Grilled Lettuce

I can't remember where I got the inspiration for this, but right before we left for the PNW, I was desperately trying to come up with recipes to use up all of the food that would spoil during our trip. In our Bountiful Basket from the previous Saturday, we got this huge head of Romaine lettuce. I had already made TWO salads from it, and had a ton left. My sister was over for lunch, and instead of forcing her to eat a gigantic salad, I decided to try something that had been ruminating in the back of my mind--grilled lettuce. I've been totally into using our grill for everything lately. And I thought that since my kale chips didn't turn out very delicious that I really ought to give roasting leafy green things another chance.

And it was FANTASTIC! Seriously! Grilling the lettuce gave it a fun smoky flavor, and I even kind of liked it warm, which I was not expecting. The recipe said that you could serve it with salad dressing (like Caesar), but I liked it so much plain that I didn't even bother!

All you have to do to get this delicious thing in your belly is slice a head of Romaine lettuce in half down the middle (so there is a flat side). Then drizzle it generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The recipe said that the balsamic vinegar was optional, but in my book, balsamic vinegar is never optional. We were also running out of olive oil so I didn't get to use as much as I probably would have liked, but it was still totally good. Then sprinkle the lettuce with lots of kosher salt and cracked black pepper (can use my new birthday pepper grinder for this next time--yum!) and toss it on the grill! I don't really know how to use our grill that well yet so I'm not sure what temperature I cooked it at--just cook it until some parts are slightly charred, like in the photo. Then toss some Parmesan cheese on top once you take it off and enjoy!

MOVED IN!

We are all moved in to our new place---YAY! We actually moved in on Saturday, two whole days earlier than we were expecting, which was awesome! It was actually a pretty long and exhausting day--we moved the Hoops's out, the Furness's over, and us in and we were moving boxes/furniture until 10:30. Then Owen and I decided that it would be a good idea to build our bed and all of our other furniture that night so who knows what time we actually made it to bed...

But we are all moved in now! And we were able to spend Memorial Day yesterday being very American--we had a flag in our yard, barbecued some hamburgers (+ had corn and watermelon!), and went shopping! Yay!

Our new house is so SUNNY! I looooooove being above ground. It's so wonderful to wake up to sunshine!

Ashley and Jordan (our new neighbors) have been total rockstars as well--they were so helpful when we were all moving and we owe them a ton.

I'm so excited that we are going to have the whole summer in our new home. I promise to post pictures soon--once we get all of those boxes out of our house!

Crafty Inspiration

Here are some glimpses at some DIY/craft projects I've been interested in/completed recently!

Remember that chevron rug that I was adoring over at UO? How about a tutorial on how to make my own! Definitely want to give this a try as soon as we move into our new place. 

An adorable button monogram that I made for an upcoming baby shower! (I would post a photo of my own, but I don't want to give away the surprise!) 

Remember the pompoms I had at my wedding? I think these would be such a cute soft little addition to my kitchen or who knows where...really I just think they are adorable but have no idea where I would put them...

I clearly have a thing for hanging orbs. I would put a few of these outside by our new back "patio"/porch thing to create a lovely romantic summer atmosphere.

How incredibly gorgeous would this unique wreath look on our front door?? And the best part is that it is completely DIY and alive! I may need to start taking more walks to local parks and searching for succulents! (anyone know of any good places?)

A super super simple idea to brighten up an everyday, usually boring space. This easy DIY will probably be one of my first projects in our new place!

100th Post!

Man I am just so proud of myself for so many different things today! I went swimming today, I am eating blueberries instead of peanut M&Ms, I've only been on the Gossip Girl website once since school has started, and today is my 100th post! Woo! I am so awesome!

Unfortunately, I don't have anything super exciting to blog about. It is kind of fun to see what has changed though since starting this blog. Obviously I am now a married woman and am loving being married to the COOLEST AND MOST WONDERFUL MAN EVER! Sorry all of you other ladies out there, I snagged the most awesome husband right before your eyes. Don't worry, I am sure there are others out there, but I am sure glad to be with this guy:

It is also fun to think about the future of my blog. This has been my first attempt at blogging, and I have to admit: I love it! I am totally addicted. I want to expand the range of my blog, and am trying to decide what areas I want to venture into. I admit that my favorite types of blogs to stalk and the ones that have been the most inspirational to me are personal style blogs. I don't know if I have enough personal style, and I wouldn't want my blog to only ever be outfit posts (esp. since my everyday looks aren't always that great!), but I think that Sydney over at The Daybook does a pretty good job balancing. I would need to have a better camera, and maybe in the meantime borrow someone's since mine is officially screwed up (hint hint Devynne...;) ). I think the 30 for 30 Challenge from Kendi Everyday could be a fun way to start, but I want some people to join me! If you are interested in taking the 30 for 30 challenge, let me know--you have until January 28th to sign up :) I tried to convince Owen to do it with me, but he said that "a) I don't want to think that much about getting dressed every morning and b) If I post about style, people will question me" Maybe next time...

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Today I am oh-so-thankful for the super soft bathrobe that I bought Owen for Christmas and for the fact that he lets me borrow it all the time without saying anything.

Fond of Fondue

Yay! Since I'm at work, I am on a normal computer and can post a picture! Yeah we still don't have internet-who knew it would be such a pain to spend money? Anyway, I don't really have that much to say except that I am totally excited for tonight because I am having my very first (okay sort of second) fondue party! For Christmas Kirsten and Fred got us a fondue pot, which is awesome because now I have two which means that I can actually have a party with cheese AND chocolate fondue at the same time! I started chopping and shredding last night, so hopefully it will all be great! Hopefully my camera will cooperate and I will be able to post a few pictures...man I need a new camera!

Why is fondue so luxurious and delicious? I don't know, but I definitely had a fun time trying to come up with unique things to dip. If you have any suggestions, let me know!