Wedding Wednesdays

I've seen a few blogs of fellow brides-to-be who give an update on their wedding planning on Wednesdays and thought I'd take part in the fun today. I'm not planning to do this every Wednesday because there isn't that much to update on a weekly basis since our wedding is still 13.5 months away. Not to mention I don't want to bore you to death with wedding details.

Today's update is about my bridesmaids and how I asked them to be a part of our special day. I knew I wanted to do something special and had seen some different ideas online but just couldn't get this idea out of my head. So a few weeks ago I made these:

The inside says "I promise not to make you wear one of these" and included a note telling each bridesmaid how much they mean to me and how honored I would be to have them by my side next April. They loved them and I loved being able to already use my craftiness for the wedding. I'm so lucky to have these lovely ladies in my life and am excited for them to be a part of our wedding!

Cooking Up a Storm

One of my goals for 2012 was to spend more time planning and cooking to hopefully spend less on eating out. So far I think I've done a pretty good job. I've been averaging cooking about 3-4 meals a week, which after this time last year when both P and I were in grad school is pretty darn good. I try to plan out 4-5 meals before going grocery shopping and look for meals that use some of the same ingredients. I know for most people this is not earth shattering, but it's been a huge achievement in our house.

Another positive outcome of cooking at home more is that we eat healthier. We know what it is going into our meals and don't have to worry about hidden fat and calories. Part of the healthy cooking is in thanks to a website called SkinnyTaste (you can find it here). I first discovered this little gem from Pinterest and now I check it each week for new inspiration. So far I've cooked:

Baked Chicken Rollatini with Spinach all Parmigiana - this was so good and easy to make

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans - these were AMAZING! I can't wait to
roast more veggies and top them with a little parmesan cheese

Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken - I turned the crock pot on at 645am on my way out the door and why the time I came home from work the apartment smelled so good and I could not wait to dig it in. I served it over cilantro-lime rice, so so good!

I can't wait to try some SkinnyTaste desserts soon. I highly recommend checking out the site, you (and your waistline) will not be disappointed!

Happy Valentine's Day.....

....to my family who loves me unconditionally.

....to my friends that are always there for me.

....to my fiancé who always makes me smile and has made this Valentine's extra special.


I love you all!

TGIF

I have never been so happy for it to be Friday. This was a long week and it took every ounce of energy I had to get out of bed to go to work. But it totally ended on a good note.....we officially booked our wedding reception site! I cannot wait to celebrate and dance the night away with our closest family and friends at the Key Bridge Marriott!

Love it!

I am looking forward to a weekend of catching up on sleep, housework, and cleaning out the DVR!

This Week's Triumphs & Failures

Triumphs
1. My knee stitches were removed today! Thank god those suckers were getting itchy
2. TOMS Ballet Flats were released on Wednesday! If they are as comfortable as the originals they will become a new staple in my wardrobe
3. A delicious crockpot recipe I made courteousy of Pinterest
4. Getting to celebrate our goddaughter's baptism this Sunday
5. The Jason Wu collection for Target will be available on Sunday. I've been eyeing his pieces since Michelle Obama wore that stunning white dress at the Inauguration Ball and I'm so happy his ultra feminine collection will be affordable for budget conscience girls like myself
6. Attending the Baltimore Bridal Show with my mom this Saturday! We have no idea what we're in for but we are giddy with excitement

Failures
1. Still not being able to do bent knee exercises. Come on doc, this bride-to-be needs to start getting back in shape!
2. Surgery bills. Enough said.
3. A way too salty and not so tastey attempt at a Cooking Light recipe for beef and spinach stir fry

With twice as many triumphs, I would say this week was a success! TGIF!

My Week via iPhone Pictures

Here's how I spent my week at home recovering......

Enjoying the goodies from my future sister-in-law

Taking lots of naps on the couch

Eating chili made in the crock-pot

Catching up on scrapbooking

Spending time with my favorite Horrigan girls

After a week at home on the couch, I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow.

On the Mend

Well I survived my arthroscopic knee surgery this morning without any major issues. The hardest part may have been waking up at 4:45am and waiting for the procedure to start. Fortunately I have not been in a lot of pain and the doctor reported to P that everything looked great. I've been able to walk around (only when needed) pretty easily but things like going down the stairs and sitting are still painful. I'm glad I'm able to take it easy the rest of the week.

P has been amazing today, he's already got a hang of the "in sickness and health" part. He's made sure I've had the food, liquids, and pain medicines I need and is more than willing to do anything I need him too. Hopefully Calvin will be just as helpful tomorrow.

Thanks to the amazing care package from my awesome future sister-in-law I'm hooked up with plenty of advil, chocolate, and tv watching for the next few days. I've also loaded up the DVR with some of my trashy favorites that P hates and moved all of my scrapbooking supplies to the living room in case I get too bored. I'm sure I'll also keep myself busy with plenty of Pinterest searches and flipping through bridal magazines.

I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor on Thursday and I'm anxious to hear how long I have to wait until I can lace up my running shoes!