Almost there...

Only 19 days to go!!!

I love this man...

...and I cannot wait to be his wife in 32 days!

Valentines Day can become a bit cheesy and cliche with all of the overpriced flowers and chocolates and the rush of men during the lunch hour on February 14 who forgot to buy their wives a card. But the simple celebration of a love that exists 365 days a year is sweet and special, and worth looking forward to. Exchanging thoughtful cards, a romantic dinner at a nearby restaurant we have been wanting to try, and dancing all night long in the living room to cheesy 90's songs made me even more excited to be with my Valentine for the rest of my life.

Here's to celebrating genuine, lasting, and unconditional love!

Structured Inspiration....

Recently, in lieu of buying each other Christmas gifts, fiance and I decided to purchase a Digital SLR camera so that we (okay, so MAYBE this was a little bit more for me) could explore a hobby that we (again, read I) have always dreamed of.  With the help of Meredith's photographer hubby Chad we found the perfect camera with a few different lenses and a book to learn all about how to use them!  Since then, the camera has gotten a little use, but with the chaos of planning a wedding and working a lot of events I haven't been able to dedicate the time to this new adventure that I would like to. 

That's why, when I saw this idea on a blog I recently started reading, I thought I may have found the answer!

via

I think this format of finding inspiration in the everyday really hits home with me.  And let's face it, with the fancy features and fun vintage filters on my brand new iPhone, my poor new camera has gotten the unjust consequence of hanging out at home all the time.  True, the iPhone is quite convenient when I want to capture a moment spontaneously, but I think it might be time to step it up a notch...

...anyone up for a little structured inspiration?

This is what we do....

Fiancé and I make pizza. It's what we do. Someday, hopefully, we will have our own pizza restaurant. For now, sharing space in the flour covered kitchen making pizza together will be our thing. I'm okay with that. :)

Sweet reminder...

Lately, life has been completely, utterly, totally (how many more synonyms are there....I could probably use a few more...) overwhelming.  When I say overwhelming, I don't for a second mean bad or hard or unhappy.  I have been blessed abundantly and am only a few short weeks away from being married to my best friend and the love of my life.  The very essence of me being overwhelmed is due to having so many exciting and amazing things to look forward to and prepare for.  Somehow, time and time again I let those joyful anticipations turn into stressful tasks on a list that need to be checked off.  Yet, in the midst of these overwhelming moments I am reminded of the importance of slowing down, taking a deep breath, and remembering Who is in control.  It is in that place of peace and rest that my worries and stress fall away, and my shoulders feel light and free once again.  Oh that I would lay down that weight more often and simply enjoy the moments as they pass me by...

Here are some more sweet reminders of words to live by each day, particularly those days that feel overwhelming...

via

via

via.  i long to embrace the complete freedom and beauty captured in this image.

via

via