5 on Friday {summer dreams}

1} With another snow storm looming...we are thinking SUMMER.  We got our Island Beach State Park driving pass.  I am looking forward to long days spent on the beach sunning, reading and relaxing.  Of course the husband and boys will just be fishing...

We invested in a privacy shelter for rinsing off, changing and pottying.

With the kids we must be prepared for emergencies.  The shelter and Luggable Loo courtesy of Cabela's.

It's not fancy, but does the job.

Some more fun + sun items:

2} Thick beach towels

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Get everyone in the family their own monogrammed.  That way no fighting over towels and perfect for pool parties...you'll get your towels back!

3}  The only beach bag worth mentioning

Courtesy of LLBean

We all have our surnames or initials on a bean bag, but order additional ones for the pool or beach and monogram as such; Pool, Beach, Summer, Sun, Sand, Shore, etc...

4} The best beach chair

Courtesy of Tommy Bahama

Head rest, carry strap and cup, book, smartphone holders make this the most versatile.

5} A cute suit and cover-up

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

This one-piece is classic and will suck me in while chasing the 4YO all over the beach (running in the sand is not a graceful moment for me...) 

Courtesy of J.Crew

This tunic is currently on sale @ J.Crew + 20% off for cardholders.  I also used a rewards card and ebates and got even more off.  Note: it runs big, I'm swimming (no pun intended) in a medium.

What warm thoughts are you dreaming of? Have a fabulous weekend.

Thanks for visiting!

Revisiting the One Room Challenge {now}

I'm Joining Linda @ Calling it Home today to showcase what our One Room Challenge rooms are looking like today.

This was our home office at the final week of the ORC 2013.

This is where I started...flesh colored walls and tacky border.

The brown futon has been moved temporarily into the boys playroom and the plants needed a brighter place for this cold winter.

Some things have changed, but the essence of the room with it's gray walls, warm wood floors and bright accessories make me smile every time I'm in there!

So, keeping it real, it's become a package depository. 

Sports bag drop off

Stacks and stacks of magazines fill each corner...literally.

That being said, it's a working, productive home office!

Head over to Linda's and check out how all of the others are faring some months later...

Some are even more beautiful than when we last saw them at the finale and I didn't think that was possible...

It's an amazing group of talented ladies!

Thanks for visiting!

Carrot Orzo {recipe swap}

Another in my recipe series about sneaking veggies to your children. This one works like a charm!

Carrot Orzo

{adapted from Southern Living}

2 Cups grated carrots

3 Cups of chicken broth

3 Tbsp. butter

1 Med. onion, chopped

2 Cups uncooked orzo pasta

2 Garlic cloves, minced

1 Tsp. salt

½ Tsp. pepper

1 Cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

3 Tbsp. fresh chopped chives

1 Tsp. fresh chopped thyme

Carrot curls for garnish

Microwave Chicken broth until very hot, about 5 minutes.

Melt butter in a dutch oven over med-high heat and add onions and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.  Add orzo and garlic and cook 1 minute.

Slowly stir in hot broth, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, 15-18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Stir in Parmesan and herbs until blended.  Garnish, if desired.  Serve Immediately.

Thanks for visiting!

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Weekend

What a gorgeous weekend we had here on the Jersey Shore!

It made for a beautiful day for the Polar Bear Plunge.  The ocean temps were about 32 degrees, but 60-degree air temps took the edge off.

The view from our groups room.

The mood all around town was festive.

My husbands PBA plunge team.  All combined 1.5 Million dollars was raised for Special Olympics NJ.

Shenanigans post-plunge.  Our friends never fail to when it comes to great costumes on plunge day!

Our post plunge dinner view.  Perfect February day.

Sunday was lovely as well...we got in a walk/bike at the park and some playground fun.

Plus fro-yo.

Hope your weekend was amazing!

Thanks for visiting!

5 on Friday

My husband will be competing in his 4th Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics NJ tomorrow.  

The plunge returns to Seaside Heights this year after relocating due to Hurricane Sandy.  

He totally lucked out...the polar vortex has passed and the weather will be mostly sunny and 56 degrees.  Still wouldn't be warm enough for me; they should do it in July, then I'd participate.  It's a fun, fantastic fundraiser that will net over 1 Million dollars by the time everyone is dried off and warm.

After the plunge we shall eat, drink and be merry.  SO looking forward to a day of shenanigans!

My 5 for today are photos throughout the years that we've participated and cheered on our friends and colleagues. 

  

Shenanigans...

Locals...for more info, click here.

Thanks for visiting!