This weekend, among other things, I’m finalizing and photographing the pies we will be serving at our wedding in place of wedding cake. I took an informal poll at the office to get an idea of what types of pie would be the most universally loved, yet interesting enough to capture the taste buds, and I’m happy to report that I think we’ve found a few great options. Recipes themselves will be under wraps until July, but in the meantime, … Read More

    Scenes from our wedding menu tasting this afternoon. Please excuse some less-than-amazing iPhone photos. They don’t come close to doing the food justice. It was surreal getting to taste the food that will be served at our wedding. Our very-real wedding that is coming up in just a handful (6) of weeks.  We were hoping to find a balance between healthy food with decent vegetarian options and yummy comfort food that makes everyone feel at ease, as if … Read More

Two weeks ago, my beautiful best friend (below, far right) got married. No longer is she Emily Perrel; she is now Emily Krueger! Being able to go through and celebrate this time in life together – both getting married within a two month span – has been so special and her wedding day was truly the most heartfelt and emotional wedding I have ever been a part of. Not to mention she was a stunning bride. So confident, classy and … Read More

A few weeks ago the nice people over at Easy Canvas Prints contacted me to see if I would be interested in having one of the photographs on my blog made into an 8×10-inch canvas print. Why yes, Easy Canvas Prints, I would love to sample your product. Of course, I told them I couldn’t guarantee a positive review. Just an honest one. Thankfully, the canvas print I recieved of my pears with peanut butter and cinnamon exceeded my expectations … Read More

Happy Thursday, friends! In honor of the fact that it’s almost the weekend, and that I have a bridal shower on Saturday, and that I’ve been checking things off my to-do list like a mad woman, I’m hosting a giveaway for a $30 gift card to Crate & Barrel. Pretty awesome, right? To enter, leave a comment below between now and 10 pm Sunday night answering the following question: “What type of recipes would you like to see more of … Read More

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago from a reader who asked about how I ‘whip up’ meals from items I already have on hand. To be completely honest, I’m not always so sure myself. However, it usually comes down to good grocery shopping and a little creativity. Of course, having a good block of cheese on hand makes things easier, too. For me, grocery shopping is the most successful when I take time to shop at more than … Read More

Here’s part two of my wedding party post. If you missed part 1, you can catch up here. {Usher: Luke Hofmeyer, Joey’s cousin and newlywed} {Usher: Curtis Bomgaars, my cousin, world traveler, currently living in Equador} {Usher: Keith Doten, Joey’s friend, currently traveling in Asia} {Usher: Brett Ripley, Joey’s friend who might need to help hold my veil, too!} {Usher: Michael Jiskoot, Joey’s childhood friend (and my friend, too!)}  {Personal Attendant: Rachel Cramer (on left), college roommate and dear friend} … Read More

I can hardly believe how fast our wedding is coming up, and how little I’ve posted about the details. Part of it has to do with keeping the details a surprise for our guests, but some things can be shared without sacrificing any of the mystery of our day. Without further delay, I give you our amazing wedding party! This is going to take a bit… {Maid of Honor: Emily Perrel, best friend and bride-to-be!} {Bridesmaid: Ashley Mansker, sister and … Read More

{Best breakfast ever: Kashi Go Lean Crunch, Bananas, PB, Milk and Chia Seeds}  {Snapping a photo before leaving my apartment}  {Joey’s dad, Brian, got a delicious fruit pastry at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market}  {My first photo with Nutmeg. She was thrilled.}  {Family photo time!} {Married 26 years this year and still going strong!} {I LOVE these two more than words can describe.}  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We were blessed with weather that called for sun dresses … Read More

Let’s talk healthy stuff, shall we?  I think it was Mr. No Meat Athlete himself who said that we should all try to eat one salad and one smoothie every day to pack in the vitamins and nutrients everyone needs daily without fail. Although it’s probably not achievable every single day, I find it to be a great guide to keep in the back of my head when I’m planning my meals for the day. Despite the large number of … Read More

Last week Jen over at Peanut Butter Runner did a great post on where she gets her protein on days when she doesn’t eat much, if any, meat. If you haven’t checked out her blog, you should. This girl provides all kinds of great motivation for getting your butt to the gym and/or yoga studio.  Jen’s post got me thinking about my protein intake. As a vegetarian, I get the protein question a lot, and sometimes, when I’m feeling a … Read More

For a while now, Joey and I have been in search of a ‘family tradition’ to start as we march closer to July 9th. Growing up, my family never really had a Sunday night food tradition but a lot of my friend’s families did. Popcorn and M&Ms for dinner, make your own meal, Sunday night pizza dinner, you get the picture. Tonight Joey and I finally stumbled upon a soon-to-be tradition that feels right for us! We’re calling it Party … Read More