Chicken & Waffles

Yep, we did it. We tried fried chicken and waffles. Dame's Chicken and Waffles is famous down here in Durham and going on a Saturday afternoon usually means you will be waiting for a couple hours before getting a table (thank you Josh and Melissa for waiting for us!).

It's an experience, eating chicken and waffles together is an interesting combo especially when you throw in smears and syrups. But if you try it, you have to have at least one bite with the chicken and the waffle. It should be a right of passage for people moving to the south.

{Dame's Chicken & Waffles}

Todd's came with a side of mac & cheese. I was smarter and got the fruit. There's so much food!

-Makenzie

Surprise Trip to Huntington Beach

My family goes to California almost every summer and since we moved to North Carolina, we didn't think we would be able to go. Then my mom decided she wanted to surprise everyone and fly us out to surprise my dad for their anniversary and as a birthday present to my sister Sheridan. We didn't think we would be able to go, but then things started falling into place; my new job told me that I would be starting on August 18th, our neighbor moved in and left us a flier about her affordable pet sitting services, etc. So we got to drop everything and party in Cali with my family for the week!

My dad, and brother and sister-in-law had no idea we were coming. We hid in the closet when they got to the house and surprised them! It was the best surprise! Kudos to my mom for keeping it a secret the whole time, it was pretty funny!

So the first day we were there we went to the beach for a couple hours then drove out to Beverly Hills to get cupcakes at our favorite cupcake shop- Sprinkles! I know they have more locations now, but this is where we first tried them and fell in love! 

Sheridan turned 21 and we celebrated with brunch at Ruby's on the pier and Dukes in Huntington Beach. Delicious seafood, a must try if you are in the area. And of course, we had more cupcakes.

Cinnamon roll french toast at Ruby's. My mouth is watering just looking at the picture.

Birthday dinner at Duke's.

The birthday girl!

We ran six miles every day, rode bikes, shopped, played games and beached! Such a fun trip, so glad we got to go!

Oh and I had to get a Pinkberry at the airport. Makes delayed flights better.

-Makenzie

Happenings in North Carolina

North Carolina has been good to us so far. There are so many things to do and places to eat that we have just barely scratched the surface. 

We've been able to go boating a couple of times and learned how to wake board and wake surf. The great thing about North Carolina is that there are lakes everywhere!

We've tried Gigi's cupcakes on Franklin Street, very delicious! They have lots of unique flavors, we tried cookie dough and their popular banana split cupcake. Yum!

We also went to a free movie on the top of a parking garage near Franklin Street. Summer nights here are perfect for outdoor movies. We've also hit up the Planetarium on campus. Movies are only $7 for students. Score!

We also took Todd's mom to see the gardens on Duke's campus. So pretty! Great place for a picnic.

And of course in July we had the Hardy family reunion in Charlotte. Very fun!

Cheers to summertime in North Carolina!

-Makenzie

S'mores and Anniversary Weekend

Happy anniversary to my sweet husband tomorrow! I can't believe it has been two years! Time seriously flies, it feels like our wedding was yesterday. We've had an eventful two years and I am grateful for everything we have been able to do. We've been lucky enough to travel to Europe, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and all over Utah, we got a dog and a cat, we've moved, run two Ragnar Relays, graduated from college, and now we are preparing for our second move across the country for Todd to get his Masters at UNC! So many adventures and firsts and we've been so incredibly lucky to do it all together.

Since our actual anniversary is on Monday (lame) we decided to celebrate on Saturday. Since Todd couldn't wait to give me my gift, so we exchanged gifts on Friday after work. He got me a Kindle! I was so excited, I can't wait to load it up with books. Any suggestions are welcome!

On Friday night we hung out with some of our best friends, we have to get our fill before we move. We went up Big Cottonwood Canyon and roasted hot dogs and s'mores. It's nice that summer is finally here to stay.

The perfect s'more thanks to Chase.

On Saturday we celebrated with a family hike up Millcreek Canyon to the lookout over Salt Lake. Then we starved ourselves all day so we could stuff our faces with sushi at Tsunami in South Jordan (it's delicious by the way, if you love sushi go try it). 

Best sushi I've tried in Utah. YUM!

Happy official two year anniversary tomorrow my love! So happy and blessed to have this guy.

-Makenzie

Company Christmas Party at The Yurt at Solitude Mountain Resort

For my company party this year, we went to The Yurt at Solitude Mountain Resort. This is the most amazing dining experience ever, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to do in Salt Lake City.

We met in Solitude’s main village to try on our snowshoes and meet up with our guide. We then went on a 10 minute snowshoe expedition up the mountain. The weather was perfect and it felt amazing to breath in the clean air (Salt Lake’s inversion is bad this time of year). When we arrived at The Yurt, we left our snowshoes outside and piled in for the most delicious meal I have ever tested.

Famous chef and chocolatier, Franck Piessel, prepared the most amazing five course meal while we sat and chatted. This was by far the best meal that Todd or I had ever had in our entire lives. Todd and I are not “foodie” people, but everything we ate was amazing! Pictures don’t do it justice, but here are some of my favorite courses:

First course:The most amazing soup I have ever tasted!

Main Course: Stuffed chicken, potatoes and brussel sprouts. I had never tasked brussel sprouts before and now the bar is set pretty high.

Dessert: The best mousse I have ever tasted! Can't go wrong when the chef is a French chocolatier!

When we left The Yurt, we were full and happy. Hiking back down it started snowing lightly, creating the perfect ending to an amazing night. If you are in Utah, you must try The Yurt fine dining experience, you won’t be disappointed.

For more information on The Yurt at Solitude Mountain Resort and how to book a reservation, visit Solitude's website.