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5 {things I’m thankful for} + 5 {quotes from the day} + 5 {turkey day photos}

5 {things I’m thankful for}

Two incredible families who we got to spend Thanksgiving with

Our baby (puppy!) who we didn’t have last year

An abundance of food and drink

A husband who keeps me laughing and loving in our second year of marriage

The good Lord who blesses us with all of these things

* * *

5 {quotes from the day}

“Did you see her mimosas?? They were, like, clear.”  – in regards to why someone was being extra chatty

“The dog was just WASTED!” – an unfortunate story about a dog who ate a bag of Columbian pot

“I used to get phone calls from pre-school saying he was being too touchy-feely.” – in regards to my loving husband

“Trivia: Who wrote the original score for this musical?” – while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

“You better be taking care of my daughter, because she’s the light of my world.” “Yes, sir. She’s the light of my world too.” – father to son-in-law

* * *

5 {turkey day photos}

{mimosa bar}

{beautiful mother/chef/decorator/hostess}

{incredible tablescape by my mother  using old wooden doors for the table tops}

{Happy Thanksgiving, XO the Aldermans}

{sibling love}

life lately

{baking this – Pioneer Woman’s dump cake}

{wearing this – new shoes from Banana Republic}

{drinking this – in honor of a friend’s farewell}

{painting this – Painting with a Twist Date Night}

{tiring out this guy – on a 3-mile walk}

{enjoying this – getting dolled for a night out in support of Circle of Life Hospice}

XOXO

5 things {I love about our little apartment}

{beautiful mirror my mother gave us (sneak peek in the reflection of my favorite painting); husband’s collection}

{home to only the finest records}

{cozy little reading nook}

{wine rack turned magazine rack}

{lazy weekends spent here}

We are blessed to be a blessing

 

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'” – Genesis 12:1-3

* * *

The message at our church was so rich this morning that I had to share a piece of it with you.  We should not be looking to others and thinking they are too blessed or coveting the blessings we don’t have, but instead looking at our blessings and thinking how much we have compared to others.

Two questions we will be reflecting on in our household this week and hope you will too:

How has God blessed you?

How does he want to use that blessing to bless others?

* * *

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11

from day to play

I find it can at times be difficult for a young professional to look young and professional at once. My biggest fear when I first joined the corporate world (this is very telling of me) was that I would turn into a dowdy, average dresser. I want to keep my personality in my clothes while still looking appropriate. Another challenge is often quickly changing from a work day to an evening play date a la happy hour or dinner with the girls.

So below are some tips for how to stay fresh, cute and professional from day to play.

[for play = take hair down + red lip]

[for play = change pants for dark skinny jeans + fun heels]

[for day = + black skinny pants, flats]

[for play = + chunky necklace, switch bag for clutch]

[for play = change into colored/patterned top + leather jacket]

[for day = + shrunken blazer]

What are your day to play tips? XO

celebrate (v): to publicly acknowledge a significant event with an enjoyable activity

We’ve been doing a lot of celebrating lately, so this is an ode to all of our dear friends.

{Happy 22nd Birthday Jessenia!}

* * *

{Happy 23th Birthday Lauren!}

{cute birthday girl bowling }

* * *

{Congrats Tayler and Luis on your engagement!}

{party times}

* * *

This week we will be attending a “See Ya Later” Party, which isn’t typically something to celebrate. However, I’m so excited for newlyweds Erin and Andrew to start a new adventure together. Below are a few of my favorite pics of me and Erin.

{when we first met, study abroad South Africa}

{one of my favorite pictures from my 21st birthday party}

* * *

And lately all I can think about is a fabulous holiday party I want to throw…

XO

puppy love

 

We got a puppy. His name is Oliver. We call him Olli. He’s 12 weeks old. And by golly, I’m convinced he’s the cutest pup out there.

{first night in his new home}

{he’s a fan of ‘Don’t Trust the B in Apt 23’}

{his favorite place to nap}

{cuddling with mommy}

* * *

5 things I learned {that I wasn’t expecting to} after having a puppy for one week:

1. Raising a puppy is hard, and I couldn’t do it without Kyle. This has given me even more respect for single moms raising kids.

2. He has a smaller bladder than I do.

3. Your friends suddenly want to come over all the time.

4.People are more friendly when you’re walking such a cute pup.

5. I never knew I could love something so much in such a short amount of time.

life lately

{brunching in downtown Bentonville}

{reminiscing about college after finding our names on senior walk}

{celebrating}

{enjoying this awesome “congrats on your new job” card from a dear friend}

{corn mazing}

XOXO

French Dip Crescents {recipe}

Quick, easy and downright delicious.

Inspired via Pinterest

2 packages of crescent rolls
1/3 lb provolone cheese
1 lb roast beef

Roll crescent rolls with desired amounts of cheese and roast beef.

Cook in 375 degree oven for approx. 12 minutes.

Serve with Au Jus.

* * *

Au Jus recipe via Food.com

3 cups water
4 teaspoons beef bouillon (or 4 cubes)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper

Place the water in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low; whisk in beef bouillon.

Whisk in soy sauce, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.

five things

A few {almost} midweek perk-me-ups:

{RED released Monday. I can never get enough Taylor.}

{simply adorable}

{already dreaming of another summer vaca}

{but first, dreaming of Christmas parties}

{so.funny.}