This and That

Wedensday -- how did I get here already? Work has been flying by since I got a new client assigned late Monday and Matt has left town for a boys trip -- but not before I made him renew his Netflix account so that I can watch House of Cards this weekend.  I have been feeling good and back in the routine of working out but today I skipped the gym and came home to just walk in the neighborhood and be outside because ohmygoditwasaglorious 70 degrees! 

I have been on a serious eBay shopping kick lately...but I have found 2 really killer deals by bidding on some JCrew suiting for work -- and then found a fun blouse today.  My suit dresses were about $30 each.  I felt like I stole them! 

This is the one I got today! 

I tried a sample in my makeup drawer this weekend -- Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.  It's a two minute mask that you wear and massage into your skin and then rinse.  I actually really felt like after one use I could see a difference in my skin.  My face looked and felt fresh and had a hint of a glow.  I'm thinking of ordering the small tube to try -- its $22 at Sephora.  Warning -- if you have sensitive skin pass this up.  It's really strong stuff and can burn a bit. 

Lately I have been incredibly obsessed with Amy's Organic Taquitos.  They are frozen and you put them in the oven for 12 minutes -- plenty of time to pour your wine and get out your accoutrements -- and dinner is served.  Clearly since Matt is out of town I will be disposing of a lot of our stash the rest of this week.  Now if only I can find time to read...

Other than that I'm trying to work up some decent posts for you guys -- some wedding photos, my chair recovering project, a review of my first year at my new job, and 3 months of marriage (ha). 

What are you guys up to this week? 

~the married gal~

Happies from Tuesday but Divulged on Thursday

This was originally going to be Tuesday Happies but I got busy (read: I did not allocate my day property).  So now it's Thursday.  Since I am essentially working for a small start up while we work claims runoff from a dwindling carrier we had to move our office to something much smaller.  And we ain't got nobody to do it for us.  So Tuesday was spent unpacking file boxes and breaking nails.  But really it was super glorious to have a legit excuse not to work a single claim or take any phone calls.  I also find unpacking to be really euphoric in the fact that everything feels super organized when you are done. It is like crack for me.  

We also went to Baldino's since I work off Buford Highway now (when I'm not working from home).  Best subs ever.  And pepperoni rolls.  

I did get off work a little early on Tuesday and felt like going home but couldn't really skip the gym since I legit had time to go.  Oh hey jammie pants that I had to wear grocery shopping because its super hot in the gym so I have to wear shorts there, but super cold outside.  Whatever. I'm engaged. I've let myself go. 

Tuesday I came home in the pouring rain to a surprise from the love of my life.  How cute is it that he surprised me again and got my doughnut.  That one has a sense of humor, no? Anyway, I loved everything about this. 

I also had this random urge to cook after a long day (which really never happens) and also really had a craving for butternut squash.  Super random. Seriously.  I loosely looked on Pinterest and noted that I saw some kale in the fridge and had some quinoa so this recipe was our winner.  With just a little bit of chopping and a few fresh ingredients this Kale, Quinoa, and Butternut Squash dish came to life.  It lists a vinaigrette but we went with a touch of soy sauce and some siracha for me.   SO GOOD. SO EASY.  I'm keeping this recipe. 

What made you happy this week? I want to know!

~the single gal~

The Single Gal Gets Engaged

I know you have all heard about my big surprise engagement last weekend.  So, if you are tired of hearing about it -- seriously sorry. But I did want to get a bit of a post up to share! 

It really started out like a normal weekend. I knew we had a nice dinner planned on Saturday because it was our "official" one year anniversary (official in that we are not counting the other times we dated the last few years).  Friday was nice but it was SO cold all week but the dogs were driving us crazy so we bundled up to get a few miles in on the greenway.  It's my new favorite thing. 

Anyway, let's just say that 3 Putt is really good at surprises.  I truly had no idea it was coming.  

Unluckily for 3 Putt I had been putting of some pretty maj car repairs until Monday and I decided that even though I was supposed to meet him in Atlanta after work with the dogs...I probably really should let my car sit until Monday.  So he had to come pick me up.  Not once during the ride did he even act weird, jittery, or strange. 

I'm not going to go over all our gushy details but I gave him a little anniversary card right before we were going to leave for the restaurant (or so I thought) and I did think it was odd that he didn't seem to have anything for me. We said no presents, but I thought surely flowers or something?  So I sit down to wait on him to get his shoes but he brings me out a little gift.  Its a picture book of all our fun moments from the past year.  Except the company put the last two pages in the wrong order. So I did think it was weird when he adamantly put his hand down and turned the last two for me.  Because I'm thinking "Who cares if they got November and December pictures mixed up?" -- but then I realize something REAL is happening in this living room AND HE IS PROPOSING TO ME. 

SO THEN HE GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND GIVES ME A DIAMOND RING! 

(I said yes in case you were wondering. Duh.)

And we tried to take some weird selfies to send to the fam before dinner. 

Funny story -- I asked this wonderful man to get me a Krispy Kreme doughnut on his way to my house from work on Friday.  I was super excited about it and then he FORGOTMYDOUGHNUTANDIWASSOSAD.  Like so sad that I hassled him the rest of the night about it.  I'm not even kidding.  I didn't want it to be a big deal but I guess I really wanted a doughnut. Whatever. 

So he tells me Friday night while I issue another complaint about this doughnut -- "Babe - trust me, I will make it up to you tomorrow."

And in my head "I'm all -What the hell is this guy going to do to make up for the fact that he FORGOT my Krispy Kreme?"

Turns out the man is as good as his word.  And we went on Sunday night to get me a doughnut (okay two). 

We ate at Bistro Niko and enjoyed all the French food and even threw down for a bottle of Vooov.  Such a special night. 

Monday we went to the Solomon Brothers to look at the rest of my diamonds.  I feel like I have had a few ring questions about the band.  A while ago I decided that although I see a lot of gorgeous engagements sets I just wanted to do something a little different.  Again gorgeous but most look the same.  So I am going with a set of 3 different bands.  I love them.  

So. Here we are. Enjoying the last year of Single Gal status.  I say "Single Gal" status as I don't technically feel like I will give up the handle until I am not filling taxes as "single".   Hopefully you will still want to hear from me.  I feel like I'm fun, yes? 

It's been a really overwhelming week for me.  Mostly in a great way from receiving so many congrats and well wishes.  Feeling happy and excited.  Feeling anxious about planning a (super small) wedding.  I can see how these brides get caught up.  The first two nights I just woke up in the middle of the night and my brain was running a marathon.  I couldn't even sleep.  

Any wedding planning advice?

~the (engaged) single gal~

Photo Dump Time! <single gal edition>

Been drinking and eating a lot lately. It needs to stop. 

Dancing with #1 at the Food Truck Park. Need to get some Toms like she has I think. 

Pretty skies on the way to Milledgeville last weekend with The Housewife. We know how to rock a road trip. 

Badly lit photo from my Aunt's 60th Birthday Party! 

Delicious food from Taste of Atlanta! And mayo of course. 

Pictures with friends, too! I am proud of my photo devotion! 

Managed a manicure. 

Weekend Recap - Single Gal Edition

All in all, it was a really great weekend.  I'm having a few blues lately because as a golf pro 3 Putt's summer hours are very long and frequent.  Some days its hard for me to eat dinner at 8:30 p.m.  So, this weekend we mandated a Friday date night since 3 Putt was off fairly early.  Actually, I felt like we were in that couples rut of just saying, "Oh hey, where do you want to eat tonight" so I nixed that talk and asked 3 Putt to just plan it all out and pick me up.  We had an amazing meal on a beautiful patio at Vin 25 in Roswell.  I may have had too much wine -- but we were just having such a good time! It made my 5 mile run with The Housewife in 100% humidity very hard the next day. 

3 Putt/beautiful patio at Vin 25

Meanwhile, Hogan is still wondering why Rocky hasn't left....

In other noteworthy news, I think my hunt for an affordable maxi dress that I really love is over.  I made the executive decision to comb through TJMaxx on my way home from work Friday and it paid off.  I snagged a Walter Baker 118 printed maxi for $40 that was originally $200 (I truly did feel like a "Maxonista") and a black Jersey one for $39.99 with a racer back.  

Spoils from TJMaxx

3 Putt is the master of breakfast.  Any time he makes something involving poached eggs it turns out beautifully.  

Took the new guy to the vet.  The were in emergency surgery so we have to go back for a few things on Friday.  Also note that the reason his nails are so long is probably because he freaks out like crazy when you just look at his feet.  So...he's probably going to have to be sedated to get them clipped.   But seriously, his Bon Qui Qui nails have Got. To. Go. 

Had a happy Sunday morning! 

Photo Purge

Hello friends! Life has been feeling a bit out of control with work and events and family gatherings and weddings and babies and birthdays. I always wish to "slow down" but I suppose I can always say "no" to activities and it is my suspicion that I put myself in these situations. How do you all prioritize your social calendar? I need help!

So here is a bit of catching up!

 Found this recipe on https://smittenkitchen.com/ for a raspberry cake. This cake was so easy and delicious! Take it to a friend or just keep it for yourself! 

Demanded some margs from 3 Putt before Mom and Jer moved in. (They are still with me for the time being...more on this later!)

Outfit item on high rotation - Lilly Pulitzer Seersucker mimosa skirt. Wouldn't be summer without this staple! 

Don't think I ever put up this one of me And my beautiful little sister from her wedding Memorial Day weekend! 

Also, look at the ever adorable Housewife and one of her perfectly dressed children. 

I have a birthday weekend follow up coming but this week 3 Putt and I were able to visit his best friend who just had a son. 3 Putt is his Godfather and so proud. Here is little baby Jack!

That was a "melt your heart" day for sure. The man spent probably almost 2 hours driving me around Atlanta in 5 pm traffic trying to rescue a pug and then he hold babies and drives me to Pinkberry. 

How is your summer? Is anyone else feeling the crazy like we are?! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Blogs We Love

I don't know how much time The Housewife has to devote to stuff like this but I have recently stumbled upon some more blogs I wanted to share with you.  Mainly foodie ones so if that's not your schtick (did I do that right?) then sorry.  But we all know that I think about food almost every minute of every day.  Except when I am sleeping.  

My first foodie blog I love to check in with is Love + Cupcakes.  Paola actually makes most of those pretty food items you are pinning to your food board on Pinterest.  Seriously.  She has some other stuff that she includes but I really like her recipes.  I recently made her Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake and was pretty impressed.  Granted, it took some sweat to get that 1/3 cup of lemon zest the recipes calls for {and a little blood where I got my knuckle on the grater} but it was worth it.  I wish mine looked a little prettier but I didn't grease the pan well enough and it definitely ripped apart when I dumped it out {big sigh}.  But I don't think I have ever made a cake that good.  

I am hoping for it to look like this one she made next time around.  Seriously determined.  

{from love + cupcakes}

Up next on the newly updated blog roll -- Passports & Pancakes.  I haven't tried any of her recipes yet but I am now stalking all of the food she pins and her blog for the stuff she makes.  Also seems to make a lot of healthy stuff.   There is so much I want to try! 

How good do these Gluten Free Berry Crumb Bars look? 

{image via passports and pancakes}

Or how beautiful is this Quinoa Roasted Beet Salad?

{image via passports and pancakes}

I am determined to get some more time in the kitchen this summer even if it is shaping up to be busy as hell.  Any other food blogs I need to be reading? Spill. {sorry for the puns I can't not do it}.

And, I am sure we are all familiar with Breakfast at Toast by the lovely Danielle Moss of The Everygirl.  But I just really love her personal notes and photos of her house and her dog and all things Chicago.  Maybe I will get to visit The Windy City one day.  Really -- I cannot get enough of her dog Buddy. He is just the cutest. 

What are you reading? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Weekend Recap

Man, it's be a while since I've seen you guys! I know I still owe you an Augusta recap of The Masters before we all forget about that and it's coming but between the new job and having an awful stomach bug last week/part of the weekend  and a sick dog and Boston and massive manhunts on the news I didn't get a chance to get my blog homework done.  So

here is a weekend recap for you! 

I went to visit the Housewife on Friday night and we basically sat in her living room absolutely glued to the TV waiting for our last terrorist to be caught.  What a sad week.  For runners and for everyone and for Boston.  I was going to put down some thoughts but I was just too bummed out.   I was actually so keyed up from watching all the coverage with the Housewife it took me a while to get to sleep on Friday night.  Couple that with cold weather and laziness I skipped my run Saturday morning.  Cue coffee with the Housewife and painting dinosaurs with #1 since we live all of 9 minutes away from each other now! 

After that I completed some errands and then headed to the lake to hang with Dad.  We had a very slow boat ride due to the cold but I tried to get a bit of sun anyway.  

Goofing off with Dad on the boat.  

While I had a great time driving the boat, drinking beer, and hanging with Dad I don't think my lips will ever be the same considering how freaking chapped they are today. 

I sauntered down to 3 Putt's after that and we had a quiet night in with Publix subs, Pinkberry, and a long walk with Hogie.  3 Putt likes movies so we hunkered down with this one because he thought I would like it: 

I never really watch movies but I really enjoyed this one.  Of course, anything with Maggie Smith is amazing in my book.  

Sunday morning I dragged 3 Putt out to meet The Housewife for breakfast.  They are both so good about my love of finding and trying new restaurants.  I had been dying to try Buttermilk Kitchen for a while and I was really happy to get out and visit this little place!  I thought the food was great, the atmosphere quaint, all with good service.  Try the french press coffee and the mini cornbread muffins are a must! 

Just getting warmed up. Coffee and mini cornbread muffins! 

Here are some shots of the inside I found because I wanted you to see how adorable this place was. 

The bar area.
//via//

Sunroom
//via//

Outside!
//via//

After another long walk with Hogan 3 Putt and I decided to venture over to Piedmont Park for The Dogwood Festival.  This is a festival where local artists set up tents and can display and sell their art/wares/photos/etc.  They have games for kids, concerts, dog frisbee contests, cold beer along with all the fried food you could dream of eating in one day.   We had a really, really great time.  It's rare that 3 Putt has a full day off Saturday or Sunday because he is a golf pro so we took full advantage.  

I also had my first popsicle from "King of Pops" - an Atlanta favorite and original.  They can usually be found at tons of events and are typically at the Food Truck Park.  They have a lot of unusual flavors -- so I got an Arnold Palmer.  It was refreshing and delicious! These guys are legendary in the Atlanta area.  Go visit! 

I also hope you all notice that pretty red nail because my Red Carpet mini nail salon came in the mail the other week and it is worth every penny already! I need a little more practice giving myself these manicures but I did a pretty good job for my second one.  

How was your weekend? What did you do?!

Love you. Mean it.
~the single gal~

Unscheduled Programming {Monday Thoughts}

I'm not feeling particularly over the moon about anything lately so you guys just get a regular post tonight.  You know -- the ones with a bunch of random stuff  that's in my head.   This is mainly because 3 Putt and I had a rather long and drawn out Sunday Funday so I wasn't as prepped for the week.  But no harm there.  A homemade breakfast, a long walk with Hogan, beer, bowling, French food, Operation Smile, and afternoon naps are just as important.  

Y'all 3 Putt surprised me this weekend with concert tickets!  Alabama comes to The Fabulous Fox Theatre in May.  I die.  Seriously.  He was supposed to go too but he already found a schedule conflict so I have been ordered to bring The Housewife instead.  She can buy me a beer to thank me later.  Or 3 Putt, rather.  

How much do I love this photo? The Housewife and I have also purchased tickets for New Kids on the Block when they come with Boyz II Men (did I do that right?) in June.  Let's just say its an intense summer concert season for us already.  Don't hate. 

Alabama

Also...I can't stop thinking about these two items of clothing.  Like I want to wear them together.  Or separately.  Either way they are on my mind.  I don't even know that would it would look good as a combo but I'd like to try.  But I am pretty sure this skirt from JCrew Factory already sold out. Blah.  I dislike being poor. And having to pay taxes {I'm sure I'll complain about that more later}.  

Ever since making those cinnamon rolls the other day all I want to do is bake.  Like I want to just stay home from work and bake.  All day.  If I could do this I would be making some of these Pinterest desserts I have been drooling over.  

Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake

Chocolate Pistachio Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Bread Pudding

How is your Monday? What's on your mind? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~