baby showers

So, I am hosting a baby shower for my sister in law this month and was searching for fun ideas and came across these cute photos on Pizzazzerie.

Here are some details that I thought were so fun!

  

{Straws from Shop Sweet Lulu}

I am not one for cheesy baby shower games, but I do love the baby bottle beer chugging contest for men at a couples shower and the onesie decorating for a creative crowd.

{Photos from Pizzazzerie.com}

shrimp bake

So, last night Joe and I tried out a new recipe from Cooking Light.

3/4 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 roma tomatoes (chopped)
4 slices of french baguette (ideal if a little stale)
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup Parmeasan cheese (to sprinkle on top)
salt & pepper to season
butter

In a small baking dish coated with cooking spray, place the shrimp and tomatoes. (You can learn how to devein shrimp here.) Season with salt and pepper.

Grind the bread in a food processor until it is mostly crumbs. In a skillet with some butter and/or olive oil, lightly roast the bread crumbs, garlic, and parsley until fragrant. Pour bread crumb mixture over shrimp and tomatoes. Then place a tab of butter on top and bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes (until shrimp are done).

Serve with cous cous.

The verdict:  I was not a big fan. I thought it was somewhat bland, but Joe enjoyed it. Next time I would use canned fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of fresh for extra flavor. And added more cheese (maybe some mozzerella and parmesean).

patios and porches

So, this weekend Joe and I spent some time working on our "outdoor space." We have a covered carport behind our house with a nice stone floor, so we use it as a patio. It is a great space. Last year in the fall we bought some great discounted patio furniture which we really haven't gotten the chance to make much use of yet. So we pressure washed, we cleaned, we planted flower pots and herbs (yay!) hung ferns and flowering plants, and we are going to get electricity run outside so we can hang some Italian street lights --the one lamp by the door doesn't provide enough light on a dark night. Plus, who doesn't love twinkle lights!

I can't wait to get it all finished and have a garden party! I love warm summer nights outdoors in inviting spaces.

My favorite space on a house is the front porch, which, sadly, we don't have. But one day.

{Images: Southern Living, House Beautiful, and HGTV}

spring wish list

{Clockwise: Ann Taylor Loft dress, Satya Jewelry Necklace, Michael Kors sandals, Fossil aviator sunglasses, Eres swimsuit, Michael Kors wedges, and Michael Kors tote...clearly, I love Michael Kors for accessories!}

busy lately

So this blog has been awfully quiet lately! But don't forget about me :) I have been keeping myself busy and had a hard time finding a minute to post. What have I been up to, you ask?

I got into grad school! I am going getting my Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration at Peabody! I start in May!

I met Tim Gunn! He came to speak at Vanderbilt and signed his new book. My friend, Holly, was super excited to meet him and took this photo.

I had my last weekend of yoga teacher training. I have a few hours to make up from when I had the flu, but I should get my certificate shortly!! Here I am with my teachers, Daphne and Tom.

Below is my whole class (minus 1) and a photo of me in one of my favorite poses (we each had a photo taken in a pose to make a book for Tom and Daphne). 

And... Joe and I bought a new car! It is pretty snazzy. :)

So, yeah. Lots going on! But I am re-committing. Much more to come on spring wish lists, recipes, and home decorating so stay tuned! Thanks for bearing with me.