A big day for BIRTHDAYS!

Two of my favorite people are celebrating the day of their birth today, Neil and Mariel! 

Happy Birthday Mariel!

Mariel and I on my wedding day

I met Mariel about 4 years ago after my 2nd date with VABeau.  She was (and still is) dating VABeau's college roommate and friend, Connor.  

Connor and Mariel

 We started out as 2 girls who happened to date guys who were friends.  But she quickly became someone I consider to be a very close friend.  We have shared some pretty wild and incredibly fun weekends with our boys.  

New Years 2009

Mariel and I have so much in common and I wish she lived closer so we could get together more often over a glass of wine.  She is such a blast to be around and is always the life of the party.  

Mariel and VABeau in HHI

While her and Connor live a decent distance away from us now, I know we have many more fun weekends and trips together to look forward to.  Besides, no matter what, we're all retiring in Charlottesville together if we don't make it there earlier, right?

Happy Birthday Neil!

Robert, VABeau, Neil

When VABeau moved to DC several years ago his best childhood friend, Robert (BobbyD, here's your shout out of the day!), introduced him to Neil.  

They clicked immediately and were roommates and have been friends ever since.  

Neil, VABeau, and I

Neil is one of VABeau's closest friends in DC.  He really values his friendship with Neil and so do I!  

 He and his wife, Elise, are like our DC family.  

Neil and Elise on their wedding day

Neil is not only so much fun, but he is also such a supportive friend who I know we can always count on.  He is so full of life and has an infectious love of life and all of it's possible adventures. 

Neil and I

It is such a blessing to have him and Elise only a few blocks away and we always look forward to spending time with them.  Neil has been such an amazing friend to us over the years and we are so thankful for him!

Neil and Mariel are both a part of two very special couples that we not only admire but also absolutely adore.  Happy Birthday to you both and I'm looking forward to celebrating with you both this weekend (I just got word that Mariel and Connor may be joining us in DC this weekend, yay!)

Mariel, Connor, VABeau, and I

Neil, Elise, VABeau, and I

Menu Monday

This weeks Menu Monday will be slightly different.  Last week's menu was amazing if I say so myself and even though I didn't have time to do a Menu Monday last week I still wanted to share our delicious meals and a few recipes from the week.  So here is a recap of last week's menu complete with reviews.

Monday

*Sauteed Arctic Char and Arugula Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

From the July 2010 issue of Cooking Light.  This recipe was incredible easy and really delicious.  In addition it was super healthy.  I'm horrible about making vegetables a big part of our meals but this was the first of several meals this week that are heavy on fresh vegetables.  Review: 7/10

Tuesday

*Shrimp Pesto Pizza

I finally did it!  After weeks of talking about making homemade pesto, I finally found a great recipe to motivate me and my basil plant just got out of control enough to warrant some major pruning.  The Shrimp Pesto Pizza recipe is from the April 2010 Southern Living and was absolutely amazing.  It is the perfect Summer pizza and I am already anxious to make it again.  Next time I plan to step up my game and attempt to make homemade dough versus using store bought.  Review 9/10 (only for the quality of the dough)

Recipe below!

*Homemade Pesto

I used a mix of several pesto recipes to come up with my ideal pesto.  It was delicious and best of all, we had leftovers to eat on the rest of the week.  It was relatively easy to make with the most time consuming part being my lack of familiarity with our food processor.  I really need to use it more often.  Review 8/10

Recipe below!

 Wednesday 

*Summer Vegetables and Sausage Pasta

One of my favorite Spring/Summer meals because it takes full advantage of all of the fresh vegetables available to us this time of year.  This meal was first introduced to us by our friends Connor and Mariel during a Hilton Head trip several years ago.  I will definitely share the recipe in the weeks to come as I'm sure it will show up in the menu again soon.  Review 7/10

Thursday

*Leftover Summer Vegetable Pasta

Friday

*Dinner out at Sushi Rock with Callie and Brennan

Saturday

*Grilled Burgers

*Salad

*Pesto Pasta Salad

Yet another use for the delicious pesto.  I tossed it with cooked farfalle pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pine nuts, and olive oil.  Review 7/10

Fresh Basil Pesto

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.  Bake pine nuts in a single layer in a shallow pan for 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant.   Let cool 5 minutes.  

Combine basil with pine nuts in a food processor.  Pulse a few times.  Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on (my processor had a tiny hole in the top that allowed the olive oil to slowly pour in for me, check for one on yours).  Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.  Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended.  Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Makes 1 cup!

Shrimp Pesto Pizza

•  1  pound  unpeeled, large raw shrimp
• 1  large yellow onion, chopped
• 1  red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  olive oil
• 1 1/2  pounds  bakery pizza dough
• All-purpose flour
• Plain yellow cornmeal
• 1/2  cup Pesto
• 3/4  cup  freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 Coat cold cooking grate of grill with cooking spray, and place on grill. Preheat grill to 350° (medium) heat. Peel shrimp, and slice in half lengthwise; devein, if desired.

Sauté onion, bell pepper, salt, and pepper in 1/2 tsp. hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat 5 minutes or until tender. Transfer onion mixture to a large bowl. Sauté shrimp in remaining 1 tsp. hot oil 3 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Add shrimp to onion mixture, and toss.

Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Lightly sprinkle flour on a large surface. Roll each portion into a 6-inch round (about 1/4-inch thick). Carefully transfer pizza dough rounds to a cutting board or baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.

Slide pizza dough rounds onto cooking grate of grill; spread Garden Pesto over rounds, and top with shrimp mixture. Sprinkle each with 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese.

Grill, covered with grill lid, 4 minutes. Rotate pizzas one-quarter turn, and grill, covered with grill lid, 5 to 6 more minutes or until pizza crusts are cooked. Serve immediately.

*I cut this recipe in half to accommodate my Pillsbury pizza dough so we made one large pizza.  We also did not grill the pizza but instead used a pizza stone in our oven which was preheated to 400.

Our pizza prior to entering the oven 

A visit from Brennan and cupcakes!

We had a great weekend spending time with this super cute couple

My brother and I are 3 years apart and it's so nice to both finally be in similar stages of our lives.  He recently graduated from Appalachian State University and has since entered the working world.  We don't get to see him very often so both VABeau and I look forward to his visits to DC.  Brennan's visit this past weekend was particularly special because he brought his beautiful girlfriend, Callie.  I love the fact that VABeau and my brother get along so well and genuinely enjoy their time together.  I have always longed for the same thing and finally have it, I love his girlfriend!  Callie fit in so well with all of us.  She is not only super cute, but tons of fun, easy going, and incredibly smart.  I'm already looking forward to the next time we can see them.  My only regret is that I did not get very many pictures from the weekend.

 After they arrived Friday afternoon we all headed out for drinks and dinner at a new sushi restaurant in our neighborhood-Sushi Rock (a sushi restaurant with a rock-and-roll twist.)  We sat outside on the patio where rock music was played non stop.  The rock theme even carried over to the food.  The specialty rolls were named after famous rock songs like "Satisfaction," "Paradise City," and more.  It was a great spot for a Friday night.  After dinner we stopped by a party at my old townhouse where we joined in on the dance party and flip cup tournament.  VAbeau was the champion of the tournament and even came home with a trophy.  It felt like college all over again!
Saturday, we watched USA lose their game against Ghana.  It was pretty disappointing.  But it was really fun to watch the game with Brennan who referees high school soccer games in his free time.  Even though I played for years, he has so much more soccer knowledge. After the game we grilled burgers and relaxed at home before heading out for a night out in Clarendon where we all discovered a love of arcade games at Spider Kelly's.

We finished the weekend with brunch in Georgetown and a stop at Georgetown Cupcake. I refuse to let visitors leave without tasting my favorite cupcakes!  I've mentioned my love of them before. 

 How ironic that one of Callie's friends who met us out Saturday night is currently working on the TLC reality show that features Georgetown Cupcake?  The show, DC Cupcakes, airs July 16th and this cupcake lover could not be more excited. 

 It stars the sisters/owners of Georgetown Cupcake and is about their shop and what goes into making over 5,000 cupcakes a day.  Definitely check it out and next time you're in DC, try one of their fabulous cupcakes!
I hope you all had a great weekend.

So Excited!

So excited for June 30th!

Eclipse was my favorite book in the Twilight series so I've really been looking forward to this movie.  I want to avoid the crowds of preteens so I will be waiting a few days to see it but am counting down the days anyways.

Another reason to be excited, my baby brother and his girlfriend Callie are visiting us this weekend!  We always look forward to spending time with Brennan.  It will definitely be a fun filled weekend despite the fact that he will probably give me hell for not only referring to him as my "baby" brother but for also including him in a post about Twilight.

I got a MAKEOVER!

I am so incredibly excited to announce my new blog design.  All of the credit goes to Jenn at Munchkin Land Designs.  She is absolutely incredible!  If you are in the market for a new design, definitely check it out!  She was so easy to work with and understood my vision for the design before I even did.  I can't wait to hear what y'all think of the new design!  If you're reading in Google Reader, click here to check it out!  So...what do you think?!?

Our Weekend in Pictures

Friday:  Date night at the Nationals baseball game

We have both been working so much lately that a fun date night was definitely overdue.  VABeau did not disappoint.  He did his research and got amazing seats for a night that Strasburg was pitching.  We got to the stadium early for happy hour and live music on the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk.  While we normally would be appalled by $5 beers for a happy hour, they definitely beat the $8 ones that appeared once the game started.  We had a great night at the game and weren't the only ones.  The secret service were out in full force at the stadium so that Obama could see his beloved White Socks.  While I did not get a glipse of our current president, I got to catch up with some from the past... 

Abe and I.  I made it my mission to get pictures with as many presidents as possible. 

Our favorite-TJ!

When they announced the Starting 9 a little league team from Arlington ran out on the field and took their positions.  It was the cutest thing!  You know it was just the most exciting moment for them.  This picture is when the actual starting 9 joined the boys at their positions.

It was incredible getting to see this guy pitch.  He has finally given us a much needed defense.  Now if only we could score some runs...

I had so much fun with this guy :)

VABeau's company built the amazing stadium so we're pretty proud of it.

Of course we found an after party!  The hope is that the area around the stadium will eventually resemble a Wrigleyville of sorts.  While construction of bars and restaurants is starting, they have makeshift outdoor bar right outside of the stadium entrance.  I climbed up on the railing of the "bar" for some serious people watching as the hoards made their way to the metro.

Saturday:  Kristin and Ryan's Engagement Party

K and R got engaged last Fall and are planning a fabulous October wedding on Kiawah Island.  Several of their friends rented out part of Restaurant 3 in Clarendon for an engagement party for the couple.  VABeau and I were very excited to celebrate our friends and their upcoming marriage all while enjoying one of our favorite local restaurants.

The girls of 1101 past and present.  I lived with Kristin in a town house before moving in with VABeau.  It was a great house and has been home to several amazing women who are pictured here.

With the lovely engaged couple

My favorite drinking buddy since 1st year of college.  So happy she's back in DC where she belongs.

Kristin with the boys-VABeau and Mike

The open bar and crab dip was incredible.  Needless to say, an open bar starting at 4pm led to a pretty wild after party.  We all had a blast from what we remember....It was so nice getting to celebrate one of our favorite couples with all of their friends.

We had a great weekend but between the baseball games, engagement parties, and beer pong tournaments, our adult responsibilities were put on hold.  I am currently paying the price for the fun-filled weekend with the biggest pile of laundry I have ever seen and an insanely long to-do list.  Back to reality!

-VABelle

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dads out there especially to this amazing man, my dad!

I am so lucky to have such a supportive and incredible father.  He has been there for me since day one.  He never missed a soccer game, dance recital, swim meet, or tennis match.  He wins best dad ever just for sitting through those 4 hour dance recitals each year.  He always made time for us and made his children his priority.  Even after long days at work he took the time to sit down and help us with our homework.  I would not have survived pre-algebra without him!

He loved exposing us to all types of things.  Being from Southern VA, baseball and softball were the sports to play but my brother and I loved soccer.  Unfortunately, there weren't many opportunities to play competitive soccer until my dad took it upon himself to ensure that we got to play the game that we loved.  He even served as commissioner of our local soccer league for several years.  He also paid to send us to soccer camp each and every Summer.  He made sure we never missed out on any opportunity.

He is one of the most selfless people I know.  He always put mine and my brother's needs over his own.  Growing up in a small town my dad ensured we were still exposed to as many things and places as possible.  He planned trips to New York, DC, camping trips, ski trips, and sent us to camp each Summer.  We were incredibly spoiled by him.  He has and still does work so hard to give us the world.

So it comes as no surprise that I have always been a Daddy's girl.  I look up to and admire him so much.  In my eyes he can do no wrong.  They say that depending on a girls relationship with her father, she either looks for characteristics of her father in the men she dates or avoids guys anything like her dad.  I cannot deny the fact that VABeau shares so many of my dads best qualities, so I am definitely the girl who subconsciously found some of her father's best attributes in her husband.

In closing, Happy Father's Day to the best dad I know!  You have no idea how much you mean to me!
-VABelle

Current Beauty Obsessions

In my recent quest to do a better job of taking care of my skin, hair, etc, I have found some pretty amazing products that I can't wait to share:

Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Body Lotion

Working nights has severely cut into my time in the Summer sun.  I refuse to give up my Summer tan and am anti-tanning beds (no death wish here!) so I love the subtle glow Jergens daily moisturizer gives me.  I put it on everyday after my shower and it helps me look less like the pasty nocturnal nurse that I am.

 Body Glide for Her

Best $9 I ever spent!  If you're a runner and don't already own a stick of this, run don't walk, to your nearest athletic store!  It is a lifesaver!  I especially appreciated my Body Glide this past Saturday when I forgot to apply it before my 10K race.  OUUUCH!  While I wear wicking running clothes and non-cotton sports bras, chafing is an inevitable part of running for me.  Yes I just said "chafing," gross.  This stuff is a miracle worker and you can use it anywhere.  I use it mostly for my bra straps and it's a must for longer runs.  It's non-greasy and pretty much amazing!

Neutrogena Total Skin Renewal Starter Kit

A much needed affordable version of Clarisonic.  It feels like a mini facial every time I use it.  One use and I officially removed my usual face scrub from my beauty regimen.  I use the skin renewal kit 3 times a week and love love love how smooth my skin feels after it.  At $23 it's the cheapest facial I have ever had!  If you haven't splurged on the Clarisonic yet, definitely try this much cheaper version.

Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Mask

My hair is currently the longest it has ever been and I'm loving it!  But I don't love how much more prone it is to damage with each additional inch of growth.  Since I plan to keep my hair this long for awhile, I realize I need to start doing a better job of taking care of it.  During my last Kiehl's trip I got a sample of this hair mask.  I used it once and was hooked!  I immediately ordered the whole tub.  It is applied and left on for 3-5 minutes once a week after shampooing.  My hair feels so much softer after each use which is desperately needed for my naturally dry curly hair.  The mask is great for dehydrated, damaged hair and helps prevents future damage.  Perfect for Summer 

What are your current beauty obsessions?
-VABelle

Banana Republic Summer Staples

 I love Banana Republic for so many reasons.  It's great for classic and staple pieces, my favorite T-shirts are from BR, and most importantly, the constant sales and promotions like this one that ends tonight

Now for some of my favorite Summer BR staples right now

Sleeveless Lux Tank

It fits perfectly and I love the satin trim at the neckline. It really dresses up this tank. 

Short Sleeve Lux Tee

I loved the tank so much I had to get the tee too.

Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap

So classic and perfect!

Silk Embroidered Top

Obsessed with this bright blue

3/4 Sleeve Safari Shirt

My favorite BR item right now.  I am loving the safari shirts this season and BR definitely got theirs right.  It looks great with shorts, skirts, and white jeans.  In addition, the light weight cotton is perfect for Summer heat.

Leather Woven Belt

I have been searching everywhere for the perfect, versatile, brown belt and found it at BR.

What do you think?  Any BR favorites?

-VABelle