Just a few of my favorite things (Wedding/Engagement related)

**Notice: This is a lengthy post because I fully enjoyed planning my wedding.  It contains products we used (I'm not paid for endorsements) and ways we saved money (because weddings are expensive). 

With the stress of the wedding safely behind me, I can now pause and reflect upon some of my favorite aspects of the day (and the days leading up to the event).

I had a long engagement and it was phenomenal.  We were engaged on July 4, 2015 and married on November 11, 2016.  

We lived together in the home we purchased before marriage, so there wasn't that rush to get married quickly.  Having a long engagement meant I didn't feel pressured to make any snap decisions.  It also meant I could spread out expenses, which is easier for the budget.

I took my time on creating table decor and favors.  I waited out coupons for Shutterfly (invites) and Joann's for crafting purposes.  

We toured several venues and toured two more than once.  We could discuss our choices and it didn't feel like every spare moment of our lives was devoted to wedding planning (which B appreciated).

A long engagement also meant I could read way too many articles (pinterest, bridal magazines, the knot, etc) on wedding planning.  After spending lots of time in the bridal aisles of local craft stores and attending bridal planning events, I realized I didn't really like a lot of the bridal trends and overly elaborate weddings.

I like burlap as much as the next crafty gal, but an entire wedding devoted to it? No thanks.  Overly rustic and mason jars everywhere wasn't my husband's taste.  So I used burlap, lace, and mason jars at my bridal shower instead!

Cute for me, just not representative of us as a couple.  So I had it at my bridal shower (which was amazingly me: pink, polka dots, lace, burlap, glitter, and Harry Potter with an elegant feel.  I am very blessed with amazing friends and family.)

Other wedding trends: rhinestones and feathers? Absolutely not.

Elaborate programs? We passed.  Fancy place cards? We passed.  

Instead, we found small ways to incorporate our interests into the big day in several ways.

One: Our Fur Babies

I got vetoed on having our dog as our ring bearer.  So instead, we used our pets to announce our wedding date.

(Correction, we tried. They didn't always cooperate.)

Two: Crafting & Couponing

So anything related to weddings can be super expensive.  Plain white flower girl baskets are over $20 and super bland.

Instead, I snagged some after Easter for 70% off, added ribbon in our wedding colors, added fake flowers, and made 2 for around $12.

I also made our card box.  I picked up this vintage inspired suitcase at Ross a few years ago, then added burlap flowers and a banner (pre-made letters and paint).  Total cost? $5 and an hour of my time.  I got to use the card box at my bridal shower and the wedding. 

The best part? Now that the wedding is over, it's back in the corner and stores seasonal napkins.  

I liked these frames at Joann's, but not at $12.99 for 4 (we needed 5 packs).  

So slowly over time, we picked up a pack at a time with a 40% off coupon.  I'll be using some of the frames as thank you gifts once we receive our formal wedding pictures back.

(Completed table numbers)

As I mentioned above, we skipped making programs.  Who really saves those anyway?

Instead, I waited until I had a super coupon to Joann's and picked up this chalk frame for $12 (originally $40).  With some erasable chalk paint and vinyl stickers, we provided our guests with all the information they needed:

Plus we can reuse the chalkboard sign.  His cousin Tony is getting married in May and his fiance asked to borrow the board (which is fine of course).

We also skipped place cards (because guests would probably lose them due to lack of pockets on dresses and the open bar factor) and used picture frames to display table information:

Plus, we can now reuse the frames for pictures in our home.  Win win! (Except B doesn't count this as a win because he has to hang them.)

Three: Football

It's not a secret that we are avid football fans and fiercely loyal to our teams.

We used this football in our engagement pictures:

And as the garter toss at the wedding.  (Not pictured: "Great Catch, You're Next!").  The groomsman didn't remember to take it home (cough open bar cough), so it's now on our mantle.

We took engagement pictures in our jerseys with #11 (but in our teams).

I surprised him with Broncos socks (for his cold feet) and a new #11 Somma jersey on our wedding day.  

I also got myself a jersey as well because I could (and I had a coupon).

But due to miscommunication, we didn't get wedding pictures with our new jerseys.  Oh well! Perhaps we'll use our matching Somma jerseys for our Christmas cards next year.

Four: Documenting moments

We had a photo guestbook made from our engagement pictures, but not everyone signed it (it happens).  Because of this, I'm so glad we did other small things to document the events.

For our engagement shower, we had guests sign a vase:

It now sits on the media stand (with fake flowers) so we get to enjoy it each day.  We also used the "be our guest" sign at our wedding (see above) and it now sits in our guest bedroom.  I'm all about using things multiple times!

At my bridal shower, I had guests sign my "kiss the miss goodbye" frame.  We used sample lip wands and cheap, vibrant lipstick so we wouldn't share cooties.  I then framed a picture with 2 of my bridesmaids.

We also had our bridal party & family sign one of the large S's that I painted. 

The S was also used in our engagement pictures and will soon hang on the wall.  For now, it sits on the ledge.

Lastly, we followed advice on pinterest and mailed the First Family an invitation.  I was a little anxious that we'd get a congrats card from Trump, but low and behold, a few days before their last days in the White House (which I'm still in denial about), we received our congratulations card from the White House.

What a fun keepsake!

Batman

My lovely husband couldn't care less about what our cake topper looked like.  So I ordered this beauty off of Etsy:

It was the same cost as generic "S" ones at the store, but way more meaningful.

It now sits on the Batman shelf at home, along with our wedding toasting flutes (a Marshall's find), and some of our wedding flowers.

I had a Batman themed garter as well, compliments of one of my bridesmaids.

Keeping with tradition, it had blue in it!  It was also way more fun than a traditional (bland) white and blue garter.

Harry Potter

I had a magical (pun intended) "Muggle to Mrs." themed shower.  

My MOH gifted me with the most amazing ring bearer box:

Which my brother has already called dibs on for his future wedding.


We also took advantage with this iconic chapter title: (The Unbreakable Vow):

I've been asked if I'm sad our "big day" is over.  My answer? Nope. It was wonderful to plan, it was a wonderful day, but my life isn't over.  There are plenty of big days ahead.

Resolutions

Seeing how we're over a week into 2017, I guess I should get around to posting my goals.  By sharing them, I'm more likely to be accountable for them.

I've been making steady progress with this goal.  Last month I finished (finally) There's Nothing Worse Than Witches and started The Hammer of Thor.  I've been trying to read a few chapters each night and type up notes about the novel as I go.  I'm currently on chapter 22 (of around 60), so we're counting this as a win.  As I {previously shared}, I've got the goal of at least one book per month.

With report card comments due soon, this one has been a tad more difficult to follow. 

I didn't stay past 5 any day this week and didn't really bring any work home for the weekend, which are both steps in the right direction.  I'm trying to preserve my morning times as quiet, productive moments. 

On the bright side, I was selected to attend an educator's conference in Anaheim at the end of March.  I'll be going with three other teachers from my school as well as my principal. I've heard of the guest speakers, but haven't read their books yet.  I'm hopeful we'll get free copies at the conference.  

Yes, I am easily bribed with free books.  Fingers crossed!

I {previously shared} my resignation letter for Jamberry.  We're going through our closets and donating what no longer fits, we don't wear, or is no longer reflective of who we are.  Tonight we're going through our mugs (we have a lot) and donating ones that aren't sentimental or reflective of us as a couple.

I'm also applying this to friendships or relationships with people. I tend to over-invest in people, then are hurt when they don't reciprocate.  I'm investing less in these toxic relationships (because some I have to keep professionally). I'm keeping my boundaries (they aren't a bad thing) and letting go of things (and relationships) that don't bring me joy.

Our wedding was expensive.  We took every possible avenue to cut expenses and use coupons (more on that later), but it was still an expensive day. 

We've also had some unexpected expenses lately (new tires), planned expenses (water softener, couch repair, bedroom set, security door), and an impulse buy (new TV, but for more than half off because of gift cards and Black Friday sales).

Unfortunately, as a teacher, I don't make a lot.  (Yes, I know my job is rewarding and I'm in it for the outcome, but cliches aside, I work really hard and it'd be nice to be compensated more for my time).

However, we're taking lots of steps towards financial freedom. We've paid off our couch repair, new TV, the surprise tires he needed, and our new water softener.  I paid off my car this week and have two payments left on our second security door.  We're paying off all our credit card debt within the next few months and eating out less to not only be healthier, but because it's cheaper.  

We're using Ibotta, cartwheel, and coupons as often as possible. We've limited our spending to food, gifts for others, and bills.  We had a financial check in with a consultant, fund our savings each month, and have set realistic financial goals together as a couple. 

We've mapped out our big expenses for the year (new mattress, new tires for me, home warranty, wedding & baby shower gifts) and luckily, they're pretty spread out.  We are both also working overtime because we'd like to take a Disneyland trip in the upcoming months, but don't want to acquire new debt to do so.

We're using our upcoming tax return to fund our savings and tackle home improvement projects, which will only add value to our home for when we eventually sell and move.

It's difficult at times to say no to the pretty things at Marshall's, but I know in the long term, a mattress is more important.  

But still...

#adulting.

It's really easy to focus on the negatives.  Teaching is hard.  My students, as lovely as they are, can be exhausting at times because of their behavior choices and fluctuating hormones (which they can't always control).  People (and pets) get sick and that's scary.  I am legitimately terrified by the new cabinet and President.  2016 was particularly brutal with the number of deaths (both personal and public icons).

However, focusing on the negatives and complaining doesn't really do any good.  Yes, I understand the need to vent.  However, I'm putting into place the idea of venting about a particular issue to just 1-2 people, then letting it go.  

More importantly, I picked up a grateful journal and am writing in it each night.  (Found at Marshall's for a few bucks.)

We also started a jar for 2017. Every time something awesome happens, we add it to the jar.  

To be fair, I am way more into this then B is, but it'll be nice to look at on New Year's Eve.

I don't like the word diet and I don't like saying I'll completely cut something out of my life.  Instead, we're focusing on healthy habits.  Coincidentally, I'm also participating in Biggest Loser at work, so that money pot is a financial incentive.  B is totally on board with healthy habits, which makes a huge difference because I have support at home and at school. 

We're cooking more at home and eating earlier in the evening.  I'm taking Waffles on her morning walks, but we've also added in evening walks which benefits everyone.  He is really excited about a yoga DVD set, so we're trying to incorporate those work outs a few times per week. We're working on portion sizes and I've cut down on soda consumption. Instead of viewing soda as an every day drink, I'm limiting myself to 12 ounces per day and as a reward instead of a frequent drink.  We're adding healthy snacks to the fridge as go-to items and I'm adding a dash of lemonade to my water in the morning for flavor.  

We've also got cheat meals planned and enjoy them.  Last night we went to Olive Garden, but didn't eat all of our meals.  I had two bowls of soup, salad, and a small bit of my pasta.  The rest was taken home and split into 2 smaller meals.  

One of the best healthy habits tips I read was to ask for a to go box when you order food at a restaurant.  Before you start eating, box up half of it for a later meal.  Automatic portion control!

My last goal is an all-encompassing one.  At the end of the day, my family matters. My husband matters. My overall health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) matters.  My pets matter. My friends matter.

My job is important, but it doesn't define me.  There will always be more work that can be done. There won't always be more time to enjoy being a newlywed. There won't always be time to enjoy my (future) children when they're little.  (Not a pregnancy announcement, kids are still in the distant future, not on the horizon.)

I'm vowing to spend more time on the big, important things.

What are your new year's resolutions?

Resignation

(Cross posted from Facebook)

It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to resign from Jamberry. This post is difficult and has been coming for quite some time.

This last year has been very difficult with the additional responsibilities of coaching, mentoring, and teaching. (Oh, and getting married, that was a tad time consuming.) I'm having difficulty balancing all of my responsibilities and need to learn to say no to things. Unfortunately, this is one of the extra tasks that I am unable to devote enough time to in order to be successful. Jamberry used to be something I loved and with the added pressures at work, it slowly became something that gave me anxiety and guilt over time (and the time I wasn't giving to my side business). I never wanted to be a pushy direct sales person and I felt I was becoming that with Jamberry, so I backed off. However, I never truly restarted my business and began feeling anxious and nervous about parties and postings, which caused many nights of restless sleep and spurred an unhealthy cycle of self-doubt. I felt jealous of others instead of supportive and that's not the type of person I want to be. So, unfortunately, I have to walk away for my own well being. I need to work on saying no.

I want to thank all of you that have supported this goal for the past few years. This has nothing to do with the product (I still love my jams and my at home gel system!) but rather my need for balance in my life. I need to prioritize and allocate time for "me" to practice self care. I often take on too many tasks and it's time for me to (painfully) admit that I can't do everything.

I will be having a "de-stash" sale soon, so if you'd like to be invited to that private event, please let me know. It will be in the coming weeks and then this page will be shut down.

In the mean time, I invite you to join Erin's Jamberry Group (Jam With DsnyErin). She's about a mile from me (Vegas folks!) and an amazing Jamberry consultant!

Thank you again for your support on this journey.

17 in '17

We're about half way through with day 1 of 2017 and it's going fairly well.  B enjoyed some Xbox time while I curled up with a book.  Naps and walking the pup also occurred!

Correction, we enjoyed a book because I can't do anything alone and I wouldn't have it any other way.

As I look at my calendar for 2017, I'm optimistic for the year ahead.

1) I'm looking forward to B graduating college.  For the past four years, he's been working (more than) full time, playing softball, and in school full time with the University of Phoenix.  He's got a few classes left and is enjoying what he's studying, which is setting him up for a future career that he loves.

2) I'm looking forward to friends' weddings.  We have one in April, one in May, two in September, and one in October.  (That we know of...)

3) I'm looking forward to our friends having babies.  One is due in January, one in February, two in April, one in May, and one in July...again, that we know of!

4) I'm looking forward to our honeymoon.  It's occurring over the summer and on an island.  We're still working on the details.

5) Finishing our bedroom.  We purchased a bedroom set on Black Friday and the final piece was just delivered to the store.  We'll be making a quick road trip to Arizona later this month to pick up the last dresser.  We'll also be purchasing a new mattress in February (when they're on sale for President's Day) and building our new bed.  It's a little tough for two adults and three pets to share a queen sized bed and the mattress is literally falling apart.  

Here's a preview of our new furniture:

(We purchased from {American Furniture Warehouse} and have been pleased with their products.  We now have a bed, 2 night stands, 3 dressers, a media stand, a recliner, a table, and eight chairs. #adulting!)

6)  I'm looking forward to making our financial goals.  My car will be paid off this month (years ahead of the loan). Our security door will be paid off in six months (so no interest!) and we're working side jobs to reduce our debt (the wedding was expensive).  We've got a plan and are on our way to meeting our goals.

7) Working on my resolutions.  I'm excited for the books ahead!

8) I'm excited to plan events.  I'm working on a baby shower for early March and bridal events over the summer.  B will be graduating (and then getting an epic party) and his aunt & uncle are celebrating their 40th anniversary.  His second cousin is turning 18.  His cousin is getting married in May.  There's a lot of exciting events to help organize.

9) Traveling to new places.  My bestie is teaching at UNC and I want to see her new home in Charlotte.  We're also looking forward to taking our first Disneyland trip as a couple this year.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (CA) is also on the agenda for this year.

10) I'm looking forward to pursuing passions.  I'm currently working on a scrapbook for a friend.  B is building a 3D pirate ship.  It's nice to be crafty separately, but still together.

11) I'm looking forward to finally finishing the Gilmore Girls revival! Over Thanksgiving break, I prioritized grading and family time.  I am dreading the end (although it's already been spoiled) because I waited so long for this revival!

12) I'm really, really excited to get our wedding pictures back! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see the professional shots. It's been about six weeks, so I'm hopeful they'll be done soon.

13) I'm looking forward to a tater tots & beer festival.  We didn't order tickets in time for the one last November, so I'll be quicker with purchasing the tickets.

14) I'm looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends. We'll be enjoying potlucks and game nights as we all focus less on going out for wild crazy nights and adjust to life as adults in our thirties (gasp).

15) I'm excited to be a sounding board for close friends that are getting married.  I'm still working on blog posts about my favorite parts.

16) I'm looking forward to our field trips.  We're taking the kiddos to the Springs Preserve for a guided field trip in early February.

17) I'm excited to watch B help coach girls soccer at my school with Mrs. S. He'll be assistant coach to the fourth and fifth grade girls this spring.

What are you looking forward to in 2017?

Winter Break

As I wallow at the fact that winter break is quickly coming to a close, I must pause to reflect on all that I've accomplished in these two weeks off.

1. I started and finished a novel (The Only Thing Worse than Witches). 

It's one of the novels for this year's Battle of the Books competition and was a cute, if somewhat predictable story.  I made a novel guide, chronological order sort, and bundle (both products) for purchase on TpT, which you can snag {here}.

I even started a second novel, The Hammer of Thor.  My goal for this novel is the end of January.

2. I dealt with adult matters.  I changed my name with the DMV, bank, and insurance.  I got new credit cards and a new driver's license.  I started an address book and sent out Christmas cards (and letters) in a timely manner.  I paid HOA dues and the mortgage payment ahead of schedule.  I went to the vet with the furballs several times.

3. I started planning a baby shower.  One of my dear friends and bridesmaids is due in early April.  It's her first and a boy, so there's a lot of excitement.  We had lunch to discuss games, themes, invites, etc.  We had a second meal with another friend to continue discussing logistics and planning the event (for early March).  Some days I have more fun party planning and crafting than I do teaching...but oh well.

4. I shopped and saved like a pro!  With six baby showers between now and June, plus five weddings in the upcoming year, we've got a lot of expenses.  Luckily I was able to find some great deals so I can not only be fiscally responsible, but spoil friends in the mean time!  I'm quite fortunate that my grade level splits the cost of work shower gifts, so it's only $5(ish) a person.  I've got a gift wrapped and ready for January's baby shower and another bridal shower in April.  

5. I enjoyed family time.  B and I celebrated Christmas early with his parents and grandma on the 19th.  His mom loved her ornaments.  One I made from filling a plastic (unbreakable) ornament with flower petals from my wedding bouquet.  The other I purchased from {Etsy} with all the family members' names on the outside.  

(Image from seller's shop, not my actual purchase)

His dad got a balls themed golf gift (naturally) and we got his grandma a Starbucks gift card.  We also got his brother and sister in law a restaurant gift card.  Our niece and nephews each got a stuffed toy, a nonfiction book (the teacher in me couldn't resist!) and a craft project to do together.  

We then snuck down to Arizona for a few days to celebrate with my mom, brother, and brother's girlfriend.  I got to have some best friend time because her trip overlapped with mine, spent time in pajamas, bought new tires (yay unexpected adulting!), enjoyed a new restaurant, and went on a day trip to Goldfield Ghost Town.

6. I got caught up on grading and ahead on lesson plans.  This wasn't done in one sitting and was most definitely aided by Panera.  But still, I'll go back to work on Tuesday feeling mostly prepared for the week ahead.

7. I attended a funeral.  A former coworker unexpectedly lost her son and an entire group of us went to be supportive.  2016 certainly claimed a lot of good people.  This wasn't a pleasant or enjoyable task, but it was necessary (and heartbreaking).

8. I cleaned.  I took down Christmas decorations, moved furniture around to make space for our new bedroom set, cleaned out teaching materials, went through craft stuff, went through clothes, made donations of unwanted items, and did lots of laundry.  My loving husband hung our new Batman shelf so I could display our wedding cake topper, toasting flutes, and some of the flowers.

(As an added bonus, that shelf came painted black and was on sale!)

9. I set new years resolutions and began to type about each one.  I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging, but no promises on it being an every day situation.

10. I enjoyed some down time.  I had shopping time and breakfast dates with friends. I fought this one for couch space on a daily basis.

I watched Netflix, snuggled the pets, did a puzzle with the hubby, watched movies, took bubble baths, enjoyed scented candles, admired our Christmas tree, and napped.  I often neglect to prioritize self-care, which is something I vow to work on in 2017.

While I'm not quite ready to return to work (because really, who is?), I am proud of my winter break accomplishments.  There was a healthy balance of work and play.

Up next? Four days of three dozen ten year olds, then an eagerly awaited weekend.

Back into the swing of things

Sometimes I feel like a hypocrite.

I love reading.  I want my students to love reading.

But sometimes, no often times, I don't make time for reading myself.  Yes, I read emails.  Yes, I read social media.  Yes, I'll flip through magazines on a regular basis.

But reading an actual book from start to finish in a timely manner? That's a rare event...and something I need to work on.

With 2017 looming right around the corner, I thought it'd be a good time to start thinking of some goals.  

By sharing them, I'm more likely to hold myself accountable and actually complete these goals.

Now, that's not a SMART goal, so let's get a little more specific. 

I'd like to tackle 17 novels in 2017, but if I get through one a month, that will suffice.

I'd like to read a mix of professional books, young adult adventures, and books that spark my interest.  Some of them will be the Battle of the Books books since that's starting up in January.

I finished The Only Thing Worse than Witches a few days ago and just posted the novel guide {here} on my TpT site.  The chronological order sort is in progress, as is the bundle guide.

Last night, I started The Hammer of Thor, the sequel to The Sword of Summer which is Rick Riordan's new Norse mythology series.

This book is January's task!

I've taken a few book suggestions from others, but need to prioritize and have the Battle of the Books ones done by the end of March.