The Friday Report

via Darling Magazine

Hello Lovelies! This morning I mistook the day for Monday…Monday! If there’s a sure sign that I’m ready for the weekend, that’s it.

I just ordered envelopes for my wedding invitations this week, eek! The plan is to address them myself, so this new calligraphy practice May Book is just what I need.

You can can do it. (No, that’s not a typo.)

I love crafts and gold leaf therefore I love this DIY. SO. MANY. CRAFT. IDEAS.

Speaking of crafts, who wants to go with me to a Be Crafty Workshop?

I desperately want one of these mini masterpieces.

Seriously crushing on Darling Magazine and their mission.

Favorite Instagrammer: @designcrush

Best Sale: J.Crew Factory (50% off everything in stores)

Favorite Makeup Blog:  Lora Kelley

Need to know: Women who changed the world

Best Useless Information: Things you didn’t know about red heads

Our Favorite Spring Bouquets

Here at VOF, we are ready for spring. It’s been pretty balmy in our neck(s) of the woods lately (sorry, Northerners), so we thought we’d put together some floral inspiration to match our cheerful moods. Enjoy!

Florist: Fern Studio Photographer: Landon Jacob Florist: Green and Bloom  Photographer: Munster Rose  Florist: Bows and Arrows Source: D Weddings  Florist: NLC Productions Photographer: Braedon Photography  Florist: McKenzie Powell Floral and Event Design Photographer: Michele M. Waite Photography  Florist: Erin Keller Photographer: Ciara Richardson  Florist: Stems of Dallas Photographer: Half Orange Photography  Photographer: Erin Hearts Court Photography Florist: Fern Studio Photographer: Landon Jacob Photographer: Landon Jacob Florist: Bows and Arrows Photographer: Cassidy Carson  Florist: Jesi Haack Design Photographer: Mr. Haack  Florist: Marisa’s Millefiori Photographer: Twin Lens Florist: Historic Cedarwood Photographer: Elizabeth Messina

Wednesday Wish List

1. KENZO round-frame acetate sunglasses | 2. Nike Roshe Run | 3. The Row Leather Backpack | 4. Victoria’s Secret Cami Sport Bra | 5. Byredo Apocalyptic scented candle | 6. Fujifilm Instax 210 | 7. Madeleine Thompson Cashmere Playsuit (really, who doesn’t want to wear something called a playsuit?) | 8. Zara silk satin ankle strap flat sandals | 9. MAC 163 Flat Top Contour Brush | 10. River Island Lime Box Clutch Bag

The Friday Report

via Cooking Classy

Hello Friday! It’s been a crazy week.  And now it’s Valentine’s Day which means forgoing all diets and people can’t judge you for being overly mushy.The beau and I are planning a romantic dinner at McDonald’s followed up by an all-night House of Cards marathon. (Totally kidding about the McDonald’s).

Last week kicked off Fashion Month which means I’ve been glued to my Instagram feed 24/7. The Olympics also kicked off last week, which would mean I’d be glued to the TV if I had it, so instead I’m obsessively refreshing the medal count. So many things to obsess over, so little time! Don’t worry though, with all that time on the interweb, I tracked down some pretty kick ass links for this week’s Friday Report.

What better way to keep up with my obsessions (and wedding planning) than this ingenious bullet journal?

You’re about to lose hours of your time on this baby name website. Is your name a wizards hat? Find out what that means (and a million more awesome facts about names) on Wait But Why.

Who knew art could look so delicious and be so entertaining all at once?

Proof that Canadians get all the perks. Also, can we get one of these in our office?

Our inner Friday Night Lights fans are GOING NUTS over this temporary re-appearance of FNL characters.

I’m starving. Make me a churro, please?

Favorite Instagrammer: @CaitlinClaireXO

Best Sale: Neiman Marcus

Favorite Fashion Blog:  Look Linger Love

Need to know:  Asking for a Raise

Best Useless Information: The Soshi Games

City E-Session Inspiration

This past week I got a little obsessive over city engagement sessions while doing some research for a friend. Obviously C & I love our outdoor, natural settings (as you can see in our e-sessions here and here), but part of me secretly wants to go for round two in an urban setting. Cityscapes lend themselves to more formal attire, more candid photos, and sometimes even a air of romance. Check out the collection below for some tips on making the most of a urban e-session! Click through the photos for links to even more inspiration and details on these talented photographers.

Date night or e-photos? Who cares when you capture a moment this adorable.

Use the backdrop as an excuse to dress to the nines.

Still feeling a need for some greenery? Take a picnic blanket to a local park.

Do you really need an excuse to order a milkshake?

A no-fail photo op? Find a stunning backdrop, grab your S.O. and plant one on them.

This photo is so simple, no props, no formal wear, but I love it. It truly looks like a scene from what could be their everyday lives.

Skyscrapers not necessary, storefronts with character may be all you need!

Before you run off in search of the perfect field or barn, consider what your own city or neighborhood has to offer. It might surprise you!  If you’re having trouble thinking of creative backdrops, consult your photographer. They may have a go-to location that consistently produces stunning results, or perhaps they have a place in mind they’ve been dying to do an e-session. You won’t know unless you ask!

Wednesday Wish List

1. Miu Miu Cotton and Silk-Organza Peplum Tank | 2. OPI Nail Lacquer in Lucky, Lucky Lavender | 3. Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Earrings | 4. Holden Collection Small Table Lamp | 5. Irving Place Pete’s Wing Chair | 6. Fiurica Oversized Satin-Trimmed Pique Coat | 7. Kate Spade Inspired Dinner Party | 8. Floral Delacorte Bangle | 9. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh | 10. Dolce & Gabbana Lace-trimmed Strech-Silk Satin Robe | 11. Kate Spade Rialto Place Sally | 12. Finn 18k Yellow Gold Love Knot Ring | 13. Free Valentine’s Printable!

Wednesday Wish List

1. Christian Louboutins | 2. Paula Cademartori RTW | 3. Marni Resina Resin Earrings | 4. Dries Van Noten Top | 5. Estee Lauder Crystal Herringbone Powder | 6. Philosophy Purity Cleansing Cloths | 7. Bobbi Brown – Pink Kiss | 8. Current/Elliott The Fling Distressed Denim Jeans | 9. TIBI Pre-Fall 2014 | 10. Saint Laurent Gold-Plated Onyx Ring 

Soup for Days

Soup is one of my favorite things to make. It’s easy, I can leave it the crock-pot and come home to a fresh meal after work, and most of all, it’s delicious! On Sunday, S and I through a Soup-er Bowl party. I got this idea from some friends, the Walsh family, back in Salt Lake City over the Christmas Holiday. Granted, they had about 8 different soups at their party, our party for 12, did not call for as much variety. If you are ever seeking great recipes, I seriously recommend this family’s blog, The Walsh Cookbook. I got two of my soup recipes for here: Crab and Brie Soup and Bacon & Jalapeño Corn Chowder from this lovely family blog. I promise you won’t regret checking out these recipes. S also made an awesome chili with a middle-eastern flare. Here is the recipe for that:

S’s Chili

What you’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 6 slices of thick cut bacon, sliced into small pieces
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can red beans
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoons ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 medium white onions, diced
• 10 garlic cloves, halved
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese, for garnish
• chopped green onions, for garnish
• sour cream, for garnish

Directions:

Sauté bacon in a sauté pan. Once cooked, drain all but 2 Tablespoons of the grease. Add brown sugar and raisins and let caramelize. On the side, in a large soup pot, heat the olive oil. Season the beef shoulder all over with salt and pepper, add it to the pot and brown it. As it’s browning stir in the chili powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano and cinnamon. Add bacon and raisin mixture. Lower the temperature under the meat to “toast” the spices. In a food processor puree the onions, garlic, and tomato paste and add it to the pot. Increase the heat to medium to steam vegetables a little. Drain and add beans. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch, about 1 quart, and add tomatoes with their liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is fork-tender and comes apart with no resistance, about 2 hours. As it cooks down, add more water, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish each serving with the shredded Cheddar, green onions, and sour cream.

Enjoy!

Sunday Savings

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! S and I are hosting a SOUP-er bowl party. I will be sharing some awesome soup recipes on Tuesday, so definitely stop by again to see those. For now, here are some of our favorite sale items of the week. Enjoy!

Sunday Savings by thevowsoffriendship featuring a ruffle blanket

3.1 Phillip Lim pleated pants / Lilka Frosted Lace Cowlneck / Tory Burch ankle boots / Banana Republic black bracelet / CB2 accent chair / Kennebunk Home ruffle blanket / Wayfair.com – Online Home Store for Furniture, Decor, Outdoors & More…

The Friday Report

via The Cake Blog

Eat this cake for breakfast. Seriously.

We love everything in this Etsy shop, but this “Girl Test” takes the cake. (Apparently, I’ve got cake on the brain this morning…)

15 ways to digitally detox.

Changing all my passwords immediately. Because of a cartoon.

The most challenging part of this DIY would be keeping your purse organized. We say it’s worth it.

Remember our New Years resolution to read more? Well book club book number one is becoming a movie. Commence CRYFEST2014.

21 reasons why old people are the best at social media.

Favorite Instagrammer: @LeighViner

Best Sale: WeddingChannel.com (Codes: WIN30, 90LOVE)

Favorite Wedding Blog:  Bash, Please

Need to know:  How to stop blowing money on things you don’t need

Best Useless Information: Turn a quote into a masterpiece