Monday, December 21, 2009

What Was Going on at Our House this Weekend



Cookie making.  Personalized letter stamps.
Burnt chocolate, and cindy lou who hair. 
Fun times.
Jam thumbprints
Cookie dough truffles.
Our Saturday.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Guilty


I'm guilty.  I purchased a deep red bow headband off of esty and will be wearing it downtown tonight.  And no, I don't have the personality of Blair Waldorf to go with it!

Darn, not!!

It was just too festive and fun to pass up. I love accessories like this.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

On Hair and Husbands

A funny thing happened yesterday.

I came home from getting my haircut and running a few errands.

My husband was cooking up our dinner.  He came to greet me at the door.  We started catching up on our day.

And then he said,

"Oh let me see you're hair.  I remember that you got it cut."

pause, I turn around.

"It looks professional.  I really like it honey"

I laugh. I continue to laugh all night, because he called my hair professional.  At first he doesn't understand why this is so funny.  He said he loved it, and that it didn't look to youthful but cute and so he choose the word professional.  Great for the office and sexy at night.  I said, professional is a funny word to use to tell your wife she looks hot!

Then we kissed, and I kept telling him I loved him, and his face was very professional looking!

Great Read!


I just picked this book up last night at Borders thanks to A Cup of Jo's recommendation.  So far it's great! I couldn't put it down.

Throughout the story the author weaves in her family's recipes, noting that cooking up these helped her family get through hard times.  Since she recently lost her job, there's nothing better then pulling out the yellowed paper filled with these family heirlooms to help her get through her newest challenge.

She has a bunch of recipes for soup in the beginning, perfect reading for a winter night!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Home Baked Stuff

I also love the idea of giving something that is usable, and consumable.  I tell my husband this as we walk through William Sonoma, his eyes wide with wonder and confusion. He can't seem to stop staring at the mulling cider or the nutracker apron. He doesn't know what we should get. The ladies there try to help guide us, as we turn round and round their white, bone china tables searching for dirty santa gifts.

Finally I grab his hand, and say honey here's what I think.  Not too long ago he had told me that if he asks for my opinion, and I give it, then he will follow it.  He said there's no point in him asking me, if he is just going to ignore it.  Now in the store, he doesn't ask, but I give it anyway.  Here's what we are going to get.  Before I know it we are up at the register, and have purchased 3 items that can be given for the dirty santa gifts.

We find our way out of the store, even though there are trecherous peppermint bark and cocoa samples at every corner. Next year, I'm going to try my hand at baking some gifts and wrap them in red twine, pretty boxes, and parchment paper. Perhaps my husband will agree!



Make Light


Have fun with life.

More to come on this later!

Have a great day darlings`

Friday, December 11, 2009

The Glitter Stuff


The Christmas season is upon us. Last year at this time we were decorating our little onebedroom apartment, adorning it with little cutouts of nutcracker men and a charlie brown Christmas tree.
Our first Christmas in our own house. We went Christmas tree hunting on a tree farm outside of our city. We found the perfect one. Every evening when I come home the lights are lit, my husband did this as a treat for me. The Tannenboam all glistening in its splendor. We even have a Christmas throw:) My guy wanted one. Of course I use it much more then him!
I'm enjoying this new season. A season filled with old friends, new friends, weaving my and my husbands traditions together, and finding a pretty snuggly fit. I'm dreaming up Christmas cookies, with glitter and raspberry jam. And a warm oven heating up our home as the coolest of days creep upon us.

To you and yours I wish the Christmas tree cookies, and warm feelings that meet you at your doorstep, with a light left on in this winter time.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Movin: AlwaysanEm

please re-route your page from

http://creativegeniusgirlinc.blogspot.com

to

http://alwayansem.blogspot.com

I will be changing the new domain over in just a few days!

Face It

I'm tired of my old template, it's time for a new one. I'm bored with it, and I'm sure you are too! Please bare with me as we develop a new template that fits the new year!
Cheers,
ETM

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Our First Song

We wanted it to be different, memorable, and not cliche. My hubs is the one who ended up stumbling upon the song we chose. A The Cure song for our first song, but redone by Katie Melua. Just like heaven.

Perfect.


Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Little Thoughts on the Big Day


Now that things are slowing down, the last of the wedding gifts has found a new place in our house, and the Christmas tree is set up and trimmed with presents below I want to take a minute to remember the little things about our wedding day. Those memorable moments.

- My grandparents, mom, and fav aunt coming to visit a week before the wedding. It was so nice. My Oma made a german chocolate cherry cake, 3 layers, just for me b/c as they say "we all need a little German."

- Leaving my burnt orange shoes at the alterations place, and realizing this a week before the wedding. Thank God! I had enough time to figure out they weren't at home and find that I had left them there when I went to pick up my dress! Mom picked them up for me, so glad she was here early!

- When I got my makeup done the morning of the wedding, I remember calling myself a "spotted owl" as they dabbed concealer and stuff here and there. All my girls were cracking up.

- Feeling oh so vintage! The birdcage veil, I ended up loving it so much that I left it on the whole day and night! So fun. It's now back in its little hat box, but it took many practice tries in front of the mirror to figure out how to position and bobby pin it down. But then...once I did...oh I loved it!

- The 70 degree weather!!!! Beginning Friday Nov 6th, 2009 (day before BIG day!) it was 65 degrees out. I was wearing my sunglasses at our rehearsal. We had our ceremony take place outside, and were questioning what the weather would be like throughout the month leading up to our wedding. It had just rained every weekend leading up to Nov 7th. And then presto Nov. 7th God smiled on us!! It was 70 degrees and sunny!! My husband jokes that he had to trust it was me coming up to the little stone balcony where we stood during the ceremony, because the sun was so bright!

- Looking at my father-in-law during the ceremony and seeing little tears.

- Right before Mom and I walked down the aisle we started to tear up, as we walked underneath the trellis, I squeezed her hand and said "Mom this is a happy moment, why are we tearing up!" We were just so happy I suppose and had dreamt of this day!

- My shoe getting caught in my dress before the final entrance from the trellis to the green where I approached our "alter" spot. I was like woo hold up, my shoe is stuck! But no one even noticed!

- Our Charlie Brown theme music, we exited to "Lins and Lucy!" it was so fun! Everytime I hear Peanuts music now I think of our wedding day.

- Our photographer, Jennie Andrews, rocks! I want to be her buddy. She has the best energy, and unbelievable skills. She even tied the little satin sash around my waist into the bow as I was getting ready. Like I said, neat little lady.

- Right before Chris and I came into the dance floor for our first dance, we were singing to each other out in the hallway and dancing. Just the two of us:)

More to come...:)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Grateful

This year can be named the year of gratefulness. I am grateful beyond words for all of the amazing blessings in my life.

For a new home, the walls that keep out the cold, the new king size bed that keeps us warm, and a place to call our very own. For the kitchen that's been a host to love and nourishing meals. For the office that held all of our wedding stuff, and the garage that my husband organized.

Grateful for my husband, C, who is my perfect teammate. For the patience that he has, the tender touch he offers, and the laughter we share in. Grateful for that moment on the beach that he asked me to be his forever. And grateful for have someone to tackle the wedding planning with. I've found the perfect match. Thankful for starting our new life together.

Grateful for a beautiful wedding. For the family and friends that flew from all corners of the country, took the time off, and still showered us with generous gifts. For the hands that prepared, planned, and participated. For the first dances, my uncles, and the sharing of talents amongst family. For the calm and reassured feelings that I can see myself with no other. For feeling beautiful. For mom and a sister that were my right hands. For best friends who smiled and cried and supported.

Grateful for Gibson. The most cuddly dog ever.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mr. and Mrs!




Here we are --- it was the most beautiful day ever! God has blessed us so!!

More to come!!!

I love my husband!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

It's Here!

It's the week of the wedding!!! Only 3 days to go till Saturday!

We are both so excited, about the celebration, about seeing all those loved ones, and I'm most excited about looking into his big, beautiful blue eyes and declaring I will love him forever with all of my being, and be the bestest version of myself for him!

We can't wait. Then the honeymoon, the sun, the beach, the fun. We are ready for that too!

Weddings are a lot of fun, a labor of love, joy, and work. But I know when we dance our first dance I will be glowing in every which way.

We just listened to the song last night in the car on the way home from meeting our photographer for last minute details. And then I just looked at him, our song in the background, and all was well with the world.

I can't wait for these moments!!!!

Love to all!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Union

I really like this poem. It's beautiful...



Our union is like this: You feel cold, so I reach for a blanket to cover our shivering feet.
A hunger comes into your body, so I run to my garden and start digging potatoes.
You asked for a few words of comfort and guidance, and I quickly kneel by your side offering you a whole book as a gift.
You ache with loneliness one night so much you weep, and I say here is a rope, tie it around me, I will be your companion for life.



Our Union” by Hafiz

It's Fall...


It's fall now! Pumpkins and mums and spiders alike have been lining our neighborhood streets recently! It's wonderful.

Even in the midst of our busy season aka wedding in less then a month we've been partaking in fallish activities.

- Homemade lasagna for Sunday night dinner
- Reading "Where the Wild Things Are"
- Packing up the Boy - that's fallish right, new beginnings, new starts, and fall cleaning!?
- All things burnt orange and chocolate brown
- The witch hanging on the front door of our new home! Our first fall season in our new house!

I'm so ready for the wedding to get here now. I had my makeup and hair trial, and as much as I want to post pictures, I want to keep it a surprise for my darling fiance`. I'm just thrilled that my vision for the wedding is coming together, I can see it all now!

I'm so excited, I can hardly wait. A few winks and slumbers and itll be here before we know it! But between now and then we have to get him packed up and moved, and then we can get this E and C party started!

Monday, October 05, 2009

Well on Our Way

We are well on our way to the wedding date! On Wednesday it will be a month! Wow. Woot! Yay!!

So for those of you who don't know I actually designed our wedding invitation myself, with the help of my fancy (my fiance`). It came together quite nicely! I have put in generic info. and scratched our names out for you to see our design/protect our privacy. We are going for old fashioned meets charming. I will be wearing a birdcage veil if I can get it on right! :)

God has been really good to us. We've gotten so much support and love from our family and friends through this whole process. We are excited about the day to come!

There's just lots of anticipation now!

Monday, September 21, 2009

E and C!

I'm updating.

My aunts hosted a beautiful bridal shower back up in the Chicagoland for me this past weekend. It was so cute. My very creative aunt had even suspended an umbrella over my seat, for me to sit under and a sign that said "shower the bride with gifts and kisses"!

Darling!

I'm also giving you a glimpse today into our wedding logo! Now announcing E and C! Just a little taste of the wedding to come!We can't wait. My fiance` kindly reminded me how many days till the big day just the other night, as we were dancing at my childhood friend's wedding. I whispered to him "next time this will be our first dance!"

As my relative said on her rsvp " we will see you in a minute!"

Thursday, September 17, 2009

51 wows.

51 days to our wedding.


I'm SOOO excited! Everyday when I get home from work, I open the mailbox. I see little rsvp postcards. And I read the notes. I put a special place our invitation rsvp with a place for a note! People have written cute, sentimental things, and then there have been those that just write about UT's opposing football team! Ha.

Besides that I'm still getting some last minute things together --- like the bridesmaids gifts. I need some inspiration. I'm trying to find the right jewelry! And then choose the wine.

But we are working on it! The Boy has gotten the flu and been out the past few days! Tomorrow we head to Chicago. Back to good health hopefully too!

I can't wait to marry my best friend!!!

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Our Weekend

Our weekend was made up of:
  • Invitations in the mail
  • Trip to middle TN
  • Cheering for UT
  • Barbecue
  • Afternoon chat in the hot tub
  • Spontaneous ice cream cake from DQ
  • Road trip back
  • Boomsday from the deck of the Roaming Gnome
  • Dexter
  • Shelving for the garage
  • Friends over for dinner
  • Nap on Labor Day
  • Cuddling on the couch to wrap up the weekend.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

It's not just one moment, it's the day to day steadiness. It's looking out at the future together, and knowing that no matter what is to come - you know you have someone there to help you approach it - with the same hope (the attitude), the same faith (values), and love (the unselfish and unconditional).

Last night C worked on the ceremony. The thoughtfulness he's approached it with what really gets me. They words said on that day, will not just be words, but rather some of our hearts deepest truths and core of what makes us so strong. I can't wait to make this commitment to him.



Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Simpleton.

"The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you HOPE for. And the most you can do is LIVE inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof. What I want is so simple I almost can’t say it: elementary kindness. Enough to eat, enough to go around. The possibility that kids might one day grow up to be neither the destroyers nor the destroyed. That’s about it. Right now I'm living in that hope, running down its hallway and touching the walls on both sides."
Barbara Kingsolver (Animal Dreams)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Just Because I Can





When we interviewed millions of photographers, there was a reason behind it. The below photos say it all. We didn't want to sit in any weird or "hoo hoo formal" positions. We didn't want to be tied up in suits and strings like puppets in a 2 man show. So this is what we ended up with...timeless photos, so natural, and one heck of a memory filled with fun.

Right before we left for the e-session I remember it feeling just about 100 degrees out. It was hot. It was going to get sticky and sweaty. I was a little nervous. Did I really want to have someone take zillions of photos of me, in the heat, of me and my most favorite -- capturing our intimate looks on film...and could it be done?

But once we got in front of the camera, against the brick walls and inside of the old window frames, my perception of what could be and what was - was well, completely different. And boy, our photographer is what I call a rockstar.

I won't forget the tickling that ensued almost immediately, as we leaned against the brown wood and red brick background. We laughed, my mouth open in so many pictures because I couldn't contain myself. The sheer joy on our faces. The raised eyebrows and the way that the Boy can almost completely wrap his arms around me twice.

I love the angles, and the raw edges, and the light.

And when we got in the car after having 400 photos taken of us, we both looked at each other and knew we had done good...and had TONS of fun. In fact, it was the most fun we've had during this whole process. We just played. We were just ourselves.

Now when we are old, and gray haired, and sitting in the little rockers looking out at the mountains we can no longer physically climb, we will look at these photos. We will remember when the Boy could easily sweep me up in his arms and lift me. We will remember the laughter, the jumping, the young spirits. We will see us.




There will be more to come. No worries. Sit tight.
E

Monday, August 24, 2009

More e photos.

More. This is only a little glimpse. She actually released 172. We really are crazy in love. You can check us out here: http://www.jennieandrewsphoto.blogspot.com/
etm

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Team


Most days you need a teammate. When the house needs to be picked up, a bunch of errands need to be run, when the dinner needs to be made, and the dog needs to be taken out. When the blinds are too heavy to install on your own, and when the lawn mower could roll you straight down the hill...that's when.

That's when you see why you need a teammate. That's when you are so glad you are about to marry a guy that will keep the promise that he makes. The promise to make dinner when you need to just sit and look at the mountains.

I'm so glad I have that guy.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Love Storm


I consider myself lucky to be in this love storm.

You dote on my with hearts and splash in my smiles. Your thunder comes in like a strength. Your lightening awakens my spirit.

Love storm away.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

sneak peak. our engagement photos.

Here is just a one glimpse shot at our engagement photo session with the most awesome photographer - Jennie Andrews of Knoxville, TN.

We wandered around Old City Knoxville and then ended in downtown, capping off the evening by the Tennessee Theater marquee and then playing in the fountains.

Here is one she sent me as a sneak peak, she couldn't help herself! She is a master with light and angles.

I love it. I seriously can't stop staring. smiling at it. And yes, it the desktop background on my computer.And on my heart.

I love this man.

Friday, August 07, 2009

I love Caligraphy

I love the art of the written word - both a good book and a good font!

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Love Jar


I've decided to that I love this idea - a Love Jar. A place to write little things down, special moments, memories, to capture them in a jar.

And you can't peak or read them until the one year anniversary. Love it.

Monday, August 03, 2009

First Bridal Shower


Aw. It was wonderful! The boy's hometown church threw it! People were so loving and generous. We are just blessed!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

the simple.

anyone can make the simple complicated, creativity is making the complicated simple.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

I haven't been the bestest of best friend to you, huh. We'll I'm being creative in lots of ways, and I think you would appreciate that. Like photo collages, and designing our wedding invitation completely, and well keep all of this stuff in my head at once.

It's actually a lot of fun. For you ladies out there that dream about what the wedding planning process is like, it was a bit stressful in the beginning when we interviewed lots of vendors - but it was so well worth it! Now I know that the vendors we've chosen fit our personalities and wedding style - which we are going for a classy and personal feeling. A little vintage here and there.

Anyways, here's one of the songs that fits C and I and that we like to listen to when we think about our wedding.




Anyways, it's a rainy evening here in TN. I'm headed out of the office in a moment to make up some baked spaghetti for dinner and just enjoy having our very own home. The boy reminds me, it's nice to be home in the rain.

Au revoir`
Me

Friday, July 24, 2009

In Love

I'm in love. We've been engaged for 2 months now. And I love him. I can't wait to be his wife! How do you love someone everyday a little bit more? I don't know. But that's just it. We do.

It's magical and playful, and real and full of life. There are challenges and laughs.

And it melts my heart, and you tell me "you're going to be my hot wife"

Honey, you amaze me and you're my best friend. I Love you!

And soon, in fact in 3 months we will be...

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wedding Entrace Dance

How about this for fun!

Ha. It's great!

It has personality written all over it ;)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Wedding Fun


So the fubs and I got a bunch of stuff done this weekend, and had fun doing it!

It was really special to go and look at wedding bands, and specifically figure out what the Boy likes and doesn't like. It was great seeing him slide the band over his ring finger. Then I'd look at him, and he'd put his hand out for me to see it. I told him now we are going to have to take a bunch of pictures with him and his ring in the near future!

He has it down to three different types of bands. It was really cute, I took a picture of him with each of the different bands.

We also took care of some other little detail things and taste tested cupcakes! That's right we are going for the non traditional route and doing a tier of cupcakes (think fun stand!) instead of a cake! The little cupcake place we have here in town is really cute and makes the most delicious and moist cupcakes. They also come with unique little toppers, which is fun!

And most importantly I found the shoes I will wear with my wedding dress!!! They are so fun and comfortable!!!! And they are a ...................surprise! You'll have to wait after the wedding to see!

November 7th, 2009 we are a few more steps closer!
Yay!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

My Sister's Wedding



My little sister just got married this past weekend. It was beautiful, and I already miss her and my new brother Mike!

I have so many fond memories of the wedding. Honestly it represented the two of them perfectly and the outpouring of friends and family who came showed how loved the couple truly is!

I love you Heidi and Mike! Congrats!

Monday, July 06, 2009

Love these new stamps


These are going on our save the dates!

Perfect!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Thursday at 2:46pm

What else is new you ask...

Well the lack of blogging has been due to busy busy times at work (yay work, right, brain think!), wedding time of my life happy get it together planning (appts caterer, photographer, dresses oh my!) love of my life, best friend, working on house, fiance`, and hang out with family, friends, and a doggy with a little ear infection.

But I am happy to report all is well.

1. I sing on the way to work
2. I sleep good at night
3. Fiance` buys organic peaches mmm
4. It's summer
5. We sit on the porch at sunset and look at the mountains
6. I laugh at myself
7. I get frustrated
8. I get over it
9. I try again
10. I smile
11. I love.

;)

birdcage veils!

So where do you look for a good birdcage veil? Hmmm.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I Found My Dress!!!

I found my dress this past weekend!!!

It is such a happy memory. 8 women I love, all gathered around. They all had the same reaction when I came out in the dress...the one.

And it's sooo me. It has my personality written all over it.

How fun!

:)

Monday, June 08, 2009

Ideas

So it's been a whirlwind. The wedding planning, multiple projects at work, and the new home have kept us busy ever since we got back from Florida.

But here are some ideas that I am floating around. First, our date is set for this upcoming November. We've secured a historical mansion set on the river in East TN. It also has 3 tiers of gardens outside.

So speaking of Fall here are the ideas for the bridesmaid dresses. If I go with this I just have to figure out what the groomsmen will wear:) I really like the bridesmaid dresses at Jcrew. They look comfortable and not horribly ugly like some I've seen. Seriously how many ugly bridesmaid dresses can there be out there?!

Friday, May 29, 2009

I Said Yes!!...We're Engaged!!

On Tuesday, May 26, 2009 during a sunset walk on the beaches of Destin, Florida, Chris asked me to marry him... and I said yes!

It was a perfect moment! Perfect for us!  I couldn't be happier! 
I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.  

We are vacationing the rest of the week, but I will be sure to update and provide more details when we get back!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

My Best Friend's Wedding

On May 16th, 2009 my best friend got married!


It was a wonderful day! It was everything Katie could have asked for! She made for a gorgeous bride. The day started out with a ceremony taking place at St. Vincent DePaul Church in Chicago. It was genuine and reflected their personalities. I'll never forget watching the grooms face be overcome by tears as his beautiful bride, the one he waited all his life for, walked towards him. I teared up of course.

Their reception was also beautiful! I loved their cake topper which was made up of two baseball players - a boy and a girl. Each in their respective Cubs and Sox hat, representing Katie (Sox fan) and Jon (Cubs fan). They cut the cake to the song "Put my in Coach!" Too cute!


Katie is my best friend and I couldn't ask for anyone more wonderful then her new husband Jon! I toasted them right before dinner started, and incorporated their love for lists and verses from 1 Corinithians.


Also, the Boy was able to join me for this wedding and we had so much fun dancing! He even wore a bowtie to match my perrywinkle dress! I can't wait to get more pictures back! All of my girlfriends loved him, and stood around him, listening to his wonderful accent and being tickled by his humor! It was a special moment for me to share, as they noticed why we work so well together, and of course his love for music! It was fun to share this part of my life with him!

Take aways from Katie's wedding:
- Make it personal: vintage photos of the couples parents, and grandparents wedding days on entrance table, cake topper, and lifestyle photography.

- Too big for me. It fit Katie, but good to know I would like something smaller and a bit less formal. I'm more of a flowers in my hair gal. And set in nature.

- Always carry safety pins, bobby pins, alchohol swabs and a tide pen!

- The day will go by so quickly, so enjoy every minute of it!

- And last but not least, don't make the wedding bigger then the marriage!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Wow I Won Something - Thanks Coco+kelley!


This morning when I checked my email and was sipping on a cup of tea, I saw an email from Coco+kelley , she had made a comment on my blog. As we all well know, Coco+Kelley is an amazing blog. Lots of inspiration on there.

When I opened the comment to post it to my blog she had told me that I had won something! What, I thought to myself, this never happens! But I did! Apparently a few weeks ago I had entered a little giveaway on her blog for this Tusk Mini Purse. She said the first winner never came forward, and then I was the person chosen next! Yay!

This is very fitting, as I never purchase my own purses. I always get them as gifts, usually from Mom. And I'm pretty sure it was time for a new little number. To make this a bit more fun, feel free to guess the color!

I'll post a little review(I'm sure a raving one) when the little bag comes in the mail.

It's a great day! Thanks Tusk and Cocokelley!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Happy Friday

Happy Friday! It's my first true weekend moved in, with less on the agenda. I hope it brings...

a cozy breakfast
.

and a little magic.Cheers darling!

Thursday, May 07, 2009

So Fun.

CupofJoe - who is so fun to read posted a few photos from a wedding. I think I love it. So classic.
So fun.
It is so simple, from the string of pearls, casual hair, flowers, and cute little sandals. I feel giddy just looking at them! Seriously its so beautiful.

these flowers look so old fashioned yet fun!