Happy First day of February! I am not sure where January went, but bring on the month of love and my birthday month!

Our weekends have looked pretty similar for the past few months now. While I don't have a lot of fun pictures or food pictures, we were able to spend it with family.

Andrew and I had a relaxing night at home on Friday night. Full of pajamas and pizza and an 8:30 bedtime. 

We went to Columbia on Saturday morning to spend some time with Andrew's dad and for me to visit my cousin's sweet two week old baby girl. Sadly, they are both in the hospital but thankfully at the same hospital, so I was able to spend quality time with both of them. 

Andrew has been begging me to go see Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 and when we noticed it was still in the theater, we jumped on that. Double fisting jumbo popcorn and large diet coke. 

I mean, I just can't. How precious is she? Her smile gets me every time. I hate to see those little cords hooked up to her but she's on her way to a speedy recovery. 

So we may not have had the most glamorous weekend, but I am so glad I got to love on this little one and spend time with Andrew's family. Thankfully we have a pretty low-key upcoming week but we're looking forward to Atlanta next weekend to celebrate some of our best friend's gender reveal! 

Have a great week! 

Linking up with Biana 

Thai Shrimp Soup

Happy Hump Day! How is it not Friday already? Speaking of Fridays…you can usually find Andrew and I in our pajamas, watching tv on the couch while inhaling our favorite takeout Thai food. Chicken Pad Thai, Massaman Curry and steamed chicken with vegetables are my go-to Thai dishes. For an appetizer or just a cold night, their red curry soup is to die for. 

As much Thai as we eat (at least once a week), I wanted to attempt my first Thai recipe. It was a cold night and soup just sounded like the best option at that moment. I will definitely be trying more in the future so be on the lookout! 

This red curry shrimp soup was extremely easy to make and took less than 30 minutes to make! And, it's so much healthier than eating out. All of those are a win in my book!

Ready to see the recipe? 

via Blue Apron

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (I had orange on hand)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons of red curry paste
• 2 cans of unsweetened coconut milk
• 4 cups of vegetable stock
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro 

Instructions:

• Cook the rice according to the package and set aside. 
• Melt the butter and add the shrimp. Cook for about 3-5 minutes and add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant. 
• Add the ginger and cook for about a minute until well combined. 
• Whisk in the curry paste and cook until well incorporated. 
• Slowly add the coconut milk and vegetable stock. 
• Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer, allowing it to thicken which takes about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the rice, shrimp, lime juice and cilantro
• Enjoy!

Get a big bowl and spoon and dig in! What are some of your favorite Thai recipes? 

Life Lately

Who's ready for Monday? Not this girl. We had inventory at work this weekend so Saturday and Sunday were spent playing in the snow but also getting some office hours in as well. To say the least, I'm exhausted. 

Although I have been laying low lately, we have been really busy but don't worry, I won't bother you with all of the food and wine pics to prove it. 

There was a point where I felt like I needed to plug myself into an outlet to recharge myself to 100%. Needless to say, my battery was running low. 

I've needed a total recharge so that is what I've been trying to do. And, I feel like I'm slowly but surely getting there. 

I've always enjoyed reading but just haven't had time in the past few months. When we traveled to Arizona, I thought it was the perfect time to pick up a new book for our flight. I always love asking Caroline for any good recommendations and she definitely referred a good one. I'll probably do a review on the book once I'm finished reading it, but I'm currently reading Jemima J by Jane Green for those of you interested. I absolutely love it so far. I've been reading a few chapters each night before bed. No TV, no computer. Just a paperback in my hand. It's been wonderful. 

I've been enjoying spending my free time with my husband. I feel like I have taken my time with him for granted in the past. Since we've had a few of the most trying and difficult times in our life these past few months, I've tried to just sit back and realize the most important things in my life and not worry about the small things. It can be hard to not focus on the small things but I'm slowing learning. 

Relaxation. I wish this was able to happen more often but it has been nice to come home and relax with no plans during the week. We usually keep a pretty busy schedule in the spring, summer and fall. We socialize a lot during the week rather it is with friends or coworkers, but this winter has been nice to not have plans Monday-Sunday. 

We are already trying to plan a summer trip. I loved seeing the beautiful snowflakes fall this weekend and cover my entire yard with several inches. However, I am so ready for spring already.

I'm struggling with a few of my goals. Although I haven't given in yet, I am so wanting to try out a few new beauty products that have recently been released. I'm trying to stay good and use most products I have until they are gone…but what's a girl to do? 

I am also struggling with trying to complete the decor in our house. I am currently trying to work on my living room but I can't muster up the energy or cash. I've already purchased the curtains but can't seem to find time to watch a Youtube video on how to install them. I have had prints picked out for months but just can't justify spending the cash right now. I'm also needing a console table and a few more side tables but gosh, when will I have time to make those selections? 

What have you been up to? 

Sitting by the Fire Recipes

Y'all, it is freezing outside but you probably didn't need me to confirm that for you. I literally ran to my car in the 19 degree frigid weather this morning and thought I wasn't going to survive. 

Well, it is mid-January and we are expected to (hopefully!) get our first snow fall of the season tomorrow. It's only a 60 percent chance but it still makes me giddy inside. You remember that feeling when you were little where you would dream it would snow just so that you could stay home and play outside with your friends and make snow angels? Well, although my snow days don't look exactly like that anymore, I do enjoy staying inside by the fire, a warm home cooked meal and a bottle of wine! 

| Taken at The Grove Park Inn |

Today I am going to share some of my favorite snow day recipes that make me happy and full! (And, Andrew!) 

| 1 |
Chicken Noodle Soup and Grilled Cheese

I actually made this for dinner tonight and there is nothing else that screams comfort food like this. I've always used my mother's recipe which actually isn't even written down. I basically combine shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken, 2 large boxes of reduced sodium chicken broth, egg noodles, chicken bouillon base or cubes and salt and pepper to taste. That simple but so good. And, I actually substituted cheese quesadillas for grilled cheese tonight because I only had tortillas on hand. Oh, and loads of sour cream. 

| 2 |
 Chili

Need I say more? The only other thing that makes chili better on a cold day is a skillet full of warm buttered and perfectly sweetened corn bread. The chili recipe is adapted from This Gal Cooks, one of my favorite food bloggers. I actually love beans and do add beans to the recipe but the original is bean free for all of you non-bean lovers out there! 

| 3 |

Crockpot Chicken and Corn Chowder

I love a good, creamy, rich chowder. Something about it just reminds of cold weather. It is so filling and makes for great leftovers as well. This is full of flavor and I promise it won't disappoint!

| 4 | 

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Oh goodness. Chicken pot pie is one recipe I've never really conquered, but this crock pot version? Seriously easy and just look at it. Yumm. 

| 5 |

Breakfast for dinner

Or, breakfast for breakfast. Breakfast for lunch or breakfast for dinner. However or whenever you want it, breakfast is always a go-to. This casserole is a new favorite of ours but is comfort food to the max. Pair it with a stack of pancakes and mimosa and you've got yourself one heck of a meal. 

What are your favorite meals that you enjoy cooking on a cold winter's day? 

National Championship Recap

Hi friends! I apologize for the radio silence this week (I haven't done a great job of keeping my blogging goals so far) but I have a pretty good excuse! This past weekend, we traveled to Arizona with some of our best friends…our Clemson tailgate group. Clemson played Alabama for the National Championship and although we didn't come out on top, we still had one heck of a trip. 

This post is going to be picture heavy so I do apologize up front. 

| photo credit: Olive and Tate | 

We left Atlanta early, early in the morning but I am so very thankful because we were able to arrive to Phoenix by 9:15 AM (since we lost 2 hours with the time difference). We were the first ones to arrive and since our friends weren't arriving until later that day, we were actually able to spend time with another group of friends. We walked around Old Town Scottsdale, had some of the best Tex Mex I've ever had and just had a great time venturing around. 

I look horrible but had literally just gotten off the plane and that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. 

Once our other group of friends arrived to town, we had a fantastic dinner at Old Town Tortilla Factory and their margaritas were amazing. Oh, and their outdoor area? Yes please. 

Sunday was honestly probably my favorite day of the entire trip. The guys decided to play a round of golf and the girls had the most luxurious spa day I've probably ever had. I had previously arranged our appointments at the Phoenician Resort and Spa and also planned for us to take a meditation class (which the girls were so willing to try) and then we each received different treatments. With it being winter and my skin being pretty dry (except my face which is still oily), I decided to go with the Shea Butter Full Body Massage and Avocado Foot Mask. It was absolutely amazing and my skin was so smooth and hydrated. 

Entrance to the spa

| photo credit: Olive and Tate | 

| photo credit: Olive and Tate | 

Lunch followed and then it was time for relaxation. As if the meditation class and treatments weren't enough, we enjoyed lounging in the hot jacuzzi pool, sauna and steam room with a glass of rose in hand. We spent 7 glorious hours pampering ourselves and it was worth every penny. I will definitely be going back and totally recommend it to anyone needing to find a resort in Scottsdale! 

Steph and I showered at the resort because duh, it's a resort and is better than our hotel shower and shampoo. 

So, so very sad to leave. 

| Stephanie | 

Dinner was another recommendation and we are so thankful we decided on Mastro's for a steak dinner. Their filet is one of the best steaks I've ever had, and the lounge environment with live entertainment was exactly what we had in mind. 

Monday was the big day. We ended up tailgating and attending the Eric Church concert (one of our favorites!) and hung out before the game. 

Eric Church!! Andrew and I love him and have been to several of his concerts and we even danced to one of his songs for our First Dance at our wedding…can you guess which one? 

Enjoying the concert

I am so very proud of our players, coaches and fans. We seriously had the best fans out there and it was so touching to see how many Clemson supporters showed up. I would say we outnumbered Alabama by about 40% and it was so noticeable. Every time we went anywhere in either the Atlanta airport, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Glendale, there were Clemson fans everywhere. We played a tough game and although I truly believe we out-played the opposing team, I am very heartbroken for the players because they were so deserving and wanted this (hopefully not) opportunity of a life time. I shed a few tears and proudly sang my Alma Mater as the players and coaches left the field for the last time. 

Cheers to a fabulous 2015 football season and a hopeful 2016 football season that will lead us to Tampa for next year's National Championship.

2016 Goals

Happy New Year, friends! Is it just me or did 2015 go by way too fast?

And yes, I know that it is almost mid January and my Christmas tree is still up.

I see you judging me. But, I'm totally okay with that and have really enjoyed having my decorations up for an extended period of time. 

While there were a lot of positive things that happened in 2015 like our trip to Mexico, my sister's wedding,  our Clemson Tigers going to a National Championship, oh and starting a blog, it wasn't easy. We've had a ton of personal things going on that I haven't shared on the blog, so I am definitely looking to the start of a fresh year. 

I feel like my goals are pretty much the same every year, but if I write them down then they will actually happen, right?

In no particular order, here we go. 

 Live in the Moment
This sounds easy but I think I am constantly looking for the next best thing. Whether it is looking forward to the upcoming weekend, planning our next trip or next football season, I need to learn to live "today" and enjoy the memories that I am currently living. 

 Spend Less Money
Ha. This goes without saying that I think this is a common goal between most people. Again, so much easier said than done but I honestly need to work on this. I don't necessarily go out and buy large purchases but I'm pretty famous for making random Sephora, Old Navy, or Target purchases. And let me tell you, they add up.

Meal Planning
We've been eating out way too much lately. I love to cook and don't mind cooking 4-5 times during the week so hopefully this will be an easy one. It's much cheaper and much healthier so that should be a no brainer. I used to be really good at meal planning and if you want to see how I do it, check it out here. 

 Exercise
Ugh. That's all I have to say. I really loathe exercising but totally wish I didn't. My husband has no problem going for a 2 mile run after work but me, I'd rather curl up in bed and watch tv. The older I get, my body has changed so much. I used to be able to eat anything I want and it not be a problem. Now, I just think about eating a piece of bread and the calories go straight to my thighs. Somethings got to give and I need to get my butt to the gym or just run outside. I might start off easy and just walk then build up a pace to a slow jog then run. We've had YMCA memberships in the past but have since canceled them. I'd like to start out the free way and if that doesn't work, force myself to join 9Rounds, Pure Barre or the Y, again. 

Blog on a Regular Basis
This past year has been amazing as far as meeting new friends (you!), documenting my life and really just enjoyable to sit down and write. This was my first year as a blogger so I'm still learning all of the tricks of the trade and still learning how to use my big girl camera. I don't really have a schedule and I will typically just sit down, think of something to write about, then spill it. My plan is to actually get on a schedule and plan out my blogs and have them occur more frequently. 

Stop Gossiping
First off, I don't want you to think that I just sit around and gossip to coworkers or friends because I don't. However, it is so easy to get caught up in the everyday "he said, she said" drama. Life would be boring if drama weren't in our lives. However, I need to do a better job of focusing just on myself and not others.

Be Positive
It is so easy to focus on the negative sometimes. Stop spending money, clean the house, stop eating french fries at every meal. These are not positive things, and I sometimes complain about them. My husband says that I can be a "whiner" so I need to cut that out. I am 27 (almost 28) years old and I'm sure it gets old.

Use Up Makeup Before Buying More
I am completely guilty of this and I will 100% own it. I am kind of a makeup hoarder collector. I will be doing a makeup collection post soon, but I've got drawers and drawers filled up of makeup that I don't use. Some of it needs to be thrown out, but most of it is good and I just forget it's there or I get stuck in a routine and use the same beloved products every day. It never fails that whenever I make a trip to Ulta or Target, I always pick something new up. Whether it's the newest mascara or trendy lipstick, it has to go in my buggy. So, I need to use all of the products I have and once that is used up, I feel like I can justify buying more.

What are your New Yea goals? #newyearnewyou

We're heading to Arizona this weekend for the National Championship game so wish us luck!! Stay posted because there will be a recap next week!

Linking up with Annie  and Natalie for Thoughts for Thursday!