High Five for Friday + 10 Years Since...

Happy Friday! It's getting chilly here in Maryland... there was actually frost last night. I'm not sure how I feel about that... I'm ready for the holidays but not ready to be freezing all the time! 

This week was a busy one and I managed to squeeze 5 days of work into 4 because I'm off work today. The downside of living an hour away from work is that when you have a dentist appointment smack dab in the middle of the day, you really don't feel like driving back and forth to work twice. Or only working for 2 hours... so you take the entire day off. I'm not complaining.

Exactly 10 years ago, on October 25, 2003, I went to homecoming with this guy. I kept him waiting while I got ready and I still do to this day. Somehow, he still puts up with me. I couldn't have asked for a more patient, intelligent, hilarious and loving man to build a life with.
I can't believe it's been 10 years since this night! Chris and I didn't start dating until a few years later, but this definitely "sparked" something in us. It wasn't the right timing (I mean, hello, we were 16/17) but we remained best friends and I always knew we would end up together.

I joked to Chris that we should re-enact this photo today. I still have the dress!

On another "love" note, I went wedding dress shopping with my friend/former roomie Katie for her upcoming wedding. It was so much fun, we always talked about being bridesmaids in each others weddings and I'm so happy for her and excited for this whole process! Not to mention, she looked gorgeous and found a couple pretty amazing options.

She didn't try on any of these! No spoiling allowed {I'm too superstitious!}

Today is also my beautiful grandmother's birthday! Her example of unconditional love and support is one that I will cherish and follow for the rest of my life. I love you, Bubbe!

a few years ago...

more than a few years ago ;)

I don't really have any other pictures from the week because I was so busy with work that I would literally come home and collapse. That should make this weekend even sweeter :) Have a great one!

Linking up with Lauren

8 Inches and Friday Randoms

Happy Friday!
It's been a pretty eventful week and getting back into blogging is just what I've been needing.

1) I cut 8 inches off my hair! I feel so much lighter and probably even lost a couple pounds as a result. I've been wavering between loving and hating it, but I'm leaning towards the "loving" side now. It's an adjustment for sure.

don't mind the awkward selfie 

2) Chris and I decided to refinish my old vanity. My dad and I refinished it once five years ago and after a few burn marks and peeling paint, I decided it was a good time to tackle it again. This project is a tricky one for sure, but I can't wait for the finished product.

3) Have you checked out my broccoli and cheese soup? It's seriously so good. This recipe makes ton, I currently have the rest sitting in my freezer just waiting for a busy work night to be heated up easily. Yum yum yum

4) We're planning on a fun weekend of (hopefully) finishing up the vanity, seeing Gravity (I heard it's one of the best movies ever, has anyone seen it?) and going to the Renaissance fair. Probably some more picture-hanging and setting things up thrown in there, too. 

5) I'm so so excited to be blogging again. I've missed the interactions with you all. I haven't stopped reading everyone else's blogs over the past couple months but I find it so therapeutic to write my own. Having somewhere to keep track of my happenings is pretty amazing. When I look at posts from a year ago, I realize how much my life has changed. When I get to write out my honest, raw feelings about my relationship or anything else, that's therapeutic.

Have a great weekend!
Linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday

Bits of July

Long time, no blog, huh? It'll be like this for a couple more weeks before I take my exam {right now I'm in procrastinate study mode} but I guess I should do a quick update so I can remember that I did, in fact, have a fun summer in 2013. I really miss interacting with everyone, and am quite positive this little blog has cobwebs growing on it from no one visiting. 

We had a great, long July 4th weekend. Chris' brother and sister-in-law came into town and stayed with us for a night {we're the best for picking them up at the airport at 1am}. We had a low key 4th including Strawbeeritas, swimming, and lots of good food and fun. Did I mention Strawberritas? Yum.

empty 1am airport walk. Am I the only one obsessed with moving sidewalks?

Lemonade pie! Recipe coming soon...

Night swimming is the best kind. Especially when you can see fireworks from the pool!

A morning is best spent by the pool. Actually, sitting by the pool makes anything better

If it walks like a duck, then it probably is a duck? After a couple glasses of wine at Macaroni grill, I was obsessed with the ducks. By the way, wine is half off at Macaroni Grill in July. You can even bag it up if you don't finish the bottle. You're welcome.

So obsessed with this necklace from Fancy Frills via Very Jane. SO disappointed 2 of the gems are missing and I have to exchange it, though!

Impromptu watermelon sorbet! This recipe's also coming soon.  This stuff is amazing!

Other than all that, Chris and I have been busy at work, I've been trying to study, and we've been figuring out what are next move will be. Literally.. we're moving. I don't know where or when, but it's happening and I'm trying not to think about it until my test is over. But house-hunting is so much more fun than studying! Right?! Chris had his first week at his new job so we're settling into a new schedule. I have a feeling things won't seem "normal" for quite a while. It's all for the better, though, so I am so not complaining.

What are you doing this weekend? I'll be cooped up studying so I need to live vicariously through others' plans! :)

I counted more than "five", but linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday!

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

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.

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.