Obligatory New Year's Post

2013 has by far been the biggest year in my life. Here are some things that I did this year!

Had my first Valentines day with an actual date, and a handsome one at that ;)

Completed the single biggest accomplishment of my academic career: Senior Independent Study

Planned a wedding... yeah... now that was a good time...

Saw one of my best friends marry the boy she had been crushing on since before freshman year even started. Here was a typical girl-talk before bedtime dialog:

Éowyn: I wish that vending machines could dispense bacon and husbands.

Me: You could always just marry Ben...

*silence*

*HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER*

Lo and behold, four years later...

I started Airsofting, and even joined a team with Hubby

Being intimidating is not my strong suit. 

I had the opportunity to do some really cool photography for some great people, including a wedding! Thanks, Alyssa :)

Shortly thereafter, I got married myself! I truly believe that God creates someone for everyone, and I definitely found my someone :)

'Cause that's how we roll...

After that, we went on an awesome cruise and Hubby stepped foot off US soil for the first time!

I started two new jobs, one at a wood shop, and one at A&P Gear Co., an airsoft store.

Went to my first Indians game!

OMERGERHD BERSBAHL!!!

Spent Christmas away from home for the first time ever.

And many more things that would take way to much time to list :)

While this year was the best, toughest, and most eventful of my life so far, I have a feeling 2014 will give this year a run for its money.

Here's to a New Year, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Oops.

I mean, happy new year!

Post-Christmas Post

Let me start by saying that I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine :) It was certainly different for me this year, as it was both the first Christmas in Ohio and my first Christmas away from my immediate family. While different, it was still wonderful! Christmas eve Adam and I were both off, so we got some work done around the house, and made our last-minute preparations.

Our lovely Christmas tree :)

We also went over to Adam's parents' house on Christmas Eve and had a wonderful dinner, complete with purple potatoes! Naturally, I dubbed them "Willy Wonka Potatoes". We then watched Jack Frost and The Christmas Shoes, both of which made me cry.

I know, I know--- they're just movies.

Plot: Dying parent reminds other parent how important family really is.

Plot: Dead parent comes back to show his family how important they are to him.

Christmas day we slept in, and then headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Ladrach's for Christmas lunch. After stuffing our faces, we opened presents and visited. It was great!

Best Things About Christmas are: Family

FOOD

And dessert of course!

Adam and I got some awesome presents this year, thanks to the generosity of our families. Adam loved his shirt from my mom, which he so flamboyantly modeled for us in front of the Christmas tree.

My husband, the model.

So, so silly!

After we got home we FaceTimed my sister's family and my mom, and prepared our things for the indoor airsoft event today. 

Finally, we wrapped up our Christmas with a viewing of Christmas Vacation and some homemade Eggnog. All in all, I am so thankful for Christmas. Not only did we receive the gift of a savior, but an opportunity to spend time together each year to remember the important things, to say no to work for once, and spend time with family. I hope you all had a Christmas as merry as mine was, and have a happy New Year!

Peanut Brittle Fun!

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is doing things with family. Unfortunately, my side of the family is spread out all over the country. The upside is that Adam's family is nice and close by! We're only about 10 minutes from his immediate family and dad's parents, so we go over pretty frequently to visit. This past Wednesday I went over to Grandma's for a timeless Ladrach tradition:

making peanut brittle. 

A lot of heat and a ton of stirring make for some really good peanut brittle!

Mary (Grandma) has been making this recipe for years and has totally perfected it. I'm not normally one for peanut brittle, as the thought of fighting my way through a solid brick of candy mess just to get the taste is normally unappealing to me. However, Mary's peanut brittle is über thin, and melt-in-your-mouth tasty.

You can see Mary carefully supervising in the background ;)

This brittle is so good that Mary used to sell it back in the day. However, it is definitely a labor of love. While the brittle is cooking, constant attention is required. Certain ingredients must be added at certain temperatures in order for the brittle to turn out right.

After the brittle is done cooking, it has to be poured onto a cookie sheet and promptly stretched before it hardens. This can be a painful process, as it's still very hot while it's being hand-stretched. The pain makes for good sister-in-law bonding, as Aimie and I were tasked with stretching the hot candy. Despite all the effort and pain, the final product is SO worth it. Observe the glory:

So thin you can see the light shining through it. So delicious I'm going to go downstairs and get some now...

What's your favorite Christmas tradition? Comment below!

Figuring it Out: Meals

One of the biggest challenges in this whole "grown-up" thing has been figuring out meals. Breakfast (some days). Lunch (most days). Dinner (always...duh).

For a while, we went by the "fly by the seat of our pants" method. We would buy whatever looked good at the grocery store, and I would whip things together when I felt like it. If it was a busy night, or there weren't the right pieces to make an actual meal in the fridge, we would just get fast food, or hit up the pizza parlor across the street.

When the grocery bills seemed WAY too high for just the two of us, and we realized how much we were eating out, I started going to the grocery store with a list. I would have a few meals in mind, and a general idea of a budget. We also started trying to limit what we spent on meals away from home, and things got a little bit better.

Eventually though, the budget got tighter and we HAD to reduce our food bill even more. After reading America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money, I was inspired to take our grocery bill by the horns. Here are some things I've been doing to reduce our grocery bill.

1) Limits- I make sure we put limits on eating out. Max of 1 sit-down meal per paycheck, and we generally plan for one meal a week that's under $10. Hubby meets with his small group at Jitters after work, so he'll get dinner there. If I know he's not going to be home, I'll pick up a $5 footlong so I don't cook a whole meal for just myself.

2) Plan a Menu- This is probably the hardest part. It takes a little bit of time, but since I've built up more and more recipes, I'm able to look at the local grocery store ads and plan meals around what's on sale. If chicken is on sale, I'll make Easy Chicken Enchiladas. If there's pork loins on sale, I can make Crispy Pork Cutlets with Asian Slaw.

3) Stock Up- There are certain items that I will always use in my meals, like "cream of ____" soups and chicken broth. When these things are REALLY cheap (like, 50% off or less), I stock up. Instead of buying the one can of broth I'll get 4. Maybe I'll buy the 5 pound bag of rice instead of the 1 pounder. One thing that's important though, I try to account for about $10 extra for "stocking up" beyond what my normal groceries should cost. Depending on what you make regularly, these are things you may want to stock up on:

• butter
• cheese
• broths and soups
• cream cheese
• drinks (like juice or tea)
• canned tomatoes, beans, corn, mandarin oranges, etc.
• TOILET PAPER and paper towels, because really, you'll always need them
• Meat (buy then freeze, we'll talk about that in a minute)
• breadcrumbs
• flour
• sugar
• salt
• rice
• mac n' cheese
• frozen pizza

Notice that the things on this list don't spoil quickly. If you stock up on things that do spoil, then you may end up wasting more than you save. Another thing to notice is that these items tend to be bases or sides in a lot of different recipes.

4) Use your Freezer- Some things freeze well. Some things don't. Meat is expensive (it accounts for most of our grocery budget), but at least it freezes and thaws well. If ground beef is on sale, I buy as much as I can. It's very versatile, and you know you're going to use it before it'll go bad in a freezer (anywhere from 6 months to a year or more). You can also freeze some fruits and vegetables. I freeze blueberries and use them in smoothies for breakfast, or in pancakes. I only used half of a pack of green onions I bought, so I chopped up all of them and froze them. Now they're ready to garnish whatever I please!

5) Eat Your Leftovers- Seriously. Most recipes are waaaay too much for 1-2 people, and it makes easy lunch the next day. Just make sure whatever you cook is something that re-heats well!

So it's time to grocery shop again, eh?

Here's a step-by-step of my weekly routine:

1. Look at the ads. What looks good, and what's on sale?
2. Plan the meals. Don't forget breakfast, lunch, and snack foods! It can be as simple as buying meat, bread and cheese for lunches for the week, or just granola bars for breakfast. You know what you like to eat :)
3. Make your grocery list! Here are some of the things that I make sure I always have on hand, since they're used in almost everything I make.
   -Milk
   -Butter
   -Cheese
   -Bread
   -Onion
   -Tomato
   -Eggs
   -Potatoes
4. This is the hardest one- buy only what is on your list! We all get sucked into it... that feeling when you go to the grocery store (especially when you're hungry), and everything just looks so good. You want to put it in your cart, but don't. That's how a $50 grocery trip turns into $100 trip. Each "little thing" that gets thrown into the cart adds up!
5. Keep a running tally of what you're spending as you check off your list. Sometimes this will help me decide if it's in the budget to stock up on an item, or get a gourmet treat for Hubby and I (like homemade spinach dip). 

That's it! Hopefully you found this post helpful, and if you have strategies you use, please share them in the comments below so we can all benefit :) Thanks!!!

Figuring it Out: Planning

I've noticed lately that there seems to be the key to "having it together", something I've been chasing ever since getting married. I've been trying to figure out the easiest, most efficient way to take care of all my "adult" responsibilities: finances, keeping a clean house, preparing meals, feeding the cats, etc. At first, I thought that all grown-ups pretty much had all that figured out.

That was my first mistake.

On this journey, I have to keep reminding myself that no one really has every piece fall into place every time. My role models and other adult friends have had years of practice under their belts, while I've only been playing the marriage game for about 5 months now. It's been difficult, but I have had to let go of perfection and be ok with "functional".

As I graze social media, it seems as though the average newly-wed couple probably:

• Has a shabby-chique apartment, complete with DIY refurbs of old barn doors, vintage windows, and coordinating paint.

• Cooks a gourmet meal every night, except for those nights when they hit the best local bars and restaurants downtown
• Hangs out with friends and throws dinner parties about once a week
• Thinks that a list of holiday gifts "under $100" is very reasonable (taken right from thenest.com)
• Is well on their way to buying a home

There are a ton more that I could list, but I believe it would suffice to say that there are a LOT of expectations thrust upon newlyweds that are, quite frankly, unrealistic. Now, you're probably thinking,"But everyone knows newlyweds are typically poor, living in a shabby studio somewhere, and eating ramen every night!" And you would be correct. However, sites like Pinterest and the Nest often lead us (women especially) to believe that we're not "handling it", or that we just don't "have it together". 

But just like the cover of Cosmo, or the beautiful actors and actresses we see on TV, we have to see past the illusion. I have to keep telling myself that it isn't real, and these are not real people. I have to remind myself that being away from home 12 hours at a time doesn't allow me to "DIY" everything. I have to keep reminding myself that not everyone keeps their house spotless all the time. Not everyone who gets married buys a house right away, especially if they're only 22 and straight out of college.

Sometimes, it's hard to remember that Hubby and I really do "have it together". We both have good jobs. We have a roof over our head and a good meal on the table every night. We have family that loves us, and even though the dishes may sit in the sink for a week day or two, we're doing just fine.

So if you're feeling the pressure, like you just don't "have it together", just remember-

You are "together" enough. You are good enough. You will be like your role model couple one day. 

It's just going to take some time, and planning. 

Oh yeah, planning. I guess that's what I was going to talk about...

So far, planning has helped me to feel like I really do "have it together". 

If I plan my meals out according to what we have going on that week, I don't end up cooking for just myself, or buying fast food, due to lack of time to make what we have. 

When I plan out finances for the pay period, we have a few dollars left over more often. 

When I put things on the calendar I don't double book myself.

As I "figure things out" and learn how to plan, I'll post it on here so maybe you can feel a little bit more "together" too :)

Days 27-30: What I'm Thankful For

I'm all caught up! It's never too late to show a little appreciation :)

Day 27: Life. I'm thankful for life, living, and my loved ones that are alive. It sounds pretty basic, but I think all too often we take life for granted. After my father passed suddenly (almost 10 years ago), I swore I would never take life for granted again. I promised myself to never forget how life can be gone in an instant. Sometimes I forget though, and when something unthinkable happens, or almost happens, it serves as a reminder of how precious life really is. For the lives of my loved ones and myself, I am truly grateful.

Day 28: Today I'm thankful for another recent addition to our family, Uzi. He is a little, gray, Siamese-mixed kitten, and Tuck's new best friend :) He is hilariously curious, and never fails to make me smile. At first we were unsure how Tuck and Uzi would get along, but after a couple of days of almost constant play fighting, they have become BFFs. Uzi is the perfect addition to our little family, and I can't wait to see him grow into a strong, handsome cat like Tuck.

Enjoying some post-bath camaraderie... and warms. 

Uzi likes to play a little game called "Can I fit in here? How about Here?"

Clearly meant for each other :) If this isn't cute, I don't know what is.

Day 29: One of the things I'm so thankful for is photography. Not just as an art, but for the ability to capture a moment, a face, a gesture, an emotion, and freeze it like nothing else can. So much can be expressed in a still photo- there's a reason why a picture is worth 1,000 words. I enjoy capturing other people's memories and preserving them, freezing their families and faces in time to be pulled out down the road at a family party, or perhaps put in a wedding slideshow. I'm no good at drawing, but I like being able to convey a visual, so photography is the perfect medium for me :)

Day 30: For the last day of my Thankful Challenge, I want to thank God for my faith I have in him. Without constant proof of demonstration of his hand in my life, I wouldn't have half the faith that I do. As hard as I try, I'm still a human, and then littlest of things can stir doubt in my heart. So thank you, Lord, for giving me a good kick in the head when I need it, and for comforting me through my trials and triumphs. Without you, I would never be where I am today. 

Days 21-26: What I'm Thankful For

Well, we're already into December, but I'm almost caught up and I still have so much to be thankful for! 

Here we go!

Day 21: Day 21: Michelle Hamstra is one person I am eternally grateful for. As one of my college roommates, she was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand when I needed it. Never hesitating to tell me to "PUT THE BUBBLES DOWN!" while I was failing at studying, Michelle has always been such a good influence on me. Not only did she keep me on task (a feat in itself!), but she also put up with my random attack cuddles, puppet shows, and other shenanigans during her study time. Michelle is one of the most selfless people I know, and was always 100% willing to help me out with whatever I needed. In the harsh social jungle of college, Michelle was always the master of making everyone feel welcomed, invited, and included. I was so happy that she agreed to stand with me on my wedding day, and I know that she'll continue to stand with me throughout our lives :) Love you, Meshell!

Isn't she lovely? :)

Day 22: I've decided to continue going along with the theme of my bridesmaids, since I'm SO incredibly thankful for each one of them. Today, I'll focus on my wonderful Maid of Honor, Naomi. Naomi and I started hanging out in high school, and we haven't stopped since. Unfortunately, life, different schools, and grand adventures have kept us apart in recent years. Luckily, Naomi is one of those friends that no matter how long it's been, you pick up the phone, or see them, and things are just as good as they were before :) She helped me through the most difficult time of my life (my teen years), and celebrated the good times with me too. Aside from being a fiercely loyal friend, Naomi is also incredibly brilliant.

Like, I flat out brag to other people about how smart she is...

Anyway, she was always there to help me academically when I needed it, and to teach me a new word or two. Despite her brilliance she is never condescending, and always makes me feel smarter. It was Naomi who introduced me to the College of Wooster, the place where I would eventually meet the man of my dreams. Without Naomi, my life would be dramatically different, and probably not even half as awesome :)

Senior/Junior Prom #bestdateever
2008

My Wedding
July 13th, 2013

Day 23: As you can guess, I'm moving on to another one of my Bridesmaids (in no particular order). Michelle Sheppard has been SUCH and inspiration to me. I look at her marriage, and I hope that Adam and I can be that in love 25 years from now. Michelle is one of those people that I can talk about literally ANYTHING with. It's imperative (I believe) for every woman to have older friends to look up to, who have been around the block before and can give you advice on everything from how to handle a fight with your spouse, to cooking easy meals, to managing finances. Michelle is an amazing friend, and I feel so blessed to know her :)

Day 24: I met Michelle Sheppard through Wooster United Methodist Church, where her son was in the youth group. She and her husband were VERY active volunteers, and brought so much wisdom and support to the kids. I got to interact with her through the youth group, and we quickly became friends. During my first summer on my own in Wooster, she would let me eat dinner at her place as often as I wanted. We went on different mission trips and outing with the youth, and had awesome conversations along the way. Being the only woman in the house, she seldom gets "girl time", and I was (and still am) always happy to go shopping, or just sit and talk for a couple of hours. In the months leading up to the wedding, Michelle shared so much wisdom on life, marriage, and what it means to share your life with another person. I hope that when Adam and I have been married for 25 years that we have as much love, grace, and Jesus in our marriage as Mark and Michelle. I love you beautiful, and thanks for being in my life!

She was totally rockin' the short hair and headband :)

Day 25: Moving along with the bridesmaid theme, I'm incredibly thankful for Amanda. I've known her since 6th grade when we were in the jazz band together. Despite being a grade apart, we stayed friends all through high school and while we were in college. Amanda is the type of person that is always willing to help, no matter how it might inconvenience her, no matter what else she has going on. If you need her, she offers help before you can even ask for it. We not only did band together, but I got through the many adventures of the dive team with her love, support, and snacks. We would often run from one activity to the next together, often stopping by her house in between events to recharge. Her family openly adopted me as one of their own, even though her father would always say,"You again! Laurie, I told you to stop feeding them or they keep coming back!" The adventures and laughs we've had together are endless, and I'm so excited to have many more in the future!

Friends since 2002... ish

Day 26: I believe that God puts certain people in our lives with every ounce of intention he posses- Éowyn is one of those people in my life. When we first met, we got along instantly. We had an inside joke going within about an hour of hanging out together, and kept finding things we had in common. We both had the same tool kit. "Is that sweet pea I smell?"Apparently, we even had the same perfume. A couple of days later, while relaxing after a long day of college orientation, she had mentioned that he father had passed a few years ago after a long, difficult battle with cancer. "You what else we have in common..." I mustered up the courage to say,"My dad passed too." From that moment we had an understanding that it was no mistake we were roommates. God had very intentionally placed us together to go through the struggle together, to have someone close by who even comes close to understand what that loss is like. Éowyn was not only a rock, she was the most stunning example of someone who lives out their faith that I had ever seen. She helped where no one else would. She was incredibly courteous to everyone. She explained why she was choosing to abstain from the temptations of a secular college, and I followed her example. In many ways, Éowyn steered me onto the path that I walk now, one that brings me closer to Christ all the time, and motivates me to be a better person. We've built so many memories and adventures since then it would be impossible to regale them all, but in summary, Éowyn is an incredible person, and I'm so very thankful for her :)

I was one of her bridesmaids on May 25th, July 13th was payback time ;)

Days 18-20: What I'm Thankful For

Day 18: Today I'm thankful for my employment. I am one of the lucky college grads that got full-time employment right out of college. Currently, I work at a wood shop and an airsoft/camping store, A&P Gear Co. At the wood shop I do a little bit of everything- sanding, inventory, and (every once in a while) duck calls. I work hard, but I still get to have fun and make a decent wage. What more could a girl ask for?

Day 19: Along with my job, I'm thankful to have enough. Heck, I have more than enough. Many people have to scrape by on MUCH less than we earn, and I'm incredibly thankful for that luxury. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we actually do have enough when the bills are due, or when there's a new thing that we really want, but I'm trying harder to remember these days.

Day 20: I'm Thankful for the internet. It sounds rather silly, but without the wonder of the world wide web, I wouldn't be able to do or share many things I enjoy. If it weren't for ChristianMingle.com, Adam  (my husband) and I would have never met. I couldn't keep in contact as well with my sisters and mother, who live anywhere from 657-2500 miles away. Without internet access, I couldn't share my photography, or keep in touch with as many friends as I do from high school. I have certainly wasted a lot of time on Facebook, but the wonder of the internet has had an overall positive impact on my life.