31 Days: Blushing Bride

I've been a fan of the 31 Day series for quite a while. So I've finally decided to join in on the fun.

The challenge has come at a perfect time: I'm getting married this week!

I'll be posting wedding day tips, newlywed advice, and documenting the first month of our marriage. My goal is reflect and grow in my new role as I transition from bride to wife.

So here we go...

Day 1: BLUSHING BUDGET
Day 2: IT'S ALL ABOUT US
Day 3: CHOOSING YOUR GOWN
Day 4: WEDDING BINDER
Day 5: WEDDING DAY ITINERARY
Day 6: KEEP YOUR FIANCE INVOLVED
Day 7: PRE-CEREMONY SNACKS
Day 8: BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Day 9: GUESTBOOK ALTERNATIVES

Friday Favorites

Okay, people! In an effort to be less doom and gloom, I've decided to jump on board the Friday Favorites train.  I've gathered links to some of my favorite things I've found floating around the internet this week.

My crock pot is my new best friend and these yummy tacos are becoming a regular on our menu.

This style blog inspired me to evaluate all the things hanging in my closet. She's so sensible and down to earth. You're going to love her.

All women know what it means to NEED something sweet. These truffle and drink pairings look like the perfect dainty snack.

I spent many years driving over and living on Red Mountain and this shirt makes me incredibly homesick.

I love finding new blogs! And this blogger developed a fabulous challenge called Simple Focus that I've been gradually implementing into my routine.

That's it for now, folks. Happy reading and TGIF!

Like Rain

We all go through tough times in our lives. Every time we always imagine it to be the WORST thing we've ever been through, or the worst anyone's ever been through for that matter.

The funny thing is... I don't remember a lot of those "tough times." Sure, I remember tragedies and unexpected heartbreak, but many of the things I thought would never get better have quickly become things that never existed.

In 12 days I will have the unimaginable pleasure of calling my best friend my husband. We're standing at an insanely happy and insanely difficult point in our life together. A very happy marriage and a very unstable future. We're running out of time for things to fall into place and we're terrified.

In the midst of terror, He showed up. He showed himself in the form of a woman named Shelley.

We decided to renew our lease today regardless of our financial uncertainty. When we casually mentioned our wedding, Shelley replied "Let's see if we can give you a wedding present."

Guys, we walked away with a monthly payment $20 less than expected AND $500 off October's rent.

Reawakening

I've missed this little place. I've missed writing (to no one). I've missed blogging. The past year has been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs like nothing I have ever experienced. Shortly after leaving MT behind, I was hired as a music teacher and we picked up our little lives and left our precious city. It was everything I ever/never wanted it to be. We were closer to dear friends, left others, found our perfect apartment, and left the one we never knew we loved.

As far as my career, it is off to a rough/nonexistent start. After one year, I, along with four other new employees, was surprised with a letter stating the board's decision NOT to renew my contract.

This summer has been the most relaxing yet stressful few months of my life. After a million tears, a hundred applications, and a handful of interviews, we're still waiting and hoping for things to fall into place.

Today, on the last day of summer, we say goodbye to the things we cannot change and hello to fall and new beginnings.