December 29, 2010
SOUL food
I have to give a shout out to Soul Gastrolounge on Central Ave in Charlotte. I have been a few times and each and every time it is FANTASTIC. From the sweet potato fry special, to the Sushi Fondu Roll, to the Chimichurri Beef Skewer, to the Goat Cheese on Bruschetta, to the Grilled Cheese Panini, to the regular Fries (I'm hungry again)...it is ALL incredible. Be prepared to wait to be seated but rest assured....it is WORTH IT, and the price isn't bad either :). ENJOY!!!
Natural Brick or Painted?!?!?
Ever since we bought our brick ranch 7 months ago, I've been trying to decide whether or not to paint it. I love the look of painted brick but have some concerns with the ongoing maintenance. I caught the pictures below on my fave blog, Young House Love, and am absolutely in LOVE with the look. So, for today at least, I'm back on the 'paint the house wagon'. What are your thoughts or tips on painting a brick home???
Our Home Today
Young House Love pics
Our Home Today
Young House Love pics
December 28, 2010
Festive Treat~Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
In the mood for a festive treat or need a simple gift idea?!?! How about cooking up some Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies??? They're super yummy, super easy, and super green! ENJOY!
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 pouch sugar cookie mix (i.e., bag (I use Betty Crocker))
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (I use a little less because I don't like them too minty)
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips (less is ok too)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks (less is ok too)
1) Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
2) Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3) Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 pouch sugar cookie mix (i.e., bag (I use Betty Crocker))
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (I use a little less because I don't like them too minty)
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips (less is ok too)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks (less is ok too)
1) Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
2) Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3) Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
December 22, 2010
A Fancy Spread
One of my go to appetizers that never lets me or the guests down is a Herb-Cheese Spread that is made with Havarti. I have to admit that the hubby and I have actually had it for dinner before, although I wouldn't recommend unless you can handle a stomachache :). Enjoy!
Herb-Cheese Spread1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I use whole grain mustard)
1 (12-oz) package Havarti cheese (I have a hard time finding 12-oz so usually just go with the largest I can find)
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried chives
1/4 teaspoon dried whole dillweed
1/4 teaspoon dried whole basil
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 (17 1/3 -oz) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten
Spread mustard over top of cheese; sprinkle with parsley flakes and next 4 ingredients (I usually just mix all herbs together and then sprinkle). Place cheese, mustard side down, in center of pastry. Wrap package style, trimming excess pastry. Seal seam. Place seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with egg; chill 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes; brush with egg, and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with assorted crackers (I really like water crackers with it) or sliced apples or pears. Yield: 8 to 10 appetizer servings.
Herb-Cheese Spread1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I use whole grain mustard)
1 (12-oz) package Havarti cheese (I have a hard time finding 12-oz so usually just go with the largest I can find)
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried chives
1/4 teaspoon dried whole dillweed
1/4 teaspoon dried whole basil
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 (17 1/3 -oz) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten
Spread mustard over top of cheese; sprinkle with parsley flakes and next 4 ingredients (I usually just mix all herbs together and then sprinkle). Place cheese, mustard side down, in center of pastry. Wrap package style, trimming excess pastry. Seal seam. Place seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with egg; chill 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes; brush with egg, and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with assorted crackers (I really like water crackers with it) or sliced apples or pears. Yield: 8 to 10 appetizer servings.
December 8, 2010
Remembering the Reason for the Season
On Sunday, I was so blessed to experience the music of Keith and Kristyn Getty at our church's (FBC Charlotte) Irish Christmas Celebration. The concert was so moving and inspirational and left me feeling spirtually renewed. I also have been led to share a couple of my favorites with you! So ENJOY and Merry CHRISTmas! xoxo
December 3, 2010
Supper Club Success
Over the summer, the Gaston County gang started a supper club. It has been so much fun to get together monthly for some good food with good friends. There are currently 6 couples in the club and this week was our first time hosting. The entree is up to the hostess/host and the others bring sides to compliment. Some entrees we've had to date are:
hamburgers,
burritos,
lasagna, and
chili.
I wanted to do something a little different, but NOT stressful, so I chose a greek theme and served Chicken Souvlaki Sticks with Yogurt Dipping Sauce. In order to cut down on the preparation time (it was on a weekday), I bought the tzatziki sauce (Walmart and Harris Teeter make great ones) so I'm not sure how that part of the recipe is. The chicken was a hit, and thanks to our super guests we had some fantastic complimentary dishes (greek salad, hummus, pita bread, sweet potato fries (not exactly greek but excellent none the less), Tiropitas (a cheese dish), and baklava).
Below is the chicken recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Note: I would marinate for much longer than 30 minutes. Both times I have made this dish I have marinated for 2 days!
Chicken Souvlaki Sticks with Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
16 bamboo skewers
3 lemons
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 chicken tenders, about 1 1/2 pounds
2 cups Greek style yogurt
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and grated
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions
Soak skewers in water for about 30 minutes.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Combine the zest and juice of 2 lemons, oregano, red pepper flakes and olive oil in a dish. Paste the garlic by mashing it with coarse salt then add 3/4 of it to the marinade, reserving some for dipping sauce. Add chicken tenders to the marinade and season with salt and pepper, turn in marinade to coat, let stand 10 minutes. Thread tenders on damp skewers and cook 7 to 8 minutes, turning once, until firm and juices run clear.
While skewers cook, combine yogurt with juice of remaining lemon, remaining clove of garlic, grated cucumber, cumin and salt, to taste. Divide the dip among 4 ramekins.
Serve 5 skewers per person with dipping sauce alongside.
Looking forward to pork tenderloin at our December supper club!!
hamburgers,
burritos,
lasagna, and
chili.
I wanted to do something a little different, but NOT stressful, so I chose a greek theme and served Chicken Souvlaki Sticks with Yogurt Dipping Sauce. In order to cut down on the preparation time (it was on a weekday), I bought the tzatziki sauce (Walmart and Harris Teeter make great ones) so I'm not sure how that part of the recipe is. The chicken was a hit, and thanks to our super guests we had some fantastic complimentary dishes (greek salad, hummus, pita bread, sweet potato fries (not exactly greek but excellent none the less), Tiropitas (a cheese dish), and baklava).
Below is the chicken recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Note: I would marinate for much longer than 30 minutes. Both times I have made this dish I have marinated for 2 days!
Chicken Souvlaki Sticks with Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
16 bamboo skewers
3 lemons
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 chicken tenders, about 1 1/2 pounds
2 cups Greek style yogurt
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and grated
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions
Soak skewers in water for about 30 minutes.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Combine the zest and juice of 2 lemons, oregano, red pepper flakes and olive oil in a dish. Paste the garlic by mashing it with coarse salt then add 3/4 of it to the marinade, reserving some for dipping sauce. Add chicken tenders to the marinade and season with salt and pepper, turn in marinade to coat, let stand 10 minutes. Thread tenders on damp skewers and cook 7 to 8 minutes, turning once, until firm and juices run clear.
While skewers cook, combine yogurt with juice of remaining lemon, remaining clove of garlic, grated cucumber, cumin and salt, to taste. Divide the dip among 4 ramekins.
Serve 5 skewers per person with dipping sauce alongside.
Looking forward to pork tenderloin at our December supper club!!
November 10, 2010
ATTENTION all SIR ED Fans...
This past summer we received some very sad and disappointing news; one of our most beloved hang outs and eateries, Sir Edmond Halley's was closing down. Noooooooo, how can this be?!?!? Well, GREAT NEWS....it's reopening, and I am ecstatic!!! Go here for more details. See you there!
A Recipe for Relationships~Devotion by Micca Monda Campbell
"Because he loved him as he loved himself."
1 Samuel 20:17b (NIV)
Devotion:
So many people today are looking for meaningful relationships, yet so
few actually find them. My mother use to tell me to count myself lucky
if I had just one "close friend." That's because close life-long
relationships are hard to come by. Since we are becoming an
increasingly private society, it seems that fewer people than ever
actually have life-long intimate friends. Still, the desire for this
kind of relationship is not only sought after, but necessary.
Women are naturally drawn to other women. In fact, a girl's first
experience with heartache may have been over a lost "best friend"
rather than a "boyfriend." Women value friendships. When they are
lost, we grieve; not just over the friendship itself, but also for the
secrets shared, the trust given and the acceptance enjoyed. If
betrayed, the pain runs deep causing us to wonder if intimate
friendships are really possible.
When I think of a biblical example of real friendship, the story of
David and Jonathan, found in 1 Samuel 19, always comes to mind.
Jonathan, son of King Saul, was David's closest friend. The King
despised David because he was growing in popularity and because God
had anointed David to be king. These facts enraged King Saul, and he
commanded his aids and Jonathan to assassinate David. But Jonathan
loved David; therefore he would not betray David.
Love isn't the only fruit of true friendship. A real relationship
consists of sacrifice too.
We discover in this story that Jonathan stripped himself of the robe
he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his armor, his sword,
his bow, and his belt. Jonathan was the potential heir to his father's
throne, but we see him sacrificing his future for David as he
literally gives David his place as king.
You and I learn from this action that true friendship means a
willingness to sacrifice for each other in love. It's the ability to
put another's needs, desires, and wishes above those of our own.
Loyalty is also a mark of true friendship. We're told that Jonathan
went to his father and spoke well of David. Jonathan also stood up to
his dad and said, "Dad, you're wrong about David. He hasn't done
anything against you, in fact, everything he's done has helped you." A
true friend is a loyal defense before others; one who won't talk about
you when you're not around. True friends stick up for each other and
are ready to defend when others attack.
Finally, intimate friends give each other complete freedom to be
themselves. In an intimate friendship, you don't have to explain why
you do what you do. You're just free to do it.
When Jonathan gave David the sign that things were not okay in the
palace and that his dad was going to kill David, the two were forced
to say goodbye. The text tells us they wept together.
When your heart is broken, you can bleed all over a friend like this
and she'll understand. She won't try to comfort you in your misery or
tell you to straighten up. Intimate friends let each other hurt and
they weep together. If your friend needs to complain, you will listen.
Intimate friends don't bale, they stay. They allow you to be yourself
no matter what 'self' looks like.
If you're looking for a Godly recipe for relationships, look no
further. Mix together love, sacrifice, loyalty, and freedom and you
can create an intimate friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to be a friend like Jonathan. Then, bless me with
the same. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Develop the kind of character that attracts others. While David had
enemies, he also had a growing number of people who loved him. People
are naturally attracted to someone who shines with God-like
attributes. One the other hand, most are turned off by mean, selfish
people. Whatever is on the inside will show on the outside - so ask
God to develop in you the kind of traits that draw people of good
characteristics.
Reflections:
What kind of friend am I?
Do I exhibit loyalty, love, freedom, and sacrifice in my
relationships? Why or Why not?
Power Verses:
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his
life for his friends." (NIV)
1 Samuel 20:17b (NIV)
Devotion:
So many people today are looking for meaningful relationships, yet so
few actually find them. My mother use to tell me to count myself lucky
if I had just one "close friend." That's because close life-long
relationships are hard to come by. Since we are becoming an
increasingly private society, it seems that fewer people than ever
actually have life-long intimate friends. Still, the desire for this
kind of relationship is not only sought after, but necessary.
Women are naturally drawn to other women. In fact, a girl's first
experience with heartache may have been over a lost "best friend"
rather than a "boyfriend." Women value friendships. When they are
lost, we grieve; not just over the friendship itself, but also for the
secrets shared, the trust given and the acceptance enjoyed. If
betrayed, the pain runs deep causing us to wonder if intimate
friendships are really possible.
When I think of a biblical example of real friendship, the story of
David and Jonathan, found in 1 Samuel 19, always comes to mind.
Jonathan, son of King Saul, was David's closest friend. The King
despised David because he was growing in popularity and because God
had anointed David to be king. These facts enraged King Saul, and he
commanded his aids and Jonathan to assassinate David. But Jonathan
loved David; therefore he would not betray David.
Love isn't the only fruit of true friendship. A real relationship
consists of sacrifice too.
We discover in this story that Jonathan stripped himself of the robe
he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his armor, his sword,
his bow, and his belt. Jonathan was the potential heir to his father's
throne, but we see him sacrificing his future for David as he
literally gives David his place as king.
You and I learn from this action that true friendship means a
willingness to sacrifice for each other in love. It's the ability to
put another's needs, desires, and wishes above those of our own.
Loyalty is also a mark of true friendship. We're told that Jonathan
went to his father and spoke well of David. Jonathan also stood up to
his dad and said, "Dad, you're wrong about David. He hasn't done
anything against you, in fact, everything he's done has helped you." A
true friend is a loyal defense before others; one who won't talk about
you when you're not around. True friends stick up for each other and
are ready to defend when others attack.
Finally, intimate friends give each other complete freedom to be
themselves. In an intimate friendship, you don't have to explain why
you do what you do. You're just free to do it.
When Jonathan gave David the sign that things were not okay in the
palace and that his dad was going to kill David, the two were forced
to say goodbye. The text tells us they wept together.
When your heart is broken, you can bleed all over a friend like this
and she'll understand. She won't try to comfort you in your misery or
tell you to straighten up. Intimate friends let each other hurt and
they weep together. If your friend needs to complain, you will listen.
Intimate friends don't bale, they stay. They allow you to be yourself
no matter what 'self' looks like.
If you're looking for a Godly recipe for relationships, look no
further. Mix together love, sacrifice, loyalty, and freedom and you
can create an intimate friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to be a friend like Jonathan. Then, bless me with
the same. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Develop the kind of character that attracts others. While David had
enemies, he also had a growing number of people who loved him. People
are naturally attracted to someone who shines with God-like
attributes. One the other hand, most are turned off by mean, selfish
people. Whatever is on the inside will show on the outside - so ask
God to develop in you the kind of traits that draw people of good
characteristics.
Reflections:
What kind of friend am I?
Do I exhibit loyalty, love, freedom, and sacrifice in my
relationships? Why or Why not?
Power Verses:
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his
life for his friends." (NIV)
November 8, 2010
I Love Birthday's!!!
This weekend we had a wonderful birthday celebration in downtown Belmont. It was so nice to hang out with my favorite girls! Thanks to all of you for helping me celebrate! xoxo
October 26, 2010
Dealing with the FHA
A New Orleans lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to a parcel of property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down. After sending the information to the FHA, he received the following reply.
(Actual reply from FHA):
"Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepare d and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin."
Annoyed, the lawyer responded as follows (actual response):
"Your letter regarding title in Case No.189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 206 years covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, the year of origin identified in our application. For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella. The good Queen Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus's expedition. Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time, the world as we know it, and the FHA. I hope you find God's original claim to be satisfactory. Now, may we have our damn loan?"
The loan was immediately approved.
(Actual reply from FHA):
"Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepare d and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin."
Annoyed, the lawyer responded as follows (actual response):
"Your letter regarding title in Case No.189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 206 years covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, the year of origin identified in our application. For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella. The good Queen Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus's expedition. Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time, the world as we know it, and the FHA. I hope you find God's original claim to be satisfactory. Now, may we have our damn loan?"
The loan was immediately approved.
October 17, 2010
To Paint or Not to Paint?!?!?!
To paint or not to paint our bookshelves?!?! If we paint, we will paint them white to match the chair rail molding throughout the room. The natural brick would remain for now (eventually we may white wash the brick, but that's another day). Below are pictures of our living/dining space. What do you think? Take my poll below (at the bottom of post), and let us know!
To Paint or Not to Paint our Bookshelves?!?!
October 15, 2010
The Last Weeks
I just realized that I haven't blogged in almost 2 weeks!!!! My goodness...this month is flying by! Over the past couple weeks, I have traveled to LA, Cleveland, and Albany for work. We are conducting focus groups with our customer-facing employees to get their thoughts and opinions on their incentive (i.e., bonus and commission) plans. I love talking to those employees that so often get overlooked. They are so appreciative!!!
In LA I was fortunate enough see my dear friend Liesl and her man, Ariel. Thanks to him we attended the first annual 3D Film Festival as VIP guests :). It was so cool! It isn't every day that you have a chance to wear $150 3D glasses!
Cleveland and Albany was, well, not as much fun. It rained the entire trip which made it even harder to be away from home knowing it was in the 70s and beautiful.
My work travels are now complete, so it's back to my nice little life in McAdenville with my boys :).
In LA I was fortunate enough see my dear friend Liesl and her man, Ariel. Thanks to him we attended the first annual 3D Film Festival as VIP guests :). It was so cool! It isn't every day that you have a chance to wear $150 3D glasses!
Cleveland and Albany was, well, not as much fun. It rained the entire trip which made it even harder to be away from home knowing it was in the 70s and beautiful.
My work travels are now complete, so it's back to my nice little life in McAdenville with my boys :).
October 2, 2010
Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor - Part 1
WOW!!! What a strong and admirable woman! Thank God for her!
September 27, 2010
FIRST Haircut
Avett had his first haircut on Sunday (he'll be 16 months in a couple days)!!! We went to Dolittles, a cute little place specifically for kids (in case you couldn't tell by the name :). Each chair is a fun little vehicle. Avett was in the taxi :). He surprisingly did soooo well; Mommy, well, not so much! They sent us home with a before picture, a bag of hair, a card with the date and place of his first haircut, and a toddler (we arrived with a mullet baby!). Below are some pictures for you to enjoy!!
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
September 24, 2010
September 23, 2010
A Myrtle Beach Must Have
We had a lovely time at the beach. Although it was a short trip, it was 100% relaxing and fabulous. We arrived in North Myrtle Beach on Friday evening, went to the grocery store for a few items and came back to the ocean front condo for drinks and board games :). Saturday, we headed out to the beach early and alternated between chair and ocean for the entirety of the day. I headed up for a nap, Gray for football, and Sam and Ashleigh for outlet shopping once we begin losing the hot sun. Around 8:30 we ventured out for Ashleigh's birthday dinner. We arrived at Sea Captain's House Restaurant in Myrtle Beach around 9pm. We added our name to the list and we're told it would be about an hour....an hour?!?!?.....at 9 o'clock?!?!?!.... at the end of September?!?!? We moved out back (the restaurant is on the beach), grabbed a glass of wine and listened to live music while we played ring toss. Within 20 minutes we were seated!!!! I ordered the She Crab soup which was FANTASTIC; the BEST I had ever had!!! For my entree I ordered the stuffed flounder which was stuffed with crab meat. It was super. Gray ordered a filet (he doesn't eat seafood) and it was incredible. I've never had a steak that melted in my mouth the way this one did. You didn't even have to chew it!! Ah-Mazing!!! Sam got the stuffed flounder also, and Ash got lobster. Everything was phenomenal. I would HIGHLY recommend this adorable restaurant (as if you couldn't tell).
Sunday we woke up, packed, and headed straight down to the lazy river. We lounged for a few hours, stopped for lunch at Duffy's Shack (it was just OK), and headed home to the baby! A short but perfect weekend!!!
Sunday we woke up, packed, and headed straight down to the lazy river. We lounged for a few hours, stopped for lunch at Duffy's Shack (it was just OK), and headed home to the baby! A short but perfect weekend!!!
September 17, 2010
J Crew Factory
I am estactic to announce to you that....(drumroll please)......J Crew now has an online factory!!! It is only open on the weekends but at least there is one :)!! I hope you enjoy the news as much as I have!!
We're off to the beach this weekend to celebrate a dear friends birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEIGH!!!! I'll bring back pictures for you all to enjoy. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!!
We're off to the beach this weekend to celebrate a dear friends birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEIGH!!!! I'll bring back pictures for you all to enjoy. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!!
September 12, 2010
Anthro
I totally love Anthropologie but especially these days. They have some great pieces on sale right now. Below are some of my favorites.
I love the color of this top and the beading around the neckline. The sale price is nice too :).
I love love love these tops, both colors. I love the touch of flare and that they can be worn year round by just throwing a simple cardigan over them. I think I need this in both colors :).
This top is so classic. A must have in any wardrobe!
And now for a couple full price items that I'm really liking!
The "Ta Da Blouse" and that is exactly what it is. It fits perfectly and is so flattering! It snugs all the right places. I just love this top. It can be dressed up or down, worn for work or play. You can't go wrong with this one. (Note: This picture doesn't do this top justice.)
I'm really loving this one. It would be great with some dark skinny jeans, tucked into a black skirt, or under a sports coat. The gold buttons at the sleeves are a cute feature!
And, last but most certainly not least....
Pumps meet boot!! I love the look of this heel (and the color)!
And now for a couple full price items that I'm really liking!
And, last but most certainly not least....
September 11, 2010
TONY'S
We just got back from Tony's Icecream (a true Gastonian eatery); it was delicious and awful for you. The hotdogs are super but the milkshakes are to die for. One size (size huge), and oh so good. There are many flavors but I usually go for the classics. Tonight I opted for the cookie dough :). I meant to take my camera but forgot it so I have no pics for you. Anywho, if you've never been, it is totally worth the trip, but a tip, don't dress-up or you WILL be out of place. Once you go, you'll know what I mean :). Enjoy!!!
September 5, 2010
Froyo
Last night we decided to go out for sushi. Well, I decided we were going out for sushi (Grayson doesn't eat it and of course Avett doesn't either). We went to a Japanese restaurant , Mai, so they had other choices. I wasn't so impressed with the sushi, it was just ok. So after dinner we decided to head over to the new TCBY. I was expecting to go in and order my small white chocolate mousse yogurt (my all time fave) with sprinkles but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was SELF-SERVE!! This was my first experience with the self-serve model...so much pressure...so many choices and so little time (The line was out the door most of the night. Maybe we should open a TCBY!!!). I ended up getting a litte squirt of pistachio, a litte squirt of peanut butter, and a big squirt of white chocolate mousse. I added granola and a few sprinkles! They had some very interesting toppings, like lucky charms (who would have thought). I have to say the pistachio was fantastic!!! I may have a new TCBY flavor; I never thought I would say that!
We enjoyed some live music outside before we headed home. I LOVE nights like that with my little family :).
We enjoyed some live music outside before we headed home. I LOVE nights like that with my little family :).
September 4, 2010
Halloween's aKnocking
I can't believe it is already September and that Halloween is just around the corner. Time to start planning costumes! Last year, Avett was a monkey (a sweaty one). Poor baby, it was so warm! I've been racking my brain for weeks and week, and finally decided.........a CLOWN! I know, so cliche, but you have to see the costume.
Precious, right??? A lady on etsy.com is making it for us. I just LOVE etsy!! Avett may hate me for it when he's older, but I just can't resist. Can you blame me? I'll be sure to share pictures! Oh, and as for my costume....undecided.
Precious, right??? A lady on etsy.com is making it for us. I just LOVE etsy!! Avett may hate me for it when he's older, but I just can't resist. Can you blame me? I'll be sure to share pictures! Oh, and as for my costume....undecided.
In the Beginning
Welcome to my brand new blog! I've created 'Eat, Pray, Love with me' so that I can share all things related to these 3 fabulous acts and connect with women like me who love to do all 3 :). Thanks for stopping by! Until next time...
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