Charming Charlie's

…and I’m back!

So, the adventures haven’t been so adventurous lately- I know, I know. Life happens and we all get a little busy, which ties right in with this adventure. Maybe that’s over stating it…we’ll call this one a series of mini adventures. Between work, school, networking, volunteering, kids activities, or whatever it is that keeps you busy, you still have to find a little time here & there to connect with your peeps. Whether it’s your oldest friend on the planet, work buddies, or a favorite family member, find some time- these are the connections that feed your soul. Here are a few thoughts on the hows & wheres to make it happen!

If you’re south of town, stop in to Flavors Eatery right across from Centerville High School. They have a huge and eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. On a recent visit, I tried the alfredo wrap (yummo!) it came with a side of chips drizzled in their famous garlicky dressing (to die for!). I think I may have developed a slight addiction to their coconut-pineapple smoothie while I was there. Make sure you take a sec to check out the funky art that surrounds you while you’re grabbing a quick bite with your girlfriends!

Downtown? Make a quick little journey over to Butter Cafe on Brown St. Please leave your diet at the door so you can enjoy their ever changing array of  cupcakes and other sweet treats. This is a great option for those of you going the organic route. So many delicious choices on the menu, but I zeroed in on the chai french toast.   Excellent choice, I must say!  A little birdie told me their grilled pb&j is the way to go, perhaps I need to venture back down there to try it?

Do you prefer to catch up while shopping? If you haven’t yet, you HAVE TO stop in at Charming Charlie at the Greene. It’s pretty much the Disneyworld of accessories. Everything is grouped by color and the best part about it is the afford-ability!  This is a great place for gifts as well as funky/trendy pieces that don’t qualify as investment jewelry. I really prefer to highlight locally owned places and stay away from the chain stores, but Charming Charlie just needed to be mentioned. I’m in love, I really am.

Would you rather sip while you chat? Yes, please.  Head out to Cork & Vine right off of Miller Lane. They boast an extensive wine list (adding new wines weekly!) as well as 30 different martinis and a selection of  craft and domestic beers. Pull up a seat near the fireplace and discuss McDreamy’s hair last Thursday or how much you loved the Britney episode of Glee. Oh wait, that’s what I like to do, I’m sure you have your own topics of conversation.

Now, I don’t know about you, but during the fall, my favorite way to connect with friends is over FOOTBALL!!!!! I love it. I reaaaalllyy love it. Over the past few weeks, we have established my love for heels and lipgloss, let’s just say football completes the trifecta. Frickin Chicken Chunks, cheddar balls and Miller Lite is the standard meal of choice while complaining about my Fantasy Football team or saying loudly (over and over, as a self-calming measure) that the Browns can turn their luck around any minute. Many a Fricker’s have been graced with my presence (and that of my crazy friends) while we revel in the atmosphere of too much testosterone, hot sauce and the sensory overload of a million (give or take a few) tv’s.

This week, I am most looking forward to getting together with friends at Masquerage! This annual party of parties raises money for AIDS Resource Center Ohio and is hands down, one of the best events the Miami Valley has to offer. I have been obsessing about my costume for weeks and can NOT wait to see what everyone else is wearing! Do YOU have any Heavenly Pleasures or Sinful Delights you’d like to share with the world? Masquerage is the place to do it! I hope to see some of you there!

There you have it, some fun stuff to do while getting together with your peeps. I’d like to add that any food or drink mentioned in this article is fat-free, carb-free, calorie-free and has anti-aging benefits.  This is a fact that I will firmly stand by (until challenged, at which point I will crumble like a stale cookie with the realization that maybe blatantly lying to myself doesn’t really work). As always, if you know of any place that merits checking out on my adventures, comment below or find me on Twitter- Nikkisayswhat. Until next time, lovlies…