Things I'm Loving Lately

Hellooooo! 

It's been so long - or so it feels. I'm elated that I have a second to sit in front of my computer and do selfish things like blog read, edit pics, and not do anything school related for like 5 seconds of my life. Whew! 

This post is completely inspired by some of the blogs I read. Colleen and Annie write posts on things they're loving lately, as I'm sure countless other bloggers do also. I may start doing posts like these from time to time because who doesn't love to be in the loop on hot new products, cute clothes, or things for your home? No one. No one likes to be out of the loop, I've decided haha. 

You ready for 'em? (For those that don't follow on Instagram) 

First up - Products.

1. Better Life Bags - I adore these snack bags. I ordered them from Rebecca and she was a gem to work with. Now I don't have to buy an excessive amount of Ziplocs for lunches. 

2. Starbucks Pour-Over Brewing System - I discovered this when I was at my parents' house a few weeks ago. I share a Keurig with my roommates at my house at the beach, and while it's convenient, those cups of coffee are just a smidge too small for my caffeine addiction. The k-cups can get pricey too. This brewing system allows me to make a little cup or a big cup for that extra jolt that I might need. Bag coffee is also a wee bit cheaper. 

3. Bare Minerals Blemish Therapy - I love this. I love it alot. It's a powder that you apply to blemishes before applying the rest of your makeup. It conceals and heals. I call that a two-fer (two for one deal)! If you have a severe allergy to sulfa products, you may want to reconsider using because it's straight sulfur. It does smell a little bit haha - the long-term effect is the focus here!

4. Posh 2012-2013 Planning Calendar - There's just something about cute planners that spurs motivation, at least for me haha. I purchased this at my Hallmark with a coupon for about $14. I could use it now, but the monthly view doesn't start until January 2013 and I need my monthly view. I found a cute stand in at Target to use until then.

Next up - Target. You know you love Target. You also know you can't get out of there without spending a minimum of $50. O you thought you were the only one? No my friend - you are not alone in the OverspendingAtTargetDepartment. We should probably create a support group or something . . . Nah - that's for quitters :)

1. Bath Towels - I was in dire need. I'd been eyeing this tan patterned one for weeks. I finally caved last week and bought it, along with a chocolate brown and powder blue one. The next day . . .  the patterned ones were marked down (that means they might be marked down in your area and you should probably go pick them up, so that you can come out spending less than $50). Justifyjustifyjustify!

2. Method Pink Grapefruit Gel Hand-Wash and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit - I don't really like grapefruit scented things. O wait. I do.

I love Method products. They are gentle, all-natural, and not overpriced. I've used their laundry detergent and sort-of love it too. 

The face wash is a mainstay in my Target cart. It has little beads to help wash your face and salacylic acid to help fight acne. Here's another two-fer! And it leaves your face smelling like grapefruit candy.

3. Cute Dolla' Socks - These used to actually be $0.99 a pair. They've recently increased to $1.50, but you can sometimes find the sale ones for $0.99. Either way - they always make it in my cart. I probably have about 20+ different pairs - not even joking. 

Now on to clothes. 

1. Bright Pants - I got these ankle pants from Old Navy in the middle of August and they have turned just about every drab day into a more fabulous one. I couldn't link up the ones I bought, but here and here show you that bright colored pants are here to stay, and I don't hate it.

2. Striped Color-Block Jersey Dress - A last minute decision to go to the WVU vs. JMU game brought me into Old Navy, hoping to score something blue and gold to wear to the game. And boy did I! This dress is so comfy. Its modest length, 3/4 length sleeves, and color combos make it perfect for fall. I paired it with a denim jacket and flip flops for the game, but I definitely see it being worn with my cowboy boots in the coming weeks. Maybe even to the pumpkin patch :)

Let's talk food. 

Healthy and unhealthy or #operationzipthosepants worthy and #NOToperationzipthosepants worthy. 

#operationzipthosepants worthy

1. Black Cherry Chobani with Blue Diamond Dark Chocolate Almonds - This is the healthy version of a chocolate covered cherry and it tastes just as good!

2. Vanilla-Blueberry Luna Fiber Bar - Remember Nutri-Grain bars from the 90's? I really liked those (even though they are not made like they are now), but these put those to shame. These are moist and flavorful and they pack 7g of fiber. Another two-fer!

3. Liberte Mediterranee Coconut Yogurt - This yogurt has alot of fat - just putting it out there. The coconut and blackberry flavors rock my world though. Some of the smoothest yogurt I've ever had. The lemon makes for a great fruit dip (Nannie doing right there). After looking at their site, they actually have greek versions of their flavors, so my next mission is tracking the greek (far less fatty) versions down.

#NOToperationzipthosepants worthy

1. Spicy Buffalo Wheat Thins - I'm definitely a creature of habit so buying flavored wheat thins was outside my comfort zone. This time I'm glad I stepped outside my comfort zone because these bad boys were awesome. After moving my stuff from Richmond back to the beach, I was famished. I popped in Food Lion and grabbed these, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and Landsharks with lime - perfect combo of flavors let me tell you. Not a perfect combo of calories haha (the wheat thins by themselves aren't really a burden on the waist line).

2. Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Swirl Bread - This bread really isn't that bad, it's what you put on it that could hurt ya (butter, cream cheese, etc.) I toasted mine and ate it plain with coffee and that fit the bill just fine. However, this morning I made french toast out of it haha! All in the name of fall! Grab it soon though because it's a limited edition flavor.

3. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies - Alright, so these are awful for you. Staying in the spirit of all things pumpkin, I bought these at Fresh Market the other night. I bought sushi too. Ya know, to balance things out. HA!

Ever been wholesale shopping? Growing up, my family always shopped at Costco. Last weekend my roommate invited me to join her at BJ's. We had gotten a free, two-month membership in the mail and who doesn't love free? If you don't know anything about wholesale shopping, it's basically a huge warehouse packed full of housewares, groceries, food, travel items, clothing, jewelry and more - except available in large huge quantities for decreased prices. Places like this are perfect for large families, or for small households like ours when we want to stock up on toilet paper and paper towels . . . for a year.

1. Nutella - Take Nutella for instance. You can usually buy a small jar at your local grocery store for about $6. Nutella at BJ's is available in a ginormous container for only $4.99. Even though the deal was good, I kept telling myself that I would probably eat the whole jar in about a week's time. 

2. Frozen Salmon - I have always been skeptical about frozen fish because I mean how fresh can it really taste? Here's another instance in which I stepped outside my comfort zone and am so glad that I did. I purchased six pieces of frozen salmon in individual vacuum sealed portions for only $16.99. You cannot beat that deal! I made my first piece this week with a little pesto and lemon juice and it was to die for. I could not get over how delicious the fish was. And easy! Just defrost for about ~15 minutes in a bowl of water, then pop in the oven for ~15 minutes and you're done! 

That's a wrap! These are just a few of the things I've been loving for the past few months. What are you loving lately? Do you love wholesale shopping or would you rather make weekly Target runs (psst - I love both)?

-Suze

Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing

Hey y'all. 

It's been a little bit, but I guess that's to be expected with everything I have going on. I made it through the first week of classes, and I think I'm really going to enjoy my OTC/non-prescription medication class. 

I'd be lying if I said this week was a cake walk. I had a ton of meetings (which went fine), but Thursday brought a series of mood shifts on the funk. And by funk, I mean depression. I've never been one to say that I've felt depressed. 

In a bad mood, a funk, just bla - yes. Those I've felt, but never depressed. I don't think this will be a chronic thing, but I know I've never felt like I did on Thursday (and never want to again). I think it's a culmination of worry and stress. When things like that happen, I try to calm myself down because I get angry rather than emotionally upset - tears, yada yada, the whole nine. I say things over and over in my mind and I pray. I pray about it because I know things will happen like they should, but I need that little convo with God and myself - talking myself down from anger, from words I can't take back, from the emotional stress of it all, etc. Sometimes, if I need that extra boost, I jump on Pinterest and look at my Words To Live By Board (call me crazy). Words can have such an impact. For real, for real. It's why I have a whole wall of them in my room. Songs do the same thing for me. Couldn't help but listen to this old SHeDAISY song on Friday, circa 2006:

Life is funny, life's a mess

Sometimes a curse, sometimes a blessing

Don't worry 'bout a thing, don't worry 'bout it.

Life gets sticky, life can bruise

Sometimes you win, sometimes you're losing

No matter what it brings

Don't worry 'bout a thing.

Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing - SHeDAISY

To help remedy my mood, I picked up my camera this afternoon. I haven't touched it since my pancakes. Seriously.  Even though these pictures may look slightly crummy, they've helped my mood ten fold. The natural light in my bedroom at the beach is CRUM.MEE. (Oxymoron - poor light at the beach? I know, but my room is on the back of the house and I have just one window. Story on the white walls here.) It is what it is though, and I've been dying to share this (gave a little peak on Instagram).

Y'all know I bought some antique Virginia license plates a couple weekends ago in Staunton for a little wall art that I had in mind. I must say, I LOVE it when things turn out just like I imagine them (I apologize for not having more pictures of the how-to process). 

 

Antique License Plate Wall Art

Things You'll Need

• Antique license plates (how many is up to you)
• Hemp Cord, twine, or thin rope of your choosing
• Hot glue 
• Scissors
• Hook for hanging

How To Make It

• Gather your plates and clean them (mine were yucko!).
• Thread rope/cord through plates as you choose. I cut four pieces (two for in between each plate), all the same measurements and hot glued the ends together. You won't see the hot glue because it hides just behind the plates.
• Then I threaded the rope through the holes on the bottom plate and tied together on the backside (kinda wanted everything to look cohesive - as if the rope were threaded through each hole). I trimmed the cord to make sure nothing was peeking out. 
• I did the same for the top, making sure I left some so that I could hang it. 
• There are a million ways to thread your rope/twine - play around with it before committing to anything. Do what works for you!
• Finished! Now hang from a cute hook and enjoy (got this hook on sale for $2.99 at Hobby Lobby - can't beat that!). 

This is the first thing I see every morning - totally in love.

I guess I could file this one in the #enjoyingthesmallthings category. I'm trying to enjoy them because they're all I've got right now. On the flip side, I'm super excited for next weekend to get here. I'll be in Richmond for some down time, and on Sunday I'll be at Byrd Park for the JDRF 5k (my twelve year old cousin was diagnosed with Type I when she was nine).  I hope that a cure for diabetes (and HIV) are discovered in my lifetime. If you're interested in donating/walking, email me!

-Suze

Peach Pancakes

Happy Friday y'all! Yesterday was my last day of working full-time at the hospital until probably Christmas. Some might think, "O wow, what a vacation." It's really not though. I'm trading in 8 hour shifts for 19 hour shifts (this is my last didactic year, this is my last didactic year - I've got to keep telling myself this). With that being said, I decided sleeping in and a luxury breakfast were long over due. 

I'm really not a sweet breakfast kinda gal - savory is usually my route, but this morning I had a hankering for peach pancakes. My mom has been carb loading the evening before her long runs, so she's had Bisquick Complete on hand - a whole grain version of Bisquick, minus all the hydrogenation (and yes, she carb loads with banana pancakes haha). I used the Bisquick, a fresh peach, and some pure maple syrup to make these babies.

What kind of breakfasts do you prefer - savory or sweet?

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend.

-Suze

Everybody's Got Some Country In Them

Doesn't flyin' down an old back road give ya, a sweet taste of freedom?

And that worn out favorite pair of blue jeans - yea ya' just gotta love 'em.

And you can never resist that sweet tea and fishin' til the sun goes down,

Everybody's got some country in them.

And you can't tell me that you don't like a campfire, every now and then.

Riding in the back of an old Ford - hair blowin' in the wind.

It doesn't matter where you're from, who you are, or where ya been,

Everybody's got some country in them.

Some Country - Emma Lynn White

I get that country music isn't for everyone, but this song pretty much nails it. Never heard of Emma Lynn White? Me either - until recently. She's actually from Gum Spring, VA and is studying music at a school in Nashville, TN - pretty much living the dream right? Here's her Facebook, iTunes, some of her music vids, and an old blog of hers. (Her song Nashville is such a fun song and her song Train even incorporates her lil bro's banjo talents! Talented family much?) Totally supporting locals when I can :) 

Where am I going with this? I bought her song sampler Friday night, packed my bag for Charlottesville/Staunton, and read a little of Gone Girl before heading to bed. Saturday I woke up to . . . rain. Boo! I made the best of it though. I arrived in Charlottesville to learn that my girlfriend lost her wallet at Sweet Frog the evening before. We re-traced her steps without much luck, so we headed to Staunton - The Queen City of the Shenandoah, for a breather. 

Pretty much any outlying area within 25-35 miles of Charlottesville is going to be small. Really small y'all - so be prepared. Growing up, my youth group at church used to go to Ingleside Resort for weekend conference trips. We would snow tube, commute to Wintergreen/Massanutten for skiing and snowboarding, and then partake in awesome music and festivities in the evenings.

Why is The Queen City so cool? Well, Woodrow Wilson was born here, it's home to Mary Baldwin College, and has tons of Shakespearean roots - like this theater and this cottage.

I had a few things in mind that I was looking for, so we parked and walked around. This was the only time during our day that we wouldn't experience complete and total downpours. 

At one point, I mentioned to Amanda that Beverly Street (the main street in downtown Staunton) reminded me of High Street in Morgantown - she totally agreed. I love small town feel. I really do. There's still a small part of me that clings to places like Richmond and Philly though - I think its the artistic/urban nature of things. Places like this are artistic in their own special way.

Here's the store I was in search of - Worthington Hardware (here's a documentary that a UVA student made about the store/family - very worth it to watch - it will warm you head to toe). Hands down, it was the coolest store. This older gentleman owns it, and his daughter makes certain that there's no haggling haha. They had tons of old Nabisco cracker boxes, GE fans, vintage soda bottles, worn Remington casing boxes, and more than you could ever imagine. I wanted all of it - my purse nor my car were big enough.

These were what I came for - project post coming soon! P.S. Who knew old plates could be so pricey? The owner's daughter explained that folks will restore old vehicles and they come looking for plates, authentic to the time of the vehicle - makes sense now - totally unbeknownst to me.

Then we went in Queen City Marketplace where I found this. When I say I would loved to have had this riding home in the backseat - I mean I realllllly would have loved for this to have been in my back seat. Maybe no one will ever want it?! HA!

Upstairs I found this ancient Maytag Washing Machine. How lucky are we nowadays?

Since starting pharmacy school, I have accumulated quite the collection of old pharmacy-like goods. Last fall, when driving through Delaware, my roommate and I stopped at this very unique antique store where I purchased an old Rheumatic Fever Remedy bottle for just $10! Things have kinda taken off from there. Also in my collection are quite a few old-school mortar and pestles. At this point, I'm totally running with it. In Queen City Marketplace, I found this gem - an old kit used to remove snake venom for just $9.50! (Not sure if this has been used or not - I'm gonna go with no because the Iodine and Ammonia were still in tact.)

I also found this old Ex-Lax tin for $4. {Fist pump} Two points for Susan!

 We browsed a few more stores on Beverley Street. One store had this neat creation for sale.

When's the last time you've seen a movie theater window look like this?

We made it to the end of the strip of shops when I told Amanda, "There are literally no cars driving down this road. That's when you know you're in small-town USA." She was like, "Stand in the middle and snap that baby up." So you know I couldn't pass that up. While standing there, Emma's song flashed back through my mind. My girlfriend is from WV and she knows all about small towns, but thrifting isn't really her thing. She tagged along though and totally embraced my quirks. Maybe you are from a small town, or perhaps you're from a big city - either way, anyone can identify those precious moments, the simple ones, the country ones, and allow them to totally bless you.

Just over that hill is Mary Baldwin College.

Before heading back to Charlottesville, we decided lunch was in order. We decided on Shenandoah Pizza. Three words - Promise You'll Eat. Seriously. Promise me! Hands down the best pizza I've ever had. We ate, then headed back to Charlottesville to address the wallet sitch. Then, in normal fashion, we hit Anthro and Target. Found this signage near the travel books in Anthro. Absolutely love it! Gonna have to recreate a version for myself. (Post coming about "Things I'm Loving.")

O! On Friday I mentioned I'd get to see a cute little boy named Ryder - well he is cute and he is a boy! He's a nine week old Black Lab. Hims the sweetest yittle man. He's a squirmer - excuse the blurry puppy love.

That evening, Amanda and I hit the downtown mall in Charlottesville. We walked waded into Urban Outfitters because the rain was absolutely relentless. Then we made our way to Citizen Burger Bar for some local meaty goodness. There's just something about local meat, local buns, local shrooms (you get the idea) that just feels - right. Local is seriously a good thing.

At this point, it's no secret that Charlottesville/Staunton rank high on my list of favorite places/things to do. On Sunday, as I made the drive back, I used that time to think and reminisce. It used to be that Amanda would make trips to visit me in Richmond during the summer, and we would make day trips to Charlottesville for shopping/vineyard love. Now, it's the opposite - and I don't hate it one bit. As I was thinking, my eyes couldn't help but wander to the rearview mirror, taking in the beautiful mountains and fog. It hurts my heart a little bit every time I leave, but ya know what they say though . . . once a Mountaineer, always a mountaineer. 

What's your "some country"? Is it campfires, driving down backroads, slamming screen doors, wide front porches, or maybe it's something else?

-Suze

Sunsets, Craft Beer, Food Trucks, and Cupcakes

Happy Friday! I would just like to say, hasn't the weather been absolutely perfect in Virginia this week?! I mean really - August is never like this in Virginia. I'm gonna soak up every ounce of it though. This week has gone by far too fast for me. Next Thursday is my last day at work and I'll be making the small move back to the beach for school during Labor Day weekend - can you say horrific traffic? It's ok though - I can usually bypass it fairly well. 

On Wednesday afternoon/evening I found myself in a mood funk. I was just downright . . . down. Leaving work I realized that the weather was perfect for sitting on a patio somewhere. I had to turn my frown upside down, so I texted my girlfriend Brittany (my sushi date girlfriend) and asked her if she was down for dinner somewhere. We threw around the idea of Bonefish Grill, but settled on The Boathouse at Sunday Park (many of our friends have actually gotten married here and they used to have a pretty spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show). The best part? The Boathouse at Sunday Park is a mere 12 minutes from me and has some gorgeous sunsets - win!

I arrived at Sunday Park and took the scenic stroll past Daniel Butler's gardens (I had my senior pictures taken here) before putting our names in for a table. There's something about Black-Eyed Susans that I'll never be able to pass up.

I rounded the bend and this view was waiting for me - instant mood funk sucked away.

Brit had a glass of Beringer Moscato with Carolina Jumbo Shrimp and a bowl of Eastern Shore Crab and Vegetable Soup. I had their Steamed Pei Mussels and a Baby Iceberg Wedge Salad. I also ordered a bottle of the Jefferson Vineyards Pinot Gris (they do sell it at Whole Foods here in Richmond), had a glass or two, and re-corked for the ride home. It's my favorite wine and it's half off on Wednesdays! Mood funk still being sucked away.

We were dining and chatting when something pranced over and landed near us. This little praying mantis decided to chill at our table with us for a little while. It looks like he's actually praying, or maybe he's thanking Him for this beautiful view. Either way, my mood funk had officially vanished at this point.

Yesterday was a pretty chill day at work and it was beyond needed. O! Did you know that . . .

Borrowed from Star Hill Brewery's page

Yep. August is Virginia Craft Beer Month. So what's a girl to do? How about Food Truck Court at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery? Why yes, I think I will.

Last night, my girlfriend Kelly and I ventured over to Hardywood after work to check out the food trucks, some brews, and to enjoy another beautiful evening in Richmond of course! If you don't know anything about food trucks, I'm certain this show might give you an idea. Some of the food trucks that participate in Food Truck Court actually set up camp around the hospital downtown. They sell their delicious goodies to hospital, city hall, and capitol employees, as well as regular 'ol city patrons. Their food is delicious and pretty inexpensive. Can you say score?

Here's a peek at our evening.

Dressed and Pressed.

Thai Cabin, Chupacabra, and Mister Softee Soft Serve.

Boka Tako.

Kelly got Lettuce Wraps from Thai Cabin.

I got "The Gauntlet" from Boka Tako. It was awesome. Left = Asian, Right = American, Top = Mexican (I think).

 We ventured inside for some brews.

1. Singel   2. SB 604   3. DIPA   4. Bourbon DIPA 

The Singel and the Bourbon DIPA were my favorites. I had really wanted to try the Virginia Blackberry, but they were out. 

Found some of this clever signage while waiting for the restroom. Beer Master. "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin

Suggested Receptacles for the Drinking of Beer.

Can't wait to try their Mocha Belgique (and their Farmhouse Pumpkin and Gingerbread Stout)!

Sitting at the picnic table enjoying beers, weather, and company - Flynn's has Sweetater Fries!

The evening was a blast! Such a family friendly event. If brews aren't your thing, Food Truck Court also visits the Virginia Historical Society on weeknights.

To round out the evening and to compliment my Bourbon DIPA, I had to have this guy. A Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Cupcake (Fall, in your mouth) from RVA Vegan.

Some other food carts in attendance last night: Station 2, Pizza Tonight, Rooster Cart, and Sustenance. Maybe if craft brews are your thing, you could also check out Star Hill Brewery, Blue Mountain Brewery, or Beach Brewing Company - all in the beautiful state of Virginia!

Have a wonderful weekend! I'm headed to Charlotesville/Staunton to hang with my girlfriend, her man, and a presh yittle boy named Ryder!

-Suze