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Roatan, Honduras

All images from Barefoot Cay facebook page 

That's where I will be for the next nine days!!!

If you missed my last post, I'll fill you in on something... I got married last weekend!!!

We decided to take a week in between our wedding and the honeymoon to recover, write thank you notes, and pack before heading off. Let me just say, this week has dragged on! I'm sooo excited our honeymoon is finally here!

We'll be jet setting bright and early, at 7am, and will be arriving in Honduras at noon. We'll be staying at a very secluded cay in the Southwestern side of the island called Barefoot Cay.

I'm looking forward to snorkeling, couples massage, renting scooters, zip-lining, and drinking frozen drinks.

*This resort is huge on diving, and it looks really fun and pretty! But some of you may remember this post, and how I learned that diving and I are not very compatible... Well I haven't completely given up on it. I might give it another shot when I get there. Wish me luck ;)


Follow me on instagram and twitter for updates throughout the trip!

hey guys...

I got married this weekend!!!

Just thought I'd check in with y'all... thanks for all the love on instagram and twitter. Don't worry, I'll be back here to update y'all with full details of the big day, although it's going to be a while before I get my pictures back. Here's a little teaser to hold you over (stolen from facebook)!

.

I'm still on cloud 9! What a beautiful weekend. Can we do it again?!?

10 Days

Guys... I get married in 10 days! It's kind of surreal, really. I've been waiting almost 15 months for my wedding day, and now it's just 10 short days away! Crazy.

Anyways, I'm sure you can only imagine how busy I've been these last few weeks... Sorry little blog! You've been neglected. But I wanted to update y'all on some things... A lot has happened since I got my wisdom teeth out. Mostly just pictures of my dogs, and preparations for the wedding.

• See, pictures of my dogs! Gotta love a Melvin montage. Mac kinda got snuffed on this post. But I did get him looking emo in the middle.

• I took my bridal portraits! 
• I celebrated Easter

• I watched Scott work on his smoker. Can't wait for the puppy to be done! 

• Went to Aly's wedding. Gah, she made a beautiful bride. We've been planning our weddings together ever since we got engaged last year. It's been so much fun! Her wedding turned out so beautiful too. 

Props, surprise, ugly face(I won that one), and normal...

I stole this picture from Aly's facebook. I can't believe I didn't manage to get a picture of her! But seriously, how gorgeous is she!?! Isn't her dress is amazing?!

• Made my rehearsal bouquet... Ok, I didn't make it, but my aunt did :)

• Made my escort cards.

• Ordered a canvas from Costco for half the price at Walgreens. Success in my book!

I can't wait to share more wedding updates with y'all. Be looking for my bachelorette party post in the near future.

I have to link this post up with Shanna today because it's REALLY random!!! Whoop Random Wednesday!

Brooke after Dentist

I have some very flattering pictures for y'all today.

This week I get all four of my wisdom teeth pulled. Yes, I'm 24 and still had my wisdom teeth. All my friends were getting them out in High School. I don't think we did it because 1. my mom was cheap 2. they weren't bothersome. But since hearing all these stories from my friends over all the years and seeing terrible swollen face pictures, I was a little freaked out, nervous and felt hesitant to get them out!

So why get them out at all?? People were questioning why I would schedule to get my wisdom teeth removed three weeks before the wedding... Well the story goes like this...

Scott was asking me if I was going to get them taken care of before the wedding "just in case" they start to bother me. They haven't given me any trouble throughout all of these years, but I got to thinking, Scott had a good point. I made an appointment for a consultation and low and behold, two days after I made the appointment, I start experiencing some serious pain. It would be my luck that they would start hurting after I made my appointment and probably continue to hurt up to the wedding. That was a chance that I couldn't take. So I had oral surgery. I just like to say that because I've never had surgery before and it kind of makes me feel more tough, right?

Anyways, the surgery went so well! It wasn't like any of the stories I had heard prior. I woke up from the anesthesia super giggly, no real pain, and no swollen face. Even four hours later after everything wore off, I felt fine! Even if these pictures don't look like it! Flattering, right?

I wasn't sure if I wanted to post this on the blog, but when I woke up from my nap yesterday and saw that Scott had already put it on his facebook, I wasn't really embarrassed anymore. Plus you can't really tell what I'm saying anyways. Something about our honeymoon and asking what I said when I woke up. HAHA I was so confused!

My wrap around ice pack... no swollen face here! My cheeks are already big enough!

And of course Melvin cuddles with a drowsy momma! I got some intense drugs that just knocked me out! I don't plan on using them anymore...

Oh btw, I'm at work today, one day after surgery. See, I told you I felt fine. :) What doesn't feel fine is my belly!!! I'm craving so much food right now because I can't eat any of it! Maybe this was exactly what I needed before the wedding to knock a few extra pounds off? I'll probably make up for it because I plan on eating whataburger as soon as possible. 

95% Certified.

If you follow me on twitter then you may have seen me post about my scuba classes last week... Although I was apprehensive to give scuba a try, I did and it was fun! Until Saturday....

All last week, Scott and I took scuba classes in preparation for our honeymoon to Honduras in April. I was nervous, excited, and ready to learn. Heck, I've never had any real issues with water so I was like why not.

Let me recap my training.

Monday: Class. Going over chapter reviews.
Tuesday: Pool. Practicing tasks like flooding mask and clearing it, taking regulators out and putting them back in, sharing air with buddy, etc.
Wednesday: Pool. More of what we did Tuesday plus practicing emergency ascent without mask, pretending like we were out of air(in the deep end), sharing air, etc.
Thursday: Class. Took our final exam.

I did all of these things with ease. I scored a 96 on the exam and felt really comfortable with the underwater tasks.

Saturday rolled around and that meant it was time to test our skills in the open water.

What could go wrong, I thought to myself... Welp, a lot.

We arrived at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Texas. We were using the quarry at the ranch for our test. It's relatively more clear than the lake and we wouldn't have to hike a mile to get in the water. Lake Travis.

Oh and I almost forgot. The water was 54 degrees... That's 14 degrees colder than Barton Springs, for those of your familiar. Basically effing cold!

We wedged ourselves into wetsuits, hood, gloves and boots and jumped in. I'd say there was at least 40 extra pounds strapped to me. I was already feeling a bit claustrophobic with all the extra gear, but nonetheless, survived the first descent, less a nose bleed.

Next up, our second descent. This time we were to descend to the platform, and do some of the tasks preformed in the pool earlier that week. We were told to flood our masks half way, and all the way. These weren't difficult for me. Next we had to take our regulators out and put them back in(all while being underwater 25 ft!!!!). This is where I had a problem. I take the regulator out, go to put it back in, and my mouth doesn't completely seal over it.

I breath in gulps of water and my mask starts to flood. Cue freak out mode.

You can only imagine how I must be feeling. Of course I panic and immediately start to swim to the top, instructor by my side. He's feeding me air bubbles at this point as I'm fleeing upward, trying to breath out the whole way up (at least I remembered that part. You can cause your body a lot of harm when you hold your breath and ascend to the surface.) But of course on the way up I'm trying to get little snip-its of air but I just keep sucking in water. It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I'm tearing up as I write this because I was so frightened!!! :(

Talk about living out a worst nightmare...

I got out shortly after that and just felt like a complete failure. Everyone else had completed all the tasks, and stayed in while I had to get out and sit by myself and warm up.

I guess scuba isn't for everyone especially me! I was really sad afterwards because I felt like I let a lot of people down that were counting on me.(Scott, instructor, other classmates). But in the end, I needed to do what I needed to do, and that was whatever made me feel comfortable. I wasn't comfortable scuba diving. My ears hurt, I had a major scare, three bloody noses, uncomfortable attire, etc. Sadly, it's just not for me.

I think I'll stick to snorkeling...

And to end on a good note...

A funny looking picture of Scott!

I'm very proud that he powered through all of the training and was able to get certified!

Maybe this isn't the end of my scuba experience, but for now, I'll say it is.

That's a fake smile.

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.

This is my first time linking up with Stephanie for Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. I'm so excited to show you what I've come up with!

Original Pin: The "state canvas"

annnnnd my creation:

This whole idea started when I was compiling options for my in-laws 40th Anniversary. I saw variations of the state canvas on Pinterest, Etsy, and Red Envelope(all for really high prices). I decided to try my hand at making one, personalizing it to them. MiL grew up in Iowa, FiL grew up Connecticut and they met and found love in Minnesota during college. 

Step by step instructions: 

1. Buy canvas and paint. I used 18x18 and plain acrylic paint

2. Paint canvas, at least two coats. 

3. Print out pictures and trace on to the canvas with pencil.

4. Paint the insides(very carefully!) I did three coats.

5. Ta-da! Your master piece is finished!

Making this was fun, relatively easy, and didn't cost an arm and a leg. But most of all, it's special to them. I love the way it turned out! I want to try another one! Maybe a silhouette of Scott and I? 

 

Bridal Shower

Hello friends, I am back and ready to share my bridal shower with you! I finally got the pictures back, sorry they weren't taken with a fancy camera, but they're pictures nonetheless!

Let me tell you, my friends and family know how to make a bride feel loved/blessed/special... Like I'm overwhelmed by the love these ladies showered me with last Saturday. We made memories that I will cherish!

The day went something like this...Everyone arrived between 2 and 2:30. We munched on yummy chips, veggies, dips, taquitos, nuts and wraps oh and I can't forget the sweet bundtini's (pictured below). We played a few games, one of them being "Guess how many" and the other "How well do you know the bride" quiz. Some of the answers were hysterical. My MOH scored the highest with 10/15 right. Needless to say, it was pretty tough! We then went on to opening gifts, my bridesmaids being first. They scored custom hangers for the day of, and coach purses...They were upset they didn't get two piece velour suits, but a purse would suffice. Then it was my turn to ascend the mountains of gifts set aside for me. It took quite a bit of time, but I'm oh so grateful for them. Our house is starting to look more and more adult with all of our new matching goodies! Matching silverware, dishes, drinking glasses, wine glasses, and list goes on. SO MUCH FUN!

Ok, now are you ready for a boat load of pictures? Here you go!

Me and my bridesmaids with our dress of hangers. Isn't it funny how Bailey and Anne are wearing pretty much the same thing?! Down below is me and my mom and my two grandmas, maw maw and mee maw! I love those ladies.

Pictures of my bridesmaids opening their gift from me and some other shower guests... Love baby Elliott!

Some highlights: hot plate, "Scott & Brooke Hamilton" wall hanging, white wavy bowl, "Austin" apron, Butter dish!, "Hamilton" tote!, and antique bracelet. 

 

My rehearsal dinner dress, a new bathing suit for the honeymoon and a VS gift card ;) and much much more!

Last but certainly not least, pictures of me with the shower hosts.

My mom, Aunt Sally and Aunt Kim put this shower together for me and I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. From all the little details, to the special gifts I received. Speaking of which, I wanted to share two special things I got, that I will be wearing on my big day.

First being diamond stud earrings. Let me give you some back story. I chose my date to be April 20th, because I wanted April, and a Saturday, and it also my Aunt and Uncles Anniversary. I thought it would be special to share our Anniversaries. This was the note I got with the earrings:

"I am so happy you have found such a wonderful man to share the rest of your life with. As we go forward and share our 'Anniversary Day' I'm sharing with you a gift that I received from Uncle Jeff many years ago on one of our Anniversaries. I hope you love them as much as I do. I wish you health and happiness and a little 'sparkle' for the future!" 

I can't come up with the words for how thankful I am. I was completely shocked when I opened these up. and yes, there were tears shed when I read this to everyone...It made me quite emotional!

That's not the only piece of jewelry I opened up... My mom passes her 150 year old antique bracelet down to me. It was given to my grandma from her cousin when she was little girl. It was then given to my mom for her wedding and my Aunt Kim used it for hers. I adore this heirloom bracelet, and will wear it as my something old on my wedding day.

Wow, sorry for such a long winded post. If you stuck around, I thank you! It was oh so fun reliving that day!

Weekend Shenanigans!

This weekend was a blast, to say the least! I am counting my blessing on this Monday morning. I saw/felt/gave so much love over the weekend. Let me recap!

Friday started off by catching up with my BFF, Bailey. She came into town for my bridal shower, so it was fun giving her all the deets on the wedding plans thus far. We also took a surprise trip up to iFly for her Boyfriend's Belated Birthday celebration! It's an indoor skydiving facility(seriously, what will they think of next?!) If you're in Austin, I highly recommend it. Scott and I didn't get to do it this time, but watching them was hysterical! I can't wait to try it myself! Lord knows I won't be doing the real thing!

 

How awesome is that?!

Afterwards, we went to our neighborhood hole in the wall, and it was like a high school reunion! So fun running into everyone there, just like old times.

Saturday I celebrated my good friend Aly, at her Bridal shower. I love that girl! We've been planning our weddings together ever since we got engaged and I can't tell you how awesome it's been to share advice, struggles, celebrations with someone else going through the same thing you are. It was great seeing her and all of our friends together.!

Later that day, it was my turn! We had actually planned our showers on the same day, imagine that! They were at different times, so it worked out nicely. My shower was hosted by my mom, Aunt Kim, and Aunt Sally. They did such a great job! I was so surprised with how everything turned out. But more on that later this week. I can't wait to show y'all the pictures and share some special gifts I received. The ladies in my life  really know how to make me feel loved!

Just a preview of the little bunt cakes that we had. They were so yummy!

Sunday I witnessed my in-laws beautiful vow renewal. It was their 40th Anniversary. What inspiration! I'm going to do a special post on that too!

I hope y'all had a fun weekend as well!
I'm linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans!

Wedding Update: wedding crafts

I realize that I haven't been around these parts in quite a while, but I did want to show you what I've been up to!

Wedding planning is in full swing now, and I've been having fun crafting and giving personal touches to some big day details...

A few weeks ago, some of my family got together to help me with our wedding guest favors. I had this vision of making take away flower seed packets ever since we got engaged. I figured since our wedding is in April I could go with the theme "Spread the Love." This is how they turned out.

I got the stickers and the little paper bags from where else, etsy, for a very reasonable price! Find the paper bags here. The stickers here.

We chose to do escort cards rather than placement cards for seating. Since we are having a buffet, it's easier to just have tables than a specific seat. This is what I've come up with.

 I jazzed up little clothes pins. I'll use them to hang the tags on the line.

I got the inspiration from pinterest, here. I found the tags from etsy, here and the clothes pins/flowers from Hobby Lobby.

When I went to look for guestbook ideas, I saw all sorts of cutesy things like finger print trees, little note card trees and recipe boxes. Really cute! But I thought it was a little out there for my guests and my style, so I went the more traditional route and got a guestbook. It was really cute as it was, being crochet, but I wanted to give it some customization for our wedding colors. Here's the finished product.

What do you think? I hope you brides(or future brides) found some inspiration from these ideas!