WE'RE MOVING!!!

WE ARE MOVING! WE ARE MOVING! WE ARE MOVING!!!!! 

Maybe if I keep saying it, it will start to sink in that we really are MOVING!!! And that we are moving SOON! Real soon!!! Right now I am just over flowing with lots of emotion!! What a whirlwind these last few months have been!!! 

Reflecting on it all, one thing comes to mind. Marriage is just pure bliss. Sure we have our highs and lows, but goodness is it fun do to life with such a wonderful man. I would be a ball of stress if it wasn't for Dave. And God- God is just plain AWESOME!!! It's so neat to see how he has heard our hearts and prayers through this decision making process. We are bursting with joy as we embark our new adventures and move to Indianapolis in just a few short weeks!

Its bittersweet leaving our first little apartment behind. We have created so many memories there in just a short 8 months, but we couldn't be more excited to start decorating our first house and to have a fenced in backyard for our sweet little pup!

Stay tuned as we take on life in Indianapolis! I already have lots of fun post up my sleeve!! Happy Tuesday, Friends!! 

WHEW, I'M BACK!

Well hello there, friends! Long time no chat! I have been MIA lately in the blogging world. Life just doesn't seem to slow down does it? Lots of exciting things are happening over here at the Butter Bungalow and I can't wait to share them with you in the near future. For now, here is what we have been up to lately.

My parents spent last week in Florida and I spent the week drinking out of this coffee mug wishing somehow it would teleport me to Magic Kingdom with them! 

We have had lots of time with these cuties lately and it just makes my heart full. So thankful for their adorable personalities and their spunk! They sure make decorating Easter eggs a memorable experience! 

Celebrating Easter with this hunk was such an incredible blessing. I just adore quality time with him and the rest of the family!! We spent lots of time laughing, playing games outdoors, and celebrating my Sister-In-Law's recent engagement!!

I am on a root beer float kick right now. Have you had one before? Seriously, guys! My great-grandma used to make these for me when I was a little kid and I forgot how much I love them! 

Quite mornings sitting on our balcony with a cup of coffee and my favorite book in hand are one of the most peaceful moments of my day. I love sure signs of spring blooming in the background, too. 

I work primarily with Elementary School Students. Earlier this week I took a handful of kids to the park to play, and a few of the girls picked me a nice little bouquet of "flowers". I had to document it because their sweet souls and these innocent moments are something I always want to remember. I just love these kids dearly. 

What's new with you?! Happy Wednesday, Friends! We are half way through the week!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday, Everyone! Let me just start out by giving a big ole hello to the weekend! I am so ecstatic that it's Friday and that March Madness is in full swing. Did you fill out a bracket? Things are starting to get competitive over here in my parts. As much as I wish I could put my hope in Purdue to crank out a national championship, but they lost their first game in double overtime so I picked Oregon to win it all. If you filled out a bracket, who's in your final four? 

Anyways, less talk about sports! What are you up to this weekend? As always, I am linking up with Andrea, Erika, & Narci today to talk about my Friday Favorites! 

// one //

I shared my recipe for the best Peanut Butter Cookies on the planet here. You don't want to miss it. These things are tasty enough to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And trust me, I did.

// two // 

A year ago this week, I received a call while I was in Disney World on Spring Break that I received the final grant I needed to fully fund an all-inclusive, wheel chair accessible park in my community. I have always had a strong passion for helping children with disabilities, so reflecting on this project was definitely a favorite this week. So grateful to have grown up in a community with such generous and supportive individuals. 

// three //

Speaking of Disney World, this time last year I was posing in front of Cinderella's castle with two of my besties. One of my all-time favorite vacations and I cannot wait to go back.

Oh and we were sipping Starbucks on the beach in 90 degree weather with floppy hats. #takemeback 

// four //

I started in on some spring cleaning this week. Nothing like a fresh start before the summer heat kicks in. Love adding pops of color to lighten up the space and rearranging pictures is one of my new favorite hobbies, however, filling old nail holes is not. The two don't go together well. 

// five // 

We have a small pond directly outside of our apartment door. The geese started nesting yesterday afternoon and taking Bentley out to go potty now requires two individuals, an extremely large umbrella, and a pep talk. Last night, I literally broke a toe and piddled in my pants (mainly from laughing so hard, but a little out of fear) as the geese came flocking at the 3 of us. Oh, these are the stories I will remember forever. So thankful to do life with Dave. 

// six // 

I shared some Easter inspiration here, including a few spring dresses that pair perfectly with these nude heels above. I love me some fringe. 

Happy Friday!!!

EASTER INSPIRATION

First off, Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope you all are wearing green to avoid any pinching! ;) Today I am talking about another holiday, though!

It's crazy to think that Easter is already next weekend. I love everything about Easter; the meaning behind the celebration, time spent with family, delicious food, fun new dresses, and sure signs of Spring. Today I am dishing out Easter basket ideas for men, festive eats and treats, and a fun little DIY project to add a little Easter touch to your home decor.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

First up on the list are a few Easter Basket gift ideas for Men. Being newlyweds, I thought it would be fun for David to wake up to a fun little Easter basket on our first Easter as a married couple. Here are a few of the items I plan to include. I am still searching for the perfect and unique basket idea. Any suggestions? I thought about a tackle box and adding in some new fishing gear, but I can't quite decide. 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

These all look incredible, and am I right in saying that Easter colors are just so bright and cheerful? Puppy chow is seriously my weakness. My mouth is watering just looking at it! 

I am planning to make this adorable Bunny Garland this weekend to stream along my chalk board in my kitchen. Better late than never, right?

1 // 2

Right now, Target has buy one get one 50% off on Easter styles (and all other clothing) and I am definitely taking advantage. I have these two dresses in my cart, ready to order! The pink dress has pockets. Talk about a dream come true! 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

I am obsessed with all of these neutral spring shoe options, but lately fringe just has my heart! These are also buy one get one 50% off, so I think I might have to add a second pair to my cart, too ;) Its justifiable, right? 

Happy Thursday! Hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day! 

THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Today I am sharing the BEST recipe for peanut butter cookies. I am telling you folks, these are seriously the tastiest peanut butter cookies on the planet. So soft and gooey and heavenly. I could eat these for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and I may have ;)). 

I am such a cookie addict. If cookies are sitting in front of me, I can pop in 6-7 in a matter of minutes with no problem at all. My sweet tooth cravings are off the charts out of control. Do you crave sweets, too? And am I the only one that craves something salty after something sweet, and then after something salty, craves something sweet again? Its a vicious never ending cycle for me. 

Needless to say, I cannot get enough of these Peanut Butter Cookies. 

THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES 

INGREDIENTS:
2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS: 
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 
Mix together soften butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and granulated sugar.
Slowly mix in dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until fully combined. 
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
Using a fork, lightly place down vertically and the horizontally.
Lastly, sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Pop in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy!!! 

Yields: About 3 dozen cookies 


Hope you Enjoy!!! 

WHAT GIVES YOU MOTIVATION // FIT GOALS

Well Monday, I must say, you snuck up on us fairly quickly. It seems like the weekends go by in the blink of an eye, especially when they are packed full of fun plans. I will be sharing more about my weekend spent with my parents and some fun Easter projects later this week, so stay tuned. For now, I am linking up with my dear friend Tori over at A Sweet Life Diary of a Health Nut for Motivational Monday.

Today I am talking all about those things that give you motivation. Whether you are pushing your 12th mile in a half marathon, finishing your last rep of pushups, or doing your 50th squat of the day, what is it that keeps you going?

What is it that makes you push harder than you thought you could? Is it your spouse, your children, your desire for a successful career, or your desire to live a healthy lifestyle? What is your motivator? Whether health and wellness, your career, your family, your friends, whatever, it is important to uncover the purpose behind why you are doing something in order to do it well and to continue to preserve when things get hard.

Today, I am going to touch base on my battle with running. I always started my run out with great intentions and the first mile or so would fly by fairly easily, but when mile 3 came and I started to feel a burn in my legs, I quickly began to give up and let crazy thoughts take over my head.
"just stop, you've done all you can do" "this is way too hard for me" "this isn't worth the pain" 

It wasn't until I consciously thought about my monthly fit goals and my motivators that I truly developed enough courage and maturity to push through my exercises, despite their toughness.

I created a simple sheet that I fill out monthly. It allows me to think about my monthly motivators and my monthly goals.

For example:

My Motivation is:
1. It makes me feel good and gives me better self confidence 
2. I want to live a healthy lifestyle so I can be a supportive wife and someday mother
3. I want to look good for my husband 

My Goals This Month Are: 

1. Exercise at least 4 days a week for 30 minutes each

2. Try a Barre class at my local gym 

3. One day a week run a minimum of 3 miles consecutively 

4. Include abs and strengthening workouts into my exercises 

5. Walk Bentley (my pup) every evening for at least 30 minutes 

And last but not least, here is a little more motivation to kick off your Monday!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your coffee is strong and your Monday is short, friends! :)

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday, Everyone! What joy the weekend brings! My sweet husband headed off to the Big 10 Men's Basketball tournament yesterday (Go Boilers!!!) with his Dad and Grandpa, a tradition the three of them have been doing forever, so my parents are headed south to stay with me for the weekend! I hope to take them to the farmers market by the river, eat at some of my favorite local restaurants, and enjoy our time together. What are you up to this weekend? As always, I am linking up with Andrea, Erika, & Narci today to talk about my Friday Favorites! 

// one //

I shared all about my hometown this week here. I got so nostalgic reminiscing and reflecting on why I love my hometown so much. One being my time spent at our local baseball facility. I cracked up when I rediscovered this picture from my team back in 1997. Definitely a favorite from this week. 

// two //

Ice Coffee weather is the best weather. And ditching the heavy winter jacket for this light army green peacoat made my heart so happy this week. 

// three //

These two cuties at the bottom are celebrating their 20th and 22nd birthday today! So fun (and kinda weird!) that my brother and his sweet girlfriend share a birthday! We celebrated last weekend with way too much cake and ice cream while I was home.

// four //

The quality of the picture is low, but these people are just the best. Over the weekend I finally got to reunite with my dear friend Katie and her mom. Nothing is better than a double date with your moms. Lots of laughter and catching up with great friends is one of my very favorite things. 

// five // 

Bentley is not allowed on our bed; mainly because we are squeezing into a full size bed for now and there is no extra space for a pup. I was doing laundry earlier this week and walked into our room to start putting it away and found him cozied up on the bed like he owned it. He's just the sweetest. 

// six //

Find my recipe for Bacon Wrapped Asparagus here. Seriously so flavorful and delicious and it makes the perfect side dish for a springy/summer meal! 

// seven // 

Most people thought I was crazy for having 12 bridesmaids, but I look at this picture and my heart burst with happiness and thankfulness. God planted and blessed me with each of these friendships and my heart couldn't be more full. Finally got this picture printed and I can't wait to hang it in my office. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by! 

BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS

I loved reading about everyone's hometowns yesterday. If you missed it, you can check out mine here. It was so much fun recapping on some of my favorite memories growing up and reflecting on why my hometown is truly so special to me. But today, I am dishing my favorite (healthy-ish) recipe for Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.  It's super simple and the perfect side dish for a spring/summer meal and am I right saying everything taste better in bacon?

BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS

Here's What You'll Need: 

1 1/2 pounds of trimmed asparagus spears

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Package of Bacon 

Salt (optional) 

Pepper (optional) 

Garlic Powder (optional) 

Parmesan Cheese (optional) 

Garlic Glove (optional) 

Here's How You Make It: 

Preheat the oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit 

(or skip this step and take advantage of cooking on the grill.) 

First, rinse off the asparagus with water and pat dry. 

Cut off the bottom inch or so of the asparagus.

Lightly coat asparagus spears with extra virgin olive oil.

Divide the asparagus by the number of bacon slices you have on hand and bundle them up.

Wrap the bundle and secure the spears together using a slice of bacon as shown above. I used one slice of bacon for each bundle, but you can never have too much bacon, right?  

 

Once bacon is bundled and wrapped it is time to season it with your favorite spices. The options are endless.

I used a combination of: 

-Garlic Powder 

-A dash of Salt

-Pepper

-Finely chopped fresh garlic 

-Parmesan Cheese 

-A splash of worcheshire sauce 

Pop in the oven for about 12-14 minutes or until bacon is desired crispiness and the asparagus has reached desired tenderness. 

(If cooking on grill, place bundles on hot grill and cover. Cook for about 10-12 minutes.)

Seriously so flavorful and delicious! Hope you enjoy! 

MY HOMETOWN

Today I'm linking up with Andrea over at Momfessionals to talk all about my hometown. In all honesty, growing up I always wished my parents would have chosen a different place to build our life. You know, somewhere along the coast or in the Rocky Mountains. Looking back now, I couldn't be more thankful to have grown up in my little ole' hometown.

At first glance, Columbia City (population of about 8,000!) is just a bunch of corn fields, fast food restaurants, and a Walmart. But over the years, it has become a lot more than that to me. When thinking about this post, I pondered the question, 'what truly makes a town feel like home?' Is it the fancy dining or the high end shopping? Maybe. But for me, that wasn't even an option. It was the people that I grew up surrounded by and the memories we made along the way that truly made Columbia City my forever hometown.

For me it was walking to the Court House Square on a Saturday morning with my parents and bringing home lots of fresh flowers and veggies from the Farmers Market...

it was the mile long tandem rides me and my best friend Madi would take across town to the tennis courts on warm, sunny, summer days...

it was the days spent laying out at my Grandparents pool with all of my best friends once a week, talking boys, the future, and laughing way too hard, all while sipping on lemonade and pounding down gold fish like nobodies business....

it was the diner where I ordered biscuits and gravy every Friday morning until I was a senior in college with my Dad and my Grandma's brother....

it was the church and the congregation that helped root my faith and unite me with my lifelong best friends...

it was the baseball diamonds where my dad was always our coach and we would always drink a slushy with every syrup flavor under the sun after all of our games...

it was the times that I spent on the couch at the local coffee shop downtown with my besties before church on Sunday mornings...

and it was the times I spent crying, laughing, and creating a tiny little life, in a tiny little town, in my tiny little home, with the greatest family I could ever ask for.


As time goes by, things in Columbia City will change. They will rebuild the high school I graduated from, my favorite diner may close and a new one may open, my grandparent's may sell their house with my favorite swimming pool and a new family may begin to make memories there, and that's okay.


Although those things have significance to me in some way, they aren't what make Columbia City so special to me and they aren't the reasons I look so forward to coming home. It's my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, that still live there that make coming back so special. They are what make coming home feel like home.


Can't wait to read all about your hometowns!