spicing things up

We have been married 25 days. 25 days! I look at my situation now and I wonder how I managed to live without Carson for so long. 

We have been nearly inseparable every day.

Moving.

To say that the apartment needed some work would be a big understatement. We went into cleaning mode and transformed the cold, cinder block walled apartment into a warm, inviting humble abode. We can't get enough of it. 

(Moving eleven times and watching Extreme Homemaker has its benefits.)

Experimenting with Recipes 

and 

Cooking w/ Cute Matching Aprons, of course. 
(Carson's aunt made the aprons for us.)

 For our wedding my mother and grandmother compiled a recipe book for us with dozens of "favorites" recipes from close family members and friends. IN THE BACK, there are a dozen or so recipes from my great-great grandmother Annie Eva Smith and GG (my great-grandma)--in THEIR handwriting. It is treasure and one of my favorite things I received. I benefit from some pretty marvelous cooks in my family but since I have moved out on my own, I never really picked it up. Often times I would get so busy, I would forget to eat entirely...I don't know how that works. During our courtship Carson probably did more of the cooking than I did, and if I did anything, I would use my go-to: Chicken-Alfredo or any pasta for that matter, salad with fruit and string cheese slices, and brownies.  

However, I always took keen mental notes in the kitchen whenever my mom cooked. Ever since I got this recipe book, I have (re)discovered a love for food and for cooking. The first time I went to the grocery store, I was there for hours--bargain shopping, stocking up on food, and mostly looking for ingredients that I had never bought before or in some cases, even finding myself capable of pronouncing. 

Every night, thus far, I have tried a new recipe.

favorites so far:
(*They are divine, I have the recipes if you want to try em' out.)
*Chicken Cordon Bleu
*Honey lime chicken enchiladas 
*Crock Pot Chicken (easy & delicious)
*Spinach Salad
*Chicken Tortilla Soup
*Banana Bread
*Lemon chicken


To say the least, I surprise myself (and my mom) every day with what I create. Carson and I have a blast exploring and developing new skills together. 

This little kitchen is not only a place that fuels my cooking desire but it is fueling our love. We turn on a little Pandora, grab our matching aprons, sing, cook, dance, cook, have siri set the timer, and excitedly enjoy sweet company and food. 

We even spice things up with a little Martinelli sometimes to celebrate, us.

Above-->our first dinner in our little apartment!

Carson is showing off his mad fruit slicing and juice-making skills. :) 

One night, after my death day (aka Mondays=12 hours on campus), Cars picked me up and brought me home to this.... 

 a candle-night dinner. 

(w/ full meal and dessert)

 and a bonus: he did the laundry! 

I just about cried tears of joy. That is my husband!

(I promise I brush my hair, despite these pics showing otherwise.)