Daily Doily

Life Lately, according to my instagram...

-Getting lunch + snuggling with sweet Vera

-Lots of colorful summer foods (grilled corn + black bean salad // guacamole)

-Lightly sweetened tea with fresh mint from my "garden".  Yum!

-Black bean brownies that were "too chocolaty".  How is that even possible? Give me a break.

-Dinner + drinks with friends.  Feeling my pregnant bestie's baby girl kick :)

-Fun, new art journaling supplies to inspire me to journal again while watching The Bachelorette (team Jef + Arie!!!).  I'm in LOVE with my new Smash* journal + their pens (on sale at Target)are SO AWESOME!  Why has it taken this long?

-The caterpillar that ate half of my mint plant (boo!!!)

-We've been running 3 times a week + started week 3.  I've NEVER run in my life, so it's really hard but rewarding.  It feels good to get your body in shape.  I'm planning on doing 3 5Ks this fall.  I'm stoked my hubby is encouraging + doing it with me.  Go us! haha.

Jack White @ Ryman Auditorium

We went to Nashville for the night to see Jack White play.  I was pretty bummed that I missed the Memphis show, so when I saw he was playing in Nashville I really wanted to go.  I've always wanted to see a show at the Ryman too.

It was such a cool venue with all of its history, stained glass + church pews.  The visibility wasn't great downstairs, but it was so intimate.

The Alabama Shakes opened up.  I heard a few songs, but I was standing in line for merchandise through most of it.  I got a t-shirt + concert only vinyl of Sixteen Saltines (in very last photo on this post).  The lines were ridiculous!  Everyone wanted posters, but they were sold out by the time I decided to get in line.

It was a great show!  It was really short, but Zac made the point that he was really fast between songs so he fit more songs in a short time period.

The next morning, we ate breakfast at Pancake Pantry :)  I try to go every time I go to Nashville.  It's so good!

*All photos that aren't instagram were taken by Jo McCaughey.  They were so strict about taking pictures + even threatened to kick you out if you had your phone out AT ALL :(  Crazy!  But the good news is that you can download pictures from any of their shows on their website so I guess that makes up for it.

Currently.

Reading:  This article about Mount Everest.  SO crazy + scary.  Also, this article about my friend Bobby + his art.

Watching:  tv: The Bachelorette, Girls + 16 & Pregnant movie: The Change Up Zac did not want to see it + thought it would be stupid, but we both loved it.  I laughed so hard I cried!  CRIED!  That NEVER happens with me.  I rarley think something is funny.  This movie really got me.  Loved it.

Thinking about:  Tomatoes.  We really wish our tomato plant would bloom or something.  The poor thing is just pitiful.  I see everyone else's + I wonder what are we doing wrong???  We think it might be because we bought a cherokee purple plant?!?!  Hmm...

Anticipating:  Our trip to The Greenbrier in WV is getting closer + closer.  I'm so excited!  I booked my spa appointment this week.  It's over Zac's birthday too.  I can't wait to pack, outfit plan + go on a TRIP!  A mostly free trip at that thanks to my job!  I LOVE going on trips with Zac.  We always have such a good time.  It's nice to get away + just enjoy each other.  (It was on The Bachelorette too!!!  How cool was the love clock?)

Listening to:  Zac + I's song ("Just One Thing" by My Morning Jacket) + the v-day mixed tape I made him a few years ago since our anniversary was on Monday :)

Eating:  Lots of yummy stuff since I'm trying to eat everything on this list + all of my summer favorites.  If you follow my instagram (@dailydoily) or twitter, I post what I eat all the time.  Zac says taking a picture is my "prayer time" before eating, haha.  Funny guy.  I'm ALWAYS the last to eat.

Drinking:  The usual unsweet iced tea + water, but we've also been drinking lots of Gatorade since we starting running.

Working on:  Finishing the couch-to-5K app (9 weeks).  It makes it so easy to start running.  I'm on week 2 day 2.  I'm trying to get used to running in the heat because I signed up for the Memphis Runners Women Run/Walk Program.

Wishing:  That the weather would stay like it's been lately.  It's very rare for Memphis to have enjoyable, spring, humidity free weather.  The heat index will be 103 before you know it.  UGH!

What about you? What have you been up to lately? If you do your own "currently" post on your blog, link back in the comments!  I'd love to hear.

*Thanks again to Danielle + Megan for the inspiration of these posts.

♥P.S.  If you're wondering what happened to my 52 Weeks posts I hope to have one soon.  The past few weeks have been so busy/draining + I just haven't wanted to spend time creating (as crazy as that sounds).  But I promise to get back into it.

Things I've tried so far...

on the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis list.

The Elegant Farmer : Salmon Cakes // I loved this place + was sad I didn't know about it sooner.  You can sit outside or inside and enjoy "'elevated' comfort food presented to you using the freshest local and regional ingredients from sustainable farms".

The Brass Door : Chips (aka fries) // I also tried the Tam o’ Shanter sandwich + it was really good.  "We are an authentic and upscale Irish pub in Downtown Memphis. It’s a relaxing, comfortable place with genuine Irish hospitality and a splendid selection of beers, Irish ale, mixed drinks and wines by the glass."

SOB (South of Beale) : Brussel Sprouts // "Our mission at South of Beale is to give our patrons a warm, welcoming atmosphere accompanied with personable and attentive service that highlights our extreme care for the food and drinks we serve."

The popcorn was stale + they were out of a few things (maybe because it was a Monday?) but other than that it was pretty good.  I got the fried egg BLT with cajun potatoes (warning: the bacon had a STRONG flavor [fat/smoke] that I was not a fan of...YUCK).  The cajun potatoes were great!  My Dad had the SOB burger with the brussel sprouts.  He said his brussel sprouts were better but they were still really good.

Kwik Chek : Bi Bim Bop + Muffaletta  // I've been going to this place for years because I love their gyros.  I have never tried anything else believe it or not.  I got the Muffaletta + it did not dissappoint.  The bread was so light with the perfect crunch on the outside.  From now on I'll have a hard time choosing between the two.  My Dad got the Bi Bim Bop + I tried a bite.  I didn't like it, but obviously someone does.  It was super hot + spicy.  We also tried a Korean vegetable "pancake" from next door (the crazy noodle).  They were really good.

The Slider Inn : Lobster Roll // I love the food from Bardog + The Slider Inn (they have the same owner).  The fries with bourbon mayo would be on my last meal list.  We tried the lobster roll, but for $19 forget it and just bring me the fries + the bourbon mayo haha.  What I like about the slider inn is that you can mix and match any 3 sliders (excluding the lobster roll + hot dog) and each day they have a daily special.  My favorite is the swiss + mushroom and the blt.  I'd like to try their hot dog next.  The best part about it is they allow dogs on their patio + even bring a water bowl.  That's AWESOME in my book!

Our First Anniversary

was the BEST day!!!

We had a picnic at Memphis Botanic Garden (where we were married).  We found a shady spot in the rose garden.  I thought it might rain, but once again I'm so glad it didn't :)

We froze the top tier of our wedding cake for today.  We were shocked at how yummy + light + airy the wedding cake was.

I took these later in the day while I was walking Vera:

*the same flip flops I wore on my wedding day :) + the dress I wore to my bridesmaids luncheon

That night Zac took me to Erline Jensen's for dinner.  I forgot my iphone (GASP! haha) so there are no photos :(  They even brought out a plate that said "Happy Anniversary" with two candles for us to blow out + some meringues.  I made a wish on my candle :)  I hope it comes true!

After dinner, we slow danced to "Just One Thing" by My Morning Jacket (our song) on the record player + exchanged gifts. 

I'm so happy to have such a sweet, wonderful, loving man that makes me feel so special.  He means everything to me.

Wedding Portraits + Our Reception...

We had guests sign quilt squares for the "guest book" that I will sew into a quilt.

Our first dance was to "Just One Thing" by My Morning Jacket.

Each table had a different penny candy so guests could find their table + we had mini brown bags so they could take some home.  I always loved going to candy stores when I was little + filling my own bag.

We wanted to keep the menu simple + southern.  Zac + I picked out some of out favorites including deviled eggs, watermelon mint julep fruit skewers, cucumber tea sandwiches, heirloom tomato salad, chicken + dumplins, beef tenderloin filet, lima beans, mac + cheese and cornbread.

Our wedding cake was traditional white cake with butter cream icing, but between the layers we had lemon + raspberry filling.  It was decorated with fondant vintage buttons + lace.  Instead of a groom's cake, we opted for a dessert bar with assorted mini cupcakes, mini pecan pies (Zac's favorite), mini blackberry cobblers (my favorite) and mini cinnamon sugar doughnuts.

I wish I could go back + experience it all again.  It was the best night ever.  Looking back, it feels like it was a dream.

We spent the night at The River Inn of Harbor Town in the Grand Suite overlooking the Mississippi River.  I remember looking out the window at the rain thinking how magical the night was + being so happy that the rain came once the night was coming to an end.  The day was perfect + I couldn't have asked for anything more.  Thank you to everyone who made it so special + to my husband who I will cherish for the rest of my life.

♥Photos by Tec Petaja.

Wedding Party, Family + Our Ceremony...

We took pictures before the ceremony so we would have more time just the two of us after the wedding + everyone else could go ahead to the "cocktail hour".

The guys wore Van's classic slip-ons.

Our colors were aubergine, mustard + bright blue.

I made vintage button earrings for my bridesmaids to wear.

Unfortunately, my Grandpa didn't make it to the wedding :(  But I'm so happy that my grandmother was there.  I always hoped she would make it to my wedding day.

This is one of the moments I will always remember.  When my Dad + I got closer to the ceremony I started crying.  At that one moment it felt so real.  I was so happy, everything was so perfect + I was ready to marry my best friend.

I made the program fans + my sweet cousin passed them out along with vintage handkerchiefs for tears of joy.  We also had lemonade + rose flavored water for our guests.

I made pinwheels to line the aisle with doilies + buttons.

I was so excited + in the moment that I don't remember much, haha.  I remember my hand was shaking because my bouquet was so heavy, looking into Zac's eyes, trying not to tear up, squeezing each others hands, how long the lord's prayer song was + finally getting to kiss my groom!!!

I love this picture :)  We were so happy + glad the ceremony was over. I think we were both so nervous because we don't like to be in the spotlight, but on your wedding day everyone else seems to disappear + it's about just the two of you.

I had a spider on my veil + a butterfly on my bouquet which are all signs of good luck.  I loved that :)

♥Photos by Tec Petaja.

Getting Ready + The First Look...

Zac + I ate breakfast at our favorite local diner the morning of our wedding.  Yes(gasp!), we saw each other before the wedding.  It wasn't planned, but it just seemed so natural + perfect for us.  I'm so happy we got to spend a few relaxing moments just the two of us before all of the wedding excitement.

I was relaxed at first, but then it seemed like everything happened so fast once it got closer.  I remember being pretty frantic towards the end of getting ready, haha. 

My something old was having part of my great grandmother's wedding dress wrapped around my bouquet.

My something new was my dress + garter.

My something borrowed were earrings, necklace + bracelet from my sweet grandmother.

My something blue was my toe nails being painted with Essie's borrowed + blue polish.

Zac + I decided to have a private "first look" where we saw each other for the first time before we took wedding photos with our wedding party + family.  I'm so glad we did because a lot of them were my favorite photos of the day.  I remember walking to Zac with my bare feet in the cool grass + hoping he would love the dress I picked.  He looked so handsome (it was the first time I had seen him in a suit).  We looked each other up + down, he twirled me around, pulled me close + kissed me.  So sweet.  I think I melted right then + there.  It was so surreal.

♥Photos by Tec Petaja.

Our Rehearsal + Rehearsal Dinner...

Looking back on the rehearsal I just remember being so excited + having so many butterflies in my tummy.  I was so nervous + thinking about how everything was going to go on our wedding day.  Many of the decorations were diy projects that I had been working on, so I dropped most of those off.  It was a relief to be able to not worry about what I had or hadn't done, because it wasn't getting done.  Haha.

Our rehearsal dinner was at River Hall overlooking the Mississippi River.  It was the perfect night.  Our friends + families gave sweet toasts that I will cherish forever. 

Our Engagement Photos

♥In celebration of Zac + I's one year anniversary coming up (this Monday!!!) I thought it would be fun to post about our wedding festivities each day leading up to 5.21♥

But first...

Photos by Tec Petaja.