Oh Wedding Plans!

Our Wedding is only 281 days away. It feels decades away, but that could be because I've been waiting my whole life to plan for this special day. I honestly want to talk about Wedding planning 24/7 but I don't want to drive anyone crazy so I figured I'll write it here. That way no one is stuck in my presence of listening, haha.

The planning is the best part. I can see though why so many women get stressed. I've had my share of 'minor' stresses but I put those bad boys to rest quickly. Charlie & I had no hesitation when deciding who we wanted to ask to be in our Bridal Party. Though there are so many friends we wish that we could include they'll still be apart of our special day. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends who love us and want to be there and have been helping out with their awesome ideas. 

We were originally planning on having our Wedding split up a bit, with our Ceremony in Maine and then a Reception a few weeks later in our hometown at my parents. After thinking about it, it made so much more sense to have it all together so now we're down to one day and I am more excited than I was before. Deciding on dresses and decorations has my mind constantly pulling out that creative side I've been hiding away. 

I know what colors I want and my theme I'm going for is French/Vintage to bring in my french heritage.  Since we each lost all of our grandparents we're including them as well. I am putting together photos and I want to set something lovely up at our Wedding to remember our relatives that won't be there. We're trying to also include some other people outside of our Bridal Party in the Wedding to have little roles here in there and that's important to us too. We'll be writing our own vows which I can't wait to cry my eyes out reading what I'll be writing (it's all in my head now) to Charlie.

I put together a little collage of cute pinterest ideas I found! Hope you like! If you find anything you think would be helpful feel free to share! I LOVE getting Wedding Advice! :)

What I've Learned From Her

Long ago we were little redheaded sisters running around. Whether we were running away from each other after a fight, or running after one another during a game of tag, or at times running alongside each other as we were on the same team in 'kick the can'. No matter where we were running too, how fast, or who else was with us we always found time to sit down with each other and talk. Because we're sisters.

We've been there for each other during some of the darkest, sad and also happiest moments in our lives. Injuries, heartaches, confusion, uncertainty, deaths, we were there. We were raised with great morals all thanks to two amazing and caring parents that always encouraged us and also made sure we knew when we did something wrong. They didn't make excuses for us for our faults, they taught us to learn, grow and move on.

I've learned from my sister the struggles and obstacles that life entails and that you can get through anything as long as you keep your mind open and ask for help. It's something we all are too scared to do and feel that only we can fix our own problems. That's not true, asking for help is key. 

I've learned from my sister the beauty in music. To look past the lyrics in a song and close your eyes to the role of each instrument and how they come together to create something so extraordinary. As she is so talented when it comes to music it was through her talent that I learned this.

I've learned from my sister that every sole is delicate. Every one around us may have secrets, things they're dealing with; however, they do not express those feelings. Someone who may seem angry or even extremely happy, may be hurting inside. That it could be anyone we come in contact with throughout the day, week or in a lifetime and that we can't assume that their external expressions and feelings is what is true and not to jump to conclusions or judge them based off of a few words. To learn about them, talk to them and just listen.

Most of all I've learned from my sister how to be a sister. How to love and know that family will always be there and that is something we just do... it's something we are. 

I love my sister Kelly. 

Let's Be Serious

It's cloudy outside.

The sun is not out, instead it's hiding away.

It's wet.

It's cold.

I hit every red light....

evvvverrrry red light.

One of my nails broke.

We need to buy oil or we'll freeze.

Peanut is acting bazerko!

but... I am breathing...

... and you know what?

I am Happy. 

Life & Changes!

There's been so many changes in my life when I think back to 1 year prior to today. I quit a job which left me with a bitter sweet feeling. I enjoyed working with so many amazing, strong and intelligent individuals; however, I felt everything I stood for was draining from myself. I wasn't me anymore and it was a huge decision to make but looking back it was the best thing I could have ever done for me and my family. 

I began my Photography business. Even though it's 'small' and I'm still starting out I've met so many amazing people and have been able to capture for them some pretty memorable moments in their lives that they'll have forever. Each time I walk away from a session I feel good because I know I did something good for someone else. That my friends is quite an accomplishment!

I found a part time job during the week to keep myself busy as well have a steady income. Let me say, never in my life would I have thought I'd find a place I loved SO much. A place where I feel that I belong, such loving, fun and caring women I work with that watch out for each other, somewhere I learn something new everyday and I can be myself. Also, we do good for others and again... my friends... that is absolutely an accomplishment!

What else has changed this past year? Well, I got adult braces. I love saying adult braces.. okay I got braces. :) It's something I've wanted to do my entire childhood and never did. In a way, I'm glad it's now and not then. I think having braces as a child, I may have neglected my teeth once they were off. Perhaps, I wouldn't have warn my retainer and all the hard work of the doctor would have been done for nothing. Now I'm older, mature and I'm so proud of myself for taking on the challenge. 

If you remember the KT Facts you may remember that I was an on and off again nailbiter. Okay.. this is where I can no longer be in denial and say I'm a nailbiter; however, I'm on the wagon? Or can I say without a doubt that I have kicked the habit? Well, having braces makes it quite impossible to even bite your nails.. that said I have the most beautiful healthy nails that my little fingers have ever seen! I'm very proud that I've gotten past such a nasty habit that I've been struggling with for 28 years.

Lastly, tomorrow I will be going to a dermatologist for the first time in my life. With all of my hormonal issues that you can read [here], there's been a struggle with my skin. I have been just one a of many that deals with acne on their face. Some weeks or I should say.. some days my skin feels and looks pretty good. The rest of the weeks and days in a month my face hurts and I break out. I've been a bit of a stubborn baby when it comes to medication. I always feel that I can find the natural remedy whether it's through diet, vitamins or organic creams. Well, in my case nothing works and this is the last thing on my list of what I despise about myself. I would love to wake up one day and not have to put layers of makeup on my skin to cover up the scarring. Or tons of topical ointments to kill away those nasty blemishes rising through my skin. Tomorrow, I am taking the plunge and finally seeing one. I have so much optimism that it will be a lifechanging event when I step into the doctor's office. 

Well, you can see my summary of this year. My feelings and accomplishments. How can I complain? I really can't. Okay, I have too many bills to pay and definitely not a $1 million in the bank. But I have so much more that money can't buy. I can stand tall and feel proud of decisions and what comes next.

Ahhh... Fall. 

Wedding Advice :)

I need help! From all of your creative gals who love Wedding Planning! So I've been finalizing our guest list as I want to send Save the Dates. That's where I need help. I've been putting together a list of all the different sites that I can create photo cards from. I'm trying to price it all out. I'm saving money any which way I can of course but I want it to be cute. I've looked on Etsy and found some great templates to download for save the dates in which I could then put my own pictures in. That's amazing too! If you have any advice, links or reviews of places I'd love to hear. Keep the comments coming. Love you all and thank you! <3 p="p">

A Reason To Smile.

A moment captured from earlier this week of Peanut and I. I'm in love with this dog. :)

Sharing with you TeaCup Castle!

I had the lovely opportunity to wear some of TeaCup Castle's beautiful accessories. As you'll see from her Etsy Shop there is a variety of items she offers. 

As I love jewelry, the necklace I simply adored. It's has gold and blue beads and long enough to wear with any flowing dress, shirt or tank top. You can mix it up with anything casual or dressy! The bow which has a large clip on the back can be used in your hair or even an accessory for your clothing. You can pull back the collar of your shirt or even the bottom and just clip it back a bit. Just to add that little something something!

I would love for you to meet Angela. The genuine creativity and owner of TeaCup Castle. Stop by for Etsy Shop and browse around as well Like her on Facebook! You'll love her shop just as much as I do! Thank you Angela!! 

Why hello there! My name is Angela, the creator behind TeaCupCastle. My little shop is all about handmade items that are whimsical and filled with fantastical fun. Items are designed to add a little magic and “wow” to any outfit, for any occasion. How did I get started? It all started with a cup of tea (hence the shop name) and my best friend. We were having tea and scones in her backyard when she mentioned that I should sell my items online. I had been hand-crafting since forever. She thought it would be great if I share my love of crafting with other people. Do come visit my Etsy and Facebook! Use the code XOXO15 for 15% off any item.

When Nature Knocks.. Build a Bench!

Nature is so beautiful. We took a ride this past Sunday after I spent the entire day Saturday in the house editing photos. I needed to breathe. We both needed to escape so we went on a very long, overdo 'road trip'. As past repeats itself there was no assigned destination. We let the road lead us and we ended up in a park we've driven by so many times but never explored. It was quiet. It was peaceful and most of all we found a little campsite. Okay, so there was no campers or anything but there was leftover ashes from a firepit and that's where I fell in love.... I fell in love with the coolest bench ever. You'll see above 'the bench'. Now it's not just any bench, it's a REAL bench. So now, naturally it's on my list of things to create. My goal is to have this baby created by the end of September. I already found where I need to purchase the slab that we'll sit on and I want to stumps just like those. Oh man.. my life has changed just from seeing this silly little bench. It's the small things that make us happy. 

Pinterest Loves to Help!

Photos via Pinterest

One of my favorite things since Charlie & I set a date for our Wedding is coming home and browsing through Pinterest.  I've been collecting all of these cute and beautiful ideas. I'm looking to have our beach ceremony with a little bit of Irish in it. Then the reception will be French/Vintage theme. So you can see the pictures and how they fit. If you see anything that may be helpful or creative please send my way. My goal is to create as much decor as I can myself for our Wedding, that way I'm truly putting my love and work into this Wedding. 

Clovers, Hearts, Trees & Love

One day a girl took a walk outside to breathe in the fresh air.

Having A/C on such a hot day is a gift; however, you lose out on Mother Nature.

She ventured far and wide... as her yard could reach.

There was patches of clovers everywhere below her feet.

Trying to avoid crushing them, she thought to herself..

"I'm Irish".

She pulled apart one that had only 3 leaves.

Her eyes weren't strong enough to search for a hidden 4 leaf.

Just a nicer way of calling herself lazy.

And there lay 3 hearts in her hand.

She thought to herself..

"Love".

So she plucked a few pieces of grass and in her hand..

She created a word as if it were all a small little puzzle yelling out for her to complete.

The final product was quite beautiful.

Until the little companion she was venturing with wanted to see.

She knelt down to his level and within seconds..

Her little friend ate the creation in her hand.

The End.

Living life from a different angle.

The moment Charlie or I entered our house, Peanut goes crazy. His little nub tail wags faster then lightening strikes. He cries and runs in circles. Then his final reaction to us coming home is running and jumping on the couch to wait for us to sit down. He waits (because I speak dog language) for us to sit on the couch so that he's at our level. Then he has the perfect height to attack our faces and lick us until we're all slobbed in Peanut kisses. I went outside to take photos and thought to myself, why not enjoy life from Peanut's point of view. So we laid on the ground for just a few moments as the little bugs wanted to crawl all over me and he gave me thank you kisses. 

There's a lesson in every moment of our days. Mine today is going forward I'd like to relive moments from different perspectives. Maybe lay down in a park at my favorite spot instead of sitting on a bench or standing to take photos. I guess I'll be rolling around in the grass more often, so I better find me some cute overalls. ;)

Just a little Cat Nap.

Do you have pets? Do you ever look at them in envy, wanting to just curl up on the coziest blanket or hide under a sheet. Did I add all day? Yes, these animals sleep all day. They don't have to stress about the bills, no need on even feeding themselves. Mama gets to pay the bills so their furry little bodies stay warm, their bellies stay plump and pet them so they can purrr. I wish I could cat nap for 22 hours of the day, but then who will take care of the cuties that shed everywhere?

Your first worry.. should be YOU.

Too often I get so wrapped up in the outside world, and worrying about those around me that I forget about this girl. I make these lists of things I need to do that will benefit others but not much that benefits me. I let me own health slip by coming up with excuses not to look into things. I really don't take care of myself as I should.

But there some things recently that I've been doing, decisions that better me in a way that makes me feel great. I got braces (adult braces I like to call them). I always hated my teeth. Yes, that's very superficial but it's something I needed fixed at a young age but we really didn't have the money then. I've been fortunate to get a second chance at getting them and my teeth will be nice and straight and I'll enjoy looking at photos of  myself so much more. Also, I won't have problems with my jaw and grinding my teeth. Hey, that's a health fix if I may say so!

I get tired constantly.. but who doesn't? I wake up throughout the night worrying about so many little things in life. I'm going to work on writing things down when I wake up and what's keeping me from sleeping. Then I can go right at that and try to narrow things down.

I wasn't eating properly, for quite some time.. or I should say almost my entire life. My weight fluctuated and at times it was really dangerous. I'm finally doing so good and I'm pretty proud of myself. I don't think I'm overdoing it. Now that my diet is better, I look forward to dedicating some exercise in the mix.

I want to start meditating. I want to devote time each day for myself, just me... and I. I'd like to feel at peace more than anxious.

I don't want to live my life away, worrying like I do. I want to be okay with only being able to handle what's in front of me and not thinking constantly about what's next. I want to feel more alive and get back into finding the love that's out there and making it more visible for others. But first, I have to work on this girl.

We all need a haircut.

On the left is the BEFORE. The two photos on the right side are AFTER.

So I did it. I went out and bought a set of clippers so buzz Peanut's little 9lb body. He's so fuzzy and since Yorkie's don't shed, he accumulates so much hair and knots. I couldn't deal with it anymore so instead of cutting to give him haircuts with scissors I took a chance. I plopped him in the bathtub and buzzed away. I never saw so much hair. He's now more comfortable and I love petting his crew cut back and nub little tail.

Splashing around.

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things around here.. I promise.. I'm back - (oh boy, I hope to not regret saying that)! We went to Maine last week. Ah, the most beautiful place in the US.. in my eyes of course. What made this year even more special was knowing that when we go back to Old Orchard next year, Charlie and I will be getting married. I still can't believe we finally set a date. So as you can see my excitement being in the ocean splashing around.

I've missd you all and thank you for all of the beautiful e-mails checking in on my quite big hiatus!

A Beautiful Moment In Life

For those who know Charlie and I ..know that we don't do things the same as everyone else or perhaps by the book. Here's a little story on how we met that I put together years back. [lovely story here]

We've been through so much with one another.

We are devoted.

I love him and he loves me. We wouldn't change a thing.

We have been together since August 29, 2001. Living together for 7 years.

Everywhere we go and whoever we talk to has asked us the questions... "When are you getting married?" ..."When will he pop the question?"...."When will you get engaged?"

What we consider being engaged doesn't mean what follows a big surprise proposal. The definition is committed. Which we have been for almost 11 years. We live together, we have a family. We our a family.

Getting married for us will be sharing a special moment in our lives with those that are close to us. Those that supported us all of these years.Celebrating with friends and family and enjoying everyone's company.

I will now officially be Charlie's wife and him my husband. I will get to share his name with him which has been a wish of mine since the moment I laid eyes on him.

We are continuing our unique life together. We are heading towards the next chapter which will be our wedding day where we will exchange vows with one another. 

We have decided together that in August 2013 we'll be getting married. So there will be no picture of my hand posted for the world to see as I bite my nails anyway. Instead, our wedding day will be a surprise for eachother when we exchange rings that we will separately find for one another. It will be beautiful and We wouldn't change a thing. 

Grainy Pictures are Perfect!

Coming home and snuggling with Peanut is #1 on my list each day. It's a little time consuming putting the camera and tripod together and trying to look all cute to take fun photos. It's so much easier to just pull out my phone and force Peanut to take buddy pics together. How can this face not make any day better? 

A Simple Hello!

I was at the grocery store yesterday gathering some last minute items for a Birthday cookout for Charlie. I couldn't decide which line to stand in as all of them were long. I realized I had less than 15 items so now it's between 2 registers.Which do I choose? They're both just as a long. I decided to go with the first one. 

I'm holding one of the carrying baskets and a bottle of soda in the other hand. My grip was loosening and I started panicking inside that I'd drop the bottle. Just in time the little old man in front of me pushed his items on the belt closer together and said, "Here, here dear... put that down... you shouldn't be carrying all of that.." I dropped the bottle on the belt and stretched out my arm. I laughed and thanked him. He smiled back to me. 

As I'm taking the very few heavy items out of the basket it's the little old man's turn. As he's handing his card to the cashier he says, "How are you doing today dear?" The girl grabs his card and with a quick response she said, "Fine." He looks back at me and raises his eyebrows a bit. I smiled. The little old man turns back to the cashier and said, "Smile sweetheart. It's a beautiful day to be alive." This made my day.

Being In A Moment.

It's been a while. That seems to be a repetitive beginning to all of my posts. It's sad thinking about all of the time and motivation I had years ago when I first began my Blog. I feel like I have neglected it so much and I've lost touch with so many of you. I hope to get back there soon, honestly. 

A few weeks ago I jumped (or walked) on a plane and headed out to Illinois to spend time with some of my favorite people. They just happen to be family, and great family I should add. I haven't seen them in years and to be with them, spend time, talk, listen, enjoy every moment is something I'll keep and hold onto for the rest of my life. 

We learn a lot about life and ourselves when we're placed in a new environment and around genuine people. I think that way each day when I'm somewhere new. I try to embrace every moment and absorb what others are telling me and truly listen as they speak. I learned more about my family being with them. I was able to live their life in a week and see how they spend their days. I loved it there. I loved being with them. 

Everything is really peaceful out there, it's quiet. You get to intersections and every which way looks the same. I really loved that. I think it was because when we're placed in a moment and look at the different roads we can choose to take they each look different, so already you have this vision in your mind of which is more appealing. Which direction should I go as one looks nicer than the other. Then we contemplate constantly if we're making the right choice. 

When you find yourself at a four-way intersection and each road looks the same. That moment seems less stressful because you really can't worry about the decision at hand. There is no signs letting you know this is wrong. I truly loved being in that moment. 

Instagrammin'

I'm back from my week vacation in Illinois visiting some of my amazingly fabulous cousins! I had the time of my life. While I work on some posts including stories from my adventure I'll share with you some more of my Instagrammin' since I'm still fairly new. You can find me @katerkates. Love you all!

Instagrammin'

So I finally took the plunge and recently got an I-Phone. I'm a decade behind in the game... has it been a decade? Either way I'm excited to say I'm instagrammin'! You can find me @katerkates. Enjoy some of my recent pictures :)