Sunday Stadium Review - Browns

 Cleveland Browns 

Name of Stadium: Cleveland Browns Stadium

Capacity: 73,200

Game Attended: versus Colts in November 2008

Worked a game at this stadium? Yes, for a PPK event.

via Wikipedia

This stadium appears to be built similarly to the Bengals' stadium.  Perhaps because the Brown family began here before starting up the team in Cincinnati.  Regardless, they resemble one another.  The one thing I distinctly remember about Cleveland Browns Stadium was the cold.  The stadium is practically located on Lake Erie and that does not make a good match in November.  My brother (a Browns fan..I know, it is hard to believe!) was able to come for the game.  He attended along with his wife, one of my friends from college, Danielle, and her (now) husband, Michael.  I didn’t get to visit with them much since I was working, but I know they were bundled up out there.

Me and Jordan on the field pre-game

Jordan and Jen

Danielle and Michael

While I wasn’t able to enjoy the game from the stands, I did spend a good deal of time walking around the concourse levels and the bowels of the stadium.  They were both very easy to navigate. The stadium was nice.  The fan base seemed fairly calm and good natured…well, unless you got too close to the Dawg Pound :)

You can see all three tiers of the stadium in this one.  Even though the top looks a little empty.

Outside the stadium...freezing!!

I wouldn’t mind going to see a Battle of Ohio game at this stadium someday.  Preferably in September!

  
Andrea :)

Thursday Thoughts

Linking up with Sar for some Thursday Thoughts...

(1) Cancer is THE enemy!  Especially when it takes children before they've had a chance to grow and live and just enjoy so many of the normal, everyday things that we take for granted.  Lane Goodwin, who I blogged about here, gained his angel wings yesterday.  He was a true hero!  I was so amazed and truly touched by his global reach to spread awareness in his last month of life.  His family has plans to start a foundation so I'm interested to find out more about it in the coming months.  I wish this horrible disease didn't exist.  It is truly tragic.

(2) On a lighter note, I just love Sara Bareilles.  Definitely becoming one of my favorites.  Mostly thanks to my Adele Pandora station ironically enough!  *Note for anyone buying me Christmas presents this year:  I could see myself pretty thrilled to own her Little Voice album :)

(3) I am excited that the weather hasn't become too cold yet.  Trying to hold onto fall for as long as possible because these Northeast winters are no joke!  Hoping to get in at least one decent run outside this weekend!

(4) Couldn't be more excited to have 15 followers via GFC now.  I know that is beyond low for most of you fine folks, but I am way pumped!  My goal was to get 20 followers by the end of the year, but I may have to reassess.  Either way, I am taking #12 on my 30 before 30 list to heart and attempting to become a more active blogger.  I am loving it!  When I reach my goal, I want to reward myself by finding out how I can get a button made.  It might be simplier than I think...

(5) I'm also starting to get the hang of twitter and instagram.  I know, I know.  Am I from the Stone Age or what?  Maybe I'm just an old fashion pen and paper kinda gal.  Regardless, I am definitely making the effort!  You can find me on both - @alhadventures!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! 

Andrea :)

Jazz + Pumpkin Picking

This Weekend, I had an amazing time with Christopher!! 

On Friday night, we watched the US barely win a world cup qualifier before heading to Cafe Capriccio for some lovely jazz music and yummy food.

Asparagus and Artichoke Ravioli

Jazz by Jd3 - excellent group!!

On Saturday, we picked a pumpkin from a nearby patch (which we later carved, but I'll save that for a separate post!).  Then, we headed to Vermont for some delicious hot apple cider and cider donuts before we hunted down a couple of covered bridges.

There were slim pickings, but we finally found a good one :)

This picture totally captures our lovely day in Vermont!

The Chiselville Bridge

The West Arlington Bridge

On Sunday, we had a busy day!  We went to church with friends at Loudonville Community Church and heard an awesome speaker, Dr. George Verwer.  Seriously, he was fantastic!  After church, we headed out to watch some football.  That turned out much better for Chris, the Jets fan, than it did for me, the sad angry bitter Bengals fan.  To cap off the day we went to see Taken 2.  We both enjoyed it.  Liam Neeson has a very particular set of skills...and he knows how to use them.  Truly a character.

I really couldn't have asked for more exciting and fun fall weekend.  Hope yours was just as great!

Andrea :)

Sunday Stadium Review - Rams

 St. Louis Rams 

Name of Stadium: Edward Jones Dome

Capacity:66,965

Game Attended: mid-November in 2009 versus Saints

Worked a game at this stadium? No, but I was in St. Louis for work meetings then stayed for the game

via wikipedia

The Rams pre-Sam Bradford, the Saints pre-Bountygate - I saw two totally different teams than what play today.  But the game was great....shockingly close.  These Saints were undefeated at this point in their season and the Rams truly gave them a run for their money during this game.  These Saints also went on to win the Super Bowl that February.  And I didn't know it then, but I would be seeing these Saints again...actually two more times before the season ended.

But on to the game, I went with a friend and was able to get us field passes.  I have been on the field for who knows how many games, but it is always great to experience it with a first timer.  The joy, the awe, the excitement :)  Here are some of the pre-game pictures I took.

You know I represent with the black and orange on Sundays...even if I'm not watching my team :)

Steven Jackson - beastly!

Saints warming up before the game!

Unfortunately, I didn't get many good inside shots of the stadium, but I remember thinking it had a great atmosphere.  Especially for a team that was expected to get demolished in the game.  Lots of excited fans and a very friendly and welcoming environment.  I really enjoyed watching the game.

My only good picture of inside the dome.

If you ever venture to St. Louis for a Rams game (or a Cardinals game for that matter), but sure to visit the Arch.  It is a fun attraction just down the street from both stadiums.  There is also a cute little park nearby the arch with lots of statues and ponds.  I'll leave you with a couple of my sightseeing pictures :)

 Andrea :)

Pittsburgh in October

Chris and I made our second trip to Pittsburgh in roughly two months this past weekend.  We had a wonderful time.  Actually, we always have a wonderful time there.  Gotta be the company we keep there :)

We left NYC on an evening flight only to arrive moments before Pitt's loss to Syracuse.  Apparently that hasn't happened in YEARS so it was a very big deal.  Other than this bit of disappointment, the weekend was perfect!

We had a lazy Saturday morning, but made up for it with a busy afternoon.  We met up with one of my best friends from high school, Michelle, and her husband for lunch.  We ate some delicious pizza and then stopped in the bakery next door for yummy Halloween inspired treats!  So much fun!

Loved all the fall decor :)

Cute and yummy!!

After lunch, we headed over to the University of Pittsburgh for a mini-tour.  Chris showed me around the Cathedral of Learning.  It was a really neat place.  They have several cultural rooms with themes revolving around various countries.  We also checked out some of his former science classrooms.  We didn't have any classes that big at Georgetown College.  It was fun to hear him tell stories about his time in college at Pitt.

Inside the Cathedral of Learning

Outside the Cathedral of Learning

Switzerland Room - very cool!

After dinner at a fun Thai restaurant, we were off to bed early.  Sunday was Trey's Baptism.  Chris was chosen to be Godfather of this special little boy.  He was excited to have the honor.  Here are a few pics from the main event of the weekend :)

Trey's Baptism

Quick picture with Mr. Trey before we left the church!

Our gifts along with some straight cash homie!  I made the frame :)

candid shot of the Pitt crew at the reception

Godfather Chris and Trey - love it!

We spent some time watching football with the Fann family on Sunday afternoon.  It was a relaxing day.  We flew back to NYC on Monday.  The weekend was fantastic fun and such a blessing with wonderful friends.  I am already looking forward to our next trip to the dreaded black and yellow city!!  Hey - as a Bengals fan you couldn't possibly except me to TOTALLY embrace Pittsburgh, could ya? :)

 
Andrea :)

Sunday Stadium Review - Patriots

New England Patriots 

Name of Stadium: Gilette Stadium 

Capacity: 68,756

Game Attended: AFC Championship in January 2012 versus the Baltimore Ravens 

Worked a game at this stadium? Yes.

Empty stadium during pre-game sound checks

I'll start by saying that of all the stadiums I have attended, this is by far the most difficult in terms of arrival/departure.  Fortunately when I attended for the football game we had to arrive SUPER early and I missed out on that part of the in/out torture.  I went to a soccer game at this stadium with Chris and some friends awhile back and we literally spent more time trying to get in and out than we did at the actual game.  Getting out of there after the football game was a complete disaster as well. 

Otherwise, the stadium is pretty good.  I didn't get a feel for what it was like to be a real spectator here because I was working, but the suites and press box were very nice!  My one complaint was that it was very difficult to get from the suite level to the field level as you can read about here.  However, the stadium is right in the middle of a mall with several restaurants so that could be a plus for some couples.   

Taking a break from work to snap a quick picture...packed house now!

Andrea :)

Cupcakes in 60 seconds?

As you know, I love cupcakes.  I've tried them everywhere in NYC and I scout them out on vacation.  So I know you aren't the least bit surprised to hear that I literally jumped for joy when my dad told me about this new cupcake recipe that only takes 60 seconds to make.  Bonus: You don't even have to turn on the stove!!

 Are you up for the challenge?

You will need two boxes of cake mix - one has to be angel food cake, but the other can be any flavor your heart desires.  I wanted strawberry.

Open both boxes and sift the mix into a bowl.  The angel food cake didn't take long to sift, but I had a bit of trouble getting the strawberry mix through the sifter so I eventually gave up on sifting it.

 After everything has been sifted, stir the two mixes until well combined.

Place 1/3 cup of the mix in a mug and mix with 3 tablespoons of water.

After the batter is mixed, place the mug in the microwave for 60 seconds on HIGH.  You may need to adjust by a few seconds depending on your microwave. 

The cake will look spongy when you take it out of the microwave.  Just flip the mug over on a plate and the cupcake will slide right out.

Let it cool for a few minutes before icing it.  The cake is pretty tasty on its own, but the icing added just the right touch of sweetness.

ENJOY :)

Here is the recipe that my dad sent to me.  I believe it was passed on to him by a co-worker.

Individual Microwave Mug Cakes

Ingredients:
    1 angel food cake mix (type that says "just add water")
    1 cake mix (any flavor of your choice)

Mix both mixes together (sift both) and store in a Ziploc bag or other container.  To make a cake, put 1/3 cup of mix in a coffee mug (safe for the microwave).  Add 3 tablespoons of water and mix.  Cook on 100% power for 1 minute. Flip cake onto a plate and fill mug with water (makes it easier to clean up).  Cake can be served plain or topped however you like it.

Possible toppings: caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, frosting, ice cream, etc.

Reba and I made this tad healthier version with rice whipped cream topping.  Check out her awesome blog here!

These cupcakes are definitely a quick and easy treat.  The best part is you don't have to make 24 of them all at once.  It's perfect if you just want a quick treat for one or two people!  Plus, using the mix 1/3 a cup at a time allows you to spread out the goodness over a longer period of time.  Definitely going to be snacking on these for the next few weeks!

Which flavor you would combine with the angel food cake mix for a fast and yummy dessert?

Andrea :)