The girl can sew!

Remember this post? Well I did it! Turns out my mom had an old machine she inherited from somewhere in the family and now I have my very own machine. I am telling you this whole sewing thing might just be my new favorite hobby. The machine is a little ancient, but I oiled her up and she purrs like a kitten. 

Look at me pretending to know what I am doing!

My first project is officially complete. Of course it's not perfect, but I decided to go for it full force and I made a little robe! A cotton one for summer, that I have to admit I am quite proud of.. I had quite a few pin pricks, but only one that drew blood so I am calling the process a success. There may have been a few swear words here and there but for the most part it was very fun. The fabric store might be the best place ever. The fabrics, and buttons, and trinkets in there are a dream come true. Of course my handy work could use a little practice. Cutting and sewing straighter for example, but I really enjoyed the process overall and am excited to see where I can go with it. Much fun to be had! 

Voila!

We have been some busy bees over here and I still am easing back into the blog game. There has been a lot of unpacking, organizing, laundry. You know the fun stuff .. On a happier note we are back in the homeland (my homeland anyways) and it's been great catching up with friends we have missed and snuggling with some very sweet dogs. It took them a few days to forgive us for leaving them for so long I think, but we are back in full snuggle mode and I love it! We landed on the most beautiful night. I had forgotten how good Vancouver smells. It is truly incredible. And the mountains. Just glorious. Reminds you how small you really are in this big world.

It's Friday so maybe I should leave you with that, you might have some big exciting plans or something. Or maybe my toes are just really cold and there is a hot tub calling my name. Either way, thanks for stopping by! 

Sorry.. I was busy getting married!

Hola! And welcome back .. I fell off the blogging planet this past little while, but am back full force! Please excuse the absence. My husband and I were busy showing our family and friends a good time down in Cabo San Lucas for our big day. 

Blake and I are officially husband and wife as of February 22! I wish I had something more exciting to say other than it was the best day ever, but it truly was. I can not seem to find the words to explain what that much happiness feels like. We were very spoiled and had around 40 of our closest friends and family down in Cabo with us. It was an incredible experience. For us, having our families living so far apart is tough. We will probably never have that many of our loved ones from both sides together in one place again, so we hold those memories very close to our hearts. 

Our pictures turned out truly incredible. We had a windy day which worked out perfectly with the dress and hair. I got my dress from Davids Bridal, and have never felt more beautiful. The layers blowing in the wind, the just right amount of sparkle, the look on Blakes face. One I will never forget. So many tears of joy, and so much love we were bursting at the seams! 

I have looked at these photo's a zillion times by now, and somehow they just keep getting better and better. We ordered the bridesmaid dresses from Modcloth on a whim and they worked out perfectly, the flowers were ordered from Cabo Flowers in bulk and put together by my mother in law. A huge thank you to her, I couldn't have imagined them turning out so beautiful! 

For all of you out there planning and stressing over your wedding, just remember it is not about the napkins, or the chairs or any of those little details you are fretting over. I am sure you have heard it many times, but the day goes by so fast when it finally comes around none of those little things matter. Marrying your best friend is the most amazing feeling, and the love you feel from your family and friends is just too much. I have never felt so beautiful and so loved. For our guests I can not thank you enough, that day would not have been the same without you!

This has become a bit of a scroll party but I hope you enjoyed it anyways. Feels good to be back in the blogging world, I'll see you again soon. That's a promise!

xoxo

when life gives you oranges,

be grateful.

We have been some busy bees down here in Cabo. We've moved into a new condo, which we are sharing for the month with Blake's brother and (soon to be) sister in law. We just have so much space compared to our last unit we were in. It's been nice to be able to sprawl out. (Did I mention the king size bed?) It is the perfect place to write a post for you all. Although I have been slacking. My apologies. But here we are again, and I promise to keep you updated on the coming weeks SINCE WE'RE GETTING MARRIED IN 16 DAYS! Everything is coming together and we couldn't be more excited!

This coming Tuesday we have our first load of guests to arrive. Ten of them all arriving on the same day! So that will be a good party. It has been much too long since we have all been together, and for some (including our parents) it will be the first time EVER to be under the same roof. Or even the same country! To some it may seem a little odd that our parents have never met but Blake and his family are from Minnesota and I am a BC girl born and raised. So besides chatting via the internet Tuesday is the big day. I have to say I could not be more excited! I can't think of anywhere better to meet your extended family. Can you? 

Lots of wedding prep going on around here, my crafts table is getting some good use! I have paper lanterns on the go, a guestbook that is all coming together, glitter and candles everywhere. And loving it! We took a stroll over to 'Pedregal Beach' where we will be having our ceremony. My goodness, it is even more lovely than I remembered it. Have no fear I have not completely forgotten about my dear blog. The camera made the trip, so here is a sneak peek: 

Pedregal Beach is on the Pacific side so it is quite a stroll, especially on a very warm day and you forget to pack a water bottle. But! Just as you get to the top of the 'mountain' there is the most amazing view.

^^ starting to head downhill (thank goodness!)

^^ Just one of the incredible homes on the way. 

Yes, it's all one house. 

^^ handsome future husband staring off to the wild blue

These next coming weeks will be our last few in Cabo, and we will be soaking up all the good stuff with our family and friends! Words can not express how excited I am to see the faces we have been missing these past months down here in paradise. It's been quite the adventure, and I am just so grateful for the entire experience and to share it with my best friend. So much beauty in this world, wherever you are. Just don't forget to look for and appreciate it!

The Weekend Report

Hoping you all had a lovely weekend. We enjoyed ourselves just fine! We managed to hit the market again, this time even earlier. Cabo at eight in the morning is quite magical. There is not a lot of people up and about early on Saturdays. Surprise, surprise. Friday is a big night for Cabo. It was a lovely morning stroll. We rewarded ourselves with a brownie for breakfast. But just not any brownie, I am sure it is an award winning brownie. If not it should be. The thing was so moist it just melted in your mouth. Forced to savor it because your whole mouth is coated in chocolaty goodness.  A whole new level of greatness. I am still learning to take a picture before I completely devour something, so let your imagination go wild dreaming up the perfect brownie. The organic market just keeps getting better and better! 

Since we arrived early we were able to get our hands on some fresh tuna. Seriously fresh tuna. I should mention that we are sushi freaks. So we sliced that tuna up and made sashimi! When I say we, I really mean I took a nap on the couch and my fancy pants future husband made sashimi! Yes, I am a lucky girl. I know this.

His masterpiece. Please note the sriracha garnish. The guy sure goes all out! (Proud future wife over here.)

Sunday we had a well deserved snooze in and spent our afternoon in the hot tub. It was a cloudy day so that is a fair excuse in my books. We decided to spoil ourselves for Sunday dinner and went to our most favorite Italian place 'La Dolce'. You should know I am the biggest fan of all things tomato. Anyway your making them, lay it on me. Blake is the exact opposite. I swear he is afraid of all things tomato.  The man doesn't even eat ketchup! Or spaghetti, or pizza unless the sauce is very light -or non existent. So whenever I get the craving for something tomato-y we go for Italian. Unfortunately I am also the most indecisive person on the planet. On the walk there I was fully prepared to eat a whole bowl full of noodles drenched in a red sauce, then end up ordering a pizza. What can I say, just look at that thing! We have been avoiding gluten the last few weeks, so this was a real treat for us.

(pizza or pasta, pizza or pasta!?)

Today was a little less exciting, only because it was filled with laundry. Many, many loads of laundry. Although I did cut out somewhere around a million paper hearts for a wedding project. A wedding that is 26 days away! That's it! All the planning, and preparing will finally be done and we get to celebrate with our closest friends and family. In twenty-six days. Just had to say it once more. Making sure you get the full effect here. 

I will leave you with that, since I have more laundry to fold. Maybe some more paper hearts to cut out as well. Wedding crafts may be the best kind of crafts, and you know I only have twenty-six more days to finish everything up. See what I did there? Stay warm folks. Especially you mid-westerners! Sounds like you all are in for a real treat. Next winter is going to be a real eye opener for this west coaster.

this little piggy went to the market ..

The early bird gets the worm, and this morning that was us! Which is a huge surprise, I know! Blake and I woke up early and ventured over to The Los Cabos Organic Market. It is held 3 days a week, and has some serious scrumptious goodies to offer. 

 

I mean seriously, it was incredible. I am probably the furthest thing from a morning person. For me to enjoy an activity that takes place before noon, you know it's got to be good. There was fruits, veggies, fish, fresh goat and cow cheese, quite the assortment of baked goods that really looked lovely. Unfortunately for you next to the pastries was a taste testing section with loads of good. So, naturally there are no pictures to document that since I was too busy stuffing my face. Mmm! We ended up walking away with some strawberries that are seriously the best I've had in all my days, fresh halibut, scallops and some carrots. (That just smell the way carrots should) It was a very successful morning. 

(And that my friends is what we call breakfast)

Last night after the sun went down, we hit the beach! Seems a little odd but we were on a top secret mission stealing borrowing sand. Can't exactly rob the place in the day light. I am making what feels like a zillion paper bag lanterns for the wedding, and need to borrow some sand for my candles to hang out in while they illuminate our reception in the most beautiful way. (Pictures to come, I promise!) So for now, Blake and I are making trips down to the beach to borrow some sand. I know, I know stealing sand has to be breaking some kind of environmental laws and if everyone did it the beach would vanish. But! We only live a block away and I plan to take it all back! So problem solved, I get to have a beautifully lit wedding, and the beach gets it's precious sand back. A win win in my books. 

Well friends, I am going to cook up our delicious finds.. maybe wrap everything in bacon first. Yes, that sounds like a plan! 

xx

happiness. and cheese.

Sometimes we're classy. I'm talking wine and cheese classy. Maybe a fake french accent classy. Okay no, too far. But tonight was one of those nights. Smoked salmon, some fancy meat, cheese, and good company. (Anthony Bourdain joined us whether he knows it or not)

Alright, I am going to get a little mushy for a moment. Consider yourself warned. Wedding planning is not always the most joyous of times, and sometimes things just don't go your way. Nothing you can do. But if your lucky, and I truly hope you are, you get to marry your best friend. (I warned you!) I am so thankful to have met my best pal and am so excited for all the adventures life has in store for us! It is just nice to have a teammate to make you giggle and dry your tears. No matter how ridiculous the cause of the tears may be. I have a really embarrassing story in mind .. but I am just not sure I am ready to share with the world. Hint: It had to do with not getting Burger King. Okay. Definitely not sharing! In all seriousness though, Blake I love you more than anything, and I am so thankful to share my life with you.

Today we were a little productive in our part of the world. We had to get some groceries, so a trip to the bank to get some peso's was in order. Unfortunately going to the bank in Mexico on a Friday consists of (not kidding) 45+ minutes standing in line. Remember the 'Mexican Time'? It is no joke. Luckily there is always a reward. Today was groceries and some delicious sushi for lunch. I really meant to take a photo for you all, because it really is beautiful when it arrives on the table. But it is also extremely delicious and it has been awhile since we have had sushi. So, by the time I remembered I should take a picture.. well this is all we had left: 

Not quite blog worthy, but maybe you get the idea? I hope so. 

Walmart here is kind of an experience on it's own. The seafood department is filled with all kind of creatures, and the taste testers are unbelievable. Except that you have to get there early if you want to participate, which we would have been if we didn't need to visit the bank. 

^^^

in case fresh isn't your style

I leave you with some kind wishes for a happy, happy weekend and a smile that only sushi can create!

I'm back na na na..

Happy Monday! Sounds like an oxymoron but that's how I'm feelin. Although I lied last post when I said the flu had left our little home, it just decided to hang out with me instead of Blake. Probably my own fault since I do enjoy a healthy helping of kisses, even when he is covered in snot. But on the plus, after taking care of him while he was sick it is now my turn. I think I am going to be really, really sick. (muwahaha)

Remember the chicken and ribs we had the other day? Well we went again today. Because it's just that good. Eat it three days in a row good if it were up to me! Blake gets to model for this post since my nose is just not up for it. I would say a job well done on his part. 

After a yummy lunch we got to come home and clean our humble abode. It is funny how the weekend makes such a mess no matter what you do. We went to the movies this weekend. "This is the End" came out! Yeah, yeah I know- it came out in the summertime back home, but we are running on 'Mexican Time' down here. So we were pretty happy to have a movie we actually wanted to see. I love going to the movies down here, it is ridiculously cheap ($5 for both of us!!) and we live super close to the theater so we got to walk off the popcorn on the way home. Just kidding. Not even close. I am one of those people who has to get the large or it doesn't make it past the previews. I feel the constant need for popcorn in my mouth at all times. It is only embarrassing when I forget I am sitting in close proximity with Blake and he turns to me and says "Whoa! You really go at that." I mean how lady like do I sound? Then the movie is over, lights come on and I stand up and sprinkle the floor with whatever pieces didn't quite make it to my mouth. Very lady like indeed.

 There are somethings I am really going to miss about this place, but the excitement about being home is creeping up more and more. Although as I sit here and type this to you there is the most perfect sunset out our window. Something about pink clouds is just so magical. 

The nose is beginning to get a little out of control, so I am going to cut this post short. But I am getting really excited about these wedding DIY's I have found and I might have a sneak peek for you next post. I don't know how we used to survive without Pinterest! Maybe we wasted a lot less time on the internet, but crafting was definitely not as fun! 

 Hope your Monday wasn't too Monday-ish!

ps. since I know your all freezing back home check out Creative Wearables. Some goodies to keep away your winter blues for you and baby! Everything is handmade by Blakes mama so why not stay warm and support someone sweet! 

I mean baby booties!? Consider my heart warmed!