4 Month Countdown

Well, today marks 4 months until the wedding. Just 120 days now stand between me and a planning-free lifestyle!

I'm going to preface this post with: This is not intended for anyone specifically and I am not trying to be ugly....

Now, with that said: *Approach Soapbox* Here goes...

Wedding Planning, YOU SUCK! People say that this is supposed to be a marvelous time in your life and that it will all be worth it. Well, when people say that about pregnancy, I get it...you get a HUMAN BEING out of the 9 months of carrying, planning, etc. I understand that planning a wedding is not quite as physically daunting, but for the past 12 months, mentally and emotionally, it's putting me through the ringer. I do know that the day will be amazing...all 5 hours of it, I'm sure, but I don't know that I'll look back and say "wow, that was totally worth it all." Stay tuned as I'll be sure to write a post about it at that point, but like I said, I just can't imagine those words coming out of this mouth. I feel as if this has turned into Bride vs. Everyone.... All I want is for everyone to be happy, but wait a second...isn't this the one day in a woman's life that is supposed to be 100% about her? I'm writing all this down so that if I have a daughter I remember to come back and read what I felt at this time.
I pulled out my back this week (true story) and I did it from bending over backwards for everyone else (that part's just me being dramatic!). Really though, I feel like as if I am going out of my way to please my friends, bridal party, parents, in-laws, venues, vendors, dogs, cats, random strangers walking down the street....you name it! And I'm SO.OVER.IT!!!!!!

*Step down from soapbox*

Whew - thanks! Needed to get that off my chest! I resolved this week to just say ok to anything and everything. From here on out, I don't care what goes on the tables, what goes in the envelopes, what the bouquets are made of, what the people wear, etc. I'm just going to breathe, smile and remember that I am going to marry my best friend and go on a fantastic, adventuresome and relaxing honeymoon with him. Now I DO know why people take honeymoons now! That, you definitely deserve!

Little sisters, friends that have yet to get hitched and any random man and/or woman reading this....I have two words for you:
DESTINATION WEDDING!!!!!

Coulda, woulda, shoulda! ;)

Now for a little update:

1. We put an offer in on a house, but someone else beat us to it. :( But, we're going on a marathon hunt on Sunday with our realtor and I'm looking forward to it. Everything happens for a reason, so that just means there's an even better place out there for us! Hopefully the kitchen is just as amazing!!

2. Lisa's Likes: I came across a pretty cool website a week or so ago...it's called http://hungrygirl.com/. It's a website full of yumm-o healthy recipes and tips. I just love it and hope to make some of the recipes soon!
Going right along with healthy options, pinterest has given me a couple of great recipe options as well.... I made these two last weekend and they have both been fantastic, quick and super healthy breakfast options.
     ~1. Green Monster Smoothie: So Yum!!
           - 2-3 bananas
           - frozen mangos, peaches, pineapples
           - 2-3 cups spinach (I haven't tried other veggies yet but I hear carrots & cucumber work too!)
           - 1/4 cu. greek yogurt (optional)
           - 1 cup fat free milk (optional)
           - ice and water as needed for desired consistency
        Blend them all together and voila! You have a green monster. It's nutritious and delicious. Don't                 be concerned...if you add berries, nuts (another option I've heard used) or certain veggies, you'll get a         brownish monster. It should still be just as yummy!

I freeze them and pop it in the micro for about 1 min in the AM and have a delish breakfast! They're also great if you're craving ice cream or sweet treat!

     ~2. Egg McMuffin's (Not the McD way, but the clean way!)
          - egg whites
          - any seasoning and veggies you want (I used pepper, garlic, sea salt, spinach and onion)
        Mix egg white beaters with your veggies and seasoning. Spray down your muffin tin or use cupcake liners and then pour in mixture. I baked at 350 for about 20 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check if they're done: place toothpick through middle and if it comes out dry, you're good to go!

I don't even know where to begin with how fast, yummy and healthy this is!

3. We have some more engagement pictures...here's just a few...

Until next time.

Love,
Lisa

Year End Review 2011

What a year 2011 was!

I am grateful for all the amazing people in my life and all the opportunities both Brandon and I were given this year. I know I'm still a little behind, but I hope everyone had a fantastic 2011 and here's to an amazing, exciting, prosperous, life-changing 2012!

Our 2012 Highlights:
-Brandon got a new job
-Lisa got a new job
-Lisa got a new car
-We added Timmy to our family
- I ran my 2nd half marathon
-We had our first holiday with both sets of parents
-We took our first vacation together
-My best friend had a precious baby boy
-My Godson turned 1
-Girls trip to TAMU for football and fun!
-Dad turned 50! (Whoa!)
-Mom and Dad had their 30th anniversary!
-Oh - and we got engaged!!!!

Some of my favorite pictures from the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Things I'm looking forward to in 2012:
-Buying a house
-Getting married!
-Going on my honeymoon
-Turning 7 - that's right - I have a real birthday this year!! Woo hoo!!
-Being done with wedding planning!!!!!!!!!
-Starting the rest of my life with the one I love

Resolutions:
How many of you make new year's resolutions? I don't like to call them resolutions so much as goals for the upcoming year. Some of my major goals I hope to accomplish are:
-Being a better blogger - I'm not off to the best start, but I'd like to start blogging more frequently. I really enjoy the outlet!
-Creating more! Thanks to pinterest I've been inspired and I'm proud to say that I am actually a pinner that can say: "I've made some of the things on my pinterest page!" There are so many great gift and craft ideas for the home and I'm excited about moving into our new home, so that I actually have some room to create and let my inspirations flow!
-Making healthier choices - this is really an ongoing goal. I'm always looking for easy, delicious ways to be healthier as well as finding fun, interactive ways to be more fit.
-With the last goal in mind, I've already come up with a fun way to keep active! 12-n-12! It's the year 2012 now and the past 2 years I've run a half marathon and done a couple of 5k's. My goal in 2012 is to run 12 races, with at least 1 being a half marathon! My first race of the year will be Jan. 28, which will be a 5k. Then another 5k in February - the color run...look it up! I can't wait!!!! March and April aren't scheduled just yet, because of trying to schedule my wedding showers, but I plan to get it all worked out this weekend! I'll probably also do the 10K at cowtown in Ft. Worth, the weekend before my real birthday! yay!
-Being the best I can be as a wife and a mom to our fur-babies! I'm always trying to improve myself and my home!

Make 2012 the best year yet! I think taking things back to simplicity is one of the most amazing things anyone can do! When you just stop, breathe, take in the moment and believe, the simplicity of life will overwhelm you!

Love,
Lisa

Baby it's Cold Outside!

It's a brisk, cold night and I'm bundled up while blogging!! And watching Glee! Oh - and I tried upgrading our internet tonight and talked to an English speaking cust. service rep (which is reason to celebrate on it's own) but he informed me that U-verse is now available at our casa. So see ya later TWC - you suck and it will not make me sad to see you go!!!

In other news...I'm sad to say I've been called a grinch a time or two this holiday season... Let me defend myself: I'm a firm believer in reserving November for Thanksgiving and then celebrating Christmas all December long. I just feel that the reason for the season is lost so much sometimes and the fact that people don't even take a second to enjoy and give Thanks during November and instead want to fight the crowds, push people and buy! buy! BUY! It just beats me down a little. I know that sounds harsh and I know that the majority of the people I surround myself with are nothing like that, and sure, I'll give you the fact that the deals are amazing, but give me the option to relax with some holiday treats and hot chocolate and have good conversation with great company or stand in a line to get 1/2 off a TV or some other electronic, I'll pick laughing with my family and watching football any time! I guess the older I get the more I realize how lucky I've been all my life and how wonderful my family always made the holidays and as life goes by faster and faster, I just want to take those moments in a little more.

Another reason I think I'be been called out is probably because I still have a pumpkin centerpiece and fall flowers in all my vases. I will admit that Christmas decorating is not on my list AT ALL right now and honestly, I don't foresee a tree or lights in our humble abode's future this season. It's a little sad, but I keep telling myself that this time next year, I'll be settled in my new job, married and in our new home and we'll  go totally overboard and make up for this year! Deal? ;) And don't get me wrong - I'm totally thrilled about this holiday season...so much so that I made everyone stop in dwntwn ft. worth when it was freezing a couple of weekends ago to get these pictures:

Yup - Ft. Worth is purty, isn't it?!? It's my new home away from home too... I recently made a huge change and left NSAI to take a job in downtown Fort Worth. I was at NSAI for about 3.5 years and I'd equate leaving my friends there to breaking up with my first love! Ok, so maybe it wasn't that intense, but it definitely goes down as one of the hardest things I've ever had to do! I had an AMAZING group of friends there and I cried a LOT when I had to leave them, but after 3 days at my new company, I know I've made the right decision for my career! I don't think the people at the new place will ever give my NSAI family a run for their money, but the good news is that I know I'll always be friends that group! They really outdid themselves as well when wishing me farewell...it totally made me cry even more, but it was SO sweet and made me laugh as well!

Look closely...you might recognize a few faces! Credits: Angela Blevins = AMAZING paint skills!! 

They also got me the newest poster! Just a matter of time before I hang it in my new office, I'm sure! ;)

My card!

Wedding updates: Brandon's parents came to stay with us over Thanksgiving and we were able to show them the venue and do a cake tasting with them. What fun! We decided on a cake/baker, so we have 1 more thing off of our list. Now I just need to finish the labels for the save-the-dates and then they'll be in the mail! I can't believe how close it's getting. It seems like it's crunch time and there is so much to do, but I can't seem to find the time to do it all. I have a feeling it will all fall into place soon though.

Also, wish us luck - we're going house hunting this weekend and I have my fingers and toes crossed that we find our home! Already tired of driving 1+ hour each way to and from work and so ready to have a yard so I can get my little Timmy back! I think he's having fun with Aunt Becca though! :) They snuggle lots. 

I'll have to tell you all about my wonderful weekend to Philly next time, but overwhelmed as he may have been, I think B had a good time. He asked me at one point "how do you keep all these people straight?!" I think that's a sign that I need to make him some flash cards before the wedding because he still hasn't met more than half of my family and he's already losing track! God Bless the Irish/Italian Catholics...with so many people, there's never a dull moment! haha.

There's either a victoria secret commercial or football on! ;) 

Festive! <3

I think it's time for bed. The rest of the week is looking increasingly busy and I might as well get some ZZ's in while I still can. December is my last month to take it easy and come January, everything will be going into full speed: wedding planning, showers, bachelorette parties, travels, moving, etc... I don't know if I've mentioned this, but man, I can't wait until May 27th! I know that once we get back from the honeymoon something will surely come up and life will be just as busy again, but I'm looking forward to our 2 week break in between the nuptials and the going back to reality...as MRS. TURNER! Yippee!!

Love, 

Lisa Lou

Wedding Cake Woes

   

     



Who knew that the one thing I'd wind up having a mini-breakdown over would be cakes. Really?!?!? Cakes?!?! I don't even like cake that much, so why has the decision of selecting a cake design been SOOOOO difficult?

I believe that there are too many options and unless it is completely plain or completely outlandish, I like them all! A blog with every kind of cake you can imagine: http://design-wedding-cakes-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/10/global-cake-blog.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DesignWeddingCakesAndToppers+%28Design+Wedding+Cakes++and+Toppers%29

First of all, shapes:

You've got your round cakes, your square cakes, you hexagon cakes, your flower shaped cakes, your heart shaped cakes and/or your mismatched no rhyme or reason shaped cakes that are supposed to be "trendy". Sigh…

 

After shape comes decorating and the list here is endless. I won't waste your time or mine by going through every option, but whew – there are a lot of options. Textured, not textured, plain, ornate, piping, fondant, buttercream, blah blah BLAH! Stop the madness! Ha.

 

After "pinning" a variety of different cakes throughout the past week or so (and the above pictured don't even scratch the surface of the variety I looked at), I flipped back through yesterday and not one said "Pick Me". I enlisted the help of my mom – some things we agreed on, some we did not, but she has given me full creative lead on the cake and while, nice, I also felt it was a burden as I had only narrowed 150 million choices to about 150 thousand! So, after filtering a few more yesterday throughout the day and after flipping through some magazines at the grocery store last night (as if the millions of online options weren't enough to send me into cake insanity), I decided to ask B…

The option hadn't really occurred to me before because we know what the Groom's cake is going to look like and I figured as long as he liked the taste of the Bride's cake, he probably wouldn't give the style of it a passing thought. I was almost even a little surprised when he didn't seem defeated at the suggestion (ahem) of browsing through some cake design photos online last night! It actually really helped and we knocked a few styles out of the running rather quickly and with that we scanned through another few pages of pictures on theknot.com and "ahhhhhh" (heavenly voices singing), there it was… Ok, well maybe it wasn't quite that obvious, but after zooming in on the picture, I decided with a couple of tweeks, I do indeed think it could be all we've ever dreamed of in a cake. (I have a flare for the dramatics seeing as how I don't think I've ever dreamed of cake in my life, with the exception of the past few days, as this task has overwhelmed me…). Ta Daaaaaaaaaa!



Like I said, they'll be some changes, but this is the gist of it. Sans all the flowers! Too much for me!



The only other consuming thought in my mind right now is trying to figure out what on earth we're going to wear for round 1 of our engagement session. We're breaking it up into 2 mini sessions for scheduling purposes, which is a-ok with me (especially since it gives me more time to come up with more outfits/ideas for the next session) and the first is on Sunday morning. Wish us luck – mainly because the kiddos will be in round 1! Eek, I hope they cooperate. Correction: I hope Timmy cooperates…Chloe is perfect! :) P.S. Have I mentioned my awesome photographer? http://ellmanimages.blogspot.com/

I'll hopefully be posting again sooner than later regarding my recent DIY adventure! Pinterest is great fun and it has inspired some original ideas of my own, so I'll post pictures and a tutorial of some sort soon!

Wedding Registering and Dog Sitting for DUMMIES!

Yes, ladies and gentleman - you get a 2 for 1 deal today!

I've been itching to blog lately. Sooo much is going on these days. I know, I sound like a broken record...the busy little bee. I do love keeping busy, but I may have out done myself this time! B keeps me laughing through it all though. A little chat we had the other day went something like this:

B: Wow, honey...we have so much going on and so much to do...
L: Really....??? We?
B: Well, you sure do, so I feel like I do and I have to tell you, it stresses me out!

Hahahahaha. Comedic relief! I swear, I should really keep a blog just for some of the email/phone/text conversations we exchange sometimes...

A glimpse into our life recently:

-Wedding: We're registered! Well, mostly...I'll get to that in a moment.
-House: Operation BUY A HOUSE!!! I'm so excited! We have our realtor already and once we get our pre-approval, we'll officially begin the hunt! AHHHHH YEAHHHHH!!!!
-Dog-sitting...I'll get to that too
-Babies! Babies! BABIES!!: Holy baby fever....how could I NOT have it a little right now when I'm surrounded by them! haha. Mary had Andy and I got to meet him this weekend. It's a little ridiculous how perfect he is! I'm in love! Then there's my little Landon Love! He's almost 1!! I don't even know where the year went. He is starting to get a little mischievous and he has totally got it figured out that his handsome little smile will get him out of a lot! hahaha. I love it! Can't wait 'til his party! And not even a month after that, Emme turns 1! They grow up way too fast! (Disclaimer: Yes, I admitted to baby fever. No...THERE WILL BE NOT BE ANY LITTLE LISA'S OR BRANDON'S RUNNING AROUND ANY TIME SOON!)
-Anniversaries: Mom & Dad hit 30 years in October! :) We plan on spending the day wit them that weekend to celebrate! :)
-Friends: Brandon's buddy is coming to town in a couple of weeks to visit for the Arkansas/A&M game. We'll be tailgating again this year with the bus, so should be a good time! And - Lindsey will be in town for the OU/Texas game, so we plan to go to the fair together! Yippee!!
Then this week alone is Shecky's on Wednesday, Maroon 5 on Friday, Horseshoe Tourney on Saturday annnnnd company picnic on Sunday!
-Engagement Photos: October 23rd...can't wait!

(And that's the short version...)

Dog Sitting: Soooooo..I thought it'd be a great idea to dog sit the entire month of September. I'm not exaggerating...literally the entire month of September! When I say dog-sitting for dummies, I mean... don't dog-sit for a month! haha. Of course, this isn't something that happens often and I was glad to be able to help out both good friends that needed it, so it's no problem, but it has been an adventure! Gus and Walter were at the beginning of the month. Gus is my FAVORITE dog other than my two...he may actually be tied with Timmy... ;) He's a 130lb Rottweiler/lap dog! He had a seizure while I was over there one night and I about had a heart attack!! Luckily all is well and he's back to eating everything in sight and ramming his toosh in your face so that you'll scratch it, but it sure did freak me out!

His eyes don't normally glow like that... ;)

Now, I'm in McKinney watching Amanda's dogs. They're all pretty good...a little "chatty", but good. The drive is a kicker, but ya know... Klondike is Amanda's oldest dog. I can't remember how old exactly but probably about 14i-sh and he reminds me of Shellie when she was in her golden years. He's a little grumpy, but mostly just slow and snuggly and I love him! :)

Registering for Dummies: If you didn't already know Brides and/or Moms-to-be...Don't register at Target. I did, but I'm about to undo it and register elsewhere. Thanks to best friend, I discovered that their return policy is a nightmare! Another tidbit...if you're comfortable with it, register ONLINE!! We spent 3+ hours in Bed, Bath & Beyond and I don't even feel like we got through half the store. We left, I cam home and finished it up online AND included 2 other stores. So much less of a hassle and I didn't feel the pressure of possibly missing something. It was all right there for me. I've since been to the stores to check it out in person and loved it all just as much then. It's nice that now-a-days you can also update your registries online at any time!

Well - it was a long weekend! Soon I'll get pictures up of Andy, but for now I'm going to finish up my dinner and do some much deserved relaxing!

Salad offsets the wine, right? ;)

And one last thing...Lisa's Latest Like: Get a Kindle. I thought I'd hate it...best thing that I ever got...ahem, that Brandon ever got. Good thing we've already adapted the theory of "what's yours is mine". :)

I think I rambled a little tonight, but thanks for letting me get it all out! Whew!

Upcoming: Football thoughts, Crock-Pots and DIY projects...oh, and pictures...hopefully lots and lots of pictures! :)

Peace out!

Lisa