yummy soup

Fall is in full swing! And one of my favorite things to do in fall is to make homemade soup. I found this delicious Butternut Squash-Sweet Potato-Coconut soup recipe a few weeks ago and decided to give it a try last week. We are still eating leftovers and loving it! It's simple, healthy (besides a little butter ;) ), and festive! I also love when I can throw something on the crockpot. The prep took the most time- cutting all those hard veggies! I added an apple to the crockpot with about an hour left to cook, then some salt at the very end. Do you have any favorite soup recipes? Favorite fall food recipes? Hope your Monday is bright!

we're back

We returned late last night (or early this morning?) from a family trip to New England and Canada. Cue apple cider donuts. I've been absent here on the blog for a few weeks because of our vacation, so I am hoping start things back up again in the next week or so. Also, our sweet babe is four months old today. I know it's cliche, but for reals, where is the time going?? I'm looking forward to a few posts I have in mind, coming soon, regarding birth and babies. In the mean time, enjoy your Fall Wednesday afternoon!

an apple and a river

Six years ago today is a special day for Andrew and me. We frequently explored the outdoors of Athens, each with an apple in tow for a snack. One day we found a spot by the river, and he pulled an apple out of his bag and asked me to be his girlfriend. He knows I am sentimental, so he had even bought a fake apple and written on it so that I could keep it! I said yes, and then as I lunged forward to give him an awkward sitting hug, I proceeded to accidentally kick the apple over the rock cliff and into the river below. Whoops.

I would have liked to have been able to keep the apple, to have it bring up a sweet memory each time I came across it in a box or on a shelf. But I guess not having it is a symbol for me not to hold onto material things, or to be stuck in nostalgia- but to appreciate each moment for what it is... To keep the past close to my heart, but to make room for and enjoy the presence, as well.

Since that day, we've seen graduations, marriage, living internationally, starting real jobs, and having a baby- and we are still so early on our journey. I love the things we've done together, and I am excited for all that's to come... but what I love most is that we are together now. What a joy it is to grow up and grow old with you!

xo


First two photos by Gracie Blue Photography // Last photo by Hannah Forsberg

back in the groove

It's been quite a while since my last update, and my life looks much different now than it did a few months ago. We gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy on June 14th (birth story coming soon), and have been loving the shift into parenthood and a new pace of life together. It is truly a joy. Now that three months have passed, I'm finally starting to get my feet back on the ground again. While my days still feel like a messy blend of nursing, napping, and cooing, I'm finding a bit more of a routine and learning how to work the new normal. I'd love to incorporate the blog back into my days. I must say, I foresee my blog taking a turn and discussing primarily mama & baby topics. But, hey, that's my life now. I'll try to keep it relevant to all, but I love sharing the things that are actually on my mind and heart. So, you've been warned :) For now, I'm just checking in to give myself the jump back into blogging that I'm needing. So on that note, I'll leave you with a few links that I have found interesting from over the past few days...

This is spot on- for introverts, but I think also probably for any person, ever.

I love the authenticity and the vulnerability in these postpartum confessions.

Yes. After my wonderful experience, and seeing how good it can be, I have to say I agree.

Proverbs 31 might have been written for men...

Living in the city, this can feel like my life- Ha!

I love Jimmy, and I love people impersonating Jimmy.



Image found here //

maids in the making

I love all the cute, creative ways brides ask their friends to be bridesmaids these days. Maybe some less creative souls can feel pressure to cave into the Pinterest trends. But, even a sweet card can do the trick! 

This past weekend, a dear friend "popped the question" with this adorable cross-stitch. Can you say "wife-material"?!? No wonder he put a ring on it! Homegirl as her domestic skills DOWN! ;)

In need of some inspiration? Check out this list of 25 fun ways to ask your ladies if they'll stand by your side on your special day. Also, here's how I asked my girls, almost 4 years ago...

xo

7 things not to say to an overdue pregnant woman...

Now that I am in the true thick of it all (no pun intended), I have quite the collection of comments and questions that have been shared with me regarding my pregnancy over the last 9.5 months. While the beauty of pregnancy is that it bonds you with total strangers no matter where you go, the downside is that it bonds you with total strangers no matter where you go. And suddenly, everyone either a) is an expert who insists on sharing their opinion (or worse, horror labor story) or b) accepts your ever increasing size as an invitation to strike up a conversation no matter where you are or what your time constraints might be. I really think the connection to women across generations is amazing and unique, but in my own 40-week+3 pregnant humor, I have to laugh at how people just say the darnedest things...