My Crazy Month

This month has been a very busy, crazy, full of new adventures month for me.  Here is how things are going so far...

I got a promotion at work and now work in Forks, two times a month learning how things work out there. I enjoy it. It's a different atmosphere than here in town, and I like it.

I AM AN AUNTIE! My sister had her adorable, perfect daughter on Mothers Day, May 11th. She is absolutely gorgeous and lovable in every way. I had never know what it was like to love a child that wasn't my own and I do. She is wonderful. I am so happy for my sister and know that she will be an amazing mom.

And we have finally nailed down some wedding plans. I feel good about it.  Shavik and I are meeting with a possible photographer on Friday. Saturday, I am going with a few of my bridesmaids to the bridal shop we have here in town to just check out some dresses. This is something I am looking foward to.

Aside from that I have been my normal busy self with school, work, being mom and housewife and fufilling my slow growing Scentsy business and Etsy shop. I have had a few recent sells from my shop and I am excited people are loving what I make.

Thats it for now, sorry it's been awhile. I need to be better about this, and I will once things slow down!

Happy end of May. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend :)

Our Wedding Website

Been checking out a lot of wedding blogs and wedding websites. I decided to start creating ours. It's a little rough, but will do for now. As we go along, I will update it with information for guests and the wedding party! Can't wait for the big day and am excited about a lot of this planning process. You check it out by clicking the link below.



Check out my Wedding website:

Sunday Funday Wedding Planning

I have changed my mind about wedding colors, ideas, and pretty much every aspect of that day at least half a dozen times. I am sure that this is pretty typical. BUT I feel like it drives my mom crazy cause I have already sent her swatches of colors I liked, and I am again, changing my mind. It seems I find another color scheme or idea and run with it. But I will say that a month or so ago, I stumbled across a picture of a bride and her bridesmaids, and I fell in love with it. The pastel, country colors of the dresses were perfect. None of them were the same, but put together they were gorgeous. I clicked the picture on Pinterest and it took me to a blog. I then proceeded to fall in love with just about every aspect of the wedding. From the colors, to the groom and groomsmen attire, to the decor and beyond. Here's a peek into this couples wedding day and the ideas that I found from them that I love.

A lot of the ideas for flowers and decor were along the lines of what we were thinking. We want a backyard theme wedding, which we are essentially getting by getting married at our friends dads property. We are planning to have BBQ, and thankfully we know a few people in town who do that pretty darn well so we will look into that. I have just about settled on my photographer and plan to meet with her within the next few weeks to talk photos. And how lucky am I that my maid of honor is a photographer cause she has been so helpful in talking that part of the big day, and she will even help with our engagement pictures. 

Planning has merely just began, but I enjoy every aspect of it, even though it is overwhelming. I get a little more excited to more I get on Pinterest and look and the more I talk to my girlfriends who are in the same boat as me. I am looking forward to my friends weddings coming up this summer as I think it will give me an idea of what I do and don't want.

Anyways, here is a glimpse into the start of my planning. I am looking forward to my mom coming here in the next few weeks as I will be able to start sharing more ideas with her. Here's to another year plus of planning!

CHEERS!

 

This year so far in pictures

I was going through some of my photos from this year and since we are over 1/3 of the way through this year, I decided to take a minute and share some pictures of how my year has been so far. Here we go..

My girlfriend Chelsie, on my bithday, when I asked her to be my Maid of Honor (Yes, she cried.)

These are snapshots from Chelsey's baby shower here in Port Angeles.

Chloe one morning in March.

Shavik was featured in an article in Varmint Hunter Magazine. He was VERY excited about it! I was so proud that he was shown doing something he really enjoys doing, hunting!

Chloes writing on her chalkboard table!

Chloe one morning before preschool in early April.

My mom and dad at Chelsey's Family baby shower, which was also on her birthday, April 12th.

Shavik and I at Supercross, a motorcycle racing event we go to yearly. Something we both enjoy doing!

A few snapshots from Kenzi and Kolby's Birthday Party, April 13th.

Early morning ferry run with Chelsie. Grateful for her!

Loving on my little girl!

Chloe has an obsession with the movie, Frozen. This is her attempt at protraying Elsa, one of the princesses.

These are some snapshots from our Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday, Chloe had her dad cuddle with her purple bunny. Had to take this shot.

This week before Daycare! She's got her lunch in hand and ready to roll!

Lastly, me. Just being my goofy self. This was taken at work yesterday during the busy time!

This year has been wonderful so far and I can't wait for many more memories! (Especially the one when my baby neice gets here!) So happy for my family, friends, and loved ones. I feel like good things have been happening all around.

Thanks,

Braids Brownies & Brains

Well, It's official. I am changing my blog name, pinterest name, Etsy shop name, and purchasing a blog template to make this whole thing official and REAL! I am having so much fun creating ideas, coming up with crafty projects, and doing what I had always hoped to do. I have settled on creative, catchy title..

Braids, Brownies & Brains

I feel that this fits me, as a mom, housewife, college grad, full time employee...all the above and more. I am a very hardworking mom and its my favorite job. But it doesn't pay the bills. I finally feel proud of myself for where I am at and want to start on this journey of making my blog and all that it entails, to be exactly what I want.

Any thoughts on the new title?
Any questions you want to ask?
Or tips or Ideas?

Leave a comment!

Thanks!

Wedding Planning, Date, and some thoughts from me :)

I have been focusing more of my time lately on wedding planning. That being said, we have set a date.

August 29th, 2015. (This day is actually going to be the day before our 6 year anniversary.)

I have had alot of people ask why we decided to not get married this summer. Well, we have lots of reasons. I really wanted to be able to plan the wedding we wanted. No rushing. No last minute changes. We also wanted to take on alot of the financial responsibility ourselves. (Not saying we wont accept help where given!) We just know that at our age, and with me already having been married once before, that it was pretty apparent that this was going to be solely placed on our backs. And lastly, we weren't in a rush to get engaged...so why would we be in a rush to get married?

We have found our venue, we have roughly decided what theme we want, and we have chosen the special few we want to stand by our sides and support us in this decision we have made. I have OFFICIALLY asked my maid of honor, unofficially asked 2 bridesmaids, and waiting til Thursday to ask my final gal to stand there with me. Shavik has already talked to both his best man, and all but one of his groomsmen. It was actually a late decision to have 4 people, that's why we both have yet to do so.

I have come to understand why it takes some people years to plan. There is alot that goes into wedding planning. Its not just about the dress, food, and good time. It's alot of little things. Attire, Decor, Food, Music, Photography, Venue, People... The list is never ending. Sigh...

I feel very grateful about the few great friends I have. I know that when it comes down to the nitty gritty of wedding planning, the late nights, and the long days, they will be there. I feel especially grateful for my two best friends who will stand up there next to me and hold my hand and tell me every single thing I need to hear that day... (and lots of days before that day.)

I cannot wait to get this ball rolling, and especially, to marry my best friend. It took me along time to find him. Boy, am I glad I did find him though!


And on a second note, I am hoping to get more frequent at my blogging. I have been reading some great blogging tips. I plan to expand my Etsy shop and my Scentsy business this way. Good Luck to me (hope I can keep up!)

Thanks!

Feelin Crafty

Today is my day off. I am feeling SO crafty. I bought some chalkboard paint and anything I thought to use it on, I DID! Chloe now has a new chalkboard top table in her room, all my spice jars are topped with it, and well...you get the picture

I have also been making new products for my Etsy store, so if you get the chance, please take a look! Hoping to start selling some of the fun new pieces I have made. I am loving creating new things and just hope people love them as much as I do!

Hope you all have a wonderful hump day! Happy Wednesday all :) 

Chloes new chalkboard table!

Spice jars!

Crafting away.

New Banners for my Etsy Shop :)

Coupon Mom.. and an additional note

I have previously before tried to coupon, and did okay. Nothing like what I want to. I want to coupon EXCELLENTLY! I want to cut my monthly bill in at least half and have found a few great sites to follow to help me with that.

I have started collecting coupons. I get at least 3 Sunday coupon sections and organize them by category and date. I am learning to stack with products on sale at different stores and with any in-store coupons I find. I am hoping y grocery shopping trip this week I can save at least 60% on my bill.

Here are a few of the blogs I follow with helpful couponing tips:

The Krazy Coupon Lady

Living Well, Spending Less

On another note, I am so loving spending a little more time on my blog. I have been adding to my Etsy shop, updating my Pinterest and of course, trying to increase my Scentsy sells. I would LOVE to help with anyone looking to add that cute touch of decor for the holiday to their home, to get some great new Spring / Summer smells or for any creative touch I can help with!

Thanks for all the support from my loved ones in my journey the last few years!

My Etsy Shop

I have had my Etsy shop, {Pretty Ginger} Designs, open for about a year and a half and haven't done much with it! But that's going to change. I make things all the time and would love to make it a part-time, for fun, business. I sell Scentsy because I enjoy the products. Well, why not sell stuff I enjoy to make? So here it is, my shop. Take a look. I am adding new things this week and next. Lots of fun things :)

{Pretty Ginger} Designs <-------CLICK HERE!!

Marrying My Best Friend

Lately, we have gotten a lot of invites to friends weddings this summer. Its crazy, actually, to think about. 5 already and it's only March. So I have to say that I am GLAD we decided to wait to next Summer. Really, it's a good idea.

On that note...

Marriage. Yeah, I said it. I'm doing it (again) and I have to say it's very strange and the young age of 26 to say that. I don't know how else to say it. It's the truth. I cannot believe that I was married before. And that I no longer have been for over 5 years. I know the story. I know it's not the way it sounds and that there are circumstances beyond my control that made it that way. Still, not everyone knows that. To some I am that "26 year old girl who will have been married twice and her baby isn't her fiances." I say that this way cause that IS what people say. It's the truth. I've heard it all before. I know the stories and I know the way things work. Funny thing is it's not all black and white. Or it's not all pretty roses and butterflies and happily ever after all the time. I'm not one of those people anymore. I was. For quite a while. It's weird to me even now as I type this how silly ALL OF THE ABOVE sounds. But its coming from my brain, to here.

Sigh.

I had this great need to be loved after "he who shall not be named" died. (had to, its from Harry Potter!) I felt like no one would like me the way he did and that I could never be happy. I would always be alone. And so I needed to find love for myself and boy, did that NOT work. Pathetic.

But I got lucky. I met a great guy. Didn't know at first how great he was. Lot's of stuff. Up's and downs. At at that time I was only 21. How do you know at that age things will last forever. Clearly at 18, I was wrong and at 21 I knew better than to plan on forever, but I am a go-getter. I don't give up easily and I a VERY VERY stubborn. (I know my mom is reading this and nodding agreeing with 100% of it.)

Now, 4 1/2 years later and after having been through enough of the crap that we have been through over the years, I know. I have never been MORE SURE of anything in my life. He IS my best friend. He is the father of my daughter. He loves us more than anything in the world and I know, without a doubt in my mind, that he would do anything we ever needed. How lucky am I, to be marrying my best friend. Pretty darn lucky. It took me along time to find him and ever longer to know he was the one. And boy am I glad he is. I can't wait for forever with him. Forever is along time, I know. But I know I found the one I am supposed to be with. I am the luckiest girl alive. Marrying my best friend. Seriously!

HAPPY DAYSS!!

Love you all,

End of Winter Blues

I have been spending most of my days busy. Busy with work, school, my 5 year old, finace, and the day to day housework. It feels like its never ending.

I love being a mom. It's the greatest choice I have ever made and the best thing that has ever happened to me. I live for my daughter. She is my heart and soul. All my choices, affect her. She is so fun. Very energetic (almost TOO much), very funny, friendly, and not to mention, extremely adorable. From her bright red hair, to her brown eyes, to her long gangly self and her long feet! Every single inch of her is perfect.

That being said, sometimes I just need some me time. Me time. What the heck is that?!? Work doesn't really seem to be it cause if I am not working for her, I am working for someone else. I have decided a mini vacation is in order. So we are going to Ocean Shores this weekend. Just Shavik and I. This is a much anticipated, much needed break. I don't remember the last time I had a vacation. I think as a kid with my parent's. So to have one as an adult, I think I might be just as excited as I would be if I was 12! I am going to miss not being with Chloe this weekend, but I think I'll be able to come back refreshed and ready to take on Spring and Summer with lots of fun things in mind for our little family!

I will post pictures following our trip. Can't wait to share!

Life Right Now

Hello all. Things around our house have been very busy. Between school, work, and all the other life things going on in our world, we haven't had much time to keep in contact with our loved ones.

Shavik is working hard. Lots of overtime and call in's. With this extreme cold, wind, and rain, he is gone early and home late. We appreciate him though for all the time he puts in!

Chloe is doing great! Second year of pre-school and she is learning so much! We can't believe how much she has grown. She amazes us everyday. She is so intelligent and is always listening and watching what we do. It scares us a bit cause we think she knows TOOO MUCH!

I have been working a lot, and doing school. On top of that trying to run a household. I have put off planning the wedding a bit as I have been so caught up in other things. Life has been so busy for me I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Never thought I would be happy about that though.

We entered a contest in January to win a wedding at the venue we fell in love with, and we didn't win. So we decided to wait until next summer, 2015, to get married. We want to have the time to really plan and save. We have some home improvement projects we want to get started this summer as well.

Its amazing how when I look back on my life over the last 5 years, how much has changed. How much I have changed. I am proud, now, of who I am. It took me quite a bit of searching, learning, and growing to achieve that. It was hard cause I was very hard on myself and didn't give myself credit when due. I didn't think I deserved what I now have. I have a great support system in place with both my family, Shaviks family, and my wonderful friends. I am so lucky!

Hope you all have an amazing week. This is my moms birthday week! YAY! :)

I Met You.

I spent a lot of time searching for affection in shallow spaces. 

I gave people bits of me they didn't deserve and I let myself be hurt, 

because I thought that's what I deserved. 

But once I let go of trying to shove puzzle pieces in places that did not fit, 

once I let go of all the hate I secretly had stored in the gashes that decorate my heart. 

I met you.

 

 

What I wish I could tell people who have lost someone...

Broken Hearts

I know you've lost someone and it hurts. You may have lost them suddenly, unexpectedly. Or perhaps you began losing pieces of them until one day, there was nothing left. You may have known them all your life or you may have barely known them at all. Either way, it is irrelevant -You cannot control the depth of a wound another soul inflicts upon you.

Which is why I am not here to tell you tomorrow is another day. That the sun will go on shining. Or there are plenty of fish in the sea. What I will tell you is this; its okay to be hurting as much as you are. What you are feeling is not only completely valid but necessary - because it makes you so much more human. And though I can't promise it will get better any time soon, I can tell you that it will - eventually. For now, all you can do is take your time. Take all the time you need.