Spring Wedding & Weekend Fun

With us losing an hour over the weekend, I can't say today is my favorite Monday of the year. I blame that on not being a morning person but it's officially Spring and I think that's exciting enough. 

Friday night was relaxing. We watched Horrible Bosses 2 at home with a glass of wine to unwind from the hectic work week.

Of course Lola loved all the attention and snuggles on the couch.

On Saturday, we headed two hours south to K's hometown for a friend's wedding. The ceremony was at an old historical church built in 1887 which was quaint and beautiful.

 The wedding reception was at the South Florida Museum which is also the home to the Snooty the manatee. It was a beautiful outdoor setting in the middle of the museum.

And here's Snooty who I've actually been wanting to meet for a few years now.

Some photobooth fun was also had...

On Sunday, it was time to hit the road to head back home.

Once we got back into Orlando, we stopped at Sea Dog Brewing Company for some lunch. I have to admit, I had a hangover from hell and it was much needed. Their buffalo chicken dip is delish!

Joining the lovely Biana for her Weekending linkup.

Friday's Favorites

Happy Friday! The weekend is finally here...phew!

This life of mine never seems to quiet down and there's always an event I have to attend on the weekends. I guess my travel bug also doesn't really help the situation. I will make tonight relaxing though. Just my PJs and a quiet night with my little family.

I think Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles always sweeten the deal!

I was excited to find out that a blogger's event is finally coming to Central Florida hosted by The Blogger Meetup so figured I'd help spread the word. I'm actually not 100% sure I will be able to attend but I'm definitely gonna try since these are few and far between.

Joining the lovely Amanda for her Friday Favorites Link Up.

Pretty Nail Color:
I went with OPI's I Lost My Bikini purple gel color since I have a wedding to attend on Saturday (yes, another wedding!)

Favorite Recipe:

These Spiralized Sweet Potato Fries made by Lisa look so good! I just ordered this Spiral Vegetable Slicer from Amazon recommended by Steph so I'm looking forward to experimenting with some new recipes for our Recipe Swap linkup.

Favorite Shopping Find:
These tan wedges for the Spring and Summer. 

Favorite Vitamin Supplement:
I went to a Nutritionist last year who told me that my B-12 levels were low. Basically, I don't retain B-12 from food so need to use supplements. I've tried a few different types of liquid B-12 and the NOW Foods B-12 is my favorite tasting and I think it gives me a nice boost to start the morning.

Favorite Funnies:

Have a fabulous weekend!

Spring Things

This weekend we spring forward on Sunday and I'm looking forward to many things but mainly the change in weather. I know us Floridians don't experience brutal winters like many of you but we do get the sweltering heat of Summer so Spring brings comfortable yet sunny temperatures to enjoy more activities outdoors. Of course, losing that extra hour of sleep on Monday morning is the toughest part but once we recover from that, there's so much to enjoy.

My Spring Favorites: 

Reaping the benefits of strawberry season and trying some refreshing cocktails such as this Strawberry Basil Margarita recipe.

Colorful nails and Easter-themed designs.

Hosting our annual Easter dinner party for friends. I finally get to dust off and make use of all those serving dishes and the turkey carving set we got as wedding gifts.

Cadbury Mini Eggs have always been my Easter candy guilty pleasure. So glad they only come around once a year.

Spring cleaning and Easter decorating. I particularly love fresh tulips and Easter lilies to decorate at home.

I'm always excited to bring out cuter outfits that don't require layering with heavy sweaters and jackets.

                   

What's your favorite thing about Spring?

Roast Beef & Red Wine Gravy

A coworker shared this recipe with me and I thought I'd give it a try since I've never cooked roast beef before. 

Ingredients:

2.5 lbs boneless chuck roast

4 carrots, chopped

1/2 yellow onion, diced

10 yukon gold potatoes, cut in half

2 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp light olive oil

4 stalks celery, chopped

4 sprigs fresh thyme

Black pepper to taste

What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray roasting pan with cooking spray.

2. Place chuck roast in pan and baste with olive oil, cracked pepper, minced garlic and spices of your choice. Place 3-4 sprigs of thyme under string wrapped around roast. If there's no string like mine, cut small incisions in the meat and tuck the thyme in there. 

3. Place potatoes, celery, onions and carrots in roasting pan along with beef.

4. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 30 minutes.  The rule is to bake for 20 minutes for each pound.

5. Remove roast beef from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before carving.

* I baked mind for longer (1 hour) because I prefer my meat more well done that pink on the inside.

Red Wine Gravy

Ingredients:

Beef drippings

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup red wine

1 tbsp flour

What To Do:

1. Keep the beef drippings and pour into a small pot on medium heat. Add red wine and stir for 2-3 minutes. 

2. Add beef stock and reduce to low and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Finally add tbsp flour and mix well until gravy has thickened. 

My gravy came out very watery but it was full a flavor. Like one of the best tasting gravies I've tried so I recommend using more flour or cornstarch to thicken the consistency.  

Enjoy!

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Weekend Relaxing & Blogger's Brunch

After traveling last weekend, I was in need of a relaxing weekend and that it was...

On Friday after work, K and I went out for some dinner at Red Lobster to use some gift cards from Christmas. Of course dirty martinis ensued but that was the extent of my Friday night.

We slept in on Saturday which was very much needed and then headed out to get some errands done. We stopped at Marshall's for some new home decor and then I spent a few hours with the Geek Squad at Best Buy because genius me spilled wine on my Macbook last week and my laptop immediately died. Stupidest $1000 mistake. Ever! 

I also stocked up on my favorite beer which is now in season ~ Abita Strawberry from New Orleans.




We decorated our master bedroom with the new wall art I picked up from Marshall's.

On Saturday night, we relaxed at home and watched Gone Girl from Redbox and snuggled with Lola.

Image credit

On Sunday morning, I met up with Kate, Kerri & Pamela at Santiago's Bodega for buffet-style brunch and unlimited mimosas. It was a blast catching up with these pretty ladies and fellow bloggers.

Friday's Quick Recap & Favorites

This week has been draining. Starting off Monday at 4:30 am to head to the airport to fly back to Orlando is not my idea of fun. I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some QT with my bed and of course K and Lola. Evidently it becomes harder to bounce back from all the fun and traveling as you get older.

Nevertheless, the exhaustion is well worth it because the wedding last weekend was magnificent and being able to witness my best friend getting married is a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Joining Amanda for her Friday's Favorites linkup and Congrats to her for becoming a Mrs last weekend as well!

Favorite Hair Color:
I love this mix of hair colors. I recently did a test run with one purple streak which didn't come out this nice but if I build up the courage, I would love to experiment with some burgundy in my blonde hair.

Favorite Purchase: 

I know it's no longer the holidays and sparkles are dying down but this Sequin Cami Dress was 50% off at Express and sparkly dresses are always acceptable for weddings right?

Favorite Recipe:

This Vegetable Turkey Sausage Stir-Fry recipe from Kristin @ Miss Southern looks amazing!

Favorite Funnies:

 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Things I'm Loving Lately

Michael Kors Cicely Cork Wedges - I just purchased these shoes because I needed tan wedges for another wedding that I'm in next month and I think they'll also be comfy shoes for work and other occasions.

Buddha Bookends - If you walk into my house, my love for Buddha becomes very apparent. I think these bookends are super cute to add to my collection although it would help if I had a bookshelf.

Clinique 'True Bronze' Pressed Powder Bronzer - I've been using this bronzer for over 4 years on a daily basis to add some color to my fair complexion. After losing my compact somehow on my recent trip, I realized just how much this bronzer is a staple to my makeup routine and immediately ordered one from Amazon to be shipped soon. The color I use is "Sunblushed".

Tropical Print Strapless Dress - Because I need some floral in my life. The picture really doesn't do the dress justice because it's way prettier in person.

Tan Towels - Kerri introduced me to these tan towels and I think they work excellent to get a subtle tan especially during the colder months. 

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Primer -  I just started using this anti-redness primer to control my pink undertones before applying light foundation to my face. I like how it works compared to others I've tried.

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow - I love shimmery eye shadows and, after the girls at The Sequin Notebook did a review recently, I fell in love with the colors offered in this NARS eyeshadow collection. The $29 price tag is a bit steep but the palette looks like it'll last a long time. 

Portofino Blouse - Express has come out with a new line of Portofino shirts in every color and pattern imaginable. These are perfect for work and I'm planning to purchase a few when I run into a few extra dollars.

Kate Spade Crystal Heart Dial Watch - I really don't need this in my life but it's definitely is a looker. I'm going to keep it on my radar because I like the dainty look for special occasions but wouldn't wear it as an everyday watch.

Caribbean Wedding Bells: Trinidad Trip Recap

I'm back from my quick trip to Trinidad for my dear friend's wedding which I was the maid of honor in. It was a busy, busy trip but I got to accomplish everything that I hoped to do and also spent some time with family and my girl friends from childhood.

On Friday, myself and the other MOH hosted a tea party for the bride, her mom and the bridesmaids so we got to spend some time together and catch up before the big day.

 
We did a quick and casual rehearsal afterwards with the guys before heading to Hakka for some family style Asian food.

On Saturday, we woke up bright an early to start the hair and makeup process for the wedding that afternoon. We had some finger food and champagne while getting dressed. 

We then headed to the venue to get the professional photos taken and for the bride and groom to do their first look. 

The venue was an outdoor setting up high on a mountain with some breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The rain did interfere a bit with our photos but the sun eventually came out just in time for the bride to walk down the isle.

The wedding was SO much fun filled with tons of love and happy tears! We enjoyed the views and danced the night away to local music.

On Sunday, I coordinated a lunch so I could see my close girl friends before flying out. We continued on for some patio drinks at the Hyatt where lots of shit-talking and hysterical laughing ensued.

Sunday night was family time. We ordered some Chinese takeout and had dinner at my Aunt's house for my last night before heading back to Florida bright and early on Monday morning at 5 am.

It was a nice break away from work and blogging but I can't say it was even slightly relaxing so I'm looking forward to getting back into my usual routine and catching up on some sleep. The funny thing is I have to return in exactly a month for another girl friend's wedding which I'm a bridesmaid for but K will be joining me and we're making a vacation out of that trip!