Bites of My Life

Coming off an extended weekend back in Oklahoma City full of work, lots of family time, lots of food and two, 2nd birthdays. I headed north on I-35 last Wednesday. I was greeted by my two favorite little nieces and my long lost New York sis. The main reason bringing me home was for my monthly visit back to headquarters for work and to help with our Jones Assembly 2nd anniversary party needs. It worked out perfectly with Claire’s visit home, Elle’s 2nd birthday, a wedding shower, a new restaurant opening, and a great summer weekend. I didn’t get back to Dallas until Monday around lunch and I’m still trying to get back in the swing of things.

-I met Molly and Paige through the same outlet but at separate times. They have both been in Dallas much longer than I, but now that we are all in the same city together a meet up was necessary. And by meetup I mean getting our butt’s in shape at Paige’s cycle class. If you are in Dallas and haven’t made it to Class Studios yet you are missing out.
-My favorite clean-out-the-fridge meal. Working on putting this into a recipe post, so look forward to that!
-Two people I miss the most in the same photo! Loved loved having Claire home and getting to see Elle Belle!
-Sister blow-outs because why not?
-New amazing OKC restaurant alert! Run don’t walk to Frida. Was so glad we got a reservation in during their first week open.
-Oh I just really love time when we are all together! Not pictured John our photographer, and dad out chauffeur parking the car ;)
-The real reason I was home was to help finalizing planning and set up for our 2nd Anniversary party at The Jones Assembly. It’s crazy how two years can seem like 10- ha! Labor.of.love.
-Original crew all together for the weekend and it was a great one!
-When in OKC, brandy ice’s are a must. We stopped by my #3 spot (Michael’s Grill) Saturday night. You can see my brandy ice run down here.
-Staying at mom and dad’s now is legit like being at a hotel. My bathroom had a robe, slippers, cotton squares and lotion all waiting for my arrival!
-Two years old and cuter than ever!
-Not my funfetti cake recipe, but sis nailed it with this three-layer for Elle’s birthday!

Annie

Bites of My Life

Monday of last week feels like ages ago and the 4th seems like at least a month ago. Does anyone else feel like that was the longest holiday weekend ever? Not that that is a bad thing by any means. After a few classes at a new workout studio (that I loved) and doubled up happy hours, I packed and got on a flight for the 4th in D.C. My oldest friend Anna and her bf Wade (also my very good friend), are officially permanent residents in the District. Anna and I lived together there 5 summers ago. We had such a great time exploring new places, visiting some of my old faves, eating all the things and running in to other D.C. friends. You can see everywhere we went saved in my “DC” highlight on instagram stories.

-I’ve been trying all the Dallas workouts. Pilates, spin, surf (yes) and now a workout inspired from skiing. TBH I’ve been a little underwhelmed with all the classes I’ve tried. Something is just off with each one. I tried Powder Heart last week and then went three days straight. It’s basically a HIIT workout, but with a twist, which keeps my attention. I’m signed up for class this morning and I can’t wait.
-When new friends text you to come over for piña coladas, you know they are good friends!
-Friend happy hour part 2 in true Dallas fashion with ranch waters and chips and guac!
-Patriotic in-flight outfit because when traveling on the 4th, what else are you supposed to wear?
-After arriving in The District, it was already mid-afternoon. We did late afternoon drinks and an early dinner at Lucky Buns before watching fireworks from Anna and Wade’s roof. Wade and I went halfsies on the Bun Mi burger and the El Jefe. Insanely good. This was just one of the great spots we went to in their Adam’s Morgan neighborhood.
-This picture is technically from our afternoon in Alexandria, but the patriotic colored row homes were too cute not to share.
-At home bagels and lox. 1. to avoid spending money on every meal. 2. because yum.
-Dolcezza gelato is a DC staple and when it felt like 100 degrees, ice cream was necessary. I went half coffee and cookies, half blueberry lavender (yum)!
-Woke up Saturday to walk of Friday’s pasta off and I and intentionally went in the direction of the cutest book store I used to love to go to. I went more for the brunch, but still.
-Le Diplomate is a favorite by so many. Since we had all been here a few times before, we decided to go off the grid, and go big and order the seafood platter. Worth every penny and stare we got.
-Had such a great long weekend in D.C, but was glad to get back early Sunday morning to have the day to get organized and to have one last indulgence before the weekend was over. Crossed Oishii sushi off my Dallas eats list! You have to get the cesar roll if you go.

Annie

p.s. I snuck in two recipe posts last week! Don’t miss my Mayo-Less Salmon Salad and Quick Pickled Red Onions.

Mayo-Less Salmon Salad (Whole 30)

Unpopular opinion, but I love tuna salad. Unpopular by many because 1. tuna. 2. mayo (yuck) 3. the smell. You can get my mayo-less whole 30 tuna salad recipe here.

Well today’s recipe is similar, but the star is salmon instead of tuna. Salmon is much more liked in the food industry it seems. However, I’d never bought canned salmon until now. Not sure why, because I just became obsessed. Being obsessed with a canned fish may be slightly concerning, but I’m going with it.

This recipe is giving my weekday lunches life right now. Just like my tuna salad recipe this is free of mayo, but the best part is it’s free of the stench that tuna has. Your office mates will thank you! Classic salmon flavors like dill and lemon are added to really bring it full circle.

Salmon Salad
yields 3 servings

Ingredients:
12 oz wild pink salmon, no salt added
1/4 cup dijon mustard
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tbsp. pickle juice
1/4 cup pickles, finely chopped*
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
1/4 tsp. paprika
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Drain your cans of salmon and add to a medium size bowl. Fluff the salmon with a fork. Add the mustard and pickle juice and stir to combine. Add the pickles, green onions, dill and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and add more seasoning or mustard if needed.

Serve with butter lettuce and pickled red onions. I also love eating mine with GG crackers.

*If you don’t like pickles, celery would be great here

Annie

Quick Pickled Red Onions

I love pickled red onions. They make any salad, taco or grain bowl so much better than just raw onions. Not to mention the bright pink hue gives dishes such a good pop of color. This recipe calls for only a few ingredients (+ no sugar unlike most recipes) and will give you pickled red onions in one hour.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 medium red onion
fresh ground pepper
sea salt

Directions:
Cut your onion in half (see where in video below). Peel off outer skin. Slice into thin slices. Place slices in a 16 ounce mason jar. Pour in your apple cider vinegar and water. Add a little bit of fresh ground pepper and a big pinch of salt. Put on the lid and give your onions a shake. Place in the fridge for at least one hour. You will then have bright pink onions!

Will stay in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Annie

P.S. try them on salmon salad or pork carnitas

Bites of My Life

I keep joking that since I’ve moved to Dallas I’m just getting fat and poor! I wish i was kidding. I’ve been on a high since I moved, but I think after 4th of July weekend I need to shift out of my “vacation” mentality when it comes to how I’m eating and spending money. All to be said, zero regrets for all the delicious food eaten, memories made, and people I’ve met because of it.

Here’s to a new month, and a short week. I’m headed back to my favorite, Washington D.C. to spend the 4th in the most patriotic place possible!

-I caved and finally made Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi! I kept it simple with tomato sauce, spinach, red pepper flakes and some nutritional yeast.
-Foxtrot: an adorable market and cafe opened down the street from me last week. Loved catching up with my good friend Shelby during their opening day celebrations.
-Spritz at Sassetta, a place high on my list. You can see my review of it and more in last week’s Top 5 places I went my second week in Dallas post.
-BFF in town for the night and she comes bearing snacks from our favorite! Maddie was in town for Dallas market to scope out new products for her jewelry line Made By Maddie. It was a quick 18ish hour visit but we made the most of it!
-God bless Texas and America! Stumbled upon the cutest patriotic house on my walk.
-LOOK at that quiche! Had such a fun brunch with a group of new friends Saturday at Mercat Bistro.
-Saturday night pizza night at Pizzaria Testa. Post-day at the pool, pre-bowling and karaoke.
-Verde Chicken Cauliflower Rice bowl for Sunday dinner. I’m finishing testing this out and then hope to post the recipe soon!
-Finally made Rachael’s Good Eats Cookie Skillet Individuals. They actually are so delicious. They aren’t a Perfect CCC by any means, but for a healthier sweet treat, these do the trick.

Annie

Need a 4th of July bite? These are a must and this is a favorite salad that is perfect for a cookout!