Dinner with the Slatterys

I have fallen in love with a new book... it is none other than the classic

"Mastering the Art of French Cooking"

Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck

I am learning so many useful things!

I will attempt a few of Julia's special recipes when we have people over in December.

Alan has decided to take up spicy fresh dishes from Asia...

While I will study the savory, buttery French way of cooking!

One thing in particular I look forward to is souffles, you always hear of the famous French souffle...

so my goal is to have one success by new years eve!

Hold me to it...for real!

New Life

Marriage is a gift.

Having someone to walk through life alongside you, loving you for who you are.

I thank God every day for Alan.

I know there are storms ahead and we will meet them when the time comes but right now in this season of preparation...we are getting to fall in love all over again.

The journey has been intoxicating so far and it just gets better every day.

The Lord is faithful in all things, and He has shown himself true to His word on many occasions.

God is good.

Mom's Advice 1

I am an "IS" personality, I did not used to care about order.

Now however I'm looking at this ever growing pile of stuff in Alan and I's apartment and can't help but feel like I should be on that reality show "Hoarders".

My mom taught me growing up that in your house everything should have a "home"

Meaning that all items should have a place to return to when your done using them.

Dishes go in the cabinet. Books on the shelf. Towel hung back up.

I used to loathe this way of life.

Now I can't help but cling to my mom's wisdom, roll my sleeves up and start organizing.

P.S. I will probably be having a LARGE yard sale soon

The Friendship Porch

I live in Woodlawn with my fabulous Aunt Amy and we decided to do lead a small group!

We are calling it "The Friendship Porch" and we will be using Lared's character

development principles as subject matter!

I am so excited about this, and cannot wait to build relationships with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!

(This week is on motives)

yes please

I rarely find things that I "really-want-and-might-HAVE-to-purchase" but above are a few treasures that have caught my eye.

TOMS premiered their new linen TOMS and of course the yellow are my favorite.

Every woman needs a signature perfume of some sort. Burberry orginial for women is heavenly, but as goes for any perfume please go by the less-is-more rule.

Finally, after much thought the last picture posted is that of my wedding band hopefully!

 The marquise solitaire ring that I have would slide into
the middle of the two bands above and look stunning:)

journals

I was just at Panera with Miss Sarah, and after a delicious
 but simple breakfast we walked to Barnes and Noble.

We first looked at books about interior design and houses,
 but then as always we were drawn to the journals.

Our favorites were created by Chronicle Books and I thought I would share a few!

surprisingly good

I love watching movies based on historical figures.

However movies such as: Elizabeth, The Duchess, and Marie Antoinette
 end with a beheading or the heroine having to choose duty over love.

This movie, although there is some conflict, is one of the greates love stories I have seen in a while.

Maybe one of the reasons I love it so much is it reminds me a little of Alan and I with the letters written, giggling over a chess game, and they way they want to go through
 life together without one person trying to control the other one.

It is beautiful ,suprisingly innocent, and a great story line.