my brother got married

My brother got married this past weekend! In one word, the wedding was perfect {at least that is how I hope the bride and groom felt} Everything went smooth, things ran on time, everyone looked stunning, and there was a genuine aura of happiness in the air. To say I would do the wedding a million times over is an understatement. My brother and sister exude love and it is so easy to get wrapped up in a weekend of wonderfulness with their love and happiness at the center. They are two of my favorites. Jancye looked beautiful. I am not saying this because I am biased, or trying to earn brownie points, but easily one of the most gorgeous brides I have seen.

PJ {pre-Jancye} time, Mitch was an incredible guy, no doubt, one of my favorites. But something about when Jancye came along did something happen to my brother, and in the best way possible. He loved deeper, laughed more, and worked harder than I have ever seen him work, because he had a desire to provide for her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to him, by far. He is perfect for her and her for him. They complete each other, something I have never seen until in a couple until them.

Jancye is smart, funny, extremely thoughtful and easily one of the nicest people I have ever met. When Mitch was asked his favorite thing about J, it was her ability to always see the good in people and never the bad. And it is so true. I have always wanted a sister and I don’t think I could have been any luckier with my first sister even if I picked her out myself. She is one I can laugh with, cry with, and I am sure one day swap stories about husbands and babies. She is pretty great.

So to Mitch & Jancye, thank you for being a wonderful couple and having the best wedding. You two are pretty incredible and I am thankful every day to have you in my life. The sappy blog post is because I was too emotional to tell you all of this this past weekend J

via

^ my favorite picture of them ever ^

Pinterest Tips

While Pinterest is any easy place to store genius ideas, gorgeous homes, and delicious recipes.-how many of those are actually tested and tried. Below are a few I have tried out and my honest opinions on them.

1. 2. 3.

CocoPPA App-I enjoyed playing around with it and seeing what was available but I don't feel "safe" keeping it on my iphone. In order to start an app it goes through a "process" that kind of looks like it is connecting to the internet, which then takes longer to open the app. I ended up deleting all that I added. Not worth the time. 

Grade :: C

Leather Jacket, White Tee, Flared Jeans, Cute Shoes - LOVED this outfit. Comfy, casual, cute. So simple to throw together and can be paired with fun accessories and a cute purse. 

Grade :: A+

Teeth Whitening System-It works well! I recommend making your paste solution to use for a couple times, otherwise, it gets somewhat time consuming. I would compare the results to Crest White Strips.
Grade :: A-

4. 5. 6.

 Taco Seasoning-Once I found out what really is in packaged taco seasoning I started to rethink if taco seasoning was needed. Once I ran across this recipe I knew that not only was it needed, but it is super easy to make since having all ingredients on hand. Definitely make the recipe in bulk and I always use more than what is called for. Store extras in freezer and have available any time.

Grade :: A 

Make Up Brush Cleaning- LOVED it. I ended up loving the feel of my brushes better after washing it like this then right after I first bought them. Be prepared tho, some brushes took about 24 hours to dry.
Grade :: A+

Leg Workout- I did this round of workouts the other night and not only were my legs burning but I was sweating more than I had previously running 4 miles. Great exercise that leaves you feeling great but not to the point you can't walk the next day.

Grade :: A

Friday Letters

It is finally the weekend. Sometimes I am thankful for slow weeks at work. Reenergize, refresh, cross some personal things off the list. Weeks when you are looking so forward to the weekend does not make it acceptable to have a slow week. Cheers to Friday!

Dear Kansas City-You & I are going to reunite in about 4 hours. To say I am excited is an understatement. I thrive on familiarity and you are just what I need. Familiar streets, favorite restaurants, suburban running trails. If you could shape up the weather, it would be the perfect weekend.

Dear Family & Friends- Oh I cannot wait to see every single one of you. Hug, laugh, catch up, drink wine, enjoy time together, see growing baby bumps. I miss all of you a lot. When I am super busy, I don't realize how much I need all of you. Well now I do and it is too much for words!

Dear Gap- Why do you have to make the best jeans ever. I boycotted you most of my life. You were a little too much for this babysitters salary. Now, your outlet is 10 minutes from me. You fit me like a glove. Which leads me too...

Dear White Jeans- We are experiencing a love/hate relationship. Love because you are beautiful and springy and a perfect addition to outfits. Hate because you stress me out. Slip on some white jeans and you are a magnet for dirt, coffee, dirty hands. Too much. Update: I have never broken a bottle of nail polish in my life--so naturally, when do I break my first. When I am wearing white pants!

Dear Gym- We are in a very committed relationship right now. We see each other 5-6 days a week. Thats more than I can say for any other relationship of mine. Can we work on where the weight is being lost tho? I have areas where I would love to work on, just leave my gluteus maximus alone. I am quite fond of that area and you just keep making it smaller. Lets work on, say, the thighs or tummy. Anywhere but the butt. Jeans fit better with a butt.

Dear Weekend- You are shaping up to be the best one yet! Baby showers, Royals Opening Day, dinners out, seeing old friends, the ACM's. So much wonderful in one weekend!

Happy Friday!

Things I'm Loving

1.

After searching high and low for the perfect leather jacket, this wins, in black tho.

2.

Loving nude nail polish for spring. 

3.

Best running shoes I have owned. 

4. 

Colbie Caillat Pandora. On repeat. In the morning. At night. All the time. Do it, you won't regret it. 

5.

Spring flowers are needed for this long winter.

6.

Splurge of the year.

7.

Cannot wait for Opening Day. 

8. 

With a little bit of chilly weather left, pairing layers and unexpected items. 

he was a good man.

 

this world lost a wonderful man this week.

on Wednesday, my uncle lost a battle with time.

it was quick, it was emotional, and it was unexpected.

we will forever remember him.

he was a good father. husband. uncle. brother. papa. friend. employee.

the list could go on and on.

tomorrow we will celebrate his life.

we will gather together, remembering all of the good times we had with “Toad”.

we will cry, laugh, smile, and embrace the short 59 years he graced this earth with his presence.

 

Uncle Toad was always in a good mood. 

he loved being around his family and we are a big family to be around.

he seemed to cherish every moment when this big, loud, rambunctious family gathered together.

he always had the ability to put a smile on your face.

I will miss him being there to liven up the party (not that this family needs any help)

in this family, you work, and then you learn to work harder.

he exuded that in every aspect of his life.

at his job, taking care of his car or his lawn, or his ability to love.

he is the epitome of “work hard, play harder”.

after this week, I think we will all embrace time a little more.

we will hug a little longer.

we will say more I love you’s.

we will stop worrying about other things and start worrying about spending time together.

he will be extremely missed.

my heart hurts thinking about him not being here anymore.

my heart breaks for the family members he has left behind.

but, my heart rejoices knowing he is in a better place.

my heart contains great joy knowing he is with God, his dad, brother, brother and sister-in-laws and that we will see him again one day.

and because life is better with country music, I thought of him when I heard this song on my way home from Iowa. it will always make me think of him.

I don’t need a whole lot of money

But I wouldn’t turn a lottery down

I just need a little green in my pocket

So I can buy my buddies a round

All I want is a place to lay my head with the woman I love lyin’ in my bed

Kind of understated

My dreams aren’t that complicated…

I wanna be the one

When all is said and done

Who lived a good life, loved a good wife, and always helped someone in trouble

On the day they lay me down

I want everyone to gather ‘round

And say he was a father, brother, neighbour and a friend

He was a good man!

When I’m gone, I wanna leave a legacy

Of love and laughs and honesty behind me

Behind me…

love you uncle toad.

could it be love?

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to work out at least three times a week.

I always make resolutions and never stick to them. Just like I always give up something for lent, and in all my years of existence, I have never succeeded in completing the 40 days.

This year, since I documented them and shared them here, I feel like I am being held more accountable for them. Every time I see my brother he asks how the gym is. It is nice to have them out there so you feel like you really need to stick to them or you are letting more than yourself down.

So this year, workout 3x a week. It was a simple resolution that was turned into somewhat of an addiction. I wouldn't say I am totally dependent yet.

Since we are now 11 weeks in to the year, I have decided to document my progress.

11 weeks in and I have only failed one week so far. I have been pretty impressed with myself. Most weeks, I am making it 5x a week, other weeks, that is just not possible.

I have found myself enjoying the gym. I enjoy seeing the same faces depending on the time of day I go. I enjoy the adrenaline and energy I have after a good workout. I love the feeling of pride I have in myself after a good run. (I have not enjoyed the excess amount of laundry I now have)

I have always been active and in relatively good shape. In high school, I could eat whatever I wanted and never thought about it. In college, I found myself in jobs where I walked a lot, so I never stressed about hitting the gym. I gained weight in college but never to the point where I felt out of control of my body.

The day I graduated college though, I swear a switch flipped. Like my body accepted I was an adult and was going to make me pay for it. I started work, and more days than not I sat at a desk doing computer work. Being sedentary all day will kick your booty.

So fast forward to New Years. Resolution made and goal weight set.

My realistic goal is 12 pounds. My overzealous goal is 22lbs. For my body type and the way I want my body toned, 12 is logical (since muscle weighs more than fat :-) ).

Eleven weeks in, I am down 4.5. But I am more proud of the time, determination and love for running that I have gained from this.

I really hated running before. Running and I never have gotten along. In high school, I could play sports all day but throw me out to run 2 miles and I would keel over and die. Now I am running 32 minutes continuously. That isn't much. Marathon runners would laugh at that. But for me, 32 minutes, which translates to 3.5 miles, is a huge accomplishment. Something I am proud of. Now I will strive to never have to start back at the starting line. To never go back to the beginning.

It seems like when your body is telling you you can't, your mind is yelling you can't, and the world doesn't care if you can, you strive to make it happen. You strive to prove to all, that you are stronger and have more perseverance then ever before.

How to Paint Chevron Stripes

Chevron strips are all the rage right now. Well they were when I came up with this idea, but the time I executed it, who knows. My mind tends to work that way; think ahead but wait a long time to put it in to action. I definitely put the pro in procrastination.

I love chevron. Anything I can get in chevron stripes, I will be a happy camper. So naturally when repainting my room and redoing Olivia's room I wanted to add chevron on the wall. It makes a big impact I believe in my opinion.

After searching for DIY instructions on many different websites, I couldn't find one with the dimensions I needed. I wanted my chevron strips long and a little bit flatter. Rather then tight together and pokey, if that makes sense! So here is my simple, not so simple to explain instructions.

First, figure out your measurements. I knew I wanted them longer so I figured out what distance between the peaks would be best and how thick I wanted them. The diagram below shows my measurements. 27" between peaks and 9" thickness.

Next find the middle of your wall. On my bedroom walls I wanted them to go to the floor so I started at the top of my wall, right in the middle. For Olivia's, we were only going 2/3 the way up the wall so I found the bottom, center, so that the stripes would land perfectly at the bottom.

In the middle of your wall, make a mark. That is where you first, top peak will be. Measure 9" down from that and that is where the bottom of that chevron will be.

From there, center of your wall measure 13 1/2" over on each side and then 4 1/2" down from there. That is where the down peaks will be, so measure down 4 1/2" down from 13 1/2" marks.
(27/2=13 1/2 :: 9/2=4 1/2)

From there, continue that on each side of your wall. The first stripe will be the hardest so be patient with this one.

From there, you will continue to measure down 9" from each peak. You can either make all your markings at once, or do one stripe and tape and then continue. I recommend doing all your marks at once so your tape does not throw you off.

Once all markings are made, start taping! Be sure to know what stripes are going to be what color so you account for the tape. You want them to all be the same size so make sure your tape is placed properly.

Once taped, take a razor blade and ruler and cut your tape where the corners intersect. To save you time you only have to cut the edges on the inside of the stripes that will be painted a different color.

Once you are all taped, seal your edges. Which is the most simple, most revolutionary thing for stripes. Take your wall color and paint over the tape to seal the tape, that way your stripe color cannot seep under the tape.

Once that is dry, start painting your stripes. I had to do two coats, so once your second is painted take your tape off while the paint is still wet.

Step back and enjoy your work!