Grad Girl (and a Few Summer Jams)

Well, it finally happened.

I finally got to wear my adorable red heels!!

Oh.

And I graduated college!

Walking across the stage to pick up my diploma.. can you spot the shoes??

Saturday was completely overwhelming and I didn't take ANY pictures (which is so weird for me!)--luckily, the school took pictures of us with our diplomas but I have yet to receive a copy.. so this is the only pic I have of my in my cap and gown.

Well, besides this gem that Brandon snapped..

Thanks babe.

After graduation, Brandon and I hosted a nice lunch with my family, Brandon's mom, and her friend--we had such a fun time visiting (and eating!). Then throughout the afternoon, several friends stopped in to snack and gab. It was a laid back day which is exactly what this girl needed!

Graduation=Summer

Do you know what that means? Besides unbearable heat and humidity?

It's time to crank up those summer jams!

Here are a few of my favorite summer tunes to get you started:

This will forever be my first and foremost summer jam--I took my last final early Thursday morning (like 5:30am early--Bitsy wouldn't let me sleep) and turned this on as soon as I finished. I'll blast this for my kiddos from preschool on.

This song takes me back to last summer when I was a hot shot intern in Denver.. I'd crank up the STPs to pump me up during my 3:00am commute across town.

This actually takes me back to the summer of my sophomore year of high school. It's catchy.

Summer+long road trips=Listening to "Nirvana: Unplugged" on a loop.

How can you not drop everything to dance to this song?

The first concert I ever attended was DCFC at Red Rocks (the summer of my sophomore year of college), so this takes me back.

A chill, shopping around a trendy downtown area song--am I right?!

Do any of my fellow millennials remember this?

This is also my fall, spring, and winter jam.

It's summertime; dancing days are most definitely here again.

What's on your summer jams list?

Friday Funnies

Time to get down on another Friday!

I hope that everyone had a fabulous week--mine has been uber fab (with the exception of yesterday when I was feeling a little under the weather.. I'll talk more about that next week)!

Annieway, lets get our laugh on!

See you on Monday!

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Pepperoni pizza rolls always take me back to my childhood; whenever our church had a fundraiser, it involved selling pre-made pepperoni bread (I'm guess Catholics just really love their pepperoni--I sure do!). My mom would always buy a couple premade loafs to heat up for a quick (and popular with the family) dinner.

If you are running short on time or have a picky eater on your hands, this is the recipe for you!

Anngredients:

• 2 tubes refrigerated pizza crust dough (don’t use thin crust)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce for dipping

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll one tube of pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with half of the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, pepperoni and cheeses.
3. Starting at a short end, roll dough tightly to form a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces.
4. Place rolls on lightly greased baking sheet. Repeat with second tube of pizza crust dough.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until browned on top. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Party, Party, I like to Party

The Frugal Girls,

Too Busy!

Once again, this week is cray-z so my posts will be sporadic.

On Saturday, Brandon and I graduate college--saying that we're excited would be the understatement of the year! We're so looking forward to celebrating with our families and friends; my family is coming down on Friday night and then Mamma Nancy will be here Saturday.

Good times ahead!

In the meantime, I'm working and finishing finals.

Bear with me friends; I'll be back soon! <3

Mother's Day Weekend Recap!

Sooo.. I'm getting this post written and posted later than usual because this weekend was very busy (and a lot of fun)!

Saturday was definitely the busiest day that I've had in a long time. I was up for work by 5:30 (too early!), covered the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (so inspiring!!), attended Abby girls graduation (YAY Abby!), feasted on delicious brats and cake at Abby's graduation party (yum!), drove to Mamma Nancy's and played with our niece and nephew (awe!). Whew! Very busy!

Terrible pic--but congrats Miss Abby!!

Baby Benjamin at the graduation party--way too cute!

Then on Sunday we slept in (Hallelujah!), played with our niece and nephew some more (double awe), visited with family (lots to talk about :D), shopped around the mall (my fave), took Mamma Nancy out for dinner (Italian food), drove back home, got the silent treatment from Bitsy, took a final and crashed!

Benny being as sweet as ever.

My guys: Benny and Uncle Brandon.

Eating graham crackers and watching "Ice Age."

My parents spent the day in Denver with their best friends--how cute are my mom and Auntie?!

Nana and Baby Sara at dinner.

Brandon, Mamma Nancy and Sara waiting for the rest of our group!

We had such a lovely weekend and I hope that yours was too! 

Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, aunts, friends, sisters, female role models, godmothers and mother figures out there! Thanks for all you do!

Rest In Peace, Old Friend

I always forget how painful it is to lose a pet.

Dogs are such a special part of our families; they teach us what love and forgiveness really is and how to be better people.

Shadow came to live with us in 2002, right after we moved to the country. He was just a puppy when we got him (an 8-month-old, 70 pound puppy) and my parents planned for him to be an outdoor dog who slept in the garage--this lasted a good 6 hours. Shadow had different plans and quickly moved into the house and into our hearts. 

Shadow was our friend, walking buddy, guardian, project and activity "overseer," and loyal and loving companion. Shadow was the first to greet you at the door and last to tell you goodbye. I will miss his company on our long, country walks in the summer and the booming sound of his tail whenever he'd get excited and start to wag it.

Shadow battled arthritis for several years, as most large dogs do. Over the last couple of months, his health began to decline; he had a hard time getting up, eating, moving--life was beginning to get tough. Yesterday, the veterinarian came to my parents house and he went peacefully in his bed. It gives my heart peace to know he left us in a painless way, surrounded by those he loved.

A friend reminded me of the poem "Rainbow Bridge"--reading it gave me (another) good cry and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Shadow last summer.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

10 Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

Sunday is Mother's Day!

This is the first year I won't be spending Mother's Day with my mom (we live in different states and it just didn't work out--but I get to celebrate with her next weekend!) but I do get to spend it with my fabulous MIL, Mamma Nancy!

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate mom by treating her like the queen she is--and what better way to do that than by making her a gourmet brunch? That's what Brandon and I plan to do for Mamma Nanc, so I have been looking up yummy recipes.

Here is my Top 10 List:

1.) Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Remember this amazing recipe? It's sinfully sweet and would pair great with sausage links and scrambled eggs.

(This recipe also lead to my first ever cooking video!)

2.) Brown Sugar French Toast

My favorite go-to brunch recipe; it's buttery, syrupy and totally yummy. Serve with fresh fruit. 

3.) Crockpot Breakfast Burritos

I am actually super proud of this recipe.. it's got everything: sausage, egg, black beans, tomatoes, peppers. Mmmmm. Just throw all of the ingredients in the crock pot the night before and assemble Sunday morning. 

4.) Prosecco Pear Puffs

No description needed for this deliciousness. 

5.) Brunch Bruschetta

This is such a light and healthy brunch--plus the presentation is gorgeous! 

6.) Currant Scones

If you know me, you know I LOVE anything tea related so I am all about these dainty scones. How perfect with these be with a little Earl Grey tea?

7.) Strawberry Pizza

Simple and elegant is my kind of recipe.

8.) Gluten Free Feta, Summer Fruit & Pistachio Pancakes 

Gluten free+pistachios+fruit=a lovely brunch.

9.) Nutella Buns

Umm, yes please.

10.) Cranberry Pomegranate Waffles

Because you can never go wrong with pomegranate. Or cranberries. Or waffles.

Hope this inspires you to whip up something special for your mamma this Sunday!

Party, Party, I like to Party

Southern Lovely, Stone Gable, The Frugal Girls,