{Four} Lovely Years

Four years ago, I wed the love of my life! I am beyond blessed with a husband and partner who is my very best friend, who will move mountains to put a smile on my face, wipes my tears when I've had a bad day, holds my hand through the good and the tough times, rejoices with me over victories, loves me deeply and pursues me every single day! I adore you, Christopher Hansen and am so honored to be your wife! Happy anniversary!

'Til Death Do Us Part

Have you guys read the story that's been all over the news about the couple who died holding hands? It's so sweet and I really loved this article that gives a little insight on their marriage and their life! Honestly, what a way to go, hand-in-hand with your true love!

image/via

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Three years of marriage and my heart couldn't be happier!

Happy anniversary to the man who still sweeps me off my feet!  I love you!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

To my husband,

Happy birthday, my Love! I am so lucky to be your wife! You always know how to make me smile with your willngness to work on projects around the house, scraping the ice off my car in the wee hours of the morning and pouring me countless cups of hot tea. You always make me laugh with all your silly voices, your "secret" candy stash in the glove box and your Jim Carey impersonations. I adore your fervent love for family traditions, affinity for great Halloween costumes and your deep desire to be a good daddy someday. You are one of a kind and I love you with all my heart!

Love, Kate

Good Advice

I just came across this list of marriage advice on a friends blog (check it out here) and absolutely love it! The original list is quite long so I decided to only include some favorites, though the whole thing is great! Note: this is written in prospective of a father to his son.

{Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!}

Praising your wife in front of other people does wonders for her self-esteem.

Criticizing your wife in front of others, even in jest, is always a bad idea. Always.

Sometimes, she doesn't want you to solve the problem. She just wants you to listen. I know, I don't understand it either.

Credit card debt is a monster. Don't fall for it, even for the short term.

Live on less than you make. In fact, learn to live on one income. Swim against the tide.

Tithe. Not only does it honor God, it also brings focus to the rest of your money decisions.

Laughing together is even better for you than exercising together.

Don't be so afraid of hurting the other's feelings that you never really talk about how you feel. It took five years of marriage before I finally told your mom I didn't like grape jelly, which she'd been putting on my peanut butter sandwiches every day.

Don't be too embarrassed to talk about sex together.

Praying together every day might be the most intimate thing you can do. Even more than sex.

Pray together before any big decision and most small ones. The ultimate decision is far less important than the fact you are praying together about it.

Find regular times of quietness, both together and alone. Watching a Cubs game doesn't count.

Hold your career with a light touch. It's not who you are, it's only what you do.

Find a good church and get involved. Don't just be spectators. Churches have enough of those.

If you wait until you feel confident and ready to have kids, you will never have kids.

When you fight, fight fairly and cleanly. No yelling, no escalating, no pouting.

Approach each day with a thankful heart. It's a freeing thing to realize that no one owes you anything. First Timothy 6:6 says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

Your wife is an amazing gift from God. Treat her that way.

No marriage is bulletproof. Guard it with everything you have, and entrust it to God.

The Last Days of Summer

Happy Monday, Lovelies! What a weekend we had - Friday I had a good ole' fashioned sleepover with my dear friend Parris because Chris was out of town, Saturday we took a much needed shopping trip for new Fall clothes and Sunday our friends tied the knot. Overall, a delightful few days!

Thought I would share a few pics from the Van Unen's {beautiful} wedding festivities -

{Announcing, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Van Unen}

{So much joy}

{Absolutely adore her hair}

{Friends~we're all married now!}

{First dance}

Hope you enjoyed the last official weekend of Summer!

Wedding Weekend!

This weekend we have the pleasure of seeing our sweet friends Dan and Nicole get married! Their intimate outdoor ceremony will take place Sunday morning, followed by a brunch reception. Doesn't that sound lovely (I'm a complete sucker for brunch!)?! Can't wait to celebrate with the happy couple as they become Mr. and Mrs.!

Have an amazing weekend!

image/April Smith photography
via/Elizabeth Anne Designs

Husband Talk

I know I occasionally gush about my wonderful husband, but please bare with me as I share some exciting news.

You may or may not know that he is a fanatical sports fan, which I have always found endearing. Most of the time at least.

Not only does he love to watch and talk about all things sports, he also has a passion for writing about them. And he's quite good if I do say so myself! Call it his journalism degree or sheer talent, but that guy has what it takes.

A few years ago he started a blog about the Raiders (check it out here), and while I didn't understand the brilliance of it at first, I have come to realize what a fantastic tool it has been for my husband to get his name out there. Today Chris' blog is the largest Raiders fan followed blog by a non-credentialed journalist. That's pretty amazing! And he's now got close to 1200 followers on Twitter! Yeah, it's kind of a big deal.

So what is the point of all this? Well, it's not just to tell you how amazing he is, but to share that this weekend he was invited by the executive producer to be a guest on ESPN 1420. And last night, that is exactly what he did. I was so sad that I couldn't listen to it because I was teaching a class, though I'm sure he was wonderful!

What I find really cool about this whole thing is they found him. And you know what that means, people are starting to know who he is!

I love that my husband is pursuing what he loves and I couldn't be a more proud wife!

Keep it up, my love, the best is yet to come!

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Two years ago today I married my best friend. And I am still completely smitten with him!

Only the Best Will Do

You may remember me posting that I wanted a Belgian waffle maker a while back...well I am a very lucky woman to have a husband who remembers what he reads here on the blog:)

But don't be fooled, he didn't buy me the one I thought I wanted. Oh no my friends, my man researches everything and absolutely insists on having the best! Which is why he says he was willing to wait 5 years for me;) Moving on...

When he looked into the one I originally wanted, he discovered that the standard open and close makers only make waffle crevices up to 3/4 of an inch thick, where a "true" Belgian has 1 inch pockets. (Only my husband!) Apparently the best ones flip upside down, using gravity to create extra deep crevices. And knowing me, he was certain it would drive me crazy to only be able to make one at a time. So...he bought me this double flip Belgian waffle maker!!!




I am so excited this morning to use my new waffle maker AND try Giada's Pancetta and Cinnamon waffle recipe I've been dying to make! Bon appetite!

Pancetta Cinnamon Waffles
recipe from Giada De Laurentiis
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus 1/3 cup, plus extra for greasing the waffle iron
3 (4-ounce) slices pancetta, about 1/4-inch thick, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
3 cups Belgian waffle mix (recommended: Krusteaz)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the walnuts in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until toasted. Set aside to cool.

Preheat and lightly grease a waffle iron.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook until brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine waffle mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, cinnamon, and salt. Using a whisk, blend the ingredients together until smooth. Stir in the pancetta. Pour the batter, using the amount recommended by the waffle iron manufacturer's instructions, into the preheated waffle iron. Cook waffles for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.

Place waffles onto serving plates. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve immediately

You are the Cream to My Coffee

To my husband,

Seven years ago today you asked me to be yours. I couldn't possibly have known that saying yes would be the beginning of such a remarkable love story! Thank you for asking me and thank you for the past seven years of love, adventure, excitement and endless encouragement! I wouldn't even change the difficult times we've experienced together, as they have only taught us to love one another better. You are, my Love, the cream to my coffee! My life just wouldn't be complete without you!

Here's to many, many more!

Love,
Yours always

A Love Note

Because I have been working hard lately trying to strike a balance between work, more work, play and those pesky things called responsibilities, I've noticed myself become a bit more emotional and dare I say it, irrational at times. Yes it's true, I'm flawed. And during those moments I am reminded of how very lucky I am to be married to a man who not only balances me, but loves me at my worst. For that, and for so much more, I am grateful beyond words!

My dear husband, thank you for always listening when I am frustrated, encouraging me when I am discouraged, constantly finding ways to make me laugh and for bringing me countless tall soy extra hot, no-water chais when I haven't gotten enough sleep and am admittedly grouchy!

Just when I think I couldn't possibly love you more, somehow, impossibly, I do!

A Touch of Best Buy to the Crate and Barrel

This isn't what you expected, because for a first time in a long time you are not reading something written with a feminine touch. This is Mr. Hansen's turn to chime in on the blog.

Before you close the browser window give the "trained" writer in the family a chance. That isn't a slight at my wife, she is a fantastic writer, but don't you want to know about man cave coexistence?

We have been married now for a year and a half and our apartment has certainly gone through several transformations.

When we moved in, our living room consisted of a hand-me-down white couch, my beat-up fish tank, a Crate and Barrel coffee table and a 27" classic style television on top of my Wal-Mart TV stand. The walls were white and the windows had no curtains.

Due to Kate's get down to business attitude, the early transformations were largely aesthetic. We got a new couch, chair and ottoman. We painted a wall and purchased curtains.

One reason Kate married me, and I believe she will admit this to anybody who asks, is that I am pretty handy. It is just in my blood. I've now put up curtains more times than I can count.

We only have five windows, but between the couple sets of curtains we didn't like and Abby pulling them down, the drill has received plenty of use.

If you've been following the blog for a while, you may have heard we purchased a Plasma TV just before Christmas. It was something we had been saving up for a while.


My lovely wife got me a PS3 for Christmas so the home theater system that every man seems to demand was coming together.

I realize that this is snooze-fest for all the females reading, so I'll spare you the juicy details. The part I wanted to highlight was that it is possible to add a touch of Best-Buy to Crate and Barrel.

I was able to parlay a hand-me down sound system from my mother-in-law and a Christmas gift from my own mother to put together the home theater sound I sought after.

Seven speakers and a subwoofer had to find a home in our living room. This is beauty to man, but for the woman it's a nightmare.

With a lot of grace from my lovely wife I went on the quest to setup this system. The following pictures are the result.

While far from perfect, the "ugly" has been mostly avoided sans a couple temporarily exposed cords, the Wal-Mart TV stand just got overwhelmed. 

A new TV stand along with the long awaited fish tank upgrade I've yet to complete should put the finishing touches to the gentle melding of male and female.

I hope you also will find a little space for your man. My beautiful wife did and I believe she is as happy as I am with the results.

WARNING! MALE CONTENT!

I've got plenty of tips and tricks for the home theater setup on the cheap, without sacrificing too much quality.

You can find those details here.

One and a Half Years!

Okay, so I know I said after our one year anniversary I would no longer celebrate "monthiversaries", and I haven't, until today, because I just can't resist! Today Chris and I have been married for 18 wonderful, blissful, inspiring and fantastic months!


“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ~ Dr. Suess

I love you, Sweetie!

Smile

Totally. Completely. 100%. I could have written this song about my husband as he can always make me smile, and more importantly, laugh...A LOT!

"You´re better then the best
I´m lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow that´s right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it´s ok yeah it´s ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile"

Lyrics from Uncle Kracker's 'Smile'

Unfamiliar Territory

Merry Monday friends! I hope your weekend was wonderful, relaxing and full of fun!

We had a delightful few days off! Here's a funny story for you~

After finishing our dinner last night, Chris promptly asked, "What are we having for dessert, honey?". Quite comical that he has become accustomed to this, but I of course already had something in mind:) I responded that I was going to make our favorite Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies! And with that my husband began clearing our plates from the table and once everything was put away he asked what the first step was for the cookies! What?? That's right, instead of him checking football scores while I baked, we made them together! There were some very amusing moments though.

First of all, Chris read me the list of ingredients we needed because, as he noted, he doesn't know where anything is in our 'immaculate pantry'...wouldn't that make it easier to find things?? Anyway, he then combined all the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl and as they were blending he asks me if I had decided to move the mixer down from the pantry because I knew I would be doing a lot of baking during the holidays...I stared at him blankly for a moment and then, realizing what he had just asked me, I started laughing out loud. Understand that our mixer has been in the EXACT same spot on the counter since we moved in (18 months ago!). It became clear in that moment that our kitchen is pretty unfamiliar territory for him:)

I must say though, he did a fantastic job with the cookies! Impressive actually!!


So focused:)


"Cleaning up"


Yummy!!


The last hours of our weekend were spent enjoying these amazing cookies, milk and watching one of our favorite holiday movies, Elf!

That's A Lot Of Days!

Out of nowhere today I decided to pull up our wedding website. I had no idea it was still active! Anyway, I looked at the wedding counter and it says Chris and I have been married for 481 days! Kinda seems like a long time when you put it that way:) Naturally, I began reminiscing about that magnificent day...

I think I speak for both of us when I say we still feel this giddy!

Some Favorites From The Week

I've got some good eats, reads and finds to share with you on this beautiful Friday!

Grilled flank steak tacos with avocado-lime salsa ~ Sometimes when I make our weekly meal plan, I get so excited about a certain dinner that the anticipation lingers all week. This was definitely one of those weeks! Chris has been asking for steak, so I went browsing through some past issues of Cooking Light in search of the perfect recipe. Alas, I found these grilled flank steak tacos! I splurged a bit on a beautiful $17 piece of flank steak (but he's so worth it!). Last night I was feeling tired and unmotivated to cook, but I simply could not let this meal get put off! As soon as I started grilling the meat my enthusiasm was renewed as it began to sizzle and the spicy aroma of lime and chipotle filled the apartment! The results: wonderfully fresh and authentic tasting! Chris and I agreed these tacos will be making another appearance on our weekly menu!




Secrets to a Happy Marriage ~ Joanna Goddard, the author of one of my favorite blogs, was married last weekend and while she is on her two week honeymoon in Greece and Italy(jealous!), she has asked various bloggers, authors and friends to post about their "secrets to a happy marriage". It has been quite a sweet series that I've enjoyed reading:) Check it out at Cup of Jo! The post by Elly on Wednesday has been my favorite so far:)

Apron inspiration ~ I've shared that I am getting a sewing machine for Christmas, but what I haven't told you is my obsession with aprons! My whole inspiration for learning to sew stemmed from wanting to make my own aprons. I just love them and have recently been on the lookout for cute patterns. Last weekend while garage saleing, Chris and I found a few that he insisted I buy:) While paying for them the girls told me their grandmother made them over 30 years ago! All the more exciting for me as I love the vintage look. I've added them to my ever growing collection and now I REALLY can't wait to start learning! I've also fallen in love with the vintage inspired fabrics at The Tin Thimble. I need to start stocking up because I can tell, this is not going to be my cheapest hobby:)

This is one I got at the garage sale last weekend. Love the bright, cheery fabric!


This one was my grandma's and probably one of my favorites! It has such a feminine sweetness to it!


And this one is from Anthropologie. I love it's simple design and retro flair!



Bulerias Tank by Lululemon ~ I adore this tank! Perfect for yoga or grocery shopping...that's my kind of top:)



Have a great weekend! I know we're looking forward to a low-key 3-day break together:)

And the Husband of the Year Goes to...

I had a very interesting morning indeed! As I told you the other day, I have had a lot of trouble getting to bed at a decent time, but this week I have made a special effort to get at least 6 1/2 hours of sleep. Good job Me:) Wouldn't you know something would throw me off?

I have always been a vivid dreamer. I almost always remember my dreams, however, whatever was playing out in my head this morning must have been intense because it made me pop out of bed. Assuming it was my alarm that woke me up, I turned on the shower and started brushing my teeth, only to realize it was only 2:30! Ha! So I laughed it off and gratefully snuggled up with my husband for another hour and a half...

The next time I woke up I felt pleasantly rested and, again, turned on the shower. This time I noticed that the clock read 5:15. Uh oh, I am usually walking out the door at that time!! A little stunned I froze and started frantically saying to Chris, "It's 5:15, I'm so late! How did I sleep in?".

This is where his heroic actions come in. At least they were heroic to me:)

Understand that Chris is the heaviest sleeper EVER and it can be near impossible to wake him up. So you can see how it surprised me when he jumped out of bed and immediately said, "How can I help you?". He made me coffee (this is usually done the night before, but I was to tired last night)and toast, put my lunch together and kept me calm as I managed to make myself look decent!

Thankfully I leave at 5:15 as a bumper, in case I need to stop for gas or coffee and basically to get settled before 6. So leaving at 5:30 got me to work with 3 minutes to spare:)

As if he wasn't helpful enough already, he brought me oatmeal and a skinny latte when he came into work, which just totally made my morning! I just love him and his ability to keep me calm and grounded. He get's husband points for this one!

What a stud!

In The Words of Audrey...

One of my all-time favorite actresses, Audrey Hepburn, once said, "If I get married, I want to be very married."

Just a note to say that I really like being "very married" to this guy!