Wedding Wednesday {The Dress}

Happy hump day friends! So I know a week or so ago I mentioned something about maybe having found the dress, well false alarm. I basically fell for the first dress I put on myself. It was truly a beautiful dress and it fit me absolutely perfect, like no alterations needed! My parents told me to really think about if I wanted it and just wait it out to make sure it was truly the one. I'm so glad that I waited it out because I went to a bridal store last weekend and tried on some more dresses that were completely different from the first one and loooooooved one even more. My dad has set a pretty strict budget on how much to spend on my dress. Ideally he wants to only spend $1500-$2000 on a dress, which of course I had to go and bust with my picks. I found 2 potential dresses that were both above $2500, what can I say I have expensive taste.

I unfortunately couldn't take any pictures of me in the dresses because the shop prohibits taking any pictures, boo. It's still kind of up in the air on if my family and I will be going to India and going wedding dress shopping there. I kind of just want the dress that I fell in love with ($2500), but know that is an awful lot to spend on a dress that I'll wear just once. In the meantime, I'll be putting trying on any more dresses on hold because it's a roller coaster of emotions, trying on beautiful (expensive) dresses and falling in love only to be told it's out of my budget. I will however keep lusting over some of my dress inspiration photos!

Can you tell my style is all over the place?? I know I love big pattern and makes a statement. I love the expensive look of hand embroidering, love lace and fun textures. Not necessarily blinged out, but I want to shine. I know I definitely want a mermaid style because I love the way it hugs my curves.

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Now it is your turn! We would love to have you link-up with your wedding tales, planning adventures and day-of memories.

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As always, we would love to have you linking up with us and sharing your wedding inspiration, stories and photos of your own! Just please remember to link back to either mine or Macy's blog in order to keep the Wedding Wednesday fun going around.

Spinach Lasagna Roll Up's {Recipe Swap}

Hey friends! I'm typing this while watching the On The Run documentary showcasing Beyonce & Jay-Z's tour last summer. I know I'm like 1 year too late, but I just got HBO Now and it's awesome, I'm fully taking advantage of all the features of it. Regarding the documentary...I mean it's Beyonce, she killed it. I only wish I saw her live, hopefully she goes on tour again soon or is at the Houston Rodeo next year!

In other exciting news, my beautiful coworker is having her beautiful baby boy today via section. I know she is awfully nervous/excited/anxious so if y'all don't mind saying a sweet prayer for an easy surgery and for mama & baby to be healthy, that would be wonderful!

Anywho, I saw this recipe on Pinterest awhile back and knew I've wanted to make it since it seemed really easy (and it really is), plus it tastes amazing! I love the fact that you can make these, stick the extra in the freezer and then heat it up whenever you feel like having one. As far as the recipe went, I really didn't measure anything out, I pretty much eyeballed it to my taste for the most part so use your judgement on how much of what to use based on what you want.

Ingredients:

-1 box Lasagna pasta

-Ragu traditional pasta sauce

-Mozzarella cheese

-Parmesan cheese

-Ricotta cheese

-Spinach

-Green onion

-White onion

-Garlic

-Basil

-Oregano

-Salt & Pepper (to taste)

What to do:

Filling:

1. Mix the spinach, green & white onion in olive oil and fresh garlic in a medium pan over the stove until spinach and onions cook. Add salt, pepper, basil, & oregano. Cook until all the water is evaporated.

2. Let the mixture cool for a bit, once fully cooled, add ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella cheese to mixture. Add in pasta sauce to give the mix some moisture.

-Follow the directions on the lasagna box to get those cooked, usually 11-13 mins until it's al dente-

3. When you have the pasta cooked and mixture done, lay out the strips of lasagna and at an angle add the mixture in 3 small piles. Add mozzarella cheese on top of each pile.

4. Roll from one end tightly being careful not to spill over the filling. I ate 2 of the rolls so I placed them on a plate and individually added however much pasta sauce I desired along with a sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. Heat until cheese and sauce are heated up.

Enjoy!

Like I said, it'll yield plenty, but the extra rolls you can throw into the freezer without the sauce on it (I find when defrosting, the sauce gets too watery). This is the perfect dish to make ahead and freeze to pull out for lunch or on a night you just don't want to make anything.

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Linking up with my girls Emily & Kate for Recipe Swap!!

Weekend Fun

Another weekend bites the dust. I had a pretty action packed weekend and I definitely feel like I need today off.

On Friday I didn't do a whole lot of anything, but I was excited to finally see one picture from our engagement shoot,,,not sure when the rest of the pictures will be ready, but the editing better be fantastic since he's had a month to do something.

On Saturday, my parents and I went downtown to go dress shopping. I found some more stuff that I like even more than the first time. I still haven't made my mind up on exactly what I want so I have a feeling it'll take more shopping to pick something I absolutely love.

Sunday I had my fiance's family wedding I had to show face to. It was definitely weird because I didn't really know anyone, but I had a really fun time and met a lot more of my future family! My sister was my plus 1 since my fiance was in London for his childhood friend's wedding (lucky him!)

I loved the decor, it was an autumn theme with pretty reds and oranges with pretty rustic features. It was such a classy affair and I had a great time. The photo booth was definitely a fun touch too!

And of course, the thing everyone and their mom's (literally my mom was outside trying to find it), the super moon/lunar eclipse. This hasn't happened in a long long time and won't happen again for years. It was pretty clear and fun to watch it and be apart of history.

How was your weekend? Linking up with Biana for weekending!

Friday Faves {It's Finally Fall}

So it's officially the end of summer as of this week, not that Chicago got to enjoy much of one this year anyway. The weather here is still pretty tolerable, but my Fall allergies is really kicking my butt lately. I've had a constant head cold just from sneezing a billion times in the morning and then proceeding to have a runny nose and red, teary eyes the rest of the day. Needless to say I'm so glad it's the weekend. I have a pretty packed weekend ahead, but all fun things like shopping around some more for wedding dresses, going to a local charity softball game & attending my second to the last wedding of the year!

Another day, another selfie. I'm glad the sun is still shining bright so it covering my red and itchy eyes, the struggle is real y'all.

Also, it's officially Fall so you know I had to stop by Starbucks to get a Fall coffee...not a huge fan of the Salted Caramel Mocha though, too bitter tasting for my liking. I am loving the Fall cups though.

After work the other day I had an email from Nothing bundt Cakes and knew I had to go get me some. I haven't had a yummy bundt cake from there in a hot minute and boy am I glad I did. 

About 5 seconds after the second picture I demolished half the cake...no I didn't finish it, I still have some dignity guys.

Also, I'm thrilled for some Fall TV back in my life, the return of tried and true faves like TGIT and some new shows that have blown me away with their premieres. There are still a bunch of new shows releasing later in the coming weeks so I'm excited!!

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Favorite Posts from the Week:

Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

~Crockpot Chicken Low Mein~

Emily had this awesome crockpot recipe and I was just on the search for one for my coworker who is gonna be on maternity leave in a few days!

Biana @ B Loved Boston

~Bespoke Wedding Weekend~

Biana was coordinating the cutest Cape Cod wedding ever. They had amazing little touches that were so special and had me dreaming of a lighthouse wedding! Check out her post for some serious gorgeousness.

Kate @ Green Fashionista

~Summer Memories Into Fall~

Kate lives in Florida which stays pretty awesome year round. She accomplished so much this past summer and still has some exciting stuff planned for the rest of the year. Her recap of her exciting summer made me wishing I did more, do you agree?

Katie @ Katie Elizabeth

~5 Pieces For Under $!50~

Katie has some seriously amazing picks and they are on the cheap from H&M and F21, what can get better than that?? I'm oogling the plaid shirt she picked up, it may or may not have made it's way into my shopping cart!

Amanda @ Meet at the Barre

 ~Top Ten Favorite Products Under $10~

You know when Amanda posts a favorites post, she really means it. I've bought countless stuff based on her recommendations and I trust what she says because girlfriend does her research. I'm a sucker for beauty and skincare products so anytime people do posts, especially on what cheap products work best, I'm usually listening. I absolutely love tea tree oil on just about anything, but haven't picked up the Trader Joe's version, I may just need to stop by and pick some up!

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My bestie got some teasers from her wedding photographer and I'm in love with this "vogue-like" shoot we did before the reception. A few peeps didn't quite get the RBF look, but this pic still turned out stunning. Can't wait to see more...also I have yet to get back a single picture from my engagement shoot. I emailed the photographer Monday and haven't heard back from him...kinda pissing me off, but I'm just trying to be patient.

Linking up with my girl Amanda today for Friday Faves!!

Wedding Wednesday {Fall Inspired Wedding Ideas}

It's officially the first day of Fall today!! I can't believe the summer has gone and went just like that. It is my favorite season because this is literally the best time for boots, sweaters, and pumpkin everything!! Also this means the holiday season is right around the corner, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves! I'm linking up with Katie & P!nky for their Fall themed link up. I talked about some of my favorite Fall things here!

Today I wanted to show y'all some inspiration for any of you Fall brides.

Perfect wedding favors, who doesn't love popcorn and caramel popcorn at that. Love the use of burlap too, gives it a rustic look.

Such a cute and simple centerpiece. Super easy for those DIY brides out there too!

Loving the combo of all these color palettes that are absolutely perfect for Fall. Autumn Peach is definitely my favorite among them.

What a gorgeous bridal bouquet, such a fun and beautiful mix of different oranges and reds to give it that perfect Fall look.

This gorgeous cake would go perfectly with the centerpiece from above with the branch work. This cake wouldn't even need to be exclusive for a Fall wedding, it's a beautiful cake for any season I think.

What an adorable set up for a dessert table. You could even do this for your gift table or escort card table.

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What are some of your favorite things inspired by Fall. Are you having a Fall wedding? What are some things you are incorporating in your Fall wedding?

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Now it is your turn! We would love to have you link-up with your wedding tales, planning adventures and day-of memories.

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As always, we would love to have you linking up with us and sharing your wedding inspiration, stories and photos of your own! Just please remember to link back to either mine or Macy's blog in order to keep the Wedding Wednesday fun going around.

Chocolate Chip Cookies {Recipe Swap}

So I absolutely love chocolate chip cookies over any other cookie out there. When one of my coworkers baked cookies for a potluck, I immediately asked her for the recipe and had to recreate the amazingness of it. If you love chocolate chip cookies, this is your go to recipe!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups of flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 sticks unsalted butter (softened, room temp)

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 bag chocolate chips (I used Ghiradelli chips)

1 small bag of either walnuts or pecans

Directions:

1. Put flour, salt & baking soda together in a bowl

2. In a separate bowl mix 2 sticks of butter with brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Add vanilla and beat well. Add flour mixture together and beat well. Add chocolate chips and nuts, stir well.

3. Drop onto a non-stick cookie sheet with a tablespoon.

4. Bake at 375° for about 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.

Emmy Fashion Hits & Misses

Hey lovies! Yet another weekend has ended and another Monday morning is upon us. I didn't do a whole lot this weekend, but I may have found the dress!! I'm in love with it and will tell you all more if and when I get it. 

On Friday I grabbed dinner with my bestie which was great to just catch up and have a girls night.

They had this amazing chandelier at our table and I was loving it. The food was delicious and we literally ate so much food. We went back to my friends house and watched Friends until we both passed out.

Saturday was basically shopping around day, my family & I went around and were on the search for a wedding dress for me. I found the one that I'm in love with and am hoping it'll be mine soon!!

Sunday was literally lazy day where the most I did was laundry. In the evening it was the Emmy's which of course I was scoping out the fashion and I was loving it. Andy Samberg was hilarious as a host, his entrance was phenomenal. His jokes were really well time and hilarious! Now let's get onto the best part of any awards show...the fashion!! 

Here are my favorite looks of the evening...I think a bunch of ladies knocked it out of the park with their looks.

{Sofia Vergara}

{Gina Rodriguez}

{Giuliana Rancic}

{Ellie Kemper}

{Emma Roberts}

{Julie Bowen}

{Amy Poehler}

{Julia Louis-Dreyfus}

{Julianna Hough}

{Taraji P. Hensen}

{Lady Gaga}

{Kerry Washington}

{Sarah Hyland}

{Maggie Gyllenhaal}

{Claire Danes}

{Padma Lakshmi}

Here are my not so favorite looks. A few of the looks weren't so much that they were terrible, but I just felt it wasn't a flattering look on their body or wasn't appropriate for the Emmy's.

{Laura Prepon}

{January Jones}

{Taylor Schilling}

{Regina King}

{Tracee Ellis Ross}

{Taryn Manning}

{Amy Schumer}

{Heidi Klum}

{Anna Chlumsky}

{Jane Krakowski}

What are your thoughts? Who were your favorites of the night or your not so favorites? I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and week ahead!

Linking up with Biana for weekending!

Finally Friday

Boy oh boy, Friday could seriously not have come any sooner. This week was just exhausting, between a crazy work schedule, Fall allergies, and a surprise baby sprinkle I am utterly exhausted. I even slept an hour past my alarm yesterday which is so unlike me! I plan on getting plenty of sleep during the weekend and just decompressing. 

A lot of things at one of my jobs is weighing on my mind and I just get stressed out thinking about it, so I'm going to try to set it aside and enjoy my weekend. Prayers appreciated that everything works out on that front :)!

Let's get into what I'm loving from this week...

I have posted every single day this week!! I am proud because I have tried to get back into a blogging groove and love being able to get posts out that are prepared and thought out. In case you missed it, here are my posts from this week.

Monday- Fall is in the Air

Tuesday- Recipe Swap {Apple & Pear Salad}

Wednesday- Wedding Wednesday {Bridesmaids Gifts}

Thursday- Surprise Baby Sprinkle

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If you want some other good reads from Blogland, here are some of my faves from this week.

B Loved Boston {Product Empties Vlog} 

Biana shares some awesome beauty products, I know I'll be checking out a few of them from her list.

Green Fashionista {Blogger Blame Purchases}

Kate highlights some of the products she's picked up from other bloggers. I get so many great products based on reviews from other bloggers.

Helene In Between {Dear You, In Your Time of Need}

If you are in need for some serious laughs, check out Helene's post about scam commenters, u.n.r.e.a.l!!

Katie Elizabeth {On My Radar: Home Edition}

If you need some new items for your house, or are lusting over things to add to your dream home, you need to check out this post. The rug, sigh I need it!

Martini's & Bikini's {Turkey Fajita Stuffed Peppers}

Yum, just yum! Such a easy to follow recipe and you can make it your own!

Meet @ The Barre {"Just A Nurse"}

This struck a chord with me because The View was so wrong about what they said about the Miss America contestant who came out to speak about a patient in her scrubs and "doctor stethoscope". Ignorance at it's finest on that show...bye Felicia. I loved Amanda's post and trust me you will too!

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I picked up this mug from Target and I'm loving it. Only $3.99 and I'm thinking it'll be my new go-to hot cocoa mug this coming winter! I love the speckled look and the handle has a brassy feel, love it! Go and get you some!

I totally beat our fantasy league commissioner. I totally thought Sunday night that I was going to lose, but Monday night 3 of my players came through and scored 87.5 points between the 3 of them. I'm hoping to continue doing well during the season. Yay for the NFL being back!!

Speaking of things being back...PSL's. It was finally cool enough to get a hot drink from sbux. I definitely like the hot better than iced. Although next time I want to try the chai tea latte with pumpkin spice, a few bloggers have told me that it's great.

This was my hump day selfie. The sun was shining and I was loving it. 

Linking up with Amanda for Friday faves, also linking with April & friends for Five on Friday!

Surprise Baby Sprinkle

At both of my jobs, I'm on the party planning/social committee. My newer job is much smaller so usually just take ownership of throwing any birthday parties and such (there's only 4 of us, so not too much to plan). My coworker at this job is due in 2 weeks and about a month ago, I knew I wanted to do something special for her. Although this isn't her first baby, she should still have a little sprinkle. Only having 4 people in a small office is definitely hard for planning a surprise party. A lot of passed back post-it notes and discreet emails. I even came into work after hours to decorate before the day of the party. When it comes to gifts, I absolutely loooove being creative and gifting things people would definitely use and appreciate. Knowing she probably has a bunch of stuff from her previous baby, I skipped complete basics. 

I found this adorable basket from T.J. Maxx (which can be used for storage in the nursery) and filled it with little goodies that she would most definitely need for this new babe. You seriously can never go wrong with diapers, moms will never turn them down. Also get Pampers wipes...they will be used in probably a week, but oh so so necessary. They also smell like a freshly bathed baby, which is just the best smell in the world. I always like to get some sort of toy for the baby, since babies spend most of their beginning in carriers, strollers, etc this little zebra toy was perfect, you can strap it onto the handle and the baby can go crazy playing with it. Teething toy is necessary also, I never realize how quickly babies teeth, this teether is soothing and you can put it in the freezer for a bit to give a wonderful cooling sensation. The Bibbity is great, made of silicone and washable, plus it catches all the food the child may not get to their mouths. Johnson's baby products, I use the baby lotion to this day, it's awesome, plus this gift set came with Desitin diaper rash cream...mom's rave about this being a holy grail product. Of course you need a cute outfit, I love the soft mint and gray colors.

I also threw in a bottle of 3 buck Chuck wine for the new parents because I know my coworker has been missing out on her wine. Not pictured is the monster sippy cup I included for the big brother to be so he doesn't feel left out. 

All in all (after coupons & wonderful sales at Target) I ended up spending a total of $40 for everything!! 

Her party turned out great and we ate so much!! I'm glad we got to do something so special for her especially because she didn't expect anything at all.

Snuck in a quick picture before all the food and dessert goodies got there and messed up the prettiness. 

I totally recommend doing a basket gift not only for a baby shower, but you could do something similar for a bridal shower, birthday, housewarming, etc. Always scour Marshalls, Home Goods & T.J. Maxx for great deals on adorable baby stuff at a serious discount and check out the papers, there are always coupons for products, especially baby stuff!!