Meal Plan Monday

I'm not gonna lie.  I'm glad today is the last day of March.  In like a lion, out like a lamb.  My ass.  I need some warm weather in my life.  I seriously can.not.wait to sit out on the deck after work, have a cold beer & eat dinner al fresco!  Until then, here's what's on the menu for our indoor, in front of the TV, coffee table eating...

Crock-Pot Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders with Roasted Red Potatoes

Shrimp & Grits

Chicken Fajitas with Mexican Rice

Breakfast for dinner {if I can get O on board.  If not, pasta.}

Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Five on Friday!

I still don't feel caught up from being gone last weekend, but my dancin' feet are finally feeling normal again, and I'm ready for another Five on Friday with April and the girls!

{one} Big game tonight.  Big BIG.  We're playing our rival team & I couldn't be more nervous excited.  My anti-Louisville coworkers and I will be enjoying UK brownies at work today in honor of the game.

 Find your team FanPan here!

{two} I have a slight problem buying random ceramic things.  This one in particular.  I plan to take the berries I buy out of the plastic thing that looks just like this ceramic thing, and then keep them in the ceramic version.  {that is how I explained the "need" for this new container to my husband.  Verbatim.} 

{three} I'm almost afraid to say it, in fear that I'll jinx us, BUT....I think Spring is here.  Maybe...  Now watch.  It'll snow next week.

{four}  Y'ALL.  I was SO pale before the wedding last weekend.  I hightailed it straight to Sephora & picked up the St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse.  It is FOOLPROOF.  It gave me a nice little base & I didn't look too pasty...  I will def. be using this again.  Worth every penny. 

{five}  I'm about to down four more cups of coffee because I stayed up wayyyyyy too late watching Scandal last night.  I swear, best show on TV.

Happy Friday, Friends!  And, GO CATS!

Best of: Nails

A good manicure is just the icing cake.  The perfect finishing touch!  So I thought it would be fitting to wrap up my Best of series with my favorite nail products!

1:   Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream has been my go-to for years.  I have one at my desk and on my nightstand, and try to apply two times a day.  It keeps my super dry hands and cuticles tame!

2.  I also keep Fine Grit Nail Files all over the place too.

3.  I loved Essie's Grow Stronger base coat when I was trying hard to grow my nails out & stop biting!

4.  I pretty much exclusively use Essie Nail Polish.  Favorites for my hands include Ballet Slippers and Allure and for the Piggy's Smokin' Hot, Mint Candy Apple and other fun seasonal colors.

5.  Dry time is the worst.  Essie's Good to Go helps speed things along!

6.  I mentioned this Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps base coat a few Friday's ago.  It really has made my manicure last so much longer!  I can really get away with going a week without noticeable chips!

My normal routine:
-File {buff if needed} and apply cuticle butter and hand cream.
-Swipe an alcohol soaked cotton ball over my nails to remove any residue.
-Apply one coat of Hard as Wraps, let dry approx. 2 minutes.
-Apply one coat of polish, and let dry about 3-5 minutes.  Apply a second coat if needed, and dry the same time.
-Apply one coat of Good to Go.

I took a tip from my blog pal, Emily, and surf the iPad for about a half hour while I really wait for them to dry.  That way I can really be sure they won't be ruined.  Because ruining your nails as soon as you do them is the WORST!

What are your favorite nail products?  Any tips to make your mani last longer?!

Weekend Recap

So sorry for the silence these last few days!  I hated to skip out on my Friday Five last week, but I had a great reason.  One of my bests got MARRIED!

I was so honored to be a part of their special day & spend the weekend celebrating with some of our favs!

Between the long drive back to Kentucky from Virginia, and numerous March Madness games, I could barely hold my eyes open past 8pm yesterday!

Speaking of March Madness.....how 'bout them Wildcats?!?  My bracket is looking better and better these days!  I'm pretty sure my DIY door hanger brought us our latest winning streak ;) 

Keep your fingers crossed for a W on Friday against Louisville.  Or else poor O may go into a funk until Derby weekend...

Best of: Hair Tools

Good hair products are only as good as the tools you pair them with.  I'm a firm believer in that.

{1} The Vented Ceramic Brush is my first line of defense when I start to dry my hair.  The vents allow air to travel through, helping me rough dry just a little faster.

{2}  On days when I actually want to curl my hair, I reach for the BaByliss 1 1/4" Curling iron.  If it can create a curl that will hold in this mane, it deserves an award.

{3} My old trusty friend, the Chi Ceramic Flat Iron.  This bad boy has been with me since my sophomore year of college, survived almost daily use, has been dropped numerous times and even had a trip in the toilet once while plugged in.  It is the best tool I've ever owned.

{4} If my raving about Drybar wasn't enough in this post and last week, let me give you a little more.  This brush!  The best I've ever used.  It is the perfect size, actually helps dry my hair a little faster, and creates enough movement that lasts all day.  Worth every penny.

{5} O gave me this hairdryer a few years ago for Christmas after my previous one kicked the bucket the night of my work holiday party.  Wet hair in December was borderline traumatic.  I digress...  This guy knew what he was looking for, because this Conair dryer is the best hair dryer I've ever used!  So good, that my momma went out and bought the same one after she used mine.  Top five gifts he's ever given me.

The thing with hair tools is, they're usually a little bit on the expensive side.  I'll tell you this: I've killed more straighteners, curling irons and blow dryers than I care to count.  But once I started investing in quality tools, I stopped ruining things and replacing them.  Take the Chi for example...it went in the toilet.  THE TOILET!  And lived to tell the tale...

Meal Plan Monday

I love weekends like the one we just had.  The weather was amazing, we took care of a bunch of errands, started a few projects, and UK 

Highlight of the weekend?  We bought a new grill.  Maybe it's all the nice weather we've been having that prompted the purchase or the fact that ours was old and the bottom was rusting out.  Either way.  O was like a kid in a candy store.

{see the Loft bag peeking around the corner?  Busted.}

So, needless to say, I'm not turning on the oven ever again.

Ok, that's a lie.  But at least for the rest of the week.  Here's our grillable dinner menu for the week:

Grilled Pesto Shrimp {my green meal for St. Patty's day!} with Orzo

Buttermilk Herb Chicken Breasts with Grilled Asparagus

Southwestern Stuffed Peppers 

Bacon/Blue Cheese Burgers with Onion Straws

What are your grillin' favs?!

Five on Friday

Has this been the longest week ever, or what?!  Ugh.  SOOO glad to see Friday here once again.  Linking up with April and the girls for my favorite post of the week!

{one} The weather was all over the place this week.  One day I'm on the deck, having a beer & enjoying the 70 degree weather.  The next day--literally, the next day--it was snowing.  I don't get it.

{two} If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I've been pinning a lot of doors.  I've been wanting to paint our front door for a while, but I finally decided to make this my weekend project.  I'm having a hard time deciding if I want to stay neutral or go bold.  Thoughts?!

via

via

{three} We popped into a new shop close to our house called Fom Vass--they carry oils, vinegars, wine and more!  When you walk in, it's wall-to-wall jar's FULL of exotic and interesting stuff!  We had so much fun taste testing different oils & vinegars!  I had no idea how many were out there.  We came home with an amazing light citrusy balsamic vinegar.  Perfect for summer salads!

{four}  I'm still on my mint/seafoam/sea glass kick.  Proof?  I bought these this week.
PS: THE most comfortable flats I've ever put on my feet.

{five}  I'm definitely looking forward to one of these on Monday...although it may not be green.  Do you have any fun St. Patty's Day plans?!?

via

Happy Weekend, friends!

Best of: Hair Products

We've covered skin, makeup and lips.  Lets jump into what might be my most favorite product category: the hair.

{1} Bed Head Urban Antidotes Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner.  Y'all, I could literally sit and sniff this stuff all day.  Insane, I'm aware.  But it smells so good!  And it really helps with the dry and crispy hair.

{2}  I have professed my love for Drybar here, but it's worth mentioning again and again.  I LOVE the Southern Belle Mousse.  Best weightless, truly volumizing mousse.

{3} After I'm done drying and styling my hair, I run a tiny bit of Bed Head After Party to smooth everything out and keep frizz at bay.  Again, this one has the all important smell factor.

{4} To finish off a good 'do, I spray on a little Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray

{5} And, of course, on day two I need a little boost.  Which brings me to Detox Dry Shampoo, yet another amazing product from Drybar.

If there is a product out there out there that will make my hair dry faster, that would be super.  Or maybe when I hit the lotto one day, I'll have someone do my hair for me daily.  Glam squad a la Kim Kardashian...

In my next house....

I will have a fireplace.  With a mantle.  That I will decorate for every imaginable holiday.

I will have a garage that I can actually park in.

I will have a screened in porch.  Or sunroom.  Or both?

I'll have a bigger kitchen.  And a dining room.

I'll have double sinks and a claw foot tub in the master bath.

I will still have white cabinets.

I will put all of my Pinterest pins to good use.

Linking up all of my random house thoughts with Khala & the girls for Tuesday Tea!

Meal Plan Monday

Back by popular demand!  Here's what I have on the menu for this week:

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken over Rice
Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles
Pesto Shrimp over Spaghetti
Balsamic Dijon Grilled Chicken with Roasted Asparagus and Wild Rice
BBQ Chicken Pizza, Side Salad

Happy Monday, friends!

Five on Friday {UK edition}

The SEC Tournament is upon us, friends--and so is a BIG game tomorrow!  Y'all know by now that O & I are big Kentucky fans!  While we'd love to make the trip to Atlanta for the tournament next week, we'll settle for a basketball marathon at the house.  And what's some college basketball without some team festiveness?!

{one & two} I can assure you, no matter how many people join us to watch the game, there will be plenty of food.  And drink ;)  I love these festive collegiate platters from Coton Colors!

And, if I had to guess, there will probably be a little of this running around, too.

{three}  I just love these blue & white flats from Lilly Bee!  And don't worry--they have a set for almost every school, not just the Cats!

{four} Since we'll be in the comfort of our own home cheering on the Cats, I'll be lounging in my Pink UK gear

{five} lastly, this

Will you be watching the SEC tournament this coming week?  Who will you be rooting for?!

Best of: Lips

What's a good make-up routine without taking care of your lips?!  I intentionally left this off of my Best of: Makeup list last week, because I thought it deserved a post all of its own.  I will try any and all lip products, but here are my all time favs!

1: Kiss me exfoliating lip scrub.  I use this about once a week, more in the winter, to scrub the nasty, dead skin off my lips.  LOVE the minty scent and my super smooth lips after.

2: Kiss me tonight, is by far the best intense lip treatment.  I put this on every night before bed, and I can still feel it in the morning.  Totally withstands the stuffy nose, open mouth breathing and potential drool.

3: Since I'm not much of a lipstick girl, I gravitate to tinted lip balm.  I have loved every single shade of Fresh Sugar I've used.  In my purse now is the Honey color.  Favorite thing: buy the mini's around the holidays and test out all of the different colors!

4: When I just need some chapstick, no color, I reach for EOS balm.  Love all of their flavors scents.

I may not be able to stray from these, but I'm certainly open to suggestions!  What are your favorites?

Heaven Cake

My mom makes this cake--Heaven Cake.  And as it's name states, it is heavenly.  She only makes it around Christmas.  You know, when it's ok to eat bad stuff?

While I was home all weekend being Nurse Ashley, all I could think about was a piece of Heaven Cake.  So, I thought "why do I have to wait until Christmas?!"  So I made one.  And then proceeded to eat it.  All of it.

It's just too good not to share, so I thought the Tuesday Tea link up with Sam & the girls would be the perfect place!  It is best enjoyed warm.  For breakfast.

Heaven Cake

1 box of Yellow Cake Mix

1 {3 1/2 oz} Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup water

6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 bar {4 oz} of grated German Chocolate*

8 oz. sour cream

4 eggs

Combine all ingredients except Chocolate and mix until combined.  Turn speed of mixer up to medium and beat batter for 3 minutes.  Fold in chocolate chips and grated German Chocolate by hand.  

Pour batter into greased and floured bundt pan {or two loaf pans}.  Bake at 350 for 55 minutes {loaves, 45ish minutes}

Test for doneness with toothpick.  Contain yourself while you wait for it to cool before slicing a piece.

*Don't skip on this.  The German Chocolate makes this recipe.  I usually chop mine up small in the food processor.  I don't know if I even have a grater?  Find it in the baking aisle--it looks like this

Post-Op Recovery Essentials

The hubs had to have surgery last week {outpatient--he's doing ok!} but I knew ahead of time that I needed to stock up on a few things to make recovery a little more bearable!

Threshold Acacia Bed Tray  This made life so much easier!  Just unfold the legs and BOOM. Instant table on the sofa!  ANDDDDD someone can bring me breakfast in bed when they're back to 100% ;)

Warning: this tray had a huge flippin' sticker on the top that took me like 2 hours to remove.
Don't believe me?  Check out this picture on Instagram...

A large Tumbler with a Lid and Straw.  This was HUGE.  It was so nice to fill it up with his hydration of choice--which ended up being approximately six 2-liters of Sprite.  It was nice not worry about him spilling it all over himself {or the new sofa...}

The iPad, which we already had, was a lifesaver.  He was able to check the news, sports and play games to pass the time.

Lots of movies!  We watched a few classics like Billy Madison and Tommy Boy, but got a few new ones from Netflix as well--The Butler was really good!

This Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe was amazing!  It was something easy for him to eat immediately after, and I was super glad not to cook!

An abundance of snacks!  For him.  {And for me...} When you're sitting around taking care of your boo, snacking all day seems like a good plan.  List toppers include Goldfish, Teddy Grahams, and Cheerios.  {It would appear as though I was feeding a toddler, right?}

What are your favorite Get Well Go-To's?!