The Garden Set Giveaway

Lola introduced me to a new blog, Newly Wife. I'm in love! This is the cutest blog! I almost want to start writing some posts with them. Am I still technically a "Newlywed?" I feel like we are. So we'll go with yes! At Newly Wife, there are a couple of giveaways going on. But just until tonight! I could almost kick myself for missing this one! I hope Jessica posts a tutorial on how she made this beauty. But for a chance to win this adorable Garden Set, go to Newly Wife and enter! Don't you just love the little apron? It's my favorite part! Good Luck!

Strawberry Angel Cake

Have you been to the grocery store lately? I went shopping and I found strawberries on sale. They've been on sale since February. But this was a really good deal. They were so cheap that I could pass on the great price. I got a big flat of strawberries for $5. Thank you sale! And it happens to be just in time for the Gooseberry Patch recipe of the week. Who doesn't like Strawberry Angel Cake? Yum! And it was so yummy! Here's the recipe.

Strawberry Angel Cake

Submitted by: Lisa Johnson from Hallsville, Texas

16-oz. baked angel food cake
2 c. whipping cream
2/3 c. strawberry ice cream topping
2 pts. strawberries, hulled and halved

Slice cake horizontally into 4 layers; set aside. In a chilled bowl with an electric mixer on high speed, beat whipping cream and topping until stiff peaks form. Place bottom layer of cake on a cake plate; frost with a 1/2-inch layer of whipped cream mixture. Repeat with remaining cake layers. Frost entire cake with remaining whipped cream mixture, making sure to cover top and sides of cake. Arrange berries over top and sides, pressing firmly into whipped cream. Serve immediately or keep chilled up to 8 hours. Makes 10 servings.

I Won Something, I Bought Something

I recently won a $250 gift card from Dillard's. Our neighbors' kids were selling raffle tickets for their school. So my hubby and I bought $10 worth. You know, we like to contribute positively to our community. I honestly never thought we'd win a thing. But we wanted to help the kids. Well, we won! And we got our gift card 2 days ago.

After my classes today, I decided to stop at Dillard's on the way home. Very convenient that the mall is between our house and school. But I stopped. And I didn't expect to find anything really. Our mall is small. And the Dillard's doesn't have a wide selection. Especially in formal wear. But I found this beauty!



It's the Gianni Bini "Selene" dress. And they had 2 of them there. Only 2! I think you have to order them online. Because I didn't see anything else from this line in the store. And they were in my size! It was like the heavens opened up, and the angels were singing to me. :)

I was actually drawn to the aqua color more (it's called blue lagoon online). We're going to a formal wedding in June. And the theme is Cinderella. So I really thought the aqua would go well.

But when I was in the dressing room, I got to thinking. For $158, I'll probably get more use out of the black one. You can wear it to many more events. If it's a conservative event, like a funeral or business dinner, you can always add a jacket or cardigan on top. And for more fun and flirty events like weddings, or date nights you can wear it as is.

The general shape is a lot like this dress. But this black dress is made out of a polyester blend. But a more dressy type of material. The top has a sweetheart neckline, and is fitted. But there's no boning. You do get some thin spaghetti strap style straps that you can add or remove. The ruffles are a lot smaller on the skirt. And the skirt fits more like a pencil skirt.

I feel like this dress was a complete success! My hubby and I had talked about how we would spend the money last night. And he wanted me to spend it all on me. But I couldn't do it. Especially since I can wear this dress with these shoes. So after I paid for my dress, I headed across the mall. To the Men's Dillard's. And I picked up some shirts and ties for my hubby! I've got to worry about what he's going to wear too! :)

Feminine Dress

Do you remember these shoes? I think I found a dress to go with them. What do you think? I don't think the shoes compete with the dress, nor does the dress doesn't compete with the shoes.

It was a little tough. Everything in stores right now is extremely short. Or makes me look like I'm going to prom or something. But Lola was telling me about this dress that she bought for a show. I quickly begged for pictures. And I fell in love. Over to Arden B I went and bought it! It comes in light pink or jade. The jade looks more like a minty color. And I like it, but I don't think it would look good on me.

The dress is beautiful! It has a hidden back zipper, with a hook and eye. The top is a satin, polyester, spandex blend. It's ruched and even has boning. With a slight sweetheart neckline. The skirt is tiered chiffon. And I just love the way it moves! It's so feminine! The best part, it was $78, but I got it for $39. And just $5 shipping! Now I don't feel so bad. One complete outfit down, I don't know how many to go...

My Surprise in the Mail

I was talking to my mom the other day. We were talking about all these weddings. And I'm feeling a little stressed about all the dresses I need to buy. And I can't find anything age appropriate at the stores. Hello, what happened to the nice selection at Dillard's, Forever 21, and Macy's? Not to mention the cost of standing in a wedding. Hello!

I don't know, but I can't find anything affordable and still dressy enough for these formal weddings. I know, if it were only 2 weddings, it wouldn't be so bad. But honestly, from the end of May until September, we are going to weddings. Almost every other weekend!

Today, my hubby comes home with a package. I didn't know what it was. Because I haven't done any online shopping lately. I wasn't sure what it could be. Inside where these precious gems. My mom bought them for me! Thanks mom!



They're the Two Lips Tiki Beaded Metallic Sandal in Pewter. They're absolutely gorgeous! And so comfy! I think my mom paid about $70 for them. But these are a nice shoe because you can wear them with a variety of outfits, dressed up or down. A really good shoe! Now, I'm on a hunt for a dress to go with them. Heck, I might just wear them to dinner with some jeans and a nice top. You know, me and my hubby still go on date nights!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

I just love this time of year! I feel so "refreshed." Like I've been on this long journey. And I've just reached my "goal." It feels so special. And important. I'm so grateful for my religion. It's so important to me. And to my family.

I hope everyone has an amazing day! Happy Easter to you and all of your families. This has always been such a fun time of year. Everything is beginning to grow. And it feels so new and fresh. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!