The Christmas Story

Just wanted to share this adorable clip of the Christmas story

that was shared during church on Sunday. It's so cute to see these

kids reenact this story from their view and understanding. I was 

also reminded, once again, what the true meaning of 

this holiday season is all about. Enjoy!

Buca di Beppo and the best brownie sundae

Friday night we met up with friends at Buca di Beppo . The atmosphere was so fun, the food was delicious, and as a group, we ordered the largest brownie sundae I've ever seen. If you can't tell by the picture, it was delicious! Spending the evening downtown and catching up with friends was definitely the perfect way to start our weekend!

Wishing you a happy weekend!

Yay! It's friday!

We're meeting up with friends tonight

and then traveling to husband's hometown to 

celebrate Christmas with his family! 

Have a great weekend everyone!! 

xoxo

All things chevron

I've been loving all things chevron lately and these pictures are some of my favorite ways to include this fun pattern into every room.  Whether it's with a pillow, some curtains, a rug,  an accent wall , or a DIY art piece, I will definitely be using this inspiration as I decorate our little apartment and future home.

**via pinterest

last night

 Husband was tired after a long day on his surgery rotation,
so he decided to take a break on the dining room floor and Bella joined.
Isn't this the cutest? I'm one lucky girl.

Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?

Just a few pictures from last week as we finished decorating this little apartment. I made a little glitter garland for our old window frame, finished wrapping all the presents for family, and listened to Sufian Stevens' Christmas on repeat. Bella wanted in on the fun too! Next on my list is watching Elf and the Holiday, definitely my favorite movies for this time of year! {and of course quoting Elf over and over again, it never gets old}

Cookie Baking Day

Every year around Christmas time my family, aunts, and cousins, get together for a cookie baking day, which has turned into one of my favorite yearly traditions. We buy lots of chocolate, make lots of cookie batter, and gather together a collection of sprinkles for the decorating. This year was once again a success and I can't even begin to tell you how many cookies are in my kitchen right now, it's trouble.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Tis the Season

simple garland/ Christmas tree/ cozy/ gingerbread stars/ Holiday hideaway/ DIY snowglobes

**all found via pinterest

Can't believe its been 2 months!

I can't believe its been about 2 months since my last post, I guess that speaks for how crazy these last few months have been. To start, I graduated and passed the nursing boards back in October, yay! It's so great to finally be finished with all the studying and late nights! As for Husband, he has been busy on away rotations, auditioning for residency which will begin this summer. Despite all the craziness, things seem to be falling into place just perfectly. 

Sister and her fiance bought a house, talk about exciting, and we went over to visit as they prepare for all the renovations. Near their house are perhaps the most delicious homemade donuts that come in little bite size pieces (aka you can eat a couple and justify that you only ate one full size donut. it's trouble) We also went on a double date later that night to see the premiere of Breaking Dawn. And last but not least, we watched our neighbors dog for the night and Bella loved having a puppy friend around to play with. Maybe we should get another dog?? :)

Husband and I took a trip out to Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago for a residency interview. I actually ended up really enjoying this city despite the distance that we could potentially be from our friends and families. We walked around University of Pittsburgh, ate at the famous Primanti Brothers, and rode the incline, which led to a great view of the city.

While Husband interviewed on Monday, I walked around the Strip District, which is rows and rows of little shops and cafes. I can imagine how busy that place must get on the weekends and during warmer weather. My favorite places ended up being this cute little diner pictured above, the homemade Pittsburgh popcorn, and of course more homemade donuts!

Perhaps the most exciting update from the past few months, is the birth of my cousin's sweet little girl, Emerson Kay. I was so thankful we were able to be home and visit her sweet little family in the hospital with the rest of my cousins and family. Emmy is the sweetest little baby around!

And the last of the updates, includes opening day of hunting season from this past Monday. Husband looks forward to this day every year, where we head back to his home and take part in the yearly tradition. The tradition includes waking up early, prepping the tree stands, wearing orange and camo, spending time in the warm cozy shack they built in their field, and preparing breakfast for the men as they take a mid-afternoon break. No luck this year, but still some good times! 

Amen

**Found via pinterest **

Mom knows best

Today I woke up with a pretty bad headache and I just couldn't kick it. My day was supposed to be productive, but somehow the headache took over and all I wanted to do was lay on the couch until it went away. That's when my mom called and suggested I take Bella for a walk to get some fresh air. (Why didn't I think of that, somehow my solution is often related to the couch rather than exercise, oops!)  The combination of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise was just what I needed.  I felt so much better when I got back and Bella was a happy pup too. Thanks mom, I'm glad you always have great advice, especially when I need it the most!

life lately, according to my Iphone

1. Funnel cakes are a must at the fair 

2. New Holland Parade

3. & 4. Welcoming October with pumpkin pie and chocolate chip pumpkin cookies 

5. Playing fetch with the pup

6. Rainy afternoon

7. She is the cutest

8. Afternoon of Starbucks and magazines

Quick hello

Just wanted to say a quick hello. Life has been a bit crazy lately. Husband is away on rotations and as for me, although school finished, I'm busy prepping for the NCLEX. Here are a few pictures from 

this past weekend. Husband came home for the day so we decided to head to Philly for the afternoon and take a break from our studies! 

Happy Birthday Pup!

Bella turns 2 today, we're celebrating 

with a few extra doggie treats around here! 

Green Monster Smoothie

Yesterday I found the perfect recipe for combining fruits and spinach in a smoothie that surprisingly tastes really good. I can be somewhat of a picky eater, meaning I don't like most fruits and vegetables, which is why I was so happy that I liked this combo of fruit and spinach! It's so healthy, plus I don't have to pinch my nose while I drink it to avoid the taste. yay! Here is the recipe:

1 banana, roughly chopped
4 or 5 strawberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 small peach, peeled and roughly chopped
1 heaping cup (or more) fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly rinsed
splash vanilla soy milk
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup crushed ice
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
*this recipe makes a very large smoothie- two could easily share.


Found via pinterest

life lately, according to my iphone

1. While watering the ferns yesterday, I found a hidden bird's nest.

2. The sky looked so pretty tonight. I'm starting to think fall is in the air. yay! 

3. Bella stares at me while I study, I think she is trying to say, "You're boring, come play with me."

4. A pretty hydrangea plant at my parent's house, looking forward to going there this weekend! 

Thankful.

I must say I've been very thankful for technology lately, 

especially skype/face-time. Husband is in a different state during 

this month, next month, and the month after for his 4th year 

rotations. Although he's able to come home on some 

weekends, I sure do miss him during the week. 

Thankfully skype makes things just a tad bit better! 

Bella meets Jackson

Last week, when we were at the farm, Bella had her first encounter 

with a horse. At first she was terrified, then we handed her the rope and 

suddenly she was back to her puppy self. Tug is probably her favorite game, 

but apparently it's even better with a horse! 

Weekend on the farm

breakfast date

Breakfast dates with my sister always proves to be a great time. 

We talked about wedding plans and brainstormed lots 

of great ideas for her big day. We went to our favorite spot, Rachels Creperie 

in Lancaster.They have delicious crepes and their Nutella hot chocolate is my favorite! 

Sister is engaged!!

Last night my sister got engaged, along with Ashley from the bachelorette, but that's 

a different story. A & W were supposedly going to my grandparents

for a little practice photo shoot with my cousin, but really it was 

a set-up which created the cutest engagement pictures I've ever seen. My cousin

caught the moment perfectly and I have a feeling my sister will cherish those 

pictures forever. I couldn't be more happy for my sister and her fiance, and we are

so excited to welcome him to the family. Let the wedding planning begin! 

{me, mom, and sister}

{cuties}

{the beautiful ring}

Pocono family vacation via instagram

{1} Lake Naomi    {2} Home for the weekend

{3}Backseat passenger    {4} Good morning Bella

{5,6} Selah the cutie 

Fishing in the Poconos

Look what I caught! 

Goin' Coastal

Afternoon at the Dog Beach

This weekend we took Bella to a dog beach near Ocean City. 

The minute we left her off the leash, she headed straight for the water and

then she wandered off to make some dog friends. 

 I think we'll have to go back sometime soon!