tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23090700464135948922024-03-18T20:52:00.850-07:00Our Journey to Happily Ever AfterThis is our journey, from beginning to eternity. We are loving every second of it. Life is good.Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-18037719604635025402011-11-15T23:14:00.001-08:002011-11-16T08:29:59.121-08:00Time for Christmas crafts!!!It's that time of year, when the world falls in love! Every song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas, may your new year dreams come true!" <br />
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I LOVE this time of year! As soon as Halloween is done, I move on straight to Christmas! Yes, I know. The turkey deserves its day, and he gets it! I just happen to have my Christmas tree up in the background as we "gobble" him up :)<br />
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I happened to have some free time on my hands today cause I wasn't feeling too well. So, I decided to try my hands at my first Christmas craft of the season! I started with this.... <br />
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and ended with this! <br />
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I have seen these letters on Pinterest and just knew that I had to have a set of my own for my mantle! This was so easy to do, and even better, it was so inexpensive!!! You could use actual wood letters which I will probably do for a different project, but for today, this was perfect! <br />
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Materials:<br />
Foam core project board<br />
Stencil or printed letters on computer paper<br />
Exacto knife<br />
Finishing supplies<br />
Hot glue<br />
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First, print out the letters you want to use in the size you want on your computer. Or use a stencil if you want. I went the more difficult yet cheap route :) <br />
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I used pencil and put a layer on the back of my letters... <br />
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Then when you trace on your foam board, it will leave an outline behind. <br />
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You may not be able to see the outline, but it's there ;) <br />
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Next, cut out all your letters with an Exacto knife. Note: use a SHARP Exacto knife! I used a not so sharp one on my first letter, and it was nearly ruined. <br />
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Now it's time for the fun part...painting! I wanted my letters to look like wood even though they weren't, so I wanted to do a really antiqued, grainy, crackled look. I painted all the letters brown. <br />
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Next, I painted on a layer of Elmer's glue. Did you know that Elmer's glue works as a crackling medium?! I have learned some amazing things on Pinterest! Don't let it fully dry! You want it to be tacky! <br />
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Now, add your main color paint. I used white and blue to go with my Christmas color scheme. <br />
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As it dries, you will see it start to crackle. I think this was the coolest part :) <br />
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Let that fully dry. You can stop here if you'd like. I went one step further and did a wash of brown over the letters so they looked old. Just water down brown paint, paint it on, then wipe it off. <br />
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Next, hot glue the letters together in the way you want. <br />
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Last step, put it on display and admire your crafty work! I'm in love with this :) I might make one that says "love" to display all year! <br />
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I hope you all enjoyed this post! Until next time, happy crafting! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-54250898251273653682011-03-06T15:01:00.000-08:002011-03-06T15:01:46.810-08:00Floral Painting...It's been quite a while since I have had the time, or been in the right frame of mind, to sit down and be crafty! This weekend was different though! I've been a very productive girl, and decided to take a few hours and finish a project that has been on my mind for a few months now.<br />
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This is my mantle...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nc-pmxiAed0/TXQPDrorqvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/JWRY7bkaaK0/s1600/IMG_20110305_194133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nc-pmxiAed0/TXQPDrorqvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/JWRY7bkaaK0/s320/IMG_20110305_194133.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It's ok I guess. But I'm not quite sure what to do with it. I had the tv up there for a while but then found a better layout for the room, so now I have a mirror. This is the wrong place for a mirror. It's encased and doesn't reflect any natural light, and it's pretty small. I wanted something that made a statement.<br />
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This is a piece of artwork that was given to my husband and I by friends who didn't think it fit with their decor...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuULUN7kODM/TXQPC_QvspI/AAAAAAAAAL4/VU7V8gEDaOI/s1600/IMG_20110305_194109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuULUN7kODM/TXQPC_QvspI/AAAAAAAAAL4/VU7V8gEDaOI/s320/IMG_20110305_194109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is pretty and all, but honestly, who's decor would fit this painting? It hung around my house for a while waiting for some love, and finally an idea came to me. This would be perfect for above the fireplace! It's pretty big and I could do something great with it! By the way, Spencer and Rachel, I'm sorry that I did this to your painting, but I hope you will find it in the goodness of your heart to forgive me after you see the final product!<br />
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In comes the spray paint! My fave! ORB...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ByagcDSVJ9Q/TXQQ4Xa-hdI/AAAAAAAAAMk/wygW2Pys70s/s1600/IMG_20110306_095120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ByagcDSVJ9Q/TXQQ4Xa-hdI/AAAAAAAAAMk/wygW2Pys70s/s320/IMG_20110306_095120.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I let it dry over night, then busted out some acrylic paint that I had lying around. I drew up a layout on paper, and then put it to the canvas...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E5VUlH3wkOI/TXQQ63bGB8I/AAAAAAAAAMs/gf533YxZMt8/s1600/IMG_20110306_103959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E5VUlH3wkOI/TXQQ63bGB8I/AAAAAAAAAMs/gf533YxZMt8/s320/IMG_20110306_103959.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FE4OVCijtrE/TXQQ-FsfOgI/AAAAAAAAAMw/7heoCHp7zVM/s1600/IMG_20110306_110312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FE4OVCijtrE/TXQQ-FsfOgI/AAAAAAAAAMw/7heoCHp7zVM/s320/IMG_20110306_110312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oYTl94vhs2w/TXQQ_ZTPghI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Y49ZcampXzQ/s1600/IMG_20110306_121441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oYTl94vhs2w/TXQQ_ZTPghI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Y49ZcampXzQ/s320/IMG_20110306_121441.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tBnK7ESS93c/TXQRCb5GhPI/AAAAAAAAAM4/mQo5KDyOSlg/s1600/IMG_20110306_124227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tBnK7ESS93c/TXQRCb5GhPI/AAAAAAAAAM4/mQo5KDyOSlg/s320/IMG_20110306_124227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NizQPWl0cyA/TXQRHcVJrjI/AAAAAAAAANA/XefjCS1kXBs/s1600/IMG_20110306_134945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NizQPWl0cyA/TXQRHcVJrjI/AAAAAAAAANA/XefjCS1kXBs/s320/IMG_20110306_134945.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And voila! I LOVE it! It fits perfectly with my decor, it's handmade, and it was cheap! I think painting might be my new favorite hobby. Too bad the only thing I can really paint are flowers. Oh well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-68790022574898563202011-01-18T14:10:00.000-08:002011-01-18T14:11:43.337-08:00Life is up in the air...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pooler-georgia-homepage.com/images/tropic-poster-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://www.pooler-georgia-homepage.com/images/tropic-poster-web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I've been looking at a lot of these photos lately. Photos of the beach seem to calm me down and fill me with warmth more than anything besides actually being there in person. I'll take what I can get at this point. Like the title states, life is up in the air, and I really don't like it when life is up in the air. I wish I could just sit down and build something, or make something, or even cook at this point, but my mind wont stop reeling enough for me to even thing about that stuff!<br />
If there's one thing that I've learned in the last 10 years of my life, it's that I don't like change. I hate it, in fact. I hate starting over...I hate starting fresh. I just want things that I'm comfortable with. I want to know people...not meet new people. I want to know how to do my job...not learn a new one. The extent of the change that I'm comfortable with is rearranging furniture in my house, which is one thing that I have done lately to try and turn my brain off.<br />
I don't want to talk about the details of why life is up in the air. All I will say is that it's a <i>big</i> change...<i>huge</i>...to me at least.<br />
I'm not worried, I'm not concerned, I'm not sad, I'm not even scared of the situation itself. The only thing that I'm scared of is the fact that I feel like I'm starting to welcome this change. Since when do I do that??? I should be scared out of my mind that everything I know is going to disappear and I will have to start all over! But I'm not afraid of that at all....I'm actually excited. Excited to the point that I feel like I'll be disappointed if things <i>don't</i> change. <br />
Along with my previous hate for change I also really really hate surprises. Well, I guess I like surprises, but I hate the anticipation for the surprise. A surprise isn't a surprise if you know that it's coming! I've been praying and praying and praying for God to help me find peace in all of this, and I feel like God is saying "Hey, I have a surprise for you! But...you have to wait for it for a while!" ARRGH! Now my mind is sick with anticipation! Which is why I can't focus on anything! I know I can't do anything to make things resolve sooner, but I feel like I need to! Like my mind wont rest until I know for sure!<br />
For now, I guess I will just continue to stare at calming photographs of beaches, oceans, and palm trees...<br />
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Who knows...maybe this surprise plan that God has for me will lead me to the beach :) <br />
Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-11717857393179461752010-11-18T14:26:00.000-08:002010-11-18T14:26:24.414-08:00Perspective on the holidays...This post has nothing to do with crafting, nothing to do with thrifting, and nothing to do with home decor. This post has everything to do with perspective.<br />
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As Christmas approaches (it's only 39 days away!) I find myself overhearing a lot of griping and complaining. I'm used to negativity...it seems like everyone has something to complain about every minute of every day (I'm guilty as charged!) but negative thoughts about Christmas?! Of all the holidays to complain about, people choose Christmas? Why not Halloween?! That's a scary holiday anyways, if it can even be considered a holiday. I understand where these negative notions come from. Christmas has become less of a religious holiday and more of a retail holiday. Buy this, buy that, the kids want this, the kids want that...want want want buy buy buy....<br />
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Let's take a deep breath...<br />
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He is the reason for the season...<br />
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Christmas is not supposed to be stressful. It is not supposed to be about lists and shopping trips. It is supposed to be a celebration! <i>Celebrate</i>!<br />
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While we are all writing our letters to Santa Claus, it seems that we too often forget that we've already been given the best gift that anyone could ever imagine! It makes me so sad that this celebration has turned so secular. We put a jolly rosy cheeked man in a big fluffy red suit and for too many people, he takes the place of the baby lying in a manger...<br />
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God, forgive us.<br />
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I pray that we can all gain a little more perspective on this holiday and celebrate it for what it is. I wouldn't mind if they didn't play Christmas music on the radio, or put decorations up in the malls, as long as I could continue to call it a Christmas tree and not a "Holiday" tree. A <i>Christ</i>mas tree. It's <i>Christ</i>mas...not Xmas.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong...I love Santa Claus just as much as the next girl, and I too find myself amongst those who have forgotten the reason for this glorious holiday. But this weekend, I had a moment that helped put it all back into perspective for me.<br />
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This may sound silly to most, but it meant the world to me. This weekend, my amazing mother bought me my first nativity scene. We stopped by a Christian supply store, and when I saw it I just couldn't take my eyes off of it! It was unlike any nativity scene that I've ever come across.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was the figurine of Mary and Jesus that really spoke to me. In all other nativity scenes that I've found, baby Jesus is in fact laying in a manger, and He looks like He's about 3 years old. But here, He is being held by His mother Mary, and it touches my soul to the core. I stood and stared at this figurine for about 7 minutes straight, trying to hold back tears (I know, I'm dramatic.) But just look at them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TOWl2dlhtjI/AAAAAAAAALc/-MLVjScDx2U/s1600/IMAG0107-picsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TOWl2dlhtjI/AAAAAAAAALc/-MLVjScDx2U/s320/IMAG0107-picsay.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>Does that not touch your heart, even just a little? I tried explaining this to my husband, but bless his heart, he could care less. Trying to get emotion out of him is like trying to squeeze orange juice out of an apple...at least when it comes to something that <i>I'm</i> emotional about. Now, if the Portland Trail Blazers ever win the NBA Championships I know he'll be balling happy tears like a baby! But anyways, I know that there are others out there who can look at this and feel touched. <br />
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This one picture...this one image of Mary holding her baby sums up everything that Christmas should be about.<br />
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I just pray that everyone at some point during this holiday season can feel the amount of pure joy that I felt when I looked at Mary holding the baby Jesus...even if it's only for a split second. It turned my perspective around. And with the right perspective, this season will be more joyous and celebratory, and less stressful and chaotic. Just remember that :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Faith.Hope.Love</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-66504127378913561812010-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:002010-11-09T14:41:15.348-08:00So Much to Say!I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted on here! I've definitely been neglecting blogland, and my excuse is because I've had a lack of home projects lately! BUT...all that will be changing this week :) I went on a home decor shopping spree with my mom on sunday, and she's coming over on thursday to help me get my house clean and decorated! I love my mother :) She is SUCH a blessing!<br />
I have so many ideas floating through my head, but there will definitely be painting, and picture hanging, and furniture moving! I have some shelves that I'm thinking of re-doing, and some artwork that I'm thinking of creating, so I will definitely have more posts soon! I'm also hoping that after this thursday, I will be proud enough of my home to give you guys a little home tour! I don't know if you'd like that or not, but I'm going to do it anyways :) I'm sure you will have tons of good advice for all the stuff I can't figure out in my home! Well, until this weekend! See ya!<br />
Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-968596455230212982010-09-11T15:34:00.000-07:002010-09-11T15:38:38.541-07:00Coupons...Not many people know this about me, but I am frugal, I hate spending money, and when I find a REALLY good deal, it makes me giddy! At this point in my life, spending any more than $10 on ANYTHING makes my stomach turn...I'm weird, I know. It's not just about saving money either...it makes me feel accomplished! I feel like I've "one-uped" someone in the world because I got an item for A LOT less than what they did! So I'm competitive...big deal :) Anyways! The point of this post is to share with you one of my FAVORITE blogs that helps me save money!!! If you haven't heard of <a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/">The Krazy Coupon Lady</a>, you MUST check out her blog now! Literally, RIGHT NOW! GO! ok...I guess you can finish reading this post first if you really want. <br />
Here are a couple examples of some deals I got just by following the advice and directions of The Krazy Coupon Lady....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs330.ash2/61019_431933758876_503453876_5280917_8358523_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs330.ash2/61019_431933758876_503453876_5280917_8358523_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I got 3 tubes of toothpaste for free! Actually, the way it all worked out, I MADE $1.50 by purchasing these! Yup! Making money for shopping?!?! Yes please!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs072.snc4/34977_411221243876_503453876_4769272_2025945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs072.snc4/34977_411221243876_503453876_4769272_2025945_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These athletic shorts from target were originally $7.99 each. I paid $.58 each :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs091.snc4/35892_402904128876_503453876_4560204_2736433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs091.snc4/35892_402904128876_503453876_4560204_2736433_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>These 4 items were $13.96...I ended up paying a total of $1.39!!!<br />
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This blog has definitely changed the way I look at grocery store shopping! It takes some research and dedication, but it's SO worth it! Go check it out and see what kinds of deals YOU can find!<br />
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Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-58585677811673407022010-09-09T16:36:00.000-07:002010-09-10T13:39:27.977-07:00Coffee Filter Flowers...<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this great tutorial on how to make coffee filter flowers over at <a href="http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2010/08/upcycling-coffee-filter-flowers.html">Homework, today's assignment: be inspired</a> . This was the PERFECT project to help use up all my old sized coffee filters that are useless to me now! I could have gone and bought silk flowers, but I really don't like spending money. I also could have gone and bought REAL flowers but again, I really don't like spending money...and they would die the first day, guaranteed! So, coffee filter flowers it is! I was surprised with how well they turned out actually. It helped bring a little life into my lifeless family room. Here's my own version of the tutorial!</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Start with a stack of coffee filters...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIloHFhiznI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/dk5do46t4hs/s1600/2010-09-08+16.32.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIloHFhiznI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/dk5do46t4hs/s320/2010-09-08+16.32.04.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. I used anywhere from 6-10 coffee filters for one flower...I liked the difference in the fullness. So take your stack of filters and poke a hole in the middle. Over at Homework, she used wire. I didn't have any so I used the stems of old silk flowers that I don't and never will use again..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlo4lVcDxI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/blbeculb7yM/s1600/2010-09-08+16.33.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlo4lVcDxI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/blbeculb7yM/s320/2010-09-08+16.33.42.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>3. If you use something that isn't bendable, you have to fold the filters around the point and tape at the bottom. At this point it looks pretty tacky, but don't worry! It will eventually be beautiful! If you use a wire or pipe cleaner, just use enough wire to poke through, bend, then poke back through the filters again.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlpc5vqS2I/AAAAAAAAAKE/B22LCPtU8bo/s1600/2010-09-08+16.35.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlpc5vqS2I/AAAAAAAAAKE/B22LCPtU8bo/s320/2010-09-08+16.35.03.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>4. Start pulling apart the layers of the coffee filters...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlqFK3fBgI/AAAAAAAAAKM/gEc8Al7VObQ/s1600/2010-09-08+16.36.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlqFK3fBgI/AAAAAAAAAKM/gEc8Al7VObQ/s320/2010-09-08+16.36.07.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 5. Once the layers are all pulled apart, start crinkling them up...not so much that it looks like a ball of garbage...but just enough so it doesn't look like a coffee filter. It's mostly about just trying stuff out and seeing what looks good to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlqaXuTXiI/AAAAAAAAAKU/Cz0SDnoUKLY/s1600/2010-09-08+16.39.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlqaXuTXiI/AAAAAAAAAKU/Cz0SDnoUKLY/s320/2010-09-08+16.39.07.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">6.Once done, it may or may not look like this...remember...it's your own craft so do it your way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlqsOecy7I/AAAAAAAAAKc/BC7w_R85IMA/s1600/2010-09-08+16.42.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlqsOecy7I/AAAAAAAAAKc/BC7w_R85IMA/s320/2010-09-08+16.42.39.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">7. After you have all your flowers finished, arrange them in a pretty vase :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlrEEHZ9YI/AAAAAAAAAKk/jyrmAt--kUg/s1600/2010-09-08+17.02.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlrEEHZ9YI/AAAAAAAAAKk/jyrmAt--kUg/s320/2010-09-08+17.02.54.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This project cost me $0 because I had all the supplies lying around. It took me about 30 minutes to complete. It was easy and fun, and I think it made a huge difference to the console table in my family room! Not to mention those awesome candle sticks that I got from Big Lots for $2.50 each :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlvIEdprgI/AAAAAAAAAK0/uJvyZSko0Zg/s1600/2010-09-08+17.10.30%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TIlvIEdprgI/AAAAAAAAAK0/uJvyZSko0Zg/s320/2010-09-08+17.10.30%282%29.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading everyone! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Faith.Hope.Love<br />
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<img src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx38/Decormamma/FrugaliciouFridaybutton-1.jpg" />Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-75529956393522196092010-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:002010-08-18T14:54:10.745-07:00My First Big Project...Alright folks...this post might be a long one, so be prepared! I would like to share with you what I did over my 3 day weekend. I built a bed. I posted last week about the bed from Pottery Barn that I absolutely LOVE! Here it is again..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201031/0066/img44l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201031/0066/img44l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And again...This bed costs about 1200. So, I found plans for this bed online <a href="http://www.knock-offwood.com/">here</a> from a blog called Knock-Off Wood) AMAZING stuff, and I can't wait to build more of her furniture!), I enlisted the help of my dad, and off to Home Depot we went! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYnnQd5VI/AAAAAAAAAIk/qVqfa4P2uuk/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYnnQd5VI/AAAAAAAAAIk/qVqfa4P2uuk/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I've shopped at Home Depot a lot but NEVER in the lumber department. This was a first for me. It was quite overwhelming and I'm SO thankful that I had my dad there to help me figure things out. I'm pretty confident that I could go back and figure things out on my own now. The next thing my dad helped me with was the cutting...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYrHuxgGI/AAAAAAAAAIo/J9l8UouOiI0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYrHuxgGI/AAAAAAAAAIo/J9l8UouOiI0/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> There's my dad! Again, I would not have been able to figure that part out without him! THANKS DAD! So we got to cutting, and after about 2.5 hours, we had this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYuyWWmvI/AAAAAAAAAIs/AfFOoyyUYA4/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYuyWWmvI/AAAAAAAAAIs/AfFOoyyUYA4/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> oh...and this!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYyeMOz-I/AAAAAAAAAIw/9CWf7DoCV-g/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwYyeMOz-I/AAAAAAAAAIw/9CWf7DoCV-g/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> At this point, it was looking like I purchased something from Ikea that had "some assembly required". I've put together my fair share of bookshelves, so I knew it would be cake from here on out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY1sRiH1I/AAAAAAAAAI0/eCpcDtm-kdI/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY1sRiH1I/AAAAAAAAAI0/eCpcDtm-kdI/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My dad helped with one more thing...putting together the first of the three benches. This one was pretty easy with the 2 of us. The next 2 were all me, so it was a little bit more difficult (yes, my husband helped a little bit...but lets face it...I'm a perfectionist and control freak, so it didn't last very long haha)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY4wYvBtI/AAAAAAAAAI4/WtMk7BeGUwE/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY4wYvBtI/AAAAAAAAAI4/WtMk7BeGUwE/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Looking good! I was pretty proud of myself at this point! At the end of day 1, everything was purchased, cut, and put together for the most part! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY8LsRzJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/e7zbCwxemAk/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY8LsRzJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/e7zbCwxemAk/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Day 2 involved trimming out all 3 of the benches. This part was actually pretty easy, but I am definitely investing in a nail gun for my next project!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY_LgAoMI/AAAAAAAAAJA/DUtfmUIq_a0/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwY_LgAoMI/AAAAAAAAAJA/DUtfmUIq_a0/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Here it is...trimmed out in all it's glory and ready to be patched up, sanded, and painted! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwZCBL6_UI/AAAAAAAAAJE/IXtFcGoK7jg/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwZCBL6_UI/AAAAAAAAAJE/IXtFcGoK7jg/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> At the end of day 2, my bed was a beautiful antique white, and was ready to be moved to the room...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjlIqfxRI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/3n8Ml8GZyTw/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjlIqfxRI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/3n8Ml8GZyTw/s320/038.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> DONE! At the end of day 3 (after work) Eric and I moved all the benches upstairs, added the spacer to support the mattress (no picture of that...it was a little stressful) and now it's done! Isn't it awesome?!?! I'm SO proud! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjndCQhyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/E5L0ks0TVaM/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjndCQhyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/E5L0ks0TVaM/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjrLxOIQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/0qqzqHLXfTA/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjrLxOIQI/AAAAAAAAAJY/0qqzqHLXfTA/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So, just to recap...here's the bed I wanted.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201031/0066/img44l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201031/0066/img44l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and here's the bed I now have...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjlIqfxRI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/3n8Ml8GZyTw/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TGwjlIqfxRI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/3n8Ml8GZyTw/s320/038.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>:) The last step in this process will be to find baskets that fit in the cubby holes, but I'll save that for next month I think. I'm a little worn out for now! Thanks for taking the time to check out this project everyone! Until next time...<br />
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Faith.Hope.Love<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-55152735471711417622010-08-11T14:40:00.000-07:002010-08-11T14:40:37.375-07:00Now that the honeymoon is over...I am settling into the "nesting" stage of my life. I've been using every spare minute (except for the 2 hrs I used to watch Bachelor Pad) in the last week and a half to try and get our house up to livable conditions. After not living in my home for 3 weeks, it ended up getting pretty bad. We aren't the cleanliest of couples. Most of the time I'm just too lazy to actually clean, and Eric's idea of cleaning doesn't involve a vacuum, window cleaner, or all purpose anti-bacterial cleaner. We make a great team :) But I'm definitely ready to make a change in our home! I started with the downstairs bathroom, which I will post pictures of later, and got that all cleaned and decorated, and I LOVE it now! And my next project will be this....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201031/0066/img44l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201031/0066/img44l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am SO in love with this bed from Pottery Barn! It would fit in perfectly with our master bedroom, and we could definitely use the extra storage! But this bed costs $1200 :( Money that I definitely don't have to spend right now, and even if I did have it, I still wouldn't want to pay that much for a bunch of wood nailed together and painted. So what am I going to do? I'm going to buy some wood, nail it together and paint it! Sounds crazy I know, but recently I have discovered the empowerment of using my own two hands to make something beautiful and functional, so I'm going to give my first real shot at carpentry work. The plans to make this beautiful bed can be found on my favorite blog that I've ever stumbled upon...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knock-offwood.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knock-Off Wood" src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/ewhites/BLOG%20FAIRY/kowbuttonbrown.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Ana White is one of my heroes, and I feel so inspired by her! Why spend thousands and thousands of dollars on furniture if you can just make it yourself? She draws up all the plans herself, and makes them available on her blog for anyone to use! She has plans for pretty much everything you could possibly think of. You can find the plans that I'll be using for this bed<a href="http://www.knock-offwood.com/2009/11/plan-knock-off-of-pottery-barn-stratton.html"> here. </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N3g6sXsyT5IzXy_5z6nJXMV85wgxiUnrz7kXMkSRHTscsZGcJNOQEihK69O_vbNRQYpeqPH9A4YFQXddXW5NJwdjeYn1ul53nq061-GEFrmecs5st_4OdNiV4p3UBcoCm_7YKXEJz1_s/s1600/knockoffwoodstrattonbed11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N3g6sXsyT5IzXy_5z6nJXMV85wgxiUnrz7kXMkSRHTscsZGcJNOQEihK69O_vbNRQYpeqPH9A4YFQXddXW5NJwdjeYn1ul53nq061-GEFrmecs5st_4OdNiV4p3UBcoCm_7YKXEJz1_s/s320/knockoffwoodstrattonbed11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Seems easy enough, right? Well, we shall see! I will definitely be posting about how all this turns out! It could be a great success, or it could be a total failure, but I prefer to look on the bright side! Wish me luck!<br />
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ONE MORE THING! I have a question for my 7 followers ha. What are your opinions on painting all the baseboards and trim in my house white? Right now they are all wood, and it makes everything seem so dark. Anyways, thanks!<br />
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Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-74513633143323191562010-08-08T12:45:00.000-07:002010-08-19T17:59:16.484-07:00Time Flies When You're Having Fun...I never really understood the meaning of this phrase until July 24th, 2010... my wedding day. I'm sure every bride says this, but I'm pretty positive that my wedding was the most beautiful wedding in the whole entire world! (I'm not normally so selfish, but hey, it was my day!...and Eric's) I honestly could not have asked for a more perfect, beautiful, amazing, wonderful day! Ready? Picture time! <br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs193.snc4/37973_418479073876_503453876_4965174_4753742_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="230" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs193.snc4/37973_418479073876_503453876_4965174_4753742_n.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs193.snc4/37973_418479053876_503453876_4965171_4292313_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs193.snc4/37973_418479053876_503453876_4965171_4292313_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 482px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 720px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs173.snc4/37973_418479078876_503453876_4965175_7856681_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs173.snc4/37973_418479078876_503453876_4965175_7856681_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 720px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 527px;" width="292" /></a><br />
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We don't have all of our professional pictures back yet, but so far they are turning out perfectly! I can't wait to see the rest! <br />
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Like I said, the day turned out perfectly! It didn't all come together quite perfectly, and now I know why they always say that something WILL go wrong...if events had gone even a slightly different way, I may not have had flowers OR a cake!...but thanks to my wonderful amazing mother, she pulled it all off! I swear, if I end up having a tiny fraction of the talent that she possesses, I will be a very very lucky girl. You want to see her work? <br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs207.snc4/38686_418403008876_503453876_4963787_6805387_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs207.snc4/38686_418403008876_503453876_4963787_6805387_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 720px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 540px;" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs107.ash2/38686_418403063876_503453876_4963798_6567052_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs107.ash2/38686_418403063876_503453876_4963798_6567052_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 540px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 720px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs207.snc4/38686_418403123876_503453876_4963810_8250133_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs207.snc4/38686_418403123876_503453876_4963810_8250133_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 540px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 720px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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That's my beautiful mother. She made the cake, the sugar flowers on the cake, the centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres! Yes...she is VERY talented! It was probably the most stressful experience of her life, but knowing that I have a mom who is willing to go through that just so I can have a beautiful day, and a dad who is willing to deal with my mom in that state just so I can have a beautiful day, makes me a very very very lucky girl.<br />
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So here's how the day played out. I woke up at 6:30...went to Gene Juarez to get my hair and make-up done, which was SUCH a fun experience. Went back to the house, got ready, then rushed to the castle! (It wasn't really a castle...more like a really big mansion) Then it was picture time, then ceremony, then reception, then done! It literally all went by that fast! It was all gone in the blink of an eye! I knew it would be. This has been a LONG time coming. And at the end of the day, Eric and I were Mr. and Mrs. Rupert, and I ended up being the happiest girl in all the world! He has always been an amazing boyfriend and fiance, and now he has become on amazing husband! I am so excited about sharing our lives together forever! I love him with all my heart. <br />
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Here's a pic of us on our honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! <br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs132.ash2/39932_418754183876_503453876_4970462_1069766_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs132.ash2/39932_418754183876_503453876_4970462_1069766_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 540px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 720px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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I can hear it now..."ooo kissing!"...whatever. We are married. We do what we want :) <br />
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Anyways, I will have to post about the honeymoon at another time, but all I can say now is that it was AH-MAH-ZING! I can't wait to go back for our anniversary! <br />
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So now that my wife switch has been flipped, I'm in a totally different mode. NESTING mode! We've been in our house for over a year now, but I've never wanted to decorate and cook and clean so badly until now! Not sure why, but oh well! Eric's loving it! I have a few projects that I've started working on that I will have to post about later, so for now, thanks for reading! I'm going to go day dream and re-live my wedding day :) <br />
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Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-73598957066639619442010-08-07T11:54:00.000-07:002010-08-07T12:01:01.794-07:00Kind of Random...I know I haven't posted in a very long while, and I promise that I will be doing a wedding update post soon, but I just HAVE to do this first. Kimba over at <a href="http://asoftplace.net/">A Soft Place To Land</a> is doing an AWESOME giveaway of a Silhouette Craft Cutter machine! This machine is amazing and can do SO much, and well, I want to win it. So I'm just doing a shout out so you all can jump over to her <a href="http://asoftplace.net/2010/08/silhouette-craft-cutter-giveaway-300-value/comment-page-25/#comment-37050">post</a> and maybe YOU could be the winner! Thanks for reading!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-77931445066649817432010-06-05T14:51:00.000-07:002010-06-07T09:08:33.844-07:00Goodwill Finds!I think it's safe to say that I am obsessed with Goodwill. Ever since my discovery of blogland, I've been on the search for anything and everything that I can use to decorate my new home! Well, not necessarily NEW...we've been there for a year almost, but it still looks barren! Anyways! I don't shop Goodwill just because I have no money (which is the case haha) but also because I LOVE the thrill of getting a GREAT deal! And if it's something that I can re-do and make my own, that's even better! So, without further ado (is that the right spelling of that phrase? haha), here are my latest and greatest goodwill finds/transformations! <br /><br />I found these great scrapbook paper holders! Normally $10 each right across the street at the craft store, but I scored them for $4 total! With a little paint and my all time favorite technique, decoupage, they look amazing for my office that will eventually be done! haha <br />Before:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArIOYuPZ6I/AAAAAAAAAGM/UI3nPNoeo50/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArIOYuPZ6I/AAAAAAAAAGM/UI3nPNoeo50/s200/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479412046129751970" /></a><br />After:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArIdYoqOmI/AAAAAAAAAGU/cq4dbB3f9sI/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArIdYoqOmI/AAAAAAAAAGU/cq4dbB3f9sI/s200/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479412303804381794" /></a><br /><br />I found this sturdy solid wood nightstand for only $16! It was 20% off furniture day so I couldn't resist! It helped Eric's side of the room go from this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArLmKslB_I/AAAAAAAAAGc/tbJSHTFgCjM/s1600/083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArLmKslB_I/AAAAAAAAAGc/tbJSHTFgCjM/s200/083.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479415753216428018" /></a><br />to this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArLylJxnNI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2uMfmeRJkMo/s1600/084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TArLylJxnNI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2uMfmeRJkMo/s200/084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479415966476639442" /></a><br />I plan to eventually re-stain it darker, and update the hardware on the drawers, but for now it is a HUGE improvement! <br /><br />I have two more pieces that I will have to add to this blog later tonight, because I totally forgot to take pictures of them! So I will be updating later :)<br /><br />Update! Here are two more of my Goodwill finds! <br /><br />I found this side table for $13!!! It is Broyhill and in perfect shape! I will probably stain the top to match the rest of my wood furniture, but other than that it was perfect for my family room!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TA0YeZfgDmI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rrbcbamM52k/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TA0YeZfgDmI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rrbcbamM52k/s200/036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480063232097914466" /></a><br /><br />And finally, this desk I found for only $15! I was eyeing it for a while, but they were asking $40...too much for me. Then they went down to $35...still too much. When I saw it for $20 with 20% off, I had to get it! I love the detail on the front! It definitely needs some love, but I had to have it! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TA0Y9GSIYBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zYBRD6jmrlU/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TA0Y9GSIYBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/zYBRD6jmrlU/s200/039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480063759517507602" /></a><br /><br />Those are my latest Goodwill finds! Since I'm addicted to the place, I will probably have some more to put up this week haha. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!<br /><br />Live.Laugh.Love<br /><br />I am linking this up to Southern Hospitality for her Thrifty Treasures Party!<br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/"><img alt="southern hospitality" height="125" width="125" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" /></a>Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-29859239205284245352010-06-01T10:38:00.001-07:002010-06-01T11:13:39.661-07:00My Bridal Shower...was one of the most fun experiences of my life so far! It's one step in this whole wedding process that I have been looking forward to for a really long time, and I couldn't have imagined how amazing it ended up being! I have the most amazing group of family and friends. They always say to count your blessings, and last Saturday I counted 18+ of them! Here's the group...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs569.snc3/31063_397172843876_503453876_4414547_7411323_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 482px;" src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs569.snc3/31063_397172843876_503453876_4414547_7411323_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />My sister-in-law and my mom set up such a nice party! The decor was beautiful and of course, it all matched the wedding theme! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs529.ash1/31063_397172318876_503453876_4414475_5492493_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 540px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs529.ash1/31063_397172318876_503453876_4414475_5492493_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Can you see the little leaves on the roses on the cupcakes? Those were all me (with the help of my mom haha) It was fun! We played a couple of games, like "try and remember every single item that Rachel is wearing" and of course, toilet paper wedding dress! Oh my goodness, I just can't get over how much fun I had :) It will be a day of memories that will stay with me forever! Thank you everyone, again! I love you all!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-75251918734486002402010-05-29T13:34:00.000-07:002010-05-29T13:51:15.782-07:00Time for a change!So, today I'm going to post about something that has nothing to do with the wedding in any way shape or form. What will that be?? My latest little projects that I've done around the house! Ive been obsessed with "blogland" lately, and I have been inspired to get my life together in the form of cleaning, reorganizing, and redecorating! I think I've started going to Goodwill at least 3 times a week now, and I can't stop looking at things and thinking of how they can be made better! <br /><br />So what was my first task? Helping my sad entertainment center look a little more...classy?...I don't know if that's the right word, but oh well! Here is a lovely picture of what it looked like before... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TAF7LN63cHI/AAAAAAAAAF8/YQyq0sLEirA/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TAF7LN63cHI/AAAAAAAAAF8/YQyq0sLEirA/s320/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476794054504575090" /></a><br /><br />Don't mind all the junk on top of it. That is not what I was worried about. That can be cleaned up very easily! I was more worried about my large array of dvd's and tv shows that you can see in the cupboards! When I have guests over, I don't necessarily want them to know that Eric and I are obsessed with Family Guy and Lost right off the bat...So I turned to one of my favorite products in the world! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/216xdgP%2BPoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/216xdgP%2BPoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Frosted Window Film!!! You can get in from a hardware store for about $20. I live in a town home and my bathroom window happens to look right into my next door neighbors house, so this was a definite must for me to get! Looks good in my bathroom, and it also looks really good on this entertainment center! It gives my dvd collection a little more mystery, don't ya think? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TAF9jeOFXwI/AAAAAAAAAGE/5Nm01BgqwXE/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/TAF9jeOFXwI/AAAAAAAAAGE/5Nm01BgqwXE/s320/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476796670220263170" /></a><br /><br />Love it! Next, I'll be using this product in Eric's office to help hide his video game collection :) Until next time, I hope you enjoyed this slightly helpful idea post! My next post will definitely be about wedding stuff! Maybe about my Bridal Shower!...Stay tuned. Or not. Whatever :) <br /><br />Faith.Hope.LoveRachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-76126344066980838532010-05-14T16:44:00.000-07:002010-05-14T16:45:20.625-07:00The blogosphere!My goal for this year is to get myself out into the blogosphere and share any knowledge or creative ideas I mat have. It seems like fun! But for now, I'll just focus on the wedding. Only 70 days! woohoO!...yeah...thats all i have for now. Boring day. Im too focused on the SUNSHINE!!!! :)Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-76927174452673299572010-04-22T16:20:00.000-07:002010-04-22T16:29:00.314-07:00Dreams...I had another dream about the wedding the other night. I dreamt that the wedding was over, and everyone was leaving, and I had this aching feeling that I didn't even get to talk to anyone during the reception. It all had gone so fast! I can only imagine that this is what it might feel like on that day so I am starting to prepare myself. I don't want ANY wasted time that day! I want to mingle, dance, have fun, and hangout with EVERYONE that comes to the wedding. I want to savor every single moment, and that starts now! We had a site visit this morning. We are getting married at Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, WA. It is a beautiful place for a wedding! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thornewoodcastle.com/garden_9814.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.thornewoodcastle.com/garden_9814.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We met there with the photographer, the caterer, and one of my moms friends who will be helping set up. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing team that will not only be helping to set up a beautiful wedding, but also helping keep my moms stress level at a stable 6 instead of 10. We got everything laid out and all the times finalized and I feel so much better! I really don't have any reason to be stressed about anything at this point, and bless Eric's heart, he is just going along for the ride! Only 92 days!!!! 3 months!!! Yay!!!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-32211639038630054812010-04-15T16:43:00.000-07:002010-04-15T16:48:39.004-07:00100 days!Only 100 days left until the big day! I'm getting more and more excited as every day passes! And also starting to dream more and more about the day...literally...the other night I had a dream that I brought my wedding ring in to get it dipped in white gold, and they took it and turned it into a disgusting two-toned piece of junk! Not quite sure what that means, but either way...I'm still excited! I went in and got my hair done on Tuesday. It turned out PERFECTLY! Exactly the way I was imagining it! I can't wait to get it done again for the wedding :) Now I just need to *officially* finalize the guest list, get the invitations sent out, get the programs printed up, meet with all the vendors one more time, and then just relax until July 24th! The Bridal shower is coming up soon :) AHHHH!!! I LOVE all this wedding stuff! It doesn't quite feel real to me yet, but I know it will all come at me soon enough! Oh yeah...and Eric is enjoying this whole process as well haha. He really needs to get in and get his tux situation figured out, but I know he will do that when he feels ready to (or when I force him into the car and drive him to Men's Warehouse myself haha)YAY wedding!!!!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-28443965701159827492010-02-10T12:14:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:18:28.144-08:00Update!It's been a while since I've updated, so for those of you who actually look at this, which is probably no one, here ya go! We signed a contract for the DJ! I'm super excited! The company is really awesome, and I feel like they will really be able to bring our wedding to life! The music is the #1 most important thing to me for our wedding...so anyone reading this...you WILL be up off your butt dancing! haha...anyways. Since that is done, my current obsession is how I'm going to look on that day! I've started my wedding diet/workout plan, and am currently researching like crazy to find the right hair style and makeup look! I'm SOOOOOO excited. This is the fun part for me :) So anyways...back to work for me!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-10505763311916539972010-01-18T12:41:00.000-08:002010-01-18T12:42:02.306-08:00DJ!We have a meeting with a DJ in a week! I'm pretty nervous about this part actually. The music is really really really really important to me and Eric. We definitely want people enjoying themselves on the dance floor, and it is going to take a pretty good DJ to get people out of their seats! Wish us luck!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-6476600360980044272010-01-15T13:42:00.000-08:002010-01-15T13:47:56.287-08:00Getting Excited!The countdown continues! Only 190 days until the big day! It seems like just yesterday it was still over a YEAR away! I didn't think time would go by this fast and I'm amazed! I know from here on out it will only go faster. I am definitely taking the chance to breathe in every moment! Now that our honeymoon is taken care of, it's time to start thinking about the small details. My mom did a mock up of what our wedding cake will look like the other day, and it was absolutely gorgeous! This is going to be the best summer garden party wedding ever! My mother is so unbelievably talented! I am still confused to this day how some of that didn't rub off on me...hmm...oh well. Sometimes I wonder if I'm letting her do too much for this wedding, but she seems to enjoy it more than anyone else would, so whatever floats her boat! It is also time to start thinking about the bridal shower and getting our registries set up. For anyone reading this who is interested, we are registered already at www.honeyfund.com. We already have a lot of the household stuff that we need, so we thought it might be a good idea to do a honeymoon registry too, to help make the trip extra special! :) Anyways...that's all for now!Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-90722456309423426992010-01-12T18:45:00.000-08:002010-01-12T18:54:17.182-08:00Honeymoon Update!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/S001ukK2pKI/AAAAAAAAAEk/QNcFDJqlpQw/s1600-h/1599_Dreams+Puerto+Vallarta+Pool+Beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nY88B4PQ2jk/S001ukK2pKI/AAAAAAAAAEk/QNcFDJqlpQw/s320/1599_Dreams+Puerto+Vallarta+Pool+Beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426052200150770850" /></a><br />We are saying "no thanks" to Sandals Resorts and are on a whole new track now! We will definitely be going to Mexico. Puerto Vallarta to be exact, which is actually PERFECT considering that's where our relationship first started :) There is a resort there called Dreams Resort & Spa and it's so much cheaper than a Sandals Resort and we wont be flying for 12 hours with a 5 hour layover! I'm very excited!!! We haven't booked it yet but we will sometime this week hopefully. Eric can't get much done at work anymore because they are so busy there *kind of*...and I don't want to plan our honeymoon lol. My job is the wedding, Erics job is the honeymoon! SO, hopefully it will be booked tomorrow! I'm keeping my fingers crossed! :)Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309070046413594892.post-42301601685937103912010-01-09T13:31:00.000-08:002010-01-09T14:12:50.420-08:00Hello Everyone!For anyone reading this who may not know...Approximately 3 and 1/2 years ago I met the love of my life and my best friend, Eric Rupert. I decided recently that it might be fun to start a blog so all of our friends and family who live both far and near (if you're interested) can keep in the loop on where we're at in the process of our engagement :) Eric and I got engaged on May 29th in Canon Beach, OR. In 197 days exactly, we will say "I Do" and we will begin our life as husband and wife. So far it has been pretty easy planning. The reason for that is because my wonderful mother has pretty much had my wedding planned since I was born :) We will be getting married at the Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, WA on July 24th, 2010. Our wedding colors are various shades of pink and green, which worked out nicely because my favorite color is pink and Eric's favorite color is green. We already have a photographer and caterer. The cake design is chosen and will be made by my amazingly talented mother. The linens are chosen along with all of the stemware, china, etc etc. The officiant will be one of my life heroes and mentors, Pastor Steve Olson. All of my bridesmaids are chosen, along with the dress, and we are currently in the process of finalizing Eric's groomsmen. The next step will be choosing a DJ for the event. If anyone has any recommendations please don't hesitate to suggest someone! <div><br /></div><div>Yes...the wedding is coming along very smoothly!...We have only one dilemma that we are dealing with right now, and that is the honeymoon.....</div><div><br /></div><div>We booked our reservations for a Sandals resort in Jamaica about a month ago. We found out 2 days ago that the particular resort we booked will be going out of business 5 days into our stay :/ So we have 2 options. We choose a different Sandals resort in Jamaica and hope that it stays in business, or we get our money back and go with a totally new plan. I'm hoping we can stick with Jamaica. I've really had my heart set on it. And Sandals resorts just seem so stress free and easy! So hopefully in the next week or so we will have our honeymoon plans set in stone again, and will be buying plane tickets! </div><div><br /></div><div>That's pretty much it for now! I will keep everyone updated :) Loves!</div>Rachel LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816758520607387905noreply@blogger.com0