Monday, February 27, 2017

Weekend Recap! (Dawn Edition)

This was an amazing winter weekend...I say "winter" because when it is in the 60's during February in New England, you are have to make a big deal because it is a big deal!

Boy did I have Spring fever all weekend!!!


Friday

Between working and getting things done, we enjoyed a little time outside.  Eva really loved the fresh air!  She breaks my heart!

At lunch time, I met the PTA ladies who are working on a very special event. We keep saying to each other how much we really love this group of women.  I feel so honored to be part of them.  I love giving back and working towards programs that benefit our kids and schools.  The bonus is making some new friends that are oh so fun.  We met at Red's and enjoyed lunch 
My favorite dish at Red's is the Double Stack Tomato Salad- it is what I always order there and it didn't disappoint


Friday night, Beth Ann and I headed into the city to attend the wake of one of our friend's moms.  She battled Alzheimer's for 11 years and finally succumbed to it last week.  Grateful that we have our tribe to go threw these painful things together.
When I got home, Rob headed out to fix his signs and I sat on the couch to catch up on my DVR while making his candy/business card packages for the transfer station.

Saturday

It was the usual crazy morning with bringing Eva to gymnastics and then dance.  This week, though, dance was very exciting.  The studio asked to try her out in the older class.  She was the only one in the tot class that didn't need her Mama in there so they thought she was ready to move up to the Pre School class for tap and ballet.

I had been prepping her all week, telling her if she did a good job dancing, and did not cry, we would get cake.  It seemed to work.

Well, I was really proud when she marched right into the class, with a brand new teacher to her, Miss Jenn.  Diana and I watched on the t.v screen and she did great!  I was choked up.  She did every step in tap and ballet and seemed to have a ball.

I had to make good on my promise so after dance, we headed to "Love + Flour Bakery" in Salem.  The girls picked out strawberry shake cupcakes and we took a few of their wonderful macaroons home- they were a big hit at the transfer station, where we stopped by to share with Daddy.  He and Mike saw many people that day, which is a great thing, when you are campaigning!





After that, we went home to wait for my high school BFF and her family to arrive.  They came to visit all the way from New Jersey and it really didn't hit me until right before they got to our home.  I couldn't believe I was going to get to see her and meet her kids for the first time and her wonderful boyfriend Jeff.  

I thought I would take you down a little memory lane today.

This was us in high school- our senior year- getting ready for our big Thanksgiving Pep Rally and Team Lunch for our Football Team.  Football cheering was our favorite part of high school!

Here we are in our glory in the fall of 1990- we were seniors at Andover  High


and then a few years later, in 1994, we are here in a limo heading into Boston for one of our friend's 21st birthdays.  This was the summer before our senior years in college :)

and then a few years went by and we were in each other's weddings.  Those were fun times and then we both went through some challenging times.  Later on, we started to have our children and before you know it, several years went by.  

A few years ago, she surprised me by showing up at my 40th birthday party.  
This was us at the party in 2013


and now we have settled into our happy lives and have made a pact to see each other a couple of times per year.

This weekend was the first time in three years but I know we will get better at getting together.

Our kids immediately clicked.  It was like they had known each other their entire lives.  Our daughters, also, are exactly alike and just like us- makes so much sense.  They had an absolute blast together!

Eva loved Jeff- Dawn's boyfriend- he is wonderful.

We hung out at the house, waited for Rob to get home from the transfer station and waited for Diana to get home from cheer.  The kids played outside for awhile and we watched Stepbrothers- so random- so us.
 Dawn brought me this adorable shirt to!

That night, our sitter Mandi came to stay with the kids and the adults Uber'd it to Fody's in Nashua so we could watch Rob's band play.  We had a great time and Lea, Mike and Cindy met us out as well.  

Here we are today
 A friendship that has lasted the test of time.....

and a few more random shots that night....

(It was old home night for Rob too- a group of his friends from elementary school came to see him play)



Sunday

Sunday morning we all enjoyed a big breakfast together.
We had to take a group selfie before they headed out

These two tho

After they left, Diana was in a depression, as was Stella, I was told, via text ;)

While Eva was napping, I chilled and Rob headed out to put up a banner and some signs with his Dad.
Just love this family affair!

Later on, Mama headed to Lea's with the SPBs for a cozy movie night and snacks- we enjoyed Girl on a Train (even though I saw it already) and maybe a little Magic Mike XL- always too much fun with these ladies


It was an amazing weekend!

Friday, February 24, 2017

Friday Favorites (February 24, 2017)



Yeah Yeah it's Fri YEAH.........
Linking up with Erika, Andrea and Narci HERE


Here are my favorites from this week




The weather here friends!  Seriously- it has been in the 50's and 60's in New England!!  It has been OUTSANDING...It is usually in the teens and 20's this time of year so we will take it!!
I feel like everyone is in a better mood too- just love it!




Campaigning and this week, specifically, sign duty!
It was a family affair and we had some laughs!




Barre!
So I have heard great things about Barre and I had  been following a new studio in town on Facebook.  A couple of cheer coaches had also told me about the classes there.  What pushed me to give it a try was when I ran into a friend in town in Target.  We were picking up our kids valentines and such.  When I saw her, I stopped dead in my tracks.  She never had a weight problem- she was always petite but when I saw her I thought WOW!  She looks so thin...so great...like a little kid...she was glowing!  She convinced me to give it a try.  So last week I went to my first barre class.  She helped to get me set up with all of the tools I would need in class and it was very welcoming.  She was right when she said "it is like working out in a spa." It is so relaxing in this studio and the owner Callie is wonderful.  It was so so hard but I LOVED it.
This week I went back and Jill came along with me- we decided that it is "fun torture" and a way for us to see each other every week so we have made the committment to this one class/week.  After election season is over, I am going to add 1-2 more classes too.
I can't wait actually!  I feel like I am working muscles that I haven't worked in YEARS...really since having kids...here goes nothing! :)

Favorite Whole 30 Eats of the Week

Buffalo Chicken Casserole
This one is a winner for lunch or breakfast
I want my mom to make it for my dad too because I know he will love it and it is SO HEALTHY!
Find the recipe HERE 

Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
 For this one, I don't have a recipe.  I just mixed rotisserie chicken with some Dijon mustard, avocado, salt and pepper and tossed it in some romaine leaves.  It was delish!


My sweet girl is almost three.  I guess you could say she is exhibiting a few signs of the "terrible twos" but with "Pidge" not really.  When she has a temper tantrum  now, she starts crying and arches her back so you can't lift her- it is really hysterical and I caught her in the act this week when Rob was trying to put her to bed.  Hysterical!


That's a wrap- Happy Friday Friends!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

What's Up Wednesday (February 22, 2017)


I can't believe this month is already winding down!  Time flies when you are campaigning having fun!
As always, I am linking up with Mel, Shay and Sheaffer HERE

Here is what we've been up to......



What We're Eating This Week

Monday- Ground Beef, Cauliflower Rice and Onion Saute (Daddy cooked so there is no set recipe)

Tuesday- Zesty Lime, Shrimp and Avocado Salads 
 with Grain Free Crackers- Find the Recipe HERE


Wednesday- Lemon Chicken Piccata- Find the Recipe HERE

Thursday- Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Tomato Soup- Find the Recipe HERE

Friday- TBD




What I'm Reminiscing About

Election Season 3 Years Ago
When Rob was running for school board the first time
I have been reminded how wonderful people can be and at the same time, how stressful the process can be as well.  We are, however, focusing on the positive and enjoying what could be his very last time running for office!

Then....
 and now....

What I'm Loving

My Starbucks/Lilly Pulitzer Swell Bottle
I am using it...literally...every day!!!  It makes me smile :)



What We've Been Up To

 We enjoyed watching Diana compete in the school spelling bee
Mama had a blast at the NH Winter Wine Festival with some of her besties

Mama and Daddy enjoyed an overnight in Boston with some besties- highly recommend Hotel Commonwealth, Cask N Flagon Bar and Citizens Pub and Oyster Bar.  All great takes in our favorite city- Boston! 

We have been doing lots of campaigning and LOVING our volunteers who are such great friends- makes this process so fun and exciting




Even when Daddy is away, the campaign does not take a rest! :)

Mama and Daddy enjoyed the Soccer Association Casino Night with Friends

We are in the midst of our kitchen makeover.  Rob finished painting the cabinets and installing the hardware.  The curtains are done and now we are having a back splash installed in a few weeks!

The week Daddy was away, the kids had 2 days of no school and 2 days with 2 hour delays.  We made do!  The kiddos enjoyed coming to Friday morning mass and "coffee" afterwards :)

We are encouraged to get out and about in town during campaign season.  As a result, we have enjoyed breakfast at Mary Ann's Diner the last few weekends- we rarely do that.  This was right before Daddy came home though- we all had had enough by this point ;)

and this past week....my loves...


Mama and Daddy enjoyed a "Junior High Valentine Dance" at our friends' home- The Mullens

During our most recent Snow Day, the girls went outside to play with Daddy and had so much fun

We  took our little Valentine Cherubs out for our Valentines Date and they had a blast...we did too :)

Mama enjoyed Wine Club at Cass's house last week- it was an incredible night of wine, food and friendship

Mama enjoyed shopping and lunch with Mimi over the weekend! If you are ever in the area, check out Copper Door in Bedford- amazing!

Diana's cheer practice was a Beach/Luau theme so we had to go all out of course ;)


Thankful for friends who organize such fun times- who stay after me and make me put dates on the calendar- without them, right now, I would be sitting in- no joke!
Beth Ann insisted that we go out to dinner with Lea and Brenda and all of our hubbies- so glad she did- we had such a great time AND the restaurant was amazing.  It was Mint in Manchester.  The guys got entrees but the ladies shared some tapas and sushi and we were so glad we did!  Everything was delicious
Our favorite, by far, was the lobster rangoon...so we got another order- ha ha!!





Sunday night, Lea was going to host a campaign party for Rob for her neighborhood- unfortunately she got hit by the stomach bug so we postponed.  We actually agreed that it will be better to do it closer to election day anyway!   We used the time to get the first round of signs up around town.  We made it a family affair- listened to Bruce Springsteen to get Daddy all pumped up and had a ball!



What I'm Dreading

Taxes?  Not much else!


What I'm Working On
My health, always, and my hubby's campaign
It is a lot of work in addition to my full time job...but it is fun work so I don't mind :)


What I'm Excited About

Diana's Cheer Competition Season
Can't wait to see all of her work on the mat and can't wait to have some fun in some different cities like Providence and Hartford- it will be a real adventure this year! 

What I'm Watching/Reading

I'm watching....
The Affair- over for the season but did enjoy it- pretty dark season- hope next season is more uplifting...well as uplifting as an affair can be ;)

 Friends....I am still devastated here.  This is a definite SPOILER ALERT if you are not caught up on
Jane The Virgin....
....................................................................

just devastated.  Michael was my FAVORITE on Jane...I LOVED their relationship and I can't believe he is gone...it is going to take me awhile to get over this one :(

 American Housewife- Need a laugh?  Watch it...NOW!


This Is Us- BEST new show on TV...am I right?

Guilty pleasure is still
Dance Moms

and for more laughs....
Teachers!

and Life...In Pieces

and for some drama.....

Greys

and Scandal..... 

 Younger is over for the season too...I hate that!


and a new show I just started watching and really enjoying is Riverdale.  It is based on the Acrhie comics and the author is from Haverhill MA.  Riverdale was the old name of a section of Haverhill as well as their high school.  SO COOL to have a local connection!  I feel that this show is my new Pretty Little Liars- I love the murder mystery and the love triangles already!

 and I am reading.....

 Friends....it is so good!  It is my February book... I have kept up with my goal so far this year....one book per month.  January it was The Couple Next Door, February is The Husband's Secret and March will be Sisterland...stay tuned!

What I'm Listening To

Lots of Kidz Bop, whatever is on Kiss 108 and my "Workout Mix" on my phone!

What I'm Wearing

It has been lots of business attire lately and also.....
The Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic Weekender Legging in
"Tiki Pink Space Dye"
BONUS- I scored these on Ebay for $35- for the win!


and this beautiful Michael Kors top that I scored on Zappos.com



A little springy...a little pick me up to beat the winter blues! :)
(I paired it with my kick crop jeans from Loft, and a navy blue cotton jacket I got years ago from J Crew)

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Well...we are kicking off February vacation with a visit from my best friend from high school and her family....we are so excited to meet her boyfriend and kids...the adults are going to head to Rob's gig on Saturday night with some friends from town too...should be a ball! :) 
Daddy will also be campaigning all weekend long too!
(This was the last time I saw Dawn- she surprised me by showing up at my 40th Birthday Party)

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Several things....cheer comps and associated trips to different cities with some friends.....My Mom's Birthday...excited to make her dinner....Spring weather...The Daddy Daughter Dance....oh yeah and Election Day!

What Else Is New?
Ummm.....not much?  and Oh so much at the same time...that is what makes life so interesting!

Bonus Question For The Month:
 What Is My Can't Live Without Beauty Product?
Well, I covered that in one of last week's posts....
It is the Glide On Eye Crayon by Urban Decay in 
"Delinquent"....have stocked up and should be covered for the next few years ;)


So...what have you been up to?