Things I Love Thursday // 4.30.15

My Girls' Weekend in Boston ~ The best part was spending time with my girlfriend, talking, laughing, sleeping in, talking, exploring, talking… Other highlights included some amazing meals (O Ya was hands down my favorite of the trip; however Figs, Neptune Oyster, Bronwyn --and even our room service were all pretty fantastic!), a little sightseeing, shopping, and… (my next favorite thing).  The Laura Hooper Calligraphy Workshop ~ It lived up to all the expectations I had set. We were in an amazing space, surrounded by lovely things, sipping prosecco and nibbling treats while learning the basics of traditional calligraphy. Our instructor was very informative, helpful, encouraging,...

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Things I Love Thursday // 4.23.15

(Consider this the "Speaking of…" issue. It wasn't planned at first. Then I started writing and it started happening --so I just went with it. I don't know. Apparently, I'm in a mood.) Plenty of shampoo ~ Every once in awhile I'm struck by how fortunate I am, how beautiful my life is, how differently my kids are growing up than I did. I could go on and on. I'm most struck by this feeling sometimes, in a moment of clarity, when I realize that I don't have to add water to the end of the shampoo bottle to make it last a few more days until my paycheck comes. The life I've built with Mr. Jones exceeds any expectations I may have articulated to myself that go way beyond a full shampoo bottle...

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Recipe Review | Pork Tenderloin Medallions + Blistered Broccolini

This latest recipe came out of the May 2015 issue of Cooking Light magazine. The actual recipe calls for broccoli rabe which I could not find in my supermarket so I substituted broccolini. If you're interested in knowing the difference, look here.  I love making pork medallions because they are so easy to prepare, always stay juicy, and offer a great lean protein alternative (enough chicken already!). The whole family is fond of any roasted vegetable, making this meal a home run. Pork Tenderloin Medallions + Blistered Broccolini (via Cooking Light, May 2015 issue) ~ What you need: about 1 pound broccolini cooking spray 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin,...

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Spring Break 2015 | Exploring Washington, D.C.

We were so happy to have the opportunity to see Washington, D.C. over our spring break. Taking advantage of our new east coast address--we were even able to drive there. For me, this was a first visit. Greg had been once before (but not sightseeing) and obviously, the kids had never been. We felt like the girls were at a great age to enjoy the sights, put up with all the walking, and be interested in the history at every turn. We asked a lot of questions before we left, did some research online, and got in touch with our district Representative in the House for tips and tours. Unfortunately, our name did not come up in the White House Tour lottery--but we did get to see a lot of other amazing...

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Things I Love Thursday // 4.16.15

Having a decidedly enjoyable, entertaining, educational, and enlightening spring break trip to our nation's capital with these lovely people  Celebrating Easter so festively even though we were away from home ~ Nothing better than great company, excellent food, lovely weather, and lots of laughs.  The amazing bacon cheeseburger I had at Good Stuff Eatery in Washington, D.C. last week ~ I'm still thinking about this little gift from Top Chef Chicago contestant, Spike. Remember him?  Listening to an audiobook of The Hobbit on our roundtrip drive ~ I always enjoy listening to a good novel and The Hobbit was exceptional. Eight enthusiastic thumbs up from the Jones Crew. These...

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Things I Love Thursday // 4.2.15

Greg Jones ~ Not only because it's his birthday… but also for a thousand other reasons. To name a few: because he holds my hand, makes me coffee, cuddles me every morning during our "snooze-button intermission," texts me to say "hello," always kisses me hello and goodbye, is generous with the compliments (both in quality and quantity)… I could literally go on and on…  My Letter & Stone post earrings from Anthropologie ~ These magically appeared in my stocking at Christmas. (Thank you, Self. Does anyone else stuff their own stocking?) I've worn them at least once every week since then. They can be a little confusing for some folks--but that's fun too. Zofran ~ Honestly. It's...

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