Irish toast

Wonderful time of the year

This is my favorite time of year, well besides summer.  The holidays are the only thing that makes the cold worth it.  

I am starting to deck my halls and will hopefully get a tree next weekend.  I like to get a real tree, makes the house smell great.  Oh and I need to put up the outside lights but I hoping it is a little warmer one day this week.  Check back and hopefully I can get a whole house tour up!

Thankful

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." ~ Oprah Winfrey

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Unofficial End of Summer

Hope you had a great "last day" of summer.

Happy 4th

(I tried to post this from my phone the night of July 4th, obviously it didn't work)

What a great day!  Of course we went to the beach. Finally the beach weather I have been looking for!

Not trip to the beach is a success without a fudgie wudgie...have to eat it quick before it melts!

Had some champs Real Housewife style, Heather would be so proud!

Beautiful sunset over the bay.  This is the view at the end of our street.

My festive shirt for the night from Old Navy.

Pic I took of the fireworks over the boardwalk!

4th Fun!

I love most holidays and really any reason to make the house look festive.  I live alone so little changes make me smile!  Here are some things I am loving from the world of Pinterest!  All images on my {holiday ~ summer} board.  Click over and check it out!

Mason jars are great for so many different things.  

I like to change out my art with free printables.  I never thought I would be someone that changes my art, but it's so easy and FREE!

Next time I will show the lady a picture.  I did not walk out of the nail salon with the below.  I may try again.  

These are perfect for the beach!

That Jess over at {Little Baby Garvin} is awesome.  This is her festive creation - who wouldn't love some Champs, a Bombpop and a Sparkler!

 Happy 4th!

I love my Mom a Brunch

Last year my sister and  I hosted a Mother's Day brunch at my house for our Mom, Grandmom and sister.  It was a big success and the Moms had a great day.  Since the twin couldn't be here this year I cut back on the food a bit.  There was still plenty and it was delicious if I do say so myself.

We had MOM-oasas!

Strawberry shortcake (Mom's fav), tortillini salad, shrimp, fresh fruit and bacon.  Missing from the picture a breakfast casserole that is a family favorite as well.

I had old pics of my dad and his brother with my Grandmom's card.  His brother passed away several years ago.  Seeing these photos made my Gmom smile!

I did the same thing for my mom.  I didn't have a ton of old pictures of my sisters and I so I was lucky to come up with what I did.  These were a last minute idea.  Next year I will plan better to incorporate photos.

And my adorable nephew for my little sister.  She hates when we call her that.  Haha.  It's crazy how much he has grown in the last 2 years.  

And this is my Mom's mom, my Grandmom King.  She passed away more then 20 years ago, and I con't believe it has been that long. I am the little baby in her arms.  I love the "Jackie O" look she has going on with those sunnies.  The Irish Blessing was hand written by her.

All in all it was a great day.  I hope the Moms really enjoyed it.  I know I did. Planning a party or get together takes me to my happy place.  For me it's the details are what makes the day or the event special.  And I hope it shows. 

What did you do for your Mom?

Mom

None of us would be where we are without her...

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

image via {here}

Weekend Fun ~ Easter edition ✞

Friday night we (Twin and I) ran to Target, like we need a reason.  We picked up some last minute things for Girls Night In - more on that later this week.  If you follow me on {Instagram} you already saw a sneak peak.

This weekend was super busy but I did find time to sleep in on Sunday morning.  I had fully planned on going to church with my parents but woke up to the alarm and a text that said they went to an earlier mass because my nephew was up very early.  (mass had already started by the time I got the text) So I took that to mean I could sleep in : )

Nephew's Easter Goodies

We had an indoor egg hunt because the weather did not cooperate.  But the kiddies had a good time.  The littler ones didn't quite get it but maybe next year.

After the kiddie egg hunt we had full well planned to have an adult hunt but could not find eggs big enough to fit our mini vodkas.  So we just put them all in a bag and had everyone put their hand in and pick at the same time.  It was fun, some were a little confused but why should the kids have all the fun?

I love Easter because it is the unofficial kick off to spring and summer picnics and BBQs.  We had all the best sides yesterday - pasta salad, potato salad, deviled eggs, green bean salad and it was all so yummy!

Yesterday also kicked off birthday week!  Can't wait for the rest of the week.  Don't you all celebrate for an entire week?

PS - Today is also Opening Day!

Happy Easter

Enjoy the day with family & friends!

Gearing Up

The Twin comes home tomorrow for 10 days!  More on her soon.  She will be staying with me and we have lots planned - Girls Night In party, Easter, B-day festivities, shopping, family photo session and more.  I still have lots to do before the party on Saturday.  I won't make the list until tomorrow because lets face it nothing is going to happen until then anyway.

I need to clean up the guest room because it currently looks like this - Yikes!  This is why I need to purge from the closet.  I don't dry any of my clothes in the dryer (well undies, tees, sweats and socks) so after it comes off the rack it seems to live on the bed for a while.  I.will.break.this.habit.

I got off easy for Easter dinner this year and will be making pasta salad.  I enjoy making desserts but so does everyone else.  Last year I made these cute nests and a basket cake.  Both found on {Pinterest}.
             

Of course choosing what to wear for a holiday is never easy.  Pictures will be taken and you just want to look good.  Here are my current options, I think I want new shoes but I know you know you need to try one with shoes.  These pics aren't great.  Sorry iphone at night and bad lighting.  Either will need some fun jewelry and better hair (at least for the start of the day)

Lot's of pics and recaps to come!

Weekend Fun ~ St. Patty's ♣ edition

Thanks to those of you that read my meltdown on Friday, and those that listened to me on the phone.  I appreciate the great people in my life.  I really do.

Saturday I  let myself enjoy a lazy morning.  I went shopping with my Aunt in the afternoon (more on what I got later this week).  Saturday night I went to a new place with my cousin.  I should start to number them because I have so many and I am not sure sharing everyone's names is appropriate.  His b-day is on St. Pat's so he, of course, celebrated all weekend!  We ended up at a German bar in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, Frankfort Hall. The environment was fantastic.  Long cafeteria style tables, very industrial.

The outside was just as good as the inside even in the 30 degree weather.  I did not have on the right footwear so I was only out there for an about an hour.  But we played Jenga under the patio heaters as long as we could.  I met a lot of new people and just forgot about everything.    

Sunday I woke up around 8 and proceeded to stay in bed for the next 4 hours watching Law & Order.  Good ole Jack McCoy.  Sounds Irish right?  Ok, works for me.  By 1:00 I was getting texts from some other cousins - also males, as to my ETA to the pre game party before the bar.  I was not aware I needed to be anywhere by a certain time.  But I made it to his house by 2 and we were at the bar 15 minutes later.  I thought the beer would be green, but it was the same old so it was a good thing I brought a decoration for my cup!  Everyone was jealous, aren't you?

Here’s to a long life and a merry one,

 a quick death and an easy one, 

a pretty girl and an honest one, 

a cold pint — and another one

Slainte!

The band Blackthorn was the main event in the tent outside.  They were awesome - the mud, not so much.  But we danced and had a blast.

Yes, I wore shamrocks on my head almost all day.  But we make them look good right?  I think our photographer was a little tipsy.

My Irish Arm party.  Just a hint of green :)

I hope everyone enjoyed some kind of shenanagien yesterday or this weekend.   

Love...

Happy Valentine's Day!  This will be short and sweet - I spent a long day traveling.

Love Me List

One week to go and this Valentine's Day is going to be different.  For one, I will be away for work and two, I am alone.  But that isn't going to stop me from having some fun.  No one knows me better or loves me more than me, right?  I am going to spoil myself with something from the list below, I am just not sure what yet.

From top left

1. A good card ~ this is one of Hallmarks top holidays
2. Some kind of bubbly ~ This Moet gift set isn't available any longer, but isn't it cute?
3. Philosophy {gift set} ~ These little sets are perfect for travel.
4. Butter {nail polish} ~ Maybe I will stop biting my nails....
5. Tory Burch {key fob} ~This is because I am still using the plastic tag from the dealer with all my car info on it.
6. Sweet smelling {candle} ~ I already have this but love it so much I am going to need another.
7. Fresh flowers (anything BUT roses) ~ Never been a fan of roses.
8. Made by Girl {small love print}~ To start the collection for my bedroom gallery wall.
9. More Mane Massage {hair ties) ~ Seriously these are my new favorite!
10. Friends {box set} ~  This may be my favorite show of all time.
11. New {slippers} ~ These ones by Tory Burch are just amazing.
12. { iPhone 5} ~ enough said.
13. {Sprinkles Cupcakes} ~ There isn't one close to me, is having them shipped bad?
14. {Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer}  ~ One day this will be in my kitchen and in this fun raspberry color for sure.

To Who?

Well V-day is almost a week away.  The girls behind the ultimate holiday {gift guide} are at it again.  I'll be back tomorrow with my wants for this year.  Note: as a newly single girl this is a good excuse to spoil myself a bit.

Check out all 143 pages {here}.  The page count, no coincidence I'm sure. 

One More

Ok, I promise this is the last new yearish post, but this was just too good not to share.  A collection of quotes from Di Vinci to Diane.  Great words, I may add this to the frame on my nightstand.

{via}

Chuck it in the Bucket

I am not one for resolutions, but I did decide that 2013 will be a good year for me, a little selfish I know.  I think it I go in thinking like that, it has to be.  There are some things I would like to accomplish in the coming year, so rather then make resolutions, I will make a bucket list or a to do list of sorts just for the year.

1. Be Debt Free (other then my house) before the end of the year - my biggest debts are my Explorer and my credit card.  
2. Operation clothes clean up - I like most girls probably have more clothes then needed.  If can't remember the last time I wore it, it is out.  The motivation to clean out the closets (yes, plural, that is what happens when you like alone) will be the tough part of this one.
3. Organize my basement - it has become a storage facility for myself and some others.  I would like to move my work space down there and create a second living room.  But before I can do that, I need to clean it up and see what can go from down there. 
4. Finish my kitchen - I guess this also plays into number 1, but I would like new floor and appliances oh and a light fixture.
5. Learn how to really use my big girl camera - I may even take a class somewhere
6. Put myself first - I often try to make everyone else happy, sometimes giving up what I want.  It's time, selfish as it sounds, to put myself first.  

This is not a huge list.  And I am giving myself 12 months to complete what is on it.  Number 6 will be the hardest. I am sure I will add to it as the year goes on and I will be sure to keep you updated.  

Happy New Year

Hope you had a great night and your hangovers are easily cured.  I will be back tomorrow with my take on resolutions for the new year.