John's Birthday

Last night was John's quarter century birthday.  He is finally 25 can now enjoy the perks such as a deduction on car insurance, no longer being able to check the 21-24 box on surveys, and telling people he is in his early 20's.  However he didn't seem to be as worried about being on the closer side to 30 as I was.  We already had our blowout birthday bash last Friday so we thought we would have a low key night and just enjoy the day.

We decided to celebrating this special day in the only way we know how, eating and drinking.  In all seriousness though we had a wonderful dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Houston, Paulie's. Paulie's is an Italian restaurant with great pasta, wine, and excellent coffee.  We were looking for something more casual so Paulie's was the perfect place.  The food and service were great but the best part was the wine.

We had a bottle of Opera 2 Lambrusco di Modena.  We have been looking for a good Lambrusco and I am glad that we finally found one to satisfy our craving for something refreshing for summer but not to sweet.  Lambrusco has become our new go to summer wine.  If you are looking for a refreshing drink to serve at your next summer party or are just planning a relaxing night at home after a hot Houston day, I would reach for a bottle of Lambrusco and enjoy.  

For everyone else that has an upcoming birthday in Houston and is looking for a place to go I suggest you head over to Paulie's for some good pasta and a great glass (or bottle) of what could be your new favorite wine.

Lambrusco di Modena	The Paulie's menu
The birthday boy

Monday Musts - Sunbathing

This weekend the weather made the dreaded turn from warm and enjoyable to hot, humid and unbearable.  Summer has officially arrived in the city of Houston.  I have however been taking full advantage of my last week before my new job commences by sunbathing on our apartments rooftop.  I figure once I am in an office 8-5 my tan will be non-existent so I better take full advantage while I can.  In order to make your tanning session the most enjoyable there are a few Must Haves that I recommend.  These are the five things that I think every sun soaked afternoon requires.  I hope that you find some time to enjoy the Houston sunshine as well.

{The first to remember is Sun Screen.  You want to get tan, not burned.}

{The best reading material is a stack of fresh magazines.  My choices include Lucky, Houstonia, and InStyle.}

{Music and Water are two other must haves.  I prefer a very large bottle as I
tend to get dehydrated in the sun.  For music I use this Bose portable speaker with IPhone dock.}

{The last Must Have for soaking up the rays is a nice view.  I am lucky that our patio has one of the
best views in the city.  A great view, however, does not need to be this extreme.
I recommend picking a spot that looks at flowers or a park, get creative.}

I'm Back

Hello again friends, family, and followers.  I know that I have been very absent for a very long time but don't fear I have returned to the world of blogging.  I have had a lot of things happen since the last time that I wrote.  I got a new job... and another new job.  I am very excited as soon I will be working in an actual public accounting firms with real professionals.  I don't officially start for a couple of weeks so I have been filling my time looking up fun new recipes, planning a memorial weekend beach party, and doing a lot of Pintrest work.  I will be back to posting regularly so be sure to check in with me each day.  I am excited to share new outfit ideas, restaurant reviews and general things that make me happy.

As spring is in full swing and the weather hasn't reached a boiling point in Houston yet I have been enjoying the fresh breezes coming into the house.  One of my favorite parts about the springtime is the great selection of fresh flowers that are available.  My favorite way to decorate my home, for a party and anything really is to buy fresh flowers and place them everywhere.  The scent, color and life that they bring to a space can not be recreated by anything else.  My local grocery store has Roses on sale every Tuesday for $1 each, however I was ever more surprised today when I walked in to find that they were having an after Mother's Day sale on my favorite flowers, Peonies.  I picked out a gorgeous bouquet and had the flower department strip the roses and wrap them up beautifully for me.  Once I got them home they fit perfectly in my large vase that I simply tied the raffia around to give it a little more style.  The best part about this million dollar looking bouquet is the price, $13.

I hope that you have all been enjoying your spring so far and hope that you will continue to check back daily and let me know what's going on in your life too.  If there is anything specific that you would like to see on the blog let me know and I will try to accommodate.  Talk to you all tomorrow.

{The vase is from Crate & Barrel, a similar one can be found here}