The State of Things

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.

Simple

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).

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!

Easy Breezy

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!

Outfit Details: Shirt, Blazer/Target, Shorts/Thrifted, Shoes/Tuto, Bag/Thrifted, Necklace/Handmade

Have a great weekend! Do some relaxing!

Honey, Walnut, & Cinnamon Non-Dairy Ice Cream

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Wine Cabinet: A Re-Style

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?

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'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!

October Sponsorship (Free Ad Swap!)

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!

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.

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

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!

^This is a poop joke.

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

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

See y'all tomorrow!

Winner Winner (Chicken Dinner)

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

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

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?

One of the sweetest people I'll ever meet/Matt's former employer, Carla.

Matt's dad & uncle.

Balloonhead.

Matt and our nephew/ringbearer, Gavin.

BFF Lydia and her beautiful family.

Our friend Hannah and her boo.

Aunt Jan giving an adorable toast.

Matt's mom's toast was so precious and endearing.

BFF/Officiant Brian.

BFFs Tyler and Jasmine. 

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.

Matt's music soulmate, Jon.

Gus AKA Abe Lincoln.

Robbie is a sweetheart and another L.A. import.

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.

Our BFF/ceremony reader Kevin. This photo makes my heart so happy.

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.

Matt, his sister Alicia, and Brian.

L-R: Samantha, Frank, Steve.

We forgot to get a plate/utensils, so it kind of just ended up in my hand. 

Matt's face.

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. 

Our first dance was performed, albeit offbeat as hell (thx wine & nerves!), to this song.

Friends enjoying the view.

L-R: Loooongtime friends Kayla, me, Dana, Daniel.

Other longtime friends Bobbie and Gretchen.

L-R: Jonathan, Kayla, me, Matt.

Carrie and Jacob.

Kayla and Daniel being #notashamed (Exhibit A)

Exhibit B.

Exhibit C (swap Kyala for Dana).

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.