rompin' around

It has taken me a couple of seasons to get warmed up to the idea of a romper.  My husband likes to refer to these as onesies and my BFF's opinion is that only toddlers wear them. Regardless, however, of the way the men in my life feel, this is one item that has been high on my "Must Buy" list this summer. You can probably then imagine my esteem joy when I picked this one up at TJ Maxx for only $12! 


Last weekend we went to my in-laws house for a cookout, and it took me only 30 seconds to get dressed as I knew exactly what I wanted to wear. Before we left, I snapped these photos in our backyard and I was fortunate enough to have two guests join me!  In the bottom photo you'll see the tops of two heads that haven't made an appearance recently. 

A Boost of Confidence

shades, Ralph Lauren; dress, Gianni Bini; watch, Fossil; shoes, Dolce Vita

I almost didn't get this shot in today.  It was so beautiful outside that I decided to forego running at the gym so that I could take the kiddles for a walk around the park.  However, before our walk, I decided that I must share.  I love this dress!  No matter when or where I wear it, I always receive compliments.  However, more importantly, I love the way it makes me feel.  Sometimes the write piece of clothing can make you feel just a little more confident and make your day a little more brighter.  Not a bad way to wrap up the week!

My Polo Dog

cardigan, shirt and pants, Old Navy; belt, Gianni Bini; watch, Fossil; wedges, Nine West

I've enjoyed taking my photos in the backyard lately.  The weather has been gorgeous and being in the backyard means that I get to spend time with my little guy, Selwyn.  I have been fortunate enough to have him in my life for over 3 years now.  I was looking through these photos during my break from class last night when a friend commented that he looks like a Polo dog.  Hmmm... yes, I think I agree and I also think we'd make a lovely couple in an advertisement, don't you?

Happy weekend, dear readers! With the onset of finals I will spend the weekend in front of a computer.  But, I hope that you will get to spend it in the great outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather!

 

stole the show.

I'm guessing that you know exactly who I'm refering to by the title of this post. Saturday was a cold and raining day, but in between showers I snuck outside to snap a few photos.  This was the first time I've ever attempted photos in the backyard while our two kiddles (a rat terrier named Selwyn and a black lab named Haleigh) were running around.  I wasn't sure exactly how it was going to go, but I thought I'd give it a whirl.  You can see that I didn't get many (okay, any) photos by myself.  But that's okay, because these two are awfully cute. In fact, I think I might have to incorporate them into more posts.  Oh yeah and about my outfit - because it was wet and cold I thought I'd give the Uggs a little more love before putting them away for the season.

White Christmas

Earlier this month I shared my fascination and long time love of snow with you.  So, it should come as no surprise that I am an extremely happy girl right now as we, in the midwest, were fortunate enough to receive 8-10 inches of snow over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Receiving this much snow has left us virtually home-ridden for the last couple of days - which I have not minded at all.  The farthest we have been in the last 72 hours is to the in-law's house, 15 minutes away.  Gasp!  No Starbucks since Wednesday!  Even with the snow shoveling (my first time), lack of Starbucks, and wearing ski apparel everywhere, I will say that Christmas felt just a wee bit more magical with the snow all around.  

I hope everyone had a very happy holidays and spent it with the ones you love.  Here's some highlights from our first Christmas. 

We loaded up all of our gifts for the fam and headed over on Christmas Eve to open presents with Cory's family.  Opening presents on Christmas Eve has been a family tradition for them for a long time.

Look at that wrap job.  What talent! 

When we got home that night, everyone at our house got to open one present, too.  That has been a long standing family tradition for my family. 

Our first  gift exchange.  We set a $50 limit on gifts for each other this year since we have received so many wedding presents in the last 3 months.  For Cory: a card game, Battle of the Sexes.  For me:  nail polish remover (there is a funny story behind that but I just don't have the time)

We even gave the dogs a present.  But, they had to open it first.

 

One was a bit more persistent than the other. 

But, in the end... success for both!

So with the snow still gently falling and everyone satisfied with their one gift, we decided to hit the sack so that Santa could come and leave a few more.  On Christmas morning, however, instead of opening presents right away we decided to first prepare a feast of a breakfast for everyone in the house.  And, you're right if you guessed that the dogs didn't miss out on this either.  Even our cat decided to join in on the action. 

Gourmet pet feast a la Mitchell kitchen for the dogs & cat

And bacon, egg & cheese on a baguette for us! YUM!

So, with full bellies and gifts galore...

We left the dogs to nap while we journeyed back out into the snow to the 'rents house to spread some Christmas cheer!

All in all, I'd have to give this Christmas an A+.  The perfect combination of time spent with the ones that I love, good food, and of course, the snow!