:: High Five for Friday::

 Yeayyyy.... it's finally Friday! 

This week has been a whirlwind or renovations, planning, & cleaning. Lots of exciting things going on around here!  I am extra excited to host a garage sale tomorrow & prepare for my little sis to arrive on Sunday!

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::Linking up with Lauren @ My Grey Desk::

 Top 5 of the week:

1. Had a wedding hair trial done by my dear friend & sorority sister.

Kelsey drove all the way from Orlando to come and try a style on my hair! She is such an amazing person & a very talented stylist!!!

2. We got a "new to us" washer & dryer!!

I am extra thankful about these because it means no more laundromat! Between college dorms and efficiency living, I've had a fair share of public machines. I can't wait to do the first load. 

3. We picked out the paint colors for the new home!!

We are looking to go neutral throughout & light seafoam in our master. Have I mentioned that we are coastal living freaks?? 

4. Found out that my wedding dress is finally done being made!!

One year & a half years later, I got the call!! I thought the day would never come! Can't wait to try it on for mom & sis next week. 

 {via}

5. I bought a new book on facing fears & trusting God.

Lately, I have been struggling with the adjustment of living in a "big girl house" by myself, until we get married in November. God is always watching out though. This week, He has been giving me the strength I need to face my fears! Without Him I am nothing.

Have a sweet weekend!!!

Vintage Christmas

A few months ago, my grandmother called me  & told me about something she had found.

The back-story: I love everything & anything vintage. I love thrifting and I love family valuables.

She had found her mother's {my great grandmother's} 1959 glass Christmas ornaments 

& wanted to pass them down to me. 

I love pieces that have a story & can't wait to hang them up this year. 

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Have you ever had anything passed down?

Wreath Tutorial

For my future {s-i-l}'s bridal shower, we wanted to give something unique.

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What you will need:

- 2 bundles of yarn (team colors)

- Wooden letters

- Acrylic paint

- Paint brushes

- Hot glue gun

- Scissors

- 14x2 inch Styrofoam wreath

1. Paint the letters with the lightest of the two colors. I did 3 coats.

2. Once the letters dry, tape diagonal stripes on top. I used scotch tape because it was all I had, but masking tape is better.

3. Now, fill in the non-taped areas with the darker paint color.

4. Let paint dry completely. Once dried, remove the tape. You can now add whatever you would like free hand. I choose to add white polka dots and stripes.

This photo was taken before I went in and straightened all the lines. Once you figure out which direction you want to go with the design, you will then need to go over it again to perfect it. I did about 3 coats on each stripe and dot.

5. Next, mark you wreath into 6 equal sections with a pencil.

6. Now, take the wreath and begin wrapping the sections one at a time alternating colors. I did 2 layers of yarn per color to make it appear fuller.  When you get to the end of each color, glue down the loose yarn to the back of the wreath with your hot glue gun.

7. Once completely wrapped with yarn, glue on wooden letters. You can place them anywhere on the wreath. I choose the bottom left.

{Enjoy}

Custom orders always welcome too!

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Here is a peak of the gift at the  shower.  

My {b-i-l} is obviously overly excited about this one!

If you have any questions on the tutorial, do not hesitate to ask!

Our new home!

{Taken in the parking lot of the title company right after we closed!}

It's finally ours!!

We are still in shock & so thankful for this blessing and opportunity.

The past 5 days have been spent working on our new home & thanks to all of our family's help, the process has flown by!

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I think I am mostly excited about the "office"!

 It's my absolute favorite room & I cannot wait to have a new blogging spot.

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Renovation & Updates coming soon!

My life.

Today I am in the mood of you getting to know me a little better...

My hope is to leave you feeling like we're friends, even if we live miles apart.

So, let's jump right in. 

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::Where were you born & what is your background?

Tampa, Florida. 

I am Cuban & Italian. Yes, we have a huge family & like food. It's in our blood.

:: Siblings?

 I have 2 sisters.

{One older} 18 months older. A newly wed, music teacher & fellow Miami resident.

{One younger} Seven and a half years younger.

 Finishing middle school, dancer, fellow {Marcel the Shell} lover.

I love my sisters. They are my best friends.

:: What was college like for you?

I went to both Florida Atlantic University & Florida International University in South Florida. I got a BSW (Bachelor's in Social Work) and interned for The Department of Children & Families. I joined Alpha Xi Delta. Learned to lead. Made life long best friends.  Met my prince charming. Lived on my own. Found myself.

:: Where do you live?

Miami, Florida - Tropical, sunny, lively Miami. I have lived here for a little over a year & have been exploring it every chance. If you are ever in the area and need some recommendations, I can help! I have discovered some pretty cool spots.

:: Prince charming?

Yes, his name is Gabriel or Gaby for short. I met him three and a half years ago in Boca. We were introduced by {my sorority sister} - {his cousin}. We met on a Saturday morning near the Atlantic Ocean. It was sort of a blind date...and we all know how those go. We were shy. We were awkward.

His version: love at first site.

My version: hmmm big, football player. Not convinced.

Kidding of course. Well, sort of.

Anyway, after truly getting to know him, I found out what an amazing, humble, responsible & God fearing guy he was. I was hooked. We fell in love. I moved closer to him. We got engaged.

:: Wedding Plans?

I have been engaged for over a year now. We decided to have a long engagement because I was planning on going to grad school. We will be getting married this November on a small farm on the West Coast of Florida. Mhmm just thinking about it excites me.

:: What do you do for a living?

After I graduated, I felt called in a different direction. I love working with children & love helping people! So I landed a job at a Christian School as an assistant in the event planning office. In August, I will be an assistant teaching 1st grade on the elementary campus to see how I like it while I get certified.

I also nanny, bake, craft & graphic design on the side. This is my fun work.

Eventually, I want to be a full time mommy, home maker & ministry worker. Old fashion right? I love it.

:: Faith?

Yes, I love Jesus. I try to live as an example to those around me, although I often fall short. Everyday I want to be more Christ like. I know He is in full control of everything & He shows me this on a regular basis.

I go to an awesome church - Calvary Chapel Kendall & love it.  My favorite part is the small groups. Have you ever been to a small group? They are truly life changing.

:: Your top five goals in the next year?

1. Get married & be a good wife.

2. Move & renovate our new little house.

3. Grow a vegetable garden.

4. Host many dinner parties.

5. Figure out the Lord's calling for my career path.

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Well, there you have it. A little about me. I hope you leave feeling more like a friend, even if we've never met.

Have a beautiful rest of your day!