Yesterday, Abby and I took a little road trip to visit Ashley!
When we first arrived, we had a delicious lunch with Ashley and her mom. I wish I would have got a picture with her mom because she is just too cute.
This was my first time having falafel and I am hooked. I am still craving it. It was incredibly delicious. I wish I had some for dinner. I can’t stop talking about it. Can you tell?
The hummus was out of this world too.
Then we went to the Botanical Gardens. Ashley tried to teach Abby and I about photography (since her photos are incredible) and I just stared at her like she had a third eye.
But I think I learned a little bit.
[beauties!]
[isn't Abby gorgeous?!]
Ashley and her parents had prepped an awesome (and veggie-filled!!) dinner for us, so that was on the agenda when we returned.
The star:
This makes me feel normal.
Dinner with pretty autumn decor:
Abby and I drove from Pittsburgh without managing to eat all the cupcakes too.
Then we had to go out into the cold (and it was cold!) and say goodbye, which was sad. The day went so fast.
It was such a great day. Ashley is so down to earth and such a genuine person – and it isn’t hard to see why. Her parents welcomed Abby and I with open arms and were some of the nicest people I have ever met. They were fun too! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. They reminded me of my own parents and I felt right at home with them. I always feel so blessed that I have such an incredible family and it just warmed my heart that her family is the same.
Thank you so much to Ashley and her parents for a wonderful day!
And stop back… I may swipe some pics off Ashley if she has any more of the 3 of us!
I’m Jessica and this is where I share my stuff. You will find a balance of healthy recipes, comfort food and indulgent desserts.
I’m so jealous of your day together… like I said yesterday, you all need to come to Chicago!
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Looks like a fabulous day! I’m in love with the stuffed squash… perfect fall meal!
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looks like such a fun day :) and I LOVE that photo with the coral – looking flower!
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wow. can you share the details as to what’s going on with that pumpkin? it looks AWESOME!
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Jessica — October 4th, 2010 @ 4:32 pm
lol! Honestly, I have no idea.
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perfect day, perfect food and perfect people! i love the pics! omg you havent had falafel before? JESS you need to come to MY house. My dad is isreali and we can make it for you like you would get in israel!!
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Jessica — October 4th, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
I would LOVE that!
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That’s funny. I just finished reading a post from someone else who went to the Botanical Gardens. I’d never heard of it, but it looks beautiful!
And, falafel, yes IT IS GOOD.
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It looks like such a wonderful day! Friends, food and photography – what more could a gal want :)
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Looks like an amazing day! What a delish and beautiful y’all had :)
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YAY! But two things:
1) I look like I’m 12 years old. I know I said it yesterday, too…but I really do. And pictures of me from 12 years ago will prove it!
2) You say you stared at Ashley like she had a third eye, but she kind of did: the camera lens! DUH!
Ok, I have the sense of humor of a 12 year old too!
Let’s meet up for a meal at Aladdin’s sometime to eat FALAFEL!!
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Jessica — October 4th, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
Ahahah I love you. Yes – it’s a date!
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Looks like a fun day! Just what you need :)
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three of my absolute favorite blends! im glad you ladies had such a blast.
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I stumbled on your blog a few weeks ago and have never commented but I love it! so fun! is that the botanical gardens in the bronx? so beautiful there and great to run in!
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Jessica — October 4th, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
Thank you so much!
The botanical gardens is in Cleveland. :)
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Were you overwhelmed by all the veggies?
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Jessica — October 4th, 2010 @ 5:12 pm
Nope! I really like squash and the inside mix was beans, etc – it was very delicious!
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so fun! i want that acorn squash!
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Beautiful pictures!! That dinner looks amazing!!! What was in the squashes???
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Aww – looks like such a fabulous day! And seriously, falafel is bommmmb!
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It looks like you had a great time with your friends, filled with great food and beautiful sights! Glad you enjoyed your time with friends :)
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Looks like so much fun! I would love to spend a day with all 3 of you. :) And I have to say – your photos always look dang good to me!
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Jessica — October 4th, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
Thank you so much Tina! :)
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I’d say she taught you something – the photos look fabulous! Then again, I always love what you capture. I’m glad y’all had such a fun day – sad I missed out.
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A third eye!! LOL. Oh my word…your photos are WAY better than mine!!! For reals! You rock girlie!!! What a sweet post too…I can’t tell you how much it meant that you guys drove in to visit. My parents absolutely loved having you both over as well. It went by so fast, but it was still such an amazing day of bonding with 2 amazing ladies, I feel like I’ve known since middle school. Can’t wait til the next get together!!!!!!!! <3 <3 {{{hugs}}}
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You have such beautiful photos here! I love them, you are so talented. :) Looks like you guys had a blast.
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Falafel, it’s SO good. I’ve never made my own but I really want to :)
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Looks like a fun day! Glad to see you out and about having fun.
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WOW~ looks like such a fun day!! What great friends!
I think that your pictures look wonderful!! :)
I would love to know what is in that pumpkin…..
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I would love love love to meet some bloggers in real life :-) Looks like a lovly day!
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What a fun day! I am imagining some creative falafal recipes are coming our way soon, now that you’re an addict! And that pumpkin looks amazing! What’s in there?
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What a wonderful day you had! I love the photos- the are stunning! Was that pumpkin chili? It looks amazing!
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FUn times had by all! Looks like a fantastic time.
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ashley is such a sweetheart…i bet you girls had a great time! and your photos look gorgeous!
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How fun!!! I didn’t realize you guys lived so close!
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What a beautiful posting. I just discovered your blog and love it!
Thanks so much.
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You are a great photographer too! Funny to see y’all in jackets already. I feel like it was just summer! Not quite cold enough for jackets here yet.
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Jessica — October 5th, 2010 @ 8:28 am
Thank you! It was really cold this past weekend and still today – supposed to warm up towards the end of the week though.
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I can’t wait for Ashley to post that squash recipe :) I went to HS with her, isn’t she great!?!?
P.S. your photos look great!
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Jessica — October 5th, 2010 @ 8:59 am
That is so cool! I love it.
I’m not sure if she is planning on posting the recipe, so you may have to ask her about it!
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So fun, I love hanging out with other bloggers – the conversation is so bizarre and enjoyable! Speaking of which, I miss you!!!
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Lovely Autumn-hued photos and supper party! I’m digging how the chili (?) bursts out of those squash. Always a fan of over-filling rather than under.
Cheers,
*Heather*
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Gosh- amazing cook *and* amazing photographer! Girl, you’ve got so much TALENT!
You know, I’ve never had falafel, either. It looks super yummy, though!
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Ashley linked to an old post of hers which then linked to this one. I dont know how I missed this post. It’s wonderful!!!! You all look like you had super a great day! And your hair, Jessica, is beautiful!!!! Omg I never realized it was as gorg as it is!!!
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