V-Day Reminiscing...

Happy Hump Day readers!

I feel like a broken record, but school has just been a lot lately. I didn't get home last night until nearly 6:00 and then did more work until 8:30 pm. This constant devotion to school and countless meetings has been going on for weeks now and it's taken its toll.

It has even caused me to be quite the Valentine's Day slacker this year! I've pulled out no decorations, aside from just throwing our heart wreath on the door this past weekend and haven't done anything creative for Bryce in these weeks leading up to heart day.

It has me majorly reminiscing to Valentine's Days of the past where I had the energy and time to do more...

Let's reminisce a bit!

Last year I hosted a Valentine's Making Party (full post here) with all my girlfriends. It was so fun and I had hoped to make it an annual tradition. Maybe I can bring it back next year...

I also decked the house out and was so happy by the pink/red/heart explosion throughout the house (full post here)! 

For Bryce, I did 14 days of memories, adding a new memory on a heart to our sunburst mirror each day in February...

Two years ago I was sick, but still managed to make Bryce a pretty fancy valentine and also surprised him with a camping night in that weekend, complete with fireside s'mores...

And on our very first Valentine's Day together, I was really crafty and made "52 Things I Love About You" with a deck of cards (full post here).

This year, I have a semi-creative gift for Bryce on order and am sure I will pull out some of the decorations to set a pretty table Saturday night, but, as I've said before-- it's the year of doing my thing!

What have you done for Valentine's Days past?

Any creative plans up your sleeve for this year?

Have a great day!

Valentine's Day Meal Planning

Happy Monday readers!

Good weekend?

Another lazy one over here! Bryce went out of town for part of the weekend and I spent most of that time curled up with a book. I have become quite the weekend bookworm and am loving it.

Today I bring you what was meant to be Friday's post. As you know, Bryce and I always spend Valentine's Day at home. We try to put extra care into a homemade meal and just enjoy time together.

As I consider a menu, I can share one thing...I will likely be making alfredo. It's Bryce's favorite thing that I make, so whatever we eat will ultimately have to complement angel hair alfredo (no fettucine for my man...).

That being said, I am hoping we can be a bit more creative when it comes to appetizers or the rest of the entree. I am scheming to come up with a prosciutto & fennel appetizer! Our favorite Richmond restaurant, Edo's Squid has an amazing braised fennel appetizer that Bryce has come close to recreating. I have recently thinking that prosiutto would complement it well and am trying to come up with a recipe, stay tuned...

Aside from that, here is what's catching my eye...

Ravioli with Sautéed Asparagus & Walnuts

I'm wondering if I could tweak this to work with my alfredo sauce.

Kahlua Pecan Brown Sugar Baked Brie

Baked Brie is one of my faves, along with Kahlua, so this has me thinking I could make a Valentine's meal out of cheese and wine alone...

Seared Scallops with Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce

Scallops just might be my all time favorite food and we both love, love, love pesto!

I am drooling.

Cabernet Braised Short Ribs with Swiss Chard & Orecchettie

This has me thinking I might need to tell Bryce to forget the alfredo...

Savory & Decadent Broiled Oysters

I'm thinking these could double as an appetizer or the main dish beside some alfredo!

And now...you can't think I forgot about dessert!

I've been considering one of my go-tos, this delicious chocolate chess pie!

But any of these recipes are also sure to please...

Chocolate Mousse Brownies

With a large scoop of vanilla ice cream, of course!

Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

We both go gaga for yummy lemon desserts!

Red Velvet Strawberry Shortcake

Pondering how I could adjust this recipe to serve just two...

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

This looks melt in your mouth good!

What's your Valentine's Day style? 

Eat in or out?

If eating in, have you decided on your menu yet?

Have a great day!

Camo?

Happy Hump Day readers!

I had hoped to get back on the Mon/Wed/Fri & Tues/Thurs blog schedule that I maintained for most of 2014, however it just hasn't happened. I've discovered that "The Year of Doing My Thing" (see here), really is all about doing my thing...

Monday night rolled around and rather than blogging I chose to make these babies, stuff my face, and fall asleep on the couch around 8 pm. It was glorious!

That being said, my post is coming to you a day late! Hopefully sooner or later I'll get back to my normal schedule!

Today I am asking your opinion about a semi-recent trend: camo.

Those that have been reading for a while, know that it takes me a while to warm up to new trends (case in point here). Sometimes I flat out don't like a trend, and then a few seasons later (when it's still around), I find myself gravitating towards it.

Camouflage, obviously, has been around forever (I even had a blue camouflage bikini when I was in 5th grade).  I hadn't seen it much on the fashion scene (since 5th grade), however until sometime around last fall. I initially really disliked it. Sure, I like it fine on Bryce when he's headed to the marsh, but on a girl? Or in home decor? No thanks...

Recently, however, I've been rethinking my initial distaste.

In fact, it's this tray that has me singing a different tune.

Personalized Camo Lucite Tray

I really kinda dig it!

Since seeing the tray, just a few days ago, a new Mark & Graham catalogue has arrived as well...with none other than camo donning the cover!

Camo Tote Bag

I mean, how cute is this tote!?

Camo Zip Pouch

...and this pouch!

I also think these jeans would be perfect for a casual Saturday!

Super Skinny Olive Camo Jeans

And if you want to be a bit more subtle, these jeans are also a great option:

Twiggy Camo Leggings

This camo sweater is just lovely...

Contrast Trim Camo Sweater

And this belt is oh so chic, if you ask me!

Skinny Camo Calf Hair Belt

So friends...what are your thoughts on this trend?  Love it or leave it?

What recent trends have been catching your eye?

Have a great day!

Valentine's Radar: Rory Beca

A big TGIF over here today chicas!

I feel silly complaining as Monday was a teacher workday and Tuesday was a snow day, but somehow, despite the short week, this one has been a doozy! I am ready for a respite this weekend!

Can y'all believe that Valentine's Day is just two weeks from tomorrow?

Bryce and I always stay at home on Valentine's Day and put extra care into cooking a decadent meal together. Even though we stay home, that doesn't mean that I don't also put extra care into what I'm wearing, too!

When it comes to this year's Valentine's Day outfit, Rory Beca is majorly on my radar! I have been smitten with this dress since a friend's local shop Traveling Chic Boutique posted it on their Instagram!

Shan V-Neck Wrap Dress

I mean...it is beyond perfect for Valentine's Day! Kissy red lips!? Yes, please!

Her perfect Valentine's Day dresses don't stop there, though! I am thinking all of these dresses would have Cupid swooning:

I am also majorly loving this top in the same lipstick print! I think it would be fab with this edgy version of my all time favorite pant, the Pixie pant, and these heels!

And you guessed it, she has even more tops that would be oh so perfect for Heart Day, too!

So now, what is a girl to do? Go for the dress or top? Go for holiday inspired lips or a more neutral, yet still bold bright?

Tell me your thoughts!

What is your Valentine's Day tradition?

Any idea what you'll be wearing?

Have you ever shopped Rory Beca before?

Have a great weekend!

Currently

Happy Hump Day readers!

A teacher workday on Monday and a snow day yesterday is making for a short week at school!

During my snow day yesterday, I had a little bit of time to catch up on some blogs and while reading MCW's "Currently" post, I decided I would steal her idea!

I technically wrote this post last night, so "Currently" may not be completely accurate, but just go with it!

Eating...chocolate chips. I set out to do a 20 day sugar cleanse starting January 10th and failed! I did go a whole week with no sugar or alcohol, though. Since then my cravings have been way lower, so I am counting the modified (ha) 7 day sugar cleanse as a success!

Wearing...this pajama shirt (currently on sale for more than 50% off)! My cousin Callee got it for me for Christmas and I am completely in love with it!

Needing...lotion! I have noticed in the last week or so that my skin has gotten so dry from the winter temperatures! I need to do a better job of using lotion daily! Any good body lotion recommendations for me? I really like Aveeno Baby lotion, but am open to trying something new!

Wanting...this cape, still, and a decent snow storm! Last winter we got snow several times, but never really enough to play in and enjoy! This year we've gotten even less so far and I'd really like just one snow storm that would bring several inches of fluffy white snow!

Hearing...the laundry buzzer! In the last few days I have done probably close to 10 loads of laundry and now am dreading having to put it all away!

Watching...Hart of Dixie on Netflix! I watched this show when it first came out and enjoyed it, but lost track over time. Now I am loving getting caught back up! Bryce has had work dinners the last few nights, so it has been the perfect show to watch all by myself.

Thinking...a lot about other career options. Have any of my readers made a career switch from teaching to something different? I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology in addition to my Masters of Teaching so I am hoping that opens up options for me, if I do decide to make a career change. Any tips for me? I will have to do a teaching update post soon...

Laughing...over the state of my nails. I got them done on New Year's Eve and they look so terrible it is embarrassing! I wish it were easier to remove gel at home! Luckily I am getting them done on Thursday evening.

Thankful...for Bryce. I have been so, so thankful for him lately! 2015 has brought nothing but happiness (dare I say, bliss!?) for us so far and I am so proud of the relationship we have worked so hard to build.

What are you currently up to?

Have a great day!