and, we're off...

...to the horse races in Hot Springs for their big derby. We are going for the weekend with the BIL and SIL. Hoping to get a little shopping in too, crossing my fingers, maybe I'll win big. Wish me luck.

Lunch with the girls

The weather is perfect. There is this little organic cafe, called The Green Bean, right around the corner from our office and we have been dying to go eat lunch outside. So, naturally, I geeked out and brought my camera. The trees and flowers have been so pretty lately, I wanted to take some pics. It is such a cute little place, you kind of have to wait awhile for your food, but with such beautiful surroundings and great company, its worth it. the owner makes these yummy blondies, I've tried to recreate but never come close
organic turkey sandwich with homemade wheat bread, so good!!

the red bud right outside our office window

love the weeping willow we ate under

How does my garden grow?!

I came home Monday after work and went outside to play with the dogs and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw my garden! I had tons of white tulips and daffodils blooming!! When did this happen?? I swear, they came up overnight. Anyway, I picked a ton of them and they found nice little spots around the house. Maybe I am a gardener, who knew... all I know is that it was exactly what I needed.White tulips are my favorite, but I did see some orangey ones blooming too!
This is my favorite time of the year, I really want to work on my raised herb/vegetable garden this weekend.

{Lemon Bars}

I was in charge of making a dessert for Easter lunch for Chad's side of the family this year. I had found this lemon bar recipe in Southern Living a few months ago, and really wanted to try it out. I thought it would be a perfect Spring dessert. The recipe was very easy and made about 2 dozen. They turned out pretty good, very lemony, which is fine by me! {yum!}




What you'll need:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup pwd sugar
1 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp baking soda
extra powdered sugar


Preheat oven to 350
line bottom of a 13x9 pan with parchment paper;lightly grease


stir together 2 cups flour and pwd sugar; cut in butter with a pastry blender(note to self: get one of these, little difficult with a fork)

press mixture firmly in bottom of prepared pan

Bake at 350 for 20-25 min until lightly golden brown

Meanwhile, whisk eggs until smooth

add sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest

A long grater like this has come in handy a lot

in a separate bowl, mix the remaining flour and baking powder together;

add to egg mixture

Pour mixture over hot baked crust

Bake on 350 for 25 min, let cool on wire rack for at least 30 min

The parchment paper allows you to pick the baked mixture out of pan and onto rack

cut into bars and sprinkle with extra powdered sugar

Enjoy!

Easter Weekend...

We had a very nice Easter weekend. Chad went to watch the Razorbacks spring training on Saturday, so my sister and I went shopping and did some thrifting at Goodwill and Helping Hands. We found some pretty good deals. I will do a whole other post on that- P.S. I am so ready for good garage sale weather, totally planning on that next weekend. We had a nice lunch with Keely and then I had to go home and get ready to go over some friends house for a fun and interesting evening. No, really, we met some great people and laughed a lot, which is always fun.

Church was great on Sunday, I love the fact that it is always mega packed on Easter, but it seems like the service is so rushed. But it was a great service none the less. The weather was gorgeous, I can't remember a nicer Easter. No coats covering up those pretty Easter dresses! We had a nice lunch at the hubs grandma and grandpa's and then headed home to watch The Blind Side with my sister and her boyfriend.

I can't believe tomorrow is Monday. No, not yet!!My Easter dress from Francesca's


My favorite shoes

The SIL's and MIL ; Jill, me, Pam, Ashley, and Kanya

wow, great smile, Chad!

the spread @ Gma's

(she made the most incredible mac & cheese I have ever had, got the recipe!)

{Happy Easter}

Easter weekend is here! Looking forward to going to church in my new Easter dress and celebrating the true meaning of Easter, fellowship with family and friends, baking lemon bars, and destressing from this crazy week! Spring is a time for change, right? Well, there is a lot changing in our household lately. More on that, later.

Happy Easter!

{Anthropologie Inspiration}

{anthropologie kansas city Country Club Plaza}

Anthropologie has been one of my favorite places for the past 5 or so years. I usually head straight to the sale room or table, but end up spending at least an hour every time I go. I have gotten so many awesome deals from their sales. The store is such a crazy mix of old and new. You can really go in there and get inspired. I can't wait to see what they have displayed in their windows every time I visit. I couldn't get over the elaborate chandelier(center) in KC, it was over the check out area and it was incredible. The store reminds me of a high class flea market. The clothing is a little pricey for me, of course you have to check out the sales first, the accessories are great and decently priced, dishes, cookbooks, aprons, towels, etc. And you have to visit their beauty section, the best candles and perfume. Even if you go just to check out the display, its worth it.