Tidbits: 8.30.13

[source]

Aren't these mirrored logs amazing?! I want an entire forest of them.

What rhymes with hug me?

 Literally teared up watching this. I love watching dreams come true for people.

Dear Miley...get your act together.

Things Successful Women Do Differently.

I just love these inspiring comedian quotes.

And in case you missed it: I went to the Fair, it's one month until our wedding, and a little Monday motivation.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

xoxo,

Alex

Fair Day 2013 - Gluten Free and Sweaty.

This week I completed my yearly pilgrimage to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. I just love the Minnesota State Fair! This year, I went with my team from work for a little bonding time. We are in a bit of a heat wave here in Minnesota so it was a bit sweaty

For me, the fair is all about food. And I'm here to tell you, going gluten free at the fair can be done! Last year I took a pass, but this year I knew I could have the same fair experience, a couple treats, and not feel like crap after. And with a little help from the Northland Celiac Support Groups 2013 GF Vendor List and this article, I felt ready to make gluten my bitch at the fair. 

We arrived at lunch time and the girls from work quickly crossed corn dogs off the food list.  I enjoyed by smell only.

My first gluten free item and tradition: Lime Sno Cone! So good I had 2 while kickin' it at the fair this year.

On my Must Do list was the Miracle of Life Birthing Center. This little cow had been born about 15 minute before we got there and was about to have his first meal.

Lunch time for me! I had a dish of turkey from Turkey To Go. This stuff was delicious!  The barbecue sauce was GF too, so I was in heaven.  I could have eaten a second dish, it was so yummy.

After lunch, we ventured over to the Giant Slide to cross this off our Must Do list. 

I just love the Giant Slide. Makes me feel like a kid again!

My treat of the day was caramel apple slices.  These are my favorite fall treat (besides pumpkin bread) and had me dreaming for cooler weather. Look at all that caramel!

Not pictured - the 2 waterbottles I chugged to stay hydrated. All in all, gluten free at the fair was a success! There were so many more vendors I could have visited but I filled up fast. I left the fair full but I didn't over do it. Which is probably a good thing since our wedding is only a month away!

Will you be making it to the Minnesota State Fair this year?

xoxo,
Alex

P.S. Last year's Fair Day recap.

Wedding Wednesday: One Month

One month from today, K and I will be getting married on this very spot (weather permitting). In the span of one day, I go from feeling giddy, tearing up with happy tears, and feeling my heart race and panic creeping in. Normal, right?

There isn't a whole lot left to do but I want this day to be so special for K. And for me. And I know it will be. At the end of the day, we'll be married and that's the only thing that matters.

xoxo,

Alex

Monday Motivation: 8.26.13

[source]

Reunion Time.

Today the Lucky Chicks arrive in Minnesota for a reunion weekend at the lake!  I'm so excited to see these ladies!  A long time ago, I lived out of my suitcase for a year and through the good and the bad, these girls were only a phone call/gchat/hangout away. And they still are years later.

Now we never try to let boys come between us but this time we'll make an exception. Two weeks ago, we all became aunties to Baby Holmes!  And while mama and baby can't travel to the reunion, we'll definitely be meeting him this weekend through the magic of the interwebs. Can't. Wait.

I'm off to finish packing and then struggle through a morning of work before I can dash to the airport to give these girls a huge hug!

xoxo,

Alex

Summer Salad: Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta

This salad kicked off summer for me. It was served at a dear friend's bridal shower over Memorial Day and I begged the lovely hostess for the recipe.  She graciously obliged.  I've made it a couple times since then and am now just getting around to sharing it with you!

Just four ingredients: seedless watermelon, cucumber, feta & white balsamic vinegar. To give you an idea of ratios, I used 1 personal-sized watermelon, 1 large cucumber, & one 4oz. container of crumbled feta.

Here we go: Dice up the watermelon. Thinly slice the cucumber (I used the food processor and it worked like a dream). I also tried to get rid of as many cucumber seeds as possible since I don't like them. Mix in the feta.  Add the white balsamic vinegar to taste. You don't need a ton, you just want to coat the salad.  This salad will get pretty watery (because of the watermelon, obvs.) as is so this is just to add some flavor.

Mix it all up and you have a perfect summer salad! Enjoy!

xoxo,

Alex

P.S. We had our engagement party this week and it was so much fun! Can't wait to share some of the details!

Monday Motivation: 8.12.13

[source]

Tidbits:8.9.13

[source]

I whole heartedly agree with everything in this post.

Did you get your copy of the new Ikea catalog?

Ways to incorporate travel into your decor.

I've been doing this arm workout all week!

Two words: panda gifs. #6 is my absolute favorite.

The Giver is heading to Hollywood!!!!!

How cute are Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs?!

Have a great weekend!  I'll be celebrating a dear friend's bachelorette on Saturday night. The summer of weddings continues!

xoxo,

Alex

Al, Ali, Alex, Alexandra...

You guys...have you seen this new Old Navy commercial?

Talk about the story of my life!  Aside from the Alexis/Lexi phase, I've pretty much gone by all these names at one point or another. So funny!

xoxo,
Al/Ali/Alex/Alexandra

Monday Motivation: 8.5.13

[source]