Thursday, March 28, 2013

Wedding Wardrobe


I may or may not be driving my family and friends crazy with my rehearsal dinner dress. I promise I was very un-picky when I found my wedding dress. For some reason, I  have been underwhelmed by the selection of short white dresses among many of the department stores and designers. It's actually made me feel the way Tory Burch did years ago  - the industry is missing, to me, a type of consumer. One who wants a simple, timeless but feminine cut, without all the lace, eyelet and bows I have been seeing.

I stumbled upon this little gem from Warren on King, one of my favorite shops in downtown Charleston. 

I think this may be the closest to what I have envisioned.

Thoughts?


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Gorgeous Gifts

I haven't been so good about sharing all the beautiful things our family and friends have generously purchased for our engagement and wedding. With our nuptials a few short weeks away, I am getting very excited for the big day!

My sweet Aunt Sheila and Uncle Steve sent us some beautiful entertainment pieces off our registry. I am excited to use them for a Bridemaids brunch my mom is hosting on Friday morning.

Beautiful silver serving tray

Silver and beveled glass beverage server


Looking forward to the big day!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Saturday Errands

Sorry for the blogging hiatus - it's been so busy with end of quater at work, wedding planning and home improvement projects.

With Khaner away in Vegas for his bachelor party, I was left to accomplish a few necessary errands I had been putting off.

I love framing different invitations and announcements from various milestones and chapters in my life. I always think in a few decades I will be able to fondly look back on the festivities and exciting times we've shared.

For anyone in Raleigh, there is a fantastic and affordable framing shop at the Flea Market, open all year called Kidd's. It's literally a mom with two of her daughters who frame on the spot, with lots of matting options and frame choices.


I also decided purchasing our first home was just as exciting as getting married, so I also opted for our moving announcement to be framed, as well.


Most people who know me can tell I have a bit of an obsession with bedding, specifically shams and Euro shams. Khaner doesn't particularly care for browsing furniture and consignment stores, so with my Saturday on my own, I stopped in Junior League's local Bargain Box store, and found these gorgeous Euro shams for the steal of the century. I am talking, the chick fil-a meal I picked up for lunch was almost the same price.

Thoughts? I loved the turquoise and mustard and beautiful fringe. For what I paid, even if I tire of them in a year, who cares, right?!

Khaner and I are getting built-ins made for the den, so we can finally put books, picture frames, away! Stay tuned :)

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Surprise Package

You know the random piece of mail that can just make your day? It erases anything unfortunate that has happened to you throughout the work hours, changes your mood upon opening it, and like today, makes a rainy Thursday much brighter!

My sweet Maid of Honor Kendall, sent out adorable invitations for my upcoming bachelorette weekend in April. I am so grateful to all my best friends who are attending, and those who wish they could be there!
Thankful for all of you each day!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Chicken Piccata

In my effort to provide more variety to our meals, I have been recording more of Ina Garten's episodes from the Food Network. Unfortunately, I am one of those cooks who will go out and get every ingredient to replicate something I've seen on television. I really am the target consumer for the advertising industry.

This chicken piccata dish was fairly simple and delicious. I served with green beans and yukon mashed potatoes.

What you will need:

Chicken breasts, thinly sliced (I find this less time-consuming)
Salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tbsp water
3/4 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, reserve lemon halves
1/4 cup dry white wine
Sliced lemon, for serving


Arrange in three dishes the flour with salt and pepper, then the beaten egg with 1/2 tbsp water, then the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the flour, egg and breadcrumb, shaking off any excess.


Heat olive oil in a saute pan and place the chicken with enough room so they are not too crowded.  The key is to not move them around and let them cook for 2 minutes on each side before turning over. Continue this until all chicken breasts are cooked, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in oven at 350 degrees until sauce is finished.

To prepare sauce, take paper towel and wipe out the saute pan you used for chicken.  Over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and add the fresh lemon juice, white wine the reserved lemon half, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil until sauce is reduced to half, about 2 minutes.  Off the heat, add two tbsp butter and mix well. Remove the lemon half.



Take chicken breasts out of oven and spoon the sauce over the chicken on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley. Enjoy!




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Quote of the Day

One of my friends Ashley has a fabulous blog that encompasses all parts of her life - today she posted a beautiful letter John Steinbeck wrote to his then teenage son, who was in love with a girl from boarding school.

The letter, as beautifully written as it is, has one sentence that I find so true and applicable for many people in my life:

"And don't worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away."


So completely true. For my close friends going through challenging times right now - just remember, if  it's right, it happens. Nothing good gets away.

Thanks, Ash!


Monday, January 14, 2013

Flat Fetish

Khaner left for a week for the Consumer Electronic Show in Vegas, and surprised me with  beautiful new Tory Burch flats when he came home

LOVE them!!!