End and a Beginning

I have felt as though a huge part has been missing since I stopped blogging.  I keep thinking I need to start something and then I'm just unable to figure out where to start.  So here's to the end of abandonment!

And I'll begin with sharing some of our special wedding day.  Special it was.  Low-stress it was not.  With a car accident, family kerfuffles and not enough sleep, I can't imagine that I came out of it alive (or anyone for that matter).  But everyone survived, all is well, and we're married!  

Weekend Wedding Projects

Here it is, Friday already.  And exactly six weeks until the wedding!  My family is staying for the weekend and helping get some decorations and other things put together.  I'm previewing some projects we'll be working on.

  I received the flowers for the bouquets/boutonnieres so we'll get those done.  It will look somewhat like this, but with a lot of greenery.

Then these pom-pom vines.  I've been dying to have these for my wedding ever since I saw them almost a year ago.  I've made a little one just to see how it would turn out and it did well!  

And of course, some bunting flags.  I've seen this trend recently and simply could not get away without having some at my own wedding.  

Basically, my wedding theme is outdoor rustic color and fun.  I've been nervous about pulling it all together but I've got the big picture in my brain.  Hopefully it works out that way!    

Such big news!

I have been meaning to post since I returned home from vacation but have been terrible about finding time. Anyway-- I'm getting married! That's right! Erik proposed while on vacation. We hiked to the top of table rock in the Medford, Oregon area and as we were taking a break he brought out a jewelry box with the most beautiful engagement ring inside. I just am beside myself with excitement!

The date is set for October 22nd of this year! So soon, but as college graduation is coming up so soon it seemed like the best time. We are planning it at my grandparents cabin with a rustic/vintage theme. As my projects start coming together, I will be sure to post pictures. Bunting and pom pom vines are on the way!

As school began, construction was happening on our apartment and we decided to move. We have a much larger apartment now with a laundry room included(no more hanging clothes in the living room!). It was a crazy labor day weekend but I'm feeling less overwhelmed by noise and doors getting boarded over ( I will post photos of that ASAP as well). So all in all, things are fabulous here. In all this planning and moving I am reminded to remain thankful for everything.

I hope your new school year/Fall has begun well!

Making Meaning

Again, it's been too long.  When summer began I was sure there would be more time for blogging but in fact it seems there is less.  That, or nothing to discuss.

Do you find yourself regretting the way you spend your days?  I've been working on making each day meaningful but there are sometimes when I get to the evening and am utterly disappointed with how I wasted my time.  Wasted it watching tv, sitting on the couch, moping around, etc.  When there are all these piles of laundry surrounding me, yoga classes I could be attending or unfinished sewing projects sitting at my workspace, I feel like I could have done something far more worthwhile.

But what if I don't feel like it?

It's only until we see the consequence of our decisions that we realize that we do feel like it--we just forgot until it was too late.

Take time today to find meaning.  Do something.  Enjoy the outdoors.

A Return To Veganism

Yes, it has yet again been a while.  After the chaos of finishing up Summer courses, I needed to deep clean my home, work a few extra hours and then I ended up on vacation for several days.  I just keep putting off this post!

Almost two weeks ago, I chose to return to a vegan diet for a short time.  Only for a month to start and I'll see how it goes.  In the past when I chose to become a vegan, my health greatly improved so I'm hoping that this time it will do the same.  I have the common "but I don't want to live without cheese" syndrome, especially since I work in a place that has such a wide variety of delicious cheeses.  So perhaps once I get through this month I will keep things cut back.

I've been reading "The China Study" which is a very detailed book about the correlation between nutrition and cancer, specifically how animal protein effects the development of cancer.  It's incredibly fascinating and has me rethinking some of the things I eat.    The arguments in the book are compelling and the author seems to have spent decades researching the topic, but knowing whether or not it's valid is hard to completely figure out.  One never knows since these days all sorts of people write completely ridiculous diet books that take the world by storm and in the end cause only harm.

On the vegan note, I wanted to link a blog that I found today when looking for a good soy yogurt recipe.  For those who already are vegan or toy with the idea, it's a great place to find healthy vegan recipes (as some can be complete junk).  Check out FatFree Vegan Kitchen.