Ringing in the New Year

I've been thinking about this New Year's stuff all day. Hearing all about people resolutions... or how they don't believe in having any. And I seem to feel differently every year. Last year I made a resolution to make pies. And I did it! And it was fun!

But today instead of a resolution, I had a realization. A little thing called a baby. Yeah, cuz I'll have one of those in a few months... and keeping up with anything is to unknown for me. And no one wants to fail at their resolutions. So instead I've decided to make myself a to-do list. One I'll enjoy checking off, and one that I can take my time checking off throughout the year.

A project to-do list. Here are a few things I've pinned {you can follow me on Pinterest here} that I'd like to actually make. Who's with me? Let's make things in 2013!

This darling fabric pouf. I figure by the end of 2013 it could come in handy. And will be darling in the nursery!

This, my friends, is a diaper clutch. I may have to revamp to fit the cloth diapers we'll be doing.

Cork boards. In the most literal sense. I've been saving corks for.ev.er.

Did you know some places- including Target- actually give you discounts when you bring in your own reusable bags? Win!

I'm finally starting to envision some living room decor including our wedding pics... Love this idea!

Aprons. Cute gifts, cute kitchen decoration, just cute.

So, friends, there you have it. My kind of-kind of not- New Year's resolution!

love & making things is fun AND rewarding!
e.

times to remember.

This weekend was filled with fun-ness. Saturday marked my 26th birthday, {woo!} which was celebrated 3 times with eating out goodness. I had coffee and birthday cupcakes (homemade by my mama- chocolate cherry = delish!). Matt took me shopping, where someone told me I looked like Mary Ellen from The Waltons {?} and out to eat at Minerva's. It's probably the nicest place to eat in Aberdabber. They have the most delicious house salad. Omg. I could just eat that!

On Sunday we had more birthday celebrations- out to eat for steaks {Mmmm}. Monday was the hubster and I's first year anniversary. We celebrated by.. You guessed it... going out to eat! (We don't usually eat out this often- don't judge us) We had Mexican, exchanged prezzies and talked about our favs of the past year. I love him :)

What did you do this beautiful Fall weekend?

love & leaves,
e.

a swedish wedding {part 2}

Thursday came and went. We spent most of the day in Gothenburg- a main city 45 minutes away from Alingsas. We shopped until we dropped. Almost literally. And then it was Friday. Time for mani/pedi's and to decorate the reception hall. But of course we strolled the streets and ate more delicious food :)

Seriously, you guys. The wedding was gorgeous. The church was amazing. The ceremony was fun (even though I don't speak Swedish), and the reception was joyous. I LOVE that I got to be a part of it, and I will cherish the memories made there forever until I convince my hubby to move there :)

 Sunday they had a small get together for brunch and gift opening. People in Sweden are cute gift wrappers- I'll just say that. And they're so hospitable. Basically, I love Swedes.

Our goodbyes were tear-filled and a little heart achy. No one ever likes saying goodbye. Especially when you don't know when you'll see them again. But I believe in us. We'll be together again soon!

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention. Our dinner at the wedding? Moose.

love & memories,
e.

lunch lady life

Wow. Those five days went so fast! Wasn't I just counting down to the start of a new school year?

This was end of May- thrilled that there was only 3 more days of school before summer break.

This was this morning. Coffee needed to start the school year off right.

Well, it happened. Today. And I survived.

There were definitely times I was flustered. (there are a lot of new regulations) But I'm alive. And get to do it all over again tomorrow.

Remember: you love the kiddos- and that's why you do it.
e.

Counting down

This summer is coming to an end. And for the first time {ever} in my life, I'm really looking forward to Fall. It's always been my favorite season- because of the colors, holidays, and smells... But I LOVE sunshine- which there's usually more of in the summertime!

I'm counting down to a couple things...

In just a few hours I'll be headed to the Brown County Fair with my honey for a fun, end-of-summer tradition here in good ol' Aberdabber. The tradition is the fair- not us going. So maybe that will become a tradition :)

In five days the school year starts back up again. Meaning my job as a lunch lady resumes. Excited to see the kiddos and have more of a routine again for sure!

And lastly, I leave for Sweden in 15 days! AH! My dear friend Julia, who was in my wedding, is having a wedding of her own and I have the honor to be a part of her big day. I can hardly control my excitement :)

What are you counting down to as this summer's doors are closing?

love,
e.

girl just wanna have fu-un.

I'm that person who calls every friend a "bestfriend". I always have, and probably always will. But all of my besties are from different seasons in my life.

I've had three "high school bestie's" since, well, high school. One of whom I actually met in like 6th grade- but we formed out closest bond during our high school years. We have all been close since freshmen year, which puts us on year eleven of our crazy-hilarious-deep-fun friendship! Wow... I guess time flies when you're having fun!

All three of them were, of course, part of my 8-maid wedding party- Love that this is one of a million memories for us :)

     {katelynn}                    {stephanie}                     {blaire}

 Last weekend we took a trip. A girls weekend if you will. And it was a blast! This is the first time ever (!) in eleven years that we've all been on a trip together- just the four of us. Can you believe that?! Yeah, we couldn't either!

 Katelynn's sweet gramma lives in Alexandria, Minnesota on a lake {appropriately} named Little Darling.

We stayed in her cool upstairs "apartment", bought/made food, laughed A LOT, and caught up on life. Katelynn and I live in Aberdeen still, but Blaire is in Sioux Falls, SD and Stephanie is in Madison, WI... So there was a lot to catch up on!

My favorite part about these women is how different we all are. We all come from walks of life unlike the other, yet our friendship has outlasted any differences we may face.

I will forever cherish the memories made in Alex, lades, and every other one too :) Thanks for being great friends!

love,
e.