Sunday, November 10, 2013

The State of Things

Description of Photo

It's been awhile, yeah? Over a month since I last posted. I'm not necessarily offering an apology, because I don't feel that I need to, but after a much-needed break from this blog and a much more relaxed usage of and outlook on social media, I'm ready to have a conversation; however one-sided it may be at this point.

The truth is, it's been so sporadic around here because I've been having a really hard time adjusting to my new surroundings. Kallie actually nailed the feeling on the head in this post, though our catalysts do differ a bit. I've been lonely and stressed and more homesick than I ever imagined (I really couldn't wait to leave). My skin has chosen this period in my mid-twenties rather than my high school years to betray me, and I seem to only be attracted to places of employment that come with crazy owners and verbal interactions that leave me in tears (I'm aware that it could just be the fact that I'm sort of fragile at the moment). My nonsensical, highly romanticized vision of the the South has quickly been stomped into the mud by several realities of what it is to live in this part of the country; realties that I'd love to discuss at some point but may get in the way of the direction I'm headed in just now. South Carolina, or, at least, the part of my life that has occurred here so far, has not been kind to me, which makes it very hard to get motivated to blog about how awesome life is. And that's what we're all supposed to blog about, right?*

All of this is to say that if blogging wouldn't have felt so disingenuous these past couple of months I would've done it. And things are beginning to improve around here! I've found a job that promotes family-like relationships amongst its employees, I've started to make a few friends, and I'm even beginning to meet some personal goals I've had for about a year (fitness and education related, if you're curious). 

I'm planning on blogging more regularly, though there's no schedule involved. I want to reflect my life as it truly is, and not as some picture I (for some reason) feel I need to paint for the world. That's not to say I'll never do another outfit post (god knows I love clothes too much for that), but rather that I'm going to do more living rather than writing about living, and I know you'll be ok with that.

That's all for right now. Love you, kittens!


*Heavy sarcasm.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Simple

We Live Upstairs blog Simple outfit

I'm all about simplicity, lately...especially on my days off. Is it weird that I tend to dress up the most (and wear the most uncomfortable shoes) on days when I hardly get a minute to sit down? I suppose I'll chalk it up to having somewhat of a dress code to adhere to, now, and let my days off be filled with keds and ease. And spending too much money at the grocery store (cause that happens, like...a lot).

We Live Upstairs blog Simple outfit
We Live Upstairs blog Simple outfit
We Live Upstairs blog Simple outfit
Outfit details: Top/Thrifted, Skirt/Old Navy, Necklace, Shoes/Target

Also, I chopped my hair off, in case that hasn't been mentioned yet. Well, I'm off to will the hours away work until I can watch the Breaking Bad Finale! I'm making a cake just for the occasion...which may have a little something to do with my excitement about the viewing. Regardless: no spoilers, please! See y'all around!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Easy Breezy

We Live Upstairs blog Easy Breezy outfit

These were taken at the Soda City Farmer's Market here in Columbia about 3 weeks ago. Matt and I had been wanting to visit the market ever since we'd moved here, but hadn't yet made it. So, a few days after I found out I got a job (I got a job, by the way!), we rushed to visit the market before I had to work. We will definitely be going back sometime, because we didn't get near enough time to visit all of the booths! The market here is much larger than the one we frequented in Missouri, and I can't wait to explore it more! I mean, we can get virtually all of our produce for the week there. Win!

We Live Upstairs blog Easy Breezy outfit
We Live Upstairs blog Easy Breezy outfit
We Live Upstairs blog Easy Breezy outfit
We Live Upstairs blog Easy Breezy outfit
We Live Upstairs blog Easy Breezy outfit
Outfit Details: Shirt, Blazer/Target, Shorts/Thrifted, Shoes/Tuto, Bag/Thrifted, Necklace/Handmade

Have a great weekend! Do some relaxing!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Honey, Walnut, & Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream

We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe

Something you should know about me if you don't already: ice cream is my favorite food of all time. Something else you should know: I have an often insatiable sweet tooth (thanks, mom!*). What does this mean if a person possesses both of these qualities? It means that I can't just have it around the house, or I will eat all of it...all the time. However, I've found quite a decent loophole, and that is non-dairy ice cream made from frozen bananas. 

We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe

Typically, I'll use 2-3 bananas to make a single batch for Matt and I that we will eat right after making. But this time, I wanted to make a bigger batch that would last a little while. 
I had about 6 bananas that I cut into medallions. I put them in a glass container and let them freeze overnight. The next day, I let the bananas thaw for 20 minutes before blending them in a food processor. 

We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe
We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe

This is the best part about making this type of ice cream: you can add absolutely anything you want. This time, I wanted something light that still tasted like dessert, so I added honey, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. I added the majority of the honey and cinnamon in (again, as much or as little as you want) when I was blending the bananas in the processor, but you'll want to save the walnuts for toppings...otherwise they'll just get chopped up right into the ice cream. I added some more honey and cinnamon on top for garnish, and voila! A more-healthy-than-not treat.

We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe
We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe
We Live Upstairs blog Honey Walnut Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream Recipe

Have y'all tried this with any other flavorings? I'd love to know!


*This is not because she force fed me sugar at any point in my life, but rather due to genetics. Just defending your honor, momz. 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Wine Cabinet: A Re-Style

We Live Upstairs blog Wine Cabinet ReStyle

I've been wanting a bar for our home for quite awhile now. However, I'd much rather have an actual bar, like, built with wood, rather than a cart- something which takes more than a little planning and time. So, when Matt and I stumbled upon this beat up wine cabinet at a thrift store, I knew it would be the perfect temporary fix...juuuust until Matt has a couple weeks off from school. Then, the woodworking is on ; ). Plus, it only set us back $5! I did say "perfect" temporary fix, didn't I?

We Live Upstairs blog Wine Cabinet ReStyle
We Live Upstairs blog Wine Cabinet ReStyle

As you can see, it was the most horrible shade of mauve I have ever seen. The painting was done terribly, it wobbled as if it only had one leg, and had a shelf missing from the very top. But one can of a warm white, some nails and bracing, and some plywood later, she was brand new and oh so pretty : ).

We Live Upstairs blog Wine Cabinet ReStyle
We Live Upstairs blog Wine Cabinet ReStyle

We're not seasoned wine collectors quite yet, so it's still a bit empty. And it's also doubling as a bar/liquor cabinet at the moment, so it's fine. I love how clean and simple our 'lil cabinet baby turned out, and can't wait to stock it up and host a fiesta! Thanks for letting me share!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

October Sponsorship (Free Ad Swap!)

We Live Upstairs October 13 sponsor call

Happy Monday, y'all! I thought I'd start this week off by offering up some ad swaps for the month of October! If you'd like to trade ads with me (and I hope you do!), drop me an email at weliveupstairs (at) gmail (dot) com. See you tomorrow!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Scenes From Charleston

We Live Upstairs blog Scenes from Charleston

A Labor Day weekend spent in Charleston with West Coast friends at their beautiful hotel with their fountains and their Koi (I think). With friends of friends at their just-as-lovely home attending their magical forest/twinkle light gathering. Charleston is where it's at.

We Live Upstairs blog Scenes from Charleston
We Live Upstairs blog Scenes from Charleston
We Live Upstairs blog Scenes from Charleston

Monday, September 16, 2013

Move-Cation 03: The Battery and Sullivan's Island

Description of Photo

Matt and I's last stops on our move-cation with his parents were to the battery and Sullivan's Island in Charleston. The rain kept coming on and off throughout the day, so there aren't many photos to show for our adventures/perseverance. However, you can see a few of the historical houses/my dream homes that are right by the ocean, Battery Park and its amazing Live Oaks, and some seashell hunting action on Sullivan's Island beach. Enjoy!

Description of Photo
Description of Photo
^This is a poop joke.

Description of Photo
Description of Photo
^Weird owl statue that I love at the top of one of the gorgeous homes on the water.

Description of Photo
Description of Photo
Description of Photo
^This thing came alive, much to Matt's surprise ; ).

Description of Photo

See y'all tomorrow!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Winner Winner (Chicken Dinner)

Hey y'all! I'm popping in today to announce the winners of the Firmoo giveaway. Drumroll please...

We Live Upstairs blog Firmoo Giveaway winners

Congrats, guys! You will be emailed shortly (if you haven't been already) and will receive a voucher for your chosen pair of glasses. And don't forget, everyone who entered* will receive a voucher for 50% off your chosen pair of frames, plus free shipping! Everyone wins! Have a great weekend, y'all!

P.S.- If you've got a sec, would you mind helping a sister out? You can go to this link or this one (or both! ; )) and "heart" my looks. It'd make my Friday that much sweeter! <3

*Excludes winners

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Wedding Photos: Reception

Behold, the final installment of wedding photos. The most meaningful part of our wedding day was definitely the ceremony, but the reception was the most fun, without a doubt. All of our loved ones together under one roof, with wine, laughter, good food and dancing...what could be better?

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
One of the sweetest people I'll ever meet/Matt's former employer, Carla.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Matt's dad & uncle.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Balloonhead.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Matt and our nephew/ringbearer, Gavin.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
BFF Lydia and her beautiful family.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Our friend Hannah and her boo.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Aunt Jan giving an adorable toast.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Matt's mom's toast was so precious and endearing.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
BFF/Officiant Brian.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
BFFs Tyler and Jasmine. 

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
I became really fast friends with Carrie in high school. Shortly after, she moved to Sweden to be with her main squeeze (they're now engaged!) and just happened to be back in the states during the time of our wedding. I still can't believe that she got to be there. It's definitely one of the most special memories I'll have of that day.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Matt's music soulmate, Jon.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Gus AKA Abe Lincoln.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Robbie is a sweetheart and another L.A. import.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Gavin gave the cutest toast. It involved an anecdote about how Matt and I took him to the carnival (never happened) and how we are "so cool." Heartfelt and articulate, just like his uncle.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Our BFF/ceremony reader Kevin. This photo makes my heart so happy.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
BFFs (everyone is my bff, k?) Kayla and Emily. Emily also did my (amazing, if I do say so myself) hair and makeup. Also, I owe my newfound love affair with gel eyeliner to her.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Matt, his sister Alicia, and Brian.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
L-R: Samantha, Frank, Steve.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We forgot to get a plate/utensils, so it kind of just ended up in my hand. 

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Matt's face.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
If I haven't mentioned it already, and I don't think I have, Matt is musically inclined. He's been singing and playing guitar for most of his life, and has been in several bands. There's a song I've always wanted him to sing for me (Ebb Tide by The Righteous Brothers) that he's always held out on. Well, after we cut the cake, he gathered everyone around to watch as he serenaded me with the epitome of mo-town/romance. It was perfect and beautiful, though I am biased a bit. 

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Our first dance was performed, albeit offbeat as hell (thx wine & nerves!), to this song.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Friends enjoying the view.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
L-R: Loooongtime friends Kayla, me, Dana, Daniel.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Other longtime friends Bobbie and Gretchen.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
L-R: Jonathan, Kayla, me, Matt.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Carrie and Jacob.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Kayla and Daniel being #notashamed (Exhibit A)

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Exhibit B.

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
Exhibit C (swap Kyala for Dana).

We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
We Live Upstairs blog Wedding Photos Reception
This one is getting framed for sure.

And now, as a special treat for making it through this and the other four posts (oops!), you can see Matt's song to me:



Thanks for humoring me through all of these! I loved sharing this with you all. See you around!

All photos by Peter and Kayla.
Video by our friend Andrew.
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