blue ribbon chocolate chip cheesecake dip

The first time I remember winning something was in the second grade. It was a spelling bee, and I correctly declared g-i-r-a-f-f-e, giraffe. I won a magnet.

The second time was at last week's Prairie Hills neighborhood dessert contest, 20 years later. I received a $20 gift card to the local grocery store for my efforts. I'm becoming so domestic in this state of matrimony. Admittedly, I feel a bit guilty by beating out homemade ice cream and gluten free cupcakes. This recipe is ridiculously easy and neither gluten, carb, or sugar free, but it's a real crowd pleaser!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip:

1 8 oz. package of light cream cheese (softened)

1 stick of unsalted butter (softened)

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Graham Crackers

1. Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth

2. Mix in the powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla

3. Stir in the mini chocolate chips, chill for an hour, and serve with graham crackers

the softer side

Over the past month I've been in the process of moving in to Adam's house. It's an adorable ranch located in one of my favorite suburbs of the city, in an old neighborhood where the houses have a bunch of character yet notoriously lack closet and bathroom space. While the bones of Adam's house were always close to what I desire, his décor was, as expected, lacking a certain soft femininity only a gal can bring to an old house. Now that said gal has moved in, there have been a few improvements made in the texture department while keeping true to the clean lines and neutrality of our home.

scallop pillow / plush throw / mongolian lamb pillow

commitment

I'm back! And it feels so, so good to be here. That was a very long, unplanned break from writing, picture-taking, and documenting.

But I'm back and I'm ready to recommit to this old blog like I committed to the guy who sweeps me off my feet everyday. Maybe not quite like that, but I'm at least going to contribute regularly not only here, but over at the {something} project too.

Soooo. The last 7 months. Where to begin. I'm going to begin at the end. I'm married!!! I moved in with my husband!! We've already had dinner parties! I'm doing my best to fake my way through being a highly domestic wife.  We've only needed to open all the doors and windows to let out the smoke from my cooking attempts once, and we've gone through at least 10 bottles of wine. It's one non-stop celebration over here these days.

Being married is the most fun. The actual wedding planning (that I thought I would thrive at) ended up being not so much fun. A very anti-destination wedding family made things really difficult, which is the main reason behind my blog silence. "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" and all that. Without getting into too many details, here are a few things I learned along the way. I hope this helps at least one bride-to-be keep her sanity.

1. You will receive a lot of advice. Some is helpful. Most is unsolicited. At least 75% isn't going to be pertinent to your wedding, it will be about the advisee's wedding.

2. People will get their panties in a bunch no matter what decision is made, no matter how large or insignificant. So do what you've dreamed, be respectful, and don't get your feelings hurt over others' opinions. In the end, it's all about you and your future husband and the marriage. Not the wedding.

3. Having a graphic designer friend is heaven-sent.

4. Keep a spreadsheet of all gifts received, from your engagement until after the wedding. Stores with registry systems will tell you they'll keep track for you, but having a backup file is a necessity.

5. Find a workout that you love. Every bride wants toned arms, and it's the best way to clear your mind and let out some steam after a particularly stressful day.

6. Your bridesmaids have one hell of a job. Make sure you take the time to thank them and let them know how much they mean to you whether that be with notes, emails, or little surprise gifts.

7. It will all work out in the end. You get to marry your best friend. So cliché but so true!