A summer that's not too shabby, 2019

Just when you thought this died, I pump a lil' life back into it. 2019 has been a whirlwind of adventure. Getting experienced in a new job, moving in with my now fiancé, and vacationing to beautiful places.

Photos above are from the Adirondacks in New York. Views from Mt. Baker, Haystack, and the Lower St. Regis. Ice cream from Donnelly's, a daily tradition to make sure you don't wither away from all the hiking, and in the end - a coffee from a diner before departing. All in all a fabulous getaway. Check out a previous post on the Saranac Our Legacy IPA

Just got back from a 47mi road bike ride. In the spirit of Le Tour lately. Been spinning a lot lately, but moreso on the mountain bike. Hope your summer is grand.

Beer Review (61): Ballast Point Spruce Tip Sculpin IPA

Brewery: Ballast Point Beer: IPA| Beer Advocate Score: 4.06/5 Abv: 7%

Crispy citrus bite now built into one of my most beloved IPAs, ever. I had no idea until a recent case swap at work that this little guy existed, what a delight! It's on a short fun, so go grab yourself a case to enjoy all winter! 

Pre-Christmas Photo Dump

I've recently been browsing through posts on here and got a resurgence of excitement to begin posting again. Heck, if all we can do nowadays is post things on social outlets, then at least I'll keep up with my 'internet diary,' as I more or less call it. Lots of fun happenings in the last two months all of which include bread, beer, cheer, doggos, and biking. I hope everyone is getting into the spirit of things and looking forward to catching you here more often than not! 

Beer Review (60): Block House Brewing | Pumpkin Ale

Brewery: Block House Brewing Beer: Pumpkin Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.47/5 Abv: 7%

Hope Yinz like Pumpkin Beers, because this one is sure to shake up the normal repertoire. This is the most cinnamon-induced beer I've ever encountered and I actually love the overly sweet, and thick, sticky taste. This beer hails from the Steel City itself, and actually, the first time I'm hearing of the brewery.  Hmm, maybe I live under a rock, but this is a nice little treat to discover. 

Beer Review (59): Harpoon | Flannel Friday Amber Ale

Brewery: Harpoon Brewery Beer: Amber Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.82/5 Abv: 5.7%


I'm usually not a huge fan of Amber Ale's - there's something about a caramel and malt in a beer that doesn't appeal to me much. This beer on the other hand was a gentle step into fall, with familiar seasonal flavors, like the aforementioned, but actually tasty this time! Maple syrup, crispy leaves, and a sticky mug of this will get you in the spirit. 

Beer Review (57): Voodoo Imperial IPA by New Belgium Brewing Company

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Co.  Beer: Imperial IPA| Beer Advocate Score: In Review 86 Abv: 11.0%

I checked out Tyler Park's disc golf or "frolf" (frisbee+golf) course last weekend, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Technical holes in the hollows, open field holes with blooming trees and flowers, and straight and narrow shots along ledges.  I have recently, dramatically, dubbed it my 'calling' and perhaps it'll be a new summertime favorite.  Around about the 9th hole we stopped for a beer break in front of the dam.  This is a creamy, imperial, boozy IPA that is a summertime favorite.  Pair this with a disc and a basket and your weekend is set!

Beer Review (56): Saison au Miel by Left Hand Brewing Company

Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company Beer: Saison/Farmhouse | Beer Advocate Score: In Review Abv: 6.80%

It's one of my favorite beer seasons of the year.  I long for the fragrant and spicy beer to hit the shelves with the intent to pound a can after a long bike ride or a stroll in the spring sunshine.  The Saison au Miel by Left Hand caught my eye and I popped one out of the beer fridge.  Part of the sell was that it came in a 16oz can and I was a thirsty gal that day.  Carbonation was low, color a nice gold, and the taste sweet and spicy.  With the addition of honey in the recipe, I think it really toned down some of my favorite things about a saison, the spice!  So a little sweeter than expected, but sort of a welcomed change.  I'd definitely try it again pair it with a salad or something crisp and fresh.  Let's see if a rating comes down the line soon!

Hello, Spring! Missed you, boo

It's technically the third day of Spring and it's really, actually, swears to god, starting to feel like it!  The bike ride into work this morning was divine!  My little seedlings are popping up and growing along the windowsill and the saison and IPAs are flowing.  Warmer weather means a ton of time spent in the garden and also, suddenly, the drive to work on that Summer-bod (insert fancy new workout gear justification).  Here are a couple of my favorite things this season!  Enjoy

Patagonia Lightweight Pullover

Counter Culture Coffee Cariamanga

Organic Seeds

Blah Blah Blah IPA by Brew Free of Die

Leatherman Squirt

Ikea Vase

Nike Metcon 3 Shoes

Nudie Dry Hemp Selvage Denim

Wonderland by Steven Johnson

Cobalt Blue Glasses

Beer Review (55): Blah Blah Blah IPA by 21st Amendment

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Imperial IPA | Beer Advocate Score: 88 Abv: 8.0%

It's been a long time since I indulged in a nice craft beer.  Honestly, winter got me fat and girl has to tone down the beer consumption.  Every now and then, for sanity, I must imbibe.  I saw a new 21st Amendment can at the Corner Foodery and had to give it a go--even though I knew IMPERIAL meant I would get a little wild.  Ok, I didn't get wild, I only found a new IPA to die for.  It's reminiscent of the Brew Free or Die IPA they offer, but bolder, cleaner and more powerful.  

Holiday Gift Guide #2

Keeping it classic with this guide.  Retro hats, helmets, socks and shoes.  This Christmas, get something for someone that'll never die with the trend of the day.  And if you're looking for a Christmas-y craft to get you into the spirit of the season, try making your very own Pomander!  I hold these near and dear to my heart ever since my grandmother used to sit us down to make them at the kitchen table every winter.

Vans Classic Shoes

Wall Clock

Bell Motorcycle Helmet

Taylor Stitch Chore Pants

Christmas Crackers

LL Bean Hat

Southern Tier Krampus Beer

Fair Isle Socks from JCrew

Bird Whistles

Beatrix Potter Art

Sher-wood Hockey Stick

Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year when being home, making good food, and day dreaming about winter sports is perfectly satisfying.  Time to cozy up in your favorite pair of sweats, make some tea, and re-watch the entire Bridget Jones' Diary set, right?!

I'm going cross country skiing next week and I'm getting all antsy with planning and logistics. Here's a list of things I'd be into this holiday season. Hope my dad is reading this because baby can't afford to buy herself a Leica this year,

Blundstone Boots
Helle Knife
Leica Camera
Nigel Slater Cookbook
Gardner's Seeds
Weyerbacher Merry Monks Beer
Gardner's Knife
Succulent Plants
Cadbury Chocolate
Ritter Chocolate
Cross Country Ski Package
Black Watch Shirt

#BeerReview--Check 'Em All Out

I really like a great pint of beer!  So every now and then I tell you what's hot or what's not!  So check out the beer reviews on the site and send your suggestions my way!  CHEERS!

Hang On To Summer With These Citrus Beers

It's inevitable.  Tans fade.  Summer does come to an end, if only in terms of weather.  So we'll keep it alive by mixing in a bit of flavor into our usual line-up.  Citrus a n y t h i n g is my absolute favorite, so please forgive all the extra crafty sparkle in this post!

From left --> right, these are my favorite picks to keep your taste buds waxing nostalgic on the warmer months.

Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin
This beer is so fragrant and delightful.  You'll really like this one!  Full, rich pineapple flavors and one of the most perfect IPAs to grace your palette. 

Sam Adams Red Grapefruit IPA
An unexpected choice here, but I'm a big fan.  Sam Adams for the win with this red grapefruit IPA.  I just love the smell and the taste is super smooth.

Schofferhofer Grapefruit Beer
This is a summer classic in my book.  Schofferhofer knows how to blend the sweet, citrusy blend of grapefruit, sugar and alcohol.  Keep your fridge stocked all through the Fall.

Southern Tier 3 Citrus Peel Out
Boom, Southern Tier delivers yet again with this 3 citrus blend.  A wheat beer with zesty lemon tones, yum.

DogFishHead Namaste
Always a little weird, but interesting brewery.  DFH brings us Namaste, a white witbier with a light color and bold flavor. 

Stone Citrusy Wit
Just what it says, a citrusy wit, but done so well...you'll wanna just keep drinking.  Ahhhhh, so fresh!

Summer '16 #RoundUp

You gotta big Summer ahead of you.  Whether it's just the weekends you have or you're going to take some time off, consider the limitless fun of motorcycle riding.  Or bike riding!  Plop your favorite local latte into your PDW Bar-ista and take in the sites.  Still looking for the perfect bag?  I've been telling you about the Vandal from Mission Workshop for some time!  Grab an ice cream cone for the ultimate treat.  Wishing you the most adventurous summer yet!

1. Big Sur Jacket - Taylor Stitch
2. A Burglar's Guide to the City - Geoff Manaugh
3. Coffee Holder - PDW
4. Sunscreen - Alba
5. Enduro 300 EXC - KTM
6. The Vandal - Mission Workshop
(Check out my MW store visit, click link)
7. Gringo Helmet - Biltwell
8. Hopsecutioner Beer - Terrapin Brewing Co.
9. Fishing Lure - Bass Pro

Beer Review (54): El Sully by 21st Amendment Brewery

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Mexican Lager | Beer Advocate Score: 80 Abv: 4.8%

Oh heyyyyyy, are you ready for a tasty new offering from 21st?  Yeah, you'll like this one.  It's perfect for heading to the beach, super smooth, light and refreshing.  Is this a complex, craft beer you'd expect from 21st?  No, its a much simpler beer than that, but done with a superior quality compared to those other cervezas that are popular for regular beach go-ers ;)

Seven Kingdoms at Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia!

Brewery Ommegang, who has been releasing Game of Thrones inspired brews, will be making their way to the Eastern State Penitentiary here in Philadelphia, right in my neighborhood! There will be fire dancing, DJs, and *cue the theme song*, your very own Iron Throne to sit on!  You'll see from this post I was loving the 2013 Ommegang GoT beer, so I'm sure the next batch in honor of the new season will be just as delightful.

The festivities will be held on April 14th, $55 per person. SOLD OUT. 

End of Winter #RoundUp

The end is nigh!  Well, we're almost completely through this dreary and cold time of year.  What better way to welcome in the warmer weather, rain, and burst of plant life around you than with some new gear?  Or at the very least, try out the Gone Away IPA by Half Acre Beer Co.  Break in a crispy pair of Nudies or add a splash of color to your feet.  

Dreaming of warmer weather to get out on the motorcycle in?  In the meantime, check out some PBC adventures, here.  Need more inspiration on what to wear?  Head on over to Buckets & Spades for the latest kit.

Lot's happening this time of year, so stick around!


Nudie Jeans - Steady Eddie in Orange Crinkle
Mission Workshop - Transit Duffle
Taylor Stitch - The Yosemite Shirt
Stance Socks - Noir
Biltwell - Bantam Gloves
Cadbury Mini Eggs 
Gone Away - IPA
Cord Dolo - Corduroy Cap
Draft Matic Alvin Pencil
Monkey 47 Gin

Beer Review (53): Imperial IPA by New Belgium Brewing Company

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Beer: Amber Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 85 Abv: 8.5%

Wooooheeee this is a strong Imperial IPA.  It was perfect for the Christmas season, a nice and citrus-y flavor to round off a few perfect meals.  This is the second beer I've had from New Belgium and very tasty.  Colorado has its share of great breweries and I will definitely add this to my list of go-to IPAs.  But man, it's a kick of alcohol at 8.5%.  

Christmas Gift Guide 2015

Stockings are hung and lights are a-glow, Christmas shopping has begun and not even a chance of snow!  I promise I wont continue rhyming through this post, but I WILL recommend a couple of my favorite things that may guide your Christmas shopping this year!  Merry Christmas to all!

1. Vans Hi-Tops
2. Barbour Heritage Sweater
3. Lush Dream Cream
4. Finisterre CWS Caelus Parka
5. Rx Gear Jump Ropes
6. Bon Maman Fig Preserves
7. Sony Cybershot
8. Rotring Mechanical Pencil
9. Mortar & Pestle
10. Springbank
11. Stance Christmas Socks
12. The Nordic Cookbook
13. Lancaster Brewing Winter Warmer
14. Vans x Pendleton Slip-Ons

Beer Review (52): Fat Tire Amber Ale by New Belgium Brewing Company

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Beer: Amber Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 82 Abv: 5.2%

A really nicely balanced beer here.  I typically steer away from Amber/Red ales, but this beer has certainly been a game changer for me.  It pours a rusty orange color and has a smooth nutty, toffee, and bread flavor.  Hey, why not take it to some of your holiday parties this month!?

Speaking of the holidays, stay tuned for some Holiday Gift #RoundUps