Day 557: Pinterest

I've just been invited to the coolest new thing. It's a digital bulletin board, called Pinterest. Thanks Julia. I am checking out great home projects, entertaining ideas, fun words, and lots of pretty things.

Here's a little more about Pinterest:
Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world.

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And here's a little sample of what I've been pinning:


Dreamy decorating ideas.



Home ideas.



Words, words...



And more words...



Monogrammed plates. Yes, monogrammed.



Harding will love this. Brad will not.


Check me out at pinterest.com/ktlf

Day 528-534: Spring Break

During Knox County Spring Break, more than the schools close down. The city was quiet. The church was peaceful. I was at rest. I do like to be busy, but it was nice to have a week to sit, work, plan, think, clean, and sassed up for Spring.

1. Here are a few of things i did while everyone else seemed to be out of town: Worked on long range planning and a year by year objectives plan for our children's ministry.

2. Continued course work toward my certificate in non-profit management at the University of Tennessee.

3. Clean out all my closets, making room for spring and summer clothes.

4. Fell in love with my spring and summer wardrobe and (not to be too personal) celebrated the fact that I have not gained weight during the first few months of marriage (so many people warned me, but Brad and I have both prevailed).

5. Ran. A lot.

6. While I ran, day dreamed. Big.

7. Walked with Janetta, Kris, and my husband.

8. Got new pillows, pulled out a wedding gift bedding, and gave our room a redo. It look fabulous.

9. Read lots of blogs about decorating, Jesus, and Emily’s trip to Germany.

10. Taught Harding Japanese and enrolled him in art classes.

11. Best of all, I had a wonderful dinner with my family and this YouTube quiz:

Day 526: Glass Bazaar

Friday I wen tot one of my favorite shops in Bearden and a realized - I have not blogged about this yet!
It is the Glass Bazaar! Located on Bearden Hill, they have more than everything you need for your kitchen, for entertaining, and for gift giving. It is also a great place for advice on products and creative table spacing ideas. Or you can take a cooking class there - which I would love to do! Friday, I picked up some cute and versitle wicker chargers, I used them for a dinner party that night. Plus, I think they will be a nice mix to dress down our fine china for Easter. I also put some cute monogrammed coffee mugs on my "wish list." In case anyone is looking for a birthday idea for me...

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Day 521: Rachel's Shower

Guacamole. Brittany's perfect recipe. Because the bride loves avocados.

"Sweet Sushi." In honor of the first date.

Apple Pie. Our bride's favorite dessert.

Laura's cheese ball recipe, made by Laurie. It's the grooms favorite...we had it even though he was not there.

Chicken Salad. Great chicken salad. The bride's recipe.

Carrots. Because we thought we should have something healthy.

Rasberry Coffee with White Chocalote Creamer. It makes the world go round.

Red. Our bride's wine of choice.

Green Tea. Hot and cold, because because the bride loves both.

It was a perfect menu for a perfect shower. There is something so personal about a wedding shower. Every bride is so different. And being on this side of marriage, I realize more and more the unique gifts of each couple and each marriage. And in our new home, I realize more and more about engaging personalized attention to detail in our own ministry of hospitality.

On Sunday, our house was the setting for a cozy getting together of 25 women who love Rachel and are so excited she'll be marrying Ethan in a matter of weeks. I never imagined so many people could fit in our living room so well. And Rachel said she was so blessed by all the pictures, notes, and gifts that guests contributed that afternoon.

It was so fun to through the shower with Holly and Brittany. So wonderful to celebrate with women of 2nd. So delightful to watch Kylie and Blakely, from our children's ministry, be our little gift runners. And most of all, such a blessing to get to pray over this bride-to-be and their upcoming marriage.

My the Lord continue to work in them and through them, for His glory!

Dat 468: Pot Roast

No, mine did not look like that one. The pot roast above belongs to the Pioneer Woman. But, I did use a variation on 2 of her recipes (this one and this one) to make my first pot roast. Pot roast has never been my favorite, but it is one of Brads. This recipe had a lot of flavor. So, not only was I proud of my new culinary experience - I enjoyed eating it too!

Here's the recipe...cause I am addicted to blogs that feature recipes. I am such a wannabe.

Combine the following ingredigents and cook on low for 8 hours in your crock pot.
* 1 1/2 lbs. Pot Roast (this was the smallest i could find)
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 2 whole Onions (quartered)
* 4 Red Potatoes (sliced very thick)
* 1/2 bag baby Carrots
* Salt To Taste
* Pepper To Taste
* 2 cans of Beer (we stock PBR)
* Worcester, 3 tablespoons or maybe it was more
* Thyme, one tablespoon
* Parsley, be generous
* Garlic powder (because who keep around fresh garlic to mince at your leisure), one tablespoon

Next time, I will look to include more Worcester

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Day 435: Baking Day

Today was my first major holiday baking day. It was a perfect day. I was charged up from breakfast at Pete's with my husband and running Saturday errands. And I got to work. Now, I am stucked up for the season and all the celebrations. So, stop by and get any of the following...

Sam's Winter Bark
Anything that involves white chocolate and oreos cannot miss.

PB and Chocolate cookies
A Landon family tradition, these cookies are a lot like Girl Scout tag-a-longs...only better.

Lemon Squares
A favorite of William Bradley.

Sugar Cookies
With all the splendor and sprinkles of the season!

Angie's Toffee
So, so good. I topped it with bit-of-brittle, instead of nuts

There were also some dips and breads to get ready for tomorrow's open house honoring our wonderful volunteers from 2nd Pres! Here's to a happy holiday!!

Day 423: Advent Wreath

In addition to our wonderful Christmas tree, my favorite thing about the holiday decor that is all over our house, if the Advent wreath I just made. I used the lovely silver candlesticks that the Stewarts, Mandy, and Jelleys gave us as wedding gifts.
We are all set for the holiday season and I am so proud of the first "real" advent wreath I have ever made.
In honor of this, and for any of you who are less familiar with this tradition, here is some information we shared with our 2nd Pres families about this holiday tradition!

The Advent Wreath
For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ. By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ's birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives.

The Candles and their Meaning
Use these reminders as you use your wreath each week.
1st CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF HOPE" - First week
We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises he made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)
2nd CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF PREPARATION" - Second week
Preparation means to 'get ready'. "Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!" (Luke 3:4-6)
3rd CANDLE- (pink) "CANDLE OF JOY" - Third week
The angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)
4th CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF LOVE" - Fourth week
God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17)
5th CANDLE - (white) "CHRIST CANDLE" - Fifth week
The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins!
His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! (John 1:29 and John 3:1-8)

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Day 411: Cooking for 100

12 heads of lettece. 4 onions. 9 pounds of ground beef. 3 bottles of catalina dressing. Tons of chips. Cheese. Enough salsa to swim in. And more!
That's what it took to cook for 100 girls this afternoon.
Yep.
That is right.
100..ish.
And I did it all in about 90 minutes in my sweet little kitchen.
Then, once the food (and Brittany's fabulous soup and fixin's) made it to campus, the sweetest girls from the Chi O chapter at UT just kept coming and coming and coming. And Brittany and I just got to keep serving and serving and serving. They were so cute. So fun. So many great names. Kate. Kaitlin. Catherine. And Katie!
All the while, I was thinking about Rachel, Kim, Becky, and all the wonderful folks who made meals for me while I was in college in Spartanburg!
Now, I am So, so glad to pay it forward and looking forward to getting to know some of the girls better. And I am praying that my favs have yummy meals cooked for them at Clemson, Carolina, Samford, CofC, Catwaba, and even Wofford.
And, I now have a "go to" recipe for 50+ people. Thanks Mindy and Kristy!
Do you need to serve 100 people? Here is the what I recommend->

Day 384 and 385: Our Garage and my Office

#1 The Garage. A.K.A. former sight of insanity and confusion.
It cleaned. It is organized. You can find anything in there! Our garage looks amazing! So proud of our fall cleaning and effective storage and the way we are putting our wedding gifts to prompt use!

#2 My New Office. A.K.A. What is this room?
Meantime, upstairs...our nook/loft/upstairs-room/little-space-that-we-did-not-know-what-to-do-with, has been wonderfully converted to my new office/sewing-room/quiet-space.
Who needs 4 bedrooms when you are newlywed and you can have 2 bedrooms and 2 offices!

I love our house!!

So, I have unpacked an obscene number of wedding gifts and shower presents over the past few months. One of my favorite was the crock pot I got from Alisa, one my my bridesmaids who hosted my first shower. I have been so excited for it to get cool outside, so I can put it to use making some hardy meals!
It's is definitely getting cold outside...or should I say "chili"! That's what I made Thursday to slow cock and enjoy Friday night with friends at the house. So yummy, over macaroni, just like i learned to eat in South Carolina.

PS...Yes, I do still have my old crock pot. My mom gave it to me a few years ago when she upgraded. It was a wedding gift to her! Next weekend, I plan to cook for a crowd and use both!

Day ???: Recipes

So, an absolute favorite part of married life is cooking at home. Monday night we were home and got to enjoy white chicken pasta (I sauteed green peppers in it this time, per my husband's request) and spiced carrots, along with rolls. I may never be the ultimate recipe blogger, like Laura and her special treats. But I collected so many recipes and cookbooks during our engagement, that I am loving exploring them all!
So, if you are hungry for supper, please stop by. We'll be on the back porch and there is always an extra seat!

Day 266: Initialy Amy Fay

Here's a pretty little something we are adding to our cross wall in our house. It's a ceramic piece from Initially Amy Fay. It came via the fabulous Abigail...Amy Fay's sister.

About Initially Amy Fay
"A beautiful engraved acrylic tray that was given to me and my husband, Jeff, for our wedding sparked the idea for Initially Amy Fay. Having become my serving piece of choice over the years, our simple yet elegant tray--engraved with my initial--was appropriate for all occasions, coordinated with any decor and could be dressed up or down. As I was shopping at the first Tinsel and Treasure, a Junior League of Knoxville Christmas shopping extravaganza, I was excited to find and buy several engraved acrylic pieces from one vendor. As I walked out of the opening night gala in 2002 of this now annual event with my newest acrylic pieces, I commented to my husband and a dear girlfriend that I could do that.
My girlfriend told me about Southern Market, an upscale group of unique interior shops. Two days later I signed a lease without a clue about where to find acrylic much less anything else. Happily it has all worked out, and if you are one of our wonderful customers, many thanks! Having celebrated Initially Amy Fay's seventh anniversary in 2009, I am thrilled to have IAF enter the online world in 2010! Today, IAF shops feature initialed gifts of every description. Sophisticated, adorable, professional--whatever your gift needs--we strive to make sure you can find that perfect, thoughtful touch at Initially Amy Fay. "

More at www.initiallyamyfay.com (Source)

Day 262: My Grandpa

Today, it's offical, I feel like a homeowner. The day I have waited for my whole life has arrived. I have watched my parents and aunt and uncles all experience this milestone. I have so looked forward to my turn.
Today, I called my grandfather and asked him to come work on my house!

We put up a cabinet. Since we moved in, I have wondered why a previous owner took it down. But my grandfather, the handiest-man-in-America figured out that it had previously been put up incorrectly. So, it may have fallen in the past. But he got it right. This time, it'll never, ever fall. And the lovely glasses we are receiving as thoughtful wedding gifts will have a home for years and years to come!

Here are a couple of favorite quote from Grandpa, as he was working away today:

"I feel sorry for anyone who tries to take this down, they are going to wonder what crazy old german man bolted it to the wall."

"When they demolish this house after we're all dead, this cabinet and the stud I screwed it into are going to be the last things standing."

Thanks Grandpa! And happy early Father's Day!

Day 234: Place settings

We just got our first piece of everyday china and our first piece of our fine china. We have selected 2 of the most traditional patterns around, but we absolutely love them! Here they are, with a pieces of our fine dining - these are some of the registry items we are most excited about, so thankful for, and blessed to receive.
We have the best friends and family ever!
Currently, they are sitting on the counter, as I think about holiday dinner with our families, super clubs on the back patio, and maybe being a breakfast group mom...someday, not any day soon, but these dishes should last a long time. We are so blessed!

Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Pink China


French Countryside


Wedgwood Knightsbridge Crystal

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More info is here on our wedding website. (Yes, this is a shameless plug for you to sign our guestbook!) Click here->

Day 226: Beautiful and the Back Porch

The past few weeks have been so full that I have hardly had a moment to be still. But this morning has been a huge blessing. Waiting on the cable guy at our new house and doing a little reading and journaling. I am in love with our back porch, our lush backyard, and the birds that are all about. Wow, the Lord has really brought me to a great place today and has blessed Brad and I with a wonderful house.
My prayer this morning is that I always remember that the Lord is the provider and perfecter of it all. He is the one who make life Beautiful!

You are the One
Josh Ridings Band

Come and sing there’s beauty in our offering
Come receive the gift of perfect peace

Jesus You are the One The One who makes life beautiful, yeah
You are the One The One who makes life beautiful, yeah
You are the One Who took my place that I may be set free

Come and bring your heart to lay before the King
Come believe that He is all you need

Jesus You are the One The One who makes life beautiful, yeah
You are the One The One who makes life beautiful, yeah
You are the One Who took my place that I may be set free

The Son of God is near
Lord, meet us here

Jesus You are the One The One who makes life beautiful, yeah
You are the One The One who makes life beautiful, yeah
You are the One Who took my place that I may be set free


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Day 220: Dependable Movers

2 and a half hours.
3 guys.
No problems.
1400 square feet...a big attic of stuff.
1 truck.
No problems.
Great move.
Welcome home.

I seriously recommend Dependable Movers.

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Day 214: Our New Home!

It is official! The future Fitch family has a new home. We are proud home owners in the Forest Heights neighborhood of Knoxville!

Here is a little history of the neighborhood from the Forest Heights Neighborhood Association Website

The heavily wooded, hilly neighborhood now called Forest Heights has been a stable, attractive, and desirable residential area for over seventy years. The present neighborhood is made up of four separate subdivisions - Forest Hills, Forest Heights, Highland Hills and Highland Hills Addition, bounded on the east just east of Forest Hills, to the south by Sutherland, to the west by Highland Memorial Cemetary, to the north by Interstate 40/75, and in its entirety was annexed by the City of Knoxville in 1960.

Although the earliest homes of the area are from the 1920s and 1930s, most of the building is of the post World War II period. The residents of this neighborhood were and are a diverse group of people who have found the location, the natural beauty and the friendliness of their neighbors an enticement to move here, to raise their families, and often to remain and welcome their grown children back as new homeowners in the neighborhood.

Photo Credit

Day 183: My Sewing Machine

Yes, that is right. For my birthday, my amazing mother got me a great, great gift. She is up to her eyes in plans and projects for my wedding. But never the less, she had the time and thoughtfulness to surprise me with an awesome, awesome birthday gift - A sewing machine. No more using someone's used machine sometimes. I have my own. Grandma Theilen will be so proud, maybe even more excited then my mom and I. Meanwhile, my father is explaining to my fiance how much money one really "saves" with frequent trips to Jo Ann's fabrics. Hahaha.
If you know my family, you know that sewing is a huge tradition. My
The icing on the cake? Patterns to make curtain for our new home!

Photo Credit

Day 181: O.P. Jenkins

Monday, I was on the hunt for some decorating and gift ideas. That brought me to O.P. Jenkins, a downtown Ktown furniture store. Brad suggested that I go and I told him, "I think you have created a monster. I love that place."
Above are a few of my favorite things and design ideas.

Photo Credit

Day 151: Linnea, Tony, Mollie, & Joe

Saturday night, we had some of our favorite fellow new members from 2nd Pres over to Brad's condo for dinner. We hope to do it again soon and perhaps with more of our new friends. It was a great night and here are a couple of the fun things I learn and random surprises.

The oven in Brad's condo really does take a long time to reheat.

You can never have too much Pimento's pimento cheese.

Kitchen sink? Ha!

Michigan makes great Riesling.

Brad learned why we need to register for a trifle bowl.

6:30 turns into 11:30 before you know it.

Looking forward to next time...