The Newlywed Cookbook (for not-so-newlyweds, too)

It wasn't until Mr. E & I were married that I really fell in love with cooking. (Him, I loved. Cooking? I needed help. I'd been living on a steady diet of bagels, pudding cups, and fried rice from a can.)

I started married life armed with a recipe box from my mom, a Hershey's cookbook, one of those awesome "best recipes collection" cookbooks from a school in Tulsa, and a subscription to Cooking Light magazine. 

We lived in an old duplex in Dallas with the cutest vintage stove...that only held the *smallest* cookie sheets.  It was such a fun time...trying new recipes...and spending a small FORTUNE buying every spice and condiment to stock our little kitchen. 

When BHLDN asked if I'd like to take a look at a new book in their stores, The Newlywed Cookbook by Sarah Copeland, all of those sweet memories came flooding back.

First....if you're not familiar with BHLDN, let me tell you, it's DREAMY.  We're lucky enough to have a store in Houston, and I almost cried from happiness when I went in.  It's feminine, and frilly, and romantic, and so much fun!  Here's a description from BHLDN themselves:

"BHLDN, Anthropologie’s sister brand, is a specialty occasion & wedding retailer that specializes in creating the perfect apparel, accessories, and décor for your soiree. From gorgeous wedding dresses to elegant wedding decor, BHLDN has uncommon products to add that certain special touch to any ceremony, big or small.

For those of us not planning a special occasion, many of their products are perfect for every day: from a pair of sparkly heels to spice up your party look or a swoon worthy cake stand that’s almost as beautiful as the cake itself!"

Even if, like me, you have a few years of married bliss under your belt, you're going to love BHLDN!  A few of my most favorite items?  I am *in love* with this locket, this jadeite cakestand, and how cute are these bride & groom coasters?!?

Alright, let's talk about The Newlywed Cookbook.  It's gorgeous.  Beautiful cover, photographs, fonts, you name it....gorgeous.  The recipes are beautiful, too!  Not your typical meatloaf and mashed potatoes, you'll find recipes like cheddar-cornmeal biscuits, gnocchi with summer beans, and  bittersweet chocolate tart.

Recipes include everything from breakfast, to romantic meals for two, to sips, to desserts.

First on my list?  Well, you know I'm heading straight for dessert and trying the carrot cake bars with cream cheese icing.  (Soon to come in a future post.)

***The lovely folks at BHLDN would love to send a book to one of you as well...newlywed, or not! ***

To enter, visit the BHLDN website, come back here and tell me one (or more) item you've fallen in love with.

For an extra entry, leave another comment stating whether you are married and if you are, how long you've been hitched. ;)
(If you are reading this post via email, click the post title to open in a web browser.  The link to leave a comment is at the bottom of the post.)

WINNER: Kara, who said, "I've been married for 16 years! Wow time flies!"  Yay! 

Comments will be accepted through 11:59pm CST,  January 16th.  Good luck!!!