The Perfect Weekend: ... is shared with family and friends

As the cab pulled away from The Chopping Block, I began calling my sisters and friends. I remember two calls vividly. The first is when I called my sister Ally. She was in the "Kappa House" at Madison and began screaming with her friends. Next, was my friend Ashley who screamed at the top of her lungs and insisted on hopping a cab and coming over immediately. These two genuinely seemed surprised.

We got home quickly and I started to call my father who had apparently been waiting for twenty minutes. I opened the door to our apartment to find a room full of family and friends (and lots of booze), including Ally and Ashley, who had just both pretended to be surprised! Nate had rallied everyone together by telling them he was throwing a surprise house warming party. The night was perfect beginning to end. I had special time alone with Nate and celebrated with those who are special to me. Nate, I can't tell you enough what a great job you did and how lucky I am to have you in my life!

Besties Rachel and Ashley

Sisters!

Brunch in Lincoln Square Sunday Morning

And here adds another chapter to An Urban Cottage ... wedding planning. We are looking to get married next Fall; I promise not be a crazy bride and to have fun every step of the way. After all, it only happens once!

The Perfect Weekend: ... brings tears of joy

After a sad attempt at a nap, I woke up and got ready for our night at The Chopping Block. We took the dog on a walk and picked up a coffee at Third Coast. Again, sad attempt for a nap! After getting our caffeine fix, Nate and I walk down State Parkway and paused in front of the house I grew up in. It is there where Nate (with Phoebe beside him) asked me to marry him. I can't remember whether or not I actually said yes out loud. I just remember the both of us tearing up. I never wanted some grandiose proposal just something with meaning. It was perfect and I wouldn't have it any other way!

As a newly engaged couple, Nate and I hurried off to The Chopping Block to cook New Orleans style cuisine. We started with an amazing Crab Cake and Lemony Tarter Sauce recipe; I promise I will post this soon. It is so easy and so delicious; I will make it again.

We then moved onto Blackened Chicken and Dirty Rice and Beans. We finished the meal off with a Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. Awesome. We didn't have time to eat there and had to take the food home with us.

We rushed out the door to meet my dad and sister at our apartment for a celebratory drink. Or so I thought!

The Perfect Weekend: ... continues with Saturday's simple pleasures

Per usual, Saturday morning began by heading to Equinox for Allison English's Forrest Yoga class. This weekend was the last time she will be teaching yoga on the weekends until the New Year; I was so happy I got out myself out of bed to go. After an hour and a half of handstands and stretching, I was feeling good. Following yoga, Nate and I walked Phoebe to the Green City Farmer's Market where we treated ourselves to apple-cider zeppoles (aka donuts) from the Zullo's stand. Amazing!

By now I was getting a little sleepy and suggested we grab some coffee. We took the dog home and headed to our favorite cafe, Third Coast, for a cappuccino. I think it was then that I first mentioned how perfect the day was so far.

During our coffee break, Nate spilled the beans and told me that he was taking me to The Chopping Block for the "Big Easy" New Orleans cooking class. I was so excited and wanted to go home and take a nap before our class. Another great addition to an already great day. But, it didn't stop there.

On our way home from coffee, Nate became very insistent on going to West Elm in order to purchase the West Elm Parson's desk I so desired. As tired as I was, I hopped in the car and went with him to pick it up. He put it together and cleaned the apartment while I prepared for another night of cooking by taking a quick nap.

I am so happy we got the yellow desk! After a little accessorizing, a desk chair and some art work, our office area will look great!

The Perfect Weekend: ... begins with two besties cooking soup

Rarely does it seem to happen that everything just goes your way. This weekend, however, did just that. It all began Friday evening. Exhausted from a long work week, Ashley and I opted to stay in and make not one but two different homemade soups and pop in a chick flick. Much needed.

I've been on a corn kick lately and suggested we make the Food Network's Thai Corn Chowder Soup. I made it twice last year and was obsessed. It took a couple of tries, but Ash and I finally got together to make it. The flavors are great. It has a coconut milk base which makes it creamy. While at the same time it is super crunchy from loads of fresh veggies (radishes, tomatoes, corn, green onions, potatoes). Flat out amazing if you ask me. Eventually, I'll post the recipe. Ashley already did; so if you want to make it anytime soon (which I highly recommend you do) pop on over to her blog, This City Girl, for the recipe.

So pretty!

After realizing that we had a bunch of ingredients needed to make another Fall favorite soup, we decide to be ambitious and make Food 52's Potato-Leek Soup with Cheddar and Dill. Most of the items are in the name of the soup. However, it fails to mention the secret ingredient .... Dijon mustard. The mustard kicks the soup up a notch. This soup is great to make in large batches. I freeze the leftovers in an ice cube tray. This makes it simple to heat up a single serving in no time. Again, the recipe is on her blog.

After hours of soup making, I came home just in time to feed a tipsy boyfriend a fresh bowl of soup. I was delighted when he could not stop raving about it. All in all, a successful night.