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!

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.

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?!

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.

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!

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!

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)

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 ...

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!

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.

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.

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!

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 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? 

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!