I Ain't No Wedding Planner....

If you really knew me, you would know that I am the most indecisive person ever. So indecisive that it's surprising that I've already settled on a look for our wedding! Sure, I pretty much came up with this decision last night, but that's still way ahead of Jenna's Decision Making Schedule!

Thank the good Lord above for Pinterest for wedding planning! How did brides plan their wedding pre-Pinterest???

We've been searching for the perfect venue, which hasn't been easy. We are looking to save some big bucks by providing the food for our wedding and many venues do not allow outside catering....biotches. Sorry Charlie, but I'm really not feeling spending $60 a plate on food that no one really likes! This past weekend we were referred to a local farm. They have a gorgeous barn that they rent out for an extremely low price....does that sound perfect, or what?! We still need to call to see if they have our wedding date available, but so far, it's our number one contender. A barn would be a perfect venue for my vision. Here are some pictures (via Pinterest, obvi...) that would be pinned up on my wedding vision board, that is if I had one...

Preeeeeetty sure this barn we're looking at won't have chandeliers, but the draping fabric adds a classy flair to a country chic wedding. The chandeliers could be replaced by oversized lanterns for a similar effect.

This is, hands down, my dream dress. Empire waist, a-line with a full, organza skirt, sweetheart neckline, and an embellished belt. Simple and gorgeous.

In love with the color pallet. Soft, warm, and natural. I think these colors would look absolutely beautiful in a country chic venue.

I love flower arrangements in different sized mason jars. Not to mention, these flowers and colors are breathtaking. I'll take it all!

I love the idea of a lantern surrounded by greenery and candles as a center piece. An antiqued lantern would look even better!

Wedding cakes can be so expensive. I love the popular idea of having a small, simple cake for the traditional cake cutting and then offering guests a different dessert. These cheesecakes in a glass jar are perfection! Justin's mom makes amazing cheesecake and the glass jar is such a unique presentation. Definitely stealing this idea.

Hydrangeas and baby's breath is a stunning combination. By far my favorite.

I have nightmares that our reception is a complete dud and every single guest is bored out of their minds! It give me anxiety just thinking about it. I'm definitely using these two ideas to help keep guests entertained and happy. Who doesn't love a photobooth?! And the bucket full of flip-flops is the greatest thing I've ever seen. Ladies, no one wants to dance the night away in their heels and we definitely don't want to dance around barefoot and then crawl into bed at the end of the night with Fred Flintsone feet. This is the perfect solution!

Now I just wish all of the above would plan itself! Please and thank you!

Happy Tuesday, ladies!

Weekend Highs and Lows

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Week two of the new job and I'm already exhausted. I think it would be a great idea if someone would create a day between Sunday and Monday that is solely dedicated to sleeping. Sleepday. Who's with me?!

Onto my weekend highs and lows...

Highs

*J and I took our engagement pictures yesterday! It wasn't the best day weather wise; cloudy, windy, and maybeeee 40 degrees. But we had so much fun. Our photographer was hilarious and made us feel super comfortable. Even Justin got into it...so presh! Despite the cloudiness, the sun peaked out near the end and gave us the perfect fall lighting. I can't wait to get the pictures back next week and show you all!

*I bought fleece-lined tights for our engagement photos. Ladies, you need to go out and buy yourself a pair ASAP. Ah-maze-balls. So warm. So soft. So perfect.

*I brought to Justin's attention how great he looks in a sweater. I'm on a mission to prep this boy up. Now, I think he'll be more open to my Christmas and birthday presents of sweaters and other fashionable items that need to be in his closet. I'm going to start a Pinterest board dedicated to his closet make-over.


Lows

*Our apartment complex is being re-roofed and the roofers decided it was time to work outside of my bedroom window at 9 o'clock, Saturday morning. I just wanted one morning to sleep my face off...but nooooo. Cussing each other out, singing terribly, stomping on my ceiling.... give. me. a. break. Can't a girl get some peace and quiet around here?

What were your weekend highs and lows?

And all of you lovelies over on the East Coast....stay safe! I'll be praying for you all!

Friday's Letters

 

 Dear Blog, sorry I've been neglecting you and all of my favorite blogs this week. Starting a new job is no easy task! I promise that once I get used to my schedule, I'll show you some love again. Dear New Job, what am I even doing? I'm still unsure of what my job description is. I'll just have to keep on doing whatever my supervisor tells me to do until I figure things out. Also, if you wouldn't mind livening up the office a bit, I would be forever grateful. It's not easy going from a room full of crazy loud toddlers to complete silence. Dear Babies, ugh I miss you all so much. I've been having the worst time with this new transition. I mean, I have an emotional breakdown every other day! I can't wait to see some of you (pre-schoolers) today when you come to visit Head Start! At least my heart will be half full :) Dear New Supervisor, thank you for telling me the most dramatic story yesterday about a child and making my heart break only to say "But that wasn't real life. I saw it on Private Practice." Really?? Dear Justin, thank you for all your love and support. I know I've been a real Debbie Downer this past week, but all of those hugs while I'm crying over my babies means more than you know. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you, knowing that you'll always be there for me. Dear Sunday, please bring beautiful weather and gorgeous fall colors for our engagement pictures. Thanks a bunch!

Oh How Pinteresting

In case y'all want to know, my first (and second) day of work went splendid! I'm in the process of sprucing up my desk to look all cutesy and whatnot...because we all know that is what's really important when starting a new job! I've been a little (or a lot) busy with getting used to my new job and new schedule, and honestly. blogging has been my last priority. But you know I can't pass up OHP! So link up with Michelle and join me!

 

Weekend Highs and Lows

Welp, today is my first day at my new job! It always sucks being the new girl, but I'm pretty excited to start this new journey. Fingers crossed that I don't make a complete fool out of myself on my very first day!

Here are my weekend highs and lows...

Highs

*My mom and I went shopping this weekend for big girl clothes. So. Much. Fun. Since I was working in the classroom with toddler at my last job, I was able to wear whatever I wanted, so long as I wasn't dressed like I just left work at a strip club. It was all about being in comfortable clothes that I wouldn't mind getting messy. I'm excited to wear pencil skirts and dresses and heels to work now. I even have my "first day of work" outfit all picked out. I feel like I'm going back to school!

*I got an e-mail Friday night from my new boss letting me know that my position is moving to full time! I was hired in as a part-time employee and was told that eventually the position would move to full-time once a new grantee was found for the program. I never imagined that the position would move to full-time so soon! It is definitely a huge blessing, since we're beginning our wedding planning.

*I bought the two most amazing pair of boots yesterday. This event, alone, deserves it's own high. A pair of black, knee-high heeled boots and a pair of camel booties, all for $50. I die. I'll post pictures this week because I love them that much.

Lows

*Saying goodbye to my babies and co-workers on Friday was heartbreaking. I was a mess all day long. I absolutely loved my job and couldn't imagine ever leaving anytime soon, so when we received the news that we had lost funding and were closing a month and a half later, I was crushed. Ugly crying...all day long.

*I was in such a great mood after a fun day of shopping with my mom on Saturday until homegirl backed into my stopped car in the Costco parking lot. To make matters worse, she was probably in her late 50s and got out of her car with the most fake pouty-duck face. I almost slapped her. "I'll admit, that was completely my fault." No shit, Sherlock! Welp, at least I'll have money to fix the damage now that my job is full-time!

How was your weekend?!

High Five for Friday

Today is my last day at my job. I think I'm still in denial. But if being in denial makes saying goodbye to my babies easier, I'm totally fine with that. I'm so thankful for this experience and all that is has taught me. But more importantly, I'm thankful for all the little one's that have been a part of my life for the past 15 months. If I had my way, I would scoop them all up, take them home with me, and give them the life they deserve. But since I can't, I pray that someone will come into their lives who loves them and believes in them as much as I do and continues to give them the tools to escape the difficult lives they were born into. My heart is broken. I'm going to miss my babies so much.

But in an attempt to stay positive, I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday.

1. Since I'm starting my new job on Monday, I get to go shopping for new work clothes this weekend! I actually have to dress like a real adult for this job, and I'm pretty excited. But, let's be honest, I'm going to miss those mornings when I'm too tired to get dressed and I walk into work wearing yoga pants and a hoodie.

2. My Birchbox finally came in the mail yesterday and it was amazeballs. I opted for the normal Birchbox, which was a smart move on my part! I've heard a lot of people who got the special edition box were unhappy. I could have done without the Luna bar though. This is a beauty box people, leave the food out!

3. Fall is in full force here in Michigan and I love it. Boots, sweaters, scarves, jackets....ahhh!

4. I bought these above the knuckle rings and am dying to get them in the mail. Egypt...why must you be so far away???

5. I get to spend the entire weekend with Justin without any other commitments. I. Am. So. EXCITED!

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!

Favorite Things Giveaway Winner

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a winner for my Favorite Things Giveaway. Drum roll please.....

Congratulations LEANNE from Simply Beautiful

 

I will be e-mailing you today to get some information from you!

Monogram Wish List

Very quickly after I began blogging, I realized that Southern girls love their monograms. And since I'm convinced that I was meant to be a Southern Belle, I quickly fell in love with the trend. I have yet to own anything monogrammed (a sin, I know) but I've been adding to my Monogram Wish List like it's going out of style. Here are a few things that I'm dying to have:

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I need this monogrammed anchor tervis. My morning coffee would be that much more enjoyable coming out of this beauty. And it's only $16. (Justin, I know you're probably reading this...hint hint)

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I'm loving this burlap monogram pillow for mine and Justin's future home with our wedding date on it!

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I love the look of the disc monogrammed necklace compared to the more popular versions that are popping up all over Blogland. Definitely more my style!

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Aztec print and monogram. Could it get any better??

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How about this gorgeous Marley Lilly cross body clutch bag? Love love love!

Do you own any monogrammed pieces? What is your absolute favorite?

Happy Thursday, ladies!

Oh How Pinteresting

I feel like being a woman of few words today, so let's just jump right into Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday. And since I've been pinning wedding things like it's my job, it's going to be my unofficial theme of the week.

 

I wouldn't mind if every single one of those pins would just magically appear on our wedding day. It sure would make planning so much easier!

The winner of my Favorite Things Giveaway will be announced tomorrow, so keep your eyes open! Maybe you'll be the lucky winner!

Happy Hump Day, ladies!

That Time I Almost Died

Okay Jillian. But what if I feel like I'm dying every. single. time? I hate you Jillian Michaels. HATE.

"So Jenna, how are you doing with your whole fitness shenanigan?"

Oh, so nice of you to ask. IT SUCKS. You might remember that I've mention a time or twenty that I hate working out. With a passion. I don't like getting sweaty. I don't being out of breath. And I definitely don't like "the burn". All of which I experienced last night, while dying and working out to Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.

I thought I'd kick it up a notch and impress my buddy, Jill, by doing level two. Worst. Idea. Ever. Last week it was difficult (because I'm weaker than a dandelion), but I got through it. Last night? I must have come down with bronchitis in the last couple days because I was wheezing like an asthmatic after a marathon.

If you were a fly on the wall last night, this is what you would have heard.

"Ugh, what am I doing with my life?"
"I hate my life."
"Jillian, shut it."
"No Jillian, I can't do it."
"Nice bermuda work out shorts, Jillian."
" MOOOOOMMMMMM. Am I dead? Is this Hell?"

This whole getting fit for the wedding is already getting on my nerves.

Yeah, I'm dramatic. What are you going to do about it?

Weekend High & Low + Pinktober Giveaway!

It's Monday, again! You think I would be used to it by now, since Monday always comes after Sunday, but... ya know! Let's get into weekend highs and lows!

High

* My uncle who lives in Seattle came in this weekend to surprise my grandma for her birthday. We only get to see him once a year, so it's always special to get to spend time with him.

* I ate so much delicious food this weekend. Was it healthy? Heck no! Did I gain 10lbs? Probably. Do I care? Not the least bit. I love eating. That's it, that's all! Thank you God for my amazing metabolism!

* I finally scheduled mine and Justin's engagement pictures after playing phone tag with the photographer for over a week. Fingers crossed that all the leaves don't fall off the trees before we get them done!

Low


* I really don't have any! Yay for a low-free weekend!


Ladies, I have something very special to share with you. One of my favorite bloggers, Erin from Shades of Gray and a Pinch of Pink is hosting an amazing Pinktober Giveaway.

Erin's hope for this giveaway is to bring more awareness to the awful disease that is Breast Cancer. We have all been affected by this terrible disease in some way, so take some time to check out Erin's post, and while you're at it, use the step-by-step instructions to perform a self exam! And only after you've performed a self exam can you enter the Pinktober Giveaway for your chance to win some amazing prizes from 13 lovely ladies, including myself! Erin is also giving you a chance to easily donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation! A little or a lot, any amount can make a difference!

So what are you waiting for?! Be proactive about your health and enter a fun giveaway while you're at it!

Happy Monday, lovelies!

Friday's Letters

                                                                                              Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Jenna on Pinterest

Dear Jenna, get it together! This next week is going to be tough and it's going to be so difficult to say goodbye to my babies, but the new adventure and the new job opportunity I have will be amazing. I gotta keep looking on the bright side! Dear Charlie, you have been the creepiest cat ever lately. Stop acting like you see ghosts while I'm home alone. Dear Jillian Michaels, my muscles will never be the same. Dear Spring Arbor University, thanks but no thanks for calling my phone at 12:57 AM Thursday morning letting me know about a sexual assault on campus. I agree that it's extremely important to let everyone know about the sicko lurking around campus, but I graduated over a year ago. I think it's safe to take me off your phone list. Dear Justin, you're handsome. That's all. Dear Bloggy Friends, don't forget to take advantage of getting 50% off all sponsor spots with the promo code THANK YOU, and while you're at it, enter my Favorite Things Giveaway!

Have a fabulous weekend!

I Want....

Be honest, we all want something.

Veruca Salt wants a golden ticket to the Chocolate Factory...

The Spice Girls really want a zigazig ah.... whatever that is?

N Sync wants you back...

You get it.

So what do I want?

I want...

A LION!

I would love anyone who would gift me a pet lion. His name would be Toby and I can guarantee he would be the best behaved lion you've ever met {I'm a lion whisperer}.

And every day when I get home from work, Toby will greet me like this:

I cry every time. Who wouldn't want lion hugs??? So any of you lovely ladies who want to make my heart all warm and fuzzy, a lion cub will do! Gracias!

**If you haven't already, don't forget to enter my Favorite Things Giveaway! One lucky winner will win all five prizes!**

Favorite Things Giveaway!

When I told you all to keep your eyes open for a giveaway this week, I wasn't lying! When I reached 400 followers, I wanted to thank you all by doing another giveaway, and what better time to do a favorite things giveaway than now!

I had a really hard time narrowing down my favorite things, since I have a lottttttt of favorite things. But, I think I picked five really amazing items that I use on the regular. One lucky lady will win the following:

{1} A $10 Starbucks Gift Card {2} The Body Shop's Mini Coconut Body Butter {3} Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo {4} eos Sweet Mint Lip Balm {5} Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Detangler

I'm going to make this giveaway super easy to enter. Use Rafflecopter below and complete the two entries for your chance to win!

And don't forget that as another little thank you all of my ad spots are 50% off with the promo code THANK YOU. Just click on my Sponsor tab to check out my already super low priced ad options!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

All That Glitters

Who wouldn't want all of those diamonds? Us girls love our jewelry, especially anything that sparkles. Whether it be your engagement ring, those diamond studs your parents gave you as a gift, or that ruby ring passed down from your grandmother, the dirt and grime of daily life can really dull the sparkle. A lot of jewelry stores will clean your jewelry for free, but why make an unnecessary trip when you can clean your jewelry at home! I found this cleaning method on Pinterest (obvi) and ladies, it's so simple. All you need is dishwasher detergent, warm water, and a soft bristle toothbrush.

We buy our dishwasher detergent at Sam's hence it's ginormous size, and yes, I bought that toothbrush at Kroger.

Mix three parts warm water with one part dishwasher detergent. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and scrub your jewelry, making sure to get in all the crevices. It's very important that you use a soft bristle toothbrush so you don't scratch your jewelry! If your jewelry is extra dirty, let it sit in the mixture overnight. When you're finished cleaning, rinse and dry your jewelry and, TA-DA! Your jewelery is as sparkly as the day you first got it!

Okay, so you can't capture sparkle on an iPhone, but I promise my bling is blinding me after using this cleaning method!

So get out that dishwasher detergent and start scrubbing those jewels! Happy Tuesday, lovelies!