Fab Friday Faves 8.31.18

Happy Friday everyone!  I'm coming live to you today from sunny Florida, AND not only am I in Florida, Josh, Smudge I are now full time residents of the Sunshine State!  We packed up and arrived here from Maryland about 10 days ago and we are so excited.  Josh got a job here in Tampa and started on Monday and so far he is loving it.  It has been hot and very stormy and rainy, but that is normal for the coast. No hurricanes yet thank goodness but some of the loudest thunder I have ever heard! We are looking forward to exploring the area, making friends and settling in some where for the first time as a couple. I know I haven't blogged for a while, obviously I have been quite busy, but I am hoping that now that things are less crazy I'll be able to get back in to it a bit.  These are some of my favorite things since we have been back in Florida.  Everyone have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Honestly one of the things that makes me happiest about being back here is how happy Smudge is.  She has always loved it here, the space, all the critters, the sunshine coming in the window... she is usually laying in her bed on the window seat watching geckos and birds or laying in a sunbeam having a nap.  She loves it outside too, but this time of year I don't really trust her or the Florida wildlife enough to just let her roam the backyard! 

Also we are pretty happy too :)

As a housewarming gift for myself, Josh and I went out and bough a Avocado tree and a Key Lime tree.  It will be a while before either produce but I'm excited to watch them grow! 

We got this lovely Dish Garden from my parents and brother as a "Welcome Home" gift.  So pretty.  Another plant to nurture and watch grow.  

On Saturday, Josh and I braved the heat and went to the New Port Richey Caribbean Festival.  We got some delicious food (I got some of the Paella pictured) and listened to some great music.  We ask wandered the streets of NPR and looked at all the old buildings and beautiful murals.  

We went to one of my favorite food trucks, Reel Bar-B-Que near our house.  He had posted that he had some Wagyu brisket left over from a catering event he was doing later in the day and we had to try it.  Not even kidding, this was one of the most amazing foods I have ever tasted. The brisket was fall apart, melt in your mouth and seasoned perfectly.  Seriously, I can't even describe it.  I gave Smudge a tiny little taste when we got home, and she ran around like a crazy cat for about 20 minutes after.  

I got these compostable phone cases from Pela Case, a Canadian company, and I am so excited about them.  They are apparently super protective and shock resistant (which I need), they are cute, a portion of the sales goes to environmental initiatives and when I am sick of them I will just go bury them in my yard. Such a great idea!

Today I'm linking up with:

/ Bright On A Budget / Simply Sweet Home / The Slaughters / Style Elixir /

*Recipe* French Onion Chicken Skillet

This is another one of those "viral Facebook recipes" that has been floating around the last couple weeks.  I am a huge lover of French Onion Soup so I had to try it.  It seriously turned out amazing.  I highly recommend doing it in a cast-iron skillet, although I know there is also an Instapot version of it floating around too.  However you do it, I highly recommend it!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Vidalia onions, sliced
• 2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, grated (I used pre sliced)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350F.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in skillet.

Season onions with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes or until softened and caramelized. 

Add Balsamic vinegar and cook another 3-5 minutes darkened but not burned.

Remove onions from heat and transfer to medium bowl.

Heat remaining oil in skillet and raise heat to medium high. 

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme and sage, then place in skillet and sear both sides until golden brown.  Remove chicken from heat and set aside.

Pour beef broth into skillet and bring mixture to a boil, scraping at the bits stuck to the pan.  

Return to medium-low heat and whisk in flour until smooth.  Cook for 5-7 minutes or until mixture has thickened.  Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 

Return chicken and onions to pan, stir with beef gravy, then top with Swiss cheese.  

Transfer skillet to oven and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through.  

Remove from oven and serve hot.   Enjoy! 

Fab Friday Faves 7.20.18

Hello, and a very late happy Friday from Southern Maryland.  I know that I have been absent for a while, there has been a lot going on and it has been a very trying, stressful few weeks. We are now staying in Maryland at least until the end of August, and I was able to get the apartment extended until then as well, so thats one less stress for a little while.  I'm hoping to make it back to Florida very soon!  I need some beach and my house and some R&R.  Josh is still on nights, hopefully flipping back soon!  Everyone have a fantastic weekend, can July really be over half over already?

Josh and I went into Alexandria for lunch on Sunday, to the Del Ray area.  We went to Pork Barrel BBQ, probably the best BBQ we have had in this area.  It was also National Ice Cream Day so we got sundaes at Dairy Godmother.  Delicious!

I have gotten myself a couple cute necklaces over the last few weeks.  The first is a moon stone from the Etsy shop Sun vs. Moon, an Australian artist.  The second is from of those ads on Facebook, an opal pineapple from a company called Seek for Chic.  Both really cute.

I got a couple packages in the mail in the last few days too.  This relaxation package fro my Auntie Lorri with some great homemade relaxation products and this cute Canada shirt from my mom.  Thanks ladies!

I decided to try another meal delivery kit, this time one called Martha and Marley Spoon.  I heard a bout it and got a coupon code on KIIS FM.   Martha has never let me down before and this meal kit is amazing.  I have included a couple pictures of the delicious food.

Starbucks new Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte is definitely one of their best drinks ever!

I got these super cute compression work out leggings with palm trees on them this week at Old Navy, regular 32.99 and all of their compression leggings were on for $12.  They were a steal and I have been eyeing them for a couple months now.  Also Old Navy has all of their remaining summer stock on clearance now, and there is a ton!



Today I'm linking up with:

/ Smidge of This / Simply Sweet Home / The Slaughters /

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Summertime (Wineless) Sangria

We all know that I love a good Sangria, but sometimes, due to my migraines and not being a total wino, I just want something wine free that is also light and summery.  Nicole sent me this recipe from  Kate at the Small Things blog and we decided we should try it.  It is so delicious and perfect for summer on by the pool!  Of course, if you aren't feeling the no alcohol idea, you can substitute the cranberry Ginger Ale for Prosecco or Champagne and doe cranberry juice. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Country Time Lemonade Mix
• 1 liter (about half the big bottle) Cranberry Ginger Ale
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 limes, sliced
• 5-8 strawberries, sliced

                                Directions 

• Layer sliced, fresh fruit on the bottom of a pitcher.

• Add the lemonade mix.
• Pour orange juice and lime juice over top of that.
• When ready to serve, pour cranberry ginger ale into the pitcher, stirring as you pour.  
• Let the drink sit for about 30 minutes to let the lemonade mix dissolve and the flavors come together.

Fab Friday Fives 6.8.18

Happy Friday everyone!  Its been a couple weeks again, but hey, its almost summer! I've been enjoying the weather and the time is flying.  Josh is still on nights, its been about 3 weeks now.  That seems to make time go faster too.  It looks like our time in finally coming to an end here in Waldorf, we gave our notice for our apartment for the end of July!  We really don't know what the future holds but we are looking forward to another adventure.  Everyone have a great weekend! 

I got my hair done while I was at the house last week and I love it!  Its finally the icy, ash blonde I have been wanting for ages.  Thanks to Serena at Pearl at Sola! 

I haven't gotten a FabFitFun box for a while, but I was super excited that I found a coupon code to get this summer box.  It has some stuff in it I love! Has anyone seen or tried out the Foreo?  It's a little device that can tell you how hydrated your skin is, as well as your skin age and how your should be cleansing and moisturizing and it also has a scrubby vibrating side that helps you cleanse properly.  So cool!  I also LOVE Coola face sunscreen.  Everything else in the box really is great too, including the environmentally friendly straw that isn't in the picture because I didn't find it until after I had taken the picture.  If anyone is interested in getting a FabFitFun box, use this code http://xo.fff.me/jboac to get $10 off your first box.

I rarely buy ice cream for Josh and I as I don't actually love ice cream but I had a coupon for Ben & Jerry's and bought us a pint.  This is the best flavor of hard ice cream that I have every had!  Like an oatmeal cookie in cream with some chunks of chocolate for good measure.

A couple months ago I signed up to be s Dave's Killer Bread "Breadhead" (like a brand rep). I got my swag the other day and it was pretty cool.  A bunch of coupons for free bread, a toque, a bunch of hilarious greeting cards and bumper sticker. Eat Dave's Killer Bread! 

Josh and I went to see Jake Owen and Chris Janson at Calvert Marine Museum last week and like last year it was a great show.  This is a small really cool venue at an even cooler museum, if you ever get a chance to check it out.


Today I'm linking up with:

/ Style Elixir / Bright On A Budget / Simply Sweet Home /

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Fab Friday Faves 5.18.18

Hey and happy Friday everyone!  Not much to report besides that we are currently in some biblical style flood in Southern Maryland. I'm pretty sure I'm not even joking.  Josh went to night shift this week.  Not super ideal but it is what it is.  I've been making myself have some busier days, and some very boring evenings filled with cleaning and organizing.  Fun stuff!   Everyone have a great weekend, if you are on the Eastern Seaboard, stay dry!

On Monday, since Josh was switching to nights and wasn't really in the mood to sleep, we decided to go to the marina in Alexandria to Triple Craft.  I have been wanting to go here for a year since they opened last year.  They have crazy craft milkshakes (and you can make them adult milkshakes it you want) and awesome burgers.  It did not disappoint! If anything it was even better than we were expecting and a great location.  

Tuesday was Jackson's first birthday, so on Sunday we threw him a party with his nan and papa and some of the guy's coworkers.  We had a nice little BBQ and cake and of course presents!

We all know I love getting mail and I got this awesome package from Lindsey and Dave and the kids.    My favorite tea, a Boston Starbucks mug, some spices and some artwork!  Thanks guys! 

Josh and I went to Sweet Frog for some froyo on the weekend.  Its always delicious but they had chocolate covered strawberries for Mother's Day, so good!  

The Sephora birthday gift this year some Bite Beauty lipstick and I was so in love with the sample size, that I used the gift card that Imelda got me for my birthday to buy the full size.  Amuse Bouche- Chai.  I love this shade but there were about 20 that I wanted.

Today I'm linking up with:

/ Bright On A Budget / Simply Sweet Home / Style Elixir / A Little Bit of Everything / Smidge of This /

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Fab Friday Faves 5.11.18

Good morning everyone, and as usual, long time no see!  I just don't have a lot of fun, bloggable stuff going on lately.  I got back from Florida mid last week, it was a lovely trip and the weather was finally getting more Florida-ish, and the pool and Gulf water were warm enough to swim in!  It seems like forever since the Florida weather was Florida weather.  That being said, look like we could be getting our first hurricane type storm in a couple weeks, and 8 inches of rain this weekend.
Here in Maryland after a painfully long and cold winter too, things seem to be turning around.  We have had a couple sporadic days in the 90s and the rest are 70s, and we had our first (almost) thunderstorm last night.
Josh has been working pretty much 7 days a week, 12-16 hour a day.  hoping that ends soon!  Ive been spending a lot of time with Nicole and Jackson enjoying the weather and Target.
Smudge had a vet appt on Monday, and she is a very healthy 11.5 year old Princess, she just gets to be more of a perfect cat everyday!
Tomorrow I am doing the Maryland bird Count in my area, and its supposed to be 92F (33C) wish me luck.   We have Jackson's first birthday party on Sunday, it seems like he was born yesterday!  He really is the funniest, sweetest little man and changes so much everyday!

Everyone have an awesome weekend, and a very happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, especially the best one there is, mine!

We had our first almost storm last night!  We didn't really get anything ,but obviously somewhere very near us did.  So it counts.  

Got my nails done late last week.  Decided to keep them a little longer, and I LOVE them! I finally found my guy here that does them exactly how I want them!

Nicole's parents, Garry and Wendy drove down on Wednesday to celebrate Jackson's birthday and Mother's Day.  they were so overly kind to bring me a goody box of Canadian snacks and treats.  So very much appreciated since i may not be able to make it back for July this year!  Thank you so much!

 Kohls had a Mukluk sale on a couple weeks ago and I ordered a couple pairs.  I chose to keep these super cute Pineapple ones and I love them!  They are so cute and SO comfy!

I have gotten about 300 free trail coupons for hello Fresh and never actually tried it, for no good reason.  Our friends Brandon and Michaela moved this week and on their last day we stopped in to say goodbye, and they had one of their meals left that they so kindly gave us.  It was stuffed Poblanos and it was delicious!  The next coupon I get I am definatly going to give it a try for a week just for something fun and different!


Today I'm linking up with:

/ Bright On A Budget / Simply Sweet Home / Style Elixir /  /Carolina Charm /

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