I've been MIA

I apologize for the lack of posting this past week.  Rule #1 for new bloggers is to post often but this is my blog and my rules and blogging was put on the back burner in order to spend time with my family. 

We had a great time in Phoenix enjoying the sun (95 degrees on Friday!) and laying by the pool.  Our puppy is now officially a water dog (sorta) and thank goodness the dog paddle does come naturally! 

I'll leave ya with a few pics of our trip and I'll be back tomorrow with normal posting!

P.S.  Totally cliche but I do love reading every comment.  I thank you all for leaving messages and it is so fun to peek into your blogs!

                                                              {She looks like she likes it right!?}

                                            {Spring training game between Cincinatti and Cleveland}

   {No trips complete to Phoenix without some golf.  Pic of my husband and not me because I wouldn't subject you to a pic of my swing}

{Spring has sprung in the desert.}

Happy Friday!

What are your weekend plans?  Mine entail a glass of wine and packing.  We are leaving on our little family vacation on Sunday.  It is the first time our puppy will be on a plane so I'm a bit nervous about that whole process.   Back to the wine, what are your favorites?  I love a good crisp white but there is always the time and place for a smooth red as well.  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Have a great weekend!  Next post will be from me poolside!

A Few Photos

I've gotten a few requests to post some wedding photos so I thought today would be a good day!  My husband and I were married a little over a year ago in Maui, HI.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect location and would highly recommend a destination wedding!  We were very fortunate to have 52 of our closest friends and relatives there to share in our special day.  I hope you enjoy the sneak peak.

Don't I have the cutest niece?

All photos take by Christine of Christine Hall Photography located in Savannah, Georgia.

Bookcases

I must really be on a book kick!  Today I thought I would show my bookcases after seeing so many pretty pictures around the blogland of bookcases.  Mine are the infamous Billy Bookcase from Ikea.  They have survived 2 moves and still look and funtion great.  I'm not one to organize by color but rather pleasure vs. school, meaning shelves are organized by novels or textbooks.  And let me tell ya, with 13 years of post grad education between the two of us, we have PLENTY of textbooks!  

How do you organize your bookcases?

Bye Bye Borders

Today while I was waiting for my puppy to get her first haircut, I wandered into the Borders Bookstore next door.  As you most probably know, they have declared bankruptcy and are closing many of their stores including this one.  I know I just did a post on the iPad but I will be the first to admit that I would rather have paper in my hand than reading a book on a screen.  It saddens me to see these bookstores going out of business.  But alas, I've had my eye on a couple decor books and I hoped to score a good deal!  I walked out a happy shopper with Metropolitan Home's Design 100 The Last Word on Modern Interiors.  This is a collection of 100 images that the magazine has deemed the best of design and architecture.  Being the dork I am, I flipped through the entire book in roughly 10 minutes.  One layout that caught my interest immediately was a home decorated by William Diamond and Anthony Baratta.  They are a design duo from NYC that incorporate designs ranging from modern to traditional with pops of color.  These images are from their website Diamond Baratta Design and are definitely drool worthy!  Hope you enjoy!

Nutella Goodness

After seeing this recipe on Mary's blog Delightful Bitefuls, my baking ban was quickly broken.  The recipe was easy and the results were oh so yummy!  It is the perfect mix of peanut butter and hazelnut.  Hope you enjoy as much as we did!  Check out Mary's blog for more awesome goodness!

What you need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Approx. 1/4 cup Nutella

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Combine butter, peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.

Add flour, baking soda and salt. Drizzle Nutella on top of the dough then swirl it through the dough with a butter knife.

Chill dough 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Roll into balls by hand. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Using a fork, press down the balls to flatten slightly. Bake until edges are very lightly browned (about 7 to 10 minutes).

Allow to rest 2 minutes on cookie sheet before transferring cookies to a cooling rack.


*I never claimed to be a good photographer so please excuse the poor pics and poor lighting.

A Few Things...

Happy Sunday!

{fresh bed-side flowers}

{new handbag}

{bright flats for spring}

{sunday afternoon manicure}