LIKE FILM...BUT NOT

What happens when you take backlit photos without adjusting the exposure? Graininess (when you lighten them in photoshop). But that's okay, it somehow reminds me of old one time use cameras when film was the only option. A little nostalgic to me.

LIME-HERB COD ON CRISPY GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

After being married for three years things can fall into a bit of routine. Routines are not at all bad, but I do think they are something to regularly revisit and challenge. Having a normal and consistent schedule provides a sense of security no matter how much some people say they hate it.

Valentines Gift Guide - for Friends.

Valentine's day is just around the corner, hearts and glitter and love are everywhere in coffee shops, retail stores, and online ads. When I was single I embraced Valentine's Day as a chance to show love to my girlfriends with a sweet note or a cute gift, a tradition that I still like to maintain today.

I recently read that in Finland, February 14th is Friends Day - where gifts and notes are sent to your dearest friends as a token of appreciation and love, isn't this so much better than a day dedicated to couples?

In order to embrace this Finnish version of our american Valentine's Day, I've compiled a small list of gift ideas for those girl friends in your life that you just can't live without. It's a great chance to tell your closest girl friends how much you appreciate them and can't live without them!

So, girl to girl, here are some affordable gift ideas, snatch them up quick! V-day is just around the corner.

DIY Printed Loafers

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Hmm, what's one to do with an old, worn-in pair of loafers? 

Glazed Almonds

Some dear friends of ours enjoy cooking amazing food as a hobby, and because we live so close we often do them a favor by helping them eat it. Our friends Celeste and Aubrey seriously make the best food, and are super generous in inviting us to dinner parties that include everything from starter cocktails paired with the appetizer to roasted chicken with some delicious vegetable in the prime of it's season. I've learned so much from Celeste and am hoping that she does start her much anticipated blog someday soon so that I can truly steal all of her secrets, but for now leaning over her shoulder and taking in the scents while I bombard her with questions will have to suffice.

When they invite us to dinner parties I'm often asked to make dessert with only one rule - I must be able to eat it. Since going gluten free almost 2 years ago, I've really steered away from baking and when I do it's usually something that I'm not able to eat because being the one gluten intolerant person in a group, I'm not going to make everyone else suffer with my modified recipes when they could enjoy the real deal.

Last time we were invited I needed to use ingredients that I had on hand, which at the time was not much. I looked through my cupboard and found some almonds, sugar, and chocolate chips which I knew was just about all I needed for some candied almonds.

DIY Studded Headband

Studs are everywhere right now, and I've been dying to get in on the trend. After seeing several studded headbands on the market, I decided it'd be an easy DIY project. I was able to recycle some studs from an old military style shirt, and a headband that hadn't been touched since I bought it in middle school. Within 20 minutes I had my very own studded headband and was in on the trend. 

A step by step below:

1. Gather your materials: Scissors, Thread, Needle, Headband, & Studs. 

House Tour

I'm finding it true what they say, about how the older you get, the faster time flies. Last September we were very excited to be photographed by Bethany Nauert for a feature on Apartment Therapy. Looking back at the photos it's a reminder of how much has changed in the last year. When we did the photo shoot I felt like we were so settled into our home and there was nothing I could possibly want to change, but our home has grown with us the last year, and morphed into an even more cozy and comfortable place to be. More furniture has collected, nick-nacks added, and memories created.

I'm so excited for the next year, to see what changes are to come. You seriously never know what the future has in store, and I like it that way. The element of surprise is what keeps life interesting. 

Here are a few pics from the house tour, you can view the whole thing here.