beans & rice, and rice & beans. and hot sauce.

the dave ramsey way - that's how we roll.

economical, yummy, and guaranteed leftovers.

what compromises do you make to achieve your goals?

7 years ago...

...we snogged for the first time. in casey's parents' basement. after Remember the Titans.

it was awkward.

i know we start over with the anniversaries now that'd we're all married and stuff, but happy 7th babe! i'm so proud to have you as my husband.

wedding food

Our taste palettes are wide open, but we knew that many of our guests' might not be. We really wanted to offer our guests cuisine that we felt represented us in our foodie spirit, while accommodating those more timid tasters. KC & I felt good about using Mitchell Anderson from MetroFresh. We love the restaurant in the highlands and felt that his style of cooking captured our international tastes in subtle ways that would please everyone.

{above: Mitchell - you might recognize him from somewhere...}

We didn't end up getting any photos of the table, but the final menu was:

Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta served with Crostini

Fresh Roasted Corn Salsa with Blue Corn Chips

Mango Avocado Chunky Guacamole

Warm Asian Pork Meatballs with Three dipping Sauces

Thai Chicken Salad on Lettuce Leaves

Indian Roasted Vegetable Curry - Jalfrezi

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

Grilled Blackened Chicken sliced – served cold with Lime/Avocado/sour cream sauce

Green and Red Grape Salad with Endive, Walnuts, Crumbled Blue Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Wheatberry Salad with Dried Fruit and Nuts

I really wish I could have eaten more of the food. I was so hyped up that I wasn't hungry, and when I did get my plate, I kept putting it down to hug and talk to friends and family. KC & I made a trip out to the restaurant last weekend to eat a killer lunch and snap some shots for you guys. We were greeted by a warm "It's the Giessens!" welcome, and enjoyed some lovely fall weather on the patio. MetroFresh changes their menu daily and always has something yummy fill your belly. If ever have a hankering for something healthy, fresh, and satisfying...hit them up and tell them the Giessens sent you.

{above: our lunch}

{above: the kitchen}

{above: the super sweet girl who came and hugged me right before the ceremony, while i was bawling in the field alone}

The cakes were done by a Giessen family friend, Amy Diss. We didn't want anything too fancy- just a really yummy cake. The main cake was a lemon cake with buttercream icing. We also did white and chocolate individual brioche cakes with powdered sugar and a summer fruit compote. My mom decorate the table beautifully with a fun quilt, flowers, cake stands, and a handmade branch "chandelier" above.

{above: us as we cut the cake. SAI!}

october eats

Wednesday night : KC made pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and gorgonzola. He made dough from scratch. It was pretty perfect.

Thursday night : KC wanted tuna boats; I was hesitant. It's not my favorite meal, and last time we made it, it wasn't great. But this time we used wheat buns and added swiss cheese, tomato, and spices. I made a salad of baby spinach, white nectarines marinated in balsamic, garlic + olive oil and feta.

{above: kc's tuna boats}

{above: those are nectarines, not potatoes- I promise}

Tonight : beer brats. Num num.

2 months in....

....and my wife is still a baller. i love that girl.