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!!