Themed Date Night

It was my week to plan date night. I really wanted it to succeed....so naturally, I added a theme : )
See below:

There were 3 chapters.

Introduction: Met Mr. Fleece outside of his building:

Chapter 1: Happy Hour at "The Bookstore Bar" Super chill vibe. I loved all the books around the room. Delicious burger & pulled pork sandwich!!

Chapter 2: Trip to The Seattle Public Library. It is very modern & neon & sleek. We browsed through some books, visited the red room (found "my name" on one of the walls), & went up 5 or so escalators!

Chapter 3: Read at home. Our friends gave us the book "What did you Expect?" when we first got married. So far we've read that we need God's grace, wisdom, and scripture to live out our marriage well. 

Epilogue: We watched this little clip for old times sake (& to complete the theme!). We were both in this musical our senior year : )

Happy reading.

-SJW

PS All photos were taken with my NEW iphone!

Better than Martha Stewart

Mr. Fleece's mother is wonderfully talented. If I were to make her resume, here's what I'd share:

She cooks:

Beef bourguignon!

She collects:

She counted 50+ collections in her house!

She crafts:

She made this entire structure to showcase their family trips!

She decorates:

She paints:

She stamps:

She sews:

She made all the pillows & the slipcover!!!

She makes signs:

She makes jewelry:

Fun words stamped into pennies!

She makes cards:

I love the giraffe!

2 things I specifically want to copy her in:

1. The collecting & displaying of pins. I think this is a unique way to display vacations, trips, activities, & achievements. Plus pins are small & inexpensive. Imagine having this many mugs or shot glasses...pins are a smarter souvenir : )


2. Diligently taking pictures & categorizing them by year, family member, or vacation. I want to start & do one for Mr. Fleece's & my first year of marriage : )

Aside from her skills & creativity, she's also sweet & kind. Plus she knows how to raise great children : ) 

I'm glad to have her as my mother-in-law. 

-SJW

Calendar Catch-up

Happy Happy New Year. Two Thousand Thirteen.

Mr. Fleece & I had a great Christmas in Texas. We stayed with both of our parents & enjoyed our first married Christmas. Here's a taste of our agenda: play Rummikub (an awesome game), open presents, eat 100 cookies, see Les Mis, hike, meet up with best friends, indulge in a bunch of home-cooked meals, enjoy family.

 Mr. Fleece & I had a superb New Year's Eve in Seattle. We helped host a Progressive Dinner. Party started at 5:30 & went till midnight. 3 houses & 3 courses led to 1 sleepy couple.

Mr. Fleece & I had a fantastic New Year's Day in Snoqualmie. We went skiing with two of our friends & didn't break any bones : ) This may have to become a new tradition...

& since it's the trendy thing to do...here are my non-dieting/non-exercising/non-vague New Years Resolutions:

- Learn to ski (check!)
- Learn some basic graphic design skills (for cards/invitations/& blog)
- Read through The Chronicles of Narnia
- Interview at least 10 people
- Take more mini-vacations (Vancouver, Boise, Whidbey Island, San Juan Islands, Oregon Coast, Leavenworth, The Tulip Festival)
-Make a wedding book album/coffee table book
-Stick to a budget
-Grow my hair out : )

Bring on the graphic design knowledge because I definitely did this is word. 

Raising my mimosa to new calendars,

-SJW

Don't Buy a New One.

New Year's Eve implies many things: black-eyed peas, fireworks, champagne, & of course, a cute cocktail dress. While it's fun to go looking for a new piece to debut for the new year, I want to suggest another option. Try looking for an old dress from your closet that you can wear in a new way.

Example: Delia's Blue Cheetah Print Dress (purchased at a thrift store).
This flowy statement dress is actually made up of 3 separate pieces:
1. Outer layer.
2. Slip
3. Belt

 Change-up #1
I took the sleeves from the outer layer & wrapped them around my waist to create a skirt. I've seen this done with oversized men's dress shirts.

Change-up #2
I took the outer layer off completely, leaving just the slip. I used the belt to accent my waist.

Change-up #3
I simply tucked one of the sleeves in to make a one-shoulder dress! Adds some fun flair.

 Now I have a few different looks to play with : )

Cheers,

-SJW

DIY: Super Easy Centerpiece

Christmas is over, but winter has just begun! Here's a quick and easy idea for a centerpiece to get you through the winter months. It's naturalistic, minimalistic, & artistic!

Step 1: Collect pine cones.

Step 2: Spray paint them white.

Step 3: Place the pinecones in a large vase.
Step 4: Tie a ribbon around the vase.

(Step 5: Make dinner & enjoy your centerpiece)

 

-SJW

Newlywed Christmas

Happy to be spending this Christmas with Mr. Fleece & both of our families.
 

Our little last-minute tree. 

2012 Christmas Card.

Merry Christmas y'all!!

-SJW

Holiday Hiatus

My updated desktop background:

Eating cookies, opening presents, & spending time with family & friends,

-SJW