Quick Movie Reviews

Well folks, this was a first. I saw two movies in two days! "Valentine's Day" turned out to be MUCH better than both Matt and I were anticipating. That was the perfect cast for the movie. It sort of reminded me in a sense of "Love Actually", where there were many different story lines going on, but each somehow related to one another. Definitely a good, funny flick...one I would for sure watch again. Unlike "He's Just Not That Into You", which again, had a great cast, but I thought really lacked in everything else! So Gary Marshall pulled through this time.

Now, last night I went to see "Dear John". Completely opposite from Sunday's movie, in the sense that I had a box of tissues sitting in my lap the whole time. Recovering from a cold and seeing a sappy movie, just do not mix well together. Channing Tatum was quite delightful to sit there and watch I must say!! I'm a big Nicholas Sparks fan, so even if everyone hated this movie, I would still probably like it. I have heard though the book is much better, and has a slight different ending...so I've got it set aside to take with me to Telluride and hope to finish it while there.

What good movies have you all seen lately??

Will you be....MY VALENTINE?!

The hubby and I are keeping it pretty low-key this year. We are going to be cliche, and go see "Valentine's Day" tomorrow. I really don't have high expectations whatsoever, but none the less, it's got a great cast! I'm hoping I can convince him to take me to Rockford downtown for an early dinner too...so we'll see about that one.

What are you all doing to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend? xo

Cupcake Surprises

I don't know why, but lately I have really been in the mood to whip up some fancy cupcakes. There's something about a cupcake that just makes you want to smile. We have a local cupcake shoppe that I just absolutely love going in to. Whenever I have to pop in there, it is usally very quick to pick up some for a friends birthday. But, one of these days, I'm going to go in there, select from their fabulously delish selection, with a cup of coffee and enjoy the delightful atmoshphere. Perhaps Valentine's Day might just be the perfect day to bake some for my sweet honey. He might not enjoy them as much, but I know I will ;) One of my favorites is Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Buttercream frosting (pictured at the bottom)!!

What's yours??

xoxo

Romper

Loving all of these cute rompers! And wishing I was sporting one today, with an oversized cardi and flats!

{Filigreed Frill Romper $148}
{ Chorus Girl Romper $98}

{Basic Geometry Romper $118}

JCrew Addiction

So, waiting for me this morning when I got to work was JCrew's latest update with all of their "NEW SPRING ARRIVALS". Torture torture torture, especially when they are calling for 12" of snow this weekend!! WHAT?!?! I usually heart the winter and this time of year, but I think I am soooo ready for spring/summer it's not even funny. I can just taste the warmthness, yet it's still a good few months away. Anyway- back to JCrew. The new arrivals are A-mazing! Everything is so frilly and covered in ruffles, which are my absolute fave!! JCrew, why must you do this to me...
(I did just get my rewards card, and still have a little bit of a gift card left, so perhaps a visit is in order...but shhh, we'll keep that one from the hubs!)

Happy Friday
xo

Rainy Days

On a rainy day like today, you need a little spunk to get you going. This Anthro top & spring colored poms are currently doing the trick. Anyone else as ready for warm weather as I am?!?!

Happy Friday! xo

{Pratia tank: $68}

Grateful

I came home from work on Wednesday and found a Nordstrom box sitting on our back step. My Mom surprised me with this amazing JPK Paris handbag below! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it...and it's got lots of compartments in the inside which is a major bonus! Mom you are the best!! Thank you, thank you! Smooches

Haiti

{photo courtesy of Fox News}

If anyone has been watching the news, then you are very up to date with what is currently going on in Port-au-Prince Haiti. It's beyond devastating. Every minute, more and more people are found dead or are dying because they cannot get the proper medical treatment they need. Every night and morning, I have been keeping updated and it just brings tears to my eyes. Especially to see these poor and innocent children left abandoned with no parents, food or shelter. We saw a story last night with a little girl who probably wasn't a year or so old, who was badly burned (and if she was back in the US would be in the ICU in critical condition), but there was not really much they could do. She would be up looking around one second, and the next could barely keep her head and eyes open as she just lies there. It just breaks your heart, and makes you wish you could go over there to do something. I did see on the news today that dozens of Haitian orphans traveled to the US to meet their newly adoptive parents. Bless these people that are welcoming these children into their home and providing them with the nurturing and care that they need to survive.

Below are a couple sites and ways that you can make a donation to help these people in need:

https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_nolnav_text2help

https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_nolnav_text2help
(Click on Haiti Relief and Development)

Hydration

Today officially marks the day of hydrating myself. At least more so than I usually do. In just over a month we are jaunting off to Telluride for a week, and everywhere it says to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!! I have never been out west where the altitude is between 13,000-14,000 feet, and knowing me, the last thing I want to do is get sick shortly after getting there. So I'm attempting to be smart and prep myself before going. So, currently sharing office space with me for the next month will be my 52oz Bubba Keg. Walmart is the best place to find these, but they are great for boating or the beach!

Funnel Cake Delight

Do you remember growing up, and there being that one food that you would just beg and beg and beg your mother for or ask her to make you a homemade one?? That one food that would just make your mouth water every time you saw it? Well for me, that was a good 'ol fashioned funnel cake! I seriously could probably eat two in one sitting (I'm not ashamed!). Well while I was at the grocery store over the weekend, I happened to park in spot I don't usually park in, outside Pharroh's. It's this hot dog/custard/now serving FUNNEL CAKES kinda place. I think my face must have lit up like a 2 year old when I saw that big banner hanging in the front window that said "now serving Funnel Cakes"!!! I was good and passed on it this weekend, but that's only because I treated myself to a Cook-Out milkshake instead...but there is always next weekend. Looks like I won't be having to wait for October to roll around when the State Fair greets us again, I can pretty much drive right across the street from my house. Now that's scary...

Rachel Ray's Funnel Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:
3 cups vegetable oil
4 cups flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-1/2 cups milk
3 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions:
1) In a deep medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it registers 350° to 375° on a deep-fat thermometer.

2) Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center and add the milk and eggs; whisk until smooth.

3)Transfer the batter to a gallon-size resealable plastic bag, remove the excess air and seal the top. With scissors, snip off a corner to make a 1/4-inch-wide hole. Carefully squeeze about 1 cup batter (one-eighth of the mixture) back and forth into the oil, making a free-form lacy web. Cook until golden on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, turn the cake over and cook until golden on the other side, about 1 minute more. Transfer the funnel cake to paper towels to drain briefly. Repeat with the remaining batter.

4)Dust the funnel cakes with confectioners' sugar and serve hot. Smart move: To avoid messy spills between frying each batch, set the bag of batter, slit side up, in a bowl next to the stovetop.