Yes...I am alive

For my seven followers, I will answer this ever important question...Yes, I am alive, and Yes, I plan to continue blogging. Whew...Sarah and Michael you can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Don't get me wrong, I love writing my random musings, but lately there has been a problem. I'M BUSY. Yes, I know I don't technically work 40 hours and yes, Michael and I are going and doing lots of fun things. I guess the true confession is...I don't know what I am doing wasting my time away.

So my loyal followers let's begin anew.

Here's a short summary of the past month.

Went to Dallas: saw lots of Michael's side of the family. Went to a wedding, ate A LOT and enjoyed the state of Texas

Cheered on my favorite (I guess it shouldn't be favorite because they are technically the only team I pull for) college football team:

Sorry, it's tradition...can't start a noon game without a little bit of Verdi...yes I am quite classy popping the bottle.

The prettiest girls I know in the SEC

Love my fellow gator!

What this picture doesn't show is that, sorry mom, southern girls don't just "glisten" they sweat...a lot.

That had to be the hottest game I have ever attended in my life. Well, I'm sure they were hot while I was in college, but thank god for alcohol and a buzz. Both of which were impossible due to the heat.

Ate a lot of Maryland Blue Crab:

Best fun you can have with a mallet...legally!

Oh yeah, and there is other BIG NEWS. Michael and I are going to truly become adults. Like buying a house adults. And with a house comes responsibility..which may mean big moves career wise for one of us....To Be Continued.

I Spy a Vera

On the road again, I could wait to get on the road again. Michael and I are hitting the pavement again, this time we are headed for Dallas. It’s so odd but even when I type the word a strong Texan accent pops into my head.

After trips overseas, Alabama, Florida, and The Bahamas, we are headed to thea Lone Star state. Despite the frequent flier opportunities, I honestly can’t wait to stay home for a weekend.

But this trip is going to be a fun one. We are celebrating the marriage of one of Michael’s first cousins. It’s really odd. Michael only has TWO first cousins. I on the other hand come from a huge southern family. We’re talking 9 first cousins on just my mother’s side of the family! Not to mention the second and third “kin” that I am just as close to.

So I have my bagged packed and I am ready to go…sitting at the airport. I think I recently jinxed myself. Bragging about how my flights are never delayed and I always receive my luggage, was just asking for a problem. The past two flights I have taken have been delayed. And not just a few minutes sitting around to board the plane…try over 3 hours sitting on the tarmac! Add to that the odd Dutchman sitting behind me continually giving my back a nice massage with his knees and the bitchy woman next to me who I strongly believe is texting about me to her girlfriends and it makes for an interesting flight.

But anyways, taking this trip has made me realize that I am not alone when it comes to appreciating the benefits of Vera Bradley. Although MANY, and when I mean MANY we’re talking most of my immediate family, friends, and husband do not enjoy the vibrant and loud prints. My mom said it best when she said I look like a 65-year old woman getting ready to head to a knitting session. Or my husband who thinks the prints are just god-awful. But then again he does own over 20 blue button-downs, so maybe he needs to realize variety is the spice of life (I kid, I kid…).

As I was getting out the cab what did I see…Vera. As I headed through security what did I see…Vera. And as I walked through the terminal what did I see…take a guess…Vera Bradley. You see everyone else must appreciate the lightweight, pack it until it bursts, and throw it into the washing machine when you get home abilities of Vera Bradley luggage.

I proudly rock my quilted, monogrammed backpack and carrying my bright pink duffels. Yes, I can be easily spotted in a crowd. And I have been known to coordinate my outfit to my luggage and not realize it.



But for all of you haters out there I preach to you this…next time you are waiting for your boring black suitcase on the conveyor belt, watch as I immediately spot my brightly patterned bag with confidence. I KNOW it’s my bag, no need to check the tag…Well that is until the 65-year old woman next to me goes to grab the bag too. I guess the luggage appeals to all ages…

Just when I finally decide to complete a project...

This weekend was one of those where I caught myself sighing and exclaiming "this is just perfect" (yes, I am quite use to talking to myself). Of course, it would have been even better if my dear husband was in at least the same zip code. But I know he is having just as much fun participating in a good friends "mustachelor" party.

I began the weekend randomly wandering around my favorite haunt Wegman's. With Michael out of town I knew this was my opportunity to indulge in a few of my favorite "single" lady habits. Mine involves a whole lot of humus, Fruity Pebbles, girly apple cider beer (don't judge), and a marathon of Hoarding and HGTV. As much as I love company, sometimes nothing feels better than napping undisturbed, eating cereal 3 times in one day, and watching a certain show without your significant other telling you you have eerily similar characteristics to the disturbed individuals you love to watch.

Nothing better than fresh flowers to start your day.

Saturday morning I got up at the butt crack of dawn...6AM!! It might as well have been 4AM, I am not a morning person. The reason for waking up with the roosters...Little Green Notebook's big sale at the Arlington Flea Market. I simply knew it was meant to be when the date was changed and I was going to be in town.

After a short call to Sarah, we were all set and ready to get our shop on.

Jenny is an amazing interior designer with a great flair for updating god awful pieces of furniture into something brilliant and bright. Only one problem...apparently a lot of her blog readers had the same idea. We arrived at 7:10am and over half of the items were gone and spoken for. I did manage to snag a few treasures.

A huge side table, chair frame and 2 lamp shades for $50! Now I know the chair is missing a major piece for sitting, but it's nothing a piece of plywood and staple gun can't solve. I haven't decided what color I am going to paint it (I know it will be bright like red or turquoise) and the fabric is going to be something fun too. Same thing with the lamp shades. I just love the shape and plan on covering them in fabric. Now, I just need a house to put them in...

The cool luggage I found while we were loading Sarah's SUV. I have a thing for vintage luggage and this set is lined in purple satin!

My little bug can do anything! You can only imagine the looks I got driving down the road.

Because we were up bright and early I had my whole day ahead of me. It was really odd to be out and about, go out to breakfast, and unload my car all before my normal 10am rising. So what did I do...came home and took a nap.

ATTENTION ALL DISBELIEVERS! (i.e. Michael) My thumb does have a little green in it. Check out my peppers!

Bet you know what I had for dinner...

My Hoarding marathon also inspired me to clean the house from top to bottom. I figure nothing is better than coming home to an immaculately clean house.

One of the individuals on the show, had piles and piles of projects that eventually they claimed they would complete...hmmm doesn't sound like anyone I know. I figure maybe I should get around to sewing those living room pillows that I have had the fabric for since February. Only one problem....

MY SEWING MACHINE IS A PIECE OF @%#!

I guess things were going just a little too perfectly. Tomorrow I am going to head to JoAnn's and find out if its worth it to fix it.

But until then I am going to cling to the rest of my weekend and single girl habits. Eat my Kit Kat with chocolate milk and watch the best night of television (Big Brother, True Blood, Hung, Entourage, and Mad Men). AND I may have another bowl of cereal while we're talking about it...

Home Sweet Home...at least for a few days.

Michael and I have turned into quite the jet setters...but no complaints here. Racking up the frequent flier miles! Well actually, that's not true. It would be amazing if we could spend some of that travel together!

My dear husband spent a month running around the desert on his big adventure. But the location, temperatures in the triple digits, and a hint of danger kind of made me stay put in the suburbs of DC. Don't get me wrong, we all know how much I just love spending time outside, sweating and dodging for cover, but I just couldn't get myself on the plane.

It's actually quite pretty...

It is fashionable to decorate your vehicle. Like we're talking beads that sound like wind chimes hanging from the back!

Check out that beard! Isn't he sexy??

Michael returned only to drop me off at the airport the following day. For what you may ask...Girl's Weekend 2010!!

All Aboard!!

We drank... a lot. We ate...a lot. We gossiped...a lot. I soaked up the sun... a lot (with the peeling nose to prove it). Overall the perfect trip. Fortunately I did not weigh myself before the trip. But the multiple breakfasts, lunches (yes plural), and many entrees (in one sitting) did add to my waistline. Gasp, I was unable to zip up one of my dresses by the end of the trip. And another gasp, all of the weight gain and lack of clothes fitting didn't stop once we stepped off the boat. NONE of US spent less than $8 at Taco Bell upon returning. When on a cruise do as other cruisers...stuff your face and worry about it later. That's what sweatpants are for!

Here's a few of my favorite pics from the weekend.

Reema and I survived the heat for our muster just in time for the bar to open!

Arghhh

Welcome to Atlantis!

Elisabeth who is that sneaking up on you?!?!?

Oh it's the man dancing around barefoot!

It was a good thing Michael was used to the heat...our A/C broke the night I left for my trip. For days, our condo neared the 90 degree mark. Adding a sunburn suffered by both of us, and it made for a pleasant homecoming.

Just in time for the A/C to be fixed...Michael left for his own guy's trip. A...get this...Mustachelor Party. Yes, not just a bachelor party, but every one of the 15 guys on the trip grew out a nice little stache to make all other cruisers uncomfortable. Hmmm...I wonder if we girls decided not to shave our legs if we would get the same reaction.

My bearded dreamboat returns Monday only to empty the suitcase and fill it again. We're heading to Dallas! The home of big belt buckles, big hair, and big fat Republican pot bellies...well scratch that last part. I will be contributing a big fat DEMOCRAT belly. I wonder if I will blend in. Any restaurant recommendations to add a few inches? FLAT Belly to FAT Belly or bust....my zipper.

Where DIY meets WTF

I consider myself a crafty girl. Proud owner of my own craft table, but not always the best to finish projects (currently I have three uncompleted). AND I just spent my last lonely wife night wandering around Michael's until they threatened to kick me out over the loud speaker.

I purchased supplies for two more projects! But these I really need to finish...they are surprises for girl's weekend! And because a few of my massive blog following are recipients, they will be shielded in protection.

But anyways...this blog has to be one of the funniest things I have seen recently. Well, except the toddlers recreation of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.



Which reminds me...is that a boy playing the part of Caroline?

Regretsy always finds those WTF crafts and leave you wondering who buys this crap?!?!?

This is one of my favorites, part weird project, part funny commentary.

"Initially this was a request, but I could not help to make more! Can be made for any breed of dog, large or small. You can also choose to have Cream or Chocolate colored boobs, with Pink or Tan nipples."

The strangest part of this listing, well besides the massive boobies that poor dog is sporting, is the fact that someone requested this!

Hmmm...maybe I should rethink the scarves I am making for my favorite girls...

Bad Luck comes in 3's

Yuck, Yuck, and double Yuck.

The past few days have not been the "best." It's probably because I had the most amazing weekend with Reema and Sarah leading up to our big girl's weekend. We kicked off the night with dinner at Courtside Thai.


The food is amazing, the atmosphere is perfect, and the owners are some of the friendliest I have ever met. It's kind of weird how much of a difference it makes if the owners are personable and actually seem like they are happy you are there. And I know this might sound bad...but have you ever noticed how certain Asian restaurants really seem like they don't like you and could care less for your patronage. Don't get me wrong, I would drink Lampu's white sauce by the bottle, but getting a drink refill is harder than winning more than a free ticket on a scratch-off.

All I will say about the remaining of the evening is that it involved tasting our way through the Virginian wine country, eating chef Boyardee, the longest and I mean longest story ever, and waking up the next morning realizing I wasn't alone in my bed....scandalous I know! But what happens on girl's weekend stays with girl's weekend.

Saturday we spent way to much at my mother's Disney, Wegmans and laid by the pool all day. And Sunday's shopping trip made me realize just how difficult it is to spend a gift certificate at anywhere besides J.Crew.

Now the bad news,

In the past three days the following has happened...

Someone thought it would be a great idea to steal my front license plate, I most certainly have gained all flat belly weight back, AND I chipped my front tooth!!

My car will no longer be known as the official Gator Bug of Virginia. My most creative plate of GTR BUG is more than likely hanging in someones sports room or garage. Boo!

Ah, my former flat belly is more like a "I am stretching it plenty for my cruise" belly. At least that's what I am telling myself. Midnight Buffet anyone?

And to top it off I CHIPPED MY TOOTH. Well, it's not exactly my tooth, it's a bond...but still. I look more West Virginia housewife than Virginia. We don't have a dentist here, so I am seriously considering trying to pop into Dr. Flach's office in Mount Dora before I leave for my cruise. Fingers crossed he is on our insurance. And I know we don't leave for another week and how could my vain self handle it. It's not that bad. Seriously no one noticed until I made them look. I guess I should have rethought that garlic pasta before having them all up in my grill.

So, away with the bad luck and bring on the good. No, not just good. How about amazing! Maybe I will wake up in the morning, my boobs suddenly bigger, my stomach flatter, and my husband home! I girl can dream...

Hmmm...So we may need to get Showtime

Sooo excited! And it looks like this season is going to be more fun and less drama. What do you think?




Lot's of updates on the home front. Reema's visit leading up to our big girl's weekend, cleaning out my closet, AND the tale of the stolen license plate (karma's a bitch).

To be continued...

Everything is coming up daisies

Highly productive day...I can now call myself a gardener! It only took multiple trips to Home Depot. Seriously, by the end of the day, the guy at the returns desk knew me by name. You see, I returned the original plants I purchased in exchange for these beauties.

These are just a few. The first pot has green bell peppers, banana peppers, and pimento. I planted the second planter with a particular color scheme in mind. Notice anything?

Even our yard gnome has a home!

We have owned the metal planters since our stay in Denver, and sadly it only held plants for the record setting rate I killed a pair of ficus trees. Hopefully I will have better success the second time around. After all I did my homework. I read that if pots and planters don't have a drainage hole, it could lead to root rot. So what would any domestic goddess do, I drove myself to Home Depot. I marched right up to an associate and told him what I needed, while all of the "men" inside the store congregated discussing the best possible solution to their problems. I had my purchase in under 5 minutes. The funny thing is I saw one group cave after I grabbed mine and ask for help too!

First, I knew Michael had a drill somewhere. Second, I bought a special drill bit. And Voila! I strapped on a pair of safety goggles (Michael aren't you proud!) and drilled my own holes into the planters! No root rot for this green thumb!

I am also working on this cool little project...


I'll share the finished product tomorrow!

Time for a Change?

What do you think? Too blonde? I am ready to make my appointment. But I wonder is it just as blonde as I was here?

No, I guess not. But this may be a little more work than I want. Normally I just get my hair highlighted, but this might need to be a complete (gulp) dye job. Ouch that could be really high maintenance. My haircut is already pretty similar, just need to grow it out a bit. One more look....

What do you think?

Flexing my green thumb

Sorry it's a little fuzzy, blame it on the iPhone and humidity

Check out that haul! I decided over the weekend to spruce up our back patio. So off I went to Home Depot armed with a loose idea...but little did I know how little the employees there could help. So I put the top down on the car, stretched a blanket out in the back and left with some plants.

And then I saw Cox Farms market and just had to stop in. It was amazing! All plants were 40% off except for these beautiful hanging baskets I picked up...but guess how much I got them for?

$6.99!!

And I don't think the picture really gives an idea of the scale of these beauties...they are huge!

Now, I just need to make sure that I don't go from a green thumb to more of a black widow and keep it all alive.

Transporting all of these out of my car, up a flight of stairs and putting it out back led me to believe I didn't need to workout today. Which was much needed. I started Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred back up yesterday, and EVERY SINGLE muscle in my body aches. It's quite sad that one 30 minute workout made me yelp this morning to turn off the alarm. But it didn't stop me from hitting snooze 5 times! No pain, no gain right...all in the quest for a few more Z's.

After all, being the domestic goddess that I am, all of this gardening, cooking Fried Green Tomato BLT's, and working out...I really need my beauty sleep.

And the jumpstart ends with a crash

If a man wants to eat a turkey on Thanksgiving, what does a turkey want?...It simply wants to run away.

Or if it's me...I would go running in the opposite direction.

I am happy to announce I made it through four day period known as the "jump-start" in the Flat Belly Diet. Well I almost made it...until I thought about eating turkey again and I just couldn't do it. So after work I hightailed it to Wegmans and bought real food. Sushi, dumplings, hummus, and yes a little bit of turkey. But this time I will be eating it with bread and miracle whip (see, I learned a little bit, no mayo). I also have grand plans for the most amazing BLT for dinner tomorrow night. How does this sound: toasted bread, thick slices of bacon from the meat counter, a goat cheese spread, and then the cherry on top...a great big fried green tomato. Oh yeah...I've fallen off the flat belly wagon hard.



In total I lost 3.2lbs and just about 2 inches around the largest part of my belly. So I essentially lost water weight. Which I am kind of okay with. My ultimate goal is 10lbs. (well in my dream world it's 15lbs.). The best thing to come out of this diet is I really enjoyed the Sassy Water. As odd as it sounds, I have never really enjoyed the "taste" of water. To me water is used for bathing and swimming, not drinking. But the Sassy Water was really refreshing and I am actually going to continue drinking it. I went from maybe drinking one of those little sample cups a day to over 2 liters!

From now on, I am going to try and eat these smaller 400 calorie meals, BUT if I fall off the wagon and "suddenly" find myself in the McDonald's drive-thru...no guilt here. I just going to work out to compensate.

Starting tomorrow I am popping in the workout DVD. Michael and I really got into great shape from Jillian's 30-day Shred, so good-bye flat belly book (it's due back to the library anyways), hello the loving encouragement of Jillian.

I guess she is the lesser of two evils. I will just keep repeating this mantra to get through...no more low-sodium turkey....no more low sodium turkey.

So raise your glass of Sassy Water and repeat after me..."McDonald's is not evil." I'm sure you can get at least a daily recommended vegetable serving. Come on, it's got onions and lettuce and I'm sure there is something lurking in that special sauce.

Day 1 down only 3 more to go!

I am counting the hours down until this little experiment of mine is done. And I have been pretty successful sticking to it.

Breakfast wasn't that bad at all. Loved the pineapple and the cream of wheat wasn't too bad...after I added honey to sweeten it. But I figured it was okay because I skipped the cup of fat-free milk. I did my homework! Well, actually I just googled it, but the milk has more calories than the honey. Paired with 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds and my glass of Sassy Water and I was actually quite full.

Lunch was nothing special and strangely filling: turkey, grape tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, string cheese and more Sassy Water.

Dinner is the hardest part of this whole diet. 1 cup Green beans and 1/2 roasted potatoes (tossed with olive oil and oregano) are great, but the protein not so much. I thought I would mix it up by not repeating the turkey and have tuna fish instead. Word to the wise, tuna fish should only be enjoyed with mayo and mustard, both of which are not remotely on my diet. I guess I need to get over my aversion to chicken (unless fried and also not on the diet)!

The Sassy Water is probably the best part of this diet. It's refreshing and the perfect compliment to the record setting heat we have in NOVA. Just in case anyone is curious here's the recipe:

2 liters of water (about 8 1/2 cups)
1 medium cucumber (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 lemon (thinly sliced)
12 medium sized mint leaves
1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger

You should make all of this the night prior to drinking so the ingredients have a chance to "meld."

So, like any good scientist I made it a point to weigh myself and measure my pudgy belly. It will be a cold day in hell before I share those numbers. I am really curious how this is all going to turn out at the end of the four days. But the oddest thing happened to me today. I had intense cravings for REALLY bad for me food. As I left my pedicure the exit was next door to the Cheesecake Factory. I wanted more than anything to stop in and eat dinner and desert. And if that wasn't bad enough, the drive home I went by a Silver Diner and couldn't stop thinking about pancakes (which I don't really like).

Ugh, I guess I will just have another glass of Sassy Water...

All it takes is a little bit of sass...

As Lindsay Lohan heads off to jail, I am joining in solidarity and detoxing.


Well actually Lindsay has nothing to do with it, but we'll see if this diet leads me to drink.

Even though I first made fun of the flat belly diet (see prior post) and originally picked it up hoping for a few great fatty, butter filled recipes, I am giving it a chance.

I figure it will give me at least four more days to put off exercising.

Tomorrow kicks off the "Four-Day Anti-Bloat Jumpstart." For the next few days I will be eating 4 times a day, 4 hours apart, and spend 4 dollars at McDonald's after this is all over...forget the McDonald's part.

The diet promises that following a 1200 calorie-a-day diet (1600 after the first four days) will rid my body of body bloat and feel great at the same time!! I'm not holding my breath, but giving it a chance.

So, $90 later I am ready to beat the bloat! It's pretty strict, but nothing could be too bad with the fantastic option of "Sassy Water." That's right I get to drink 2-liters of the flamboyantly titled cocktail each day. Just four days of this water and fresh ginger, cucumber, lemon, mint blend and I will no longer have the urge to reach for such belly bloaters as soda and tea. Yeah, I am not holding my breath on that either. But anyways, I will keep you apprised of my progress.

On the agenda tomorrow...a tasty breakfast of cream of wheat, fat-free milk, fruit, sunflower seeds and "Sassy Water." Lunch: sodium-free turkey, string cheese, green beans, and Sassy Water. For a snack, a smoothie that doesn't sound that bad. It's dinner that's kind of got me. More turkey, grape tomatoes, red potatoes and more Sassy Water.



So raise your glass of Sassy Water (or in Linday's case a shot of tequila)...here's to day one!

Fat Belly to FLAT Belly

Ugh, I have let myself go. And it started so innocently...

I got swept off my feet, worked my butt off to fit into this dress for the wedding...

*no stomach sucking in needed

Felt great in a bathing suit on our honeymoon, and then...

I discovered my metabolism is no longer what it was, the joy of butter (and more butter, thanks Julia) and domestic bliss.

BUT I am not happy with my current weight/shape. I had to go to the doctor's earlier this week for a sinus infection and was shocked at the number (won't be sharing that number) that popped up on the scale. So, I am picking up my butt off the couch and getting to work. I randomly picked up this book from the library.

Love the use of the cheerful yellow background with cupcakes, like dieting is soooo much fun!

Now to be completely honest...at first glance I thought the book read FAT belly cookbook, so what's a butter loving girl to do, I picked it up. HUGE sign I have not been eating healthy. The plan is to give this diet a shot leading up to my big girl's weekend at the end of the month, while also dusting off my copy of the 30-day Shred. Wish me luck!

BUT FIRST...

I am making these brownies for the 4th of July.

Smore Brownies by Joy the Baker

Honestly, you can't expect me to head to the lake house surrounded by great food and drink and not indulge...that's just wrong.

Hopped up on Sudafed for a brush with greatness...

Holly, Me, Keller and Michelle

Yep, that's right I am on at least 4 different medications for a sinus infection but does that stop me from meeting the man considered by most to be the top chef in America....ah no. My fellow foodies jumped at the chance to join me. Armed with our giant cookbooks we met Chef Keller. My highlight of the night...Keller complimenting me on my "beautiful necklace" and asking me if I ever get sick of people complimenting it...my response "Absolutely not! Every girl loves a compliment." He laughed and I was in heaven. I wish I had been witty enough to respond with an offer to trade the necklace for a dinner at French Laundry.

So, now I am the proud owner of signed copy of this beauty.

I can't wait to get started. Michelle has me beat. She has already attempted 2 recipes from the book...and we just picked it up. As soon as my taste buds fully return I'm on it!

Michelle and Holly are great friends to have when your hungry. They know all the best places to eat in the D.C. area. Whether you want Peruvian or bubble tea, you want it, they have the perfect place. We ended up at a restaurant that would best be described as an Asian strip mall in the middle of Maryland. I loved the fact that we were the only non-Asians in the place and the ladies have the menu memorized. We passed on the delicacies of pig intestines and went for fresh spinach sauteed simply with large garlic cloves, chow mien with homemade noodles, soybean encrusted swordfish and an another fish dish that could best be described as fried fish (but light as a feather and not greasy) in an amazing ginger sauce.

So with a stuffed belly and a NyQuil haze I am off to bed with visions of food dancing in my head...

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Michael and I have a great Sunday morning ritual. It's not a cereal morning, nor is it an Activia day (during the week they are fair game). Sunday morning I like to actually make something tasty and delicious. This morning we had one of our favorites.

Magic Crescent Rolls with a Perfectly Poached Egg

Perfectly Poached Eggs are kind of my specialty. Don't get me wrong, I know my way around the kitchen...and I think most people would vouch for me. But ask me to scramble or fry an egg and I am lost. The secret is to poaching an egg is the right tools and timing. Michael and I love, love, love our egg poacher. It's this great little pan with 4 inserts for eggs. I like to get the water to a low boil, plop the egg inserts in, place the lid on top, and cook for 3 minutes. After the three minutes your eggs should be more watery than solid, like REALLY jiggly (kind of the way my thighs feel at the moment). I then turn off the heat, leaving the lid still in place, and let the eggs rest for about 3 additional minutes. Voila! Perfectly Poached Eggs!

And if you are looking for an amazing quick and easy breakfast roll, look no further than Magic Crescent Rolls. My mom used to make these for breakfast while we were on summer vacation at the beach. They truly taste heavenly and are really easy to pop in the oven while cooking eggs and bacon.

Magic Crescent Rolls

For the Rolls:

1/8 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 TB All-Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 can (8oz.) Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
8 large Marshmallows
2 TB melted Butter

For the Glaze:

1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
1/4 tsp Vanilla
1 to 1 1/2 tsp milk (depending on desired consistency)


Preheat oven to 375. Spray 8 muffin cups with non-stick spray. In a small bowl mix granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Separate dough into 8 triangles. For each roll, take one marshmallow, dip in melted butter and roll in sugar mixture.

Place the marshmallow at the smallest end of the triangle and roll to opposite end. Completely cover marshmallow with dough, pinching dough together to form a seal. Dip one end of roll in remaining butter and place butter side down into prepared muffin cup.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. You will definitely want to place either a cookie sheet or aluminum foil on shelf under muffin tin. It doesn't matter how firmly you pinch, they are going to ooze.

For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until you reach desired consistency. Drizzle over rolls. And serve warm! Bon Apetit!

The quest for the sexy one-piece

Michael and I are taking a little road-trip this weekend. All the way to Fredericksburg, VA! We are going to pack up the bug, put the top down and take a little "scouting" excursion.

The weather here has been amazing but sadly (like usual) the clouds are rolling in for the weekend. Put we won't let that put a rain on our parade (sorry, corny I know). I am really looking forward to grilling out and enjoying whatever sun I can get. And I am going to need all of the sun I can get...we are heading to the beach for Memorial Day Weekend!

We decided to postpone our anniversary whirlwind trip to NYC. You may find this stupid, but I really didn't want to go after I couldn't get a reservation at Le-Bernardin. So, we are doing the next best thing...spending the weekend with Michael's family in North Carolina! We've gone from big city rush to rest and relaxation...sounds good to me!

So, after a little bit of rambling, this leads me to a question....is it weird that I REALLY want a cute one-piece bathing suit? Michael thinks it's the oddest thing ever (a little too mommyish?). But I truly think there is a one-piece out there that is sexy.

P.S I am sooo on my way to go "borrow" more flowers from our community landscaping.

Menu Monday (just a little late)

In typical Lacey fashion I am posting this topic just a little late...just a day!! Introducing Menu Monday...

Sunday: Leftovers from Jen and Brandon's visit
Monday: Something I like to call throw everything in a crock pot and see if it works....um it didn't
Tuesday: Lemon-and-Olive Chicken
Wednesday: Michael's Famous Chicken Parmesan
Thursday: Smoky Shrimp and Grits
Friday: Take-out or leftovers
Saturday: out and about in Fredericksburg

Back on the Bloggin' Bandwagon

Wow...I have really let my THREE followers down (thank you Michael, Reema and Sarah). It's been way to long since my last posting.

Michael and I have been ridiculously busy. I went back to work for a full week and he took a trip across the pond to England. I swear there will be pictures to follow (England, Reema's visit, Tennessee, etc.).

I am also planning on following a popular trend and posting our weekly menu. I hope this does two things. One I will actually post regularly (especially if we like the meal); and two I will have a better record of what we are eating.

We also hosted our first visit with a toddler in our home. Brandon, Jen, and little Connor made a trip down from Pittsburgh for the weekend. We had a great time! We definitely learned a few things this weekend (little ears will repeat things, beautiful weather means a VERY crowded zoo, and sharp corners lead to bumps and bruises).

Here's a few pics from the weekend.

Connor after a little bump into the guest bathroom cabinet. I feel really bad. We heard him crying and figured it was just Jen trying to get him to go to bed. Whoops...
Oh yeah, check out that beautiful new headboard courtesy of moi!

Michael gets in on the band-aid action.

Aren't these beautiful?? Jen and I "borrowed" the gorgeous peonies, peach and pink roses from throughout our complex. I figure our condo fees paid for them...