Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wish List Wednesday: Birthday Edition

I'll admit it, I'm totally embarrassed that my last post was last Wednesday. Moving on.

In my "we're-saving-money-to-buy-a-house-and-I-can't-overspend-on-anything" frenzy and realization over the past month or two, I have noticed that the more of a "spending restriction" I'm in, the longer my "I want" list grows. Coincidence? I think not. Does this make me spoiled? Maybe.

My birthday just happens to fall almost exactly one month before our anniversary, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, in my opinion. And, although buying a house, and going on our one-year anniversary getaway (here) rank higher than a new pair of shoes or jewelry, a girl can dream, right?

So, if you bump into B over the next two months, and he's looking for a few ideas for my birthday, feel free to send him on over here for some ridiculous great ideas!

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I'm not sure this beautiful Michele watch needs much explanation. It's pretty. It's embellished with diamonds. Need I say more? Only problem I have is the price tag. Oof.


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Oh, Tory Burch. Possibly my newest obsession. And, after a few good recs about her Thoras, and the ultimate purchasing of a pair? I think it's safe to say that a pair of Reva's will be joining my boot collection this fall. But, how do you choose? With all the pretty colors and patterns. Help?!

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A few years back, I was lusting over the David Yurman Petite Albion ring, and got one from my wonderful parents for Christmas! What I've now noticed, is that I'm much more likely to sport bracelets on a daily basis than rings, because who can argue with weddings rings? So, if a bracelet like the one pictured above just happens to make its way into my jewelry box, you won't hear me complaining. 

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 And lastly? (Yes, there's more) I am definitely in the market for a new wallet. This may be the only thing on this list that I actually need. A bestie of mine has had a Michael Kors beauty for a few years, and I can't help but admire hers every time I see it. And, maybe if I'm lucky, err get a bunch of birthday money, I can pop on over to Nordy's or Neiman's Last Call and get a new Kors bag to go with! (Shhhh ..)
My apologies for drumming up your "need-to-shop" bugs. Clearly, I don't need any help in this area. 

Happy Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Little Slow(er) this Wednesday

Well, I don't have much for a wish list this Wednesday, so a rambling it will be instead.

I think I mentioned that B was sick for most of last week. Well, it turns out that it took my body only a few extra days to come down with whatever cold bug he had, and now I'm doing my best to fight it off. Nothing that will keep me home in bed, but I've gone through about half a box of tissues so far today. And, it's only noon. 

So, what's a girl to do when she's feeling a bit under the weather and preparing for a super fun and busy weekend?! Well, you'll likely find me at my desk with a large glass of water, some Advil Cold & Sinus and a box of tissues.

And I'll be spending every spare minute I have with my two favorite faces ...



Enjoy your Wednesday!!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Easy Dinner Recipe

It's that time of the week again! And, although we won't be enjoying this yummy dinner tonight (sadness.), I thought I'd pass it along for all of you that might need a little kitchen inspiration today!

I originally got this idea from my friend, M. She paired it with the Pesto Stuffed Chicken recipe I've shared before. It goes perfectly with that, and also goes well as a main course, or a side for any type of chicken (or meat). It is SUPER simple to throw together, and made with fresh ingredients, so it's healthy, too!

Linguine with Fresh Tomato & Spinach Recipe

Ingredients
1 box linguine (any type, can sub whole wheat pasta)
1 small carton grape tomatoes
1 bag fresh spinach
Pressed garlic
EVOO

Begin by filling a large pot with water; bring to a boil.

While waiting for water to boil, lightly brown pressed garlic in olive oil using a large frying pan. Once garlic is golden brown, add bag of cleaned, fresh spinach and allow to heat (spinach will become smaller and easy to stir). Chop grape tomatoes in half and combine with spinach.


Once pot of water is boiling, cook pasta to desired tenderness. Drain pasta and then add to spinach/tomato mix and stir well. 

Serve hot by itself or with your favorite meal! ENJOY!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

A Quick Weekend Glimpse

We are home from yet another weekend at the beach, albeit a little more tired than I had hoped, but a little more sun-kissed, too! The hectic nature of my life right now is back in full swing, and I'm also toting around the remnants of the cold that I got from B, so I'll make this short and sweet. Here is a quick glimpse into our beach weekend!

Our happy hour spot on the most beautiful summer evening on Saturday!

A new favorite of B and I



Aren't those sunset views just to die for?! I think we chose the most beautiful weekend of the entire summer to head down to the beach with both sets of parents. The weekend was a huge success and we're counting down the day to our beach week with B's family (t-minus 11!)

Happy "Manic" Monday, or so it feels it this little corner of the world :o)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wednesday Wish List - The Help! Version

Is it Wednesday already? Unlike most weeks, this week seems to be passing at a pleasing pace, allowing me enough time to get most of my to-do list items checked off (shocking, I know!). 

In honor of my semi-typical "Wednesday Wish Lists," I thought I'd ask for some help in locating this little ditty that's been on my mind of late. I am on the hunt (yes, again) for a cute, white oxford beach coverup ...

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I haven't had much luck in my online shopping ventures thus far, and really don't want to spend more than $30 or so, if possible. Now, this is where YOU come in!! I'll take all the help I can get!

Happy Hump Day!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A Fun Stuffed Shells Recipe

Things in our neck of the woods have been quite busy, what with B being sick, Riley being a puppy and me having mountains of laundry and loads of cleaning to do. And, we both work full time? There is never enough time in the day!

One of the things that helps me relax and just enjoy a quite night at home is preparing and sharing a home cooked meal with my little family (and no, we don't share our human food with the pup, err, at least I don't). I got today's recipe from my sister a few years back, and have been making it ever since. Come to think of it, it's been a little while since this yummy meal has graced our kitchen, so please excuse me while I go add the ingredients to my grocery list.

Stuffed Shells Recipe

Ingredients
1 package jumbo shells
4 cups (32 oz.) ricotta cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. minced onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 eggs
3 cups (about 26 oz.) spaghetti sauce (can use jar or homemade marinara)

Preheat oven to 375. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Run cold water over cooked shells until filling is ready. 

In medium bowl, combine cheeses, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, onion and nutmeg. In a 13x9 baking dish (I always use Pyrex), spread 1/2 cup of sauce. Fill shells with cheese mix and place over first layer of sauce. 

Once dish is full, add another layer of sauce and sprinkle leftover mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Makes 8-10 servings.

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Reading through this recipe again is making me hungry! Now, back to that grocery list! 

ENJOY!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Kate Middleton: Always Fashionable vs. A Girl Trying to Copy Her "Ways"

I think I've admitted before that I'm a total clothes horse. I love to shop, even though my closet has been bursting at the seams for what feels like years. And, now Kate Middleton goes and travels to North America and is all over the news for the last few days with her always fashionable, make-me-need-a-shopping-spree, tendencies.

I cannot help myself but to drool over the simple and elegant way she carries herself, and how each of her outfits fits her personality and body type so perfectly. Take, for instance, any of these little numbers. How perfectly does she pull them off? I can't help but wonder what the price tag on that white dress might be.

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Or, maybe I'm looking for something a bit simpler, like this adorable, navy blue outfit. That blazer is to die for! And, don't even get me started on her bag!

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How about any all of these dresses? Don't mind if I do!
 
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The fact that she re-wore her white, Reiss engagement dress only makes me like her more. Pretty sure I wouldn't be able to pull off the fascinator though!

I am constantly on the hunt for summer dresses. The difference between me and Kate may be that I am always looking for something cotton and easy to throw on and run out the door, whereas she is looking for something that is designer and always makes a statement. But, now that I have gathered up some of the outfits of her that I love best, I am all set for some summer torture shopping that will inevitably lead to my realization that my wardrobe will never give the Duchess a run for her money, err fashion icon role.

And yes, if you haven't already speculated by now, I do have a bit of a girl fashion crush on Kate. There, I admit it. So, what?!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Finally, a Tan and Riley Swims!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful, long weekend! We jetted out of town right after work on Thursday and were lucky enough to stay at the beach until the wee hours of the morning today. The 5am wake up call was rough, but five nights at the beach was worth it!

We did the usual holiday weekend things, including cold drinks, plenty of sun and fireworks. It was nice to disconnect from everything that we have going on back here in our "real life" and just relax. No TV. No internet (well, that last part isn't entirely true :o))

And, we are now the proud parents of a swimming puppy! It took a bit of coaxing (read: treating) to get Riley into the water the first time, but once she was in, she loved it!! It was so cute to see how much of an instinct it was for her to swim. It must be the lab in her!

What fun would this post be without a few photos? 

And the coaxing begins ...


Isn't she an adorable swimmer?!

Beachin' it with Hubs

Our grown-up looking pup loving the beach house :o)

Walking the boardwalk one night after dinner. Kinda loving this pic

I hope you all spent your long weekend relaxing and celebrating our great nation! We're excited that it's already Tuesday, and that we head back to the beach house in just nine days!

Happy Tuesday!