Fry Sauce & Grits: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Happy Birthday Caity Poo!

Caitlin is 22 today! What would we do without our fiery little sister Caitlin?  Our lives are so much more hipster with Caitlin.  Caitlin puts the red in red head.  I can't believe she'll be a wedded woman in a couple weeks, and we can't wait to welcome Sam into our family.  Melanie and I wanted to pay tribute to Cait by listing our top 10 favorite things about her:

10. She's extremely smart and likes to have really intense and intellectual conversations, it sometimes blows my mind, and half of the words she uses I don't understand.

9. She has all of the music talent in the family in her little pinky, hence her operatic voice.

8. Caitlin has a red head temper and I feel really bad for the time she got frustrated at the AT&T customer service rep man over the phone.  I saw steam coming out of her ears, it was pretty funny.

7. I love her thin "string" lips.

6. I love how she chases her dreams and is adventurous, like the time she au pair for a family in Germany she didn't know and traveled around Europe for a summer.

5. Caitlin is strong willed and isn't afraid to stand up for what is right, for herself, for others, and doesn't take anyone's crap. 

4. She has the most beautiful red and curly mane 

3. She's a spitting image of a model from the 1950's.

2. She's a potato chip head, enough said.

1. She's a living example of being Christ-like, forgiving, generous, and is so easy to love and adore.

Happy Birthday Caitlin!





Sunday, March 30, 2014

Reality Check

Okay friends:  It's time for me to be real.  I have been somewhat MIA from the blog recently.  Courtney has been running the show, so to speak.  I have been busy falling in love with and adjusting to our new addition.


I have been busy sniffing her head and baby neck rolls, kissing her face and singing her songs.  I have been busy trying to get cuddles in when she falls asleep after feedings.  I am just trying to soak it all in and enjoy it.  I love her so much.

Scarlett at church with daddy
I have to be honest, blogging is really hard for me.  It is hard for me to put myself "out there" so to speak.  I worry about what people might think.  A lot of the time I feel like what I have to say is trivial, or doesn't matter and so I talk myself out of saying it.  But this blog isn't meant to be serious,  it's an outlet for us to share our creative worlds.

One of the main reasons I have been hesitant about blogging is because when I read other blogs--I like to look at the perfectly styled and polished photos, the beautiful images, the "edited" lives.  And then when I go to create a post for my own blog, it never seems to measure up: my pictures are fuzzy because my camera isn't professional and my photog skills are lacking.  Sometimes I find out after researching a "great idea" that my idea isn't as original as I thought--it's been done before.

Sometimes I get writers block and I just can't find the words on a topic.  What I want you to know is that I started this blog with my sisters in order for us to have some fun, to keep in touch, and to learn a few things.  But blogging has proved to be a lot harder than I thought it would be.  Sometimes it takes me hours to edit things, to add in photos and links.  It is much more of an investment of my time than I originally considered.  But I'm not ready to give up.  So, I ask you to bear with me as I figure out how to be okay with what I'm doing.

What I also want you to know is that I always want FS&G to be just what it is.  We are working on a few things to give our blog a "facelift," make it look more clean and streamlined and we want to keep improving it.  But, we also want it to be genuine.  Our lives aren't always perfectly edited.  There are thousands of those types blogs already out there with artistic pictures and beautiful designs.  We are here to be us, and I need to be okay with that.  

Phew.  I needed to get that out of my brain and onto this blog. I already feel better.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Pick Your Own Color KitchenAid Giveaway!

Have you ever dreamed of owning a KitchenAid?  Well today is your lucky day because we have an awesome giveaway for a chance to win one of these great gems!  

When I got married back in 2006 I was hoping to get a KitchenAid, but with being a poor college student, tuition, rent, and just trying to stay afloat, I never got around to getting one :(  It wasn't until McKay and I both finished school and purchase our home that my generous parents got me a robin blue egg KitchenAid as a house warming gift.  It's been one of the best gifts I've ever received.  If you like to cook, bake, or feel the pressure to feed your family (sometimes I feel like this) a KitchenAid is a must need in your kitchen! 

Spring over image dates

Enter for your chance to win a 5-quart KitchenAid® Artisan® Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, color of your choice!

Sponsored by the following blogs.

photos


Additional Product and Giveaway Information: Giveaway will run from Friday, March 28th at noon EST to Monday, April 7th at midnight EST. Product will only be shipped within US and Canada only. Winner will be notified and have 3 days to respond and confirm their winnings or a new winner will be selected. Product information: Choose from over 20 different colors of the KitchenAid® Artisan® Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer for the one that perfectly matches your kitchen design or personality, with over 20 colors available. Get this 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl with comfortable handle, 10 speeds, and this stand mixer will quickly become you’re your best friend as you mix, knead and whip ingredients with ease. And for even more versatility, the power hub fits optional attachments from food grinders to pasta makers and more.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Be.You.Tiful Link Party #12

It's time to party!!! Thanks for stopping by to link up your AWESOMENESS!! We're excited to see what you've been up to!
We want to see what inspires you! We have come together to bring you a link party that is all about sharing those inspirational posts that we each search for daily! We, as lifestyle bloggers want to bring those posts together! We are the lost bloggers...the octagons trying to fit in a square hole! There are so many amazing link parties out there for the crafters and the chefs...but where do we belong?
Right here at the Be. You. Tiful Link Party!  

We want to be inspired by your beautifully designed home, your incredible organizational talents, your amazing weight loss journey, or even your beautifully styled outfits and make up tutorials! Maybe you've experienced hard things and are willing to share what helped you through.

Link up your inspirational posts below and your links will automatically be added to all four blogs, and you'll have a chance each week of being featured on ALL 4! It's as easy as that! We can't wait to see what you've done this week!

Here's What Your Lovely Hosts Have Been Up To This Week

Gluten Free Banana Bars
What's Your Design Style
Chic California | What's Your Design Style? |

the-100-workout

The Happy Gal | The 100 Workout

How to workout with friends and stay motivated from Fry Sauce and Grits
This Week's Features

Fry Sauce & Grit's Favorite

DSC_8217

Bigger Than The Three Of Us | A Little DIY Towel Hanger |

The Happy Gal's Favorite

BrightLips_zps989a6652
Chic California's Favorite

dan3
Maybe I Will's Favorite
size

If you were featured grab a button and brag a little!!!




Before We Get Started on This Week's Party here are the rules!

Party Rules
-Subscribe to your four fabulous hosts on their blog and/or follow us on social media. This week we would love for you to follow us on Pinterest!
PInterest
-Link to a specific lifestyle post from your blog, not your homepage - think design, beauty, fashion, health and anything that really inspires you.
-Link back to the Be.YOU.tiful link party with a text link.
-Promote Blog Posts Only! Don't add links to promote giveaways, Etsy shops or other link parties.
-Be Social! Visit and comment on at least 3 other links in the party, share, pin etc! It spreads good karma. Don't forget to subscribe to your party host's pages too.
- Link ideas you have not linked here before.

By linking up, you're giving permission to us to feature your projects and recipes on our social media and blogs with a link back to you. Proper credit & links will always be given.
This party starts Thursday night @ 7pm MST & ends Sunday @ midnight.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

New Additions to the Family

I've been really, really, really excited to post this for a while because I feel like it's going to make Fry Sauce & Grits even more eclectic, I hope all of you like that, haha.  Next weekend McKay and I will be adding a lot of new tiny members to our family.  Their small, fuzzy, yellow and black, have wings, and they make the most delicious yellow stuff.  If you guessed honey bees, then you're correct!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

A Feature on The Utah Bride Blog!

Hello there!

Mikki Platt Photography

I'm so excited to share with you all that our engagements were featured last week on The Utah Bride Blog!

It really kind of caught us by surprise. It's not everyday that a random publication features photos of you (but then again...). All in all, we're flattered that someone out there thought that we are photogenic enough to be featured on the World Wide Web. Really I think it says more about our photographer than our good looks. We both feel that Mikki did a really fantastic job capturing what we had both envisioned for our shoot. It felt much more natural than a lot of other engagement shoots I've seen (you know, the ones where a couple is standing on a ladder or in an awkward high school prom style pose where the bride-to-be's left hand is oh so strategically placed on her fiance's chest so she can show off her bling in the least nonchalant way possible). We can't wait to work with her again for our bridals and actual wedding day. Can you believe it's less than two months away?

Happy Birthday Court-na!


Caitlin and I wanted to take a moment to let Courtney know just how much we love her on her Birthday.


Courtney,

I love your spunk and energy, you’re not afraid of anything, which frankly scares me sometimes, but I love that about you!

One of my favorite Courtney-isms: when you were little and you enjoyed the taste of something you would say, “I like it--it tastes like sugar.”

I admire your self control and your ability to dig in and get things done.

You have the prettiest big blue eyes and a gorgeous smile!  Not to mention an enviable hot body!

You are a great momma, a fabulous sister, and certainly a best friend.

Love ya, Melanie



Courtney, 

I will always remember the time when we used to be downright enemies. But then one day you packed up your room and moved off to college and that day we became great friends. 

Thank you for always being such a great example to me, and always helping me to grow to reach my full potential. I'm grateful to have such a loving sister who is so patient and giving of her time. I always admire your productivity and enthusiasm; when you are determined you always find a way. 

So, although I can't be near you on this special day, I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays! I love you, sister!

Love, Caitlin


Monday, March 24, 2014

$100 Albion giveaway and working out with friends at The Gym





For the past year I've been going to the gym and I feel like I've been doing the same workout.  A couple weeks ago I was starting to feel really unmotivated and didn't even want to hear the word gym or workout, because I was so sick and tired of it.  Do you ever feel that way where you go through stages where you're really good at eating healthy and exercising and then you go through periods when it's the last thing you want to do?  It's been happening more than I'd like to admit.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Leftover Corn Beef & Cabbage Melt on Irish Soda Bread

So St. Patrick's Day was over a week ago and I made A LOT of corn beef and cabbage this year because I love it and one of my favorite parts to having leftovers from this meal is making this delicious and savory sandwich.  It's so easy, savory, simple, and filling.  It's perfect for lunch or a busy night when you don't have time to cook.  If you don't have to Irish Soda Bread, you can use regular bread too, but if you really want to take it to the sandwich to the next level, go here to get the bread recipe.

Leftover Corn Beef and Cabbage Melt on Irish Soda Bread from Fry Sauce and Grits

 

Friday, March 21, 2014

Traditional Crusty Irish Soda Bread

Easy Crusty Irish Soda Bread Recipe from Fry Sauce and Grits


I know St. Patrick's Day was earlier this week, but I want to share with you one of my favorite quick and easiest bread to make, and it just happens to be Irish and delicious.   This traditional Crusty Irish Soda Bread recipe I received from a friend several years ago is my go-to bread when I don't have time, which is becoming more the new normal.  It seriously takes 60 minutes to make and bake.  It's quick, foolproof, eggless, and in the end makes the perfect crusty and dense bread perfect for slathering butter and jam, dipping into oil, making sandwiches, toast, and anything your heart desires!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Be.You.Tiful Link Party #12

It's time to party!!! Thanks for stopping by to link up your AWESOMENESS!! We're excited to see what you've been up to!


We want to see what inspires you! We have come together to bring you a link party that is all about sharing those inspirational posts that we each search for daily! We, as lifestyle bloggers want to bring those posts together! We are the lost bloggers...the octagons trying to fit in a square hole! There are so many amazing link parties out there for the crafters and the chefs...but where do we belong?
Right here at the Be. You. Tiful Link Party!

We want to be inspired by your beautifully designed home, your incredible organizational talents, your amazing weight loss journey, or even your beautifully styled outfits and make up tutorials! Maybe you've experienced hard things and are willing to share what helped you through.
Link up your inspirational posts below and your links will automatically be added to all four blogs, and you'll have a chance each week of being featured on ALL 4! It's as easy as that! We can't wait to see what you've done this week!

Here's What Your Lovely Hosts Have Been Up To This Week




ChicCalifornia | Green Is The New Black |





This Week's Features

Fry Sauce & Grit's Favorite

Michelle Lea Designs| Shopping List + Free Printable

The Happy Gal's Favorite 

New Mrs. Adventures | Top 10 Spring Ideas

Chic California's Favorite 

Circus Berry | "Hello" Spring Wreath 

Maybe I Will's Favorite

Two Pretty Birds | Roast Veggie and Quinoa Salad

 If you were featured grab a button and brag a little!!!



  Before We Get Started on This Week's Party here are the rules!

Party Rules
Subscribe to your four fabulous hosts on their blog and/or follow us on social media. This week we would love for you to follow us on Facebook!


-Link to a specific lifestyle post from your blog, not your homepage - think design, beauty, fashion, health and anything that really inspires you.
-Link back to the Be.YOU.tiful link party with a text link.
-Promote Blog Posts Only! Don't add links to promote giveaways, Etsy shops or other link parties.
-Be Social! Visit and comment on at least 3 other links in the party, share, pin etc! It spreads good karma.
-Don't forget to subscribe to your party host's pages too.
-Link ideas you have not linked here before.

By linking up, you're giving permission to us to feature your projects and recipes on our social media and blogs with a link back to you. Proper credit & links will always be given.
This party starts Thursday night @ 7pm MST & ends Sunday @ midnight.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Bra Event and Southern Utah Trip

Earlier this week, I wrote a post about the 29 things you need to do in Southern Utah, go here to read.  All of these ideas came from years of going down there and fine tuning the things we love doing down there.  I wanted to share with you some of the pictures from our trip this weekend.

Last month during the Build Your Blog Conference, bloggers were coming up to me and asking me their bra questions.  I love it how I'm becoming as the boob expert in the blogging community.  A bunch of my new friends I met were from Southern Utah.  The idea came to me to do a bra fitting event down there the next time I'm there.  Well, it happened to work out perfectly because McKay has been wanting to run in a 10K.  So we thought, why not make a weekend trip down there where we kill five birds with one stone: bra fitting event, get away, rest, play, and 10K.  Perfect, done!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Hot Sauce presents: A beginner's guide to March Madness



Hi! My name is Sam, also known as Caitlin’s fiancée. I’m so excited that Caitlin and her sisters are letting me guest post this week! Allow me to introduce myself more completely. I study vocal performance just like my fiancée. We met at college not long after I returned from an LDS mission in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. I now live in Utah, but I was born in Arizona and there is still a big part of my heart reserved for the southwest (this is mainly manifest in my borderline obsession with Mexican food—hence the addition of ‘hot sauce’ to the blog’s title this week). I also love sports and today I’m going to tell you how you can learn to appreciate the greatest sporting event that God ever created—the NCAA Basketball Tournament (AKA March Madness).

Monday, March 17, 2014

29 things you gotta do in Southern Utah

things to do in Southern Utah from Fry Sauce and Grits


Hello everyone!  I'm so happy to tell you McKay and I just got back from a mini vacation to one of our most favorite places, Southern Utah.  McKay and I actually met down there when we attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City and have always considered that part of Utah our second home, especially with all of the fun memories of going to school, falling in love, and being in one of the most beautiful and scenic places in America.

We had so much fun down in Southern Utah, I want to share with you some of the things you MUST try, do, see, and eat in this gem of Utah.  The great thing about this area of Utah (Cedar City and St. George area) is that there's something for everyone whether you're looking for adventure, looking for some rest and relaxation, on a tight budget (like we are), there for a short time, with just your spouse, or with your family, there's so many things you can do! 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Be.You.Tiful Link Party #11

It's time to party!!! Thanks for stopping by to link up your AWESOMENESS!! We're excited to see what you've been up to!


THIS LINK UP IS FOR YOU!!

We want to see what inspires you! We have come together to bring you a link party that is all about sharing those inspirational posts that we each search for daily! We, as lifestyle bloggers want to bring those posts together! We are the lost bloggers...the octagons trying to fit in a square hole! There are so many amazing link parties out there for the crafters and the chefs...but where do we belong?  Right here at the Be. You. Tiful Link Party!

We want to be inspired by your beautifully designed home, your incredible organizational talents, your amazing weight loss journey, or even your beautifully styled outfits and make up tutorials! Maybe you've experienced hard things and are willing to share what helped you through.

Link up your inspirational posts below and your links will automatically be added to all four blogs, and you'll have a chance each week of being featured on ALL 4! It's as easy as that! We can't wait to see what you've done this week!

Here's What Your Lovely Hosts Have Been Up To This Week

THIS WEEK'S FEATURES

Courtney's Pick

china-cabinet-pin-image_thumb

Check out this beautiful China Cabinet makeover by lilhuckleberries It's amazing what a little paint can do!

Andie's Pick

best-butt-workout-exercise-booty-pop-tone-and-tighten

Get your rear in gear with Tone & Tighten's 15 minute booty pop workout.


Jenny's Pick

motivation-monday-getting-enough-sleep-asian-dumpling-soup 

Sleep tips and a yummy soup recipe in one post? Yes, please! Check out this post from Hello Little Home.
Adrienne's Pick

plate_wall1

How gorgeous is this plate wall?! See how it was created at Timeless Paper

If you were featured grab a button and brag a little!!!



Before We Get Started on This Week's Party here are the rules!

Party Rules
-Subscribe to your four fabulous hosts on their blog and/or follow us on social media. This week we would love for you to follow us on Instagram and we'll follow you back!
instagram-button
-Link to a specific lifestyle post from your blog, not your homepage - think design, beauty, fashion, health and anything that really inspires you.
-Link back to the Be.You.Tiful link party with a text link.
-Promote Blog Posts Only! Don't add links to promote giveaways, Etsy shops or other link parties.
-Be Social! Visit and comment on at least 3 other links in the party, share, pin etc! It spreads good karma. Don't forget to subscribe to your party host's pages too.
- Link ideas you have not linked here before.

By linking up, you're giving permission to us to feature your projects and recipes on our social media and blogs with a link back to you. Proper credit & links will always be given.
This party starts Thursday night @ 7pm MST & ends Sunday @ midnight.


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