Food for Thought

Lately James and I have been working in our yard.  To our surprise we have found a bunch of four-leaf clovers and two five-leaf clovers.  I am insisting that this makes our backyard lucky, although our battle with the large thorned weeds (our nemesis) is not yet won.  What do you think?  Are five-leaf clovers lucky too?

It's Friday

After what seemed to be a very a long week, I can't wait to let loose!  We will be spending the weekend in Annapolis, MD for our friends' wedding.  I am so excited to catch up with James' Navy friends, stay in such a lovely area, show off my new Kara Janx dress (check out her amazing dress line here) and try a cute new hairstyle (thinking this or this).  I'll be sure to post pictures of all the wedding festivities soon, but for now you can ogle over this gorgeous Maryland wedding.  Hope everyone enjoys thier weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

This week I decided to try something new and link up with Jamie of This Kind of Love for

"What I'm Loving Wednesday."

I'm loving Artichoke Flatbread.

I live on different versions of this when James is away. 

This also makes for a great party app.

I'm loving Dear Photograph.

This site meshes old and new photographs such a cute concept!

I'm loving gardenia everything.

Candles, lotions, etc.

I'm loving Lilacism by Essie.

A birthday present that I can't stop applying (thanks Em!).

Finally... I'm loving that James is finally home from almost three weeks of travel. 

What are you loving?

Wine Wednesday

Mercedes Eguren

Price: $8-12

Origin: Spain

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Served With: Italian pastas (with red sauce), steak, lamb, roasts, and venison.

Description: “Solid yet lively, this full-bodied red offers plenty of plum, black cherry, chocolate, light herbal flavors, with round tannins and light yet firm acidity." -Winery 

Weekend on the Water

We had the privilege of spending this past weekend in Moyock, NC with good friends, Alex and Halley (remember them?).

The sunny weather was amazing and well needed (check out James' and my pale bods, eek!).

Most of our weekend was spent out on the water...  

boating, swimming, water skiing, tubing and playing with the pups.

 I learned something new about James on this trip, my man has skills! 

Last but not least, a big thanks to Alex and Halley for having us.  Hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Wine Wednesday

Feeling ducky?  James' love of ducks led us to stumble upon Duckhorn Vineyards.  We have tried their Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon, Decoy Zinfandel and Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon.  We absolutely loved them all!  The Decoy wines are a little less pricey ($25), while the Duckhorn wines are more on the pricey side ($65 but well worth it).  Above is a picture of our attempt at mixing a couple things we love in our little duck/wine nook.  The nook includes a duck serving tray, wooden duck wine screws (from Wisteria), a cork cage, a wine candelabra, and a few ducky/empty wine bottles.

Pasta Salad Sans Mayo

16 oz. of Spiral Pasta
Two Zucchinis (sliced thinly)
Two Cups of Grape Tomatoes (Halved)
Cup and a Half of Crumbled Gorgonzola

Seven Tablespoons of Olive Oil

Juice from Two Lemons

Lemon Pepper

Salt

Cook pasta and place in fridge to cool.  Place sliced zucchini in a colander and add two teaspoons of salt, rinse and let sit for about 15 minutes.  Once pasta is cool add other items one by one (I suggest leaving the cheese for last).  Add lemon pepper and salt to taste.  There you have it, the perfect side dish for summer!

It's Birthday Time!

Happy Birthday to James today (and Happy Birthday to me tomorrow)!

Wine Wednesday

Lot 18... a wine lovers dream!  Lot 18 is an online wine store that provides great deals on fine/rare wines, wine accessories and specialty foods.  This store is an invite only wine store a lot like One King's Lane for home decor, Jet Setter for travel, or ideeli, Gilt, and Rue La La for clothes.  If you aren't aware of any of these awesome invite only stores, go ahead and pick your pleasure!  Click on the any of the store names and receive a personal invite from me.

4th of July Photos

We spent our fourth of July weekend grilling out with friends (like many Americans).  Captain sure was happy because this weekend he got the party invites too.  He had us practically rolling on the ground when he stared at us awkwardly for an extended period of time, walk over to the only puddle he could find and laid down.  Below are a few snapshots from one of the backyard parties we attended last weekend, along with a caricature we had made on the boardwalk in Old Town. 

Think the caricature looks like us?  I think the artist did a decent job on me but sadly I don't think it looks like James at all.  Also, notice how James and I have basically the same picture?  Well these two guys are James' Navy friends who recently moved to the area.  We are so excited about this that we decided the double picture was a must.

Back to Work

Sitting at my desk this morning I am about as tired and amused as Kaylab in the picture above.  Loving that this will be a short week but wishing the holiday could last forever.  Hope everyone had a fun fourth of July.  I sure did!  Pictures of the weekend to come.

Wishing You a Happy Forth of July

Full of good...

friends,

 food

and fireworks!

Wine Wednesday

Smoking Loon

Price: $8-12

Origin: California

Type: Chardonnay

Best Served With: Scallops, ceviche, white meats with fruit salsa, mixed greens and brie

Description: "Behind the light straw color are aromas of sweet spring flowers, green tea, and a touch of fresh pineapple. The palate is framed by flavors of lemon meringue, fresh papaya, limestone, and subtle nuances of clove finishing with nectarine and light vanilla oak tones." -Winery

Happy Weekend

First, I want to apologize for my lack of posting.  I assure you I have been very busy unlike sleeping beauty above (my mom's horse, Aphrodite).  I am very excited for the next couple of days because as usual our weekend is jam packed!  Tonight James and I will be going to dinner with James' college friend, Ryan (see his wife's adorable blog here).  Tomorrow my mom and I will be going to a bridal shower for my life long friend's sister.  Sunday we be supporting a friend of James' in a walk for Crohn's disease.  And, when we finish that his sister, Emily, and her boyfriend, Jamie, will be waiting at our house for us.  I can't wait for to catch up with all our visitors.  Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Wine Wednesday

Yes, please.

Birchbox

I just found the greatest idea for those (like me) who have a beauty product obsession... Birchbox!  When you sign up for Birchbox for just $10 a month you will receive a box full of insider secrets and top quality beauty product samples selected by beauty editors and consumers.  The brands include Bare Minerals, Benefit, Kiehl's, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Nars and Stila just to name a few.  My girly side is screaming fun, fun, fun!

Wine Wednesday

(similar shirts found here)

First things first, I am not a runner.  Running is something I have tried very hard to avoid for years now.  That being said, a good cause and a rather persuasive boyfriend convinced me to go against my gut and do something crazy.  I signed up for a 10k!  The last weekend in October James and I, along with a few other friends will be running to support Run to Honor.  James has conjured up a training schedule for us that he claims will turn a couch potato (assuming he meant me... thanks sweetie!) into a runner.  We started small this week working towards the goal of a 5k.  Below is our 1st round training schedule:

  

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	1.5 m run	30- 60 min walk
2	Rest or run/walk	1.75 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	1.75 m run	35-60 min walk
3	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	2 m run	40-60 min walk
4	Rest or run/walk	2.25 m run	Rest or run/walk	1.5 m run	Rest	2.25 m run	45-60 min walk
5	Rest or run/walk	2.5 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	2.5 m run	50-60 min walk
6	Rest or run/walk	2.75 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	2.75 m run	55-60 min walk
7	Rest or run/walk	3 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	3 m run	60 min walk
8	Rest or run/walk	3 m run	Rest or run/walk	2 m run	Rest	Rest	5-K Training Complete

 

 

Any runners have some motivational tricks or words of wisdom?  I am needing it, along with the shirt above!

It's the Weekend

Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses

Tonight we will be going to see James' favorite musician, Ryan Bingham.  Have you heard of him?  If you haven't, you must check him out!  He sings Texas country and was featured on the soundtrack for the movie Crazy Heart.  This will be our second time seeing him this year (the previous time being at Red Rocks in CO, i.e. heaven) and I can't wait.  Wishing everyone a great weekend!

A few of my favorite posts this week:

Something yummy - Homemade Drumsticks

For some giggles - Funny Comics

Great travel idea - Tory's City Guide

Oooo pretty - Sparkled Lilac Nail Polish

Everything summer - Sweet Paul Magazine

Wine Wednesday

Last weekend one of my oldest friends, Steph, was visiting.  I drove out to Waterford, VA to spend some time with her at her parents place.  Upon my arrival my she informed me that there is a vineyard in walkable distance.  Although, I knew that vineyards are all over Loudoun County I was in shock because prior to this I had always thought nothing (and I mean absolutely nothing) was in walkable distance from her place.  We strolled down the narrow gravel road to this quaint vineyard.

While there we sampled both the red and white flights.  The most noteworthy wines were a Viogner - a light white wine that smelled exactly like honeysuckles (yum!), and a Riesling - I enjoyed because it was not overly sweet.  They had a great dessert wine selection as well, including a Lemon Cello, a Raz - tasted like a Chambord but better, and a USB (what you call a Port wine that is not made in Portugal) - aged for eight years in whiskey barrels (genius!).

After the lugging a few too many bottles of wine home from the vineyard, we invited a few friends over to Steph's for some pool time.  All and all it was a great day for all of us.  Who had more fun, us or Captain?  That's up in the air!

A Big Day

Today is a big day for me!  I start school (online - reasoning for the odd timing).  I will officially be on track to getting my Masters in Accounting and gaining all the credits I need to take the dreaded CPA (stands for Certified Public Accountant or Can't Pass Again - your pick) exam.  Today is also the day that I hit my one year mark working at National Parks Conservation Association.  To my surprise the company gave me this fitting and beautiful photography book as an anniversary gift.  It's the perfect coffee table book and definitely worth a look!

Our National Parks by David Muench

Summer Must Haves

Hers...

Vix Monaco Bikini, Ralph Lauren Aviators, Lancome Flash Bronzer and Georgica Jack Rogers.

His...

Guy Harvey Belt, Oakley Fives Squared, Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe and Ralph Lauren Trunks.

Wine Wednesday

Oyster Bay

Price: $10-15

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand

Type: Sauvignon Blanc

Best Served With: Shellfish, salad and recipes containing pesto

Description: “Fragrant tropical and floral notes with vibrant fresh lime and citrus zest, a fine texture and an intense crisp finish.” -Winery

Cute Cases

I never thought I would do it, but recently traded in my beloved Blackberry for the new white iPhone.  Keeping with the spirit of my new fun gadget (Blackberrys seem more serious for some reason) I decided to look for a case to fit.  There are so many to choose from (especially here)!  Above are a few of my favorites.  Can you guess which one I got: floral, preppy or crazy cat lady?

Congrats are in Order

To my cousins, Jimmy and Shauna, who graduated last weekend, one from undergrad and the other from law school.  Jimmy thoughtfully gave up his graduation in NY to go to Shauna's in MA since they were on the same day.  What an awesome brother!?  I had a great time in Boston celebrating their success.  The weekend included lots of family time and delicious meals.  A few places we went were L'Osteria (one of my all time favorite restaurants) for some Italian food and Caffe Vittoria for delicious coffee and dessert.  If you are ever in the Boston (North End) area I would highly suggest going to both.

Above is a photo of the graduates and one of the gifts they received (look for their faces and personalized congrats on the M&Ms).  I had heard of this creative idea but had never actually seen them (loved them).

I would also like to congratulate my friend, Victoria, who got engaged at sunset on Pacific Beach over this past weekend.  The photos are absolutely beautiful, job well done Adam! I couldn't be more excited for the both of them.

Wine Wednesday

Wine Screws

Fun and colorful wine stoppers, what a cute idea!  A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away, is a theory I had long stuck to.  Therefore, the old me would say that wine stoppers aren't necessary.  Nowadays James and I have made the weight, health and money conscious decision to cut back.  Seems like the perfect excuse to invest in a few of these to me.  Find them here.

Mint.com

You must try this... I'm obsessed!  Mint.com is an easy and free financial tool.  It automatically organizes your financial information up to the second, allows you set budgets and goals, suggests ways to save, and eliminates the need for spreadsheets.  Even more exciting news, Mint.com has an iPhone app!