Project: Second Bedroom

Our apartment is a two bedroom space and I had many plans for that second bedroom before we moved in last year. 

My dream was a guest room/office/music room with the space to display Brandon's music memorabilia, instruments, and our sport knick-knacks, with an extra closet for storage.

A girl can dream...right?

In reality? This is what our second bedroom has become:

First time using my Panorama, cool huh?

Spacious right?

Brandon really wanted a corner desk and found this one for a good deal at Staples, so it was purchased without any measurements, or the realization that it can only fit in one of the corners. 

I had planned to have the bed in one corner and the desk in the other..unsuccessful again. We had everything set up and it left about an inch of movement space, so we attempted to try another way, and that led to my mom and I having to move each piece of furniture just an inch at a time before we had it repositioned. Think tetris. Again...very little space.

Plan B: We neither had the space nor desire to get rid of the bed. I dissembled the bed frame and headboard and it is currently in the storage room. We turned the mattress and box spring into a "hid-a-bed"-ish situation. When the bed is not being used we push it up against the wall behind the door, it fits perfectly and we have an open floor again. But the bed has been down for awhile and this kid has moved in and made it his own. 

You may say I felt bad-mom while Brandon was gone for 2 months and he's not allowed in our room. He now responds to "go to your room."

I swear this room has been clean and one time or another, but over the last four months it has become the overflow or vomit room of our things. 

The desk, which hasn't been used for studying since June now holds text books, papers, bills, HS plagues, Christmas ornaments, board games, planting pots, runners bibs...just to name a few pieces of crap.

Just checked & that calendar reads April 2012. Seriously?

The craft closet:

I have made a few attempts at organizing, my future hubby also purchased me a plastic "craft" organizer from Joann's for an anniversary gift, which it is organized on the inside, but I have overflowed again.

With the anticipation of our wedding coming, I know more wonderful things will be filling our apartment and I need an organized place to keep it ASAP! Brandon is on a rotation in Dallas for four weeks so it has become my goal, and I made the first move with these purchases:

3 large weave baskets

2 medium weave baskets

2 small weave baskets

Wooden labels

All from Joann Fabrics {thank goodness for coupons}

4-tiered iron shelf from Lowes

I will be keeping you updated on the progress of redeeming myself on the disaster that is our second bedroom.

Till then I'll leave you with two spirited printables in my home from one of the best Christmas movies ever...ELF! Printables are my new favorite {& cheap!} decor!

Christmas Cheer printable from HERE : I saved it to my computer and printed it as an 8x10. It looks purple in the picture, but it is actually grey. Frame is from Hobby Lobby and was originally gold that I spray painted with primer.

Code of the Elves free printable found here. Frame is from Hobby Lobby was originally black and I spray painted red.

Wedding Planning: Early Stages

So far my wedding planning has been relatively stress-free and easy. Due to Brandon's medical school graduation in the middle of May and the possibility of starting his residency (maybe even moving states) being as early as mid-June we had a small time frame to tie the knot...which led to our wedding date being decided 12 hours later! 

The only wedding related detail I had preset in my mind was the church I wanted to look into which also made our decision easy when it only had two dates available. The Graham Memorial Chapel is located on Washington University Campus and because my dad works there I knew I had way in to apply. Besides the fact that it's gorgeous, it also was perfect in that it was non-denominational and we would have to supply our own officiant and avoid searching for a church that would allow us to get married not being a member or living in St. Louis. So, we applied online at 2:30am the night of our engagement, the lady called me the next day, and we had a date! Step one: DONE!

I didn't have a clue of where to have our reception but I had a specific idea of what I was looking for. My biggest priority was that it was a large open space where all our guests would feel included and be able to see and enjoy every part. I hate when guest are cut off from view of the head table due to the layout of the venue, or the bar is located away from the dance floor. I knew if I put the drinks by the dance floor our friends would have no excuse but to boogie down! I looked at two venues and immediately upon walking into NEO on Locust I knew this was exactly what I was looking for! The interior and feel of the place sealed the deal. Located close to downtown St. Louis, exposed brick, and ceiling beams gives it that loft-like feeling I was going for with my romanic theme I was leaning towards. Step two: DONE!

View of the dance floor!

I interviewed several people for our photographer, and while many were great, very professional, and had beautiful work, I decided on the one that I had the best feeling about. From our first phone call confirming our meeting I knew I liked her and our meeting confirmed that feeling. She has great work and I can't wait to see what she does on our wedding day!  Her studio, Bliss Eleven, is based out of St. Charles, check her out for family shots, senior pictures, engagement, and weddings! Bliss Eleven Studios Step three: DONE!

Wedding dress shopping was surprisingly very easy. I only made two appointments (which I recommend keeping it small because you WILL get overwhelmed and it's an experience you want to enjoy!) My future SIL, Tessa, works for a bridal company, Essense of Australia, which owns the brands Essense, Martina Liana, and Ella Bridals. There is a store in Overland Park and while there was no pressure to find a dress there, I was secretly hoping it would be, but I kept my mind open and made another appointment at a boutique in downtown KC. While I can't give away too much, my dress ended up being the very first one I tried on! I tried on at least 20 more after it, but each one was being compared to that first one. The whole experience really was surreal and very enjoyable. I felt fantastic in every dress I tried on {just like every girl should}. 

My one suggestion for brides-to-be out there is when you are getting that this could be the dress feeling, stay in your dressing room by yourself or with your consultant only so that you can take it all in. When you are making a decision as large and important as this, it's hard to think straight when you have many sets of eyes looking at you and judging your every reaction. I knew my dress was it, but it was stressful with my mom and friends starting at me and I wish I would've stayed in the dressing room to take it in. No regrets in my decision and I enjoy taking peeks at my dress on my phone and can't wait till Brandon sees me in it. STEP four: DONE!

I hope to continue with my suggestions, tips, and documentation of wedding planning as I continue over the next {6} months. I will be posting my Project Wedding Bod, engagement pictures & stresses, and general wedding babble. I wish I could post some of my crafty ideas and creations, but some things do need to be kept a secret until the big day! You'll just have to see for yourself!

Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

I don't know what's come over me. I love Christmas time, but I never, never, ever, put myself in a Christmas state of mind till after Thanksgiving. I avoid Christmas radio stations, walk past the brightly colored aisles, and don't think Christmas till Black Friday has come and gone.

But this time it's different and I've been taken over by something holly and jolly. I'm not sure if it's my subconscious wanting holidays to come faster so it means 5-26-13 is closer or what but I felt the urge to pack up my Halloween decor on November 1st. I told myself this year I wouldn't need to buy any new holiday decorations...not happening.

Last year I went with a natural-woodland theme. I stuck to browns, burlaps, and pine cones. 

This is still coming out. I love it! Steps coming later.

50 pine cones later

While walking in TJMaxx, I was inspired by a different theme this year. 

I am spending Thanksgiving with Brandon and friends in Dallas while he is on a med school rotation. I have traveled to many cities and many states, but never Texas! I am really excited for a southern, every thing's bigger and brighter Texan Thanksgiving with great friends! And I'm off the hook for cooking the turkey for another year---I told my mom last year I would cook the turkey when I got engaged..HAH!

Took 3 months to get a mani

Wedding planning is coming right along, things have kind of slowed down after the initial deposits have been made, and now taking a breather and doing the fun stuff! We registered two weeks ago and took our engagement pictures last Saturday in our old stomping grounds: Springfield, MO.

A little sneak peek of what may or may not have happened during our pictures.... 

Although the town has changed a bit, I still get happy, homey feelings driving around, and get so jealous of the carefree college kids I see...and I just said kids, wow. 

One thing has stayed the same

It turned out to be a beautiful day {November--who would've thought?} I can't WAIT to see them...and I'm totally not checking our photographer's Facebook page every few hours...or my email...or her blog. Patience is a virtue. 

I'll leave you with my only Thanksgiving decoration... Gobble, baby.