Saturday, May 28, 2011

May 28, 2011


I cannot wait to share the details of what surely will be the best day of my life with you.  Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us both in real life and through this blog during this wonderful time.

With a grateful heart,
the newest Mrs. Springs

Monday, May 23, 2011

THE week!!

It's hard to believe it is finally wedding week; I can hardly contain my excitement!

At this point, we've done all that we can do, and now it is time to relax and enjoy the crazy, beautiful ride we've been dreaming of.

After celebrating my sister Luci's impressive summa cum laude graduation from Wofford (congrats goose, we are so proud of you!), I returned to Charleston yesterday to throw the last few items in my honeymoon bag and prepare for the week in Beaufort.  I cannot stand leaving a messy house so it was great to have the day to regroup.

I am traveling to Beaufort this evening, and though I will work tomorrow, I am will be off Wednesday- until the following Friday.  I would be lying if I told you I was not looking forward to the vacation.  :)

As far as our plans for the week, I want to just 'veg' as much as possible before things gets hectic.

Tuesday- work remote
Wednesday- sit by the pool!
Thursday- mani/pedi, visit reception site to see the progress, have a casual "sip and see" at my parent's house as guest trickle into town
Friday- bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, dessert and dancing after party
Saturday- WEDDING
Sunday- honeymoon!

Let the fun begin!!

P.S.  Weather forecast has slightly changed since my last post, and we are holding strong at 40% chance of rain.  I really, really hope the Barometer Bob is wrong!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

On the radar

We are officially on the ten day forecast!

You better believe I have bookmarked this page and will be checking back for updates.  I like what I see right now though- 10% change of rain and PM sun!


For all the new followers and readers out there (hi!!), you can read about Lash's proposal , as well as herehere and here for wedding details.

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

dirty laundry

the wedding season has been such a joyous occassion, and i truly have enjoyed every minute of it.

as we enter the final 10 day count down, however, all of a sudden, i am finding myself on the verge of unraveling. 

my mom has recently described me as "spacey" (re: locking my keys in my car, forgetting to pack essential items like bras when i travel). . .  lash, as "tense" . . .

i find myself tearing up over the silliest things- sweet comments my dad makes about losing his girl, the thought of walking down the aisle, the excitement of spending the rest of my life with the one God specifically made for me, being officially a grown up, etc...  it is such an emotional time.

this week, trying to balance the final days of work, lash being out of town, getting our house 100% organized before we leave, making sure we have an exact head count for the day of, and packing my bags for two weeks straight is completely overwhelming me right now.

yet, i cannot let myself get wrapped up trying to please every single person or agonizing over every last minute detail.

i just want everything to work out smoothly. and deep down, i know it will. 

i keep praying and praying for courage, poise, and grace.  we're almost there!!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Home Sweet Home: In Progress

Our first house is very quickly becoming our sweet first home.  As promised, here is a brief glimpse of our work in progress.  I hesitate to even share these because we are not finished and they are not perfect, but the sake of keeping it real, life is never perfect and I want to remember the journey as well as the destination.

So, welcome to our home!

For a background and architectural layout of the house, please refer back to this post.

Let's start with downstairs.  It's obviously nighttime outside, and unfortunately the socket doesn't work at this outlet so its hard to get a grasp of our entryway in the dark.

Despite it's prominence, the living room is actually very incomplete because we are missing our couch my parents gave us as a wedding gift!  Can you tell where it is supposed to go? Once it arrives, I think I want to round out the room with a seagrass rug for some additional warmth and depth.  The Audobon painting, a wedding gift from a dear friend, brings our color scheme full circle and completes the room.  I also love the Lowcountry touch!

Here is a snap of the dining room with our DIY recovered chairs. I wish I had taken these pictures in the afternoon, because the natural light in this place is outstanding!  If you remember from my previous post, the room is surrounded by wonderful built in shelves that I cannot wait to decorate with our festive wedding knick knacks and pictures.  Again, a wonderful reminder that this is a work in progress!

Now, my favorite room and heart of the house- the kitchen!  I have loved having a gas stove and modern appliances.  Quite an update from my old downtown townhome!

The what- I- once- thought- was- awkward mudroom in the back is quickly becoming both quite charming and very functional!  My dear desk {that I was about to throw away} fits perfectly in the alcove and is basically a necessity with the Thank You Note City I find myself visiting every night, and the chest provides a great source of storage for infrequently used items and serves as our bar!  We are in the market for {cheap} patio furniture to put in our backyard so if you know of anyone selling a table and a few chairs, let me know!

Upstairs, I love how our master bedroom is coming together!!  I just adore the soothing beige and light blue hues, accented ever so softly with the pop of color from the rug and painting.  {That painting was my wedding gift to Lash!}  Besides from missing the obvious (the groom!), we are missing a painting of Lucy Creek to go over the dresser and accent pillows for our bed.  I may want to reposition the rug, but wanted to live with it like this for a while.. ya know, feel out the vibe!

The guest bedroom/ study?  Well, that, my friends, is a danger zone work in progress.  Lash is moving his bed and cleaning up his school books (ahem) soon. Just kidding, Lash! For now, I am pretending like this area does not exist.

Once the bed is there, this is the bedding we will use.  Thank you to my future MIL for the wonderful custom made headboard and striped dust ruffle.  Can you tell I love blue?  Our entire house is blue!

So, this concludes our tour for now!  As we continue to nest and figure out the spaces, I will continue to update.  It has been so much fun decorating and getting this far.  I cannot wait for Lash to move in, and make this officially be our residence!

5 Step Stir Fry

Many thanks to Liz for introducing me to this recipe!  The versality of this recipe is incredible and possibilities endless.  I actually cannot believe I have not posted it before.  Enjoy!

Step 1: Pick a Protein

Recommendations:

3/4 pound flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced against the grain
3/4 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
3/4 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced against the grain
12 ounce package extra firm silken tofu, cubed

Step 2: Marinate

Whisk 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Toss with your protein; cover and refrigerate, 1 hour.

Step 3: Prep 3 Cups Vegetables (In Any Combination)

Recommendations:

sliced carrots, sliced onions or shallots, whole snow peas, baby spinach, sliced celery, quartered mushroom caps, sliced asparagus, blanched broccoli, sliced bell peppers, sliced bok choy or cabbage, quartered plum tomatoes, thawed frozen peas, thawed frozen edamame

Step 4: Choose a Sauce

Clear Sauce

Mix 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Mix 3/4 cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Brown Sauce

Mix 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce and 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry.

Oyster Sauce

Mix 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce and 2 teaspoons sesame oil.

Spicy Sauce

Mix 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons each soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoons Asian chili sauce.

Step 5: Stir Fry

Drain the excess marinade from the protein, and place all ingredients near the stove.  Stir fries cook fast and you want everything ready to wok and roll!
 
Heat peanut or vegetable oil (few tbsps) in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the protein; slowly stir until almost opaque, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a plate; discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

Heat the pan over high heat, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons oil, then 2 cloves of minced garlic (or 4 if using Spicy Sauce), 1 to 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 2 minced scallions, and a pinch each of salt and sugar; stir fry about 30 seconds. Add the vegetables, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook (carrots, onions, etc) and stir fry until crisp-tender.

Add the protein and sauce and stir until the sauce is thick and the vegetables and protein are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Thin with chicken broth, if needed. Garnish with sliced scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds, sliced jalapenos, and/or cilantro.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Thoughts on Thursday

Round 2:  I posted this yesterday but with blogger's goof, it seems to have disappeared!! 

- Have you seen the Calypso line for Tarjay? I went in yesterday for sunscreen only, and in typical Target fashion, came out with much more than I had budgeted for. Regardless, look at these cuties! They are perfect for our honeymoon!

I love the nautical inspired top in the coral.
The shoes were $15, and I swear they look and feel like a much more expensive shoe.
I am wearing them today and they are so comfortable! I'm contemplating getting a second pair in another color.

- I've got the beet! Why do these veggies get such a bad rap? I love them and seem to order them at every restaurant we go to these days! I am a little intimidated to make them at home. Does anyone have a good recipe to share??

- I am going to be in Charleston for the entire weekend for the first time since March 4. MARCH 4 people... That was 10 weeks ago!

- I think it is safe to say this weekend of R and R is long, long, long overdue. I have big plans of doing nothing... Maybe going to the Farmers Market Saturday morning, and hopefully hitting the beach Sunday. That's it!

- Today is Lash's FINAL test for year one of medical school! Hooooooray!! I am so proud of him for his hard work and dedication. He has done so well! It is amazing watching someone follow their dream, and excel doing it! To celebrate, we are going to Chais tonight for dessert and drinks and redeem my Groupon {from last fall, oops!} I can't wait!


Wednesday, May 11, 2011

A Cheerful Spot of Sunshine


Happy hump day! I picked these cheerful spots of sunshine this morning from our backyard. What a fun way to brighten up my desk on this Wednesday morning!

The backyard of our new home is adorable, and definitely one of the reasons we were sold on the place. It is quite large, perfect for entertaining or playing laddergolf : ), and the best part, lawn care is included in our rent! Let's be honest, that was music to our ears!

The hydrangeas are just beginning to poke through, and I cannot wait for them to bloom soon.  This is basically the first 'yard' I've had since my childhood home, and I have to say, it is fun!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tasty Tuesday

I made a caprese salad last night that was SO delicious and refreshing.


The combination of the fresh mozzarella, vine ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil from my plant (thanks Mom!!) is one of my favorites.  I drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze, s&p, and a little EVOO.  Bring on the fresh taste of summertime!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Savannah Recap


We had the best time in Savannah celebrating the marriage of my cousin Tucker and his bride Caroline.  

Friday night, the rehearsal dinner was onboard the Spirit on the Lowcountry.


After a dinner and hysterical toast, we danced the night away.  It is custom with Laffitte family weddings that someone makes t-shirts and we sing a song tailored for the bride and groom.  This time around, we remade "Rolling on the River," aptly named for our gorgeous setting.   It was a big hit, and I am really excited to see what in the world they decide to do for our upcoming rehearsal dinner.

As we cruised back to the dock, fireworks lit the sky.  It was a perfect end to a lovely evening.

Saturday, the wedding was held at a small Methodist church.  Below we are outside of the DeSoto Hilton on East Liberty street waiting to board the trolley.  



After the ceremony, a cocktail hour was served at Madison Square. The bride and groom, pictured below, were stunning.





I wish I had pictures of the reception following the cocktail hour, but I put my camera up.   It was a great weekend, filled with lots of love and family bonding. 

I can't believe that in just 19 days we will be the bride and groom, surrounded by our families and loved ones.  I am so excited!!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Happy Friday, lovies!

I'm off to the beautiful Savannah, GA for the wedding of my cousin Tucker and his bride to be Caroline.

These festivities are certainly getting me geared up for our upcoming wedding weekend.... which is now officially 3 weeks away- eeeek!!! 

I've said it before and I will say it again, I cannot believe it is so close.  Someone pinch me!

The engagement seemed to creep by from September- January, but now, OMG where has 2011 gone???

I hate my lack of posts recently- I've been "nesting" in our new home and traveling in New York for work..  I have some funny stories from the past few days so check back in after the weekend for some updates.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Cheers!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Grilled Corn and Tomato-Sweet Onion Salad with Fresh Basil

This recipe, inspired by Bobby Flay, showcases all of the summer's finest and would be the perfect accompaniment to cookouts, picnics, or bbq's.  It is delicious, refreshing, and so easy to make.  Both Lash and I loved loved loved this.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup EVOO
8 ears corn, grilled in the husks, then kernels removed
1 sweet onion, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Combine vinegar, basil, sugar, s&p, and blend into smooth. Combine corn, onion, and tomatoes, add the dressing and toss to coat.  Garnish with feta or blue cheese  (optional- I preferred without the cheese, Lash liked it with) and additional fresh basil just before serving. This can be served cold or room temperature.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Catching Up

Hi friends! Sorry for the temporary blogging hiatus.  Last week flew by and its hard to believe the weekend is already over, and we're back to Monday, again.

Thursday night, Anna came over for a Royal Wedding slumber party :) We got up at 5 am, and snuggled up on my pull out couch to watch history unfold.  The wedding was amazing, Kate looked so flawless and so poised, and the couple seemed like a perfect match for each other.  It made me so excited about our wedding!

In addition to slumber parties, I spent just about every evening last week getting organized for the big fat move!  As excited as I was {or really AM} to move, I do admit packing and moving out of my beloved apartment was bittersweet.  I told Anna that I felt like I was living that scene from Father of the Bride, where Annie says that she feels like she is packing up her childhood.  She nailed it.  It is incredibly exciting, but also very sentimental.  All of a sudden I feel very grown up!!

The bittersweetness did not last long though as soon as we pulled up to our new space.  It is adorable!!  Our furniture fits perfectly, and the day went about as easily and effortlessly as moving could.  I will post some pictures soon of our "progress."  Until then, I'm trying to remind my tired self to drive "home" to West Ashley and not downtown.  I'm sure I'm going to slip up a time or no.

Until next time--- I'm off to fluff and puff, and unload some boxes. Happy Sunday evening, y'all!