Friday Letters

Huckleberry in the midst of an intense stick chewing session.

Dear Yeast Free - My 30 day cleanse will be over on Sunday! I can't believe how quickly the time flew by and I really can't believe that I was disciplined enough to stick with it!! I am down 8 lbs. and up lots of energy! I feel great! Dear Work -  You have been wayyyy too busy this week. It's about time that you settle down and get back to a more steady pace or I just might hyperventilate or break out in hives. I need a vacation. Dear Husband -  Speaking of vacation....I am so glad or one year anniversary trip is booked!! I cannot wait to celebrate with you for a whole 7 days in Cabo! 

Sorry for the inordinate amount of exclamation points in this post. (!!!)
Happy Friday!

Unedited Memories

Shortly after Christmas I received a thumb drive in the mail from my uncle along with a mason jar full of lake water. Water from Lake Ontario where Steven and I got married last July. 

The thumb drive was full of raw, unedited photos from my wedding that another guest had taken. Photos of the small things mostly. The things that are so easily forgotten in the midst of the wedding hustle and bustle. But moments I don't want to forget.

Like how amazing my photographer was to kick off her shoes and walk in the lake with me and Steven to capture some stunning shots!

And how the ice cream truck began rolling down the street a few minutes before I walked down the aisle. I heard the music but wasn't able to see all the kids (and some adults) rush to it, and I think it's simply hilarious!

And my bestie maid of honor! I cannot recall a word she said during her speech, but this captured moment (and the look on my face) reminds me just how hard I was trying to keep myself together. I am so glad she was a part of my day! Just as she has been a part of all my most important days since 1st grade.

And as the festivities were winding down and Steven and I were saying our goodbyes, I remember hugging my aunt and holding back tears just because I love her so much and was overcome with so much joy! (And look at that mop of hair on my head!!! I forgot how disheveled it was by the end of the day! Note to any readers who want a lakeside wedding: you're hairdo with not stay intact. It has no chance against the wind.)

My wedding was the best day of my life. Things didn't go perfectly and, to be honest, much of that day is a blur to me, but looking back on these moments brings back a lot of memories, and I am so thankful for each one that was captured!

Sunshine, Snuggles, and an Upcoming DIY Project!

First off, I should start by telling you how my Monday is going.....

 which is TERRIBLE!!!!

Half way through my commute I realized I didn't have my work laptop and had to turn around and head home. Not fun. I hate traffic and I hate forgetting things and I hate Mondays! 

But I digress...

This weekend was actually pretty spectacular because we had sunshine on Saturday. Sunshine, people! Sunshine!! I'm talking warm rays of vitamin D here!  

Huck hasn't seen much sun in his 1 1/2 years on this planet and it made him pretty lethargic and snuggly. I didn't mind. Since the hubby was away on important business that morning (he was playing in a dart tournament in Seattle [yes, my husband plays darts and I choose to love him despite that fact]), Huck and I lounge around and simply enjoyed every minute in the sun!

Other than than, my weekend consisted of yeast free grocery shopping, some iced tea on a patio with a friend, and a trip to the Loft where I bought this blouse in navy.

1. Protein shake: 2 scoops all natural peanut butter, 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond breeze, one scoop chocolate protein powder,  6 ice cubes. 

2. Typical breakfast.

And!! The most exciting part of the weekend was probably our Home Depot run! (My husband and I like to have our dates at Home Depot. It's true.) Steven is making me this coffee table I pinned a few months ago! Can't wait to share the ending result with all of you!

One last thing before I sign off for the day! I should probably congratulate Shauna Q for winning the $30 shop credit to Ramsey Street Deigns! Congrats, lady! We will be contacting you shortly on how to claim your prize!

And don't be feeling too bummed if you didn't win because Ashley, the sweet designer behind the shop, if offering 15% off all purchases with the code: TAKINGNOTES. 

Now get shopping!! ;)

Friday Letters

Yep, Herschel is all grown up!

Dear Herschel - You are no longer a baby!! You're big and fluffy, but just as cuddly as ever so I think we'll keep you. Plus, you have proven to be effective in the mouse killing department. I haven't found mouse poop in my shoes in quite some time. Dear Yeast Free - I can't believe it's been nearly 3 weeks and I'm still going strong! My weight hasn't changed from last week (still at 7lbs. lost), but I feel great and am enjoying the increased energy throughout the day and the great sleep at night! Dear Husband - I am so glad you're home! I seriously thought an ax murderer was standing outside the shower waiting to kill me yesterday morning while I was washing my face! I couldn't get those suds off quick enough. No one was there. I would've known that if you were home :( Dear Friends - Does anyone else get super paranoid when they are taking a showing while home alone? Dear Weekend - Okay! Okay! I know I say this a lot, but truly, you are my favorite.

Don't forget to enter the Ramsey Street Designs giveaway and the $300 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway if you haven't already!! 

Hope you have a great weekend! See you Monday :)

An Ideal Afternoon

If you follow me on Instagram then you've probably noticed that the hubby and I like to take a lot of walks. And lately, when the weather's right, that's exactly how we've been spending our free time. 

During these walks we always talk about our life together --our hopes for the future, what we are longing for and dreaming about -- and it's at these moments that I realize life truly doesn't get any better than this and I am so incredibly blessed. Those moments are what life is all about. Being with the one you love, deep in conversation or comfortable in the silence, and relishing the beauty of God's creation around you. 

That's exactly how my ideal afternoons are spent these days.