Wednesday, December 22, 2010

bye bye Bob

Remember Bob, our cute beta fish?




(that is Sunny the snail, his bowlmate)

I came downstairs Sunday morning and walked over to his bowl to feed him, but didn't see him. I looked all around, thinking maybe he was hiding behind the plant. I didn't see him, until l looked down...

Bob was lying dead on the floor.

My fishie committed suicide! He somehow jumped out of the bowl.

:(

So tragic.

RIP, Bob the beta.







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

meet me in Moscow

Confession: I am a bad Christmas shopper, because I can't seem to leave the stores without picking up a little something for me. Just something little, and something that nobody would ever to think to get me for Christmas...just a little treat.
I know, I am bad.
Saturday night, I met the lovely Heidi and Liz in Georgetown for a date. We first went to LuluLemon, where we took some hilariously fun pictures in their photobooth, complete with reindeer antlers and Santa hats. I'll post them another time.
We poked around the shops, I reclaimed my foursquare mayorship of Anthropologie (yes!!!) and had a cocktail or two. Afterwards, we found ourselves in Sephora (DANGER AHEAD) and I picked up this little doll-

What it is:A travel palette containing four ravishing Eye Shadows and a Convertible Color dual lip and cheek cream in a collectible mirrored palette.
What it does:The fourth in a five-part series of collectible palettes, the Make an Impression in Moscow palette features Stila's award-winning Eye Shadows in four trend-setting shades: Matruschka (beige), Chill (pale blue), Nadia (orange copper), and Mink (brown). The wintery palette also includes Convertible Color in Lily, a sheer, hydrating pink shade that's ideal for creating a naturally flushed, cold-weather glow.




It was a five-part series?! I missed the other four?!
Okay, the website lists two others...Aspen and Tokyo, but where were the other two?! Maybe Luxembourg and Krakow? :)
(must order and find)
I know I didn't need this, but the best part, it was only $10 and I just couldn't resist the pretty.
Tip- don't ever let me go to Sephora.
Are you victim of treating yourself when shopping for others?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

another tasty tuesday!

Sunday night, I made a most delicious chicken pot pie! I'd been wanting to make one for weeks, but things have been so crazy that I just hadn't. I went out to do a bit of Christmas shopping and decided that a pot pie would be an amazing dinner on a gloomy, rainy evening! I had most of the ingredients already, so just had to pick up the pie crust and some chicken broth. Pie crusts? Buy one, get one free! Awesome.



As you can see from the photos, the pie came out well and was so delicious!


Please also note my adorable Penelope Scarlet Threads apron (they make excellent Christmas gifts!)










chicken pot pie, a la lexi



2-3 tbls butter
1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces (I used three large breasts)
salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz veggies (I used a can of peas/carrots and a can of mixed veggies, including corn and lima beans...shhh, don't tell Steve about the lima beans!)
3-4 tbls flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup half & half
1 tsp spices (I used romemary, thyme, sage and oregano)
pastry crust, one pie crust

preheat oven to 425*

melt butter in large skillet over med-high heat. add chicken, cook/stir 3 min, until no longer pink in center. sprinkle with salt and papper. add veggies, cook 3 min

sprinkle flour evenly over chicken and veggies, stir and cook 1 min. stir in broth and half and half and spices. bring to boil over high heat, reduce to low and simmer until mixture is very thick.

transfer to pie plate and top with pie crust. cut slits to let steam out.

bake 20 min until crust is golden brown.













Enjoy :)


What is on your cooking rotation this week?


Monday, December 13, 2010

Lilly lovers?

I attempted to do a bit of Christmas shopping yesterday and was mostly a failure. I have NO idea what to get for anyone!

I ran into Marshalls and discovered this---





Lilly purfume for $16.99! They had Wink, Beachy and Squeeze and a few bath gels in Squeeze.

I know many of you love Lilly P, so l thought I'd mention this, in case you have a Marshalls nearby!

I've been looking for a new purfume, so l picked up Wink.

What is your favorite purfume?




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Friday, December 10, 2010

books and tea, nothing better

How much do you love this print? I know I do, and I want it to be mine!




The lovely Meg blogged about it, and of course, I had to as well.
{from etsy shop, and we all know how much I adore etsy}
Reading anything good today?

Thursday, December 9, 2010

why the secrecy?

Last night, I got a facebook message from one of my oldest and dearest friends. It seems that she had stumbled upon this little blog of mine and wanted to let me know that she'd been reading for about a month now. She asked why I hadn't mentioned it, why it was a secret. I explained a bit, just saying how I like my little corner of the world where most of my "real life" friends don't know. It's not as though I write anything inappropriate in here- I think this blog is pretty G-rated, wouldn't you agree? :) Still though, she understood my reasonings, she said.


It's funny, because she also blogs, and I comment on hers, though when I comment, I comment anonymously and write "love, lexilooo" in the space, as her mother and sister read hers, and they are also close family friends. I think my mother reads hers sometimes too, though my mother isn't much of a blog person to begin with. She says that she "doesn't get blogs."


We were messaging back and forth for a bit, and I said that maybe one day I'd make it "public," and tell my family about it. Then she asked if my mother would be upset that I'd kept it from her for so long, which made me think a bit.

Is your blog public or private? Does your family and friends know about it? If so, what was their reaction? If it is private, what made you decide to blog that way, and do you plan to eventually tell people about it? What do you think they will think of it?

Monday, December 6, 2010

got my eye on pie!

If anyone wanted to get me this pie maker from Williams Sonoma for Christmas, I'd be more than happy to give you my new address (and send you mini pies once a month!)




What is your favorite kind of pie?

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

tea time!

How gorgeous is this?!








The tea time chandelier from Anthropologie (of course).
It is totally on my Christmas list.
LOVE!

Monday, November 29, 2010

{Modern Relief}

If you are a reader of quilting blogs like I am, you may have seen this popping up in the last several days---






Heather has dreamed up the most amazing project this holiday season-


{ Modern } Relief is a simple concept. We are Modern Quilters uniting through the holiday season by bringing the warmth of our quilts and the warmth of your hearts together for others in need. This season, 2010, we will be supporting World Vision. We hope YOU will join us in taking a stand against hunger by participating in our fundraising raffle.


I know that I don't need to tell you how much I love and support World Vision, so I was thrilled to see this charity as theirs.


Please go here and have a look at some of the amazingly gorgeous quilts that have been donated. I am not posting all of the pictures here, as there are so many, but here is one teaser, made by Heather herself-





Amazing, isn't it? She is so talented.


Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each and you can access their paypal account for purchasing tickets on Heather's site. I don't know if I can link their paypal account here! There are more than a dozen quilts that are part of the raffle, and one of them could be yours! Please consider purchasing a ticket and help support World Vision this year. Winners will eb chosen by a randon generator on December 1, so buy a ticket today and spread the word!

Monday, November 22, 2010

the dress! the dress!

Remember this post, where I mentioned my love for this dress?
The dress is now mine!!! One of my best friends from high school was visiting this weekend and we met in Georgetown for dinner. Of course, there was time to pop into Anthropologie! This amazing dress has long been sold out on the website. It was originally $168, then marked down to $80, but Saturday night? It was marked to $39.99!!!!!



So, what shoes would you wear with it???

Thursday, November 18, 2010

breakfast at Cinderella's Castle!

The other night, I was cleaning and packing (have I mentioned that I am moving this weekend?) and came across this photo, from our trip to Disney World in 2008!
Lexi, Steve and Cinderella :)




I had never been to Disney at all before (shocking, I know!). We were walking in and of course, came to Cinderella's Castle and there was a huge line. Of course, stopped to investigate, and found that it was a line for breakfast with the Princesses! YES!!!! I knew that I wanted to do this, but what I didn't know, was that most people make reservations for their family six months in advance! Oooops. I asked the girl at the desk, and it turned out that since it was just the two of us, and no children, we had just a 15 minute wait! Breakfast was delish, and I got to meet Snow White, Belle, Jasmine and more!
I'll have to post some of the other photos sometime...they are too funny, especially the one of Steve and Jasmine, hehe!
Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

tasty tuesday- lasagna a la lexi!

Happy Tuesday, and today I am sharing a new favorite. Maybe not new, exactly, as I've always loved lasagna, but until recently, I had never tried making it! Growing up, I don't remember my mother making it- I feel as though she said it was time consuming, and maybe it was, if you boil the lasagna noodles, which I don't ;)
I first made this a few weeks ago, and Steve loves it...so, it's become a favorite of ours!

Lasagna a la Lexi

1 lb. ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 pinch each- basil, garlic powder, oregano, sage, black pepper, minced garlic and onion flakes (I do large pinches, as I am very generous with spices!)
1 jar maranara sauce
1/2 package lasagna noodles (no bake noodles- I don't precook them)
1 large container ricotta cheese
1 bag mozzarella cheese, shredded

1. brown the beef in a large skillet over med-high heat. drain excessive grease, stir in water, olives and spices. simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often. stir in maranara sauce and then remove from heat

2. place a layer of meat/sauce mixture at the bottom of a 9x13" pan. cover with dry noodles (three across). spread layer of rocotta cheese over noodles, sprinkle with mozzarella. cover with layer of meat/sauce and then repeat until pan is full.

3. bake 45 minutes at 375*

4. enjoy :)


It is super easy, and you can also improvise. For example, I sometimes use half a jar of maranara sauce and half a jar of another flavor, like garlic or basil. Someone could also add mushrooms, if they like them, which I don't :) I also use a bag of the Italian mixed cheese, so there are four or six different kinds of cheese in there!
Also, the original recipe called for half a pound of ground beef and half a pound of sliced sausage, but that seemed really heavy, so I've never tried it with the sausage. Should I? Or do you agree that that sounds like way too much meat? :)




me, my lasagna and my Scarlet Threads Penelope apron :)
What are you cooking this week? Please share!

Monday, November 15, 2010

what are YOU doing?







I've seen lots of posts about this on twitter, so I thought it would be appropriate to discuss. According to their website (linked above), 2010 is a very special year, as not only does it mark the 50th anniversary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the chief sponsor of NPD, but it’s also the 25th anniversary of this special day.
In the United States alone, there are more than 1 million charitable organizations, and Americans give more than $300 billion annually to charitable causes (Giving USA Foundation). In Canada, more than 88,000 charities provide countless services to millions of Canadians, who in turn contribute more than $10 billion annually to those organizations (Canada Revenue Agency). In Latin America and Asia, with governments no longer able to provide enough funding for social services, charitable sectors are growing rapidly and creating programs to meet the needs of their countries’ citizens. The quality of life for all people—everything from education, healthcare, the environment and the arts, to name only a few—would be far less if not for these organizations.
(italicized paragraphs come from their site)


I talk about them enough, so I'm sure you know of two of my favorite organizations-
A a compassionate boutique, specializing in unique products designed and produced by talented seamstresses in rural Asia.



a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.




It has only been recently that I've become involved with Scarlet Threads, but I just love their mission and beauty, and I'd love you to check out their site (linked above, and on the side of my blog) for more information. They have gorgeous fairtrade aprons and other gifts that are perfect for any occasion. They just came out with their new products, and see the Aubergine apron? That was my name suggestion! Time for another giveaway, perhaps?

As you know, I sponsor two little girls through World Vision. Majlinda is seven and lives in Albania and Boikokobetso is three and lives in South Africa. I've been sponsoring Boikokobetso for just over a year, but it's hard to believe some days that Majlinda has been in my life for more than three years! I just love having them both in my life, and I think about them often, sending love and prayers their way. I have a picture of them both on my desk at work too. Unfortunately, I cannot post their pictures on my blog, as WV works hard to protect their privacy, and I respect that, but trust me when I say how adorable they are!

What are your favorite charities and what are you involved with? Are you passing along the message of philantropy today?




Saturday, November 13, 2010

sweet saturday

Our new pets!



Bob the beta & Sunny the snail!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

still too many cookbooks

Remember this post from more than a year ago, where I discussed my many cookbooks?
(see teaser photo below)


I really need to purge some of these cookbooks! They are taking up space, and I just don't use them all! I use some, but not all.
So, want one? I'm more than happy to send you one or two, if you are interested, because it would be better than them sitting here and growing dust!
Yes? No? Maybe so?

Friday, November 5, 2010

sparkle all the way!

This weekend, I am heading home to NH to go on a quilt retreat with my mother! Feel free to giggle, my sister has been calling me Grandma since she heard the news! It is at a resort up in the White Mountains and we are staying in a cabin with two other friends who are going! I don't know what we are making- it is a mystery quilt! I know that it will finish to be 58" x 58," which is a good size. For supplies, we were asked to bring about one yard of our "focus fabric" and then 2 1/2 inch strips that match. I went to the fat quarter shop, a great online shop and found these-




It is from a line called Sparkle All the Way and the designer is Robert Kaufman. The poinsettias on the bottom is my focus fabric, and I am using the pre-cut strips to go along with it! I am hoping to be able to finish this weekend, but we'll see! I may do a little post here and there with my progress, as I can blog from my iphone, but we'll see! If you don't follow me on twitter, feel free to, as I will likely post pics there too!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

happy things

Analiese of Tulips and Tea posted a lovely list yesterday, of ways to nourish yourself. I loved the list, and wanted to post it too. She found it via Graceful Balance.
Get adequate sleep and make it a priority to be well rested
Move your body: stretch it, tone it, and allow it to play
Eat foods that support wellness (Most of these grow in the ground)
Spend time daily being quiet
Connect with uplifting friends
Have fresh flowers in your home
Supplement your diet with the appropriate vitamins and herbs
Remember to be grateful
Stay hydrated
Play with a pet
Find reasons to laugh
Practice financial responsibility
Stay in the present moment
Read spiritual books
Get creative. Paint, sculpt, sew, build or draw
Spend time in nature
Create rituals that support, soothe or heal
Learn to breathe deeply
Continue to learn
Know what you want
I'd add bubble baths, cozy quilts and Earl Grey tea to the list.
I probably don't nourish myself as well as I should, but I think that these should be reminders, would you agree?
What would you add to the list?

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

wild wild wednesday

Recently, Steve and I began to notice some noises coming from the attic at night. It isn't much of an attic, really just a crawl space. He noticed that a piece of paneling on the side of the house was loose, so he thought it might have been a squirrel that had gotten in. After a few "visits," he realized that it was probably larger than a squirrel.
Over the weekend, we went out and bought a large trap.
He set a bait with cheese and croutons (ha!) and set it up.
Yesterday morning, this greeted him when he looked-

Rocky the raccoon!

I thought he was kind of cute and suggested we keep him, but Steve thought it was best to drive him to the woods and release him back with his friends, which he did.

He suspected that there may be a second raccoon, so he set the trap up again yesterday afternoon and just now texted me to say that a second raccoon was caught in the trap! Crazy, eh? Once again, he will drive Rocky II to the woods for release.

Next step? Repair the loose paneling on the side of the house :)

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

tasty, tasty tuesday- potato time!

Last night I made the most delightful dinner- baked potato soup! It was SO good! I've seen a few versions of the recipe, and the one I used can be found below. I found it on someone's blog, but I didn't link it, as I printed it, but didn't mark the blog it came from. So sorry!

First things first, here is me in my adorable Lucy apron, by Scarlet Threads. Adorable, yes? :)




Cheesey Baked Potato Soup

4 cups chicken broth
4 cups peeled and chopped potatos
1/3 cup minced onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1- 8oz package of cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
shredded cheese
chopped cooked bacon

Directions-

1- combine broth, onions, potatos and spices in stock pot and bring to boil
2- boil on medium heat until potatos are fork tender
3- mash about half of the potatos so that the stock thickens
4- reduce to low and add cream cheese
5- stir frequently, until cream cheese is melted and soup is thick
6- top with chedder and bacon crumbles and try not to explode with yumminess

First off, I don't measure. It says four cups of potatos, but I used three HUGE potatos, so I think I had more than four cups, so to even it, I added about two more cups of chicken broth. I should have added more cream cheese too, but I didn't have any more, but it didn't seem to matter. It still came out really well, and was so creamy and delicious. I am also very generous when it comes to spices, ha! This recipe was super easy, though a bit time-consuming, since there was such frequent stirring :)

Still though, SO worth it! Make it, try it, eat it, love it.

The results-



Also, go check out Scarlet Threads blog. They have some new products, including a Christmas tree skirt and a new Mommy and Me apron combo and are having naming contests! If they use your name, you will win a coupon for 50% off any item! Also, Scarlet Threads does a Tasty Tuesday too! You may notice their last TT was baked potato soup! Funny though, I saw my recipe the day before they posted theirs. Great minds think alike, eh? :)
I know many people do the Tasty Tuesday posts, so I have no links to anywhere, but let me know if you've tried something fun, and if I should make it as well!
What are you cooking this week?

Monday, October 18, 2010

getting crafty!

On Saturday, I met with the DC Modern Quilt Guild for our monthly meeting. One of our new members was generous enough to open her home to us to meet at. She lives in Rockville in a 100 year old house that is so adorable. Also adorable is her two year old daughter who was there!
As always, when I came home, I was feeling a bit inspired, so I made a few things!
Here are two little holiday ornaments that I made. They were SO easy and took ten minutes each! I think I will be making lots of these little ornaments. I can use them with gifts, I think, to help decorate the packages!
Anyone want an ornament? :)




Here is a little "mug rug," as I am calling it. I suppose it could be a pot holder, but there is only one layer of batting inside. People seem to be making these to keep on their desk and put their cup of tea/coffee on. So, I suppose it is like a big coaster :)
This wonky "pattern" came from the first issue of Fat Quarterly, a new e-zine that I am loving. They have a special holiday issue coming out today that I plan to buy this afternoon!




I've also finally finished the baby quilt I've been working on, but I am not going to post pictures yet. The baby's mother sometimes reads my blog, and I don't want her to see pictures of it before it arrives at their home in Wisconsin! So, I'll be getting that in the mail soon and will then post some pictures! I am very pleased with how it came out.

The rest of the weekend was quiet. Steve was out of town, but did send me a dozen cupcakes and a vase of tulips and irises while he was gone, so that was very nice. Maybe I will post a picture of those tomorrow....

How was your weekend?

Thursday, October 7, 2010

anthropologie does it again!

I know I am not the only fan of Anthropologie...yet again, I am lusting for their things!
How cute are these ladies-in-waiting dinner plates!?



I am pretty sure that I need them for happiness.
I just emailed them to Steve. He has not replied, but I am pretty sure that he will disagree with me about these :)
What are you lusting for today?


a cozy new quilt!

My mother made this gorgeous quilt for me!
It is using a type of fabrics called batiks. I've never used batiks, but from what I understand, people either love them or hate them!
It's also quite big, as you can see.
She showed it at a quilt show this past weekend, in NH. I wish I could have gone home to see it there, along with all of the others!



I can't wait until it is on my bed!
In related news, I am finished with the baby quilt that I made for my friend! I will post pictures of it later this week. I am pleased with it, despite the mistakes :)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

picture book swap!

I just came across this blog, called Playing by the Book, and Zoe, the author is hosting a children's book swap! I really love this idea, so so much!
This swap is all about sending and receiving wonderful, indeed brilliant children’s picture books. It will be a way for you to spread the word about a picture book you are passionate about, and to discover another equally amazing book through a gift from someone else.



I've already signed up and I know just what book I will send. I don't know where my swap partner will be, but I am hoping for somewhere outside the U.S., as I'd love a children's book from the UK, or in another language!
Want to join? Go here and check it out. You'll have to send some information to Zoe and then she will match you up. So much fun!
So much fun, indeed.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

bachelorette party weirdness

This weekend, Steve has a friend from high school who will be in town for a bachelorette party. She lives in Chicago. She asked Steve if she could stay with him, and he said yes.

Does this seem odd to anyone? Would you travel with friends for a bachelorette party, but then not stay with the party? I suppose it could be seen as a cost-saving method, but really, when I've gone to bach parties, there has been several girls, so the cost of a hotel room (or two) was minimal.

It just seems really strange to me. I wouldn't fly to Chicago with the bride and then not stay with her! Isn't she the reason why I am there? Of course, if I had other friends there, I would try to make plans to meet them for lunch or something, but if my main point of being there is for the bride, then I'd spend the majority of my time with her. If I wanted to see friends, I'd see about the possibility of staying an extra night or something. She arrives Saturday morning, and then I assume leaves Monday (long weekend!), but I don't know for sure.

Am I the only one who thinks this is bizarre? Thoughts?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Lexi & The Pioneer Woman = BFF

This past Saturday was the Library of Congress's National Book Festival, one of my favorite events of the year. Normally I go there with a schedule, having mapped out who I want to see and what time they were speaking and signing their books.
This year, my main priority to hear speak was Laura Bush, who founded the first NBF in 2001, her first year in the White House. She was speaking at 10:35 (no signings), so I got to her tent about 45 minutes before that, knowing that it would be crowded. Prior to Mrs. Bush, Gordon S. Wood spoke, discussing his books about the American Revolution. He was actually quite interesting and I think I will look for his books.
Then Mrs. Bush came out and spoke about how proud she was of the NBF and what it means to her. This was the 10th anniversary of it, so she was pleased that it has continued. She recently came out with a memoir, so she read from it, about 9/11. The first NBF was just three days before 9/11, she told us. She was wonderful and I was pleased to hear her speak. I really do admire her quite a bit. She's a former teacher and librarian, as you may know.
After that, Steve and I wandered a bit. There were other authors there, of course, but nobody that I was dying to see. I knew that the Pioneer Woman was there, but she had spoken at the same time as Laura Bush, so I missed her. Her signing was later that day, so I had my cookbook with me, just in case. I figured her signing line would be insane though, so it wouldn't have been the end of the world if she didn't sign it.
One of the tents held the Pavilion of the States, where each state has a table and sets up a display of authors from that state and the like. I was wandering through and came to the Oklahoma table, and there she was!
I couldn't believe it. I smiled at her and said "oh my gosh, hi!" I'm pretty sure that the eight-year old boy standing there had no idea who she was :) I asked her if she'd mind if I had my picture taken with her, and she said of course not, so I handed my phone to Steve and walked around the table. Then, I said "would it be really horrible of me to ask you to sign my cookbook now?" She laughed and said "no, then you won't have to wait in the line later!"
So she asked my name and how I liked the cookbook. Of course, I told her that I love it and how I received it in a cookbook swap from Mrs. Potts, which she thought was really cool! We chatted for a few minutes, she wrote me a love note and off I went a few minutes later.
She's such a doll. Really.
I think I want to move to Oklahoma and live on her ranch.



{the cookbook!}


{ hehe! }


{ chatting }


{ love to lexi!}


{ see, we're pretty much BFF now }
How was your weekend?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

preptastic!

Have you read the new book, True Prep, by Lisa Birnbach, the author of The Official Preppy Handbook? Just saw this and thought it was cute.
I've been to a few of these, though not all. Guess I should try to hit them all?
Funny, my father is a big fan of The Tombs (a bar in Georgetown). Also, Steve is intrigued by Smith Point. Neither of us have been, but he wants to go. I keep telling him that he will hate it...he's not the preppy type :)


Monday, September 20, 2010


LOVE this! I've seen it popping up on a few blogs, and wanted to share it...it's something I can relate to all too well!



What books are that special for you?

Friday, September 17, 2010

instructions for life

Love this.
(sorry if it appears too small on the page, and you have to click to make it bigger...not sure how to expand it myself)





Happy Friday!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

fall in a glass!

Doesn't this sound delightful???



From Xavier Herit at Daniel

Ingredients-

9 fresh cranberries2 thin slices green apple1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon simple syrup1⁄4 cup good-quality CalvadosIce cubes
Directions-
In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 cranberries, 1 apple slice, the brown sugar and lemon juice.
Add the simple syrup, Calvados and a few ice cubes.
Cover, shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Top with the remaining apple slice and 3 cranberries.
Serves 1.

Monday, September 13, 2010

bouquet toss dress!

How adorable and lovely is this dress, called the bouquet toss dress, from Anthropologie (of course!)?
I am in love. Serious love.



I left work early on Friday and popped over to Georgetown for some birthday gift shopping, and found myself in Anthro (shocker!) and saw this dress. Yes, I was shopping for Steve's birthday (not at anthro...maybe taking a break in there!) and saw this dress and of course, texted him a photo of it, saying how much I need it. Ha!
Question- what shoes would you wear with it???

Friday, September 10, 2010

on bridesmaids

This is a post that I wrote in September, but for some reason, it didn't get published. I just noticed it, and thought I'd post it now.
Over the weekend, I had three of my favorite girls in town for a visit. It was wonderful, in many, many ways. We studied together in Krakow, Poland and shared some really amazing experiences. One of the girls is in Boston, one in Philly and the third recently married a Scottish guy, had a baby and is living in Glasgow! Our lives are very different from the simple carefree days we shared, but we are forever linked by our memories of that incredible time.



We spent the weekend laughing and eating, for the most part. We had plans to visit some VA wineries, but ended up just hanging around the city and it was perfect. We talked about everything under the sun, looking at photos of Krakow and just laughed laughed laughed.



One of the girls told us about a wedding she attended in San Diego recently, for a college friend of hers. The friend is our age (30-31) and had seven bridesmaids. My friend seemed to think that this was a bit much. She said something like "now that we are in our thirties, it just seems silly to have that many bridesmaids."



Do you think this is true? If you are married, how many bridesmaids did you have? If you aren't yet married, how many do you think you might have? How many bridesmaids is too many, and does your age make a difference?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

eggplant!

What would you do with this cute eggplant?




I went to lunch today and there was a farmers market in the cafeteria of my office building! For $10, I bought this eggplant, a cucumber, two Asian pears and two peaches.
YUM!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

on saving the babies

As I mentioned yesterday, I was recently selected to host a World Vision House Party that is supposed to be at the end of the month. While I am thrilled to have been chosen, I am feeling slightly conflicted about it. I feel a bit awkward asking people to sponsor a child.
I know that some people don't like attending parties that ask you to buy something, like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, etc, and when you go to those, it is just a one time purchase. This is a monthly commitment that can go on for several years (I've had my Majlinda three years last month!) I certainly don't want to nose into anyone's financial situation, but I know that times are a bit tough for people right now.
As I've said though, this is a cause that I feel so strongly about, and I've really been so thankful to have it in my life, and it has become a big part of me. It's something that I want to continue with for as long as I can, and have my family and children involved (Steve already sponsors one little boy called Redion, also in Albania!). One day, I'd like to be able to visit my babies.
This party situation is unique in that you can host it in almost any way you wish. They give you suggestions, of course, but from there, it seems it is up to you. I will be receiving a box full of "favors," including tote bags, aprons and spatulas, and of course, information about sponsorship and children in need. They suggest making foods from those areas of the world and they send recipes and whatnot.
My question- what would you think if you were invited to a party like this? Would you feel obligated to sponsor a child? Would you just come to the party and eat the delicious food? Do you think that a party such as this is a bit odd?
Thoughts? Please share, I am curious!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

ahhh, sweet September!

In case you missed the memo, today is September 1! I am so pleased and hope the next few months will be better than the last few. It may not have been apparent from my posts, but I've been in a bit of a funk this summer. Maybe I should write more about it, but right now, I don't want to go too into it, just hope that my mood will improve as the weather cools down.
September also means that new shows begin again! I'll be watching How I Met Your Mother, Law and Order: SVU, Survivor and Amazing Race for sure. Those are my top favorites, I think. What are your favorites?
Also, my giveaway ended yesterday and the big winner of the lovely Penelope apron is MANDY!!! If you don't read her blog, you really should. She's quite hilarious with the talers of her daughter, Vivian, the diva! Go say hi to Mandy!
Mandy, please send me your address so that I can get your Penelope in the mail!

Thank you all who entered. Consider hosting a Scarlet Threads giveaway of your own sometime (maybe for the holidays!), and check back, as it is highly likely that I will host another apron giveaway in the next few months. I'll also be hosting an apron party, I think, and let me know if you are interested in doing the same, as I will then put you in touch with the ladies behind Scarlet Threads and they will help you set it up!

In other exciting news, I was selected to host a World Vision House Party next month!

A House Party™ is thousands of parties across the country, hosted by people like you. Each event is sponsored by a leading brand and focuses on something cool that the sponsor wants its best fans to experience firsthand and share with their friends.

I think you know how much I love World Vision and my Albanian and South African babies, so I am really excited about this opportunity. Basically, I will have people over and share my story of sponsorship. I'd love it if others signed up to sponsor a child too, but I will admit, that I feel a bit awkward asking people to do that. A good thing about World Vision sponsorship is that you can be as involved as you want. Aside from the $35 monthly donation, the rest is really up to you. I'm very involved with my girls, so I write letters and send packages at least once a month, but others don't write, they just send the donation, and that is fine too. It's up to the individual.

If you are interested in attending my World Vision party virtually (or if you are in DC and want to come) please let me know. I can certainly pass along the information if you'd like to sponsor a child. I know it sounds cliche, but it will change your life, and I love having my girls in my life!

Any good news with you this week?

Monday, August 30, 2010

holidays...together and apart

Since September will be here in two days (wait, WHAT?!), I began thinking a bit about the upcoming holidays. I want to try to get things arranged a little sooner this year, as I always seem to wait until the last minute and end up super stressed. Of course, I know I am far from the only one who does this, but I'd like to avoid it, if possible!

We have a trip to Iowa in October for a wedding, and then there is Thanksgiving and Christmas. We also have a wedding in London, Ontario the weekend of Thanksgiving.

Since our very first Thanksgiving as a couple, Steve and I have spent the holiday together. We began dating in September and two months later, he came home to NH with me for the weekend. Since then, we have alternated Thanksgivings; one year in NH and the next in Iowa. It has worked out well. I think we've actually driven to both places most of those years. Yes, both are long drives, but worth it to not have to deal with airlines! Also, I like the adventure of a roadtrip.

As for Christmas, we've always, up until last year, been apart. We would do our Christmas together here in DC, and then go to our respective homes. It was never an issue and has always been just fine. Last year, Steve was graduating from Iowa State with his Master's and walked in December. The ceremony was the week before Christmas, so we flew to Iowa for that, spent a few days there and then I flew to NH. Steve actually flew to NH late Christmas Eve and was with my family on Christmas Day.

Now, Steve is telling me that we are going to Iowa for Christmas, since we were in NH last year. I suppose that makes sense, right? It is only fair, right? Still, I can't help be sad about it. It would be my first Christmas without my family. Even when I lived in Poland, I came home at Christmas and was with my family. That was also the worst Christmas in my memory, as my beloved grandfather passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly just a few days before. We were like zombies that year, I have very little memory of that day, which maybe is a good thing.

Growing up, I was so fortunate, I will admit. When I say that, I mean fortunate in the sense that my family was all close by. I grew up in the same town that my father grew up in, so his parents still lived there. My aunt lived about an hour away and my uncle was just a town over from mine. My mother grew up about an hour south of my hometown, but my grandparents moved to the town next to mine when I was six or seven. I have vague memories of their old house, but I really don't remember too much of them not being right there. My aunt, my mother's sister, lives about an hour away, not too far from my other aunt, my father's sister. Everyone has always been within an hour of my house. Christmas Eve is always spent with my father's family and Christmas Day is spent with my mum's.

I know how lucky I am to have had my family so close and was able to spend holidays and everydays with them. It really makes me sad that my children won't have this. With my family in NH and Steve's in Iowa, we will always have to choose.

How did you choose? How do you and your significant other decide where to spend holidays? Was it an easy decision? How do you make it easier on you, when you are away from your own family?

Thursday, August 26, 2010

birthday spending

Steve's birthday is coming up in a few weeks and he's going to be 35! Eeeek! I've been thinking of ideas for festivities, and I want to do something fun, of course. I have one idea that I am doing, though I won't write it here now, just in case he reads this (he does very occasionally!), but it is super great and I know he'll love it.
His birthday is the 13th of September, a Monday this year. I was thinking of having people over Sunday and making a cake/cupcakes, and maybe going to a pub for a while, but I feel like we always do that and that gets old, like him! ;)
Nearby here, there is a ropes course that sounds really fun. Has anyone ever done something like this? It has ziplines, a ropes course and all sorts of obstacles. When you go, you have a 30 minute training session and then two to three hours of fun on the course. It is $55 a person and that includes the rental for equipment and such.
Do you think this is too much to ask people to spend? It isn't as though I'd invite a huge random group of people, it would all be close friends. Would you be annoyed if someone asked you to spend this much for someone elses birthday?
Thoughts? Ideas?

Monday, August 23, 2010

weekend baking

Remember last year when I made strawberry shortcake cookies?
Well, I made them again over the weekend and they were delightful, as always!
Please note my adorable Scarlet Threads Penelope apron :)





Look, it's reversable!!!!!







Note, in my hand, a cute pot holder, made by me!



They look messy...and are...but are SO good! They taste just like strawberry shortcake and are very easy to make!




The finished product :)






PS. Did you enter my giveaway to win your very own Penelope apron??? Only a few days left!!!


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

love letters!

How gorgeous is this bedding from anthropologie?
I want it!
Fond remembrances and glimpses of emotion layer romantically on Mise en Scene by Ruffian's soft sateen set. Actual missives collected from a vintage shop in Brooklyn create this swoon-worthy print, as silk trim ties them all together like a stack of notes from a loved one.








I wonder what Steve would think if he came home one day and found it on the bed???
Would he kill me?