Out with the old... In with the new!

A quick post to document (and show off) my recent home updates is in order.  I've been so proud of myself for the renovations/decorations that I've crafted in these last few weeks of summer.  Many of the decorations actually came from our wedding, which makes me so happy as I walk around the house!!

Here is the old hallway bathroom...

I chose a darker blue so that I could keep the original vanity.  And when I first started painting, I thought I might have made a big mistake.  It looked VERY dark at first!  Thanks to my buds for the gifts of a painting touch up marker.  Super helpful!!!




And here is how it turned out!  I love it!!

Next... I put our place card shutter holders to work for our mail and invitations.  I also created another craft to hang on the kitchen wall with it.  The entire display is not yet finished... but here is what I have so far!

I hope you stop over soon to see for yourself what I've been up to!

Wedding Photos and Slideshow

Just a few more updates for those of you that still aren't totally sick of us :)

Here is the link to the professional wedding photos!
Wedding Photos

And here is the slideshow that was played at the rehearsal and reception.
Aron and Nicole Slideshow
(this is a private posting on YouTube... and cannot be viewed or searched by the general web without the link)

Still waiting on professional video... can't wait to see it!!

My Own "Happiness Project"

"**Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.”**

En route to our honeymoon, I realized that I'd failed to bring a really good beach read.  So, I found myself at 5:30 a.m. browsing the racks of the overpriced airport bookstore searching for the perfect title.  This bright blue cover caught my eye- and having heard of it through others- I decided to give it a go.  The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, was not the "steamy page turner" that I'd originally been looking for, but instead- a bit of a perplexing, self-challenge.  

 Best book ever? No... I did find it a bit dry and sometimes piled with details and research on happiness that made me snooze.  (not a bad thing when on the beach, though!)  I also found that some of the author's remarks or conclusions I just didn't agree with.  But, do I recommend the book?  Yes.  Despite the aforementioned, this really made me think. A lot.  Because, like the auther, I already am happy.  This year I got married, bought a condo, finished my grad degree, and met many other challenges head on- I have the best friends and family in the world... all in all, I'm very happy. 

But the point of this book, this project, is to go above and beyond your regular state of happiness and search for more.  To regularly find gratitude in the daily routine of your life.  To challenge and stretch yourself.  To simply be more present.  To "find the silver linings".  Because, as states by Rubin, the realization that "the days are long, but the years are short" can apply to any [happy] person's life.  In my 29th year on this Earth, I want to challenge myself to my very own "Happiness Project" as well.  So keep coming back for updates, successes and follies...   P.S.  I will NOT be reading Aristotle. 

Who wants pictures???

I've had many, many requests for peeks at wedding and honeymoon photos since we've gotten home.  I have compiled most of the photos that we have and also those that many have sent to us into some google albums.   Links are posted below for anyone interested!  Photos are all out of order with some repeats- just depends on what people sent or posted!

Warning:  you are embarking on a gazillon photos.  There are A LOT- and many photos of scenery.  Aron did a wonderful job (per my request) of not getting annoyed at the the picture taking I did while in Hawaii- and I'm so glad I can look back at all these photos to remember all the amazing things we got to see and do!  So if you don't want to look at all of them, don't. :) 

Honeymoon in Hawaii (Maui and Kauai)   

6.29.13 Our Amazing Wedding (1)

6.29.13 Our Amazing Wedding (2)

6.29.13 Our Amazing Wedding (3)

Rehearsal Photos
https://plus.google.com/photos/117758453745777117985/albums/5904919299237243553?authkey=CIT7iPfR-Nzk3QE

and even more!!

Album One

https://plus.google.com/photos/117758453745777117985/albums/5901050165221147761?authkey=CL2muZ74lL_XlgE

Album 2

https://plus.google.com/photos/117758453745777117985/albums/5904149962915023873?authkey=CMejzamw95KE_AE

Album 3

https://plus.google.com/photos/117758453745777117985/albums/5904155586817628961?authkey=CP7lsc6UgL7peg

Professional shots AND wedding video will be posted here when I get them!  Sign up for notifications from my blog to be notified when they are here! :) 

Currently...

April Showers Bring... May Showers!

           

Not that kind of showers ;) !  Here are a few photos from my bridal showers.  I'm one lucky girl :)

♥ What a beautiful afternoon, every detail planned carefully by my amazing hosts!  ♥

♥Wow- all of my ladies in one room!!♥

♥Susie ♥                                                ♥Andrea♥                             ♥Sarah♥                         ♥Meggie♥

♥My magnificent MOH (& 1/2)!  She's the best a girl could get!♥

♥Playing games and opening gifts!♥

And Shower #2 was just one week later!  Talk about being "showered" with gifts!

My hostesses :).  Yes, Aron helped open this time! 

Some of the guests, friends and family :)

And even Jack made a guest appearance!

My recent hobbies..

The ball is sure rolling around here, and rolling fast!  We are now under 100 days until the wedding, and each day we check something new off our to-do list.  I have decided to do all the addressing of envelopes myself, and took some advice from a blogger on pinterest about how to create fake calligraphy.   These are the font letters that I used as inspiration..

And then you just add a little emphasis every time your pen moved at a downward angle.

 Hours and hours and a few neck pains later... they are almost ready for the postman! (or woman..)

I had my dress fitting this week, which went fabulously!  I love my dress and can't wait to wear it all day!  Today I have my hair trial, which I am excited/nervous about.  I have heard from many friends that the hair trial is always disappointing but turns out much better on the wedding day.  I don't know how that is possible each and every time, but I will just go ahead and trust them if need be.

I've also spent much time browsing, ordering, returning, (repeat) everything from wedding shoes, honeymoon attire, bridesmaids gifts, you name it!

Oh yeah... and did I mention we are moving?  Look forward to many DIY before and after pics to come later!