VALENTINE'S DAY | 2018

Back tracking a little here, but we celebrated Valentine's Day the weekend before the 14th, and I am so glad we did. Fighting crowds and going downtown on a work night is not our ideal kind of date, ha!

Matthew planned Valentine's last year so it was my turn this year. I made reservations at The Old Spaghetti Factory downtown for dinner. Sadly, the service and food weren't as good as we were hoping for, but it was still a fun night out!

I saw a cotton candy limeade on the menu and was intrigued so I ordered it, and it literally came out with a puff of cotton candy on the straw! Definitely worth it.

It was a messy and rainy night, so instead of going to see a movie we went home and changed into comfy clothes and watched Parenthood. We're so predictable ;)

Valentine's Day landed on a Wednesday this year, so I decided to make one of The Pioneer Woman's 20 minute recipe, Bowtie Chicken Alfredo. It is one of our favorites for a quick meal!

aaaand then around 9:30 I woke up to Matthew standing over me taking a Snapchat lol. #noshame I was exhausted and could hardly keep my eyes open after 9:00pm.

Very low key Valentine's Day this year, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

 I am so lucky to have my sweet husband and adorable puppy!

Valentine's Day | 2017

Valentine's Day | 2016

Valentine's Day | 2014

Valentine's Day | 2013

CREAMY TOMATO SOUP | DINNER RECIPE

We have been having a lot of soup around here lately with all this cold and rainy weather. I typically always have a couple of cans of tomato soup on hand for a quick and easy dinner, and we have been loving it! Recently I thought, I could probably make this on my own instead of buying the can version. I found a recipe, tweaked it a bit, and we ate the whole thing. It even reheated well for a couple of lunches throughout the week. This recipe has definitely added to our meal rotation now!

Adapted from The Pinning Mama

Ingredients:

- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes

1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes

- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1 Tbsp Basil

1 tbsp onion powder

2 Tbsp sugar

2.5 cups chicken broth

1/3 cup butter

1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Combine the tomatoes,tomato paste, broth, and garlic bring to a boil and let boil for 10 minutes.

2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sugar and butter and mix until they are dissolved, melted and well combined.

3. Stir in the basil and onion powder.

4. Very slowly pour in the heavy cream while simultaneously stirring until all the cream is combined and the soup is creamy.

7 ON FRIDAY | MUD-PIE SALE

Matthew got home last night, a night early, and I am SO happy to have him back home! Other than that it's been rather boring over in my neck of the woods lately, so I though I would share what I snagged in Mud-Pie's end of the season sale. 

Rarely do I ever pay full price for a piece of clothing, I just can't do it, but when I see a close out sale, I'm all over it. I have been saving my spending money so I was able to get quite a bit, ha! I have purchased a few things from Mud-Pie before and loved them, great quality, prices, and quick shipping. 

| ONE | 

Can't go wrong with a classic white tunic, perfect for layering and I love the length on the back.

 Sanders Jersey Tunic in marshmallow white

| TWO | 

I have been searching everywhere for a black vest, but didn't want to pay full price, so I snagged this one as quickly as possible! I love the gold zipper on these as well. I am obsessed with vests. I have quite a few colors already from other places, and love them. You can dress them up with a nice blouse + dress pants or go for a more casual look with a sweater + jeans and boots. I got the burgundy one, too.

Spencer Quilted Vest in black

| THREE | 

Give me all the cute, flowy, comfy sweaters. It's only February so that means we probably have, at least, another 2-3 months of cold weather. I also got the tan one.

Camilla Sweater Tunic in gray

| FOUR |

Jesse Flounce Dress in black floral

| FIVE |

I love the color and pattern on this tunic, and I can wear it in the summer and winter/fall (just layer with a black cardigan). Also, it was $4.99, I was not about to pass that up!!!!

Game Day Sleeveless Tunic in burgundy/black

| SIX |

This was the highest price item that I bought, but I have been eyeing it for a few months and it's on sale, so I went on and got it. I'm thinking this could be my Easter dress this year, but we'll see once it gets here. I'm also thinking it would be cute for beach pictures this summer. Also, how cute is that dog?!

Mia Embroidered Dress in white

| SEVEN | 

The last thing I purchased, randomly, but I thought it was so cute. I got it with a C. It was only $10.99, and I thought that was a really good deal!

Leather Initial Tote Bag

So that's what all I got! I rarely buy a lot like that at one time, but I have been saving and I thought everything was very reasonably priced (& cute!). 

This sale ends on February 4th, so go check it out!