Getting Crafty

Along with photography, art has always been one of my favorite hobbies. I'm not necessarily the most talented, but I enjoy any chance I get to get messy with some paint. Awhile back my husband took me to a wine & canvas joint, and I had the time of my life; not to mention sharing it with my hubby was a real perk.

But this isn't about Pinot & Picasso.

This is about sharing the fun of arts & crafts with my baby girl! Well, not so much a baby anymore. Now that Audriana is getting older, we have been getting pretty crafty with all sorts of things. I'm loving the fact that she can pick out her own colors, and just let go!! Although it may seem to be a mess, it's all about the fun! And it certainly has been just that.

My mother-in-law loves getting Audriana the cutest crafts, and usually going along with the current holiday. Better believe I dive right in and join the fun!! Some of the most recent items she's crafted are a scarecrow, pumpkins, and a couple cute Halloween figurines; cat & owl witch. Audriana is gracious enough to allow me one of the items, so as displayed you can see hers and mine.

Recently we painted pumpkins, and my oh my was that... a mess. Ha. Of course it's all fun, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being a little over protective. Hints the table cover, and over excessive amount of paper towels. And yes, the last photo is my attempt to make a spider on our baby's pumpkin. Audriana wanted to make sure her baby brother's pumpkin was festive... I did my best.

 Lastly, we painted an assortment of randomness. She was in the painting mood, so we went with it! The few others we put together were done with nothing more than a sharpie, paint brushes, and paper plates!

 She's such an artist! ;) I'm loving this age where she is so independent, and I can enjoy her artistic individuality. Although they're bittersweet moments. My little girl is growing up so quickly before my very eyes.

Fall Wedding ::look book::

Another momentous occasion deserving of a look book. This past weekend, a good friend of ours got married, thus resulting in an overload of pictures! The details were exquisite and the guest list consisted of yet another High School reunion. I've known Jamie for over 20 years, since we first went to grade school together. She and I were also teammates for our high school volleyball team at Providence High. I was so happy to bear witness to this special occasion; beginning her new life with her new husband, Sam.

The wedding was held at one of our local, and historical hotels downtown, The Seelbach. It's quite a popular venue for gatherings of any sort, but I'd say a large variety of those are weddings. Upstairs the ceremony was held in their old Grand Ballroom. Recently renovated, it was stunning and seemed to be the perfect location for an intimate wedding.


First entering the room, you are completely overwhelmed by the FLOWERS. I guess I should also mention the bride's family is the owner of one our local, and very popular florists, Nance Floral Shoppe. Therefore, the flower details were certainly at a high expectancy, but I was still completely blown away. The aisles consisted of large vase arrangements, along side candles.

As you can see, it was beautiful. Given our seats I wasn't able to get the full view of the front, but it was certainly something to see as you can imagine.

We were told the candles caught the eye of more than just the guests seated next to them. Apparently, the ring bearer (groom's son) was so mesmerized, he asked if he could blow them out on his way down the aisle. Kids! Hilarious.

Well, the ceremony was as expected - a tear jerker! The groom immediately teared up when he saw Jamie coming down the aisle. I thought I was going to lose it right then and there. Luckily I was able to get through it with just a couple watery eyes; although these pregnancy hormones could have suggested otherwise. After the ceremony we made our way down to the Seelbach's lower level venue, the Rathskeller. This is where the reception was held. Again... breathtaking.

A beautiful arrangement of center pieces, votive candles, and each place setting accompanied by a purple rose. Gorgeous. And as always, the hatred part of blogging, I tried capturing every detailed shot I could. The lighting was as it should be, dim and romantic, but it is the absolute enemy for photographs. I was able to lighten the exposure, but it still doesn't do justice to the ambiance of this occasion.

After dinner and the dance formalities, so began the mingling. It's great seeing old friends and classmates, catching up on life's recent events (engagements, pregnancies, etc.). I just love it! The bride actually had three out of her five bridesmaids who were pregnant. Isn't that something?

One of them being another good friend, and fellow volleyball player, Juli (on the right). This spunky lady is truly one of the most sweetest gals I've been blessed to know. Sadly, she lives clear across the country in California, so it's great to see that face when possible!! I'm so happy for her and her husband on their soon-to-be baby boy. It was so exciting to find out she was having a boy, also. Yay for baby boys!!!! Not to mention, she's only about 5 weeks behind me, due in February.

Here with our bestie, Erika, we attempted to get a side by side shot of our baby bumps. There's mine... can you see her little bump? No? Neither could I. And yes I gave her a lot of crap about it, too. She's just tiny and it's her first baby - at least that's what I keep telling myself. Ha! She was simply glowing. This pregnancy is going to be good to her, I can tell. :) Congrats again, Juli and Brad!!!!

After further mingling, we managed to snap some more photos of everyone together - the best we could. We were hoping to get one of our classmates, but with the dance floor a blaze and drinks flowing, it was pretty difficult to keep everyone in one place for too long. Nonetheless, we got what we could. Along with a few silly photos of me and Erika, just being ourselves.

And I can't forget my handsome date. He was such a trooper that night; escorting me to and from the bathroom every hour. Although he does it with no hesitancy, I know it gets redundant. Ha! He's so good to me, and I'm grateful. LOVE YOU, CHRIS.

I just love LOVE, and true love stories at that. The story of how Jamie and her new husband, Sam, met reminds me of a classic movie. Although God's plan is never written out for us to know ahead of time, making these fate drawn relationships spectacular in ways we can't explain. I'm so happy for Jamie and Sam. I wish them the absolute best on this new journey together!! Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day! Sending you lots and lots love!!! Xoxo

Beautiful Berry

Well, I couldn't resist the change. I found a new color to sport this week! It wasn't one of the two I listed last week, but I will get to those soon enough. This one struck me while waltzing through Walgreens (I'm as bad there as I am in Target) and a "sale" sign caught my eye under my favorite name brand polish. $3.49!! You better believe I jumped on that. Limited to colors, I still somehow struck gold with this find.

Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Beautiful Berry 31. 

Whether it's one coat or two, this week's color fits in perfectly for this time of year. This particular line is known for it's 30% nail growth formula. I haven't always been a fan of growth enhancing nail polish, because I'm pretty particular about the length of my nails and don't like filing them more often than necessary. That sounds a bit OCD, but what can I say... I'm guilty. Nonetheless, I love this brand and each line that it offers.

Style Me Maternity

When I was pregnant with Audriana, it was through the months of November-August. Granted, I didn't really start showing until the fifth or sixth month, so I guess you could say my physical pregnancy stage wasn't happening until around spring and summer. With that said, it's easy to get away non-maternity apparel during that time; long or short maxi dresses, flowing tank tops, or in my case a bathing suit by the pool everyday - then indoors for a nice few hour nap. My what a life...

This time around I don't have that kind of luxury. 1) my house does not come with a pool and 2) I'd look a bit ridiculous in a bathing outdoors in 60 degree weather. Not to mention those things called naps? I remember Audriana took one when she was a toddler, but then quickly decided she'd outgrown them. Therefore, no nap for child = no nap for mommy. Pity.

Annnyyyhhooo. With fall now arriving, and the weather being consistently kind and cool, I've discovered that I may no longer be able to get away with half zipped, unbuttoned jeans these last 4 months. Yes, I was indeed able to rock them out for awhile, given my legs rarely fluctuate with my weight gain. So the other day I searched for some inspiration on the helpful little web, and found a few maternity styles I'd be happy to flaunt this fall/winter.

I'm a real sucker for any outfit accompanied with a blazer. That's always been my go-to style. This time, though I have to be mindful of my little growing abdomen, and find things that compliment one another as well. 

You can never go wrong with light stripes, especially when paired with bold all around. I found these two styles, and immediately gravitated to them given they both offer the same look; except one being more casual, while the other a bit more sophisticated. I wouldn't mind adding these to my maternity Fall/Winter selection. Too cute!!

While in the mode, I began searching for sites that offered specific maternity apparel. I knew they existed, but I never needed them in the past so I had no idea what there would be to offer. Clearly, I was in the dark. I came across - my new absolute favorite - website A Pea In The Pod. First thing I began searching for were jeans. I knew I needed them, so that was where my mouse began clicking away. All styles of jeans you can think of; skinny, bootleg, denim, colored, you name it. I was excited! But not so excited about the price. Wowsers. Yes, I need a pair of jeans, and I know they are made specifically and comfortably to fit my extending body, but I only need them for 4 more months! I've paid a substantial amount of money on a pair of jeans before, but they have also lasted me a couple years. I just could not bring myself to even consider purchasing these for that price, for only a few months wear. Hmm. Now I was sad... 

I immediately exited the site, not to linger on my saddness of over-priced maternity denim, and began searching sites I knew would surely have as much to offer - for much much less. Sure enough, Old Navy came through. I found a similar pair of jeans, for less than almost triple the price. Chaaaching!!!!! Here's a comparison view of my discoveries.

On the left: 

Skinny jean dark wash denim. 

Old Navy, $30.

On the right:

Skinny jean dark wash denim.

A Pea In the Pod, $180.

My bargain discoveries didn't stop there. I was also in search for a cropped jean jacket, suitable for fall. I stumbled upon the same jacket, from both sites and was again astounded by the similarities, yet price difference. I know that's everywhere, but for it to happen to me twice in the same day was a miracle!! Here's the two jackets in comparison to one another.

On the left:

A Pea In The Pod, $128

On the right:

Old Navy, $35

Not only did I luck out having found both items I needed along with the exceptional price cut, but Old Navy was also offering a 25% online promo code for it being their birthday. It was like the retail angel was shining down on me that day. Needless to say, a few clicks later they were on their way to my house!!! My husband was pretty proud of me... trust me, bargaining does not come easy for this girl. My usual bad habit is, I see it, I buy it. But I've gotten better. ;)

Now, let's keep the good vibes rolling with one of my all time favorite classics:

Plum's The Word

Short post today, but continuing with all things FALL. Anyone who knows me would agree that I'm about as obsessed with the upkeep of my nails than anything else. It's one of my most favorite accessory staples of any season. Rolling into fall/winter, I'm excited to dig out all of my favorite polish shades! I'm open to any and all brands, yet I seem to always gravitate towards Sally Hansen. My second favorite would most likely be Essie. Although with my experience, the color in the bottle doesn't hold true to the color on the actual nail. Nonetheless, I've purchased a few shades that I'm very pleased with, so ... to each their own.

For now, the color I've chosen for this week - yes, it often changes weekly - is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Plum's The Word 280. Fingers and toes acceptable! I'm absolutely loving it. I say I'm a weekly changer, but this color may find it's stay a little longer.

Now, if you're a third-nail-color advocate, I'd pair my current color with Raisin The Bar 270. It's just enough difference in shade, but close enough to be very complimentary to one another. I've yet converted to the third nail fad, but believe me I've still eyeballed combining shades if I ever came down to it.

More lovable fall colors I'm eager to display this season are Mudslide 250 and Earl Gray 320; both from Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line. But if you're looking for other simple purples or plums, I know someone who can vouch for yet another great color! Check out Ms. Katie's fall selection over at BlueDaisy In The BlueGrass.

A Vintage Wedding

No crazy shenanigans were encountered this weekend, but it was a special one! My dearest friend, Lindsay, and her fiance unified their love to one another surrounded by family and friends. The rains held off, and the weather was perfect. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty and grace God shed on this day for the two of them. It was absolutely flawless.

I truly love weddings. I can never get enough of the gooshy, romantic atmosphere that surrounds the day. I'm a serious hopeless romantic; my weakness. Also, the wedding could not have taken place at a more romantic venue; Huber's Lake House. During this fall season, it's great to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor scenery. Simply breathtaking.

Now onto one of my favorite parts of weddings... THE DETAILS. As appropriately titled, Lindsay's decorative inspiration was certainly that of a vintage style. Everything from her dress, to the table decor and especially the cake.

 Unfortunately, I was not able to capture the delicious meal OR my slice of cake, because being that I'm quick to indulge, there was but a second in between placing the plate on the table and shoving the food into my mouth. It was a pleasant sight, I assure you. But the food was indeed delicious.

Towards the end of the night, everyone gathered in a line and awaited the extravagant sparkler exit for the bride and groom; one of my favorite reception exit details. Fortunately, the consumption of adult beverages and use of fire did not cause injuries to anyone. Success.

In closing, I want to say congratulations again to the newlywed couple. Lindsay and Byron, I hope you find unlimited years of happiness together. There's always ups and downs, but with true love and faith you will have the ability to conquer all the obstacles. Have patience with one another; every year is a growing stage together. And more than anything, have fun!! Now that you have your mate-in-life, ENJOY IT and never take the days for granted. :) Best wishes to you both!!!!!!!!

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The Three B's

I'd say my ideal morning, would consist of something like this; a little breakfast, blogging, while catching up on a few Food Network recipes. 

Breakfast, blogging, and baking.

Perfecto. 

 

Yes, that's just about the perfect combination of a good day's beginning. 

While thumbing through my monthly catalog of yumminess, a few recipes literally jumped out at me. With fall around the corner, there's nothing better than these traditional flavors to spice up the season!! 

Homemade Apple Butter

You can never go wrong with apple butter. Plain and simple.

Caramel Apple Cake

This one played tricks on me. Although it looks like your traditional caramel apple, it is not. I'm not sure I'd ever be up to challenge this greatness, but I wouldn't mind just for the simple taste. You KNOW it's delicious.

Apple-Berry Pie Pops 

These are certainly not your everyday dessert pops. After the thrill of baking my cake bites a couple weeks ago, I am anxious to dig into some more baking recipes. 

And then there was this... 

Really? 50? ... Gold mine!! We're talking yogurt, smoothies, pancakes, cream cheese, grilled cheese, even mustard... pumpkin mustard! Strange, but incredible. I'm a sucker for anything pumpkin, so this section is about to get torn through. 

Last but not least, I must give thanks to our sweet, Jan. She knew my love for cooking and, as a wedding gift, she decided on this monthly subscription for us. Could she have not nailed it on the head??? :) I'm so grateful, and appreciative of her kindness. And Chris' stomach thanks her, as well.  

SPICE me up!!

There's no doubt Fall has made its mark as a favorite time of year for many of us. There's so much to enjoy this season!! To name a few, head on over to BlueDaisy in the Bluegrass, where my dear friend shares the joys of her own Fall Bucket List! I recently made a short list of my own expectations, as well, but had not yet touched on the one tiny, isty-bitsy, anticipatory item ...

"...don't mind if I do."

Oh yes. Starbucks is now serving their PSL. Holy Latte! I'm a happy woman.

Marking their 10th year of serving this delicious goodness, I have delightfully indulged into the celebration. Before any of mommy friends, or moms-to-be, get unraveled... I order decaf. You know, by definition meaning "coffee that doesn't work." Fortunately for me, I LOVE coffee no matter the effects. Ha! It's true.

My only other enjoyment, while waiting for my sweet nothing, is gazing at their always unique coffee mugs! I just love them. And for the record, I encountered that awkward moment of someone watching me take a picture of these ceramic objects. All for the love of blogging. *sigh*  

 Oh, Pumpkin Spice Latte... You are a true joy in my life. Thank you for always gracing your appearance at this exceptional time of year. Caffeinated or not, you serve purpose in my heart! Love always, your biggest fan!! ;)

Friends, family, food ... and FALL

Not exactly sure how to approach this particular post. It was just something that came upon me in a split second. While eating my lunch, I suddenly realized "...it's already September, which means four weeks from October, MEANING Harvest Homecoming is just around the corner!!!!" Yes, that's about how my thought processing goes... 

For those unfamiliar with Harvest Homecoming... your loss... it's an annual festival here in our little town. Although, the reasoning to why it's so anticipated is every individual's opinion. MINE? Ooooh man. It's all about the food!! I'm not sure how it became any better than any other food festival, but it is certainly #1 in my opinion. Specifically, the chicken and dumplings from Redmen's Club (no link available) has set a permanent place in my heart... and stomach. I assure you a photo does it no justice, but what the heck! Here's the deliciousness I immediately bulls-eye towards every.single.year.  

photo credit

And to make sure you understand my love for these things is a serious ordeal, here's a typical photo of our usual stock pile on the last day of the festival.

 So you get the idea. I'm a fan.

Another reason I love Harvest Homecoming, is simply because I'm a real sucker for FALL!!! It truly marks fall's arrival; the weather, the food, and of course any and all family oriented events. Festivals are always a great excuse to get the fam together, chow down on great food and enjoy the surroundings/music/you name it. I sound like a real mom right now... but it's true! I love having reasons to meet up with friends and family.  

Here's some fun memories of the past few years at Harvest. For this particular event you don't even have to plan on meeting anyone, because most likely they'll already be there. It's a small town... you WILL see everyone! :)

 Yes, the bottom right photo is the very first day my sweet girl tasted the infamous dumplings! Mommy was not about to let her leave without that experience... and she loved them, as expected. ;) 

Here's some fun past times at Huber's Winery; another fun experience for family and friends during the fall season!!! Wine, cheese, music... and maybe a heavy jacket (borrowed from a friend's dad) when you've under dressed for that cool evening. Ha. It's never failed to be one of my favorite outings. I cannot wait! Although, the wine will have to be set aside this year. 

 And not to mention their infamous pumpkin patch!! We've made that a tradition each year, as well. Audriana was a year old when she picked her first pumpkin, and I cannot believe the age progression in these photos. My how she has grown!! I have to say I love the bottom right photo where she's dominating that caramel apple. Ha! That's my girl.

And my other favorite... fail.

Not only am I looking forward to all the events this fall, but the weather change will certainly be nice! I'm over the heat, and ready for some coats & scarves! We always want what we don't have (come winter, I'll be wishing for warmth and sunshine), but fall has never been a disappointing season... always a pleasure!! 

... 6 more weeks. But who's counting? ;)