Comfort Food

Today has been grey, drizzly, and just plan drab.  Days like this make me wish I were a stay-at-home-fiancee (I ask all the time and continually get shot down) so that I could have a movie marathon on the couch and eat lots of soup.  Or baked macaroni & cheese.  Lobster macaroni & cheese.  Yeah, that's it.

I do work my "real job" from home right now, so I can't really complain too much.  I've been wearing a big white tie-front sweater and leggings today, so that's definitely more comfortable than typical office outfits.   Ian came home to make a sandwich today and said "I've never known anyone who got so dressed up to work from home."  Well baby, that's the trick: you won't get any work done if you're wearing pajamas.  (Full disclosure: I also do have on a triple-strand long pearl necklace - you must accessorize, always!)

Tonight we're having a very harvesty comfort-food dinner which matches this weather perfectly.  Grilled pork chops, homemade applesauce, and roasted vegetables.  Here's the recipe for the applesauce - it's my mother's recipe and one of my absolute favorites.  Added plus?  Cooking it in a slow cooker means that your house has a delicious cinnamon-apple smell all day long.


{photo via erinsfoodfiles}

Crockpot Applesauce
(recipe pared down for 2 people)

• 4 good baking apples, cut in chunks
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar (I didn't even use this much)

Place apple chunks in slow cooker and cover with water.  Add in cinnamon and sugar, and stir.  Cook on low 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.  Serve warm.

My Wishlist

Hang the garland.
Cue Nat King Cole.
Spike the egg nog.

It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!  Is it too early to make a little Etsy wishlist?  Where to start, where to start......



A sweet floral coffee cozy - $6
Found here




Let's Make Out felt applique pillow - $99

Found here




















Squirrel Lady print 5x7 - $10
Found here





Curvey Gold Earrings - $59
Found here



 

Bright Sunshiny Day 11x14 - $30
Found here

What's on your wishlist?

The Countdown Is On!

Today is exactly 6 months away from when Ian & I will tie the knot!  This time has already flown by.  Being engaged has been an absolute blast. 

These beautiful pictures were taken by our photographer, Ashley Brokop.  We had a really fun time with her making these pictures and were elated with the turnout!  Visit her here.

What I'm Wearing

My latest obsession....
You Don't Know Jacques by OPI.
Yummy!

So Thankful.

A. Liz Designs - Black Friday!

Several years ago I began making jewelry for myself, and it's blossomed into a full-fledged obsession now.  My aunt helped me choose the name "A. Liz Designs" for the line based upon my first & middle name, April Elizabeth.  Outside of my regular job, this has been the most fun and rewarding outlet I could ever have imagined.  I sell on Etsy now and have really enjoyed this venture.

I'm so thankful to all who have supported this endeavor, and now it's time to pass along some holiday cheer!

Starting now through the end of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, simply enter the coupon code "THANKFUL" in the Etsy checkout to receive 30% off of your order!  Go ahead and knock out some of your Christmas shopping!

www.etsy.com/shop/alizdesigns

Death of a Camera

My camera met it's maker this weekend.

The maker being not Fuji, but ... "it's Maker."

Saturday night, it had just about as much as it could -- and the final blow was when it was jostled out of my hand on a rambunctious midnight golf cart ride with a bunch of the gals.  It fell on the ground and the zooming lens popped right out of it, springs exposed and flailing wildly.

But let me tell you ... we had a good run.

 

Bring On The Weekend

Ahhh, my favorite day.  FRIDAY.  Maybe a predictable choice, but for a good reason.  The wonderful feeling of knowing that the weekend, chock full with possibilities, is finally upon you -- it doesn't get any better than that.

What will you be doing?

I will be traveling for the first time ever to the Pamlico Sound in North Carolina.  A weekend filled with friends, great food, adult beverages, my handsome fiance, and ....

....did I mention an oyster roast?!?!

Making My Entrance

I am thrilled to make my entrance into the blog world!  I have wanted for quite a while to start my own blog.  I have even laid awake at night wondering just what types of posts could potentially keep me poised at my laptop, hammering fervently at the keys.

Whether you connect with me through a love of crafting, our shared love of wine, an appreciation for beautiful jewelry, the craziness of planning a wedding, the wonder of exploring new places, or maybe some funny anecdotes of this crazy life ... I am just pleased that we are in it together.   

Thank you for joining me on this fun and fabulous journey.