Ombre' Bridal Shower

I threw one of best and oldest friends a bridal shower for her upcoming wedding. I'm not huge on "theme" parties, but I LOVED the look of a pink ombre' shower, so my planning and crafting began!

Invitation from etsy shop digibuddha Paperie

Both of those projects are very simple to make. The floral "R"just needs fake flowers cut at the stems, cardboard letter with the front cut out, green floral blocks, and hot glue as needed. The fabric garland was even easier, except I bought way to much fabric. I purchased 1/2 a yard of each color and cut 1 inch by 24 inch strips. I had a whole bag left over. So I suggest half that amount.

And everyone LOVES a Mimosa bar! This was a huge hit for obvious reasons. I also added a signature cocktail, Blushing Bride, which is just adding Peach Schnapps and grenadine to champagne. I'm glad I only bought one bottle of Schnapps because that went fast, and we may have had a few tipsy shower guests.

And my favorite new bridal shower game..FIND THE GROOM! I printed off a generic groom clip art and took scissors to my fabulous trash magazines!

Each guest gets an envelope with a "groom" in it and who ever finds the actual groom gets a prize. It's easy, doesn't put anyone on the spot, and it's just plan fun!

Trying out the "Housewife" Role

 I have settled nicely into Florida. Getting used to the constant hot weather (thanks MO) and light rain about every day. I'm getting used to Brandon's all day schedules, unpacked and organized our new apartment, and feeling positive about the job situations.

For the first time in the past two years, it feels nice to just do things for myself and not feel the constant stress of grad school projects, balancing multiple jobs, and planning the wedding. I read not just one book...but TWO books--FOR FUN! I haven't done that since the Hunger Games. 

And I'm stepping up my game in the housewife department. Which includes cooking. Something I have never been known for, or have really enjoyed.  Brandon & I's meals over the last two years came from the freezer, usually in cardboard, and are made in only minutes. But that was part of my goal for married life. I would cook a meal at least three times a week and nothing is microwaved, and I've been pretty proud of myself.  I've been using all of my new kitchen toys and doing my Pinteresting! 

None of my recipes are complicated or include too many ingredients. I've been sticking to pastas, pizzas, steamed vegetables, tacos...the easy stuff. Plus, I'm not getting all "clean eating" and healthy, I like real food, bring on the cheese and potatoes! 

Using my new Wok & my favorite parmasean edamame

French toast & strawberries! And Cinnabon Maple Syrup..Bomb dot com

I have also started introducing fall into our household. I figure, being in central Florida, I won't technically ever get a "fall." From what I hear, the cool weather will start in November, and that is already Christmas season, so I figure I can start whenever I want to! So last night, I got a craving for Pumpkin Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies at 9pm, and that meant a late night trip to the grocery store. These cookies taste awesome and are more fluffy like a sweet bread. Just take a regular chocolate chip recipe, add 1 cup Puree Pumpkin, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg and ta-da. Fall explosion in your mouth.

The pumpkin wheat beer helps with that explosion.