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? 

 

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!

Ornament swap!

I had the pleasure of linking up with Rachel at Life as Mrs. and Christina at My Life, Laughs and Love for their Ornament Swap. This was my first ever ornament swap and I am very pleased with how it turned out. I had a blast getting to know my partner that I was paired up with!


I got partnered up with Tausha, the author behind Taush.0. Isn't that a clever title? I'm only assuming that's it's a play on words with the show Tosh.0, which I am a fan. So automatically, I was intrigued. As I began to read her blog, I learned that she has an adorable family that's expanding in the next month or maybe even sooner!!! She's going to be a mom y'all, to a precious baby girl! I've enjoyed reading her mommy updates, her love story with her husband Chad, and researching her adorable etsy shop where she sells cute burlap banners! Just a little info to keep in your back pocket!

I didn't get just one, but two ornaments from sweet Tausha!

About the swap... She must have read my blog for 2.5 seconds and noticed my love for my dog because her ornaments were spot on! My new puppy Melvin has literally become my best freind, so when I received these ornaments, I was thrilled.

Check out what I got her at this post!

I'm off to read what everyone else got from their swap partner! 

Random Wednesday {link up!}

In honor of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a random list of things I'm thankful for this year! Some of are more important than others, but nonetheless I'm thankful!

I'm thankful for...

• Having the chance to plan mine and Scott's wedding. Although it can be stressful at times, I'm grateful that I have a wedding to plan!
• These guys.

They make it hard for me to leave in the morning. Sorry so dark!

• Working for four hours today(and earning time), and having casual Friday on a Wednesday.



yes, I wore this to work today...

• Sour, gummy candies.
• Love and acceptance from my future in-laws. I've never met another family who is so warm and welcoming than the Hamiltons. I'm beyond blessed to call them family.
• The fact that ALL of my family lives within 30 minutes of me. Love that we are so close.
• Joining a small group of Godly women who encourage me and are helping me grow my faith.
• Melvin. 

• My job. It's such a blessing. It's low stress, entertaining(at times), easy, and I'm just plain happy with it! :)
• Coffee. And my in house barista-Scott!
• Waking up next to my future hubby every morning.
• My education and supportive family, especially Bob, my step dad! I couldn't have done it without them.
• My gym membership
• Exceptions to my closet challenge! Thanks mom!

• Scott. We have the perfect dynamic for each other. So happy God brought us together. As Scott would say, we go together like peanut butter and jelly. :)

Linking up with Shanna! Thanks for giving me an excuse to be random, girl!

Closet Challenge

I'm so excited to be linking up with Jen from The Arizona Russums for the closet challenge today! When I first found out about this challenge, I couldn't wait to try it myself. Then she made it official with a link up and I had to join in.

The concept of this challenge is to wear every piece of clothing in your closet before re-wearing it, or buying more. If you put something on, and it doesn't fit right, (and never will), then put it in the giveaway pile. Once you wear something and deem it acceptable for your closet, hang it up backwards to show you've already worn it (pictured below). It gives you a chance to mix and match the clothes you already have, without going out and buying more.

I'm doing this challenge for a couple of reason: I have too many clothes. I want more clothes. I have 0 hangers. I have $0.00 in the budget for new clothes. It would make Scott happy.

You can see my closet on the left, hangers in the top right, and my give away pile on the bottom.

So far I've given away 15 items! That means I have 15 more hangers free. But, as you can see I still have a lot more clothes to wear before I can go out and buy more. Unless it's absolutely necessary.

and since it's Wednesday, here's scenes from "What I Wore Wednesday"...

Hooray for temps being in the 40's this morning! That calls for a celebration in scarf and boot form!

Enjoy your Wednesday friends!