The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I love to read. Really really love it. But I was so busy with the end of school and now with wedding plans that I haven't gotten to read all that much. A few days ago though I bought The Perks of Being a Wallflower for my kindle and couldn't put it down. It was a super quick read, I finished it in 1 day and I wouldn't say I'm the speediest, but I didn't have much going on that day.

The amazon description of the book is:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a story about what its like to travel that strange course through the uncharted territory of high school. The world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends. Of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Of those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

The whole book is written in letters from the perspective of a young boy to a friend. Now I am one of those people who likes to read the book before I watch the movie. I thought the trailer for the movie looked really good. The story of growing up from a "wallflower's" perspective. Also, maybe because of the music being played, but it seemed happy and cheery for the most part. The book was not so. I thought some parts of the book were a little dark and twisty for me, but it did have some good quotes and messages. Overall I thought it was pretty good. I would give it a B-. Definitely an easy read for a relaxed summer day.

The Story of Us Part 3

Because we are getting married in 9 days, I am retelling the story of Justin and I! If you want to catch up, here is Part 1 and Part 2. 

Once in fall of 2011Justin and I went to Green Bluff in Spokane. You can pick your own apples and pumpkins and go through corn mazes. It was one of our favorite dates, we had such a great time.

Summer of 2012 I was working at Black Rock, which is a fancy shmancy country club. And I was working crazy long shifts. One day Justin mentions that we should go back to Green Bluff because they have strawberries to pick right now. I thought this sounded like a great idea.

The day we planned to go I was supposed to get off work in plenty of time to be able to make it up there. In true Black Rock style I got off late and was in an irritable mood (hard to believe, I know). When I got home I suggested that we reschedule strawberry picking for another night. But Justin insisted on going and reminded me that friends of ours, Dan and Alice, were going with us and planning on it.

I came out of my bedroom after changing into these Nike shorts with tiger stripes and a University of Idaho t-shirt, and Justin and Veronica both made comments about my attire. This was my first clue that something might be up. I dress like that was often as possible and usually no one makes any comments or tells me to change.

Anyway, I went and changed into something approved by my sister and was complaining the whole time about how I was hot, and tired, and I didn't want to go and we should plan it for another day. Veronica basically told me to buck up, that Justin wanted to go and I shouldn't ruin it. She told me to put a smile on my face and get going. Another clue.

In the car ride up it dawned on me that Justin might be proposing. I immediately texted Veronica and asked her if he was and she said no. And something about," would he really propose with a bunch of random strangers around", and I agreed that she was right and he wouldn't.

A few minutes later into the ride Justin gets a phone call from Veronica. He has bluetooth so it comes over the speakers in the whole car. She tells Justin that she needs the combination to his safe because she needs to get the spare key to the car. He tells it to her and walks her through how to open it and they hang up.

Right after that Veronica texts me. She tells me that she found something in the safe and asks if I want to know what it is. I of course say yes. She tells me that she found my engagement ring and that it's beautiful and she cant wait to find out when he is going to propose!

I was so excited! But also thrown off, because at this point I was still thinking he might be proposing that day. I decided to just put it out of my mind and enjoy what Justin had planned for us.

When we get up to the fields they are all closed. Because I was late from Black Rock. And Justin is not happy. We tried one field but for some reason something didn't work out. We tried another one and it was closed too but we decided to go and pick a few strawberries anyway. What rebels, right?

Justin's friend Dan really likes photography and always has his camera out. So when he busted out his camera and started taking pictures of everyone picking strawberries, I didn't think a thing about it. Justin starts walking towards one end of the field and I follow him picking strawberries along the way.

I found a big bunch of perfect strawberries and I yelled out, "Jackpot!" Right then Justin said my nickname and I turned around to find him on one knee with my beautiful ring in his hands. He proposed and I of course said yes and gave him a big hug and kiss.

After that we had a picnic in the strawberry field. It was so thought out and romantic. And I will never forget it. I also feel so lucky to have had Dan there to capture it all!

So Veronica was in on everything, and did a really good job at throwing me off my tracks. What a good sister! =) She was waiting for us when we got home with some other friends and cake and balloons and we had a little engagement party. It was wonderful. =)

The Story of Us Part 2

Because I am getting married in 10 days (!) I am telling the story of how Justin and I came to be where we are now! =) You can catch up by reading Part 1 here. 

I remember texting my friend Sam. I said something along the lines of... I think this guy likes me but this could be a potentially awkward camping trip with him, his family, and then me. 

Sam replied... Oh well...just go and have fun.

Thank goodness I did, and thanks for the advice Sam.

We left to go on the camping trip a few days after that. When you spend four days in the woods without cell phone reception you can get to know someone pretty well fairly quickly. We spent our days floating on the lake, talking, flirting, and playing 20 questions with Justin's brother. We spent our evenings around the campfire telling stories and playing games. And we would stay up late asking each other a million questions like you only do when you can tell you are really starting to like someone. 

By the time we left I knew I could really fall for this guy. We got cleaned up and he drove me back to Moscow as promised. I was only in Moscow for a few days and while I was, we were texting the whole time. 

Justin wanted to make me dinner the day I got back to Coeur d'Alene. He made me pesto pasta with shrimp and brochette. It was so delicious. This continues to be Justin's specialty. 

A few days later we decided to go to the fair together. We consider this our first official date. While we were at the fair we stopped by a booth that one of Justin's friends was manning and Justin introduced me as his girlfriend. My ears perked up at this but I didn't say anything just yet. We had a great time at the fair. We rode the zipper and ate yummy fair food. It was a super first date.  

On the way home I called Justin out on introducing me as his girlfriend. He confessed that he really liked me and wanted it to be official. We decided then that we would be exclusive. 

A lot of people said that this was so fast. We were officially dating about two weeks after we had met for the first time. But when you know, you know. 

A few weeks later we went to the coast for Labor Day to introduce Justin to my family. I remember in the car on the way over thinking that I wanted to tell him that I loved him. But I chickened out. 

Later that night on my parents boat Justin told me he loved me. We were laying on a blow up mattress, on the top of their boat, cuddling, talking, and looking at the stars. It was really romantic. And really perfect.

What I'm loving Wednesday!

Hey you guys! It's Wednesday! And time for my What I'm loving post!

1. I am loving that my bachelorette party is in 1 week! 

2. I am loving this shirt. Not the shirt we ended up picking but I think this is just so funny, I want it.

3. I am loving getting to read a little more now that I am out of school! I finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and started Casual Vacancy. Book reviews coming soon!

4. I'm loving the support I have from my family and my soon to be in laws. They all have been so helpful and loving. And a special thank you to Justin for chopping up a tree for me, and DeAnn for helping with the veil, the sanding, the staining, everything! And of course to Veronica... I would probably be going crazy without you. Thank you.

5. I'm loving the show Mistresses. You know I love the quality television! Have you guys watched this yet? I have a feeling it's going to be a great show. I'm super into it already, and it's only 3 episodes in. 

6. I am loving my Sally Hansen nail art pen and the fun nails I did on my sister and myself.

What are you all loving this week?!

The Story of Us Part 1

So in case you all do not have a calendar counting down the days to my wedding on your fridge, it's 11 days away! Oh. My. Goodness! I am so excited! I thought it would be fun to tell you all the story of how Justin and I met and how he proposed as a build up to our big day!

I had known Justin's mom and step dad (whose name is also Justin, confusing... I know) for a long time. Not super well but they were good friends with my mom and step dad and had been over to our house for dinners and my parents to their house for dinners. I knew that they had three boys and their ages, but that was about all I knew about them.

If we are going in chronological order here then now would be the time to mention that my sister and MOH Veronica had met Justin at a dinner and when my mom mentioned that she thought we would be a cute couple Veronica said that I would never go for him because he talked about banking and politics and was too grown up and stiff for me. This is super funny to me because if you know Justin he is the furthest thing from stiff. But I didn't hear about this until much later!

In August of 2011 my mom moved my sister to Moscow and then me from Moscow to Coeur d'Alene. After the drive up we spent the day hauling boxes up three flights of stairs and organizing my life. She mentioned to me that we would be going over to DeAnn (Justin's mom) and Justin's (stepdad) house for dinner. She did not mention that her and DeAnn were conspiring and this would be the day that Justin and I would meet.

A little warning would have been nice mom. I changed my clothes, thank goodness. But I did not shower, put on makeup or do anything with my hair.

So once we get to their house (my Justin is not yet present) I volunteer to help DeAnn with dinner and while we are in the kitchen she starts talking about her son who is joining us and how wonderful he is. He is a banker, he owns his own house, he just bought a new truck, hes perfect, yada yada yada. And I'm like... lightbulb! Wow you guys! This is a set up!

So Justin shows up and he is wearing khaki shorts and sandals with a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Looking good. And he is very polite, and very nice to his mom. Which is always good. We start talking and it turns out we know some of the same people and he's funny and we're getting along pretty well.

After dinner we are all having a grand time, drinking and playing quarters with my mom and his parents. And then Justin (stepdad) mentions that his family is going on a camping trip for a few days and since I'm just going to be sitting around my apartment I might as well come with them. My Justin agrees that this sounds like a great idea and I should definitely come, and even offers to drive me back to Moscow to get my car and some other things once we get back. What a nice guy right?

Our parents went to bed and Justin and I stayed up really late talking and eating pie. And we may have shared our first kiss right there on his parents' couch! ;)

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Salad and Dressing Recipe

You guys, I'm about to change your lives. This salad and salad dressing recipe is seriously soo good, and so easy! I get requests to make it all the time, and people always want the salad dressing recipe!

I've been wanting to start a post series based on things found on Pinterest and trying them out. Let's be real here. We're all addicted but how often do we go and try out those things we've pinned, and when we do try them out, do they work?

I originally found this salad here. But I put my own dressing on it. Still I say it's a win for Pinterest.

What you'll need:
*lettuce I love this spring mix with herbs, but any kind will do.

*1 cucumber Does any one else rub the ends of the cucumber against the main part when you cut it off? I have no idea why I do this... I must have seen my mom do it or something but I have no idea what the purpose is. Anyway! Peel the cucumber slice it into wedges and then cut it up.

*1 tomato Diced

*1/4 red onion Dice the red onion really small. My MIL showed me this method to dice an onion the other day. Changed my life. 

First slice the onion across one way, but don't go all the way through.

Then across the other way, so you're making little squares. But still don't cut through. 

Then turn the onion on its side and slide all the way down and there you go! Diced onion!

*basil Now I really like basil so I put  a lot in, but you can use as much or as little as you like. Take off the big stems and slice it up. 

Sometimes I'll add avacado or chicken or maybe some pesto shrimp, but this is the basic recipe. 

Yum!

For the salad dressing:

If you make just this amount it's enough for the salad but I like to quadruple it so that I have it in my fridge for any salad that I want. It's that good!

*1oz olive oil

*1/2 oz balsamic vinegar

*1/2 tsp stone ground dijon mustard

*1 TB agave nectar

*T TB lemon juice

*a few shakes of salt

Put it all in a container, shake it up, and enjoy!

**Side note: The olive oil gets hard when this is in the fridge so you need to let it sit out for a little bit before you use it. 

Let me know how you like it! 

Friday's Letters

It's Friday once again! And time for Friday Letters.

Dear Doodle,

I'm sorry that we waited so long to introduce you to the lake and now you are absolutely terrified of it. I will try my hardest to convince Justin that picking you up and carrying you out to the deep end will only convince you that I am for sure your favorite.

Dear Bed,

It was so so nice to stay with you so long this morning. It' been too long since we spent that much time together.

Dear Yoga,

I had a lot of fun at the hot yoga rave yesterday. But it has been way too long since I have been to yoga and I struggled. I promise to show up more often.

(For those of you who live in the Coeur d'Alene area, I practice hot yoga at The Yoga Room. It is amazing and I love love love it! You can visit the website here.)

Dear Justin,

I am so glad that you had the day off yesterday and we got to run around together. Le Peep was yummy and I think we should go there again just so I can here you say the name. Also I loved getting our marriage license! It made everything all the more exciting and official. I love you.

Dear Wedding Planner,

Thank you thank you thank you. I am so thankful for everything you are doing for me and helping me with. I couldn't do it without you!

Dear Fred Meyer,

Thank you for carrying this yogurt. It is so delicious and perfect for when I'm craving a treat! I love it!

Dear Friends,
I am getting so excited to see you guys! The closer we get the more and more exciting I am getting to share my big day with you guys, but also just to spend some time together. I miss you all!

Dear Car d'Alene,

It's been so long since I've gotten to enjoy you! I am looking forward to you this weekend!

Happy Friday! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

WILW

Now that I'm out of school Wednesday really snuck up on me!! It almost passed by without me doing my What I'm Loving!

Read other WILW at Jamie's blog here. 

1. I am loving being out of school and getting to sleep in.

2. I am loving that my brother and Chloe came for a small visit yesterday. it was nice to get to see them and spend some time together!

3. I am loving that I got to chat with my dear friend Meredith today. You can read her blog here. She's (somewhat) new to the blogging world so show her some love. We've been snapchatting (thats a word, right?) up a storm lately but it was nice to catch up on real life and actually hear her voice.

4. I am loving that my future MIL and Veronica helped me MAKE my veil today!! Thats right! We made it, and it looks so pretty! I am seriously so excited!

5. I am loving these sunglasses I found today. Aren't they great?! I've decided I want need them, ASAP!

That's all for today you guys! I'm super busy with wedding stuff and have to run! 17 days to go! Woot woot!

Big News!

I have big news for you all!!! After a wonderful weekend with my family celebrating my little sister's graduation I came home to some great news! I was nominated for the Liebster Award!

Karissa from The Start of the Shaws nominated me. She is a super fabulous blogger who writes about her family, being a new homeowner, fashion, and losing 17 pounds, among other things. Head over there and check her out. You'll be glad you did! 

Here are the rules of the Liebster Award:

1. Thank your nominator and include a link back to their blog

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you by your nominator
3. Post 11 facts about yourself
4. Nominate 5-11 other up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers-no tag backs!
5. Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer
6. Let your nominees know you nominated them so that they too can pass on the Liebster Lovin'!

Here are the 11 questions Karissa asked me:

1. Tell me about your blog. My blog is about my everyday life. (Did you get that from the name? =) ) I write about my fiancé, my dog, my crafting, and my daily happenings and shenanigans. 

2. What's your favorite thing to write about? I'm definitely new to the blogging world so I don't have a lot of posts about one particular thing. But I do like to craft a lot! I haven't gotten to do quite as many crafting posts as I would like but I do enjoy doing those. And food posts as well! I also want to start a post series about trying out things I have found on Pinterest, and the successes and failures. I think that will be a lot of fun! 

3. When you are not blogging, what are you doing? When I'm not blogging you will probably find me crafting, maybe doing some hot yoga, cooking, reading, or snuggling on the couch with Justin and Doodle watching something great. 

4. What are your favorite blogs to read?

I love Karissa at The Start of the Shaws

Cara at Maskcara and

Cass at Cassidy Miller Photography

I read a ton of others too, but those are my favorites! You can read why I love them, and some others I love, here. 

5. What fashion trend are you currently obsessed with? I'm really gravitating toward gold jewelry right now. Also, coral, sheer fabrics, and of course animal print. And anything with sparkles. I would not say I'm a super fashionista, so maybe these aren't even "trends" just things I'm loving! 

6. What's your favorite reality tv show? Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and The Bachelor or Bachelorette. Love.

7. Tell me about your pets. My classroom has a black goldfish named Cosmo. I don't normally count him as a pet but I just brought him home for the summer so now he seems more like my pet, not the class pet. We also have a wonderful black fluffy cat named Shadow. Even if you do not like cats, you would love her. She does great poses, she has a FUPA, and we cut her like a lion. Which she loves. Right after a haircut she struts around showing off. And of course my darling standard poodle, Doodle. Also known as Dude, if you ask Justin. He is the light of my life. He will be one on July 1st. He is just a big curly, cuddly bug, and I'm obsessed. I was away this weekend and when I got home he literally would not stop running around me in circles and barking. He was so excited to see me, it was so cute. 

8. What's your favorite trait about yourself? My favorite physical trait would have to be my smile. My favorite personality trait would have to be my cheery personality. 

9. What do you do for work? I am a special education teacher for first through fifth graders. My school has an awesome program with 4 special education teachers. I love what I do and the kids and people that I get to work with. I honestly feel like it is what I was meant to do in life. 

10. What makes you the happiest? Spending time with Justin and people that I care about makes me the happiest. Weather we are sitting around telling stories and laughing, playing games, family dinners, or just relaxing. Family and friend time puts a smile on my face. 

11. Tell us a joke. I'm not good with jokes. I can never remember them... but this is my old standby. 

Why did the mermaid wear sea shells?

Because the B Shells were to small and the D shells were too big. =)

11 Facts About Me:

1. I was born in Las Vegas.

2. I am the oldest of 5 siblings.

3. I knew my fiancé's parents way before I had ever met him. 

4. I really like to read. My favorite book is The Time Traveler's Wife. The movie is not nearly as good. 

5. I have a collection of crushed coins.

6. My celebrity crush is Robert Downey Junior. 

7. I have permanent retainers on my upper and lower teeth. 

8. My sisters and I all have 8 letters in our names. Samantha, Veronica, Nicolett, and Abigaile

9. I have met Paula Abdul. And I once bumped into (literally) John Elway. 

10. The Killers bought my dad's house in Las Vegas when he moved away. 

11. Most of my family and friends will tell you I am not a very good driver, but I've never gotten a ticket! 

And the nominees are...

1. AshLee at Baseball Diamonds & Hairspray

2. Rachel at Trying for Sighs 

3. Laura at Can Can Dancer 

4. Chelsie at Sweet Southern Mrs. 

5. Jennifer at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom

My 11 Questions for You!

1. What's the best thing about your blog?

2. What was your favorite post?

3. Finish this sentence... "I am better than most people at..." (Some background to this... I listen to the same radio station everyday on the way to work and the other day they were asking people this and I was so intrigued by everyone's answers!)

4. What is your favorite book?

5. What do you like to do in your free time?

6. What are your favorite blogs that you follow?

7. Where do you love to shop?

8. Besides other blogs, what website to go to when you're bored?

9. If you had a wish from a genie what would you wish for?

10. What is your biggest pet peeve?

11. Where is somewhere you have never been but would love to go?

I can't wait to hear your guy's answers! And thank you for the nomination Karissa! Love you!

Friday Letter

It's Friday! Woot woot! It's the last day of school for the kiddos and I am traveling to Tacoma for a quick trip to watch my sweet sister graduate high school. Today I am linking up with The Sweet Season.

Dear Nicolett,

No, but really... Happy Graduation! I am so proud of you for getting here. You have worked really hard this last year to pull it all together and I'm really proud of you. I am so excited to see where you are going to go in life, and what you are going to accomplish. Just remember to work hard and follow your dreams. I love you Nik!

Dear espresso stand I stop at everyday,
I was getting really grouchy that I had to wait in line for so long, but I was SO happy when I got to the window and you guys already had my coffee made. Thank you! You're the bestest.

Dear Students,
I will miss you this summer. Please have safe and fun summer. And try to read a little.

Dear trip to Tacoma,
Please go by quickly so that I can get to my family and Eri!

Dear Summer Break,
I have missed you oh so much! I am so glad you're back. Please don't rush by!

Happy Friday Everyone!

WILW

It's Wednesday people!

And I'm linking up with Little Daisy May for WILW!

1. I am loving my eyelash extensions. I've only had them on for a few hours and I'm already obsessed. If you live in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area hit me up for some half off coupons!

Please excuse the bags under my eyes, it's been a long week.

2. I am loving that I get to go watch this beauty graduate this weekend. So stoked.

Isn't she gorgeous? I'm obsessed.

3. I am loving that I came home to dinner made by my amazing Snig (fiancé's nickname).

4. I am loving that my wonderful coworkers through me a wonderful bridal shower with wonderful people and wonderful gifts and wonderful cupcakes. It was wonderful. =)

5. I am loving that I got my Bahama Mama Bronzer from Amazon today. They are so speedy!

Two more days until the weekend you guys!!

Monday Monday!

Hello Friends! Guess whaaaat! It's Monday! And while normally I detest the first day of my week, I'm feeling pretty good about today. I had a wonderful weekend, and I just can't find it in me to complain! Why was my weekend so lovely?! Let me count the ways!

1. My phone had been broken for about a week... I had tried everything. Best Buy had tried everything. So I took it to the Apple Store, they tried everything. Still broken. So you want to know what they did?! They gave me a brand new iPhone! I just love Apple. They have such wonderful customer service. I was so pleased with the man who gave me that new phone I could have kissed him. I didn't. But still.

2. Doodle got a new haircut awhile back and he looked like such a dweeb. This is now on my happy Monday list because it is just growing out enough that he is starting to be cute again.

3. I went on Pub Pedal yesterday. If you don't follow me on Vine, you should, because there are a lot of great Vine posts about the ride. For those of you who don't know... this is a group event where a bunch of people ride their bikes from bar to bar in Coeur d'Alene. We do one once every few months. Yesterday there was a hat/helmet theme. It was pretty great.

4. Keeping Up With the Kardashians Season 8 premired last night and is waiting for me on my TiVo. So Happy. Freakin love that show.

5. The Bachelorette is on tonight. In case you cant tell I watch a lot of quality TV.

6. This is the last week of school! Can I get an amen?! We took the kids to a park by our school for a little barbecue today and let them play on the splash pad there... it was a lot of fun.

7. I got a new Coach purse! It was kind of a reward for good money spending behavior, as this is not my strong suit usually. I love it. It is so beautiful.

8. We have been meeting with a lot of wedding people for final consultations. The caterer, the planner, the DJ! It's getting so close! I am so excited! 26 days to go people!! Woohoo!!

See what I mean... I have a lot to be happy about today! And the sun is shinning after sooo many rainy days!! Happy happy happy!