5 days!

giving it a try

I am giving my first "idea board" a try. We're beginning to brainstorm plans for our Master Bath renovation we hope will take place this spring/summer. We're doing it all...taking out a shower, taking out a tub, putting in a walk in shower, replacing the counter top, putting in shelving...a lot is on the table. I've started the browsing (fun) process to see what I like for bathroom design. Here is one option I've come up with...

Master Bath - 1 - by nicolelynn on Polyvore.com

10 days!

target (luck) love ~ part 3

Luck is finally on my side. This week in the Target ad (my favorite part of the Sunday paper), I spied some dresses on sale. Granted, I had tried there before, but I wondered if maybe, just maybe there was something I hadn't seen yet. Of course I am in need want for some new dresses for our vacation (just 11 days away!) and am getting a little bit antsy. As I walked around the clothing session, disappointment was beginning to set in. Either 1) the majority of the dresses I saw in the ad weren't as cute as I had envisioned them to be or 2) the dresses I did like were not available in my size. Well, I don't give up easily at Target and lo and behold, I cast my eye on these cute and casual smocks:

Casual – check. Light and comfortable – check. Wearable for other occasions – check. I think we have a winner(s)! I did a quick try-on and was soon checking out and driving home, ready to stash the dresses away in my "to Mexico" pile. Feeling good!

fun is where the music is

Yesterday was one of my favorites - a day with my husband. Usually on the weekend we do a few things together (clean, grocery shop, eat) but for the most part we often do our own thing, knowing the other is just a room away. This Saturday we spent the majority of it together. We did some housework, ran some errands, did some shopping, enjoying each other's company and laughing at the oddities we find humorous. It was a pretty average day out but we had something special planned. We were headed to Weston.

A few years ago we discovered this neat little town with it's antique shops, B&B's, quaint stores, winery, and brewery. This town has got it all! We really enjoy O'Malley's Irish Pub which houses a unique 3 level bar. We aimed to get there early so we were guaranteed a seat in the cave, the lowest level. It's not a large space but is definitely the place to be to witness the talented live entertainment.

We arrived early enough to get a prime seat on the lower floor, right by the stage. After some drinks and sandwiches, we settled in for the entertainment. Flannigan's Right Hook was the band of the night and boy did they impress! Their familiar Irish folk tunes and popular music covers left everyone tapping their feet and clapping their hands. There was definitely some powerful energy in that room! It was a great night (and day) indeed and the lively music sent us off smiling and jigging on home!

the wrong kind of luck

Another shopping trip over and still without a dress. I know the minute I get back from this trip I'm going to see dozens of dresses I want. Of course I did manage to find something to buy (won't quite work for the beach trip but will work for the summer!). I was a little disappointed in the selection at this particular store but am hoping luck still might be on my side somewhere else!



Maybe I'll even be brave and belt it - need to try to be a little fashion forward! Thankfully, hubby had some luck. He's set and ready to go. I have 12 days to get myself there. Time's a ticking away!

browsing or buying?

Today is another much enjoyed "Mitch and Nicole Day of Fun". We have many plans in place and one includes a stop to shop. We're still on the search for some vacation clothes (at this time, 2 weeks from today, we will be on the plane!) and are hoping we might have some luck. I saw a commercial for Old Navy - spring/summer dresses on sale! This is really my only clothing "need" for the trip - for dinners and so on. I'm hoping to find something that might work. I was browsing on their website last night and saw a few potential winners.

spring is springing!

Even though it was cloudy and the breeze made the air a bit cool, at 6:44 am this morning, spring arrived! Living a little further south now, the winters never quite compare to those northern winters I used to experience. As winters go, this one was especially disappointing this year. I shouldn't complain about the lack of ice, never melting snow, and bitter temperatures but at times, it really didn't feel like winter. Even considering all that, I'm excited to see the turnover to the new season.

One of my favorite parts of spring is the blooming and flowering that occurs (even though my favorite part of fall is when everything changes colors, which inevitably means death of the plant...hmm...). It's exciting to see the trees blossom, flowers bloom, and grass turn from dull brown to bright green. I especially enjoy fresh flowers and though I have the furthest thing from a green thumb, I'd like to try to keep more flowers in the house from time to time this spring season. Here are some beauties to inspire...

What are some of your favorite spring blooms?

cheers!

Here's to good times in Dublin!

What a great picture!

Some live Irish music.

Guinness is GOOD!

Our hostel...home sweet home.

Our hostel and the connected pub. ;-)

Dublin

Dublin Castle
U2 Wall

Guinness Factory

The Gate
The Gate

The Sky Bar in Dublin

Our message to Dublin.

time traveling

I don't think I ever imagined myself reading about time travel. Sure, I enjoy a book from the fantasy genre every now and then (averaging probably 1 every 5 years) but I was eager to give this one a try. The Time Travelers Wife. My book club has been buzzing about this book. It's been on many other book clubs' lists. Could it live up to the hype? Who was brave enough to try it? I wanted to take the
challenge.



I don't want to say too much about this book for fear I might give too much away but the title pretty much describes it all. This is a story of a time traveler and his wife. He lives in world that is the present, past, and future. The reader is whisked away to different years, different places, different experiences of the man who is able to travel through time. Some might not enjoy the bounciness of the plot. It really wasn't too bothersome for me. Ultimately, I fell in love with the characters and was entranced by their own unique stories and the story of their life together. I'm pleased I read this book. Without the recommendation of others, I don't know that I would have tried it. A friend (who was brave like me) and I are waiting for another friend to finish so we can get together, sip coffee, and discuss this intriguing book. I recommend it to those who are willing to get lost with a book.

raise a glass

Yesterday I was out running errands and decided to pop into Pier One. The window appliqués touted HUGE sales so I ventured in. I'm always intrigued by Pier One. The fun glasses, great serving ware, pretty placemats and napkins, unique lamps (I have two in my home), vibrant pillows, fragrant candles…I always do a store tour when I visit. I hadn't intended on buying anything but of course I found something. And can you believe it – it wasn't for me! I instantly knew these stemless wine glasses would serve as a great gift!
As I was perusing the glassware, I saw these adorable juice glasses. I didn't have reason enough to buy them but they would also be a great gift.

I left the store and popped in next door at Bed Bath & Beyond. I often have several of their coupons on hand so thought I would check out their goods. Luck! I found something I definitely need want. I've wanted a frother for some time. It stemmed from my discovery and addiction love for skinny vanilla lattes. I don't have them all too often but every now and then, I grant myself a treat and sip one up. I could stand to drink them more but my coffee budget will not allow. I started looking at different coffee makers…maybe I could make them at home. Then I discovered the frother. Several people touted the luck they have had with them – simply frothing milk before adding coffee. Maybe this was the answer to my latte love. I searched the coffee section at BB&B and low and behold, my frother.
I tried it out today – GOOD. VERY GOOD. I may not be able to challenge Starbucks yet but I definitely had a great cup of coffee this morning. Even hubby let me froth his milk! My trip into BB&B was definitely well worth it!

takes the cake!

I have a good cookie recipe. It's REALLY good. I'm not even sure where it's from. It's so simple and generic, it could be from anywhere. It made it's way into my recipe box via my mom. She used to make them all the time when she needed a fast dessert (usually when she had to take dessert somewhere). It is quick and (usually) no fail. I can't remember when it was that I first made them. All I do know is that they were so good, hubby and I polished off about 10 each with a big glass of milk. They're chocolaty with just the right touch of peanut butter and are SO soft and moist! These are seriously the easiest cookies I've ever made so if you need something easy, fast, and delish, try these!

Chocolate Cake Cookies

1 box of Chocolate Cake Mix (I love any brand but dark chocolate or devils food is the best!)

3 eggs

1/3 cup oil (I use canola oil)

1 cup peanut butter chips (can use chocolate chips but I LOVE peanut butter)

Beat eggs. Add oil. Add cake mix. Stir until well mixed. Add peanut chips. Drop 1 tsp. fulls onto greased baking sheet. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for *8 minutes. Remove, cool slightly and transfer to cooling rack. When cookies are still warm. Try one. You know you want to!

*I usually bake two baking sheets at a time - 4 minutes for each sheet, switch sheets on baking rack to total 8 minutes in oven. Be careful not to exceed 8 minutes! Cookies may lose their softness = crunchy cookies = not good (in my mind).

25 more days! (hopefully)

Even midst the sleet, fog, and damp air, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel! Our vacation is in just 25 days!!!! When we booked this trip back in November, it seemed so far off - like we would be waiting forever for it to approach. Now I can't believe how quickly it is coming. What should I take? Will I need dresses? Slacks? How many pairs of shoes? What books should I take? The planning questions are beginning to enter my mind. Hubby and I did a little shopping last Saturday. He had some good success as did I! There are still a few things I want to get but slowly I am building up my vacation wardrobe! Some samples from recent shopping trips...

Something I can wear beach-side possibly? Pasty white skin, say goodbye!

Something casual for a trip to town or maybe dinner? {Hubby - don't worry about the new bag. ;-) }

But, something not so great happened today. I was summoned for jury duty. For the second time. The first time I couldn't do it because of a conference I had to attend for work and I was excused. When I got the mail today and saw the notice, I didn't even consider the inevitable: my jury duty service occurs during our vacation. NO! What luck. So now I'll be trying to figure my way out of this one the rest of the week. Here's hoping all goes well and we'll be basking in that warm sun soon!

failure = disappointment

I was doing very well. Sure I missed a day here and there but overall, my running schedule was pretty stellar. Last week I only missed one day - a great improvement over the past few months. But, I'm falling off that treadmill again! It started with Sunday. I was tired. We lost an hour of sleep. Surely I needed to allow my body to catch up. Same excuse Monday morning. This morning, no excuse really, just pure laziness. I decided to post an entry about this in hopes it will hold me accountable again and encourage me to kick it up. Sure it stinks to hear that alarm in the morning but the feeling that running gives me definitely throughout the day outweighs the tired feeling I experience during the first 5 minutes of consciousness.

I'll blog about my success next Monday. Here's to the next five victorious days!

good intentions

I was reading blogs updates that are on the blog roll of my literacy blog and saw an update on 5 Minutes For Books that caught my eye. I received one of the books mentioned today, Who By Fire, at my book club's annual Christmas book exchange. It's been on my shelf at home ever since due to required reading for graduate classes, professional reading for work, and book club suggestions I've been wanting (and have failed) to keep up on. But now after reading this review, I'm inspired to read this one sooner than later. Stay tuned for a review in the (hopefully) near future!

(picture from Amazon)

target love ~ part 2

So, I'm in trouble. Target has turned over to spring and today I was faced with fresh new t-shirts, tanks, shorts, dresses, jewelry and shoes. Why does Target always lure me in? Once again, I had a list in hand: strictly groceries for today. But for some reason, my cart would not steer itself straight into the grocery isle. It did a sharp left turn down the main isle and then a sharp right turn into the clothes. Darn that cart.

At first I will just look, I think. I won't pick anything up. I will just look. But then something is in my hand. The fabric is so soft, the pattern is pretty...but wait, I must not put it in my cart! Miraculously, I somehow managed to get through the clothes isles merely browsing - I did not place one single clothing item or accessory in my cart (I think that is the very FIRST time that has ever happened!). Amazingly, I left only with the grocery items on my list (excluding a little surprise for hubby). But don't fret - I have many items bookmarked in my mind for future purchasing. After all, our trip to Mexico is less than a month away and there are some clothing staples I will absolutely need!

thanks, u2

For making a new album. I have been waiting since your last album in November of 2005. That's a long wait. I was surprised with your newest album, No Line On The Horizon last night (thanks, Hubby). I've listened to it a number of times today. This work reminds me of a throwback to the 90's with Achtung Baby, which I love. This new one...it's growing on me. The sound is totally different from recent works but I'm up for the change and a flashback to the past. So far, top songs (in my opinion) include: "White As Snow" and "Breathe" but I will keep on listening to your intricate guitar riffs and mysterious vocals. I look forward to your (hopefully) upcoming tour and will try with every attempt to get tickets like I did last time (already crossing fingers). Thanks, U2, for continuing to make the music. Sincerely, A Big Fan.

guinness is versitile

As I was glancing at food blog, Simply Recipes, today's recipe features Guinness Bread with Molasses. The recipe looks simple and the result looks tasty!


Knowing my hubby is a HUGE Guinness fan I believe this will be a recipe worth experimenting very soon. I may not be able to wait until St. Patty's Day - we might have to try it before then!