Wedding in Review: Locations

So I've been wanting to get back at blogging, but I just didn't know what to write about... so I decided a good place to start would be with something that was basically my favorite thing ever ... Zach & I's wedding day! So then I also remembered how I must have read a billion blogs in the 11 months through our engagement. So, I thought I'd do a series of posts about a few of the major decisions that we made and a few of my favorite things from the wedding.

I think a good place to start is with one of the very first decisions we made.... location(s)! I have to start by telling you about the reception, because we made our ceremony decisions based on it!

The Reception: The Westcott House

 Early in the summer of 2010 I had the chance to go and view the Westcott House (Springfield, OH) as part of a job I was doing at the time. This was not my first time at the beautiful facility, but it was my first time to find out that they held events there! So when Zach proposed in September, I insisted that we go and check it out! Zach fell in love with the architectural charm and clean lines. I was head over heels because my love for nostaligia, vintage, and charming were epitomized in this Frank Lloyd Wright turn-of-the-century home. Step two was inviting my parents out to see it and they fell in love with it for all the same reasons!

The Westcott House has a large backyard and we determined that the day of the wedding we would be putting a large tent out in the backyard underneath which dinner would be served and our guests would be able to sit at tables.

Let me take you on a little photographic tour through the house:

The "front door" which is really on the side of the house, but is the main entrance that we invited our guests to enter through.

The inside of the front entrance - Wright wanted visitors to get a grand view of the house and skylights upon entry, so you went up the stairs when you enter!

The "library" - on the first floor

The "dining room" which is also on the first floor. All of the furniture is built in!

The "kids room" on the first floor as well!

The beautiful staircase leading upstairs

One of the upstairs bedrooms (where we set up nostaligic family wedding photos, my grandma's wedding dress, and the gift table)

The gorgeous skylight on the second floor!

A balcony off the second floor bedroom!

Beautiful awnings that are part of the Westcott's front porch

The tent in the backyard, full of guests!

Our tent with the dance floor on the inside .. a last minute change thanks to the "monsoon"!

 

The Ceremony: Fifth Lutheran Church

 Soooo... we had a reception place picked up, but we still needed somewhere to get married. Zach and I really wanted to get married in a church because our faith is God is so central to our relationship... so when I was leaving the Westcott House I noticed that there was a small church across the street. I walked over, when in, chatted with the Psator, and the rest is history! The church was just big enough, seating 200 maximum. During the ceremony though, it felt so intimate because the fabulous ushers (my brothers and Zach's nephew) did an awesome job searing everyone towards the middle, so it felt so amazingly intimate. We didn't use any microphones for the musicians (two groomsmen and their guitars) or the pastor, which I loved. We had friends in the audience stand and read movie quotes. I just could feel everyone that was there and it was amazing. We didn't decorate the church at all beyond putting a vase of flowers, guest book, and basket of program in the back of the church. The Lutheran pastor left all of their traditional vestments up. And best of all this church was filled with beautiful... stained glass! Love! After the ceremony we set our guests walking across the street to the party!

Here are a few photos:

A humorous sign outside the church

Beautiful stained glass!

The teensy little room the boys waited in pre-ceremony...

The back of the beautiful church (and my dad and I entering)

The front of the church and all the pews and guests!

The most amazing 1970s room (also where the ladies got to relax pre-ceremony, haha we got the better end of the deal obviously)

What a great groom holding my flowers ... check out those beautiful pews though!

Me and the lovely altar! With traditional Lutheran decorations up!

 Love & Giggles,
Kristian

Photo Card

Up In Lights Christmas

Create personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Italian Easter

"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for  Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; has has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples." (Matt. 28:6-8, emphasis added)

Easter is such a wonderful holiday! When we look beyond the candy, bunnies, and even family gathered together, we see... Jesus. A human, but the Son of God, who willingly sacrificed his life as atonement for every sin I have committed and those still in my future. While that seems more than good enough, Jesus went beyond that. He rose from the dead and commissioned his people to go and spread the good news. I am blown away by this story every single year. The entire Lenten season provides such a beautiful opportunity to reflect on our dependence on the Lord and the gracious sacrifice made for us.

--

However, we all know that Easter tends to come with some other things as well ... specifically delicious things... specifically yummy meals, candy, and baked treats! I wanted to share with you two of my favorite edible parts of Easter....

While my reddish hair and fair skin does not attest to it, I assure you that I am Italian! Okay, I'm only a quarter Italian, but certainly enjoy many Italian traditions!And here are two of my favorites that are enjoyed on Easter Sunday...

Easter Pie

 Easter pie is a delicious treat of layers of cheese and meat - specifically ham, sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella in our regional variety.

A recipe to try for this one: http://www.cooks.com/rec/story/164/

Easter Bread

Another delicious treat that I have no idea how to make. I also have no idea how to explain how it tastes, but it is delicious. Go to an Italian-Catholic church next Easter and GET SOME. 

Here's a recipe for another kind, equally delicious: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Italian-Easter-Bread

Bon Appetit!

 

Save The Dates :)

To my faithful blog readers, haha ...

We have finally emailed out our save the dates! Here is what they looked like:

Blog Fail.

Epic blog fail.

Redemptive attempts:

Wedding Website... www.zachandkristian.com

Engaged!

Sorry for being MIA ... I'm blaming it on the fact that I got proposed to! On my birthday, September 29th! In that cute little pug card!

A Movie Recommendation: "Exit Through The Gift Shop"

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a documentary of pieced together film done by Thierry Guetta, an unknown French filmmaker turned street-artist. The documentary chronicles early days and expeditions of now well-known street artsists, including Banksy and Shepard Fairey.

Banksy caught my interest several years ago and soon after I found myself interested in Obey (or Shepard Fairey), so when I heard about this movie that supposedly would have footage of the artists actually preparing, installing, painting, and developing their art, I was very excited.

Like a kid in a candy shop, I sat there in the offbeat Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, OH with a smile plastered to my face the entire time. Watching some of the most fascinating artists I've heard of create their art was fabulous. Enjoying camera 'face' time with both Banksy and Fairey was simply joy to me. I enjoyed that in spite of the intimate interviews, Banksy's identity remained anonymous as his face and voice were disguised throughout the film.

What the movie really ended up being about was the filmmaker himself though. Banksy suggests to Thierry, the filmmaker, that he try making art and both Thierry's life and the film begin to spiral in a whole new direction. Thierry takes on an alter ego persona as Mr. Brainwash (or MBW) and begins making art, putting together a gallery show, and becoming quite a character himself. While I didn't necessarily care for the tale of MBW it was great fun watching him work in his studio and work on putting together the gallery for his largescale art show. This part of the film also provided many laughs for the audience as Banksy and Fairey poke a little fun at MBW.

All that being said, I say - go see it! Or even pick it up for your colllection when its out of theatres.

And if you're curious about a few other commentaries (which may spoil your perspective if you haven't seen it), check these out:

"Here's why the Banksy Movie is a Banksy Prank" -Fast Company
"Review" -Gatsby, Flicks

Zucchini Pancakes [A Recipe]!

I'm sensing a trend around here ... food! And more specifically, pancake-style food! Summer's abundance of fresh and fabulous produce makes it dang near impossible for me to escape the kitchen. Except ... I don't have AC and cooking equals hot apartment, so I might pass on turning on the stove for a while.

Anyway... Now that you've tried protein pancakes and scoped out my farmer's market purchases this week ... It's time to try a new form of pancake - with that farm fresh zuchinni you see in the picture! And as every other recipe I post here goes ... it's ridiculously easy.

Zucchini Pancakes 
makes 2 five inch pancakes


1/2 zucchini - grated
1/8 C flour (your choice)
1 large egg white
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper


Mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Warm up a pan, spray with cooking spray, then put about half of your 'batter' into the pan on medium heat. Spread the batter out a little bit and shape to be like a pancake and give it a press on top with your spatula. It will congeal and be easy to flip after a minute or so - you'll see a golden brown once its flipped. Do the same for the other side and then repeat with the other half of your batter. Then serve it up! I enjoyed mine with some butter and garlic sprinkles! Yum!

Produce from the Farmer's Market

Saturday mornings in Springfield mean many things I love - sleeping in, multiple cups of coffee, garage sales, but most of all it means: the farmer's market. I ventured to it today with two goals: lettuce & eggs. Unfortunately, my late arrival (a pathetic 11:45am) meant no dice on the lettuce or the eggs. I did however walk away with all of these splendid things:

An onion, broccoli, zucchini, pattypan squash, and yellow squash. (And a big, delicious tomato which I indulged in too quickly for the photo).

Obviously you're wondering to yourself, "What is a pattypan squash?" ... or at least I assume you are, because I wondered the same thing. I asked the vendor and she said they taste alot like squash and because this one is small/young I can cook it in its skin (and eat the skin too I think). Here is what wikipedia says about the veggie. I'll let you know what else I learn about it and will be sure to document my first adventure cooking it! I love other squashes, so I have high hopes for this little guy! Have you ever had pattypan squash? Ever cooked it? Have a recipe recommendation?

Saturday Morning Love

The makings of an excellent Saturday morning:

a delicious breakfast + some blog reading + the farmer's market + garage sales + beautiful weather!

Protein Pancakes [A Recipe]!

I discovered this recipe at Girl Get Strong, a website with great fitness and healthy cooking tips! I'm always been a complainer that after just an hour or two my stomach is growling regardless of what I've eaten or how much of it I had. So, as I began to learn more about food and learn that protein and fiber both have great staying power, I found a win in this breakfast treat - it's loaded with both! You can just ask Heather about how excited I was and how I often I made these. I've adapted the recipe to not need a blender, be made with less ingredients, and to make only one pancake - double, triple, quadruple as desired!

 Protein Pancake
makes one five-inch pancake

1/8 C Quick Oats
1/8 C Fat Free Cottage Cheese
1 Egg White
1 tsp Applesauce
dash Vanilla Extract
dash Cinnamon


Toss everything in a bowl and whisk it together! Make it on the stovetop as you would a normal pancake! 

Serve with syrup or your favorite pancake topping! Give it added staying power with a topping of fruit and yogurt! 

A few thoughts: - 1/8 C = 1 Tablespoon, - Be sure to spray your pan first with nonstick spray, - Keep your heat at a low setting to help these cook evenly, - When it looks like its ready to flip - wait a smidge longer and then flip it, - If you don't like the texture (which I love), toss all of the ingredients in the blender and make it into a smooth batter.

Check it out - almost 9 grams of Protein per pancake - and I can't imagine you'll only eat one. For reals. Nutrition Facts provided through the recipe analyzer at Calorie Count!

A pretty place for sleep...

Why yes, I would  love a bed in a nook, how did you know?!

Image found via poppytalk who found it at Anthropologie.
.

Sunflower Seed Bread

Please do yourself a favor ... Go out and purchase some sunflower seed bread. Delish!

The density and texture of this bread reminded me of all of the breads I had as I traveled through Europe in 2008. So for me this bread not only stimulated my taste buds but also some great memories!

I was simply too excited to take a picture of the sandwich I made with it yesterday, but tomorrow I will be sure to do so!  :)

Reminiscing...

"Everything seemed so vivid and acutely focused and new. I felt like someone stepping out of doors for the first time. It was all so different: the language, the money, the cars, the number plates on the cars, the bread, the food, the newspapers, the parks, the people. I had never seen a zebra-crossing before, never seen a tram, never seen an unsliced loaf of bread (never even considered it an option), never seen anyone wearing a beret who expected to be taken seriously, never seen people go to a different shop for each item of dinner or provide their own shopping bags, never seen feathered pheasants and unskinned rabbits hanging in a butcher's window or a pig's head smiling on a platter, never seen a packet of Gitanes or the Michelin man. I don't know why this amazed me so, but it did. I kept thinking... they are from another world. It was just wonderful." 
 -Bill Bryson, from "Neither here Nor there: Travels in Europe"
.

Things You Should Consider Buying Secondhand

In high school I bought t-shirts at the Thrift store (and occasionally I still do, hello favorite Texas/Grandpa t-shirt), in college I took a brief stance against excessive consumerism by only shopping secondhand for my clothing, and now in "the real world"/life post-college as I begin modestly furnishing my home and living my life, I've realized how much stuff I use and how other people are using just as much. So why not save a few of my hard-earned dollars and give new life to someone's discarded items? I can't think of a good reason not to.

So here is my list of (in no particular order) ...

Things You Should Consider Buying Secondhand:

• Clothing - There is nothing quite like getting a compliment on something you're wearing that you paid $3 for at Goodwill. Fact. I don't go to Goodwill if I want to try a new trend or something, but I love to browse their goodies once a month or so. I have a policy though - I browse quickly and if it didn't grab my attention when I walked by, it probably isn't worth my $3. Also, although my favorite business-friendly black dress came from Goodwill, there are several wardrobe staples that I recommend picking up at a regular store - the LBD, the fitted pencil skirt, the white button down, the khaki or black pants, the pointed-toe black heels, etc. 

• Furniture - Unless you need it immediately I recommend you scope secondhand places! For example, right now I'm looking for a not-so-bulky loveseat for my new apartment and I've been a Goodwill and Craigslist junkie in the search. I'm especially fond of buying furniture secondhand because not only do you get a great price, but you have no guilt about reclaiming and reinventing that piece of furniture! Paint it to match your space, change the knobs, reupholster it, etc!

• Decorations - I essentially have all the same points to make here as I just did regarding furniture. And specifically - secondhand frames are way cooler.
  

• Jewelry - Don't expect to find real-deal diamonds and pearls for great prices, but for nifty everyday pieces, definitely scope out the thrift shop! Earrings? Be sure to disinfect though!

• Books - If you're just looking for something good to read, hit up a local thrift shop or check out a secondhand book store (dedicated Half Price Books girl right here). If you've got something certain in mind, HPB usually has a good selection, but you can also buy used books online at places like Amazon.

• DVDs - My boyfriend might die if he reads this, but if you're not too passionate about movies and don't mind a scratched disc and an occasional skip, browse through the stack at the secondhand store! You could find some great older films you forgot you loved for just a few pretty pennies!

• Kitchen Items - I can thank my mom for turning me on to this. Hello really cool mugs, plates, servingware, etc at secondhand places! Unless you're looking for a matching set (which you can even find sometimes). Electric items are hit or miss at secondhand places, but pots and pans abound! This is a great option for young people like me furnishing their first kitchen!

• Tools - Any tools, all tools! Not all secondhand places have a good selection, but scope it out! If you just need a sander for this one project you might be able to find one for cheap! It's all about taking a second to look!

• Little kids clothes, shoes, toys, etc. - Okay, I don't have a kid, but I'm just saying - kids grow fast and lose interest quickly. Why spend extra money on new stuff for them? Just disinfect it if they'll drool on it!

• Anything - Just go look!

I found a great find yesterday but haven't gotten a chance to snap a picture yet! I'm also heading to Flower Child in the Short North of Columbus today to scope the furniture, so there is definitely going to be a photo post to follow!

Enjoy the sunshine as it melts the last of the snow and let me know - What are some of your favorite secondhand finds?!

Tag, you're social.

I’ll get right to the point, I want to know what you think about location based social media. It’s supposedly all the rage amidst social media in general right now. Everything seems to have its eye on a location-oriented prize. Twitter (by the way, follow me @kristianmk) recently released the ability to broadcast your location with your tweets. That’s the whole point of Foursquare it seems.


I’ve been dutifully checking in all over Springfield, OH and really don’t feel like as a user I have reaped the benefits of Foursquare. The places that I’m going don’t seem to have any “tips” associated with them. I begrudgingly admit that this is possibly because we are in a smaller city in the Midwest – maybe in NYC, Chicago, or Miami the tips are abundant and hotspots are easy to pick out via Foursquare.

In April I’m travelling to Atlanta for a few days an am looking forward to using Foursquare while I’m there – to see if it really makes a difference in how I’m experiencing the city! I also vow to use Foursquare more the next time I’m in Columbus because I’m positive there’s got to be more at least going on there than here.

Okay – so what do you think? Here are a quick article from Social Media Examiner about ways to make geotagging work for your small b2c business, How to Drive More Customers to Your Local Business with Social Geotagging.

Recipe: No Noodle Spaghetti & Easy Garlic Bread!

Quick, easy, healthy, super low calorie, and filling:


No Noodle Spaghetti (1 Serving):
- 1 cup spaghetti squash (How To Cook)
- 1/4 cup diced zucchini
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/8 cup black beans
- 1/8 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce
Toss in bowl. Mix it up. Heat it through.


Really Easy Garlic Bread:
- Half of a Whole Wheat English Muffin toasted and sprinkled with Garlic Powder.


The part you're likely to really like is the fact that this whole delicious meal is under 200 calories. Take a peak below. (Thanks Calorie Count for the great database to find calorie content!)

Obey Giant

Last night I went to the the Shepard Fairey / Obey Giant exhibit, "Supply And Demand," at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati and it was fabulous!

To get in early we (myself, my boyfriend, and friends) decided to become CAC Members, which I am very excited about because this means that not only will we for sure come back and see this awesome exhibit again, but it will be a great way to check out new artists throughout the year as the exhibits change! Plus I'm not very familiar with Cincinnati and it's only 1.5 hours away, so it will be nice to get to know the city!

Anyway, so we went in early and I purchased a limited edition print (one of 450) that was signed and numbered! It's the image to the left! During the interview that was occurring live in the building, Shepard Fairey said that the quote on the print was from a Black Flag song ... in case you were curious. :)

The rest of the exhibit was phenomenal, downstairs he had the art layed directly onto the walls and upstairs there were framed prints, original works on canvas, originals from his very early days in the 1980s, and great little snippets of information about why the artist did the different works.

I highly recommend going to this exhibit! Before you do though, I recommend checking out the artist's website: obeygiant.com to familiarize yourself with his work. Also, do a little research if you can find the time.

Here's the super skinny:
You are meant to be alarmed by the things the works say. Obey Giant wants to shock you into thinking for yourself And there's a lot of political commentaries in the works. He's an artist, he can say what he wants. But beyond that, each piece has intention and goals and you should read the little placards because they open the works up into a whole new dimension.

The Rehearsal Process

I haven't taken advantage of my blog yet for advertising a play that I am currently rehearsing for, so I will do that now.

I want to do that by taking a moment to comment on the rehearsal process, not specifically for The Vagina Monologues (my current play), but just in general. I think the rehearsal process for me can be summed up in seven stages:

On Book / Where do I go?

• This stage is more formally known as blocking and is one of the first things most directors will do with their cast. It's when you can barely even remember your character's name and your relationship to the other characters (or which actors are playing which characters) and are frantically scribbling blocking notes in the margins to attempt to decipher later when you finally sit down to do some character research.

On Book / This is what my character would say..

• At this point you've done a little research, a smidgen of character soul searching, and can finally remember who plays the other characters. You are finally finding your character's voice and are experimenting with different line delivery as means of expressing the few deep inner workings of the character that you've managed to consider so far.

On Book / I can't figure out how my character would move with this dang script in my hand...

• This is the stage where you are super frustrated with yourself because you have finally done a good deal of character work and are ready to really let your character drive your moments on stage, but the script in your hand is posing a major imposition. Yet somehow you just can't seem to find the time to learn your lines until the director finally says, "Okay guys - we're off book next week!"

Off Book / What's my line?

• This is the stage in which you're really annoyed that you (and the rest of the cast) did not manage to get off book sooner because noone can remember their lines and this is the most miserable rehearsal of your life. You can't even attempt to channel your inner character because you are way too busy imagining the pages of your script in your mind's eye.

Off Book / Oh yeah I need to move there...

• You can finally breathe a little easier and remember your lines so suddenly you don't look like a robot moving through your blocking. You praise Jesus for this because robot did not look good on you.

Off Book / Embodying my character

• You have been waiting way too long for this day to come - its the moment when your lines and blocking are officially second nature and that character you worked so hard to develop weeks ago is finally taking the steering wheel. You'd think this was euphoria if it weren't for the next stage.

Off Book / Bring on opening night!

• It's tech week, you are wearing your costume, the lights are up, you still remember your lines and your blocking, you are not on stage but your character is. All your ducks are lining up. You'd think this were euphoria, if it weren't for what comes after this stage...

OPENING NIGHT. This was what all the build up was for. This is it. And it is worth it.

Okay, so that was a fairly comedic (but probably pretty honest) look at the rehearsal process. I love the theatre and I love how it feels to be on stage. What I also love are good causes. And The Vagina Monologues, which goes up this coming Thursday evening, has portions of the funds raised going directly to Project Woman, an organization striving to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

All that being said - I invite you out to the show!

Read up on OTG & HBG!

Here's a quick link to our OTG Company Blog where you can read a great article written about OTG's efforts to get Hollandia Botanical Gardens, a local nonproft, up and running in tip-top IT shape!

More of tofu, sprouts, and The Vagina Monologues later this week!

:]