Long-Overdue Update, Part One: Bridal Shower

I haven't had much time to post anything new in the last few months, mostly because time is short when you're planning a wedding! However, a bunch of great things have happened lately, so here's a photo summary (part one)....

Bridal Shower 3.3.12

My amazing friends - Elizabeth, Kasey, and Robynn - threw the most wonderful tea party bridal shower. The day included heirloom tea cups, specialty loose tea flavors, tasseography, and unbelievable food...as well as the company of some truly incredible women in my life. 

The beautiful tea cups...

...and the incredible spread.

Ryan was allowed to attend the shower, too - but only if he worked as the "butler." He totally has a back-up career option if he ever tires of teaching...

The joke of the day involved my tendency to make faces in photos; I freaking hate taking photos! Since I usually look stupid anyway, I'll take matters into my own hands and just create stupidity of my own. Example one: Sexy coffee maker photo

Example two: So excited (!!!) bamboo steamer photo

Example three: Almost-dropped-the-expensive-teacup-so-best-friend-had-to-help-out photo

Example four: Found-a-buddy-to-help-sabotage-photos photo

Hostesses + bride, stupid photo #55

Bad photos or not, it was a fantastic day - one that I won't soon forget. Coming soon: Long-Overdue Update (LOU), Part Two: Wedding Dress Adventure. Stay tuned!

Healthy Cookie Dough Bites

So...I have no idea how this recipe works, but it just does. These babies taste just like raw cookie dough - seriously! I traded the agave for brown rice syrup, but otherwise made just as directed. So delicious!

Raw Cookie Dough Bites

• 2/3 cup raw almonds
• 2/3 cup raw walnuts
• 2/3 cup raw oat flakes (see note below)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup raw agave nectar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips

1. In a food processor, process the almonds, walnuts, oats, cinnamon and salt to a fine meal.
2. Add the agave nectar and vanilla and process to combine.
3. Next, add the cocoa nibs (or chocolate chips) and pulse just to combine.
4. Roll the cookie dough into balls (about 1 tbsp each) and place them on a cookie pan lined with parchment paper. Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour to firm up. Store balls in a tightly covered container in the freezer.