favorite tv shows

growing up i was never a big tv watcher [unlike my sisters]. i guess i was more of a book reader. then, in college, i felt like i was too busy to watch tv. or maybe i was too uptight. i could never unwind enough to sit down and really watch a show. then, i graduated, got married, and we had cable... it was like a whole new world opened up for me. now, i have multiple favorite shows i look forward to watching every week. most people are excited about football season starting up this fall...forget football, i'm just excited about season premieres.

1 // the mindy project - this show has to be the funniest show i've ever watched, by far. i fell in love with mindy kaling on the office, and now she hits it out of the ball park with every single episode on the mindy project. plus, she always finds herself in awkward, embarrassing situations, which i feel i can relate to, so it makes me feel better about myself.

2 // new girl - new girl comes on fox right before the mindy project. i love that its a show that scofield and i can enjoy together. three of the main characters are guys, so there is definitely more humor he can relate to. plus, who doesn't love zooey deschanel!?

3 // grey's anatomy - it's embarrassing how quickly i soured through ten seasons of this show on netflix. although, it did keep me fresh on my medical terminology for my nutrition internship. so, that makes watching it kind of like studying...right!?

4 // the office - of course this one made the list ... it's such a classic. it took me a while to get into it, but once i did, i was hooked! scofield and i have watched certain episodes over and over .. it seriously never gets old. plus, jim and pam. i mean...

5 // house of cards - this show is a netflix original series. season one and two are out, and i'm on the edge of my seat waiting for season 3! just about every episode left me with my jaw wide open. you seriously never know what to expect, which is so unlike most shows out these days. it is definitely more of a risque show, though, and there are inappropriate scenes that you may want to move past, fyi.

what are you favorite shows to watch? i'd love to know and try them out, too!
hope your week is going well!

Greenville Not Wedding Giveaway!!

a lot of my friends have been getting married recently, and it has, of course, caused me to reminisce about my own wedding. what a special time that was! while i was planning my wedding three years ago now [wow!] i found so much inspiration and helpful referrals to local vendors through the notwedding. if you haven't heard, the notwedding is a big, fat, fake wedding. it's a fun, alternative to a bridal show with the goal of supporting small businesses, inspiring brides and grooms, and encouraging solid marriages. so awesome, right!? since then, they have expanded to many other cities and are finally coming to greenville this september!

i am so excited to partner with the notwedding today to bring you a giveaway for a pair of tickets to their greenville event on september 9 at the certus loft at the peace center. the doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm. if you are a bride, or know someone that is, this is a fantastic event to gather inspiration and to even find your dream vendors for your big day.

to enter, simply use the rafflecopter below. i can't wait for the event ... hope to see you there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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pictures from the not wedding birmingham, taken by koli nichols photography and morgan trinker photography

around town || greenfield's bagels bakery

some may say greenfield's bagels isn't much of a looker, but, even if that were true, their bagels absolutely make up for it. doesn't it always seem to go that way? the little hole in the wall restaurants that you would never think to go to end up being the best food in town. that's greenfield's. they're all like, "we know, our food is so good that we don't even have to try to look cute." it's true - the people come anyway.

when we moved to greenville i was so sad to leave behind our beloved bagel shop. so, we were super excited when we found out about greenfield's. our weekend bagel dates can continue. hooray!

do you have a favorite 'hole in the wall' spot? greenfield's is definitely mine - right up there with barnwood grill. i'd love to hear yours!

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greenfield's bagel bakery
101 verdae boulevard
greenville, sc 29607

homemade chips: 5 ways

when you're cooking dinner and i'm hungry, or in a hurry and just need to grab a snack, isn't it always easier to just reach for the chips, cookies, or crackers - basically whatever is in the pantry. i've found it's really easy for me to fall into this habit, so i like to keep healthy options around that are easy access. prepare these chips ahead of time and snack on them throughout the week. your body will thank you.

1 // spicy sweet potato chips

2 // apple chips

3 // kale chips 

4 // cinnamon sugar plantain chips

5 // beet chips

these chips make it way too easy to get your 5 servings of vegetables in a day ;)
enjoy!

chocolate avocado mousse with pistachio macadamia nut topping

chocolate avocado mousse with pistachio macadamia nut topping...i bet you can't say that fast five times ;)

apparently i have been on a major mousse kick lately. but hey, i don't hate it. and neither does my husband ;). i remember the first time i discovered that you could use avocados for mousse. i was completely baffled. it was too good to be true! but nope, it's true...so very true. this mousse does have a bit of an avocado taste, but i think it compliments the chocolate flavor nicely. serve this up for your guests, and they will be so impressed with your decadent dessert. and if you choose to leave off the whipped topping, you've got yourself an easy, delicious, vegan dish.

chocolate avocado mousse with pistachio macadamia nut topping

serves: 4

ingredients:

• 2 hass avocados, medium sized and very ripe [should be soft to the touch]
• 4 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 tbsp. local, raw honey
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

for the topping:

• 1/3 cup raw macadamia nuts
• 1/3 cup raw pistachios
• 2 tbsp. grade a maple syrup

first, prepare the topping. add the nuts to the food processor and pulse a few times. you want the nutty texture, so don't over blend. in a bowl, mix the nuts with the maple syrup until they are all fully covered. place on parchment paper and bake at 350 F for 8 minutes, being careful not to burn. remove from oven to cool.

for the mousse, add all the ingredients for the mousse into a food processor. blend until smooth and creamy. transfer to the refrigerator to cool before serving, at least one hour. top with whipped cream [homemade or store bough - your preference!] and nut topping. 

i think it's pretty obvious i have a major sweet tooth. i love this recipe because it makes me feel a little less guilty about indulging, knowing that i am getting some added nutrition. enjoy!

5 blogs you should be following

with so many blogs out there, it can be hard to decide which ones to read. because let's be real, there's just not enough time in the day to read them all! and while there are so many blogs i've fallen in love with, here are just a few at the top of my list. 

1 // ellalogy - each and every one of ellie's pictures are inspiring, beautiful, and perfectly styled. i love the way she stays true to her self and her own voice in blogging. she shares topics from beauty, to well being, to style.

2 //  yellow paper dress - kelle is clever, funny, and so adorable. i love to follow along as she shares bits and tips of her healthy lifestyle, and i'm sure you will too. plus, she's a pre-k teacher. i mean, what's not to love!?

3 // unfancy - this blog is for all the style mavens out there. i adore caroline's minimalistic approach to style and her take on health. i have been so inspired to be content with my closet and to get creative with what i have.

4 // we seek joy - every time i read one of n'tima's posts, i think to myself 'welp, she's done it again.' just read her posts titled when love feels heavy or babies ruin bodies and you'll see what i mean. man, does she have a way with words. she is so raw and honest ... a true breath of fresh air.

5 // the simple life - if you're into travel, you'll be into this blog. sara makes you want to get out and explore. watch out, because before you know it you'll be planning a trip of your own!

i'd love to know, what are your favorite blogs!?

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**all photography is from/belongs to the authors of each blog. visit their pages to see more!

popcorn chocolate chip cookies

i love popcorn. for movies or for afternoon hunger pains ... it's my snack of choice. i like it plain, microwaved, sugared, seasoned ... i really feel like you can't go wrong with it. not to mention, it's a whole grain which is super important to include in your diet. and for all you gluten free folks ... you guessed it, it's gluten free too! so, if you're gearing up for a party or planning a movie night, these popcorn chocolate chip cookies are perfect. it's a fun twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie, and the popcorn adds a little crunch. so delicious, and so fun.

popcorn chocolate chip cookies

ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 2 cups chopped popcorn

preheat oven to 350 F. combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl. in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. add the vanilla extract. pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a hand mixer until fully combined. fold in the chocolate chips and popcorn. [i suggest using popcorn popped on the stove, versus microwave. it adds a little more texture and flavor.] using a cookie scoop [or spoon] scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. cook for 10 minutes, remove from oven, and let cool before moving. 

weekend snapshots

this weekend was just one of those weekends. you know, the good ones. we went to the market on saturday morning, had lunch with friends, then came home and relaxed and took a nap before getting started on some house work. the weather was unusually cool and crisp, tempting us with fall, and i was reminded, once again, just how much i love this city.

 ^ there are so many great things at the market.. why do we not come here more often!?

 ^ we tried out sully's steamers for late breakfast / lunch and it was so good. i got the french toast bagel with egg and cheese. kind of a weird combination, but so delicious.

 ^ oh, and mirror selfie because i cut all my hair off! kinda still getting use to it, but also kinda loving it! also, this is the only mirror in our house right now...

hope you had a great weekend!

dining room dreaming

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one room i can't wait to have ready is our dining room. we've never had a formal dining room so it's a little like christmas morning. it's on the back burner until some other things get finished, but in the mean time i've been pinning like crazy and storing up ideas. i am so in love with the rugs form amber interiors and am definitely planning for one in our dining room. let's be honest though, food and rugs - not the best combination. we discovered this at our previous house. we ate far too many meals on the couch while watching netflix [confession] and i felt like i was constantly having to vacuum. so...i'm preparing ahead of time and making sure to have a good vacuum, like the dyson dc59 motorhead, to keep things spiffy.

on another note, a lucky reader has the opportunity to win a dyson dc59 motorhead. to enter, simply visit the website, here, and leave a comment below with your favorite dyson feature and your dream space. good luck! :)

this post is sponsored by dyson, but all opinions are 100% my own.

how to keep your sanity during a move and renovation

whether you are moving across the country, or right down the road, any move can be overwhelming and can threaten your sanity. we have been in our new house for almost two months, and have been undergoing renovations ever since (and before!) we moved in. right now, we have no sink, no dishwasher, no washing machine, and no microwave. hopefully that will all be fixed by this weekend, but in the mean time all i want to do is run away and hide beneath an umbrella at the beach.

through these months, i think i've definitely learned what to do, and not to do during a renovation. here are some tips i've found to be extremely helpful:

1 // a barren room makes a perfect yoga studio. don't be so quick to buy new furniture, unpack every box, and furnish every room. there are some perks that come from taking your time. when else will you basically have your very own personal yoga studio? i mean, a completely open room with big windows and empty hardwood floors - a yogi's dream. take advantage of this.

2 // don't sweat it. each room will come together. i don't know how many hours i have spent scouring pinterest, stressing over what light fixture or art piece i should choose. then, one day i'm just piddling around the house - and bam, just like that my ideas come together. i think sometimes not thinking about decor and taking a break can be the best thing you can do for your brain, and your house!

3 // give yourself time. there is no rule that says you have to have your house unpacked, finished, beautiful, and perfect in 3 months...or 6 months...or a year! go at your own pace and try not to put unreal expectations on yourself. that's never good for any one.

4 // make exercise and healthy eating a priority. it's really easy to let these things fall to the wayside when your to-do list is endless, but fight the urge to neglect them. eating healthy and exercising will give you more energy with your renovations in the long run, and it will help to combat stress and anxiety you may be feeling. even if you feel like you don't have time to cook a meal, you'll get a lot more done with good, fresh energy than if you skip it for a quick fix and end up in bed at 9:30 from a sugar crash. note to self: oreo's do not count as dinner.

5 // have fun. i honestly want to punch people when they say this to me. but seriously - they're right. have fun with the process. no dining room table? no sweat. get creative and spontaneous and have a picnic on the floor. personally, i think floor picnics are kind of romantic. no dishwasher or sink (like us) due to renovations? using paper products never killed any one. and i certainly don't mind not having to do the dishes at the end of the day.

if you're going through a renovation now, or in the future, i hope you find these tips useful! also, remember, you're not alone. if you want to pull your hair out, i'm right there with ya!

cinnamon sugar plantain chips

i fell in love with plantain chips after buying them from trader joe's. they are a little pricey for a 'chip,' and you don't get much in a bag, so i thought i'd try to make them myself (and i'm so glad i did!). this recipe is seriously so quick and easy to make. just cut them up, pop them in the oven, and then pop them in your mouth!

cinnamon sugar plantain chips

ingredients: 

• 1 plantain, browned
• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• 1/2 tbsp. raw sugar
• 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar 
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

preheat the oven to 425 F. peel the plantain by using a knife to cut 3 - 4 vertical slits down the fruit. the peel should then easily pull down. using a knife, cut the plantain into small circles as thin as you can get them. put the plantains in a bowl and toss with the canola oil, sugar and cinnamon. once the plantains are completely coated, place on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. cook at 425 F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. be careful not to burn them!

remove from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. 

nesting: guest room inspiration

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i've been dying to incorporate pink into a room. scofield is all about keeping our home 'gender neutral.' i guess i can't blame him. normally we compromise pretty well, but the one thing we can't seem to agree on is painting a wall pink. i want a pink wall in our house so badly, but there's pretty much no chance i'll convince him. considering he really won't be spending much time in the guest bedroom, i'm determined to add a little pink somehow. oh, and polka dots.

our to-do list for the guest room:

• scrape popcorn ceilings
• peel wallpaper
• paint room white
• add a rug
• plants and painted pots
• picture above the bed
• add side tables, lamps, and a breakfast cart

he's an art kind of guy, so maybe i can finagle in some pink with a little art work. all in the name of art, right? ;)

we'll see how it goes...

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you can see more and follow along on pinterest here. 

some links for your weekend

image via

// love this article on networking for introverts. it's so helpful, especially for an introvert like me.

// have you seen colbie caillet's music video for her song, try? it's beautiful and inspiring. a must-watch.

// or how about john legend's video for you & i (nobody in the world)? this one could have made me cry. also... they played this song on an episode of grey's anatomy, which makes me love it all the more.

// this inspirational commerical for always. such an uplifting message for girls of all ages.

// this series of leadership talks from my church. it was part of a men's round table series, but a group of women and i have been going through it every tuesday night. i have been so motivated to grow and learn. these are talks i think any one could benefit from.

hope your weekend is lovely, restful, and... inspiring!

nutella mousse

i think it's pretty clear by now that i am in love with nutella. i've made nutella stuffed chocolate chip cookies, nutella brownies, and now this nutella mousse. the best part is this recipe is so easy to make. only two ingredients, and bam - a decadent dessert. don't worry, you don't have to tell anyone it's that easy ;)

nutella mousse

• 1/2 cup nutella
• 1 1/2 cups light cool whip

in a mixing bowl, combine the nutella and cool whip. use a hand mixer to whisk until the mousse is light and fluffy. spoon into dessert bowls and garnish with a little whipped cream and oreo crumbs. serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator.

because nutella is already so rich and dense, i reached for the light cool whip versus the real stuff - heavy whipping cream. with the strong flavor of nutella, the flavor wasn't comprised at all and it's makes the dessert just a little lighter and 'healthier.'