Excited is an understatement

To say I am excited for this weekend is a complete understatement. This week has been so hard to concentrate! I have been waking up at all hours of the night just because I know what is coming and I cannot contain myself.

I feel like I should be spending each moment doing something wedding related. Whether it be for the wedding to come this weekend, or the wedding that's coming in 52 days.

Back to this weekend though, we will be celebrating the marriage of my beautiful BEST friend since we were babies. We are so different and so similar in so many ways. We grew up together. We played together. We had countless sleepovers in a row. We whined together. We wine together. And now, we even get to get married together! Well practically, I think within 50 days of each other is close enough to say we're doing it together. She is going to be a beautiful bride and it is going to be a beautiful wedding.

As we met for coffee last night for the last time as "as single woman," we found ourselves saying, I can't believe it's already here! This time that we will remember for the rest of our lives. It's here. She is getting married in just 3 days and will soon be a wonderful wife to a wonderful husband.

So here's to the weekend of a lifetime celebrating these two love birds!





A Furniture Makeover Success

I completed this project a few months ago, but have received several compliments on how great this piece of furniture turned out so I wanted to document my process here on the blog-o.

My inspiration for this project came from Pinterest (of course)!

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Behold, our new coffee bar!!!

It's a great way to free up some kitchen counter space

and add some decor to a random blank wall.

First, I did some blog research of my own to determine which paint, brushes and process I should follow. After staring at a paint sample color in our living room for about a month, we finally decided we were comfortable with it and headed off to Lowe's.

We settled on a small can of this rusty cranberry/raspberry color Valspar paint in semi-gloss so that it would stand up well to any spills and easily clean up. I also picked up a small container each of Zinsser Primer and Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish in clear to use as a coating on the top surface. I also picked up some foam brushes, a foam roller and several different grits of sandpaper. I already had some regular paint brushes, blue tape, tarps & gloves at home. I have learned that painting with gloves is a must!! No more having the "I have obviously been painting furniture" look on my hands & nails.

I started out by taking the dresser apart, removing the doors and hardware and setting it out on our driveway to begin sanding. Which proved to be the most arduous task. Sanding an intricate piece of furniture like this takes a loooooong time if you want to do a good job. Do you see the detail in the doors and legs? The electric hand sander was great for the flat surfaces, but I had to do all the fancy parts by hand of course.

After a good sanding and wiping the whole thing down, I was ready to prime! I painted the whole thing in 2 coats of primer (sanding once in between) to cover all the grain of the dark wood. Everything I read online said that if you want a quality painted piece of furniture, do not skimp on the sanding & priming stages. So I really took my time on these parts. I think I finished sanding and priming the first coat in one day, then sanded it again and did the second primer coat the following weekend.

A little something I learned about primer - don't use a brand new brush for primer unless you have paint thinner to clean it with... My brand new brush was ruined because the acrylic-based primer did not come out. Oh well... now I know for next time!

Then, the next weekend, I sanded again and did the first coat of color, which was so fun to see it on the actual piece of furniture! I used a regular bristle brush that worked great because the roller turned out to be annoying to use with all the curves and detail in the wood. Here you can see my set-up which was taking over half our garage for at least a month!

As you can see, I decided not to paint the inside of the shelves. I like to have a little glimpse of the "original" wood and plus I thought that sanding, priming, sanding and painting the inside shelves was a little pointless. I decided not to sand in between the two coats of color because the brush strokes were not severe.

After 2 coats of color, the following day, I applied the first coat of Minwax coating to the top surface. The trick with this was to apply a very thin coat and brush in only one direction or else it got sorta sticky and goopy. I let that dry for a few days then painted another coat of Minwax (I heard that if you didn't let it dry completely in between it got weird, so I went to the extreme).

Theeeeeen, I let it dry completely for about a week. If you don't let the Minwax dry for a long time before placing objects on the surface, it can leave marks and dents in it. After I brought it inside and set it all up, it has done great, so I would definitely recommend letting it dry outside for a while. It also kept all the fumes in the garage and our house didn't smell like paint or top coat.

I love how it turned out! I do want to get a little shelf to hang above it with hooks for our coffee mugs so they are there for easy access & some extra wall decor like from the inspiration picture above. Marc even said he might make one for me! Let's add that to the list of projects I have on his list... ;)

May Showers bring ....

a month that flys by so fast I blinked and it was June!

May was such a fun month, I want to document it all in lots of photos:

We showered a very special bride, my best friend since birth, Valerie, for her upcoming wedding this summer. Here you have all the Baldwin ladies and a Barnes, but not for long... :)

This gives you a little glimpse of the beautiful decor - lace, candles, vases, bird cages, so cute!

Opening some sexy gifts...

and some practical ones,

 

And playing a game where we asked her questions about her husband-to-be and each question she got wrong, she had to put a piece of bubble gum in her mouth - how cute is that little flower girl?! And I spy a beautiful maid of honor in there too :)

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Celebrated my soon-to-be sister-in-law's baby shower. It was an elephant theme to match the nursery and turned out so cute! Isn't she just the cutest pregnant mama?! Can't wait to welcome this little boy into the family sometime around June 24th :)

The pretty table spread - that punch was delish!

Played "Name that Poo!" where you sniff the diapers filled with melted candy and try to identify the candy bar...

 Sniffing the poo :)

Check out this adorable elephant cake Marc's cousin's wife made for us!

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And here are a couple other random fun times that filled up the month of May:

Celebrated Mother's Day with these beautiful ladies!

Visited the wedding venue for some more planning and hotel where the girls will be getting ready - here's my mom and sister being their silly selves on the rooftop terrace of the hotel. Can't wait to stay here!

Marc and I celebrated our 4 year dating anniversary and decided it was a perfect excuse to go out and race some go karts. It was a blast! I had no idea how much fun I would have skidding around corners and passing cars just like the pro's!

Stopped off on the way to plan our wedding ceremony with our officiant, my uncle, and walked across the Foresthill bridge, what a beautiful view and it was SO high up!

I got to meet this little cutie: Preslie Kay - can you see her one dimple on her right cheek? Adorable!

I started addressing wedding invitations - the date is quickly approaching!!



 

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And now to leave you with a little milestone we hit today - cue the freaking out!!

Finally!!!!

After a few months, I have finally gotten my act together with a post on our Engagement Photos!

Let me begin by explaining why it has taken me so long to get around to posting these. First, it was a much longer process than we anticipated for a few reasons:

• After some unfortunate technical difficulties on the photographer's behalf, all the photos from our first photo session were lost and we had to schedule re-takes. :( Yes, this meant that all the effort that went into round 1: hair done, makeup done, outfits dry cleaned, day off work had to be done alllllllll over again. Needless to say, it was frustrating and really drug out the whole process. After spending some time being upset about it, we decided it must have happened for a reason and showed up for the retakes knowing more about how the session would go. I skipped the hair and make-up appointments this time and just did my own, which I surprisingly ended up liking better than having them done. I think the photos from the retakes came out better than the first ones, so in the end, we were not so upset.
• Once we finally got the photos back, there were about 60 of them (which I don't really get because many more photos were taken than that... maybe the other 100 just were hideous and the photographer wanted to spare us?). We had fun looking through them all but when it came down to actually chosing which ones we wanted to print, it was so hard!
• First, the photographer offered to make our Save the Dates, which turned out really cute so we quickly ordered those and sent them out. That was the easy part.
• Then, we had to chose actual printed copies. The package we were given came with 3 8x10s and 6 5x7s and 25 digital images on a disc. It took us about 2 months to narrow it down and actually find time to sit down together to chose our favorites.
• We didn't find out until recently that the digital images will be watermarked and encrypted or something so we won't be able to print them ourselves. I guess they're supposed to be only for online use or something... We are a little disappointed about this, but at least we get high quality prints of our top favorites.
• I also wanted to order just one single print copy of all the ones we looked decent in (about 45 of them) but this turned out to be crazy overpriced, which again is disappointing and I don't understand it.

**I hope this portion didn't come out too negatively... we did enjoy having our photos taken and it we had a fun time doing it. I learned that Marc is really artistic when it comes to photography. He had no problem making suggestions for poses and those ones actually turned out to be some of our favorites! He totally surprised me! We just hope our actual wedding photos don't end up being this difficult. Which we know they won't be because we've chosen a family friend as our photographer and he's going to be great!**

Now, the part you've all been waiting for, THE PHOTOS!!!! These are just a few of our favorites --

*Yes, we did break one of my rules and make silly hearts with our hands... It was sorta like torture and really awkward... But it didn't turn out too horribly ;)

"March"ing into spring

March was a crazy month! It was a great one, but crazy! We just "March"ed right on through! ;) I want to just recap a few highlights in photos:

Celebrated a certain someone's birthday with his favorite funfetti cake!!

Sprinkles!!



  

Spent an evening in SF watching The Bay Lights. It's an awesome
light show that will be running on the Bay Bridge for the next 2 years
every evening.  http://thebaylights.org/

Hosted my grandparents and aunt & uncle for a progressive meal
where we enjoyed asparagus and goat cheese soup at my sister's then a
 panini bar and delicious green beer for St. Patty's Day at our house! Such fun
to see my grandparents before they head back to Arkansas for the summer.

My mom and I did some wedding planning/shopping on 4th Street
in Emeryville. The shops there were so cute! We got lots of ideas for
centerpieces like this beautiful succulent that was just clipped and
placed in a large vase

And I love this vase that adds a little color and the
look of wildflowers freshly picked from the garden.

Went on a work trip to Louisville, KY where I
enjoyed some delicious fish tacos and a grapefruit
cocktail at this super cool restaurant. Check out the
chandelier and the frames on the ceiling!

That was a little bit of what happened in March! Now we're on to April which will hopefully be a very very productive month! Soon, I will post updates on our home improvement projets and a story about  how our engagement photos went - not exactly how we planned, but it's all worked out!

I hope that not all dreams come true

Last night I had one of those dreams that I desperately hope will not come true, that it was not a premonition or a hint of what's to come. But as it turns out, my dream was just trying to teach me a little something. And this is why:

It was the day of our wedding to say I was unprepared would be a understatement. All I had was my dress and the bridesmaid dresses and I think the guys wore suits and the guests were due to arrive shortly! As I scrambled around looking for someone to do my hair and pick out a nail polish color, I discovered that another wedding was going to take place at the same venue on that same day. So there were all these other mischievous bridesmaids for the other wedding running around trying to get my bridesmaids drunk hit on the groomsmen. How rude of them!

As time passed quickly and my nails and hair did not get done, I accepted I was just going to put on my wedding dress and not worry about anything else. When the time came to walk down the aisle, suddenly the dream turned into the wedding rehearsal, not the actual wedding. Thank god because I was not ready for the actual wedding, however all the guests were there and I was about to walk down the aisle to Marc in my actual wedding dress and he wasn't supposed to see it until the next day. So as my sister organized the bridal party in pairs to head down the aisle, Val ran around with me in search of my shoes and a beach towel to wrap around me to hide the dress. *this part I know will be true because these ladies are my rocks and I know will be so supportive of me on the day of and those leading up to the wedding!!!*

Of course, I couldn't find my actual shoes to wear so I had to sort through like 5 pairs of other peoples' silver shoes to find some that fit. Then, I realize I have no flowers, so I grab a "bouquet" of jalapeño peppers, because they're green and no one will notice the difference! (HA!) All the while, the guests are waiting anxiously to see the ceremony start (which is confusing because I thought this was just the rehearsal!?). I finally am ready so Kathryn leads the bridal party out and Val walks me down the aisle helping me walk in these crazy shoes that don't fit, holding my pepper bouquet and making sure the towel completely hides my dress from view. What a disaster!!

THEN, as I get closer to Marc, the guests and wedding party breaks out in song and the wedding party does this awesome dance routine and it becomes the best wedding ever! I've been trying all morning to remember what song it was, but I can't remember it. I do remember that it was a fun and very likable song choice and I was so surprised and happy that everything had worked out despite the disasters leading up to this moment.

Maybe that is my take-away from this dream: it doesn't matter what I'm wearing, how my hair is done or what the flowers look like, as long as my soon-to-be-husband and our closest friends and family are there waiting for me at the end of the aisle. That is, after all, what the day is all about, celebrating our love for each other and the lifelong journey we are ready to take together. So, I need to just take a step back and don't stress about the little things, I already know the most important pieces are in place which means it will be a very special day we will remember for ever.

Happy Friday!!

The Liebster!

The Liebster award is given to an up and coming blogger who has less than 200 followers.

-RULES-

1. Post 11 random things about yourself.

2. Answer the questions that the nominator sets for you.

3. Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.

4. Nominate blogs that you love (also with less than 200 followers); Link them to your post and let them know they have been nominated.

I was nominated by Kaysie at  Chasers of Kaysers

 

 

 

Kaysie is married to a former co-worker of mine who I have kept in touch with since moving on in my career. I always follow her blog and am so happy for them as they are expecting their first child, a baby girl, Preslie Kay Marie, in April! :)  

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11 Random Things about Elizabeth

 

1.   I am a serious hypochondriac. I'm talking self-diagnosing, WebMD App addicted, I couldn't name all the things I've thought I had over the years...(a few of my paranoia bouts included: diabetes, appendicitis, tonsilitis
2.  I resisted the Twilight books and movies for the longest time. My sister read them very early on and worked hard at trying to get me on the bandwagon. It wasn't until this past year after a sick day and a Twilight marathon on TV that I finally gave in and read the books. And let me say, they are amazing! I am currently reading The Host which is written by the same author and it is so good also! 
3. I can't wait to be a mom. I am one of those people who was just born to be a mother and I can't wait to experience every moment of it. I am not trying to rush into it at all! But in a few years, when we are ready, I know we will both welcome parenthood with open arms.
4. I want to set the record for youngest retiree... but from what I've been told, don't we all?! Don't get me wrong, I love working hard and bringing home money and living a comfortable lifestyle, but wouldn't it be great to just do yoga, go shopping, go to movies and travel the world for the rest of my life? I know, dream on.
5. I am going to be an auntie for the first time this year! Marc's older brother and his wife are having a boy and due on June 22! We are so excited and ready to be the "cool" aunt and uncle :)
6. I love watching Teen Mom and16 and Pregnant... Sadly, this is very true. It's a guilty pleasure of mine. I love the drama, but I also love the babies. Who doesn't love babies??
7.  There are 209 days left until I get to marry my best friend. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him!
8. My other best friend got engaged last week and she is getting married this summer! I am so excited we get to plan our weddings together and share the journey of "wife-hood" and marriage. This is what we dreamed of when we were little girls and I am so happy for her!!
9. My sister sent out the bachelorette party save-the-dates this week and let me just say she is the most creative sister and the BEST maid of honor! The invites are hilarious and all the girls love them. It's going to be a great weekend!
10.  I already purchased 2 bikinis for our honeymoon... Even though we aren't quite sure where we are going for our honeymoon, I couldn't pass them up! Now let's work on this bikini-bod so I look just like the models in those swimsuits :)
11. We need to get so many more things done around the house that I am so overwhelmed with it all! We need to paint the hallway, the window and door trim throughout, paint the front door, organize the office, finish furnishing the house, painting the bathrooms, re-tiling the master bath, painting the kitchen, buying artwork for these bare walls... the list goes on. Ah!!

 

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My 11 Questions from Chasers of Kaysers

 

 

 1. How many siblings do you have?

2: my older brother is 30. He got married this past year in Chicago to his amazing wife (my "third" sibling - the best sister-in-law I could ask for!) and my younger sister is 22. She was my best friend and most loyal playmate throughout childhood and still is the person I can go to with anything. When we are together, we usually end up laughing until it hurts :)

 

2. What is one thing that you have done, that you never thought you would do?

 I never thought I would have a career in Sales. I was extremely shy growing up and was terrified of talking to people (on the phone or in person) so it was a huge shock to everyone in my family when my first job out of college was in Sales and so is my current job. It has really helped me to get over my shy-ness and branch out and try new things outside of my comfort zone.

 

3. Makeup or no makeup?

 MAKEUP! I have been wearing makeup nearly everyday of my life since I turned 13. That was the age my mom allowed my sister and I to wear makeup. On my 13th birthday, she took me to get a makeover at Clinique where I learned all about what types of makeup I could wear and I have not gone back. In the 13 years since I started wearing makeup, I can probably count on one hand the number of days I have left the house without mascara...

 

4. What is your worst habit?

 Interrupting. Marc does not hesitate to remind me of this. I am working on it desperately! I am really trying to become a better listener and not always but in with my own two cents...

 

5. What is your biggest fear?

 The dark. Being alone in the dark. Being attacked in the darkness when I'm alone. Just thinking about it has me all freaked out right now... I do NOT do scary movies. They seriously give me nightmares and I do not enjoy the feeling of being terrified for hours on end when I should be sleeping.

 

6. If you knew the world would end a week from today, what would you try to get done/see/say beforehand?

 Get married. Have a baby. Travel the world. It better be a long week! But those are all the things I want to experience in my life. If it were to end before I could do those, I would just be incomplete.

 

7. What is your favorite snack food?

 Ice cream! I would eat ice cream everyday if it was good for me. My favorite is the white mint chip from Breyers. It is so refreshing and tastes like real mint, not the fake green stuff Dreyers has.

 

8. How often do you wash your hair?

Every. Single. Day. My fine blonde hair gets so greasy after one day and I do not enjoy going to work looking like a slime ball so I usually wash my hair every morning. Maybe 1 or 2 times a month, I will shower the night before and use dry shampoo in the morning before work. But this does not always yield the best hair day... Also, on those Sundays when I don't even change out of my pajamas, I obviously do not wash my hair which doesn't really count because I don't go in public anyways.

 

9. What is your favorite movie of all time?

 This is a hard one. It depends on my mood. Right now,  I will have to say Pride and Prejudice (the new one with Keira Knightley). That movie is just so soothing to me. I love the soundtrack too; whenever I am having a stressful day or am just feeling down, I listen to it and it always relaxes me. It's a great story about love and family and those are the two most important things in my life. If I am looking for a good laugh: Dumb and Dumber all the way!

 

10. Do you believe in ghosts?

 Second biggest fear of all time... Ghosts freak me out. I guess the answer is yes, or else why would I be so afraid of them? I don't really like going to haunted houses or watching ghost movies - What Lies Beneath is to this day the most traumatizing movie I have ever watched. Let's just say I did not get into a bathtub for months!

 

11. Which do you like better: manis or pedis?

 Pedis. I like to paint my own nails and usually the nail polish chips so soon after that a manicure is not really worth the money to me. But a pedicure is very relaxing and they usually last me a few weeks. Lately I have really liked getting Shellac manicures though because they last a few weeks and I love having nice looking, strong nails.  

 

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My 11 Questions for You

  

1. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
2. What is your favorite meal to cook?
3. Do you exercise? If yes, how often and what is your routine?
4. What is your favorite TV show? Movie? Book?
5. What was your favorite birthday party? What did you do? What made it so special?
6. How many kids do you want to have? Why?
7. If you got the opportunity to work and live in another country, would you? What country would you choose?
8. What is your favorite thing to do with your husband, fiance, boyfriend, friend, whoever?
9. Tell me about your family.
10. What is your favorite store to shop at?
11. If you had $50,000,000, what would you do with it & why?
     
     
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My nominee for the Liebster Award

 

Alta Marie at The Bills Family aka I love us