Here’s what I knew I had to work with:

2 Small White Baking Potatoes (they had about 1-2 possible days left)
Can of Black Beans
1 Green Pepper

Hmmm….what to do? Honestly, until it showed up on my plate, I didn’t know either.

I started with the potatoes. I placed them on a cookie sheet with olive oil and sprinkled them with Adobo seasoning. I baked at 350 degrees, turning once for 30 minutes.

In a skillet, I threw a can of black beans, a chopped up green pepper, a small handful of raisins and a dash of Adobo and dash of cumin.

I then took the ‘tots put some beany mixture on top and a sprinkle of cheese.

That Adobo sure does kick up a dish!

Yum, yum, yum!

Alright, back to Biggest Loser. Praying that Crazy B Tracy gets kicked off tonight.

It has been a tough decision, but I think it is time for me to end Everything in Moderation.

It has been an AMAZING two years. I’ve met some unexpected friends, seen some unexpected places, and gone on some pretty fantastic journeys.

What began as a blog to lead up to my wedding morphed into so much more, but as life continues to get hectic and I swirl in 10,000 directions – it’s not fair to neglect the blog or my readers.

Bloggers, I’ll continue to read about your journeys, and please please please keep in touch. I hope you can respect my decision, but it’s time to close this chapter of my 20s.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, the kind words, the devotion and the friendship. You’ve made it a great two years!

Good night, and good luck blogland.

G and I didn’t spend the 4th together this weekend due to a wedding for work, so tonight we opted to celebrate together with grilling

Peanut Noodles

Fresh Tomato & Mozzarella with Balsamic Vinaigrette

And of course….hamburgers.

A perfect summer meal eaten in the lovely air conditioned indoors.

Happy 4th!

Ever since we were at the B&B in Vermont, I have been craving those oats!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
• 1/2 Cup Skim Milk
• 1/2 Banana
• Dash of Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. Dried Fruit
• Dash of Cinnamon
• Dash of Salt

Served in an Anthropologie Mug for a little something different.

I LOVE Anthropologie’s home selection – especially their dishes!

Which leads me to my Quinn’s Favorite Things Giveaway. I know, I haven’t done one of these in – well, too long!

Leave a comment telling me how you start your morning, and you’ll be entered to win an Anthropologie Mug of your own! You have until tomorrow at 4:00pm!

With this heat, I was craving something more than just water when I got home. I remembered that Gatorade had sent me some samples of their new G Natural and G2 Natural drinks a few weeks ago. No time like the present!

According to their press release: “Made with natural flavors, colors and ingredients, G Natural and G2 Natural have the same performance and hydration benefits as original Gatorade Thirst Quencher and G2, with a great taste that athletes will love. The new, natural offerings are now available exclusively at select Whole Foods stores.”

“G Natural and G2 Natural are part of Gatorade Perform 02 in the G Series – a Gatorade line-up that provides scientifically supported products that offer the fuel, fluid and nutrients athletes need before, during and after activity. Gatorade Perform 02 products, including G Natural and G2 Natural, help athletes replace fluids and replenish electrolytes during physical activity.”

I have to say, I really liked this drink. Some people are not fans of these types of drinks when on runs, but I have always been a big fan. The electrolytes put some pep into my step, and knowing that what I’m drinking isn’t chemically based is a huge selling point for me. And the orange flavor was refreshing!

Thank you, Gatorade, for sending me these products. I will absolutely be on the lookout for your G Natural and G2 Natural products next time I’m in Whole Foods. I see many sweaty summer runs in my future.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. We began Saturday joining my mother for a drink on the patio of The Granville Inn, which was also our hotel.

We chatted about my old days there, and what Megan was going to do next. At the moment, she was cleaning out her apartment. While we waited, we nibbled on a insanely overpriced cheese plate.

Geoff was beyond patient this weekend as estrogen levels were soaring!

When the graduate arrived, we ordered dinner. I got the Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Served with Roasted Red Peppers, Artichokes and Eggplant.

I know what you’re thinking, “Quinn, this meal has your name written all over it, and it looks phenomenal!”

Honestly, it was just ‘meh. Kind of cold to be honest.

This restaurant, and many like them in town, tend to raise the prices of EVERYTHING during Graduation Weekend and I find also skimp on the quality. Not. Cool.

That didn’t stop of us from trying dessert though. A Cheesecake Trio.

I tried a bite of the one on the right. Not bad.

We then decided to pose for photos around the historic hotel. At the end of our hallway was this portrait of a little girl. Fairly confident she was a ghostly spirit.

Then the estrogen came out for our family photo shoot. Again, thank you, Geoff.

“V” is for Victory!!!

A family that has fun together

We continued to have fun for another drink at the bar but dim lighting got in the way of photos.

Sunday morning our hotel at least offered free breakfast. I opted for yogurt + granola. A crisp start to the morning.

Strolling through town on the way to graduation.

It’s seriously JUST like Pleasantville.

It was a small miracle I never sat in the back of one of these during my four years there

The 3.5 hour graduation ceremony was a sea of people!

They even had food trucks for hungry family members, like Geoff.

There she is! Can you see Megan?!? Waldo?

She did it!!!!

I sported a fab-u-lous Sumaris necklace. LOVE statement piece jewelry

After the ceremonies we celebrated with some bubbly in Megan’s dorm room (you have to live on campus all four years at Denison).

She even set up a table

My Uncle Tom poured.

My mom toasted and breathed a sigh of relief that college tuition payments were over!

Megan reflected on her last four years.

And my cousin Kathryn and I played “I Spy” College Edition. I spy beer tabs!

Mom spied Half Filled Jugs ‘o Wine.

I spy Under 21 Signage.

I spy Late Night McDonald’s Remnants.

I spy Party Leftovers

We all decided upon seeing the gar-bage that it was time to head out. We made our way to my old sorority house before heading into Columbus for dinner.

And we even stopped at Megan’s. Rivals

Graduation dinner was celebrated at G Michael’s Bistro in Columbus’ German Village.

I ordered the Swordfish Special

G Michaels Bistro

In-cred-ible. Topped with crab meat this dish was light, flavorful and left me savoring each and every bite.

With dinner I enjoyed two glasses of Pinot Noir which went unphotographed.

It was such a weekend of celebrations and I am so thrilled for Megan. I wonder what she’ll do next…….

As we were getting ready for bed last night, Thump was lounging in front of the bathroom door.

Not thinking his tail was in the way – Geoff closed the door to do his bid-nass.

I heard the shrill of the century come out of this cute muffin which caused me to shriek.

Geoff had shut Thumper’s tail in the door.

He ran straight into my arms, and at first I thought, “Oh, poor thing, that must have really shook him up and been painful.”

Then, with a flick of his tail (reason for his namesake) blood went flying EVERYWHERE.

Good thing I have white bedding. Oh wait…..

I quickly called Falls Road Animal Hospital to see if we should come in – the gash was that deep.

Two hours later, we were told he needed to have the tip of his tail amputated. The way it was wounded would not be easy to stitch and this was our only option.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

We scheduled it for tomorrow morning, so please keep Thumper in your thoughts.

Right now he looks like he’s waving a surrender flag with this thing.

He’s never going to be the same

Yesterday, I dined with Olga, and she suggested we test out one of OYA’s new “$10 To Go” lunches.

While we waited in the bar for our orders to be completed, we snapped some photos of the gorgeously detailed decor.

I think it has quite the feminine touch. Dinner here would be among a stunning backdrop!

Our backdrop, while nice, was not quite as swanky. We took our to go lunches and headed over to the National Portrait Gallery to eat in their common area.

Olga and I ordered the same entree. Short Rib Sandwich. It came with chips and a small dessert.

If you order the sushi to go box, you get seaweed salad or edamame. Not so with the sandwiches, and I have to say, I’d have rather had some seaweed salad in lieu of these.

But no way, no how would I have traded in this Short Rib Sandwich.

I still am tasting this sandwich! Reasons why it hit such a home run?

• Still warm
• FULL of meat
• Incredibly savory flavor
• Melted in my mouth
• Each chew was a better experience than the last
• The bun.

Sometimes, I will forgo the bun on BBQ sandwiches and just eat the insides – but this one was so flaky, so sweet, so buttery, that I just couldn’t put it down.

My camera’s battery died prior to me taking a photo of the dessert, which were Carrot Ginger Bars. There was candied ginger throughout and a very light cream sandwiched between the cakes. YUM!

$10 OYA To Go Lunch is a definite win. Considering I spend almost the same at places like Potbelly, Devon & Blakely, Au Bon Pain, etc.for a turkey sandwich & chips and here I get to get a gourmet sandwich with a side and dessert for the same price? That is a win in my book!

We’re headed to New York this evening as part of my anniversary gift from last month.

I’ll be blogging from up there this evening, but in the interim, I thought you all would like to know about the new chapter.

In two weeks, I will be joining the team at Sky Blue Events, a Baltimore-based event planning company that exudes signature style.

While not actually planning the events, I’m excited to utilize my business development skills to engage brides, corporations, charitable foundations and more! I will work with them as they set forth designing and hosting weddings, receptions, dinner parties, openings and the like.

It’s like this job was designed for me!

Can you tell I just came off an interview cycle? Am I selling myself too much???

But most of all, I’m delighted that I can FINALLY feel like a part of my new city – Baltimore.

And no longer will I be commuting my life away!

The best part? I’m leaving my current company on a GREAT note, which really, is the best way to leave a place. You never know who you’re going to cross paths with down the road….

Thank you for all of your well wishes, and if you know of any Baltimore brides or other clients looking to plan an event to remember – send them my way

I lived for the dream relationship, despite not actually having one of my own. I felt like the love ballads were speaking to me. I rooted for the couples of the era.

Kelly and Zack were almost doomed.

By a-hole, Jeff.

Really? She thought that older manager of The Max was going places???

I hated Kelly Taylor when she came between Dylan and Brenda.

Angela and Jordan? Agh! Teen angst!

And it happened again last night friends. I want Rachel and Finn to be together. In a big way.

But of course, what would teenage drama be without a little conflict of interest. Enter Jessie.

I do not enjoy him, and he is ruining my love story.

Am I the only almost 28 year old married teenage girl out there? I’m willing to bet not so much.

Who were your favorite TV couples? Did you root for them?

Whilst watching Glee last night, Geoff served up another wonderful meal. Kind of nice to have him handle everything!

Picture 011

He lined up his ingredients and spices.

Picture 001

Chopped Mushrooms

Picture 002

Artichoke Hearts

Picture 003

With some boiled chopped chicken.

Picture 013

He did good!

Picture 015

Hearty, Healthy and Amazing!

And, a friend recently pointed out to me that Geoff and Finn have an uncanny resemblance. Even down to their hairstyles and mannerisms.

What do you think?

image

Kinda, right?!?!?! I knew I thought Finn was cute for a reason!