Vienna, Austria and Wiener Schnitzel from Figlmüller

Austria. A country so beautiful, it’s as if you stepped into a dream. The Von Trapp family certainly knew what they were doing setting up camp there. Though Jon and I technically kicked off our European holiday in Zurich – the most expensive 11 hours of our life – our first full day was spent in Vienna, or Wien as Austrians call it.

A pristine, dog-friendly city full of pedestrian lanes, stunning architecture and places of business that close down early – the Austrian way of life is slow and laid back, which is unfortunate for us considering we only had two days to fit everything in and absorb the culture. There are so many historical and beautiful sites, and we did our best to see it all.

A Surprise Engagement in Sedona, AZ

Is it just me, or does it seem like I am constantly making excuses for my lack of updating this blog? Well, like it or not, I’m cutting myself some slack this time around. My excuses are real and legitimate. The last three months have been full of life changing events, and for the first time I feel like I have significant updates to provide you.

I’m sure by the opening photos of this post, you can easily guess where this story begins. Yes. I am betrothed. Affianced. Engaged – to my best friend, which makes me a very lucky girl. Last Thanksgiving, a little birdie (read: my dad) had hinted (read: blatantly told me) to the idea that Jon might propose to me during our European vacation (more on that soon). I spent most of the spring obsessing over what outfits I was going to wear each day, how much weight I could realistically lose before our trip and scheduling appointments for hair, nails and a facial during the weeks leading up to our departure. If I was going to be proposed to in Europe, then I was going to look as close to perfection as possible. I knew there would be many pictures taken to capture that momentous day and, at the time, it felt important that I look positively glowing.

Shaved Asparagus Salad with Poached Eggs

Spring, so we meet again… I’ve been looking forward to your arrival for quite some time. I believe that since the conception of this blog, I have had plans year in and year out to make a quintessential spring dish, one that highlights the ingredients that only the months of April and May can provide at their peak and full glory. But sadly, each spring seems to pass by in a blur, leaving my belly and this blog empty of English peas and ramps.

Cheddar and Black Pepper Biscuits with Spicy Sausage Gravy

I want to be the mom that makes the world’s best biscuits and gravy. I want my biscuit making skills to be that of which legends are made of, a tale that my children will spread far and wide, allowing my name to live beyond my years. Yes. I have (unreasonably) high expectations for myself and these biscuits. But I have a confession: I have never made homemade biscuits. Unless, of course, you consider drop biscuits made from the likes of Bisquick powder homemade? I didn’t think so…

New England Clam Chowder with Bacon

It’s February and, baby, it’s cold outside. The whole country pretty much experienced the chilling cold front that swept across the nation last week. It even snowed in Arizona! Not enough to count, of course – there was a snowflake here and there – but you’d never know the difference from the way the traffic backed up that day. Seriously, Arizona has some of the worst drivers EVER. But I’m getting off topic… Where were we? Oh, yeah. It’s cold. And what do I want when it’s cold? Soup, chowder, bisque, broth, stew, bouillabaisse – whatever variety you choose, there are few things in this world that are more comforting on a chilly afternoon than a warming bowl of soup.

I never really ate clam chowder before meeting Jon, but it always interested me. It seemed fancy and sophisticated, I guess. Sadly though, I’ve always been slightly finicky when it comes to seafood – something I’m working on. Jon has helped to expand my boundaries tremendously, however, and clams are something that I quite enjoy now.