Unwinding in Baltimore: A Weekend of Fun, Food, and Self-Care
Oh, Saturday! A welcome sight indeed. The anticipation of your arrival felt endless this past week, and I’m incredibly grateful you’re finally here. It’s been one of those weeks where every minute dragged, probably due to the absolutely glorious weather we’ve been having. There’s a unique kind of torture in being confined indoors, staring out a window (if you’re fortunate enough to have one – I am not!) at a perfect day unfolding outside, passing you by without a chance to truly experience it. The frustration builds with every ray of sunshine you can only glimpse.
Baltimore’s Quirky Weather and Weekend Dreams
I don’t know what the weather has been like in your part of the world, but here in Baltimore, it’s been nothing short of a meteorological rollercoaster. One moment, we’re basking in smoldering heat, a sudden reminder that summer is just around the corner, leaving you scrambling for lighter clothes. The next, the skies open up, unleashing a torrent of cold, pouring rain that makes you question if Mother Nature has entirely lost her way or perhaps just given up on predicting Baltimore’s temperament. It’s a whimsical, yet often inconvenient, dance between extremes. This weekend, however, promises a much-needed respite: mild temperatures and abundant sunshine. And I intend to seize every opportunity to soak it all in!
My mind is already buzzing with plans for outdoor activities. A long, leisurely bike ride through scenic paths sounds incredibly appealing, a chance to feel the wind in my hair and truly connect with the vibrant Baltimore landscape. Perhaps some much-needed gardening is in order, tending to the spring blooms and nurturing new life in the backyard. There’s a profound satisfaction in getting your hands dirty and watching things grow. But honestly, the front-runner in my weekend agenda is simply “porch sittin'”: a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence, especially when paired with a refreshing cocktail. Yes, that last one is definitely a winner in my book! It’s the ultimate way to unwind, watch the world go by, and savour the simple pleasures of a beautiful day.
Weekly Highlights: From Ballparks to Pampered Toes
Truth be told, this past week wasn’t overflowing with headline-grabbing events. Things have been rather low-key around here, but even in the quiet moments, there were a few gems worth sharing. Life often unfolds in these small, precious experiences, making them all the more significant. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones that simply allow you to slow down and enjoy the present.
As the wonderfully thoughtful wife I strive to be, I surprised Squirrel with tickets to an Orioles game last Saturday. There’s something undeniably special about catching a live baseball game, especially with the electric atmosphere of Camden Yards. We had an absolute blast, cheering for our team, soaking in the collective excitement, and enjoying the timeless tradition of a ballgame. The energy in the stadium was infectious, and it was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening together. However, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a rather brutal chill set in, reminding us that spring evenings in Baltimore can still be quite brisk. By the late innings, my ears were practically numb, almost reaching the point of freezing off! Despite the cold, the shared laughter and memorable moments made it entirely worthwhile. It’s always a joy to create those small, spontaneous adventures together.
It might not sound like groundbreaking news, but I finally treated myself to a pedicure! And let me tell you, it felt like a momentous occasion. After weeks of neglecting my feet, I can now confidently slip into sandals without feeling even a hint of self-consciousness about my much-abused tootsies. The spa pedicure I received from About Faces Canton was, without exaggeration, the best I’ve ever experienced. My esthetician, Angel, truly lives up to her name – she’s an absolute rockstar! She dedicated an entire hour to pampering my feet, meticulously transforming them from weary to wonderful. The warm soaks, the gentle exfoliation, the soothing massage, and the perfect polish job left me feeling utterly refreshed and renewed. It was an hour of pure bliss, a testament to the power of a little self-care. Now, bring on the open-toed shoes!
Baltimore Crab Feasts: A Local Delicacy
One of the true culinary joys of living in Baltimore is the crab season, and this week, Squirrel and I indulged in our very first dozen of crabs! Oh, they were absolutely divine. The anticipation alone was almost as satisfying as the feast itself. There’s nothing quite like the experience of cracking open those vibrant red shells, extracting the sweet, succulent meat, and savouring every delicious bite, especially when seasoned with a generous sprinkle of Old Bay. We’ve missed this quintessential Baltimore tradition tremendously over the colder months. We’re eagerly counting down the days until the weather truly warms up, allowing us to steam our own crabs at home in Squirrel’s brand new crab pot. The thought of a backyard crab feast with friends, the aroma of steamed crabs filling the air, is pure bliss.
In fact, we missed them so much after that initial taste that we decided to go out for more on Friday night, heading to Canton Dockside. If you’re ever in Baltimore and craving exceptional crabs, Canton Dockside is an absolute must-visit. Their crabs are truly ginormous, packed with flavour, and perfectly steamed. The lively atmosphere, combined with the sheer delight of a hands-on crab picking session, makes for an unforgettable dining experience. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a social event, a sensory adventure, and a cherished local custom that we embrace wholeheartedly. Every bite reminds us why Baltimore is so special.
Culinary Inspiration: Pinned, Craved, and Created
As always, my week included a healthy dose of culinary exploration and inspiration, thanks to the vast world of online recipes. Pinterest remains my ultimate source for discovering new ideas and bookmarking future kitchen adventures. Here’s a glimpse into what caught my eye and sparked my culinary imagination this week:
What I Pinned This Week:
- Brown Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookiesby Total Noms
These cookies sound like a dream! The combination of nutty brown butter, rich peanut butter, and a hint of sea salt with chocolate chips creates an irresistible balance of sweet and savory. I can almost taste the chewy perfection. - Roasted Red Bell Pepper Cheese Spreadby MJ’s Kitchen
A versatile and vibrant spread that promises a burst of flavor. Roasted bell peppers bring a smoky sweetness, perfectly complementing creamy cheese. This would be fantastic with crackers or as a sandwich filler. - Asian-Inspired Drumsticksby Texanerin
These drumsticks caught my attention for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. The promise of a tangy, savory glaze with aromatic spices makes them sound incredibly appealing and easy to prepare. - Funfetti Cheesecake Cookie Cupsby Sally’s Baking Addiction
How adorable are these?! Combining the joy of funfetti with creamy cheesecake in a convenient cookie cup format is pure genius. They look like the perfect bite-sized treat for any celebration. - Tropical Crunch Cakeby Food Babbles
This cake sounds like a mini-vacation in every slice. The “crunch” element alongside tropical flavors like pineapple or coconut would make for a delightful texture and taste experience. - Double Chocolate Cake w/ Cherry Cheesecake Swirlby Hungry Couple
For serious chocolate lovers, this looks like the ultimate indulgence. The rich depth of double chocolate cake combined with a tangy cherry cheesecake swirl promises a sophisticated and decadent dessert.
What I’m Craving:
- Coconut Magic Brownie Barsby The Healthy Foodie
These sound like a magical blend of my favorite flavors! The chewy goodness of brownies combined with the tropical sweetness of coconut, all in a convenient bar form. - Lemon Goat Cheese Tea Cookiesby Baker Bettie
An intriguing combination of sweet and savory. The tartness of lemon with the creamy tang of goat cheese in a delicate tea cookie sounds incredibly elegant and unique. - Chai Coconut Ice Creamby Cookie & Kate
The warm, comforting spices of chai paired with the creamy, exotic notes of coconut ice cream sounds like a match made in dessert heaven. Perfect for a warm evening. - Brown Butter Cinnamon Coconut Cookiesby The Cooking Actress
More brown butter love! This time, it’s combined with fragrant cinnamon and tropical coconut in a cookie. The aroma alone would be heavenly, and I can only imagine the delightful texture.
Look What I Made:
- Restaurant Style Salsa by The Comfort of Cooking
This salsa is seriously good – I can’t emphasize that enough! I’ve been devouring it all week, unable to get enough of its vibrant flavour. What makes it so outstanding is its perfect balance: it’s semi-chunky, providing a satisfying texture; it carries a delightful, subtle smoky note that adds depth; and it finishes with a nice, gentle kick that keeps you coming back for more without being overwhelming. It truly tastes like something you’d get in a high-end Mexican restaurant, but even better because it’s made fresh right in your own kitchen. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my home, and I highly recommend trying it if you’re a salsa enthusiast looking for that authentic, delicious taste.