Let’s Talk…Guys

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Today, I’m talking guys with Andrea and Erika!stephanie-spring.comTwo and a half years ago, two of our closest friends set us up. Fast forward a year later and we were engaged. Fast forward eight months later, and we were married. We went to the same college, had mutual friends, and knew of each other. If you would have told my college self that Eric and I would get married, I would have laughed. He was the last person I expected to reconnect with after college, but I thank God that we did. He extends more grace than anyone I know, always see the good in people, and pushes me to be the best version of myself. Last month I talked about how he won my heart (and continues to do so) here. He’s my guy, and I’m so thankful for him. 🙂

stephanie-spring.comI’m a Dad’s girl. My Dad is extremely hard-working, owns his own business, lived in a house with three women, and still managed to stay sane. 😉 I am so grateful for him and all he did and continues to do for his family.

stephanie-spring.comThis post would not be complete without talking about my Grandpa. A few months ago I talked about how much my Grandpa meant to me and the role he played in my life, here. He is missed so much.

There you have it! I love the men in my life! 🙂

Happy Monday! Go treat yourself to an extra cup of coffee!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites 01

We made it to Friday! As always, I’m linking up with Erika, Narci, and Andrea.

One.stephanie-spring.comOn Sunday we had a surprise baby shower for Sheri. I loved celebrating Baby Long! 🙂

Two.stephanie-spring.comEric, Gilmore Girls, and little bit of Talenti was a successful and favorite Saturday night.

Three.1200.2x1Getting together with a group of friends to watch hometowns this week was obviously a favorite.

Four.41wSnt4wywLLara bars are one of my favorite snacks and I think I decided lemon is officially my favorite kind. Amen.

Five.stephanie-spring.comOur flights are officially booked and we are going to Colorado! How could this not be a favorite?!?! Eric has always wanted to go, and after living there for a summer, I am so excited to show him places I’ve been and explore new ones with him. It is absolutely beautiful and we are so ready for a vacation!

Happy Friday, ladies!

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Valentine’s Getaway

stephanie-spring.comstephanie-spring.comstephanie-spring.com stephanie-spring.comOne thing that was on our joint Christmas list this year, was a night away. Anywhere. My parents treated us to a Bed and Breakfast and what better time to go then Valentines weekend?! We were beyond excited for a night away and a change of scenery! Right as we walked in, we were greeted by the sweetest couple, most cozy room and view, and instant relaxation. We spent the night watching the snow fall, eating delicious food, and reminiscing about us. In the morning we had endless coffee, sunshine, and an amazing breakfast. I loved our first married Valentine’s weekend together because it was just what we needed and so much more. xo

What’s Up Wednesday

whatsupwed1WUWquestions editWe made it to the middle of the (work) week! Praise Jesus! Today, I’m linking up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday.

1. What we’re eating this week:http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/08/melt-in-your-mouth-kale-salad/Food Babe’s Kale Salad. I talked about it here and here and it’s on the menu this week!

2. What I’m reminiscing about:stephanie-spring.comIt has been almost five years since I left for Greece and called it my (temporary) home. I’m feeling super nostalgic and reminiscent lately about all the memories that trip holds.

3. What I’m loving:http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-face-moisturizer-P375534?keyword=FIRST%20AID%20BEAUTY%20Ultra%20Repair%20Face%20Moisturizer%20P375534&skuId=1459221&_requestid=249506This face moisturizer makes my face feel like silk! I’m loving it!

4. What we’ve been up to:stephanie-spring.comCooking, snuggling, and staying cozy.

5. What I’m dreading:

PSSA crunch time/prep/remember everything we taught you. Can I get an amen? 

6. What I’m working on:stephanie-spring.comPlanning a vacation. 🙂

7. What I’m excited about:stephanie-spring.comSummer. 🙂

8. What I’m watching/reading:I am so close to finishing all 7 seasons of Gilmore girls. No shame. #lukeandlorelaiforever

I love this author and book. 🙂

9. What I’m listening to:stephanie-spring.comEd Sheeran radio and everything it has to offer. Please and thank you.

10. What I’m wearing:stephanie-spring.comThese two pieces of jewelry. So simple and meaningful. I love them.

11. What I’m doing this weekend:
stephanie-spring.comSpending as much time as possible with this guy. 🙂

12. What I’m looking forward to next month:

Showering one of my sweet friends with some wedding things. 😉

13. What else is new.

Our schedule has been jam-packed with great things but I am so ready for a slower summer pace!

Bonus Question: What is your favorite Easter tradition?

Although I love traditions, we don’t really have any Easter traditions other than being with family. I am perfectly fine with that after how busy this season of life has felt. 🙂 Although I wouldn’t mind if this became a tradition. 😉 What are some of your fav Easter traditions?

Have a great Wednesday, ladies!

My Go-To Recipes

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One of my favorite parts about the week is planning our meals for the following week. We really try to switch it up throughout the week and from week to week.

Other than the recipes of my own that I post, here are some of my favorite go-to recipes that I make time and time again. I mentioned a few in my favorite Pinterest pins, here. Although I do love Pinterest, I equally love a good cookbook. Some of my favorites are found from both places and I am so glad I found them! 🙂

http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Summer-Cookbook-Katie-Lee/dp/1617691445

Katie Lee’s, Farro, Butternut Squash, and Arugula Salad. A crowd pleaser and a must throughout the entire year!

http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/08/melt-in-your-mouth-kale-salad/Melt In Your Mouth Kale Salad from The Food Babe. So healthy. So simple. So filling.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/paderno-spiralizer-4-blade-spiralizer-cookbook/?pkey=e%7Cspiral%7C70%7Cbest%7C4294967249%7C1%7C24%7C%252Fspiral%252Fcooks-tools%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCHWe use our spiralizer all the time! They have a ton of great recipes in their cookbook but one that we always go back to is their Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. SO GOOD!

http://cookiesandcups.com/sesame-zoodles/

Zoodles! I just love saying the word in itself. I was a little skeptical of these Sesame Zoodles at first but now I make them all the time. It is such a great recipe to mix and match or to have by itself.

http://www.thecookierookie.com/salmon-with-avocado/

Salmon is by far one of my favorite foods. This recipe from, The Cookie Rookie is amazing! I’m so glad we tried it because the avocado salsa is a game changer!

http://bydawnnicole.com/2014/05/slow-cooker-chipotle-chocolate-sweet-potato-chili-whole-30-compliant.htmlAnything that you can put in the crock-pot and is healthy is a win in my book. I found this recipe in September and I’ve lost track of how many times we have made it. It is delicious!

http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/04/07/paleo-whole30-ketchup/Ah homemade ketchup! Best idea! Ever since I found this recipe, I’ve stopped buying ketchup. You basically want to lick it right off the spoon! Best of all, I know all the ingredients that are included.

http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Wine-Letter-Around-Recipes/dp/0310328179/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456083566&sr=8-1&keywords=bread+and+wineI’ve talked about my love for Shauna’s books here and here. The best news is that her recipes are equally as brilliant! Seriously. One of my favorite go-to’s is her Blueberry Crisp from Bread and Wine. It’s so simple, healthy, and versatile. I made a massive batch with peaches instead of blueberries and it was love at first taste. It without a doubt, belongs on my go-to favorites!

Ladies, I’m always looking for simple, healthy recipes anywhere and everywhere. What are some of your favorites?!