Current Obsessions: Summer Wardrobe

My closet received a complete overhaul this weekend {it felt so good} but this can only mean one thing in my mind, I need to spend some time at the mall this weekend. I am in desperate need of a few summer items to brighten up my wardrobe! 

Here's what I have my eye on right now.
1. J.Crew Sleeveless Floral Lace Sheath Dress {currently on sale with code summerlove}
2. 1.State Pleated Overlay Dress
3. Frenchi Woven Swing Tank
4. John Robshaw Alabat Beach Towel
5. J.Crew Punched-Out Eyelet Romper
6. Lilly Pulitzer Dusk Romper
7. J.Crew Silk Strappy Jumpsuit
8. J.Crew Midnight Floral Cocoon Top

Oh, and these Southern Saying Cocktail Napkins from Reese Witherspoon's new store called Draper James. If I could have one of everything, I would. I love her classic, Southern style.

They included a tab of "Southernisms" on their website and I have to admit that these are perfect!  

Weekend Highlights: A twist on your normal Rodeo

Have you ever ordered a meal from a Food Truck?! If you are like me, the thought of ordering a meal {and enjoying it} from a truck was a bizarre concept. Why would you just not go to a restaurant? Well, my opinion of Food Trucks quickly changed  when we went to Raleigh's Food Truck Rodeo a few weekends ago. The food was unique and delicious!  
 
STOP #1:
American Meltdown Gourmet Melts has been featured on the news, in well-known magazines and won numerous awards for their creative approach to make a simple grilled cheese not-so-simple.  
 
If you know me well then you know that I love anything with Pimento Cheese. I am true believer that Pimento Cheese makes anything better so TC knew that I would be ordering the Pimento Cheese, Spicy Sausage and Corn Relish melt plus a side of baked Brussels Sprouts {another one of my favorites} with a Garlic Aioli dipping sauce. Let me just say, American Meltdown was my kind of Food Truck.

Similar Grilled Cheese Recipes: I could eat a Grilled Cheese for every meal {not joking} so I can't wait to try this recipe from Southern Living or try to replicate the Merguez Sausage Sandwich from Little Muenster in New York City. 

STOP #2:
I have heard nothing but great things about this next Food Truck, Mac-Ur-Roni, from my friends and colleagues. When I saw the bright yellow truck, I knew that I had to stop to try their "infamous" Mac and Cheese.
 
We ordered the "Homewrecker" Mac & Cheese which was three-cheese macaroni topped with Buffalo Chicken, Onions and Blue Cheese. It melted in your mouth, it was amazing!
 
The Mac-Ur-Roni Food Truck is a Triangle-based truck where the Chef worked as a Corporate Accountant for a few years until he left to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant one day. After graduating from culinary school in 2011, he was able to make his dream a reality.

Similar Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipes: The Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese with panko bread crumbs from AllRecipes looks devine and so does this recipe from Food Network.

STOP #3:
I love, love, love {fresh} fish tacos! We have a lot of family that live at the beach so we usually wait to order seafood until we are there. Nothing compares to being able to enjoy fish for lunch or dinner that was caught earlier that morning, right?

Dank Burrito is based out of Morehead City, NC and was named the 2014 Rookie Food Truck of the Year. It is owned and operated by Circa 81, one of our favorite restaurants in Morehead City, that specializes in "offering a farm/sea to table menu as much as possible by supporting local fishermen and farmers."
Similar Fish Taco recipes: Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa Verde and Mahi Mahi BLT Tacos are on our list to make the next time that we are at the beach.

We're already counting down the days until the next Food Truck Rodeo on Sunday, June 14th! Who wants to join us?!

Hosting & Toasting: My Sister's Wedding Weekend

Wedding Season is upon us and my sister kicked it off with an unforgettable weekend! Every detail came together beautifully. She was the most stunning bride that brought us all to tears when she stepped into her wedding dress and was then anxiously awaiting the moment that she would see her groom.   

I wish we could hit rewind and relive the entire weekend all over again. Here is a peak into that special weekend that included a Bridal Luncheon on Friday afternoon hosted by our Aunts, lots of golf, a Southern BBQ on the patio of our local country club on Friday night, their magical wedding day on Saturday and a Mother's Day brunch on Sunday.
On Saturday night, I was able to keep myself together as I toasted to the most amazing sister that I am incredibly thankful to call mine. "To my GiGi {the nickname that I gave my sister when I was little}: my big sister, my best friend, my cheerleader and my protector.

I remember the days that we spent playing cars in the yard when we were little, having sleepovers in our bedrooms on South Valley {because let's be honest, I thought monsters were under my bed} so naturally I wanted to snuggle with my big sister. Fast forward 5 years and we are cruising around in a blue 1990 Volvo dancing and singing {on the very top of our lungs} to Shaina Twain's 'whose bed have your boots been under' or any song by Madonna..."   
"...I remember sitting at your graduation ceremony from UNC on Mother's Day weekend with tears in my eyes because I quickly realized that you were growing up. You were about to move to New York City to begin another chapter of your life. As many people thought Wil wouldn't last more than a year, well we definitely didn't think Sara would be there more than 6 months. Growing up in this quaint town, we were used to the pace of a small town and knowing everyone by first and last name {and maybe even their life long story too}. New York City was going to be a life changing experience and it certainly was. You have achieved your dreams and career goals one step at a time. You have found the most caring friends that have been by your side consistently for the past 11 years. And then when you least expected it, you found the man of your dreams - a Southern gal from NC meets a gentlemen from TN!"
"My forever best friend and protector. You have wiped my tears away during the saddest of moments, you have celebrated in my biggest wins, you have supported me through every chapter of my life and have provided the words of wisdom needed to comfort me at the current moment.

We have traveled the world together, finished 6 half marathons together step-by-step & hand-in-hand and celebrated some of life's biggest events from graduations, our first jobs, engagements and now weddings. These memories will never fade and I can't wait to continue creating even more memories with our families! And for that I will always be forever grateful that I have you as my very best friend. I can't imagine a day without you..."
"When I look at our Bride and Groom, I feel such a kaleidoscope of emotions. Sara has found her true match. My heart is truly bursting with love for you too. I know you have a wonderful adventure ahead of you so take each day one at a time. Love one another more today than yesterday and less than tomorrow."
"Please raise your glass as we toast to the new Mr. and Mrs. Trohanis! If ever you are to enjoy life...now is the time! Today should always be your most wonderful day. Let today be the building block for all the years to come, and may your home and heart be filled with your love and laughter for all the days of your life! I love you both!"