Five on Friday

TGIF, y'all. I am so excited it is Friday. 

And I can't believe it's almost March.

This post will be short and sweet with no pictures [I know, lame]. 

There is a quote that I really love, and I think it pretty much sums up this week's FOF.

"Wanna make God laugh? Tell Him your plans."

Change is good.

one.

I am really excited about a long run tomorrow with my running partner Jordyn. We have lots of catching up to do.

two.

Finalized the wedding album this morning. Whew. That was semi-stressful. The hardest part is deciding a color... which we are still doing. 

White, navy, a taupe color, or chocolate. Those are the top contenders amongst my friends. 

three.

Change is good. Right? Right. House hunting is on the agenda. However, there are some things in the mix that might change that route in a different direction.

four.

If you don't know this about me, I love love love certain TV Shows. It takes a lot to win my heart when it comes to investing in a show [much like with books]. So I am pretty excited that not only is Survivor back, but also Scandal and Grey's. Also cannot wait to watch them with the hubs- he loves them too! If you haven't seen Chicago PD yet- do it. I love Sophia Bush. And this week they joined up with SVU. Who doesn't love Bensen!? I mean, really. 

five.

This week has been crazy busy at work [new business growth] and home [Hershey at the vet twice this week]. But, it is the sweet things that my dear friends have done for me this week that remind me what friendship is all about. One of my goals this year was to be more intentional. I have failed at that, and I have done well at times. But, this week, I took a good lesson from some great friends in being intentional in friendships.

 From Kylah saying that my dog was family to her, to her and Andrea checking up on me during the whole process of my dog at the vet, to getting to catch up with Bailey, to Jordyn telling me that no matter what her crazy life looks like [because let's be honest.. we are all busy!!], she always wants to know and support me. Man. If that doesn't make you smile at life, I don't know what will. I think that is the key. To not get so caught up in yourself that you stop and talk to your friends about the big and little things.

blogmopolitan

The Glam Series: Nails

Essie:

Shearling Darling [the most perfect fall/winter color in the history of nail polish]

Sunday Funday

Tarte Deco

Mojito Madness [If I could pull this off, I would. I love this color!]

Sally Hansen Complete Manicure: [love the brush on these]

All Fired Up

I Pink I Can

Fruitti Petutie

OPI:

Cajun Shrimp

Italian Love

 For a girl that doesn't care for pink, it is surprising that these are my go-to colors!


What are your go to Top Coats? I have an awful tendency to chip my nails within a day or two of adding color. Drives me nuts!

Linking up with Jordon for The Glam Series!

Wedding Wednesday: The I Do

In my opinion, the best part of the day.

Our ceremony was so great. I may be a little bias,

but our pastor did such an incredible job of making it special. 

He really captured us as a couple.

When I first started planning, we thought sending out 200 invitations was ideal.

Well, as we really got our hands on planning, we decided that we actually wanted a small wedding 

with our closest friends and family. By small, I mean under 100.

I am all for a fun, big wedding. I love them.

However, the small wedding really suited us perfectly. 

It was an absolute must that my entrance was through the big wood doors, while the bridal party entered from the side.

The Bridal Party walked down the isle to Kisses and Cake (from PS I Love You). If you haven't heard it, go listen. It's so pretty!

And I walked down the isle to I Won't Give Up- acoustic version. Gets me every time.

 

Someone got a little teary eyed...

 

 

I am SO not a PDA person. So, when this unplanned little adventure happened.. I was SHOCKED.

I am so glad they captured it on camera, because I literally had no idea he had this up his sleeve... completely spun and dipped me. Crazy, I tell ya!

 

We exited to Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips.

 

 

Weekend Recap

This weekend began at about 2:00 Friday.  I was out and about in town helping a customer, and I realized I was 5 minutes from one of my friend's apartment. So, I decided to swing by for a little visit. It was great to catch up with her and enjoy some sunshine! She is my go to friend if I ever need someone to make me laugh. 

Oh, and we got our wedding album proof! Can't wait to make some small changes and have that in our hands! Happy Friday to us!

Saturday and Sunday were full of that same sunshine.I don't know about every one else, but I certainly took full advantage of it!

House hunting was in full swing. Talk about a task right there.

6. That is how many houses we looked at.

Anyone else ever gone through this daunting task? Advice? 

Hubs and I ran 5 miles together yesterday. First time back at it on the hills, let me tell ya... my body is in a love-hate relationship with me right now!

Ready to start this week! Happy Monday, everyone!

Five on Friday

Hope everyone has had an awesome week. I am personally ecstatic that it is Friday. 

I am linking up with the usual Friday Five Crew.

 

one:

I am loving Ebates.com. I read about it on a few blogs, and I decided to finally check it out. 

I ended up scoring Pat some of the new year's shoe of ascics for -- get this-- $107. 

They were in my possession three days after I ordered them. AND I got $8 back in ebates cash. Hollar.

Have you ever used Ebates? If so, any favorite stores?!

two:

Speaking of Ebates, I also purchased some new spring skirts for work from Kohl's. I got 15% off my order, and $8 more from ebates. So, I bought 5 peieces of clothing for right around $100. Score. I am not one to just constantly go online shopping, but since my weight loss from last spring-- I have no clothes that properly fit me without falling to my ankles. 

Here is one of the items I got. Love this for work, don't worry it isn't that short on me!

three:

Jenny, someone quickly becoming one of my closest friends, is actually a vendor rep from work. She came in town [tend to be m favorite days] and we headed to the local mall to find her a pair of boots for skiing. And I happened upon these beauties.. I just love them. I am debating whether or not to take the plunge.

 

four:

Time to get real... Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Seriously y'all. This week has been tough. I mean tough. With Garic's birthday, then constant bad news with work, I just felt beaten down. Last night, I was ready to just go to bed early. Well, we woke up to news that part of Pat's tuition had been reimbursed through his work [which was previously messed up and we didn't think we would get it].

One step closer to buying a house!

 

five:

I am ready for spring. I know it is going to be a little colder next week, but I am in denial. 

I am ready to chill out, do a little house hunting, watch some food network, and enjoy the sunshine!!

Oh, and somewhere in there I have to do my 6 mile training run. 

Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I love bananas. And I really love bread. So, combine that with chocolate, and you have a divine little treat. With about 170 calories a slice, it makes a great snack or breakfast item!

Here is the recipe I use from SkinnyMom.

Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

 

 

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce OR you can use one 6 ounce container of low carb yogurt
• 1 tbsp reduced fat butter (I used "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter” Spread)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat white flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Splenda Granulated Sugar (or you can use another sweetener or sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup semi-sweet dark chocolate mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 330 degrees.
2. Spray two loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. I used regular sized loaf pans or you could use mini loaf pans.
3. In a small bowl, mash bananas using a fork and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream butter, applesauce or (yogurt if using in place of applesauce), vanilla, and brown sugar, and Splenda.
5. Add in egg whites and mashed bananas to wet ingredients and beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, add whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a wire whisk, gently mix dry ingredients together.
7. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix together until blended but not over mixed.
8. Fold in chocolate chips to mixture.
9. Transfer mixture evenly into the two loaf pans. Both pans should only be about ½ full with mixture. If using mini loaf pans, the mixture should make 4 mini loafs.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a fork inserted in the middle of chocolate chip banana bread loaf comes out clean. If using mini loaf pans, bake for only 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (1/6th of loaf, makes 2):
Calories: 168.8
Fat: 3.6g
Carbohydrates: 37.7g
Fiber: 2.5g
Protein: 3.8g
Sugars: 23g


Tip: I used 2 standard size loaf pans (8.5x4.5) and filled each one 1/2 way full. However, you can also use mini loaf pans, but you will need 4 of them.

Wedding Wednesday: The Crew

So, I love navy. And I LOVE fall. 

Combine those two together, and you've got yourself a wedding party.

dresses: Dessey in Midnight

suits: Jos A Banks

 

Introducing the Goon Squad...

 Boondock Saints, anyone?!

Just a little Father/Son-in-Law Lovin...

 

From left to right.... Side note: Not many of these guys have a first name. OR just one name. Frat Problems.
Graupner, Spiller. Watters in the back. Pat [the groom]. Stu [best man/broski]. Blake in the back, RobJones [looking like a straight sorority girl].

And the one that sums up the guys + my dad in perfect photo fashion...

 

Cue my girls..

 Bailey. My MOH. Wedding [and shower] Planner/Designer/Decorator/Full-Time Decision Maker
and God bless her she is still my friend!! She even painted our monogram cake topper the day of the wedding, set up everything outside with her hubs, and still looked absolutely gorgeous!!

Caroline. Maid of Honor. Bachelorette Party Thrower.

 

Big. Some people call her Amy, though. Idk why. Dress Holder Upper. Lifelong friend and sister. Big love for this woman.

 Kylah. Aka Story Teller/Entertainer. Sister/ She ensued "belly laughter" from us. ALL day long.

Andrea. Who never made it to TN without getting a speeding ticket. Love her. 

This is about as goofy as it gets...

 

Tuesday Tunes

I am a music lover. So, I am always finding little gems that I love to play on repeat. Nine times out of Ten, they become hits and I have to move on and find a new one.


Here are two(ish) tunes that I am absolutely loving right now!

one.

Christina Perri. You may know her from  "Jar of Hearts," which actually became famous due to So You Think You Can Dance's Stacey Tookey/Kathryn & Billy back in 2010. Absolutely fell in love with that song and performace. Check it out below. It is worth it, swear. Side note: She had literally just written the song in Decemeber of 2009, when Stacey heard the song via a friend. Perri didn't even have a record deal! While that cd wasn't my favorite, she has a new one set to release on April 1st. Let me be the one to tell you, it rocks. At least the first three singles do. She even has a little diddy featuring Ed Sheeran. So, hop on over to iTunes and give those a listen.

two.

Ellie Holcomb. Sweet gracious the voice on this woman. Her new album, As Sure as the Sun, was released today. It is just one of those you could listen to all day long. And she sings about Jesus, which makes it even better. While I really like most of the songs, my favorite is Love Never Fails and Only Hope I've Got. "Help me to love like You do." Man.

Happy Birthday

Today is a sad day. But it is also a happy one. Today I get to celebrate one of the most special people I have ever had the honor of calling friend. God used him in so many ways to bring joy to my life, Pat's life, and every friend he had. To say "I miss you" will never seem adequate. So, while I may shed a tear or two while listening to  "Drink a Beer," I know that today is a good day.

Happy Birthday, you goofy boy. I will forever cherish the memories I have with you- especially that day at the pool. And I will forever be grateful to have had the honor of wearing your dog-tags on my wedding day, even if for just a moment. We would have given anything for you to be there, and even though Blake could never fully take your place, he sure has done an amazing job supporting your role in our lives.

Five on Friday

Before I begin...

Team Teddy. I had all intentions to make this super fun since it was my frist FOF in awhile, but as soon as I opened my blog and read about this sweet, beautiful little baby boy, I had to join in. I do not know him, nor do I know this family. But, I am praying. And I hope you will too. You can read about his story on any of the blogs below, or this post.


One.

Since it is Valentine's day, here is my guy. It's our first Valentine's as a married couple,. I am not big on this holiday, but I am pretty big on him. Can't wait to go to dinner with him tonight [big shout out to all the people who gave us restaurant gift cards for our wedding!]. And why not throw back to when it was nice and toasty on the beach.

 

Two.

We booked our vacation a few weeks ago, and I am SUPER pumped. Mainly because this weather is cold, and I just need some sunshine! Memorial Day... Destin... The Leitchs are comin for ya! I will be doing a post on some beach/vacation/summer must haves coming up soon!


Three.

The perfect "I wish it was Spring, but Since it's Valentine's Day" red nail polish. Sally Hansen All Fired Up. Pair with my new favorite base coat + top coat, your nails will last at least 5 days. Tested and proven.




Four.

Since the weather is starting approaching spring time and we live in a "no snow EVER" zone.. here are a few of my must haves this spring! Any one have a maxi dress that they just love?! If so, hollar at me, because I have been searching high and low for the perfect one. Love this black skirt and outfit from Lauren Conrad.

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Five.

There is big, big news coming from the Leitch family soon. Stay tuned!! I am just too excited/nervous not to share a little bit!!

Wedding Wednesday: Portraits

I have really been slacking on keeping up with my blog. But, my favorite posts of the week to read/write is none other than Wedding Wednesday. 

I love linking up with Jordon, and seeing all the great wedding stories/ideas/pictures/etc! 

With that being said, here are pictures from the second best part of the day. 

The first was obviously saying [I do].

I so enjoyed this time with Pat. I know I said this last week, but if you are torn between a first look to do or not to do... Do it. You won't regret it. I know it's not really tradition, but there is something about it that is so special.
 I was pretty quiet most of the getting ready phase. 

I wasn't nervous or freaking out. I was ready. I was ready to skip all the other and be with him. 

I asked our photographer in our timeline meeting to carve out plenty of time for us to take pictures. [Side note: HAVE a timeline meeting whether it be in person/email/phone whatever! That helped so much during the day!!]

Of course I wanted pictures of the bridal party, but most importantly, we wanted pictures of US. 

And LOTS of them. So we took an hour plus for just us. 

And, I am so thankful for all the pictures we have together.

So, here are some of my favorites! It is really hard to just pick a few!!

Fun fact: We took an engagement picture like the one below on total accident. I was tired and she was switching lenses, so I rested for a quick minute and wahlahh a photo was born! So, we thought it would be neat to capture that pose again. Now we have them beside each other at home!

 

 

And for a little humor....

the 'I thought it would be cute' idea

Some people openly made fun of these, but honestly, I think they are some of my faves. They just capture us perfectly. Nothing says "love" like hey, hold this pumpkin, right?!! 

 

Thanks for stopping by!