The Royal Wedding

 Did you watch the Royal Wedding?  We were in DC, and I was unable to watch it, but I've been catching clips of it, and browsing the stunning pictures ever since the big event took place.  Kate might be the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.  Simply gorgeous, radiant, and that dress is perfection.  And did you hear that she did her own makeup?!  Impressed.  What all did you think?  Did you like her dress?  The ceremony?  I personally loved that fact that they asked all of the women guests to wear hats...how fun!  It kind of makes me want to have another wedding!  :) 

Some of my favorite pics....

(via)

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend!  We arrived home yesterday from a week in DC, we had an incredible time -- lots of good food and great weather...post to come with plenty of pics :)

XOXO

Sore Throats and Wishes

Happy Weekend!

I wish I could say mine's been happy so far, but I'm on day 4 of the WORST sore throat ever.

I have been through 2 bags of cough drops, it's to the point where they are really starting to gross me out.

And my whole body is aching :(  No fun.

On a brighter note, my parents are coming today!

They will be here for the Easter weekend, then we will be heading off Monday for DC!

I'm so excited....I just really hope I am feeling better by then.

Thanks to all of you who gave me your feedback on my bag dilemma :)
I ended up going with the "Curry" Longchamp (from this post) , which is my bday gift from the hubs....
and I LOVE IT! 

It makes me so happy and I love the bright color. 

A couple other cute items on my bday wishlist include:

These super fun/colorful Iphone 4 cases from Jonathan Adler...I love them all!!

Buy here

Gwenyth Paltrow's new cookbook

I love her, and I've heard great things about her recipes!



Buy here

Adorable nautical-inspired cosmetic bags



Rebecca Minkoff- Buy here



 This feminine and sweet necklace from Stella and Dot.

Buy here

And what's a birthday without cupcakes??

Sprinkles Assorted Box of Cupcakes - order here

XOXO

Old Rugged Cross

^{The Old Rugged Cross}

^{(one of my favorite hymns)}

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see,

For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Happy Good Friday!

Lately and a Request

Happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone is having a great start to the week!  I had a crazy weekend at work. For those of you who don't know, I am an ultrasound sonographer, and I work the weekend shift at a huge hospital in NC.  You may or may not have heard of the terrible tornadoes that swept through our area this weekend.  They caused massive devastation throughout several counties, and at least 22 people lost their lives. 

This is a Lowes store that a tornado ripped through...

While I was working my shift, the hospital lost all power, and was on severe weather alerts.  Traumas were coming in left and right.  It was so hard to see all these victims coming into the hospital after being severely injured from the storms....especially the children.  AND for the most part, all of the patients had lost their homes as well.  So needless to say, after such a busy and traumatic weekend, I have had a lazy past couple of days.

I have joined this lady for a few workouts....

I found this giant 3lb bag of my favorite candy in the world...I could barely lift it!

yes please!!

I had volleyball practice for an upcoming "just for fun" tournament between DUKE and UNC.

My forearms didn't have too much fun though....yikes.

I've been rocking some statement necklaces!  :)

Hubs has started growing out a 'stache.  He loves it.  Me, not so much. 

It's temporary though...all of the DUKE students are doing a "Mustache Bash", where they grow out their mustaches, raise money, and donate to a local charity. 

 Ok, that's about it...

Now for the request...I need YOUR help!

My bday is coming up, and I am asking hubs for a Longchamp tote bag!  I went to Nordy's today to pick which color I like the best. 

I narrowed it down to two, "Beige" and "Curry".  And I can't decide!

Obviously "Beige" is more classic and neutral, but "Curry" is fun and cheerful, and makes me happy.

("Curry" is showing up more green in this pic, it's more of a citrine/lime color) 

Which should I ask for?!?!

XOXO

Peanut Butter Brownie Pie

I made this delicious dessert last week when we had friends over, and let me just say, it was amazing!  Everyone LOVED it, even my hubs, who typically only likes fruity desserts.  If you are a chocolate and peanut butter fan, this dessert is for YOU.  It is pretty basic and you might even have most of the ingredients already!  I actually had everything except the pie crust. Speaking of pie crust, you MUST use a deep dish pie crust with the recipe.  I still had tons of the peanut butter mousse left over even after using the deep dish crust.

So enough chatting, here is the recipe!!

XOXO

Peanut Butter Brownie Pie

Source: Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients:
1 deep dish pie crust (I used the frozen ones that come in a package of 2)
1 15.5 oz. brownie mix
1/4 cup peanut butter chips (I used 1/2 cup)
1/3 cup canola oil
3 tablespoons water
1 egg
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 container (8 oz.) whipped topping

Directions:
1- Heat oven to 350.
2- In a large bowl combine the brownie mix, egg, oil, water, and peanut butter chips. Stir well to combine and until completely incorporated.
3- Pour into pie crust, bake for 35-40 minutes, until cooked through. (Cover pie crust with tin foil after 20 minutes if it starts to burn)
4- Cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for an hour.
5- In a stand mixer combine the cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Beat until completely incorporated.
6- Fold in the whipped topping, until completely combined.
7- Top the brownie with peanut butter mousse and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold.

Not the prettiest picture, but soooo yummy!!!

ENJOY!!

Fashion Friday - Make a Statement

 Big, bold necklaces are back, and big for spring!  Whether pairing them with plain white tanks, or strapless maxi dresses, they are a great way to have some fun and liven up your outfit.

I've been loving them lately, and I even have rummaged through my grandmother's old jewelry to pick out some vintage pieces - she had fabulous taste!

I've always been a fan of big earrings, (John even calls me the jewelry gypsy), but now I think I'll try out some statement necklaces.  What do you think?  Too much, or super fun? 

(My favorite is the turquoise Kendra Scott -- gorgeous!)

XOXO




Kate Spade

  

Forever 21



Max and Chloe




Max and Chloe



House of Harlow



Lanvin





Kendra Scott

Oscar De la Renta



National Jean Co.



Forever 21



Stella and Dot

 

Sangria

Last night, we had some of our good friends, Laura and Mike, over for an evening of yummy food and fun.  I wanted to try out some new recipes, and I decided to make it a "mexican" theme.  I made guacamole, chicken enchiladas, and mexican rice (recipes to come). I LOVE mexican food.... we have tacos at least once a week at the Sadlow abode.  For drinks, I was debating between whipping up some margaritas or sangria, and decided to go with the sangria.  

I remember LOVING it when I tried it while living abroad in Spain during college, but I hadn't really had it much since. I love the fruitiness and sweetness of it, and how you can change the taste with different kinds of fruits.  It is a great drink for spring and summer, so refreshing.

So here's the recipe!  I started with this one, and then just adapted it a little bit.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (I used Cabernet)

1 lemon cut in wedges

1 orange cut in wedges

1 lime cut in wedges

2 Tbsp of sugar

splash of OJ

1 C of frozen fruit (I used a mixed bag of peaches, strawberries, and raspberries

4 C ginger ale

Directions:

Pour wine into a large pitcher.

Squeeze juice of lemon, orange, and lime into the wine.

Toss in the fruit wedges, leaving out the seeds (if possible)

Add sugar and orange juice.

Chill overnight, if you can plan ahead.

Add frozen fruit, ginger ale, and ice right before serving. 

(If serving immediately, and not chilling overnight, use chilled wine, and serve over lots of ice.)

Enjoy!  It was very easy, and soooo yummy!  :)

DC BOUND!

via

 In just 2 weeks, I am headed to the wonderful city of DC, (staying in Georgetown) for spring break with my amazing parents!  I could not be more excited!  Well, I would actually be happier if John was able to break away from the craziness that is Duke Business school to come with us, BUT I'm still very very excited.  My parents are headed up to NC to visit us for Easter weekend (I get Easter Sunday off from work!) and then they are scooping me up with them as they head to explore DC for 5 days.  I'm so glad they are letting me tag along :)

My cute parents

We plan to do lots of shopping, eating, touring, sight-seeing, eating, and oh yeah, eating.  I would LOVE to hear any and all suggestions/recommendations if anyone is familiar with the area (Kendy and Emmy!) 

Shopping on Wisconsin Ave and M Street is definitely in the works, and I am also excited to scope out the Zara there!  Also, Georgetown Cupcakes, I hear are amazing, and I LOVE me some cupcakes.

via

via

So yeah, I'm pumped.  And I may or may not have started packing!  EEEEK, I love road trips and I'm so looking forward to some QT w/ my sweet mom and dad. 

Hope everyone has had a  delightful weekend!  It's my last day of work for the week (weekend shift) and I'm planning on a relaxing and sunny week spent by the pool...it's supposed to be 90 and sunny tomorrow!!

Ok, this isn't our pool, but I sure wish it was!! 

XOXO

Tell me what I need to do/see/eat while in DC!  I'll love you forever!