I don’t have AM pictures because we were out and about looking at wedding sites all over the Bay Area. But let’s be real, you guys know exactly what I had (starbeezies)!
After conquering most of the places on our list, we headed to the store (it was already 2 pm). I picked up this yummy soup at Trader Joe’s.
When it’s raining outside, I crave soup – warm, thick, butternut squash deliciousness.
Trader Joe’s is definitely a must when I’m visiting home. The line (or lack thereof) at the Lafayette store is a breeze compared to Manhattan’s cluster f%&^ mob scene.
I also had an Ezekiel english muffin, which was the perfect dipping device, and sopped up the soup like a sponge. Mmmm. Naturally I ended lunch with the apple slices – gotta have the crunch factor.
Since it was still raining, I nixed the possibility of exercising (as if it was ever a real option) and decided to go in the hot tub instead.
Can you imagine anything lazier better than lounging in a 100+ degree hot tub? Spa time literally makes any weather tolerable…if ONLY we had this option in NYC. I love being home 🙂
(It really was raining, even though you can’t tell in the pictures)
After our little R&R break, it was back to work. Not wedding stuff, but cooking for my grandpa’s 81st birthday party.
I love me a BBQ party. Weather wasn’t a factor since we have a pavilion in the backyard providing shelter to the outside cooking area.
Here are some food and family pics from the rest of the night. Minimal explanation needed.
3 types of hummus + 2 types of veggies – I all
There was also a brie/crackers platter – but there’s no photo because I’m a hater.
My dad BBQ-ed some tofu and ‘shrooms for me (everyone else got chicken and rib eye).
Here’s my glorious plate, laded with salad, butternut squash risotto, fresh bread, and the BBQ goodies.
Here’s the real star of the event. My mom made this baby from scratch.
My sister and I didn’t plan to match.
Do pictures get any cuter than this? I don’t think so…
Chocolate-y heaven. Eat your heart out.
The best part of the night was the wine. I think I have mentioned my wino upbringing before. My family has a vineyard in Sonoma run by my grandpa, and we had a very special bottle for tonight’s occasion.
1999 Quivira Zinfandel
The label was written shortly after my grandpa’s dog Zin Tin Tin died, so it has extra sentimental value…plus there were only 564 cases made.
Peace out bloggies!
MMM chocolate cake!! LOOKS soo delicious! I’ll be in NYC this summer (and living above a TJs!) , do you go to school there?
LOVE hot tubbing in the rain!! Have a great weekend!
Happy bday to your grandpa! All your eats look so good!
True story: in MI when it snows, where do you find mein Vater?! In the hot tub! Those things are made for any kind of weather!!
I wish my family parties included ‘fu and ‘shrooms! Instead what do I eat? A plain hot dog bun! True story numero dos! You and your sister look so much alike – outfits aside!
Love the choo-choo 🙂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISE’S GRANDPA!! He’s so cute!
happy b-day to your granddad! 81! he must be one healthy dude! and what a great wine to toast! esp with such a sweet sentimental value…
the butternut risotto sounds awesome…
Awwwh, happy birthday to your grandpa! Oh wow, that cake your mom made is deliciously good looking! LOL!
that tofu looks amazzzzzzzzzzzin.
How great that you could be at home for your Grandpa’s birthday! Are the photos of your yard?! It is lovely!
Courtney
That’s one of my favorite packaged soups… so sweet and good!
That cake looks a-MA-zing. Good way to ring in 81!
I’m glad you’re enjoying home!!
I’m typing this out as I’m eating dried pineapple rings, thought you’d like to hear that Elise! haha!
And whoa, that cake is the best lookin’ thang I’ve seen in ages!
Awww, happy birthday, Grandpa!! : )
Happy to Walt!!! (that’s what my family says – not happy birthday – just happy – haha!)
Nice cake mom! Wow. It’s beautiful.
As are you – hot mami!
Oh West Coast! :'(
for real man I couldn’t imagine what your life would be like without hummus. YOU actually make me want hummus all the time haha I’ve been a crazy hummus monster for the past week. YOU NEED to hit up Wildwood. Awesome hummus’s from them. If you want I got a bunch of coups from them and I’ll send you some! Let me know girl 🙂
Love that soup from TJ’s! It’s one of my favorites, although I am a bit partial to any kind of squash:)
Great party food!
LOL what a cute header picture!
What a fun time at home, despite the rain. Your backyard looks perfect – BBQ pavilion, a pool, and a jacuzzi? Think your parents would mind if I stopped by next time I’m in the Bay area? 🙂
Walt is too cute. You and your sister aren’t too shabby either.
Please tell your mom she bakes a beautiful cake!
woo, ya walt!! Your house is totally gorgeous- I must make it up to the YAY area at some point when you are back so we really can be insta-besties and drink wine and eat hummus! 😀 😀
Hows the planning coming along? That chocolate cake looks awesome and very professional! I wish I was more artsy! Happy birthday to your grandpa!
Happy Birthday to your grandpa. Old guys are so cute!
You should come to NJ for Trader Joe’s. It might be worth the ride! Can I lure you with a Hummus Sampler and an offer to be your shopping buddy?