Give Thanks!

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I am SO thankful for my amazing friends and family...that I have a job and a roof over my head.  I can't wait to spend my Thanksgiving with some of the people I love most! 

Playing catch up/Picture montage

SO much has been going on lately, so I figured I'd do a post on here to give a little life update. 

First off, FLYYYY EAGLES FLY!

I have been so disappointed with my Philly sports teams lately (Phils/Eagles) and I am ecstatic that we finally showed up to play.  Especially because they beat the Redskins and I don't have to deal with obnoxious locals talking about it.  I always feel like it's a huge relief when my teams beat the area team because I hate having to listen to them after the fact.  Please also consider the torture I endured living in Jersey for 6 years...ugh Giants fans!

I am now another year older......we celebrated my birthday last the past 2 weekends and I'm officially finished celebrating (I think?).  Last weekend we went out for dinner and drinks in Arlington on Friday with friends....then went hiking at the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls, MD the next day.  Saturday night for my actual birthday, B took me on a date to Oya in DC, which I was so in love with....such a fun weekend.  AND I got a Stella Valle bracelet! WOOOO!  Then this past weekend I went home to PA for a girls weekend with the family to extend the celebrations, which included a birthday dinner, golf outing, shopping & drinks by the fire pit.  I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life!

In the midst of all this craziness I've also been moving all of my things out of my place in Baltimore to 'officially' move down here....although I've realistically been living here since June already.  After this weekend I'll be completely moved out-which means we'll have to do an organization overhaul of B's place to fit all of my extra things :).

And now for a picture montage as of late:

 Out in Arlington...please excuse the redeye.

Great Falls 

 Barb golfing

Birthday dessert!

Confession

Okay, I am TERRIBLE at the blog thing and also I find that none of my friends do it, which makes it that much less fun for me to bring myself to do something like this.  Not to mention we have been running around everywhere all summer so sitting down to write a blog entry hasn't exactly been an priority......

In lighter news, my BIRTHDAY is coming up in a few short weeks!  As I was Skyping with my favorite Maine resident last night, we were discussing the idea of dropping birthday gift hints and I thought this would be a fabulous way for me to be 'subtle' to anyone who might want to buy me something and come across my blog. 

Here's a little birthday wish list:

A Stella Valle double wrap bracelet:  I've been torturing myself for the better part of a year with pretending I don't need to spend that much on a bracelet, but who are we kidding.  On October 9, if there is no bracelet in sight.....I'm probably going to buy myself a birthday present.  I was hesitant to even put this up on here because I didn't want to reveal my secret find to my hundreds of blog readers, but hey, I'll take my chances.  I am absolutely in love with the way you can customize your own bracelet.  OBSESSED.

La Mer Wrap Watch:  Also have been torturing myself with this guy.  I need a gold watch too so I've been eyeing this one.

And I probably wouldn't cry if I got my hands on this one either.

Could use a new bag for the fall...found this cute number at Coach.

Sephora gift card: I spend most of my paycheck in there sometimes anyway!

And as usual my closet never has enough new clothes no matter how many hangers I have to jam in my closet :)

There you have it...and if these hints don't work then my first post-birthday paycheck might take a few hits because these are things I've been pining over, but forcing myself to try and stay on budget!



California Dreamin'

Headed to San Diego today for a much needed getaway!  So excited

Dear Shellac...

Dear Shellac-

It is now day 10 of having you on my nails for the first time and although I got my first chip yesterday, I am very happy.  Although you are supposed to last 14 days, I am actually extremely impressed that my stubborn, soft nails have looked this great and held the color for this long.  Usually I last about 1-2 hours post manicure before I have somehow chipped, scratched or ruined my nails in some way, shape or form.   I am definitely a return customer as my nails have remained shiny, smooth and pretty after deciding to try it out for Hoze's wedding.  I am now in search of a place to go on NoVa for you....

Love, Me

*If you haven't tried this out it's a definite must do for you.  It's not like the gel's that make your nails weak & brittle.  It's a lot gentler and makes your nails look so shiny and pretty!

WEDDING WEEKEND!

I haven't been able to focus ALL week because Saturday is the day that TWO of my best friends get married (to each other!).  Tomorrow night we're headed north for the Philly wedding festivities....Hoze (Lauren) has been one of my best friends since 7th grade and Bryan is my former co-worker and roommate.  I love them both SO much and cannot wait to be a part of their special day.

LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys

..and yes I discovered Picnik :)

Holiday Weekend

I absolutely LOVE 4th of July.  I'm pretty sure it qualifies as my favorite holiday.  What's better than sunshine, friends, America?  Hopefully you have some fun weekend plans....we're going to be running all over the place.  Here's a preview of the festivities we have planned for the 4th weekend!

[pinterest.com]

M.I.A.

Sorry I've been missing for a while (not that anyone really reads this on the regular anyhow!).  Things have been hectic in my life.  I was home for a week and have also been helping Ben with his new place...including LOTS of this:

                                                                  [hometips.com]

...but looking a lot less happy after the first room.

Happy Friday!

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Hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend!  Enjoy the weather

Favorite hair product!

It took me until recently to finally cave in and go to the salon to color my hair.  All my life my mother instilled it in me that if I highlighted or dyed my hair that it would ruin it (mind you she's been highlighting forever!).  I've had my hair highlighted about 3 times now, and while I'm happy with the results, I feel like my hair felt more dry and a little frizzy and the soft, silky texture that I once had was missing.

I went to work scouring internet reviews for hair products to cure my issues and turned to my always trusty favorite Folica.  I came acrosse the Sedu Anti-Frizz Polishing Treatment which initially caught my attention because I swear by my Sedu flat iron.  After reading a couple reviews I placed my order and waited patiently for my package to arrive. 

This morning I used it for the first time and I am over the moon with my purchase.  After I got out of the shower I applied a small amount to my wet hair and blow dried it.  My hair is back to how it used to be...so soft and silky with no frizz, I didn't even want to use my flat iron today because it looked great without it.  Even in the heat we're having today it's still holding up.  A lot of products that I've tried work intially, but end up making my hair feel flat or greasy toward the end of the day.  I'm through my workday and my hair is the same as it was this morning. 

I HIGHLY recommend checking this product out.  It's worth every penny.

New homeowner!

So Ben bought a house and we spent the entire weekend moving (just the 2 of us) and I can officially say I'm exhausted.  I hit the snooze button this morning a few times before I finally got up (but it's okay since my commute is now 4 miles!).

One of the best/worst things that I have since discovered is that there is a Home Goods right down the road!  Best: because that is hands down my favorite store in the world - which makes me feel pretty old.  Worst: because I'm afraid that's where I will be spending all of my time and paychecks in the near future!

We've both been brainstorming for ideas how to decorate the new space so there are tons of ideas for paint, carpet and decor that I've been consuming myself with!

Here's to some more new moves and lots to look forward to!  I've already made plans to ensure that Home Goods is on my way back from work this afternoon :)

Photo Friday

Happy Friday!  Here's a photo I got this week from our first wedding of the season.

Enjoy your weekend!

Soooo Delicious!

I was having one of those early afternoon crashes where I was afraid I might start doing the head bob at my desk, so I went downstairs to Starbucks to get myself a little pick me up.  I was greeted with a massive sign marketing the new Mocha Coconut Frap which easily persuaded my choice of caffeine fix.

Let's just say I am completely in love...imagine a Samoa Girl Scout Cookie (my favorite) in a cup.  I had to control myself and not drink the entire thing on the elevator back to my office.  I highly recommend this for a little afternoon treat.....maybe an every afternoon treat since it's right outside the door of my building.

Photo Friday/MDW!

HAPPY WEEKEND!  This weekend we're off to B's bayhouse on the Sassafrass River.  Remember the real reason for this holiday weekend.

[pinterest]

GLHD

Had to share this.  I laughed at myself a little when going through the chart because I KNOW I've been in most of these situations (usually I blame it on long legs though!).  Don't act like you haven't either!  Hopefully by sharing this I have helped some of you lovely ladies out there avoid suffering GLHD.

[huffingtonpost.com]

Weekend Countdown

Only 2 more days until my 4 day Memorial Day weekend!  I LOVE holidays, especially ones spent in good weather with great people.  What are your MDW plans?

How cute are these decos and spreads?

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What I'm Listening To...

Love this song!

Photo Friday!

So I have to find a way to attempt to force myself to at least get on here weekly.  Every I'm going to pick a photo I've either found or taken during the week or so prior to post up as a weekend kickoff!  So here's the first of (hopefully) many photo Fridays!

Monday Blues

Monday's are SO hard to wake up to....starting my second week off at work slowly and already daydreaming about next weekend. 

On another note we signed up for the Army 10 Miler yesterday.  It's the day after my birthday so I guess I"ll be celebrating by running this year.  Last year it was my first 10 mile race and probably one of the most fun races I've done before.  I plan on actually training for it this year and seeing how much I can improve my time. 

Making moves!

It's my last day here at work until I'm starting the new J.O.B. down in Alexandria, VA!  Bittersweet, but I am SO excited for this new change.

A Royal Affair

As much as I thought I didn't care about all the Royal Wedding craziness, I have to admit that I haven't been able to watch anything else all morning, BUT that.  I've had it on TV since I woke up this morning while I attempt to get some work done.  It's more exciting than I expected and Kate looked absolutely gorgeous in her dress. 

[okmagazine.com]

I have my own 'Royal Wedding' to start focusing on this weekend.  One of my best friends since middle school, just happens to be marrying one of my best guy friends and former roommate this July.  Her bridal shower is on Sunday back in PA and I'm so excited to be fortunate enough to be a part of her big day.  She and I have been friends since the first day of basketball practice in 7th grade and the rest is history.  SO excited for the both of you and your big day.  Love you :)

LOVE...

...this little ballerina

Smells like SUMMER!

I can't even tell you how happy it makes me when I can hop in my car after work with the windows down and crank the music!  I came home, made sure all the windows were open...turned on some baseball and cooked myself dinner-low carb, mind you...bathing suit weather is fast approaching.  I am so pumped that it's finally so nice out and is supposed to stay as nice!

Warmer weather definitely puts me in the mood to shop around for summer dresses....which makes this budget I'm putting myself on as of late difficult to do.  Here's a few of my wishlist items if anyone's feeling generous! *wink wink*

[urbanoutfitters.com]

[modcloth.com]

[victoriassecret.com]

[gilt.com]

[bananarepublic.com]

P.S.  I am putting my cold weather clothes away for good tonight!

Whoops

Turns out I am not so good at this blog thing....I'll have to do a better job keeping up with it!

Things have been a little bit hectic lately.  Wedding season started 2 weekends ago with the first wedding of the year in Philly.  It rained almost the entire day, but everything turned out nicely.

I'm also preparing for a job change in the next week and a half.  My new job is in Alexandria, VA and I am SUPER excited for a new change and some new scenery.  Will still be living in Bmore, but I'll have to see how that commute treats me before I make any other changes!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. -English proverb

Long week...

Kind of how I felt about my whole week, but it's finally Friday!



Momma Dukes!

SO excited because my mom is on her way down to visit Bmo for the weekend.  I have lots of fun activities planned and promised to keep her busy.  This is her first time seeing our new place on Dillon and she's so happy to be able to get down here.  Jen's family is coming as well so it'll be a nice family weekend for us all!

Mom & I at Pazo (my favorite) on her last visit here

Peppercorn Steak recipe

I made this recipe a few weeks ago for my bf and I one Friday night that he drove up after work.  I didn't have this blog quite yet so I don't have any of my own photos, but it was hands down one of the best steak recipes I've tried yet...and both of us really liked it.  The sauce added a perfect touch to the meat!  I served the steaks with some delicious homemade garlic mashed potatoes (and some wine) which complimented the meal perfectly.

[simplyrecipes.com]

Ingredients-
4 good sized steaks: 1/2 lb to 1 lb ea (I used filet mignon)
Salt
2T grapeseed old, canola oil or other high smoke-point oil
3T black peppercorns, cracked (THIS was probably the hardest part-I had a blister afterwards! much more than I needed for this recipe)
1/4c finely chopped shallots or onions
1/4c cognac or other brandy
1c beef broth or stock
1/4c heavy cream
1/4c finely chopped parsley

*Sprinkle salt over both sides of the steaks and let them come to room temperature.

*Heat the oil in a large pan over high heat (I used my cast iron pan).  When the oil begins to smoke, remove the pan from heat.  Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and place in the hot pan.  Turn heat to med-high when returning the pan to heat.  Sear for at least 4 minutes on one side and cook the other side of the steak at a lower temperature.

*Cook the steaks to your preferred doneness and place them on a baking sheet.  Sprinkle generously with peppercorn and tent with aluminum foil while preparing sauce.

*Sauce: Add shallots to the pan and saute for 2 minutes.  Add the brandy and scape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon as it boils.  After the brandy has been mostly boiled away, add beef stock while turning to high heat.  Boil down sauce until it thickens.  Pour in heavy cream until it boils, then turn off the heat and add parsley and black pepper.

*Pour sauce over steaks and enjoy!