While in L.A. Atta-Dog-Adam and I made some new friends with some beauty pageant contestants. It was a very exciting experience to actually see what goes on at a beauty pageant. Girls ranged from 1 to 19yrs old.

Heart Breaker beauty pageant contestants

Yummy, Doggone Dave, and I had an amazing time visiting my home town, Cincinnati, OH. We got to see  Great American Ball Park, stroll through downtown Cincinnati,  and even go to a Franktastic Family party at my house (complete with hot dog hats, t -shirts, and even a hot dog- shaped pinata!) It was great to get to show off YUMMY to my family in my very own home town. I even got a chance to try a mix of my two favorite foods- Cincinnati Chili and hot dogs!

Cincinnati Chili dogs and Oscar Mayer hot dogs!

While in Columbus, OH Rachel Relish and I paid a visit to a local hot dog joint. Neither of us had ever been to a restaurant that just served hot dogs so we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to go to one! There were so many different kinds of hot dogs that we couldn’t get just one. We ordered four and split them just so we could try all different kinds. All of the hot dogs were so “franktastic!” My favorite was the special, “El Perro,” a beef frank topped with guacamole, bacon, tomatoes, onions and cheese. Rachel Relish really loved the “Sriracha Slaw Dog,” a beef frank covered in coleslaw with a touch of sun-ripened chile garlic sauce, mustard and fresh onions. We also tried the “Classic Lady,” a beef frank drizzled with cheese sauce and crushed potato chips. And we had to get the classic “Chili Dog.” Check out how delicious these dogs look! Can you tell which one is which?

Delicious Franks!

Cruisin’ Crystal and I spend a majority of our time in the scorching heat of Los Angeles (for all of you that watched the Emmys and heard the stars talking about how hot it was, that’s what we live in on a daily basis). So, when we found out we were going to Denver for a week, we couldn’t be happier for the change of scenery. Little did we know that this also involved a drastic temperature change. Here are two pictures to illustrate just how quickly we had to get used to this new environment:

Crossing the state line from Utah to Colorado.

Taking a break from driving against the wind up the mountain.

These pictures were taken about three hours apart. Brrr! We basically decided to bust out the winter clothes when we made it to our hotel. Until then, our favorite Starbucks drinks kept us warm.

One caramel apple spice and one hot chocolate coming up!

For a re-grand opening of a Fred Meyer in the Hawthorne neighborhood of Portland, I was presented with the fantastic gift of a hot dog hat made out of balloons. We met some franktastic clowns and mascots, and had a bunderful time meeting this local band.

What more could an Irish gal like myself wish for on our first weekend in Oregon?

Rachel Relish and I would like to give a big “FRANKS A LOT” to Sendik’s in Whitefish Bay, WI for making us such a delicious Wienermobile shaped cake! We were absolutely delighted by the surprise from the store and couldn’t wait to take a bite! We were both lucky enough to be visiting family and were honored to share this delicious cake with them. Also take note of the “bunderful” ketchup and mustard colored boutonnieres that the floral department made for us. “Franks” again to all the “franktastic” staff at Sendik’s! It was great to “meat” you and we hope to “ketchup” with you soon!

After spending the summer months in the great Midwest, A-Dog and I were jumpin’ at the bit to head in the direction of the Pacific Ocean. With neither of us being from anywhere near the Northwest, you can imagine how wide our eyes were while driving through the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Not only did we experience incredible views through Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon, but we saw the pure joy on many road-trippers’ faces as passed them in WEENR. Mom and Dad, I think I’m ready to move west. It’s simply beautiful out here!

Normally, Rachel Relish and I eat the traditional hot dog in a bun with a swirl of ketchup and mustard. But we are always open for new ways to try our dogs. Even if it comes in a fruity, gummy flavor. Of course we couldn’t pass this up!

Cruisin’ Crystal and I had the privilege of hanging out at the Fiestas Patrias in South El Monte, Cal., this past weekend. It was an early celebration of Mexico’s independence, complete with popular Hispanic bands and a wide array of booths promoting every product that you can imagine.

It also served as the “blow-up toy theme park” that provided incredible photo opportunities, which I took full advantage of. This is one of my favorites.

Showing some love to the applesauce.

Would have loved to ride on the Maggi chicken but they wanted me to keep my distance.

Long wait to get a hot-dog. At least they get to enjoy the view of the Wienermobile!