Comfort Food For Winter

It's been chilly lately & I've been buried with work - one part, travel; one part, grad school proposal writing for my thesis. As a result, we've been enjoying fairly healthy, crock-pot friendly meals from Pinterest!

Here's a recent favorite even Joe is asking for again and again - I can't help but share!

 Red Wine Stew & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Recipe found via Katie at the Kitchen Door from Home Made Winter.

Serves 8.

Photo via Home Made Winter

3 lb stew beef [I bought the pre-cut cubes; aprox. 2.5lbs & be sure to pre-season!]

1 bottle red wine

salt

 freshly ground black pepper

3 sprigs fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

3 carrots, peeled & cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 orange, washed well and cut into 8 wedges [I substituted by using clementines that are easy to piece apart]

1 large onion, peeled & cut into rings

2 cloves garlic, peeled & sliced [I minced them to be smaller]

olive oil

1 6-oz can tomato paste

3 1/2 oz. pitted black olives [I did not try the olives]

I mostly followed the recipe as posted, but made a few slight modifications. Be sure to season the beef - helps to layer the flavors. I also used a crock-pot instead of a stockpot - easier for me to prep and leave it alone!

1. Season beef.

2. Combine all ingredients except olive oil, tomato paste & olives. Let it marinate overnight in the fridge.

3. Remove beef and brown the meat with olive oil on the stove. Add beef, marinade & tomato paste to crock-pot on high for about 4 hours. I used high to cook everything down - even added aprox. 1/2 cup beef broth. 

4. Add olives if using aprox. 15 minutes before ready to serve and prep mashed potatoes!

5. Enjoy!!

Sunday Sunday

Another productive Sunday in the books! 

It sure was nice to be able to sleep in, not notice the time change aside from the early darkness outside or be recovering from any work travel. Usually we have plans and a long list of errands to run - but today, we stayed home.. all day. Perfect. 

Today was for :: 

laundry

cleaning

organizing

pinterest

grocery lists

lazy tv watching

Happy Sunday!

Lululemon Lust

It is not exactly a well kept secret that I love Lululemon.

Their products are absolutely amazing in so many ways - fit, comfort, style and quality really can't be beat as far as I'm concerned! But, there are two slight [ok, slightly big] issues with my love for Lululemon.

1. it's not cheap entirely budget friendly

2. there are not multiple stores very close

After coming to terms with the two troubling issues above, I have developed an internal checklist before submitting my card to what I drop into the online Lululemon shopping bag::

do I already have something identical [cut, color, etc.]?     I used to waste money on items that I already had or had something so close that I only wore one of.. for example - with a full set of yoga tanks, do I really need multiple black tanks of the same style? No.

will I get a good [cpw] for the item?     [cpw] = cost per wear, cool concept right.. if it's a novel item that looks cool online that I will really never wear - its not worth it.. yet, an expensive item of great quality that I will love and wear often is very worth it!

is this a style or fit that I have been hoping for?     often times I learn to love yoga or clothing items and wish there existed a variation of it in an updated or fresh style.. for example, a new color for the beloved wunder under crops. 

So, I think it's only natural then that I pop over to their Facebook and website almost daily to check out whats new - here are the items that have been sitting [lonely] in my shopping bag all week ::

wunder unders in heathered fossil

diversity tank in heathered white

devotion long sleeve in silver slate

Comfort Foods For Fall

A favorite part of fall for me is the warm, comforting [and hopefully healthy] food!

Here's a few favorites! If you have any suggestions - please share!!

Hot Apple Cider

local, fresh cider

heated

drink!

via Pinterest

Creamy Soups

tomato basil parm

follow the simple recipe after the link

substitute with gluten-free flour!

via Pinterest

Roasted Veggies

carrots, brussels, cauliflower, broccoli

place on tin foil, olive oil, season

bake & eat!

via tealwhitegarden instagram

Wedding Update : Venue:Dress:Photography:Design:Cakes

Back in July, I posted about our engagement here and about my excitement over my Erin Condren Wedding planner here - but haven't shared any new updates as to where we are at in the planning process.

I'm happy to report we are well into the planning and are lucky enough to have many of the key parts locked in so early!!

Venue :: After researching almost every venue in Northern Michigan, discussing on countless evenings and finally focusing in on what our day to be like - we picked a venue! We will be spending the big day on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, Michigan at The Peninsula Room!

So many of the locations we looked at required a great deal of work - planning & prep wise - that we would have been spending a lot of time and energy [money] making it look like our vision. The Peninsula Room has a toned-down elegance with the neutral decor, indoor & outdoor stone fireplaces and metal chandeliers. The space allows us to plan ahead for details that fit us, but keeping the set-up fairly simple.

Dress :: I found it! But, what more can I say about it on the blog.. I'll be keeping it a secret. It is not at all the style I was looking for, but its really comfortable, flattering and has a special feature that makes it really fun! A big thank you to Macy's Bridal at Somerset.

Photography :: As I mentioned when we first got engaged, I was hoping the scheduling worked so that we could have my extremely talented friend Stephanie photograph it.. well, it did! We are so excited! Stephanie's work is amazing - she's the mastermind behind Stephanie N Baker Photography. We're doing our engagement photos in a few weeks - can't wait! I will be sure to share!

Design :: Another friend I have worked with professionally, but am so excited to work with on our wedding is Erin from Simple&Me Custom Invitation Design! She's an extremely talented designer who shares many of my aesthetic styles and know she's going to do an amazing job!

Cakes :: One of the fun areas Joe is getting full decision making power in, is the cake. Well, the flavors & taste to be specific - I'll be giving ideas for the style. After many recommendations, we are meeting with Ann of Aunt B's next week for Joe to select flavors. He made sure we sent over our testing flavors on time - pretty sure he's excited!

Next update to come soon!

interior @ The Peninsula Room

exterior @ The Peninsula Room
via Simply Blue Weddings

Back For Fall

Back on the blog for fall!

It's been quite some time since I posted pictures from London during my amazing United Kingdom adventure with my Mom, and I would be lying if I haven't felt guilty for not getting on the blog to post since. Of course, I have the age old excuse that it's been so busy.. but, it has! I have so many more pictures to share from the rest of London, Dublin, western Ireland & Scotland.

I realized this week that we're no longer flirting with the start of fall - it's full blown here in Northern Michigan. The colors of the leaves are on fire, locally grown pumpkins are everywhere & I'm back to daily coffee!

This fall I'm loving ::

glittered pumpkins
well made brown boots
plaid shirts
boyfriend watches
natural colors of the leaves

Check out a few of my favorite Pinterest images ::

via pinterest

via pinterest

via pinterest

via pinterest

Travel Time : England

It's our last night in England before heading to Dublin tomorrow! Unfortunately, the internet has been less than stellar at our London hotel and I've not been able to get online regularly. This has been troublesome to say the least as I was planning to work while we were in London.

We've visited so many areas and sights while in London - can't wait to share.

Here's a few teaser photos!

en route to london

buckingham palace

succulent crown

christ church college in oxford

oxford & mom

national gallery & trafalgar square

tower bridge

Travel Time : London, Dublin, Edinburgh

Today, my Mom and I are off to London! We will be traveling from August 20 until August 31! So excited.

Aside from missing J, this is going to be an amazing trip and for a change - I'm actually going to have time to freely explore. My trips are usually right down to the minute with time and I'm so restricted. Our itinerary takes us to London, Dublin and Edinburgh - however, here are all the places I'm hoping to see ::

London
Brighton
Oxford
Eastborne
Isle of Wight
Southampton
Dublin
Edinburgh
Glasgow

I will be sharing pictures along the way and trying to keep a log of all the places I'm able to explore.

Can't wait to see where all we end up!!

Nail Head

It keeps popping up in email offers, on Pinterest, design magazines and in my head.. it's official. I'm fully lusting over white nail head headboards.

Perfectly soft yet hard, with a bit of formality. And, while it may be slightly too formal for our farmhouse - there are so many soft fabrics and casual throw pillows to tone it down.

What are you lusting over this Friday?!

via Wayfair 

via Joss&Main

Pretty Comes to Town : Ulta!

I love living in Northern Michigan - such an amazing mix of foodie spots, beaches, hiking, quiet winters.. but when I moved here two years ago I had a rude awakening! Many of the stores that I was used to frequenting for beauty products, clothes, shoes.. even organizing supplies or cheap decor were no longer easily accessible.

I know, huge tragedy right? No - it has actually been a positive change because I spend less time and money shopping for excess items. However, being 28 now there are certain products and lines that I've learned just work for me.. especially in regards to make up, skincare and hair. And, I would be lying if I didn't say it's been frustrating at times. But.. great news!

Ulta - the one stop shop beauty retailer is opening a store in Traverse City this weekend!!

I'm very excited to say the least. I'll be digging my old orange rewards card out and picking up a new necessities I'd been procrastinating ordering offline. What I love about Ulta is that they carry most of the brands I like - keeping my shopping to one location!

Here are a few of my favorite products ::

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner  :: Awesome, basic, black eyeliner. It goes on smooth without attacking your sensitive eye area.

blinc Mascara :: Not even available on the Ulta website because of manufacturer restrictions [ie. only available in limited locations].. this is the most amazing mascara I've ever worn, even better than Doir Show! It goes on smooth and can be peeled right off with water, no ugly smudging.

Clairsonic Mia Skin Cleaning System :: I'm not a lucky owner of the tealish-blue Mia just yet, but I certainly plan to get one soon! My excuse, our wedding next year - need to have glowing skin.

Tan Towels :: A super easy, sun-free way to get the bronzed glow and for pretty cheap at only $2.50 each for an individual towel. Just wipe the towel all over and get it sink in.

Pureology Haircare :: Oh how I have missed this brand! It's absolutely amazing - although pricey yes, my hair never looked more amazing and I can 100% tell a difference without it. Can't wait to be able to use coupons on it locally! Their products are sulfate free, made with vegan, plant based extracts and they're committed to sustainability too!

Laundry Love : Downy Unstopables

I absolutely love fresh smelling laundry, and so does J! So, after discussing laundry [I know..] with a girlfriend, she recommended Downy's new product :: Unstopables. 

Amazing. You just toss some of the beads into the washer! Unstopables comes in two scents :: fresh [my pick] and lush [yet to try]. Here's a graphic from Downy's eStore describing the process ::

via P&G eStore

After trying for a few weeks, I did something new for the first time! I messaged Downy online and guess what.. they generously snail mailed me a voucher for a free product, in addition to great coupons for some of the other Proctor&Gamble product lines. 

Win!! Thanks Downy!! And, if you visit the P&G eStore :: new customers are able to receive 10% off by signing up with your email. 

Do you have a favorite laundry product?!

Travel Top 5 : London, Dublin & Edinburgh

In a few short weeks, my Mom and I are headed off to London, Dublin & Edinburgh for 10 days. Yay! It's been a very long time since either of us have been to Europe and I'm super excited to get time to explore! While exploring I certainly want to be comfortable; on our multiple flights, with finding locations to see and have the right tools with me while exploring.

My Top 5 must haves traveling ::

1 :: Dooney & Burke Crossbody :: It's been a long time since I've been into even considering using a crossbody type purse, however - I do not want to be carrying a large bag with me and I have items that must tag along each day. This is perfectly sized to carry my money items, iPhone and EpiPen for allergies.

2 :: AT&T iPhone :: The ever important must have for daily life and travel. AT&T provides international plans that are adjustable - which is important to set up prior to travel to avoid surprise charges upon returning home. I plan to use my mobile for navigation, finding local must see places, posting photos and texting with my Mom rather than calling.

3 :: Brightly Twisted Scarf :: My favorite scarf ever! It really is almost like a cozy-blanket when away from home that can be word and used in so many ways. It can be worn as a scarf, used as a pillow or light covering during the flight and is light enough to carry on my purse if it becomes to warm. Brightly Twisted items are hand-dyed in Michigan too!

4 :: Lululemon Stride Hoodie :: The best fitting, most comfortable yet put together yoga clothes ever made. The Lulu hoodie can be worn for travel or as a light jacket if needed, as it looks like there can be chilly evenings and rainy days. Also key is that the Lululemon material will not wrinkle - perfect for travel!

5 :: Cute Flats :: These flats happen to be Tieks by Gavierli are amazing, although pricey but, they have a teal sole. While wearing heels out to dinner, looking and feeling cute is fantastic - heels don't make sense for long days spent on tours and sightseeing.

Do you have travel must haves or suggestions for London, Dublin & Edinburgh? Let me know!

Workout at Home

While working from home is fantastic - I get the feeling that many people are under the impression that it leaves unlimited time for lunches, the beach, work outs and bon-bons.. it's just really not the case. I absolutely love working from home, having my own business and being in control of my day. That being said - the understanding that all the work is up to me can create a challenge for stepping away and getting to the gym or yoga studio. Add to the fact that we live 35 minutes from the studio and an hour long class becomes a 2.5 hour excursion.

Just like any job - leaving for 2.5 hours mid-day is not a smart or likely option. So.. I've been in need of finding a realistic activity and fitness solution that works for me on a daily basis, that I'm able to be consistent at every day. Just like checking email, client calls or posting to social media, it must be a part of my routine.

Here's my new work from home workout solution :: Walk. Water. Weights.

Walk :: Walking [and/or running] every single day first thing in the morning around 7:00AM for about a half hour will get my mind and body off to the right start.

Water :: If you've looked at flowers at the end of a long hot day when they're lacking water, it's easy to see why we need to stay hydrated too! It's refreshing, helps our bodies in ways only h2o is able to and just plain feels good. If you're still not sure about the benefits - check out the book Skinny Bitch's chapter on soda.

Weights :: Since I'm not trying to loose weight per say, just looking to stay healthy and tone those favorite areas - doing a variety of weight workouts found online is entirely realistic. Plus, I can do them at home with my own equipment or my own body weight through yoga and pilates!

I'm enjoying this week's workouts so far and can't wait to see how the new routine plays out. Luckily, I have found plenty of weight and workout options via the web on none other than Pinterest! I'm hoping to find sets of workouts I love and put together a weekly schedule by day to make sure I target the right areas each week. Check out my fitness board for ideas!

10 minute arm workout from FitSugar

belly, thigh & butt workout from Prevention

Empty Frames No More

Lions - and tigers - and empty photo frames - oh my! We have too many empty photo frames around this house. And, it's time for the madness to end. 

It's not that we have a lack of fun or fantastic memories at all. It's more so my trips to Ikea and wanting the frames and other wall decor hung so I feel like there is "progress" towards decorating our house. Budget friendly decorating, naturally. Of course I have grand ideas of adorable black and white photos from our engagement shoot that will populate these frames, soon. But, after friends visiting recently told me that the frames were empty last year too - it was time. 

So today, I stumbled on a few super cute text prints and.. printed them. Amazing. So simple & so easy to change out for each season!

I'm interested to see how long it will take J to notice the updates!

"enjoy the little things" now hangs in the living room

frame from ikea, candles & holders from pottery barn

"cuddles" now hangs in the non-decorated portion of the bedroom

frame from ikea

Erin Condren Wedding Planner

After over two weeks of anticipating and waiting, my Erin Condren wedding planner arrived today! And, I'm in love. 

It's a little awkward to say, but when I arrived at my po box today to see that I had a package the little kid inside was jumping up and down, squealing. I've already had one major success with my everyday life planner from Erin Condren - so I knew where to go after J & I got engaged. I stumbled on the products back in the fall and loved that there were very smartly, pre-determined design options with the ability to still customize. Perfect. 

I'll be using this to serve as my records for notes, non-Pinterest ideas, non-excel lists and as my calendar. The planner features pre-printed checklists and budget trackers, yay.  

Even the packaging is adorable.. check it out::

printed boxing

interior details

customized names

budget lists, no forgetting

stickers!

calendars for quick reference

Engaged : Now What?!

The 4th of July will now always have extra special meaning and fireworks, because last week J proposed!  Although it may be a surprise with my work in online branding and having a blog, we're both fairly private when it comes to such personal moments. So.. I will just say that he did an amazing job planning it out, surprising me and creating a great memory - complete with yearly fireworks!

But, like I've heard from so many before me.. you get engaged, the moment's amazing - now what?! Where and when do you start planning?

Well, for me that meant.. right away the next morning. I'm a planner and wanted to be sure I started pulling together the resources that will keep me organized, ahead and enjoying the process.

Here are my favorite tools & finds::

Erin Condren Wedding Planner - I use Erin Condren's Life Planner for my daily scheduling with work and like and absolutely love the customization and colors. So, naturally I selected one of her custom Wedding Planners to help me plan the big day and stay organized. I can't wait till it arrives! The planner spans 18 months and includes all of the lists, budgets and reminders necessary.

Weduary - This is the best wedding website service out there, in my opinion. It's super easy to use, has free options and can interact with your online profiles if you wish to do so. The creator Brit Morin of Brit Media is a former Googler and her husband is a former Facebook original, so the programing and abilities are fantastic!

Simple & Me Custom Invites - I've been lucky enough to know and work with creative director and owner, Erin from Simple & Me in professional projects. So there's no surprise that I have turned to our Teal White Garden sponsor to create custom save the dates, invites and all other paper goods we will need.

Stephanie N. Baker Photography - Amazing. That's how I would describe my friend Stephanie's photography, personality and the care she puts into her work. I can't wait to work with - who I feel, is the most talented photographer in Northern Michigan!

Pinterest - Yes, who could forget adding Pinterest to the list?! I have a feeling it will end up being the absolute best tool to help with the wedding. Already I've been able to create and add to multiple boards, share the boards with my bridesmaids and collect lots of fun inspiration for the big day.

At the end of the big wedding day, it is still about J & I wanting to spend the rest of our lives together and that's the important part!

But, along the way I will be sharing inspiration, tools and how-to's on Teal White Garden so be sure to check back for updates!

Plantings 2012

Memorial weekend has had a unique meaning since gardening has taken over the spring :: planting!!

And, subsequently crossing our fingers that there is no frost..

We've gone a bit bigger this year, nearly tripling the garden in size. It is going to be a lot to keep up with, yet having enough to can at the end of the summer will be amazing!

Here's what we've included this year ::

tomatoes
jalapenos
sweet banana peppers
pickling cucumbers
brussel sprouts
green beans
watermelon
squash
basil
cauliflower
celery
lettuce
lavender
citronella
dill

We're finding that to get the best growing veggies; plant them with a mix of soil, manure and an organic mix from Dr Earth.