SaraBozich.com

Weekend Roundup 5/17

Last night was a huge night - at least if you follow local hashtags. First, I had the honor of being a part of The Patriot-News' "Celebration of Journalism" honoring Pulitzer prize winning reporters Sara Ganim and others. You can catch up by searching #PNpulitzer on Twitter.

After that, many of us headed over to the Abbey Bar for the 5th Anniversary of the #hbgtweetup. If you're a local Twitter user and you've never attended, join us anytime - the tweetup is held the third Wednesday of each month, always at the Abbey, and in nice weather, we're always on the deck.

Cutting the #failwhale cake for the #hbgtweetup

This weekend we're celebrating faux Mother's Day since Andy and I were in Mount Pocono last weekend for the Tough Mudder. So, in lieu of your standard brunch and wine, my inlaws are coming for the weekend and we have a number of events planned.

On Friday, they are dragging me kicking and screaming to Williams Grove Speedway where we'll pay money to wear earplugs and drink our own beers out of coolers. I'm a good sport, but racing does not do it for me.

Saturday, we'll head to Ashcombe's for plants and other goodies, followed by lunch at PA Greek Fest. Originally we were planning on dinner at Cafe Bruges to treat our moms ... until I realized it's not only Dickinson graduation, but a car show weekend as well. So, instead, we'll treat moms to a wine tasting at Vineyard at Hershey!

My weekend will close with - no kidding - an invite to a "Drunk Brunch."

What are you doing this weekend?

Triathlons - Leg 1: The Swim

Swimming can often be the most intimidating part of a triathlon.It doesn't come as easily to some as running or biking does -- Some of us have had years of experience to shape our stroke, while others need waterwings to get from one end of the backyard pool to the other.

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, if you put the effort into it, I believe you can learn how to swim successfully at any age.

Keep reading for swimming tips for all levels. Try that tri this summer!

Ben Gallaher: Camp Hill's Nashville Star

As three of the biggest stars in country music, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert have a lot in common. They each have multiple radio hits, platinum albums, regularly play in front of sold-out crowds around the country, and in mid-April they all had albums that were surpassed on the iTunes Country Chart by Camp Hill-native Ben Gallaher's self-titled debut.

Camp Hill native Ben Gallaher will perform live at the next SaraBozich.com Happy Hour on May 23.

"It completely blew my mind," Gallaher said in a recent interview. "I knew that I had a pretty good fan base at home but I had no idea it was going to blow up like that. Everything was just going haywire in my mind. It was an incredible night."

Recorded at a friend's apartment in Nashville, Gallaher's impressive 11-song debut strikes a balance between sing-along boot-stompers and heartfelt country ballads – some written in high school and some finished right before he started recording in January.

"This is about the third time I've recorded some of these songs, but this is by far the most advanced," Gallaher said. "There are parts to every one of these songs that I love, but I think Tennessee Whiskey is the best song that I've written to date. I finished that in December right before we started recording."

Ben Gallaher will perform live at the next SaraBozich.com Happy Hour on May 23. Learn more after the jump.

It's American Craft Beer Week!

Friends, craft beer lovers - Today kicks off American Craft Beer Week. It is an opportunity for small and independent craft brewers and the community of better beer retailers to celebrate the country's ever-expanding beer culture.

Get out to one of the events below, or pick up a new six-pack at Wegman's, Al's of Hampden, Brass Rail or another local retailer. Whether you're looking to try a new style of beer or discover a new favorite brewery, this week is a great chance to expand your taste buds and appreciate the nuances and hand-crafted flavor of craft beer.

Click through for a week's worth of Craft Beer Week events:

#hbgtweetup: 140 "characters" wanted

Join us on Wednesday for the 5-year anniversary of the #hbgtweetup.

Are you on Twitter? Do you like meeting new people? Drinking beer?

The #hbgtweetup group will celebrate its 5th anniversary -- our 60th meetup -- on Wednesday, May 16.

Please join us at the Abbey Bar at  Appalachian Brewing Company. We gather around 7 p.m., and the fun goes on all night.

If it's your first time, fear not. The #hbgtweetup is a friendly, casual event. If the weather is nice, you can find us on the deck. This week, DJ Geoffro will provide the tunes - reggae beats to transport you to island time.

Our goal this month is to attract 140 attendees to our tweetup, so we can boast "140 characters." We'd love to have you be a part of it. The #hbgtweetup has fostered business endeavors, friendships and several romantic relationships!

I hope you'll join us next week at 7 p.m. (or later! Our parties go until at least 9:30 p.m.) at the Abbey Bar.

Read more: Meet the Tweets // Network group puts faces to screen names

This week on SaraBozich.com

Right about now, Andy and his team have embarked on the Tough Mudder. I'm somewhere nearby, shouting encouraging things and hoping that no one gets injured.They've been working so hard toward this goal, and I'm so excited for the team to realize this accomplishment.

Other things I'm excited for:

• That bottle of Jamaican rum my neighbor is bringing back for me from the islands.
• Gardening season - and dreams of fresh tomatoes for dinner every night.
• The return of Burn Notice, Suits and Royal Pains on USA. 

In the meantime, you know we keep pretty busy up in here. Here's the rundown in case you missed anything:

• RSVP today: Upcoming Events: Spring/Summer
• Mother's Day Gift Ideas
• Golf season comes early to Harrisburg area
• Try a Tri: Summer Triathlons
• Weekend Roundup 5/10
• Standout Summer Swimwear
• Out with Sara: Yards comes to Harrisburg
• Don't panic - you can still get mom a great gift - Wineing for Mother's Day (and beyond)

Oh, and I join most of America, tweens everywhere and those fine Ivy league baseball players with this obsession. I <3 this:

Wineing for Mother's Day (and beyond)

If you still haven't planned a Mother's Day outing for your dear mother, fear not: I have the solution.

Assuming Mama likes wine (any kind) and chocolate (again, any variety), I implore you to treat her to some wineing this weekend along the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country Trail.

#Wineing along the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country trail

You see, these nine participating wineries are celebrating "Sweet Sensations of May," you'll get to learn about and experience a variety of chocolate and wine pairings at each of the HHWC's participating (and award-winning) wineries.

Wineries along the trail include Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery, Buddy Boy Vineyard & Winery, Cullari Vineyards & Winery, Hummingbird Ridge Winery, Hunters Valley Winery, Red Shale Ridge Vineyards, Tamanend Winery, The Vineyard at Hershey and West Hanover Winery.

Tickets are $20/person or $35/couple. Designated drivers are free (and still get the chocolate!).

Order online here - save 5% with promo code "SaraBozich."

Also of note: Premier 1 Limousine has put together a package for people who want to ride in style (you can really make Mom feel special if you take her by limo to and from wineries!).

Out with Sara: Yards comes to Harrisburg

The latest in beer news comes from Philadelphia microbrewer Yards Brewing Co., which, as of next week will have distribution points throughout the Harrisburg area.

Yards sprang from the creative and frugal minds of two college friends turned homebrewers, whose common love for craft beer catapulted into one of Philadelphia’s most coveted breweries. 

Today the fully functioning, eco-conscious brewery — it's the first fully wind-powered brewery in Pennsylvania — churns out a series of ales, seasonal brews, an "Ales of the Revolution" series, as well as a stream of small experimental batches, typically shared with beer lovers via firkin at local bars and restaurants.
    
Starting next week, Yards brings the beer to us, with a series of events at some of our favorite watering holes.

Read on: Out with Sara: Yards Brewing Co. will soon bring beer to the midstate

Standout Summer Swimwear

I can't believe how quickly May is flying by already! It's just like they say, time flies when you're having fun. As I looked at my calendar I realized that not only is Memorial Day, the official kick-off to summer approaching, but so is my mini-vacay to Santa Barbara.

These can only mean one thing: bathing suit season. So, how do we stand out in a sea of bikinis and board shorts? With a few quick suggestions from the resident fashionista-in-training!

Click through for swimsuit dos and don'ts for men & women:

Weekend Roundup 5/10

Well, it has arrived: the weekend of the Tough Mudder. I'm simply a volunteer on Saturday for the Tough Mudder - Pennsylvania #2, but my husband, his coworkers and one of my best friends will compete as a team on Saturday morning. I'll be slinging the free aguas (or something, who knows) and cheering them along the way. I'm super proud of Andy, who dropped about 20 lbs, and his training partner, who lost 40 lbs, in preparation. Wish them luck!

This, incidentally is about all we'll do this weekend. Sunday, I expect ample rest, DVR-watching and ice cream-eating.

Of course, it also is Mother's Day weekend (our moms are super cool and aren't minding a week's delay in the celebration). We have a little inspiration for ya on our Mother's Day gift ideas board on Pinterest. Plus, you know, there are brunches galore. And yes, you probably should make reservations today. And for goodness sake, pick up some flowers for your mom - she deserves it!

What are you doing this weekend?

Try a Tri: Summer Triathlons

What is your favorite way to spend a weekend summer morning?

Maybe it’s chocolate chip pancakes and reading newspapers on the back porch. Or perhaps taking the pup for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. Or sleeping in and then laying poolside with a stack of magazines and a cooler full of watermelon. Summer has always been my favorite season, and these are just some of the ways I've enjoyed it. Since we no longer have summers off (well, most of us!), it's vital to soak up as much summer as possible on the weekends.

But over the past two summers, I've found a new reason to love the season. The start of summer means the start of triathlons. It means getting up at the crack of dawn, having numbers scrawled onto your skin with a sharpie and jumping into a freezing cold (and probably not-so-clean) lake, and trying to avoid getting whacked by a flailing arm or leg. And after you climb back out that lake? You change as quickly as possible, strap on your helmet and shoes and hop on your bike to tackle some pavement. And after that? Lace up your running shoes, it's time to finish this bad boy!

Golf season comes early to Harrisburg area

Up until this uncharacteristically warm year, it was almost unheard of to play a public golf course in Pennsylvania in March, nevermind in shorts. Now only May 8, I've already played a number of different courses this season and unfortunately I still can't putt to save my life.

I'd like to hope that the extended season will help my golf game round into shape by early June rather than late August, but if not I'll take the advice of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer: "I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone's golf game: It's called an eraser."

The warm weather has already extended the golf season by about two months and that is good news for local golf courses and golfers alike. One thing the capital region is not short on is the availability of affordable public golf courses.

While I have yet to hack my way around every golf course in the area, I have taken plenty of shots at most of them.

Click through for a roundup of Jeff's favorite local golf courses.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 

via pinterest.com

Check out my Mother's Day Gift Ideas board on Pinterest! Flowers, pretty baubles and garden favorites.

Upcoming Events: Spring/Summer

Mark your calendar! Two more SaraBozich.com are scheduled for spring/summer.

The next Happy Hour is on Wednesday, May 23 at The Thatch - with FREE beer with your "going" Facebook RSVP.

Limited tickets remain for the SaraBozich.com Booze Cruise aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna on Wednesday, Aug. 1. Get yours while they last!

• Photos from the 1st SaraBozich.com Happy Hour at Sawyer's.
• Photos from the ABC SaraBozich.com Happy Hour.
• Photos from the Mulligan's Downtown SaraBozich.com Happy Hour.

This week on SaraBozich.com

I hope to see you out today at Polished for the KIST Boutique event.

Shop the latest in accessories (think clutches, summer scarves, cocktail rings, bright necklaces and more, perfect for summer). We'll have Skinnygirl margaritas and chips & salsa to whet your whistle, plus, Polished is offering its signature Margarita pedicure for $5 off. Do one, both - doesn't matter - stop by and see us!

In case you missed a word this week, here's a wrap-up:

• There is still time to enter -- Giveaway: HYP Home Tour
• Extra Points: NFL draft, Senators' alum, more
• Madewell: Hue Do You Love?
• Too old for prom? Nah - Theme Party: Prom Redux
• Find all your event info here: Weekend Roundup 5/3
• Kayaking in Pennsylvania
• Out with Sara: Cinco de Mayo

Out with Sara: Cinco de Mayo

When holidays fall on the weekend, it's time to get serious about celebrations. You'll find that is happening on Saturday with Cinco de Mayo.

Sawyer's will return to one of its roots with a 20 ft pinata Saturday.

Luna Mexican Grill in Hummelstown will host its first Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, a two-day event complete with a backyard pig roast. The party happens inside and outside of the restaurant, featuring food and drink specials. Highlights include $3 Dos Equis drafts, three Coronitas (pony Coronas) for $5, $5 "shake and take" Margarita Frescas, plus other margarita specials. More ...

 In downtown Harrisburg, Luna’s sister restaurant El Sol Mexican Restaurant will take to the streets with a block party on Third Street near Chestnut Street. More ...

Flinchy's is never one to miss an excuse to party, so it's rocking south of the border flavors all day today and Saturday with authentic Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails. More ...

 Also never one to miss an opportunity for something outrageous, the Downtown After Dark bar conglomerate has a host of Cinco de Mayo activities to liven up your Saturday night. More ...

At Coakley's Restaurant & Irish Pub, Cinco de Mayo is done — of course — Irish style. DJ Joey J and the McGinley School of Irish Dance will ring in the holiday between 5 and 10 p.m. Saturday. More ...

Hauser Estate Winery's weekly Hauser After Hours take a Mexican twist Saturday with "Cinco de Drinko" from 6 to 9 p.m. More ...

Out with Sara: Cinco de Mayo offers a chance to get serious about celebrations | PennLive.com

Kayaking in Pennsylvania

I'm not the kind of girl you would call "outdoorsy." When I was little I would play in the garden with my dad and brother digging up bugs and planting flowers, but that didn't last very long. I never really took an interest in hiking, boating or camping. I would go fishing every now and then with my dad, but that was the extent of getting me in the great outdoors.

However, as I've gotten older I've begun branching out and have found a willingness to try just about anything. So, when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go kayaking I figured, why not?

Weekend Roundup 5/3

It's a family filled week for me. We spent last night celebrating my mom's 60th birthday at the Brewhouse Grille (and we'll do it again on Friday elsewhere). And, my sister is coming into town.

On Saturday, I hope you'll join us at Polished Salon & Spa in Lemoyne for Cinco de Mayo with KIST Boutique. We'll be at Polished all day with all of KIST's merchandise available on-site for purchase (cash or credit cards accepted). We'll sweeten the deal with Skinnygirl Margaritas and chips and salsa while you browse. Plus, Polished is offering its signature Margarita Pedi for $5 off + a free margarita. Book any service in advance and mention KIST and you'll get $5 off. Call (717) 975-9036 to book your Cinco de Mayo pampering!

There are plenty of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, but for my mom's sake, don't forget Saturday is also her favorite day of the year: The Kentucky Derby. Watch it at home with a Mint Julep, splurge on the Jump Street Derby Day event at Kings Mansion - or hit up Hollywood Casino and Penn National Racecourse for the full experience.

What are you doing this weekend?

Theme Party: Prom Redux

Does the mention of prom make you a little nostalgic? Talk about a flashback.

Kelly and Bill posing before their high school prom.

During your senior year of high school, you're on the brink of adulthood, about to graduate and head off to college or into the job market. Prom is one of those times you get to pretend to be a real grown up, while still embracing your true age. You dress up in a big, fancy dress or tux, get a stylish updo or haircut, slip on your dancing shoes, take a billion pictures with your date and your best friends for life and spend the night embracing people you may not have even liked, but suddenly will miss terribly. And who can forget the after party? I'm not sure my friend James' parents, who let my group stay there after prom, have recovered yet.

But as you look back now, you may cringe a little. Oh, that dress! My hair! What was I thinking? And, yes, I was just as awkward as I remember.

While most high schools would rightfully ban people our age from attending prom, who says we can't have our own? Why do the high school students get to have all the fun?

Kelly and Bill, Prom Redux 2012

Madewell: Hue Do You Love?

via madewell.tumblr.com

It's #5 all the way - #6 and #7 are a close second. And #4 for good measure.