Catching Up + Thanksgiving Recap

Happy Weekend everyone! I have to say -- I only had to work 2.5 days last week and even though it will be a complete nightmare to go back to work until the wedding I have had the best time off.  I really think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday -- the food is great and it just seems more low key and less stressful than Christmas.  I came home from work and started baking early and finished a book by the fire.  It was heavenly. 

First -- we started off the holiday with our half-marathon! I have not run the Atlanta Half course in several years and they have changed the course since I ran last time.  We had a really great race but I was battling some cramps and being depleted around mile 11 (mainly because we were speed demons right out of the gate) and The Housewife left me to finish a bit ahead.  With all the hills on this course it made the back half of the race very tough so I was still very happy to finish just under 2 hours and 15 minutes.  We hit some really great splits -- if only I could have held them the last 2 miles. 

I immediately came home and started cooking before a trip to my Dad's.  I tried two new recipes this year -- the chocolate mousse pie above and a butternut squash + kale gratin.  I got both recipes from Martha Stewart Living and they were all a hit.  The gratin was really easy and while the pie had a lot of steps none of them were too difficult. 

Friday I had a lazy day and when Matt got home we went to a local farm here in Alpharetta to pick out our tree.  I loved our small tree last year and wanted to get another small one -- but I wanted to up my game and get a flocked one.  They are definitely expensive but if you get a smaller one its not as hurtful to your bank account.  Also -- if we return the stand ours came in we will get a $30 gift card. If you are in the Atlanta area I highly recommend supporting local for your Christmas tree and nursery needs with a trip to Scottsdale Farm.  

Saturday was my final dress fitting and watching the GA v GA Tech game with the fam.  It's a nice tradition -- but I like it a lot more when the Dawgs don't lose.  Also -- I've been living in this plaid shirt from JCrew -- I am obsessed.  It's 30% off today if you care. 

So far today I've happily cancelled my Fly Barre reservation, had copious amounts of coffee by the tree, and am determined to finish up Christmas decor today while also trying to read 8 library books that are overdue.

Happiest of Holidays to all of our readers! 

~the engaged gal~

Edging Closer to The Big Day of Happiness....

Holy Moly! Excitement! We are less than 30 days from our wedding.  I had to kick it into high gear this weekend for some tasks that we really need to complete before Thanksgiving -- because really I don't want to leave it all until the last minute. 

First and foremost -- I'm really glad The Housewife and I have been training for the half-marathon.  I have been pretty good and really trying to watch what I eat (some days are better than others) and my goal is to throw in some yoga whenever I can and get in my Fly Barre classes until the big day.  My favorite at home yoga is Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown.  Seriously try it -- it's hard and it's only 35 minutes (just Google it to find it on YouTube).  But really I feel like I'm in better shape than I have been in the last year or so and it feels SO good! 

It's been super cold lately -- I'm praying for a teeny warm front.  Just a little one.  And some good sunshine for pictures. 

I'm really happy that with a little help along the way from my parents and a lot of saving on our part we are very on track with our wedding budget.  We have not gone above and beyond or into an uncomfortable zone for any item or need for our wedding -- I'm talking rings, reception dinner costs, flowers, dress alterations, bridal accessories, etc.  I may try to do a small post on some of my budget items.  Matt has been super helpful and I have put a good deal of things on his plate to take care of like finalizing items with the restaurant regarding food, wine, & cake, purchasing our wedding favors, taking care of all our hotel arrangements, and he even wrote a big pile of thank you notes last week for some gifts.  

We really don't have much left to do -- marriage license, finalize my itinerary, finalize ceremony details, final fitting for my dress, put together wedding favors, and find Matt's tux.    Ideally I will have this all done before Thanksgiving.  Then maybe we can focus on Christmas and planning our trip to London/Scotland (more excitement)!! 

~happy hump day everyone~

the engaged gal

Monday Obsessions {stuff in my bathroom}

I know a lot of bloggers dump out their make up bags and put up pretty photo-shopped items for posts like this but we have Real Talk here and really, these are just Things in My Bathroom I Like.  (Simple is best, no?) 

Not Your Mom's...

Ok, so I rarely go to Wal-Mart but when I do I always get caught up wandering around the beauty aisles.  There is just so much to look at.  And so many budget friendly items. 

I happened to grab the intensive hair treatment -- it wasn't much and I figured the locks could use some love pre-wedding or for the rest of my life in general.  I really think this was under $5 -- and it works really well! I'd really love to try more of this product line. 

fresh

When you save money on your hair stuff you can splurge on shower gel.  I can't remember the last time I decided to spend some extra money on something other than the Dove soap we use every day.  I love this Sugar Lemon shower gel. It makes me happy in the morning. 

the naked knock off...

The Physicians Formula Naked knock-off finally made it to my house (from Wal-Mart, duh) and this thing is no joke.  I feel like the shadow stays on ALL DAY.  Which is hard to find even at Sephora.  I love it and wear it every day.  All the colors are great. 

What's in your bathroom?

I'm kidding. Sort of. 

~the engaged gal~

Thoughtful Thursday

What I'm reading....

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon and basically crushed JoJo Moyes' Me before You, in a span of 15 hours. Granted, I only got 5 hours of sleep which probably wasn't the best decision. It was so hard to put down.

What I'm watching....

Really I'm just watching tons of college football when I can. My husband has been traveling and I don't turn on the tv ever when he is gone (hence all the reading). 

What I'm up to....

Fall is always so packed with things. We have lots of family to celebrate the kids birthdays with, lots of check-ups and sick visits to the doctor this time of year. Many of our friend's children or No. 1's classmates have fall birthdays and we have the birthday party circuit we hop on as well. I am not sure I can really believe the twins are two already or that I have No. 1's pre-k information meeting at the pre-school next week. Oh and let's not forget trying to fit in all the running for the half-marathon training. Single Gal has been very flexible with me since lately I seem to be having a bunch of commitments on Saturday and we've been moving runs to Sunday mornings. 

What I'm not loving....

The time change! I think this is the first year it wasn't so terrible getting the kids switched over. I went to my MOPS meeting last night at church and it felt so late leaving since it was dark. I know it will be worse when it's cold and dark! 

Also, I have to take Harper to the cardiologist tomorrow. Our pediatrician thinks she has a heart murmur and asked us just to get it listened to so we don't worry about it. I'm sure it's nothing, although you never know with these things. I also say they think she has a heart murmur because frankly, Hadley is so terrified of our doctor right now it's hard to hear him over her crying. But he did bring in the sheet with cardiologist referrals and told me to go and their was the word "murmur." I've never been to a cardiologist so it feels weird to be taking a two year old  to one. So maybe a quick prayer for her if you will? 

Oh and I almost forgot! No.1 has fallen doom to my husbands poor eye sight. She had to get glasses this month. She is doing pretty well with them. She was really excited at first but the last few days I find her taking them off more, mainly at home. 

Sorry for the absence....for like the 3 of you who read. Ha! 

Love you Sungle Gal...see I did blog this week. 

Monday Obsessions

Happy Monday, all! I hope you had a great weekend! Last week was not very productive other than doing a lot of work at the office but I think I just needed a break from house cleaning, exercise, laundry and My Fitness Pal.  Granted, the house was a disaster all week which doesn't necessarily relax me -- but some days you have to step back for a greater problem I guess.  The weekend was equally relaxing aside from getting prepped and ready for an organized week so here we are! 

JCrew Oversized Stripe Turtleneck $55

I love so much about this tee.  It had really high reviews -- but I always question the length and drape on a lot of JCrew stuff because I'm so tall yet also small across the shoulders.  I ordered a Medium - mainly because I've been trying for some slouchy-ness in all the things I have ordered lately.  I really like the medium -- but I kind of want to try the black one in a small. Just to see. This shirt so far is extremely comfortable, not too thin, a great length and a great price point (I got mine 25% off). 

buy here

I got my friends this as part of their hostess gift for my Bachelorette party -- but I really feel like I should have gotten one for myself, too.  All our travel mugs here have seen better days and this $14.00 mug from Shop Ban.do is super cute.  

buy here 

I don't know if I'll be able to afford it but because it was so damn cold this weekend I got really obsessed with wanting this sweater.  But the Old Navy lookalike is probably more of what I can afford these days.  Also, apparently I have a thing for turtlenecks this year. 

Madewell Cityblock Turtleneck Sweater $128

What are you wearing to stay warm?

~the engaged gal~