Use Your Words, Little Girl

DIY Bookshelf Makeover

2013-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

When decorating on a budget, it's helps to get a little creative and try to make the most of what you already have. We had a perfectly good bookshelf from Ikea that I used to furnish several of my apartments before M and I moved into our home, but the dark color and simple style just didn't work in our den, which is transitioning to an airy, clean cottage feel. (The sheer volume of crap on the shelves, coupled with the eye-sore that is a DVD rack, also wasn't helping.)

I had a vision, I discussed it with M, and we brainstormed exactly how to execute the Bookshelf Makeover Project. [Insert fanfare here.] This was our first DIY together (and definitely the most ambitious DIY I've attempted). So here goes...!

Before

Step 1: Prime*

We applied one full coat of Aqua Lock primer, which we had leftover from repainting the many stained moldings of our 1930 bungalow. We used small rollers, and went back over the most visible areas with a quick second coat to provide more coverage. We let this dry for a few hours.

Step 2: Paint

We also scored by finding an almost-full quart of flat white interior paint in our storage closet from the previous owner, which was just enough for this project. We used small rollers to apply a solid coat over the entire bookshelf, and let it dry overnight.

Step 3: Scuff

We wanted to soften up the harsh lines of this Swedish beast, so we took a medium grit sanding block to the edges to give it some rustic wear. (M was much better than I at this step.) This part creates a surprising amount of dust, so I'd recommend covering your space with a drop cloth to make clean up easier.

Step 4: Clear Coat

I didn't actually anticipate doing this step because we really wanted to keep the finish pretty matte and figured the paint alone was fine. But we quickly learned that primer + paint does not a hearty surface make. I researched some recommendations online and decided to go with a poly sealer. (I used Rust-Oleum's Satin Polyurethane Varnish.) I applied one solid coat with a natural bristle brush and let it cure overnight. This step made a huge difference, and the bookshelf is now quite durable. (Trust me, I tried to scratch it.)

Step 5: Wallpaper Shelf Backing

Oh, wallpaper. The directions make it seem so simple. It is, in theory, but the mess is something else. We purchased a large piece of plywood at the hardware store and had them cut us two panels to fit the upper and lower half of the shelf. (We probably would have gone with a single sheet, but we couldn't fit it in our car. Seriously, giant bookshelf.) If I did it over again, I'd probably prep the plywood with either a wallpaper primer or just a coat of the paint primer, but, again, we weren't going for perfect, so on went the wallpaper in two strips apiece. (We lucked out that the dimensions and pattern lined up nicely, so it was a lot simpler than it could have been.) We let it dry overnight, and used some heavy books to anchor down a few stubborn seams.

Step 6: Mount Backing to Bookshelf

I actually can't give too much detail on this step because M surprised me when I came home from work the next day, and already had it assembled and the mess cleaned up! But I do know that he used plywood screws to secure the boards in place, and did so with the bookshelf laying on its front.

After

I'm so, so pleased with how well it came out. It's just as we imagined it...better, really. Finding the perfect wallpaper at our local hardware store was a huge bonus. I figured that would be the bear and considered just using fabric. But the wallpaper looks so polished and compliments our wall color perfectly! I revisited the styling, got rid of some of the bulk, and tried to keep it functional while still contributing to the overall feel of the space.

I hope this was helpful and inspires you to tackle some projects that you've been contimplating. As intimidating as some of these DIYs may seem, it's worth taking a stab at it, especially if you can give yourself some grace in the process (like when you're covered in paint dust and wallpaper glue, sassing your sweet husband in a fit of tiredness) and be willing to learn from the endeavor.

Apologies for the iffy photos. I was exhausted when most of them were snapped, but you get the gist.

* We probably should have sanded the bookshelf first, but I wasn't striving for perfection and opted to for-go this step. (If you're working with a significant piece of furniture--say, one that weighs over 15 pounds and costs more than $150--sand it first. There are lots of DIYs out there that cover this step.)

Audrey Sketch for the Nightstand

2013-05-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

M and I moved into our master bedroom just a few months ago (we lived in the guest room after the wedding, pending his bed's transport from his prior residence), so that room is coming together a little more slowly than others. But we really enjoy taking the time to find cool pieces at the right price, so it's a process we're willing to endure. We decided to go with an Old Hollywood feel, while trying to keep it balanced for both him and her. (We're quite fortunate that we have similar taste and that we're drawn to the same aesthetic.)

We recently purchased the bedside tables we'd been eyeing for a while (M got Pier 1's Hayworth Chest, and I got the matching nightstand.) Once we agreed that mixing up the pieces was a good call (M is big on symmetry so this took some time to grow on him), it was time to start the styling process. We're still far from done, but we already had our lamps on hand (having purchased them months before during a fortuitous trip to Home Goods), and I already had an idea in my mind for what mine would look like. I knew succulents were involved, and really hoped I could find an awesome sketch or personal art piece to incorporate.

So I hit up Etsy and very quickly landed on the perfect piece: a charcoal sketch of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. I don't ever want to go overboard with kitsch, but I just heart Ms. Hepburn, and this movie makes me really happy. The moment captured, in particular, is one of my favorites. Lovely gal, all alone in the wee hours of the morning, just her and her city...and a donut and coffee. Good stuff.

I'm not a fan of over-doing functional spaces (such as a nightstand), but I'm sure I'll add some more elements over time. (A simple, modern catch-all might be a nice addition.) For M's chest, we're keeping it pretty simple for now with a classic alarm clock (which for the life of us we can't figure out how to use for the alarm, thank you, Pottery Barn!) and a rustic pillar candle.

What are your nightstand must-haves?

Wedding Wednesday: The Flowers

2013-05-15T12:48:00.001-05:00

Remember how I got married six months ago and promised to post photos? Yeah, it's about time to make good on that promise. Since there are so many details to share, and we took so much care in picking elements that were thoughtful and budget-friendly, I'm going to share some snippets of our Big Day in installments.

Today, we talk flowers. The flowers were a big deal to me because I love, love, love beautiful blooms, but I also didn't want to spend a gazillion dollars on something that would perish shortly after. It just didn't make sense. So I splurged on just a few of them (literally, like four flowers), and went spend-savvy on the rest.

Gardenias are a treasured flower in our family. (They were Mom's favorites.) This was my main floral splurge. I got a few blooms to incorporate into my (insane gorge) bouquet, and one to wear in my hair. (I wore my hair down for my bridals, and in a romantic up-do for the wedding, so I got the best of both worlds. I am a big fan of doing this if you're torn as far as hair style.)

Oh, my bouquet. It was silly how pretty this thing was. Even though I commissioned it, I can't even begin to take credit for the floral genius. I said, "Let's do white, lots of texture, some gray, gardenias, hydrangeas (but not too many!), fressia, and wrap it in this here burlap." The dried bouquet now sits on our bookshelf, and it's still pretty as all get out. (We made a small toss bouquet from our bulk flowers, so we still got to honor the single ladies and I got to keep this lovely.)

So, you want to know where I scored this beauty? Central Market. That's right, a grocery story. A bougie grocery store, yes, but nevertheless, a supermarket. I had them do the flowers for my Mom's wedding, and they blew me away, so they were my absolute first choice for the big spend items (bridal bouquet, M's bout) and the few exotics we got (gardenias, orchids for the cake). I highly recommend considering CM if you are fortunate enough to have one in your neighborhood, and don't hesitate to take lots of reference images. (And not just for flowers. Let them get a feel for the whole vibe of your special event. You're in the details, so let them see that and be inspired.)

My bouquet was wrapped with burlap to compliment the romantic, rustic feel of our wedding, and I layered on that a Christening bonnet that was given to a dear friend of mine in NJ by my mother when said friend was a baby. (She held on to it all this time, as my mom told her that the bonnet could later be used around her wedding bouquet. My friend saw fit to give this precious gift to me as a shower present. I'm seriously tearing up again just thinking about it.) And the final flourish was the breast cancer awareness pin that my dear mother had carried pinned to her own bridal bouquet in June 2008.

M made the elegant choice of freesia for his boutonniere. (The man's got taste, let me just say.) Central Market once again delivered more than we expected. It was so handsome and complimented his gray Wang suit beautifully.

We spent about the same amount on our "special" blooms as we did for all the other flowers for the wedding, which I share more to speak to the value of getting flowers in bulk and asking (very, very nicely) for your insanely talented friends to make them look amazing. We bought many, many buckets of flowers from Costco, and they were fantastic to work with. We stuck with white hydrangeas, white stock, and baby's breath. (That's right, I'm bringing back baby's breath, y'all!) The gal at Costco even made sure to hand-pick our lot before we picked them up to ensure we had the prettiest flowers, and that they were all as pure white as they had available.

Our gorgeous bridesmaids carried bouquets of hydrangeas, stock and BB, all wrapped with burlap and prepped the morning of. (These girls were seriously like floral ninjas, you guys. The bouquets were so, so lovely, and I know it was not an easy task. I really should have bought them more champagne...)

The groomsmen wore boutonnieres made of burlap, which I found from an awesome seller on Etsy. (There will be a lot of shout outs to Etsy sellers in the series, let me just tell you that now.) They were one less live thing to worry about, and brought a sweet rustic touch to the black Vera Wang suits they sported. Plus, it was a neat keepsake. (I even ordered an extra for M to have.)

The flower girls. My very own little pixies. So dang cute. For them, we purchased a dozen white roses from Costco. The floral ninjas decorated their basket with BB before dropping in the petals, and it was such a simple, inexpensive way to pave the way for my walk down the isle.

You'll see more flowers pop up as I share details on the tablescape and cake, etc. Mmmm, cake.

Hope y'all enjoyed this first installment, and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions! I had such a blast planning this event with M, and would be happy to offer whatever advice or references I can.

All photos by: Kim Hayes Photography (DFW)

Bridal bouquet and groom's boutinerre: Central Market Floral Department (Fort Worth)

Bulk flowers: Costco Floral Department (Fort Worth)

Location: Private residence in Grandbury, TX

If you feel moved to Pin any of these images, please be so kind as to link back to this site, or at the very least credit Kim Hayes for the photography. She's so talented and these images should carry her with them.

Around the House...

2013-05-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

I've been neglecting many things lately. Namely among them: this blog, my health, time with loved ones, good sleep, proper exfoliation...

Anywhoodle. We have, however, been giving a ton of attention to our home, and as tired as I am (and in desperate need of some exercise, sleep and a manicure), I'm so excited for the way things are slowly coming together. We've been blessed with a home, with land! And we want to be good stewards.

Just a few quick updates...

We spent this past weekend planting some lovely hostas in our garden. We had the good fortune of landing a home with a beautifully landscaped back yard, and making it our own has been such a rewarding process for me (and a learning experience, as well). We had some holes in the gardens where past plantings didn't thrive...and/or they got cray big and we're terribly attractive. Enter: hostas.

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I'd love to tell you that is our garden, but...well..that would be a lie. We're not there yet. But I can't wait for our new shade-loving friends to spread out and class up the joint!

We've also been tackling what is, admittedly, a very ambitious DIY project for our den. I'm typically of the "just buy it and call it a day" mentality, but with a never ending list of "needs," we decided to get creative and repurpose an older bookshelf to match our transitioning decor. I once populated my humble abode with primarily Ikea furniture, but as we move to a Pottery Barn-meets-cottage vibe, the stoic black behemoth just wasn't working. However, a bookshelf isn't exactly a piece we wanted to put a lot of money into. Enter: Pinterest. Ugh. That site. "Ooooo. I can totally do that!" No, no you can't. Or you can, you just may find yourself curled up on the floor mid-way through, covered in craft glue and wondering why you're so perplexed by a drill bit. (They really should show this lovely stage in those handy, dandy DIY tutorials.)

We're pretty close to having it done, though, and I promise to share pictures. In the meantime, here's the before...

It's OK, I'll say it. "Wow, there's a lot going on there, yo. Oh, and 1997 called; it wants it's DVD stand back. P.S. Hi, Asian Kitty."

More to come soon!

Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

2013-05-04T15:15:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you a little story...

Almost 4 years ago, I was brought to my knees by the news that my precious mother would not beat this round of cancer. To say that we were close would be an epic understatement. My mom was my everything. We had an admittedly co-dependent relationship, but I don't think either of us minded one bit. We had each other, and we were content in that. Marriage, much less family, were on my mind. Fast forward to Mother's Day 2010, when she went to be with the Lord. It was raining, and the whole family was near. I broke the news to my brother, and he hugged me, whispering, "God wept. God wept."

This time of year always stings a little, I must admit. But it's tempered by a peace and a reflection on blessings that I can hardly wrap my head around. I don't think it's by accident that the man who is now my husband surfaced in my life (after a lapse in contact that was meaningful for us both) right around the time of her death. I moved forward with my plans to relocate for a short time to heal and get back on my feet, and to seek God in a quiet place of my own. I clung to Him, really. It was one of the best moves of faith I've ever taken, difficult as it was to leave.

During that time, I learned about Church. Not the kind of Sunday performance of showing up after "the music part," sneaking into the back pew, slipping in and out of attention during the sermon, and being the first out the door to get back to "my time." I mean diving in, serving, doing life with people, and being challenged to abide in a God who is the antithesis of the world and its fleeting offerings. I also learned more about M, and, again, the timing was no accident.

Today, I am simultaneously celebrating 6 months of marriage to M, 4 years since we first met, and 3 years since losing my dear Ma. As difficult as it may be to explain, I know that I wouldn't be where I am now had it not been for that loss. I wouldn't be in a covenant marriage, living in a precious home that we own, spending weekends sipping cappuccino in our garden with my best friend, listening to music piping through the house as I carry out my chores in exactly the same way she always did. It's a peace beyond understanding, and that's exactly what He is.

I don't understand why it happened exactly the way it did, and there are aspects of the days afterward (even up to today) that I struggle to be OK with. But I know He is faithful. I know that not a single tear is wasted, not a single heartache--even those experienced daily--are without compassion from our most high God.

I share this story not to stir up any sort of pain or insist upon a perspective with which to process the circumstances we can scarcely wrap our heads around, but I do want to offer my testimony as a promise that He is good. He will take care of you in ways that will illuminate His intimate knowledge of your heart, your desires, and your true needs. It's a walk of faith every day, particularly when times are tough, and it's an act of grace that at that point, we can hit our knees, come to the end of ourselves, and let Him carry it. Trust me: He'll handle it far better than you can, and you will be blessed in the wake.

This Little Girl's Rules of Dinner

2013-03-27T11:46:00.002-05:00

Today I came across a fun, humorous read over at Dinner: A Love Story that inspired me to share my own Rules of Dinner...

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I am very much a creature of habit when it comes to...well, anything, and that holds true in the kitchen, as well. However, I've found that many of my long-held rules in terms of meal preparation have gone right out the door the longer I've spent apron-clad next to my husband. (The man can cook, y'all.) And it's amazing what proper gadgets and supplies can do to one's ability to tackle new techniques and recipes. (I'm proud to say that we have already used every single kitchen/cooking item that we registered for!)

Here are the current rules of this simple veggie cook...

1. Just because a recipe has more than 6 ingredients (not counting salt and pepper) doesn't mean it's impossible, nor will it necessarily take forever.

2. Salt is your friend. It's OK to invite your friend to the party. In fact, you should definitely do that.

3. But stick with kosher or sea salt...unless you're baking.

4. Baking is scarysauce. Unless it's a potato. Or cheesy casserole. (Mmmm, cheesy casserole.)

5. Season every layer of whatever you're making. Not just at the beginning; not just at the end. Give every step some love. You'll taste the difference.

6. Spice is nice. Don't be ascared.

7. Cilantro is good on nearly everything.

8. When you're making several elements for a meal (ex. a standard American dinner of a protein and several sides), keep the oven on warm and store finished elements in there to ensure your meal is evenly warmed...but not like microwaved warm. It's just not the same.

9. Clean as you go. Not that difficult, and so worth it when you can sit down and not stress about the disaster area that is your kitchen in the wake of the lovely meal you're about to inhale (in 1/25th of the time it took to make it, no less).

10. Keep your hair pinned back. May not be as attractive, but go throw on a nightie or something if you're worried about it. Hair in food (even if it's your own) is not awesome.

11. When it comes to grilling veggies, shoot for less time on higher heat. They'll stay crisp but still get those beautiful marks and that delicious flavor.

12. Butter is good, m'kay. But you can often times get really good flavor by adding some additional herbs and spices, opting instead to cook with olive oil.

13. Freshly grated parm is the only parm worth having. (Invest in a microplane. It's a must-have.)

14. Put freshly grated parm on everything.

15. Toast can be one of the most decadent snacks you've ever had if you fancy it up. My personal favorite: rosemary sourdough toast, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, crushed red pepper, olive oil, and...you guessed it, freshly grated parm. (I've called this dinner on more than one occasion.)

16. Always keep on hand: garlic, onions, cilantro, olive oil, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, toasted sesame seed oil. You can make anything taste pretty fantastic using a mix of these staples.

17. At least two veggies should make their way onto your dinner plate. The closer to raw, the better.

18. Mushrooms, as it turns out, are not gross.

19. Random, seasoned veggies earn the title "meal" the moment you place them atop rice. Keep rice on hand, and get you a rice cooker if you can. (They're totally hands-off and you can save quite a bit buying rice in bulk.) Never again will you have to waste a lone bell pepper or squash.

20. Immersion blenders necessitate deep bowls. Don't get one without the other...unless you've got a spare drop cloth laying around your kitchen.

21. Get a grill pan. STAT.

22. Know yourselves. If you don't like certain leftovers, scale back the recipe so you don't waste. If you're a fan of certain foods the next day (Italian and Mexican fare bodes well for us), make a little extra while you've got all the stuff out.

23. Master a flavor profile. It is great times to totally branch out and try a recipe you wouldn't normally attempt without checking (and re-checking...and re-checking) the instructions a zillion times, but there's a lot to be said for getting a firm grasp on flavors and ingredient combos that can come in handy to throw just about anything together quickly and without much effort. This is a weekday lifesaver if you're trying to eat healthy and/or at home more often. (I've spend a lot of time with garlic, shallots, tomatoes and crushed red pepper. Thank you, Giada.)

24. Organic is more expensive, I know this, but food is fuel, my dears. Splurge. Save elsewhere.

25. Eat at the table at least once a week. We are fans of parking on the couch and enjoying a meal on our TV trays, but it is such a treat to make a regular effort to sit at the table, light a candle or two, and look at each other while you eat. (You will, of course, have to mind your table manners in this scenario, but what is a proper dinner if not your beloved gracefully suggesting that you remove the cous cous from your bangs.)

An Eden of My Own

2013-03-21T15:24:00.000-05:00

Desperately in need of a release and desiring to feel productive during the extended hours of daylight, I have taken to tackling the yard, bit by bit. One of our favorite elements of the home we purchased last summer was the lovely landscape, which we failed to tend to at all during the move-in process, favoring instead to repaint the entire interior and contemplate design options for our awkward, small formal living/dining room. (All the planning and scale-drawings paid off, by the way, because the space looks great and is completely reflective of us!) Fine and dandy to nest away, but following a scorching summer, zero effort, and a dreary winter, our outdoor space is just screaming for a makeover.

A few years ago, I shared with y'all my new-found appreciation for cooking as a therapeutic outlet for the chaos we were going through during that time. And I have to say that working outdoors is quickly joining the ranks of cooking as one of my favorite activities. I get home from work, cuddle the hubs, throw on some grubbies, and grab my gardening gloves and tools. (Watching me try to handle a pair of clippers that are half the length of my body...I should be charging my neighbors for the show, let me tell you.) It's calming to just get up in there, get dirty, and clear out the yuckiness to make room for lovely new blooms and bushes. (I'm still hopeful that the gardening experts won't laugh at me when I tell them of my dreams of a garden blooming with ranunculus, garden roses, gardenias, dahlias, and succulents...in Texas.) The snapdragons and hyacinth are making their presence known, which is enough to encourage me to keep going. And it's quite the reward to clear out the overgrown brush to see bright green stems nestled beneath, just waiting to play in the spring winds.

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It still breaks my heart a little that the previous owner of our home didn't leave a road map to the beds surrounding the front and back lawns. She obviously took great care in cultivating her collection, but in the wake of the sale, we were left with many unidentified plants, made all the more unrecognizable by the seasons and lack of care. And I can only taste so many weeds, y'all! (Some plants shouldn't be allowed to look like herbs...especially those planted so near the chard and rosemary.) I have pulled out my fair share of unsuspecting plants, assuming in my fury that they were yet another weed, only to stare at the roots and mutter, "Oops." (I will also say that good plants should not come up so easily! Weeds should be the ones to pop right out...not require all your strength and might to uproot, for the love.) And it never fails, that's when Scrappy is nearby, laying in the dirt and narrowing his eyes. I can almost hear him say, "Ugh. This girl..."

Thankfully, we're calling in some backup (Papaw to the rescue!) to help us sort through the current state of things so that we can start to make a game plan for spring. I'm hoping for lots of blooms, some herbs and veggies, and keeping our mature trees happy for the long haul. And God willing, my enjoyment of this process will persist. There's something quite grounding about coming home from a day spent in front of a computer monitor, pulling on some wellies, and sticking my hands in the earth.

Overwhelmed and Under-grateful

2013-03-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

Several times in the last few weeks, I've felt positively buried. In some ways, I think having such incredibly sweet, peaceful seasons so often makes me all the more ill-equipped to handle challenges or hardships that come my way. It's a rollercoaster...but only because I am so at the whim of my emotions and circumstance.

For example, I have struggled to keep it together (and failed several times) in light of the fact that my beloved car was totaled because of someone else's mistake; we are knee-deep in the realities of home ownership as our yard and gardens are quickly taken over by weeds, and our HVAC system has about run its course; work gets busier week by week, and as the pressure mounts, there doesn't seem to be an end to the stress; I've gained more weight that I care to admit and have allowed myself to be lazy for far too many days; and it's tax season.

There are other things, but you get the gist. But what it comes down to is the fact that I am so, so spoiled. I am self-righteously upset when my plants don't pan out, when an unexpected expense falls on our plates, or when I'm not getting the credit I deserve.

And it hits me: epic fail, dummy. It's really easy to pour out blessings and live graciously when all is going well. But when it's a hot mess, that's when our true character is revealed. I'm a control freak, y'all. And it's not cool. How can I profess that I live in faith and serve the one true God when I am that little girl spinning around on the ground in the middle of the toy store because things aren't going my way? (Oh, you know what I'm talking about...)

This is me growing, y'all. I'm thankful to recognize the sheer ridiculousness of my feeling overwhelmed...and I do. My soul is saved. I am redeemed. Really...taxes? Weeds? A chubby butt?! These things matter not in a life lived saved by grace through faith.

Little Did I Know...

2013-01-11T11:13:00.000-06:00

Reflecting on my 30th birthday last year, little did I know of the adventures and blessings that lay ahead in the year to come...

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Never would I have imagined that by today--a year later and another year older (Hello there, 31...so nice to see you)--I would be married to my best friend, a wonderful Godly man. Never would I have imagined that I'd be living in a home, a small corner of the universe of our very own. Nor that I would have traveled to one of those tropical locations and spent days on end looking at the ocean and drinking frilly cocktails. Or that I'd finally get to see most of the people I love all in one place, watching families and friends intertwine from all different facets of my life.

To say it's been an amazing year would be an understatement. I still have much to experience, God willing, and so much to learn. I'm just incredibly thankful to find myself celebrating another year of life, healthy and so very loved, and always growing closer to Christ. Praying for more of Him and less of me in the coming years, and hoping I can pour out some of the love and blessings that have absolutely flooded my 31 years.

Cheers to another year, another day, another moment. Every one is precious and full of promise...

Taking a Number & Practicing My New Signature

2012-11-29T14:50:00.001-06:00

I have to be honest: I was dreading the name-change process. The fact that there are services that you can pay to handle all that made me all the more nervous, and I felt sure I'd end up crying in at least one public place with Post-Its flying everywhere and a half dozen papercuts.

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So, Type A nerd that I am, I gathered my forms, filled them out in black pen with perfect printing (tongue out to the side and all), highlighted the directions per the corresponding agency website so I had the appropriate documents in tow, and mapped out my way to the scary big buildings downtown.

And...it was super easy. I think I waited at the DPS office (that's southern talk for DMV, y'all) for all of five minutes, and I wasn't at the Social Security office for more than ten minutes total. I took a number and waited my turn, bracing for a long wait given the number of people in the waiting areas, but I could barely set down all my stuff and check my email for the umpteenth time that day before I was called. The lady at DPS even said, "May God bless your marriage." (Now, I'm pretty sure that was a bit risky to say as a state employee, but I nearly jumped over that germ-ridden counter to hug her.)

Anywho, I just had to share this refreshing experience, and how remarkably human were the individuals I came into contact with during the whole process. I'm used to automation and apathy these days (I'm looking at you, Post Office), so it's such a treat to actually interact with folks and watch them go above and beyond to walk me through everything. Because, let's face it, it's a special person who will take the few extra moments before the dreaded driver's license pic to let you check your bangs and ensure you don't have fifth-grade-picture-day cowlick going on.

Foodies looooove Thanksgiving

2012-11-21T09:09:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. The preparation, the smells, the amazing food, the impeccable company...it's just the coziest day ever. And we are so blessed that this year, our first holiday as a married couple, we get to enjoy TWO Thanksgivings: one with his family, and one with mine!

Gorgeous tablescape by Chic Celebrations, blooms by Heavenly Blooms

I know that I'll step up and host one of these days (which I secretly can't wait for), but I do so enjoy arriving at our loved ones' homes, smelling the seasonal candles burning for guests' arrivals, and just watching the smiles and hugs unfold. It's the best!

Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't give proper weight to the food, y'all. (No pun intended...well, yes, it is.) Vegetarian or otherwise, Thanksgiving is a proper feast and I love every second of it. We've gotten quite spoiled by the amazing cooks in our family, and it's so neat to see that more and more fresh, organic ingredients are being invited over to play. Some prefer the classic, bad-for-you-but-oh-so-good versions of sides and holiday staples, so it's fun to see the mix of traditional and foodie flare.

Thanksgiving is when I like to take a chance on some new recipes. Risky, maybe, but I generally go for flavor profiles and techniques with which I am comfortable, so it's never a total stretch. (Going for bold and trying something totally, spanky new would require a dry run, naturally.)

Our Home Group was commissioned with green bean casserole duty for our community Thanksgiving over the weekend, so I gave Alton Brown's Best Ever Green Bean Casserole a shot, drawn in by it's from-scratch approach and relative simplicity. I was quite pleased with how it came out and really enjoyed the texture and flavors. The homemade onion topping was a little challenging, I will say. But I think I'll just try bigger slices and more turning in the oven next time.

No points awarded for presentation, right?

I'm also going to be making a gluten-free quinoa and red rice stuffing recipe from Williams-Sonoma (though I think they're getting a little fast and loose with the term "stuffing" considering this dish lacks bread, but I think it'll be quite yummy and worth ingesting some good grains), as well as trying the Simple Bites Butternut Squash Gratin. Autumnal produce, panko and parm? Done. I'll let y'all know how these turn out, as well be enjoying them this evening with M's family!

Wishing you all successful cooking/baking, stress-free gathering (especially for you brave hostesses), and (most importantly) a precious day to reflect on the incredible blessings from our Father!

{Friday's Fancies} Autumn Fave

2012-11-16T09:10:00.000-06:00

This week's Fancies are all about finding fashion inspiration from our favorite autumn treats. I am definitely a beverage-loving gal, so it should come as no surprise that most of my must-have fall treats are best served in a giant mug, warm and dressed with love. One particular treat that just embodies autumn in my book: hot apple cider. Nom!

Earrings // Bag // Sweater // Skinnies
Polish // Gold ring // Black ring // Boots

What's your favorite autumn treat?

Check out all the other Fancies over at {long distance loving}!

It's official...

2012-11-14T09:58:00.003-06:00

I'm a Mrs.!!

Now that we are back to work and all the festivities have come and gone, we are excited to settle into our life together and get caught up on all the things that have taken a backseat during the last few months. This season seems to have made us a bit selfish, I confess, but I'm looking forward to sharing with y'all some of the awesome blessings that we've experienced. God has been so, so good to us! And knowing that our first holiday season as a married couple kicks off in a mere week is too sweet for words.

I promise to share more images from the wedding as they become available, and will try not to skip any of the details. (We bloggers are quite detail-oriented as a people, after all.) In the meantime, here's my bridal portrait, captured by my very talented bro-in-law Ron, taken at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.

Much love,

Mrs. G

The Home Stretch to Mrs....

2012-10-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

I'm not totally surprised that blogging fell by the wayside the closer we got to the wedding. I've had so much I wanted to update y'all on, but keeping the balance of productivity and peace has been tricky. I was sick all last week, which was my final wakeup call to stop trying to do it all, and rather focus on the moments. Everything will get done. It always does.

This season has been such a sweet one. In hindsight. Haha. There have been plenty of meltdowns in stress and frustration, unrealistic expectations unmet and many, many come to Jesus moments. So thankful for those, really. I feel so close to the Lord right now, and He has absolutely shrouded me in peace over the last week. I'm not nervous, not stressing anymore. Sure, there are still things to do. But He has blessed me with perspective in so many tiny ways, and has continued to shape my heart for the journey ahead with M.

Our family and friends have been incredible. My dear sister was working on our paper goods by camp lantern as she resides on the East Coast and was sans power in the wake of Sandy. Our jeweler somehow managed to get M's ring out of NYC in time for delivery this week. Pops sacrificed his Saturday to patch our aged fence so M's pup has a secure backyard to move into, while my soon-to-be brother has been crafting our outdoor lightscape in his precious spare evenings away from his family. My girls gave me a cherished night of laughter and silliness this past weekend as a send-off to marriage. And don't even get me started on my showers! An elegant high tea, salad and sangria at a California vineyard, and a Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired soiree...spoiled much? And that's not even the half of it, y'all. Constantly praying for and checking in on us, I can't imagine getting through these six months without everyone. And the best part is that it doesn't stop on Saturday; they're in our lives for keeps, God willing!

The wedding is Saturday. I'm going to be M's wife. I still don't know how it all happened, but I just smile when I think about the Lord's leading in all of this. He has given us each other to bring us closer to Him, and I'm so incredibly thankful for that gift.

Primping for Fall

2012-10-11T13:51:00.003-05:00

As if preparing for a wedding isn't reason enough, I find that the autumn months inspire a whole different beauty regimen to compliment the season. I had good intentions to start getting myself into tip top shape (physically, aesthetically, mentally, etc.) for our Big Day, but life happened. Truth be told, the grounding has actually be a blessing as I'm not stressing too much about the little things because, well, I can't. I know it'll be a beautiful day because M will be there, and by the end of the evening, I'll be his Mrs.!
That being said, I think every gal wants to feel like a pretty, pretty princess on that special day. I'm no exception, y'all. So in preparation, I am paying a little extra attention to my routine...

'Tis the season of fragrant, spiced warm coffee beverages! With all that extra coffee and hot tea drinking that is bound to happen over the next month, I must revisit a dear ol' friend: Crest 3D White Strips. I've had custom whitening trays in the past, but I honestly think these easily-accessible strips works just as well. Whitening may seem like a goofy thing to pay attention to, but it drives me bonkers to be out and about and all of the sudden notice that my teeth are looking less than pearly white. Especially for all those wedding day pics. And this little girl has some substantial chompers (think Chicklets placed in a tiny head...)!

Another reason I pay so much attention to my teeth during the cooler months is that I tend to opt for a darker hair color when the seasons turn chilly. My hair is naturally pretty dark (my eyebrows don't lie, y'all), bit it can be a fine balance to rock dark tresses with fair skin. To accomplish that whole Snow White look, the keys for me are: shiny, healthy hair (Natural Instincts makes an awesome product that is essentially clear hair color that just gives a kiss of shine minus serious color...I leave that to the pros), clear skin and pink cheeks, and a white smile. Particularly when coupled with a white dress (no spoiler alert there, that kinda comes with the territory for most brides), the contrasts can be quite lovely and very fall fabulous.

Download a digital coupon for a different product each day straight to your shopper card at the Cart Buster site for great deals on your favorite products at the Kroger Co. Family of Stores!

I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.

{Friday's Fancies} Fall Day to Night

2012-09-21T09:01:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is officially the first day of fall, and I am silly excited to welcome the season! Not only does it mean I'm ever closer to being a Mrs., but fall fashion makes this cold-natured gal very, very happy.

{Day} Necklace // Bag // Pumps
{Anchors} Studs // Blouse // Belt // Skinnies
{Night} Necklace // Clutch // Platforms

I am wearing pretty much this exact look today, which feels like a nice balance of autumn warmth and my staple neutrals. (A pop of color is about all I can handle without feeling like I'm on parade...or an actual parade.) To get in some QT before M heads out of town for a week-long shoot, we are going to have us a little dinner date tonight, which means I also wanted a look that would transition into the eve. (I am not a fan of sporting two different outfits in a single day, as I still can't seem to find me a laundry fairy.) I tucked in the blouse for a day at the office and kept it casual with a low, messy bun. Tonight, I'll roll up the pant hem a bit and throw on my fabulous Aroundtown kicks. I find that cuffed denim can keep a look contemporary and easy-going without seeming too overt, especially when it comes to skinnies and heels.

What is your trick for transitioning from day to evening?

Check out the other Fancies over at {long distance loving}. They're talking sports and stuff, but the looks are still fabulous as always.

Put Your Paws in the Ayer

2012-09-14T09:18:00.001-05:00

via Pinterest

Let me just tell y'all about Soft Paws...

(Yes, I am writing an entire post about kitty claw covers.)

(No, I am not getting compensated a thing for this post.)

(Yes, I realize that makes it far worse.)

When our fuzzy son Scrappy made his way into our lives, we found ourselves making many changes to accommodate our unexpected addition. It was all worth it, though, to know that we saved his sweet little life.

But then the terrible kitten phase kicked into full gear. Our spray bottle wasn't doing the trick (thank you, bum spray bottle, for your sad little spit of water), and we found ourselves constantly claping, stomping and yelling whenever Scrap decided to go to town on our fabric furniture (i.e. all of our furniture). Super effective, as I'm sure you can imagine. (<-- sarcasm)

We briefly considered declawing, but after researching it some more, it was very apparent that would not be an option we'd consider further. I thought it was along the lines of a really good nail clipping, but in reality it involves removing bone within the paw. We like our furniture (and, you know, skin), but there's no way we'd go there. I understand that some do, but we just couldn't get behind it.

So now what? Adjust to furniture covered in foil and carry a (properly functioning) spray bottle 24/7, and/or keep the cat corralled all day where there is no good furniture or delicate surfaces to be found? Boo.

Enter: Soft Paws. These things looked ridiculous and I honestly though it would be the silliest waste of $19 ever. But I was wrong. It took some team work to get Scrap's nails trimmed down and slip on the plastic nail covers, but M and I got it done in a matter of minutes. (We did the nail trimming and cover application in two different sessions so as not to inspire total hatred. And, of course, rewarding with treats afterward was a must.) I ordered them in clear because the idea of him walking around with colored nails was just too much, but they're actually quite precious on his little paws and I'm not sure he won't have to endure some sassiness at one point.

I thought he'd hate them. More precisely, I was sure we'd come home from the movie to find the nail covers chewed off, our furniture in shambles, and the cat rolling around in an angry tizzy in our box of invites. But after a few licks at them once we let him relax from the post-application, uber-distracting play and snack sesh, he was fine and carrying on as usual.

If you're a kitty mama or daddy, definitely consider these bad boys. I highly recommend!

Online Wedding Invitations & A Bridal Meltdown

2012-09-13T10:35:00.001-05:00

I was a bit nervous about designing and ordering budget-savvy wedding invitations online, but, alas, our pocketbook did not allow for a custom Crane suite with letterpress and gold leafing. (Not to mention, I may be a stationary snob, but paper is paper.) And physically getting the invitations has been quite stressful, between agonizing over spacing and periods to approve the proofs (formal invitation grammar is something else, yo), ordering far too close to when I wanted them sent out (before Labor Day...d'oh), and chasing down UPS to collect the shipment (I might have cried on the phone to 3 different UPS representatives...). But, finally, we got them home shortly after 9pm last night.

A long-coming meltdown commenced the second I saw M's sweet face. I so needed him to hold me as I cried, knowing that I had totally turn into one of those brides-to-be. But I didn't care. I was overwhelmed, weary, and feeling very, very aware of the Lord shaping me in this season. For a Type A gal, planning a wedding is a nightmare in the making, disguised as a dream come true. I had visions of organized notebooks and swatches, regularly-scheduled email updates to my vendors and wedding party, and lots of champagne in the mix. Y'all....no.

I'll spare y'all the details as I sincerely don't want to come off as complaining about the gift of planning a wedding to the man I love. But I will say that the Lord is faithful, and will absolutely allow some dark moments to bring us back to a place of perspective. Sometimes that means crying in public at a UPS warehouse guard shack. In a Hanes vee-neck and PJ shorts, sans makeup. (Consider myself chickity checked.) I am so thankful for such a loving God.

After tears were dried and Excedrin downed, M brought in our parcel and we opened the invites together. Some moments are so worth the tears. In fact, many moments are worth the tears. God ministers to us so much in times of struggle and weariness, and last night was a precious example of that.

I won't be sharing photos of the invites just yet, but I have to give a major shout out to the lovely folks at eInvite.com. I highly, highly recommend!

And for those of you also in a state of stress and weariness (I know many of you are actually in full swing wedding-planning mode, as well), don't hesitate to embrace the tears and turn to Him. You can't do this all on your own. Life, that is. And, thankfully, you don't have to.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

{Matthew 11:28}

{Friday's Fancies} Back to School

2012-09-07T10:14:00.000-05:00

I miss college. I do not miss high school. But I miss college. I had tremendously awesome college experiences. (Yes, plural. Three collages, three states, degree in four years. Good times.) I long for spanky new school supplies and assembling the perfect first-day ensemble. For me, comfort is key. If I'm wearing something fussy, my discomfort will be abundantly apparent (by either my tripping, groaning, or sour expression).

I liked to arrive early to class (shocking), sit near the front but off to the side (preferably near a wall on which I can lean), and feel confident that I looked cute but covered. (No classroom was ever above 45 degrees in my undergrad experience. Except that time I got heat stroke in pottery class. That's all I have to say about that.)

Studs // Watch // Messenger Bag // Blouse
Denim // Glasses // Ring // Oxfords

Confession: I miss my glasses sometimes. I am uber thankful for the gift that is Lasik, but I was totally one of those weirdos who didn't mind the way she looked in glasses. Especially when thinking about school, I have fond memories of dark bookish frames and messy ponytails with bangs. (I guess folks would be none the wiser if I just wore prescriptionless frames, huh? Interesting.)

This outfit pretty well captures the mismash of styles I tend to favor: classic and polished, edgy but cute, trendy yet age-appropriate, and comfy while pulled-together. I'm really digging the oxford trend, y'all. I don't know if I can pull it off, but I wanna.

What fall trend are you flirting with?

Check out more of the Fancies over yonder. And big thanks to {av} as always for hosting us!

{Friday's Fancies} Labor Day & a Kitty Dress

2012-08-31T08:58:00.000-05:00

This little girl is very excited that September is just around the bend! While it's still a bit warm here in Texas, we have been getting a break from triple digits, and I dare say I've even found myself starting to get a bit chilly here and there. (I'm cold-natured, so really anything below 90 degrees means I'm probably looking for a blankie.)

We'll be out and about tomorrow, getting my hair did, shopping for some furniture for the new digs (hoping for some great sales), and visiting the lakehouse to plan evening lighting for the wedding. A day of running amuck necessitates an ensemble that is no-fuss, practical (hello, flats and satchel), yet cute enough to hang in Dallas. (Big D folks can be pretty fancy, y'all.)

Hoops // Bag // Polish
Dress // Belt // Sunnies // Flats

Quirky patterns like this can be really fun when paired with understated accessories. You've gotta rock that, "Oh yeah, these are kitties" confidence if you're gonna sport something like this. I'm a big fan of light and feminine dresses, especially while it's still a bit warm. (Naturally, a light cardigan is never too far away.) And I am of the mindset that hoops can make any outfit seem more pulled together yet easy-going...nevermind these babies cost more than my car. Casual, right? To balance the blush tones of this look, I'd pair it with my favorite nod to fall's impending arrival: OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark. (Let's be honest: this polish is tied for favorite with the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Winning combo right there, folks.)

Wishing you all a lovely weekend! Rock those kitties, y'all.

For more Friday's Fancies, check out all the lovely submissions over at {long distance loving}.

Total Recall, a Sweet Frock & First Day Jitters

2012-08-27T09:31:00.001-05:00

Let the bloggy randomness commence...

M and I carved out some time this weekend to go to the movie, which was such a nice treat in the midst of housework and meetings with wedding vendors. (All of which is coming right along, by the way.) We saw Total Recall, which I recommend. I am a huge fan of films, books, short stories, etc. with dystopic futuristic themes, so I am fairly certain that anything derived from a Philip K. Dick source will be interesting (or at least entertaining) in my book. I didn't see the original film, but I've heard that the latest version diverges quite a bit from the first, so there will still be plenty to keep you interested. We enjoyed the cast and visuals very much.

I've been slowly and selectively acquiring my wedding accoutrement, and while I will wait to share those details after the big day, I had to gush about the lovely dress I recently ordered from Ruche. As I've mentioned before, I tend to be a terrible shopper because I have an idea of what I want in my head, but don't know if it actually exists (and/or don't want to pay more than $40 for it, even if I find it). This lace number captured the soft, romantic, youthful vibe I was hoping for while looking for a dress to have on hand for photos or showers. To sweeten the deal, it was on sale. Woop! It's lovely in person and I can't wait to style it up!

via Ruche

It's the first day of school for many across DFW. Something about this day just makes me pine for childhood. Remember how epic the first day was? New backpack, fresh crayons (the big ones you had to use your whole little hand to color with), secured pony, and just enough butterflies so that your cinnamon toast breakfast never quite settles. (Not that that stopped little Natty from nomming the peanut butter and Saltines snack just after morning activity, nor from doing a happy dance when realizing that my beloved My Little Pony Thermos contained Spaghetti-Os, still warm from the stove that morning. Our Mom...awesome.) I remember feeling comforted as I passed my brother in the halls. Hardly ever did we acknowledge each other in school (we were just a grade apart), but I loved knowing that he was nearby. I couldn't wait to see which desk would be mine for the year, and I was especially excited if we had the desks with the lift-up lids. You could see all your stuff at once, organized and in rainbow order! (Very important to a Type A second grader.) The year ahead held so much unknown and so much promise, all at once.

I hope that all of your kiddos have a wonderful first day, and that you parents have some fun recalling such memories when you scoop them up at the end of the day today. Hug them extra tight; it was a big day, y'all.

Recipe: Grilled Asparagus Salad

2012-08-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I could eat grilled asparagus every single day. Paired with grilled zucchini and red peppers, feta-laced cous cous, and homemade hummus, it's the sophisticated star of one of my favorite meals. And because I tend to be pretty ritualistic when it comes to food, I haven't branched out much beyond this combo when it comes to grilled greens. (Unless Le Stuffing Them Straight Into My Mouth counts as a dish.) However, I recently had a bundle of asparagus that was about to turn, and decided I'd just cook it up and figure out how to use it later.

Turns out, grilled asparagus is also silly good leftovers. Cold leftovers, even. And when I found myself craving a healthy salad to carry me through a busy afternoon, I reached for my container o' grilled yumminess. Part experiment, part get-tasty-good-into-my-body-STAT, the salad was fantastic. I had to share.

Grilled Asparagus Salad

Ingredients:

Organic asparagus

Organic baby spinach

Organic baby carrots

Organic cherry tomatoes

Parmesan cheese*

Olive oil

Balsamic vinaigrette

Cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. Grill asparagus. My method of choice: Clean and trim asparagus; Toss asparagus into a Ziploc bag with a few drizzles of olive oil; Shake your money maker...and the bag; Place the asparagus stalks on a hot grill pan (med-high heat) and cover with a grill press. (These babies pop as they cook and won't get those lovely grill marks if you don't keep them in check); Rotate with tongs after approx. 6 minutes or once you note grill marks, and cook other side under press for another few minutes until marked; Transfer cooked asparagus onto a plate in a single layer (stacking hot stalks leads to mush-paragus), then sprinkle lightly with garlic salt and cracked black pepper; Eat fresh, or allow to cool to add to salad. (Keeps well in Tupperware.)

2. Add a few handfuls of baby spinach to bowl. (You should probably take a breather after doing this one.)

3. Shred a handful of baby carrots with a microplane over the spinach. You can also shred some parm at this point, but *I'd actually recommend subbing feta or blue cheese next time. The parm is pretty subtle, and this salad could use the creamy kick of one of these other more bold cheeses.

4. Clean and half cherry tomatoes. Add to bowl.

5. Slice cooled asparagus and add to bowl.

6. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, a splash of balsamic, and cracked black pepper to taste. (The grilled asparagus has a ton of natural flavor, so don't overdo it on the balsamic or that's all you'll taste.)

Serve with a toasted "crouton" topped with red pepper flakes and grated parm for a carbtastic treat with your healthy, beautiful bounty.

What are some of your favorite ingredients for a healthy, flavorful summer salad?

Detail-oriented

2012-08-20T12:38:00.000-05:00

Since M was hard at work on set all weekend, I mustered up the gumption (whoa, that is legit Southern speak right there) to get back to work on the house and start knocking out some of those "little" projects that can end up looming for-e-ver (i.e. painting the trim in every.single.room, cleaning the dingy grout between the kitchen floor tiles, etc.). Now that the house is (mostly) clean and has some semblance of order until we acquire the proper furniture and whatnot to formally put everything in its place, I can get back to planning our wedding, which is just shy of eleven weeks away. (In some ways, that feels like forever far away; in other ways, DUDE!)

Some major elements have fallen into place and we finally have the big stuff nailed down (well, the "big stuff" to us: photographer and food), which allows me to focus on the details. This is the fun part, y'all: putting all of our personal touches on aspects of the Big Day and just knowing that they are going to be memorable and special to those in attendance, especially to M and I. I can already envision the pics and just can't wait to be in the moment, taking it all in and grinning like a fool (in between heffalump fits of tears and laughter).

I'm trying not to share too much so that our guests can enjoy the evening without expectation, but here's one of my favorite details that I had to share with y'all...

Glitter TOMS and tutus for the flowergirls

Sass-a-frass. I fully admit: I'm pretty much playing dress up with our flowergirls. But they're silly cute, so I feel it's sort of their fault for being precious. What's a gal to do, right?

I can't wait to share pics of our house and of our wedding day when the time comes, but more than anything, I can't wait to be married to my best friend and experience our house becoming a home by waking up to his handsome face every morning. It's still hard to believe that this is all happening. A blessed little girl, I am indeed.

How Do They Do It?!

2012-08-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

Do any of y'all look through your blog roll sometimes and think, 'How...how do they do it?' How do these bloggers afford the incredible pieces they rock on a daily basis? What do they do for a living that they can dress so fashion-forward? How many times during the week do they re-paint their nails? Where are those editorial-worthy locations and who is shooting their photos?

via

How do they juggle children, marriage, throw fabulous soirees and maintain a successful Etsy shop full of elegant creations? Does sleep happen? Is there raffia and hot glue everywhere? How did they learn how to refinish furniture and reupholster yard sale finds to look like a million bucks? Is there a class for that? And where are these insanely awesome yard sales offering such diamonds in the rough?? I want to go to there.

I am not trying to measure up, nor do I pose these questions out of jealously. It genuinely boggles my mind to think of the creativity and time management that some possess. One of the reasons I blog and so enjoy participating in this community is because of the readily-available inspiration that knocks me on my rear as I scroll through my reader. The fashion, the crafts, the interior design projects, the well-written prose, the photos...so much goodness!

My enjoyment of the occassional "down to Earth" posts by some of the more popular bloggers I follow is largely due to the insight gained into their lives as real people, often learning of struggles, challenges and pressures felt. While a small, shameful part of me thinks, 'Phew, OK, they're normal and just as much of a hot mess as I am,' it also makes me appreciate all the more the efforts made and obstacles overcome to maintain a sense of order and beauty in their online presence. That's no small task and can be so easily abandoned.

Cheers to you lovely bloggers, who inspire so many with your words, photos, ideas and creative offerings, all while navigating your daily walks, whatever that many entail...be it a booming career, a family and homestead, or holding down the fort in your very own way!

The Proof is in the Pooch

2012-08-10T09:52:00.000-05:00

I know better. I know. I can feel it. And yet, if you place a platter of cheese and bread in front of mug, I sure will eat the whole thing. I know that regret will follow, and that eating said spread will do nothing but exacerbate the ever-more-snug waistline issue, but it's so good when it hits your lips!

Food (and our relationship with it) is hardly what it used to be, and we have an uphill climb given all the crap that is done to make bad food taste oh-so-delicious. But I know that tastebuds can be reacclimated and better habits adopted. And consider the joy of knowing that you're actually fueling your body with nutrients, not just shutting up the growl or entertaining yourself.

One of my biggest pitfalls? Not planning ahead. I let meal preparation get away from me, and sometimes it even starts while grocery shopping, when I'm too distracted (or cold, or hot, or gotta pee, or worried about the mounting bill, or managed to pick a cart that squeals like a banshee) to focus on planning actual meals. I'm kind of a snack shopper, y'all. Like, I should be given prizes in my snack-stocking skills. But actual, cohesive meals? Epic fail. (It doesn't help that my go-to meals are not unlike those of a four-year-old: mac 'n cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and cheese and crackers.)

Oh, lovely bounty. Where you at, lunch box?
via

Last night I threw together my classic Natty Pasta, which calls for ingredients that I almost always have on hand: wheat pasta, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh parmesan and spinach. It was so nice to finally break in our new range properly (it's a beaut, y'all), and the meal was definitely yummy. But I probably should have stopped about 1/3 of the way through, or at least nommed on a healthy salad before faceplanting into a bowl o' carbs. (I think I was straight up carb drunk after our meal. That's a thing.) Still nursing a stretched tummy and carb hangover (also a thing, trust), I opted for organic Greek yogurt topped with sliced organic strawberries for breakfast this morning. Guess which meal made me feel better? No duh.

How is this connection so hard to recall when it comes nom time? I guess the same could be asked for any unhealthy behavior: drinking too much, spending time in the company of boneheads, wearing five inch heels, etc. I'm sure one's memory is vastly improved when healthy, positive practices are the norm and therefore considered the "right" way to feel...versus bloated and greasy while on a carb high. I suppose like most behavioral adjustments, long-lasting change begins with discipline and eventually becomes habit.

Ugh. Bring on the discipline and detox...