Wedding Sneak Peak!

Hello! It's been a while! :) I have a couple updates...I PASSED MY EXAM! (now I only have 3 more to go) I'm so relieved that it at least 1 part is behind me and now I can completely focus on our wedding.  Which is exactly what I did this past weekend.  Paul, his parents, my mom and I all went down to Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island to finally see the wedding venues (even tho they were booked 6 months ago).  

That's right!- Paul and I agreed on the wedding location without seeing it - I totally trusted my mom on this one and I'm so glad I did. 

We are getting married at the Wesley Methodist Church on St. Simons Island and the reception will be at the Crane Cottage at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel - which is where we stayed this weekend.  I took a few pics of the grounds this weekend - but I don't want to give too much away :)

Tidbit of information - the Jekyll Island Club Hotel was built for wealthy northerners to visit during the winter.  Original club members included, J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and John D. Rockefeller.  I think it's a very fitting location as our theme is "Mason-Dixon."

{pic is crooked which is annoying but whateverrr - still pretty}

{the tower}

{another view of the tower through the amazing trees}

{the grounds have a classic southern feel - including a croquet lawn}

{an old school car}

{the trees are unlike anything you've ever seen - this branch actually re-rooted itself}

{...the grounds are kept beautifully}

{the Crane Cottage - where the reception will be held and both our families are staying here as well}

{The Crane Cottage Garden - immaculate!}

Soooo excited to be finally be so excited about this wedding!...if that makes any sense.

Want to be nosy?? check out our wedding website: http://lashway-weatherford.ourwedding.com/

eat.sleep.study.

Weekend: study.coffeeshop.study.eat.workout.newcoffeeshop.study.study.study. 

Monday:  coffee.work.eat.work.workout.eat.study.sleep.

Tuesday: study.coffee.work.eat. workout.study.sleep.

Wednesday: study.coffee.work.study.work.eat.workout.sleep.

Thursday. study.coffee.work.eat.work.workout.eat.study.sleep.

Friday: exam. 

I haven't had anything to write about because I haven't been doing much of anything besides studying.  Silver lining - I found a new coffee shop called the Sugar Bowl in Dorchester (where Paul and I will be living) that I really really like.  :)

You can expect a post on it soon.

Alright..I gotta get back to studying. I hope I pass this thing!

{photo source}

Pearls and Ribbon

Throughout the holiday season I wore my pearls with a ribbon a lot.  Pearls seem dress up any casual outfit just enough to make it fit almost any occasion.

I'm sure you have all seen something similar on Pinterest...but here is another "how to"...

{depending on how the strand is...wrap it 3-4 times}

{pull the ribbon through the two ends so that you have one "loop" and two ends of the ribbon left}

{you can also try to twist them up to give it that extra bulky look}

{tie the ends into a bow and you have a pearl/ribbon necklace}

Almond Flour Coconut Waffles - the Paleo way!

I've been doing a lot of cooking posts and random posts these days...and here's another cooking one.  I have a 'how-to' post on pearl/ribbon necklace ready to go but I just couldn't wait to show y'all these delicious waffles!!

We made this for a Paleo brunch with friends. We...actually scratch that..PAUL has been recruiting our friends to try the paleo diet...and crossfit...and anything else he is interested in obsessed with these days.. :)

The good news is that with these awesome recipes we are finding (more to come)....it is becoming easier and easier to cut out all processed foods from our diet (including dairy and grains).

Recipe is below

{a perk to the diet - Paul is always up to go to whole foods. We went early Sunday morning - great way to start the day}

{all natural honey straight from Tupelo, MS...a gift from my cousin Jack!}

{this was the batter before adding the egg whites - I also added more almond milk for consistency}

{whipped egg whites - should be folded into the batter}

{they came out pretty perfectly! - can you believe there is no dairy or flour in those?!?}

{we added fruit and a smidge of all natural maple syrup}

{no butter or processed toppings needed on these}

We also had an egg&veggie casserole made by Laura and Andrew and some turkey bacon....it was the best I have felt after a brunch in a long time.

Recipe You will need a waffle iron and a hand mixer. I also doubled this recipe to feed 8.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups almond flour/meal

3 eggs (will be separated)

3/4 cup canned coconut milk

1/4 cup of almond milk (if needed)

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 tablespoon coconut flour

1.5 tablespoon of raw honey (or to taste)

1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Plug in waffle iron

2. Separate egg yolks and egg whites - set egg whites aside.  Add coconut milk to egg yolks and whisk together.

3.  Add almond flour, mix together

4. Add remaining ingredients (do not add egg whites yet).  Mix together thoroughly.  You may add Almond Milk, more honey, etc at this time to get the batter to the right sweetness and consistency.  The batter should be a semi-wet consistency - so that it can spread when you close the waffle iron.

4. Whisk egg-whites with a hand mixer until you are able to get hard peaks (as shown in picture). Then fold the egg whites into the batter - the folding is going to give the waffles the fluffiness you are hoping for.

5. Pour into middle if the iron and close - wait a few minutes...doesn't take long and you are DONE!  Enjoy!

On the Flip Side...

It's officially winter here in Boston - we got 5-6" of snow on Saturday in the city.  I'm actually embracing the snow so far (probably because we haven't really had a significant amount).  The winter weather gives me a reason to stay indoors, whether I choose to be productive or lazy is my choice and both are equally warranted when it is wet and cold outside. 

My life since January 2nd has been very much the same day in and day out.  

Eat, work, eat, study, workout, eat, sleep. 

In that exact order almost every.single.day. 

Work's been busy, I'm taking the CPA exam (again - another post for another day), and I've really jumped in to crossfit/paleo lifestyle which I mentioned a couple weeks ago.  And that's me in a nutshell these days!

I can view this cycle as boring and mundane or I can look at it on the flip side....an extremely productive and structured couple of weeks...in preparation for the busy/chaotic months ahead.

Weekend Scenario #1: Snow

my initial reaction...

snow?...where are my boots again?...going to be 15minutes late to work...sweet.

on the flip side:

I get to use my handy dandy (warm) ice scraper that I got for Christmas (was given 3 in total)!

(this pic was taken a day before the bigger storm)

Weekend Scenario #2: Paleo

my initial reaction:

blah.....more veggies...thanks paleo..this is NOT awesome.

on the flip side:

Paul discovering (and cooking for me) awesome new versions of veggies...

(grated cauliflower = rice! & Spaghetti Squash = you guessed it...spaghetti!)

Weekend Scenario #3: Studying

my initial reaction:

die.

on the flip side:

studying =  STARBUCKS date with Laura (who's also studying) :)

Weekend Scenario #4: absolutely no plans

my initial reaction:

helps us save money...but are Paul and I becoming lame????

on the flip side:

We were available to watch our friends golden retriever Stella for the weekend!

Let me just make this clear... this is all in hindsight.....I had probably 3 or 4 mini-meltdowns over the weekend...I choose to blame it on the diet/new lifestyle...Paul chooses to explain that my mood swings are probably related to the "non-paleo" cookie I secretly shoved in my mouth while standing in the pantry...resulting in a sugar high and then a sugar CRASH. He's probably right...which is annoying.

Anywho...the patriots won last night and work is slowing back down to normal! Hopefully that means I will get a couple posts in during the week...

Happy freaking Monday.  hahaha.  :)

Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders - the Paleo way

Paul has recently become OBSESSED with Crossfit...and thus, I have succumbed to the pressure and joined...it was inevitable.  Crossfit is a high intensity, short duration workout...and I must admit it is fun.  Crossfit Gyms also encourage the Paleo diet which cuts out grains, legumes, and dairy.  Paul is changing his diet to a Paleo diet because it really does help his digestive issues.  I, on the other hand, am participating for more vain reasons (such as a wedding dress)...I have a digestive system of steel...I can eat almost anything and not have any side effects.  Either way...our pantry, fridge, and overall lifestyles are experiencing quite a change since December. 

All of this information brings me to one of my favorite Paleo inspired meals, Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers.  Most of us have had almond crusted something or another...yeah no big deal you say...but these have a special ingredient...ALMOND FLOUR.  Yep...you guessed it, it's made of finely crushed almonds and that's it..and it's amazing (and allowed because it's a nut!). 

Paul and I made Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders (using Almond flour and olive oil), broccoli, and sweet potato chips..with a side of sparkling water.  It was just as good, actually better, than real chicken tenders, french fries and a diet coke...which I am betting will never be in our diet again.

2011 in Review

Before we ring in the new year...I want to take a quick look back.  It's crazy to remember all of the things you do over one year.  2011 was the best year so far and I'm excited for what 2012 holds!

{the snowiest, coldest winter of my existence}

{mini pancakes - camera fun}

{the epic v-day dinner}

{pearls}

{quick trips home}

{mistral brunch}

{signature coffee pose}

{easter extravaganza}

{living room redo}

{amanda's visit}

{fresh fruity drinks}

{weekends at Jenny's cape house}

{the cape cottage}

{longnook beach}

{PB bakery in Wellfleet}

{nantucket}

{sunset dune tour with mom}

{Evan visited - and spent the weekend in the freezing ocean with Paul}

{shadow}

{engagement!}

{apartment favorites}

{whoooloooalaooaooo}

{white christmas party}

{the newest addition - Nala}

{Paul's family to-be}

{my family to-be}

Happy New Year :)

Christmas 2011

Christmas has come and gone and I am just now writing about it.  Paul and I spent the first part of this year's Christmas week in Atlanta and then spent Christmas Eve/Day back in Boston with his fam.  It was great, everyone is healthy and I couldn't be more thankful for a big, blessed (soon to be extended) family that means so much to me.

Rather than going on and on with details I have just included pictures that I took over the Holiday season. 

...Christmas in Georgia....

{my family! :) miss and love them all so much}

{Carson and Nala}

{playing scrabble...Paul smoked us...of course. whatev!}

{Paul and my mom's parents - Mammie and Poo}

{snap backs are IN...apparently}

...Christmas in Massachusetts...

(I didn't get a picture of all of us :( so bummed)

{I love wrapping at Paul's parent's house - Sandy has amazing ribbon to choose from}

{This year I went with the brown butcher paper look}

{polka dots are my new fav!}

{izzie wasn't sure about her Christmas present}

{a new life jacket for the beach!}

{Jenny and I on Christmas Eve morning}

...very old and very precious decorations...

{paul's Christmas ornament from his great grandmother}

Meet Nala!

Meet Nala! (pronounced Nallllla)

We (the kids) gave my Mom a golden retriever puppy (girl!).  She has been wanting a puppy for a while and decided she would get one after Christmas...but we went ahead and did the shopping for her. 

Nala is the sweetest pup...as are all puppies... It's so nice to have a baby in the house (even if it is a dog!)

Let's not forget SHADOW! 

 He has been so good with her...teaching her to wrestle and even sharing his sticks.

{she follows him everywhere}

{she collapses from exhaustion quite often}

{I love her so much}

{shadow needed some extra attention every now and then}

{one of my favorite pics}

It's always hard to leave home...saying goodbye to my family, Shadow...and now saying goodbye to a puppy made it even harder last night. 

A "White Christmas" Party

{a fun new way to wear pearls with ribbon - thanks to Pinterest}

Last weekend Jenny and Rob threw a "White Christmas" party...the theme was sparkle, shimmer, and neutrals...not much red or green at this party!

{sparkle, shimmer, and lace - thanks UrbanOutfitters!}

{balloons always take a party to another level}

{I found pretty and cheap (4.99/btl) sparkling wine from Trader Joes}

{cotton candy martinis - just add your choice of spirit}

{out of focus..but I still like this pic}

{with Jenny, Laura, and Maura}

{dancing during the bus ride...headed downtown...way better than a cab!}

 

It was such a fun night...I think it should be an annual one! ;)

Gingerbread House

Jenny, Rob, Paul and I went out to their parents house yesterday just to hang for the day.  We had a "comfort food" dinner (meatballs and ravioli), decorated the Christmas tree, watched football, and decorated gingerbread houses!  Jenny and I were the only ones to finish our houses (Paul decorated a roof and then got distracted..).  It actually can become an overwhelming task....you spend so much on one side of the roof that you are exhausted and then you realize that you have the other half of the roof and four walls to go.  So the key is to spread out your decorating!

The candy aisle is your friend when it come to decorating. Make sure to have plenty red and green and get creative with your choices - the most random candies some time make the best decorating pieces! 

{tada}

{liquorice squares are great as bricks}

{the lamp post was a new addition this year!}

{we dubbed Jenny's house "The Christmas Explosion" :) }

Sweetest Video Ever

{watch with Sound!!!}

Happy Friday to you! 

Above is a video that my brother, Trey, took about a month ago.  He found a puppy at the front of our neighborhood in Georgia.  We took him in, took him to the vet, and sent out notices that we had found a lost puppy! 

Shadow, our 4 year old golden retriever, wasn't so sure about now named Bentley at first...but he eventually warmed up to the new addition (as seen above).

When Bentley was tired he would actually cry like a baby :(  Above he is trying to fall asleep on Shadow's back and is crying because he can't get comfortable.  Eventually he does and it makes for the sweetest video EVER!

Whenever I am in a 'blah' mood - I pull up this video and it immediately makes me smile!  Hope it does the same for you!

**side note - Bentley now lives with a new family! My mom met a family with two young girls who desperately wanted a puppy and she didn't have the heart to tell them no! They bring him over to visit every now and then! 

{video can also be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbPEZfhb4-o}

Happyyyyyyyyyy Fridayyyyyyyyyyyy

French Press

Jenny and Rob gave us a gift recently full of fun Coffee items...including a French Press! I have wanted one since I visited Jenny's cape house back in the Summer.  We got it just in time because my coffee maker broke at my apartment! I love the space it saves in our mini kitchen (seen here), and it is a new fun way to make coffee.

{space saverrrrrr}

{Pumpkin Spice Coffee - was also in our Coffee Gift Basket}

{you can make as much or as little as you want..(or need in my case)}

{pour}

{press}

{and a few minutes later - you have freshly brewed coffee!}

{I'm working on my coffee "steam" picture taking...(also seen here)}

Boston Common

Sunday afternoon Paul and I walked through Boston Common on our way back to my apartment in the North End.  I took these pictures in about a 15 minute span...  I've talked about about the Common before (here) and I will probably talk about again.  I just love it!

Sparkle and Stemmed

I have recently given up Diet Coke and my craving for fizzle has now been replaced with a craving for sparkle!

- specifically Poland Spring Raspberry Lime Sparkling Water -

I can only find it up here in New England which is a bummer when I head south - but it's actually a new (and nice) experience to miss something from the North and not vise versa.

I have also recently traded in my normal boring glass for a stemmed glass.  At night I definitely want to unwind from the day, but I don't necessarily want a glass of wine 7 nights a week.  Instead, I have been tricking my mind to unwind by having a wine glass in hand, only it is filled with my fav sparkling water.  I am able to relax and hydrate at same time!

{bubbles and sparkle}

{whether wine or water - a stemmed glass is always my choice!}

Trident Books Cafe

Yesterday Paul, Marcia and I had breakfast at my new favorite spot in the city...

 - Trident Bookstore and Breakfast Cafe -

It is just a few minutes walk from Reunion (our new church) and it is exactly the kind of atmosphere I am looking for on a Sunday.  It's not too stuffy/fancy -more of a diner feel- and has plenty to read while you wait!  The cafe/bookstore also reminds me of a place Paul and I went to when we met back in DC for our first date weekend...ohhhh nostalgia, isn't it the best?  :)

{trident logo}

{books are on shelves throughout out the cafe - you easily grab one while at your table - great convo pieces!}

{oh you know...just some coffee}

 

{Marcia is quickly becoming my new picture posing victim...muuahahaha.}

{an antioxidant smoothie and a "trident" smoothie}

{I'm currently loving salmon with my eggs - it grosses Paul out}

{huervos rancheros and fried plantains - Marcia's order}

{and finally Paul's western - see that plate in the background? that's his extra omelet.....}

Tune in for more posts this weeks - I already have them lined up!

Cloves and Clementines

One of my favorite Christmas memories is when my Dad would put cloves in clementines.  I remember him going a little crazy with them and by the time he was finished, the clementine was absolutely covered to the point that you saw no orange. 

Marcia and I walked to Whole Foods on Saturday for a few things and picked some oranges that had pretty, green leaves still attached.  Our apartment is officially in the the Christmas Spirit (post to come soon) and the cloves and clementine smell now filling the apartment only adds to the Holiday mood in our little abode. 

{special oranges with waxy green leaves and stems still attached}

{whole cloves}

{make any design you like - thank you Marcia for being my hand model :) }

{tada! - cloves and clementines - the smell will make you feel all warm and cozy}

I had the best little Thanksgiving break...but now it is back to the daily grind in the morning. boo. Good thing it is officially the Holidays to get me through the next few weeks!

Day after Thanksgiving

I do love Thanksgiving, but sometimes it goes by so fast you barely remember what you ate or what conversations you had...all you can think about is how full you are and how many dishes there are to wash.  The day after Thanksgiving is sometimes just as nice as the actual T-day.  You are still around family, there are plenty of leftovers,and thanksgiving decorations are still out to make everything feel festive. AND you have the options of braving the masses to find some shopping deals or just staying inside and catching a holiday movie on TV (I picked the latter).

Below are some shots from the Day after Thanksgiving at Paul's parents.

{festive flowers still out}

{mini loaves that Jenny made - pumpkin, marble and banana bread - still delish the day after}

{we made pancakes...because we didn't eat enough carbs on Thanksgiving...obviously}

{coffee, coffee, coffee, COFFEE}

{patiently waiting pancakes and syrup}

{turkey bacon!}

I had a great Thanksgiving and plan to spend the rest of the week/weekend being VERY low key. 

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.  :)





New Hair, New Perspective

Sooooooo I had my hair darkened this past Friday.  Looking at these pictures..it doesn't seem THAT different...but in person (and in the mirror) it is a little shocking.  I would say I was in shock for the first 24hrs...(although I did go back to get it lightened back just a little - yes I was that client).  But by the time Saturday night rolled around I was in traumatic mode.  Paul and I were at a really fun charity event with all of my girlfriends up here and I couldn't stop crying...I literally had to go outside in the parking lot and pull it together.  I was all of the sudden overwhelmed with feelings of CHANGE.  So much has changed in my life over the past 2 years...it's crazy but changing my hair finally brought out some of the emotions I had been putting aside.  I live in New England, have a fiance, and I am now a BRUNETTE? What's next?? Am I going to lose my Southern accent and start saying I am going to Mass instead of Church? ahh!

**Side note - I know it's not that dark...it was def more in my head than anything!

I told Paul that I felt like I was losing myself (yes I was being a little dramatic)... I told him we haddddd to go to church the next morning... I needed to get my bearings back.  He was calm and patient (even tho he probably thought I was about to book the next flight home) and the next morning he got us up and made sure I was in Church on Sunday morning. 

**We found a great one by the way! It's called Reunion and it is very much like what I am used to back in North Georgia.  :)  

During the service they showed a promo for Advent Conspiracy (watch it here or below <--it's really cool!!) which is a movement to spend less and give more....specifically giving towards the clean water campaign.  I sat there in the chair remembering what I had been upset about last night...and immediately felt ashamed.  Millions all of the world are struggling to get clean water and I am balling about my hair color?!? ...My perspective quickly changed...

I was reminded to be thankful for the filtered water sitting in my fridge (because I take it for granted to often) and I am embracing my new darker look for the winter...  I also plan to spend less on my hair and give money to those who need it instead... 

Just in time for Thanksgiving...I'm reminded of the bigger picture in life and what is really worth being thankful for - hope the video ispires you as well!!!

Baked Mac'nCheese

{large noodles - best for pulling big chunks of cheese in each bite}

Jenny had a bunch of the girls over on Tuesday night for a mini Thanksgiving dinner.  It was great because I was able to practice making baked mac'ncheese before the real Turkey day next week. We are staying here in Boston (finally taking a break from traveling) and I was assigned baked mac'ncheese (a staple at my Thanksgiving dinner down South) andddd SWEET ICED TEA...another southern staple.  They are both really bad for you...but delish...sounds pretty standard southernnnn to me! 

{big dollops of BUTTTAAAHHHH - trying to sound like Paula Deen}

{milk and a beaten egg (for each layer) and a little salt&pepper}

{sharp and mild cheddar cheese - as much as you possibly can stand}

{voila - burning the top layer just a bit is the best}

{we did pretty good for ourselves - yes that is canned cranberry sauce :) mmmmmmm}

Have a great weekend!