Our New Backyard

Since our house was brand new, it didn't come with backyard landscaping.  Brad and I had planned on looking into it this coming Spring, however, we got a knock on our door from a landscape contractor who really impressed us.  We liked his vision and price, but we still wanted to get other quotes.  After receiving other bids, we decided to go with the original contractor, Bella Vista Landscaping, and are so happy with the end result!  I'm so excited to see the plants and trees bloom, especially the pink cherry blossom.  All along the back fence are red and yellow camellias, which will grow to about 5 feet tall and completely cover the fence eventually.  We also have different varieties of lavender, which will hopefully bring out a great smell (and not attract too many bees!)

Candy-Gram

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.  Ours was low-key.  I kept thinking about Valentine's last year; we were setting sail on a 7 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera....ahhhh.  This year, we've tightened things up and are laying low because of the house we bought and the backyard landscaping we just finished (post on that next).  

This was my gift to Brad:

So fun to make and you can do it for really any event.  I got the idea from The Dating Divas, but changed things to make it my own.

Birthday Bash

I had a great day yesterday; thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!  After breakfast, my neighbor came over and brought this darling cupcake "flower" bouquet

My in-laws then came up and spent the day with us.  They gave me birthday cash and these DARLING little guys (they're solar too!) that we already have set up in our backyard

They also gave us this Valentine's basket full of goodies - we love it!

And last but not least, Brad cooked up my favorite meal - barbecued ribs!

Another year older, another year wiser (I hope) ;)

Off To A Good Start

My birthday is off to a great start, thank you to my wonderful husband!

delicious homemade breakfast sandwich

egg whites, canadian bacon, cheese - yummy!

Couch to 5k

Last week I started the Couch to 5k program.  Brad has been running with our neighbor, so I decided to jump on board with my own "running" program.  Neither Brad or I are runners, but we want to get to the point where we can run together and maybe even slightly enjoy it.  Ha!

Don't I look thrilled?  

It was freezing cold this morning

I'll keep you updated on how it's going.  It's only week 2; 7 weeks to go!

Birthday Baking

My birthday is coming up in a couple weeks, but I just received an early birthday present from my parents. This beauty:

I LOVE it!  I have made biscotti and cupcakes so far.  It'll be especially awesome for all my holiday baking this coming year.  Thank you, thank you, thank you mom and dad!  Next time you come visit, I'll whip you up a delicious treat :)

Deliciousness, I Think

I was in the cooking spirit this morning, so I browsed my recipe book and picked out 2 dishes - Corn Potato Chowder and Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting (both recipes from Shape Magazine).
I went to the grocery store and got to work.  The soup was so easy to make and only took 30 minutes.  I added leftover rotisserie chicken from Costco to give it a little protein.  Without the chicken it's only 178 calories for 2 cups - not bad!

While the soup was simmering, I got to work on the cupcakes.  Each cupcake is only 139 calories.

So this all looks delicious, but I can't enjoy it.  For the past 2+ weeks I've been without taste or smell.  (Yes mom, I *promise* to call the doctor on Monday...)  I had a cold that seemed to turn into allergies, that seemed to turn into who knows what.  I'm still slightly congested and no matter what I do, can't seem to regain my taste or smell.  In the meantime, all this yumminess is left for Brad.