A Sick Weekend

I guess the title says it all--this weekend, most of my fun plans went out the window because I came down with another cold of some sort.

Friday afternoon I got a scratchy throat but no other symptoms, so I was hoping it was just allergies.

I got home and bathed Cooper so that he looked nice for when Trish came over for our girls' night. He looked a little like a hermit Yoda (and I couldn't resist taking a pic...much to his chagrin I'm sure haha)

Trish came over and we spent hours catching up over pizza and wine! It was so nice to have quality time with my friend :)

We went to bed at a reasonable time and around 3am I woke up with my throat on fire. I couldn't really sleep the rest of the night. Trish left early the next morning and I spent the entire day on the couch cuddled with Coop

At least one of us was comfortable! :)

Unfortunately, I had to cancel plans to go and see my parents which I'd been looking forward to because I didn't want to get them sick, plus I had zero energy (and almost no voice) either. My sweet mom offered to drive up and bring me cough drops and anything else that I needed (she really is Superwoman), but I told her not to, because I really didn't want her to have to drive all the way here and potentially catch my germs. Love that woman!

I had to cancel my other girls' night that night too. It was kind of a sucky weekend for MG to be away. Luckily towards the evening I felt slightly better and was able to order some Chinese take-out for dinner.

While I was waiting I did a little online shopping and got an amazing deal on this 8x10 rug for our basement (never mind that the flooring down there isn't done yet...or the painting....lol) It had great reviews and I had been planning to get one anyway, so now when the basement gets done, we won't have to search for a rug!

I went to bed early that night since I'd slept like crap the night before--thanks to NyQuil I slept through the night and only had a partial sore throat the next morning, but I had a cough and a slightly stuffy nose.

I tell ya, working with kids stinks sometimes...I hadn't been sick in well over a year, and then in the last month and a half, I'm sick twice.

My voice was better, so I was able to call my mom and wish her a happy mother's day--not exactly what I'd had planned, but alas, she knew I would have rather been with her than sick at home feeling like dog poo.

Luckily MG made it home right around noon. It was nice having him to count on as I went in and out of feeling better, then slightly worse throughout the rest of the day/night.

So, my weekend of big plans kinda went south when I came down with this, unfortunately.  The good news is, I'm caught up on any and every tv show I could possibly have wanted to watch, and I finished my book--silver lining :)

Here's hoping I can make it through the work day today!

I hope your weekend was much more eventful and less sick than mine was!

Linking up with these pretties today:

Friday Faves

TGIF for real! I am so very ready for the weekend to get here because I have a bunch of stuff planned, the weather is supposed to be nice, and I could use a little bit of a break from work.
Before we get to the weekend, let's talk about some faves this week!

Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // Oh Hey Friday// 5 on Friday

{1} Zoodles!
I'd been hearing about and seeing recipes for zoodles all over the interwebs and blogs. I was super intrigued so I finally bit the bullet and ordered a spiralizer. I have not regretted it for a second! So far, I've made two super tasty meals (recipes coming soon!) and I feel totally satisfied afterwards, without any guilt! Zoodles for Life!

{2} These Funnies 
(you know I can't let a week go by without posting some funnies!)

{via}

{via} That is a LOOOOONG stretch for all the pregnant ladies! 

{via} I like to be prepared :)

{3} This Quote
I saw it on Instagram from one of the ladies on Married at First Sight and it totally resonated with me:

{4}-Girls' Weekend!!

MG is on a golf trip with his buddies this weekend, so what better time to have a girls weekend? Tonight one of my besties, Trish, is coming over for a wine and pizza night/sleepover. And tomorrow night, two other friends are coming over for a night of wine, apps and girl talk! I always love spending quality time with my friends so when the opportunity arises, I grab it! I know this weekend's gonna be a ton of fun (I have a feeling the wine flu might get me this weekend ;)

{5} My Mom(s)
In honor of Mother's Day, I wanted to dedicated my last, and most important favorite to my two moms! First, my actual mom who I love and adore and don't have enough words to describe all of your amazing qualities. I admire your strength throughout all of the hardships going on with my dad's health. I know it's not easy, but you've been an amazing support for him, and for me, throughout it all.  I love that you've given me the ability to look at hardships as an opportunity for learning and growth. You've also given me the gift of humor and silliness. I feel so lucky knowing that I have you to call in happy times, and in rough times. I seriously could not ask for a better mom in the world! There are so few things better than being wrapped in a hug from you!

Second, my mother-in-law who I also love. You are a woman of strength and kindness, not to mention you're a riot! :) I appreciate so much how you have taken me into your family from the get-go and treated me as one of your own. I love that you call me and check in on me. I love that we can have an hour long conversation on the phone, or in person, and feel like time has flown by in the blink of an eye. I feel so incredibly lucky to have a mother-in-law who feels like another mom. And, of course, I love you for making an amazing son who is caring and loving, who makes me laugh on a daily basis :)

Happy early Mother's Day to all the mommies, and mommies-to-be out there! 
Happy Friday! Now go enjoy you some weekend! 

Book Review: Kaleidoscope Hearts

When I was on vacation (what seems like many moons ago), I downloaded a bunch of books, and made it through four.

The first one that I read was called Kaleidoscope Hearts by Claire Contreras

{via}

Here's the Goodreads synopsis:

"He was my older brother's best friend. 
He was never supposed to be mine. 
I thought we would get it out of our system and move on. 

One of us did. 
One of us left. 

Now he’s back, looking at me like he wants to devour me. And all those feelings I’d turned into anger are brewing into something else, something that terrifies me. 
He broke my heart last time. 
This time he'll obliterate it."

I was SUPER intrigued by the description of the book and it had more than 4 stars on the reviews. 

Let's be clear, this is no literary genius, but it's a good beach read. I wanted to know what would happen (or how), and some of the scenes in the story were pretty steamy (not a bad read for an anniversary trip! ;). It was a typical I like him-but he hurt me-does he really like me-I'm over it-but I still like him type of book. 
The main part I didn't really enjoy was the main guy character--the descriptions of his feelings for her and how they started were very....crass. It didn't seem like something that you would build a relationship over, or make this chronic playboy turn around all of a sudden.

That being said, it was a good chic-lit, romantic-ish, easy vacation read.

Out of the two books I read of this genre over vacation, this one was my favorite.

I'd give it 3 stars.

Make sure you check out my Book Reviews page to see some other great book recommendations!

Currently...

Here's what I'm up to, currently....

Feeling...happy that the weather has consistently been nice for the past 4+ days! Going to work in a dress and not needing a jacket is perfection!

Reading...trying to finish up my book "Gone for Good"  by Harlan Coben--it's been good so far, but not as good as his other book.

{via}

Listening to... the new Britney Spears/Iggy Azalea song, Pretty Girls. It totally gets stuck in your head! I'm not gonna lie, I did a little car dancing yesterday when I heard it on my way to work....no judgement :)

Drinking.... I've been on an iced tea kick lately. I drink water throughout the day, but have a glass of iced tea at home at night. I think it's this delicious Spring weather we're having that's putting me in the mood for a cold glass of iced tea.

Eating.....healthy! I've been on a pretty healthy food kick lately (ok, minus HH on Friday with Christy...but we won't count that), and have been trying out all kinds of healthy eats! Last week I made zoodles for the first time, and on Monday I made a different zoodle dish that was out of this world delicious!

To quote my husband, "You are knocking it out of the park with these recipes!" (if that's not a ringing endorsement, I dont know what is!)

Watching... Real Housewives of NY, Million Dollar Listing, Married at First Sight...
and I think I'm about to give up on Greys which makes me really sad. But after what Shonda Rhimes did the other week....I don't know if I can watch anymore.

{via}

Thinking about... the smile on my mom's face when her Mother's Day flowers arrive in the next couple of days! Love my momma!

Working on... the basement, guest room in the basement, and the guest bathroom upstairs. This is the first time we've taken on three house projects at once and it's a little overwhelming, but SO fun thinking about how awesome it's going to be when we're done!
(I'd show you some pictures, but I want to wait for the before and after!)

Loving... my husband. Through all of our home improvement projects, we've really been a team. I love that we can get through projects, small or large, and have fun while doing it. He is so smart--even when he's not sure how to do something, he educates himself and figures it out. A skill I'm not sure I'd have. I love that man.

Excited about... 31 school days left in the school year.!!! Which doesn't sound like a lot....it is and it isn't. I have a bunch of stuff to do in the meantime, but I'm ready for a little summer vacation for sure!

What are you up to, currently?

Liebster Award!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!

The other week I was nominated by the super sweet Meghan for the Liebster award!

She posed the following questions for me to answer, so here goes:

1. What is the best book you've read in the last year?

Probably What Alice Forgot by Lianne Moriarty. But I've read a lot of great books this year, so it's hard to choose just one. (check out my Book Reviews tab for some more recommendations)

2. What does a "normal" day look like for you?

Waking up around 6:30, walking Cooper, eating breakfast and heading out the door by 7:30. At work with kiddos until 4, then back home to walk Cooper and work out. Talk to my best friend (most days), making dinner and unwinding from the day with the hubs. Cuddling with Cooper on the couch and heading to bed around 10. Nothing too nuts!

3. Manicure and pedicure or blow out?

As much as I love a good blow out, I'd take the mani pedi since they last longer than the blow out.

4. What is the one food you could eat every day?

Cheese. I'm a fiend for cheese. I'd eat it on top of things shredded, in slices on crackers, or just by itself. I'm a cheese lover, for sure.

{via}  lol--love this :)

5. What is the biggest item on your bucket list?

I don't know if it's bucket list worthy, but getting our basement re-done so that we can have a huge get-together with our friends to kick off the Summer is high on my priority list right now. Luckily we've started taking steps to get this done and hopefully will be finished with it soon!

6. What is been your favorite part of blogging?

I'm sure my answer is the same as most people's would be to this question, but it's meeting so many amazing women. The ones who are supportive, helpful, kind and caring. It's hard to find people like that, and I've found an abundance of them in the blog world. I'm super thankful for those relationships and the support network that comes with it!

7. How do you relax?

It depends. Sometimes it's working out, other times it's vegging in front of the tv, or reading outside. Anything that distracts me from any of the stresses of daily life.

8. Favorite drink?

Wine (duh), or an Arnold Palmer (dirty!)--perfect for a summer drink!

9. What is your dream vacation?

Going to the Maldives. It looks like Heaven.

Greece is pretty high up there as well!

10. What is your favorite room in your house/apartment and why?

Right now I'd say it's our guest bedroom. It looks so put together and "adult" to me. I love walking by it every day and seeing how clean it looks.

But, to be fair, I love all of the rooms that we've done updates to because it shows all of the hard work that we've done to make our house feel like a home.

I nominate the following 5 bloggers for the Liebster award:

Christy@ Planes, Trains and Running Shoes

Trish@ Tales from Trish

Holly@ Faith, Hope and Baseball

Courtney@Eric and Courtney

Bailley@Lew Party of 2

Here are your questions:

1. If you could pick up and go to any state in the U.S. right now, where would it be and why?

2. Sweet or Salty?

3. What are you looking forward to most this Summer?

4. If you could sit and read a book for an entire day, what genre would you choose?

5. What day of the week is your favorite and why?

6. Are you on Pinterest? What types of things do you pin the most? Link to your board.

7. What's your favorite app on your phone?

8. When you're having a rough day, what are some things that you do to de-stress?

9. If you could change careers right now, what would you do?

10. What's your favorite dessert and/or appetizer?

Thanks for nominating me, Meghan!!

Weekend Highlights

I'm back after another jam-packed weekend full of all kinds of fun, friends, celebrations and productivity around the house! Plus, some of our nicest weather days yet!

This weekend's highlights included:

~Friday double-blate in Clarendon with Christy and her husband (The Pilot)

~several hours of drinks, food and laughs

~Getting quotes from painters (for some of the rooms left in our house) and flooring

~Picked out the flooring for the basement and decided to paint it ourselves--painters were way too expensive, and we can paint it...it's just going to be a decent amount of work

(I think we could be professional painters by the end of this lol)

~Beautiful weather! Wore shorts, t-shirt and flip flops--finally!!

~A husband who took care of yard work and power washing our deck and fencing while I was out

~Going back to Maryland for a baby shower for my friend Jenn

and getting to see a bunch of coworkers from the first school I worked at

~Reconnecting with an old friend I haven't seen in several years

~Making plans to hang out again in the coming weeks

~Home and a quick turn-around to go back out for a party with friends: the Derby, Cinco De Mayo, birthday celebrations, and the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, plus food, drinks and a fire pit at night!

~Being a bad blogger and forgetting to take a single photo the entire night

~Picked out paint colors for the basement and guest bathroom

(here's the swatch we painted on the wall next to the granite we picked for the counter top)

It's called Quiet Moments--I think it's gonna look awesome!

~Taped off the guest bedroom in the basement and painted the ceiling; started taping off the basement so we can paint once we rip up the baseboards

~Reading on the deck in our zero gravity chairs--felt good to get some sunshine on my fading tan! :)

this is never going to get old!

~Taco night at home

~Relaxed the rest of the night after our day of home improvement projects

I'm so glad that we had a beautiful weather weekend with open doors in the house, open windows and sunroof in the car, and lots of sunshine!

We had a good mix of fun and being productive this weekend and now I'm ready to take on the work week!

Linking up with these pretties today:

Happy Monday!

Friday Faves

Happy first day of May!!!

I feel like I should let out a "Thank you, Jesus" that it's finally Friday. This week has been looooooooong and full of multiple meetings for me (more than 6 this week!) Needless to say, I'm 110% ready for this weekend to get here!

But, before that, let's talk about some favorites!

Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // Oh Hey Friday// 5 on Friday

{1}-Nice weather, zero gravity chairs and our deck

The weather this week has finally been super Spring-like and beautiful, so we've been enjoying it as much as possible. Grilling, eating dinner outside on the deck...I came home from work yesterday, grabbed a beer, and my Kindle, sat myself in our new zero gravity chairs and enjoyed the sunshine.

she is not pregnant in this pic haha

{2}-Baby Shower
My friend Jenn is having a baby shower tomorrow and I'm going to get to see the glowing mama-to-be, along with some of my old coworkers who I haven't seen in a long time! It'll be so nice to get to hang out with everyone and celebrate a new little baby!

{3}-Party party!
The same day as the shower, we have plans to go hang out with some friends to celebrate birthdays, cinco de mayo (early), the kentucky derby, and they're having the Pacquiao fight on, too. It should be a good time--Saturday is gonna be BUSY...but a good kinda busy!

{4}-Double Blate
Christy and I are having a double blate with our men tonight! The last time we got together, Holly was in town (we'll miss you girl!) and didn't get to spend a ton of time since MG and I had anniversary plans and the girls were running the 10miler the next morning. This time around, there will be plenty of time to relax and celebrate the end of a very long week, with some great company!

{5}-A year ago...
I was reminded (thanks to Facebook) that a year ago, yesterday, MG and I closed on our house. This place truly feels like home. I love all of the work that we've done, together, to make it ours. We've already made so many memories here, and I can only imagine there will be so many more to come!

It was a big step, for sure, and all happened so quickly, but it was the best decision we made, to buy this house and make it our home!

And in case you need an extra dose of cuteness today, take a look at the Kentucky Derby Puppy Predictions from Jimmy Fallon. So. Much. Cute!


Happy Friday and happy weekend!!!