My Madewell Finds

jacket

sweater

I went shopping this weekend and treated myself to these madewell finds! Everything madewell was an additional 20% off too! Lucky me! I snagged the jacket for 60.00 with additional 20% off and the sweater for 20.00 with additional 20% off! I think I did well. The sweater is the most comfortable thing I have put on and I think it is sure to keep me warm with these extra weeks of winter we are about to have (thanks Phil). I plan on tossing them in my suitcase for my upcoming travels to NYC and Seattle!

2012

I haven't blogged in a while, but hey it's a new year, so I am going to try to get better at it! My list of resolutions for 2012 seems to be growing by the day! And I think instead of resolutions, I may also call it "My 2012 Bucket List" :)

Resolutions: (thus far)
1. eat healthier
2. get in shape (work out at least 3 times a week)
3. blog more
4. read more books (suggestions welcome)
5. finish our bathroom renovations
6. volunteer more
7. seek out a mentor
8. travel to italy

...more to come, Feel free to share some of yours!

It's a Wonderful Life

i'm loving

Koi Fish Bathmat

CHARITY MUGS: PREFERABLY the dog and cow

Toms Botas

this vs. that

Anthropologie: Circle 'Round Sheet Set $68.00–$268.00

 

Garnet Hill: Everyday Percale Bedding $16.00 - $68.00

Olive Mondays

Yup, that me and my new birthday bike!!! & Olive LOVES it too!

Let's Eat!

Sunday Night we had Supper Club - Italian Style! 

I loved it! It reminded me of growing up in an Italian household where every Sunday night was Family Dinner at Grandma's (best cook I knew)!

I got the Caprese Idea from "Terri's Table"

(thanks blog world)

Olive Mondays

Olive & Squid

Birthday Girl(s)

Happy Birthday to my bestest friend and twin sister!

May we never spend another Birthday apart...
because it's just not right & I stinkin' miss you!

Woof Wednesdays

I LOVE my Local Humane Society! 

So with that being said here are a few of my favorite pups that 

need forever homes located at The Lynchburg Humane Society!

Meet Davis

Golden Retriever Chow Chow Mix

 Meet Penelope

Husky-Terrier Mix

Meet Temprence

Miniature Schnauzer mix

Meet Orlando

Jack Russel/Australian Cattle Dog mix

If I could have them all I would! So visit your local humane society today & add a furry friend to your home!

  I promise, it will be years of unconditional love like none else!

Adopt, Don't Shop!

Olive Mondays

sooo cute

Fickle

Yes I'll admit I am fickle when it comes to making up my mind about my house. 

Because I am now loving this headboard & pretty much think I need one just like it for my room!

It's Whats for Dinner

Roasted Red Pepper and Basil Pesto Penne 

Recipe Spotted on Annie's Eats

 I made this last night and it was so delicious! We paired it with a favorite wine of mine Menage a Trios  I would def. make it again, but next time with a whole wheat pasta, for that extra kick of healthy! This dish just tasted fresh and light! Yumm!

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup roasted red bell pepper (fresh or jarred)

1 cup basil leaves

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 lb. penne pasta

¼ cup heavy cream, optional

Directions:

Place garlic and pine nuts in a food processor.  Pulse until finely chopped.  Add Parmesan, red pepper, basil leaves, salt and pepper.  Pulse until well combined.  With the motor running, add olive oil through the feed tube and process until incorporated.  Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and return to the pot.  Add the pesto to the pasta and stir to combine.  Stir in heavy cream if desired for a creamier sauce.  Heat until warmed through.  Serve immediately.

Birthday Wishlist

Nixon: The Spur

COACH: Boyfriend Bracelet Watch

Anthropologie Gift Card

A Sharon Montrose Print

ModCloth: Ta-toggle Coat

Conair: Infiniti Curling Wand

Etsy: Sideways Gold Cross Necklace

Woof Wednesday: Meet Jon

Meet Jon

Jon's Story...
Could this be your next best friend?

Hi, I’m Jon. I’m a Beagle/ Hound mix, who came to the RVSPCA after my owner could no longer care for me. I am guaranteed to always have a smile on my face. I’m a really energetic, full of life guy, who loves to have fun. I’m still in the puppy stages and I don’t know many tricks or what good manners are. I’m hoping to find a home that will be go with me to obedience classes and will teach me new things. I just hope that my new family will be patient with me while I’m learning. I am very friendly and love being around others. I definitely like to see people happy, and like to give lots of love to others when they are upset.  I also really enjoy playing and running around. I just want everyone to be happy and will go out of my way to make sure others are happy. You should stop by the RVSPCA and say hi to me and my friends!
Jon has been neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Location: Roanoke Valley SPCA
Pet ID # 3835551-790988
Website: http://www.rvspca.org

TOMS "my picks" SHOES

Olive Mondays

i love walking up to this everyday!

on a dime.

J.Crew Greer platform booties $275

Target Xhila Sadella Bootie Cognac $24.99

spicin' it up

I saw this amazing recipe for Veggie Laska online and just had to try it out for myself! Yes their version looked much prettier than mine, but mine was still very delicious, if I do say so myself! 

My Twist on Veggie Laska!

chicken laska

3/4lb (350g) fresh Singapore noodles (i used raman, hey it's way cheaper)

2oz (60g) Laksa paste or other Thai curry paste
1 large can (1 1/2 cups) coconut cream
2 cups mixed chopped vegetables (carrots, one zucchini, one red bell pepper)
handful fresh basil leaves (local as from my backyard)

two chicken breasts 

Place noodles in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. 

Allow to stand for 1 minute then massage to loosen into individual strands. Drain.

Meanwhile heat 2 tablespoons of peanut or other vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add curry paste and stir fry for 30 seconds. Quickly add coconut cream and 2 cups boiling water. Bring to the boil and add vegetables. Simmer for 2 minutes or until vegetables are cooked to your liking. (I let mine simmer for a bit to let all the veggies and chicken really soak up the flavor of the curry)

To serve, divide noodles between 3 bowls. Pour over soup and vegetables and top with basil leaves.

Olive Mondays

someone really doesn't like the mail man in our house!

as you know if you have followed "olive" at all

here & here