Bride Guide

"Here comes the bride ... "

Getting engaged was one of the most exciting moments of my life. When you say "Yes", to that special someone and decide to spend your life together, it's an amazing feeling.

Yet, the time spent planning a wedding can be super intense. If you are not careful, you can get lost in the moment. Today, I'm giving some advice to the newly engaged, bride-to-be. These tips are a few things that I learned during that special time in my life.

  1. Keep calm. You will be pulled in a million directions - cake tastings, venue tours, and flower selections. Make sure to keep yourself calm, focused, and well rested. This time should be exciting, and not draining.
  2. Surround yourself with supportive people. When I was engaged to G, there were a lot of people who were supportive and kind. Then there were those who weren't so happy for our special moment. Surrounding yourself with a great support system truly makes all the difference in the world.
  3. Put you and your partner first. Unfortunately, people will try to make your wedding about themselves. They will try add their two-cents into your special day. At the end of it all, it's about you and your soon-to-be spouse. If the two of you want a chocolate cake wedding cake ... get it. Don't make decisions based on people's expectations. Do what is best for the both of you, and what makes you the happiest.
  4. Stay healthy. It can be a busy and chaotic time. Personally, I was working full-time, wedding planning, managing family expectations, and coordinating the bridal parties. Make sure to stay healthy - mentally and physically. Consistently work out, eat well, take a break, and get some rest. During my engagement, I went to yoga or barre class a few times a week, and scheduled a 90-minute massage once a month. These activities were key for me to stay healthy.
  5. Embrace every moment. We planned our wedding for about 12 months. It was a fun but very busy time. G and I made it a priority to enjoy every moment. The wedding day went by super fast! Make sure you take a moment to step back and embrace the moments leading up to and on the big day.

Tip: We scheduled date night once a week during our engagement where we did not talk about the wedding planning process at all!

What are some things you are looking forward to on your special day? Also, if you are a Mrs. what were your favorite moments from the big day?

XO, Analise

Registry Tips & Picks

Selecting items for our wedding registry was so much fun! It was one of my favorite moments during our engagement a few years ago.

G and I did our registry at Bed Bath & Beyond. We really enjoyed this activity together.

Below are some of the items we registered for. Included are a few things we probably should have put on the registry!

  1. Beverage Glasses - This should be staple in your kitchen! We have several beverage glasses that are amazing. They go with various place settings and are very functional in our day-to-day dining.
  2. Air Fryer - The air fryer has recently become very popular. My mom gifted us this wonderful item during Christmas and we love it!
  3. Nonstick Bakeware - If you are a baker like me, this set will come in handy! I love to bake around the holiday season, and this is a lifesaver.
  4. Dinnerware - This casual dinnerware set is durable and really nice! It is always good to get a neutral set that both you and your partner will love.
  5. Nonstick Cookware - I had a great cookware set prior to getting married, but now I'm kicking myself, and should have upgraded on our registry. G actually surprised me recently with a new cookware set. Did I mention how awesome he is?
  6. Picture Frame - We love pictures! When we received our engagement and wedding photos from our talented photographer getting the perfect frame was a must. This exact frame is in our living room, and our favorite wedding photo sits in it.
  7. Decanter - G and I love wine! We made sure that a few wine accessories made the list. Having an amazing decanter that you love or any bar accessory is key for a winning wedding registry.
  8. Sheet Set - Whether it is for your master suite or guest room, having extra linens is an absolute must. 
  9. Stand Mixer - This item didn't make our registry. G surprised me with the stand mixer a few months before our wedding. I absolutely love it! I use it for all of my baking needs. On our registry, we added some of the neat attachments to make it multi-functional! 
  10. Flatware - It is essential to have a quality set of flatware.  Whether you choose casual or formal flatware, a complete set is definitely needed to accompany your dinnerware or china.
  11. China - My mother and grandmother have always had the most beautiful china. Growing up, I knew it was a matter of time before I'd own a gorgeous set of my own. Our set was one of the many items my mama and grandma got us for our big day. This is our exact wedding china, and I could not be more in love with it. It took us awhile to select the perfect pattern. Yet, when we located this lovely design it was an easy yes!
  12. Table Runner - We have a wooden dining table, and it was necessary to dress it up a bit. You can select mats, runner, or centerpieces to elevate your table. Try and decide how you'll decorate your table, and add those items to the registry!

What are some things you'd like to add to your registry?

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

The A-List

"Looking at beautiful things is what makes me the happiest." - Ali MacGraw

Here are a few of my recent finds that I absolutely adore!

The most adorable pouches designed by Katie Loxton. I picked them up at a local shop in Norfolk, VA. 

I picked up this beautiful Jo Malone London fragrance for myself during the holiday season. This is the perfect scent and I'm so glad I have it in my collection.

Debra Cartwright is a talented artist and I adore her work! We own three of her pieces. This is the new addition to our collection!

Our local wine shop Tinto is amazing! When G and I purchased a few bottles of wine, they stored them in this beautiful box as a keepsake. 

Recently, I have been doing away with wallets and getting card cases instead! All Saints is a quality brand. Also, I own one of their amazing bags - it is simply perfect! 

This Tory Burch mini bag is absolutely gorgeous. I scored it at the new outlet in Norfolk, VA.  This is my go to bag for everyday wear. It has the perfect pop of blue that is so classic!

 

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Cabin Fever

"Winter is a season of recovery and preparation." - Paul Theroux

G and I have been snowed in for almost 4 days in Virginia Beach! Our city was hit with a blizzard that is rarely seen in our area. We even lost power during the first day snowed in! Nonetheless, we made the extra time spent at home worthwhile. 

Below are tips on how we fought cabin fever!

  1. Declutter, clean, or organize your home. Take this time to clean out your house! I cleaned out my closet and took time to decide whether to toss, donate, or sell items.
  2. Listen to a podcast, or read a book. While snowed in, I was finally able to listen to all of my podcasts! Also, I started reading a new book! It's so nice to have downtime, and catch up on my favorite hobbies! 
  3. Binge watch a show. I'm very much into Netflix and love finding different shows to watch! For the past several weeks, I've been addicted to Friends. I was so thrilled in knowing that I'd be able to watch several episodes of this fantastic show.
  4. Try new recipes. You all know that I love to cook. During this time, I used out my new Air Fryer my mom got G and I for Christmas! Trying new recipes and playing with gadgets has been a blast!
  5. Get some much needed rest. Unfortunately, I don't get many opportunities to sleep in. With this snowstorm, I've gotten much needed rest. I have been able to wake up on my own time, make a cup of tea, and lounge around the house - it has been absolutely glorious!

What are some things you do when you're snowed in?

XO, Analise

Dining In

"The most essential part of my day is a proper dinner." - Rachael Ray

Currently G and I are snowed in at our home in Virginia Beach. During this time, we have been testing out some of the new kitchen gadgets I received for Christmas. We love trying new recipes, and the one I'm sharing today is our new favorite!

Earlier this week I made a scallop risotto dish for G, and he absolutely enjoyed it. Today, I am sharing this amazing recipe with all of you!

What You'll Need:

Step 1: Get that risotto going! 

  • In a heavy 2 qt. saucepan, saute rice in ½ Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  • Add 2 1/2 cups of water and contents of seasoning pouch. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to simmer, cook uncovered for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until rice is tender.

Step 2: Now, begin cooking your bacon. Take several pieces of bacon, and cut them into thin strips. Then fry the bacon bits in a small pan over low to medium heat.

Step 3: Next, begin to saute your finely chopped mushrooms and asparagus spears. 

  • Add a ½ Tbsp. olive oil and lemon pepper sea salt into the pan of mushrooms. For the asparagus, add a ½ Tbsp. olive oil, black pepper and ½ Tbsp. olive oil. Both items should be cooked over medium heat.

* Pro Tip: Check on your veggies often to ensure they do not over cook. 

Step 4: Now, it is time for the scallops! Add a ½ Tbsp. butter and ½ Tbsp. olive oil into a pan over medium/high heat. Make sure that pan is hot to ensure the scallops have a nice golden brown sear on both sides. The scallops should cook for no more than 2 minutes on each side.

* Pro Tip: Pat your scallops dry to make sure there is not any extra moisture before searing. Also, season the scallops right before placing them into the pan. I use lemon pepper sea salt - and it is amazing!

* Bonus Pro Tip: Do not cook your scallops too long! Scallops become tough and chewy when they are overcooked.

Step 5: Finally, add your cooked mushrooms and bacon to the risotto. Stir the ingredients together in the saucepan.

Step 6: Plate, serve, and enjoy!

XO, Analise