Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Wednesday's Inspiration

We're going on week 2 of snow here in NC and we're expected to get more overnight.  I'm on the border of going a little stir crazy!! Since I've been stuck at home a lot lately (and for some unseen reason our Netflix isn't working!) I've been really getting back into Pinterest. I mainly pin recipes which is helpful when I'm stuck in the grocery store, but I decided to look back at some early pins and found the gems below.





And, last I'll leave you with this... 
"Hold one hand to the past with the other outstretched to the future"

If you're in NC stay warm and bundle up!

Friday, February 20, 2015

Five on Friday!

::one::
This week in NC we've had several days of snow, so my wish for a silent, quiet city was granted! Mr. B and I always come to a head about winter weather because while I'm sitting home by the fire with a hot toddy he's out working in this nasty weather! It's been a long week for him, but we'll be celebrating the weekend with a trip to his favorite restaurant on Saturday.

::two::
Since I was stuck home for most of the week I actually got back into the routine of making dinner for us. I've been slacking a little due to our schedules, but it was nice to get back in the kitchen! I've been making the Orzo Risotto below lately with a couple of changes*, and it's been a great go to recipe that we've added into rotation. 


Creamy Orzo Risotto with Meyer Lemon and Wild Mushrooms
*Instead of using wild mushrooms I get whatever pre-sliced mushrooms are on sale and I add a little bit of spicy sausage to bulk it up. I think this is a great recipe to add whatever you have leftover in your fridge.

::three::
As some may know, my mother got shocking news earlier this fall with a diagnosis of colon cancer. With a lot of prayer, and some tears, she was fortunate enough to receive news that her cancer was Stage 1 and only required surgery. On March 7th, my family will be participating in the Colon Cancer Coalition's Get Your Rear in Gear race that connects cancer survivors and helps raise funds to prevent, treat and beat colon cancer in our community. We are team Kickin' Butt. If you're in the area, join our team or if you've been affected by colon cancer donate to the cause!

::four::
This lil ol' blog has hit the social media scene thanks to my sister! She's been secretly plotting when she could out me and I think a long snow day put her over the edge!



::five::
The new season of The Voice starts next Monday and I can't wait! It's sooo much better than American Idol and I love how positive the judges are. Plus, shortly after that the Shahs of Sunset starts back up. So, if you need me I'll be in front of the TV for the rest of the winter!


If you want in on the fun, join ChristinaAprilDarci, and Natasha  every Friday!

until next time... TGIF!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Celebrate Good Times

The last few weekends have been a whirlwind with lots of fun celebrations! It all started two weeks ago with a trip to Charleston for a sweet friend's bachelorette.  We stayed in the most beautiful house in Folly Beach. This was my first visit to Folly Beach and I have to say it was so cute and quaint! I will definitely be going back for a longer stay. 

Our weekend started off with a visit to the Charleston Tea Plantation and the Firefly Distillery. Of course I brought home some Mint Vodka which was really good mixed with water! Might be my new favorite summer cocktail. Once all the girls had arrived Friday night we had a private chef cook us dinner and dessert which was a total treat! Saturday we spent most of the day enjoying downtown Charleston. It was the perfect weekend celebrating the bride to be!

Private dinner Friday
Firefly Distillery
Blow Bar!
Dinner at 39 Rue de Jean
This past weekend was another fun one! My family celebrated my sweet, sweet grandmother's 90th birthday. I only hope I can make it to 90 and still be loving on red wine and having a great time just as much as her! We had all the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in attendance, and of course we had laughs, drinks, bbq, and lots and lots of love! I left home this weekend with a full heart knowing how happy my grandmother must have been to see all her special people in one place!


The gang
To cap off an amazing couple of weeks, Mr. B and I are only 8 months away from saying I do! The time will fly by, but so far we've been enjoying every minute of being engaged!

My valentine
until next time...

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Purpose

I've been thinking a lot about our purpose lately. It may have to do with the fact that Mr. B and I will be attending a funeral later this weekend. But my thoughts have been surrounded by what we're really here on Earth to be doing? I ask myself that question everyday while I'm at my cube sitting in front of a computer. Are we living the life, loving the life and using the life we were given? My largest fault (or best quality...) is that I have a constant internal struggle between being a total dreamer and being a realist. 



There's so much that surrounds our everyday that is seemingly insignificant. iThis, iThat, tweet me, tweet you.  It has in turn successfully brought us into 2015 just like the Jetson's. But, my question is do we really need all of that? Is it bringing us closer to successfully living the life God put us here to accomplish? I'm sure there's an argument or a lecture about that somewhere, but I wholeheartedly believe that answer is no. Our tweets and excel formulas and water cooler convos aren't going to follow us to the grave. The only things, tangible or not, are those that have brought us closer to our life's purpose.

So, I ask what have you been put here to do?

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Brain Dump


Random thoughts for this Wednesday...

::one::
About the picture above, nothing's more classic than the hump day commercial that went viral sometime last year...

::two::
I'm gearing up for a long weekend away in Charleston for a dear friend's bachelorette. It's going to be a great time, and I'm taking along the recipe below as a sweet treat. These are amazing and super easy! I can't take credit for finding these gems, but they're my go to now!

Pioneer Woman: French Breakfast Puffs
::three::
To say that I'm training for a half marathon would be a gigantic overstatement. But... I have been following a half marathon training plan. So, we'll see. Come April 18th, I may or may not be running along side my sister and brother-in-law in an attempt to cross my first finish line. Plus, typing it out makes it real, right?

::four::
As I mentioned before, I'm an avid Parenthood fan. But, did anyone else feel a little underwhelmed by the series finale?! I was expecting to be emotionally down for the count.

::five::
So far this winter has been pretty mild, but I'm really hoping for just one day of snow before spring. I'm only asking for one day so the city can shut down, and I can get back to binge watching Gossip Girl. 

::six::
Recently pinned the recipe below, and I'm waiting for the perfect occasion to whip it out.

Averie Cooks: Restaurant-Style Blender Salsa

Happy Hump Day!