Hear See Hope

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Shannon was generous enough to invite me, along with two other girlfriends, to the Hear See Hope charity auction last night. The Hear See Hope Foundation raises money for Usher Syndrome, which is the most common cause of deaf-blindness in the United States. It is a combination of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and some level of hearing loss. There are about 10-15,000 people with Usher syndrome in the United States today.

Pre-auction happy hour at RN74? Check!

Catering by Wild Ginger? Check!

A night at Triple Door with great friends? Check!

Pretending like we were Real Housewives of Seattle? Priceless!

It was a great night out and it was nice to learn about such a worthy cause. Initial counts show $100K raised!

Thanks again for the invite, Shannon!

Pic of the Week : Cover Girls

I've never met a photo booth I didn't like.

Weekend!

Can I get an "Amen" to that?!

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Looking forward to tasting some yummy beers on Saturday with my girl, Molly. Nothing says "Farewell February" like some quality brew and a great friend!

And of course, it's Oscar Sunday! Sarah, for the past three years, has hosted a soiree at her place. Sweats are REQUIRED, while treats & beverages are readily consumed. Cannot wait to see what all of the stars are wearing!

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Enjoy it, friends, it's the weekend!

See It: Argo

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Apparently, Mr. Malone and I have been in the mood for some movie watching! My lovely friend Sarah turned 27 yesterday and we all got together to celebrate over the weekend. Her birthday wish? Getting together for drinks, food & "Argo" at iPic in Redmond. (Whoa - fancy, much?!)

I loved this movie. I thought it was so well done, despite how anxiety-inducing it was. No joke, my heart was absolutely racing the last 25-30 minutes. Even though I knew what was going to happen, the way it was shown on film was maddening. (You know when you want to scream at the characters in the movie? That is exactly how I felt.)

At the end, they had side-by-side photos of each houseguest, along with who played them in the movie. Unreal! The resemblance some of the actors had to the people they were portraying was uncanny. (Well, almost.)

Definitely worth seeing! And if you are feeling like a boss, you should also check out the swanky theatre at Redmond Town Center. (But be prepared for overpriced menu items. A margarita for $15?! I'll stick with my Bud Light, thank you!)

Anjelah: Round Two

Remember how much I loved this day? Thankfully, it's being re-created. (Not in its entirety!)

Anjelah Johnson. My best girls. Tomorrow.

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Welcome to King Burger... where we can do it your way, but don't get crazy!

Who's Who in Whoville?

Just what I needed - a girls' night in with Dr. H and MiMi. 

Featuring: 

- Chocolate peppermint cookies

- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (hence the clever blog post)

- Holiday wine charms

- Salted caramels

- One-pot pasta (thanks, Martha!)

- Wine (to go with the aforementioned wine charms)

- Logo Quiz

 - Holiday cheer

NUTELLA SEA SALTED CARAMELS
*Via bell'alimento

14 Tbsp unsalted butter
3/4 C light brown sugar
1/2 C sugar
3/4 C light corn syrup
2 Tsp sea salt
1/4 C heavy cream
2 Tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp Nutella
Fleur de sel, to garnish

*In a heavy bottomed sauce pan, combine butter, sugars, corn syrup, sea salt & cream.
*Bring to a boil until sugars are dissolved and mixture is combined.
*Using a candy thermometer, watch mixture until it reaches 230 degrees.
*Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and Nutella.
*Allow to cool for a couple of minutes. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with parchment paper.
*Again, allow to cool. Sprinkle with fleur de sel and refrigerate for several hours.

Yet another photo app I've discovered - Snapseed.

Thankful

As I sit in bed this morning, it's hard to ignore all of the things I am thankful for. (At this point in time, however, my number one is the DayQuil that is about to kick in.)

I wouldn't be who I am today without Mr. Malone, our families, our friends, and a kick ass fantasy football league that I'm trying desperately to win. (It's rivalry week... Mr. Malone is going down!)

Hope you all have a marvelous Thanksgiving!

Fancy Friday

I'm looking forward to a dinner party with these two ladies, the newest Twilight movie (for comic relief), and a day of baking!

{fine china, for the win}

{homemade wine charms}

{the main course for tonight}

Ye Olde Leavenworth

Oh, Leavenworth, how I love thee. 

A weekend away was just what I needed: Saturday morning in bed with Shannon and Christine Sparkleface, spending the day strolling through town, and randomly running into five sorority sisters.

It was full of amazing conversation, hearty laughter, late night "Truth or Dare," and a box full of Gushers.

Can't wait for La Toscana 2013!

Walking outside to this view? If you insist.

The Oil and Vinegar Cellar. Amazing.

We should work for the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

NUTELLA CREPE. THE END.

The aftermath of aforementioned crepe.

Where we shot hoops in the morning.

Hi, Shannon!

Last Dance

As you all know, Mr. Malone and I had a very busy summer. We were completely honored to celebrate with our friends and family this year. (Seriously! I am totally floored that that many people like us that much.) Needless to say, however, we aren't crying about wedding season being over.

All of our love and warmest congratulations to the newlyweds of 2012!

* Marcus & Julia - May 5 *
* Mike & Erin - May 26 *
* Craig & Melinda - June 23 *
* Steven & Jennifer - July 7 *
* Kyle & Cassie - July 28 *
* Steve & Shannon - August 5 *
* Andrew & Alice - August 11 *
* Andy & Keli - August 25 *
* Nick & Tracy - September 1 *

* Galen & Sara - October 20 *

See It: Pitch Perfect

Shannon and I got pitch slapped last night. Hard.

And we loved every second.

Founders' Day

Today marks Founders' Day for AXO - 127 years! My experience in Alpha Chi Omega is something that I will never forget. I firmly believe in what the organization stands for and I also believe in the benefit of Greek life. Sure, there were dramatic times (and anybody who says differently is lying!), but I wouldn't change it for anything.

You done good, Alpha Chi Omega. Happy Founders' Day!

Donate to Take the Alpha Chi Omega Founders' Day Challenge!

Read It: My Sister's Keeper

I think I may be one of the last people to read this book, but it was worth the wait. I don't even know what the hold up was to begin with... so many books, so little time!

Jodi Picoult is Jen's favorite author, and during one of our regular dinners, she brought this along for me to borrow. I was hesitant to get started, because I assumed it would be so emotionally draining. And while it was sad, the way it was written didn't leave me feeling sorry for anybody.

I think everybody is aware of the main premise: a thirteen-year old has acted as a donor for her older sister, who is battling a rare form of leukemia, for all of her life. (In fact, she was genetically "designed" to be a perfect match.) But now she is wanting to make decisions for herself, as opposed to having her parents choose for her. I'm usually not keen on books that are written from multiple points of view, but I think that is the only way this can work. There was no confusion, no thoughts of "wait, who is this again?," and it was absolutely crucial to understanding how each character is being affected by this situation.

It really is a heavy subject, and left me wondering "what would I want if I was Anna?" or "what would I do if I were her parents?" With the different points of view, the reader is able to learn about each character on a deeper level; and the smaller stories help the reader escape the burden of cancer. For me, the book was nearly impossible to put down.

This recommendation is a no-brainer for me - read this! (But maybe not on the bus or in the office... you never know when your tear ducts will start working overtime.)

ermahgerd

I'm obsessed with fantasy football. I check my phone constantly on Sunday, yell at the television, and get legitimately upset with my players if they don't do well.

It. Is. Awesome!

My team name & logo - for the win!

Out of Towners

Number of Wedding Invites Received: 10

Number of Weddings Down: 7

Number of Weddings to Go: 3

Number of Trips to Oregon: 3

Number of Out-of-Town Weddings Remaining: 0

Hallelujah.

Bearcats in Bend

Melinda was my first friend in Alpha Chi. (The way I prefer to describe it - I was a stage five clinger.) Hard to believe, but I was terrified those first few weeks. Melinda was there for me and our friendship only grew throughout our time at Willamette.

And now, she's hitched!

FYI - I made the collage on Diptic.

I had the best time in Bend last weekend. The last time I saw everyone was at our wedding and we wasted absolutely no time getting back into the college spirit.

My Sigma Chi family, Yak & Hirsch.

Every time I see my Willamette friends, I am completely rejuvenated. I am beyond thankful I went to a small school - these are relationships that will last a lifetime.

The Flames.

Mr. Malone, Mad Men status.

The weather was pretty schizophrenic while we were there - it was a torrential downpour on our 6+ hour drive, but then absolutely gorgeous that evening. Saturday was no different. We went from hail, to sun, to threat of thunderstorms, to a perfectly clear window of time for their ceremony. It was perfect.

We stayed at Eagle Crest Resort. It was Sunriver 2.0.

Craig and Melinda could not be more well-suited for one another. They are the perfect balance of calm and crazy excited! (Craig being the calm one in this equation.)

There was one downside to this reunion weekend, though. It left me wanting more. I'm anxiously counting down until August, when a small group of us will be together again.

And, like always, we will re-live the good ol' days. We will talk of trips to Muchas, campus tours, and Serenades. We will laugh, sing, dance, and cry. We will all pretend that we are twenty again.

And I will walk away knowing that I am so lucky to have these crazy Bearcats in my life.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

Amazing. Breathtaking. Unreal.

Seriously! The Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibit at the Seattle Center totally exceeded my expectations. Jen, her husband, Mr. Malone and I decided to get classy yesterday afternoon. I had heard nothing but wonderful things about this exhibit and just had to check it out for myself. On one of our bi-monthly dinner dates, it came up and we decided to make some plans. (Plus, it gave us the opportunity to bring our cameras along... which was good entertainment for the boys.)

The sheer size of these pieces made my head hurt. We kept asking all of the logistical questions. How long did it take to make these? Did he make them somewhere else and bring them to Seattle? How many pieces broke? My favorite part? The observatory that sat directly under the Space Needle. 

I loved the bright colors, the textures, and the magnitude of his work. Honestly, it was total sensory overload and I would recommend it to anybody.

I think my favorite comment came at the end, as we were walking through the gift shop before leaving.

Mr. Malone: "These don't make glassybaby seem so bad."

(He was referring to the hefty price tag on this little nugget.)

If you are looking for something to do, especially with out-of-towners or family, definitely take the time to head to this exhibit. And when you're done, go visit my cousin at Toulouse Petit for a hurricane. (Or two!) You won't be disappointed!

Happy 5 Years!

Today I want to wish a very happy five year anniversary to my amazing friend, Shannon, and her hubby Tyler!

They are one of those couples that I just can't get enough of. They laugh, give each other shit, and are so generous with their friends and family. Without getting too mushy, I only hope to have a marriage like theirs.

Shannon & Tyler - Cheers on your 5th anniversary! Here is to many, many more! 

Instagram Onslaught

Shannon made sure to remind me yesterday that I have been a bad blogger lately. I know, I know! I just haven't felt like I've had anything interesting to share with the blog-o-sphere. And with that, I present to you my week in photos.



Monday started with dinner at Sonrisa with Ali & Elise. Nothing like guacamole and Tecate. Delish.

It wouldn't be a proper Tuesday without Jen. These dates make any June-uary day better.

 

Oh my gosh, I somehow have a green thumb! These beauties came from our front yard.

Received a wedding invitation from my cousin and his fiancée. How cute is this?! It's carnival themed and I cannot wait!

Crazy? No.

And Mr. Malone had me back in bartending form. I must really like him.