My little Etsy shop is finally up and running. More items will be added within the next week but head on over there to check it out! Use promo code OPEN4BUSINESS to receive 10% off your order plus free shipping in the US.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Love Day, friends!
I have a couple of things I want to share with you on this sweet day, list style:)
1.) We adopted a PUPPY. We might be crazy. No, I take that back. We ARE crazy. We have about a million things going on right now but he really has been the perfect addition. When Bella passed I immediately said I can NEVER get another animal. It was just too painful to see her ill and then to see her pass. As the days went on, I began to come around to the idea of getting a dog. Kyle is by himself quite a bit being that I still have obligations in the cities and with him not knowing anyone in our new town yet, he was very lonely after losing Bella. We both know we will never have a dog as easy and well behaved as our Bella girl but we desperately needed to fill the tremendous void in some way.
We started to do some searching and I eventually convinced Kyle that we HAD to adopt. There were just SO many dogs in nearby shelters and there was no reason why we couldn't make one part of our family. He wanted a puppy (I would have been fine with a fully potty trained dog;)) and a male this time so that's where the compromise came in. We would adopt a male puppy. I came across the picture below of a litter of pups that were in a nearby shelter and showed the picture to Kyle. He thought they were just as adorable as I did. We contacted the shelter and found out that the only one that was still available was the black puppy in the middle. Apparently there's such thing as "black dog syndrome" where no one ever wants the black pup. Well that broke my heart, obviously. After lengthy conversations and weighing the pros and cons we finally decided to just go with it. We are very happy with our decision, thank goodness;)
I have a couple of things I want to share with you on this sweet day, list style:)
1.) We adopted a PUPPY. We might be crazy. No, I take that back. We ARE crazy. We have about a million things going on right now but he really has been the perfect addition. When Bella passed I immediately said I can NEVER get another animal. It was just too painful to see her ill and then to see her pass. As the days went on, I began to come around to the idea of getting a dog. Kyle is by himself quite a bit being that I still have obligations in the cities and with him not knowing anyone in our new town yet, he was very lonely after losing Bella. We both know we will never have a dog as easy and well behaved as our Bella girl but we desperately needed to fill the tremendous void in some way.
We started to do some searching and I eventually convinced Kyle that we HAD to adopt. There were just SO many dogs in nearby shelters and there was no reason why we couldn't make one part of our family. He wanted a puppy (I would have been fine with a fully potty trained dog;)) and a male this time so that's where the compromise came in. We would adopt a male puppy. I came across the picture below of a litter of pups that were in a nearby shelter and showed the picture to Kyle. He thought they were just as adorable as I did. We contacted the shelter and found out that the only one that was still available was the black puppy in the middle. Apparently there's such thing as "black dog syndrome" where no one ever wants the black pup. Well that broke my heart, obviously. After lengthy conversations and weighing the pros and cons we finally decided to just go with it. We are very happy with our decision, thank goodness;)
Homeboy better get used to the snow real quick, he is a MN boy after all.
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| This is only 2 days after we got him, we think he likes us. |
He sleeps, eats, goes potty, plays for 20 min and then back to nap time on our laps.
2.) Ohhhh I am so excited to finally be a step closer to this little dream of mine coming true. Just sharing a little sneak peak until I'm completely ready for the roll out.
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| Coming to an Etsy shop near you, very soon:) I hope you are all enjoying your Valentine's Day with the people you love the most! |
Monday, January 27, 2014
Our Best Friend
Eight days ago our sweet Bella was diagnosed with heart disease. Yesterday morning while laying between my legs (one of her favorite spots) in bed with Kyle by my side, she passed away suddenly.
We were devastated when we received the news about her heart disease but her passing has left us completely heartbroken. We were told she could live for anywhere from a few months to a couple of years with heart disease. We were not prepared for her to pass only a week later, not that you can ever be prepared for that.
Bella was only 6 years old and with health guarantees and statements from her breeder that the bulldogs they breed can live to be 14 years old we had no reason to think we would lose Bella at such a young age. With the devastation comes anger.
I can't even begin to explain how loved Bella is. I say is because the love we have for her will never go away. She really was a family member to us and we always said she acted more like a person than a dog. If you are familiar with the bulldog breed you know how dependent they are on "their people". She was rarely alone for more than a few hours and when she was alone she would snuggle into our pillows on our bed to be as close as possible to us and our smell. Oh that girl, sweetest thing ever.
When Kyle and I each talked to our moms on the phone they were also brought to tears. This is a huge loss not just for ourselves but our closest friends and family too. I just pray Bella knows how loved and missed she is.
I could go on and on about our girl but I will just leave you with some of our favorite pictures of her…
We love you sweet Bella and no dog will ever be able to replace you!
We were devastated when we received the news about her heart disease but her passing has left us completely heartbroken. We were told she could live for anywhere from a few months to a couple of years with heart disease. We were not prepared for her to pass only a week later, not that you can ever be prepared for that.
Bella was only 6 years old and with health guarantees and statements from her breeder that the bulldogs they breed can live to be 14 years old we had no reason to think we would lose Bella at such a young age. With the devastation comes anger.
I can't even begin to explain how loved Bella is. I say is because the love we have for her will never go away. She really was a family member to us and we always said she acted more like a person than a dog. If you are familiar with the bulldog breed you know how dependent they are on "their people". She was rarely alone for more than a few hours and when she was alone she would snuggle into our pillows on our bed to be as close as possible to us and our smell. Oh that girl, sweetest thing ever.
When Kyle and I each talked to our moms on the phone they were also brought to tears. This is a huge loss not just for ourselves but our closest friends and family too. I just pray Bella knows how loved and missed she is.
I could go on and on about our girl but I will just leave you with some of our favorite pictures of her…
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| Such a big baby:) |
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| We arrived home several times to find our pillows out of place and we finally caught Bella in the act of laying on them. I can just hear her saying "oh shit, you're home early". (She got her potty mouth from her father, I swear) |
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| Her favorite time=nap time with mom or dad:) |
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| Nap time with her cousin, Brady. |
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| I mean come ON! |
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| Such a good little guard dog |
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| Another favorite activity of Bella's, cooling off in the kidde pool with her cousin Nolan. |
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| She loved Christmas just as much as her momma:) |
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| It gets a little loud and chaotic at my parent's house, Bella put herself down for a nap. |
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| My niece Jenna gave Bella a pillow and blanket and she gladly accepted:) |
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| That face. <3 |
Thursday, January 16, 2014
I'm still here.
If you didn't notice, I took a major hiatus from my little blog. I've had it on my to do list for weeks but just haven't had the motivation. I was SO happy to see 2013 go but 2014 is now off to a rough start. I'm certain we'll catch a break soon, just say a little pray for me that it's VERY soon :)
To keep it short my sweet grandma JuJu is now in hospice care. As of about a week ago, she was in transitional care and we were preparing for her to stay with my parents for the remainder of her chemo treatments. Things took a turn for the worse last weekend and unfortunately, chemotherapy is no longer an option. Grandma is able to return to the comfort of her own home which I am thankful for.
Since I've been away, we enjoyed a great December filled with lots of birthdays (mom, sister, me), Christmas, a weekend trip to Bemidji to move our things there, and a New Years Eve with our dear friends.
I've also been trying to get some wedding planning done. The big day is just over 8 months away and I have a major feeling of urgency to get everything done. I try to tackle a few things each month, next up is booking a photo booth, picking out invites/save the dates, and getting transportation set up. I've been purchasing more things off of Etsy because I think it's important to support small businesses. I ordered garters from The Wedding One and the ring bearer pillow below is from Burlap and Butter. I received both items very quickly even with it being right over Christmas and they were very pleasant to work with, you can't find items like these in stores. Beautiful!
I need to get back to preparing for this weekend. NINE of our friends are making the trip to our new home in Bemidji, how awesome is that? We're going to go skiing/snowboarding/tubing, eat too much good food, drink our fair share of cocktails, play card games, and check out the small town bars:) I can't wait for them to arrive!
Recap of our weekend to follow...
To keep it short my sweet grandma JuJu is now in hospice care. As of about a week ago, she was in transitional care and we were preparing for her to stay with my parents for the remainder of her chemo treatments. Things took a turn for the worse last weekend and unfortunately, chemotherapy is no longer an option. Grandma is able to return to the comfort of her own home which I am thankful for.
Since I've been away, we enjoyed a great December filled with lots of birthdays (mom, sister, me), Christmas, a weekend trip to Bemidji to move our things there, and a New Years Eve with our dear friends.
I've also been trying to get some wedding planning done. The big day is just over 8 months away and I have a major feeling of urgency to get everything done. I try to tackle a few things each month, next up is booking a photo booth, picking out invites/save the dates, and getting transportation set up. I've been purchasing more things off of Etsy because I think it's important to support small businesses. I ordered garters from The Wedding One and the ring bearer pillow below is from Burlap and Butter. I received both items very quickly even with it being right over Christmas and they were very pleasant to work with, you can't find items like these in stores. Beautiful!
I need to get back to preparing for this weekend. NINE of our friends are making the trip to our new home in Bemidji, how awesome is that? We're going to go skiing/snowboarding/tubing, eat too much good food, drink our fair share of cocktails, play card games, and check out the small town bars:) I can't wait for them to arrive!
Recap of our weekend to follow...
xoxo.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Last Minute Gift Ideas
If you're in need of some last minute gift ideas for the hard to buy for people in your life I have the perfect things for you.
1.) Ipsy
I joined Ipsy a few months ago, was on a waiting list for just a few weeks, and now have received a glam bag for the month of November and December. Every time I receive the "your package has been delivered!" message I get all giddy and feel like it's Christmas morning as I run out to our mailbox and spot the bright pink package that is alll for me.
To me, what makes this subscription so appealing is that it's only $10 a month and you receive $60+ worth of full size products, you can cancel at any time, it's free shipping, and your bag is personalized for you.
Head on over to the website and start a subscription for the ladies in your life (or yourself..:))! It will be so fun for them to continue to get a gift even after the holidays are over. I forgot to mention that your products will arrive in a nice little cosmetic bag!
My December glam bag included the following products, if I would have purchased each product separately the total would have been right around $76!
Bombshell The One Stick-$16
POP Brighten Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio- Wasn't able to find the exact one online but a larger one is going for $24
J.Cats The Big Lip Pencil-$3.99
Mirabella Eye Blender Brush-$27.00 can you believe that?! All in a $10 glam bag.
Nicka New York Nail Color-$4.99
2.) Dollar Shave Club
I got Kyle a subscription to the Dollar Shave Club and ended up cancelling after 3 months because he was stocked up! Another great subscription that you can cancel at any time and there are three different options: a $1, $6, and $9 a month package, shipping included. In your first package you will receive a shaver handle and four blades (5 blades with the $1 package), every month after the first you will receive just the blades.
3.) Spark Box
Something for the little munchkins in your life! For $23.95 shipping included you will receive a box filled with age appropriate educational toys, after 8 weeks you send back the toys and then you receive another box. I think this is a great idea because kids grow out of/get tired of toys so quickly. How fun to be sent a new batch of toys every couple of months!
4.) BarkBox
You didn't really think I'd leave out the pups did you? Never! I love BarkBox not only because they send great toys, all-natural treats, hygiene products, and new gadgets but also because 10% of proceeds from each box goes towards supporting pups in need. Price starts at $19/month but before signing up look for promo codes. They always have them!
1.) Ipsy
I joined Ipsy a few months ago, was on a waiting list for just a few weeks, and now have received a glam bag for the month of November and December. Every time I receive the "your package has been delivered!" message I get all giddy and feel like it's Christmas morning as I run out to our mailbox and spot the bright pink package that is alll for me.
To me, what makes this subscription so appealing is that it's only $10 a month and you receive $60+ worth of full size products, you can cancel at any time, it's free shipping, and your bag is personalized for you.
Head on over to the website and start a subscription for the ladies in your life (or yourself..:))! It will be so fun for them to continue to get a gift even after the holidays are over. I forgot to mention that your products will arrive in a nice little cosmetic bag!
My December glam bag included the following products, if I would have purchased each product separately the total would have been right around $76!
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| (nail polish not pictured) |
POP Brighten Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio- Wasn't able to find the exact one online but a larger one is going for $24
J.Cats The Big Lip Pencil-$3.99
Mirabella Eye Blender Brush-$27.00 can you believe that?! All in a $10 glam bag.
Nicka New York Nail Color-$4.99
2.) Dollar Shave Club
I got Kyle a subscription to the Dollar Shave Club and ended up cancelling after 3 months because he was stocked up! Another great subscription that you can cancel at any time and there are three different options: a $1, $6, and $9 a month package, shipping included. In your first package you will receive a shaver handle and four blades (5 blades with the $1 package), every month after the first you will receive just the blades.
Something for the little munchkins in your life! For $23.95 shipping included you will receive a box filled with age appropriate educational toys, after 8 weeks you send back the toys and then you receive another box. I think this is a great idea because kids grow out of/get tired of toys so quickly. How fun to be sent a new batch of toys every couple of months!
4.) BarkBox
You didn't really think I'd leave out the pups did you? Never! I love BarkBox not only because they send great toys, all-natural treats, hygiene products, and new gadgets but also because 10% of proceeds from each box goes towards supporting pups in need. Price starts at $19/month but before signing up look for promo codes. They always have them!
I hope this helps in your gift buying dilemmas!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Photo Dump and a Trader Joe's Fav
December is by far the busiest month for my family. I'm convinced we're more than a little crazy because somehow for the second year in a row we are moving in the month of December. I remember during our move last year I swore up and down that I would never move in December again yet here we are... told you we're crazy oh and it's -4 in Bemidji. But as Kyle always says, "we just overcome and adapt" and drink lots of wine along the way.
On top of packing for our big move, we've celebrated my sister's 30th birthday with a surprise party, dinner and a concert, and dinner again on her actual birthday. We celebrate birthdays BIG in our family:) Now for the pictures I've snapped so far during the whirlwind that is December (and some from November)…
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| The Birthday Girl |
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| Kyle's work party was LEGIT and so much fun. This adorable bear was our centerpiece and we got to take him home with us:) Also, I highly dislike selflies but I needed a pic with my new friend. |
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| There were also 4 or 5 different photo booths at the party and we couldn't resist dressing up in festive gear! |
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| Union Depot tree lighting, Rudolph, and a birthday dessert |
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| Girls night in with Brenna and Bella |
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| The night before Thanksgiving with some of my dearest friends. |
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| The night before Thanksgiving, we are SO thankful for our friends. |
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| Hanging out with Hadleigh, love this girl to pieces. |
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| Heaven in a cup, creme brûlée coffee with peppermint mocha creamer. |
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| Busted Bella sleeping ON my pillows. You better believe I changed my pillow cases STAT. Don't let that face fool you, she has two beds of her own and is SPOILED and guilty. |
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| Festive wine at my parents house. Find these glasses here. |
I hope you are all enjoying the festiveness of the season and staying warm!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Wedding Update!
We just hit the 10 month mark, that is crazy to me. It's true what they say, the time really does fly by and now that we're under a year I feel like I really need to get everything done, like yesterday.
We got an amazing deal on the DJ company that our venue recommended. They've won numerous awards and I know they will keep the party going and all of our crazy guests on the dance floor:) If you're in MN check out Midwest Sound. Friendly tip: Join The Knot and you will receive great email offers for DJs, photographers, and much more!
We had our tasting event a couple of weeks ago and it was LEGIT. We were allowed to bring two other people and it was set up buffet style with all options from wine to main entrées. It was so nice to be able to make some decisions on what we will be feeding our guests at our wedding:) We ended up choosing salmon, chicken cordon bleu, and for the vegetarian option we chose butternut squash ravioli. It was SO good, I'm 98% sure that is what I will choose. We will also be doing a cocktail hour with light appetizers and a late night snack of pizzas. Our friends and family will be doing a lot of dancing and drinking so the late night snack is absolutely necessary;)
I also chose my hair and makeup team. It's a company called Onsite Muse. They travel to wherever you are getting ready and you just let them know how many people need hair/makeup and they bring enough stylists to accommodate your number! The girl who used to do my hair (I haven't had my hair done in awhile:)) is one of the stylists so that's how I found out about their company. They have also won awards so I think we're in good hands!
Next on my list is deciding what we want to do for flowers and also booking a photo booth. This is what I'm loving for centerpieces and flowers… (side note:how did we survive before Pinterest?)
We got an amazing deal on the DJ company that our venue recommended. They've won numerous awards and I know they will keep the party going and all of our crazy guests on the dance floor:) If you're in MN check out Midwest Sound. Friendly tip: Join The Knot and you will receive great email offers for DJs, photographers, and much more!
We had our tasting event a couple of weeks ago and it was LEGIT. We were allowed to bring two other people and it was set up buffet style with all options from wine to main entrées. It was so nice to be able to make some decisions on what we will be feeding our guests at our wedding:) We ended up choosing salmon, chicken cordon bleu, and for the vegetarian option we chose butternut squash ravioli. It was SO good, I'm 98% sure that is what I will choose. We will also be doing a cocktail hour with light appetizers and a late night snack of pizzas. Our friends and family will be doing a lot of dancing and drinking so the late night snack is absolutely necessary;)
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| At our venue for the tasting event. |
Next on my list is deciding what we want to do for flowers and also booking a photo booth. This is what I'm loving for centerpieces and flowers… (side note:how did we survive before Pinterest?)
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I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and weekend!
xo
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