Guacamole Recipe

Today, I'm sharing my guacamole recipe. You can thank me later... it is hands down the best guac you'll ever have.

Cut your avocados in half and remove the seed // Scoop out the avocado from the peel and into your bowl (I was sick of picking out bad avocados, so now, I buy Wholly Guacamole in packets and use that.) // Dice up 1 slice of red onion // Chop up 1 roma tomato // Add 1/8 tsp white pepper // Add 1/8 tsp garlic powder // Squeeze lime juice (1/2 a lime or 1-2 tbsp) atop the mix // Stir!

Side note: I despise cilantro, so I don't make mine with it. If you're a cilantro-lover, then feel free to add that in the mix. Also, some people like jalapeños, so you know... you may add that as well. 

Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy! There is something about that white pepper that is a game changer... it definitely kicks the guac up a notch. Try it out and tell me what you think. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

inspired

Yesterday, I was so inspired here. It got my wheels turning, and I decided to repaint the canvas in our breakfast nook for the 6th time... seriously. I went with a solid color for a change, and I am loving the graphic touch in there. Just wish this place wasn't a rental, so I could paint my walls a pretty shade of gray. 

Does anyone else follow I Spy DIY? I have been obsessed with all of Jenni's projects since discovering her last year. My friend Carly decided to reinvent an old pair of jeans last weekend, and I followed suit. I had an old pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans that I cut into shorts and then dip dyed in bleach following this tutorial.

Thanks for the inspiration, ladies! Glad I changed some things up around here. Have you been inspired by a recent post or pin? Do share!

Swimsuit Season

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Post-baby, I have had no motivation to get in shape. But now I am ready to do something... just not anything too exhausting or time consuming. Just a little toning, preferably in my living room. Any ideas?

recent instas

Our weekend in Charleston…

Memorial Day…

Happy Memorial Day

via

change of plans

via

Last minute, our weekend plans changed, and now we are throwing the kids in the car and heading to Charleston for the weekend. We've gone back and forth about the little road trip over the past 3 days, and when I woke up this morning, it's all I could think about. So… to the beach we go. I am so excited! We'll be boating and beaching it pretty much from sunrise to sunset, but I'm hoping to squeeze in one date night with my man. If so, I'd wear something along these lines:

Do any of you have fun Memorial Day weekend plans? 

scatterbrained

Can't get this image out of my head since Viv pinned it. I just love that Cozamia print!

Haven't layered my baubles this way, but it looks tempting:

Just saw some of the Privet House collaboration at Target, and I'll definitely be buying pieces in that coral fretwork pattern. Those wine bags are next level!

Also, I'm in love with the feminine edge that Gaby brought to Small Shop today! Such a great guest post.

What's on your mind today? I am all over the place.

Shalom

We had such a wonderful trip to the Middle East earlier this month. Here are just a few of my favorite photos that documented our travels to Israel:

fun nails - comfy outfit - good reads - Hasidic Jews

And we're off...

Caesarea

Ancient Aqueduct 

(overlooking the Mediterranean Sea)

Bet She'an 

Bet She'an // columns & baths

I picked at Roman mosaic floors… and got away with a little treasure!

Boating on the Sea of Galilee // Tiberias

Jordan River

Mount of Olives - Capharnaum

(that Katniss braid lasted all day)

beautiful countryside

(near Dead Sea Scrolls)

Floating in the Dead Sea

Jerusalem // Dome of the Rock

pastries - Old City (Jewish Quarters) - jewels - carpet hunting

Pools of Bethesda - Garden of Gethsemane

Jaffa

There were so many other places that we went to… all wonderful. Needless to say, it was a trip of a lifetime! My very favorite place is Jerusalem, specifically Ben Yehuda and the Old City. I love being where the locals are!

And I know most of you are wondering about that Turkish rug that I had been dreaming about. Well, it was nowhere to be found. I just wasn't sold on any of the Kilim rugs that I came across. There was only 1 thing that I debated on buying… a fun lumbar pillow. I ended up talking myself out of it. Surprise, surprise. I came home empty handed. Good thing I already have some incredible souvenirs from my former trip to the Holy Land. :) Can't wait to go back again...

easy breezy

I love this look.
Boyfriend jeans + casual blazer = perfection.
Agreed?

new news

My photography business is getting a totally new everything. I hope to have things up and running soon. I've had 4 sites over the years, and I'm going with the less is more approach regarding the photog blog this time around.

Plus, I'm offering special package prices for brides through the end of June. Contact me today!

no fair.

source

Raise a virtual hand if you wish you were going to be at Blogfest!

the real nitty-gritty

I am sure that you've all seen this movement going on in the blogsphere. It all started with Jess' post, which inspired Ez to start Wave No. 1. Now, Meg has started Wave No. 2, and the honesty shown by bloggers worldwide has been so refreshing. Today, I am jumping on this transparency bandwagon.

So... here it goes:

I am a perfectionist. I like things to always be perfect. When it comes to my home, I have learned that this is never going to happen with 2 little boys running around. I have really had to let go and take a freaking chill pill when things get chaotic. It definitely doesn't help to see all of these "perfect" rooms in magazines and on pinterest, but let's face it -- it's an image, not real life. And besides, I would rather have a home than a house. Wouldn't you?

I live on a budget. Therefore, I can blog all day about a $500 dress that I'll never own, but you better believe that I am hunting down the look for less. I really do dress the way I portray to on my blog, and I remain very true to self here. With that said, I refuse to go in debt or make irrational purchases just to have the latest, greatest things. (And I'm proud to say that we are debt-free aside from our mortgage.)

I am insecure. Ugh! Ok, I admitted it. I use to be so bold and confident. I have become such a people-pleaser. I hate confrontation and second guess myself constantly. I relive conversations I have, wishing I could have a re-do. Who have I become? I really need to find a healthy medium.

And my physical appearance? Let's just say that age and babies aren't improving things. It's worth it though, right moms?

I vote. I consider myself to be a conservative republican, but regardless of my political stance, I think that everyone should vote. If you don't, shut up and quit complaining.

I am afraid of the dark. Yes. You read that correctly. I am like a little kid when the sun goes down.

I feel guilty for blogging. When the blog interferes with family time, I feel like an awful mother and wife. It makes me want to quit altogether. I have really had to pull back and set aside specific time for blogging. I enjoy it so much but am trying to stick to one of my New Year's resolutions of being intentional with my time. This little happy place of mine is here to stay, but I've removed the pressure to post daily.

I am a Christian. I love Jesus. And bonus, I'm a pastor's wife. Bet you didn't see that coming. I am so normal. Seriously, I'm as real as they come. I know that religion is rarely discussed on a blog like this, but if there ever was an appropriate time to spill the guts of who I am, it's now.

[Exhale.]

Did you see?

Yesterday, I was over at Small Shop Studio sharing some necessities for every home. Go check it out!

keep the denim shirt

A chambray shirt is a staple item in EVERY wardrobe. I wear mine year-round! This is just 1 way that I'll be styling it this summer:

How will you wear yours? 

in the meantime

this is me.

waiting for the rain to ease up here.

follow along on instagram:

 annaweaver

wishlist wednesday

candle / bracelet / shoe / pillow

Alex Berlin's Home Tour

Did you catch Alex's house tour on Glitter Guide last week. I really fell in love with it. It is the perfect blend of a "him" and "her" style… I just adore the pinks and golds mixed with the grey and black.

Go check out the full home tour here. Also, take the time to visit Alex's blog, Things That Sparkle… it's sure to become a new favorite!

all images via

dirty hair

Recently, I've been trying to not wash my hair every day. Supposedly, the natural oils are good and ever since my ombre transformation, the ends seem more brittle than ever before. So, I've been rockin' what seems like "dirty hair" on day 2 and letting my hair air dry unless I have to actually style it… here's a little inspiration for the in-between days:

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Side note: Right now, John Mayer's new CD Born and Raised is free to listen to on itunes… and I'm really diggin' it. A little more folksy than his previous work, go listen and thank me later. :)