Year 24

As you may have guessed by my absense here, school is back in session for us FL private school teachers and the preparations have been kicking my booty! I feel like I've been playing catch up for the past week and can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

With the whirlwind of a week we had, I also managed to turn the ripe age of 24! What a blessing birthdays are. I love getting the opportunity to sit back and dream about the year that is to come! On Saturday night, my husband and I threw a small dinner party for 12 in honor of my new year. It was such a cozy and relaxing night for us all - even my family got to drive down from Tampa and join us!

We served totelina, mozarella and tomato skewers and french bread for starters, lasagna for the main, lots of wine and strawberry cheesecake icecream cake for dessert. Boy were we stuffed! Thankful for this upcoming year God has blessed me with.

An Adventurous Marriage

I'm often asked what the best part of marriage is. Marriage is a beautiful thing. A blend of love, learning, commitment, growth, changing and becoming. I believe every year you experience a different side of your marriage. Different stages of life, new found hobbies, closer connections and deeper growth.

The amount of growth that happens when your partner whole heartedly believes in you, leads you, understands your dreams and pushes you to be all that you can be never ceases to amaze me. Marriage does just that. A good, healthy, Christ centered marriage. It leaves you better off than you were before.

I truly want to bring emphasis on my take of a "Christ centered" marriage because it's the only thing has worked. Without this, we would not be where we are. His grace has allowed us to love abundantly and unselfishly. With His direction and guidance, you learn to treat your spouse with a deeper respect. You see your spouse through His loving eyes.

Then there are days when the evil root of comparison over takes my mind. I've learned this way of thinking will not lead you down the right path. Learn to love the stage you are in, whether it be marriage, singlehood or somewhere in between.

One thing Gabriel & I love about the current stage we are in, is the freedom to explore. Waking up beside each other to see what awaits. I recommend this in your marriage. Go on adventures together - in the beginning, middle and end. Experience new things. Talk to strangers. Eat great food. While doing these things, you will begin to feel an even deeper sense of oneness. Take pride in an adventurous marriage.

DIY Gift Wrap Art

A few days ago, I posted this picture on

instagram

 of an easy diy art art piece I added to my studio. For the past couple of months, I've been on the lookout for cool and eclectic prints for the little space. And while on the hunt for a December bride's envelope liners, I landed on this Rifle Paper Co. gift wrap sheet for only $4.50 + shipping.  I then bought a white matte at Michael's ($8.00) and a large 16x20 frame at Walmart for ($11.00).

My goal is to eventually have a collection on the wall of in-house and locally made prints.

Total cost of the project: $25.00

Kraft Paper + White Ink Save The Dates

When my

client and friend

first told me the direction she wanted to go in for her wedding paper goods, I was instantly thrilled. Kraft paper is all the rave these days. From market butchered papered meats to west elm bags,  you can find it all over. But kraft paper with white ink is a whole different story. This type of printing is rare and hard to come by.

And all though I shouldn't pick favorites, I have. This style of paper goods has won my heart -with its clean, simple and rustic appearance. The flowers on this card were hand watercolored by a local artist and created just for my sweet friend! Currently, we are working on the bride's invitation set that will appear similar but even more elegant.

Did I mention they live in Australia? Oh how I love that

country

.

.....

To purchase a similar set, visit us

here. 

Terra Cotta Wind Chime Revival

The other day, I was at my mom in law's house helping her prepare for upcoming house renovations, when I came across this wind chime she no longer wanted. As soon as I laid eyes on it, I saw potential!

I found my

inspiration

while on a recent trip to West Elm and decided to incorporate their Caribbean blue pallet.  A few coats of paint later, she now hangs outside our kitchen window.

I have to tell you, the painting didn't stop there. I also painted some terra cotta pots - but you'll have to wait for them to dry!

.....

How to:

1. Clean with tooth brush and soap. Let dry.

2. Paint 3 coats of white acrylic craft paint.

3. Paint accent areas with color of your choice. ( I used 2 shades of blue)

4. Allow time to dry.

This project was really simple and luckily I had everything on hand. If you want a straight color block line, you could always use painters tape. For this project, I wanted it to look raw so I decided to freehand the lines.

Happy Tuesday!