There has been a lot of silence on the blog for the past few weeks, both due to vacation and the fact that I have exciting life news to share – K and I bought a house!

We spent our first night hanging out in the yard, celebrating with Island Orchard Cider. It’s a historic home in the city with character that was built in 1909. This house is going to need a lot of our love and we have a long list of small projects to start fixing her up. We closed last week, and have been stuck in a whirlwind of paint colors and renovation options ever since we got the keys. Add to this mix the fact that we haven’t quite packed our apartment yet – whoops! We are moving less than two miles, but it seems like 200 with the list of things that need to happen before then. The big move is next weekend, so there is not a lot of cooking or running happening right now. But I hope to be back to both very soon!

Until then, I have a vinaigrette recipe to share that I’ve been holding onto for awhile. In my home state of Iowa, there is a spice shop I love to visit that also sells flavored oils and specialty vinegar – Allspice Culinarium in Des Moines. A few months ago on a trip home, I met my family in Des Moines for dinner and picked up a few spices and a bottle of grapefruit white balsamic vinegar.

This was my first flavored vinegar purchase and it won’t be my last! The shop has tastings available of both oils and vinegar, and the grapefruit version is insane. My mom picked up a tangerine vinegar as well and I’ve heard good reports. I have used this vinaigrette recipe both in a hearty salad {quinoa and roasted chickpeas!} and on a bed of greens. It’s perfect for the summer.

Grapefruit Vinaigrette
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon grapefruit white balsamic vinegar
3 teaspoons dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

It’s time to find my paint clothes – have a wonderful Sunday.