foodie fridays

Tomorrow is the day my 2nd ebook releases!

I hope you are as excited as I am!

date outfit

What gal doesn't love date night? I know I do. Each Friday, fiancé and I go out for dinner or a movie or whatever we fancy. It's fun to dress up for something special because the rest of the week I look anything but glamorous. I come home from work, put on mismatched pajamas, throw my hair up in a messy bun, and any makeup gets wiped off.

The day leading up to our date I dream up what outfit I will wear. Do I go casual? Do I go dressy? Do I go sexy? Do I go comfortable? There are so many options when it comes to dolling yourself up. I typically go for dressy casual.

Here is an outfit I would wear...paired with tousled waves, a smokey eye, and nude lips.

Hat by Forever 21

Bracelet from JR Dunn

Booties by Shoe Cult

Necklace by House of Harlow

Skirt by Topshop 

Tank by H&M

Clutch by Nasty Gal

what i'm lovin' wednesday

1. Fit Little Bride

I love the tanks I got from Fit Little Bride. Perfect for a bride-to-be (or bridesmaid) training!

2. Dave & Buster's

Love date nights here with fiance. We had to try out the new Mario Kart game!

3. Salads

I have had the weirdest cravings for salads lately. I love loading them up with all kinds of goodies!

nedawareness week

You deserve to feel beautiful and healthy, both mentally as physically. You deserve to overcome the triggers, the binges, the hungry feeling. You deserve to be happy and social. You deserve to be loved. You deserve self-love. You deserve to be stronger than your disorder. You deserve so much more than you limit yourself to and more than what you think you deserve. You deserve recovery.  

NEDAwareness Week (National Eating Disorders Association) kicked off yesterday. Wear purple and show support and love for those who need it. 

sunday spark

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foodie fridays

Summer Squash Soup from Cooking Light

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 1/4 cups uncooked farfalle (about 6 ounces bow tie pasta)
• 2 cups finely chopped yellow squash
• 2 cups finely chopped zucchini
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Preparation
Bring broth and water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add pasta, and cook 8 minutes or until almost tender. Add squash and the next 7 ingredients (through pepper). Reduce heat, and simmer 4 minutes or until pasta is done and squash is tender. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.

pink wish list

Oh, just over here drooling over workout clothes. As if I need any more, but they're still fun to look at and pretend I'm sweating in. Why does Victoria's Secret PINK have to have such adorable things? The struggle is real.

what i'm lovin' wednesday

1. Wedding bouquets

I have been having so much fun dreaming up my perfect bouquet!

2. Getaway

This past weekend we headed up north with some pals to celebrate birthdays and friendship.

3. BBQ

I love getting the family together and enjoying some burgers and yummy toppings.

wedding planning

[our banners are from here]

The past two months that followed getting engaged have been a whirlwind of wonderful. Fiancé and I have spent so much time soaking it all in and celebrating with our families and friends. I still can't stop staring at my left ring finger. It's like a sparkly orb that just sucks me in.

We have also been in planning mode. Even though our special day is just over a year away, we know exactly what we see for our day and we know what goes into it. The early bird gets the worm, right? Or should I say...the early bride gets the dream wedding.

A week after I said "yes," we found our venue. It only took three tries. We had a long list of venues to look at, but walking into this one just felt right. We forgot all the rest. After that, everything just fell into place. Photographer, DJ, ceremony musicians, florist, engagement party, invitation designs, dress appointments. I am so grateful for the huge help from my family. Thanks mama, pops, and sis. My Knot checklist is quickly disappearing. I feel triumphant!

If there is any advice I can give to those who have embarked on wedding planning or eventually will, it's to remain as stress-free as possible. This is one of the most special times in your life. Do you really want to spend it stressing, rushed, and unsure? No. It's a time to be soaked in and appreciated, and the process is meant to be enjoyable.

A few things I swear by...

Save money. I've been saving long before I was engaged. I had a savings account specifically for the big day. Even if you put a dollar in a day, it's still something. Every little bit helps. It's better to be prepared because things add up fast, especially with pricy deposits when booking vendors.
Plan ahead. Have your vision (thank you, Pinterest) and book out as early as possible. Vendors book out quickly and waaaay ahead of time. If you want your wedding to be what you envision then it's best to be on top of things. Earlier the better.
Have a checklist. The Knot has a detailed checklist based on your wedding date. It's been really helpful to create timelines and make sure I don't miss anything.
Make a separate wedding email. Your inbox is going to explode, especially if you go to the bridal expos. After I went, my inbox was constantly filling up. It's easier to have a separate email and helps you stay organized.
Don't overload the groom. While Fiancé has been nothing short of enthusiastic in the planning process, I don't make him obsess over certain things as much as I do. Does a guy really know the difference between a white garden rose and a polar star rose? Hell, I don't even think I do. Talk about the big and important things, but don't overload him.

There will definitely be some hiccups in the road, although we cross our fingers there won't be. I'm still crossing mine. The best you can do is try to avoid as many hiccups as you can by being timely, prepared, and being in love with every step of your wedding journey.

sunday spark

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foodie fridays

I've been hard at work in the kitchen trying to get this ebook together for its release date. I am so excited to get it out to you guys. I think it's important to know that there are healthier options of our favorite guilty pleasures. Stay tuned! You guys will love it...I hope.

happy 3rd blogday

HAPPY BLOGDAY!

 I can't believe it's been three years since I started this blog. So much has changed in my life. It's been such a wild ride with smooth sailing, and ups and downs. Thank you for riding along with me the past couple years, and being an audience to my typed out thoughts. I love you guys.

Here is to another year!

what i'm lovin' wednesday

1. Squarebar

These protein bars are delicious and unbelievably healthy. Check them out here.

2. Miles

I was so happy to meet my baby nephew this past weekend. He is too cute for words!

3. Bike rides

Fiance and I have been enjoying this weather and riding around on our bikes.

sunday spark

[image source]

foodie fridays

WARNING! These are not healthy. Nope, no way. These are decadent, delicious little pieces of heaven right here. It's okay to splurge every once in awhile, especially when these cupcakes are in existence. Bless you, Food Network.

[image source]

Chocolate-Peanut Brittle Cupcakes...so basically a Butterfinger cupcake.

If this blog allowed emojis, I would insert the bulging eyes emoji [here].

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:
3 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
3 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Brittle:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butterscotch chips

For the Frosting:
1 cup heavy cream
2 10 -ounce bags peanut butter chips

Preparation

Make the cupcakes: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F using the convection setting, if available. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Put the butter, cocoa powder and 3/4 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave until the butter melts, about 2 minutes. Whisk to combine, then whisk in the brown sugar.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the warm cocoa mixture. In another bowl, beat the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; stir into the batter until just combined but don't overmix.

Divide the batter among the prepared cups, filling each three-quarters of the way. Bake until the cupcakes are slightly domed and spring back when lightly pressed, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pans 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

Make the brittle: Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Place the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring to a boil and cook, swirling the pan but not stirring, until it turns amber. Remove from the heat; stir in the peanut butter and butterscotch chips until smooth. Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, smooth into a thin layer with a spatula and let cool. Break the brittle into pieces, place in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Make the frosting: Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat, add the peanut butter chips and let stand about 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth. Place the pan over a bowl of ice, stirring occasionally, until the frosting is spreadable, about 10 minutes. Spread on the cupcakes or transfer to a pastry bag with a large round tip and pipe on top; sprinkle with the brittle.

 

what i'm lovin' wednesday

1. Miles

My sister, her hubby, and little Lukie Bear welcomed a new addition to the family. Baby Miles was born, and I get to meet him this weekend.  

2. Homemade pizza

I didn't know pizza dough was so easy! I absolutely love baking pizzas now. Recipes will be in my new ebook!

3. Activate Apparel

I love this tank from Activate Apparel. This company has tons of awesome designs so you can feel/look good when you're working out!

focus

I wrote these words down yesterday because lately I have such passion for what I am doing in life. I go through lulls just like anyone else, and sometimes wonder if I will every accomplish what I want to. I just know I have to trust the process and continue to work hard, and love every moment of it.

sunday spark

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nasty gal wish list

I haven't done a wish list in quite some time. I guess saving money has been on my mind, and not shopping. Weird for me, but it does feel good. I decided to take a peek at Nasty Gal today. Whyyyy? Now I want everything. Just kidding...kinda.

Heart On Sweater

Mind Games Dress 

Camo Love Faux Fur Coat

Die Poser Sweater

Sugar High Romper