Yesteryear Revival

Obviously things haven't settled down too much around here, and that's why it's been so quiet. I'm attempting to stay positive with this post though, so here goes. This past weekend the mister and I got away for a bit. It was much needed. I had a ton of unfinished homework when we left Friday afternoon, homework I knew was due Sunday by midnight, but I managed to get in that car anyhow. I'm so glad I did too. A change of scenery and a little spontaneity did the trick. We went to Chicago to see Tanner & Amanda (& Stella!). We ate so much delicious food, consumed too many drinks, public transited all over, shopped, explored and just so happened to catch a Thee Silver Mt. Zion show! Umm, have you heard of this band? I really hope so, but if not, immediately commence your google, youtube or whatnot search. I can probably hook you up with some links, too :) Not only was the show beyond amazing, but the fact that us seeing this show so last minute came to pass, well that was pretty amazing as well. Literally just two weeks ago I remembered how much I love this band, and I'd been listening to them nonstop ever since. And then it just so happened that they were playing a show the same exact weekend we were in Chicago?! We bought our tickets 30 minutes before sales ended, just hours before the show. I'd call that fate, and I was ecstatic, to say the least. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't imagine seeing this band with anyone but Aaron, Tanner & Amanda. It was perfect. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that they played my favorite song as the encore? And it lasted like 12 minutes. Yeah, perfection. The whole weekend was pretty great really. We got Sprinkles and Magnolia Bakery while we were there, too. T & A definitely know how to entertain. Thanks again, <3 you guys, come visit us soon!

Here's a little taste...

While I was home over the holidays I had the pleasure of hanging with a family friend who also happens to be an amazing photographer.

Turns out he had just recently purchased a new camera and wanted to take it out for a test run.

Can you believe these pictures were taken in the middle of December?! No snow. No coat. Perfection.

I am pretty thrilled with how the pictures turned out. Other than my doofy expressions and slightly awkward poses, they look fantastic. I'd say that camera's a keeper ;)

Now if only I could get him to take all the pictures for my blog. A girl can dream, right?

You can check out more of this work here and here.

Thanks again Niall!

P.S. Back in high school when the mister and I were first dating we used to take pictures down by this river. It's a special place always near and dear to my heart.

<3

I didn't even realize until I was going through my pictures how many sweets I consumed this weekend.

Good thing I've started back to the gym, huh.

Besides eating sugary treats, this weekend was spent day-tripping, treasure picking, and school visiting.

Earlier this week I finalized and submitted my grad school application!

I am beyond excited and nervous. Just playing the waiting game now.

I've been contemplating going back to school ever since I graduated almost three years ago, so needless to say, it's about time.

Although I haven't been accepted yet, I'm optimistic, and I really wanted to check out the campus, so the mister and I took a little trip to Detroit on Saturday.

We also stopped in at IKEA on the way!

I was soooo excited to go. I'm a dork, yes, but I've only been to one once before.

We found some amazing fabric (think origami woodland creatures) that I'm going to use to make pillow covers and a few other little items.

Yes, IKEA was fun, but visiting campus really got me looking forward to returning to school.

So cross your fingers :)

P.S. See that first picture? All my dreams came true one day while perusing the ice cream isle at my local Kroger after leaving the gym. Who knew about this new flavor and didn't tell me?!

P.S.S. The mister and I partook in some Sunday pickin' today, and I can't wait to show you what we found!

New project posts coming soon!

I know, major photo overload, but can you blame me?!

I wanted to post a few pictures of our Labor Day/Birthday weekend trip to southern Illinois.

Affectionately known as 'the farm' to family and friends, this little corner of the world is presently home to Aaron's parents, aunt and their many furry friends.

The mister grew up spending weekends, summers and holidays here, and not surprisingly it's always held a special place in his heart.

Ever since we first starting dating eight years ago (whoa!) he's been more than ecstatic to 'drag' me down south every chance he gets.

It didn't take too long for this place to grow on me (ok, maybe a few trips), and to this day I couldn't be more in love.

Every second spent at the farm feels like vacation. It's truly amazing.

From lounging on the deck & watching the herons on the lake to late night card games and wine tastings, it's always an adventure.

It makes me so happy to think that one day we'll be able to share this place with our children as Aaron's parents were able to share with him and his sister.

<3

Better late than never, right? :)

These past couple weeks have been crazy busy.

My brother moved in, my parents (and their 105 lb. dog) visited, we traveled home for a wedding, I had a birthday and we finally got to meet our new nephew!

Phew, busy but fun.

Things are just beginning to wind back down.

Anyway, the reason for this post...

The mister and I celebrated our three year anniversary on August 2nd.

We spent our day road tripping, wine tasting and beach bumming on the shores of Lake Michigan.

It was perfect.

(Especially the part where we spontaneously stumbled upon a breathtaking deserted beach!)

Oh how I look forward to spending many more years together.

<3