Summer Sales!

Look at this beauty I scoooped up from Preppy Outlet! I'm so excited, as I've always wanted one and now I got it for 50% off!!!

Good things really do come to those who wait!

Check out more sale items at Preppy Outlet from Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, and more!

Also, don't forget to check out Under the Palm Tree for lots of Lilly discounts too!

*Newlywed note: Take advantage of all these sales, girls; as we still want to look beautiful and present ourselves well, even if we are "on a budget."

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Don't forget to head over to Pink Martinis and Pearls for a great giveaway! If you like to bake as much as I do, I'm sure you will love this!

On the Agenda

As you know, I'm an organization nut! I love everything to be color coordinated and in its place. So, do you think I love agendas? Sure do!

I make a "To Do List" every week; one for the week and one for each day. I love to cross things off; its a sense of accomplishment, I guess.

My planner is always color coordinated and tentative plans are always in pencil; They do not become color coordinated until plans are definite.

OK, so now that you have read about my slight OCD, what are my favorite items for keeping me on track each day?

1. Lilly Pulitzer Agenda

I just might have to get this. It is a 17 month agenda! Love that, plus the fact that it has stickers, dates to remember, and a notes section. But a must for me, which this Lilly agenda has, both weekly and monthly views! Perfect for me to see what I have on the agenda for the day, but also great for my "to do lists."

2. See Jane Work: 8 Days-A-Week Planner

This planner not only has room for your plans for Monday through Sunday, but also a Someday. Perfect for the tasks that you need to get done but don't know where you will fit them in!

Check out the site for tons more organization tips and items!

3. myAgenda Original Planner: my favorite!
Again, has my requirement of weekly and monthly views and is a 17 month planner. This planner comes in such wonderful colors and is stain resistant! Not if that's not enough, but this planner can also be personalized!
*Newlywed Note: Make sure to have your agenda handy, girls. If your hubby is like mine, he's going to have a hard time remembering his buddies birthdays, and special dates, when what's really on his mind is his next tee time. Be a great wife and keep all important dates on hand for yourself and your love*

Wednesday Wellness: Hydration

It's important to stay hydrated, as we all know, especially during these warm summer months. The only way I can get in all my water for the day is to carry around one of our Tervis Tumblers. Thankfully, they make lids for them now so I don't spill in the car! We have many of these, but my favorites are the flip flops, pink beach chairs, blue crabs, pineapples (of course!), golf green (maybe a gift for hubby in the future?), and of course the University of Tennessee "T"

Tips to stay hydrated:
1. Have a glass of water as soon as you get up
2. Carry a water bottle or something with you all day and fill up
3. Try to drink something before, after and during exercising, especially in hot weather.
4. Drink before you get thirsty
5. Try to limit caffiene and sugary beverages. Caffiene is a wonderful diuretic, but will quickly dehydrate you.
6. Keep a glass of water on your nightstand.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration:
1. Dry mouth or excessive thirst
2. Dark or infrequent urine
3. Muscle weakness or cramping
4. Headache, Dizziness or lightheadedness
5. Lethargy (Tiredness)

Tuesday Treats: Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

I told you I would be back today with this delicious recipe from Southern Living!

Ingredients:

2/3 cup chopped pecans (I had walnuts, so that's what I used)

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 Tbsp sugar

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp vanilla

4 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 bag mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour Bundt pan.

Chop pecans or walnuts.

(Again, I do it the good ol' Baltimore way with a crab mallet and a plastic baggie)

Stir together first 3 ingredients with a fork.

Sprinkle in Bundt pan (now, mine didn't exactly sprinkle, but no need to worry, end results still perfect!)

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Beat butter, brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.

Add eggs, beating until blended.

Add flour mix alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition.

Beat in chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

Remove from pan to wire rack and cool completely (about an hour).

Garnish with whipped cream and cherries if desired.

(Or in my case, take a slice, then package up the rest for family or friends!)

Monogram Monday: For Your Baking Needs

Well friends, it's no secret that I love to bake! But I have been struggling with something.

How in the world should I package my baked goods?!

I found the answer right here at Little Bean Boutique on Etsy!

Look at these cute recipe cards I ordered!

And these fun stickers!!!
So, of course, I got them in the mail on Friday and had to bake something on Saturday so I could use them right away. I couldn't wait!

Saturday, July 17th, was my parents 34th Anniversary. (That's correct, right Mom?)
They were at the beach, and I was home in the hot humid weather unable to move out of the air condition. So what better way to spend the day inside then to bake!! I made this delicious cake (that I will share with you tomorrow for Tuesday Treats!) and wrapped it up with plastic wrap and tied the recipe to it with some ribbon. How cute does that look?! And now my mom can have the recipe in case she would like to make it herself.

But, you know I bought the stickers too and just had to use them. So I stuck one on here with the recipe card. Totally unnecessary, but I could not help myself.
It's a little overdone with the personalization here, but it was new and I wanted to use it!
Next time, I will wrap cakes with just the recipe card, or wrap up cookies on a fun plate with a sticker in the center. Just one or the other. But I wanted to show you all how cute these are!!!

Stay tuned for the super yummy and moist cake recipe!

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Now, head over to visit with Miss Janice. She has a wonderful giveaway that you will just love! It's all about the G.R.I.T.S!

Great Gifts for the College Grad!

If you had a graduation party, what did you receive?

Probably money, right?

Don't get me wrong, I will always love to add a little something to my piggy bank, but as tables have turned and I have been the gift giver, I like to give somethign that not everyone else will give.

What are some of my favorites?

Hand Painted College Mirror

One of my very favorite gifts from hubby. No it was not a graduation gift, but I think it would be the perfect college gradation gift for male or female. It is a painting on the mirror of a famous building at the college or university. Add a final touch with the graduate's name and year they graduated. Our local jeweler, Smyth Jewelers, sells these, but I'm sure you could find them in many places in your home town also.

Here is my actual mirror. It is the picture of Ayres Hall on top of the hill at University of Tennessee. Oh does that bring back memories of trugging up that hill for Organic Chemistry class! So glad that is over and done with, however, I would go back to college any day...best four years ever! And now I get to remember UT everday with this mirror. Hubby also has one for Clemson University that looks nice when you first walk into the house.

So, if you are looking for something a little less expensive, here is another idea:

For the guys guy who just graduated...
Microbrew Glass:

A beer glass with their school logo!
How about wrap up two of these with a case of beer?
What new grad wouldn't love that?!
(I picked Washington College to display here, as we are going to my cousin's graduation party who just graduated from WAC and this is what I ordered him! However, the school store just emailed me and said they are now out of stock! Here's to the hunt a day before the party again...)

And for the girls:

Wine Glasses:
Wine glass with the school's logo.
I bought these glasses as I was headed out of Knoxville for Baltimore after graduation.
I get so many compliments on them and it reminds me of the some of the best days of my life!
Again, pair with a bottle of wine or wine tags.
Trust me, these grads are going to be on their own soon, and I'm pretty sure not many will have nice glasses!

My Latest Obsession

THE KINDLE!

I have been reading about these for a while now and debating on getting one. I went to B&N on Saturday to find a new book to read, picked up the book and sat there and contemplated leaving the store to go purchase the Kindle. Low and behold, I left with a new book in my hand. So my question is for you, friends: Do you own a Kindle and if so, is it worth the purchase?

Wednesday Wellness: Delighted to see my Dentist!

Tomorrow I'm headed to the dentist for my 6 month check up. I know most people hate going to the dentist, but call me crazy, I love to go! My dentist is just the sweetest person who makes the whole experience wonderful. I actually feel like I go there for 30 minutes of socialization with my dentist and her hygienist. I love the feeling of fresh cleaned teeth straight from the dentist office; there is nothing quite like it! Even though I try to floss and brush regularly, and have even bought the "dental tools" at Target to make sure my teeth are plaque free, there is just something about sitting in that chair and having the dentist and her tools go to work so you come out with your sparkly white teeth! I love it so much I even went on my 21st birthday (to make sure my teeth would sparkle in all the pictures of me drinking some lovely concoctions with my dear friends, of course)! Here's to you, Dr. B, for making sure my oral hygiene is in tip top shape!

What are you doing this week to maintain or improve your overall health and wellness?

*Newlywed Note: To keep yourself looking young and beautiful, your teeth should look just as they are described...pearly whites! To keep mine pearly and white I rinse with Scope Whitening Mouthwash twice a day. You want to look your best for hubby, right?! Oh, and I always drink my coffee from a straw (when at home, not in public!) to prevent from staining.*

Tuesday Treat: Brownie Pillow Cookies

These may look like your basic chocolate chip cookie, but boy are you in for a sweet treat today!

I come from a family where everyone can make delicious chocolate chip cookies. Honestly, I don't think I've ever had a bad one. So, this past week all the girls were going over my aunts for dinner to plan our cousins' bridal shower and I said I would bring a dessert. I needed an easy recipe, as it was a weekday so I didn't have much time, and I generally do not like to bake ahead of time, as I like my baked goods as fresh as possible. So I searched and searched online and came up with these babies! (Or should I say BIG babies, because they are so large!)

Ingredients:

1 box brownie mix (and all ingredients to make brownies)

2 sticks butter, softened

1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

1 TBSP vanilla (yes, a tablespooon. I originally thought it was a lot too)

2 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 bag chocolate chips

Directions:

Make brownies according to box. Let cool completely. Cut about 12, one inch square brownies. (The rest is yours to enjoy, or in my case, to put in hubbys lunch for a sweet treat!)

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.

Beat butter until creamy. Add brown sugar, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Add flour mix to butter mixture and beat well.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours (I refrigerated for 4 hours)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make dough into large balls with about 1/2 cup of dough.

Place balls on baking sheet. (They are so large I would only place 5-6 on each sheet)

Make large indentation in dough. Place brownie in indent and use your fingers to work dough around brownie to cover completely so it looks like the ball of dough you originally started with, only bigger.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes.
(See how big they get?)
Let cool completely.

*Newlywed Note: Always leave two baggies of treats at home for hubby after baking. One for when he gets home from work and smells the delightful smell coming from the oven, and one for his lunch the next day. He'll thank you, trust me.*
ENJOY!

Monogram Monday: Burp Cloths

My sweet, preppy friend in Tennessee is having a baby girl!!! I'm so excited for her, but so sad that I was unable to attend her baby shower. I wanted to send her something personalized or monogrammed since my friend is very preppy, and I thought her daughter should have something to fit her mother's style. I was searching on Etsy and found a wonderful gal to make these precious burp cloths. Since my friend had not yet picked a middle name, I was not able to do a monogram, but I thought this personalization was just as great!

In addition to these cute little burp cloths, I wanted to add something else to the gift, but wanted something that she could really use for a while. I asked fellow blogger, Sweet Southern Prep, if she had any recomendations and she gave me some great ideas! I decided to go with the Inchbug Orbit Labels.

These are a great invention for all moms (and dads) out there and were actually invented by a mom! Inchbugs are basically labels for bottles, snack containers, toiletries, whatever! They are reusable, non-adhesive, and best part...personalized! They are dishwasher and microwave safe, so you don't have to worry. Gone are the days of permanent markers and sticky labels.
Not only are these great for baby bottles (so you don't confuse them with all the other baby bottles around at the playground), but they are also great for snack containers, sports drinks (who remembers what bottle is theirs on the bleachers?), and can even be nice to put around toiletries for kids going off to camp or college.

*Newlywed Note: Don't leave these burp cloths out before wrapping them; hubby might think you are trying to tell him something and start sweating profusely!*

Happy Weekend!

I'm so glad the weekend is here! Friday at 5pm I turned off the blackberry and sat down and it was immediate relief! What a busy week, but I do love my job and all my coworkers, which I dont think everyone can say.

Anyways, before I get busy this weekend I wanted to do a little housekeeping. Sweet Southern Prep gave me this award last week and I just thrilled! Two awards in two weeks! YEA!

This award means I need to thank the giver, describe where I think I will be in ten years, and tag ten other bloggers to pass the award on to.

Hmmm...ten years. That seems forever away, but I'm sure it will fly by, as time always does when you're having fun!

In ten years I will be 38. THIRTY EIGHT?!?! WOW! Almost FORTY! Well, I hope to be completely unphased by this, just as I am about almost turning 30.

I hope to be in our dream house (with a pool perhaps) with lots of little feet pattering around (and of course, some paws too!). I would like to continue to work, but maybe just part-time and spending the rest of my time with my best friend, my hubby, and our children, along with our wonderful friends and family. I plan to be entertaining guests often and always getting prepared for the next party or event!

Guess what? I tagged YOU!!!

Flip Flops & Pearls

Juleps & Jon Jons

My Life Through Pink Colored Glasses

Mrs. MFC

Beyond the Blue Ridge

A Wedding Story

If I Can't Wear Heels

A Note on the Screen Door

Pink Martinis and Pearls

Sparkles and Sundresses

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NOW, for some GIVEAWAYS I must tell you about!

Living Well

The Company She Keeps

I Scream, You Scream...

We ALL scream for ICE CREAM!!!

Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? And more specifically, the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day!

Like I ever needed another reason to eat ice cream! But I will use it to my full advantage this weekend. Ice cream has been one of my very favorite sweets of all time. When I was younger my sister even bought me a real "ice cream bowl!" I swear, you would be amazed how much I could put in my stomach without getting sick; it would probably make you sick watching me eat it. My husband, who is twice the size of me, is still astonished by the amount of ice cream I eat when we share. That's how much I love it! I can never get enough! Even though I love almost every kind of ice cream, especially during this time of year, I have my very favorites.

Chocolate (even better with Heath Bar on top!)

Pistachio Almond (don't make fun until you try it!)

Coffee

and....

STRAWBERRY!

More specifically, I love Strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberries smushed (or is it smooshed?) in it! Like at MARBLE SLAB! I love Marble Slab Creamery and think it's much better than Cold Stone Creamery (you are free to disagree, but that is my opinioin and I'm sticking to it!). We used to visit there regularly during college in Knoxville, and I only wish there was a convenient one in Baltimore! There is one, however, in harbor, so on the rare occasion that we venture down there, I always make sure to stop by!

I have always thought ice cream parlors were so cute and charming. We used to have one down the street growing up, called Something Sweet. It was just a small place, but had the old time bar stools and counter that you could sit at with your friends. But that has been long gone for a while now and I have found my new favorite place, Short n' Sweet! This little school house in Cape Cod was converted to an ice cream parlor. See this post to read more about this spot.


Although not as charming as the Cap Cod schoolhouse, Dumer's Dairyland is one spot I must stop when at the beach in the summer. Dumser's has been around forever and there is no doubt why. The homemade ice cream is to die for! My dad and I will even tell my mom we are going for a bike ride, but we must make a detour at the dairyland for a cool treat: milkshakes! Chocolate for Dad, Strawberry for me. Mmmmm!

(Many images from google)

In honor of Ice Cream Month I think I will make some ice cream sandwiches for hubby this weekend, his favorite!

Hostess Gifts

I always like to bring a little something when visiting someone at their home, however I am always struggling to find the perfect gift. I may see something when I'm in the store, but seem to forget about it when I actually need it. So, I have been keeping notes of fun hostess gifts to bring with me.


1. Personalized to the interest of the host: For instance, when I visited my cousin (who is originally from Maryland, but lives in SC now), I thought it would be nice to bring something from home to her. What says Maryland better than steamed crabs and Old Bay?! Well, I don't think I would be allowed on the plane with steamed crabs, so I improvised. I found a cute little glass Old Bay shaker with a silver top and silver crab on the front. I paired one of those with a cute white kitchen towel with a pretty painted pink crab on the front. I thought that was pretty good for bringing Baltimore to Columbia! How about a pretty nail polish color with a cute pair of flip flops and a nice beach towel for a friend hosting you at their beach place who loves to get regular pedicures or layout in the sun? Or a personalized cheese tray with knife for the wine lover?

2. Beautiful scents: Candles, soaps, and diffusers. You can vamp them up with some monograms or you don't have to break the bank and can find many options at TJ Max or Homegoods. I also love to give William-Sonoma hand soap and lotion, who can't use that?! (They discontinued my favorite, Olive Oil, but there are some great new scents!)

3. Alcohol: Forget the usual bottle of wine. Spruce it up a bit with these ideas. How about wine coupled with either cocktail napkins, coasters, wine charms, or a bottle stopper? What about a margarita mix with two margarita glasses, great for outdoor deck parties! (And the creative artist in yourself could always paint a pretty design on the glasses for a more personalized touch.) Or a bottle of liquor with a recipe for a cocktail tied to it. And if you are creative, bottle up a concoction you made. One of my best friends' mom would always make Kahlua around the holiday season and bottle it up with a personalized sticker on the front. I always thought it was such a great idea!

4. Baked goods: Many ideas here (of course, because I'm a baking nut!)
-How about baking up some of your famous cookies and pairing them with napkins?
-Or placing your baked goods in reusable container for the hostess (great idea is to use cookie tins around the holidays when everyone is busy baking).
-Think of your favorite cookie recipe and bottle up all the ingredients by layering them in a cute jar. Attach the recipe with a ribbon around the jar.
-Take it a step further and wrap up your baked good with an item that is needed for making it (such as muffin pan), or a serving utensil you would need (such as a pie server) with recipe tied to it with a pretty ribbon.
-Also, think of your hostess for the morning after. I'm sure she hasn't even thought about what she will be having. Wouldn't it be nice to make some homemade blueberry muffins or coffee cake for her to enjoy the morning after the party?

5. Pretty picture frame: You could find a nice silver frame from Pottery Barn or even Marshall's. Its even more fun if you find an old picture of yourself with the host and get it developed in black and white for a more personalized touch.

6. Pretty jar: Fill an apothecary jar full of candies, nuts, or seasonal items such as pine cones. Tie together with a coordinating ribbon. You can find tons of these jars at Michael's craft store.

7. Fresh flowers: You can never go wrong with these, but why not step it up and send the flowers or arrangement a day before the event so the host can display at her home? Or an oregano or basil plant that the hostess can use to make recipes and add a wonderful scent to her home.

8. Ornaments: What a perfect idea around the holiday season. I also like to stock up on ornaments around the holiday season for events that may occur throughout the year. For instance, its always fun to get a graduation ornament or baby ornament in December, but hold on to it until May for the big event. Great hostess gift or great name card to tie onto a gift for a shower.

9. Paper goods: How about napkins with spreader tied together? Personalized stationary?

10. Linens: I'm a sucker for monogrammed linen towels and cannot have enough of them! I also recently found lovely handmade coasters on Etsy that came in all sorts of fabrics. You could find Christmas coasters or even coasters made from Lilly Pulitzer fabric for a summer deck party!

11. Dishes: Make an appetizer or dessert and serve on a nice platter or serving dish and leave the dish for the guest.

12. Books: A book for the coffee table that is specific to the interest of the host is a great gift.

*Newlywed Note: Keep extra gifts on hand for when hubby comes home to tell you there's a party you were invited to...tonight and it just happened to slip his mind all week.*

Hope some of the ideas will be useful to you for all your summer events!

Miami Beet

I usually stick to my usual OPI Bubble Bath, or another natural color on my nails, but for my toes I like a little color, especially in the sunny summer months. Last week I tried a new color, OPI Miami Beet, and loved it! Not only is it a great pop of color for summer, but it also is darker than a pale pink and would be great for going into the fall months.

Some of my other favorites:

Esse Ballet Slippers

Esse Rock Candy

OPI Bogota Blackberry

OPI It's A Girl

OPI Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ

OPI Lincoln Park after Dark

OPI Pamplona Purple

What are your favorites?

*Newlywed Note: It's nice to have freshly painted toes and look your best in your summer sandels at all times, however, do you always have the time and money for that every two weeks? To maintain the look without the cost, every other trip opt for a polish change instead.*

Tuesday Treats: Symphony Brownies

Mmmm! My cousin, at Southern Style & Living, posted these brownies and I just had to try them out! What could be better than chocolate, toffee, nuts, and more chocolate!

(I borrowed this picture from my cousin also since I sent all my brownies away to friends & family and totally forgot to take a picture of the final product!)

Ingredients:

brownie mix (and eggs, vegetable oil, water for making the mix), 3 symphony bars

(How simple is that already?!)

Directions:

Spray 9X13 pan with cooking spray.

Mix brownie mix, eggs, oil, and vegetable oil that are listed on brownie box.

Spread half of the batter in a 9X13 pan.

Line candy bars side by side on the brownie mix.

Top with remainder of brownie mix.
Bake according to brownie package.
Cool completely (and I mean completely; I tried to cut too early and boy was it a mess...but a very yummy mess at that!)

*Newlywed Note: I baked these and sent a bunch to the beach with hubby's family. Hubby's grandmother, "Mums," has as big of a sweet tooth as I do. So, girls, you the saying "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach?" Well, the way to keep on good side of the family is to spoil "Mums" as best you can! And let me tell you, this woman has some spunk...if she doesn't like you or something you did, she will let you know...I try to spare myself of that and bake my way to her heart!*

ENJOY!

Monogram Monday: Outdoor Spa Drinks!

As you know, I love to entertain. This glass drink dispenser was one of my favorite gifts I registered for at Pottery Barn. I have this vision that we will one day have a nice deck (with perhaps a pool?!) and this would be great to display to allow guests to stay hydrated. Well, my idea got even better as I sat at the spa in Hawaii! The spa had one of these great big drink dispensers and had the most wonderful acrylic glasses to go with their very refreshing drink. Honestly, I think it was just water with slices of oranges, lemon, lime and pineapple, but it tasted great! I was relaxing around the pool sipping on this, just thinking how I could bring this serenity home with me, and then I had it! I will just make this refreshing drink at home in my dispenser we received for a gift and serve in acrylic glasses outdoors, just like they did in Hawaii.
Of course I had to step it up a notch with some monogrammed glasses! We then added these wonderful glasses to our registry and love them!



We registered for both sizes and they are great! You can find these personalized glasses at Williams-Sonoma.

Hope you are staying cool and refreshed on this hot summer day!

Soooo Excited!

My VERY first blog award!!!

BIG thanks to Hanna at HANNA AND BRYAN for the "Sugar Doll" award!

I'm still new at this blogging thing, so I am trying to figure out all the "rules!" But I know this much...

For this award I must 1. Thank the person who gave me the award, 2. Share 10 things about myself, and 3. Pass this award on to 10 bloggers who I recently discovered are fantastic and contact them to let them know I picked them for the reward!

So, about me...

1. I have the worlds greatest friends! I have 5 best friends from childhood through high school who I do everything with and couldn't imagine a day without each and everyone of them. Furthermore, in college I met a very best friend who lives 12 hours away, however, I know I can call her and it seems like she's sitting right next to me! AND I have two loving and adoring sisters. (OK, one is a SIL, but I consider her a blood relative, as sometimes I like hanging out with her more than her brother! (JK!))

2. Health is so very important to me and I try to keep up with all my physicals, dental appointments, skin cancer screens, and eating well. However, it pains me to workout...but I still make every effort to do a little something! Preventative health is where I love to spend time and educate others and I like to think I "practice what I preach," or at least try.

3. I think I have the world's bests job(s). For years I was an oncology nurse and many people think that is a very depressing job. I, however, think it made me a better person. Those patients gave me more than I could ever give them in return. They make you realize not to worry about life's little problems, and focus on what is truly important to you. Now, as a nurse practitioner for the elderly, I again think I am blessed with the best job. These patients also make you realize what is important in life and have taught me how to enjoy each and every day I have on this earth. I cherish each and everyone of my patients, some for more reasons than others. Some make me laugh, some make me cry, and some encourage me in ways they would never know. (And of course there are a few that make me want to pull my hair out on occassion)

Here is a painting from one of my leukemic patients' son who would paint each nurse and tech while they took care of his dad. (I think I was getting an IV bag ready or something) We all cherished our paintings and I can't wait to hang it in my office one day (when we move and I actually have an office!). I have saved every single card that each patient has given me and jotted down notes on all the wonderful people I have met in my career.

4. I have a huge sweet tooth, or more like, sweet FANG! Hence, how this blog got started! I love cookies, cakes, brownies, candy, ice cream, really, anything sweet! It's a miracle I have never had a cavity! But when I bake, I must get the goodies out of the house fast, as I will eat them all until I feel sick to my stomach!

5. I also love to entertain, the other reason I started this blog. When I look at houses online, I look for big kitchens (since for some reason no matter what I do everyone congregates in the kitchen!), and a big deck for outdoor cookouts (and possibly a pool, please B!). I could entertain every week if I just had more time, money, and space. I LOVE it and love coming up with new recipes and ideas for the house to welcome guests.

6. Although I love to entertain, I do not love a messy house, and always clean up right after guests leave. I love organization. My closet is color and season coordinated, my daily planner is color coordinated, and everything has "its spot," which annoys my husband to death! But when he can't find something, guess who can?!

7. I LOVE my TENNESSEE VOLS and INDIANAPOLIS COLTS! Yes, I'm from Baltimore, but I love the Colts! Who couldn't when they have a quarterback like Peyton Manning! I miss all my friends from Tennessee, but hope to go back to a game this fall! Even hubby loves going and is impressed with the stadium and feel for Tennessee football. It's unlike anything else! Even hubby, a Clemson Tiger alumni, truly loves all the fun!

8. I love holidays, especially Christmas and my birthday...yes, I consider my birthday a national holiday (I got this trait from my father who reminds us his birthday "is coming up" six months ahead of time). I think it's a fun project to find the perfect decoration for the front door for each holiday and season and decorate the house. I love Christmas so much, I'm usually done my shopping by October, however, I love getting into the Christmas spirit so much, I still go to the mall almost everyday during the holiday season, even if it is just to walk around and take it all in with a nice warm coffee in hand!

9. Although I love Christmas and my birthday (both during the same time of year), I do not like winter! I could do without it for 363 days of the year! I love to travel, especially to warm, sunny, sandy places!

10. I consider myself truly blessed. I have a wonderful family (full of crazy nuts, that will make you laugh for hours at a time), beautiful friends, an energetic puppy who showers me with lots of licks, and a loving hubby who I couldn't imagine a day without.

And the winners are...

1. A Wedding Story

2. Maryland Pink and Green

3. Etiquette with Miss Janice

4. Southern Style and Living

5. Pink Martinis and Pearls

6. Sweet Southern Prep

7. Monograms and Manicures

8. Let's Be Preppy!

9. The Pink Washingtoniette

10. 2PreppyGirls

Have fun!

Beach Bound!

We are headed to Bethany Beach, DE and Ocean City, MD several times this summer to spend some quality time with the fam. I can't wait to sit on the beach and RELAX!

Here is my favorite beach bag at the moment. It's a canvas bag from J.Crew that you can use interchangably for shopping on the town or a day at the beach. It's not too big, not too small...just right!

So, what's in my beach bag?
Water, Water, Water! The humidity in Maryland/Deleware is enough to kill you so you better stay hydrated!

My shades!!! I cannot sit on the beach for more than 5 minutes without these babies on! Great for reading my books, or some quality people watching!

BEST sunscreen ever! I know I have said it before, but I just LOVE this sunscreen. Lightweight, nongreasy, fresh scent!

Burt's Bees to protect my lips! Sunburned lips are the worst!!! Don't forget your lips, scalp and ears...easily forgotten, but once you burn them once you won't forget again!

And of course, I always bring a good book. Anything by Sophie Kinsella, Emily Griffin, or Nicholas Sparks keeps me entertained all day!

Have a great (and sunny!) weekend!