Busy Times Equals Fun Memories

I have a good reason, or reasons, that I have been MIA.  

THIS Bundle of Joy is the first reason...

The first of the bestie's babies was born.

Michael (Mikey) Paul is just adorable and such a good baby.  I could have held him forever in that hospital room!  

 We have also been out and about cheering on our Ravens the last couple weekends...

But all that fun came to an end last weekend for the Ravens.  Oh well, there's always next year…

 So in the meantime, I decided to pick back up running...

And my friend somehow convinced me to do a half with her in May.  Oh boy!  

I think I need this shirt…what do you think?

Happy (almost) Friday!

Monogram Monday: In LOVE

My sister and BIL got me this gorgeous necklace for Christmas that I had been eyeing up forever!  I never thought I would get it and it was such a nice surprise…I must have been a VERY good girl this year!  ;)  

It came in a bit later than expected, which in my opinion was great!  I got to enjoy all my gifts and then this one came and it was even more fun!  I have worn it all weekend! 

Next on my list of monograms…. 

This serving tray from Haymarket Designs.  I'm loving the colors and thinking of the perfect place to display it!  

Check out Haymarket Designs for more fun frames, wastebaskets, tissue boxes, bedding and more!

I Just Can't Wait

…to Be King!

Last week I was invited to see Broadway's eighth longest running musical, The Lion King.

What a great show it was!  All of the cast members did a great job. 

The costumes were amazing, but the giraffes were by far my favorite!
I mean, could you imagine walking on stilts on all fours?!  I can't even imagine stilts on my lower half!

Before heading over to the Hippodrome to see The Lion King, we grabbed a bite to eat and cocktails at Ale Wife.  I had never been there, but I highly recommend this place…especially as a start to a great show (it's right across the street).  They are known for their burgers, so that is what I get…look how this monstrous thing comes out!

After the show, we headed back to Canton and had some birthday drinks at one of my favorite places on the square, Mama's on the Half Shell…I think I've been living here a little too much recently, but I love it!

Have you all been to see any great plays recently?

Birthday Style

I went out of my 20's and into my third decade in style!

We went to a nice dinner (in normal cocktail attire)

and then headed out to the the band, The Legwarmers…one of my favorite bands!  They play all 80's music and it couldn't be more fun!  

As you can tell, we had a great time! 

 Thank you to all my friends and family who came out to celebrate with me!  I am truly blessed!

Thank you for all the cards, gifts and beautiful flowers!

Even Bax went "shopping" with his "grandmother" and picked out a balloon... 

….card, and the UT glasses I have been eyeing!  

It was a wonderful birthday and I'm looking forward to see what's in store for the rest of 2012 for me…so far it's been amazing!

XOXO

A BIG day!!!

Today is my THIRTIETH birthday!!!

THE BIG 3-0!!!

The Dirty Thirty!!

And I couldn't be anymore excited!!!

Cheers!  Here's to the next 30 years!!!

Thirsty Thursday: 13.5%

The week of Christmas, I got to enjoy the sights of Hampden, a northwest neighborhood of Baltimore.  Hampden has a very unique culture complete with the famous "Hon" characteristics.  For those of you who have not experienced the fully teased beehive hairdo's of the 1960's Hon, you must visit during HonFest!

We started out the evening walking around and popping into the shops to warm up (okay, maybe I was the only cold one!).   Then, we headed over to 34th Street to check out the lights.  If you have never been, you must stop by at least once in your lifetime. 

Would Christmas in Bawlmore be complete without a crab….

…and Mr. Boh himself?!

We then headed over to 13.5% Wine Bar.  Just look at this wall of wine…I so want this in my house!

I had been wanting to try this place, and it was the perfect place to warm up after walking around town. 

We warmed up by each trying a flight.  This is the first time I had ever tried a "flight," and I very much enjoyed myself.  We each ordered a different flight so we could try a bunch of wines.  I cannot remember, for the life of me, the flights we ordered, but I loved my flight and would love to sip it again!  While sipping on our wines, we enjoyed the Pulled Duck Confit Tacos, which to my surprise were delicious! 

After I had thawed out, we headed to one of my favorite restaurants, Woodberry Kitchen.  There we had some crab dip and a flatbread, which were both very good, and I had a wine and also was able to taste a sip of a Governor's Mule for the first time…YUM!  

Overall, it was a perfect evening to take in the holiday scenes and enjoy a cocktail (or two…or three…) with some great company! 

Check it out for yourself!  

Spinach Artichoke Bites

I made these for my cocktail party last week.  They were easy, delicious, and made for a pretty display.

Ingredients

6- packages (15 in each package) of fillo dough bites

1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

8 ounce cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup parmasen cheese

1/4 cup diced pickled jalapenos 

1/4 cup mayo

1/3 cup sour cream

(now, you can double this, as I did, but I had a TON leftover and feel this recipe is just enough for the 80 fillo cups)

Directions

Mix all ingredients together (except fillo cups…duh!).

Refrigerate overnight and fill the cups when you are ready to serve.

ENJOY!

I also added chicken salad to the fillo cups for another platter.  I just bought my favorite chicken salad from a local store, Graul's Market.  To make these more festive it would be fun to add some craisens on top.

Cheers to the New Year!

…and that's exactly what I did!  Well, minus the table… ;)

A new day, a new year, is finally here upon us.  I know I am glad to see 2011 pass and have welcomed 2012 with warm open arms!  

I have a feeling this is going to be a good year.  I just do!  And I think I started off this year in the best way possible…with great people!

I'm ready for this new year and all it has to offer!  

Hope you all had a very Happy New Year!

XO