#FridayFinds - Rosie's Italian Diner

*Updated 4/21/2019 to include the missing Salad picture!

For our anniversary a few weeks ago, MBB and I decided to try a new restaurant.
We have not had the best of luck with Italian restaurants in Toledo (see here and here).
But Rosie's had great reviews, so we thought we would give it a try.
And we are glad we did!

Hot Mama Bread w/ cheese

Very Yummy!

For some weird reason, the picture I took of my "Rosie's Caprese Salad" is gone.
But it was so good that I retook the picture and am adding it here!
Even MBB showed some interest in it (and he is NOT a fan of Caprese Salads).

Rosie's Caprese Salad

Chicken Alfredo

Overall, MBB was happy with the al dente noodles and thought that the sauce had good flavor.

He didn't think it was as good as Olive Garden's, but he definitely wasn't unhappy with it.

Lasagna Bolognese

EXCELLENT!  I think this is the best lasagna that I have ever had.

MBB agreed that it was better than Olive Garden and Las Vegas's Battista's.

Apple Crumb

(this may not be the real name - but the desserts aren't listed on the menu to help me)

Since it was our anniversary, we got a dessert to share.

I promise - there were two spoons (MBB already picked his up).

Overall, this was a definite winner (great since it was for our anniversary).
It is a bit higher in price, but so well worth it!
Next time, we are going to try to sit on the patio (weather permitting).

The desserts are all (except the Tiramisu) still made by Rosie (the owner's mother).  The Tiramisu is made by the owner's wife.  How do we know?  The owner's son was our waiter and share that information while he was showing us the dessert tray.

Namaste.

#CraftyTuesday - Cousins

One of my cousins is expecting her first little girl.

Since I was already working on Zilla's new quilt, I decided to make her one too.

In my opinion, it is easier and faster to work on multiple quilts at once...
Don't ask, I can't explain...

Namaste.

#Friday Finds - Parrino's Oven (Dallas)

I was in Dallas for a work event, yes - again, this summer (yes, it is taking me a bit to post these).

We were staying at Hyatt Regency Dallas and decided to give one of the hotel restaurants a try: Parrino's Oven.

Overall, it was good - but I would probably try something else next time I'm in town.

I think this was the house salad, but I'm not 100%...

Margherita Pizza (my favorite)

Carne Pizza

Tiramisu

Warm Chocolate Cake w/ Raspberry Sauce

? (Even looking at the menu, I can't remember what this was called)

Namaste.

Remembering - Zula

Sometimes, life gifts you with absolute love and happiness and joy.
And that described OB's dog, Zula, perfectly.
She was amazing.
She loved all (except when her daddy was petting another dog).
She knew no evil, because she had no evil.

And she loved trucks, especially her Papaw's truck.
Which in the end was her downfall.
She loved them so much that she didn't understand that they could hurt her.
And hurt her the delivery truck did.

OB was able to hold her and shower with love as she took her last breath.
And she now will travel with her daddy wherever he goes.

It is times like this that I have to remember and hold onto the memories of that love and happiness and joy.  Cause when that love and happiness and joy is suddenly gone, it hurts - real bad.

Love you Zula-girl.
Nana and Papaw are so glad that you were able to visit and share your love with us before you were taken to the Rainbow Bridge... way, way, way too soon.

Namaste.

#CraftyTuesday - Swingzeebo

MBB saw a picture on Facebook that put a creative idea in his head and couldn't let it go...
He designed and built it (with the exception of pouring/laying the concrete).

I tried to get some pictures of it throughout the process:

Forming up the shape for the concrete.

Concrete poured with the center left open for the firepit. We buried the first row

of bricks so that there would be a barrier between the fire and the concrete.

We didn't leave it perfectly smooth, because we were

afraid it would get slippery when it got wet.

The firepit makes an appearance - we bought two kits and combined them into one to keep little bodies

going a 100 miles an hour from falling in.  Once the boys get older, we may take off the top row.

The frame starts to go up. I swore that I took more pictures

during this phase, but I can't seem to find anymore!

We put some stain on the gray tubing that holds the electric wire so

that it would blend in a bit with the wood and not stand out so much.

Introducing: The Swingzeebo!

Since I took the final picture, we have made a few changes:
 > We are now leaving two bays open - one for entry (front) and for firewood retrieval (back).
 > MBB added cross braces in each upper corner and it is much more stable now.
 > Added two bottle openers spread out through the posts.

Some details that are real noticeable in the picture:
 > We have three double outlets spread out through the posts.
 > There is a light switch for the lights.
 > The three potted plants have lavender in them to try to make it a mosquito - free zone.
 > There is a blue tooth speaker up in the top (what I call the rafters).
 > We bought two strands of lights from Costco, but one was bright enough on its own.

We have just a bit more to do:
 > Buy more seating for one bay (the patio chairs showing in the two front bays belong on the deck).
 > Stain the wood (since it is treated, we will need to wait about six months to do this)
 > Figure out something for garbage.

Just a side note - the squirrels thinks that we made them an obstacle course.
We have a great view of them "playing" from the dining room window.

Namaste.

Blog Changes

I have decided to make some changes...
Not sure why, it just feels right.

First off, I am taking the ads off of the page...
They annoy me...
And don't provide any benefit...
So - they are gone!

Second, I found a new theme/background.
I had to make sure that the previous white text could remain (since my links are hard coded white)…
I think I was successful.
Not sure how long I will keep it as I am not a huge blue fan...
But hey, change is good!



If anyone has successions for any other changes (topics, hashtags, pictures, etc), just let me know!

Namaste.

#FridayFinds - Giordano's (Vegas)

MBB loves Chicago-style pizza!

Being that it always takes 45 minutes to cook and my husband HATES to wait (I am not joking or exaggerating) - I haven't figured out this love.

I prefer thin crust pizza, but I will eat Chicago-style every so often so that he can get his fix.

And it was time for a fix.

We decided to try Giordano's while we were in Vegas earlier this year.

It was our last stop before heading to the airport (literally, we had our suitcase with us!).

Overall, MBB was happy and that's all that matters.
Would I go back?  Yes - but only if he needs a fix.

Namaste.

10 - 9 - 10

I know, I know...
It's Tuesday which means #CraftyTuesday...
And I do have a few crafty stuff lined up to share soon...

But there is a very important post that trumps all craftiness: MBB and SassyMarie
Today is our 8th anniversary and even though I have missed noting a few special days on here this year, I will not miss this one!

To my other half, my man, my babe... I love you and cherish the last 8 years!


Namaste.