Weekend in Pictures

This weekend was an eventful one. We had no time to work on the vanity, so there it sits in the garage, still. Is it just me, or are weekends too short?  I think we need 3 days. I could totally cram my work into 4 days!

Here's our weekend in pictures...

loving these orange dyed (and regular) sunflowers

this combination is so yum!

our first try at making indian food. wow it was so spicy! we're learning :)

Renaissance fair! Food, shows, and lots of interestingly dressed people. Fun!

sword swollower. insane.

My mom's Belle sitting like a lady... too cute.

Not pictured, we also saw Gravity in 3d Imax. Oh my gosh... if you see one movie, go see this one. In 3d. I was a little on the fence about seeing it, but it was incredible.

Now it's time for another Monday. Thankfully it's a four day week for me as I took Friday off! What did you do this weekend? 

Excitement, Honor and Weekend Getaways

I can't even contain my excitement about this week (count how many times I use "excited" in this post. We can make it into a drinking game if you'd like.) The past week has been amazing and the upcoming weekend will hopefully be incredible as well.

1. The BEST and most exciting thing that happened this week was that my best friend Liz asked me to be her maid of honor! She and her fiance are getting married early next year (in the Keys!). We have been friends since Kindergarten and although she's lived in the Keys for the past couple years and we haven't been able to see each other much, I'm so excited to be helping her with anything and everything she needs and, of course, visiting her. I am over the moon excited for her :)

 If anyone has any tips on maid of honor duties, please fill me in... this is my first time!

2012

2004!

2. Fun over the weekend... Since I haven't been doing weekend recaps (seriously, I wish I had time for them), you get a peek of the past weekend right now. 

Boys will be boys. Working on the old go kart.

Quality pool time

I drove a Porsche for the first time, no big deal. It's Chris' dad's but I almost drove away and didn't return!

Sushi date outfit

You would think I worked out, but I didn't. Tricked you.

3. I won a Glossybox from Niki's blog (thanks, girl!) and have had a ton of fun playing around with these products! I'll do a full post soon.

4. These little gems. They're insanely good, you have to try. And only about 70 calories a piece!

5. This weekend Chris and I are going to Virginia Beach for a little getaway. I can't even remember the last time we had a weekend getaway.... I think it was two years ago. It's much needed. We had a free hotel night and figured it would best be used at the beach. I can't wait to get away... be sure to follow me on Instagram because I'm sure I'll be posting there.

What are you doing this weekend?
Linking up with Lauren

Friday and Life Lately

I've been a little MIA over here, for good reason! Things have been a little crazy and I've missed writing and reading everyone's blogs. Here's what I've been up to...

1. Catching up and spending time with some of my favorite people. My friend's wedding was this past weekend and it was so good to see some of my college friends throughout the wedding weekend festivities. I need to make more of an effort to spend time with them besides for special events... but that's for another time. I've also seen some of my old coworkers/friends for various brunches/dinners. I've missed seeing them all every day! Also, I need to take more pictures.

Chris and I

former roomie Katie and I

Pretty table settings

2. Studying. This is boring, and there are no pictures. I've been getting ready for my big clinical social work exam. I scheduled it but am not telling anyone when I'm taking it because I'm superstitious like that. Chris knows... and my mom.

3. We had some scary weather/ tornadoes nearby last week. Thankfully everyone I know was okay!

this is foreboding...

5. Outfits and nail polish lately. Blurred edition.

Obsessed with this nail polish from Birchbox. Stay tuned for my Birchbox reveal!

 5. Adorable little bunnies at my dad's house. And spending Father's Day with Dad. Unfortunately I was too concerned about taking pictures of baby bunnies that I forgot to take pictures of the family. Whoops.

can you see them?!

Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Lauren

Randoms and My Jams

Holy wow. This weekend was a whirlwind of just about everything. I haven't had much time to share, so I thought Random Wednesday would be the perfect time to share a few highlights...

1. Tyson's Corner (read: huge, amazing mall) with my friend Katie! We had so much fun at the American Girl Doll store... we basically turned into little girls again. I better give birth to a girl someday, because these dolls are amazing- so much more than they were when I was little!
2. Chris and I went on two bike rides over the weekend! One was over 12 miles...considering I'm out of shape and we just started biking, I'm proud of us! 
3. I read a whole book over the weekend. "Gone Girl" was amazing. I'd heard mixed reviews but I guess I like dark and twisty fiction because I couldn't put it down.

1. Loving this yellow polish! (Butter-fly stroke from Sally Hansen). It's the perfect golden yellow.
2. Why is there nothing better than strawberries and (non-fat) whipped cream? So yummy.
3. I made freezer breakfast sandwiches from Pinterest. I'm not a fan of the way the eggs cooked but they'll do for quick "in a pinch" breakfasts.

It was so nice to have a long weekend, and I have a super short 3-day work week. That means I'm trying to cram everything into 3 days which has been a little stressful. I'm off work Friday because it's my little brother Jake's Bar Mitzvah on Saturday! I'm so excited for him, we have family coming into town and it'll be a great weekend. 

Now, to share my playlist for Day 29 of the challenge! Here's a mini soundtrack of my life right now.




There are so many more songs I could use, but these are the ones that came to mind. 
The first two songs are songs that just make me happy, always. The next two are songs that describe where I feel I'm at in life right now. Yes, T-Swift is right, I'm feeling 22 again. The last song is "Our song" :)

Linking up with Jenni and Shanna

Flaws and Craving Vitamin D

Thankfully it's Friday before a long weekend. The week has actually flown by... I feel like with school ending soon time is just flying. I work at schools a couple days a week and have to say I'm really going to miss that during the summer! Well, I won't miss getting up super early. At all. Here are my favorite five things from the week...

1. Cute new shirt from Loft Outlet. Hello sale going on right now! I haven't shopped for clothes in months and although I went in looking for black capris (found some!) I couldn't resist this top, and another in a different color, for only $12.99 each!
2. We had cheese fondue and homemade beer the other night. Chris started brewing beer and this is the first batch. I proudly admit that we store the beer in the guest bathroom tub. Redneck beer brewing? {The joys of apartment living}
3. Gorgeous stargazer lillies from the grocery store, of all places! These are my all-time favorite flowers. They smell amazing. I WILL use these flowers in my wedding.
4. We purchased a bike rack and picked up our bikes from our parents' houses over the weekend. We've been riding a couple times and are looking forward to going on longer rides over the weekend. BWI airport has a 12 mile loop path and I'm excited to get my butt in biking shape {literally. it's a good butt workout}
5. This is not good for my butt.... but who cares? Chris' Spaghetti Pie. It was ready when I came home from work the other day. Yum yum yum.

Now for today's challenge... My 3 worst traits. Easy.
- I take on other peoples' problems. This is something I'm really working on lately. Clients, family, friends, I take it all on as my burden. It's okay to a point, because I guess that means I care. However, it's terrible for my well-being and destructive.
- I'm way too self-conscious. I worry about what others think about me. This has improved since I've gotten a little older, but it's still a flaw for sure.
- I have a terrible memory. Terrible. I don't remember anything unless I write it down. I'm horrible with names. I can have a conversation and literally forget all the important details of what was said. I think it's impacted by stress, because sometimes I can remember the most mundane details. Like peoples' dog's names, what nights my favorite tv shows are on, and where my favorite stores in the mall are. Wait, maybe those are the important things ;)

I'm hoping to get my pale self in the sun {with sunscreen} during this upcoming long weekend. I need that Vitamin D! What are you getting into this weekend? 
Linking up with Lauren and Jenni

Snapshots on a Friday

I can't do it. I can't pick just one favorite picture of myself for today's challenge. I was a very photogenic child and always loved being in pictures. I kind of grew out of that as an adult (unless I'm having a super great hair day) and am a little camera-shy now. I love this first picture because of my adorable ringlet curls (completely natural) and my cute little sailor dress. I was a precious toddler. 

The next picture is clearly a favorite, and I know I've posted it here a couple times before. My parents thought it would be a cruel joke to put a Cowboys visor on me, and this is what I thought about it. I really have no idea why we owned a piece of Cowboys merch... it must have been free. Thumbs down to the Cowboys.

Moving on.... I am so glad it's Friday. I need a weekend! It's so close to Memorial Day and a couple exciting events.. I can't wait! Here are a few favorite things from my week...

1. Nordstrom Rack opened down the street! Yeah there are a few within a 30 minutes drive but this one is literally 5 minutes from my house. And my wallet cried.
2. This LivingSocial. If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with LivingSocial. This one literally knocked my socks off I was so excited. Wine tasting, here we come!!!
3. Chocolate chip cookies were mentioned earlier this week, but deserve another mention. According to Chris, they were the best choco chip cookies I've ever made. Maybe they deserve their own recipe post...what do you think?
4. The weather is finally warm...upper 70's/low 80's. Love sandal weather.
5. Getting to see family on Sunday for Mother's Day. I didn't do a weekend recap post, but here's what I made mom... she loved it :) Pictures of all of us at various ages. We were cute.

Have a great weekend!
Linking up with Lauren and Jenni

Well, That's Embarrassing... And More

Happy Friday! 

Today's Blog Every Day in May Challenge is to reveal your most embarrassing moment.

Well, I feel like my whole life is a series of embarrassing moments. I'm so clumsy, I'm always tripping and falling and saying stupid things. I'd have the say the most embarrassing moment from my childhood was in first grade and some boy tripped me on purpose into a mud puddle. I was so embarrassed, muddy, and was afraid everyone would think I had an "accident" if you know what I mean. I remember my mom coming to pick me up early because I was so sad and embarrassed. That was really mean of that little boy, come to think of it! I hope he got detention.

I tend to not get embarrassed anymore... I feel like that's something that just evolved as I became older. I'm really not afraid of acting stupid and laughing at myself... for example, dancing the salsa outside of Chipotle, much to Chris' dismay. Not much shame. 

Moving onto my High Five!

1. I also missed yesterday's Blog Every Day in May prompt... "a moment in your day"

After work yesterday, Chris worked on his car in the garage while I lifted weights...in flip flops. Hey, at least I did it and thankfully I didn't drop one on my foot. My arms are in need of some serious toning...I don't even remember the last time I worked them out with weights.

2. In case you missed it, I posted a fabulous Twice Baked Potato recipe. Make it this weekend, you won't regret it.

3. I got this dress, in Navy Blue, for $9.99 at the Old Navy outlet. I'm so excited, it actually fits really well and is perfect to dress up or down depending on the event.

4. I'm totally obsessed with this wine. Of course, it's not as good as the amazing peach wine that Leigh sent me, but it'll have to do until I can visit her. 

5. It's the freakin weekend, baby I'm about to have me some fun. Or something like that. Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies out there, and best of all my own mommy! I can only look up to you all and hope to be half as wonderful to my own babies someday. You guys are super-women.

Uncomfortable Friday

Happy Friday! I can't wait to be off work for two glorious days. The forecast for the weather is sunny and upper 60's. I won't complain! Here are my high five from the week.

1. Weekend outfit. I LOVE not having to throw on a jacket as much now that the weather's getting warmer!

2. I made healthy sandwiches for lunch ALL week! It's an imitation version of Panera's Mediterranean veggie sandwich. Whole grain honey wheat bread, red pepper hummus, lettuce, cucumber, and provolone. Vegetarian and SO surprisingly filling.

3. One of my favorite quotes that's been hung around every desk I've had the past 5 years I've been working. I'm really trying to take this suggestion to heart.

4. I brought my butt to the gym twice this week which is GREAT for me considering usually it's zero times. Especially great considering I'm finally getting over being sick and didn't let that stop me.

5. Cara cara oranges + whipped cream. The whipped cream ran out after one slice, which I guess was a sign I shouldn't be eating whipped cream. In all reality, it's not THAT bad! I'm trying to work on that diet. On that note...

We've stuck to our meal plan ALL week and managed to cook healthy meals with fresh ingredients. Here's what we ate...

• Hot dogs / Pasta salad (ok, maybe not too healthy/fresh but EASY!)
• Gargonzola turkey burgers, brussel sprouts (much to Chris' dismay. He tried.)
• Tacos & Homemade guacamole
• Homemade pizza

I'm also continuing the Blog Every Day in May Challenge. Today's prompt: Things that make you uncomfortable

Do we have a while? I'll try and keep this short.

• Public displays of affection (PDA). It's just not my thing.
• When people talk about bodily functions or other personal, sometimes medical things in therapy sessions. I am your therapist and it does NO good to tell me about these things when they are not affecting your mental health. Talk to your DOCTOR. anyone but me.
• When people raise their voices. It makes me squirm.
• Parallel parking. Lived and worked in the city for 4 years, still hate it.
• Fast food.  I can't stand the smell, look, taste of it. (Besides McDonalds fries. Because who doesn't love those?)
• Sleeping without a fan blowing on me. Must have.

I guess a lot of things make me uncomfortable?! Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Lauren and Jenni

The Busiest of Weekends

As I sit here to type this on Sunday night at 8pm, I can hardly keep my eyes open. We had such a busy weekend and I'm exhausted! The weather was beautiful...a sunny, breezy, 70 degrees both days. Perfect.

Saturday was spent running some much needed errands. I went to the doctor again and then we went to a million car dealerships (ok, maybe I'm exaggerating). We're both in the market for new cars soon-ish so we wanted to start looking. A couple test drives later, I came *this* close to buying a new Mazda Cx5 but decided to think it over a little longer {the cars salesmen loved us for that}. Of course, ice cream was for dinner. It was well deserved!

Chris test driving a Challenger. My Saturday outfit. Soft serve with LOTS of sprinkles.

Sunday was a beautiful day spent in DC! We managed to find street parking and ended up walking 6 miles all around the memorials and to lunch at District of Pi {AMAZING pizza and beer}

FDR Memorial

FDR Memorial

MLK Memorial

One of my favorite quotes by MLK

Jefferson

How lucky are we that DC is right in our backyard? I've lived in the DC area for 22 years of my life and I'm in awe every single time I'm down there. I just love it. It's beautiful on the gloomiest days and has this amazing, powerful energy. In our dream world, Chris will get a fancy lawyer job and we'll buy a multimillion dollar row-home in Georgetown. In the meantime, we're looking forward to getting a bike rack and hitting some trails around there this Spring/summer and only wishing it's where we lived.

How was your weekend?
Linking up with Sami!

Weekend Recap!

I can actually say "Happy Monday" and mean it, because for me it's still the weekend! I have a pretty big to-do list today, because the sooner I get things done the sooner I can glue my eyes to my DVR and just be lazy and enjoy the day off. Sounds like heaven to me. 

This weekend was pretty low-key, I'm still feeling a little under the weather. We had a fun little Friday night with take-out sushi and Jeopardy...and suddenly I feel old. We also got taxes done and some other un-fun things which just confirms how old I feel. I know you're dying to see pictures, but there are none. Sorry.

We spent some time with Chris' family for Easter and stopped at Brighton Dam on the way back. The weather's finally getting a little warmer and was a gorgeous day in Maryland.

Of course, Chris and I failed to get any real pictures together, per usual with any holiday.

1. Colored Deviled Eggs!
2. Our Easter "basket" from Chris mom- I'm obsessed with these containers and love getting them every year! 
3. That's my egg. Can you tell?
4. We're weird. He might kill me for posting this.
5. Pretty flowers
6. Some of the dyed eggs. Chris and his brother made Nascar eggs. Yep.

Now I'm off to tackle my to-do list- I hope everyone had a great weekend! 
Linking up with Sami and Leeann!