Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

The last recipe of the month from my sister's adventures on Pinterest is stuffed shells.  It looks delicious and she could not stop raving about it.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Photo from Dreka

OUR WEDDING: Dress Shopping

Every little girls dreams about wedding dress shopping with her mom and friends, getting that special feeling when she tries on "The Dress" and every one crying when the special dress is selected.  I am not the most fashion forward individual, and in fact loathe trying on any type of clothes.  The thought of dress shopping seemed more like a stressful chore than an exciting moment I'll cherish.  Luckily, I am blessed with amazing, supportive family and friends and the two trips I took were unforgettable.

The first attempt at dress shopping was in Maryland.  My mom, sister, cousin and bridesmaid were actually looking for bridesmaids dresses.  Based on Watters, the designer I picked, we found Casa Mauricio.  The owner was extremely helpful, giving a personality test to determine my "dream dress,"  making helpful suggestions like allowing my bridesmaids to select their own gowns based on a profile of them collectively (which I agreed with, more on that later), and most importantly letting me try on the wedding gown I'd been eyeing,  WToo Desdemona, only to find out that it wasn't the one for me.  But I did try on the Watters Austin Gown and instantly fell in love with it!

Personal Photo - Wtoo, Desdemona Gown

Personal Photo - Wtoo, Desdemona Gown

Personal Photo - Watters, Austin Gown   

Back in North Carolina, I visited Dawn's Bridals with most of my bridesmaids which turned out to be a really fun trip as well.  Since these ladies know me best and dress me well for birthday's and Christmas I figured who better to help me find my gown.  After the first dress shopping experience I really had no clue what I wanted in a dress.  Armed with four bridesmaids and two flower girls we agreed they would all select two dresses and see what they came up with.  What a brilliant idea!  It was here that I "Said Yes to the Dress."

Personal Photo - Designer Unknown

Personal Photo - Designer Unknown

Personal Photo - Designer Unknown

Personal Photo - Designer Unknown

Personal Photo - Designer Unknown

My girls know fashion don't they!  Since this visit I have Dawn's Bridal's again with my Mom, Sister, Grandmother, Godmother, God Sister, and a dear family friend, to try on the gown again for these important women in my life.  My future mother-in-law was sick and we missed her on this trip, she will most definitely come along for the fitting!  We had a ball and ordered my dress before we left, stay tuned to see my dress, it's not pictured above but if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you've already seen a sneak peek). Yay!

Real Taco Pie

This week's recipe, courtesy of my sister, is Taco Pie.  This recipe is good!  She made it for me one weekend when I went to visit, it definitely gets two thumbs up from me.

Photo from Dreka

Photo from BS Recipe Blog

OUR WEDDING: Check List Update - 6 Months

WOW!!! Where has the time gone???  We are about 6 months out from our wedding and so far things are falling into place beautifully! 

Personal Photo

Last month we:

-Secured Caterer and DJ for ceremony & reception

-Ordered my wedding dress

-Sent Save the Dates

-Purchased Wedding Bands

-Ordered Wedding Cake & Grooms Cake

-Communicated with Wedding Planner about details

-Ordered materials for DIY projects

-Selected gifts for bridal party, parents, officiate, hosts

-Begin working with Stationer to design Invitations

-Talked about engagement session with Photographer

-Begin narrowing down honeymoon destinations

-Communicated attire details & order dates with bridal party

-Began working on ceremony details

Next month we plan to:

-Finalize ceremony program

-Decide on musical selections

-Finalize honeymoon plans

-Begin DIY projects

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

How amazed would your sweetie be if you baked this beauty???  Enjoy this recipe from I Am Baker.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Photo from I Am Baker

Valentine's DIY Floral

I borrowed the beautiful DIY project from Destiny over at A Place For Us Blog.  Take a peek at her final product below, how sweet for your Valentine's Day table centerpiece!  Find all the instructions here.

Photo from A Place for Us Blog

Green Smoothie

Growing up, my sister never had a real interest in cooking.  In fact, i'm pretty sure it wasn't until she got to college that she gained any interest simply so she wouldn't stave to death.  One morning I received this text from her.  

After introducing her to Pinterest she has become quite the domestic woman if do say so my self.  February's recipe's are dedicated to "How Pinterest Changed Her Life" and each one is something she has made.  First up is the the green smoothie.

2 handfuls of baby spinach
1 apple
1 banana
1 cup of yogurt
5 strawberries
1/2 orange

Blend well, enjoy!

Photo from Dreka via Pinterest

Will you be my ...

How super cute is this???  This is one personal and creative way to ask your bridesmaid's to stand next to you on your big day.  Find it here!

Photo from ETSY