Sunday, April 29, 2012

Instagram Photo-dump #3

My week - via Instagram {week #3}
 1. YAY for Administrative Assistant WEEK!!
{Flowers and the BEST mint brownies around! I was spoiled!}
2. My daily green tea in my fave giraffe mug.

 3. Interesting balloon that flew into our yard...
Hopefully they can find the happiness they are looking for!
4. Puppies after their surgery - they needed {and received}
LOTS of love from daddy and momma!
 5. KING of his garden!
{And some major eye candy getting me through my share of the yard work!}
6. How I spend my lunches every single day... playing outside with my boys!
I LOVE IT!!
 7. Look who Michael ran into at the mall! Little Miss ADORABLE Morgan!!
8. Cheesecake Factory with Michael and his darling cousin, Brodi!
9. First of many Summer BBQ's with the Hahn's!
Such a beautiful and FUN night with our GREAT friends!!
And Chef Miguel served DELICIOUS Flat Bread pizza! YUMMY!

Still absolutely LOVING Instagram!!
I would LOVE to follow YOU!!
Leave your username, OR follow me @lauraburtis05... and I will follow you back!

Friday, April 27, 2012

{FIXED.}

 These adorable little boys are getting fixed today, poor guys :(
We dropped them off this morning and it was seriously the saddest thing!
I have honestly had butterflies in my stomach every time I've thought about it this week!
I don't know how I'm going to focus at work today!
Cannot wait till we get to pick them up,
and get to give them lots of love to help them feel better!!
 {Johnny}

These sweet boys have brought so much joy into our lives!
Just look at those faces, how could they not?!
 {Cash}

We have officially become "THOSE" type of pet people...
The kind where the puppies are 75%
...okay...
maybe 80% of what we talk to each other about.
{Remember how Michael asked me what we are going to dress them up as for
Halloween and it's not even May yet?! HAHA!!}
The kind where we make plans to stay home on Friday nights so we can just love on them.
The kind where when the neighbor kids lean over the fence to tease them and squirt them with squirt guns really PISSES us off.
And we talk about putting push pins on the fence so they can't tease our little boys!
The kind where getting up at 3am to let them outside, really isn't putting us out - especially because we get big kisses both when they come out and go in their crates!
Oh yes, and finally, the kind where puppy kisses are totally accepted, and it's not gross at all :)

Hopefully the day flies by... and they won't be too mad at us when we pick them up!
Looking forward to a weekend filled with lots of cuddles with our precious boys!



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

w-I-w-w

*WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY*
This weekend, I got some sun!
YAY for it FINALLY warming up in SLC!!
We worked and played in the yard - it was FABULOUS!

This is one of my favorite skirts, it's so comfy and versatile!!
{Pretty sure it should be a bit higher on the leg for the normal gal,
but I have very short legs, so it's almost a maxi for me!! HA!}
And these heels... oh these heels!
I could seriously walk miles in them!
They are my most comfortable heel, and super cute too!

{Heels: Fossil/ Skirt: Koo de Ker/ Top and necklace: Target}

This is what I wore to our 2 Weddings on Saturday night -
 it was over 80 degrees and GORGEOUS!
I got this dress in my Easter basket, and I'm smitten!
 I'm loving the A-Line dresses/skirts this Spring!

{Wedges: Nordy's/ Dress & jewelry: Target/ Belt: F21}

This outfit made me feel so Springy!!
I would have never put it together myself,
But I was inspired by this post on Kendi Everyday {LOVE her!}

{Shoes and Cardi: Target/ Pants: F21/ Blouse: Old Navy}

As always, I'm LINKING-UP with these LOVELY ladies:
Momma go Round for Real Momma, Real Style,
Rolled up Pretty for Whatever, Whenever Wednesday and
The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Sunday, April 22, 2012

{Instagram Photodump #2}

Time for Instagram Photodump #2:
{Whole lotta puppies and randomness this week!!}
1. Cash all tuckered out from playing outside (Thus the grass :)),
 cuddling with his sock monkey.
2. LOVE getting my Birchbox in the mail every month!
{The Taylor Swift perfume is delish, and I adore that color of nail polish!}

 3. New haircut for the boys... we are getting used to it now - but sure missed their fluffiness at first!
{Johnny's ears are my fave!}
4. Diet Snapple Peach Tea - YUM!

 5. What I accidentally ordered and arrived in the mail! {LOVE, and SO comfy too!!}
6. Saturday morning nap while keeping mommas toes warm.

7. At the first of 2 of Michael's friend's weddings!

I may just be slightly addicted to Instagram - loving this game!!
I'd love to follow YOU!
Leave me your user name or follow me @lauraburtis05 and I will follow you back :)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

W.i.w.W.

Happy Wednesday!!
So... Let's have a little chat...
I love doing these Wednesday, What I Wore posts,
{Especially because it really helps me plan out what I'm going to wear!}
BUT - I hate that I always have to do these lame self-portraits!
Unfortunately, my hubby leaves about 2 hrs before me in the morning,
and usually doesn't get home until after I'm in my comfy clothes.
{That is if he isn't working out of town}
So this is really my only option!
Although, I did ask for a remote and tripod for my Birthday {FINGERS CROSSED :)}
So, hopefully I can have better quality pictures soon!

Anywho... I only took pictures of 1 outfit this week:
Like I said in a previous post - I am totally loving polka-dots right now!
I found this adorable top at a new store (to Utah) at City Creek this past weekend and I'm in love!
And how cute is this red little bow belt?! Love it!
{Top & Bow belt: Love Culture/ Skirt: Express/ Tights: Nordy's Rack/ Booties: Nordy's}

As always, I'm LINKING-UP with these LOVELY ladies:
Momma go Round for Real Momma, Real Style
Rolled up Pretty for Whatever, Whenever Wednesday and
The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Sunday, April 15, 2012

{Instagram Photo Dump}

I was so excited when they FINALLY gave Instagram to us Android users!
I have always loved seeing all the posts of Instagram photos on blogs...
And I'm so excited that I get to play now too!!
Here is my very first Instagram Photo Dump:
1. Daddy having a heart to heart with Johnny.
2. My growing pups! They have officially doubled in size!
{Remember THIS post introducing them??}

3. Cash checking out what the Easter Bunny brought him and his brother.
4. Easter egg hunt with my adorable niece, Ellie!

5. Beautiful walk with my 3 favorite boys
6. My new FAVE snack - carrots and hummus

7. Gift from one of my Agents that just returned from China.
8. Little Sister, Tracie's dance concert at USU - she rocked it!!
{Older sister Kat, younger sister Trace and me :) }

9. Puppies learning "Sit" with popcorn as their reward {they LOVE it!!}
10. Hubby's new Men's Health w/ Mr. Efron on the cover.
{CANNOT wait for The Lucky One!!}

I'm completely loving Instagram and I'd love to follow you!
Leave me your username or Follow me @lauraburtis05 and I'll follow you back :)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

{WiWW - Spring-ish Edition}

Time again for...
*What I Wore Wednesday*

This week in good ole' SLC has been GORGEOUS!
It's started to really warm up! The pups and I are seriously LOVING so much!

This is definitely my fave outfit I've worn this week...
This Red-ish Chambray is the newest addition to my closet...
I can definitely see myself rocking it all Spring & Summer long!
{YAY for Old Navy cash!!!}
 {Chambray top: Old Navy/ Belt: F21/ Peep toe ballet flats: Target/ White pants: Macy's}

This next outfit was from a combination of inspiration...
One of my besties, Jenna - pinned this picture from the fabulous The Daybook
Then she sent me this picture of the way she re-created it! SO dang cute J!

 And since we have MANY of the same items in our wardrobe...
I knew I needed to give it a shot...
I didn't LOVE the way my outfit turned out...
I tried on this skirt in a small, and it was just a tad too tight on the buttocks area...
{BABY GOT BACK!!}
So I decided to size up to a Medium... but it's prob a tad too big,
So I'm hoping it will shrink when I was it :)
                    
 {Yellow Cardi, Maxi Skirt & "Gladiator" Sandals: Target/ Striped shirt: H&M/ Belt: F21}

I'm currently obsessing over these HOT-PINK pants!
LOVE THEM!!
This outfit was a complete breeze to throw together and super comfy too!

{Pink Pants: Macy's/ Leopard Ballet Flats: H&M/ Top: Nordy's/ Scarf: American Eagle}

Cash really wanted to be in all the pictures too!
He is such a diva, just like his mama - {even though he is too good to look at the camera} :)

As always, I'm LINKING-UP with these LOVELY ladies:
 Rolled up Pretty for Whatever, Whenever Wednesday and
The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Yummy Pinterest Recipes

I've found and tried some yummy recipes on Pinterest lately
and thought I would share!


Crockpot Taco Soup
I first saw this recipe on my friend,  Sweet Juicy April's Blog and new I had to try it!
I made it just 2 days later - and I have to say
 it was absolutely DELISH and SO easy!!
It is seriously my new fave Crock-pot recipe!
Recipe:
2 Cans Kidney Beans
2 Cans Pinto Beans
2 Cans of Corn
1 Large can of diced tomatoes
1 Can tomatoes and chilis
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 lb ground turkey or hamburger
Shredded cheese, sour cream, and we added Fritos for embellishment :)
Directions:
Brown meat, drain fat and add to crock pot (the meat not fat :))
sprinkle seasoning packets onto meat
drain and rinse the beans and add
add ENTIRE contents of corn and tomato cans, then stir
Cover and cook on low 8-10 hrs or high 4-5 hrs

The best part, we BOTH loved it!
Cooking for someone with a culinary degree isn't always easy...
So when he LOVES something - I know I've scored! :)
As soon as we finished I pinned this recipe to my board - it's definitely a keeper!!



Nutella Fruit Dip
I absolutely LOVE anything Nutella - that nutty,
chocolate flavor is seriously heaven in my mouth!!
So when I saw this very simple recipe,
I knew it would be perfect for my upcoming Girls night!
I personally LOVED it, the other girls just kinda liked it...
BUT - one doesn't like the nutty/chocolate flavor,
and another doesn't like Greek Yogurt.
So, if you like Nutella and don't mind a hint of Greek Yogurt - this recipe is for you!
1 Cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 Cup Nutella
**I added a full cup of Nutella, and liked that it tasted more like Nutella than the yogurt**

Weight Watchers Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken
To be completely honest... this recipe wasn't my favorite...
It sounds absolutely HEAVENLY, with ranch, bacon and chicken!
And I was actually the one to add this to Pinterest from:
I don't know why, I just didn't love it...
don't get me wrong, it was good... just not great :)
Recipe:
16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 slices extra lean turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
3 cups plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
(or you can substitute with Cambell's 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup)
1tbsp chicken bouillon base
1/4 cup fat free chicken broth
1 packet powdered Ranch dressing mix
1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped
Directions:
Spray crock pot with non-fat cooking spray and place chicken breasts inside
In large bowl, combine chicken bouillon base and yogurt until well blended
Add the remaining ingredients and mix well
Pour sauce over chicken breasts
Cook on high for 3.5 hrs
Shred chicken with a fork and garnish with fresh chives or parsley
Serve over pasta (It suggests Miracle Noodle Pasta or Shirataki Noodles - but we just used regular noodles :))

Is it just me or have their been some crazy-delicious looking desserts on Pinterest lately?!
I seriously get on and get a major sweet tooth ache!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

What I Wore Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!
I am so happy we are halfway to the weekend!
And it's going to be a fantastic one with it being Easter weekend and all!
Lots of time with family, TONS of candy and really good food! Can't wait!

It's time for my Wednesday Link-up!
Here are 3 outfits for my WiWW:

Like I said a couple of posts ago, I'm OBSESSED with all things maxi!
This skirt is my newest addition to my maxi collection, I absolutely LOVE it!!
I could seriously LIVE in this outfit!!
{Maxi & Top: Gordman's/ Sandals: Target/ Necklace: Nordy's}

I was so happy to pull my white pants out again the last few weeks!
YAY for warmer weather!
And this jacket is one of my new fave's!
I was lusting after it for awhile, and when I found it in clearance in my size -
I just had to snatch it up!!
                              
{Jacket: Old Navy/ Pants: Macy's/ Top: F21/ Leopard Flats: H&M}

This skirt is my favorite purchase from New York when we went last June!
I love the pockets and the length is perfect!
I tried the new trend {well, okay, it's old, from the 80's right?!}
 of the knot in my blouse and loved it with the skirt!
{Wedges: Target/ Skirt: Urban Outfitters/ Blouse: Old Navy}

As always, I'm LINKING-UP with these LOVELY ladies:
Momma go Round for Real Momma, Real Style {Remember how I'm a puppy momma now?! :)}
 
Rolled up Pretty for Whatever, Whenever Wednesday and
The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

{27 Years Young}

It's this hotties BIRTHDAY today - the big 2-7!
In honor of the BIG day, here are 27 things about MY Miguel:
  1. LOATHES getting his picture taken (And that explains the 2 top pictures, I VERY rarely get a REAL smile when it comes to any sort of picture :))
  2. INCREDIBLE cook, he is creative and passionate when he's the kitchen - and the food is always delish!
  3. An absolutely amazing hubby! He loves me, spoils me, takes care of me and honestly, puts up with me! HA!
  4. Has a Bachelors in Biology and a Degree in Culinary Arts.
  5. HATES any sort of Social Media, but likes to look over my shoulder when I'm on FB, Blog or especially Pinterest :)
  6. Would give the shirt of his back to help someone in need - he is the most generous person I've ever met.
  7. Loves James Dean and Marilyn Monroe
  8. Reeses Peanut butter eggs are his absolute FAVORITE treat
  9. He is probably the funniest person I've ever met! Seriously, he cracks me up on a daily basis!
  10. Has a potty mouth... and isn't ashamed of it!
  11. Absolutely HAS TO HAVE sunglasses on if he is outside! Even if it's just in the backyard, if the sun is out (or sometimes not) he has them on!
  12. Is already such a great daddy to our pups, I know he will be a wonderful daddy when we {finally} have a baby!
  13. Biggest pet peeve: Any sort of eating sound.
  14. Doesn't really like to shop, but if he gets in the mood (usually on vacation) - he will have a heyday!!
  15. Has a very wide variety of music: Tom Petty is his fave, loves classics like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash - but also enjoys his share of Drake or Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  16. Has more watches and pairs of shoes than any other guy I've ever met! (I admit, I definitely contribute to these collections)
  17. Is an amazing handy man! (Tiled the kitchen, built a pergola, fixed our faulty garage door, fixed a leak in the kitchen, fixes my Honda, and on, and on, and on....)
  18. Diet Mountain Dew is his nectar of life! {!!!!!}
  19. Goes through Chapstik like it's nobody's business!
  20. Loves vacationing - especially on a beach, but he has to be busy - he cant just sit and read a book, enjoying the sun for longer than a half hour :)
  21. Is the best Uncle - he loves all of our nephews and nieces!
  22. Green is his favorite color.
  23. He is very stylish! {I credit him when it comes to my no longer wearing hoodies 24/7 :)}
  24. Has 5,623 hobbies: Hunting, poker, cooking, fishing, gardening, motorcycles, and painting.. just to name a few! 
  25. Makes the most delicious Guacamole I've ever tasted... but he doesn't even like Guacamole! {CRAZY kid!}
  26. Hates talking on the phone, UNLESS he is alone in the car - then he will talk forever!
  27. So tough and "manly" BUT can be SO sweet and caring at the same time!
I love every single one of these things about him and more!
I honestly just can't get enough of this kid!!
Happy Birthday my love!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Johnny (and) Cash

Honestly, these boys... we are seriously SO in LOVE w/ these two little crazies!
They are so much fun and add so much to our lives!
Michael has been working like crazy... but when he's home he's playin' with his boys!
They really do look like little twins, besides their collars
 (Johnny is red, Cash is black)
The other ways we are able to tell them apart:
Cash has a longer tail then Johnny
Johnny has all white on his legs - Cash has a little more grey
Cash is smaller than Johnny - Johnny is our big boy!
And also their personalities are so different -

A few things about my Johnny:
*Definitely a momma's boy {and I LOVE it!}!
He will always take time to come give me loves, even when they are playing
*Is definitely more boisterous! HA!
*Loves to be brushed
*Scared of cars when we go for walks
(Has to stop and watch every.single.one pass by!)


And our little Cash{y} (Oh yes! Michael gave him that nickname :))
*Absolutely Daddy's little guy {and Daddy LOVES it!}
(He seriously has Michael wrapped around his little paw!)
*Much more curious than his brother -
he always has to know what we are doing :)
*Loves it when we go for walks, but he LOVES to run, not walk!
*Very obedient - listens to us...
most of the time anyway ;)
*Is my little helper, if I'm getting after Johnny,
He will run up to him and put his paw on him like he's getting after him too! HAHA!

They are still so dang crazy, they have SO much energy!! 
 They absolutely love to just wrestle for HOURS!
{SOOOO glad we got them both and not just one!!}

They are honestly spoiled rotten! I just love buying them toys and treats!
They have so many toys and will pull every single one out to play with just one! HA!
We went to their vet appointment to get their shots 2 weeks ago,
It was amazing to see how much they've both grown!
When we first got them Johnny weighed 6.0 pounds
and Cash weighed 6.4 pounds.
This last appointment: Johnny weighed: 9.2 pounds!!
and Cash weighed 8.6 pounds! Crazy huh?!
I want them to STOP growing!
It makes me sad that they are growing so dang fast!

We sure do love our adorable boys!
Can't imagine what our life would be like with out them!