Seven.

“To love another person is to see the face of God.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables    

Today is our seven year anniversary.  I kind of can't believe it.  Time has flown by in the blink of an eye.  My bestie Paula got married this weekend and the priest at their ceremony truly moved us with his words.  He compared the love two people share throughout marriage to wedding rings.  When you first get your wedding ring it is perfect and shiny.  Throughout the years it may get nicked, scuffed, and scratched, but you can always polish it to make it sparkle like new again.  I thought that was pretty awesome. 

Chris thank you for making my heart smile.  I love you!

Feeling Like Fall

I think it's safe to assume that autumn has officially taken over.  The leaves are changing color, sweaters are being taken out of storage, pumpkin lattes and apple cider donuts are what’s for breakfast.  You get the picture.  This is without a doubt my favorite season.  In celebration, my sisters and I took my niece to Secor Farms for some fall fun.  
See our past trip to Secor Farms here.

 

 

scarecrows/a couple of good apples/those two played a mean banjo/loving the tractor/i want a green pumpkin/lil punkin/fresh apple cider donuts/this picture cracks me up every time/all smiles

Bachelorette

This past weekend was my bestie Paula’s bachelorette party.  We went to Lips and an awesome time was had by all.  I wanted to surprise the bride-to-be and bridesmaids with some goodie bags to get the party started.  Here’s a look at what was inside…

Me and the bride-to-be/paper straws look even cuter with gold glittery flags/made some thong sugar cookies; the ruffled booty shorts were my fave/turned cheap nail polish into the cutest favors ever/packaged cookies and glittery mini bottles of champagne/contents of the brides goodie bag; totally spaced and forgot to take a pic of the actual bag, it was really cute/party time!

Life Lately

 Happy October! I absolutely love this month for so many reasons; our wedding anniversary, the official start of fall (in my mind anyway), pumpkin everything, soups, stews, and slow cooked comfort food just to name a few. Sidenote, how AMAZING was Breaking Bad!? That was an epic show from start to finish. Perfect ending unlike other shows (writers of Dexter, I’m talking to you). Anyway, check out a few photos of what’s been going on around these parts lately…

Jada & Josiah can make the darkest of days bright/Cupcake sliders I made for my cousin's bday/"The Gatekeeper" at an art show we attended/The chorizo black bean soup I LOVE to make as soon as the weather cools down/Jada has mastered using chopsticks, no kiddie sticks here!/Fig smoothies taste so much better in a mason jar with a paper straw

Fig & Vanilla Vodka

I’ve been meaning to try infusing vodka with various flavors for what feels like forever now.  This weekend provided me with the perfect opportunity as I had some leftover figs from preparing this delectableappetizer.  Fresh figs and vanilla beans could make even the crappiest vodka taste lovely.  Keep note you have to let this sit for at least one week.  As it sits the figs give off this beautiful purple color.  I’m currently brainstorming cocktail creations.  Stay tuned… 

Ingredients:

• 1 mason jar
• vodka (doesn’t have to be the best, don’t worry I’m not judging you)
• fresh figs (I used 4)
• 1 vanilla bean

Directions:
Clean and sterilize jar.
Clean and slice figs. Place in the jar.
Slice a vanilla bean pod in half.  Place it into the jar with the figs.
Poor vodka over the figs and vanilla bean. Seal and let sit for one week.
Strain and serve chilled just as it is or, in your own cocktail creation.

Coconut Date Granola

This was my second time making granola from scratch.  You can check out my first attempt here. I used whatever I had in my pantry and the results were delicious and nutritious. This added the perfect sweetness and crunch to Greek yogurt for my weekday breakfast.  I highly recommend it as an ice cream topping as well.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole rolled oats (certified gluten free)
• 1 cup instant steel cut oats
• 1/3 cup quinoa (I used tricolor from Trader Joe's)
• 2 T chia seeds
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup chopped dried dates
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

Directions:
In large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
Add maple syrup and coconut oil and combine thoroughly.
Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. and bake at 225 degrees for one hour.  Let cool or if you can't help your self like me enjoy while still warm.

Cesi & Ben's Wedding

 {The bridesmaids were toasting it up with mini bottles of Verdi before the ceremony}

 

Happy September!  Here are a few photos from Cesi & Ben's (my sister and brother in law) wedding last Saturday.

Congrats, guys!  Here's wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.  God Bless!

{the beautiful bride} 

 {our gorgeous bouquets}

 {the bridal party}

 {how dapper was Josiah?!}

 {absolutely LOVED their cake topper}

 {partying it up with my boo}

 

{congrats, you crazy kids! XO}