I broke down and did it

Yes, that’s right.

I bought a PUFF coat.(Let the reality of that statement sink in)

I swore I never would because I thought they looked ridiculous- not to mention kind of unflattering (seriously, what woman wants to wear something that makes her look larger than she actually is?!). But then something happened that changed my way of stubborn thinking. Earlier this week it was extremely windy and chilly in downtown Chicago- I just happened to be wearing the heaviest, warmest coat that I own and I was STILL freezing cold. Which got me thinking…if I can barely handle the temperatures now, what will I do when there is a foot of snow on the ground and it’s 20 below???!! ZOINKS!

So my pal recommended that I go to Macy’s and try on a few down-filled coats (a.k.a. ‘puff coat’). I was reluctant at first but I found a coat that I really like, and the price was right too (I also found a printable coupon online for an additional 10% off).

I wore my puff coat today for the first time and DANG, it is like being wrapped up in a cozy down comforter. It is very, very warm- like Sahara Desert warm! The only thing no one warned me about- if you wear a puff coat indoors for more then 2 minutes, you will feel like you are melting into a puddle and dying of heat stroke. But other then that, it’s FABULOUS!

Cheers to warmth and winter!

Yeah, I’m still here. And my sis is hitched!

Where have I been? Just working on a little project I like to call my baby sister’s wedding. I got married in mid-September and as soon as I returned from my Hawaiian honeymoon I was sent right back into wedding-planning mode alongside my sis. It’s been a wild-wedding ride and all I have to say is…

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. S!!!! (who are cruising on through the Caribbean right about now)

It was soooo fun to be at a wedding that wasn’t mine!!! Haha, I mean that in a very tender way- it’s pretty demanding being the center of attention in a roomful of family and friends! I had to give a speech, and monitor the whereabouts of a wedding dress/veil, but other than that, the day was smooth sailing with a glass of chardonnay in hand- just how I like it!

The ceremony and reception were breathtakingly beautiful and I couldn’t stop smiling all night. Erin and Mike are a magnificent couple and their special day was such a lovely interpretation of their relationship- there was dancing, there was photobooth silliness, and yes, there were some moments of insanity as well. I just can’t believe that my little sister, the last of the tribe, is now a married lady. God, we’re getting old. High fives for true love!

What a magical year it’s been.

Some greats words for a Thursday in November

“Moving on is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard.”
(Dave Mustaine)

I’m sad to see a good pal go! A co-worker of mine is moving on to something new and different, and naturally, we will miss her smile and infectious energy around these parts. What I find lovely about this quote is the fact that it captures the melancholy tone of the aftermath. Perhaps the sadness and loss are felt immediately…other times it hits you six months later, in a moment where laughter is shared and a memory is created.

Flickr, as usual, can interpret my emotions with just one click…

Disclaimer: I do not own the above image. Found via gilderic’s photostream. Check out his photography to get a beautiful sense of movement and energy.

Just goes to show that I know nothing…at all

I can recall a time, a few years back, when the rumor mill was running rampant about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had just come out in theaters and everyone in the media raised a questionable eyebrow when it came to the chemistry between the two costars.

And there I was…loudly exclaiming how annoying celebrity rumors were and how there was no way that anything was going on between these two.

Fast forward a few years:

What is the purpose of this post, you ask? Well it just goes to show that I really don’t know anything (this isn’t the first time I have found myself uttering these words). I am easily swayed by an agent or publicist’s issued statements and I tend to believe that people aren’t doing the rumored bad things because people in general are good, kind, moral, yes????

At this point you may find yourself saying…what’s with all the incessant rambling? Well, I’m getting to a point.

Anyone remotely connected to reading this blog knows my interest in all things vampire, Twilight, etc. So it should come as no surprise that once again I found myself rolling my eyes at all the claims that Twilight’s costarts (Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart) were secretly together.

And then this popped up. Yes, I realize it’s a photo of freakin’ hand holding but they may as well be getting matching tattoos and picking out engagement rings.

Clearly, I don’t know anything…at all (again, I probably not the last time I come to this realization).

Me in my kitchen: Happy Halloween!

Check out my spooktacular jack-o-lantern! I was aiming for extra creepiness this year.

Getting into the spirit

 For the first time ever I also attempted to roast pumpkin seeds…and had fabulous results. HERE is the recipe I used. DELICIOUS! (I added a little extra garlic, red pepper, and some olive oil to my recipe but that’s only because I wanted it to have some extra kick).

And this is my kitchen. Important things to note: the pig cookie jar in the background was a gift from my dad who used to collect them, the numerous bags of coffee next to the coffee maker (I have a slight caffeine problem), and the super cool cutting board from Sawbridge Studios given to us as a wedding gift.

P.S. I am aware that I have a little bit of the ‘wonky eye’ going on in the above photo. Not sure why that is. I don’t get botox and typically don’t cross my eyes when cameras are in front of me. Regardless…enjoy!

Three things I LOVE from Whole Foods

I am just  a little bit obsessed with Whole Foods. I am pretty much a Whole Foods junkie. I LOVE GROCERY SHOPPING. I LOVE IT!!! (I will attempt to calm myself down now, I tend to get a little too excited about these things)

This wasn’t always the case- however, this is the time of year when I love planning meals because with the cold weather rolling in, Fitz and I are spending a lot more time indoors (which allows for hours of cooking time!).

So here are my favorites from Whole Foods:

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup- this only shows up during the Fall/Winter seasons and I pounce on it. Best news ever? Whole Foods put the recipe online!!! I will admit that while I’m not a fan of using heavy cream in recipes, this doesn’t require a whole lot (2/3 cup) so I made an exception.

2. Guacamole- I really enjoy making my own guacamole (it’s all about the serrano peppers) but Whole Foods always does a bang up job with theirs. I’ve never had a bad batch! The sign of good guac (in my opinion), is making sure it has ‘kick’ without forcing one to down a huge glass of water.

3.  CHEESE counter!!! I could eat wine and cheese every day for the rest of my life and be perfectly content. Fitz and I are always trying out different textures and asking for recommendations. The coolest thing Whole Foods has implemented is the mini cheese basket. Like most people, I don’t want to pay $12 for a brick of unique cheese. Fortunately, Whole Foods has recognized this issue and has a basket of mini- bits (enough cheese for two people to nibble on) and the prices range from $2-$4. Not bad for the exotic.

And that concludes my random, pointless thoughts for the day. Enjoy.

On my agenda for this Fall: attempting to use my new slow cooker, whipping up spicy Turkey Chili, and perhaps some Jumbalaya???

A Fall palette has descended…at least in photos

When I see the changes in my environment, I’m reminded that there is something comforting about getting away from the routine and embracing the unknown. This is why Fall is my favorite holiday- you never know what you will get…but you have confidence in that whatever you get, it will be beautiful in its own way.

Fitz is headed up to his lake house this weekend and I’m sad to say that I won’t be attending, as I have a prior commitment: an open house at a college in which I’m exploring for grad school options. See? Change is encircling my world!

Oh and the picture below was taken at the lake house. God, I love nature. I keep waiting for Chicago to look like this, but to no avail…

explosion of hues

Next month: New Moon…you know, the movie

Let’s just say I’m extraordinarily excited (I’m going to the midnight showing with my little sis).

The trailer for New Moon already has Twilight beat by a landslide. I’m most looking forward to Michael Sheen’s Volturri debut- after seeing his brilliance in Frost/Nixon, I KNOW he’s not screwing around with some sissy vampire-in-an-Italian-castle nonsense.I think he’s going to b*tch slap some brilliance into this series.
On a side note should I investigate the Underworld films? Worth the time, effort, and countless eye rolling from my husband??? If you’ve seen them, please send a little movie review my way.

And the anticipation grows…

Disclaimer: I do not own this image. Found via Flickr: frozenheart11

I would so ROCK this…literally

How cool is this bag??!! I don’t have words. I found it at Fred Flare’s website, which is quickly turning into a kitschy obsession.

Other goodies that caught my eye:

This sweet feather headband is…sweet. I am not a fan of headbands with bows (why, you ask? Because I’m no longer 8), but the feather is kind of rock star meets peacock…which wouldn’t exactly be the look I would be going for but you get the picture.

Something else that rocks? A treasure chest ring! Who wouldn’t want to open a treasure chest and admire the goods?! And I dare one to find a chest so adorable and easily transportable…

Word.

Disclaimer: I do not own the above images. Found via Fred Flare

Everyone wants to know…about DAHLIAS!

No joke.

These flowers were everywhere at my wedding, and all night long people were asking me what kind of flower it is. At the end of the night I saw tons of female guests wearing the bloom in their hair!

Given my rather unfortunate lack of floral knowledge, I had to consult my contract with the florist to get the lowdown.

Turns out…everyone was just jonesin’ for some DAHLIAS.

Enjoy. Relish. Fantasize.

 

All the signs are there…

Have used the seat warmer in a car: CHECK
Have eaten grilled cheese and soup: CHECK
Have worn my warmest item of clothing (a white J.Crew turtleneck sweater): CHECK
Have realized that my light raincoat is not quite enough for the winds outside: CHECK
Everyone’s in a pissy mood: CHECK
Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving decorations are visible in store displays: CHECK
I am wearing tights: CHECK
Someone makes a joke about Christmas shopping: CHECK
I ask Fitz to throw the down comforter on the bed: CHECK
Fitz complains about my freakishly cold feet and hands: CHECK (in all fairness, this happens year round)
I contemplate making chili: CHECK

It’s abundantly clear…that Fall has arrived.

Eat this delicious grilled cheese sandwich

Love yourself a yummy cheese-based sandwich??? Who doesn’t?!

I have come across the most delectable grilled cheese recipe, and had to share. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, there is more to just cheese and bread!!! It’s an art form, kids!

Ingredients:
A thick bread such as sourdough or italian
American Cheese slices
Sharp Cheddar Cheese slices
Fresh grated parmesan cheese (not in the green can…FRESH)
Minced garlic
Butter
Garlic flavored sea salt grinder (found in any grocery store spice aisle)

Directions:
1. Butter only the outside of your bread, and lay the bread on a warm skillet (about medium heat).
2. Place one slice of American Cheese on one piece of bread, and one slice of Sharp Cheddar on the other. Using the Garlic Flavored Sea Salt grinder, lightly season each piece of cheese as it carefully melts on the bread. Don’t get too nuts- we could all stand to lower our sodium intake.
3. Freshly grate parmesan cheese into a bowl. Mince about 2-3 cloves of garlic into the same bowl (fluctuate garlic intake depending on your personal preferences).
4. Sprinkle parmesan/garlic mixture on each piece of respective bread. Be careful as to how much garlic you distribute per sandwich- a little goes a long way and I found that two cloves was the perfect amount for three sandwiches.
5. Assemble the two pieces of bread into a sandwich and finish grilling until bread becomes a toasty brown.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT MAKE THIS TREACHEROUS MISTAKE! Your amount of cheese should coincide with the thickness of the bread. Too much cheese on thin bread means that you will likely burn the bread while attempting to melt all of the cheese, OR you will cook the bread til golden brown, yet the cheese will not be melted.

I’m married. WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

Here’s a little glimpse of the goods. And yes, it really was that remarkable and ethereal. It was PERFECTION. I also have a super cool husband!!!

Our photographers at Red Loft Studios are the most amazing, phenomenal, talented, and downright cool women in the world. They posted some of our wedding pics on their blog HERE. I do not own these images, they belong to Red Loft (check out their stuff, they are the REAL DEAL).

My advice- always splurge on finding the best photographer for your special day. These ladies captured the emotions and feelings of this day with photographs- something incredibly difficult to do. But everything comes rushing back when you look at the images. It’s amazing.

So chaotic!

This may be a record- I can’t recall ever going this long without a blog post! Needless to say, I’m happy to be writing now and hope that once the wedding is over, my posts will resume their blissful schedule of regularity (sans the help of Metamucil).

So here I am…a bride to be. I can’t really properly describe that chaotic bliss my life has been over the past 16 months. This engagement has been so enjoyable- it’s been a whirlwind of parties, thoughtful gestures, generous gifts, and jubilant well wishes. A wedding truly brings out the beautiful side of human beings- to be surrounded by so many loving and supportive family and friends is sooooo humbling.

There have been some obstacles along the way…but life always throws those curve balls when you least expect it. Getting married has reminded me to take a step back and just go with the flow- when things take a turn for the worst, you jump into survival mode. I have never been more organized, time efficient, or self-assured…I feel like a grown up (cough, cough, though I have been one for quite some time). But it feels really good…like this was the path I was meant to be on along. I just finally found my way and stayed the course.

With my wedding six days away, all feels right in the world. Each morning Fitz and I are waking up with giddy grins and a happy jump in our steps. With all of this I know that as consumed as my life has been, I have enjoyed every minute of research, planning, calling, selecting, and contemplating each and every minute wedding detail. It was all absolutely worth it.

Tonight my sister and her fiancee are taking Fitz and I to see U2 in concert at Soldier Field, as a wedding gift. Initially when they offered the tickets, I wasn’t 100% sold, thinking I would be really stressed with wedding stuff and may need the time to get organized for the trip. Then I said SCREW IT (okay, maybe an F bomb was involved too). I know that everything will be just fine with the wedding- and right now, it’s time to kill the stress, kick back and go with the flow of life. Plus it’s pretty hard to turn down a fun night with great friends and family- because these are the things that matter. Oh, and Bono was a pretty sweet sell too.

“Hello, hello….
I’m at a place called Vertigo
It’s everything I wish I didn’t know
Except you gimme something
I can feel…”(U2, Lyrics for Vertigo)

Alive and kicking!

Yep, I’m still here! Sorry it’s been awhile- with the wedding just 2 1/2 weeks away, I’ve suddenly given up all of my free time and social schedule to properly prepare for the big event. It’s exhausting…but of course, it’s so much fun. Who knew that I could be so enthralled with a chair corsage?!

I’ve been out of town the past two weekends for weddings- one in Elkhart Lake, WI and the other in Des Moines, IA. Both were incredible and there was dancing and partying until the early morning hours. Will post pictures soon! Oh and during the week I was working and attempting to somehow successfully merge my belongings with Fitz’s.

And speaking of weddings…who knew that all those tiny details (wine selections, seating charts, programs, music, jewelry, etc) took soooo much time?! I just want to apologize to every bride out there who told me how busy she was and how much there is to tackle on a wedding to-do list…I honestly never really understood what you were dealing with until now!

This weekend is the celebration of another person’s wedding- my sister’s bachelorette party! It has a Las Vegas theme (she got engaged there!) and I’m sure it will be an awesome night to remember. So Wedding-palooza 2009 continues…

But before I close this post, a few things:

1. It’s September…and still, no real sign of summer. Thanks for nothing, Chicago. I wore tights and a raincoat today.

2. I’m honeymooning in Hawaii and cannot wait! Bring on the poi and the luau!

3. To the guy on the street chasing after me asking about my hair- I know your schtick. I do not wish to talk you, nor buy a $175 salon package. I am even polite in saying ‘No, thank you, sir.’ So please don’t get huffy and scream ‘You don’t even know what I’m going to say!’ at me. I do know what you will say, I just don’t wish to continue a conversation. Thanks!

4. I got two cavities filled this week and it was surprisingly not painful. Just felt like there were a lot of power tools in my mouth. Oh, and the actual filling smelled like this nail salon on Lake Street that I occasionally go to (when I’m not broke and paying for a wedding).

5. I get two more cavities filled next week. Yes, I know that is a lot of cavities- did you not read my blog mentioning Kelly’s Dental Plan for Wedding and for Life? Filled with all sorts of goodness. Keep those dental cleanings a ritual, kids!

6. Getting married means that people in your life surprise you by doing really beautiful, thoughtful gestures…and it’s just really humbling. No matter how busy and stressed I am now, I still feel immense love and excitement surrounding my big day. And I so appreciate the thoughtful generosity of my family and friends.