Friday, December 16, 2011

A Christmas Tale

Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the house.....
{via}
...EVERYONE WAS FREAKING OUT! Crap! The stockings may be hung on the mantle with care, but none of the presents are wrapped and half haven't arrived yet. Half of one shipment was canceled and the retailer waited until TODAY to let me know that those items were out of stock. Luckily, thanks to a 40% off coupon and some free expedited shipping, my Xmas shopping is nearly done. :-) I should be able to finish it all up tomorrow at the Philly Outlets with my dear sister-in-law. So looking forward to getting all my gifts sorted, wrapped and under the tree! Happy weekend!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Photo Card

Shiny Sparkly Ornaments Christmas
Quick and easy: Christmas photo cards at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

It's December?!?

So apparently it's December. That really snuck up on me. I have zero free weekends from now til the New Year. LOTS of exciting things happening in the new year! I'll be starting my new positon in the marketing department, hubby and I will be going to Vegas in February, Emily & Frank will be getting married....and many more to come! 2012 will be a good year!

My Christmas shopping is well under way now. I am trying to do the majority of my shopping online  this year since I have very limited free time. Too bad I can do outlet shopping online...that would make my shopping SOO simple! My agenda for the next month includes a movie date with my dear sister-in-law to see some sparkly vampires and stuff ourselves with popcorn and Icees (love me some white cherry Fanta), cookie baking marathon with my mother and grandmother, outlet shopping, Baby Blake's 1st birthday party, then Christmas, then a glorious week off, then New Year's Eve!

I have totally been slacking on the Menu Monday's....opps. Life happens and I got lazy.

Monday: Tortellini Soup with Whole Wheat Pita wedges
Tuesday: Cheeseburger Macaroni
Wednesday: 
Thursday: Sushi with Mom, Tanya & Grandma @ Mojo's
Friday: Leftovers followed by popcorn :-)
Saturday: Ziti, bread and salad with the Aldrich's
Sunday: Something in the crockpot...since I'll be baking all day, I won't want to cook.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Happy Anniversary!

Happy anniversary to my husband of 2 years (and 2 days since this is a lil late).
{via}
 We just got back from an amazing trip up North. We went to Watkins Glen, NY. It was so relaxing. No deadlines, no game plan, no timeline, just relaxation. It was awesome! The weather was a bit dreary, but it didn't bother us one bit! Our trip in photos:

Our view of Seneca Lake from our terrace


Us @ Corning Museum of Glass after our glass blowing class


Watkins Glen

Us @ Watkins Glen
 xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Happy Spooking!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Menu Monday

Monday: Quesadilla's
Tuesday: Brinner
Wednesday: Leftovers (BCCF Conference) Mark might make chicken biscuits and gravy.
Thursday: Split Pea Soup
Friday: Grilled Cheese & Soup

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Little Things

{VIA}

Looking forward to taking a "Time-Out" Vacation with my husband. We've been so busy commuting and working that we need some "us" time.

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, October 24, 2011

Menu Monday

Good Morning!

We had a busy weekend! We mainly hung around the house, but we have lots of cleaning and prepping to do so the Hubs and my brother-in-law could brew batch #2 of home brewed beer. This version is a holiday ale, hopefully all goes well!



Monday: Chicken Sausage and Roasted Veggies
Tuesday: Brinner
Wednesday: Dinner with B & R
Thursday: Chicken Stir Fry
Friday: Leftovers/Out

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Menu Tuesday

Good Morning!!

The theme for the menu this week is EASY. If it's time consuming, chances are I won't make it. No time this week.

Monday: Baked Potato Soup
Tuesday: Chicken Taco Salads
Wednesday: Spinach Manicotti (definite maybe...might be too time consuming)
Thursday: Pulled Pork BBQ (crock pot)
Friday: OUT

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Friday, October 14, 2011

Recover Dining Room Chairs

I have yet to recover the dining room chairs that we inheirited 2 years ago. They are still green and pink plaid. I was thinking about one of these (below)...Thoughts?

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

WW Update: Week 10

I am officially down 11lbs! I can fit into some of my size 10's now, definitely still tight, but i can CLOSE them now. Definitely a good feeling :-) Hopefully we'll get to take a bike ride tomorrow if the weather holds out. I'd like to get some use out of my bike, since I got a new seat and helmet, before it gets too cold.

Also, prayers for my brother would be appreciated! Tomorrow will be his 4th day in the hospital. We are waiting for tests to come back and the new meds to start working. He's miserable, but hanging in there. Hopefully, they will get him fixed up and he'll be back to school soon. 

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

All Things to Destroy My Diet

My husband calls this my food porn...I surf the interwebs for recipes and find these fabulous photos of food. I call this my Fall Diet Destroyer:

{Photo Sources: Here & Here}

Thank goodness for Skinny Taste....
xoxo,
Mrs. A

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

WW Update

Weight Watchers Update - Week 9:

To date I am down 9 lbs. I would still like to lose 14lbs more. This weekend I will be trying on my mid goal dress. I plan on wearing it to a wedding in 2 weeks....we'll see if it fits. If it doesn't..I'll need a Plan B.....

I NEED motivation to exercise more. My health nut friend assures me that once I get into the routine of exercising, it won't be so bad. Be one with the elliptical.....yeah, we'll see.

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Menu Monday

So I am totally unmotivated this week. In fact, my kitchen definitely reflects that....it's messy and there's no food. I REALLY need to hit up the grocery store tonight. Maybe after shopping with Emily (priorities, I know).

We really had a relaxing weekend. Saturday was the Heartwalk. We went caching in the afternoon with some friends. And went to Shady Maple for dinner (omgosh-soo good). Sadly, I never got the pumpkin pie that I was craving, but I lived. Sunday we lounged. I was sore from the 7+ miles we did on Saturday and lazy.

The menu for the week is a maybe at best...I'm really not in the mood for anything in particular...that makes menu planning difficult...

{Photo Source}

Monday: Leftover
Tuesday: Free-for-all (I'll be out shopping with Emily)
Wednesday: Beef Stew with toasted flat bread triangles
Thursday: Chicken Paprika with egg noodles and steamed veggie
Friday: Out? Maybe 1st Friday in Lancaster

xoxo,
S

Monday, September 26, 2011


Monday: Bruchetta Chicken
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Meatloaf Meatballs & smashed potatoes
Thursday: Tilapia & Veggies
Friday: Whole wheat pizzas

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Fall Wish List


Hello All,

It's HERE! Fall weather is finally here! I have been waiting all year (literally) for this day to come. In celebration of the fabulous weather that we will have for the next... like 10 minutes....I drew up a little fall wish list of the clothing that I wish I could buy. If I had to only pick 1 item on this list, I would pick the coat. I really need to graduate from my North Face jacket. I love the jacket, but it signifies and embodies all things college. I did, after all, graduate nearly 4 years ago (damn, where did the time go?) Maybe, I want it because I still don't feel "grown-up" - is there ever a point that one is officially grown up? Maybe we'll just be big kids forever. :-) 


P.S - I'm loving H&M's fall line!!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Friday, September 2, 2011

Menu Friday?

Hey Y'all! (yup, I said it)

So I'm a little late on the menu listing for the week. Frankly, you didn't miss much. I wasn't feeling well, we didn't really cook or clean. So we are out of food and the apartment is a disaster. Awesome. I am canceling our weekend plans so I can stay home and rest. But in the meantime, I did make a menu for Saturday til Friday.



Saturday: Banana Pancakes, mini pizzas, Grilled Bruchetta Chicken
Sunday: Cereal, Chicken Pot Pie Soup , Salad
Monday: Chicken Cordon Bleu with steamed broccoli
Tuesday: Gyros and Tzatziki Sauce with salad
Wednesday: Spicy Chicken Fingers, Baked Steak Fries and salad
Thursday: Barbacoa Beef
Friday: OUT (Union Jacks with A & B)

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Menu Monday (er...Tuesday)

Happy Tuesday!

Sorry for this post being so late, I have been a bit under the weather for the past 2 days. I'm feeling much better today, but my voice sounds like a boy during puberty (sexy right?) Anywho, here is our menu for the week!



Monday: Party leftovers
Tuesday: Chicken BBQ/Turkey Meatloaf leftover....again....
Wednesday: Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Thursday: Brinner (@ B & R's)
Friday: TBD
Saturday: Leftovers/OUT
Sunday: Leftovers, perhaps an Apple Cake...or Scones if I'm feeling ambitious.

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Menu Monday

 
Monday: Spicy Chicken Tenders, rice, Green beans
Tuesday: Mixed Green Salad with leftover chicken
Wednesday: Mini Turkey Meatloaves, green beans and salad
Thursday: Chicken Quesadillas!
Friday: Leftovers/Pizza/Out (not sure what the plan is yet)
Saturday: Pulled Chicken BBQ, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Dips, Chips, Veggies, Cupcakes and fruit!
Sunday: Leftovers and a Food Coma.

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Menu Monday


Monday: OUT
Tuesday: MY BIRTHDAY!!! We're going out!
Wednesday: Bruschetta Chicken (garlic chicken for hubby) & Biscuits
Thursday: Baked Ziti with Spinach (a la Roselyn)
Friday Lunch: Pesto Tomato Sandwich
Friday Dinner: Skinny Cubans

Extras: Chocolate Banana Muffins

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Something for me...

I made a decision last night. I decided that it's time to get off my  butt and lose the weight that I've "collected" over the past few years. I joined Weight Watchers Online last night and I super excited! Since I joined before dinner last night I didn't really expect the day's food intake to fit into the Points for the day, but they did! With 2 Points to spare.



Yesterday, was an atypical day though, I didn't snack AT ALL since I was super busy with work. I am excited, but a little nervous to see what the weekend will have in store for me. We have a water-park on Saturday and a birthday dinner on Sunday for my sweet Grandmother who is turning 80! My mom has offered to be my cheerleader since she had been through the WW program. So we shall see!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Friends

To our friends that need:
a shoulder to cry on,
a sounding board,
a helping hand,
a kind word,

a hug,
We love you.
We're always here.

{source}

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Menu Monday


Monday: Grilled Chicken Salads (salad bar fixin's, too tired to cook)
Tuesday: Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Wednesday: Mexican lasagna (freezer meal) with side salad
Thursday: Spicy Orange beef with broccoli & Rice
Friday: Gyros on wheat pita with cookies and cream shakes for dessert

Monday, July 25, 2011

Menu Monday

Well, I think I owe everyone an apology, I have been a lazy bum and have not been making my menus. This leads to dining chaos in our house. We can't decide what we want to eat, so dinner is late and generally full of random unhealthiness. And there is never enough for leftovers (aka-lunch)! So, that being said, I will TRY to make a conscious effort to not suck. Many apologies.

Mon: BLT's
Tues: Dinner & a Movie with C, E&F and Hubs
Wed: Grilled Chicken Salads
Thurs: Penne a la Vodka with meatballs (make extra and freeze 'em!)
Fri: OUT
Sat: OUT
Sun: OUT or leftovers

Dessert: Homemade frozen yogurt :-)

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, July 18, 2011

Subway Pulled Pork

Subway, Eat Fresh?

Today, due to our bare fridge, I went to Subway for lunch. I have been looking forward to their Pulled Pork Sub for weeks. I was hoping for something reminiscent of a Cuban or something of the like. What I got was a wet, mushy, pile of lukewarm fibrous matter. Drowned in yellow mustard and bbq.

It did NOT look like this, it might be it's drunk third cousin once removed....but nothing more.
Not only did they sabotage my lunch (all $10 of it), but the girl at the counter emptied the trash and then man-handled my sandwich WITH THE SAME GLOVES! After all the years I spent in food service, they harped on the importance of NOT cross contaminating and changing your gloves after you do ANYTHING. That is a HUGE NO NO! EWWW! Needless to say, I will NOT be giving my patronage to that Subway again.

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Dinner Success!

Hello All (er...both of you?),

Last night's dinner was delicious (at least I thought so). I think the beef recipe might be making it into our regular rotation. The menu was as follows:

French dip sandwiches on crusty bread 
Oven Fries
Corn
Green beans
and no dessert (my apologies to all, I ran out of time)



I love recipes like the french dip because the leftover beef is available for yet another full meal. I think I may make Friday dinner, beef tacos.

Happy Cooking!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday Breakast

Today's breakfast is brought you by my NEW fridge!



The old one decided 66 was the new 44. SO not cool. I lost all my fresh produce, milk, creamer, cheese and some leftovers. Boo! But our maintenance guy brought over a new fridge within 2 hours of making the request. Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Menu Monday...er Tuesday


Mon: Picnic & Fireworks :-)
Tues: Fajitas
Wed: Pulled Chicken BBQ Sandwiches, Oven Fries & Green Beans
Thurs: Summer Corn Chowder
Friday: Leftovers



Hope you all had a great 4th!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Friday, June 24, 2011

Happy Friday!

Breakfast today is a yogurt based triple berry smoothie with added oatmeal. Yum!

Enjoy the weekend!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, June 20, 2011

Menu Monday


Monday: Chicken salad (and soup for hubby)
Tuesday: Dinner @ Brian & Roselyn's
Wednesday: Turkey BBQ, Baked Potatoes, Green beans
Thursday: Chicken Enchiladas
Friday: POKER NIGHT!

It Has Arrived!

Good Morning!

I had planned to write a lengthy post this weekend about all the progress we have made on our apartment, but I just curled up on our NEW COUCH and napped :-)

{Source: Roselyn A. -Thanks Ros!}


xoxo,
Mrs. A

Happy Monday!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Anniversary!

to Brian & Roselyn :-)


 xoxo,
Mark & Sarah

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

To all the Father, Grandfathers, Great-Grandfathers, Father-to-be, Father-in-law's, Stepfathers and any other type of Father out there - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Dinner Adventures

Part of my 1001 in 101 goal list was to try a new recipe every week and since January, I have! This week's new recipe is: Twice Baked Potatoes (Lightened up) that I found {here}. These will go along with my not so new Apricot chicken recipe. I was planning on making Turkey BBQ tonight, but we have no rolls and I don't feel like going to the store just for 1 thing. I will be doubling the potato recipe so we have some freezable leftovers. When we moved, we emptied the freezer of all the frozen meals I had stockpiled. We need to replenish our stock so I don't have to cook every day.

Since I am now working 1.5 hours away, I get home late most days and generally don't feel like cooking. If I cook we tend to not go tot the gym. And if we don't go to the gym, I am even less motivated to go the next time. My goal this summer is to not be lazy. It may sound strange to you, but to me that says "GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND DO SOMETHING!" Which I need to be reminded of...often.

PS - Dinner was delicious.

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Exploring Our Area

Last night I discovered my new favorite walking/running spot: Exeter Scenic River Trail. B & R joined us on our adeventure and I really enjoyed it. We walked while the boys ran. We walked 3.5 miles in a little over an hour. It is pretty close to our place so that just adds to the convenience. Can't wait to do it again! Side note: take bug spray next time! We were being eaten alive!

{Source}

{Source}
xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, June 13, 2011

Warrior Dash

I think I died.

At least that's how I felt during the last half mile of the hell that was Warrior Dash. It was the most difficult race I have done to date. Granted, none of the other races I did involved scaling walls or wading through thigh high mud that suctions your shoes off. At least the weather was nice and there was beer :-)

PS - I wasn't LAST!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Menu Monday

Since the big move and unpacking are over, I must end my blogging hiatus and start to regale you once again with witty and intriguing tales of my average life. Back to the regularly scheduled programming for another installment of Menu Monday.



Monday: Apricot Dijon Chicken
Tuesday: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Wednesday: Turkey BBQ & Twice Baked Potatoes
Thursday: Phillies Game Day - OUT Tailgating & Baby Brother's HS Graduation!
Friday: Tacos
Sat: Tuna melts
Sun: Father's DAay - Possible BBQ?

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Last Week

It feels kind of weird that moving week is finally here. The boxes are actually going somewhere...The nearly empty fridge...It's exciting and stressful all at the same time. While the move will be great to be closer to family and to Mark's work...it will be an extra long commute for me. Who knows when the work from home (4 days a week) will be reinstated. It will cost me an arm, a leg and our first born with gas prices the way they are now... I would like to save for a house a car int he near future. Hopefully soon work and I will see eye to eye on that matter.

In other news, my brother-in-law is a life saver! Basically he performed CPR on Mark's car and breathed some life back into it. We would love to get another year out of it...but is it worth buying new tires, etc come winter...?


Plan for the week:
Monday - Pack Bathroom, pack nightstand do all laundry, clean kitchen.
Tuesday - Pack Closet (bags over clothes & zip tie bundles)
Wednesday - Pack Kitchen
Thursday - Sort boxes into categories (cars vs. moving truck)
Friday - Take apart bed, dust furniture, disassemble patio table, pick up donuts, bagels and snacks

Meals:
Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Pierogies & frozen veggies
Wednesday - BBQ & Frozen veggies
Thursday - Stromboli & frozen veggies
Friday - Whatever is left...soup maybe?
Saturday - MOVING DAY!!!!!

xoxo,
Mrs. A

Monday, May 2, 2011

Menu Monday


Monday: Chicken & Rice w/ Mixed Veggies
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Chicken Fingers, Mac&Cheese
Thursday: Stromboli
Friday: Soup
Saturday: Pizza
Sunday: Leftovers

Friday, April 29, 2011

Faking It.

xkcd.com
Some days I feel like this. Other days it's just my husband. Either way, when did we cross that threshold that society thinks we're somehow "grown up"? I feel like I should have recieved notice.

Happy Almost Weekend!

xoxo,
S

Monday, April 25, 2011

Menu Monday

Monday: Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham
Tuesday: Ravioli w/ Tomato Sauce & salad
Wednesday: Grilled Ham, grilled corn & salad
Thursday: Chicken Fingers, Mac & Cheese
Friday: Stromboli
Saturday: Ham & Spinach Quiche
Sunday: Tortilla Soup & Grilled Cheese

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Marital Rating Scale



Crap. Apparently I've been doing it wrong....oh wait....this isn't 1939. Silly me.

I still got a kick out of it. And I love my red nail polish.



xoxo,
Mrs. A
 

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