A Decade

Ten short years ago today I lost my first true love, my grandfather.  

Just a sophomore in high school, I never realized then how sentimental I would become on the topic.

There is so much that can happen in a decade.  Before you know it, the days are gone and all you have left are the memories.  Since you left, I graduated high school and went to college, fell in love, and four short years later completed my Bachelor's degree.  Then I moved to Charleston and completed my MBA, and before I knew it I was happily married.  During these past ten years and through all the memories, there is one thing that has never changed.  I strive to live my life as you did yours- honoring God, putting family first, and never losing hope of my dreams.  You instilled in me so many values that I never truly understood until now, and I am thankful for all the hard lessons you taught me.  

I hope that I have made you proud.  

If tears could build a stairway,

And memories a lane,

I'd walk right up to Heaven

And bring you home again.

-Author Unknown

PS.  I am guest posting today over at Life's Better With Freckles while Lauren is on a mini-vaca.  Go check it out and leave me a shout out!

One Year Blogiversary

This past Saturday, June 23rd this little ole blog turned a year old.  228 posts and 135 

followers later, I am happy to have found so much joy in documenting my life experiences.  

I have made so many friends along the way, tried countless new recipes, and crafted 

more than I ever thought I would.  You truly inspire me and make me smile everyday.  

Thank you for making blogging worth while.  I am grateful for each and every one of you!

Happy Birthday Little Mrs. Can't Be Wrong.  Here's to many more!

How To: Happy Birthday Mini Bunting

Before we get started, I want to tell you how excited I am to be a guest on Emily's blog today as she embarks on a ten day European vacation!  Hop on over to read about my favorite vacation.

Last week I made my first layered cake for a friend's birthday.  In addition, I also created a mini bunting to adorn the beautiful layers.  I searched Pinterest for a printable version, but just ended up creating my own in the end.  Because I love you all, I am going to share with you how I made it, as well as provide you with the FREE printable version so you can make one too!

First, you will need to gather all of the supplies:

• skewers
• twine (or some version of string)
• double sided tape squares
• printable bunting (which I will provide you with)
• scissors

 Then, tie one end of the twine to a skewer.  Fold each cut out letter in half to form a triangle.

Slide the folded triangle over the twine and secure with a double sided tape square in the center. Continue until you have the first word spelled out.  Then, cut the twine to an appropriate length and tie to another skewer.  Repeat these steps starting with a new piece of twine for the second word.

You want to be sure that there is just enough twine to even out both words and sag a little in the middle.  You don't want to have too much excess twine, as it will droop into the cake.

 Finally, slide both skewers into the cake at a slant and you have the perfect adornment for your cake!

Now for the most important part....the free printable bunting!  I created the bunting using shapes, colors, and letters in PowerPoint.  It turned out even better than I imagined and I wanted to share with all of my readers!  Just click to enlarge, and either save or print!

Now go and enjoy your Monday!

Tasty Tuesday: Cajun Chicken Pasta

I branched out of my normally weekly recipes to cook, and decided to "spice" up our dinner last night.  I am a huge fan of Skinny Taste recipes, and this one did not disappoint.  It was easy to make, quite healthy, and husband approved!

Cajun Chicken Pasta on the Lighter Side

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked linguine (I used whole wheat)
1 pound chicken breast strips
1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning (I used Cayenne Red Pepper)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup fat free low sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup skim milk
1 tbsp flour
3 tbsp light cream cheese
fresh cracked pepper
2 scallions, chopped
salt to taste
Smart Balance cooking spray

Directions

Prep all your vegetables. In a small blender make a slurry by combining milk, flour and cream cheese. Set aside. Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. 

Prepare pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Heat a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; spray with cooking spray and add half of the chicken.  Sauté 5 to 6 minutes or until done, set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.  Set aside.  Add olive oil to the skillet and reduce to medium; add bell peppers, onions, and garlic to skillet, sauté 3-4 minutes.  Add mushrooms and tomatoes and sauté 3-4 more minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, garlic powder and fresh cracked pepper to taste.  Reduce heat to medium-low; add chicken broth and pour in slurry stirring about 2 minutes.

Return chicken to skillet; adjust salt and Cajun seasoning to taste, cook another minute or two until hot, then add linguine; toss well to coat. Top with chopped scallions and enjoy!

On Your Case

As you may recall, I was the lucky winner of Simple Klassic Home's On Your Case giveaway.  I worked with Jenn, owner of On Your Case, to design a personalized iPhone 4S cover.  On Saturday afternoon, this little beauty arrived at my doorstep!

I love the trendy turquoise chevron mixed with the clean lines of the monogram.  Jenn was so easy to work with and catered to all of my requests, including the personalization.  Check out her Etsy shop and order from her today!  You won't be disappointed.

Lovin'...Is What I Got

A little Sublime for your Wednesday morning!  

I'm linking up with This Kind of Love for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

1.    What to Expect When You're Expecting.  Bradley and I went to see this movie Monday night after I got back into town.  HILARIOUS!  This is definitely another couple must-see movie.

2.  Blog Giveaways.  I won not one, but TWO giveaways over the weekend.  How lucky can one girl get?

I get to choose a new iPhone cover courtesy of On Your Case.  Kristin from Simple Klassic Home featured this giveaway!  I have been wanting a new iPhone cover for some time, and couldn't be more excited!

I also won a Refresh Design Kit from My Design Ethos!  Thanks to Maury from Life on Mars, 

I get to work with talented Anna to update my living room.

I am both ecstatic and grateful to have won these amazing giveaways in one week!

3.  Memorial Day Weekend.  It's only 2.5 short days away and I can't wait to escape to my hometown and spend time with my family on the lake.  I plan on catching a few rays, enjoying the pontoon boat, and maybe a little tubing and skiing!

What are you lovin' this week?  Link up and let us know!

DIY Spring Wreath Tutorial

Welcome to the Fender household!  We are now ready for Spring thanks to this easy DIY wreath courtesy of Pinterest.  I found a link to an amazing blog with this wreath tutorial!  It was the perfect craft for me, because I had 90% of the required items leftover from our wedding last year.

What you will need:

18" Grapevine Wreath (I got mine from Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon)

14 Artificial Hydrangea Blooms (these are from Michael's-50% off)

Scissors

Hot glue

1. Cut the stems of the hydrangeas to about 3 inches.

2. Start placing the hydrangeas in the wreath.  Do not glue yet.

3. You want them fairly close together so it will be full.

4. Continue placing flowers until none of the wreath shows.

5.  If you are happy with your creation, place a small dab of hot glue at 

the base of each flower where it meets the wreath to keep it in place.

Ta-da!  Literally 15 minutes for a beautiful wreath!

I even made two.  A good friend of mine bought her very first home this past Friday, 

and I made one to give her as a housewarming gift!

Now go make yourself one!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Over the weekend, I hit 100 followers.  I never in a million years thought that I would ever get to 100!  

Starting this blog in June of 2011 is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.  The tips and tricks I have learned, the virtual friends I have made, and the awesome ideas I have seen make it all worth while!  It's amazing to know that there are 100 people all over the US that follow my blog and read about my life.  Thank you to everyone who takes an interest and makes blogging fun for me!

Tag, You're It

I was tagged by Katie of Katie Lately on my very first blog game!  How exciting?

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Fun Facts About Me

1. I was born and raised in South Carolina, and I have always called this state my own.  My hometown sits on top of an old gold mine and houses the largest man made lake east of the Mississippi River.  Rumor is, there's still some gold left...OK maybe like a speck or two.  Can you name it?

2. I'm very OCD.  Yes, I want to rearrange the letters around to CDO so they will be in alphabetical order.  My clothes are organized by color and sleeve length, my calendar is always color coordinated, I balance my check book to the penny, and the money in my wallet (if there is any) is always facing the same direction with the Presidents' head up.

3. I am a happy newlywed.  My husband and I will celebrate our one year wedding anniversary on March 19th.  Although we have been together for almost 6 years, it never gets old to hear him say " I love you".

4. I ran my very first half marathon this past November, and I plan to do another this year.  I have come to find that running and working are a passion of mine, and a great way to relieve stress.  BRING IT ON!

5. I have a great love for college football, especially the South Carolina Gamecocks.  And yes, I know who the quarterback is, along with our starting running backs, wide receivers, and defensive ends.

6. I love to cook and try new recipes.  Share some with me some time.  My favorite ones are healthy and full of rich flavor, of course!

7. I have a pen pal who lives in California.  We pass along hand-written letters, and it's like Christmas morning all over again ever time I get one in the mail.  It's nice to go back to the basics sometimes.

8. Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey is my favorite ice cream.  My boyfriend in college, who I now call my husband, introduced me to this sweet dessert and the rest is history!

9. I get really exciting every time I see that I have a new follower.  I'm still semi-new to the blogging world, so my list is small but I notice each and every one of you.

10. My grandmother is my biggest inspiration.  This ninety year old woman believes in the Good Word, practices what she preaches, and has always lived each day as if it were her last.  

11. I love to travel and experience new places.  Whether flying or road-tripping it, I am always up for an adventure to a new place.

Questions from Katie

1. If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?  Paris

2. Why did you start your blog?  I started my blog to start documenting my life, find ideas for decorating our first home as husband and wife, and meet new friends.

3. Who is your favorite Disney Character? Belle from Beauty and the Beast

4. What's your biggest pet peeve? People who do not have manners

5. How many pets do you have?  Just one precious little pup, who lives at home with my mom

6. What is your favorite feature about yourself?  My eyes

7. Favorite color? Currently purple

8. Would you rather go to the zoo or the aquarium? ZOO!

9. Favorite ice cream flavor?  Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey

10. Your roommate/spouse calls because your house is burning down. They have time to grab 2 things for you. What are they?  My wedding dress and photo books

11. Favorite way to waste time? Facebook and blogs

Now It's Your Turn!

Kat -- The Brashier's Heaven on Earth

Christina -- Hungry Meets Healthy

Kendall -- Melon Juice

Abby -- When I Say I Do

Morgan -- Oh Captain, My Captain

Christin -- A Classy, Southern Wife

Meg -- Henning Love

Natasha -- Hello! Happiness

Brooke -- Shrimp and Glitz

Kristen -- All In My Twenties

April -- A. Liz Adventures

Don't feel like you absolutely have to participate, but it is fun to see all the responses!

Questions for You!

1. Favorite recipe to make?  (Link to the recipe if possible)

2. What is the no. 1 on your list of 2012 goals/resolutions?

3. Favorite memory of 2011?

4. Favorite fashion trend at the moment?

5. Why did you start blogging?

6. Favorite way to waste time?

7. What is the most played song on your iPod?

8. Favorite book that you recently read?

9. What is one fun fact about the town you grew up in?

10. Beach or mountains?

11. Favorite way to get in some exercise?

Now get to answering and tagging :)