a tuesday giveaway

Tuesdays are always good days. I got engaged on a Tuesday and got hired for my job on a Tuesday. I just really love Tuesdays. Plus, they aren't Mondays, so it's a lot easier to get up on Tuesday mornings!

This Tuesday is a great one...wanna know why? Because my sweet blog friend turned real life friend Sarah, along with myself and some other great bloggers, is giving away a very special piece of handmade jewelry and an Etsy gift card!




The college friend of Sarah at Seriously, Sarah?, and talented jewelry designer, Natalie, is here to show off her new Etsy shop, Wonderful Whimsical Wire! Along with a few of my friends, we're here to give away an Etsy Giftcard AND jewelry from Natalie's shop!

Seriously, Sarah?//Sew My Soul//The Married Writer

Wonderful Whimsical Wire

Sage the Blog//The Silver Lining//All The Joys

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

sunday brunch for two: a family recipe

Sunday breakfast has been a longstanding tradition in my family. It's the day we didn't have chores, didn't have commitments, and all got to spend the morning together. My absolute favorite item over the years? Dutch Babies. I've heard others call them "fat pancakes" but the fun and light name Dutch Babies seems to suit these fluffy wonders much better. Light, airy, delicious and oh so versatile, these are a classic. And now, they are a feature in a romantic morning start with my man. For us, we had "Sunday brunch" on Friday because this is Drew's work weekend, but since the rest of you are probably sipping coffee planning what to do with your loves this morning, I decided to share it with you

What you'll need:

• 1/3 cup salted butter, divided into 2 equal parts
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk (I use skim)
• 1 cup all purpose flour (I prefer unbleached)

Preheat the oven to 425. Place the two parts of butter in 2 8 or 9 inch cake pans and set them on the top rack of the oven to melt while it preheats.

In a large mixing bowl, pour the flour and leave an indentation in the center. Mix the milk and eggs together in either a large measuring cup or a smaller mixing bowl.

Pour wet ingredients into the flour. Whisk at a quick pace until all lumps are out of the batter--lumpy batter will not rise in the oven as it should.

Once the butter has melted and begun to brown in the oven, pull pans out. Pour the batter into the two pans, being careful not to create too thick of a layer. It's alright if you've got a little left over.

Bake the Dutch Babies for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Serve with a variety of toppings. I like mine with squeezed lemon, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit. Husband takes his with lemon, syrup and butter. 

And coffee. Lots of coffee. To be sipped slowly, as you savor each bite, and take in the start of your day with the one you love.

let love grow: wedding

Do you love looking at wedding pictures as much as I do?

Good, because I'm sharing them today. It was a perfect way to start the year. January 4, 2014 at 5:30 pm I wedded my high school sweetheart surrounded by only close family and friends.

Most of the wedding was DIY--all printed materials made by me, centerpieces by mom and I, and all other decorations made by me or family. My dad made the pergola we were married under. It was the most perfect thing ever.

We had no guests under 18 but I made an exception for this lovely girl. She's growing into a beautiful young lady.

V is amazing. She's my mentor and friend, and was our day-of coordinator and made the wedding go so smoothly.

Love our California "framily" who has been around since I was teeny.

More framily. Plus mom. The best picture.

My best friend and her man are seriously the most gorgeous couple.

The flu should never stop you from gettin' low on your wedding day.

Aunt and brother entertained the whole crowd with an astonishingly good Gangnam Style performance.

Love my high school girls (minus 2)

This was such a fun and scary exit. I love it.

That's a hot husband there.

I gave up on captions after a little while...sorry. It was the most perfect day. If you want to know more about this venue in Anderson, SC, email Sydney at the Anderson Arts Center. I can't recommend it enough. I worked there for three wonderful years and it is truly the most gorgeous gallery. If you are in South Carolina and like this photographer, check out Van Sullivan Jr. Photography. He and his wife did a wonderful job capturing our day. For the best florist in the upstate, call Amy at Electric City Blooms.

*none of the vendors have asked me to feature them or link to their businesses. All recommendations and opinions are solely mine. I only recommend products or businesses I truly believe in.