Shirley MacLaine

R and I are watching the third season of Downton Abbey tonight and we saw this familiar face:

Please tell me someone is obsessed as I am!

Oh Ouiser - "I love ya more than my luggage".

Five on Friday

This Five on Friday I'm sharing my week in pictures...since I haven't posted in days.

Remember last weekend when I posted about how excited I was to spend time with BFF at the Beer and Wine festival?  Yerp, it was a blast.  We didn't make it to every site before hitting a rain storm but we were able to get through several samples.  Bestie had a great birthday and I got to try a yummy new restaurant in downtown Raleigh.

 Before we met up with fun people for the Wine and Beer Walk, R and I enjoyed a busy morning at our local harvest festival.  They had some great music and a street fair with so many vendors.  There were the normal farmers market stands but you could also buy pottery, art, jewelry, wreaths, and basically anything else.  I enjoyed a scone for breakfast and now I'm hooked.  Maybe I can talk R into getting one of these every Saturday.

 We brought along our new shopping tote.  I received this at the last professional meeting from the Southeastern United Dairy Association.  It's insulated with a nice thick lining and it's durable.  No this pineapple did not come from our farmers market...sadly it is not pineapple season in Eastern NC ...I took this pic after our last trip to the grocery.

Speaking of that last grocery haul...

Holy stock-the-pantry batman!  Look at all of this food for the grand total of  $16.95 at Harris Teeter.  Sadly there is no magic here...R won a $100 gift card at the last football game because he was the first person to hold up his rewards card.  I made a grocery list using the circular, store coupons, and Sunday paper coupons.  AND since we just had a new store open near us they have a promotion for 10% off the entire purchase for the week of their grand opening and a mailer offering $10 off any $50 purchase for the next 4 weeks.  Hello savings!

Gold on the ceiling, er not actually on the ceiling.  I bought a $4 can of gold spray paint at Walmart and I went a little crazy with it this week.  R helped.  And by helped I mean he took over.  My husband plays like he doesn't like DIY projects but he really gets into them. 

I hated those metal pillar candle holders when they were black but I love them now.  That glass cylinder vase?  Didn't care much for it either but with the fun gold swirls I think it's so pretty.  

I made a new wreath for our front door.  I saw so many wreaths featured on the last 5 on Friday link and I was glad I didn't post it last week.  I have to be a little different, right?  I wanted a chevron initial so I picked a cheap "J" up from Michaels along with a basic wreath and a bottle of Martha Stewart pearl paint,  The burlap ribbon is the same one our wedding photographer wrapped my bridal portrait in and this was a way to repurpose it.

What are five things are on your mind?  Join the lovely Five on Friday ladies and don't keep all the fun to yourself.

In the kitchen: Salsa Chicken

Salsa chicken is one quick and tasty dinner that we could eat weekly and not get tired of.  There are tons of different ways to make it but this is probably the easiest because I only used items that I always keep on hand.

My version:
Chicken breasts or tenders
1 jar of salsa, I used Full Circle Organic Salsa in medium
1 can of corn
1 can of black beans
2 cups brown rice
2 cups water
Optional - shredded cheese, we used monterey jack

Place chicken in a crock pot and cover with salsa...if there isn't enough salsa you can add a little water to it, just make sure the chicken is covered.  Cook on high for 2 hours and shred the chicken.  I use my tongs and shred it in the cockpot...super simple and mess free.  Drain and rinse the corn and beans and add them to the chicken, cook another 30 minutes.  Meanwhile bring water to a boil and add rice...cook to package directions.  Several packages list cooking time for brown rice as 30 minutes but I find that it takes at least 45 unless you like it really chewy.  Just top that rice with some chicken and cheese.

This is a very basic recipe...you can add any number of vegetables to this.  Really any vegetable topped with salsa will be fantastic.  It's also yummy with cilantro but we didn't have any on hand.

Five on Friday

It's Friday and that means I'm linking up with some great bloggers to share my favorite things...

1. Kerrygold.

This stuff is crack.

2.  Harvest Festival Fun.

Our town festival started Wednesday night and there will be events daily through Sunday.  I love it so far- the funnel cakes, the crowd, pretty lights from the rides, and live music. The best part...there is another festival next weekend to celebrate in my hometown!  Back to back fun!

3.  Downton Abbey.

Because I'm still into it.  I started watching this a few weeks ago on netflix and was slow to get interested.  Well now I'm totally in awe by it.  I'm trying to avoid the web because I don't want to read any spoilers.  We are just starting the third season now.  Netflix only gives 3 episodes at a time per disk so it is taking forever to catch up...maybe by January I will get there.

4.  iPhone iOs 7 upgrade.

This is more R's jazz but he has been so excited that it's addicting.  He updated my phone last night and I'm still learning about the features.  I'm more of a creature of habit but occasionally I'm okay with a good change.

5.  Wine and Beer Walk.

A bit of Wilmington fun has come to Raleigh, unfortunately with no promo poster.  Downtown will be full of fun peeps trying out some new beverages.  I'm thrilled to be one of them.

<<<

I probably won't post for a couple of days because we will be too busy with the thrill of it all...I hope everyone has a safe weekend!

Linkup: Boys Behind the Blog Round 4

Linking up with Mal Smiles today to share more about my sweet hubs in her Boys Behind the Blog series.  This is round 4 and but only our second post...I think R loves contributing to my blog!

1.  If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
Eagle, its my "warrior animal".  It was cute how enthusiastic he was about this answer!

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2.  What is your favorite meal?
Center cut ham, baked macaroni and cheese, and sweet peas.

3.  Do you use any form of social media?  What is your favorite?
I only use facebook.

4.  Beer, wine, liquor, other, or none of the above?
Yes, please.  Scotch is my favorite.

5.  Complete the sentence:  "Never have I ever...".
Driven a motorcycle...but I want to.

Thanks to the hostesses for letting us join in!

This past weekend...

I took last Friday off work to attend a professional meeting at the Brier Creek Country Club grand ballroom in Raleigh.  It was a very long day but there were some interesting topics.  I zone out after a few hours of sitting and listening to presentations. 

After work on Friday we made our weekly Target run.  I purchased a new top and some leggings recommended by Megan earlier in the week.  Picture this top in an cream color with black trim.

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On Saturday night R and I had dinner at a tasty Italian place - Bella Monica in Raleigh.  After a 30 minute wait... (the place was hoppin') we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine.

I had a salad and a very indulgent portobello mushroom lasagna. 

Sunday R and I made a point of doing nothing.  We enjoyed a long brunch at Busy Bee and a quick stop by Ulta.  I bought Tarte's Lights Camera Lashes mascara for $10.  We spent some time on our patio in the hammock in the evening.

This week is packed for me.  I'll might not get around to posting much - the third week of the month is often my busiest time.  We have a local festival this weekend and I hope we get to attend, especially because R and I will be celebrating our 6 month anniversary.  

Five on Friday

My favorite link-up.  It gets more and more participation every week, kudos the the hostesses for bringing us all together.

Sausage pinwheels are R's favorite morning tailgate food item. Since tomorrow's tailgating with brunch I thought I'd include the link.  Ridiculously easy, not necessarily healthy, but fun finger food and only requires two ingredients.

Sierra Nevada Tumbler is one of our favorite fall beers - R is obsessed with it and stocks up in August when it is released.  Not the best for a morning tailgate but delicious in the evening.

I love fall weather tailgating.  Lately it's been a bit too warm to partake in my favorite tradition of enjoying a Starbucks pumpkin latte on the ride to Greenville but soon enough we will have some chilly mornings.

I hate clapping.  Along with cheering for my team I prefer waving a pom pom.  Don't hate.

I love this sweater from the JCrew factory outlet - its cashmere, purple, and perfect.  I don't own it, but I will.

Happy Tailgating Everyone!

Well don't be!  Because PeeDee still needs votes...please visit the Capital One Mascot Bowl and support him.  Everyone loves a pirate!

In the Kitchen: Tomato Pie

I had the most amazing slice of tomato pie not long ago at PieBird in Raleigh.  I starting searching pinterest to try to find a recipe I thought could equate.  This one was delicious and R enjoyed it but I think next time I'm going to add some ricotta and it could be more similar to the PieBird version. First I cut up 2 large tomatoes, lightly salted them, and let them rest between layers of paper towels to absorb some of the liquid, leave them alone for about 15-20 minutes.

I used frozen pie crust.  I placed them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350*.

I placed the tomato slices on the bottom of the pie.

I layered slices of sweet onion, basil, olive oil and pepper on top of the tomatoes.

The filling is 1/4 cup mayo, cheddar cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese mixed together and spooned on top.

After 15-20 minutes in the oven, this delicious dish popped out.  I think we had two slices each...we couldn't get enough!

I will happily make this version again but the options are endless...different cheeses and different vegetables could make it even more exciting.  This is a relatively quick weeknight meal to put in regular rotation.

Random Current Favorites

Oh thank God that we are past the mid week "hump".  I've had a mini blog break because I've had "home-work" every night so far.  Tonight's post is going to be simple, last week I listed some favorite shopping sites and the same week I saw a post from A.Liz Adventures  listing some of her random favorites so I'm following her lead and sharing mine too along with a couple of additional ones.  It's a post I was contemplating anyway but I love that someone else thought along the same line.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor

Blue Bell ice cream is amazing, Happy Tracks is my favorite but I also love vanilla as a year round option.  I never eat it plain of course, chocolate syrup, fruit, pretzels, or a brownie typically find it's wait into the bowl.  Never eaten ice cream with pretzels?  Well you are missing out!

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Favorite Lipstick

YSL Rouge Volupte #9  in Caress Pink, I wore it on my wedding day and almost every day since. I love it on pale and tanned skin.

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Favorite Way to Spend a Lunch break

In my office usually playing Words with Friends with R for a few minutes and reading a daily devotional from the Proverbs 31 Ministries.  A couple days out of the month when I'm in a certain clinic I will take 20 minutes and run to the local TJMaxx.  Its my favorite of one of any that I've ever been to - so clean and organized.

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Favorite Vacation Destination

Charleston, SC.  I will go any time of year.  I also enjoy mini beach trips even in the dead of winter.

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Favorite Fast Food

Jersey Mikes, I like the turkey sub.  I love Panera, I have a "usual" there as well.  We have a local deli that makes fantastic chicken salad on toast that I enjoy every once in a while.  If I'm really in a bind I like the apple pecan chicken salad from Wendys but normally I stay away from any place with a drive thru.

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Favorite Wine

ApothicRed.  So good, I can drink it with anything and it's not too heavy.

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Favorite Recent Cocktail

Moscow Mules made with blueberry simple syrup.  I took the idea from Morgan at Makeshift Margaritas last week and since then I've been addicted.

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Favorite Eyeshadow

I've worn Urban Decay YDK almost every day for the past month with a little UD zero liner and mascara.

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Favorite Fall Activity

I love visiting the corn maze.  There is one in a nearby town that also has a pumpkin patch so it's the best location for a fall afternoon.  Add a Starbucks coffee and a light scarf and I'm in autumn heaven. 

I love reading favorites posts so feel free to let me know if any of you are going to be posting a list as well!

Thirty Goals Before Thirty

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We have about 7 months before our next milestone birthday and to mark the occasion we decided to make a list.  I love lists.  I live by lists.  Of course this popular post caught my attention, so without any more introduction:

Our 30 before 30

1. Attend a concert.
2. Refinish an old piece of furniture.
3. Purchase something special from a flea market.
4. Take a long weekend away together.
5. Go on a couples bike ride together.
6. Plan and host a party.
7. Cook a holiday meal.
8. Build a piece of furniture.
9. Attend a blogger meet-up.
10. Enjoy a spa day.
11. Run a 5k.*
12. Get a new tattoo*
13. Visit a winery.
14. Watch a meteor shower.
15. Attend a professional sporting event.
16. Finish a scrapbook.
17. Pick a charity for a regular donation.
18. See an off broadway play.
19. Brew a new beer.
20. Add new vegan and vegetarian meals to our collection.
21. Play the lottery.
22. Learn how to make our own “green” cleaning products.
23. Go fishing with hubs.
24. Make my own curtains.
25. Decorate a cake.
26. Organize our closets.
27. Stick to a budget.
28. Watch a full Harry Potter marathon in a weekend.
29. Try a new cocktail each week.
30. Establish our own holiday traditions.

Items marked with a * are specific to my hubs.  I'll be posting updates leading up to our birthday to show our progress.

Five on Friday

Linking up again this Friday with the lovely hostesses to share the very best of my week...

ECU had our annual black out game last night.  Sadly I couldn't attend because I had to work today but R was able to go and had a blast.  Don't forget to vote PeeDee in the Capital One Mascot Challenge, it takes two seconds and makes for one happy blogger!

My new Kendra Scott earrings...I purchased the Elle in Turquoise and even better I saved 20% during the Labor Day Sale.

Torani Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie syrup...autumn delicious-ness.

Luna bars are my go to quick breakfast or snack.  I can't get enough of this flavor lately.

Moscow Mules are the cocktail of choice tonight.  We purchased some ginger beer from World Market last weekend for the occasion.

Pinterest Idea - organizing gift wrap supplies

 Pinterest is intimidating.  So many creative minds, so many crafty people, so many ideas...I can't focus.  I saw this photo and thought it was actually practical, not just pretty.  I purchased a $30 wire organizer from Target and R mounted it on the door of our office.  The inspiration:

And mine:

Not quite as "neat" and staged as the inspiration photo.  

I learned that I need more wrapping paper to fill up my bottom rack!  My supply is low right now, usually I purchase paper from my niece and nephew to support their school and they haven't had the annual fundraiser yet.

My best friend and the matron of honor in my wedding made these mason jars with the pretty bows as decoration for my bridal shower this past spring.  She gave them to me and I wanted a way to display them.  Now they hold everything from gift tags to thread to picture hanging supplies.

I love it!  Now all my gift wrapping supplies are in one place.  I'm wondering if I have any other uses for these nifty little organization racks.

In the Kitchen: 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

I tried the delicious and super simple 3 ingredient apple cake this past weekend.  I had all the necessary items and a raging sweet tooth.  I used 2 granny smith apples sliced and laid out in a greased casserole dish.  Cover the apples with 1 box of yellow cake mix (you will likely not need a whole box).  Melt one stick of butter in a dish and pour over the cake mix.  Bake at 350* for about 30 minutes.  Top with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!  Even R ate it and he typically does not eat cooked fruit.

If you have a spare 20 seconds please vote for PeeDee the Pirate in the Capitol One Mascot Bowl...

You can vote daily!