10.14.2011

10.07.2011

Friday Favorite Quote

Source

Steve Jobs
1955-2011

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” 

Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address

9.30.2011

Friday Favorite Quote


“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to a hundred minus one day, so I would never have to live a day without you.” Winnie the Pooh

9.29.2011

New Prints for the Eryn Dress!

Omg- they are beautiful. Lilly does it again...Two great prints. I love and want them both.



The Cameo White Sizzle Stripe ($348) would be perfect for Christmas and New Years! I lurve the metallic stripe action and the removable sash. TDF

The Multi Chorus Girl ($198) would work for both occasions as well. I've always been a fan of the navy and dark pink color combo (they were my wedding colors). This print is more in my price range. Fingers crossed I can make it happen! We are hosting Christmas this year...and one of these dresses would make for a gorgeous hostess dress.  

9.28.2011

Chicken, Mushroom, and Brown Rice Slow Cooker Recipe


I made this Weight Watchers recipe a few weeks ago on a Sunday since it's Football season and no one wants to cook after or during a Ravens game. It tastes like chicken pot pie but without the pie crust. It's delicious and hubby approved. What's also great is that it's 8 servings so we'll get 4 dinners out of it. It has held up well in the freezer and with reheating. Definitely give it a try! Slow cooker season has officially begun. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 sprays of olive oil cooking spray   
8 thigh skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 oz each)   
2 cups canned chicken broth, reduced-sodium   
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced*  (I used the mixed box from our Farmer's Market
1 cup leeks, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced, washed carefully for grit*   
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced*   
1 cup celery, thinly sliced*   
3/4 cup uncooked brown rice, medium-grain (such as brown Arborio)   
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce   
1 tsp Dijon Mustard   
1 tsp dried sage   
1 tsp table salt   
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground  

* I added extra veggies.

Cooking Instructions:
 
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; warm over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown, turning once, about 6 minutes; set aside.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker; nestle the chicken thighs in the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. Yields 1 chicken thigh and about 2/3 cup rice-vegetable mixture per serving (8 servings total). Bon Appetit!

Recipe courtesy of Weight Watchers found here.  Points value is 5 per serving.

9.26.2011

2 Years


Two years ago, today, the Hubby and I got married in Annapolis, Maryland. It seems like both one second ago, and a lifetime ago. I feel so happy and blessed that I married my best friend.
Happy Anniversary. I love and adore you.

9.23.2011

Friday Favorite Quote



Timon: Geez! It's a lion! Run, Pumbaa! Move it!
Pumbaa: Hey, Timon. It's just a little lion. Look at him. He's so cute, and all alone! Can we keep him? Timon: Pumbaa, are you nuts? We're talking about a lion. Lions eat guys like us. Pumbaa: But he's so little. Timon: He's gonna get bigger. Pumbaa: Maybe he'll be on our side. Timon: A - huh! That's the stupidest thing I ever heard. Maybe he'll b-... Hey, I got it! What if he's on our side? You know, having a lion around might not be such a bad idea.

Quote from The Lion King

First Day of Fall


Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love watching the leaves change color and the brisk weather. Wearing cozy sweaters and drinking warm apple cider is the best. 
Happy First Day of Fall!

9.22.2011

Circle of Life


The Lion King is one of my favorite disney movies of all time. I'm so happy it is back in theatres for two weeks in 3D before it's release on blu-ray. The Hubby and I are going to see it this weekend. Our favorite character is Rafiki. His lines are hilarious. Timon and Pumbaa are a close second/third. I'm especially excited about this movie release because the Hubby and I are going to see the Broadway musical later this year. Hakuna Matata!

9.16.2011

Friday Favorite Quote


"Today I will be happier than a bird with a french fry."
Destery Moore from DesandNate

9.11.2011

Go Ravens!

We meet again...
in Baltimore
and we are ready.
Caw Caw!

10 Years Later


Thank you to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve and protect this great country. God Bless America.

9.09.2011

Dinner Tonight


The Hubs and I are going to Tark's Grill tonight for dinner. It's my first time going there. In fact, I didn't even know it existed until a few days ago. Have you ever been? What should I get? I'm torn between the Broiled Chilean Sea Bass, the Grilled Rockfish, and the Filet Mignon. Everything on the menu looks amazing though.

The Broiled Chilean Sea Bass is described as, "Laced with parsley infused oil, topped with a chilled tomato-crab relish, and served with risotto cakes and choice of side." The Grilled Rockfish is served with a orange reduction and avocado salsa with a sun dried tomato couscous and steamed spinach. The Filet Mignon is 8 oz. of aged beef (minimum of 30 days) char grilled with a red wine reduction sauce. Yum!

Decisions...Decisions...

...It's BACK!


....and I've already had two in two days. What can I say? It's Fall in a cup and I lurve it. 
Team Pumpkin Spice Latte for Life!

Friday Favorite Quote

As a tribute the nostalgia inducing movie I saw on TV this week, my favorite quote comes from Can't Hardly Wait. It's the Senior quote for Denise.


"A true friend stabs you in the front."
Oscar Wilde

9.07.2011

The National Aquarium Murfee


As mentioned in this blog post, I want this Lilly Murfee Scarf. So. Bad.
 Lilly Pulitzer created this limited-edition signature scarf in honor of the National Aquarium's 30th anniversary. As described on the aquarium's website, "The silk and cashmere scarf, in Lilly’s playful hues of aqua blue and coral pink, features several of the Aquarium’s residents—the octopus, sea turtle, and sea star—as well as a secret message hidden in the print. Every scarf purchase makes a generous donation to the National Aquarium." The colors are fabulous and it's for a great cause too- Win Win! The only problem is that only 500 were made! EEEK! I need one ASAP. Here's the form if you want one too!

9.02.2011

Friday Favorite Quote


“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson


So excited for one of my very best friends to visit this weekend! In keeping with tradition, we will be visiting a Mexican Restaurant to most likely close down the place after hours of catch up which will feel like minutes. I'm thinking Loco Hombre or Nacho Mama's. The crab nachos and hub cap margaritas at Nacho Mama's are to die for but I don't know if I want to deal with all of the Grand Prix traffic and detour nonsense. Either way, we'll have a great time! Love you A!

2011 Baltimore Grand Prix


Today is the beginning of the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix! The city has been prepping our streets for months. The Hubby has tickets for Saturday with his Best Man. I'm not sure if A and I will try to go on Saturday. We will just play it by ear.


Don't worry though - I'm planning on going to the Pratt Street Ale House, which is located at the Start/Finish line, with the Hubs on Sunday to watch the last day of racing.


The Baltimore Grand Prix is being labeled as an inaugural event so there will be more races to come. I'm excited that I will be able to say I was there to see the first!
What a great way to celebrate Labor Day Weekend! Happy Racing!

8.31.2011

My Favorite Things - Fall Edition


Apple Picking
Farmer's Markets
Pumpkin spice lattes
Tailgating with friends at football games
Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows on a brisk day
Car rides with the hubby to look at the leaves change colors
Fresh Air Breeze through the house
Warm Cozy Sweaters

8.30.2011

Texas


I'm headed to Fort Worth, Texas today for work. A group of us are going to Angelo's for some Texas bbq tonight. I'm excited. I kinda want to go to Billy Bob's while I'm there...

8.29.2011

What's next???


An Earthquake (my first)...then Hurricane Irene...in the same week. Thankfully all of my friends and family are safe and sound. Feeling like I need to watch An Inconvenient Truth.  Too extreme?

8.23.2011

Lilly Pulitzer = My Achilles Heel

Have I mentioned before my extreme love for all things Lilly Pulitzer? I'm pretty much obsessed. I love all the fun colors and patterns. It keeps life from getting too boring and it always makes me smile. Here are some Lilly items I am currently lusting over...

Dresses


The Betsey Dress Jacquard in Shorely Blue or True Navy. I'm a sucker for strapless dresses in the summer and I love the embroidery on this one.

The Eryn Dress Embroidered in Shorely Blue is so pretty! I tried it on at the Pink Crab but it was the wrong size and the last one. Bummer!


I also love the Eryn Dress Stripe in Bright Navy Wrapping Stripe. I wanted this dress when it originally came out in yellow. I love the navy version too which I think would work better with my pale complexion. I may even like it better. Pretty much any Eryn dress would be amazing. It's a really flattering cut.


The Essie Shirtdress in Indigo Blue is perfect for a casual date. It can definitely be dressed up or down.


The Adelson Shift Jacquard in Classic White. It used to come in True Navy too, which I loved but never found it in my size. I'm a sucker for gold embroidery...

Shorts

Walsh short in Classic White Spin the Bottle. Definitely going to need this for going to Terps games! I wouldn't mind the dress either. It might be too pink and not red enough though.


Callahan Short in Hotty Pink Fallin In Love A Little. Gotta love the anchor detailing.
*Update* Bought the Clare Dress Silk Jersey in this print.

Skirts


Roslyn Skirt in Hotty Pink Skinny Dippin Mini. Would looove to see a Men's tie to match!
*Update* Bought this skirt on Sale in Key West!

Accessories


Shell Shocked Clutch in Classic White First Impression. I just think this clutch would go with any and everything.
*Update* Bought this clutch online during Lilly's End of Summer Sale!

 iPhone 4 cover in Hotty Pink Bloomers. Pink and Green is my favorite color combo!
*Update* Bought this at the Monogram Shop in Roland Park.


Just a Little Knotty Wedge in Natural is a great nautical twist on a classic wedge. Perfect for summer.


The McKim Wedge in Gold. I don't have gold wedges. This needs to be rectified.  


Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Murfee Scarf. Great cause and beautiful scarf.

The National Aquarium 30th Anniversary Murfee Scarf would be perfect for this Bmore girl!


Land Escape Murfee Scarf. Love the color combo. I picture it with a simple white or navy tee. 

The Stuffed Shells Printed Van Dessel Cruiser would be so fun to, well, cruise on. I saw it in real life at the Monogram Shop. It's not realistic for anything other than cruising on flat terrain but I dream of having it at our future beach house.

I also really want a Lilly iPad case but they haven't made one in a print I like yet. Fingers crossed they expand their "technology" section! Yes, I realize this is an expensive and unrealistic addiction/love affair with all things Lilly Pulitzer but it just makes me happy.

Cheers to Life, Lilly, and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Lilly SALE!


There is a Huge Sale on Lilly Pulitzer! Which is amazing in and of itself because their site used to never have sales. The End of Summer Sale ends at Midnight on August 25th. I really wanted the Eryn Dress but it sold out in my size and color. I was able to get the Shell Shocked Clutch in Classic White First Impression for $49 originally $128, which I love!
Happy Shopping!

8.04.2011

Beachin' It


The Hubs and I  are heading to Rehoboth Beach this weekend with his Best Man and his wife. I'm really looking forward to some beach time with good friends.


Perhaps I can even fit in a visit to Tickled Pink while I'm there...what? There's always time for Lilly...Judger.


Multiple visits to DFH is non-negotiable with this crew. So you know it will be a good time.
Have a great weekend! Cheers!