don't these colors make a good combo?

yes i really included a pink dress!

where o where has lauren hill gone?

This article reveals Lauren Hill's reasoning behind her absence from the airwaves over the last ten years.

I loved her first album when I was in 7th grade, but I think her reasoning in the article is rather...pathetic? I mean, whose boss 'nurtures' them?

zucchini bread: reminds you of grandma

Well, I don't like zucchini, but I LOVE zucchini bread. So, when my grandma gave me a home-grown zucchini from my great aunt's garden I knew exactly what to do with it.

I tend to find food recipes online or in cookbooks and then adapt them to my own tastes and health needs. I must say I am getting really good at this. When I first started cooking {grade school} the only thing I could make was a salad with homemade dressing. Over the years, though, I became more and more interested in cooking and began observing the culinary methods of my mother and grandmothers. In recent years I have become a cookbook-, Food Network-, food blog-aholic. I have even considered an associates in Culinary Management {that's the most offered in STL.} Today, I can look at a recipe and tell if it has too much sugar, too little seasoning, or if olive oil can easily replace unnecessary butter.  But, it took me several years to get to this point : ) Anyway, I found several zucchini bread recipes online, all of which contained waaay too much sugar and butter. This is my version.

Meredith's Zucchini Bread {relatively healthy minus the sugar}

3 eggs
1 1/4 cup canola oil

1 cup pure cane sugar

1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 heaping cups grated, unpeeled raw zucchini
2 cups whole wheat flour {does not take away from the over-all taste. I promise.}
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans or both

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs, oil, sugar, honey and vanilla until fully incorporated. Beat in grated zucchini. Sift dry ingredients together until just blended. Fold dry mix and walnuts into the wet batter. Grease bunt, bread pan, muffin tins, or even cast-iron skillet with canola oil {use pastry brush; it's easy.} Pour final product into any vehicle of your choice and bake until toothpick comes out clean. My key to a moist baked good is to always under-cook it a little. Enjoy with a little spread of butter if you must.

I hope you like the recipe. Eating it reminds me of my childhood and my 'happy place.' : )

my kind of town

 {weheartit.com}

Chicago is, of course. Packing up today, finishing up some work things, then heading to Chicago tomorrow to pick up my little sis from O'Hare! She has been studying abroad in Antwerp, Belgium, since Februrary, and I promised her I would wait til she got back until I went wedding dress/bridesmaid dress shopping. So, we are going on Thursday, the day after she gets back! haha!

I am thrilled b/c I am within five pounds of my goal weight that I estimated for June 30th. If you know how obsessed I have been with losing weight since my back surgery you know that I am becoming a happier girl these days!

Hopefully, by the time Lyd gets back and settled down she will post on my blog some of her 1000s of pictures she took from traveling from Belgium to Egypt to Paris to Rome to Instanbul to Norway to.......wow. She must have had a great last five months. I can't wait for her to share her fav pics with everyone!

St. Lucia...all the kids are doing it

After recently reading St. Louis Bride Magazine, I asked myself, 'Why are all these couples honeymooning in St. Lucia?'

Well,  this resort is just one of the reasons why.

Other reasons being the Caribbean Ocean, the twin Piton Mountains, the French influence?!

SOLD!!

shoes:glorious:shoes

Are words really necessary?

I really think we're gonna do it

A BBQ feast for our dinner reception? I think this may be in the works, folks.

The greatest beer of all

I said it. This is THE BEST beer I have ever had. Abita Strawberry Harvest Lager is cool, refreshing, and has a hint of strawberry WITHOUT being sweet. It's perfect.

 This is a seasonal beer that became available in stores the Monday after Mardi Gras and was virtually ALL GONE in the St. Louis area by the end of April. I've been hunting it down since and ACTUALLY FOUND four bottles at a market called Provisions around 270 and Olive in STL. I WAS SO EXCITED. I'm enjoying one as we speak and will save the other three for my big 26 on Friday! 

Now if I could just get Abita to make this in kegs for our wedding MY LIFE WOULD BE COMPLETE : )

a-ma-zing chair

Do you know what this style of chair is called? I believe it is a Victorian Balloon Chair. The style was popular circa 1837-1901.

Me at the World Market Center in Las Vegas doing a little furniture buying in 2008

How great would two of these be as bride and groom chairs? Ok, maybe not with the leopard print : )

getting closer

We are meeting with a tent company tonight & working out the details. I am so excited!

the best mascara i've ever bought

Blinc mascara is a godsend. 

#1: it doesn't smudge which means I don't end up looking like a raccoon by the end of the night.


#2: It doesn't come off until I wet it and literally pull it right off my lashes. Sometimes I can even wear it for two days straight.


#3: It is normally $24 in-store, but thanks to Amazon, you can get it for only $18.

#4: it's perfect for your wedding day if you don't want to worry about runny  makeup.


#5: it comes in a cute little tube like some cigars do.


Try it! I Guarantee you will like it. Leave a comment if you have already used it!

this car is TO DIE

the perfect gift for my faja

No, my dad is not from Holland, but he does like gold. hee hee

For the man that has everything a simple martini will do....
                               Don't forget the anchovy-stuffed olives.

Tents aren't just tents anymore...

Lately, I have been entertaining the idea of having our wedding reception in a tent in my parents back yard. Check out these tents from Traube Tent in Columbia, Illinois.

Cool, huh? These are called clearspan tents. Definitely NOT your average tent. They are much pricier than a frame tent but wow! Imagine the view of the stars on a Midwestern October night!

Font: an obsession

Since we've been engaged I have been obsessed--OBSESSED--with finding the perfect font for our invitations, placement cards and table settings. This one makes the cut.

Initially, I was drawn to a circus poster type of font, but I didn't want things to look too hoakie. But, this font is vintage and elegant, not to mention legible. The iron contraption holding the "Please find your seat" sign in pretty cool, too.

All comments welcome!

I have fixed the comment problem. Please comment away! Also, please tell your friends and family about my blog!

my kind of room

I discovered this lovely room the other day on an AMAZING blog.

#1: I love the black and white print on the chairs. I just made a few pillows for my patio out of that fabric. I like how they used the pattern on just two chairs. A little pattern here and there is nice as long as you don't over do it. And how can you go wrong with black and white? It's classic.

#2: I like natural textures such as the worn look on the tables. That's why I'll never be a modern decor kind of girl.  I like the almost rattan look of the roman shades. Furniture is best when it looks like it has a story.


#3: Pairs. I LOVE LOVE pairing things. Sometimes things are just better in sets of two, ya know? Matching bookshelves with similar pictures above them. Matching arm chairs. Matching lamps. I don't know what it is, but the human eye likes pairs.


#4: Mason jars. I have loved mason jars since I discover some very old ones in the basement of my parents first home. The home was around 100 years old when we lived there, and the owners had left behind many of their belongings including blue and white mason jars, a vintage hang-on-the-wall telephone with the horn you talk into and hold the earpiece to your ear, and, last but not least, a wooden leg. But, that sounds like another blog post!


#5: Did you notice that the shelves were lined with newspaper? There we go with the black and white again. I hear a modge podge project calling my name!


#6: The wall color. In one picture it looks purple and in the other it looks brown. But, I like it both ways.


#7: I love the wooden bench. Benches just bring a casual feel to a room. They remind you of being a kid, don't they? They make me happy because it's seating for more than one. They invite company.

#8: I love all the pictures in the display cabinet. The idea of your own photography as art is the best decoration of all!


This is my kind of room!
 

Father's Day

As Father's Day is coming up on Sunday I thought I would share a great gift idea with you.

Seriously, how adorable? The dipping of the chocolate would be easy, but I think I'd have to go out a buy a really fine tip and a better piping bag than the cheapo one I have right now. Not to mention strawberries are in season right now, and what dad wouldn't think these are awesome?

What is your Father's Day gift idea?

Happy Flag Day

So sorry that some people have been trying to comment but are having no luck. I will look into it later today! I'm so bummed that you have been trying to comment, but can't! I love everyone's comments.

Remember to fly your American flag today! At The Villas today we are dedicating our new flagpole and flag in honor of a resident who recently passed away. Anyone and everyone is welcome to stop by at 2pm. We are expecting around 100 people. I have also staged a display apartment that is open to public viewing today. Stop by and say hi! It has been such an honor to receive this flagpole and flag!

Have a wonderful week!

The first dance

Today, my friends, I thought I would share our "first dance" song with you. The song is from Ray LaMontagne's 2008 album, Gossip in the Grain. ahahaha That just reminded me of Clinton County. Whoa. Sorry for that brief interruption. If you need explanation of that please email me! Anyhooters...I don't know much about Ray LaMontagne besides that fact that I like his music. 

Click here for a listen to our "first dance" song, "You are the Best Thing."

Is that not a great first dance song? I like that it is upbeat. I figured I would be weeping with joy all day so why choose another sappy song?

This song of Ray's was a runner up: Hold You In My Arms.

Zac Brown from Zac Brown Band

I don't plan on changing our "first dance" song at all, but I do have to say that after hearing this song on the CMT Music Awards the other night I did consider a change.

Wow! Did you cry? The video for this song really ups the intensity level of the song. Ok. I had to compose myself. Now imagine that song at your 4th of July party! I think it's the new Proud to Be an American.

Tonight I am off to Florissant, Missouri, to celebrate my cousin's graduation from 8th grade. We will be celebrating at The Glutton's Club. More on that Monday!

 A pic of my cousin Louie and my uncle Luis, cousin Andrea, and Aunt Anita

Cute!

Remember, Monday is Flag Day. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the style of American Flag we currently fly. Make sure your flag is up!

On that note, go enjoy your summer! It's Friday, ya'll! Go enjoy your freedom!

New name for blog

Do you have a creative name for my blog? I'm not really sure what I want to call it, and I'm having a hard time coming up with something. Leave a comment below if you come up with any good ones!

Funny stuff. They BETTER be on me! hee hee

I hope everyone is enjoying their Thursday. I got some not-so-good health news yesterday, but I'm taking care of it, and the weather is gorgeous today in the St. Louis Metro East; and I'm cooking up some dinner tonight with friends. So, it looks like things are on the up!

Last night Derek and I made our first attempt at cooking oysters, and it actually went pretty well believe it or not. The hardest part was shucking them, and in no way did we have the appropriate tools. After shucking, we left the oyster in one-half of the shell, coated them in garlic butter, and grilled the crap out of them on high! After a few minutes I added some freshly grated parmesan cheese, and they were done. They were delectable! The only bummer was that some oysters had bits of shell in them b/c we didn't have the appropriate shucking tools. Believe me. It is not fun chomping down on a bit of oyster shell.  When I bit into the shell it made the worst crunching noise. Luckily my molar is ok! No pics of them. Sorry!

Eclectic bouquets

I hope my sis, Lyd, likes these loosey goosey kind of bouquets since she is now on a mission to find "the perfect bouquet!" I think she should be studying for her finals instead, but I guess she can "bouquet search" during her study breaks! 

I like the idea of "a little bit of this, a little bit of that" instead of a repetitive pattern of flowers. The second picture is my favorite. I love the deepness of the colors...especially since we are looking at a fall wedding. I think the 1st and 3rd pictures are great for summer/spring weddings.

Purpose of this blog...

 One small-town nuance that inspires me: an endless sky.

I have to give a shout-out to everyone that has been reading my blog! Especially to those who have left a comment. I have been wanting to start a blog for a long time, and it is sooo much fun to share everything with "the world!" 

It is sometimes difficult to live in such a small town in the Midwest. Yes, it is beautiful and peaceful here, and there isn't any traffic. My fiance lives here; I was raised here; and the people are friendly. But, there are a lot of other things a girl can't get here. Like a JCrew, a gourmet restaurant, an iced latte, or a museum or a concert. Just all urban things in general. I mean...I'm a small-town girl that likes urban things....fashion, shopping, trends, bistros, art, music, boutiques, photography, organic/all-natural foods! What can I say?

Thank GOD for the internet is what I can say. My sister, Ellen, and I had a conversation about this topic a few weeks ago. Ellen lives in Champaign, Illinois, two hours north of my town. While Champaign has a lot more culture to offer than Breese it isn't exactly urban. Our conversation the other day involved us both describing how we live our lives through the internet! Well, not totally. But, the internet helps fill some of the "voids" in our lives. The internet allows us to find what we can't find in our rural towns. Especially profound in our searches for a little something more are all the blogs out there written by women just like us who like the same things we do. These blogs really inspire my sister and I. They serve as a creative outlet for two culture-starved girls surrounded by cornfields!!

I guess my point is that this blog allows me to be just a little more "me." And being a little more "me" makes me happy.

Not really sure...

O

To be honest, I'm not really sure where I am going with this picture. All I know is that I love it! Is it a gazebo or a house or a pool house? I don't know! I just love the window design and the white on green and the pool chairs and the umbrellas and is that a gong? ha ha ha Whatever it is I WANT ONE! Wouldn't this be a great place for a wedding rehearsal/pool party?

The Ultimate Bridesmaid's Dress

After Skyping with my world-traveling lil sis this afternoon I was informed that I must find the ultimate bridesmaid's dress! Lucky for her I already have the ultimate one in mind. I know Lydia will LOVE IT~

Now, I'm pretty sure I am going to do the same color and fabric for all of the dresses, but I am totally open to letting each bridesmaid choose her own style! That way each dress will look a-maz-ing on each fine lady!


Speaking of my sis, Lydia...Have you seen my new blog header? She ACTUALLY TOOK THAT PICTURE! Isn't it great? She just spent the last few days in Paris with a good friend and her mother. Guess where she took the pic? No, for real. Think hard!! You guessed it! The home of the one and only Claude Monet! I am sooooo jealous! I grew up loving his work and loving a little book about him: Linea. Have you ever read it?

Have another look at Lydia's interpretation of Monet's world-famous water lillies! 

NOLA Oyster Festival this weekend

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Get Your New Orleans On

I am ecstatic that my sister, Ellen, is coming to town tonight! Hopefully we will have a yummy meal together--along with our significant others! In honor of New Orleans/Louisiana and the redic oil spill I hereby swear to eat oysters somewhere/ somehow this weekend. It is the New Orleans Oyster Festival this weekend, and I would die to be there. You will quickly learn through this blog that I have a New Orleans obsession. I don't know how badly the oyster beds have been hit by the oil, but I wish all the oyster growers the best of luck. Can Louisiana please catch a break sometime soon? 

Derek outside the French Market in New Orleans

Mardi Gras 2010

Mardi Gras 2010 +Saints win the Super Bowl

This is when I thought NOLA was catching a break.

My favorite Mardi Gras 2010 float:

The Krewe de Etat Kate Gosselin float

Hilarious