Diamond In The Rough

As I posted earlier, my friend Sierra Wasserman is amazing. When I went out for my hunt for my wedding dress at antique stores I went looking for a diamond in the rough. I was expecting to find something - it may have needed a lot of work or just a little - but I was determined to find my dress. When I did find it (at the first store I looked) I knew Sierra could help me out. 

She was finishing her degree in fashion and I knew she was skilled. So here are the before and after pics of her beautiful creation.

At first glance..hideous..way too much lace..um ya what was I thinking? What I saw it, I was looking at the material and the fact that it could be made into strapless. The lace on the body was simple yet beautiful.

 And she made it into this: 

Ya she is awesome. 

Lessons in Marriage #4: The Motivation

As I was reading my Bible this morning out of Philippians several verses struck me hard. Words suck out at me - same love, united, in humility, be moved... Philippians 2: 2-5 These verses made me think about marriage, my marriage with Cory, and what motivates me to love him.

Sometimes it is hard to show the fruits of the spirit to your spouse. (Patience and self-control right now? Ya right Lord). I know it's happened to the best of us wives. In Philippians 2 Paul wrote a great little motivator on love.

"..Complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose.

 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 

Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.

You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had.."

How exciting it is to think that when we married our spouses we took a commitment, having the same purpose, that united our spirits. Loving our spouses can be hard at times, but think about the motivator that keeps you loving him. 

Weekend In Review

This weekend was the start to my 11- day stay-cation. And I am so EXCITED. 11 days to do nothing, but to really do whatever I want.  We started the weekend with a lunch date with Cory's Grandma. Despite the picture she was having a great time. We really enjoyed her company. 

Sunday morning we tried getting up early to go to church, but ended up falling asleep after we got ready. We spent Saturday evening playing games and eating a pot-luck with 3 of our good couple-friends. We didn't get home till 1130!  After we woke up (for the second time) we had a scrabble/coffee date at our local cafe, Jola Cafe. It was so perfect. 

(Cory's an intense scrabble player).

He had an iced mocha with a mint-brownie. I enjoyed a soy chai latte with a breakfast sandwich. 

After our date I headed to the Highland Stillhouse Pub for a lunch date with my good friend Sierra. (I'll need to talk more about her because she is amazing. Let's say she made my wedding dress. Yup). Our other great friend is a server there so it was a really great time. I've never been to this pub, but I really enjoyed it. A nice atmosphere with some awesome decor. Good food too! Didn't have Cory to drive me home so I couldn't try the whiskey or scotch. We'll be back though!

Sunday night we were going to see Identity Thief, but they were sold out. I was mostly bummed out because I wanted popcorn. (Ya 90% of the reason I like going out for the movies is popcorn) We stopped at the store on the way home and picked up a bottle of moscato and some Samoas girlscout cookies! We bought 4 boxes. 

When we got home Cory rummaged in our basement and pulled out an old-school popcorn maker. It worked so well, and I ended up getting my popcorn that night! We watched Brave and had a really great night. 

How was your weekend? Any plans that had to be altered that worked out better?

Season Your Words With Love

"You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear."

This verse has been on my heart lately. Lately I've been trying to make it more of a priority to stay in touch with my family and my friends (new and old). I've been writing more letters, calling more, and trying to meet up for little dates. Its great and all; seeing and hearing the ones I love and having fellowship with them. But through all those things, I've still had the tug on my heart to be more conscious of my words. Starting in my home. 

Last week Cory and I got into a little tiff. And I said some not so seasoned-with-love kind of words. Even though I was trying to get my point across that is no excuse. There are kinder words I could have used to help Cory understand what I wanted him to know. 

Our husbands, friends, co-workers, sisters, nieces..everyone is "in need". In need of grace, of love, of kindness. I hope this week you all are encouraged to build up those in your life with the words you use.  

Sister Sister

Sister: 

Me: 

My sister came down for a few days for a little visit. It was splendid. Had a little retail therapy, out to eat at Rock Bottom Brewery, and just enjoyed each others company. 

Having a twin sister is so great. Sisters are wonderful. Siblings are wonderful. I know I have been truly blessed with two amazing siblings. We are pretty close in age, 22 and 20, we like each other, and have common interests. 

Thinking about the future I hope I foster a household where our children get a long and like spending time with one another. Having great siblings is like having some great built-in friends. 

If you have a sibling or a great friend who feels like one, make sure they know how much you love them! 

DIY Mason Jar Candles

From our wedding we had a ton of extra mason jars. I've been using them as vases and glasses, but thought I should make some candles out of them. I found this diy tutorial and thought it was too simple to not give it a try. 

After about an hour. I had these: 

*To make it a little simpler I just used a non-stick saucepan to melt the wax. Didn't need to make a double broiler. And the scissors were the only way to keep to wick up straight. 

I was so excited that it didn't take so long. And they turned out so pretty! You can't see it but I added some Rosemary leaves to the candles. I bought plain wax so I was hoping the Rosemary would add some scent to it - and it does. Yay! (I may be too excited about these) We use a lot (a lot) of candles in our home. I'm excited to be able to make our own. 

Happy DIY!

Cayenne Breaded Chicken

Here is a simple, quick, recipe for some yummy yummy chicken. It is a little spicy so be forewarned! 

Here is what you'll need (Recipe for 2): 

1 Egg

1 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp Bread crumbs

Cooking butter spray or a slice of butter

2 Chicken breast

1 tsp Garlic Pepper

Read the "to do" thoroughly before you begin cooking. 

To do: 

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Melt some butter, on medium heat,  in a skillet or spray with cooking spray. Pat dry the de-thawed chicken breasts and place in warmed skillet.

2. Beat one egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the bread crumbs, Cayenne pepper, and garlic pepper. 

3. Cook Chicken on skillet for about 3-5 minutes on both sides. Just enough where the chicken is a little browned, but still pink in the middle. 

4. Once chicken is golden browned place them in the beated eggs. Make sure it is covered with the eggs, then dip in the bread-crumb mixture. 

5. Place in a lightly buttered baking dish and bake at 300 degrees for about 15-20 min (I say about because before you put the chicken in the oven, cut a little into it to see how pink it is. The more pink the longer you'll have to bake it). 

Take out and serve with some steamed green beans and smashed potatoes!

I added some red bell peppers to our green beans with a tad of chili garlic sauce. (This dish was for my husband. Too spicy for moi!)

Tastes better than it looks, I promise!

Happy cooking

Monday Memories

Lately I've been remembering my college years. Being in the full swing of working full time I can't help but remember what it was like when I was still in school. I had a pretty busy schedule all throughout, however it was still a great experience. Lived in the dorms, Shipstad Hall, for two years and then commuted from home. I worked hard, but played hard too. Isn't that what college is for?

Lots of dances and fancy nights out with the ladies: 

Tried dance team for a year:

Made some pretty amazing, life-long friends: 

Looking back, I had a great experience. Nothing I would really change. So glad to have those memories. 

Here's a little quote about college that stuck with me. 

“I've learned one thing, and that's to quit worrying about stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here, relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember the time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So stay out late. Go out with your friends on a Tuesday when you have a paper due on Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does...” 
― Tom Petty

What did you love about college? Anything you would want to change?

Happy Friday

I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day.

This Valentines Day I spent the afternoon with my sister-in-law and her daughter Fern. I love my little niece. 

Afterwards I met up with my dad and he gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Cory and I later had a very romantic, fun evening. The card I gave him summed up our evening very well ;) 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy 89th Grandma Jeanne!

This weekend we celebrated Cory's grandmother's 89th birthday. We had a really great family birthday lunch at Papa Hydn's in Sellwood. It is kind of our to go restaurant. Great food and really good dessert. It is always fun getting together with Cory's side of the family. I only have one grandfather alive, who lives in Chicago, speaks just Polish, and has Dementia. Let's just say I love that Cory still has grandparents. 

Here's to you Grandma Jeanne!! 

Here's the dessert Cory got, Scharffen Berger Bombe

I didn't grab a picture of Grandma Jeanne, but here is a blast from the past (Cory and his g-ma): 

Praying for many healthy, happy years ahead of her!

Do you still have a grandparent alive? What are things you enjoy doing with them?

Cheese!

Shirt, Cardigen, Locket: Forever 21  Shoes: A shop off 23rd (they're my sisters & I kinda love them, and want to keep them) 

Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!!! Cory and I didn't celebrate (seeing as we both were at work). I kind of wish I was off though, because I would have endulged in many of unhealthy treats (who doesn't like an excuse to eat a bunch). Anyways, tomorrow is the start of lent. I am not Catholic and I usually don't participate. However, this year I'm deciding to give something up. It isn't something that is terribly bad for me, just something I know my body would appreciate not having. 

Cheese.

Yup, I'm gonna try and give it up for good. I'm lactose intolerant and have given up everything but cheese. I think the time has come. 

In lieu of my cold turkey cessation tomorrow I made Cory and I some home-made Mac n' Cheese as my final good-bye. 

I say it was halfway sinful. So delicious. 

Cory later told me that my sin was not making enough :) I'll share the recipe later. 

Hope you all had a lovely day. Go eat something yummy!!

Weekending: Bollywood Theater

Today we went to Bollywood Theater with some great friends. It was such yummy food! And the company was excellent.

Scarf: Thrifted Earrings: World Market Boots: Buffalo Exchange

I would definitely suggest this restaurant. Its in a cool part of Portland for one (tons of cool shops and restaurants). The food is so flavorful! Some spicy and some not. Perfect for everyone. 

Look at the colors!

Afterwards of course we went to Salt & Straw for a little dessert: 

It was such a fun lunch date! 

Happy weekending!

Apartment Living: Decorating Small Spaces - Part I

Last week I posted about how my sister decorated her tiny space in Seattle. It hasn't taken us long to decorate our 800 sq. foot apartment. We know what we like and just run with what we have. What has been challenging is melding together my random decorations and Cory's random-mixed-matched furniture. I look forward to renovating and decorating a whole house, but for now, I'm in love with our little space. 

Here's a little peak into our bedroom: 

Our Vows framed w/ a sign from our wedding reception:

I like this quote: 

I like our bedroom. It's cozy and reflects us. 

Head over here to check out some small spaces! Or this site has some good decoration ideas for apartments. 

What do you love about your home?

Likes & Dislikes

~ Likes ~ 

* It is Friday. Finally. 

* Sipping tea on my warm couch with my hubby

*Dreaming of places like this

and cozy places like this:

* It wasn't raining on my walk home

* Having some family and friend dates this weekend to look forward to 

* Getting this hand-written letter from my Nurse Manager before leaving work

~ Dislikes ~ 

 * Today was simply a good day. 

What made you smile today?

I Heart You Day

Valentines Day is right around the corner. A lot of people don't like this day cause of all the cliches it brings. But I kinda like it. One extra day to devote extra time and attention on the one you love.

This Valentines Day I'm going to try and do some things for Cory that I know he will appreciate. 

I found this poster at Urban Outfitters and am going to frame it for him and hang it above our little bar (it's actually pretty big and details a ton of styles/types of beers): 

I say "get yo' man what he wants"! 

Here are some fun ideas for this Valentine's day! 

Make these:

Make these for your mom/sister/aunt/bff:

I'm going to attempt to make these as little decorations 

(so cute!):

Even if this holiday is "Hallmark Day", send out those cards and kiss your love a couple extra times. Have fun with it!

What are your Valentines Day plans?