Auld Lang Syne, Y'all!

I hope everyone had a very Happy New Year! Tyler and I spent the evening in with takeout. We originally had plans to go to Cole's, a local restaurant in Lexington. I had my outfit picked out and was ready for a fun night. Unfortunately, I've been sick the last week or so, and I just didn't feel up to it. When I woke up on NYE, I felt a little better than I had been feeling the last few days. I cooked a hash brown casserole for brunch, did my Bible study, went to get my nails done, and picked up a few things at the grocery store. I think going from not getting out of the bed for 3 days to being out and about for 4 hours put me down for the count. When I got home, I was nauseous, exhausted, and just didn't feel like squeezing into my fringe skirt and sky high heels LOL Tyler picked up some food, and we watched football until it was almost midnight. It wasn't what we had initially planned, but it was still a great way to ring in the new year! 

When Tyler and I stayed at The Biltmore, we had a delicious hash brown casserole there, and I have been trying to find the recipe ever since. I stumbled upon this on Pinterest, and it seemed pretty similar to what we had there. I made it, and it was awesome! Super easy too! Click here for the link to the recipe I used.

My new journal from my grandmother that I've been using for the Seamless Bible Study

My nails for New Year's Eve

My adorable parents sent me this selfie before their NYE celebrations, so...

...I sent this one back to them of me on the couch LOL

Today I cooked a "good fortune" meal for Ty and his parents. My family always makes cabbage rolls on New Year's Day, but Tyler and I don't really like cabbage rolls. I decided I would start a new tradition for us and make Hoppin' John - a southern dish prepared to ring in the new year. I found several variations of this recipe on Pinterest, but I tweaked it to be something Ty and I would enjoy.

The dish is a combination of bacon, kielbasa, green pepper, jalapeños, cajun seasoning, black eyed peas, and rice cooked in chicken stock. It was so good! Ty added some tabasco sauce to his to kick it up a notch. I also made some greens and corn bread muffins. I had a time finding a can of black eyed peas in Lexington. Our local Kroger was completely sold out, and Tyler went this morning to Meijer and bought the last two cans they had. It was our lucky day! I looked up the tradition of having this meal on New Year's Day, and I found that black eyed peas are consumed for luck, the greens represent money, and the golden cornbread represents gold. We covered all the bases with our meal LOL The bowls I have the food in were a gift from my little Ashton. They are Kate Spade, and I LOVE them! 

Hoppin' John

Greens

Corn Bread Muffins

After we ate, we relaxed for awhile. Then Tyler wanted to go to the gym. That's fine and all, but the problem was he wanted me to go with him. We compromised and took a walk in our neighborhood. We jogged on the way back, and Tyler said I can now say I have gone for a run every day this year LOL

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2015 was a truly spectacular year for me. So many wonderful memories were made. At the top of that list is becoming Mrs. Courtney Adkins! Here are a few of my favorite moments of 2015. I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store!

Valentines Day at Castle Post

Kentucky Basketball Game for Ty's Birthday

Seeing my sister perform as an Alpha Xi at Greek Sing 

Pinning ceremony at MUSOP

Annual trip to The Omni Homestead

Celebrating Bree and Heath's wedding

Bachelorette party at Glade Springs and Daniel Vineyards

Bridal Shower

Wedding Rehearsal

Walking down the aisle 

My bunch on our wedding day.

Private dinner on our honeymoon in Jamaica 

Go Herd!

Labor Day cookout with family and friends

Celebrating my 26th birthday

Lauren's Bridal Shower

Lauren's Wedding

New car!

Tyler being recognized as a "Rising Star"

Dinner at Tony's

Wine and Design with my favorite girls

First married Christmas!

I became an aunt! Meet the adorable Bo Duncan.

As you can see, I had an awesome year. I'm going to wrap this post up with the absolutely precious picture of baby Bo. I will always remember he was in Taylor's tummy at my wedding. I can't get over that jaw line, and I am so glad he has dimples! I love him so much, and I haven't even met him yet (stupid cold!) I'll be going home soon to visit with family and friends and to finally meet that sweet boy! I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and I pray for peace and blessings for you all in the upcoming year! Until next time.. Take care y'all!