1, 2, 3, 4

     It’s official…I win the lame blogger award.  I took zero pictures this weekend.  In fact, I probably haven’t taken a picture in about a week.  So instead of feasting your eyes on some photographic artistry you get to read.  I’ve heard it’s good for the brain or something.  Weekend recap anyone?

1. I love patriotic holidays and food.

With the wedding in T minus 25 days, I should probably at least care a little about what I eat…

2. We have a couch! (Also, I scrounged up a terrible cell phone picture for you.  You’re welcome.)

Hello, bargain!  We found this lovely lady in a consignment store perfectly clean and spot-free just waiting on us!  Ignore those ugly pillows.  I’m going pillow shopping this week.

3. This bag?  Love.

I am practically obsessed with GiGi New York bags right now.  A personalized leather bag is so versatile.  My new fashion philosophy is “Anything is a neutral if I want it to be,” but if that’s a little extreme for you, the black version of this is beautiful too!

4. In case you didn’t catch it the first time, the wedding is in 25 DAYS!  I am so excited!  I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to absolutely fly.  I’m working a lot and Keith is taking his boards (finally a light at the end of the nursing school tunnel).  We still have things to move into the apartment.  I have more decorating to do.  We have to apply for our marriage license and finalize a few more details and then………..WEDDING TIME!

     I hope all of you had a great Memorial Day weekend!  I love that our summer holidays marry two of my favorite things patriotism and family…and food (okay, three).

Weekend Snippets

     As per usual, we had another whirlwind weekend…and since we only have four more weekends until the wedding (eeee!), I’m thinking they’re all going to be that way.

This is our new toy…we are so excited to cook and cook and cook and cook this summer.

Its maiden voyage gave us this fantastic low country  boil.  Oh my – incredible.

These flowers were the centerpiece for my shower this weekend and are really close to what the wedding flowers will look like.  I love them!

     To top it all off, while we were at the shower, Keith got all the big furniture moved into the apartment.  Once we have a couch, we’ll be set.  We are finally in the home stretch.  We met with our new photographer yesterday, and I think we’re really going to like working with her.  I’m already dreaming of pretty wedding shots!  I’ve got a couple of fun, DIY-type projects that I’ll be working on (hopefully this week), and I can’t wait to share them with you…soon.

Neither Crowds nor Snow…

     Y’all…March 2nd is registry day in West Tennessee.  Seriously, we saw at least 16,000 other couples (just a rough estimate), but we were not deterred by crowds or snow or the crazy looks I was getting (for dropping things…and talking loudly).  As of this weekend, we are officially registered, and I am still so excited!  Before you get turned off and click away, as fun as picking out stuff was, the most fun is getting ready to have a home. 
     Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond excited to think about the fun things we picked out, but the closer we get to the wedding, the more excited I am about life.  I want to use the dishes and cook with the pans and be a wife, not just play house with cute things. 

But let’s talk about cute things just for a minute.

I am not going to give you a rundown of the whole registry…because I think that’s a little on the tacky side.  I will however show you some of my faves!

Photo Credit: Macy’s
We knew that we aren’t really the fine china type, and I love the look of mix and match Fiesta dishes.  We chose these four (from left) lemongrass, tangerine, sunflower, and turquoise.  I think Fiesta looks classic no matter which colors you pick, and it is so sturdy.  We also picked out some Fiesta serving pieces – so cute.

Photo Credit: Target
I am obsessed with this pillow.  The colors are a little brighter in person and will look perfect with the bedding and sheets we’ve picked out.

Photo Credit: Target
I am also obsessed with this floor pouf thing.  Keith…not so much.  I tried not to pick things out that he wasn’t crazy about, but this was too precious to pass up.  He said later, “I hope no one buys us that pouf thing…”  It’ll grow on him.

     I won’t bore you with the rest, just imagine the most fun list of pots and pans and laundry baskets.  I’m pretty crazy about home things, so a day full of picking out towels and glasses and bathroom fixtures.  One last glimpse into my future home?

Photo Credit: Bed Bath & Beyond
This picture does not do the shower curtain justice.  The colors are much richer in real life.  Because bathrooms are usually teensy, I think the shower curtain can be really punchy…mostly so I don’t have to decorate the rest of the room.

We’re almost there, folks!  Just 110 more days.

I’m Ready

Today...

was a good hair day,

and that makes up for yesterday.

     I got totally ready today, and almost left before I realized I had on not a stitch of make-up.  This is a sign that Friday is a few days late.  It has been a long week in my world.  We took a field trip on Tuesday to the Fun Farm.  We had a ball (pig races, corn mazes, animals), but I left cold and exhausted.  Then we had a guest speaker, Halloween, and the full moon.

I’m ready for a nap.

     Also, now that Halloween is over, my mind is all Christmas all the time.  The crazies (i.e. my mother, my sister, and I) will be decorating next weekend (minus the tree).  Before you think we’re crazy…there is a good reason.  My parents will be going out of town for Thanksgiving, and who wants to come home to an undecorated house?!  No one.

Can’t wait!

     Happy weekend!  It’s been a long time coming this week.  Stay tuned for more about Christmas, engagement pictures, and my veil (which I’ll be buying January…I don’t think it’s too early to start thinking about it)!

Thrifting Zhu-Zhu

     Let’s just chat for minute about the Thrift Sale (…yes it does deserve those capital letters).  Saturday morning I woke up at 5:45 – 5:45! – to prove just how much I love a good bargain.  In spite of the early hour, standing in line, and the lady who pushed in front of me not once, but twice, I had the best thrifting zhu-zhu I’ve had in years!
     I didn’t take everything back to school with me, but I though I would give you a little preview of the things I did bring back with me.  Here we go:

 

I’m calling this a tunic.  Some people might wear it as a very short, very low-cut dress…but I would not be one of those people.  With a camisole underneath and some leggings, this will be so cute for church or teaching…or just being cute if the occasion calls for it!

A trench shirt!  I guess technically I could wear this as a jacket, but it’s so thin that I’ll probably use it as an over shirt with a fitted tee or tank top underneath.  It has a belt that goes with it too.

This one is not quite long enough for leggings, but will be perfect for fall with my skinny jeans and some cute boots…maybe a scarf.

These leggings still had the tags on…the $47 price tag.  That’s a negative.  These are pretty thick as far as leggings go, so I’ll be getting a lot of wear out of them come late fall and winter.

I was not so sure about crochet-backed tops when I first saw them, but for $2, I think I can afford to experiment.  This on is 3/4 sleeved so I can still wear it for awhile with more fall colored tank tops underneath.

 
This one is just a plain Old Navy scoop neck t-shirt thing.  I can wear it for teaching or with jeans.

     Alrighty…that’s all for pictures this time, but I can tell you a little more about my other goodies.  I also came out with a 100% silk, ivory colored blouse from Talbots with cute little ruffles at the top; it’s being dry-cleaned or I would have it.  Two Banana Republic dresses (one black, one gray) also being dry cleaned, but so cute and only $5 apiece!  I got the cutest red open sweater with flower applique around the neck and lapel…but it’s also at the cleaner.  An Old Navy tank top blouse type thing – green with little white polka dots – will have to wait until next year to be worn.  A Liz Claiborne tank top blouse type thing – also green with white polka dots – which will be perfect for teaching or regular life will also have to wait until next year.  I did get get a pink Ann Taylor Loft dress, but it fit sort of awkwardly…so it’s going to the Goodwill.
     All in all, I think that is an incredible deal for only $49!  I cannot wait to start incorporating all of this into my wardrobe.  I carried on the bargaining zhu-zhu at Kohl’s later in the day when I got the most perfect shirt for engagement pictures for 30% off the clearance price!  I’m not showing it yet, because I want y’all to be surprised when you see the pictures.  Hint: think jewel tones with some fun flats.
     Wait, did she say engagement pictures?  Why yes, yes I did.  I know I mentioned pictures here, but we’ve had a slight change of plans.  We’re moving the pictures up to the 13th, and we’ll be taking them in the Collierville Town Square.  I’ve been looking at pictures of it, and I think it’s going to be the perfect place.  Can’t wait!

Switching gears entirely.  I have three weeks (actually two weeks and four days) left at my first student teaching placement!  This is so crazy.
Also, I have some really exciting things coming up…not just engagement pictures, so I hope y’all will stick around for awhile.
P.S.  It’s practically the end of September…I mean really?  That being said, if you’re looking to sponsor for October, I would love to help you out.  Shoot me an email for more info!

If You Really Knew Me

     I know everybody has done one of these, and even though I’m a little late getting to it, I really liked the idea of the post. 

If you really knew me…

you would know that I am not as sweet as I may seem on here.  I have a sarcastic streak a mile wide, and I am quick to snap back .  Defensive and sassy is my go-to in tough situations.  This probably isn’t my best quality, and it is always something I’m working on.

you would know that I am the world’s worst at remembering to take pictures.  Total. Fail.

you would know that I say I don’t care what people think about me…but I do…but I don’t…but I can’t make up my mind.

you would know I plan out everything in my head: my day, blog posts, conversations (…I know), semesters, the future…I’m nuts.  I know.  I don’t even plan in broad strokes or what I like; it’s down to the specifics.

you would know I carry all my tension in my shoulders…and I don’t even have a stressful life!

you would know that I have taste out of my budget…it’s a curse.

you would know that I laugh at all my own jokes.

you would know I think I’m a lot craftier than I actually am, but I’m getting better.

you would know how much I overanalyze.  You would then likely tell me that I’m a super-nut.

     I am sure there is a ton more I could tell you, but how would I ever fit it into one post…I hope each one of you had an incredible weekend.  Mine was fabulous.  You don’t know laughter until you hear a two-year-old tell someone, “When it’s Christmas time; when it’s snowy time…then you can have a love.”  I’ll be back tomorrow with a “What I Wore Wednesday Sunday (on Tuesday).”

Sooooo relaxing.

It’s. Friday.

     Two link ups in a row?  It’s like I’ve stepped through the looking glass!  I almost never do that, but I have always wanted to join in with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday’s Letters.  Plus, this has been the longest week everrrrrr, so I’m a little short on my own ideas.

 

     Dear weekend, where have you been all week?  Dear work, thank you for being over for this week…and almost for the entire summer even though I really love you (usually).  Dear Coca-Cola, I’m looking forward to our date this afternoon at 3:15.  Dear Blue Bell, if you continue making Christmas Cookie ice cream we can continue being friends.  Dear blogosphere, you have brought some amazing ladies my way, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me.  Dear wedding dress, I’m still sad that you have to hang in the closet for almost a year just teasing me with your gorgeousness.  Dear beach, get ready.  I’m coming for you in two weeks and one day.

     There you have it ladies, my first Friday’s Letters…so fun!  You’ll have to forgive me if I’m not creeping around a lot in the next few days.  I’ll be busy hanging out with

this fella

AND

this girl…deep in conversation, no doubt.

     I’ll see you when I see you…with a new recipe, new pictures, and some beach news!

I Promised

     I know I promised you a recipe post, and now that I’ve had a minute to sit down, I’ve got it for you.  Before I get right to it though, let me just do a mini-recap of my weekend.  I had two belated 4th of July parties with my family on Saturday.  Translation: I spent all day floating in a pool and eating – a lot.  My sister, brother-in-law, and niece were here too, so there wasn’t as much sitting as a normal weekend…but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

     This is about as good as it gets on the picture front for this weekend.  I love my little point-and-shoot camera, but for capturing photos of a two-year-old it’s not always the greatest. 

     Now, onto the real reason for this post (as if that little cutie isn’t enough)…the recipe.

You will need:
1 can whole kernel corn
1 onion red (chopped)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup mayo
1 smallish bag of Chili Cheese Fritos

(I’m almost embarrassed to type instructions for this; it’s so easy.)

We doubled this recipe (sort of).

1.  Drain corn and mix with onion and bell pepper. If you double this recipe, I wouldn’t double the bell pepper or onion, and I might even use less onion because it tends to be a little much.

2.  Add mayonnaise.  We didn’t double this either, but we did use about a cup and a half.

3.  Chill overnight.

4.  Before serving add Fritos.  Just eyeball an amount you think looks good and mix well.

     I know it breaks every blog recipe post rule not to have a photo of the finished product, but by the time everyone got to my cousin’s house to eat it might have been dangerous to get in front of the food!  I know it sounds a little strange to use all of these together, but believe you me…it’s incredible.  This picture looks pretty mayonnaise-y, but the Fritos will soak some of that up so it’s more substantial.  I definitely suggest chopping the onion very finely and possibly using less than a whole, but other than that, you can pretty much just add however much you think looks good.  That’s my kind of recipe.

     In non-food related news, I get the scores of my final Praxis test tomorrow (because I refused to pay $30 to get them in advance).  I am so ready to put that little chapter of schooling behind me.  I wouldn’t call myself a bad test taker…but who enjoys it?  I hope your week is off to a wonderful start.  I have about 859 things to do, starting with meeting a potential wedding photographer tonight!  I’ll keep you posted.

Places I May Be Partying:

Weekending

     I had a really yummy recipe (or three) planned for today, but I didn’t have time to write it last night what with the Law and Order: SVU marathon.  I’m sure that I’ll have it up by Monday, and it will be just as delicious then.  Today, I’m have a belated 4th of July celebration with my family and spending lots of time with this little cutie:

 

     I’ve also got to post about that dress…since I made it!  Looking at this picture makes me realize that I have got to start buying wide ribbon to make bows.  I have a ton of ribbon, just not wide enough.
     That’s pretty much it for me today.  I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend.  Stay tuned for three recipes and a little something crafty!  Happy Weekend!

Sadie, Sadie

     …married lady!  Not quite, but everything is starting to feel so real now!  Starting yesterday, I have less than one year until I get married!  How exciting is it to say, “This is my last (insert whatever date) as a non-married!”?  Maybe that’s only fun for me…
     Anyway, as most of you know, I went dress shopping today.  This morning, my mother, sister, and I went to Ballew Bridal in Collierville to do a little exploratory browsing.  They were having a sale – always a good reason to stop and look.

I even made an effort to look like a real person!  Hair and make up done and everything.


No special trip is complete without car self-portraits.


…or Saltines and a Coke.  There is no way I could have let myself get hangry on this trip.

     I’m thinking that my dress inspiration post must have sent out some really good shopping zhu-zhu because…………I HAVE A DRESS!  Of course I can’t tell you what it looks like which is so difficult for me because I do not like keeping secrets.  You’ll just all have to trust me…it is incredible.  I don’t know what I’m going to do for the next year with this amazing dress just sitting in my closet (answer: go crazy and/or smile like a loon every day because I’m so excited). 
     Surprisingly, it was the first dress I tried on!  I did try on several others, but once I tried the first one on again with a veil it was all over.  It was too perfect, and the veil just makes it.  It will have to be altered, but that won’t be until probably April.  Until then, I just get to look at my perfect perfect dress as much as I want.  I kind of want to wear it every day now…but I assume this isn’t practical.  We finished the day with a Chik-fil-a lunch and headed home totally content.  My nana and my close friends have seen it, and the general consensus is love love love!  I am now in full on wedding mode.  Get ready!

Wedding Dress Inspiration

     You may remember a few days ago me mentioning that I’m going dress shopping this weekend.  I know we’re still a year out, but this is sort of a getting our feet wet exploratory kind of thing.  Also, June is a crazy popular month, so I'd like to get as many things as possible done ahead of schedule since I’ll be busy with school during the prime planning months.  I would hate to wait until after graduation to think about all of it only to find out that anyone worth having was booked solid. 
     Saturday morning, my mother, sister, and I will be going to Ballew Bridal in Covington for our first real day of dress looking/shopping.  I am so excited (understatement).  In honor of this gigantic step, I thought I would share some of my favorite Pinterest dress inspirations.

via

      I’m not actually looking for a fit and flare, but I want to try on as many different styles as possible!

via

      I love this one – a lot.

via

      This one is definitely different and really pretty, but I’m not sure I could pull it off.

via

      Hello, Jackie O!  I love the idea of this dress, but I just know I would be fooling with those cute little sleeves all night.  I refuse to have wedding pictures with my straps down around my elbows.

     If you couldn’t tell, I think lace is so pretty and absolutely perfect for weddings.  Because we’re getting married in June, likely in the afternoon, I don’t want anything too formal or buttoned up looking.  Lace is so classic, but the way it’s done on these dresses is not stuffy or old-timey at all. 
     I’m sure now that I’ve posted these, I’ll find something totally different and fall absolutely in love with it.  No matter what happens though…I am all kinds of excited; I’m marrying an amazing fella, and Saturday is going to be so fun!
     In other wedding news, I have some photographers in mind, and I can’t wait to meet with them and start getting things nailed down.  Because it is full on wedding season right now, I am getting so anxious for my own.  Once I start really doing things, I don’t know how I’ll wait a year!  On the plus side, I get to celebrate my pre-anniversary in four days!
     Now for some shameless advice begging.  Any of my readers from Tennessee: where did you find your dress?  Any of my engaged friends: have you started dress shopping?  Any of you: when did you start really planning your wedding?

Music Fest

     Don’t get to excited y’all; it wasn’t the CMA Fest or anything.  Every year, my town holds the Shannon Street Music Fest (formerly Blues Fest).  Last weekend, Keith got to spend a few days here, and we got to have a real date…which is not all that common for us.
      I had a gift card to Chili’s left from my birthday, so we used that (…Southwest egg rolls – love) and then headed downtown.  The event used to be held in our Farmers’ Market Pavilion, but this year, they blocked off a big chunk of downtown which gave us a lot more space.  There were booths from local vendors, politicians, and little carnival games, and a big stage where they showcased some local talent.  To be quite honest, I didn’t pay a ton of attention to the music, but I go to events like this more for the atmosphere than the main focus.  My pictures aren’t great, but I thought I’d share them anyway…you’ll have to bear with the blurriness.

I know this is a little blurry, but it’s the best picture of us from the night.

This was the main area they had sectioned off.


A lot of people bring their chairs and sit on the lawn of the courthouse to see/hear the music.


My one pitiful picture of the stage…

     The weather was so perfect to just hang out outside.  I was worried that it was going to be oppressively hot, but I actually had to break out a pair of blue jeans!  We almost never get to do stuff like this between school and studying (his, not mine) and whatever else, and I was so happy to be able to just relax and be together for a little bit without thinking about class or a test or anything like that.  Days like that make me so excited to be married.  I know it won’t always be sunshine and daisies, but at least it’ll be a little more settled than what we have right now.  I think that will be so nice.
     This weekend (starting tonight) I’m going to be cooking shrimp and grits, giving two adorable outfits I made to Della, and taking my very last Praxis test!  I will obviously show you the outfits, and I can’t wait to make/eat/share the shrimp and grits!