Monday, October 24, 2011

lavender lemonade

Summer is behind us...but I stumbled upon a photo on pinterest yesterday that had me itching for one last summery indulgence: lavender lemonade. Now, all the recipes I've found will not make my dreamy lemonade look like this:

Lavendar Lemonade - This sounds amazing.

How nice would that be to take to a TCU tailgate? I think it would take a little food coloring but this will be a recipe to try, found at Oprah.com, whether it is this year or next, its going happen.

Ingredients:
-3 cups sugar
-7 sprigs of lavender (stems & buds) plus garnish
-2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
-1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)

Directions:
In a large saucepan, bring 1 gallon of water and the sugar to a boil. Remove from heat; add 7 lavender sprigs and lemon and lime juices. Cool to room temperature, strain and chill. Serve on ice, with additional lavender for garnish.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

six months

Love

Today we celebrate six months of marital bliss. I feel very blessed to have met the love of my life at such an early age. We took our time and dated for six years before taking the plunge into marriage. We grew up together and experienced life together - college and then the real world - and then we made our life together official. Tax Day is no ordinary day anymore, its our anniversary that way he'll never forget.


Everyone says the first year of marriage is the hardest. We are half way through and seem to be making it, whew! There are some days tougher than others but its too hard to be mad at your best friend for long. I usually have other funny or important stuff to tell him! I am a lucky lucky woman to be with a man who is so funny, handsome, persistent and smart. Conversations are never dull and there is always something to do...possibly because I get antsy...Did I mention that he's tolerant too? And that he really does love me for all the quirks and isms that I have? Yeah, its pretty great.

I said today we are celebrating...well, today we are celebrating, but not together! B left this afternoon for France and Switzerland. He is one lucky duck and is there for a week for work. He is staying in romantic Annecy, France and then doing some business in Switzerland. I told him to go ahead, put in for a transfer and find a flat for us. Here's hoping! If we can't do that, I at least hope for a good present. We did celebrate last night over champagne and luggage :)

While B is away I will be hanging with Ringo, perhaps still enjoying champagne without him, and working on Thanksgiving preparations! I am making a wreath - already bought the supplies, so I'll make sure to let you know how it turns out. I'm also playing around with a little metallic paint. We'll see if mercury glass is what it turns out like. For now, au revoir!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

gift guide

I love the holidays. Plainly, as I've already posted about Thanksgiving, so why not start on Christmas ;) There are a few items I've been asking for for several years. SO to fix this little problem I've decided to create a gift guide for B. I mean, after registering for the wedding it seems so simple! Practical, even. There is still the chance that I won't get said gifts this year but now that it is written down (and I've given the family so much slack about the requests being denied) there is a more likely chance I will see one under the tree!

Some friends have shunned me for this idea, others are embracing it! My gift guide includes the item, specific color, price point, Web site, stores carrying the product and any other necessary details. Some items on the list include:




Most people haven't seen this gem of a film. It is my mom's favorite and has been watched so many times in our household it has become one of my own favs! I vividly remember watching it for the first time, as an adult, and finally getting jokes my parents always laughed about. Well, our VHS tape isn't exactly current so for several years now I've asked for the DVD. This is the year!!! I can feel it.




Toms Sunglasses - One for One
With every pair you purchase, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need.

Will you start a gift guide for your family this holiday season? I find a little guidance goes a long way. I don't expect B to live and breathe by this list; I hope it guides him in the right direction of items I love. B is even thinking of doing the same. It's just like making your list for Santa, but for your spouse.

the honor of hosting

white pumpkin vase -- festive alternative

This year B and I have the honor of hosting our first Thanksgiving! As a newlywed, I consider this to be a great treat and I want to do it right! My in-laws are wonderful so I'm happy to learn and implement some family traditions and hopefully create a few with B as well.

DFW is the central location for family to come together, between Austin and Oklahoma, so it worked out nicely. Our table of six will expand to a table of ten, tight squeeze, but we'll make it work. I'm already starting to think about lists: favorite recipes from both sides of the family, decorations, timetable, etc. I have never had the responsibility of hosting a holiday meal but am SUPER excited to take it on.

I am officially open for suggestions, tips of the trade and ideas to make a wonderful holiday for my new family. I see a few trial runs in my future..and maybe yours! Bring it on, Thanksgiving!!!!