Wedding Wednesday- Venue Inspiration

This morning, the boy and I visited our first venue- a beautiful historic mansion in one of Delaware's State Parks. The grounds were gorgeous (despite the fact Spring has not arrived here in the least), the coordinator sweet, but we are still looking. Here are some of the pictures guiding us on our search...

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: peach-pearl.blogspot.com via Dallas on Pinterest

Source: southernliving.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: blog.weddzilla.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: southernliving.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

New Nail Routine

Ever since the boy proposed, I've become very aware of the awful state I keep my nails in. A little bling can do that! Admittedly, I'm not kind to my hands- I work with them every day, slather them in hand sanitizer, and usually dig around in the dirt once or twice depending on what's going on. Now that I keep staring at my nails (and ring!), I've decided to start a little routine.

On our vacation, I had a chance to stop by the spa owned by my future MIL. She knows a TON about products and immediately handed me a bottle of CND Solar Oil Cuticle Treatment upon seeing my fried mitts. 

tiny bottle- big results!

I've used greasy cuticle oils in the past, but this one is phenomenal! It goes on with a brush applicator, smells lovely, and sinks in to my skin asap. I immediately saw results and also noticed when I stopped using it for a few days. Applying it takes only 20 seconds- definitely worth it!

I don't usually paint my nails- and when I do, I love dark vampy shades or fun brights. They are hard to maintain though, and usually my hands look a mess in 2 days flat. Instead, I've decided to embrace milky nudes that keep my nails looking shiny and fresh for days on end! Plus, you can't notice chips nearly as fast :)

A few favorites:

Essie's BBF Boy Best Friend (I like to call it Best Boyfriend!)

Essie's Hi Maintenance

OPI's Bubble Bath

OPI's Coney Island Cotton Candy

Do you have any favorite "go to" easy nail tips?

Taco Tuesday!

Source: thekitchykitchen.blogspot.com via Matt on Pinterest

Today, I just couldn't help myself.... I needed a taco! I blame it on reading Food and Wine while on the elliptical last night. They featured a taco visionary in the March 2010 issue and I'm pretty sure visions of salsa danced thru my head all night.

So today, I called up my food partner in crime (hi Kemi!) and we set off for El Diablo- a fantastic built to order taco/burrito joint in town.

I went with the short rib tacos on corn tortillas with pickled red onions, corn salsa and a shallot lime vinaigrette. WORTH IT. But really- I could do this at home, right?

Here's my next salsa adventure....

Mango-Tomato Salsa via Food & Wine, March 2010

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely diced peeled mango (from a 1/2-pound mango)
• 2 plum tomatoes, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 1 teaspoon minced serrano or habanero chile
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons chopped mint
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a bowl, toss the mango with the tomatoes, onion and chile. Stir in the lime juice, sugar, rice vinegar, cilantro and mint. Season the salsa with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature.

Yummy! What specialty salsas do you make on your own?

Back to the Real World

And it.is.COLD.

I tried to bring a little sunshine back from Florida, but I think it ran away somewhere around Savannah, GA haha. Spring break was exactly what the boy, Riley and I needed, and I'm sad it's over. Luckily- Riley reminded me to take pictures so everyone could see what we were up to!

Long car rides are perfect for naps.

We went to Auburn (the boy is an alum) and toured the campus with friends (meet Isabel!)

Sunning by the pool

And hanging out with family (meet Guinness!)

The captain was kind enough to take us on a boat ride (Riley's first!)

One of the Captain's other boats, MeiMei

Somehow, I managed to not take pictures of any food. Mostly because it was all AMAZING! Authentic tamales, delicious tuna in downtown Naples, roasted Cuban pork, and cool ice cream to help escape the heat. On the drive back, we found the most amazing BBQ place right outside Savannah- Wiley's Championship BBQ. If you're hungry and driving down 95- this place it worth the 10 minute detour. The boy and I stuffed ourselves with sweet tea, fried pickles, and the BBQ sampler plus extra bones (ribs. mmmmmm). Not only was the food out of this world- the people (servers and patrons!) were the nicest :) Riley loved getting head scratches and belly rubs from other diners as they walked by.

Now, we're home and settled. We made a Costco run this morning and hit the gym (oh that was interesting). This week, I'm getting back into the real world and visiting a few wedding venues- I'm nervous!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! Maybe a few of you are on Spring Break too :)

Wedding Wednesday- sneak peak!

A little low quality sneak peak from yesterday's photo shoot (this is definitely my favorite).

Thank you to my wonderful future sister in law for taking the time to capture our goofiness :) ChristineLynn Photography

Road Trip!

Source: ever-ours.com via Jacquelyn on Pinterest

The Little Red Deck crew is hitting the road for spring break! Ideally, I'll be able to post some adventures from the passenger seat. If not, be ready for some LONG posts in the future :)

Wedding Wednesday- Color Inspiration

Even though we don't have a venue yet, I've been day dreaming of a chic outdoor wedding that isn't the least bit stuffy. I think color definitely sets the mood for an event, so I've been pulling inspiration from every corner of the internet in hopes of finding something that says "us".

I know Navy will be an anchor for the day- crisp, a little preppy, and easy to make fun, it's a great base and won't make the boy feel out of place one bit! Accent colors that are dancing in my head- sunny yellow, bright coral, and gray seersucker (just for my man).

Source: taylordevents.blogspot.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: pizzazzerie.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: wedding.theknot.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

How to get your fiance to cook dinner every night :)

I'm back! Sorry for the lack of posts. Having 2 sick blondes (me AND Riley) in one house has resulted in a lack of sleep and creativity over here.

This weekend, the boy busted out his major Christmas gift- a grill from my parents! Ladies- if your man doesn't have a grill- Get.him.one. He's made dinner the last 4 nights in a row and they have all been phenomenal. To make Monday's dinner a little more special, we hit up Costco (love)for some filets (fancy!). Paired with grilled sweet potato fries and a light salad, it was a perfect way to start the week.

The boy would also like me to post this picture because it shows the gorgeous yellow gerbera daisies he brought home for me haha

The grill has me super excited for our CSA share to start up in May. Grilled veggies? Yes, Please!!

Next up- another wedding Wednesday post and a cupcake adventure!!

Hi, New Zealand!

Funny thing- I never check my stats (because really, I think 2 people read this). Turns out, someone in New Zealand visited the Little Red Deck!

I had the amazing opportunity to travel NZ with my family when I was 17. In 2 weeks, we explored both the northern and southern islands, hiked the Milford Trek, and bungee jumped (on New Years Eve!)

Milford Sound

We even spent Christmas away from home, in a beautiful place full of tropical flowers, green grass, and fake snow in all the store windows :) I don't have the pictures we took on digital files, but I really need to download them. It's possibly the most beautiful place I have ever been.

So thank you, New Zealand, for a lovely trip down memory lane. I'm holding you and your country in the light today*

Drip drop!

Happy Rainy Thursday!

 

 

And the rain came down

It's a rainy rainy day on the red deck today. Lucky for me, it's also ERRANDS DAY! I need to return a few things at the mall and pick up an item or 2 for our spring break adventure (more on that soon!)

A few things getting me through today:

• Gchat
• Chai Lattes (Oregon Chai's sugar free version is surprisingly good!)
• Purple rainboots
• Learning how to use Pinterest! Once my boards are up and running, I'll link them here
• Looking at my spring break forecast (we're finally in the 10 day range!)

oooh bring on the sunshine!

 What's on your mind?

Introducing...Wedding Wednesdays :)

Hi! Sorry for the lack of posts- life is a little crazy this week! Since I don't want to be come an overly obsessive bride to be, I've decided to limit my wedding inspired posts on Little Red Deck to Wednesdays! Mostly because I heart alliteration :)

Budgets have been made, lists written, and now it's time to check out venues, dates, etc. Here are a few images that have me dreaming of a summer evening in 2012 already!

A few must haves for the boy (oooh the fiance!) and I- outdoor venue, good food, drinks, and great people :)

all photos courtesy of southern living

our bench.

I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

June 12, 2011

 I'll be doing this.

Source: waynelevinimages.com via Madison on Pinterest

  

Today, I'm taking my hammie swimming!

Source: dailycute.net via Elissa on Pinterest

Spring Break Workout Update!

Just a quick update on my workout progress!

So far, things are moving along. I'm sticking to my plan (yay little blue binder!) and this week, my reps are increasing (I'm using the 8, 10, 12 model). Even better, I got a call from my local YMCA last night- I got into the yoga class I was waitlisted for! I miss doing yoga several times a week. Unfortunately, I just can't afford to go to a studio anymore. My hope is that going to a class 1-2 x a week (that's free for members!) will get me back into the yogi mindset.

The only thing holding me back right now- my Right Hamstring.

Yay for my endless collection of Anatomy pics!

I thought I was suffering a little DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after doing my leg workout last week. No big, push through it with a recovery work out, a little stretching and self treatment (I don't recommend self treatment unless you know what you're doing though!). A few days later (and a weekend of rest- aka moving), I still couldn't touch my toes comfortably. This is where I brought in the big guns- the boy. Also known as my live in PT/sports performance coach/common sense reminder guy.

"Babe, you have some swelling in there. Let me work on you."

Nooooooooo! (Kubler Ross did say the first stage is Denial, right?)

Needless to say, I know I need help treating this bugger now. And common sense should kick in at some point. But I really like my lower extremity work out :( And I want to do it NOW! It makes me feel badass at the gym- is that so much to ask?

I'm partially writing this so I can remind myself that I do need to change my workout today. And maybe you can help hold me accountable. For now- off to the Y I go! I have a date with some cardio equipment on my agenda today :)