Weekend Highlights

What a weekend!  Most of my weekends lately have been pretty lazy and full of free time, but this one was crazy!  I had so many plans, which made the weekend fly by.  Thankfully this is going to be a very short work week, because I already feel like I need another break!  Here's a look at what I did from Friday to Sunday:

Pittsburgh Crèche blessing at lunchtime.  Religious leaders from across the city came to bless the scene, and we all sang Christmas carols together.

Met up with my old manager and team for some drinks at Market Street Grocery!  This is a little hidden gem in Market Square with lots of great wine and drinks.  They also serve food and macarons.  If you haven't stopped in, I recommend it!

Friday night was Dan's work party!  This year it was held at Rivers Casino, and this is what I wore.  This is an old dress from Dana Buchman at Kohl's.  It's no longer available, but here's a similar dress!  (P.S. I took off my FitBit after I took this picture!)

 The party was great!  Lots of delicious food...

...and the desserts were just as beautiful as they were tasty.

There were fireworks for Light Up Night, and we had a great view of them!  There are huge windows along all of the walls, and one of them faced Heinz Field and the Point.  It was great to see the display and not have to freeze!

On Saturday morning, I met up with Jennifer and Anna to run on the haunted trail in North Park.  There was nothing scary about the trail, but it was a challenging 8 miler!  We were kind of scared before the run started (at least I was and made them act scared too for the picture!) but we made it out alive.

Later, we met up with Lynne for drinks at Arsenal Cider.  This is a cute little house in Lawrenceville that sells tons of different ciders, either in a glass or growler.  I got to sample a few flavors, and settled on grape.  It was delicious!

There was a patio outdoors where we sat to enjoy our drinks and chat.  Thankfully the weather was perfect, because there aren't many tables inside.  We had a great time outdoors, and I bet it's amazing in the springtime!

For the next round, we stopped by the nearby Roundabout Brewery.  I've tried their beers before, but this was my first time at the actual brewery.  I got a flight, which includes five different beers.  My favorite was the Gui, which is a Dark Belgian Strong Ale.  I also really liked the Azacca IPA, and I don't typically like super hoppy IPA's!  This one was slightly sweeter and delicious.

On the way home, we stopped at Schenley Plaza to see the lighted trees!  There were tons of them all over the plaza, and it looked so beautiful with the Cathedral of Learning in the background.  If you're ever in the area, I recommend stopping by The Porch for a pizza and a drink- one of my favorite restaurants!

Sunday morning I woke up to go running, then met up with friends at The Climbing Wall!  We ended up staying in the bouldering area the entire time, which is an insane workout.  I ended up running into my high school Spanish teacher, who is an amazing climber.  He gave us lots of tips and helped me get to the top of a few walls.  By the time we left, my entire body was sore, and my hands were torn up.  Can't wait to go back!

How was your weekend?
Have you ever run on a "haunted trail" or road before?
Is your town holiday ready?

 Linking up with Carylee, Jenna, Erin and Katie for Weekend Updates!

Comments

  1. Margaret @ youngandrungryNovember 23, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    What a cool event with the blessing/carols with religious leaders! It looks like you had a great weekend and I love that you're still climbing! Torn hands is always a good sign of making progress! I've been doing it for probably 6 years and I'm still not any good, but its so fun and I love all the random muscles you develop from it!

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 7:39 AM

      My entire back is SO sore today. All the muscles in my arms are also dead. It's not fun but I love the feeling of being sore after a hard workout!

      Delete
  2. Elle SeesNovember 23, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    you had such an awesome weekend!! i loved reading your highlights. and good for you for not letting the weather stop you. hope this week is even better :)

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  3. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 5:08 AM

    When I landed at the airport last weekend I was so happy to see Christmas decorations. We went to a tree lighting in town so I think we are officially holiday ready :) Love that dress! Perfect for parties this time of year.

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  4. Morgan @ Morgan Manages MommyhoodNovember 23, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    LOVE that dress! Also, that tower of salad is kind of incredible..

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 7:52 AM

      Thank you! I was afraid to get any salad because I could picture the whole mountain tumbling down!

      Delete
  5. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    Love a good party with good desserts :) I have never run a haunted trail and would be too afraid to do so! I totally believe in that stuff!

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 7:52 AM

      I was scared too, and would never do it alone! Thank goodness I had others to run with :)

      Delete
  6. LesleyNovember 23, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    Those desserts look so good! We haven't had holiday stuff yet, but some towns have their lights out in the shopping areas. I'll admit to listening to my Christmas workout list in the car this weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 7:52 AM

      Christmas music is the best! People can say it's too early all they want but I don't care!

      Delete
  7. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 6:36 AM

    Lots if good things for you this past weekend! So happy I got to run with you--really enjoyed it! I love Arsenal ciders!Haven't tried grape yet though. Sounds delicious!

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 7:53 AM

      I had so much fun too! Next time we go to Arsenal I'll be sure to let you know. It's so good!

      Delete
  8. Jessie MNovember 23, 2015 at 6:40 AM

    Ran the lake loop with the BF at North Park on Saturday morning. The weather was pretty great by the time I got there. I'll have to find these haunted roads out there. I'm always looking for new routes there.

    And LOVE Arsenal. In the summer they bring in food trucks & have live music out on the patio each weekend. They just opened up a location at Soergels near Wexford. Their fall fest, followed by some cider was a great fall date.

    Sounds like a fun, super Pittsburgh weekend. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 7:54 AM

      The road is near the spillway parking lot! There's also a trailhead for the Rachel Carson trail right there if you want more places to run! I'll have to come back in the summer..I had no idea they did that!

      Delete
  9. JamieNovember 23, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    Loving that dress! And my town is already lined with wreaths and Christmas lights... Although I'm all about being festive, I hate that Thanksgiving is sometimes looked over! Bring on the turkey (or veggies in my mind!) :)

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 8:08 AM

      Thanks Jamie! I agree with you and I wish that we had Thanksgiving when Canada does it...the holidays definitely run into eachother. We need more time!

      Delete
  10. Sarah @pickyrunnerNovember 23, 2015 at 7:54 AM

    Sounds like a great weekend!!! Love that dress... I've been looking for one I like for my holiday party and I think that one is super cute!

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      Thanks Sarah! It was such a good buy..I almost passed it up but it's perfect for fall weddings or holiday parties!

      Delete
  11. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    Ohhh, what a fun weekend! I'm so jealous! I loooooove going to holiday parties. I love getting dressed up because I never have to otherwise so it's rare and super fun for me!

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 8:09 AM

      Thanks Suzy! Same here..I never get dressed up so it's fun to be all fancy for one night :)

      Delete
  12. RachaelNovember 23, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    wow what a packed weekend! that cider places looks so much fun, I love cider. we dont have any local cider places though only beer brewery. christmas lights!!! i love christmas lights so much they make me silly happy

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 4:10 PM

      It's so nice to have a local one! It's always on menus at restaurants in the city, so it feels great to support a local business. Christmas lights are the best!

      Delete
  13. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 8:35 AM

    Sounds like you had an awesome weekend. I am glad you guys made it out of the trail alive, lol. I have never ran that trail and never even knew it was there. I am not a fan of ciders but I have heard some good things about Arsenal. I went to hop farms brewery Saturday night and enjoyed some of their beers. I still have yet to make it to roundabout

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      I'm glad we survived too! You should definitely check it out- it's really nice and has some steep hills heading out. Arsenal is amazing, and some of their ciders taste more like wine.

      Delete
  14. Laura NorrisNovember 23, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Sounds like such a fun weekend! The Pittsburgh Creche is so pretty and big - I love when it's time for Christmas decoration! Your dress is adorable and the holiday party sounds like a great time - it's always so fun to dress up!

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 4:12 PM

      It's so cool! I just found out that it's the only authorized replica of the nativity scene in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Fun little fact :) Thank you Laura!

      Delete
  15. James @ halfmarathonjamesNovember 23, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    I've never seen a salad served like that before! Those beers sound pretty tasty, you seem to be quite the connoisseur :) I quite like dark ales myself, but most of the ones I've tasted are just UK beers..

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    1. Gretchen BraunNovember 23, 2015 at 4:13 PM

      That's a Pittsburgh salad for you! Lots of meat and stacked as high as possible :) I like to think of myself a connoisseur..I've always loved beer and have tried as many varieties and different countries as possible! UK is one that I've only had a few of, but that will change when I visit!

      Delete
  16. julie WunderNovember 23, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Love love love that lace dress! It looks so pretty on you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. julie WunderNovember 23, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Love love love that lace dress! It looks so pretty on you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jess @hellotofitNovember 24, 2015 at 12:36 PM

    I'm not big on overly hoppy beers, either. Looks like so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kristen @ See You In A PorridgeNovember 25, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    that dress is gorgeous!! love it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMeeNovember 25, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    I love the dress you wore to Dan's party!

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  21. palmandpineblogNovember 25, 2015 at 8:22 PM

    Love that lace dress + indoor rock climbing is a weekend addiction for me :)

    xo, tasha | twenty-something blog

    ReplyDelete

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