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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Our {Love} Story

You have no idea how many blog posts I've written in my head.  Countless, I tell you!  So many, I couldn't possibly remember most of them.  For those of you who really know me, I am ashamedly and admittedly a procrastinator which translates to many amazing ideas with very little follow through. :P  I have resolved to change that!  At least once.  I must start somewhere, so here you go:

In light of celebrating our first anniversary very recently, I would like to begin my {re}commitment to blogging with a little tale about falling in love with Matt.  After all, that would mark the beginning of our story which gives meaning to the name "Azalea Lane."

HOW WE MET


The story of how we met is kind of a story of how we didn't meet... until the timing was just right.  Ironically enough, we were almost neighbors and almost went to the same high school, but our paths did not cross until much later.  

Matt's cousin, Melissa, and I became best friends way back in high school.  This was when Matt first caught my eye, from the door of the Hall refrigerator.  

There it is.  The infamous photo which caused so many of Melissa and Meg's friends, including myself, to go gaga for their twin cousins.

A few years later, Matt and I were both in the same wedding, but neither of us remembers meeting then.

On January 8th, 2011 the stars aligned, and we were finally introduced at the wedding reception of Melissa's little sister, Meg.  I remember telling my mom, "He just might be the one!"  It is so cliche but so true: when you meet your soulmate, you just know it! Without. A. Doubt.





So began a little long distance relationship.  We really racked up Southwest Reward points traveling between Lubbock and Dallas (where Matt lived in a little bachelor pad on Azalea Lane).  Each time we would visit one another, it became more difficult to say goodbye.  



OUR ENGAGEMENT


After taking a leap of faith and moving to Dallas the summer after meeting, we took a trip to visit some of my family in Hawaii.  Anyone who knows me will tell you my favorite place on the planet is Hanalei, Hawaii.  I really wanted to share this beautiful place with Matt.  He saw this as the perfect opportunity to pop the question!  With the help of my mom, aunt, and uncle, Matt worked out the perfect plan.  
Around sunset, on November 15, 2011, we set out on a romantic walk on the beach.  Meanwhile, my aunt, uncle, cousins, and friends were busy preparing for the special moment.  After insisting to continue our walk a little longer than Matt would have liked, he took me to a heart shaped by hundreds of petals and dropped to one knee.  He whispered in my ear and asked me to marry him!  Of course, I said yes!  We were immediately greeted by friends and family bearing leis. We had a champagne celebration followed by a private dinner overlooking the bay.  It could not have been more perfect!








OUR WEDDING

On December 1, 2012, we joined our family and friends in a celebration of love, and I married the man of my dreams!  Little did we know, the many blessings God had in store for us in just the first year!  

The details of our wedding, as well as, the events of this past year are soon to follow.  Stay tuned! :)


Monday, July 9, 2012

Banana Bliss

Countless times, it seems, I've bought a bunch of bananas only to find them browning way too soon.  Even though they are a cheap treat, I can't bring myself to just throw them away.  Of course there are recipes which require the ripe fruit, but, a girl can only make so many banana breads and muffins! 

I recently found a recipe for banana ice cream, which I love!  I've adapted it a couple different ways, one of which includes adding a handful of dark chocolate chips... YUM!!

My most recent variation includes mango {my favorite fruit}.


Banana Mango Tango

2 or 3 ripe bananas, peeled and cut into chunks
1 or 2 mangoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup to 1 cup nonfat milk, soy milk, or almond milk

Freeze bananas and mango(s) in sealed container overnight. 

In a food processor or blender, blend frozen fruit and 1/2 cup milk, adding more milk if necessary.

The consistency is somewhere between soft serve and smoothie.  I enjoyed a cup as a smoothie and froze the rest to be eaten like ice cream.  On another note, I used fresh mango and froze it with the banana, but packaged frozen mango would work just as well.




Saturday, May 19, 2012

From Akala Jane to Azalea Lane

After careful thought and much consideration, the blog formerly known as "Akala Jane" has changed its name to "Azalea Lane." I'm looking forward to sharing yummy recipes, DIY ideas, and so much more! Stay tuned...

Monday, March 28, 2011

Laugh a Little

You know what they say, laughter is the best medicine! Here are a few of my favorite jokes... Be warned, they're a little cheesy.

What did the sea say to the sand? Nothing it just waved.

Why did the porcupine cross the road? He was stuck to the chicken's butt.

What did the sea turtle say to the oyster? Stop being so shellfish.

Knock Knock. Who's there? Oscar. Oscar who? Oscar if she likes me.

Knock Knock. Who's there? Arthur. Arthur who? Arthur any chocolates for me?

Feel free to share your own!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Got Juevos?

After consuming a delicious helping of Juevos Rancheros goodness at The Corner Market in Lower Greenville, I was inspired to create my own version. Behold my Hunger-Counquereing-Mexican-Lasagna-Like-Dish:


It goes a little something like this:

Preheat the oven to 350*.
Brown 1lb. ground beef and stir in taco seasoning.
Line the bottom of a 9x9 dish with 4 to 5 white corn tortillas.
Add seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and a layer of cheese.
Add another layer of 4 tortillas.
Evenly spread one can of refried black beans, one can of Rotel, and more cheese.
Add another layer of 4 tortillas.
Evenly spread one can of Sarah's secret ingredient, black olives, and MORE CHEESE!
Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

While the delictable dish is baking, fry four eggs (juevos). These will go on top of the finished product.


Food For Thought:
Did you know "dish" also means "attractive woman"?
Main Entry: dish
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: attractive woman
Synonyms: angel, babe*, bathing beauty, beauty queen, broad*, bunny, centerfold, chick*, cover girl, cupcake, cutie, cutie-pie, doll*, dollface, dream girl, dreamboat, fox*, glamor girl, good-looking woman, honey*, hot dish, hot number, peach, pin-up, raving beauty, sex bunny, sex kitten, sex pot, tomato
* = informal language
http://thesaurus.com/browse/dish

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Do you have an app for that?

Top Ten Apple Apps
(according to me)

10. Line Up 2
9. Soundhound
8. Words With Friends
7. MyCeleb
6. Living Social
5. Hipstamatic
4. Urbanspoon
3. Couch to 10K
2. Moodagent
1. Pandora

Honorable Mention: Emoji, IncrediBooth, SwankoLab

Don't delay; download today!

What are your favorite apps?


Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy ♥ Day!

Valentine's Day Playlists

LOVE IT!
All You Need Is Love by The Beatles (to make you smile)
Crazy Love by Van Morrison (classic)
Divine Romance by Phil Wickham (because God is love)
Fallin' for You by Colbie Caillat (for the budding romance)
Is This Love by Bob Marley (good question)
Like Red on a Rose by Alan Jackson (a charming country crooner)
Love Shack by The B-52's (who doesn't love this song?!)
Lovin' You by Minnie Riperton (lalalalala!)
Marry Me by Dolly Parton (just for fun)
Love Like This by Natasha Bedingfield (frivolously fun)
Valentine by Kina Grannis (an obvious choice)

HATE IT!
Doesn't Remind Me by Audioslave (whatever works)
Gives You Hell by All-American Rejects (really hate it)
I'm Never Getting Married by Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Rewards (no explaination needed)
I Look So Good (Without You) by Jessie James (sassy sista)
My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne (because heartbreak happens)
Proud Souls (pity party for one)
Single Ladies by Beyonce (ya snooze, ya lose)
Stupid Boy by Keith Urban (seriously!)
Wake Up Older by Julie Roberts (heartbreak can be rough)
Wear My Ring by Bart Crow Band (baby, give me back my ring!)
White Liar by Miranda Lambert (it takes one to know one)