A Hodge Podge

Today is my 2 year wedding anniversary!

Sweet thoughts of our wedding day fill my mind today of the happiness and love that surrounded us two short years ago.

John - loving you is easy. Thank you for being my best friend.

~June 25, 2011~

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Linking up with Tiffany and Lauren for Tuesday Topics! 

The topic for today is - Five songs that bring back memories..



1. Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing - In light of my wedding anniversary, that song was the song we did for our first dance. I love the lyrics, I love the sound, I love the way that song makes me feel!

2. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody - This song reminds me of being a little kid and knowing that my Mom LOVED this song. When she would be on her way home from work at night my brother and I would stand at the top of the stairs by the door in our PJ's dancing to this song because we knew it was her favorite.

3. Britney Spears - Baby One More Time - This CD was the best thing that ever happened to me in 6th grade, I remember going to a sleepover and listening to her all night long with my girlfriends. The minute I got home I had my Dad take me to the store so I could buy that pretty and innocent CD. I remember locking myself in my bedroom until I knew basically every word to her songs.. especially Baby One More Time.. the school girl thing was in.

4. BTO - Taking Care of Business - Another family favorite. This song reminds me of my Dad, it is his FAVORITE. Some of you may know my Dad is deaf and he loves this song so much that he can sing every word to this song from feeling the beat of the music. This song always reminds me of him!

5. Savage Garden - Truly Mad- Ew and gross but I could not help putting this song on my list. It was the first song I slow danced to ever at my first school dance in junior high. Big deal people, big deal. This cracks me up but it is one I can't forget! REALLY?!

       And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
       I'll make a wish send it to heaven then make you want to cry
      The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.
      That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
      The highest power, in lonely hours, the tears devour you

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 I am also linking up with Holly and Amy for Vacation Dreaming.

I love vacations. Who doesn't??

Our honeymoon to Playa Del Carmen was pretty dang amazing!

I have posted this picture before - but it is a favorite!

Vacation is on my brain.. 8 days of relaxation is getting closer and closer! YES!

Wedding Details

Today I am linking up with Holly and Melanie to share wedding details!

My 2nd anniversary is on Tuesday, so perfect timing to reflect on my wedding day.

 

 

The Details: John and I got married at a renovated dairy farm - turned beautiful wedding venue on June 25, 2011 in a small town 45 minutes outside of Seattle. This venue was dependable for the unreliable weather Washington has by having a beautiful set up for an outdoor wedding and indoor facility as well for those just in case it rains moments.  Getting married in June is extremely tricky in our state but I so desperately wanted my outdoor wedding. The day of the weather was looking pretty iffy but ended up clearing up to be the most gorgeous evening for our wedding.

 

Location: Farm in the country - outside of Seattle, Washington.

 

 

Bridal Party: We had the most amazing bridal party - 5 girls and 5 guys a flower girl and ring bearer. Every person in our wedding party had a purpose  in our lives and I love who was apart of our day. Siblings, cousins, old friends.. a great mix!



 

Colors: Pink and brown

 

First Dance: You Are The Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne

Honeymoon: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.  8 days of tropical bliss - it was perfect!

Weekend Shenanigans

Good Morning Pretties!

It is Monday and I am feeling good!

 

This weekend was great. I usually have a million and a half things going on but somehow or another this weekend turned out to be way more relaxing and I things at my own pace. It was amazing! I went to bed last night feeling pretty relaxed and ready to take on a new week. I honestly could get used to doing things on my own time and not having a crazy, overly packed two days of weekend time to get everything and anything accomplished.

 

Friday night was spend playing with this little cutie pie. I am thinking this may be a dog breed J and I look into getting when the time arrives for us to get a puppy. My heart melted while playing and loving on this little guy.

The rest of the weekend was spent running a few errands,  swimming (twice!!), Red Box movie night, some vacation prep and Father's Day with my family!

Advocare Update: It is going AMAZING! I am on day 8 today and am down 12 pounds. Ladies, I feel so wonderful. I made it though so many big meals out and stuck to the clean eating plan. Now that I am on day 8, I just want to keep on going. I am sleeping better, I have more energy and just feel good about myself overall knowing "I can do this".. I have a long way to go but this jump start feels really good and makes me want to keep at it!

Instead of popcorn during my movie night on Saturday, I snacked on these yummy raspberries! They were so satisfying.

A big Happy Father's Day to my amazing Dad! You are one of the most incredible men in my life and I am so blessed and thankful to be your daughter. I love you!!

Advocare: Day 3

Today is day three on the Advocare 10 Day Challenge!

I am honestly feeling so good.

Had the curse of day two which happened to me last time.. headaches, weak feeling..

But once I pass day two I feel great and it is a breeze.

My biggest challenge is this time around is food temptation.

I have somehow or another have seven "going out" meals during the course of the ten days that I am having to plan around. Between lunches with co-workers, dinner with friends and fathers day celebrations.. it is a little ridiculous. However, I have made it through the first two of the seven. 

Yesterday was a double whammy! Out to lunch AND out to dinner.. restaurants play mind games with me I swear.  Portion size is tripled, fat content is quadrupled and the it just makes easier sense to "cheat" while at a restaurant. However, this girl over here made some great decisions!

Lunch: Brown Rice California Rolls (crab, avocado, cucumber, brown rice, seaweed)

Dinner: Red Robin (which is my total weakness..) chicken burger wrapped in lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and fruit instead of fries.

I was pretty stressed about getting through those two meals - being so early in a cleanse and having these temptations was pretty difficult but I did it! And waking up today, on day three, knowing I made excellent decisions the past two days was motivating and felt great. 

Here is a favorite snack that I love! Apples with cinnamon sprinkled on top. 

Sweet, healthy and satisfying!

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Tuesday Topics

Tuesday Topics day! Today's topic is "Seven Things About Your Job"..
I usually do not discuss my job on this blog of mine often. 

However, today I will be pretty vague and give you some insight to my job!

Be patient as I make this post short and sweet..

I have been a paralegal/legal assistant for almost six years in a law firm in Washington.

It was an opportunity that was spontaneous and quickly became a great career for me.

I am blessed and love my job!

Seven things I about my job:

- I touch A LOT of paper throughout the day

- The location of my work is great - right by the lake!

- My desk is in cubical land next to the bathroom. Yuck...

- I spend a lot of time on the phone

- I love pink post it notes and ordering office supplies is fun to me

- There is the best seafood restaurant next door. It is the only place I will justify spending $18.00 on a salad. Crab and shrimp galore!

- I have palm trees hovering over my desk space.. all I need is a tropical drink with an umbrella and it would feel like vacation! (I try to convince myself that a lot)... 

  

Weekend Shenanigans

Another weekend, another bridal shower! 

I celebrated my best friend Jen's upcoming wedding this weekend and this shower was stunning.

The theme was tasteful and vintage - and it was at the most adorable house by the water in Seattle.

Such a great celebration of love!

I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

 



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Five on Friday

Happy Friday!!

Today I am linking up with Darci from The Good Life for Five on Friday!

The concept is simple - think of five things that make you happy/that you love/on your mind..

 

 

1. I am in love with Mason Jar Cups. First off all, I am loving that mason jars are trending so much right now and you see them used for so many purposes. You can do no wrong with the MJ! Tiffany posted a picture of these amazeball cups that she found on Costco - I immediately was on the hunt.. After several Costco stores with no luck, they were FINALLY found at the Seattle location. Three sets of three later.. I am a happy girl!

 

2. I am so happy it is FRIDAY! This week seemed to drag on and on. On Wednesday I was sure it was Thursday.. My weekend should be fun. Low key pizza/beer night tonight! Another bridal shower tomorrow. Life is good!

 

3. Puppy love is the best. My dog is better then yours the cutest! He lounged around and enjoyed having a lazy night this past week!

 

4. Everything and anything Real Housewives. My favorite two seasons are officially on currently, New Jersey and Orange County. That means TWO new episodes a week! I love 'em all, but these two take the cake in my book!

 

5. Summer days and warm weather. We have had some beautiful weather lately and when the sun shines in Washington EVERYONE is in a good mood! I am loving all that comes with the nicer weather.. walks, slurpees, sun tan lotion, swimming, lounge chairs, sunglasses! I love it all!

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Stay warm, stay classy!

 

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Tuesday Topics

It's Tuesday.. Time for Tuesday Topics with Lauren and Tiffany!

Today the topic is on goals for the month. I liked this topic a lot because reflecting and acknowledging goals in life always feels good and makes me feel like I have things together. 

1. I started swimming again (yay) and the perk of summer being here is our neighborhood pool is open and I have no excuses not to swim laps! I want to stick with swimming 2-3 days a week. It feels good, is a great stress reliever and it is something that helps clear my mind.

2. Still attempting the whole running thing.. One day at a time..

3. Work on clean eating more during the week.  This is a huge goal of mine. Meal planning always goes really well for me at the beginning of the week and then I start to get lazy by the end of it.

4. Walk everyday during my lunch break for one whole week. I usually walk 2 or 3 days during the week during lunch but it would feel great to get a full 5 days in. Waking up before work for a few walks this month wouldn't hurt either!

5. Have an anniversary picnic. Our 2nd wedding anniversary is June 25th and I would love to have it be nice enough to go to a local winery for a picnic!

6. To get my bridesmaid dress in the mail finally and praying that it fits and looks good!

7. To work on my communication skills with J. I am quick to snap lately and get overly stressed about things and I need to take a breather and slow it down. We communicate great as it is but I personally feel I have things I need to work on.

8. Enjoy my vacation!!! John and I are going away at the end of the month for a much needed and much anticipated 9 days away. I can't wait!

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Showering Love

Wedding Season has arrived! 

I kicked off my first weekend in June Showering my beautiful friend Jen with love at her bridal shower.

The sun was shining, the mimosa's were flowing and laughter and love filled the air.

It was a great day for such an amazing friend!

Jen was my Maid of Honor in my wedding two years ago and this July I have the honor of standing next to her as she says "I Do".. This is something we have been counting down for so long, it is crazy that it is almost here! I can't wait!

Crate and Barrel wins as always with Macy's in a close second place. I am not even the bride but just seeing those amazingly wrapped Crate and Barrel boxes - so perfectly packaged - always makes me so giddy. Jen scored on some amazing gifts!

The happy Bride to Be opening her gifts. She was glowing. So happy and so full of smiles. 

Some of my favorite girls in the world! The best part of being apart of this bridal party of 9 (some are obviously missing) is that most of them are my best friends too. It makes this wedding that much more fun because I am celebrating with all of my closest girlfriends! 

Hope your weekend was filled with some love and sunshine!