commons

I know I said this blog is about food but I have not cooked since Monday at the BBQ. I think my kitchen misses me. I am having an urge to visit it and show some love very soon.

Instead of cooking, I have been crafting and seeing the town. For all of my Ohioans, Downtown Columbus has always been an eye sore for the state capital. Old, dilapidated buildings, no real attractions, and a mall barely standing with no anchor stores-City Center. As a kid growing up I would beg my mom to take us to City Center so we could look down at the amphitheater in the middle of the mall and I loved the statue people near the food court. But due to financial hardships and all that jazz, City Center finally came to a closure in 2009.

The best part of City Center was the old Lazarus Building attached, or better known to most as Macy's. The original Lazarus building was constructed in 1851. City Center was not built and attached by walking bridge until 1989. Talk about longevity of a store! Even with the closure of the store, the history lives on. The Ohio State University purchased the building and uses it for their Urban Arts department.

Many a bidding war and eviction notice later, City Center was eventually torn down to help in the revitalization of our tragic downtown.

Welcome to Columbus Commons.

Columbus Commons is a huge park in the middle of downtown with endless possibilities. The High Street entrance screams come in and experience my lush greens. Huge planters line the walkways for all green thumb enthusiasts. There is a stage where local artists belt their lungs away and even a Merry-go-Round for the kid in us all. 

Events for all, and I do mean all. There is Lunch on the Lawn on Wednesdays with local food carts and outside art gallery. Fridays is for kids, where former Buckeyes come out and read to children. Books are provided by our downtown library and are there when park is open for children to learn to have fund while reading. Today was Play in the Park Thursdays. Two bands showcased tonight on the sound stage as the Central Ohio Kickball leagues, operated the grass areas for their games. Yoga classes are also available. 

All in all the park is a fabulous addition to downtown. With the many new condos and lofts arising, Columbus Commons offers an oasis within the storm of everyday life. I'm looking forward to future events on the lawn.

For more information be sure to check it out at www.columbuscommons.org. 

Night loves!

My Creative Side

So coming back from Chicago and my body decides to become stricken with Bronchitis. This has been a stressful 2 weeks. In between my numerous get-better naps, I perused the blogs and came across these great earrings at A Grl Can Mac. So I decided to try. What do you think. these were really fun to make and fairly easy. I am excited to try new ones out.

 *one side*

* reverse side*

Also my wedding is about a year and a half away and I am determined to find ways around all the costs.  Instead of flower bouquets, I'm thinking more the idea of tissue puffs. So I made this also.

Nightie night! I really need to invest in a new camera.

Ashley Otisha

Happy Birthday to my 5th! In the midst of traveling, I was stricken with bronchitis but I can't forget one of the best sands and friends I could ever hope for! I love you Walkie Talkie!

Chicago Eats

My sands and I traveled to the beautiful city of Chicago this past weekend to celebrate our 6th anniversary. Great city, great people, and of course, GREAT food. My favorite thing to do when out of town is to EAT. This was only my second time in Chicago and if not for their frigid winters, I would definitely count it in my top 5 places to move to.

But back to the food. While most go places to shop, I go to feed my belly. I realized this weekend I am very cheap when it comes to clothing, but I will deplete my bank account to satisfy my hunger.

Here are some of the food places we checked out while on our stay. I highly recommend you check them out.

Thursday we got in late so we swung by Tempo for a late night breakfast. I got the 2 Eggs, any Style. $6!

Friday we started at Grand Luxe Cafe. I had the Buffalo Chicken Rolls and the Tempura Veggies. $15. Who knew fried carrots could be so yummy!

That night we went to Mr. Brown's Lounge. Caribbean inspired food that will definitely make you think twice on slapping your mama. I got so excited to eat that I forgot to take a pic. 

 Saturday we ventured over to one of Chicago's famously known spots, and left our legacy.

We ended our trip with breakfast at Meli's Cafe. Though they do not serve Mimosas (alcohol free establishment), they are praised for their fresh juices and smoothies. Below are some of the items we favored. all were under $15. 

 Homemade Preserves and dark Amber syrup

 Banana Pecan Pancakes

 Stuffed Strawberry French Toast

Jalepeno Skillet w/chicken chorizo

 Meli's Toast with chicken sausage, eggs, and home fries.

Crepes filled w/egg, spinach, and bacon

Strawberry and Banana French Toast w/chocolate drizzle

Overall, Meli's was my favorite. Greek styled and very light and open restaurant. 

Chicago was very good to us. After breakfast, we walked off our food to Navy Pier and took the Architecture tour down the Chicago River. The history of this city is so amazing. Learn more about what we saw at http://thefabulousduo.blogspot.com/ !

Until we talk again,

happy bellies!

Piada Italian Street Food

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE ITALIAN FOOD! Oh the possibilities and great things that come from Italian food. I probably love it so much because like "Soul" food, Italian food is comfort food. Tingles race through my body and an immediate smile spreads across my face at the sight of pasta and sauce. So imagine my joy when I discovered a restaurant that takes all the GREATness of Italian and makes it a "faster" food. And no not Fazoli's! I am talking about .......

Piada Italian Street Food!!!!!

Chipotle style + Martini quality= Simply Irresistible! 

Piada offers 3 choices- Piada, a flat italian wrap bread crisped per order on the flat top, Angel hair pasta, or a chopped salad. Steve went with the Piada, while I opted for the pasta. Then choose your grill item and all the toppings your heart can imagine, from smoked prosciutto to mushrooms to parmesan reggiano, oh and don't forget the sauce! The best thing about Piada, their amazing prices. $6.85 and I got two meals from my order alone. A junkie after one visit, I'm am so happy to have found a new restaurant to feed my addiction.

His Piada and my pasta bowl. Look at the size!

Oh and can't forget the Peach Bellini's!

Ciao!

Cakes and Dogs

Hello World. First post, so I want to tell you a little about myself. I am absolutely in love with FOOD. No matter what else is going on in life, food is my solace. I am always posting pics of food on Twitter, so why not share with the rest of the world. I don't follow any rhyme or reason with my cooking. Just go where my belly and taste-buds take me.

I got the title for my blog from my son's favorite food. Cakes and dogs are his way of saying pancakes and sausage (he is 3 years old). But he loves his "hotdog cakes" and would eat every day if we let him.

Hope you enjoy!