We didn't have time to take a Christmas photo for the cards so I ended up using one from a wedding we went to earlier this year, but I think it turned out nice.
Do you have your Christmas cards yet?
November 30, 2010
Christmas Card
Our Christmas cards have finally been ordered and I'm so relieved to have that aspect of the season done. Thanks to Shutterfly, I was able to participate in their blogger promotion and receive 50 free holiday cards. I just ordered them and I think they turned out great!
We didn't have time to take a Christmas photo for the cards so I ended up using one from a wedding we went to earlier this year, but I think it turned out nice.
Do you have your Christmas cards yet?
We didn't have time to take a Christmas photo for the cards so I ended up using one from a wedding we went to earlier this year, but I think it turned out nice.
Do you have your Christmas cards yet?
November 29, 2010
Onto the Next Vacation!
I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday! We got back yesterday afternoon from Panama City and had a great time! We got to spend time with family and friends, ate a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, stood in a line of 70 people to buy a computer on Black Friday, and did a whole lotta shopping!
We were happy to see our friends and their new baby, Jazzlyn. She is only about 2 weeks old so it was cute seeing them get into the rhythm of parenting.
We also got to hold her and she was such a good baby!
On Black Friday, we woke up around 6am and planned on getting to our first destination, Office Depot, at 7 to snag the computer we wanted. When we got there, this was the line to check out.
Luckily, it moved pretty fast and we were out to shop the rest of the morning away. I got a lot of Christmas shopping done (as well as a couple of things for myself) and I actually had a good time.
As soon as we got home, I immediately unpacked and caught up on some Christmas decorating. All the decorations are out except outside and the tree, which we have to do today or tomorrow. I'm so glad my favorite time of year is finally here!
Now, I have 4 days until I jet to New York City! I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself! I will be spending the week figuring out what to take and pack since it's so much colder there than I am used to.
I apologize in advance for the rest of this week's posts being NYC-related but I want to make sure I am as prepared as I can get and I know a lot of you fabulous followers have great tips to share :)
How was your Thanksgiving weekend? Did you shop on Black Friday?
We were happy to see our friends and their new baby, Jazzlyn. She is only about 2 weeks old so it was cute seeing them get into the rhythm of parenting.
We also got to hold her and she was such a good baby!
On Black Friday, we woke up around 6am and planned on getting to our first destination, Office Depot, at 7 to snag the computer we wanted. When we got there, this was the line to check out.
Luckily, it moved pretty fast and we were out to shop the rest of the morning away. I got a lot of Christmas shopping done (as well as a couple of things for myself) and I actually had a good time.
As soon as we got home, I immediately unpacked and caught up on some Christmas decorating. All the decorations are out except outside and the tree, which we have to do today or tomorrow. I'm so glad my favorite time of year is finally here!
Now, I have 4 days until I jet to New York City! I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself! I will be spending the week figuring out what to take and pack since it's so much colder there than I am used to.
I apologize in advance for the rest of this week's posts being NYC-related but I want to make sure I am as prepared as I can get and I know a lot of you fabulous followers have great tips to share :)
How was your Thanksgiving weekend? Did you shop on Black Friday?
November 23, 2010
Away We Go!
Today is my last day of work before the hubby and I pack up our car and drive to Panama City for the Thanksgiving holiday :)
We will be spending it with his family and friends and it will be a nice vacation from our everyday lives. For Thanksgiving, I will be making my favorite side dish... Green Bean Casserole.
Then, the rest of the weekend will be spent doing this...
I love Black Friday!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday! See you Monday :)
We will be spending it with his family and friends and it will be a nice vacation from our everyday lives. For Thanksgiving, I will be making my favorite side dish... Green Bean Casserole.
Then, the rest of the weekend will be spent doing this...
I love Black Friday!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday! See you Monday :)
November 22, 2010
Target is Glove-tastic!
I've been on the hunt for some leather/faux leather gloves for the winter. I did a post awhile back about some gorgeous gloves you could find at your local department store but they were all a tad over my budget. So imagine my surprise when I walked into Target last week and saw the amazing selection of gloves they had! I ended up snagging a pair of amazing black quilted gloves (not online) but I had a hard time deciding amongst all the great pairs.
Which pair is your favorite?
November 19, 2010
Nordstrom Rack Groupon
I was excited to learn that a Nordstrom Rack opened up in Tampa a couple of months ago but I haven't been able to visit and shop. So, imagine my excitement when I woke up and saw that today's Groupon was $25 for $50 worth of items at Nordstrom Rack!
The groupon is good for any Nordstrom Rack in the country. If you're interested in getting designer items for half-price, visit the Groupon deal here.
If you're like me, you're immediately thinking Christmas gifts... what friend or relative wouldn't love a designer item for the holidays?
The groupon is good for any Nordstrom Rack in the country. If you're interested in getting designer items for half-price, visit the Groupon deal here.
If you're like me, you're immediately thinking Christmas gifts... what friend or relative wouldn't love a designer item for the holidays?
November 18, 2010
New York City Recommendations: Dinner
My trip to New York is less than 3 weeks away and I am getting totally excited!
I found out that we are staying at the Hotel Roger Williams, which is located right in Midtown Manhattan. I am slowly compiling a list of places to go and next on my list are fantastic restaurants for dinner.
So, New Yorkers and frequent visitors, I need suggestions on where to go for dinner. It doesn't have to be in Midtown, as I am up for traveling wherever. Please help a girl out and let me know a great restaurant and why you like it so much.
My next suggestion post will be for fabulous New York shopping so keep your eyes peeled for that post :)
November 17, 2010
New Vera Bradley Patterns
I own two Vera Bradley items; a cosmetic case and a large tote in Peacock (now discontinued, sad face). I love the vibrant colors and multitudes of items to choose from. I saw that they had new color collections for winter and I went to scope them out.
I never though that lime green and gray would look so good together! This Baroque pattern is exquisite!
This knit hat in the Hello Dahlia collection is adorable and the best shades of green and pink :)
Doesn't this Buttercup pattern invoke a sense of vintage?
Navy and white in this Twirly Birds Navy pattern are always a great color pairing
This Twirly Bird Pink is a cute pattern in a nice bright pink
Are you a Vera Bradley fan? What do you think of the new patterns?
November 16, 2010
Christmas Swap
Last month, I volunteered to participate in a Christmas swap that Flip Flops & Pearls put together. She matched me up with a swap partner and we had a $25 budget to buy Christmas things with. Well, yesterday I received my package from the lovely Ann from AnnOnandOn and I love everything!
The packaging was super cute and the note she wrote hinted at some presents for entertaining... ooh I was excited!
Inside was a bunch of lovely things that are perfect for an entertaining hostess such as myself.
I got two dip mixes, one an organic sun-dried tomato dip and the other a hot pepper parmesan dip, a beautiful set of snowflake kitchen towels, some gorgeous jeweled place card holders with the cards, and a set of 3 small glass bowls. I can't wait to use these at my Christmas party!
Have you participated in a Christmas swap this year?
The packaging was super cute and the note she wrote hinted at some presents for entertaining... ooh I was excited!
Inside was a bunch of lovely things that are perfect for an entertaining hostess such as myself.
I got two dip mixes, one an organic sun-dried tomato dip and the other a hot pepper parmesan dip, a beautiful set of snowflake kitchen towels, some gorgeous jeweled place card holders with the cards, and a set of 3 small glass bowls. I can't wait to use these at my Christmas party!
Have you participated in a Christmas swap this year?
November 15, 2010
Time Is Not of the Essence
Starting this week, we will be short-handed in my lab due to a couple of my coworkers leaving for different jobs. What that means for me is more work and less time to blog and read blogs. If I seem to be blogging less or not visiting your blogs in the next 3 weeks or so, that is why.
So dear followers, please forgive me for my erratic blogging in the future. I promise things will get back to normal once we hire more people and get them situated. Until then, I will be carrying more human organs than usual :)
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
November 12, 2010
New Band Discovery: Mackintosh Braun
I have discovered some great bands thanks to Grey's Anatomy; Lenka, Feist, Snow Patrol, Mat Kearney... to name a few. Last night was no exception.
Watching the show, I heard what sounded like an old school 80's song playing during the party scene and immediately went to investigate. What I found was a band from Portland named Mackintosh Braun. It made me laugh because I have a love of bands from the Northwest and this one has been added to my list.
Here is the video for the song from last night's episode. What do you think?
Watching the show, I heard what sounded like an old school 80's song playing during the party scene and immediately went to investigate. What I found was a band from Portland named Mackintosh Braun. It made me laugh because I have a love of bands from the Northwest and this one has been added to my list.
Here is the video for the song from last night's episode. What do you think?
November 11, 2010
I Couldn't Help Myself
Yesterday was my last day off for a couple of weeks due to changes in staff at my job. I tried to make the most of it and ended up buying something I could have waited on. Remember my post on China Glaze's 2010 Holiday collection? Well, the one thing I had my eye on was available at my local Sally's Beauty so I grabbed it!
The Party Hearty gift set is the perfect set of polishes for Christmas. It features full size bottles in a beautiful dark red, Phat Santa, a gorgeous deep green, Jolly Holly, and a free bottle of their glittery topcoat, Party Hearty. I will probably put Phat Santa on this weekend in preparation for Thanksgiving but I cannot wait to wear the other colors for Christmas. This was also my first China Glaze purchase so I'm excited to see how the actual polishes compare to others I own.
Are you getting any Holiday nail polishes this year?
The Party Hearty gift set is the perfect set of polishes for Christmas. It features full size bottles in a beautiful dark red, Phat Santa, a gorgeous deep green, Jolly Holly, and a free bottle of their glittery topcoat, Party Hearty. I will probably put Phat Santa on this weekend in preparation for Thanksgiving but I cannot wait to wear the other colors for Christmas. This was also my first China Glaze purchase so I'm excited to see how the actual polishes compare to others I own.
Are you getting any Holiday nail polishes this year?
November 10, 2010
New York City Recommendations: Brunch
As you may or may not know, I will be traveling to NYC the first weekend of December to immerse myself in all things Christmas! I haven't been to New York since I was 12 so I know absolutely nothing about where to go and what to do.
For the next month, I am asking all of you New Yorkers and blog friends that travel there to give me some suggestions on places to go and things to do while I'm there.
First up: Brunch! I love a good brunch, especially when mimosas are concerned! We will be available on Sunday to attend a delicious brunch and I'd love some feedback on where to go.
Do you have a NYC restaurant you recommend for brunch? If so, what makes it so great?
For the next month, I am asking all of you New Yorkers and blog friends that travel there to give me some suggestions on places to go and things to do while I'm there.
First up: Brunch! I love a good brunch, especially when mimosas are concerned! We will be available on Sunday to attend a delicious brunch and I'd love some feedback on where to go.
Do you have a NYC restaurant you recommend for brunch? If so, what makes it so great?
November 9, 2010
First Book Club Book = Crap
Remember me telling you about the book club I signed up for where I was the youngest in a group of 15 older, retired women? Well, it's been almost a month since our first meeting and I was halfway through our book club selection when I found out I have to work on book club meeting day. Most people would be sad because they won't be there to discuss the book they spent time reading. Me? I am elated! Why, you may ask?
I did not like this book at all!
First of all, I'm not much of an essay book reader. That's all this book is... 13 essays with one woman showing up in each of them. Still, I figured that was what book clubs were all about so I started reading. I was halfway through when I learned I couldn't go to the meeting. So what did I do? I ditched this book for this...
Now this is more like it! Nothing like Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's point of view! Every time I think of Darcy, I think only of you Colin Firth.
I think this means I should just start my own Jane Austen book club and read not only her classics, but all the sequels that other writers have written to follow them.
I did not like this book at all!
First of all, I'm not much of an essay book reader. That's all this book is... 13 essays with one woman showing up in each of them. Still, I figured that was what book clubs were all about so I started reading. I was halfway through when I learned I couldn't go to the meeting. So what did I do? I ditched this book for this...
Now this is more like it! Nothing like Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's point of view! Every time I think of Darcy, I think only of you Colin Firth.
So dreamy!
Shutterfly Christmas Cards
I know Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived yet but planning out Christmas cards can be a long process! Thankfully, Shutterfly makes it easy to design the Christmas card of your dreams and send it to your loved ones this holiday season.
Last year, I spent days writing and signing traditional Christmas cards to send to our friends and family and afterwards I was exhausted! I used to think that Christmas photo cards were too expensive but since I've toured around Shutterfly's site, I realized that the perfect Christmas card can be affordable!
Here are some of my favorite Christmas cards:
Last year, I spent days writing and signing traditional Christmas cards to send to our friends and family and afterwards I was exhausted! I used to think that Christmas photo cards were too expensive but since I've toured around Shutterfly's site, I realized that the perfect Christmas card can be affordable!
Here are some of my favorite Christmas cards:
How cute is this vintage-inspired card? Being a monogram lover, I love the letter and beautiful design.
Looking for something a little non-traditional? This modern card is the perfect blend of Christmas and class.
For the more traditional person, such as myself, this snow-filled Christmas card says it all!
I am thinking about using the last card this holiday season and I need to start planning the picture for it! I'm thinking a picture of the hubby and I in front of our Christmas tree or front door, what do you think?
Bloggers, you can get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly, just go to this link: http://bit.ly/sfly2010
November 8, 2010
My Weekend in a Nutshell
Hey everyone, I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! With daylight savings time ending, we got an extra hour of sleep on Sunday but woke up Monday to a bright morning. It will take getting used to until it is dark all the time! Here is my weekend in a nushell:
- I had a fabulous time at the Holiday Gift Market. There were tons of merchants there and I was able to get some items for my mother in law, my Christmas swap partner, and myself (but only for the Christmas party) :). My grandmother and best friend also went along and had a great time. I want to thank the wonderful ladies of the Junior League of Tampa for welcoming me and allowing me to be media for the event!
- I went to my local library's book sale and scored! I got 7 great books for $7 and I can't wait to read them all!
- I did something I haven't done since college... went out late night eating after a few drinks. Our eatery of choice? Steak N Shake, where I was thrown into the holidays with their Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshake... it's absolutely amazing!
- I secured one of my hubby's Christmas presents while he was gone watching football. I can't say what it is because he reads my blog but it's good!
- I watched The Talented Mr. Ripley last night and wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I love me some Matt Damon but he is a creeper in this movie!
November 5, 2010
Weekend of Shopping!
Boy do I have a weekend planned! Thankfully, the weather is wonderful today and we are finally getting the cooler temps we've been asking for. I get to break out a sweater for the first time this season and I am super excited about it.
This will be my first weekend of Christmas shopping and I have lots to do! My first stop will be the Holiday Gift Market I mentioned yesterday.
A great place to get ornaments, candles, sports-themed items, and cute boutique accessories. My mother-in-law loved the toile items I got her last year from Town Toiles , which was featured at the market and had wonderful toile items in themes from different cities:
This will be my first weekend of Christmas shopping and I have lots to do! My first stop will be the Holiday Gift Market I mentioned yesterday.
A great place to get ornaments, candles, sports-themed items, and cute boutique accessories. My mother-in-law loved the toile items I got her last year from Town Toiles , which was featured at the market and had wonderful toile items in themes from different cities:
This green butler tray says Tampa and has some great local sites on it
This cute tote bag is Nantucket themed and would be great for traveling.
Then, I will be stopping by my local library for their annual book sale. Being that I'm in a huge book phase right now, I will be buying out books for myself and my family and helping the local library at the same time :)
Another big spot for Christmas shopping? Bed Bath and Beyond!
They always have such adorable Christmas items as well as gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
Anyone else shopping this weekend?
November 4, 2010
2010 Junior League Holiday Gift Market
An exciting event is happening in Tampa this weekend. The Junior League of Tampa is hosting their annual Holiday Gift Market at the Florida State Fairgrounds and I for one cannot wait to attend!
The event features over 130 different merchants and allows everyone to get some Christmas shopping done while raising money to help the Junior League's many community projects, of which 100% of the proceeds goes towards. The tickets are $5 to attend and not only is there amazing shopping, but also food and prizes given away all weekend long.
I went last year and couldn't believe how the Entertainment Hall was transformed into an amazing Christmas shopping mall. I purchased some gorgeous handmade ornaments, great sports themed gifts for the guys, and gorgeous home decor and handbags for the women in my life. Everything was so wonderfully priced and the thought of helping the community while I shopped made my experience even better!
If you are in the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend you attend this wonderful market! Here is the info if you are interested:
DATES & TIMES:
Friday, November 5, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 6, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, November 7, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
LOCATION:
Florida State Fairgrounds – Entertainment Hall
4800 US Highway 301 N, Tampa, FL 33610
ADMISSION: $5
I hope to see you there!
Hmmm Food!
The beautiful Domestic Goddess from Confessions of a Domestic Goddess tagged me to answer some tantalizing food questions. Here I go!
1. What is your favorite dessert?
I can honestly say I don't have a favorite... I love it all! Cake, cupcakes, cookies, chocolately confections... it's all so good. I will say that I highly favor anything with dark chocolate or coffee flavor.
2. Ever try to cook something and fail miserably?
I have... but it's only happened a couple of times. One time after my husband (then fiance) and I moved in together, I attempted to make some sort of meat dish and charred it good! Luckily, he was a saint and just scraped off the burnt areas and ate it. What a champ! :)
3. Is there a dish you haven't made yet but really want to?
It's not a complicated dish but I've wanted to make homemade creamy potato soup for a long time. I absolutely love that you can add just about anything to make it complex or you can keep it simple. I am definitely trying it this winter season!
4. What is your favorite food?
I absolutely love all things Italian! The more garlic and cheese, the better! Some of my favorite Italian dishes include pesto pastas, chicken or veal piccata, and baked ziti.
5. What is your least favorite food?
I'm actually not a big seafood fan, which is comical given that I live in Florida. I do love crab, lobster, and salmon but everything else is just not appetizing to me.
6. Do you have any seasonal meals you like?
Considering Florida only has two seasons, summer and short winter, I usually have two different seasons of food. When it's hot, I like to keep meals light with a lot of summer vegetables and fruits, light meats, and grilling. The short winter months bring more comfort food, like soups, stews, and heavy meats.
7. What is your comfort food?
PB&J's, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soup are definitely comfort foods for me.
8. Chocolate: milk, dark, or white?
I like my chocolate like I like my president... dark! (Sorry, bad joke). But seriously, dark chocolate and I are best friends.
I want to know more about your likes and dislikes of food so I am tagging....
AnnOnandOn
Bears and Bunting
Design A-Peele
Flip Flops & Pearls
Krystal's Kitsch
Love And Happiness
Mariel's Window
Silver Strands
1. What is your favorite dessert?
I can honestly say I don't have a favorite... I love it all! Cake, cupcakes, cookies, chocolately confections... it's all so good. I will say that I highly favor anything with dark chocolate or coffee flavor.
2. Ever try to cook something and fail miserably?
I have... but it's only happened a couple of times. One time after my husband (then fiance) and I moved in together, I attempted to make some sort of meat dish and charred it good! Luckily, he was a saint and just scraped off the burnt areas and ate it. What a champ! :)
3. Is there a dish you haven't made yet but really want to?
It's not a complicated dish but I've wanted to make homemade creamy potato soup for a long time. I absolutely love that you can add just about anything to make it complex or you can keep it simple. I am definitely trying it this winter season!
4. What is your favorite food?
I absolutely love all things Italian! The more garlic and cheese, the better! Some of my favorite Italian dishes include pesto pastas, chicken or veal piccata, and baked ziti.
5. What is your least favorite food?
I'm actually not a big seafood fan, which is comical given that I live in Florida. I do love crab, lobster, and salmon but everything else is just not appetizing to me.
6. Do you have any seasonal meals you like?
Considering Florida only has two seasons, summer and short winter, I usually have two different seasons of food. When it's hot, I like to keep meals light with a lot of summer vegetables and fruits, light meats, and grilling. The short winter months bring more comfort food, like soups, stews, and heavy meats.
7. What is your comfort food?
PB&J's, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soup are definitely comfort foods for me.
8. Chocolate: milk, dark, or white?
I like my chocolate like I like my president... dark! (Sorry, bad joke). But seriously, dark chocolate and I are best friends.
I want to know more about your likes and dislikes of food so I am tagging....
AnnOnandOn
Bears and Bunting
Design A-Peele
Flip Flops & Pearls
Krystal's Kitsch
Love And Happiness
Mariel's Window
Silver Strands
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