august bbq

My parents' birthdays were both last week, so I had them over yesterday along with their close friends, for a wine + cheese + BBQ party (and for them to escape to the beach to get away from the heat of the valley). There was entirely too much food, but delicious and worth the calories.

Homemade bruschetta, salami, cheeses, breads, and olive oil all started the afternoon off perfectly (along with wine of course). Dinner followed with the Barefoot Contessa's pork tenderloin recipe, along with the quinoa and arugula salad I previously posted.

Of course Emma loved having everyone there, and got plenty of attention and snacks!

Happy birthday, Mom & Dad! xoxo

on turning 30

It's been a while since I've posted...anything! So I turned 30 this month (go Cancers), and I was unsure about it to be honest. I didn't know if I should be excited or scared. Looking back at turning 18, 21, then 25, and 28...I remember being excited, and looked forward to each new stage. But when it was time to turn 30, I was apprehensive. For years, it's always sounded "so old"--and I don't feel old at all (and hopefully don't look old)! When I turned 20, 30 was a long 10 years away--and how those 10 years have flown by, with many challenging and amazing times packed in.

Now that I realize I can't go backwards, I am excited about this next decade in my life and the new opportunities and challenges that will inevitably come my way. My family, friends, husband, and God are huge blessings in my life--all who I look forward to growing closer to each year.