Shadow

The Coltrera's had a fairly low-key weekend! It consisted of some house projects, cooking, painting, a cookout with some friends and lots of football! But there was one little monster who just had to be right in the mix of it all....

Folks, this dog did not leave my side ALL weekend long! I mean, everywhere I went, everytime I moved, this dog was right underneath my feet the entire time. He just made himself right at home, sleeping in the most ackward of spots, just so he could be near me. Today it was while I was in the shower, he was laying right on the bath mat. This is soo not something he normally he does. Obviously he is usually Matt's shadow, so I will take this anyday. Now let's just see how quickly he reverts back to his old habits. But this handsome little shadow above about made my weekend:)
xo

Domestic Sunday

Today was a very lazy, yet domestic day. It started with a yummy breakfast that my sweet hubby whipped up. He scores major bonus points for this! We were dog sitting all weekend for one of our friends labs, so as you can imagine, two labs under one household equals LOTS of dog hair! Needless to say I spent a good bit of time sweeping up the floors, cleaning rugs and wiping down our wood furniture that can't even seem to escape the furry friends hair. I then decided to drag that wonderful hubby of mine to get gas and go grocery shopping with me. Now, this rarely happens, so when he actually agrees to it, I'm thrilled! One of my friends had given me a veggie soup recipe (she made some for us when Matt had his surgery and it was amazing!), so I wanted to get all the fixings and make a big batch for us to enjoy on this chilly North Carolina night. And I must say, it turned out rather tasty if I do say so myself. It was my first attempt at making homemade soup, so this was big-time for me. Next on my list is an attempt to make homemade chicken noodles soup. Yes, I know this is not a difficult one, however baby steps for this girl. And what dinner would not be complete without dessert. Yep, I opened that box of caramel brownies right up and decided to do some baking. So now I find myself sitting on the couch, writing this blog with a glass of milk and a brownie square (or two..shhh). I would say I'm pretty content on this Sunday evening.
Happy week ahead everyone! xoxo

HELLO 2010

What a great, memorable year 2009 was. Matt and I got MARRIED!! We traveled to some pretty amazing places....The Abacos (Bahamas), St. Michaels (Maryland), Florida to visit family, New York, New Jersey and of course our most favorite trip was our honeymoon to Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands!!! We saw lots of our friends get engaged and married! Overall, it was a fabulous year!

And I'm amazed at how quickly 2010 has stumbled upon us. But I am ready for it! A new year! I'm usually one to "talk" about New Year resolutions, but never actually follow through with any. Well this year is a whole other story. I have already begun my list, and I'm so anxious to start resoluting...is that even a word?!?! :) Let's see, what else...I'd like to run another 1/2 marathon this year (sticking to my original goal of running one a year..so far so good for the past 2 years), but perhaps in the fall when the temps are nice. I have a few friends with babies on the way, which is super exciting and I can't wait to see the little bundle of joys enter into this world. Matt and I have our big ski trip planned next month to Telluride and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!! And we have two friends getting married this year, and it will be so fun to see them begin their life together. I have a feeling 2010 is going to be an even MORE fabulous year, and I can't wait to see what it has instore for us.

Cheers to a great year ahead! xo

Holiday Brie

{image from Simply Hue}

Baked Holiday Brie...Sounds delightful!
serves 4-6

1 brie cheese round (about 8 oz)
1 T maple syrup
1/4 c fresh cranberries, chopped
2 t fresh thyme leaves
1/2 t grated orange peel

Preheat oven to 400F. Place brie on a baking sheet. Pour maple syrup
over top, and add cranberries. Sprinkle with thyme and orange peel.
Place in oven and bake 25-30 minutes, until brie is soft when cut.
Serve immediately with your favorite crackers.

xo

Hostess with the Mostess

Where has this blog been hiding all my life?!?! Who doesn't adore entertaining? I mean, I might throw a party every weekend if the budget and schedule allowed for it. I always way over-stress before one, but love it at the same time! This site has all essentials for putting on the perfect little soiree...party themes, party boards, recipes, entertaining tips (and cute ones at that). This may just become a new daily read for this lady.

xo~
"Hostess with the Mostess" voted by my PHS senior class ;)

Kissing Tree

She is a phtographer. Her name is Elizabeth Messina, and she's based out of California. I have been sitting here ooooing and awwing over her website and blog! Her work is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. And after looking further into her pictures, quite a few celebs were spotted, including...Brooke Shields & baby, Jason Priestly & baby, Tori and Dean & baby, Jeri Ryan wedding. Everything about her photographs are alluring and angelic.

As I start approaching 2010, and my news years resolution of digging into photography, I am loving being drawn into all the brilliant work caputured by others.

European Vacation

High fashion, shopping, site-seeing galore, tourists, language barriers, wine during the afternoon, mopeds & scooters, an abundance of outdoor dining, lights, yummy treats, history...and on and on.

Ahhh...who wouldn't want to surround themselves with this. I have been encountering this rather large itch to go back overseas again. And I find myself throughout the day periodically daydreaming of excuses to go, looking up airfare, hotels and trying to figure out how on earth I could possibly make this work for 2010! Italy and Paris are among the top choices at the moment. I mean, you only live once, right??!! Here's to hoping for a five day miracle....

Fa-La-La-La-La

Last night we did my most favorite thing to do during the holiday season...pick out and decorate our Christmas tree!!! It was a little bit of an adventure finding it, as it took us three tree "farms" for us to find the perfect one! By the time it got in the house and set-up it was late, but I poured myself a nice glass of red vino, turned on Sounds of the Season and decorated away!! I loved my sis's message after I sent her a picture of it all finished..."You just bought it less than two hours ago and its already decorated?!?!?! Holy smokes." Val...of course it's decorated!!!
We did however have to re-introduce Duke to the tree, and inform him that if he dare touch those ornaments that are at his level, Mom and Dad would NOT be happy campers. Let's hope he got the message ;)

Tomorrow night we're hosting our annual Christmas Soiree, so lots of cleaning and cooking is to be had before then!

Cheers to the holidays!! xo

Winter Staple

LOVE LOVE LOVE these leggings! After having my eye on them for a while, I decided to take the plunge on Black Friday. I found them at a local boutique here in Raleigh, where luckily they were having a sale on the entire store. I have a feeling I'm going to be sporting these everyday when we go to Telluride, with my NF Boots!

{David Lerner leggings}

Ultimate Giveaway

Check out http://www.fantabulouslyfrugal.com/ for the ultimate giveaway this holiday season!!! I don't usually sign-up for these because I NEVER win....but here's to hoping this year :)