Joanna's Lemon Pie

Time for some honesty... more often than not, when I try a recipe I find online it turns into a disaster. I always follow the directions but somewhere along the way something goes awry. When I saw Joanna Gaines (yes, Fixer Upper Joanna Gaines) post a delicious Lemon Pie on Instagram, my mouth started watering and I knew I had to give it a try. You guys, not only is this pie super easy to make, it's delicious and looks very impressive.

Here's the Recipe [original post here]:

Crust Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers [I used one of those sleeves that comes in the box of graham crackers]
6 tbs butter
1/3 cup sugar

Pie Filling Ingredients:
3 cups Eagle Brand "sweetened condensed" Milk [I used two cans]
3 egg yolks
2/3 cup lemon juice [For me it came out to about 3 large lemons]
1 dash salt

Whipped Cream Ingredients:
1 small carton of heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Crust:
1- Combine crushed graham crackers, softened butter, and sugar. Mix well and press into greased pie dish. Bake for 8 minutes at 350.

For Pie Filling:
1- Mix condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and salt in a mixer for about 4-5 minutes on medium speed.
2- Pour into pie crust and bake for 10 minutes at 350.
3- Place pie in refrigerator for at least an hour to set.

For Whipped Cream:
1- Mix whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and add to cooled lemon pie.


See what I mean??? It's easy and looks oh so pretty!

What's your favorite summertime dessert?? 

Wore

Oh Spring, I am so happy you're here!! I tend to be pretty cold natured so I love this time of year when I can be comfortable outside in sandals and some cute layers. In reality, I have my lovely readers to thank for this outfit. See that top? You guys helped me pick it out in my last Stitch Fix post. So, thanks!!

Also, I just want to warn you. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a whole lot of those gold Salt Water Sandals over the next few months. These are definitely my go-to this year. They're comfortable, cute, and go with just about everything.

I seriously can't get over how beautiful this Angel Oak tree is!! I included it on my list of amazing things to do in Charleston.



Linking up here .  here . here . here .

Folly Beach

Yesterday I talked about how much fun we had in Charleston. Well, the way we planned this trip was pretty much perfect, if I do say so myself! After a few days of sightseeing and spending time in the heart of Charleston, we packed up and drove twenty minutes down the road to spend the rest of our vacation at Folly Beach, the sweetest little beach town ever.

Now, I will mention that we were there before the actual season began, but I'm sure the charm that we found is there no matter what time of year you visit.

There are plenty of restaurants and activities but it didn't feel touristy. It had a beachy laid back vibe that was exactly what we needed for a few days before we headed back to reality. I'll be honest, I don't really have much to say about Folly Beach except you really have to experience it! We stayed at the Tides and it was the perfect place right on the beach to get some much needed R&R.

I mean, just look at these pictures! It truly is a beautiful place that I know we will visit again.

5 Amazing Things to Do In Charleston

For years I've been hearing all about how amazing Charleston is and that if I ever went I probably would never want to leave. I had heard about the charm, the delicious food, and how historical it was. Well, let me just say, we had a chance to visit last week and all those things I had heard? Yeah, Charleston was so much more! If you've ever been, I'm sure you understand. If you have not had the chance to visit, I suggest doing that sometime soon. There are so many fun things to do, see, explore, and discover. I already can't wait to go back!

Here are 5 amazing things we did during our few days in Charleston:

<> Visit the Angel Oak Tree

While not located in the central hub of Charleston, the Angel Oak is worth the short drive. It's an absolutely beautiful and magnificent oak tree that really has to be witnessed in person. Pictures truly don't do it justice.

<> The Charleston Tea Plantation

The Charleston Tea Plantation is the only tea garden in North American and on a sunny spring day, touring this plantation was just beautiful! For a small price, you board a trolley and drive around the grounds while the most adorable tour guide explains the process of growing tea. It's interesting, picturesque, andddd you get to sample lots of different types of tea. That's a win-win-win if you ask me!

<> Eat

I decided to put all the amazing places we ate into one category. One of the best parts of discovering a new city is finding all the delicious places to eat! Charleston has no shortage of dining options. Thanks to some recommendations we received before our trip and some places we just happened to find, every single meal we had was memorable. These are some of my favorites:

Callie's Hot Little Biscuits -- Southern biscuits. I mean, I don't think I really have to say anything else but this was the perfect place to stop for breakfast. We also may or may not have gone back after dinner one night and enjoyed some late night biscuits!

Leon's -- This place really had it all. It had atmosphere, a killer vibe, and the food was absolutely amazing. Truthfully, I wish this was in Memphis so we could go back all the time!

Brown Dog Deli -- We spent the day wondering around Charleston and just happened to stop into the Brown Dog Deli for lunch. It's a great spot for a quick bite and it turned out to be one of my favorite meals.

<> Deep Water Vineyard

Sometimes the best activities are unplanned. While we were at the Charleston Tea Plantation, our tour guide mentioned that there was a vineyard close by. After a quick google search, we found Deep Water Vineyard and decided to go. Basically, it feels like you're hanging out in someone's backyard. Someone who just happens to have vineyard and a moonshine distillery. There were food trucks, live music, tastings, and bunnies!

<> Exploring

It's incredibly difficult to choose a favorite part of the the trip, but the part that's towards the top if my list is simply the walking around and exploring. We spent a good chunk of our trip just wandering up and down the gorgeous streets of Charleston. I love the houses, the shops, and all the history. If you visit Charleston, I highly recommend just getting lost in the beauty of the city.

After spending a few days in Charleston, we went to Folly Beach for the rest of our vacation. More on that tomorrow.


Have you ever been to Charleston?? What did you enjoy the most? 

Stitch Fix - Help Me Choose!

It's been well over a year since I've been Stitch Fix-ing and I still get incredibly excited every single time a box is waiting for me at the door! It's so fun to see the things that have specifically chosen for me. Not to mention, some of my favorite outfit pieces that I wear allll the time are from Stitch Fix.

So, I just got a box and I need help determining what to keep!

   

Curious about Stitch Fix? Here's how it works:

1) Sign up for Stitch Fix by filling out their special style profile. 
After providing your basic information, they'll ask you some style questions. This is so your personal stylist can get a good idea of what you like, what you have, and what you need in your closet. 

2) Receive a box of hand picked items.
In each box you'll find five items that are specifically picked for you based on your style profile and any other notes you might have included. They also include style tips for each item so you know exactly how versatile each item can be. 

3) Try everything on. Keep what you want and send everything else back!
This is the fun part. Instead of trying everything on in cramped dressing rooms, you get to try everything on in the comfort of your own home. I especially like that this gives you the opportunity to pair items you already have with your Stitch Fix items to see how things will go together. 

Memphis Adventure - Go Ape Treetop Adventure at Shelby Farms Park

Last week, I did one of the most thrilling things that was completely and utterly outside of my comfort zone. I spent majority of the afternoon 40 feet above the ground climbing to and from trees.

Let me start by saying that I really do not like heights. So, you might be wondering right about now why I would ever do this! Well, I'm always up for an adventure and let me tell you, I am so so so glad that I decided to Go Ape.

Ok, let's talk about specifics. There are 6 sites throughout the Go Ape area of Shelby Farms. Each site starts with a ladder where you climb up to a platform in a tree. From there, you go through a series of obstacles until you get to a zip line that takes you across the lake and back to the ground. This was the first time I'd ever zip lined or done anything quite like this and it was a thrill. Like I mentioned earlier, I am not the biggest fan of heights (like really not at all) but once I decided to just trust the harness, I stopped shaking so much and had a blast.

This is definitely something you should put on your list of things to do in Memphis. So, tell those friends of yours who claim that there's nothing to do in Memphis to Go Ape! They won't be disappointed.


PS. Use code SPRING for 10% off until the end of May!

  

Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat

I almost postponed writing this post for another day because I'm not sure I can find the words to truly express all the emotions I've been feeling for the past few days. I guess I should just start at the beginning.

I grew up a Villanova Wildcat. As the daughter of two Villanova graduates (not the mention the niece and cousin and sister to a few more), I have known the Villanova fight song for as long as I can remember. When it came time to select a college, I looked at a few different schools but there was never a doubt in my mind that I would spend my undergraduate days at Villanova. When most people go to college they're young and don't really know who they are. I truly see Villanova as the place where I figured out who I was, what I stood for, and where I really grew into myself.

Now, you can't talk about Villanova without talking about basketball. Even though they had not won a National Championship since 1985 (that was before I was even born!), every basketball season I can remember has always been exciting. People talk about that championship game in 1985 as if it happened yesterday and now I can say that I witnessed a Villanova victory, and I could not be more proud to be a Wildcat.

In case you live under a rock, on Monday, April 4th 2016, the Villanova Wildcats became the NCAA National Champions. Not only did they win, but they won on an amazing buzzer beating basket. It was truly a game I will never forget. I completely understand now why the Villanova fans that witnessed that game in 1985 talk about it the way they do. It's unlike anything else to see your team you've been with through good and bad make history, defy all odds, and win a national title.

The only thing I regret is that my Dad is not here with us to witness this historic victory. He was always so proud of his Villanova education and I can just imagine him cheering on the Wildcats in a Villanova button-down shirt (he wasn't one to be casual).

Obviously I'm a big Villanova fan, so, of course we had to have a watch party Monday night!! Here are just a few Villanova touches you could find around our house:

Artichokeiacono Dip and Jay Wright Bean Turkey Chili named after one of the start players this year, Ryan Arcidiacono and the best coach ever, Jay Wright. 

Yeah, these banners are going to stay up for a while.