Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

Get Crafty with Beer and Food Pairings

Beer. It’s a magical beverage that makes me funnier and dance better. It also is more than the nasty swill we all drank in college (don’t lie, you drank it, too). I’ve come to be quite fond of bitter, hoppy ales and smooth coffee stouts. Definitely a far cry from my days of beer-flavored water.

Hey, it was cheap and got the job done.

Jaelan at Making Mrs M is a fellow beer snob enthusiast and she has fantastic recommendations for pairing beers and, being the over-achiever we all know and love about her, even whipped up something you can make to go with your beers.

My rule of thumb when pairing beer (or anything really) is to find something that complements the flavor of the beer instead of fighting it.

Think of flavor combinations you like that wouldn’t think would go together (lavender and lemon, chocolate and potato chips, berries and balsamic vinegar). There’s a flavor in one that intensifies the flavor in the other. Citrus brings out the herb. Salt highlights a true chocolate flavor. Sweet tones down the sour (and vice versa).

Contrasting flavors are an opposite of something already present while complementary flavors are close enough to each other so they work together without overshadowing.

So what do I pair with beer when I want to intensify flavors in my brew?

Get crafty with beer and food pairings! Pairing craft beer food is easier than I thought. Great beer recommendations, too!

Black IPA

I like hops. I like roasty beers. It’s only natural that I’d like Black IPA. It’s fun to say. Like a Shirley Temple Black. And it’s interesting to drink, too. I’m not going to write a dissertation on characteristics of black IPA, but to me it’s like a stout and an IPA had a love child. A roasty, hoppy love child.

What goes well with that? Well, I had Midnight Moonlight by Fat Head’s Brewery a few weeks ago and paired it with Irish Nachos (made with potato chips instead of nachos) and it was a great pairing.

That said, I usually like to pair my dark beers that can get a little heavy in flavor with something sweet to light up another part of my tongue and enhance some of the chocolate undertones that can come with malty beers. Chocolate cake or rich, fudge-y brownies balance out the bitter and highlight chocolate roast in Black IPAs.

Side note: Black in the USSR by Grist House Craft Brewery isn’t a black IPA, but it has some nice roasty similarities and it pairs fantastically with ice cream sandwiches, specifically the peach ice cream sandwich from Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches in Pittsburgh.

Other favorite Black IPAs: 21st Amendment Brewery Back In Black and Southern Tier Brewing Company 2xIBA

Wheat

I’m talking about American wheat beers. I am not a fan of the super-yeasty (and bubble gum banana clove-y) hefeweizen-style wheat beers. One of my favorites is Grist House Craft Brewery Wheatin’ for the Weekend. This is a perfect porch beer. It is light and refreshing with a touch of stone fruit, just what I want a wheat beer to be. None of that banana crap.

What goes with a wheat beer? Well, I like wheat and grains with my wheat beer. Something yeasty to complement the wheat in the beer. Pizza with a light oil sauce, mild cheese, and green veggies on top? Yes please. Macaroni and cheese with a light cheese sauce and roasted onions and squash (like the mac and cheese from the Mac & Gold Truck?) Yep. Been there, loved that.

Red Ale

Shout out to a favorite red right now goes to Troegs Independent Brewing Nugget Nectar. I worked with someone (in a restaurant that specialized in beer) who named his dog after Nugget Nectar, so you know it’s good. This ale is bitter. If black IPA is like a stout and an IPA had a love child, this is as if a ginger hop and another ginger hop had a love child. It is bit-ter with a capital Hello 93 IBU.

So what would go with this? As luck would have it. Troegs has a great chart to help. I’m all about this with a mango salsa topping chicken tacos; adding something to complement the fruity notes in this beer and add a little heat makes for an interesting pairing.

Other favorite reds: Grist House Craft Brewery Camp Slap Red (also fresh and hoppy) and AleWerks Brewing Company Red Marker Ale (a little darker with heavier fruit flavors).

I’m pretty sure this could have been an ode to Grist House, but I tried my best to spread some hopped love around. Just remember: try to find a complementary flavor and work from there. If you want to go crazy, find a contrasting flavor and go crazy.

Hop on over to Jaelan’s blog to see how she paired her favorites!

What beer and food combos do you like to play with?

Belly Up to the Barre (Code)

Right before the new year, my friend Marissa and I were talking about our goals for 2016. She mentioned that she wants to take advantage of those free introductory fitness classes. And I’m like yes, sign me up. It gets boring doing the same thing over and over and yo, it’s expensive. Each fitness studio has their own package deal. And depending on the day, I may want to do Pilates, yoga, barre, or just run.

Long story short…I tried a barre class at The Barre Code‘s new location (right by my Trader Joe’s..win!) and was blown away by how awesome barre is.

We live by a code..the Barre Code.

So I get there and everyone is just hanging out..not looking at each other..not really talking. And I’m like shit, what did I get myself into? Naturally, I took a spot in the back and then found out that people new to barre should probably be closer to the front. Yep, put me right by the instructor when I’ve never done this before. Because that isn’t mortifying for me.

Turns out, everyone is so focused on what their muscles are doing that no one cared.

Dude. I was tapped out when it was all said and done. We used a smallish ball as our “resistance” in the class and focused on working the muscle out entirely to the point of fatigue with focused, precise movements. Like, I was on my toes barely holding onto the barre and using my quads to raise and lower my body. Just my quads. And if your heels dipped, Vanessa came around and held them up.

Basically if your muscles aren’t shaking, you’re doing it wrong.

Vanessa told us to pick a mantra to get you through class and say it over and over when you wanted to give up. While I completely appreciate mind-over-matter thinking, I’m pretty sure this was just to get our minds off of how much it all hurt and how many seconds of pain was left.

Does it sound like hell? It really isn’t, I promise! It’s the best.freaking.feeling ever to walk out of that class knowing you a) didn’t die b) didn’t fall over and c) didn’t give up.

Seriously, I need to have someone standing over me holding me accountable to doing the full 30 seconds or I would be like, I’m just gonna half ass these last few reps…

I signed up for a Barre Code class, but there are other tons of other classes to try out depending on what you want to do. I was really excited to try a class at The Barre Code, especially now that I know it is a completely accessible workout and makes you feel like you’re floating on air when you’re done.

How do you mix up your workouts?

I was able to take this class complementary as part of The Barre Code’s grand opening celebration in the North Hills. All opinions are of course my own. Be sure to check them out and tell them I said hello!

Blogs you need to read, Pittsburgh edition

Last month, I shared a handful of my favorite bloggers.  It only included half of my favorite bloggers.  A good portion of what I read are my favorite ‘Burgh bloggers.  So part two of the blogs I love conversation rounds out the list with some great bloggers right from my hometown.

I love that the list also includes a few dudes.  Blogging isn’t just for mommies and scrapbookers, especially in this town.  Just the amount of people writing about beer would fill up a few thousand words.

Pittsburgh bloggers who are killing it.

I know there are bloggers I’m missing (I’m really really sorry!).  I want to give love to the whole city; I’ll probably end up writing another post.  But for today, in no particular order:

Mel (30 Something Therapy)

Mel is hilarious online and the handful of times I’ve met her in person.  Her posts are short and sweet and her personality totally shines through the writing.  I especially love her race recaps.  You’ll be ready to lace up your shoes and go outside.  For real.  The girl is a total badass.

Alex (Everybody Loves You)

Another person who is hilarious online and off.  Even his emails that remind you not to reply all are pithy and just right.  Just like I enjoy Campfire Kam for her Instagrams, I love Alex’s tweets and pictures.  He’s brilliant, slightly self-effacing, and is great for fostering community and collaborations.  Want more proof: he’s the brains behind the Pittsburgh Great Blog Exchange.

And Finn is just too much.  How can you not follow along?

(PS: we’ll be doing a Twitter collab post soon and he is on the ball and on point as always.  So stay tuned.)

Britt (In Pursuit of Happiness)

I should just stop saying “OMG they’re so great in person” because everyone on this list totally is and Britt is another one.  And it’s no surprise that I’m including Britt because I’ve fangirl-ed out enough on here about her.

I love her inspiring posts and that she gets real and raw with her readers.  Life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, but she always has a positive message, even at the end of a crappy story.  I love the way she presents these things.  It really makes you feel like, “Listen, life can be shit sometimes, and that’s okay.”

Emily (Emily Levenson)

Emily, a co-pilot of Propelle, has a great blog (in case you missed it, she’s the driving force behind Project:Food Budget) focusing on food.  I wouldn’t call her a “food blogger,” rather a “food inspire-er.”  I mean, I buy bananas and purposely let them get old just so I can make her banana bread.

And her baby is so cute.

Kate (Yinzpiration)

Kate rounds out the Propelle duo with Emily and is seriously inspiring herself.  Yinzpiration is like a big “here’s why Pittsburgh is awesome” proclamation.  And if you need to follow some entertaining tweeters, check out her 57 Reasons to Live in Pittsburgh page.

You’ll probably want to move here after reading it if you don’t already live in Pittsburgh.  And if you do, hit me up so we can grab some beers.  Which leads me to…

Jason (Breaking Brews / PCBN)

Okay, this is slightly cheating because I write for Pittsburgh Craft Beer Network (and it’s awesome regardless, so go read about the awesome craft beers in the ‘Burgh).  I love the podcasts that he and Jason Collins get together and put on.  They’re entertaining, especially when they’re actually drinking beers on air.

And Breaking Brews isn’t just Pittsburgh-specific, so you can totally get something out of this even if you’re not from around here.

Beth (The Fashionable Eye)

The girl’s ‘gram game is strong.  And her shoe game is even more on point.  Beth is another person who I love for her Instagram.  She always looks so fashionable and her outfits are something I’d never thing to do – like leather shorts, booties, and flannel for summer.  Genius!

I was introduced to Beth through Alex and the PghGBE this year.  If you need further proof that he’s great at making connections.

Bonus: her pup is adorable.

What blogs are on you must-read list?

Treat Yo Self, Pittsburgh Edition

Today’s Blogger, May I prompt is Treat Yo Self.  If you have no idea what we’re talking about….shame on you!  Tom and Donna would surely shun you.

Seriously, it’s a day to treat yo self to anything you want.  You want a new pair of shoes?  Treat Yo Self.  You want to eat a big fancy dinner?  Treat Yo Self.

I decided to put together a list of my favorite places to treat myself in Pittsburgh.  These makers and shakers have some of the best quality goods and I love them oh so much.

List of great places to treat yo self in Pittsburgh

My absolutely hands-down favorite place ever to buy from in Pittsburgh is Moop.  And don’t be afraid to order online.  She has diagrams and charts to help you find the right sized bag for your needs.  Their bags are fantastic quality and what I call industrial chic.  They can be used as a work/travel bag or a night-out clutch (and can hold everything from a laptop + books or just a wallet and some keys).

The best part about Moop is Wendy.  She is such a wonderful person.  She’s always friendly and welcoming when I contact her and her Instagram feed is beautiful.  The rest of her team are rock stars, too.

I also love me some Studebaker Metals for a more edgy touch with some girly charm.  Their hand-forged pieces are durable but so beautiful.  They add a great touch of urban funk to your outfit.  They also have items for men – tie clips, mustache combs, and other accessories (if your man is into those sorts of things).

I can’t get enough of their cuffs, though.  I wear them every day and the one that’s older has a beautiful polish just from normal wear and the newer one is starting to wear off its patina, but it’s still a fantastic grungy element to it.

I was first introduced to Studebaker Metals by Mid-Atlantic Mercantile in Lawrenceville.  That shop is beautiful in a minimalistic way.  Focusing on small-batch goods, everything is selected by Emily, sometimes with specific customers in mind (pro tip, y’all: become friends with the owner).

One of my favorite places for gifts and cards is Wildcard, also in Lawrenceville.  They carry adorable paper goods, gifts, and craft supplies.  I’ve found prints, cards, jewelry, t-shirts, art supplies, notebooks..you name it.  I’d also suggest visiting Jack + Jules, The Shop in East Liberty, and Spoiled Chics for unique gifts.

Honorable mentioned to Steel City Cotton Works, Shop 412, and Fresh Factory for the softest.tees.ever.

What would you treat yo self to?



<This is adapted from my post on The Fashionable Eye for the Pittsburgh Great Blog Exchange.

Five places to get inspiration

There are so many places to get inspiration and it seems like it varies for everyone but damnit, I’m going to write about it anyway.  Today’s Blogger, May I prompt is who/what inspires you.  Here are my five favorite places to get inspiration.

Inspiration comes in different places for different people. If you need a kick of inspiration and want to try something new, here are five places to try. #BloggerMayI

Coffee shops

Okay, is this a surprise to anyone?  Seriously, answer truthfully.  I love being in coffee shops and hearing the people passing by, the espresso machine whirring, change being made, and just the general hum of the environment.  It’s so soothing to me.  It’s the perfect background noise to use when writing.  If I can’t get to a coffee shop, I like the Coffitivity app which mimics the sound of a coffee shop.

Museums

Anywhere artsy really should get lumped in here.  I always get inspired by being around other people who were inspired.  I’m a huge fan of the fun cultural things that are in Pittsburgh like the museums, the National Aviary, Phipps Conservatory, even some of the older neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are just works of architectural dreams and so beautiful.

Malls

Malls seem weird to appear here, what I’m really going for here is “place to people watch.”  I always end up seeing or experiencing something that needs to be recorded (aka: written and published on the internet until the end of time).   I’ve also gotten inspiration at gatherings (albeit a little buzzed), sporting events, restaurants, etc.

Side note: buzzed is also a good way to induce inspiration – write drunk, edit sober..y’know?

Outside

I always get the best ideas and (more importantly) the right wording when I’m running.  It also happens when I’m in the garden – what else is there to do but think?  The only challenge here is that here isn’t always something readily available to write down what you’re thinking.  Sooo many times, I’d have something beautifully phrased outside and then when I get home and can write it down it’s lost.  Ah creativity, you’re sometimes an elusive beast.

When I’m not thinking about something

Does this happen to anyone else: you focus on one thing so intently and you just can’t resolve it in your head.  And then you get started on another task, usually something mindless, and the solution to the initial problem just appears.  I always get a nice little hit of inspiration when I change gears and focus on something else.

Its also great to know when you’re most creative/productive or inspired.  The girls from Clarity on Fire recently wrote an interesting blog post about finding your “work flow” aka: when you’re the most inspired and ready to work.  It’s kind of cool!  I’m totally a morning person – my best ideas come in the morning – but sometimes I can ride on a second wave in the evening.

Where do you find your inspiration?  I want to see if I can expand my horizons!


Need the prompts for the Blogger, May I challenge?  Gotcha covered.  Want to use your own prompts?  No problem!  Just grab a button to show that you’re linking up with myself, Katy, and Meghan.  Oh, and use #BloggerMayI on Twitter/Instagram to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

Let’s Play

           

People Really Dug These

We Belong in the Garden Together