Five on Friday, Gift Ideas for College Students

Happy Friday! Today I am traveling to WVU to help my little brother move into his freshman dorm. I am really excited for him and kind of nervous (and I'm not even the one going off to college!). I know how it felt when my parents dropped me off 4 hours away from home for the first time- I was completely alone. To help James adjust I got him a few gift cards to food joints near his dorm. I thought that maybe when he got tired of eating off his food plan, a meal from buffalo wild wings might make him feel better and remind him of home :)

In lieu of today's happenings I am posting 5 gift ideas for college students.

1. The Naked Roommate oh my gosh how funny does this cover look? I remember some of the roommate issues I had throughout college, maybe this book would have given me a laugh along the way and a reminder that I'm not the only one with roommate troubles!

2.Water bottle with storage I absolutely love this gift idea and it's perfect for a college student. Who doesn't need hydration throughout a long school day? AND you can put money, id, and room key in the storage compartment!!! 

3. College Cookbook what college student isn't on a budget? This cookbook teaches you how to make meals for UNDER $5!!!

4. Coffee Mug because you know they are going to live off of coffee during finals week- Might as well get them a festive mug for whichever school they attend :)

5. Bath Caddy if you want to get them something essential, you can't go wrong with a bath caddy filled with goodies that they'll need. The caddy can be re-used as storage for almost anything. I think I even ended up using mine for desk storage. Pens, highlighters, and staples filled that baby up!

Joining two link ups today...

XoXo

Baltimore's Adoptable Dogs, August 2014

Betty adoptable through Baltimore Bully Crew

Located in Baltimore, MD. This is Betty. She is 3 years old. She gets along with other dogs and was not too interested in cats. She is a mild mannered pup with low to medium energy. She enjoys watching the world. Betty knows sit, down, stay and come and loves training. She is a super smart cookie. She LOVES her Kong Wubba and will romp with it and then when done just plop down and snuggle it. Contact Baltimore Bully Crew to adopt or foster Betty today.

Zeke adoptable through Bella's Bully Buddies

Hi!  I'm Zeke. 

I'm 2 years old and around 60lbs.  If you like snuggling, I'm your guy.  I could snuggle with humans for hours and hours.  I'm a pretty low maintenance kind of guy.  I like to go for a walk or do yard zoomies once or twice a day, but most of the time I just want to snuggle.  I am crate trained, potty trained and I love to go for car rides.  I love playing with other dogs my size and I have a pretty rambunctious doggy play style.  I am doing great with my basic obedience training.  My foster can’t get over how smart I am!  I know how to sit, lay down, stay and leave it!  I have great potential to be trained even further!  I currently live with an elderly cat.  I keep trying to run up to him to say hi, but he always runs away from me.  I don't know what his problem is, but my foster thinks I would probably do best in a house with no cats or a very dog savvy cat.  I would happily live with a dog of equal size and play style, but I would also be very happy to be your only pup.  I will gladly entertain you on my own!  I can be a little goofy sometimes, throwing my toys in the air (we both know the cat won’t do it!) and then I pounce on them! It makes everyone laugh. I bet I could make you laugh too, just give me the chance!

If you would like to learn more about me:

Check out our website at www.bellasbullybuddies.orgTo adopt me click here to fill out an application:http://bellasbullybuddies.org/bbb-webapp/adoptionApplication/indexDon't forget to follow Bella's Bully Buddies on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/BellasBullyBuddies and come to our next adoption event!

Justine (she has the same name as me!!!) adoptable through BARCS foster program

Hey everyone, my name is Justine! I'm almost 2 years old. I have been with my foster family for a few months now because when I first got there, I was pretty nervous. It definitely takes me a little while to get out of my shell but through the help of my foster siblings, Pacer and Roxy, I have made great strides. I definitely need to be in a house with another dog(s). I love having someone to play with and I also feel more comfortable with humans when I see how much other dogs love them. I need a family who will be patient with me while I get used to everything new but I promise, once I am comfortable, you will get some love from me! When it comes to 4 legged friends, I love them all but when it comes to 2 legged friends, I tend to feel more at ease with the ladies. I have been happy at my foster house but I'm so ready to have a home that can be my forever. I hope you'll give me a chance to be a part of your family. I'm polite, crate trained and up to date on my shots...what more could you ask for?! 

Justine is currently living in a foster home. Please email foster@baltimoreanimalshelter.org to arrange a meeting.

Can't adopt but want to help spread the word about them? Pin to Pinterest or Share on Facebook!

XoXo

Wedding Wednesday, Bachelor Party Care Package

Jon's Bachelor Party was last weekend- Him and all of his friends spent 3 days in Ocean City, Maryland. I truly missed him so much but wanted him to have the time of his life! So I decided to make him a little "Bachelor Party Care Package".

I saw a similar idea on one of my favorite blogs, It's The New Twenty. Michelle recently got married and she did a post about the care package she made for her husband (See post here). How cool are those Hangover Recovery Shots? I couldn't find them anywhere and GNC was sold out of them online! Bummer :( But here's what I DID get:

1. 25 personalized koozies that say "Jon's Wolfpack"- I ordered them from Discount Mugs and was very happy with how they turned out! (Um how funny are these? I ordered more than enough so that each guy would have one for the weekend and I figured if there were any left over we could have them at the house for the next get together)

2. Snacks: Various chips, popcorn, and beef jerky (For late night munchies)

3. Deck of cards (In case they want to strike up a game of poker) 

4. Plastic shot glasses (Because I knew they wouldn't remember to bring shot glasses and who likes drinking from a bottle with 15 other people? Scratch that. Guys totally don't care about that kind of stuff lol)

5. Fireball and cigars (I knew they would have plenty of alcohol but I sent this little bottle because I thought it would be perfect for on-the-go. You know like stuff it in your pocket and walk to the beach/boardwalk kind of thing)

6. Tylenol and Burt's Bees chapstick (You know- the essentials)

7. The Hangover DVD (Not that I thought they would actually have time to watch the movie. I just threw it in there for fun)

I got a cute little card and wrote a personal message (not pictured) to Jon explaining to him how much I love him and how much I really want him to have THE BEST bachelor party EVER. I wrapped the box in some cheesy gold wrapping paper that I had laying around the house. Then I dropped it off at Jon's sister's house on my way to work one morning- her husband gave it to Jon when they got to the beach. 

I was so proud of myself for successfully surprising him. Ladies- if your man and his friends are anything like my man and his friends, than they are terrible planners (sorry guys but it's true!) I knew my girls were putting a lot into my bachelorette party and I wanted Jon's to be just as special. He loved everything and I'm pretty sure I officially get "best new wifey" status ;) So girls I say we make "Bachelor Party Care Package's" the new thing... you know kind of how "Gender Reveal Party's" have taken over this generation... What do ya think!?

Want to remember this idea for the future? Pin it to Pinterest!

XoXo

Recipe, Pimento Cheese

I've seen pimento cheese recipes floating around the internet (Pinterest) for awhile and I knew I would have to try making it myself. I LOVE cheese so I figured why the heck not? Turns out I absolutely love it. Pimento cheese can be served 3 ways:

Warm- baked with bread

Room temperature- as a dip with veggies

Cold- as a spread on crackers

Here's what you'll need:

1. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2. 8 ounces of cream cheese

3. 1/2 cup mayonnaise

4. 1 4 oz. jar of diced pimentos

5. 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

6. garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste

What to do:

1. Place all ingredients in a mixer and beat at medium speed with a paddle if possible. Serve how you like it!

XoXo

Weekend Recap

Good morning!!! This weekend was Jon's Bachelor Party at the beach... I can't wait to share the little surprise I put together for him... check back here on Wednesday!

Friday after work I stopped at Lowes for some plants to spruce up my backyard. I got 2 large plants, a hanging flower plant, a succulent, and another gorgeous pot of flowers for under $40!!!

Folding Chaise

Southern Mills Tray

Hose Reel

Wicker Screen, Outdoor Rug

Saturday morning I ran lots of errands, got my nails done, and made it back home for lunch outside with the boys. How cute are they?

Lantern String Light, Sea Turtle Outdoor Canvas

My sister and I attended Jon's cousins bridal Shower Saturday evening. It was at Ruggles Golf Course and everything was absolutely beautiful (especially the bride to be!)

Just take a look at the cake, favors, and punch- gorgeous!

Sunday morning my sister and I worked on favors for my wedding (sorry I can't share pictures quite yet!), snacked on some yummy food we made the night before, and relaxed with face masks- you know, your typical girls weekend.

Facial Masque

Then we had a little cook out at my moms house to celebrate my brother going off to college this Friday. He's headed to WVU and I'm so excited to be able to help him move in just like I did with my sister her freshman year!

Hope you all had a great weekend and here's to hoping this week goes by fast

XoXo

Five on Friday

1. We simply can not get enough crabs this summer!!! They are definitely our weakness lately.

Koozie

2. Loving this outdoor rug that I got for our back porch. Originally $152 but I got it for $45 using coupon code SUM70. It's time that I start working on my back yard so this will definitely kick start some design ideas!

3. I'm thinking this bistro set will look nice with the rug?

4. Jon leaves for his bachelor party in Ocean City today. This morning Corrado decided that maybe if he laid on top of Jon's bag, he wouldn't leave ;)

5. How cute is my Harley boy? I just love him so

Joining two link ups today...

XoXo