Friday Randoms & Sunless Tan Lotion Review

TGIF Lovies!!
Hubs and I have been uber busy today...

all good stuff!
We have pretty much finalized our decking plans,

we just need to place the order.

We're going with a composite deck, and apparently

you have to run it a certain way with enough support

otherwise it will sag. 

{FYI, I'm sure you're all dying to know that!}

We started to shop around so that we can recreate 

this first image here!

I saw a few sets at Target I like...

I'm all about the popping of a bright orange!

 So, if we can't find the cushions that color,

I'll accessorize with throw pillows!

 

We're looking at curtains for our living room too. 

I found these online through Bed Bath & Beyond

No, we don't have a cool veranda that

it would open up to, but there's a window seat 

thingy where the dogs sit, so I want something

pretty but durable!

Speaking of dogs, our pretty wood flooring

is getting a little beaten up...

So now I'm looking for a good looking 

{somewhat inexpensive}

throw rug, about 5x7

I found these on Overstock:

$82

Or this one for $150

I was thinking cream... {hide dog hair ugh!}

And totally random, but,

do any of you watch Bethenny Ever After?

I'm in love with her style;

and she tends to wear fun blazers and cardis

over this simple white tank.

Of course, she created it.
It doesn't ride up and I love that it's a tad longer and 

appears to be a bit sturdier?

Oh, and it's a "shaper"

It's $32 and I'm kinda thinking I need to buy it.

via

And I have finally picked up a book 

{or rather my Nook}

and am currently reading Prep.

I am not very far, but I am already hooked!

I heard it was a good one, so I hope to get

further into it soon.

 And my latest obsessions:

Faux Tan Lotions.

I went to the Dr and got a mole checked/removed

{It was not cancerous, thank goodness!}

and it just makes me a bit more aware of how 

I am treating my 30+ year old skin.

I believe a tan can be healthy,

but not all year long and all day, every day.

I will tan before we go away 

on our cruise, because I know that burning

is far worse than tanning your skin.
But for now, if I want a little color

I turn to these two new friends:
From Bare Escentuals

This one is $22 

-4.5 oz

-lasts 5-7 like it says

-has a slight smell "fake tan"

-turns your hands orange for a few hand washes

 (even when I washed them right after)

-will streak if you don't rub it in well enough

The other one I got from my nail salon

-You can find it on Amazon here

-a bit more money $31

-4.2 oz

-has a smell

-will stain hands if you don't wash right away

-doesn't seem to last as long, but does give instant color

-will streak if you don't rub it in well enough

I recommend both products;

I would most likely buy the BE lotion again.

I have been mixing them with my regular lotion 

and it seems to use less and then you can apply it 

without smelling too "stinky tan"

I haven't tried the St. Tropez like others have mentioned, but I just may!
I love having a tad of color on my pale pale skin!

I'm off to go read...and make diner.

And sip some vino.
Happy Weekend!!

*These are strictly my opinions and I have not received anything for these reviews.*

What to do in Charleston, SC?

Since we will  be visiting my mother

soon, in Charleston S.C.

Here are a few things we hope to do!

We are staying at a Bed & Breakfast

Our room is here! 

I'm thrilled to stay at this beautiful place

and enjoy a delicious Southern breakfast!

Dinner reservations have already been made

for 82 Queen Street

via

I cannot wait to sink my teeth into some

good ole fashioned Southern Cookin!

All y'all talk about sweet tea and fried foods...

I'm so excited to enjoy some!

I also love love love seafood.

We will also go to Coconut Joes

and enjoy a casual meal overlooking the ocean!

And of course, 

I am almost certain

we will be sipping a few lot

of these bad boys!

via

I'm hoping we get to walk a bit on a beach.

My heart is so happy, when my toes are in sand!

via

 For my history buff of a husband, 

we will be touring Fort Sumter.

I went when I was little, 

but I cannot wait to see it with adult eyes!

via

We will probably do a historic

tour around the city too.

Of course, no other way, than by

horse & carriage.

via

And as most of you know,

we are HUGE sushi lovers!
We may have to try out 

TSUNAMI

for lunch one day!

 And of course, there will be shopping...

I have heard that King Street is the place

to go?

Have you been to Charleston recently?
Any clubs/bars to check out?
I'm so excited to get away with hubs & 

see my mom!

Soup Recipe & Pins!

Happy Hump Day!

I'm stoked for Zumba tonight.

woot woot!

I am guest posting over at Joey's blog today

Hodge[s]podges 

with a tasty soup recipe!
Go check her out!!

And of course I just have to use a few pins

I went for a massage yesterday.

I had a funny pain running up and down

my neck/back.

I think I slept funny.

The massage made me melt like butter

and I am feeling SO much better today!

This states all the reasons why it's not all about pampering,
but you should really get massages regularly!

Source: galtime.com via Tara on Pinterest

Not too much longer we will be visiting my mom and staying here!

Source: charleston-sc-inns.com via Patricia on Pinterest

And not too much longer

we will be living here for a week

while my lil sis gets married!

Source: google.com via Kim on Pinterest

So I've been really trying to eat healthy and get my workout on. 

Go check out my healthy soup at Joey's blog!!

Doggie Seizures & A Song

The sun is still shining, so that is a great thing!

Sadly, early Sunday morning, Sadie had a few seizures.

I have been bragging about how well she's been,

but she had them, again, and again, and again.

She had another one Sunday night,

and it breaks my heart to watch her.
Poor little Holly has no idea what to do 

either when it's happening.

What's just as bad,

is after Sadie has seizures,

it's as if she's not our dog.

She walks into the doors,

drools uncontrollably

and is so ravenous, I have to 

be extra careful to not leave food around.

She has started whining a lot too,

which doesn't make for a good night's sleep.

Having an epileptic dog is so much work!

Joe and I get so frustrated and upset sometimes,

but what can we do?
It's not her fault.

We try so hard to take good care of her,

but I know that I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

I'm thankful to have hubs to help me,

that is for sure.

I know that together, we are a team.

I often hope that maybe the seizures will go away;

she hasn't had one is a very, very long time.

I think it was summer, Joe said it was September.

Either way, it's March and that's still quite a long time.

What do you do when your dog requires so much extra TLC?

Here's today's tune running through my head..

It makes me think of how strong our relationship is.

I love you Joseph!

There is no stopping us.
We can get through anything together.

Hope for a Little Lamb

Happy Monday!
While the temperatures are no longer high 70's/80's,

{oh it's just 32 degrees, nbd,wth??}

 Spring is in full effect here in Upstate New York.

If I haven't mentioned it before,

I married into the coolest family ever.
I love all of Joe's relatives and always 

enjoy the time we spend together.

We went to Joey's Grama's house yesterday for 

Pasta Sunday.

Ziti with cheese just oozing all over.

Homemade sauce.

Sausage.

Meatballs.

Pork ribs.

Chicken cutlets.

Pitehs, or however you spell these

delicious little fried bites of heaven with asparagus.

Red vino.

Espresso & almond cookies.

Yes, going there is always a treat!
The sheep had their babies 

but one little runt has been neglected by its mom.

So sad.

 Notice Holly's curiosity!

So of course, we spent some time trying to get it

to nurse from its mama.

So we carried the little lamb back out to the barn

to see if we could get them to re-connect.

Joe told me to let Holly go and run around 

{with the sheep}

Clearly that was not happening on my watch.

The guys had to hold the mama still

so that the little guy could nurse.

 He did drink some, but then went and laid down.

He's so much smaller than the other two babies.

The action shot {bottom right} shows how the other lambs

kept trying to nurse and not let the little one {bottom left}

eat anything.

Here is Big Papa

the "father" to all the lambs.

Holly was quite fascinated with him!

He is from a local farm/petting zoo

so he is really friendly!

 We brought the baby back up to the garage

where, Grams fed him some warm goats milk.

If anyone can revive this little guy,

it'd be Grams.

So, we intervened a little bit,

but nature has to run its course.

I am definitely hoping this little one makes it!

Hope your Sunday was as special as mine. 

Yes dear, if you make goofy faces, 

then that is what I'll post.

Whole Wheat Banana Almond Muffin Recipe

How rude of me, not to share these delicious muffins sooner!

Thank you, Sage @ Sweet and Sage for asking

for the recipe!
When I make any baked goods, I get inspired from online

recipes, magazines, and in this case a book.
To be honest, the book is called  

Tell me What to Eat If I am Trying to Conceive.

{on a side note, this book did not provide me any new information

about eating healthy and trying to have a baby.
It was an extremely quick read and has a few recipes in the back,

but it's definitely a library rental--not something I would buy.}

Anyways,

There is a recipe for banana almond muffins, however

I did not have enough eggs to make this version 

(and still have eggs for hubs breakfast this morning!)

So I pulled out my ol' Trusty:

The Red &White

Better Homes and Garden cookbook.

{The Banana Bread recipe}

It has never failed me.

Thanks again mama Delle Fave!!

So, I looked at both recipes and kind of combined them.

This is what I came up with:

 Whole Wheat Banana Almond Muffins:

-makes 24 muffins

-Pre-heat oven to 350

-bakes for 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups of whole wheat organic flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp lemon juice

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of cooking oil (or butter melted)

2 eggs beaten

5 mashed ripe bananas (lots of brown spots!!)

1/4 cup of almond (or walnuts if you want!)

Instructions:

In a large bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, 

salt, nutmeg & cinnamon and make a well in the center.

In another bowl combine eggs, bananas, sugar, lemon juice, oil and add

all at once to the flour mixture and stir.

Batter will be lumpy!!

Now, because of Joe, I only put almonds into half of the muffins.

I filled up 12 muffin cups 3/4 way and then added the almonds to the batter

and folded them into the rest of the mixture.

Fill the remaining 12 muffin cups with the batter 3/4.

-I use an ice cream scoop; perfect portion-

*I also sprinkled a little extra sugar on top of his muffins before I baked them;

since they're sort of healthy, I knew he'd want them sweeter.*

Bake for about 20 minutes;

you'll know they're ready when you insert a toothpick and pull it out

and it's clean!

Enjoy.

Just in Case You're Interested...

TGIF friends!

As usual, I'm enjoying my Friday "off" with the hubs!

We had a fun breakfast with his parents, "Happy Birthday Dad!!"

I can smell my whole wheat banana almond muffins baking,

{and now that I'm done with the post, I ate one.}

So.

Darn.

Good.

We are going for sushi for dinner!

I just wanted to share my new favorite silly song...

Yes, I am well I must be a teenage girl or something.

I think what I love most, besides the cutesy upbeat tempo,

are the lyrics.

It reminds me when Joe and I were e-mailing on MySpace.

Yes, girls, I said it.

We wrote to each other, back and forth, for a few days...

then kind of met other people...

but then I got a "Happy New Year"

and I responded.

I wanted him sooo badly to ask for my number

or ask me out 

or something!

So I wrote him one evening.

Then as I ran up the stairs to go get ready to go out,

I stopped, ran back down

and wrote 

"Oh, and just in case you're interested..."

Here's my cell...

I didn't say, "Call me Maybe",

 but he shortly thereafter

did text me.

Then called me.

Then asked me out.

And, well obviously, 

the rest is still an unbelievable love story!

I love him more every day.

So all the single ladies, 

you may have to give out your number, 

and have him call you maybe!

Yes, Holly Wally, We Really Love You!!

Today started out like any other Summer day in March.

I ironed a shirt and pants for hubby.

I hooked the doggies up outside on their leashes.

I made scrambled eggs for hubs and I.

Quickly cooked bacon up for Joey.

I spoke to my father about decking.

Joe and I sipped orange juice, took our vitamins,

and I walked him to the door and kissed goodbye.

I grabbed the large, yet practically empty dog food bag

and a cup of food and brought both furballs into the house.

Holly helped herself right into the bag and when that was gone,

I figured she'd still need a bit more food.

I went out to the garage, threw away the empty bag,

and grabbed more of the food.

I walked back in and saw Sadie just chillin in the kitchen, but

the little ankle biter, Holly, was not in sight.
Gone.
Vanished.
Disappeared.

I called, and called, and called.

I shook the cup with food, and nothing.

I quickly got nervous because our screen door
had not yet been put back in,

and I've been leaving the sliding glass door wide open.

I thought for sure, my adventurous little Wallers
had run off outside.

{Sidenote:We named her Holly,
but that name is far too sweet, nice, and innocent

to be hers. She is more of a Consuela or Wally or
Wallers because she runs into walls.}

I ran outside, calling her name and looking around,
but saw and heard nothing...

other than the sounds of the three large dogs two houses down.

A Husky.

Two boxers.

Last summer Holly ran over to them and teased them,

as they are in an invisible fence and she obviously was not.

Luckily they didn't enjoy her for breakfast,

that day.

But today?

I didn't even want to go over there and see a pile of Holly on the ground.

I ran inside looked around, opened doors, called up and down.

I went out the front door, in my PINK t-shirt and pink plaid pajama pants.

I asked two teenage boys (who should probably have been in school?)

If they had seen a little dog.
They said no.

I ran up stairs threw on a bra, 

since I figured I'd have to go running around trying to find her.

Again, I peeked in the bedrooms and saw nothing!

I ran back outside, in the back, in the front.

I wouldn't be so adamant that she was outside

but the dogs are much like their owners;

they love their food!
When I'm in the kitchen and there's food,

my helpers are right there to pick up the scraps!

I finally caved and picked up my cell and called the hubs.

He had just pulled into work and in a scared voice,

I told him I lost Holly.

Without hesitation, 

he jumped right back into the car and was on his way home.

He told me to keep calling her and check under the deck.

She probably chased a squirrel.

As I walked the path (mind you there is a high school behind us,

fields, a track, huge parking lot) 

Joe said, "Did you check under the covers?"
"No."
I kept calling her and looking around outside, 

and came back in the house one last time,

and there she was scurrying down into the living room,

tail between her legs,

she flipped over onto her back and laid on their doggy bed.

Her tail wagged and she knew I was upset.

Hubs was already half way home, 

but was able to just turn around and go back to work.

I think she just wanted some extra attention because I had a busy

day away from home yesterday, but

either way, I cried and sobbed like a baby.

I think she just wanted to see how much I really loved her.

I knew loved her, but the thought of her being

breakfast meat to dogs down the street,

just made my heart so heavy.

My heart is still racing a bit as I type this.

So, lessons learned.

I'll keep the door shut until we get the screen in.

And next time,

I'll check her favorite place in the whole world,

our bed sheets.

 Do your pets give you a run for your money?

I cannot wait for this new deck with railings.

And I could really use a mimosa.

I'll settle for some yoga.

Pins On Deck!

Good morning!
It is supposed to be in the 80's today!!

I have a fun little day...

Hair appointment

Errands

Dinner date/drinks with my friends Alison & Matty

and going to see one of my bffs belly dance!
She has a solo and has been practicing so much.

I cannot wait to see her shimmy!

So here are a few pins on my mind...

Hubs and I are trying to pick out what type of decking we'd like.
We were going to do one last year, but it's a fairly expensive project.
This year we are tearing out the hot tub  
that has never worked since I've been around 4 years now
Replacing the deck boards and putting up a railing to keep pups
and future kids locked in!

I know it may sound lame to some of you, but I could not be more excited.

So of course, some pinspiration:

At night:

I love the white railing and darker deck boards

And I'm hoping my friend Jill will be able to help me pick
some beautiful plants to put around!

 I'm totally dreaming on this one...

This idea is cool too

For my birthday present {in July},
I would like a chaise lounge! 

I cannot wait to sit and sip some of these!

Do you have any recommendations for building? 

This is our first "major" project on our home. 

We've done flooring and painted walls, 

but this is a pretty big deal 

and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 I cannot wait to have a deck party to celebrate!

Sometimes & Always

Sometimes- I miss the ring of an old house phone.

Always- I appreciate the ability to carry the phone wherever I go

via

Sometimes- I wish we'd get a huge snow storm, lose power, 

and have to live by candle light &cook with the fire place!

Always- I don't want anyone to get hurt and am thankful to be safe from any bad storms.

Sometimes- I start worrying about things I cannot control.

Always- I let go and let will be, will be. {breathe}

Sometimes- I wish I owned a restaurant

Always- I am beat after cooking just for two, a week straight!

What's up Chevron?

Sometimes- I promise to love my body the way it is...

Always- I know I can be better and I know working out is doing great things for me!

Love my zumba

 Sometimes- I fill up an online shopping cart with tons of goodies

Always- {mostly always} Click the little X in the right hand corner.

Sometimes- I say I'm going to "fill my tank"

Always- I just throw $20 in at a time, hoping to find it cheaper some place else!

Sometimes- I think I want to run a marathon

Always- I will just stick with jogging with my pups.

Sometimes- I wish for things to happen right now

Always- I have learned to appreciate the now

Sometimes- I slowly isolate myself away from constant negative people/things

Always- I never regret it; life is short, be happy!

via

 Sometimes- I want a Jr.Bacon Cheeseburger, fries with a side of cheese & a frosty

Always- I value my health more than eating that!! 

Sometimes- I wish younger wives lived closer to me...

Always- We are surrounded by a lot of retirees!

Have a super Tuesday lovies!!!

Come link up with the lovely Megan:

Fashion & Family Time

I know I'm repeating myself, but 

I cannot help it;

I'm LOVVVVING this crazy summer-like

weather in the middle of March.

I don't ever remember it being this nice for such a long

stretch of time!
That being said, I have {unofficially}

broken into my summer wardrobe and 

realized that I barely wore any sweaters during winter.

Well, it's still technically winter, but it's so weird!

I have some OOTD to share.

I am noticing that I become obsessed with taking

certain photos;

sometimes, it's cooking/food

and others it's my clothing.

Sorry for my rando-OCD!

Tuesday:
Dr's appointment

& dinner with the in-laws

Button-up: F21

Cami: Loft

Cropped jeans: Guess

Belt: Wet Seal

Flip Flops: Old Navy

Bracelet/Necklace: Caribbean islands

Wednesday:

By the time I got to shower, 

I just threw on my workout gear to go hangout 

with Alison, get pedis & go to Zumba!

Look at lil Gracie; Alison's adorable daughter!

Capris: Nike Fit Dry from Marshalls

Shirt: VS

Sports Bra: Target

Jacket: Kohls

Sneakers: {not pictured}Nike

Thursday OOTN:

Dinner with Matt & Alison

We had so much fun & great food;

forgot to snap pix!

Even the boys salsa danced!

Dress: Guess by Marciano

Cream Blazer: Gap

Nude Peep toes: Candies-Kohls

Friday:

Ran errands with hubs,

checked out this fabulous Olive oil/Vinegar shop

F.Olivers--aahhhhmaaazing!

Picked up some freshly baked goodies at a bakery

and met with our builder for our new deck!

 Jeans: Guess

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Polo

White Cardi: Loft

Sandals: Aldo

Jewelry: Stella & Dot

Drink: Iced Vanilla Soy Latte---I.DIE.

Saturday:

Brought hubs up lunch,

picked up dog food,

grocery shopped

Warm weather + wet side braid= easy peasy!

 Dress: Kohls

Cami: Loft

Leggings: Vera Wang--Kohls

Sandals: Kohls

Scarf: Gap

Earrings: LC--Kohls from a swap!

Sunday:

So, it hit 80 degrees up in hizerrrr!!

I am such a summer girl, 

clearly I am ready for it!

{And I promise I ironed this darn wrinkly dress!}

  Dress: A gift from my step-mom Tricia 

White short-sleeved cardi: Kohls

Shoes: Aldo

Earrings: Italy

Necklace: St. Lucia

Flower in hair: Claire's

It was a fun-filled day at my parents house;

we celebrated my step-brother Tyler's birthday!

Hubs helped grill some fabulous Chicken wings

We definitely ate very well and enjoyed some 

summery beverages!

My sister tried to write on the cake...bahaha

And of course the little sunshine in our lives:

My lil french fry niece Adrianna.

So.

Stinkin.
Cute.

What have you been wearing?
Have you busted out your summer stuff 

without wearing out your winter gear?

Have a fabulous Monday girlies!!

Weekly Menu Ideas

via

It's that time of the week again.
What will we be eating??
I got off pretty easy last week...back to work Mrs!!

I'm starting to make a lot of lunches now too;

hubs isn't really a sandwich guy, so I try to be creative.
Sometimes it's hard!
Here's what I found for this week:

Mozzarella, Tomato, Pesto Paninis 

Pulled BBQ Chicken Panini

Taco Night

Home made Sloppy Joes with ground venison

Oven baked Chicken Tenders {Joe would eat this every day if I let him!}

Sundried tomato Pesto Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Rounds *Paleo Friendly

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Bacon Pasta

Chicken Caesar Salad--check out the Kraft video--

just bought this to try out. 

I will put Joe's into a wrap so it's more of a meal. Have you had this before?

And I haven't tried any pinned recipes in awhile..
Chicken crescent roll casserole:

Source: tastebook.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Roll Ups

Source: ivillage.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I want to make breakfast for dinner too!

Source: foodnetwork.com via Analisa on Pinterest

Do you plan your meals? 

Leave me a link! I

 love getting new ideas.

 I hate eating the same things over and over!