Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Bridal Shower

This past weekend I gave my sister, Elizabeth, a wedding shower. I would say host, but I am not sure that is correct as we used my parent's lovely home. Either way, it was the first event I have ever hosted--ah, that word seems to be a must in this context--that included invitations and RSVPs.

After we settled on a date and mood--the bride could pick if she wanted girls only or a couples shower--I planned the menu multiple times in my head and looked at Pinterest repeatedly for decorations and DIY projects. As shower date drew nearer, the DIY projects were weeded out but a lovely theme came together: outdoor chic with sage and pink accents. The colors were greatly aided by my mom's wonderful collection of antique green and pink depression glass. The majority of the decorations were paper lanterns, pictures, farmer's market flowers, and of course, the food and drink.

I tried to make the food colorful and beautiful--an economical way to decorate. Of course, I don't have a lot of pictures to show off, because as I began taking pictures of my hard work, the guests began arriving (but they were the whole reason for the affair, so I can't complain.) So enjoy the few pictures I took...at least I got one of the beautiful bride! And I will post my menu, because it never hurts to have a few ideas rattling around for the next occasion to entertain.

The shower was at 1:00, so it was not a lunch but I made sure to have substantial snacks (and it ended up being my lunch!) The menu include:
  • Caprese skewers
  • Cucumber sandwiches
  • Pickle roll-ups (the bride's request)
  • Spinach pasta salad
  • Watermelon slices
  • Strawberry muffins
  • Cake-pops (topped with sprinkles, coconuts, or cashews)

I read somewhere to keep the drinks simple, and so I did. Two options. I offered to get everyone I could a drink, but the delightful idea behind the set-up included having everyone help themselves. My drinks:
  • Sangria
  • Lemon and strawberry infused water (it's so pretty!)
I absolutely loved using mason jars and real depression glass. Of course, all had to be washed by hand afterward (thank you to the husband!) but really were instrumental in creating the ambiance.
My drink table

Was supposed to be the first of many pics. Note the framed invitation for decoration.

The bride and my sign from ETSY.

The happy couple.
 Thanks to all who attended. It was a lovely afternoon. And to my mom and the rest of the crew who stayed at the Engsberg homestead this past weekend, thanks for everything! Who's excited for October 13th?


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Life is good...

...when two of your best friends move to Milwaukee--and you live in the Milwaukee area. Yesterday we helped our good friends unpack their life in their new apartment in downtown Milwaukee. Somehow we managed to get out of the heavy lifting!?

To show you how good life is: you cheer and stare eagerly at the television when you realize get more analog channels than you had in Eau Claire.

Watching the channels register.
And you eat scones. I made chocolate chip scones for a little breakfast snack. I hate to bake, but these scones are delicious and easy. Thank you, Brown Eyed Baker. We don't have any pictures, because they are so delicious and nearly gone.

So that's a little glimpse into the excitement in our lives. Welcome to Milwaukee, Tom and Maria. We'll try not to smother you with our excitement.

Friday, August 10, 2012

One Year Anniversary

This past weekend, and on Monday, August 6th, my husband and I officially celebrated our 1-year wedding anniversary!

It's been a year since I walked up the aisle...
and we kissed as husband and wife...
and all these wonderful people we were in the same place at the same time...
and we danced the night away.

They say the best is yet to come, and I looking forward to growing old with my beloved and all that is yet to come. BUT, August 6, 2011 was one amazing day and my first year of marriage was truly lovely.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

My favorite athlete...

is Michael Phelps.
Best Butterflyer, EVER! Photo courtesy of ESPN
I love the Olympics, and I love Michael Phelps. I remember coming to my Olympic consciousness in 1996. I remember Michael Johnson, the bombing, Gary Hall, Jr. and hearing the stories my babysitter told after she attended the games.

 However, since then Michael Phelps has dominated "my Olympics." Being a swimmer growing up and all through high school, hands down swimming is my favorite part of the Olympics. I love watching the sport, and it is always under reported and televised. Slowly watching the Olympics and Michael Phelps became synonymous. I remember him coming on the scene in Sydney, coming to be well-known in Athens, dominating in Beijing, and now in London he had the time of his life.

Although I love my football and basketball, I love that the best athlete, most decorated Olympian is from my sport. As much as I would love to continue watching Phelps swim over the next four years and in Rio, I respect his ability to know when to exit (ahem, Brett Favre, Michael Jordan etc.).

So for right now, Michael Phelps is my favorite--and has been for sometime. I do see Missy Franklin swimming into the 2nd favorite spot.

And now I am off to catch up on my sleep after a week of watching every single swimming prelim, semifinal, and final race.