Happy Fall!

Even though Georgia has yet to get the memo about the upcoming start to Fall (AKA the best season ever), it is all leaves, pumpkins and fall decor to the max in our apartment. I had put a few seasonal things out at the beginning of September but this weekend my husband and I went all out and really set the autumnal mood. I am not posting pictures just yet...look out for a post later this week when I have more time to edit the photos but I will leave you with an Insta from this time last year. 

Happy National Guacamole Day!

Of all the silly little thing's to celebrate...this is definitely hands down one of my favorite days! 

mortar & pestle

For Mexican food lovers the above Mortar and Pestle is definitely a MUST for a Wedding Registry (Shout out to Aubri & Dan for gifting us amazingness)

Recipe for Our Infamous Guacamole 

Ingredients: 

2 Ripe Avocados

3 Grape Tomatoes, chopped

½ Onion, finely chopped

1 Jalapeño, diced (Remove seeds if you do not want it spicy)

½ Lime

Salt & Pepper

Directions:

1. Slice, peel and mash avocado in Mortar (or bowl)

2. Add chopped tomatoes and onions 

3. Add Jalapeño 

4. Squeeze fresh lime

5. Add a pinch of salt & pepper for extra flavoring

6. Mash all together with Pestle (or fork)

7. Enjoy with some of your favorite chips & maybe a Margarita (or two) on the side =)

NOTE: We like to call ourselves Guacamole connoisseurs, with that being said we tend to change up our recipe on the fly and experiment a little. So by no means should you follow any said recipe to a T. Grab some of the basic ingredients above & have fun! 

- Lauren

Two Months

Two months ago I made a pact with my best friend to spend forever together. Although we've only been married for 2 months, we feel the need to celebrate each monthly milestone just because we can.

To some this seems beyond ridiculous because really it's only been 2 months. There's nothing special about 2 months, or 3 or 4 months. But to us it means something. As a couple we never actually had an anniversary while we were dating. When people would ask, how long have we been together? Our usual response is always since we were in high school. Because we started dating when we were very young, we never actually knew the official start date for our relationship. We never had those anniversary date nights and we never exchanged cute cards celebrating how long we have been together like most couples. So once we got married, it seemed extremely fitting since we have an actual date (July 12) to celebrate our relationship & bond each month & in time, each year for the rest of our lives. 

Tonight, to celebrate our 2 month wedding anniversary we are going out to dinner ...most likely to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. We're obsessed with anything to do with salsa, guacamole & margs! =)

- Lauren

Apartment Reveal #1: Gallery Wall

The one thing that I knew I wanted in our first place together was a gallery wall with all of our favorite pictures from the wedding. By the time we had the majority of furniture and boxes unpacked we received in the mail the digital copies of our photos. I was beyond thrilled that they finally arrived and couldn't wait to dive right in and start printing some out for the gallery wall. (We are ordering professionally printed versions as well but printing at home on high quality photo paper works just as well for now.) I did few quick searches on Pinterest for ideas on how to begin a gallery wall and the best way to start without nailing a hundred holes into the wall before settling on the perfect arrangement.

I found this pin below, which links back to Our Southern Home. The post shows you how to tape paper bags (or whatever you have on hand) in the exact shape and size of the frames, shelves etc. on your wall that way you can move and organize your "frames" without the worry of ruining your wall. 

Photo Credit

Now, although I did not follow the exact procedures as listed from the above blog I did however use the paper method to begin creating the wall. See images below:

 (Yes, I am watching old episodes of OTH...one of my favorite shows)

Once I was pleased with the arrangement, my husband helped me put the gallery wall to life. It's obviously not perfect (and I know it's definitely not 100% straight and level) but I really do love how it turned out.

Frames are from Target & IKEA. Letters are from Michaels, which I painted black. 

- Lauren

September Goals

I'm the type of girl who loves lists, making lists and working my way through and crossing things off the list. With that being said I also love setting goals for myself, whether personal, work related or marriage related, I enjoy setting that expectation right up front and making it my mission to meet and potentially exceed the goals I have set. I introduce to you my goals for the month of September.

September Goals

1. Create & stick to a cleaning schedule 

2. Complete the GA certification process 

3. Get a GA license with my new married name =)

4. Cook 4 new recipes from The Newlywed Cookbook
5. Finish decorating the apartment in fall decor
6. Finalize the pictures for our Wedding Album
7. Surprise my husband with a fun date, which will already be pre-planned & paid for

Do you set monthly, weekly and/or daily goals? What kind of goals do you set?

- Lauren