2.29.2016

RIP Weekend

Happy Leap Day, readers!

Don't mind me...I'm just over here mourning the weekend.

I don't always do weekend recaps, but this was an exceptionally good one...so good that I never got around to writing a blog post for today. This morning when I was getting ready to leave Bryce seemed a little bummed. When I asked what was wrong he answered "I don't want it to already be a new week." I couldn't have said it better myself.

My love language is quality time and Bryce gave me a lot of that weekend. It was so nice.

My other love language might be food, and much of our weekend revolved around that, too. Let's just say we threw the diet out the window. It was so nice.

Friday night we headed over to our good friends, Emily and Frank's house. We've started a monthly dinner tradition with them and alternate who hosts. Emily asked me to contribute an appetizer and I made baked pimiento cheese. It was ooey gooey greasy goodness. I'm working on developing an actual recipe for it to share with you. This time it was kinda just trial and error.


We had lots of laughs and good food with good company. We made it home around 11. We're getting old.

Saturday morning Bryce went to an annual shooting match that he and his dad compete in together every year (and placed 2nd, if I'm going to brag on him a bit). I used that time to go to barre and get some things done around the house. I still hadn't put all our Valentine's decorations away and had a mountain of laundry calling my name. When he got home we relaxed for a bit and watched a movie. That night we didn't really feel like cooking, but we also didn't feel like a fancy night out. We decided to head to Ardent, a local craft brewery, for a beer and after that somewhat of a progressive style dinner ensued. (See my recap of another night we did this, here).


I'm not much of a beer drinker, but Ardent does have a Sweet Potato Sage beer that I really enjoy.

Next we went to a favorite restaurant right around the corner, Fat Dragon

We continued the casual vibe by sitting at the bar. We ordered their chili dumplings and chicken wings as appetizers and then split the basil beef entree. The bartender convinced us to try the dry rub szechuan pepper wings, which we hadn't had before, and they were so good. We now can't decide which style we like better.


Finally, we headed to a new restaurant (by the same owners as Fat Dragon) just down the street called Boulevard Burgers and Brew. I had been dying to try one of their boozy milkshakes and then couldn't resist ordering fries too. Fries dipped in the shake...yesss!!


Yesterday we slept in and headed to brunch at Family Meal. We had only eaten dinner there once before and decided to see how their brunch was. It was delicious. The weather was also absolutely beautiful! Temperatures nearly reached 70 and it was the first time in a while that my legs have seen the light of day!


After brunch we changed into workout clothes and made our way to the backyard. It was just so pretty that I couldn't resist being outside. I started working on this DIY Tumbler project that I first mentioned n this post.


Yes, that is Bryce raking in the background. I promise I helped him after filling my tumbler!

The craftiness continued when I headed to a Red Shoe Crew meeting right around the corner at 4:00. It was in the most beautiful home, if you can't tell! We worked on projects for the Red Shoe BBQ in April. If you're a local reader, be sure to get your ticket here!


After my meeting we headed to Bryce's stepbrother's house to enjoy some cocktails in the nice weather. Bryce's stepbrother is getting married in August so I had lots of fun talking all things wedding with his fiance. Drinks turned into dinner and we were out way past my bedtime...on a weeknight! I'm feeling it today!

It was certainly a Sunday Funday!

What did y'all do this weekend?

Is the weather warming up where you are?

Have a great day!
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2.25.2016

Snug Harbor Farm

Happy Thursday friends!

Have you had a good week? After two days of pouring rain (and even scary tornado warnings last night), I am excited to see some sunshine today.

I am so glad I get to share a closer look at our visit to Snug Harbor Farm with you today. I first mentioned Snug Harbor in my Maine getaway recap here. I was so enchanted by the farm, however, that I deemed it worthy of a post all its own. If you are ever in the Kennebunk area, a trip to Snug Harbor is a must! Bryce and I found out about it purely by accident, noticing it on our way into town. I am so glad that we made a point to go back later during our trip.

One of the things that really stood out in Maine was how lush it is. There were gorgeous flowers and gardens everywhere and Snug Harbor really epitomized this aspect of the area. I felt like our time there was magical and I was in awe of something new around every corner! It was as if I had set foot in a Beatrix Potter story. Having our own farm like this would be Bryce's dream one day!

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking throughout the rest of this post.











Oh goodness. Don't even get me started on the topiaries. I was in heaven!














Have you ever traveled to Maine?

Any other must visit places for garden lovers like us?

Have a great day!
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2.23.2016

Tuesday Inspiration

Happy Tuesday readers!

It is a yucky, rainy day over here, and all I want to do is curl up in bed!

That being said, I thought given my current mood, it might be a good time to go to one of my favorite Pinterest boards for some inspiration. And just maybe, some of you need this little pick me up today, too!










Have a great day!

2.19.2016

Five on Friday

Happy FriYAY, friends!

Big plans for the weekend? We are headed to a cocktail party tonight and tomorrow I am taking 2 of my former students out to lunch. Otherwise, I am hoping for a relaxing weekend. It's been a busy few weeks and I'm exhausted!

Today I'm linking up with the 5 on Friday ladies and I'm asking for your help!

ONE
Advice Wanted

I am asking for your help with D.C. recommendations. We are headed there in just a few weeks for my cousin's bachelorette party and would love some advice picking spots for brunch, dinner, and going out! I have been to D.C. several times over the years, but never for a "party" weekend, so any help, particularly with the "bar scene" would be greatly appreciated!

TWO
Draper James Francis Floral




I'm a huge Reese Witherspoon fan, so it probably comes as no surprise that I love her new Draper James line. That being said, most her ahhhh-dorable clothes are out of my price range, so I have yet to purchase anything. This print might be worth the splurge, though. I am in love! Which do you like best? I think I'm partial to the skirt!

THREE
Fuming!


Excuse me while I get on my soapbox for a moment, but this news bit from yesterday's Skimm has me SO angry!!! Women already have to face the glass ceiling and often their careers suffer because of motherhood. Now we're spying on them to predict their likelihood of getting pregnant. Not okay! By the way, do you Skimm? The Skimm sends a quick, witty overview of national and world news each weekday, that can be read in under 5 minutes. It's an easy way to stay tuned into current events and there are always links to read more about a piece that interests you. Sign up here.

FOUR


What's the saying? The only things certain in life are death and taxes? Taxes are no fun and I remember my first year of teaching being so upset when the cost to prepare my taxes was more than my actual refund. What a let down! The good news though, is that if you make less than $62,000 a year like me, you can file your taxes online for free thanks to United Way! This link will take you to the site! If you're in the Richmond area, there are also 13 Metrocash sites around town where you can have them prepared in person. 

FIVE
Emoji Love


I almost didn't have a number 5 for ya. I feel like I'm running on empty today! But, I know I'm not the only one that is Emoji obsessed! I constantly wish I had Emojis on my regular keyboard and find myself especially wanting to use them when commenting on blogs. That being said, it cracks me up that Emojis are such a thing in our tech-filled world that people will even wear them! I don't know if I personally would go that far, but the necklace above is pretty cute!


What's on your mind today?

Have a great day!
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2.17.2016

2nd Annual Valentine Making Party

Happy Hump Day, chicas!

Is it just me or is February dragging on? Spring can't come soon enough for this lady and I think my impatience is making this short month feel like a long one!

Today I am excited to be recapping my Valentine Making Party with you! I had such a fun weekend with a good dose of time with friends and one on one time with my main squeeze.

The weekend started with a fun girls' night as I hosted my 2nd Valentine Making Party! I first hosted this party 2 years ago (recap here) with hopes of making it an annual thing. I dropped the ball last year, but was glad to bring it back this year and am already thinking of ways I can make it even more fun next year!

One of the highlights of the night, and the whole weekend, was Erin's visit. She and her hubby, Ryan have become some of our absolute best friends over the last 2 years and we simply adore their baby girl, Sully. She brought the fancy new camera she received for Christmas with her, and I love some of the photos she snapped. You'll definitely notice a difference between her pics and mine in this post!


With Erin, Miss Attention to Darling, herself!

Valentine making central was located in the dining room!




This inspiration poster came in handy, quite a bit!



What I love most about events like these is that they bring different groups of my friends together. 


Not to mention, I have some pretty talented friends...

This "Olive You" card was my favorite from the night!

No good girls night is complete without good food, so I set up that station in the kitchen!

I made champagne punch again, which is always a hit and so easy! Simply pour a bottle of champagne over a container of raspberry sherbet, add 1 liter of ginger ale, and top with a bag of frozen strawberries!

I served mini chicken & wafflesmac & cheese cups, a veggie tray, strawberry cupcakes, and macarons!




These frozen Trader Joe's frozen macarons are a new favorite!


Jess brought these cupcakes, also from Trade Joe's, and they were almost to beautiful to eat!


Anna brought these homemade cookies and they were beyond scrumptious! I ate so many over the weekend that I lost count!




Erin also snapped some pics in the living room, where we gabbed until nearly midnight, and I love seeing the space through the lens of her nice camera!




All in all, it was a fabulous evening and I can't wait for the next chance to bring together all my girls!

Do you make homemade valentines?

Did you celebrate with your best gal pals?

Also...I've been playing around with the sizing of my pictures some. Do y'all like seeing bigger pictures?

Have a great day!
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