Thursday’s Pins

I’ll have a recipe tomorrow; promise!  But for now, here’s what I’ve been pinning lately (and why!).

This color-combo is perfection!  Spring inspiration…

How amazing is this garden?

The quote speaks for itself.  But seriously, there’s no need to compare yourself to others (easier said than done).

Obviously I’m obsessed with these colors.  Brilliant inspiration for a bridal shower, luncheon or a birthday party.

Must-have photo!  After the rehearsal dinner, capture your “last single girl” kiss.

A flavor combination I would have never thought of on my own:  Brussels with Avocado, Bacon and Lime.

Three of my favorite things!  Champagne + Chambray + Red Nails!

A splurge for sure, but these Ohio Nachos looks incredible!

Bridal Shower Theme Inspiration…I have plenty of reasons to save this link!

Happy Thursday!!!!

Wedding Wednesday, so many options.

I need your help.  Well, more like I need your opinion.  Our engagement pictures take place next week.  And I don’t have any outfits in my hand that I plan on wearing.  Problem?  Slightly.  It’s causing some stress but I know that by the time the camera starts snapping, I’ll have figured it out.

As of right now, we plan on changing outfits once.  Having one casual group of photos and a series of more dressed up photos.

For the casual ones, I want to wear cowboy boots.  It’s Fall now – I can’t keep rocking the Jack Rogers.  Big Guy wants to wear jeans.  So I’m thinking a cute little quarter length dress with my boots.  I found this little number at Ann Taylor Loft and actually ordered it.  Please let it fit and be photo-worthy!

Paisley Print Blouse Dress

And yea, that’s my only option – unless you have others to throw at me.  I’m not against wearing dark jeans.  Just haven’t been inspired by any tops yet.

As far as the more dressed up pictures go, Big Guy is planning on wearing a navy sports coat with khaki slacks.  I know he’ll look great (per usual) but the trick is for me to look great beside him.  I’ve found several options – let me know what you think.  I will say that I am afraid of blending in if he’s wearing dark up top and I have a dark dress on.

option 1: I’m not sold on this length.

Option 2: I’m not sold on the orange or the shape of the dress.

Option 3: Is this too much navy?

Option 4: Totally a wild card with a punch of color.

Option 5: Not so sure how flattering this would be on my body.

 

Thoughts and opinions are welcome!

Here it is…plus Friday Favorites

Here it is…the last weekend of summer.  I’m kind of torn of weather whether I should be bummed or excited.  Part of me is bummed because I love the summer.  I love the hot weather, I love beach trips, I love not wearing a coat.  And the other part of me is excited because fall brings a different kind of fun.  ECU games, eating warm and comforting food such as chili, and wearing turtlenecks (though that won’t happen until about October or November here).

Are you excited or bummed that Fall is just around the corner?

So here are my Friday Favorites…some summer related, some fall related.

Favorite summer to fall transition meal:  A warm quinoa salad that honestly just makes me miss the garden already.

Favorite childhood memory:  We called them “goobers” growing up – but I’ll never forget sitting on the back deck at my grandparents house at OIB and eating boiled peanuts.

Favorite Fall wardrobe staple:  The “perfect” jean.  Citizens of Humanity: Ava straight leg.

Favorite Place to Spend a Summer or Fall evening:  Glass of wine in hand.

Favorite Cupcake just for Big Guy:  Bourbon + Sweet Potato.  No words.

Favorite LBD:  You can never have too many and they never go out of style.

Favorite Cocktail:  Vanilla, Pear and Vodka.

Enjoy your last weekend of Summer!!!!

Liebster means “darling.”

1.  This week my friend over at “Whatchu Got Cooking?” nominated ME with a blog award.  Being the curious cat that I am, I had to see what “liebster” means.  Turns out, it means “darling” in German.  Learn something new every day, I’m telling ya.

2.  Ashley at “Whatchu Got Cooking” is actually a real-life friend.  She used to live in our small town and worked at the library (yes, we’re both book nerds).  However, she’s an Army wife and has followed her hubby to Kentucky and I’m very jealous because she’s very close to Nashville, TN.  So check out (both) her blogs.

3.  I’m hoping Big Guy buys me a winning MegaMillion lottery card today.

4.  We’re (my Mom and I) are possibly meeting with a photographer next month…keep your fingers crossed.  I’m ready to make this decision!

5.  Will someone go buy me these shorts and shirt?

6.  And while I’m asking for things, I’d also like a pear margarita on Cinco de Mayo.

7.  Actually, I wouldn’t turn it down tonight at 5pm.

8.  Last night I attended the Red Cross Heros Banquet.  I was inspired.  I really shouldn’t ever complain a day in my life.

9.  The “5 am crazies” (all the folks that have become friends because we work out at the same time) are getting together this weekend.  It should be FUN FUN FUN!  I’m also in charge of desserts.  And they’re not going to be light!

10.  Happy Friday people!  Get crazy and use a lollipop as a stirrer.

I can’t believe there’s not ONE mention of cocktails…

1.  Last night I made an amazing dinner.  It turned out amazingly ugly.  Unfortunately gluten-free (in this case TJs corn variety) noodles stick together.  Here’s a picture from Cooking Light (click on the pic to go to the recipe):

2.  On Sunday I made Big Guy a treat.  Rolo Cake Mix Bars.

3.  I just realized I forgot to put my engagement ring on this morning.  Seriously frowning.

4.  Speaking of rings, we’re going band shopping tomorrow.  Should be quite the experience.

5.  I love to dye Easter eggs.

6.  This is the accent color I’m going for with coral.

7.  I love this master bedroom.

8.  My favorite Easter candy are Cadbury Mini-Eggs.  I request one mini bag of minis each Easter.

9.  I’m obsessed with getting mint jeans.  I have yet to find a pair.

10.  So now my nails are painted this color.  And I’m not sure if I’m pulling it off the way I imagined.

Green Pins

Here’s a look at some “green” pins I’ve seen this week….And don’t worry – I’ll be back Monday for a new-to-us St. Patty’s Day meal.

1. A wacky, yet enticing, combo of green.  Green avocado and green edamame.

2.  This is a must read!  (There’s green on the cover!)

3.  I want this.  I need this!  An herb (green!) mill.

4.  Champagne + Lemon sorbet + Mint

5.  This minty-green dress is to die for.

6.  A green cake stand for hand soap in the kitchen.

7.  Kiwi pops!

How are you going to make your Saturday “green” for St. Patty’s Day, mate?

Cheese and Crackers

I need more nights like last night in my life.  Laughter, a glass of wine, a few of my favorite girls, cheese and crackers.  Perfect little evening.

Last night I hosted a Stella and Dot party for one of my closest college friends.  I’m not one to usually like to host these kind of things because I absolutely hate feeling like I’m pressuring folks into buying something they don’t like.  Therefore, I tried to keep it low-key and I think the girls ended up with some really cute stuff that they’ll actually wear.

Here’s a few of my favorite pieces:

Obsessed.

Yep, those are going to be mine, too.

So me.

Now to the cheese and cracker part.

I kept it simple last night.  I stress over the weirdest things so I decided to avoid that and let Trader Joe’s do most of my work.

Marinated mozzarella balls.  Make it fancy by mixing with grape tomatoes.  Simple.  These were a hit.

Blueberry Goat Cheese.  I.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e.  I’m going to go ahead and say that this is my favorite goat cheese of ALL time.

Stilton with Apricots.  I bought this because I had tried a white cheese with apricots before and loved it.  I’m not sure about the whole “stilton” thing.  It’s good but still a little “weird” to me.  Maybe it’ll grow on me.

Served with Ritz Pretzel Crackers and Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins.  The nut thins are fabulous.  I finally saw them last week and grabbed a box of those and the pecan flavor.  I neeeed to get my hands on the other flavors.

I also put out hummus and carrots for some snackage.  And I made a sweet treat, obviously.  Meemaw’s Texas Tumbleweed.  Of course Paula would put potato sticks in a dessert.  By the way, those potato sticks aren’t easy to find.

Only four ingredients.

Next time, I’d add some raisins or craisins into the mix.  Love sweet and salty treats.

Thanks Ladies for such a wonderful middle-of-the-week-much-needed break!

What’s your favorite “easy” appetizer?

And are you obsessed with cute earrings like me?

Looks I Love

It’s more of a Fashion Friday than a Foodie Friday here today.  I’m off having fun on a mini-Spring Break, if you will. 

Spring is the best time of the year for me when it comes to fashion. 

I love the color.  I love cardigans.  I love dresses.  I love sandals.  And I love the ease of “getting dressed” for Spring/Summer events.

Here’s a few things I’m lovin’ this Spring:

so classy

It can be found here from the Loft.  In fact, I love this look so much I bought it and already have plans for showing it off.

nautical stripes

This is also from the Loft. 

abstract tops

Also from the Loft (I kind of like that place.)

cardigans and coral

Together or separate.  I live in cardis at work.  And well, I’m obsessed with coral.  I broke down and bought this cardigan.  Hey, it’s work and life appropriate. 

a wedge

I’m lusting for a neutral wedge before May.

jacks: a spring staple

Yes, I already have a pair.  And yes, I’d like another.  In gold.  Muted gold.

simple beach dresses

This kind of dress is something you can take from day to night by simply playing up the accessories. 

And finally…a great coverup.

just throw it on

Perfect for popping in and out of bars while on vacation.

Oh and here are my favorite sunglasses ever.  I got them last summer and they’ve been through a lot but they’re still as good as new.

a must

What’s on your fashion-radar this Spring?