Picnic, bbq, and a fitting
Despite how crazy life is these days, yall know I fit a little relaxation into Friday and Saturday evenings! My brain has reached max capacity with details and planning, so I asked Matt to plan something low-key for Friday night.
So we went on a picnic! We had hoped to check out the music at the American Tobacco Campus, but they no longer allow coolers – bummer! We made the best of it by finding a nice grassy patch outside of the concert and enjoyed conversation instead of music.
Matt went all out in the Whole Foods prepared foods section and we had shrimp skewers, summer kale salad, sweet potatoes, quinoa and apple salad, watermelon, and three bean salad. Yum!
On Saturday, we had plans to check out the famous annual bbq festival in Hillsborough, but the rain kinda ruined that idea. We did, however, get to eat some great bbq at the Hillsborough Bbq Co. with my parents! We stopped by the new Mystery Brewing tap room for a beer first – love that place. I was having so much fun that I didn’t snap any pictures until dessert – carrot cake! We listened to live music at a cute venue afterwards.
Today I had my final wedding dress fitting!! It fits:) My mom and I celebrated finally having the dress in our possession with salads. Although now she’s stressed about the bustle – it’s complicated.
2 weeks and [not] counting! I don’t want it to come too fast because I’m not ready and then it will be over!
Read MoreThoughts from a Tuesday
Exercise used to be my time to clear my head – now it’s the time that my to-do list fills my head and ruins my me time.
We’ve been eating giant salads over here, because they are quick and easy and good for wedding bodies.
Work got crazy this week, which can be expected for this time of year – what is it about the end of school and kids acting crazy?
Sleep and I are BFF.
I’m going to the Lantern tomorrow night and I’m so pumped. We also have a dance lesson – is it bad that I’m not as pumped?
I love this weather, and all the green in Durham. Lush!
I need the ultimate romance novel to read on my honeymoon – do tell!!!!
Read MoreShower Scenes
Guys, I had the most wonderful weekend!
My bridal shower was so lovely I nearly cried.
It was hosted by three of my mom’s close friends, who have watched me grow up:)
They prepared a beautiful spread of food, sangria, and pear punch!
Although everyone knows cake is my true love.
Strawberry in the middle!
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.
Opening gifts was pretty fun too!
I hope the guests had fun too – I think Mazen loved being around so many ladies…
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.
This Week
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!
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!
Read MoreNever Too Late to Celebrate
The highlight of my weekend was definitely a little engagement party we had at Six Plates wine bar on Thursday!! A couple of of friends got together and hosted and it was so sweet! I don’t think anyone has ever planned a party for me and it just meant so much to have all our friends gather together to celebrate.
Of course, since it was at a wine bar, there was wine! Its so fun being able to choose wines on tap. And I ended the night with a tawny port – one of my favorite things for a special occasion.
Matt and I shared some small plates – spicy shrimp with plantains and a white bean and asparagus flatbread.
Dessert! These cute cupcakes were from Whole Foods and the strawberry and peanut butter icings were just divine.
[the men are participating in a stache bash]
The best part was this cookbook from a local Durham chef that everyone signed – LOVE it! And the recipes look great! Our friends did such an amazing job. I’m going to miss them so much:(
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Welcome to TBT!
I've created this blog because I'm in a bit of a quarter life crisis. Since graduating from college in 2008 and earning an advanced degree in school psychology in May, I still don't know what career path to follow. All I know is that time is moving way too fast and I find myself living only for the weekends. Bear with me as I attempt to reclaim my twenties by finding pleasure and balance in the work week and incorporating my passions of food, fashion, fitness, and fun into everyday life. 
She said what?