Hello again!

This is it. The day you've all been waiting for. I have returned!

Of course, I said that last March too, but I mean it this time. I'm getting my ish together. There's money in my bank account. There are vegetables in my fridge. I own a gym bag now. I'm a functioning adult!

So watch this space for more posts this year. I don't know what they'll be about but get pumped. Tell your friends. Tell your mom. Tell my mom. I'll be here.

Wedding details

I know I've been married 5+ months and haven't posted in, oh, a year, but I've never heard any rules on how long you have to post wedding photos, so I think now's the perfect time!

I posted some on Facebook a while back, but there are just too many good ones to not share! Our photographers did an amazing job, and we had the best day ever, so I love reliving it.

Here are some details to start.
Shout out to our photographers, Double Knot Photography; our florist, Holly Viles; and our day-of coordinator, Betsy Baldwin.

Shoes from Delia's

Mirabelle dress from J. Crew

Shirts from Mad About Monograms

Necklace from J. Crew

Lace from my mom's veil

Holly Viles

Suit from Jos. A Bank

Silk chiffon bridesmaid dresses from J. Crew

Venue: Event 1013 in Plano, Texas

Cakes by Frosted Garden

Banner from Ready Go

Take better holiday photos: pro tips

I wrote this piece at work a few weeks ago, and was just thinking, "Why don't I shamelessly promote my stuff anymore?" The answer is because I've been doing some boring assignments recently and obviously not blogging at all. But CMN pieces are always a little bit fun. I'll have another one published in a few weeks probably, but for now, use these tips for your holiday photos.

I couldn't fit all of Marchet Butler's tips into the short article, so a few more (paraphrased) she suggested were:

• Don't get flustered or upset. No one's going to be smiling if you're yelling at them. She's not above bringing treats for younger subjects to keep the mood positive.
• Don't be afraid to act a little silly or get a little creative to get everyone looking and smiling at you. 
• Don't go into the photo shoot with unrealistic expectations of your skills. Not every photo is going to be perfect, but if you get one or two, you're in business! If group photos don't work this year, try individual ones, and then spend 2013 practicing with your camera so you'll be better next year.

Champaign trip

My mom and I visited my sister and nephew up in Illinois last week. After a rocky start (thanks, American Airlines), we had a great time. We spent one rainy day in Chicago so I could try on wedding dresses at J. Crew(!) and then stayed at Amy's house in Champaign. 

So you know what that means: Jonas pictures! Dude's huge!

Cuddling!

Mom and Amy making me dinner. Meijer's grocery store has some awesome produce (and Halloween costumes!)

Jonas hugged his new Halloween costume all the way home, even after falling asleep.

Looks like his dad here.

Amy (in the striped socks on the left) had roller derby practice while we were there. It looks hard! We had to leave early to put Jonas to bed, but I doubt she even fell unless it was on purpose!

Tiger!

Parmesan crusted chicken

I'm just going to jump on in here like I've posted more recently than a month and a half ago.

We're trying to cook more instead of eating out, so this week I made a real effort to plan out my grocery trip. I took this recipe from my Pinterest food board, and it was super easy.

 

I followed this recipe, but used Miracle Whip and will probably use less next time. To be fair, though, I didn't actually measure and tend to go with a more-is-more philosophy. 

I also made this broccoli, more or less, to go with it. It didn't taste too healthy, so I'd consider that a win.

Next on my food to-do list: make a bunch of freezer meals ahead of time so I don't have to cook when I get home from work!