beginning 2014

It has been exactly a month since the last time I posted. 

I really did not mean to take a month away from this space but life happened. 

Christmas time was incredible.

We celebrated with both of our families in DC. Enjoying time with our parents and siblings. We are excited for the day though that we have our own kids and start our own Christmas traditions...really blending the best of both family traditions. 

We loved seeing DC friends who we miss so much. It was great spending time catching up on each other's lives. I'm so thankful that we've stayed friends with people from our first married years together. 

We had the best New Year's Eve with our small group: we cooked, laughed, drank wine, and had everyone spend the night. Seriously, other than growing up in Vienna with our traditions of fireworks, chili, and staying up all night with friends, it was the best NYE.

January has flown by. 

The absolute best thing that has happened in January is that our niece was born! My SIL texted me in the middle of a night shift saying she was having contractions, so I left work, raced home, woke up a grumpy husband, packed our bags, and drove to DC at 3am. She is the cutest baby, ever. I may or may not be biased.

Remember our small group that we started meeting with back in the fall? Well, we were more of a social group then and now have officially started meeting. I cannot wait to see how we grow, change, and become better friends this spring. 

If you've been following me on IG (aileenpp, my24daychallenge) then you know I (like many others this time of year) decided to commit to getting and staying healthy. I started the Advocare 24 day challenge. I've enjoyed it so far, but I'll save all my thoughts until I finish.

So, I'm glad that we're caught up now. Hopefully, it won't be another month until we meet again. 

Linking up with Lauren

high five for...saturday

I love all of the November thankful posts that are being posted and am so thankful for our marriage and the Chef this week.

1. I only worked two shifts at the beginning of the week, so my weekend started on Wednesday morning. 

2. We celebrated our anniversary early this year with our recent trip to Vail. 

So on the actual day, the Chef made reservations at Saint Jacques. The food was incredibly delicious, and I'd highly recommend the onion soup and the pesto lamb chops. 

3. Thursday night we celebrated the Chef with a dinner to Cowfish and then his favorite birthday cake: ice cream cake.  

We're so thankful for this group of new friends. They have made us feel more at home in Raleigh, and I love that we are walking through the same phase of life together. It's encouraging and fun to get to share life with them. 

 4. Friday night, a group of our friends met us at Yard House for drinks and dinner with more drinks at World of Beer afterwards.  

After dinner, we talked about how thankful we are to be surrounded by great friends who we have met within the past year. It's incredible how much we have been blessed by friendship living here. 

5.  Aida. She is the sweetest girl. Since I've had so much time off this week, we've gone on a few long walks. We've loved the cool, crisp weather with the crunch of leaves under our feet (paws). 

We absolutely love all of the shades of red and orange around our neighborhood.

I love seeing this long tongue because it means someone will take a really great nap when we get home. 

Hope your week was incredible too! 

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey

high five for friday

Here are a few of my favorites from this week...

1. I've only worked one shift so far this week, so Wednesday I took Emily's Pure Barre class and then had coffee with her afterwards. 

Thursday, I met my new friend, Danielle for coffee and a biscuit at Jubala for the second time this week. 

It was so refreshing being encouraged by chats with both of these girls. 

2. We got our photos back from Heidi Joy Photography. I can't wait to order my Christmas cards. I promised myself I would be ahead of the game this year, and I'm on track to meet that goal. 

3. My mom was in town this week for a doctor's appointment and spent two nights. We chatted, went out to lunch, and watched girly tv shows together. 

4. We're going to look at three houses today. It's always fun to check out different neighborhoods and see what we like and don't like. 

5. By some miracle, I ordered and received a J.Crew herringbone vest that I've been swooning over. I'm so excited to check out IG and bloggers to see how they've been styling the vest. 

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey

high five for friday

What a great week this has been! I worked one night shift and two nights at Pure Barre with a lot of relaxing in between. 

1. My favorite relaxing afternoon was spent at the Umstead Spa. For Christmas, the Chef gave me a gift card, and I kept waiting for the perfect time to go. I read online that spa guests can use the pool Monday -Thursday, so I decided to take advantage of a gorgeous afternoon. I loved the vanilla blood orange margarita poolside before my luxurious European facial. Everything was incredible: the facial, the pool, the staff, just the entire experience. I highly recommend it to anyone. I would definitely go back...

 2. After a dentist appointment this week, I stopped by Home Goods and found a few good buys. I bought one of these massive baskets for our bedroom. I think it would be great to put our pillows in one spot off of the floor and away from dog hair.

3. This week for work, I made tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad. I forgot how much I love it. It's also nice having a baby basil plant for fresh herbs.

3. On the way home from Birmingham, we stopped at Jim 'N Nick's at the airport an they were selling their cheese biscuit mix. Their biscuits are to die for, so I couldn't resist bringing them home.

5. And lastly, the Chef has made some really delicious meals this week. My favorite might have been the mashed potatoes, steak, and green beans. I'll share it next week for Taste of Tuesday.

I hope you have fun plans this weekend for Labor Day. Enjoy it for me since I'll be at the hospital. Or you could always stop by your local hospital and bring staff treats...just an idea.

Happy weekend!

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey

five for Friday...on Saturday

This week flew by with two day shifts before a three day "weekend" of fun with friends. While I love fall, I'm slightly dreading it because I absolutely love summer. I love the sunshine, heat, and the cute clothes you can wear: shorts, dresses, and skirts.

1. Aida and I enjoyed a long morning walk during the week checking out houses in our neighborhood. After our walk, Aida came home and collapsed for her morning nap. 

2. This Thursday was my first time going to the Beach Music in Raleigh. I didn't know what to expect but really loved the live music and everyone enjoying a good time. Too bad last week is the last one of the summer. If you're in the area, you should go! 

3. I went with my friends, Kari and Kevin; they are such a fun couple. We loved watching the band for a while before we headed to dinner at Firebirds across the street. I highly recommend the Grilled Tenderloin Salad. 

4. I got my friend, Emily's wedding invitation in the mail. She did calligraphy for her invitations and had them printed. They are insanely gorgeous! I almost didn't send back the RSVP card because they are so beautiful. 

5. Every off day, I've been trying to hit the pool. I can't seem to get enough of the sunshine and relaxation these days. 

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey

high five for friday

This summer is absolutely flying by. Slow down summer. This week was a busy one at work, but let's be honest, when is it ever not busy when you're taking care of sick kids and their families? 

A few of my favorites this week have been: 

1. The Chef regularly makes scrambled eggs for us when he's home, but I started thinking about other types of eggs I like and decided to make sunny side up for myself after not one but all three day shifts this week. And I'm also really loving the Ezekiel bread that I found at Trader Joe's. 

2. I am so thankful to have had an incredibly nice patient's family this week. They made the world of difference in letting me care for their kid. I wish I could tell you more.

3. Every night this week, I have been so excited for the end of the day when I get to keep reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. You should put it on your list for the summer, and I'll have to share with you my most recent reads.

4. Back in April, I was in my friend, Brooke's wedding. Well, she was picked for "Say, Yes to the Dress Bridesmaids" and it was aired this past week. Pretty crazy. I'm so glad they picked her wedding to show clips of because it was a gorgeous beach wedding.

5. This is really taken from last weekend, but the Chef and I went on his 60+ person family reunion. For an introvert like me, it was incredibly overwhelming but his family is so sweet and fun. We met everyone for the weekend and one of the nights even got out for some drinks with the other young cousins. I wish we all lived closer because we had the best time!

Hope you have fabulous weekend plans! We cannot wait to see two incredible friends who are spending the weekend in Raleigh with us.

Happy Weekend!

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey

high five for friday

This week has been a busy one, but today we're finally moving into our new apartment! I'm excited to be in a new location of Raleigh and start exploring it more. 

Here are some of my favorites this week: 

1. I don't know what you're hair is doing this summer, but mine is growing like crazy. Seriously, my stylist asked me if all I do is eat vitamins. My roots were out of control when I went to see her on Wednesday. Seeing Tracy was treat, she is hilarious, gives me a great cut and highlight, and this time I enjoyed a glass of wine and a hand/arm massage. It was heaven and perfect after three night shifts.  

2. Remember how I love the book 7: A Mutiny Against Excess? Well, the Summit has been doing a women's book club and discussing it (you can home if you're interested: go here). I was going to meet a friend for supper before but it fell through, so I enjoyed a relaxing bite at Foster's Market before heading to the book club. It was delicious! I highly recommend the Tarragon chicken salad.

3. The Chef and I text pictures like this one back and forth to each other week every week showing what Aida is doing during the day. She makes every so much better.

4. We're ready for the movers to arrive this morning! It's always bittersweet moving, and this year is no different. While we're so excited to be in a new area of Raleigh, we're sad to leave the best floor of neighbors. We've never lived in an apartment where we spent time with our neighbors, and this past year has been such a blessing to live close to three couples who are great.

5. I forgot a photo, but I drove to the outlets yesterday and stocked up on a few pairs of JCrew shorts. They are on sale, so run to the outlet or shop online while they last. And next week, their new collection comes out...I may be heading back again soon.

Happy Weekend!

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey

high five for friday

I have absolutely loved this week. Here are some of my top five...

1. I made my first avocado toast and loosely follow Eat Live Run's recipe. Oh my, it was delicious. Definitely making more again this weekend.

2. This week has been glorious! While I hate working the weekends, four weekdays off has been unbelievable. I shared two afternoons at the pool with my mom, popcorn and movie, and chatted to our hearts content. It was like being on vacation.

3. I bought my first pack of Spark from Brooke and love it. Now, I'm just trying to decide whether or not to do the 24 day challenge. I'm just slightly nervous about whether Advocare is really safe and healthy. Any thoughts?

4.  I love rearranging and making small changes to our apartment. And I also cannot believe we only have two more weeks here before another move, and I don't want to think about leaving our incredible neighbors.

5. I spared you a sweaty photo, but I have loved being able to take two spin classes and two Pure Barre classes so far this week.  And tonight, the Chef and I will be able to go to one together! I love getting a good burn and sweat on.

Today, I'm guest posting over at Table for One. You should definitely go check out Laura Beth's cute blog!

Linking up with Lauren and Lindsey. 

high five for friday

Happy Friday! I'll be very happy when this Friday night shift is over, and I'll get to spend the weekend with the chef. We have a lot of fun things planned with friends this weekend, so I'm ready to get to work and get out. Is that how you're feeling today? 

1. In preparation for Europe and lots of walking, I bought my first pair of Toms. I've had a pair of the ballet flats but I think the regular ones are so much more comfortable. It's too bad that the flats aren't more comfy because lets be honest, they are cuter than these. But my feet will thank me that I bought these. 

2. My breakfast ..err...pre-shift meal of choice this week has been organic brown rice cakes (thanks for the IG photo Brooke) with almond butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey. 

3. I had the sweetest surprise last night while working at Pure Barre; my friend Kari made me a smoothie because I was working during supper time. It was a strawberries, peaches, pineapple, blueberries, and greek yogurt smoothie. Delicious and so sweet of her to think of me!

4. Aida got to go to Caribou with me for the first time this week and loved it. I loved it too because I love being outside but hate leaving her at home. She loved seeing all the people, and everyone commented on how sweet and pretty she is. I completely agree!

But I still can't wait for the day when we buy our first house and can have our own outdoor space.

5. My favorite snack this week has been these Energy Bites. I keep making them because the chef and I go through them pretty fast. I can't seem to stop at just one.

Hope you have a fabulous Friday! 

Linking up with Lauren, Ashlee, Emily, and Andrea

high five for friday

I'm so thankful this busy week is over, and it's Friday! As I told you on Monday, this week's posts have been a little sparse due to my crazy work schedule.

1. I'm thankful that 6 out of 7 night shifts are over. They actually were great shifts with adorable patients and great night shift nurses, I wish I could tell you more. 

2. The best part of the 6/7 nights was that one of my nurse friends, Allison shared them with me, and we met for coffee almost every night around midnight to give us a little boost to keep going. Because of this week, I'm very close to Gold. I love the Starbucks app.

(Remember the next time you or a family member is in the hospital, buy your nurse a coffee, it will do wonders for keeping her awake and happy. Don't just offer because she'll say no, just surprise her). 

3. A pedicure with Allison after working 6 nights was the most the best relaxing treat. Plus, we're getting ready for spring! It looks like it's finally coming this weekend. 

4. Pure Barre kicked my tail last night. A week without going is rough. Any nurses have a short exercise routine that they do during a long stretch of shifts when you can't go take workout classes? 

5. I have been scouring youtube videos for tutorials for my Naked Palette and have loved trying new looks. This is one of my newest favorite every day looks. 

Linking up with Lauren

high five for friday

Even if I'm working this weekend, it's finally Friday and time to celebrate the weekend.

My Friday five are...

1. Opi Bubble Bath plus one glitter nail makes me a happy girl. I've never done the one nail trend before, but I love it.

2. Lots of hours spent making decisions and planning for Europe.

3. Juicing: the easy way (from Earth Fare). This was loaded with veggie goodness of carrots, beets, spinach, apples, and a few others. I love the juicing craze and really want to purchase a juicer. Any suggestions?

4. My first stitch fix came this week. I'll be sharing everything that came in my package next week for Wearable Wednesday.

5. After seeing so many people use and recommend Urban Decay's Naked Palette. I decided to take the plunge and splurge on this baby. I'm excited to try different shades and combinations than I usually do.

Linking up with Lauren

high five for friday

1. My mom and sister were in town, so the chef and I made these strawberry shortcakes for breakfast, and they were quickly added to my Yummy Keeper Recipes on Pinterest. They were so tasty. 

2. I was ecstatic when I received this hand painted card from my sweet friend Emily asking me to be a bridesmaid in her August wedding. Now I want to find the perfect frame to keep this card. 

3. I love spring (even though it's been cold lately) and having fresh flowers in the house for when my in-laws arrive today.

4. My bridesmaid's dress finally came! One of my college friends, Brooke is getting married in three weeks and will be featured on TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta" so be sure to watch for her wedding. I can't wait to see her get married! 

5. I wish I had known about Blissdom earlier this year because I'm wishing I was there. It is now on my list of to-dos for 2014.

Linking up with Lauren

high five for friday

1. Aida snuggled with me this week when I wasn't feeling the best.
2. Strawberry pistachio salad is my new favorite. I can't get enough.
3. Successful brunch with my family. I love it when they visit.
4. I'm so excited that my new blog design was finished this week and ready for lots of posts.
5. I don't think I've ever been so inspired by a book like this. I'm so challenged to learn, grow, and make changes in my life. And apparently now there is a study guide...anyone interested in starting it with me?

Linking up with Lauren