Go-To Summer Dress

It had been awhile since I visited F21, but since I was in the area I decided to take a look through the 2-story Galleria location on Saturday. And I am glad I did! I found my new go-to summer dress...nothing fancy, just a comfy cotton maxi dress that you can totally make your own with a fun belt or necklace. Better yet, it was only $10! They have it in olive (which is the color I got), black, and coral. I think I might go back next weekend to complete my collection :)

The Countdown is On...

Just 3 days and a wake-up before us "kids" will all be together in Chicago for the long weekend! And I can hardly wait! It has been 4 months since we have all been together, so this is a much anticipated trip. I feel so lucky to have such amazing sisters and brother-in-laws that make family feel more like best friends :)

Here are a few of my favorite photos from past weekends together...

While this photo doesn't include Eric, it is one of my favorite photos from a weekend in FL, which I believe was back in 2008! And it's worth noting that we got this photo only on the 2nd try! 

Everyone came to Dallas for a long weekend, including a quick overnight trip up to the Mann family lake house on Texoma!

Christmas 2010 - Our entire family, including 90 year old Grandma Alice!

Thanks to Mom's yearly Christmas tradition, our matching PJs were the perfect outfit to reinact one of the Reimer's Christmas cards - ha!

The guys got jealous, so decided to do their own pose - ha!

Our annual trip to FL to celebrate Mom & Eric's bday and usually the Super Bowl!

Hot tub time in FL after a few too many cocktails! We were supposed to make Carson's "surprise face"...not sure Eric got the memo :)

A Weekend at Home

It was so nice to just spend a weekend in town with no plans. We just "played it by ear", as Jer would say. And it was great!

Friday night consisted of an impromptu date night, walking to our most favorite tex-mex restaurant in Dallas - Chuys! We enjoyed chips & salsa with jalapeno ranch, burritos and tacos, and of course Modelo Negros for Jer and frozen margaritas for me. On our walk home, we decided to take a detour to grab a bottle of wine, which we enjoyed watching one of our favorite movies - It's Complicated (don't judge - ha!).

Saturday, Jer headed out for a round of golf which was the perfect opportunity for me to get some much needed errands done, including doing some belated bday shopping for my sister Jen before we celebrate her bday in Chicago NEXT WEEKEND! I then spent the rest of the afternoon sitting out on our patio enjoying the sunny and 75 degree weather and catching up on my latest Us Weekly. My perfect type of day.

In prep for our dinner guests (Jer's sister Jenn and her boyfriend Jacob), I found it appropriate to pick up some of my favorite fresh flowers...tulips! I thought the color was the perfect compliment to the gorgeous Spring day...plus, they were on sale for only $5!

After we indulged in Jer's famous turkey burgers, we headed down to a new bar located right on the Katy Trail (which is a walking/running/biking path that our house backs up to). This is my new favorite spot. Their beer garden like "patio" filled with long picnic tables, Baggo, colorful lights, and retro patio furniture automatically takes you to a happy place. I have a feeling we will be going back to this place a lot!

Sunday included a belated Mother's day brunch with the Mann family - Jeff & Jody, Jenn & Jacob, Josh, Jer & me. Sad how I am the ONLY one who's first name doesn't start with a "J" - ha! We enjoyed bottomless mimosas & bloody marys and everything from eggs benedict to challah french toast to omelets. We laughed a LOT and ended up getting quite tipsy. Jody was a happy Momma!

All in all, it was a great weekend. Looking forward to another "play it by ear" kind of weekend :)

The Future Mr. & Mrs. Dewey

I couldn't have been MORE excited when I got a call from Matt & Jenny last night to tell me the fantastic news...they are engaged!!!!!!!!

Matt & Jenny have been dating since our sophomore year at Arizona, have lived the fabulous life together in NYC, and now reside in our nation's capitol with their adorable puppy Wilbur. Jeremy and I were lucky enough to spend a few days with them last October when we took a trip out to the East coast. The photo montage below from a night out in D.C. pretty much sums up this fun-loving, always up for a good time couple!

Jenny & Matt, we could not be happier for you two! I honestly feel like you were made for each other! We love you!!

His & Her Tacos

After a fantastic weekend in Arizona celebrating the newly married Ryan & Heidi Holmes, an easy home-cooked dinner was just what we needed.

In honor of a belated Cinco de Mayo celebration, I cooked one of our favorites - his & her tacos - his on tortillas and hers over lettuce. The key ingredients are lined up on the kitchen counter in a true taco bar style, and include ground turkey taco meat, black beans, homemade guacamole, low-fat shredded cheese jalapenos, & greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Absolutely delish and somewhat healthy :)

And of course, dinner @ home wouldn't be the same if it wasn't eaten on the couch in front of a much anticipated DVR line-up, starting with the new HBO series, Game of Thrones.

To the Desert We Go!

I could not be more excited for the weekend ahead!  At 4pm today, Jer and I will board a plane to sunny Arizona to celebrate the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Ryan & Heidi Holmes! Heidi and I have known each other since middle school and have remained very close friends since. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I am thrilled to be one in her's this weekend. 

Before the wedding festivities commence, we will kick off the weekend with the Bockting's and soon-to-be McKinney's. Teri knows me all to well and promised we could start the night out with wine & amazing food at one of their favorite local restaurants - Postino. I can already taste the bruschetta. The post-dinner plans include hanging out at Teri & Danny's "new" house (I still call it new bc I have never been there - ha!), playing board games and catching up. Sounds like the perfect night. 

Friday morning will truly kick off the wedding weekend with a bridal luncheon & a prenuptial men's golf tourney! The rest of the day will include an afternoon of sun at the hotel pool, rehearsal dinner at the Rovick's country club, followed by cocktails & dancing at Greasewood Flats. 

The big day will take place at the gorgeous Silverleaf Club in Scottsdale. With every detailed planned down to the minute, the wedding will be nothing short of perfect. And without a doubt, Heidi will be an absolutely stunning and classy bride. 

So here's to Heidi & Ryan - we cannot wait to celebrate with you this weekend!

2 Years

Today, Jer and I are celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary! I can't believe 2 years has gone by. It feels like just yesterday we were in Naples, FL celebrating with our family & closest friends.

As I look back on our wedding day (well, actually the entire weekend!) I wouldn't change one thing. And I feel truly blessed to be able to say that.

Below are some of my favorite pictures taken by my brother-in-law David Zaugh! Check out more of David's amazing work HERE

I love my Dad's expression here, as he hands me off to Jeremy

Overhead view of our ceremony (compliments of a guest staying at La Playa)

 The expression on my Mom & Dad's faces say it all!