Project 365: Days 264 Through 270

I'm a few days late my normal post time, but that's becoming more the norm lately. Either way, these are my daily photos from the past week!
September 21, 2013 - 264/365: Pretty much my all-time favorite snack combination, slices of feta with a vanilla coke.
September 22, 2013 - 265/365: Our attempt at Jamie Oliver's Crunchy Garlic Chicken. After reading various reviews of this recipe we'll probably skip the butter in the crumb mixture next time. But with the boy's changes it turned out pretty delicious. (The Jamie Oliver breading is the green pieces on the top, but because of the butter you really weren't able to coat the chicken with it.)
September 23, 2013 - 266/365: White roses in the backyard.
September 24, 2013 - 267/365: Back at Whole Foods for lunch.
September 25, 2013 - 268/365: The main flavor in this really is the rosemary, but there's still a nice hint of feta with them. Not something I'd rush out to buy again, but I'm still enjoying them
September 26, 2013 - 269/365: The chicken plate from Three Bones food truck for lunch.
September 27, 2013 - 270/365: My go-to snack lately, peanut butter on a graham cracker.

Talk about a food filled post this week! What would you consider your go-to snack option, either an all-time favorite or current choice?

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

Mailbox Monday (49)

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. For the month of September Bob, from Beauty in Ruins, has stepped up to host.
For Review from the Author
Isabella Braveheart of France by Colin Falconer
This is a historical fiction about a princess of France who marries Edward II of England. I don't believe I've ever heard of this Isabella, and can't remember reading anything of Edward II before, so I'm definitely curious about this one.

For Review from Virtual Author Book Tours
Woman on Top by Deborah Schwartz
This is a chick lit type book about a woman seduced by a wealthy Wall Street banker. I'm not completely sure about this one, but I guess I've be finding out more about it soon.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Living to Talk About it

Facing the Music by Nick Carter
Published: September 17, 2013 by Bird Street Books
I'll never forget when I heard about Leslie Carter's death. Not necessarily because it made a huge impact on my life, but because of what was happening in my life at the time. In November of 2011, my mom passed away. Two months later, in January 2012, a good friend of mine for college died in a car accident. Then later that month, Leslie Carter died of a prescription drug overdose. I remember thinking how things come in threes, and now with the death of 3 people who were important in my life (obviously of varying degrees), I was finished dealing with death for the time being.

Obviously I don't know what Nick or the Carter family went through during the time, but I have my own experiences to draw on. Reading Nick's book it seems like he feels somewhat guilty for his sister's death. He had spent his early 20s parting, but had started cleaning up his act. Maybe if he had talked to Leslie about where he met success, the past could have been different. I think this book is in some way his way of healing. It's his attempt at telling his friends and family his path to healing in hopes they can join him on his journey.

Except, it almost feels like the publisher went, "Who would want to read a self-help book from a Backstreet Boy?" and so for that reason, it's also part memoir. Each chapter starts with an antidote of a hard time in Nick's life (whether from his childhood, his DUI, his relationship with Paris Hilton, or being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy), and from there explains different strategies that he had success with. My favorite parts were the memoir pieces, and while I wish they had been longer, I understand that they weren't really the point.

As a Backstreet, and more specifically, Nick Carter fan, I loved being able to recount where I was when I read about certain referenced instances. I also thought it was interesting remembering back to his mother's book on him and how they remember certain moments so differently.

As silly as it may sound, my biggest complaint was the childhood pictures used. Not that they weren't cute, but they were the exact same ones in his mom's book. I guess it could be that he didn't want new pictures to surface, or maybe there weren't that many photos of him growing up. But still... I would have loved to see a larger selection.

The is likely a book I probably wouldn't have pick up if I wasn't already a Backstreet fan. But I do think if you're a fan of celebrity memoirs you'd enjoy this as well. I think it's inspiring reading Nick's journey from his lows to where his is now, and I can't wait to see what's to come from him.

4/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

From Miss to Mrs: Havah Nagilah

This is my 8th post about our wedding reception, and I've yet to really show any of the celebrating. But what better way to kick things off than with our horah.

I was a little concerned before the wedding as to how it would work out since neither the boy, nor I believe most of his family, had ever danced the horah before. But everyone seemed to have fun and hold their own.

I even heard that the husband of one of my friends, one who helped lift my chair, who wound up being really excited he was able to participate in one since he had always seen them in movies before and never experienced one in real life before.

The boy did complain though, that I didn't warn him that not only would they lift him, but also bounce him up and down. He even said he started to get a little motion sickness, but I told him to get ready because he'll likely be back up in the chair at our future children's b'nai mitzvahs!
Have you ever been lucky enough to dance a horah?

All photos in this post courtesy of Sabree Hill Photography.
Miss a Recap Post?
From Miss to Mrs: The Calm Before the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: There's a Hurricane Coming?
From Miss to Mrs: Here Comes Isaac
From Miss to Mrs: Weathering the Cane
From Miss to Mrs: After the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: Trials and Tribulations
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Errands
From Miss to Mrs: A Night on the Town
From Miss to Mrs: The Hangover
From Miss to Mrs: Rehearsing in the Heat
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Supper
From Miss to Mrs: Gifting the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Night
From Miss to Mrs: Oh What a Beautiful Morning
From Miss to Mrs: Getting Prettified
From Miss to Mrs: Prepping the Plantation
From Miss to Mrs: Turtle Time
From Miss to Mrs: The Photographer Has Arrived
From Miss to Mrs: Becoming the Bride
From Miss to Mrs: Dress Details
From Miss to Mrs: Ou Est le Groom?
From Miss to Mrs: A Bridge-y First Look
From Miss to Mrs: Couple Time
From Miss to Mrs: Just the Two of Us
From Miss to Mrs: Grouping the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: Ain't No Party Like a Bridal Party
From Miss to Mrs: Fun with Family
From Miss to Mrs: Making it Official
From Miss to Mrs: The Bedeken
From Miss to Mrs: The Final Minutes
From Miss to Mrs: Programming Break
From Miss to Mrs: The Processional
From Miss to Mrs: Walking the Walk
From Miss to Mrs: Circle to Ceremony
From Miss to Mrs: Remembrance to Kiddush
From Miss to Mrs: The Exchanges
From Miss to Mrs: Lucky Number Seven
From Miss to Mrs: Mazel Tov
From Miss to Mrs: Ceremony Details
From Miss to Mrs: The Yichud
From Miss to Mrs: Extended Fun with Family
From Miss to Mrs: The One Who Found You
From Miss to Mrs: You Are My Fire
From Miss to Mrs: Eat, Drink, and Be Married
From Miss to Mrs: I Want Candy
From Miss to Mrs: Let's Get Toasty
From Miss to Mrs: What a Wonderful World
From Miss to Mrs: Behind From Where We Came
From Miss to Mrs: Reception Details

The Ties that Bind

The Family
Yet another movie I was a little conflicted about. I actually spent a good portion of this movie and asking the boy how much longer it would be. Except looking back, I did enjoy parts of it.

I do think the ending was the best part. And I don't mean that in the sense that it was finally over, but that's when things finally started to happen. I did also really like Dianna Agron in this, and can't wait to see what else she decides to do.

Overall, not a movie that you need to run out and see, but there's probably worse options out there.

Right on Target {Giveaway}

I don't have a full post up today, but I am letting you know I'm participating in Dara's giveaway for a $50 Target gift card! If you want to enter just use the rafflecopter form below, and I'll be back tomorrow with a full post.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday (48)

Another fabulous week for books! Although if you been at From L.A. to LA for any length of time you probably have a good idea which ones of these I'm most excited for. I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday which for September Beauty in the Ruins has stepped up to host.
Purchased
Facing the Music by Nick Carter
As I'm writing this I'm almost finished with it, and I'm guessing by the time you read this I'll be finished. In a way it's different than I expected it to be, but I'm having a lot of fun with it.

For Review from the author
Adder in the Path by William Jensen
This is a historical fiction of the Mormon War, something I know nothing about, but hopefully will by the novel's end.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon
I remember being curious about this one when it was first published, so I'm excited to be one its paperback tour. The book is huge though, so I'm guessing I have some late nights of reading ahead of me.

For Review from the publisher
Secret Storms by Julie Mannix von Zerneck and Kathy Hatfield
This is a memior of a woman who put her daughter up for adoption telling her story as well as her daughter's. It reminds me of a real life version of Emily Giffin's last book, so I'm curious to see how it compares.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And when you read a similar story both in non-fiction and fiction, which do you tend to prefer?

Project 365: Days 254 Through 263

I think at this point we're past needing a huge intro section, right? So let's just get to the daily photos.
September 11, 2013 - 254/365: My fall tv calendar, with all the shows both the boy and I want to be watching highlighted.
September 12, 2013 - 255/365: Brisket Fries from Three Bones Food Truck for lunch.
September 13, 2013 - 256/365: Dressed for Kol Nidre services.
September 14, 2013 - 257/365: For my break fast, and the LSU football game we had Burger Dogs. Which means they were hamburger patties in the shape of hot dogs, and actually I think I may like them better than either of the originals.
September 15, 2013 - 258/365: Spaghetti and Meatballs for dinner.
September 16, 2013 - 259/365: A glass of wine and a webinar with Nick Carter, where he promoted his new book. While there was some technically trouble with it (I don't think they realize the number of fans who would be watching), it was still a lot of fun.
September 17, 2013 - 260/365: Truffle Gouda and a book before bed.
September 18, 2013 - 261/365: Confederate rose buds.
September 19, 2013 - 262/365: Finally buying Nick Carter's new book, on a table with all the other new releases.
September 20, 2013 - 263/365: Yet another of the Campbell's new soups, this time Coconut Curry. I think this one might be my favorite out of all the ones I've tried so far.

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

Leave a Legacy

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. by Nichole Bernier
First Published: June 5, 2012
I used to love writing in my diary growing up. I thought I could be a modern day Anne Frank, that if our civilization ended, some day aliens could discover my words and learn what life was really like in the 90s. Except now I realize that's probably not going to happen.

But instead there's still the question of what happens to all my diaries after my death. Are they just something I'll let someone stumble on to decide whether to read them before throwing them out? Or would I rather give them to someone to make sure they're kept? And if someone read them after my death, would they see the person they knew as a friend or would they be surprised by what was written?

This is what is explored in this book. How much do we really know our friends? How much of ourselves do we choose to show the world? Does anyone really know what's going on in our mind?

On top of exploring how our relationships work, there's all types of themes that make you question your beliefs. Can you have it all and be the perfect wife, mother, and employees? How do you deal with loss or sickness? What type of legacy do you leave behind? Even now after its over, I'm really not sure my own answers.

Besides the main story was told in a quaint beach town, which was actually an interesting change of pace. In a way, I think this was the perfect end of summer book for me. It had enough beach-y-ness to make it feel like it was still summer, yet with so many of the subplots it was a good segue to a heavier fall. Definitely one I'd recommend picking up, especially this time of year.

4.5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

From Miss to Mrs: Reception Details

Before our wedding, back when I was reading everything I could on weddings, I used to love detail posts the most. So where when I started writing our recaps, this was the one post I've been looking forward to the most. Except that I've put off writing it, because what if I couldn't do it justice. But the wait is no longer, because it's finally here, and hopefully you feel it lives up to expectations! I've already posted the ceremony details, so these are just the details from the reception.

Our reception was in the Neptune Ballroom, named so because of the old submarine inside it. I can't say I would have ever expected to have our wedding reception was a submarine, but I don't think most people noticed it. And if they did, at least it made a conversation piece.
The photo above doesn't have the room completely set up, but if is the only shot I have which gives you an idea of what the room as a whole looked like. One thing you should notice though, is that we had chiavari chairs. It wouldn't have been something I'd upgrade for, but since they were the only option our venue had, they were included.
When our guests walked in the room, there was a table at the entrance with the escort cards. Depending on the table number assigned, I had either the symbol itself, or the symbol with its name. (If you're curious this post explains how the holders were made.)
On the same table with the escort cards was our guestbooks, which included family wedding photos, photos of the two of us growing up, and well as photos and mementos of our relationship. In the photo above of my sister-in-law and niece, you can see a few Halloween themed photos as well as an almost-empty escort card holder.

Personal PhotoThis photo is one of my favorite photos including our guestbook and it wasn't even taken by our photographer. It shows MOH, her mother, and my grandmother looking through the various photos together (all 3 of whom made the guest book a few times).
Each table had a centerpiece with a wine bottle containing blue and purple fabric flowers. (I collected wine bottles in the months leading up to the wedding, and had enough for each table, plus some for the escort card table and candy buffet.) Also we two small glass jars with blue and purple stones with votive candles. And of course, a sign showing the table number as well as a picture frame explaining what that number meant. The photo above shows the explanation for phi, the golden ratio, and the one below is one of my favorites, aleph naught which represents a countable infinite. (Remember how in The Fault in Our Stars they talk about different types of infinity? This is one of those.)
All food was served on Houmas House china. This was actually the pattern used by the homeowners in the 1800s. Pieces of the china were discovered, and the current owner commissioned modern day china to match it's historical inspiration.
Speaking of food, the cake was 3 square tiers frosted butter cream with a blue fondant ribbon. The actually cake stand was borrowed from our bakery.
I actually picked up the cake topper from Michael's the day before our bakery wanted it to make sure the cake would be strong to hold it. Funny enough, even though I picked it up on a whim, I fell a little in love with it and was surprised by how many people commented on it.
The flower was a light yellow gum paste rose. When ordering my cake I was told to keep the rose and it would harden and become porcelain like. Which it did and is still sitting on my dresser as a keepsake.
Funny enough, the rose isn't the only wedding item currently decorating our home. Our mantle currently holds 4 wine bottles filled with fabric flowers, as well as our cake topper.

Have any elements from your wedding turned into home decor? And which of the details do you think lived up to anticipation?

All photos in this post unless otherwise noted courtesy of Sabree Hill Photography.
Miss a Recap Post?
From Miss to Mrs: The Calm Before the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: There's a Hurricane Coming?
From Miss to Mrs: Here Comes Isaac
From Miss to Mrs: Weathering the Cane
From Miss to Mrs: After the Storm
From Miss to Mrs: Trials and Tribulations
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Errands
From Miss to Mrs: A Night on the Town
From Miss to Mrs: The Hangover
From Miss to Mrs: Rehearsing in the Heat
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Supper
From Miss to Mrs: Gifting the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: The Last Single Night
From Miss to Mrs: Oh What a Beautiful Morning
From Miss to Mrs: Getting Prettified
From Miss to Mrs: Prepping the Plantation
From Miss to Mrs: Turtle Time
From Miss to Mrs: The Photographer Has Arrived
From Miss to Mrs: Becoming the Bride
From Miss to Mrs: Dress Details
From Miss to Mrs: Ou Est le Groom?
From Miss to Mrs: A Bridge-y First Look
From Miss to Mrs: Couple Time
From Miss to Mrs: Just the Two of Us
From Miss to Mrs: Grouping the Girls
From Miss to Mrs: Ain't No Party Like a Bridal Party
From Miss to Mrs: Fun with Family
From Miss to Mrs: Making it Official
From Miss to Mrs: The Bedeken
From Miss to Mrs: The Final Minutes
From Miss to Mrs: Programming Break
From Miss to Mrs: The Processional
From Miss to Mrs: Walking the Walk
From Miss to Mrs: Circle to Ceremony
From Miss to Mrs: Remembrance to Kiddush
From Miss to Mrs: The Exchanges
From Miss to Mrs: Lucky Number Seven
From Miss to Mrs: Mazel Tov
From Miss to Mrs: Ceremony Details
From Miss to Mrs: The Yichud
From Miss to Mrs: Extended Fun with Family
From Miss to Mrs: The One Who Found You
From Miss to Mrs: You Are My Fire
From Miss to Mrs: Eat, Drink, and Be Married
From Miss to Mrs: I Want Candy
From Miss to Mrs: Let's Get Toasty
From Miss to Mrs: What a Wonderful World
From Miss to Mrs: Behind From Where We Came

My Fall TV Time

With colder weather (hopefully!) on its way, Fall it coming. With it comes all that lovely fall tv. I do this more for myself so I can remember what to watch when, but hopefully you'll find it fun as well. All times are Central since that's where I am, and if there isn't a premier date listed it's because it's already started. (If you're curious to see how this year is different from year's past, here are my line-ups from 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.)

Sunday
7-8pm: The Amazing Race 9/29
7-8pm: Real Housewives of New Jersey
I'm not sure how much longer RHONJ is going to be on for the season, so by the time the Race premiers it could be pretty much over. But even if it's not, Bravo normally replays episodes immediately afterwards, so I should be fine here.

Monday
7-8pm: Bones 9/16
9-10pm: Teen Mom 3
Bones is really the boy's show, but when I can I watch it with him I will. Although while this is when it premiers, starting in, I beleive, November they're moving it to Friday nights, which seems a death sentence to me.

Tuesday
7-8pm: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D 9/24
This normally wouldn't be on my must watch list, but knowing that Joss Whedon is involved... well that's enough for me to tip the scale in its favor.

Wednesday
7-9pm: The X-Factor
8-9pm: Survivor 9/18
9-10pm: Nashville 9/25
9-10pm: Top Chef Masters/ New Orleans
I really fell in love with X-Factor last season, but not enough to stop watching Survivor. And I can't wait for Nashville to come back especially given the way last season ended. Although given that it's on the same time as Top Chef means some hard decisions will need to be made.

Thursday
7-9pm: The X-Factor
8-9pm: Grey's Anatomy 9/26
8-9pm: Glee 9/26
9-10pm: Parenthood 9/26
What an awesome night of TV! I'm so glad Parenthood got picked up again, and I'm loving Grey's lately. I'll probably be flipping to Glee during commercials since it's the one I'm least excited about.

Friday
7-8pm: The Carrie Diaries 10/26
8-9pm: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team
DCC is probably my biggest guilty pleasure currently. If you don't believe just try watching it and you'll see how addictive it is!

What's on your fall tv line-up? Is there anything you think I need to watch and should be adding to mine?

Project 365: Days 245 Through 253

With Friday and Saturday being Yom Kippur, I ran out of time to have my photo post ready. But now that I'm all "attoned", I'm back with my daily photos!
September 2, 2013 - 244/365: Celebrating our first wedding anniversary together. I guess this should probably be a sign that I need to finish my wedding recaps already?
September 3, 2013 - 246/365: Enjoying the candy leftover from my Houston road trip.
September 4, 2013 - 247/365: Challah and honey for the new year.
September 5, 2013 - 248/365: First Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season
September 6, 2013 - 249/365: Little Debbie Pumpkin Delight. This was my first time trying these, and yes, they are just as delicious as you want them to be.
Septmeber 7, 2013 - 250/365: I made the boy a Black Russian Cake for the LSU/UAB football game.
September 8, 2013 - 251/365: The last slice of cake.
September 9, 2013 - 252/365: New Year's and Anniversary cards.
September 10, 2013 - 253/365: These two birds are in our carport every single night. At first we had no idea what they were, and were slightly scared. But now that we know they're little birds it's quite a bit less scary.

Looking through these photos it makes it seem as if fall is officially here. But with the weather outside, it still feels suspiciously like summer to me. Has fall made its presence known where you are yet?

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!