3 Dairy Free Recipes for Fall

| The Bee Life

As the days cool, the nights darken and the full effects of comfort food and fall hit us – I can’t help but look for recipes that fit the void of comfort food, while being diet-friendly. And by diet friendly, I don’t mean some strict diet I’m on, just the diet of agreeing with my stomach, aka no dairy! I’ve definitely become more strict on my no dairy, and feel much better without it. We’ve also been trying to eat low-carb, and have surprisingly been able to stick to that fairly well, also!
Dairy Free Fall Recipes - the bee life
Baked Almond Feta with Rosemary (dairy free): This not only looks easy with minimum ingredients, but looks delicious and the perfect dish for appetizers and upcoming holiday parties! Plus all the dairy-free party goers can enjoy it too. Enjoy the full recipe here. 

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash: We’ve already enjoyed this dish a few times, and all I can say is YUM! Not to mention, you don’t feel as guilty but can still indulge in buffalo chicken dip tastes without eating a million chips! The ranch and hot sauce are areas where I air with caution (and the best part about BCP) but this recipe offers great substitutes for the dairy free eaters.  Enjoy the full recipe here.

Lasagna (gluten + dairy free): This is a must-try for this cool season and fits within our low-carb and dairy free diet restrictions! Although this has a bit more prep-time, it isn’t anything new when it comes to making lasagna – just a different kind of prep to get that cashew cheese substitute.  Trina’s full recipe is available here.

Have you conformed your favorite comfortable foods to fit your dietary needs? If so, share them below!

Weekend Recap – Annual Clam Bake

| The Bee Life

As the last weekend of October is behind us, it ended with another busy weekend full of friends, family and fun! The weather is finally feeling like fall too, I know I was complaining of not being in the fall spirit early in the month because it was so sunny and warm – definitely in the fall spirit now with the rain and chilly weekend we had.  It made for a cold clam bake, but that didn’t keep the party away.
2017 Clam Bake - the bee life
The clam bake is pretty much the same every year, with a few exceptions; like who is there, the sporting events being televised, and the weather.   Some years more family is able to join, while in other years it’s a smaller crowd.  We were hopeful that we might be doing some World Series watch parties at this year’s clam bake, but no dice – although the OSU vs. Penn State game made up for it. And although the rain cleared before the fun started, it was still a cool night which made for a lot of crowding around outdoor heaters and fires or frequent trips inside to warm up!

It’s always a fun time, an October tradition that I love – and this year it was essentially the last hurrah before our big day! Eek!

Latest Obsessions 10.17

| The Bee Life

So many things lately you guys, and so much fun, but so, so random.
Latest Obsessions 10.17 - thee bee life
Etsy. We have been shopping for wedding gifts for our bridal party, parents and a few other special people participating in our wedding and Etsy has pretty much been our one stop shop.  The ability to customize special pieces for our loved ones, order hand made jewelry and custom prints has me completely obsessed! I can’t share too much, because a few of those recipients may be reading!

Vintage Santa’s. Yup, I know I’m early guys… but I’m so excited for Christmas! And I think vintage Santa’s might be a thing at the #wagarwoolfchristmas this year. This wreath has my name written all over it not to mention this print (from Etsy) has already been ordered.  I wasn’t sad at all when I saw all the decor out in the stores, I will be decorating as soon as Thanksgiving is over.

Summer Clothes… for our honeymoon! Since we’re going someplace warm, I’ve been shopping for a few fun and flirty bathing suits on top of some fun summer clothes! Especially taking advantage of some of the clearance items. Starting to get obsessed with our upcoming trip.

Our Wedding.  Yup! Still obsessed. As the final details are coming into place, the seating chart is nearly set and guest list is final, simply cannot wait with all the warm and fuzzys inside. Final dress fitting is this weekend and then it’ll just be the final countdown! I can’t imagine what our wedding day is going to be like, but I know it’s going to be pretty wonderful and perfect and I can’t wait to marry B.

Photo Sources: Top Left | Top Right | Bottom Left | Bottom Right

Weekend Recap – JDBCF

| The Bee Life

With the last few days of Breast Cancer Awareness month among us, this past weekend we were able to attended the 7th Annual Pink Carpet Gala, which is held by the JD Breast Cancer Foundation, a foundation that I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer for the last 2+ years.

Along with the event being a fundraiser, it’s also a special day/night for a selected number of women who are battling/battled breast cancer.  They’re pampered with hair and make-up along with being able to show off their gowns they were able to shop for and pick out! A night all glammed out, on the town, being celebrated for their bravery, their fight, and their positive outlook on it all. This year, three beautiful ladies were honored; and they couldn’t have been more deserving.

JD Breast Cancer Foundation’s main mission is to provide vital resources and support to enhance breast cancer survivorship in NEO.  So anything from providing finical support for daily bills/necessities and counseling, to providing community resources and support, even transportation. JDBCF wants to help take off the daily burdens of life from the challenges faced when diagnosed and being treated for breast cancer.
JDBCF - Pink Carpet Gala - the bee life
The event was special for the honorees, and surprisingly special for myself as well! I was surprised with being named Volunteer of the Year – WOW! I was speechless, in shock and truly humbled. I have donated time and resources  over the last few years, but I truly do it out of a place of giving back and wanting to help out, not ever expecting something back in return. It was very special.

The theme of the night was a casino night, so there were a number of table games up for grabs, including black jack, craps, and roulette… among others! The night ended with the lucky raffle prize winners being called for various prices like having a Tesla for 24-hours, an impressive booze basket (it was legit!) and a dream vacation. It was a great fundraiser for a organization with a genuine mission and fight to help those battling breast cancer.

Weekend Recap – #BestofCLE

| The Bee Life

This past weekend started with a bang on Friday night at Cleveland Magazine’s annual Best of Cleveland Party! This year the event was hosted at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame which is a kickass venue for a party.  The #BestofCLE features the hottest spots around the city, nominated by the people, live music, tasty treats, on top of being able to walk around and explore the Rock Hall exhibits.
BOC 2017 - the bee life
I ate all the sweets I could at the event, including cookies from Little Shop of Cookies, doughnuts from The Vegan Doughnut Company (YUM!), Jack Frost Donuts and macarons and sugar cookies from Luna Bakery & Cafe! Everything was so delicious. Beyond all the sweets, they had an array of sushi, sliders, pizza and popcorn from all of Cleveland’s favorite spots.  The night ended with DJ EV remixing a bunch of new and old songs getting everyone dancing, one big party.

We’ve been able to attend this party for the last seven years and it’s become a tradition with B and dear friends.  This is where we’ve first met people who have turned into dear friends and nights we’ve fallen more and more in love with our city.  If you’ve never been, its one of the best parties to attend in the city and you’ll get a taste of the entire city!

Cheers!

#ICYMI: Catch up on past #BestofCLE’s: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

Fitness Friday 10.17

| The Bee Life

It’s been 9-straight months since I set out on my latest fitness journey and committed to my bootcamp classes. And it feels awesome. I’ve recently started trusting and listening to my body more when I need breaks or when I need to push myself, it’s the balance without completely forgoing the routine or workout that has been key to my success lately.
Fitness Friday 10.17 - the bee life
And as much as the half-marathon seemed like a failure based off of how our actual race went, it also felt like a much needed re-boost to this journey.  I think another game-changer is that I’ve finally really started watching what I’m eating and cutting out those damn, delicious carbs! As much as I try and preach everything in moderation, the crap just weighs you down, literally.

So after hustling and not quitting for these 9-months, I am FINALLY seeing significant progress even through the moments of doubt, including the moments of weakness when I was about to start accepting that “this is just the way things are” – and I’m SO glad I didn’t, and kept striving and pushing. It’s all part of the journey!  I realized not everything that worked for me 3-years ago still works today, and I am not nearly as active (or have the time to be) as I was then – and that is OK, so I’ve adjusted and realigned and I love these results.

5 Must Do Fall Crafts

| The Bee Life

I’m not sure about you, but we’ve still been having summer-like days and it does not feel like October! Not to mention, I’m pretty sure September was over in a blink of an eye, but I am starting to sound like a broken record.  So since it’s officially fall, I wanted to share these 5 must do crafts to help us get into the fall mood!
5 Fall Crafts - the bee life
Although I’m not huge into decorating for Halloween, and more of an all around fall girl – these fun sassy painted pun-kins are a fun way to spice up your decor and make a statement! They also remind me of conversation hearts and could be given to friends as a hostess gift or just for a chuckle.   The rest of these crafts are definitely perfect for the whole fall season right until you start putting up the Christmas lights and hanging the stockings.  Although you could buy the square pumpkin wreath from TJ Maxx – this could be easily made (DIY tutoring coming soon)! And for a fraction of the cost, I would guess. I love the square shape, it’s different from the norm and the white pumpkins give it a clean and fresh look.

You know I can’t resist a wooden hand painted sign and this Fall Awaits sign with the added florals really makes a pop, adds some color and makes that statement we all want to have! The last two crafts help prep your table especially if you’re hosting Turkey Day.  These easy and low cost thankful napkin rings are the perfect touch to finish your table setting and leave a personal touch for your guests.  Continue to wow guests with a simple centerpiece featuring more white pumpkins (obsessed!), berries and more sweet sentiments – not to mention I love the long narrow wooden cutting board as the base, keeping the focal point.

So if you’ve been like me and are just starting to realize that fall is happening – light an apple or pumpkin spice candle try a few of these to spruce up your place!

Happy Fall Y’all!

Weekend Recap – #EatDrinkAndBeMramor

| The Bee Life

Woahhh! Hello October and hello to a much delayed weekend recap of our friends L&C’s wedding! Since this was the last wedding before THEE wedding, it was all surreal but so much fun. It was especially fun planning our wedding alongside of L&C, relating with the latest dilemma’s, vendor drama and sharing pictures of our dresses and grand plans.  And it was awesome seeing it all come together for the actual day!
Weekend Recap - EatDrinkAndBeMramor
Since L works in the wedding industry, we knew she’d be pulling out all the stops on their big day – this was evident on the ceremony space with their gorgeous pergola framing the alter area, draped perfectly with dried hydrangeas and surrounded by lanterns.  Cocktail hour followed the tear-jerking ceremony as we got to mingle with friends and snack on yummy treats.  The grand reveal into the reception room was stunning.  Mini-tree’s were the centerpieces with hanging tea-lights and the kings table for the wedding party was jaw dropping and the focal point of the room.

From there the evening got started with dinner, toasts and first dances.  The dance floor quickly filled up as we boogied the night away with the crew between stops for drinks or a stop at the photo booth.  We definitely had a lot of laughs on and off the dance floor with everyone!  The wedding favors for the night were home brewed beers made and customized special for the bride and groom by Chronicle Brewing Co. they were packaged in custom carriers for easy take home! (We’re using them for our wedding too!)

It’s crazy to think that our wedding is next! But we’re so excited especially after all the fun we had at these four-weddings we’ve attended this year.  This 2017 wedding season is definitely going to be one to remember!

Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs. M!

Latest Obsessions 09.17

| The Bee Life

It seems like every time I check the calendar it’s the last week of another month! Where did the month of September go!?  I hope you enjoy this month’s latest obsession; spoiler they’re fall focused – because as much as I still love soaking up all this warm sun, I love all the fall feels.
Latest Obsessions 0917 - the bee life
Booties: I think booties are the perfect transitional shoe for cool summer nights into fall days. Not to mention booties are still the perfect accessory to cute dresses into the winter and spring seasons. I need all the booties!

Cozy Fall Mornings: There is nothing I love more than sitting and enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee, especially when it’s on the weekend and the sun is shining bright with a nice cool breeze. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend and get ready for the day!

Sweatshirt Dress:  I had featured a dress in a recent blog post highlighting Cabi’s Fall/Winter collection and I’m still dreaming over the Flashdance Dress! I’ve been trying to find a similar one that is a little more affordable, but no luck yet. The shape of the Flashdance dress is so flattering and the fabric used for the Cabi dress is like wearing the softest blanket around your body!

Our Wedding! Okay, this one isn’t so fall related – but we’re less than 2-months from our wedding day. EEEK! Like everyone else who has ever gotten married, I am just ready for the actual day. It’ll be bitter sweet.

What are you favorite things about fall?


Photo Source: Top Left | Top Right | Bottom Left | Bottom Right