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.

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