Taking Back My Twenties

Posts Tagged "Family"

Married!

Posted on Jun 2, 2013 | 34 comments

Yesterday was more perfect than I could have ever imagined. I married my best friend and celebrated with loved ones until the early morning hours. And the greatest part? I get to keep him!
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The Graduate

Posted on May 12, 2013 | 6 comments

Congrats to Matt for not only making it through two challenging years of business school at Duke, but for getting awesome grades along the way and a fabulous job in the end!! I’m so proud:)

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Graduation weekend is complete and was fantastic!!!! Next up, wedding.
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Shower Scenes

Posted on Apr 21, 2013 | 19 comments

Guys, I had the most wonderful weekend!

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My bridal shower was so lovely I nearly cried.

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It was hosted by three of my mom’s close friends, who have watched me grow up:)

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They prepared a beautiful spread of food, sangria, and pear punch!

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Everything was delicious, but I think these bacon-wrapped pears stole my heart.
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Although everyone knows cake is my true love.

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Strawberry in the middle!

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I think my favorite part of the shower was a newly-wed game that the hosts had put together with Matt’s input. I did pretty well, but was stumped on a few of the questions.

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Opening gifts was pretty fun too!

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China from my mom!
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I hope the guests had fun too – I think Mazen loved being around so many ladies…

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The shower was only the highlight of the weekend – I also got to spend tons of quality time with family and friends. I’m sad it’s all over, but so thankful to the hosts for such a sweet shower.

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This Week

Posted on Apr 18, 2013 | 2 comments

I was so sorry to hear the news from Texas today. It’s been such a sad week for so many people – a reminder of how many things we all have to be grateful for.

For one, spring is in full bloom! The weather has been so perfect lately and NC is just gorgeous this time of year. I’m definitely getting a bit sad to leave this awesome place!

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Now that the weather is warmer, I’ve been craving lighter meals and we’ve been eating on the porch. I made this orzo with zucchini and dill a few days ago and added shrimp this time. I got lazy with the dill, and I must say, it’s so much better with the fresh herb. This is a great summer dish!

Other than life, not much is going on. I’ve really been trying to push through this wedding to-do list so I can enjoy my last weeks at work and in Durham. I think we’ve finally finished putting together the ceremony – Next is the marriage license, decor details, and finalizing the menu.

And my bridal shower is this weekend! My friends and family are so scattered – I didn’t think I was going to have one. But three of my mom’s lovely friends are hosting a small gathering in my home town!! I’m pretty excited to have a day with the ladies and Matt’s family and my sister are coming to town! The wedding is starting to feel very real:)

Happy almost weekend!

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More Cake!

Posted on Mar 20, 2013 | 12 comments

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My family has a cake problem. Yet we rarely bake them! I think the only from scratch cake I’ve ever made was this sorta silly looking heart for a friend’s engagement gathering. It tasted great though, I promise.

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Since my mom’s birthday was today and she had to work late into the evening, I knew she wasn’t expecting a cake. So I figured it was the perfect opportunity for me to whip one up and pop over to Hillsborough for a wild and crazy party.

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I love making strawberry buttercream, but it doesn’t hold up well to frost a cake, especially when frozen berries must be involved. Thus, I decided to put the strawberry buttercream in the middle as a filling, with strawberry cake and old fashioned white buttercream on top. I didn’t do so well with the whole icing thing. I’m not very patient.

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I finished it just in time to jump in the car. My mom was really surprised to hear singing coming from the dark kitchen!

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The cake was moist yet dense and sturdy enough to cut. I’d definitely recommend the strawberry cake recipe.

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The birthday girl liked it!

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It was a fun surprise and a sweet ending to this spring day.

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