Color Palettes

Deciding on the color palette for your wedding can be very daunting. With all the endless options it can really just get to be down right overwhelming. Luckily, there several online resources to help you sort this out! I've recently stumbled upon a helpful little website- Flights of Fancy.

Here are a few of my favorites:

And I'll let you in on a little secret... my color palette is one of the above! :)

I think the best DIY wedding I've come across!

I am a huge fan of DIY projects for weddings. I am also a huge fan of those couples who choose kick tradition to the curb and really stay true to who they are.

Take a peak at some of the awesomeness!

I love the bunting pennants! Especially the one that says "Love".

Homemade strawberry shortcake instead of cake, totally my kind of wedding! Love the homemade jam for favors. Spread the love!

Non traditional attire, with traditional family wedding pictures... so lovely!

To see and read more from this gorgeous wedding hop over to RuffledBlog

Oh yea, it's happening!

Well, I have been neglectful. I really won't give out excuse after excuse. But I'm ready to pick things up again. I am constantly finding things that excite & interest me that I should be blogging about. Well no more excuses, I'm keeping up with this! Mainly because I feel it is theraputic-- even if no one reads this. :o)

Ok... well... I've got some news...

I ' M  GE T T I N G  M A R R I E D ! ! !

We have been talking about marriage for a while now and I'm just so happy that we're finally actually doing it! Paul is, hands down, the most amazing person I have ever known. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and I can not wait to say those vows and make that commitment to him infront of our friends and family.

Speaking of which, the date is set! May 25, 2012. 1 year and half away, which will give us plenty of time to pinch pennies. It's also my grandparents, and my parents wedding anniversary!

So expect more wedding related posts!

Ok that's all for now... and I promise... I'll be back soon! :)

Ruche

So my new favorite hidden gem is this adorable little online store called Ruche. They're a more affordable Anthropology but comparable in style. Here are some of my favs...

 $41.99

 $12.99

$42.99

$36.99

$39.99

$14.99

$49.99

$24.99

Like what you see? Hop on over to ShopRuche.com

Nordstrom Bride

One of the most difficult things I encounter working at a bridal shop is having a bride stay true to herself. And what I mean by that is; it's so easy to put on a sequins, satin, typical princess bridal dress and look like every other bride. It's important to remember who you are... you're not just a bride... you are far more than that! So with that in mind, I tend to day dream about my wedding (I'm not engaged, but a girl can dream!) and every detail is so perfectly laid out. Maybe that's because I'm obssessed with weddings. But I literally can invision what I want. Which is great because I can see a pretty dress and appreciate it as just that- a pretty dress. But MY dress... well my dress will be something that is reflective of who I am. And as I look at these dresses, days in and days out, I can honestly say all the tulle, the lace up backs, the sequins, the train... it's just not me. If you feel the same way I have an alternative for you. Department stores! Now before you quickly dismiss the idea take into consideration that at a department store prices will be relatively lower. You can return or exchange. And you can say 'Bye-bye' to all that tulle and 'Hello' to the little white dresses out on the racks!

To show you what I mean, here are some drop dead gorgeous dresses I've discovered at Nordstrom's.

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Pleat Detail Embroidered Cotton Dress

$118

Aidan Mattox Strapless Beaded Silk Chiffon Gown

$398

Diane von Furstenberg 'Arcelia' Crochet Lace Dress

Org: $425

SALE: $169

Adrianna Papell Beaded Neck Chiffon Gown

$198

Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Lace Sheath Dress

$158

 

JS Collections One Shoulder Chiffon Gown

$248

Feeling inspired?! I know I am. :)

Notebook Doodles

*images via The Notebook Doodles

Plover, WI

The sunshine, warm weather, and long weekend a head of me has given me more then enough reasons to lose focus at work. Since starting my part time job at the dress shop, I have not had a free weekend in a long time. So this Memorial Day weekend, I am going to soak up every last drop of freedom! Tonight, Paul, Mia and I are driving almost 4 hours north in to the heart of Wisconsin, in Plover. A good friend of mine owns this small, typical A framed, cabin in the middles of acres of trees. It's simplicity and open door policy of the cabin keeps me eagerly wanting to return.

Fortunetly, this weekend we will be spoiled with some fantastic weather. Highs in the mid 80's and lots sunshine! My sunblock, bathing suit, and some reading material is all packed. I am so ready for some r&r! I also hear that there might be a visit to the local brewery, maybe some swimming at the rock quarry a few towns over. But I know I will absolutely have to stop into on my favorite little shops, Dala's Import Oasis, and buy myself a little souvenir. I do it every time we head into Steven's Point, which is just 15 minutes from Plover.

I truly am excited for this get away. I'm excited I get to spend my days off with my love, my pup, and my good friends!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and take advantage of the freedom! :)

This picture sums up how much fun we have up at the cabin!

Please Watch!

I think everyone needs to watch this clip and try to take something from it...



The words that come out of our mouths have a powerful impact and we need to make sure we use those words for good.

Baseball Season + Wedding Season

This wedding has it all! From the tickets, to the bats and the balls, all the way down to the peanuts. Check out this awesome wedding done by Amorology, featured on Style Me Pretty!

Play ball! :)

Gaga for Gaga

My taste of music seems to borderline at folksy, singer/songwriter. New and old. For being 23, you would think it'd be easy to be enwrapped in today's pop music. Well, not so much. But I do have to say, Lady Gaga could be the one to change that. While her music is catchy her artistry is just simply that, art. There is no denying that she has some extreme talent.

Check out these other youtuber's who are also going gaga for Gaga...
















 
Well I could post a billion youtube covers but I'll stop here. ;)

Echiladas... YUM!

So yesterday, to celebrate my heritage (I'm 50% Mexican), I decided to cook some dinner for my boyfriend Paul and my dear friend Amy & her son Noah who live a few buildings over. The meal of choice: Chicken Enchiladas!
It was my first time making these and I must say they turned out great!

Chicken Enchiladas with Red Chile Sauce

* Recipe from Pink Parsley

1 medium onion, chopped fine

2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped fine

1 teaspoon canola oil

3 medim cloves garlic, minced

3 Tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

3 teaspoons sugar

1 15-oz can tomato sauce

1 cup water

1 large beefsteak tomato, seeded and chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)

1 cup extra sharp white cheddar, shredded

1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro

12 (6-inch) soft corn tortillas

cooking spray

salt and ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 425.


Combine the onion, jalapeno, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and oil in a large saucepan. cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the onions and peppers have softened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar, and cook until fragrant, less than 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, and chopped tomato. Bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.
Nestle the chicken into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through (thickest part reaches 160 degrees), about 12-20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and set aside to cool.

Strain the sauce through a strainer into a medium bowl, pressing the onion mixture to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the onions to a large bowl and set aside. Season sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the onin mixture, and add 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, 1 cup cheese, and the cilantro. Toss to combine.
Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with plastic wrap; Microwave on high until warm and pliable, 40-60 seconds. Spread the tortillas on a clean work surface, and spoon 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture evenly down the center of each. Tightly roll each tortilla and lay seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Lightly spray the tops of the enchiladas with cooking spray. Place in the oven, uncovered, for about 7 minutes, or until the tortillas start to brown slightly (skip this step if you don't like the crunch).
Reduce heat to 400. Remove enchiladas and pour sauce evenly on top. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover dish with foil, and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese browns. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, additional cilantro, etc.
 
--- --- ---
Some changes I've made to the recipe...
 
No onions- can't stand those little buggers
No tomatoes- Yea, I'm a picky eater
Cooked the enchiladas (before adding sauce and cheese) for 12 minutes. The tortillas seemed to get soft after microwaving and I wanted to avoid the gooey mess.
I think next time, I will add cheese in each enchilada and then take the remainder and sprinkle on top. 2 cups was a lot of cheese to have on top and made it hard to seperate the enchiladas.

Other than that this was super easy to make and really was flavorful!

Happy Cooking! :)

Sweetest Flower Stand

I saw these images on Style Me Pretty and I fell in love...

This just oozes romance! Love, love, love!

Bold Little Apartment

I wish I could be so brave to mix match patterns and colors. This little home is so full of character.

*Images via Apartment Therapy

My Haven

Anyone have any great DIY tips on how to cover up those bulky A/C units?

Ugly apartment cabinets, but I make due. :)

My very modest entertainment center.

I saved that plant from the harsh life of a being in a big wig's office. I'm proud to say that there is a little sprout growing!

The painting on the wall is from my favorite artist, Raoul Dufy

Queen of the castle. Mia.

What I am missing from my apartment, is my bookshelf. I have several cherised books in a box tucked away in my closest and it makes me sad that I can't proudly display my collection. I have no room and have not figured out how to make room.

Maybe once I get around to folding and putting away my clothes, like a good girl, I can take pictures of the bedroom. In the meantime I'll keep praying for the laundry fairy to fly on over and help a sista out! ;)

Oh and lastly, I'd like to give a shout out to Ikea for helping me furnish my home for next to nothing.