Sweet Letter

Those of you who know me well know that I'm a worrier. I worry about the people I love and worry about the food I eat and worry about the money I spend. Sometimes I even worry about things that are silly to worry about right now, like life without Herbie, which is many years away. John and I laugh about my concerns, and he reminds me to focus on the present.

This letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald to his 11-year-old daughter is particularly sweet, as everyone needs to be reminded from time to time to keep insects and boys in perspective.

xo

Lauren

via Lists of Note

Moveable Type

Look what's coming to Greenville! 

Moveable Type will be in town, courtesy of Power & Light Press, on February 16th, 2012. This is an '82 Chevy Step Van that's been converted to a moving letterpress studio. Owner Kyle Durrie travels the country teaching people about printing and letterpress - even letting them create their own pieces.What a fun concept. I love that people along the way get to learn more about the craftsmanship that goes into handmade art.

I'm obsessed with all things type, paper, and press, so I'm thrilled about the chance to try it out for myself. You should join me!

xo,

                   Lauren

photos courtesy of Kyle's blog

Flip

Two years ago, John and I went to Flip Burger Boutique on our first date. I remember what we were wearing, our waitress, our drinks, and our meal: a shared Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, a Turkey Burger with Alfalfa Sprouts, Avocado, and Pomegranate Ketchup, and (the best ever) French Fries.

We've been wanting to go back for a while and finally got to while wedding shopping in Atlanta last weekend! This time, I had a Fauxlafel Burger [best falafel I've ever had] and Sweet Potato Tots with Chocolate Salt and Marshmallow Foam. We finished with the Nutella and Burnt Marshmallow Shake pictured below. Yes, it was amazing. Next time you're in Atlanta, you should totally stop for a burger. It's fun, laid-back, and delicious.

Let us know - we'll meet you there. :)

For the Cynic

Sometimes I get so excited that it's really hard not to type my whole post in capital letters. This is one of those times. Good things are happening.

I have always loved the prints from Fifi du Vie (especially Oh Darling..Adventurers). This one has been on my mind lately, because after leaving my iPhone in an H&M dressing room in Atlanta, I actually got it back 12 hours later. 

John and I also booked our honeymoon flights this morning, and I've been jumping up and down in my head all day.

xo,

         Lauren

Down Filled

Recently I've been thinking lots about how to decorate our new home, a place that represents us and will foster happiness and creativity. Even though I wish I could buy/paint/create/find everything right this minute, having to wait makes it a more fun and thoughtful process. Meanwhile, Herbie is obsessed with my new pillows from CB2. And contrary to his mom, it has nothing to do with the color.

American Grocery

Last week, John took me to the restaurant I'd been dying to try since moving to Greenville. I was fighting off bronchitis, sure, but I refused to miss the celebration of our Second Anniversary at American Grocery.

Although I expected great food, I didn't realize we'd be blown away. We went through all of the best meals we've had - Woodberry Kitchen, FIG, L'Albatros, and Hungry Mother, to name a few- and were surprised to realize that AGR actually beat them all - right here in our new little city!

While they couldn't top FIG's amazing bartenders and Manhattan/Negroni Menus, John did have a martini that was made of Vodka hickory smoked to order. Yeah, it was amazing.



Maybe we just happened to choose the perfect combination on the perfect night. Maybe we'll have to go back for round two to see. And then three.

After seeing John hand me a tiny box over the table, our server came out with a little bag of handmade candies saying "I think I heard it was your birthday." She might have had the wrong occasion, but the gesture sure won my heart. Adorable.

xoxo,
    Lauren

January Fourth

Today is the second anniversary of our first date. The story goes like this: undeniable chemistry as friends for two years until finally John asked me to "hang out." We were both uncharacteristically nervous! I tried to play it cool and postponed my trip home to Baltimore to drive to Atlanta, at which point he gave me my first present: an electric toothbrush. This was one of our many inside jokes, and I was sold before we ordered our first drink. After a couple of hours of conversation in downtown Atlanta, we knew. Two weeks later John flew to Baltimore, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, he is my fiance who insists on making me lunch every day, and he doesn't get mad when American Horror Show prevents me from turning the lights off at night. He's my other half; we bring out the best in each other; and we're constantly laughing. Today is our favorite day. 

See you at the end of the aisle. :)

P.S. Here's what we were thinking about last year on our anniversary. 

The New Year!

We're so excited about 2012. Last year was wonderful, and this year we get to take another huge step: marriage! 

Wishing hope and happiness and health to everyone. xo.