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

June Birchbox

It's been a while since I've done a Birchbox recap. This month was great so I felt like I needed to share!

1. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($18 for full size) ~ I haven't tried this yet, but am a huge dry shampoo fan. This one is a little more expensive than I'd normally spend on dry shampoo but I'd consider buying if I love it. I'm saving it to bring on a trip so ask me in a month or so how I like it (this dry shampoo is my favorite, in case you are wondering)

2. Mirenesse Glossy Kiss ($26.55 for full size) ~ I'm pretty sure I received a full size, so this makes the box totally worth it by itself. I really love this- it's a lip stain if applied lightly or a gloss if applied regularly. It can also be used as a blush. There's nothing I love more than a multi-functional product I can throw in my purse. 

3. Color Club Wanderlust Collection ($8 for set of 4 mini polishes) ~ I received "Reign in Spain" which is a fluorescent coral color. In. Love. I can't explain my love for this polish, other than it's been on my toes, hands, or both ever since I received it. Obsessed.

4. Oscar de la Renta Something Blue ($85 for full size) ~ I rarely like perfume samples, however this scent is perfect. It's floral without being too overwhelming. I'm not going to lie, I want to buy this for my future wedding day so I haven't actually worn this sample. (I'm planning on wearing a scent for the first time on my wedding day to associate that smell with my wedding- yes, I've thought this through)

5. twistband (birchbox nautical hair tie collection, $6 for 4 hair ties) ~ I love this anchor hair tie, however these things stretch out way too quickly for my thick hair. I've enjoyed wearing it on my wrist and using it for pulling my hair back while working, however it doesn't do a good job of holding my hair back in an all-day ponytail. It would probably be great for someone with thinner hair.

Interested in joining Birchbox? Click here! Have any questions? Leave them in the comments!

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

Salted Caramel Bites

Happy Monday! Today I'm going to share a recipe I shared on Steph's blog a few months ago. In case you missed it, these salted caramel bites are worth mentioning again and again, and again. 

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 small can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
dash of salt
3/4 honey or white corn syrup (I used honey)
Sea salt or kosher salt
*Candy thermometer
*Wax paper
*Glass pan, buttered (you can use a smaller pan for thicker caramels, it doesn't really matter what size you use)

DIRECTIONS:

Add all ingredients (except sea salt) to large pan on medium heat. Stir constantly. Once the mixture starts to boil (about 10-15 minutes) stick the candy thermometer in. Once the mixture reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit  give the mixture one last stir and pour into buttered pan. Let cool (I stuck mine in the fridge because I'm impatient). Once the caramels are almost cool, sprinkle with sea salt. (This is not necessary... I just like the flavor the salt creates against the sweetness of the caramel)

Once cool, cut into small pieces. Roll up in wax paper if desired.

Then eat the whole pan yourself ENJOY!!

June's Been Pretty Great so Far...

Is anyone else in disbelief that it's June? This week was a busy one seeing as my last two weekends have been 3 days long!  In my opinion, I should get Monday and Friday off work every week. Give me one good reason why not. ok, don't. I know I won't win this one.

Here are my five highlights from the week...

1. I liked my outfit. I realized I take pictures of my outfits, not to look glam, but to remember them for future times where I have no clue what to wear. Yes, I may be a "blogger" but I will never ever be comfortable taking "outfit pictures". Ever. obviously I love this necklace because I'm wearing it in my sidebar pic, too. thanks to Chris' mom!

necklace: limited / sweater: gap / pants and sandals: kohl's?

2. This recipe. Mediterranean Pasta Salad was a hit in our house this week.

3.Costco trip. Not only did we find some amaze deals, like a HUGE bag of tostito scoops for $4 and the best kale salad (this blog post describes it perfectly!), we saw a woman try on a pair of shorts in the middle of the clothing section. And by "saw" I mean stared with our mouths open and ran away laughing like little kids because it was hilarious. Hint for next time, lady: Buy two sizes. Return one. Save yourself the humiliation (except I don't think she cared one bit).

4. Who doesn't love a cat picture? Despite being extremely allergic, I love my mom's cats. Apparently Apollo didn't want Ben to go back to LA over the weekend. This is one of my favorite pictures from the weekend so I just had to share.

oh, you got that out just for me?

 5. I sent in my application for my LCSW-C (clinical social work license!) I've been waiting almost 3 years since I earned my Masters to be able to earn this license! The last 3 years have consisted on working my butt off and going through hell and back...sometimes wishing I never chose this career and loving it at the same time. I am so proud of myself and am excited that I'm so close to this goal. Now I need to wait for everything to be approved and STUDY!!!

Happy Weekend! Linking up with Lauren.

Random Wednesday {Sharing and Asking Questions}

This past weekend was a busy and great weekend- my little baby brother Jake had his bar mitzvah! To say I'm proud is an understatement. Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

Squinty eyes. It was so sunny!

Look at that amazing cake!

Ben & Zach (my brothers)

The man of the weekend... Jake! He was obviously thrilled about all the pictures being taken that day.

It was great to see so many family members who came from out of town and it was wonderful to spend time with everyone together while witnessing this exciting event. Chris got to meet a lot of my extended family for the first time... even though we've been dating 6.5 years we haven't had a big family event like this in a while. We missed my grandparents who couldn't be there due to health reasons (please keep them in your thoughts/prayers!)

There will definitely be more pictures when we get the roll from the photographer. I wish I could live this weekend over again! (although I'm sure Jake is glad it's over)

Moving on...

While updating my recipes index, a thought crossed my mind.

Does anyone ever make the recipes I post here? Not just Pin them... I mean, actually make them. I'd really like to know. So, please give me the honest truth! 

Have you tried something you saw here? Have you wanted to but it was too complicated or my directions didn't make sense? TELL ME!!!

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday

​Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Nothing screams "summer" like a barbecue with homemade pasta salad served on the side. This ​Mediterranean version was inspired by my mom's pasta salad, with a slight ​Mediterranean twist. Chris, the "not a pasta salad fan" asked for seconds, so you know it must be good.

Ingredients:
About 1/2 box of tri-color rotini (I think the tri-color looks the prettiest but you could use regular rotini)
1/2 cup artichoke hearts
about 5 baby carrots
1/2 cucumber
1/2 zucchini (green squash)
1/4 large red onion
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing (I used Kraft Zesty)
Crumbled feta cheese

Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions on box. Prep veggies. You can really cut them any way you prefer, but I wanted to add some different textures. I grated the carrot and zucchini, sliced and quartered the cucumbers, chopped the artichoke hearts, and julienne cut the red onion. Drain and rinse pasta in cold water. Throw it all in a large bowl, pour in salad dressing, and mix it all up. Sprinkle feta cheese. Store in fridge about 30 minutes before serving.

Serves about 8-10.

So easy. Congratulations, you have yourself a hit pasta salad for any summer barbecue or party. Enjoy!