Latte Love

Instagram dump: The Netherlands and Belgium

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:24:00 +0000

We're back! And we had an awesome trip. I feel like every time E and I vacation together we get better at traveling in general and traveling with each other. There are so many stressers during out-of-country vacations that things can sometimes get tense and very un-vacationlike, but this trip went really smoothly and was so fun.

I"m going to do a series of posts on what we did and saw, but in the meantime, here's a little instagram recap from the trip (more than half of these photos are E's! he's much more talented than I) :-)

We're off to The Netherlands and Belgium!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:06:00 +0000

Last July E and I decided to start researching where to use my hard-earned airline miles for another big trip to Europe. We had to book nine months in advance in order to get seats on reward flights, so we went for it!

But then nine months went by really, really fast. April seemed SO far away that we suddenly panicked last month and got to planning. Traveling to Europe is a lot of work! But now we're off tomorrow to The Netherlands and Belgium, with a long weekend trip to see our dear friends in Milan, Italy on the way. My youngest sister and her husband are meeting us in Amsterdam halfway through the trip and we can't wait to see them and show them around Europe on their first trip out of the country.

Bruges, Belgium

I've been so down after our house robbery, but the past three days have been packed with good news after good news and now we're leaving on this trip! (and with our good friends are house-sitting, so I'm much less anxious to the leave the house.)

We would love to hear any suggestions on restaurants or sites off-the-beaten-path in the Netherlands or Belgium (Bruges and Brussels) if you have them.
(And we just found out we'll be in Amsterdam on Queen's Day!)

theft.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:36:00 +0000

The ironic thing was, E and I have always had this silly habit. Every time we walk into our house, especially if it's dark outside, we slowly unlock and crack open the door and call out "Robber? Are you there?" You know, to give the thief a chance to get away. The goofy little warning to the nonexistent thief makes me laugh away the nerves when arriving home alone.

Little did I know that joke would cease to be funny any more.

I would feel better if a window had been broken, but we still aren't sure where the thief came into our house, just that it was is in the middle of the day. And on April Fool's Day, no less. They made off with pricey, but [eventually] replaceable gadgets. Also, every single piece of my jewelry - except the wedding ring on my finger.

I can't really describe what I'm feeling. A lot of people have said being robbed must have felt violating. And yes, we feel violated, but it's not the most prevalent emotion.

I think what I'm still feeling, is something more like sad disbelief. Every morning I go back to my little bedroom nook by the window where all of my jewelry used to hang and I cannot believe that every last chain, bead, earring, watch is just...gone. I cannot believe someone could take all of those prized possessions (with no resale value!). The beloved things I had spent 10 years collecting - from a 16th birthday gift to my great-grandmother's heirlooms, and my expensive pieces like my mom's gold watch, my pearl necklace, and the earrings and bracelet I wore on my wedding day.

All I could think was: take my camera (they did), take the ps3 (they did), take the laptop (they did) but whhhyyy did you have to take my precious THINGS?

So while I'm still having a pity party, and finding out how emotionally attached I am to forever21 necklaces, I keep reading these verses to remind myself of the important, eternal things.

p.s. I'm grateful to Holley for sharing their house burglary experience and tips so I can feel a little more safe and prepared in the future. We can't replace any of the stolen items because we can't get renter's insurance - our house is apparently in a wildfire hazard zone.:-/

a few months' perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:24:00 +0000

The weird thing for me about transitions and difficult phases in life is that it's really hard to talk or write about them while I'm in the midst of them. Unless it's that stream-of-consciousness, I'm-not-sure-where-this-is-going babble...and there is a place for that, but for me it's not usually on the internet, or even on paper. I can't stand to write when I don't know what I want to say. (which is probably why I'll never be a brilliant author). I don't know that I have good perspective even now, but the itch to write returned, so I did.

I guess I should back up a few months.
This past summer and fall were really great for E and I. I (we) felt blessed and really thankful that we were both employed, staying in San Diego area for the foreseeable future, and having more time together after a long four years of E in school. We had a little extra income and could start paying down loans and enjoying a dinner out every few weeks without feeling guilty. We got more involved at church and spent more time with friends.

But then winter crept in, and we started feeling like maybe something should be happening. E had a good, but temporary/low-skill job while he waits for a pastoral call and I was getting restless and discouraged in my own job. We wrestled back and forth with what our next step should be and I started to get pretty down. After a few months we decided that we shouldn't put our life on hold indefinitely just because E might get a call to a church soon across the country or across the world. We needed to live in the present. So if he gets a call - great! We'll evaluate it when it comes, and if necessary, pick up and move. But if it takes one year, or five - we don't want to be living a lifestyle of waiting and settling for less, because 'just in case'.

I was ready to progress in my career, so I started the (nerve-wracking, exhausting, discouraging, frustrating) endeavor of job hunting in a field that I haven't directly worked in, and have good, but limited experience in - web communications and social media. I'll save that saga for the next post.

Almost five years post-college, I feel like I'm just starting to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. And I'm starting to realize why people say that they love their thirties...because they're actually starting to figure out what they want in life. (I want to be thirty and past this stage!) But I'm thankful for God's Word telling me WHO I am - a redeemed and beloved child of God - even as I struggle through the mess of growing up and getting older.

for old times' sake

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 22:16:00 +0000

I have few words to wax eloquent about the year gone by or the year to come. I had great intentions this month to spend time in reflection through WEverb12, and failed at that too.

But I wanted to get back here just to write. Just to remember what it feels like to sit down and record what I am thinking at a moment in time.

We just got home from 10 days back in Chicago with my family. We're emotionally and physically exhausted, but SO thankful for the opportunity to have been able to spend so much time with our nearest [furthest] and dearest. A few highlights were going to my sister's ultrasound and seeing my little 2 inch long niecephew kicking and rolling around, looking through old slides with my grandparents getting to glimpse into their life when they were my age, and taking my youngest sister out to celebrate her 21st birthday.

my grandparents circa 1957

I'm so thankful for our visit there, and so thankful to come home. Calling California 'home' has been a long transition, but every time I leave, coming back feels more settled and more right.

In a dozen ways 2012 was an unexciting year for us. But it a thousand little ways, it was a blessed year and it was a gift. I don't know what 2013 holds - maybe the same things, maybe drastic changes - but it's enough for me to know that I don't have to know. Our plans are in His hands.

Happy New Year!

[Listen] staying in the moment

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Staying in the moment is something I think most people struggle with, and I am no exception. I sometimes wish I had been born in a different era - one that allowed more reflection and fewer distractions. Technology can be so invasive (I guess we make it so), and the fast pace of life around me forces me to constantly be looking forward instead of looking at the present. (That and the fact that people are just always asking - "what's next?").

For me, staying in the moment this year has been leaving my camera in its bag; not seeing all of my experiences through the lens of a camera, but just enjoying the view from here. It's amazing the perspective you get when the pressure is off to capture the moment in photo. Sometimes, things are best left to memory. This doesn't make for good blogging, Christmas cards, or photo books. But it has made an impact on how I experience life, travel, and special occasions. And I hope it will make an impact on how I write - describing my experiences with words instead of visuals.

I'm also trying to stay in the moment at work. It's been a restless few months and really hard for me to focus on tasks at hand. I've been a day dreamer (and, to be honest, lazy), but not being in my ideal career is not an excuse to become apathetic. I've also discovered (over and over again) that multi-tasking makes for frustration and feeling (being!) unaccomplished. I'm not the only one who thinks so. So a goal for 2013 is to stay in the moment at work. (here's some advice I'm hoping to implement)

--------------------------------------------------------
I'm participating in:

Join me!

[create] a haiku for two oh one two

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 02:32:00 +0000

graduation came!
freedom has been good for us
wish we knew what's next

and, for good measure, hopes for 2013:

peace and contentment
traveling to new places
aunt and uncle, we

------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm on the team of #WEverb12, a way to reflect on the year past, and look forward to the year coming through a series of prompts. Kimberly has done another amazing job with this project, and I'm excited for the chance/excuse to write more regularly again. It seems like when I take a break from writing, I get out of the habit. And the only way to beat writer's block, is to keep writing! SO here it goes...

The prompts are divided into five categories: live, create, grow, hope and listen.Whether you post one three prompts or all thirty-one, on instagram, facebook, or your blog, I hope you'll consider joining us! You can sign up as a participant here, and also signup to get the prompts into your email inbox.

San Diego Craft Night & Book Signing with New Dress a Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:17:00 +0000

[Another promotional post, and then I promise to write things that will interest those of you that don't live in the San Diego area.]

Tricia and I have been long-time readers and fans of the popular blog New Dress a Day. Marisa Lynch recently published a book about her thrifting/DIYing adventures and Tricia asked me to help her put on a craft night and a book signing party with Marisa at Kettle Coffee & Tea! (I'm geeking out I get to meet her next week).

If you live in the San Diego/Orange County area, we would love to have you join us on Tuesday, December 4th to create a one-of-a-kind ornament with (what else?) thrifted, repurposed materials, and to hang out with Marisa.

The craft portion of the event (from 6pm-7pm) has a limited number of spaces, so please register to let us know you're coming. You can save $2 on the event fee if you select "Other Payment Options" and pay at the door. The fee includes 1 coffee drink and pastries from Kettle, as well as the supplies and tutorial for the ornament you take home.

If you want to join us for just the party - come by between 7-8:30pm to meet Marisa! Books will be available for purchase at the event and you can get them signed.

More details can be found on Eventbrite!

Tuesday, December 4
Craft Night and Book Signing with Marisa Lynch of New Dress a Day

Crafting, 6pm: $10 at the door to make an ornament with Marisa and the ladies of Latte Love Blog (Katie) & Twinkle and Twine (Rebekah). Coffee and pastries included!

Book Signing Party, 7pm: Bring your copy of New Dress a Day* to be signed by the author and bring your consignment clothing for a free consult!

Kettle Coffee and Tea

119 E. Grand Ave

Escondido, CA 92027

email any questions to me at latteloveblog at gmail

Hope to see you there!

*affiliate link

Welcome, Kettle Coffee & Tea!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:18:00 +0000

When I said goodbye to my co-worker, Tricia a few weeks ago, it was for bigger and much better things. I'm excited to announce that this morning Kettle Coffee & Tea opened on 119 E. Grand Avenue in Escondido!

Watching Trish and her husband Phillip the past few weeks has been inspiring, exhausting, and enormously revealing about life as a small business owner. They have spent 20 hours a day menu-planning, recipe testing, employment law training, wall painting, and floor scrubbing. (I think I can speak for them when I say it has not been all glamorous). E and I have also been impressed by how well they've worked together after less than a year of marriage, and definitively decided that we would either kill or divorce each other if we tried to open a business together.

This is a shameless plug but I do hope that if any of you guys live in the North County of San Diego, you'll swing by and check it out! Here are some of the details:

Kettle Coffee & Tea will be located on Grand Ave in the historic district of downtown Escondido, CA. Our shop will feature:

A local award-winning roaster who offers hand-crafted, direct trade, single origin coffees as well as custom blends
A variety of brewing methods, including a pour-over bar, french press, and Chemex! Loose-leaf teas by the ounce and by the cup.
A delightful selection of sweet and savory treats from local bakeries and our own kitchen.
A seasonal menu for breakfast and lunch, including pastries, paninis, sandwiches, melts, and salads.

Kettle has a Kickstarter account to help them raise money for all the extras that go along with a new business, including a new sign to go on the storefront. There are some great rewards to be had (especially for locals) that are perfect as Christmas gifts!

If you haven't heard of Kickstarter (I hadn't), here's some more information on how it works: http://kettlecoffeeandtea.com/2012/11/19/fund-and-support-us-through-kickstarter/

Beyond the excitement of having a friend start a business, it's also exciting to see a great coffee shop open up in the area (10 minutes away from work). They're serving Klatch Coffee - which is a nationally recognized award-winning coffee roaster in Riverside County that does direct trade with coffee bean growers all over the world.

The couple are also seriously crafty, and made their own pour-over coffee stand, which I enjoyed use of this morning.

Tricia making Kettle's first pour-over coffee for me this morning!

Kettle Coffee & Tea
119 E. Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92027
m-th 6:30am-7pm
f-st 6:30am-9pm
s closed

find them online here:
http://kettlecoffeeandtea.com/
http://instagram.com/kettlecoffeeandtea
https://www.facebook.com/KettleCoffeeandTea
http://twitter.com/KettleCoffeeTea

It's not goodbye, it's see you later

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 00:47:00 +0000

Today we had a farewell party for my favorite coworker, Trish (the one who has been bringing in lots of goodies lately). We've worked together in a very small office since I started here three years ago and we've become good friends, (see her amazing DIY wedding here) so it was a pretty sad occasion...

But her new job is a extremely exciting entrepreneurial adventure just a few miles down the road. I'm not fooling myself, it won't be the same at work without her, but I'm thrilled as she gets ready to embark on a new journey that I'll be announcing here in about two weeks.
(I'm happy to be a little involved in getting things started and planning an event with her for early December.) :-)

Stay tuned, San Diegans! (particularly if you're in North County)

Style on the Road: Planning and Packing

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:12:00 +0000

I've traveled more often than I stayed at home in September and October, and I have to admit I'm not very good at trying to balance my normal life with flying all over the country. Two friends' weddings, one trip to see family, three work trips and it feels so good to be home!

While on the road I try to travel light and in style, and I've gotten a few questions about it, so I thought I'd share some of my packing tips and tricks.

On the plane
Some guidelines for what to wear when you're flying.

Classy, in case of a first class upgrade (!)
Comfortable, because all of my flights are cross-country and warm, because planes are cold
Versatile, so I can rewear it, because I pack with only a carry on - even for a ten day trip
Wrinkle-free, so I can look presentable if I have to meet anyone after 9 hours of travel

[One thing I should note is that I'm a grad school recruiter, so the dress code when I'm on the road can be pretty laid back. I never wear heels on a flight, or a suit.]

My favorite ensemble is:

Travel wear by lattelove featuring slim fit pants

J.Crew Minnie pants* (thanks for the twitter recs on these pants! I wear them at least once a week. Love)
button-up shirt*
blazer* or cardigan
comfortable flats*
scarf*

*denotes affiliate link

In my suitcase

Shoes. By far the hardest thing to pack is shoes - they're less easy to remix and take up so much space! On my last trip I was gone for ten days and my trip included a wedding, a visit to my family, and work - in places where temps ranged from 40-75. I would have preferred to have about seven pairs with, but I forced myself to bring only four: dressy sandals, black pumps, flat boots and brogues. Always wear boots on the plane, because they're a beast to pack.
Clothes that Mix and Match. This seems obvious, but is always harder in practice. The only way to guarantee what I'm bringing will work in several outfits is for me to layout all those outfits on my bed before packing. Every item needs to be worn at least twice - cardigan, blazer and pants should be remixable 3 times on a long trip. The only exception for me was the dress I wore to the wedding.
Accessories. The only way I will pack or wear accessories is if I plan them as carefully as I plan my outfits.One of the most frustrating parts of travel for me is when I don't have my arsenal of belts, scarves, necklaces, earrings and barrettes or headbands to choose from each day. I take two belts - a utility and an accent belt, and put my jewelry in a cloth roll I bought on Etsy. I usually wear a scarf on the plane.
Folding. I'm a fan of the rolling method, but I don't roll everything. Pants and dresses always get rolled and placed on the bottom, but tops do not. I usually bundle pack tops (see #2 here) where I stack all my tops together and fold them around another item.
Packing: Some pro packers like the idea of putting clothing in a large clear ziploc bag so you can compress the air out of as much of your clothes as possible, and compartmentalize. I like this idea for delicate tops and shoes, but I don't pack anything else in plastic bags. I pack rolled items at the bottom with shoes, tops towards the bottom of the suitcase and toiletries go at the top of the suitcase near the zipper for easy access when going through security.
Toiletries. Pack light on makeup. I take the smallest toiletries bag I own and typically bring one foundation-type product, mascara, eyeliner, two eye shadows, one blush and three brushes. Other than the foundation it fits in a snack-size ziploc bag. When I'm staying in a hotel or visiting my family I never pack a hair dryer, or shampoo/conditioner/body wash.
Outerwear. Most of the time I'm traveling from a temperate climate (San Diego) to a colder climate, and have to pack a coat that I don't want to wear during travel. I travel with the coat thrown over my arm or my tote bag and then after loading in my carry on suitcase, I find a place where I can lay it flat over other items in the overhead bin. (*you should always to try to this after the plane has been boarded, because there may not be room, or you may have your stuff squished when someone tries to squeeze their luggage in too small a space.)
Extras. Don't forget the little things! I always use a packing list, even though I know exactly what I'm packing so I don't forget things like: socks, the appropriate underwear, bandaids, feminine products, umbrella, glasses, medications.

Any questions? I feel like there are million resources out there with packing advice (here is one of my favorite collections: http://www.academichic.com/tag/packing/ ), but I hope this was helpful!

What's Next? Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:45:00 +0000

It's hard to believe it's been four months since student-life was our reality. It's been nice, but a lot busier than we planned! This post has been half-written for a while, but I've gotten some questions about what's coming up for us, so I thought I'd finish it and share a bit of where we're at in life right now.

Since E graduated with his Master of Divinity degree, he has been doing a few odd jobs here and there and working as an intern at our church. About two weeks ago the librarian at his school retired, and they offered E the job. He's also teaching two courses here - but both gigs will be up in January. We are so thankful he has such a great job for the time in between. (but I'm still not ready to think about student loans coming due next month...)

He spent almost all summer preparing for his licensure exam at the local presbytery meeting. The church denomination we are in (Presbyterian Church in America, or PCA) requires a process to qualify candidates to become pastors. Usually in the last year of, or after graduation from seminary, future pastors are given an extensive written and oral exam to test their qualifications for ministry. If they pass, they are licensed by the presbytery (a group of local PCA pastors and elders). Last week E sustained his exam!! (and did extremely well, I might add :-). Our pastor said he hit it out of the park.)

Now that he's licensed, he can start to look for a call to a pastoral position in a church and we've been asked more than ever - what's the plan?
I'm torn between knowing he needs to become a pastor (ahh!), and being really comfortable where we are right now. We love the San Diego area, we love our church, we both have stable jobs - so it's hard to imagine moving away. But at the same time, knowing this school thing was temporary, I'm getting antsy for a new adventure.

It feels like we spend every other night talking, praying, and dreaming about the different options for the future: short-term missions, long-term missions, planting a church, college chaplaincy, solo pastoring, in an urban church, rural church, east coast, west coast, overseas - who knows? It's weird and unnerving not knowing where we'll be in one year, five years or fifteen years. But it's also exciting and comforting for us to know that God has it figured out for us.

In the meantime, we are enjoying a lifestyle that doesn't involve E studying every night, and a tiny bit of extra income to start paying down our loans. I'm in the middle of travel season for work as a recruiter, and LOVE this time of year, even though I miss a lot of happenings at home. The midwest and east coast are putting on a great fall color show as usual, and I have one more wedding to finish off this wedding season (in Charlotte, NC!).

What are you guys most looking forward to this fall?

What's Good at Trader Joe's

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:10:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I made a very rare visit to Trader Joe's. We have one close, but it's just not on my regular circuit of grocery stores, since I have a lot of great markets like Sprouts nearby. So just before leaving I threw out the question on Twitter

You guys gave me some amazing suggestions! I've been working my way through a few at a time during each visit to Trader Joe's, but here's the list in its fullness for you to enjoy.

speculoos cookie butter ✓ (yay for my dutch heritage! I grew up eating the cookies that this spread is made of, so not only is it amazingly delicious, it is nostalgic)
wine ✓
hummus ✓ (E and I eat a good amount of hummus and we were amazed at how much better TJ's is vs. almost every other kind we've tried)
pretzel thins ✓ (pair with cookie butter)
chocolate covered: pretzel thins ✓ (see above), almonds with sea salt and turbinado sugar ✓ (cannot recommend enough; we are addicted), raisins, caramels, orange sticks, coconut bonbons, s'mores, pistachio toffee
goddess dressing ✓ (really good on spinach salad)
Italian truffle cheese ✓
lemon pasta
plain tart frozen yogurt
salsa autentica
double-roasted salsa
dried blueberries
mint chocolate covered espresso beans
kettle corn
mingling olives
a fig walked into a bar bars
pesto
edamame nuggets
Crotin goat cheese trio
almond milk yogurt
pizza dough
vegetable tempura birds nests
ice cream mochi
frozen fire-roasted corn

Anything else?

Edited to add:
p.s. see also the comments section on this post at elefantitas algres
p.p.s. just found the blog What's Good at Trader Joe's

I am apparently not the first to ask this question!

Washington DC travel advice needed!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:14:00 +0000

After an amazing weekend in Carpinteria, hanging out with Rainn Wilson, we're off again. ...this time to Washington D.C because E's best friend is getting married!

We are going to have just a day to sight-see so we want to pick 1 or 2 things to see, and one place to eat to keep things manageable.

So, DC area people - what is your favorite thing or two to do in DC? (bonus points if they are close together/easily accessed by public transport) If you had to pick one place to eat, where would it be?
E and I have both been to DC before (years ago) and seen some of the big sights like the Washington Monument, White House, etc, so I'm thinking a Smithsonian? But what do I know.

Also, it turns out, I'm going to be free Friday evening while the guys have their bachelor party shenanigans, so anything you'd recommend I do that evening?

The mama club

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:22:00 +0000

I keep trying to blog about things I think I should be writing about, like what I've been up to for the past few months - what I've been cooking, wearing, where I've been traveling etc. But none of that has been motivation enough to write lately.

Suddenly yesterday I had an epiphany - why not just write what's on my mind? I know that sounds silly and obvious, but it was a freeing realization to just write what I've been thinking about lately.

So, what is on my mind? Incidentally, the topic of babies. I was talking to E the other night about how we have gotten together with couple friends (new and old) a lot more frequently lately, but that I have been the only imbibing female amongst every couple we've spent time with this summer. Between friends who are TTC, expecting, and lactating, I'm feeling a little bit out of the club.

E and I are in the stage of starting to talk about growing our family in a more real sense, with a real timeline (involving years); still, we're not quite ready. But there is something about all my friends having babies that still makes me feel a little left out. I mean, my mom friends are impressed by my knowledge of the physical effects of pregnancy, birth and post-partum, (this is primarily because I have been reading too much OMG Mom), but it is also evident I'm not able to relate to what has changed for them emotionally and turned their entire lives around and upside down.

Maybe this goes without saying, but I really want to stay friends with all these ladies as they become mamas. I think I'm just having a hard time adjusting to their new normal and figuring out how to maintain a relationship that includes my time and love for their babies, but also adult time to talk about non-baby things. It feels a little awkward, like the start of a new friendship.
Do I suggest we go out baby-free? Do I offer to come over and help them around the house?
How do I talk about my day-to-day work and married life with them, when it doesn't seem nearly as significant as creating and nurturing a human life?

I know a lot of my friends are on the other side of this and maybe struggling as well to maintain healthy friendships with single or childless friends. So please weigh in - I would love to hear what ladies on both sides feel about this!

The ultimate sacrifice

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:59:00 +0000

I have so many things to share and write about - baby showers thrown and attended (3), wedding events for my sister, travel, our crazy growing garden.

But for the past five days I've done little else but think about and pray for a woman I know from church who lost her husband in Afghanistan on Sunday.

It's strange: even though we know a lot of military families, I (ignorantly) thought things were basically over for the US military in the Middle East. I certainly didn't think about or realize US soldiers were still being attacked and still dying. So the news itself was completely shocking.

I have grieved the loss of people much dearer to me - family members and close friends, but the loss of Dan has come as such a huge blow to the church and community. E and I weren't close with Dan and his wife Rachel, but we had mutual friends at church and had attended a few game nights with them. In the past, I have been moved and saddened hearing about the loss of lives of our military members, but this was so close to home.

Dan was a sergeant in MARSOC (special ops in the Marines), and had already been in combat three times and was on his sixth deployment. He received a purple heart last summer in a combat that shattered his knee. Besides being a godly man who loved his family, I don't know how else to describe him except that he seemed way too bad ass to have anything happen to him. It's really hard to imagine one of the toughest strongest guys you can think of not making it. But this isn't the movies, and the strong guy isn't coming home.

(taken from Facebook)

In part it feels disingenuous to be so torn up over his death, considering there are so many others suffering so much more deeply at this loss. But as Christians we mourn with those who mourn, and I can't help but dwell on the ugliness of death.
I'm just so thankful that death does not win in the end.

The very moment that believers die they are in paradise. Their battle is fought: their strife is over. They have passed through that gloomy valley we must one day tread; they have gone over that dark river we must one day cross. They have drunk that last bitter cup which sin has mingled for man: they have reached that place where sorrow and sighing are no more. Surely we should not wish them back again! We should not weep for them, but for ourselves.
-JC Ryle

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Gunnery Sergeant Daniel J. Price.

Getting back on it (again and again and again)

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:44:00 +0000

I waited about 5 weeks before blogging about this as not to jinx it, but I have finally started exercising again, and attempting to get my life on the healthy train.

E and I lost some weight about a year and a half ago and it was great to shed the first year of marriage weight, but I didn't form any good habits. I thought briefly about it again during WeVerb11. The pounds, and lethargy crept back up on me.

I used to run (a little) in college but for some reason the motivation hasn't been there the last 3 years. Every few months I would block out an entire evening and try running. (on that note - why does it always feel like it takes SO long to work out - get changed, download a podcast to my ipod, run, then stretch and shower after)?

On the occasion I could actually psych myself up enough to go, I would usually start too fast, feel awful, start walking, complain about all sorts of pain because my form was so bad, get home and collapse on the floor, defeated. This experience would prevent me from working out again for the next 4-6 months.
I also get discouraged when I don't quickly lose weight (after only moderate 2 workouts in one week), so I would quit.

I wanted to get started running this time around because I wanted to lose weight. But more than five weeks into relatively regular running, I haven't lost anything (I keep losing a pound and gaining it back the next week) but I still feel good about what I'm doing. My habits are barely forming and they're pretty minimal at this point, but just the fact that I can make myself get out the door a couple times a week and break a sweat feels like a real accomplishment. I don't think I can say I enjoy it yet, but I never regret it after I go.

I wish I could say what it was that finally pushed me out the door after years of excuses (I always look for inspiration from other people doing what I wish I was!) I don't know what finally motivated me, but here are at least a few things that contributed.

MyFitnessPal.com has been enormously helpful in allowing me to track progress and my calorie intake and burn everyday. (You can follow me there at Latte_Love)

I got new Nike Dri-fit tempo running shorts and a compression sports bra and love them.

I also follow some really inspirational blog friends, particularly Laura, Monica and Callie

Evolution of [Short] Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Ever since cutting my hair short three years ago (pwc ftw), I can't seem to keep the same style for more than a couple months. My hair stylist is the best sport, coming up with something new every time I see her.

Feb 2011

April 2011

June 2011

July 2011

September 2011

November 2011

January 2012

March 2012

and, the shortest yet! May 2012

styled usually a little more like this

There is no cure for the restlessness of short-haired me. A pixie cut next? Not sure I'm brave enough, but I love it on Linda.

To follow along on my short-hair obsessing, see my Short Hairspiration pinterest board.

Italian Zucchini Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:50:00 +0000

After instagramming the making of dinner this week, some you guys requested the recipe. It's been a while since I've posted on here anything food related, so I'm glad to remedy that. But I do post what I make for dinner several times a week on Instagram! Follow me @lattelove.

The best part of this particular recipe is that I was able to find half of the ingredients in my garden! (zucchini, onions, parsley and basil). Nothing like a recipe made with freshly picked produce from the backyard.

This is a family recipe from E's mom and I make it every summer because our garden produces SO many zucchinis. (Sometimes I like to switch up by shredding the zucchini instead of slicing it.)

Italian Zucchini Pie
1/4 c butter
4 cups of thinly sliced zucchini OR 2 1/2 cups of shredded zucchini (approx 1 1/4 lbs or 3 med zucchini)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 c chopped parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
salt and pepper to taste

2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs

1 can of crescent roll dough

Melt butter over medium low heat and saute onions and zucchini for 8-12 minutes (6-8 if using shredded zucchini), adding garlic half way through.

While that's cooking, chop up your herbs and set them aside. In a mixing bowl lightly beat the eggs with a fork, and stir in the shredded cheese. Preheat oven to 375.

Remove onions and zucchini from heat and stir in herbs, salt and pepper. Spray a pie pan with cooking spray and unroll each crescent roll as if it were a pie slice, gently pressing the pieces together to make a crust.

Pour the zucchini mixture into the bowl with the eggs and cheese and combine well. Pour mixture into crescent pie crust and bake for 3540 minutes at 375.

Slice up and serve with arugula salad and a glass of your favorite vino!

Graduation party planning: the details

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:12:00 +0000

I thought it might be helpful to go through some of the work we did and costs to E's graduation extravaganza. We had an open house for 80-100 (I never did get a final count as people were in an out all afternoon/evening) and we had a friend cater, so the costs were significantly lower that if you'd hire a restaurant.

Seating
We borrowed the tables, chairs and canopies from our church, which was a huge relief and saved us a lot of money. E and my dad picked up everything on Friday morning and set it up in our backyard.

Food
You guys saw these photos (and sadly, I did not get photos of main dishes, or desert), but we did not skimp on food. I wanted a 'foodie' barbecue, and it was the highlight of the party. It was so fun to have everyone be surprised by the lack of typical backyard barbecue food like hamburgers, hotdogs and potato salad, and instead enjoy:

-Baba Ghanoush with pita chips
-Roquefort cheese dip with honey-marinated pears with rice crackers
-Grilled pineapple salsa with tortilla chips
-Smoked haloumi cheese with pickled cherries

-Tri-tip with chimmichurri sauce
-Pulled pork with peach barbecue sauce
-Grilled corn with spicy mayo and cotija

-Brownies with vanilla ice cream and stout caramel sauce

Food for 80 people + tip for our friend: $650

Beer

We picked up a half keg from a local brewery, Stone Brewing Company. It was a hit, but we overestimated how much people would drink. We were drinking flat beer for days after to use it up!
Cost: $110 (our friend got a discount)

Sangria
While E arranged to have beer for most people, I wanted to cover our bases, so I made a large batch of Sangria. We paid a little more than I usually would, so we could get a good Spanish red wine. We used this recipe, but skipped the maraschino cherries and accidentally doubled the sugar (DON'T make this mistake!)
Cost: $38
Time: 20 minutes (+ refrigeration overnight)

Bunting
I made the bunting we used by cutting triangles from a set of blue fabric quarters from Joann's. I pinned them in double fold binding tape (also from Joann's) and stitched along the top. I had originally planned to put the bunting on a drop cloth wall hung on the canopy, but it ended up being too windy.
Cost = $13 (Fabric: $5, Binding tape: $8)
Time: 2 hours

Graduation caps
I found this idea after Beka pinned the inspiration photo. To keep it easy, I bought blue frosting in a squeeze can which I used attach the pieces together and for the tassel. The tops are fudge-covered grahams from Keebler and the bottom is mini Reese's with mini m&ms to top it off. It took seconds to put together each one and they were a hit, especially with the kids!
Cost: $18
Time: 30 minutes

Chinese Lanterns:
I trolled Weddingbee boards to find suggestions for cheap reliable chinese lanterns. We ordered them from jadetime.com. The shipping price is pretty spendy ($11 via UPS), but we got 28 blue and white lanterns in three sizes and they arrived in two days.
Cost: $47

Napkin rolling!

Plates, Plasticware, Napkins
The leftover cloth from the bunting was cut into strips and used to tie the plastic ware/napkin sets together. We purchased the plates, plasticware and napkins in large quantity at Costco and only used about 1/2 of them.
Cost: $45
Time: 30 minutes

Total cost for party

Food and tip for our friend: $650
Beer (1/2 keg from local brewery)& Sangria: $148
Decor & Supplies: $168
Rentals (canopy, tables, chairs): free!

Total: $966 (or about $12/pp)

Thankfully, E's parents helped with some of the cost, and my parents and sister put almost everything together the day before and day of! In some ways I feel like we planned and executed a mini-wedding. I hope someone finds this helpful when planning their own graduation party or backyard barbecue in the future. I definitely loved hosting a big party, and I can't wait to find an occasion to do it again!

three.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:46:00 +0000

\

The first year was exhilarating.
The second year was maturing
This year, the third, is blossoming.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
Oh, no, it is an ever-fixèd mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark
Whose worth's unknown, although its height be taken.

-William Shakespeare

E, I love you with all my heart - for who you are, and who you will be. Thank you for loving me the same, and better.

p.s. our two year photo shoot, and our second anniversary party in Italy!

Advice from a Seminary Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:24:00 +0000

What's written below is taken from a speech I prepared for a seminary wife gathering at the end of the school year. It was also posted on E's school blog. I don't usually blog about this kind of stuff, so I thought this might give you a glimpse into what the school part of our life was like for the last three years. (It's hard to describe how intense it has been!) Thanks for reading.

When my college boyfriend (now husband) E told me he was changing his graduate school plans from law school to seminary I was surprised, but surprisingly unresistant. I certainly had no idea what I was getting myself into. As I adjusted to the idea, I was curious about his desire to attend seminary when at the time he didn't necessarily feel a call to pastoral ministry. I will never forget what he shared about why he needed to study the Bible full-time for four years – it was because he felt it was the only thing he could do. I’m so thankful that in the four years he has spent here, God has made his calling stronger and clearer.

Seminary is an intense, immersive period of study for students. It commands more hours than most full-time jobs and is far more emotionally, spiritually, and mentally taxing. But for future ministry, a seminary education is an absolutely irreplaceable step in that process. Our time at seminary has been real life practice and preparation for gospel-centered service at home, at church, and in the world. It has not just been his time to study, it has also been my opportunity to learn from the faculty, and from a unique community of fellow students and their wives involved in the same journey.

I have learned more lessons than I thought I would from our time in the seminary community and I thought I’d share just a few in reflection.

1. His mind is engaged in study (his ‘work’) even when it doesn’t look like it.

When we first got married and E’s second year of seminary started, I was working hard at a new job and found it difficult to reconcile that his work sometimes involved him sprawled on the couch with books and coffee, while I made dinner and did laundry after being in the office all day. I got jealous when he spent time and money going out to lunch with a professor or fellow students, while I ate leftovers. While we quickly worked out a better way to split household chores, it took me until nearly the end of his time at seminary to respect and understand how much important education happens outside of the classroom and library.
But the friendships he has made with the faculty and his fellow students are going to be the fuel, encouragement and edification for years of ministry to come. It is for this reason I would urge anyone considering seminary to attend a small seminary, on-campus. The experience has been indescribably valuable.

2. Listen first, ask questions next, offer criticism last and sparingly.

Seminary is different from many graduate programs in that it involves the student's family. I have learned to listen carefully as my husband explains a new concept from his classes, because I finally realized that his being able to communicate ideas to me allows him to gauge how well he understands the material. It is also my opportunity for theological education and edification and it has prepared me for a lifetime of learning from him both at home and in a future church.

From painful personal experience, I also learned the value of offering constructive criticism sparingly, carefully, and never the same day as the sermon is preached. Most guys feel drained and disappointed by their weaknesses immediately following their sermon, so encourage first and often by sharing what you learned, how you were fed, and especially, where you heard the Gospel clearly.

3. Encourage time away from studies to pursue hobbies.

E realized in his third year his need for an outlet away from seminary. Because I work at there, we both spend all day on campus. He learned he needed a break from studies and the seminary community to pursue other interests. For us, this meant he pursued a few hobbies on his own and a few we share (archery, backpacking, and gardening, to name a few).

4. Seminary involves sacrifices, but it is only temporary.

These next two, three, four years will test your faith in a sovereign God, your choice of spouse, your spouse’s choice of career (err, calling). It may test all the things you thought you knew about the Bible and church, and it will test your sanity.
You will make enormous sacrifices to attend seminary. You’ll wonder how many more books can possibly fit in your tiny apartment. Or why on earth he needs ALL of them. You will wonder why his professors are torturing him with so much work. There will be a temptation to resent other seminary couples who have more financial aid, better or cheaper housing, fewer semesters left in their program. There will be a temptation to give up when the going gets tough. Seminary life may not be comfortable, but it does not last.

There is no greater privilege than to spend these years getting the tools for a lifetime of studying the Bible. Which is why, looking back on my three years in San Diego as a seminary wife, I have deep gratitude to God and to [E's school] for keeping the Gospel at the center of all they do. It was all worth it.

Graduation celebrations: He/we did it!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 21:25:00 +0000

To celebrate after E's graduation last weekend we planned a big backyard barbecue. I went with a blue and white theme since those are the colors of his school, and it was the easiest. Here is some of my inspiration gathered on Pinterest.

The main project I worked on was sewing a fabric bunting. It was too windy to use it how I had intended, so we strung it up to the canopy. I used the leftover fabric strips to tie the plasticware together.

Meanwhile my dad and E cleared and set up the backyard

My parents and sister especially did an amazing job helping get things together before the party. It was great to have them in town for a week. My dad attached a surface I made from another cable reel to the big stump in our backyard for a cocktail table - and we loved it so much we left it there!

First, though, was all the graduation festivities. E won an award for academic excellence. :-)

Below is Jeffrey, our 'roommate'. He's one of E's best friends from school and for the past two years we rented out an apartment attached to our garage to him. We have a lot of fun memories, and we're both really going to miss him. (He's the most complimentary dinner guest - always taking 2nd and 3rd helpings!)

Then it was time for the party! For food, we hired a friend of E's who is just a hobby chef and he did an amazing job on the spread. I almost feel like the menu deserves it's own blog post. Completely a relief not having one worry related to the food - although I wish I could have taken credit for it, with all the compliments we got.

I made sangria, and the adorable edible graduation caps with some help.

It was an open house for almost 100 people over six hours. I'm just going to let the pictures do the rest of the talking. I'll do a recap/budget breakdown in another post.

Appetizers: baba ghanoush with pita chips, roquefort dip with honey-marinated pears and crackers, and grilled pineapple salsa

our stump cable spool table in action

The main course was tri tip with chimichurri, and pulled pork with peach barbecue sauce. I cannot even describe to you how good it was. People kept nibbling all night and didn't leave us any leftovers!

The whole party made me appreciate our backyard in a way I don't usually (sometimes it's easy to see the weeds and lawn care instead of the vineyards, hills and greenery). We really have one of the best living situations I could have imagined and I know my heart will be broken when we have to move out of this house!

It was really wonderful to celebrate with so many friends, family, and church members. Some friends stayed late and hung out over a bonfire. It was the perfect farewell to E's four years of school.

nothingness, and a return

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:16:00 +0000

I was going to write a post yesterday, but then I thought good riddance, May - I'll just wait until June.

I don't know where May went, but it is gone, gone, gone. Family has returned home and festivities are over. I gained back all the weight I had just started to lose, and my refrigerator is still full of leftover stout caramel sauce, grilled pineapple salsa, and roquefort cheese dip with honey marinated pears, from our amazing graduation party spread. (more to come on this NOM)

I was too busy this month to use all those birthday coupons flooding my email inbox. I didn't even get to Starbucks for my annual birthday venti caramel frappuccino with extra EVERYTHING. Because you know, you have to get an entire day's worth of calories in the form of frozen sugar and dairy when it's free.

But it's nice to feel the [relative] freedom of summer, despite that I'm stuck in my windowless office on a gorgeous day, in a quiet office because half of my coworkers are on vacation. Summer is very slow at work, so I guess that means I'll be here a little more.
Happily, I'm not the only one who's just coming back around. After a six month hiatus, some blog friends have returned - go say hi to Couple of Crumbs!

Also, I'm going to take this opportunity to say HI to new followers! (and hope you say hi back). I am amazed I gained any readers with the complete lack of content going on lately, but welcome! I hope to be more interesting, for a while anyway. What's going on with you?

twenty four

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:13:00 +0000

Every year since I was 15, maybe earlier, I have stayed up late the night before my birthday journaling reflections on the year and hopes for the news ones. This night it is a little different, but typing that makes me so nostalgic for the paper and ink that I guess I will still pull out my old journal tonight and see what flows forth.

It's a crazy week - with celebrations, gatherings, party planning, graduation, meetings at work, board events and saying goodbye to some really dear friends who are moving on. In the past few weeks I've spent a lot of time reflecting as I was given the opportunity to share a few thoughts on seminary wife life at a gathering last month, and was also asked to give a devotional and share some memories with the wives of the seminary board members who will be coming out this week. (Maybe I'll get to putting some of those in a bloggable format after the craziness dies down.) 'Tis the season of sharing memories, celebrating milestones, and saying goodbyes and it's starting to all sink in.

There is so much I'm ready to do and explore this year. Mid-twenties seems like a great time to figure out what I'm doing with my life (ha), but in reality I do think this year is going to clarify a lot of what will come in my and our future. For now, it's just enjoying (surviving) the next few weeks of celebrations until the dust settles. And I do love to celebrate.

Birthdays are reminder of the great gift of life. Ultimately, I'm thankful to God for his faithfulness for another year of it.