LOVE LETTERS: Engagement Photos Sneak Peak

Tonight we are celebrating our engagement with all of our Texas friends and family at the place David and I met for the very first time! In honor of our engagement party I thought I would share just a small sneak peak the amazing engagement photos session David and I had at the great State Fair of Texas (unusual yes… and completely amazing!) My extremely talented photographer, Shaun Menary, was kind enough to send us a quick preview and we are so thrilled! I can’t wait to share ALL of our photos with you soon!

 

I am so glad we got to capture one our favorite parts of the fair, Fletcher’s famous corny dogs! This will most certainly be hanging in our kitchen soon!

There are so many more great pictures to share so stay tuned!

HOME-SPIRATION: Wooden Beams

Dallas, Texas is the land of new construction. There are always new homes, condos, or apartments being built and more than enough people to fill them. Growing up in Cincinnati I have really come to appreciate older homes, history, and a little character. There is something to be said about the beauty of an older home. I think there are so many details newer homes can have to add a little bit more character, one of them being wooden beams on the ceiling. Here are some of my favorite home-spiration images…

I also just love the combo of these pendant lights and steel barstools.

 

Hello gorgeous.

HOME-SPIRATION: Garage Perfection

David and I both agreed that our first week back will be devoted to relaxing, unpacking, and enjoying our friends and family down in Texas. So this means NO PROJECTS, yet! But that doesn’t stop me from pulling inspiration images for our first project, our garage! We just want to do something basic, storage, work stations, and a place for my car! So here are some of my inspiration images for our (soon to be) perfect garage.

 

 

I love the idea of having a work station in the garage! A perfect place for future DIY posts!

 

 

I love this bright red!

 

Hello dream home! This can be in our future home where David tinkers around and watches the Cowboys games!

 

 

I love this color! I doubt I will be able to convince David to paint any more… especially in the garage!

 

Everything has a place… even the golf clubs! This is a must in our garage!

 

 

TOURIST STYLE: Cincinnati Food Finds

Today is the day that David and I officially move from Cincinnati to Dallas for good! Of course I will miss my huge family that lives in Cincinnati, but I think second to them I will miss all the wonderful food Cincinnati has to offer! Of course we will miss the usual, Skyline and Montgomery Inn, but these are some of our favorite food finds of Cincinnati. If you have not been to these place you must check them out!

MARX’S BAGELS

This has been a favorite of mine since childhood and I have dragged David there twice in one week before! I always get a tuna melt, on a bialy, with swiss! This place is an amazing place, with amazing food, and an owner who is as crazy and hilarious as ever. Trust me, you get lunch and a show.

BREW RIVER

This is a great little place David and I stumbled upon one little date night. Its this small little place with a great little patio. They give you amazing beer flights and the food is INCREDIBLE. We also hear they have an amazing brunch, so we will be back soon to try it!

STRONG’S PIZZA

This has been our pizza staple for the past four months! Its a small joint in Newport, KY that has amazing pizza and salads. Our favorite is The Hot Drunk Hawaiian: vodka sauce, prosciutto, jalapeños, and pineapple!

Their original pizza is The Margherita. One of the best I have ever had!

 

BLUE ASH CHILI 

I know I said I wouldn’t mention Cincinnati classics, but you can’t escape four months in Cincinnati without some Cincinnati style chili. We love skyline, but this place is also one of our favorites! Plus we love anything that is Diner, Drive-Ins, and Dives approved! If you ever go there, you really need to consider getting their amazing 6-way (topped with deep friend jalapeño bottle caps!)

We will miss you Cincinnati! But we will be back soon and we’ll be hungry!

HAPPY HOUR: Easiest Corona Margarita

David and I are in Texas this weekend. Our final trip back before we officially move back home. We miss a lot of things about Texas, great tex-mex, margaritas, warm weather! I told David this weekend I need to sit on a patio and drink a margarita, so here is my Easiest Margarita recipe in case any of you want to join in the fun!

EASIEST MARGARITA.

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 can frozen limeade
1 empty limeade can Tequila
1 empty limeade can of water
1 bottle Corona

Mix together in a pitcher and pour over ice! Enjoy!

REINCARNATION: Metal Shelving

Of course the more time I spend in Cincinnati the more I day dream about projects for our house in Plano. Right now my focus is on our kitchen because we need more storage and space! I love the idea of adding metal shelving to display our dishes, wine glasses, and maybe even have a bar shelf. Here are some of my favorite home-spiration images for metal shelving and a few amazing shelves I have my eye on!

 

 

 

 

Here are some of my favorite metal shelves for your own space in need of storage…

This amazing shelf is the Whitewashed Wood and Metal Shelving unit from West Elm for $899

 

This is the Gridley Caged Storage Cabinet from Pottery Barn for $1,399

For a less raw and rustic look here is the Hamilton Baker’s Rack from Pottery Barn, on sale right now for $1,099

This amazing wood and metal combo is the Beckett Shelving System from Crate & Barrel for only $1,499. Love Love Love!

 

 

HOME-SPIRATION: Patio Dreaming

David and I are headed to Dallas this weekend and we are both so excited! We can not wait to get back to our own house instead of this teeny tiny apartment! And of course we are looking forward to the amazing weather! I have a feeling we are going to spending the whole weekend outside. David and I usually spend quite a lot of time on our friends patios when we go home, enjoying the time we have with them and of course the gorgeous weather. I have recently been dreaming of our patio plans and here are some of my favorite home-spriations!