February 1st Update

via 

I've been a busy bee and I'm loving it. "Make it Happen" is definitely my perspective on life right now! My new business ventures are happening, my baby girl is growing, and life is good!

I recently was hired to style a wedding! I was brought on about a week before the event. I did help styled the bridal and bridal party pictures with my props. For the reception, I used the props the family had already purchased and incorporated some of my own to create a winter wonderland ice skating feel. The outside pictures turend out fabulous! Zach Mather's Photography took the one above. The venue was the most difficult space I've had to work with but we made it happen! I can't wait to show you before and after pics! Below is a little cell phone pic I took. White trees are not really my thing but they worked! 

 This past weekend I participated in Cutom Weddings Norhtwest. I am part of this amazing community of talented wedding professionals in our area. The event was great! Here's a few snapshots of my space. I designed 3 booths myself and provided props to a total of 7 booth spaces!

Sophia just learned to crawl over the weekend. It's so cute but now we have to work on making things safe around the house!

This weekend I also helped with a few photoshoots at The Blackwell House, my newest project. More info to come!

Photo by Mary Banducci Photography

January Weekend

I turned 23 years old yesterday. I kept forgetting it was my birthday and had a hard time resisting the urge to work all day on my business, website, contracts, and proposals. I made my self lay in bed for about 15 minutes to watch Grey's Anatomy but then Sophia woke up and my busy day as a mommy and business owner began. The work never stops but it's the kind of work I love and it energizes me! We went to dinner with family and a few friends last night. I had a basil martini! 

My mom used to fill my room and bathroom with balloons and flowers every morning on my birthday before I woke up. She snuck into our house the other night to do the same! Thanks Mom!

My family also gave me this necklace as a birthday gift. I like to call it a key to the Attic!

Kyle built this for me this weekend. First it will be a kissing booth then the possibilities are endless...a lemonade stand, bake sale stand, drink or dessert bar for an event. It's so cute and I can't wait for someone to rent it from the Attic. 

Somebody also enjoyed feeding herself this weekend!

--

We finished off the week with a refreshing recipe of Nettle Tea. Mary is a master at blending teas from whole herbs and spices. Take a look at this recipe here. Photo by Mary Banducci Photography.

Mary Banducci Photography & the Attic are teaming up this coming weekend to create styled mini sessions with a Valentine's flair. We'd love it if you sign up! We're looking for families, a group of friends, a group of kids, couples, etc. 

Hope you all had a lovely weekend, too!

Quinoa Soup

This Quinoa soup is very fast and simple to make and very delicious for a cold winter day! There is no meat but it is very hearty. Chicken could easily be added, though.  

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup Quinoa, rinsed

4 cups Broth (vegetable or chicken)

2 Carrots

2 Celery Stalks

1 cup Kale

1/2 cup diced Onion

2 cloves Garlic

2 tsp Salt

3 TBS Olive Oil

1 small Butternut or Acorn Squash

Directions

Peel squash. Dice into cubes and roast with olive oil at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, saute onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in a large soup pot. Cook until slightly soft.

Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add rinsed quinoa seeds and continue to simmer. 

Add fresh kale and butternut squash at the end before you serve. Add salt to taste.

 All photos by Mary Banducci Photography. Recipe by Alisa's Garden

Juice

Continuing our week of refreshing recipes.

 Some delicious juicing recipes over at Sweet Roots today! Photos by Mary Banducci Photography!

Grapefruit & Sea Salt Scrub

Our week of refreshing recipes continues over at Sweet Roots!

Mary created this recipe for a detoxifying body scrub. Aren't the photos gorgeous!?

You can read Mary's information about this scrub and find the recipe HERE!

Photos by Mary Banducci Photography

Tofu Wrap with Chili Lime Sauce

Tofu Wraps

with Chili Lime Sauce

This quick wrap is perfect for a healthy lunch. It's fast to make and stays fresh all day if you pack it in the morning. You can also substitute chicken if tofu isn't your thing!

Ingredients

1 package of Extra Firm Sprouted Tofu {or chicken}

1 TBS Olive Oil

1 tsp Sesame Oil

2 tsp Soy Sauce

1 tsp Oyster or Fish Sauce

2 tsp Thai Chili Sauce

1 cup Shredded Red Cabbage

1/2 cup Shredded Carrots

2 TBS Cilantro

2 large gluten free or whole wheat tortillas

Sauce

1/2 cup Veganaise

1 tsp Siracha Chili Sauce

1 tsp Lime Zest

Squeeze of Lime Juice

Pinch of Salt

Directions

Slice tofu in to strips. Saute in sauces and oils until a nice dark crust forms. 

Layer the veggies and tofu as you like in a tortilla. Drizzle chili lime sauce over it and wrap it up. 

Photos by Mary Banducci Photography

Green Smoothie | Kale & Mango

This time of year it's always nice to have something bright and refreshing for breakfast or a snack. I love green smoothies because they are a great vehicle to get your dark healthy greens masked by a fruity flavor. I combine raw kale, fresh orange juice, and mango in this smoothie. It may sound funny being green but trust me, once you try this smoothie you will be hooked!

Ingredients

2 cups Raw Kale or Spinach

1/2 Mango {frozen or fresh}

1/2 cup frozen Strawberries {any frozen fruit works}

3/4 Orange Juice

2 TBS ground Flax Seed

Fresh Orange or Lime Zest

Directions

Blend all ingredient in a blender and serve!

Photos by Mary Banducci Photography

Mary and I will be sharing more refreshing and healthy recipes this week between Sweet Roots & Alisa's Garden.

Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

Iy know it's the new year and we should be thinking about fresh and clean and health foods. (Fresh recipes in the works for next week) But we were craving mac & cheese the other night and I made it for a group of friends that came over last night. It's the perfect comfort food and anything in moderation is OK, right!?

Ingredients

1 package elbow macaroni 

{or shells or pasta of your choice even gf}

2 cups shredded Cheese of your choice

{I used cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella}

1/2 cup of Half & Half

3 TBS Sour Cream

1 cup Milk

2 TBS Butter

2TBS Flour 

{can use gf flour}

1 clove Garlic

1 tsp Siracha Chili Paste

2 tsp Salt

Pinch of Paprika

Directions

Set a large pot of water to boil for your noodles.

In a medium sauce pan, create a rue. A rue is a butter and flour thickening base for a sauce. Place the butter in a sauce pan and melt over medium heat. Stir or whisk in equal parts flour. See in the steps below how it starts to form a doughy paste. This is the base to your sauce.

Next add the half and half in small increments. Whisk it into your rue until it is well incorporated. Continue to simmer and whisk in all of your liquid. 

Add the cheese and siracha, salt, garlic, and paprika towards the end. 

Mix the hot sauce into your cooked pasta. This dish can be served with more cheese on top, breadcrumbs, or even peas mixed in for some color.