What dreams are made of

I have pretty strong food cravings, and typically I cannot or will not settle on eating something that I'm not specifically in the mood for. If I don't know what I'm craving- I'll often wait to eat until I figure it out (which drives Dustin nuts- he's literally staaaaaaaaaaaaarving apparently) since I've found substitutions do not work. If I eat something I wasn't truly hungry for it doesn't stop me from eating again later when I uncover my true desire. It just causes me to take in more calories in the mean time.

Tonight's desire was a chocolate chip bagel, something I don't think I've had in years, and in general am not overly fond of. But for some reason it was all I wanted, so you can imagine my disappointment when Panera couldn't oblige my request (And seriously? Don't offer me poppy seed. You're not even close). For some reason, my next thought was that I would just make something when I got home. I threw the chocolate chip idea out the window and somehow dreamt up this culinary masterpiece: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Orange Filling. Sounds like heaven doesn't it? I had it all planned, they would be little triangles of sweet and tangy goo, with sugar dusted on top for a hint of crunch when I bit into the fluffy treat. I even had all of the ingredients! I was going to satisfy my sweet tooth and create a epicurean delight in one swift twirl of my apron. But alas, by the time I got home, my motivation no longer matched my desire.

So I ate one of these:

And I am not the least bit sorry!

(P.S. I don't even know what I'm going to be like when I'm pregnant someday...be afraid).

Courtney's Test Kitchen- French bread pizza

I love to cook (even though I don't always find time) so I thought I would start sharing some of my culinary messes and successes. Last night we made Spinach-Artichoke French Bread Pizza, recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray. I subscribe to her magazine, and while I don't exactly love it, I do get a fair number of ideas from there. (she was dead to me for a while after I made this atrocity when my family was visiting; but you can't win them all, so I gave her another shot.)

Anyway, back to the pizza. It turned out pretty well. I didn't take pictures, but if I had a yellow towel and the oldest spatula ever, it would have looked like this:


It was easy to make, and isn't as bad for you as you might suspect (there's less cheese than similar dip-base recipes, and no mayo). Just in case you plan to make it...here are the Official Test Kitchen Tips:

• Decrease to half onion. I'm not a huge fan of onions in general, but even if you love them, I think you'd agree that it was overpowering the dish. (I feel like a Top Chef judge!)
• Use one box of spinach. Same priciple. For me it was a little heavy on the veggies, light on the creamy-ness factor. I'd say up the cheese/milk, but I think reducing the onions and spinach would balance out the issue, while reducing the recipe's overall quantity- which brings us to my next point:
• Buy a BIG baguette. The recipe says to quarter the bread, but we had a super long loaf which we cut into six pieces and each one was still piled ridiculously high with toppings.
• Experiment with ingredients. I think this would be great with some chopped mushrooms mixed in. We also thought about adding some thin slices of grilled chicken- Yum!

Bang!

Apparently this is what spontaneity looks like:

Stuck

I feel like I’m in a rut. I’m a planner by nature, but it seems recently that things are getting a little too scheduled, even for me. There is that pesky job thing, of course, but there isn’t really a way around that (barring a Powerball win?) Beyond that though, we have Young Life twice a week, plus bi-weekly leadership meetings, not to mention assorted parent or committee type meetings. That level of commitment, while undeniably rewarding, is a bit daunting in its volume. Additionally, Tuesdays are our weekly hangouts with friends, and our marriage group is every other Thursday. I know these are all optional events, and I truly wouldn't trade these gatherings for anything, but at the same time, it's a bit daunting to know that everyday has an assigned activity. Furthering the feeling of being trapped in the grind are the mundane necessities of daily life: commute, errands, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, bills, etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum.

I don’t mean to imply that I don’t have any free time; that’s just not true. Weekends are typically free from regular “gigs” (although they seem to get booked up faster than I would sometimes prefer) and I realize my list of “must-see” TV probably eats up more hours than I’d like to admit. The trouble seems that we are on a frantic weekday pace of go-go-go, so when we finally have a chunk of un-calendared time, it’s used for recovery, rather than rejuvenation (a subtle, but important difference in my mind). We crash on the couch, shut our brains off and rely on the internet or cable movie channels to erase the stress of the week. Guess how well that works....

We do try to take advantage of our free time, but all too often, it is self defeating as even our “fun plans” are still plans. Activities I enjoy lose their joy when they become just as obligatory as tasks I abhor.

In the never-ending sea of calendar commitments, and daily chores, I’m craving SPONTANEITY. Freedom, whimsy, play. In attempt to express my vague swirling thoughts, I turned to The (brilliant and addicting) Visual Thesaurus for some wordy-guidance, and it didn’t disappoint. http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

How I’m feeling:

What I long to be:

Soooooo, where to from here? My typical m.o. of forming action points seems a little counter-productive to the whole freedom thing. I realize it's less about what I do, and more about how I approach things. Cliche ideas of remembering to appreciate the little things, and to stop and smell the roses are starting to ring true in my heart, but how do I get there? If it were easy or natural for me, I'd already be doing it. I'm a person that loves to plan and wants to do it all, but then conversely gets overwhelmed and feels trapped by my own forces. I hate chaos, but feel restricted by order. I long to be carefree, but my innate need for a plan keeps me tethered. Where is the balancing point? How do I reconcile opposite, but equal sides of my personality?

(those of you Type A people cringing that I ended this post with a question, neglecting to tie up the issue with a metaphorical bow....I feel your pain. The orderly side of me compromised and at least gave you this footnote. That's the best my scatterbrained side would allow.)

A Great Night

About 6 years ago I was working on a Young Life Camp called Saranac. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It sits on Lake Saranac in the mountains of New York. I spent a month there learning about life what it means to serve God with everything you have.

While on Summer Staff, I met a guy named P.W. Gopal. At the time, P.W. was a tennis pro and personal trainer who had recently decided to give up his career to become a singer and song writer. I of course, immediately idolized him because he was about to embark on an adventure that I have only dreamt about, but there is something much deeper to P.W. He's the kind of guy that changes you after you meet him. We bonded during the month we spent together, and we have stayed friends over the years. There was time where we didn't talk that much, but he was never far from my mind as I would listen to his CD regularly.

A few months ago, P.W. came to pittsburgh and stayed with Courtney and me and played a couple of songs at an All Area Young Life Club. It was great to hear P.W. sing and play live once again and after that night we decided to try and put on a concert. After a few months of planning, we had about 70 people, mostly Young Life Kids, show up at Riverside Community Church at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall.

It was a great night! P.W. played and sang for about an hour and a half, but more than that he shared his thoughts and beliefs about Jesus Christ. It was awesome to hear a man use his talents as a ministry. P.W. has affected so many people with his music and ministry and he has helped a ton of high school kids find Christ. I hope that some day somebody will say that I had that kind of affect on their lives.

Below is a video of P.W. performing "Flicker." To warn you, the video is about 10 minutes long but it includes P.W. talking about his life before the song. If you have 7 minutes to spare, I hope you take a chance to watch the video. Hopefully, P.W.'s words about life and Jesus will change your day.

P.W. Gopal - Flicker from Courtney Bowden on Vimeo.

Thy loyal children we will be...

Part 5 in a 5 part guide to Cincinnati.

For our last stop, I can't really give any recommendations, because today's list is of places I never experienced first hand. There millions of things do to in Cincinnati (rough estimate I suppose...) but these are such well-known local spots, I can't believe (or explain) why I didn't check these out. Guess I have some ideas for my next visit!

Coney Island
This place has it all- their slogan is actually "Coney Has It". Rides, a giant pool, and (I assume) fried food galore? Yes please!

Newport aquarium
Not sure why I never made it here. I love aquariums, and I’ve heard this is a great one. (It has penguins!....need I mention my love for them again?)

Contemporary Arts Center
Considering I went to college for art and design, it seems a little crazy that I didn't ever visit this museum. It will surely be the first stop on my next trip back.

American sign museum
My friend Sarah got her engagement pictures taken here, and it was just so cool. I used to drive by this place on my way to school- they have old signs laying out back too (like a giant light up arby’s hat) and it seemed like a great spot for vintage fun.

Cincinnati Observatory
Sarah got married here. Maybe I just wish I was her? Kidding, but it is absolutely gorgeous.

Great Wolf Lodge
I’ve never been to an indoor waterpark, but I imagine it’s a great cure for the winter-time-blues. Except for that whole- “have to wear a bathing suit in the dead of winter” part.

So, that about sums it up. What do you think...you ready to plan a trip?
If you’re in the mood for more Cincinnati fun, check out these design related sites (warning: their advice is probably way better, and way cooler than mine.)

*And for those of you wondering.....the titles this week were an homage to UC’s alma mater. Thanks Rallycats!

Varsity dear varsity....

Part 4 in a 5 part guide to Cincinnati.

This list is short and sweet, but I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the sports of Cincinnati. (I don't need rabid fans coming after me for neglecting their teams!)

Sports:
UC athletics
So I’m a little biased....
Must see: the annual “Crosstown Shootout”- basketball matchup between local rivals UC and Xavier.

Reds
Nothing beats an afternoon in the sun, a hot dog and a cold beer. Oh, and there’s baseball too. Don’t miss “Fireworks Friday”!
Hard core fans, check out: Red’s hall of fame.

Bengals
So what if they stink? They have a Guns and Roses theme song and cheerleders called “Ben-GALS”.

Cincinnati Cyclones
(formerly the Mighty Ducks)
I went to a ducks game years ago. I cannot vouch for the new team, but perhaps they still do the “flying V”?

You have a favorite? Support your team- Game on!

A tower of strength, the rock of truth...

Part 3 in a 5 part guide to Cincinnati.

Next up in our Queen City Tour is a neighborhood guide (this should be used for visits only...I cannot be held responsible for your real estate decisions!)

To Go:
Oakley
A cute, quiet neighborhood, near our old apartment. Stroll through the old fashioned area and visit their wide range of stores including antique shops, clothing boutiques or modern furniture galleries.
Some favorites:
http://www.aglamesis.com/
http://www.bluemanateebooks.com/
http://www.shopdenimonline.com/store/pc/home.asp

Hyde Park
An upscale area with plenty of dining and shopping options.
Worth a look:
http://hydeparksquare.org/joomla/
http://www.myindigogrill.com/home.html
http://www.alligatorpursecinci.com/

O'Bryonville
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot that is worth a look. The main street is a creative’s dream with a multitude of shops carrying crafts, vintage clothes, specialty gifts and stationary.
Highlights:
http://www.obryonville.com/
http://www.bonbonerie.com/
http://www.margotmadisonstationery.com/
http://www.shopmica.com/Site/home.html

Clifton
A place near and dear to my heart, as it is the home of my alma mater (Shout out!). The University of Cincinnati campus has gone through extensive changes over the last decade (I’m sure I wouldn’t recognize much of it now!). In addition to all of the recent upgrades, the school has long been world renowned for their architecture, so even those of us past college age have plenty to seen and learn about on a campus visit. (The school runs special architecture-centered tours for non-students)
But, this area has a lot more to offer than just the school. The surrounding area is full of cute shops, eateries and (of course) dive bars....something for everyone!
More ideas:
http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/stripsearch/ludlow.html
http://themadfrog.net/modules/piCal/
http://www.themustardseedboutique.com/

Mt. Lookout
Another east side area, centered around an old fashioned “square”. This has with plenty of storefronts and restaurants, all with a fun, independent vibe. Also nearby is a Ault Park, a huge expanse of land with beautiful scenery, and tons of opportunities for recreation.
Check out:
Mt. Lookout tavern (MLT’s)
Ault Park

Mt. Adams
A hip spot in the hills of the city- If you can brave the steep drive up, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views. While it is host to several great shops and restaurants, the true draw here is the multitude of watering holes. This is a favorite stop for twenty-something bar-hoppers. My favorites: Longworth’s and Mt. Adams Pavillion.
Visit:
http://www.mtadamstoday.com/index.php
http://www.teakthaicuisine.com/

Downtown
This may not always be the most happening part of town (some Saturday afternoons you’re more likely to see tumbleweeds than people), but that’s changing as people discover more fun spots in the heart of the city. Fountain Square was recently remodeled, breathing new life into the area. There are plenty of places to explore here, and frequent events will draw you back time after time.
Try:
http://www.myfountainsquare.com/
http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/stripsearch/mainst_map.html
http://www.ohiobookstore.net/
http://www.lodgebarcincy.com/
http://www.eatdrinknada.com/main.html

Newport
Last, but not least is a neighborhood that is only part of Cincinnati on a technicality. More accurately part of the “Tri-State area”, Newport, Kentucky is a popular destination for food, drinks, and fun. The main attraction is an outdoor “lifestyle center” type mall that features a movie theater, an aquarium and plenty of stores and restaurants. But there are other gems outside the epicenter, so make sure to venture out past the parking garage walls.

Stop by:
http://www.newportonthelevee.com/
http://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/
www.thepartysource.com
http://www.southgatehouse.com/

Agree with my suggestions? Do you have a favorite of your own? Spill it!

A fountain of eternal youth...

Part 2 in a 5 part guide to Cincinnati.

The next stop on the tour is not really a stop at all...it’s encouragement to get going!

To Do:

Cincinnati Museum Center
This is one of my favorite attractions in Cincinnati- it’s one building with five attractions! I love exploring and learning about the architecture of the building (the fountains outside are worth the trip alone!) but my favorite part is the Omnimax. They feature a few films a year, and each one I’ve been to has been spectacular (but I’m a sucker for a documentary).

Krohn Conservatory
When it comes to plants, this place has it all- from a rainforest, (with waterfalls, if I remember correctly) to a desert. It’s a fun place to walk around and explore...especially if the weather isn’t great, as it’s always warm in the greenhouse! There is a ton of history here too, as the site just celebrated its 75th anniversary. Plus, admission is free (can’t beat that!) Also worth checking out is the view- the road leading to the conservatory has some of the best vantage points of the city. If it’s warm enough, park the car and enjoy the sights from the Eden park wall.

Cincinnati Art Museum
Close to the conservatory, the Cincinnati Art Museum is another great place to spend an afternoon. Their collection is extensive, and offers a great mix of styles and genres. Some people think museums are “seen one, seen ‘em all” type places (despite the fact they all have unique collections) but this one is consistently rated highly, and is competitive with the “big name” museums in New York.

Cincinnati Zoo (and Botanical Garden!)
I am biased because I love zoos, but can anyone truly resist the lure of baby animals (or even grown up animals)? The Cincy Zoo is a beautiful place that has tons of fun attractions year round. They’re known for their gardens, and their Zoo Babies event in the spring, but I wouldn’t want to miss the winter fun either- They have penguins! Fun fact: this is the country’s second oldest zoo!

Esquire movie theater
I love the charm of this old theater. They only have a couple of screens, but they show a good mix of current movies, and more underground flicks. They also have some great deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with discounted ticket prices and coupons for local restaurants.
(also related: Mariemont Theater)

The Aronoff Center for the Arts
Cincinnati is well know for it’s love of the arts, and The Aronoff is a prime example of how they show it. Currently they’re showing “Frost/Nixon” but they constantly have new events and shows coming to town. Who doesn’t love feeling fancy for an evening and taking in some culture?

Kroger

Buy food and beer in one stop. Never realized what a convenience this was until we moved. In general, I just love Kroger, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss it (ok, maybe a day, but certainly not a trip to the grocery store)

Now, I originally started compiling this list for a friend’s January visit, so I was focused on winter-friendly locales, but there are a few summer spots that deserve a mention too:

Kings Island
I have memories of this place that date back twenty years. It’s changed a lot in my lifetime (Son of Beast?) but it’s always been a great amusement park, with attractions for everyone. Sure, true roller coaster fans will tell you Cedar Point is better (they’re right), but PKI is still definitely worth a trip!

The Beach
Across the street from Kings Island, this is a wonderful summer spot for fun in the sun. Enjoy the wave pool, or check out the slides. On select nights they even host “Dive-in Movies” where you can catch a flick while wading.

Oh Cincinnati, Magic Name

Before embarking on the adventure that is my life in Pittsburgh, I lived in Cincinnati for five years. I moved there when I was a sprightly eighteen year old to pursue my degree in fashion design. In my time there, I went from the dorms, to a nearby apartment with friends, to a not-as-nearby apartment with my husband(!) I loved it there, but never really thought of it as my “forever home”. I had always planned to do my time there, and then move forward to the next adventure. So when I (finally) graduated, Dustin and I looked elsewhere for our next step. That isn’t to say I didn’t fully enjoy the city. I have so many fun memories there, I’d be lucky if I got to share 1/100th of them with you.

A friend of mine was recently planning a trip to Cincinnati, and knowing my alma mater, she asked me for local recommendations. I tend to go overboard on most things, so rather than send her a list of a couple things I could remember, I thought it would be a good opportunity to pull together a guide based on my experience there. I certainly didn’t take advantage of as many things as I could have, or perhaps should have in my five years there, but I do have some favorites that are worth sharing. My one rule is I am only including things I’ve actually experienced first hand. That shouldn’t limit us TOO much...but there are probably a hundred places that I forgot, and a thousand places I never went to, so by no means in this list exhaustive. Be sure to chime in if you have favorites of your own...it’ll give me a reason to go back!) We’ll feature one category per day, all this week. Check back to see what’s next!

To Eat:
Our first order of business is food- I’m starting with this category because it’s my favorite!

Dewey’s Pizza:
This is a chain, based in Cincinnati, there are a few locations around the city. I used to live next door to the one near UC, and it is my all time favorite Cincinnati restaurant. Every time we go back, we make sure to stop here at least once (making sure to order enough to have leftovers). If you want to do it up right, order the house salad, or the candied walnut and grape salad, and then get a specialty pizza: I love the green lantern, but they’re all delicious.

Gold Star Chili
Cincinnati chili is a must try. Even if you hate it- it’s an experience! A lot of people are going to tell you that skyline is the best, but I wholeheartedly disagree (though it’s kind of like a McDonald’s vs. Burger King fries argument...everyone’s a winner!) A warning about Cincy chili though, it is nothing like the southwest style dish. The secret ingredients range from chocolate, to cinnamon, to clove, giving it a much sweeter taste than most are used to. Also- it is very thin, so it isn’t eaten plain in a bowl. Instead- order a three way...(no, it’s not what you think!)...spaghetti, covered in chili, topped with TONS of cheddar cheese. I also recommend the chili dogs, and the chili dips. But who am I kidding, it’s all really the same stuff in a different order! Don’t just take my word for it though- it’s also the official chili of The Cincinnati Bengals (not sure if that’s an endorsement or a warning...)


Burgers:
I have a few of recommendations that are tied for this category. They’re all “hole in the wall” type joints, with charming atmosphere and cheap eats.

Zip's
A tiny, tiny, cheap, delicious place to eat. Because there is limited seating you may have to wait, but for $5 burgers, it might be worth it!


Arthur's
One of our “regular” haunts when we lived in the area, Arthur’s is a simple place for a great burger. I recommend going between Sunday and Tuesday, for “Burger Madness”- burgers with unlimited toppings for $6. Also worth checking out is the mural painted on the dining room wall, how many of the famous Cincinnatians can you recognize?


Oakley Pub and Grill
The lesser known of the three, but no less delicious. They have a Wednesday burger deal, so you could just make the rounds each day!


Graeter's
Another chain based in the Queen City, this is THE BEST (not an opinion....Fact!) ice cream ever. In addition to the homemade ice cream, they make their own chocolate, so anything with “chips” is a must! (I say “chips” because they’re more like Chunky Hunky My favorite? Blackberry Chip, although Dustin is probably partial to Buckeye Blitz (due to his love of OSU football of course. I’m sure it doesn’t have anything to do with the delicious mix of chocolate and peanut butter) Also- this was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things....need I say more?


Montgomery Inn
This place is a Cincinnati legend, and has won countless cook-offs and competitions in the world of ribs and bbq. Their sauce is truly fantastic, we keep a bottle of this on hand for at home grilling.


Tellers of Hyde Park
I like this place as much for the atmosphere as I do the food. It used to be a bank, but a decade or so ago they turned into into a restaurant. They have an extensive bar, and a great patio, you can even eat in the “vault”!

Honorable mention:
Beluga Sushi
Cactus Pear
Indigo
La Rosa’s

What about all you current or former Cincinnatians? Do you have an noshing notion? A sustenance suggestion? Share your favorite bite with us!

Friday the 13th...dun, dun, DUN

This month, that date won’t be scary at all. In fact, next Friday night will be host to some pretty exciting stuff:
Dustin has worked hard to organize a concert with PW Gopal, and because Rachel is way smarter than me, she thought of promoting it on her blog. Good work! So since she’s done all the work for me- I’ll just redirect to her post for details.

See you there?

P.S. We’ll have brand new, totally awesome YL Pittsburgh shirts for sale, and a slew of baked goods. Just in case that’s a motivating factor!

Florida’s Friendliest Hometown

This past week we took a trip down to visit Dustin’s parents in The Villages, Florida. (turn your sound on…there is a theme song, and it’s catchy.) We first went about a year and a half ago, and we loved it. It’s a fifty-five and older community centered primarily around sunshine and golf- I argue “wine” earns a top spot as well…but I’m not judging! They have every activity you could want (seriously…name one, I dare you) and you can travel virtually everywhere by golf cart. The thing I love, is that everyone there (minus your token crotchety old men) is blissfully happy. When we asked people if they liked living in The Villages, not a single person said no- but no one said yes either. Instead, they looked at us with a glint in their eye, and say- “Are you kidding me? I love it!” (I swear we received about ten variations on this answer!) Dustin and I plan to purchase our golden-year getaway there in t-minus thirty years. These trips serve as excellent research!

So, needless to say, we had a wonderful time. Bob and Janet were excellent hosts. In fact, I think it’s high time we dig out the old “Bowdenisms Shout Out” award. Ta-da! You guys deserve it for your willingness to eat, drink, and dance the night away with us for a week straight. Thank you again for your hospitality.

For those of you dying for details...here are the highlights of our itinerary. Condensed for those that have an afternoon tee-time to get to.

Day 1: de-icing the plane, change into flip flops, first (of many) mention of Arnie Palmer!, Winery visit- live music, dogs dogs DOGS!, leftovers al fresco, golf cart ride for pizza (two loves combined!), Oscar time.

Day 2: driving range domination, drinks and guacamole at “Cuban” country club, canceled karaoke due to cold (mid 60's, what?), steaks on the grill, deep talks, and The Bachelor.

Day 3: Girls' pool day, Mardi Gras- beads, drinks, costumes, and clogging?, life lessons from Joe, frozen toes.

Day 4: Sun-tan take 2, youngins’ get schooled in shuffleboard and Bocce, feast of “last meal” proportions at Carrabba's, almost breaking the open container law with a smuggled merlot, Idol wrecks (Adam Lambert=Joe Jonas + Criss Angel?) ,

Day 5: Pool is my home away from home, continued daily crossword (losing) streak, confronted by SnowBird road rage, ate all the wings we could eat (+ cheesecake!), serenaded by a songstress wielding an aqua electric guitar, Cupid Shuffled with Octogenarians, sunset photoshoot with friends, $1 bet WON!, polka dancing, lighthouse singing, Survivor nightcap.

Day 6: POOL-skip lunch in favor of sun! golfing first-timer- 8 holes + 1 in the dark, Lotto party, dancing from Funkytown to Bourbon Street.

Day 7: walk on the pier, seafood lunch by the water, shopping in the square, photo #151, change back into “real” shoes, flight back into the blustery north.

See you next year?