homegrown(pontiac bourbon+bbq and the macaron bar}

We love to eat pretty much anything in this house but there are two things we will never turn down. Good Mexican food and good barbecue! With barbecue on the brain we headed downtown this week to try the brand spankin' new Pontiac Bourbon and BBQ. For locals, it's the sister restaurant to The Senate and Abigail Street. Those two restaurants are known for amazing food and service(the Senate is one of our faves!) so the bar is set pretty high for Pontiac. It did not disappoint! We started with the buffalo fried pickles which were epic! Doug and I both had pulled pork sandwiches with comes topped with coleslaw. For sides, I chose crinkle cut fries and Doug fries and the mac&cheese. Everything was so good! Despite the fact that the restaurant had just opened the service was smooth, the servers were knowledgeable and friendly. We will definitely be back to try the ribs and a few cocktails.   I also have to note, the interior is great. I'm a sucker for the whole rustic/industrial vibe they've got happening in there.

 Someone loved the mac&cheese.

We couldn't head back to the burbs without stopping at the new Macaron Bar on Main St. for a little something sweet. 

I'm so happy I have to drive all the way downtown for these because they could become a dangerous habit!

homegrown{holiday in the city}

Many of the things on my holiday checklist have remained unchecked. There is a box of Christmas cards sitting on my desk untouched. I pulled out all of baking supplies but nary a cookie has been made. And, there were many holiday events around town that I wanted us to attend but those plans never gelled into anything more than penciled in dates in my planner. But, for every missed event or activity, I've logged hours sitting in front of our pretty little tree sipping tea with my husband and playing or reading to Rowan. All of those other things will be there next year and maybe I'll get ambitious and add few things to the list! Rowan will never have another first Christmas and these quiet moments with him and enjoying our family have been priceless!  

This weekend we finally managed to dive head first into the holidays! Saturday night was Christmas at my in laws. We celebrate with Doug's mom, step dad, his siblings+spouses and nieces and nephews. Rowan broke out his snowflake sweater and bow-tie for the occasion!

These two... peas in a pod! I'm such a lucky girl.

The one MUST do was visit Santa. I'm pretty sure that denying him a trip to see the jolly one is one of the things that will firmly place you on the naughty list!  We bundled ourselves up and headed downtown. Macy's at Fountain Square has the most adorable Santa ever! Rowan and I waited in line and Doug went to scout out the set-up. Back in line with us he told me they had a cute Santa to which I rolled my eyes. But, he was one hundred percent correct. Santa was cute and so sweet with Rowan.

 No crying Santa pic here! Rowan was firmly meh about the entire experience. He was much more interested in the caramelized cauliflower and bruschetta we snacked on before heading to the skating rink on Fountain Square.

We had such a great afternoon. I know Rowan won't remember it but I'll never forget it.

homegrown{iron's fruit farm}

Yesterday it was 72 degrees and sunny. In October. In Cincinnati. So we did what every other family did. Headed to the pumpkin farm! I'm trying really hard to not be sentimental about every last first, as in, this is the last first time I'll take one of my babies to the pumpkin patch, but it's so damn hard! I've become so sentimental in my old age. 

Seriously, being able to soak in all of this little one's babyhood has been the biggest blessing and I don't want to miss one single thing! 

I think we were more excited than Rowan. He was not impressed at all. Also, leaves, not his thing. And, apple butter and apple fritters make the world a better place.  We were also those parents. You know the "we're just going to try and pretend our baby is not screaming his face off" parents. Yep. Nailed it!  

homegrown{walnut hills street food festival}

Saturday we packed up the baby and headed to Walnut Hills for the street food festival. I will bemoan the fact that I'm still trying to loose some baby weight all the live long day but food trucks are my jam!And, I'm not about to let any weight loss goals deter from feasting on Korean BBQ, gelato, gourmet popsicles, cupcakes and beer! 

We enjoyed strolling around listening to the live music and people watching. Rowan is such a happy baby. He loves being outsider. He spent much of the afternoon valiantly fighting off a nap and charming everyone with his gummy grin!

The organizers blocked off an entire section of one the side streets for interactive art. Kids were invited to create something with sidewalk chalk or paint a section of the street mural. There was also cornhole, a bubble blowing station and giant jenga to be played.

homegrown {oktoberfest zinzinnati}

September in Cincinnati means Oktoberfest! To kick off the weekend's festivities we headed downtown to Fountain to have Henry run in the Wiener Dog Race. It doesn't get much cuter than 100 dachshunds dressed in buns running across the square.

He didn't win or even place in his heat but as always Henry ran with heart!  Next year he'll be 9. I think he's got one more race in him before retirement.

HomeGrown {LumenoCity 2014}

Cincinnati can sometimes feel like a small town. There has been an effort in the last five years to transform the city, particularly the heart of the city. Last year Lumenocity, an illuminated concert experience, was held in Washington Park. Something like 13,000 people showed up for the event. I heard something about it in passing. But, I wasn't sure what it was and, honestly, I forgot all about it until my facebook and insta feeds started blowing up with posts from people who were there.

Because of the last year's enthusiastic response, this year it was a four night event. Organizers also set up Lumenocity village featuring performances by various bands, local vendors, craft beer sellers, restaurants and food trucks. We packed up the baby and headed down on Saturday night. By the time we arrived at five the main lawn directly in front of Music Hall was completely packed. I overheard that by 9 am there was already a line to get into the park! We found some space, unloaded all of our stuff and setup. We found something good to eat-chicken+waffles for me and Korean BBQ for the husband. Cooled off with gourmet popsicles from streetpops and listened to some great music.

At dusk we settled in for the show. And, what a show it was! Congratulations Cincinnati, you nailed it!            

   

Check out some of the great the great instagram pics from #lumenocity