Wishing you all a spooky night!

Happy Halloween 2012!!!

In The Kitchen: Deer Quiche

R's co-worker shot a deer on a recent hunting trip  and he had plenty to spare.  R received some ground meat and we were anxious to use it.  He made a phenomenal spaghetti on Saturday night and on Sunday I decided to try out my mom's deer quiche recipe - unfortunately we didn't have all the ingredients so I had to improvise.  Hurricane Sandy has made it a less than ideal task to head out to the grocery for just a couple of items so I took stock of what I had and went from there.

First we browned the meat.  My mom has made this with hamburger, sausage, diced ham and chicken in the past - any meat will do but my dad always preferred deer. I seasoned the meat with a tablespoon of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

 In a seperate bowl I whisked two eggs and added 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of low fat mayo (this can be divided into 1/4 mayo and 1/4 cup sour cream to follow moms recipe).  Then stir in 1 cup of cheese (we used shredded swiss) and I added in about a tablespoon of fresh chives.

 Once the meat is cooked add it to the mixture.

Pour the mixture into a greased pie pan.  I did not use a pie crust because I didn't have one and because I really don't care for it.  Even when I eat pie, I usually just eat the filling.  Cook at 350* for 35-40 minutes.  I would suggest letting it "rest" for about 15 minutes before slicing into it.

October Wedding List Update

I'm proud that I can mark off my bridal portraits and my invitations this month.  We selected all groomsmen attire and the men have a deadline to get their money to R so the suits can be ordered.  Also two of my three bridesmaids have ordered their dresses.  One went into false labor and is currently on bed rest...she's having twins!  I think it's very up in the air if she is bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.  I was assured that it will take 6 weeks max. for the dress to ship so even if we have to order her dress in December there will be plenty of time before the wedding.  This is my first experience with a pregnant best friend and it's really scary that she could have had the twins this early.  It also freaks me out that she is so high risk that bed rest might be the best option.  Any prayers for Courtney and her little beans are welcome.

Set a date

Book venue

Book photographer

Book Music and lighting

Decide on bridal party

Book caterer & bartender

Create wedding website

Register for shower

Book florist

Purchase wedding dress

Purchase bridal accessories

Rent linens

Take engagement pictures

Select bridesmaid dresses

Select groom & groomsmen attire

Send bridesmaids ordering info for dresses

Book cake baker
wedding coordinator guidebook

Buy cake knife & server

Order save the dates

Send save the dates

Book officiant

Pre-marital counseling – rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy

Finalize guest list

Obtain guests addresses for invitations

Order cake topper

Decide on videographer services

Hotel room blocks

Rent hotel rooms for March 22 and March 23

MOB & MOG dress shopping

Find wedding shoes

Find wedding jewelry

Book makeup artist & hair stylist

Reception menu tasting

Hair trim, nails, tan for bridal portraits

Take bridal portraits / hair & make up trial

1st dress fitting

Bridal portrait bouquet

Final dress fitting

Make ceremony programs

Dance Lessons

Write out escort cards

Find 10 glass milk vases

Pay venue for ceremony chair set up

Order invitations

Address invitations

Mail invitations

Order wedding cake

Book rehearsal dinner venue

Buy Rehearsal dress

Buy sparkler for send off

 Find hair accessories for FG

Decide on bridesmaids shoes

make table numbers

make cake stand

Buy groomsman gifts

Buy FG and RB gifts

Reader and coordinator gifts

Bridesmaids gifts

Bachelorette party outfits

Bachelorette party

Buy gifts for mothers

Bridal shower attire

Bridal shower

Shower thank you notes

Shop for wedding bands

Purchase wedding bands

Create wedding day timeline

Put together picture list for photographer

Buy drinking straws

Buy mason jars

Bridal Makeup trial

DIY signs for reserved seating

Engagement photos framed for auxiliary table

Book a salon for day of wedding

Makeup for MOB

New passport

Decide on setup for cocktail table décor and purchase accessories

Purchase Candles / votives

Purchase Grooms Gift

Wedding Favors

Escort card display and welcome sign

Purchase alcohol for reception

Get marriage license

Create signs for sparkler exit and favor

Book transportation from reception to hotel

Book honeymoon - #1 goal for November!

Honeymoon outfits

Bridal luncheon invitations

Bridal luncheon favor

Decide who will return reception rentals

RD invitations - FMIL

RD groom's cake - FMIL

Final vendor payments

Final Music selections and do not play list

Order thank you notes

Hair, nails, tan for wedding

Ring cleaning

Pack for honeymoon

Wedding announcement in News and Observer

Walk down the aisle & say I do!

Kiss FM Pet-O-Ween Contest - Baby's Entry

Vote Baby For Pumpkin Queen!!!!

 

I entered our sweet girl in a local radio station contest for pet o ween.  Daily voting began on Oct 26 but I've been super late getting it on the blog.  Anyway if y'all want to vote for her it will be greatly appreciated, you can look through all the pets or you can search for "baby".

 

http://rewards.939kissfm.com/app2/Contest/NTkkur

The date, the time, the place...in writing

My invitations are in!!!!  I ordered the Elegant Arbor from Wedding Paper Divas and I couldn't be more excited.   Just a side note about me and invitations....as much as I love to look at stationary it wasn't an item that I wanted to spend a large percentage of my wedding budget on.  I'm so excited that I found a thermography print suite that I loved at such a reasonable cost...and I love the paper quality!

I was wowed by the pretty packaging!

Invitation and response card.

I love that we decided to do an envelope liner instead of an inner envelope.  R thought the idea of having two envelopes was silly (even though it is standard procedure).  The shimmer gray liner makes the shimmer charcoal print stand pop off the paper.  Oh and the tissue they sent...it's not white...it's ecru!  I know it's such a small detail but I got such a kick out of it!  R was a little lost with all the girly squealing but I've thought long and hard about my stationary...it took forever to make a final decision.

Sorry about the poor lighting in the photos.  The best lighting I found was in my mom's porch - Hurricane Sandy has dampened my weekend in more ways than one.  It's been cloudy and wet all day  - R and I are prepared to weather the storm inside tomorrow if we have to but we had planned to meet with the preacher for our first pre-marriage counseling session.  I'm still hoping tomorrow evening it will be safe enough to venture out.  We completed our "relationship assessment" online last Friday and I'm really curious to know the results!

Currently, I Am...

(post was inspired by Katie at Keep Calm and Carry On - because it looked like so much fun!)

Reading: Midnight in the Garden of Good Evil...ever since we chatted about Savannah as a possible honeymoon destination I've wanted to read this book.  I've seen the movie so I'm familiar with the story but in most cases the book is better than the movie.

Watching: Criminal Minds, an episode from the DVR- I'm such an addict.  I'm convinced that I'm getting an education when I watch these crime dramas and law shows.  I consider myself a professional at pointing out behaviors in psycho serial killers.

Thinking About:  My bridal portraits.  My photographer posted them on her website a couple of nights ago (password protected of course so R can't see).  My mom loves them so much she is buying the disk with all the photos but I have to choose one to hang as my actual portrait.  There are several good ones (and many great ones that don't necessarily show all the details of my dress) and I'm having trouble deciding.

Loving: My fiance :-)  I'm also really loving fall - the weather is perfect to spend time outside.  Spending time inside isn't so bad either, curling up under a blanket in the evening.  There are so many things I'm loving - pumpkin lattes, pumpkin and apple scented candles, pie, soup, boots, and scarves

Looking Forward To:  R has been wanting to use the fire pit and these cool nights are perfect for it.  He also obtained some deer meat that we may use for spaghetti or quiche this upcoming weekend.  We also have a blackout game against Navy this weekend.

Wondering:  If we will ever make a decision where to go for our honeymoon.

Cooking / Baking:  None for now.  I've been craving apple pie and I might make a small crumble for myself since R doesn't like cooked apples.  My mom bought a slice of pumpkin jelly roll recently for us to share and it was delicious!

Disliking:  The long line at the early voting poll.  But at least it's over with and I can say I've voted!

Making Me Happy:  The upcoming holidays - I love Thanksgiving for the food and family and then I love to come home and decorate for Christmas!  I've already started purchasing some gifts and making holiday plans with R.  Next month will be a little stressful with moving and premarriage counseling so I'm really excited to have something to look forward to.

Wishing You:  a blessed evening!

Not Completely Wordless Wednesday

Yes I know it's a bit early to talk about Christmas but I'll be putting up my tree in a little over a month and I can't wait to add this beauty from the Coton Color Collection:

Honeymoon Comparison

The time has come the bride said to talk of many things...of beaches and ships - and romantic nights - of candlelight and slips

phew...I put effort into that

It's time to talk about the H-O-N-E-Y-M-O-O-N baby!

This is not a new topic in our household, in fact our favorite saying when we are stressed..."just hold out for the honeymoon".  We have not booked our trip yet because we hadn't made a decision yet.  We have three ideas and all of them have their perks.

1.  Secrets Punta Cana Dominican Republic.
An adults only resort that offers all inclusive packages and our own attendant.  I know a lot of couples that have been to the secrets, sandals, or beaches resorts and have a lot of good things to say about the service and the amenities.  The idea of laying on a beach for a week is amazing except the reality for me means applying sunscreen every 30 minutes and then overheating though all the sunscreen layers. I'm concerned that some of the reviews say March isn't a great month to go to an all inclusive resort.  College spring break could be a factor in why they are so expensive during late March but some of the reviews state the "opening week" of most of the major resorts is the week before our wedding and that some restaurants are closed because they aren't busy and some pools are closed for maintenance.  We have talked about taking a trip to the Dominican or Jamaica but maybe waiting until later in the season.

2.  Royal Caribbean Cruise.
I love to cruise! There are a ton of perks - the food is taken care of and you can go as casual or as formal as you'd like, pools and hot tubs, a full service spa, a cabin steward  entertainment, room service, and delicious cocktails.  The major problem is a lack of privacy and a small commercial stateroom.  We would definitely book a suite with a patio but there still isn't a feeling of seclusion.  We have took a cruise last fall and loved it, we wanted to try a different cruise line and the reviews on the ship and itinerary that we have selected are fantastic.

3.  Savannah, Georgia.
Okay, this is a wildcard and maybe not as popular of a destination as the Caribbean but for March we think this could be a lot of fun.  Savannah is beautiful - rich in history with several restaurants, bars, and tours.  We have looked at several Bed and Breakfasts in the area and have found one we both loved.  The suite is very romantic - giant Jacuzzi, our own fireplace and large king size bed.  The place serves breakfast and afternoon tea and they have a nice pool in there courtyard (if of course it ever got warm enough to use it). We could still go to the beach for a day if we wanted to, I've always wanted to go to Tybee Island but it's not exactly the "in season".  There are honeymoon packages that we can purchase through our hotel that include a private horse and carriage tour, champagne and strawberry delivery, and a spa package for a couples massage and tapas afterward.

I'm trying to remember that we really can't go wrong with any of these options.  And that even though this is an important time for R and I to spend together, this is not the only vacation we will ever take.

Fun at the Fair

R and I usually go to the fair on "hunger relief day" when cost of admission is a bag of canned goods but unfortunately this year that day conflicted with my bridal portraits.  We decided to go on the last Saturday of fair week - - - one of THE most crowded days.  We waited in a long line on the interstate to get to the fairgrounds but didn't have an issue finding a park.  It's no secret that I love the state fair and I've only ever missed a year if absolutely necessary....

 My favorite section of the fair is the Village of Yesteryear.  I love seeing the bread baking demonstrations, antique farm equipment, and crafting.  This exhibit was just outside of the blacksmiths stand.

 R and I enjoyed the forrestry and soil and water conservation exhibits.  They had it open this year to walk out into the water for photos.

 This looks like one of the trees from The Lord of the Rings movies...I loved it!  The guy was standing on stilts and his suit actually felt like tree bark.  We were fooled at first thinking it was a real tree from a distance.

 I love the Got to Be NC Agriculture stands.  Every year the local farmers show their best crops, largest melons and gourds, and bring their best livestock for judging.  I'm a farm girl at heart and I think I'm lucky that my state has such an extensive appreciation for local agriculture and craftsmanship.

 Oh and the food!  I had the MOST delicious authentic gyro tonight.  We also samples local companies goods to our hearts content...I tried the new product from Pepsi (Next), several new BBQ sauces and dips, local honey, jams, and some annual treats like House Autry hushpuppies.  We walked away with a couple of samples of poultry and pork breader, 2 bottles of Zing hots sauce, and a stack of coupons for new products.  I also purchased chocolate peanut butter fudge for myself and maple cotton candy for R.

We were so tired once we drove home we both collapsed on the couch for several hours and watched a Halloween classic...

LOVE!  I also learned abc family will be showing several of my favorite spooky movies on their 13 nights of halloween series.  Many of them I own because Tim Burton directed them but I'd never say no to Beetlejuice or Edward Scissorhands on TV.

Ready for my closeup...

I know y'all have been on pins and needles wanting my "bridal portrait" experience play by play.  I have been looking forward to this for years months. And it just flew by...but not without several mishaps.

Wednesday evening I went for my nail appointment at a local spa and salon.  I chose gel polish because I wanted something that was anti-chip.  During my appointment I asked about their other services and decided I would get my brows waxed their too....

bad idea

I have never had a reaction in my life to any kind of wax or post wax product but whatever she used to wipe down my skin after the wax caused my face to swell and puff immediately.  Oh and it itched like crazy.  After many MANY curse words I found the common sense to go to the pharmacy and pick up benedryl and ointment.

I seriously looked like Quasimodo without the hump for about 2 hours.

I decided take my swollen eyebrows to the tanning salon...logical decision right?  I was prepared to go through with my portrait appointment through hell or high water.  I tried the VersaSpa on a level 1 bronze.  Ahhhh....It looked awesome.  I would like one of these standing pods for Christmas!  My tan is so even and  the perfect shade of "laid up on the Outer Banks all summer".  Be prepared to stand there and freeze though...that mist is cold, I was actually terrified that all my goose bumps would cause a splotchy tan.

For $40 it's a pricey treatment but for a special occasion it's quick and the results are awesome.

The day of my portraits I had a hair appointment at nine.  Mom and I left with plenty of time to get there, except we were stuck in traffic on the interstate for 45 minutes behind a wreck.  The accident wasn't even on our side of the median which is weird but traffic was completely at a stand still so I'm not sure if it was an issue with the emergency vehicles or if people were stopping to see the accident ( I call it rubber-necking). I arrived to the salon LATE which I was not happy about and clearly neither was the stylist but she had blocked off two hours for our appointment and we were done on time even with the late start.  She used Oribe products on my hair and I think I have a new love.  Yay more Christmas wish list items!

After my do'  it was time for makeup, which I was brazen enough to attempt myself.  Not too shabby either. I decided to wear falsies.

Er, not these.

Yes!

I loved the drama they added, especially to the full length photos that were taken from a distance.  I posed, I smiled, I draped myself over a chair, and I laid on a couch on my belly - - - for two hours.    My photos were taken at the beautiful Oaks at Salem at Apex NC.

Oh my gosh, this bridal suite was beautiful!  I wish I had taken my own photos of her house!

 My face still hurts from all that bright eyed happy smiling.  I don't think I'm all that photogenic honestly, I'm expressive in reality but in photos I seem to have two looks, BIG cheesy grin or totally pissed off.  As soon as I informed the photographer she started looking through the photos and laughed in agreement.  I'll be happy if she can give me one photo that will look great framed above my mama's mantel.  

We left just in time to make a 3 pm cake tasting.  We missed lunch while taking the photos and went into complete sugar coma for about an hour during the tasting.  I found three flavors that I thought would be crowd pleasers and the baker was wonderful to work with.  She loves her job and she is very professional...however we still have to interview two other bakers before we make our decision.  

The last wedding related task for today....I ORDERED MY INVITATIONS!  Holy.............

I still can't believe it.  Ordering the invites was the most nerve-racking experience of my life.  I quadruple checked the wording since I ordered online I didn't have a specialist helping me.  I will get a digital proof before they actually print them so I can have other people check behind me.  I think the one we chose was the perfect blend of elegant but not completely formal.  I also decided against inner envelopes (GASP!) which I know will surprise some on my list, R and I wanted to do a colored envelope liner instead and I'm happy with the decision so far.  Again I thought this added an elegant and surprising touch without the formality.  Blah, this is such wedding talk - I never say this kind of thing in real life.

One last non wedding related update.  I received my invitation to my 10 year high school reunion!  I still can't believe this.  They went with online invitations to help with cost but honestly I love the one they chose through Punchbowl, it wasn't cheesy at all.  The committee set our event for a local winery in mid November and the tickets are reasonable for a night of food, wine, and music  (and bonding with old friends!)  I'm really looking forward to this and I see it as another opportunity to hop into the VersaSpa.

Save Our Date

We sent off our save the dates!!!

I went Monday to pick up some postcard stamps from the postal office and when the clerk placed my option on the table my eyes widened.....

Yep.

These are festive.  Now lets get something straight...I love a good floral, silk Hawaiian shirt.  I don't own one,  but when I see a guy in one and he's looking all Miami Vice I can't help but think ... classy.

I'm hoping my guests will find them as kitschy as I do.

Wedding Update: the ups and the downs

9 Fittings.

Roll that around in your head.  Say it out loud. 

Thats how many times I've had to visit the alterations department to get my the bodice of my dress to fit properly.  I'm no where near my wedding, I've still got five months left before the big day.  These were the fittings to get my dress bridal portrait ready.  My left boob was the issue...not my actual boob...just the bodice on the left side - it puckered, it pulled, it was too baggy, there was too much fabric, it was too loose...I don't know how many ways I can describe it.  If I leaned over you could see down my dress and it seemed a little torpedo looking. 

After nine fittings, it looks like the sample.  I'm happy with it and I'm sure that seamstress was happy to see me go.

via

This week we bought our wedding rings.  We had to special order R's ring so I'm glad he loves it.  Baileys Jewelry had a phenomenal sale so I was able to get my ring and at a great discount...I picked it out a couple months ago and it was the last one they had in that style.







My aunt will not be able to make our wedding cake.  I'm so upset about it, she makes the most fantastic chocolate crisco poundcake but I'm even more upset that my uncle needs surgery on his spine and he will not be able to do anything for six months during recovery. In perspective obviously my uncle's health means more to me although I'm bummed that they will have to miss our wedding.  So we have been researching cake shops in our area and we hope to sign a contract by the end of the month.  The cake I want averages $4 a slice because it's a tiered cake with textured icing and no other complicated designs.  We purchased a topper from Etsy, R is making the stand, and our florist is providing the flowers.

In the Kitchen: Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels

I saw this recipe featured on a blog (I've been doing this alot lately) and immediately clicked the link and saved it to my recipe file.  I thought it would make a great game day treat...it was a huge hit and all of them were devoured by the end of the tailgate.  Click link for pictures, she has everything step by step...I didn't take a picture of the finished product so I stole one from her site.  I think she has some other great recipes too if you have time to look around.

Cream Cheese Jalapeno Crescent Poppers
1 jar of sliced jalapenos (dice or chop them into pieces)
2 containers of 8 ounce cream cheese at room temp (I used 1/3 fat free store brand)
2 tubes crescent rolls (I used reduced fat Pillsbury brand)
1 tablespoon sugar

Mix 1 1/2 boxes of cream cheese, sugar, and jalapenos in a bowl.  Unroll tube of crescent rolls  and seperate into 2 rectangles, pinch the seams of the dough together and spread cream cheese mixture on the rectangle.  Roll the rectangle to make a pinwheel starting at the long end.  Continue with the next rectangle and the other tube of crescent rolls.  Slice each roll into 16 pinwheels.  This recipe makes 64 bit size poppers.

Homecoming Tailgate

This weekend was homecoming at East Carolina and it was a busy couple of days.  We missed freeboot (short for "free booty") on Friday because R was late getting off work and I also missed out on my Kappa Delta events because, frankly, after the week we both had - we were exhausted.  No part of me wanted to get dressed up for a cocktail on Friday night and Saturday morning R had to work and I stayed home to make jalapeno poppers for the tailgate so we definitely missed out on the sorority brunch.  Next year R promised me we would forgo our tailgate in favor of KD activities.  Not all of these photos were mine, some of them were hijacked from my friend Jackie's facebook. 

We crushed Memphis yesterday.  I had a great game experience as well, R's parents were out of town so we were able to use their tickets for the Pirate Club deck.  I'm sitting for my bridal portraits on Thursday and I really didn't want to get sunburned, this way I was able to go in to the box and sit to watch the game. I'm hoping this win will spike moral for our team, attendance for the games hasn't been very good and maybe the second half of our season will improve.

Halloween 2012 pumpkin

So I had plans for my "warty" pumpkin this year that did not include carving it.  I wanted to try the melted crayon idea that was so popular last year.  I saw this on several blogs and all over pinterest last fall so I don't know who to credit the idea to.  I purchased crayons from the dollar spot at Target and the whole project took R and I about 45 minutes. 

 R and I alternated with the lighter.  First we had to peel all the paper off the crayons and then hold the crayon at an angle and let it drip on the pumpkin. 

 Super easy but the effect is so pretty!

 Our finished product:

 

  I love that this pumpkin can be decorated at the beginning of the month and last for a few weeks.  We will carve R's pumpkin but probably not until the night before Halloween.