Weekend In

It snowed this morning. This is currently the view outside:

It's not too much snow...but it could stop for the rest of the winter :) This January actually hasn't been bad. There was one week where it was below zero everyday and the roads were pretty bad from the snow. The rest of the month has been like a January thaw. I even had a dream last night that we were outside having a big picnic / get together in January and it literally felt like spring it was so nice out.

I woke up hoping that was really the case. Unfortunately it just got colder and snow fell while we were sleeping. I guess we'll have to live with it for another month or two...

On the bright side, this weekend has been really laid back. We really haven't done too much, and I've stayed home almost the entire weekend, watching movies and sipping on this wonderful hot cocoa.

Friday night we just got some groceries and I had a hair appointment after work. Last night Trent went to his friends' house for a little get together for his buddy's birthday. I decided to stay home and watch the Whitney Houston movie on Lifetime. Priorities.

Today I did much of the same. I have been working out a little off and on for my new wedding workout, which I'm hoping to blog about this week. In the mean time, I think I'll finish some more movies to end this snowy but cozy weekend in. What do you think?

Popular Pinterest Pins

Like that alliteration in the title there? Say that 3 times fast.

If you're an active Pinterest user like I am, you might see those emails come in all the time that say, "so-and-so repinned your pin...", and then it shows the image that they repinned of yours? Everyday when I am going through my emails I see these pop up and just kind of glance them over and don't pay much attention to them. The other day I got to thinking that many of these notification emails that I get have the same pinned images over and over. Popular pins tend to get more and more popular the more they're repinned. I don't know how it happens, but there are some pins that just get a ton more repins than others.

I pin a variety of things that catch my eye. From home decor ideas, to recipes, to fashion ideas, and fitness articles. Lately I've also been pinning a ton of wedding ideas, and vacation ideas (honeymoon coming up, woot!) I thought today that I would share just a few pins from my Pinterest that seem to get repinned a lot (i.e. my most popular pins). Since I don't have a Pinterest business account, I don't technically have a way to view my analytics (Pinterest just recently came out with that feature for businesses - read more here). But these links are just a few that I've noticed seem to be pretty popular. And I love them too!

1. Remote control storage idea from Yellow Brick Home

This one is funny to me, but this pin of mine gets pinned over and over! This was one of my first pins EVER. I pinned it because I thought it was such a clever and cute way to store remotes. And guess what - I actually used it for inspiration for my own cigar box-remote storage. And alluded to this pin in the post. How crazy is that.

2. Pom-pom dish towel DIY from Bower Power

I love Katie Bower and her blog and have been reading it for years. And I love this cute hand towel idea. I have never attempted it myself, mainly because I don't own a sewing machine, or sew, for that matter. But I have dreams that one day I might....

3. DIY Play kitchen from Young House Love

I have noticed that lately this is getting lots of repins. The moment I read this post I was in love with this project that John and Sherry at YHL so bravely took on for their daughter, Clara. Oh, how I miss the Petersik family! I was a loyal YHL reader and even met them on their book tour. These two are so creative, and I love this play kitchen that they put together. It reminded me of the one I got on Christmas morning when I was a young tot. Too fun!

4. Beginning photography tips from Katie Bower

Another pin-worthy post from Ms. Bower Power. I don't own a DSLR camera...yet. I pinned this for the day that I finally break down and spend the money to get one. I've been pining over the Canon Rebel for years now. Katie is an amazing photographer and has gotten better and better even since this post was written, in my opinion! These tips are great and I can't wait to use them someday.

5. My repurposed wine bottles

I kinda hate doing it, but I pin most of my DIY projects. Surprisingly, my post about my painted wine bottles and mason jars is one of the most repinned projects from my blog. Pretty cool, and such an easy project. It's even in my Popular Posts section over on my sidebar. It's probably one of my favorites, too.

So that's my short little list for ya. Who else is still obsessed with Pinterest? It's really taken off in the last few years, and I don't think it will go away any time soon. It's become the go-to search engine for some things for me, especially for recipes and wedding stuff. Anywho, that was fun! Have a good Thursday, everyone!

My Cozy Day Essentials

Do you have any items that you absolutely cannot live without on those lazy, stay at home days during the winter? One of my favorite things to do when I'm stuck inside all day is watch movies at home. But there are a few necessary items that go along with that to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :) I've created a little list of them for you today!

1. Cozy blankets - I'm always wrapped up in a big blanket when I'm chilling at home. These cashmere throws from Parachute Home are to die for and would definitely be a beautiful and cozy edition to your sofa or bed for those lazy days! Parachute Home also offers other cozy bedding essentials.

2. Comfy slippers - I wear my slippers around the house 24/7 in the winter. Target slippers like these are cute, inexpensive and super cozy.

3. My laptop - Of course I need my computer to blog and search Pinterest endlessly. Who doesn't? I love my Mac laptop that I got a few months back. I'm on it more than I care to admit.

4. Hot cocoa - I would sip hot cocoa everyday if I could. I'm obsessed with the different flavors right now after getting them for Christmas. White Chocolate, caramel, dark chocolate...more please!

5. Yummy-smelling candles - I've been loving the 3-wick candles from Bath & Body Works. They smell AMAZING.

6. Cute mugs - This past fall I picked up these monogram mugs from Anthropologie for Trent and I. I love how simple and classic they are, and they keep my hot cocoa nice and toasty!

So those are my cozy essentials for a winter day! What's on your list?

Obsessed: Gold and Bronze Decor

It's Friday! Time for a fun post. I've been loving gold and bronze decor this past year. I've even been adding little gold touches to the living room recently and cannot get enough. It looks super stylish and elegant. And, it's a neutral! So you can incorporate pops of color with it, too. Here are just a few pretty gold and bronze accessories from the web to peak your interest. Sources below.

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Is gold your jam, too? What other trends have you been loving in your home?
Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Honeymoon is Booked!

Well, it took a while and may have been the most difficult decision during our wedding planning so far, but we finally have our honeymoon destination and are all booked! We'll be going to JAMAICA!

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We'll be staying 6 nights at the end of August at Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay. It has great reviews on Trip Advisor, and it's an all-inclusive resort. Neither of us have been to the Caribbean before, so we could not be more excited. (It sounds even better right now with those chilly temperatures outside) Let the countdown begin!!

More Cold Weather and a Fun Concert

Winter has really come in full force with the new year. December was cake - then January rolled around, and we've had several inches of snow and negative temperatures! Tomorrow's projected high temperature is -6 F! Not sure if I will be going to work...we'll see. Yesterday we started an hour late; today two hours late. Oh how I love winter in Illinois....

In other news, we saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert for the second time this past weekend. We saw them last December for the first time. This time was a little different - Instead of performing songs from The Lost Christmas Eve, their show this year was The Christmas Attic. And it was in January this year, so it was after Christmas! But we still had a good time.

It was really cool how they opened the show. This year they had a giant old trunk on stage, and the musicians were inside this huge trunk. They told the story about a little girl exploring an attic on Christmas Eve, and finding lots of old things in this trunk, like old toys and handwritten letters.

I thought some of the songs were a little slower this year, and I didn't know as many. Toward the end though, it started to pick up quite a bit, and the second half was much more lively with lots of fire and pyrotechnics.

My parents got us the tickets and we sat with them. They've seen them several times before. It was a good end to a very busy weekend! I just wish the weather had been a little better! It was windy and freezing - below zero temperatures.

Overall we had a good time! Even in the high-up seats, you still get a good view of the whole stage and all of the cool lights and fire and all that good stuff. And the musicians are amazing. Wish I could play an instrument even half as good as those people! Maybe in my later years in life I can pick something up. ;)

Wedding Day Hairstyle Ideas

Time for another wedding planning update. Saturday I got to pick up my dress! It arrived in my size, and it actually fit almost perfectly as is. I will have to schedule an alterations appt. soon though, to get the bottom hemmed since it's a little too long. There are a few other small changes I'll need too - since we're having an August wedding outside, I really want to make sure there's not too much excess fabric or crinoline. No major changes though. I'm excited to finally have my dress in my own hands!

Along with picking up my dress, I also ordered my veil. I plan on having a simple veil along with a simple, white flower in my hair. I've been looking at various hairstyle ideas for the big day and am gathering them up here. Most of them I found via Pinterest.

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I really want to keep it simple and maybe add some nice earrings, too. The only question - real flower or faux flower? I've seen some cute ones on Etsy, like this one. I don't want something too blingy or feathery, or something so huge it overwhelms me! The search is on...

So This is Winter...

So I know this isn't exactly a 'weather blog', but I had to share with you my view today. Ya know how around Christmas time I was saying we have barely gotten any snow yet and the temperatures were so much more mild this winter? Well, it looks like winter has finally arrived! December was so mild compared to last year, but January is coming in at full force. We got our first measurable, lasting snowfall overnight. And we woke up to this:

It's almost noon, and it's still coming down! Also - check out the temperatures for the next few days:

Yes, Wednesday has a HIGH of -3 degrees! I guess winter is finally here! 

Trent and I are still planning on meeting Mom and Dad in the cities this afternoon to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra live. I'm hoping the roads aren't too bad. We'll see!

Blog Highlights from the Past Year

Last January 26th was my first Blogiversary. I shared all of the highlights in the way of house projects, crafts, tutorials, etc. that I blogged about over my first full year of blogging. This year I am not going to wait until my second blogiversary to roundup my highlights from the past year. I thought I'd start the year off with a recap!

I didn't blog as much in 2014 - only 131 posts compared to the 226 posts in 2013. But although we didn't get as many house projects done this year, I got several little projects done - and I started wedding planning. Here's a list of some of my best life, house, project, decor, craft, and inspiration posts from 2014.

• New Living Room Arrangement
• Dave Matthews Band Inspired Painting
• Hanging Curtain Pull-Backs
• We're Engaged!
• Pretzel Kisses Recipe
• Travel Post Round-Up
• Firepit Redo
• Planter Box Update
• Haley and Dan Tie the Knot
• Planting Hostas
• DIY Chalkboards
• DIY Bedroom Storage Unit
• Grill Makeover
• Wedding Cake Inspiration
• Replacing the Basement Door
• Wedding Flower Inspiration
• DIY Card Box Banner
• Homemade Thanksgiving Art
• Gift Wrapping Organization
• Christmas in the Living Room
• Holiday Table for Two
• Christmas Porch Decorating Ideas
• Our Christmas Porch
• No-Sew Burlap Garland
• Astrological Decor Post Round-Up

Just a little sampling of what I blogged about in the past year. Lots of fun little projects and wedding planning going on. It's been a crazy year - getting engaged, my sister getting married, traveling to Texas, California and Portland. Hope this year is just as great!

House Goals for 2015

How was everyone's New Years Day? Trent finally got out of bed around 2 pm. We had some bloody marys, I took down the Christmas tree and vacuumed, did some laundry, and there was lots of movie watching as usual. It was a nice day off.

Today I thought I'd reflect a little bit on 2014 and plan out our house renovation goals for the new year. Last year I had some lofty house goals. I don't feel like we accomplished a whole lot with the house though this past year. These were my House resolutions for 2014:

2014 House Resolutions:

1. Raise/level the living room.

2. Fully install the baseboard in the living room (only been waiting about 3 1/2 years for this to get done!)

3. Kitchen foundation / leveling / gutting / renovation (that's a mouthful, and encompasses a bunch of work!)

4. Organization - clothes storage in the bedroom, and starting on the closet and pantry. 

5. Walkway in the front yard.

Of those 5 goals, we only got ONE accomplished. Haha. #4-Organization in the bedroom. It took a while, but in August, Trent finally got his bedroom shelves completed. 

I have to say, it has helped a little bit, but Trent still has way too many clothes to be fully organized. It's a start, though. 

I don't know how much we will actually get done with the house this year, but here are a few resolutions for the house in 2015 that I'm hoping we get to! And I've carried over the goals from last year, just for fun.

2015 House Resolutions:

1. Walkway in the front yard. (I'm moving this to top priority this spring/summer!)

2. New couch in the living room - We've been looking at sectionals!

3. New appliances (We desperately want a new stove)

4. Raise/level the living room.

5. Fully install the baseboard in the living room (only been waiting about 3 1/2 years for this to get done!--- make that 4 1/2.)

6. Kitchen foundation / leveling / gutting / renovation (that's a mouthful, and encompasses a bunch of work!)

7. Finish Hallway.

8. Start on pantry/closet reno.

Since we started planning a wedding last summer, it's been busier than usual, and house priorities have moved more to Trent's territory, while I work on wedding stuff. So we haven't been able to get as much done over the past year, and this year I'm sure will be the same.

I'm hoping that we can at least get a few new things done in the renovation department, and that all the wedding planning goes smoothly! 

I'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of some highlights from 2014! Stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

It's 2015! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Another year over, time to start fresh again. What were your New Year's plans? We went to Trent's aunt and uncle's and just had a small get together there. I'm proud to say I made it past midnight. Always a plus.

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It's twenty minutes past noon today, and Trent's still in bed, so it's safe to say he had a good night. :) I'll be doing lots of lounging around today. Probably watching more movies, maybe getting some of the Christmas decor down.

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's Day!