Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce

Let me just put this lightly...I LOVE anything cheesy. I mean who doesn't right?! 

But it probably has been at least 5 years since I've had anything really cheesy, especially Alfredo sauce. I used to love that stuff that came in a jar. It was pretty good. 

Since obviously I can't eat that anymore, I needed to figure out how to make Alfredo so I can enjoy it again. Trust me when I say this is the easiest and most cheesiest thing you'll eat...because it is! You only need THREE ingredients. Yes, only three. 

Daiya shredded mozzarella cheese, unsweetened almond milk, and earth balance buttery spread. 

I'll admit, I really didn't know how this would turn out. I haven't been sold on Daiya cheese yet because I'm so picky. So I was iffy on using it but the recipe I stumbled across used it and I didn't want the sauce to turn out so I followed the recipe exactly. Which is something I don't really do often. But I'm glad I followed it this time. (there are a few ingredients I didn't add because of personal preference) There's literally just a few steps to this process:

When I first added in the cheese I was really nervous because it was so clumpy, but the recipe I followed said to give it time and just keep stirring...

 And stirring..

Until finally it becomes smooth and creamy!! 

If you've been missing out on Alfredo Sauce, this is the recipe for you! 

Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce

1/4 Cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread

1 1/2 Cups Almond Milk-Unsweetened

1 Package Daiya Mozzarella Shreads

Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Melt buttery spread in skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add almond milk to butter and stir for a few minutes.

3. Add entire package of cheese. And stir

4. Keep stirring over medium heat until you get a thick, creamy cheese sauce. 

5. Serve warm. 

6. Keep in an air tight container in the fridge. Will heat up nicely in the microwave and become a gooey cheese once warm.

Enjoy!! 

Being Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I've been terrible at posting...but life has gotten pretty crazy lately. Since November 1st i've been nonstop it seems like. But I have a lot to be thankful for and it would take me forever to type so.

Some big changes have been happening.....

Caleb and I found a house!!

Which was a big stress on us since we obviously needed somewhere to live ;) 

We moved in on November 1st and with working full time, planning a wedding, and making our house a home. I'm quite exhausted at the end of the day and all I can think about is going to be bed. When we found it, it was in the final stages of construction so it was pretty cool to see it get completely finished. I am in love with my kitchen, I told Caleb that we had to find a place with a beautiful kitchen and well we certainly did...

Here's a transformation of our kitchen.

This was before they cleaned it and added our backsplash

All clean and ready to move in!

Moved in and decorated!

It's amazing what furniture and decor can do to a house. I'm defiantly the type of person who loves to make things feel like home, so that has been my goal. We are still organizing and decorating the rest of our house...which is huge and we just haven't had the time yet. Once the wedding is over, our time will be dedicated fully to finishing our house. 

I can't express enough how thankful I am to our family and close friends who dedicated their time to help us with this process. I'll be forever thankful and certainly grateful. I was reading over my Thanksgiving post from last year and it's crazy how different things are in just a year. Never once did I think that next year I would working full time at a job I've always wanted, be sitting in my own house, preparing goodies for Thanksgiving and would be getting married in a month. I really feel blessed and I know it's all because of a lot of time spent praying, and praying....and more praying. 

I really hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and get to reflect on what you're thankful for. 

Cheers! 

A Surprise Vintage Paris Themed Bridal Shower

Bonjour!!!

That means hello in French ;) 

Two weekends ago I had my surprise Bridal Shower and I can't explain how pretty everything was! And it was exactly what I wanted. My Matron of Honor and Bridesmaids put together a Bridal Shower that was totally me. They combined Paris and Tiffany blue into a Vintage Paris theme! So Adorable! I'm just going to get right to the shower because I know you're probably dying to see the pictures! 

Let's start with my reaction to walking into my Bridal Shower. One of my Bridesmaids Sierra (pictured behind me) took me out shopping and we had plans to meet Becca(My Matron of Honor) at a new cute little Cafe that opened up in town. Was I surprised yes? I started to get a feeling later on in the day...but I had thoughts my shower was other times so I wasn't really certain. 

Taking in everything and seeing everyone, made me quite excited..obviously ;) 

The details! 

Food Table

Part of the gift table with favors.

Which I didn't get a picture of the favors but they were "Pearl Necklaces" made out of ribbon with white gum balls. They were super adorable and if I get a picture of them I'll just add it in.

Some of the table decor. 

One of Becca's friends was recently in Paris and took these pictures!!

They had guests sign envelopes with their name and address for the Thank You Cards. Seriously if you're throwing any type of shower it's always best to do this. Makes it much easier when writing Thank You Cards. 

Also guests wrote their Advice for me for a Happy Marriage on Post Cards that were all French Themed. Which I now have in a cute book. 

Okay so all of the food was gluten and dairy free. You see those pink things in the left hand corner? Macaroons. I have a serious LOVE for macaroons and so they made sure they incorporated them into my shower, and of course they fit the theme.

Now..as if I wasn't totally loving everything, they brought out my cake.....

I was shocked!! It was so pretty and perfect! And yes those are gold flakes on it. It was pink on the inside. I just can't express how perfect everything was. All of my favorite things were incorporated into my shower. 

The day was filled with joy, happiness, and I defiantly felt showered with love! I can't thank everyone who was involved enough and put into words how blessed I feel to have all of the loving people in my life. 

Me and my lovely bridesmaids. Two of my bridesmaids are missing from this picture. But they both had a part in the shower as well. 

My sister, best friend, and Matron of Honor. She planned everything, of course with the help of the other girls. But she made this day happen. 

My Thank You Cards.

I know there are a lot of details that I didn't get a picture of because I didn't have my phone on me so I got pictures of others who were able to take pictures. 

Thank you to everyone who was able to come to my shower. 

One step closer to the big day!!! 

Cheers! 

<3 

5 Reasons Why A Smaller Wedding Is A Good Idea(Plus we've reached 2 months!!)

Sooo....we have reached 2 months!!!!

Which means..83 days...11 weeks...

Holy cow...is pretty much what goes through my mind. Time has been flying by for sure. And quite frankly I can't contain just how excited I am. 

Lately we haven't really been doing to much wedding stuff. I know that's all about to change since there's A LOT to do. 

We sent out our invites..okay don't judge me on this but I can't remember the month but I know we should have gotten them all back since our deadline was September 30th...so for those of you who haven't PLEASE let me know...I know who you are anyways and I will be coming after you ;) Seriously though. I will. 

We kept our guest list really small. We decided that we wanted mainly family and close friends. We actually had to cut it down a few times, nothing personal it's just what we wanted. We both have big families and it is important that our family have priority over anyone else, then if we had extra we could add in close friends. I have been told so many times that you'll never regret having a smaller wedding, but some will regret having a big one. So we decided to go small. Here are a few reasons why having a smaller wedding is better: 

1. Since you'll have fewer guest to greet and talk to, you can really spend time with each other and enjoy the day. 

2. More intimate setting, you'll spend your special day with the ones closest to you.

3. Save money, this is a big one. A big way to save money but still be able to have an elegant affair is to cut down your guest list. 

4. You are more likely to remember everyone at your wedding and be able to talk to them. 

5. People are more likely to remember your wedding. If you have a traditional large wedding that has 150+ guests most people aren't going to remember certain details and since it's like most weddings they've been to. It'll be a routine. When you have a smaller wedding, you can focus on more details and make your wedding unique since you don't have to plan for a large amount of people. 

I'm not saying big weddings are bad or even bashing them. I understand that some people just have really big families that requires a big wedding, and that's defiantly okay! If you have always dreamed of a big wedding, then go for it. It's your day and you decide how you want it. But smaller weddings tend to not get as good rep and people think you only go small because you can't afford a big wedding. That's not always the case.  I feel that if you are happy, and you married the love of your life, that's all that matters at the end of the day. 

Cheers! 

Nature's Path Pumpkin Spice Waffle Review

Well hello October!! I can't believe that it's fall. I really do love fall, but not thrilled about colder weather. However I enjoy all the flavors and comfort of Fall. So I guess that makes up for it. I do go crazy over pumpkin things. I'll admit, but hey it's fun and I enjoy the colder temps when I can have everything pumpkin. I even created a board on Pinterest, labeled Everything Pumpkin. I'm very dedicated. 

Pumpkin flavor is EVERYWHERE. I seriously think every brand out there has their own pumpkin something. I do get pretty bummed when I can't try most pumpkin things because they aren't gluten free. But I stumbled upon these gems the other day...and I couldn't pass them up.

Soo I have to be honest. I didn't think highly of these before I tried them because some natural pumpkin stuff just tastes weird or doesn't have enough spice to it. I have to have the spice, the more spicy the better! I've had Nature's Path products before and I haven't been disappointed yet. But I wasn't getting my hopes up. 

I had them for breakfast this morning, and OH MY GOSH....it's seriously the best pumpkin spice waffles I've ever had from a box. They make you feel all warm and cozy and defiantly gives me a sense of fall. 

Even if you don't have to eat gluten free...you need to try these! Everyone needs to try these!! They are actually healthy and much better than any other regular frozen waffle out there.

Cheers! 

I'm Officially a Lover of Rose Gold!

I've been waiting weeks to write this post. Remember when I said I can't keep a secret? Yeah I've been holding in this beauty.....

  

So my old ring, Caleb had it a YEAR before we got engaged. We have been engaged for 2.5 years...so my ring wasn't exactly new when it came time to find a wedding band to fit. We shopped a few months ago for our bands. Caleb found his, but I couldn't find one that I felt like fit my ring. So we went back, and they literally went through almost every wedding band they had. Nothing worked...

I was beyond stressed and tired of trying things that might work. And also I was so upset because I felt like I would never find anything. 

So they asked us if we ever thought about upgrading and getting a ring with a wedding band. Uh yeah I thought about that, but for like our 5 or 10 year wedding anniversary. 

I told Caleb that, that would be HIS choice and so obviously he decided that we could upgrade it now. I started trying other rings, rings were obviously pretty but nothing stood out....until Caleb spotted this one. It was brand new, literally they just got it in that week. I've always been a white gold lover, and a three stone setting so this was something I never considered. I have seen Rose Gold rings and thought they were pretty but didn't think I could pull it off, But I tried it because he picked it. 

I was in love...

I mean come on, it's literally pink gold!!!!

And the look in his eyes when I put it on, I knew it was the one...well second one. 

Am I little sad that I had to give up my first ring? Yes. I actually teared up when they took it away (I'm just a tad emotional) But something that I'll take away from this experience was that things will always work out. Seriously, we have had so many blessings happen all these months leading up to the wedding. That I just get so emotional thinking about it. 

Here's a closer picture of it. You can kind of tell it's rose gold in this picture better. This was as soon as we went to pick it up! 

Tips for Finding a Gluten and Dairy Free Wedding Cake (and UPDATES!)

I'll probably say this every single time. But time is flying by. 

I have been super busy working full time and life that I haven't kept up with blogging as much as I wanted to but...it happens....so....

Things are defiantly moving along and I'm noticing that I'm getting antsy. I hope that's normal.

I'm also starting to enter panic mode. Hello crazy Bride Moments....nice to meet you...

BUT I'm trying my best to handle it the best I can. Speaking of crazy bride moments...I think I experienced my first one a couple weeks ago. I ordered my dress months ago and I've been pretty calm and not to concerned with anything about it. Then one day I was like....soo when is it coming, I hope I ordered the right color.....which led to OH MY GOSH DID THEY ORDER THE RIGHT STYLE. So yeah that happened. And yes I went to the bridal store and they kindly reassured me it was the right one by looking it up and showing me the picture and told me when it'll be here. Worry gone....okay not totally because well it's not here yet. 

Anyways, we have decided on a cake! Which I'm so excited about because it's going to taste amazing. Caleb and I went to our first cake tasting this past week. You know the bridal moment I just talked about, well yeah something along those lines happened with finding a cake baker and I needed to find one THAT MOMENT. Seriously, I amaze myself how much I can get done when I'm panicking(which I don't recommend) Because with the cake, you can order it the month before and still have plenty of time. I can't say what our cake looks like at all, because well it's a secret. Thank goodness I can tell my close family and my bridesmaids because I'm terrible with secrets. Seriously. I get WAY to excited and just want to tell the whole world. 

This isn't our cake...or what it looks like. Just think it's pretty and I needed some kind of picture :) 

ANYWAYS I have learned a few things when it comes to trying to find someone who makes gluten and dairy free wedding cakes. If you have to be gluten, dairy, or something free and you're like me who lives someone where those words are still foreign, you're going to need help. I learned things the hard way. 

1. Don't panic (I did, but for 5-10 min) 

2. Don't consider making your own...I did..felt way to stressed at the thought.

3. Breathe

4. Call around. The worst answer you get is no. 

5. Consult Facebook? I'm up in the air with this one. Because I did..and didn't get much help. For those of you who did try, Thank You :) 

My best advice would be to call around. That's how I ended up finding our cake baker. One shop I called said no they didn't make cakes like that but check out this bakery. I also had other bakeries offer me advice and say they could try and make gluten free. So sweet. But I'm going to be picky and want someone who is experienced in making gluten free. So after about a day of searching and calling I found someone...an hour away. But at this point I was pretty much out of luck. I'm pretty happy because let me just say, the cake is AMAZING. If you live around Harrisburg or an hour or so away. Check out Betsy's Bakery. Seriously, you won't regret it. She has everything. Now I have only tried the cake but since the cake is so good, I know everything is. PLUS she does vegan options as well. Since everything is gluten free, you won't have to worry about cross contamination. Our cake is going to be gluten & dairy free and vegan. After an hour and half of trying a lot of cake and icing. She drew a sketch that was going to be OUR cake. And I can't wait to see it....I can't wait for the whole world to see it! ;) 

Stay tuned because I have more details coming soon!!! 

Breakfast on the go: Grilled Cheese Egg Sandwich

My mornings are rushing around getting myself ready...and before I know it I have no time to sit down and eat breakfast. Could I make time? Yes but that means I have to get up even earlier and I rather sleep in. 

Working full time has been a big adjustment since I haven't worked full time since I was really sick. Thankfully my job doesn't consist of a lot of running around and it's not retail. So I have time in the mornings to eat my breakfast at my desk, and not rush.  A lot of people stop at any fast food place and get those breakfast sandwiches. Well I can't do that, and quite frankly they aren't good for anyone at all. But that doesn't mean I don't want something similar. So I created my own breakfast sandwich to go. 

A grilled cheese egg sandwich. Lately I've been obsessed with cheese. I have found ways to incorporate it into almost every meal. This is such a simple sandwich that you can literally add whatever you want to it. Some days I'll add spinach, tomatoes, or avocado. It just all depends on how much time I have. 

Breakfast on the Go: Grilled Cheese Egg Sandwich 

Ingredients

2 Slices Gluten Free Bread(I prefer Udis) 

2 Slices GO Veggie Cheese Slices(Any flavor) 

1 Tbsp Earth Balance Buttery Spread

1 tsp Coconut Oil

1 Egg

Directions

Heat a skillet on low heat. Grease the pan with the coconut oil. 

Cook egg to your liking. I hate runny yolks so I cook mine until its fully cooked. 

Remove egg from skillet. Turn the heat up to medium/high. Coat the slices of bread with butter, just like you would for grilled cheese. Place on slice butter side down in the skillet, add your cheese and whatever else you want, then the egg. Place 2nd piece of bread on top. Butter side up. Flip sandwich over and cook the other side until golden brown as well. 

Remove from heat and let cool. I found that putting it in tin foil keeps the sandwich fresher longer and doesn't make it soggy. 

Enjoy!!! 

The New Bridezilla

I read an interesting article that talked about the new "bridezilla".....as if one kind wasn't enough?? 

Anyways I found it pretty humorous, the new title is called "Bridechilla" If I could insert my iPhone emojis here I would put my laughing crying face because I just lost it when I read the name. Basically anyone who is a Bridechilla is the exact opposite a Bridezilla...but not in a good way. They are way to relaxed to the point of not really caring about much...of anything.

Here is a Bridezilla VS Bridechilla 

Of course it's super important to stay relaxed while wedding planning. But not to the point where people are wondering if you are even getting married. Plus, people need direction and since it is YOUR wedding, they want to do what YOU want. Trust me, I am not a person who likes to make the final decision, unless it's something I feel strongly about. But I have realized with planning a wedding that I need to stay on top of things and point people in the direction that I want. Plus, how many times in your life do people want to do everything you say? :) 

When I read this article, I thought I was going to be a Bridechilla because I've been so calm and have let things slide. But I can see where I am defiantly not one because, well I don't fit any of those descriptions. 

And there is no way I am even close to being a Bridezilla....you can even ask my Fiancé and bridesmaids and they'll tell you that I'm not one at all. 

Are you a bride? Or know someone that has a potential to be a Bridechilla? Might want them to read this! 

Cheers! 

Avocado Rice with Grilled Cod

Lately I have been obsessed with avocado. I used to hate it, but I knew it had so many health benefits so I forced myself to eat it and eventually started to like it. And now I crave it. So any recipe that has avocado I want to try it. I was on Pinterest last week and stumbled across a super easy recipe that of course called for avocado. At first it does seem a little weird, but I don't see it being any different than putting cheese in rice. I present to you Avocado rice with Grilled Cod. 

Working full time and having life be pretty busy lately there's not much time to think about what to eat. And I refuse to eat anything that's fast food, in a can, or a box. So planning meals is defiantly a good solution. Planning meals is super easy especially now with Pinterest, just search easy weeknight meals and you'll find an endless list...I seriously haven't made it to the bottom of one, yet. 

That's how I stumbled across the recipe for avocado rice. You can pair the rice with probably anything you'd like. I chose fish for two reasons. 1. It calls for lime so it's a nice compliment to the fish and 2. I really don't eat much meat anymore. I never feel good after I eat it these days. I might have a little chicken but I could probably live without it since it does gross me out. 

Avocado Rice with Grilled Cod

Ingredients:

1 Cup of uncooked white rice(You could use brown) 

2 Cups Water

1 Avocado* 

3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice 

1/4 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Cumin 

2 servings of Cod, thawed. 

Directions: 

1. In a medium size microwave safe bowl, combine rice and water. I don't prefer to use the microwave but when making rice this is just the fastest and easiest for me. Cook the rice for about 15-20 min. Or use the rice sensor setting on you microwave. 

2. Cut avocado and mash it in a small bowl with the lime juice, salt, and cumin. 

3. Once rice is cooked, add avocado mixture and mix well. 

4. Grill cod on the grill until it flakes easily. Can be quite a mess so baking it in the oven works just as well. 

*I found that one avocado wasn't enough, but I wanted more flavor from the avocado. So try one. If not to your liking, add more. 

Cheers!! :) 

Maid/Matron of Honor Duties

Just a month ago...or more, I posted about invitations and guest list...and that we've reached the 6 month mark..

Now we are down to 4 months! Okay, I seriously don't know where month 5 went because time is flying by so fast. There is SO much to do and I have a feeling my life is going to get pretty crazy these next very few months. But I'm extremely excited and nervous. Only nervous because I have been having wedding nightmares...nothing to crazy but things that could actually go wrong. Thank you brain for making me worry about things that I didn't even think of until I dreamt them! "sigh" I just keep telling myself that everything will be okay. Thank goodness I have close friends and family that keep me on track. 

When I first started wedding planning, I said that I didn't want a Maid of Honor because who I chose to be my bridesmaids were all equally important to me. 

Well...the closer it has started to get to the wedding, the more I realize that I did need a Maid of Honor, well she's a Matron of Honor because she's married...there is a difference! 

Anyways that doesn't mean someone was better than someone else or anything like that, I just needed a leading lady to take on tasks that I couldn't do or that I needed help with. There are TONS of duties listed out there for the Maid of Honor...seriously. So I've just taken ones that I feel are really important. 

Maid/Matron of Honor Duties

1. Offer to help with any pre wedding tasks, from addressing invites to picking out the cake. 

2. Leading the bridesmaids. The MOH is in charge of informing the bridesmaids of their duties and all pre wedding parties. Also making sure they all get their dresses and help pick out accessories.

3. Lend an ear. Whether it's about planning, marriage, or venting, the MOH should assure the bride that she is someone who she can confide in, even if that means hearing the same thing multiple times.

4. Host or cohost the bridal shower.

5. Keep a record of all the gifts received at various parties or showers. 

6. Hold the bride's bouquet at the alter. 

7. Make sure the bride eats and drinks something. Before and after the ceremony. 

8. Plan a speech to toast at the reception. Or at the rehearsal dinner. 

9. Sign the marriage license. 

10. Attend the bride's dress fittings, to help learn how to bustle her train.

11. Make sure bridesmaids attend the rehearsal. 

12. Make sure all bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done, or if all attending the same hair studio along with the bride. Make sure they're on time. 

13. Arrange the bride's veil and train before the ceremony begins and right after she gets to the alter. 

14. Plan the bachelorette party with the bridesmaids.

15. Spread the news to where the bride and groom are registered. 

16. There will be emotional times that will require a lot of tissues, hugging, and emotional support. The MOH is a trusted friend and good listener. 

17. Keep the bride laughing through everything. Sometimes the biggest stress reliever is laughing. 

These are just some of the duties a MOH has, obviously she can take on more where she feels necessary. With that all being said, this is when I realized how important a MOH is and that I really needed one. 

Brides: My best advice, choose a MOH. Best option would be a sister or sister-in-law. Or your best friend. Someone who you know will be right by your side through everything. 

Bridesmaids: If you aren't the MOH, you are still just as important to the bride. Don't get your feelings hurt because you are still part of the big day and can be a big help to her. 

*My girls in my wedding party mean literally EVERYTHING to me. And to have all of them up there with me is extremely exciting and I wouldn't want it any other way. 

Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas

Ever have those stressful weeks when all you want to do is drown your emotions in whatever junk food you can get your hands on? 

Yupp, that's me this week. And my weakness is potatoes. For the sake of getting married in 5 months I have cut as much carbs and starchy foods as possible. 

So instead of diving into french fries or a baked potato, I decided to make baked chickpeas. I LOVE hummus and I know you can bake the whole chickpeas and they turn out with crunchy outside and soft on the inside. Just like a french fry! But chickpeas have more nutrition to them then potatoes. So they are a healthy, but very filling snack. 

Chickpeas are full of protein so they will fill you up and you won't feel guilty like you would if you indulged in a bag of potato chips that have no nutritional value at all. 

I wanted to add more flavor to them, and since I have tried Go Veggie's Grated Parmesan, I've wanted to find different uses for it. 

This snack is the perfect combination of texture and flavor. How can you not love something that is cheesy? Plus, it only takes a small handful to fill you up, so you won't be eating and eating. These defiantly cured my cravings for fries. 

Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

1 tsp Sea Salt

1 tsp Black Pepper

1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (I used Go Veggie brand) 

2 Cans Chickpeas 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit   

Drain chickpeas and set aside. 

In a medium size mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cheese until well combined. Add in chickpeas and stir until they are all coated. 

On a baking sheet, spread chickpeas out in a single layer. **Add more cheese on top if you want it even more cheesy. 

Bake for 45 min. 

Enjoy!! 

Maggie Sottero Summer in Love Photo Contest

Okay, normally I'm not one of those people who is all for entering sweepstakes and getting people to vote for certain things of mine. I just usually have the worst luck with stuff like that and I don't even bother.

(Picture from Maggie Sottero website) 

But, I follow a wedding dress designer Maggie Sottero on Facebook and they're having a sweepstakes, that is pretty sweet. It's called Summer in Love Photo Contest. When you enter you get a chance to win a wedding dress and $2,000! Pretty crazy. I do have a wedding dress, but the extra money would be such a big help. So I entered, but you have to get people to vote for your picture...if you could so kindly just take a minute of your time to vote for Caleb and I! :) Here's the link https://www.facebook.com/Maggie.Sottero?sk=app_451684954848385&brandloc=DISABLE&app_data=view-vote%2Cfor-4235957 

It would be amazing if I won. But I know it's all about chance, and there is many people that have entered and have a lot of votes. Chances are slim, but I just want to try! 

Also, if you are engaged. You can enter as well! Everyone deserves a chance and I believe that whoever wins than they really needed it :) No hard feelings! 

Tips to Avoid Guest List and Invitation Stress (Plus we've reached the halfway mark!)

Wedding Countdown!

Since when did we reach the halfway point?! Time is flying by. I thought time would drag on because this has been a day I've been waiting on, for forever..excuse my dramatic side. But that's how I feel. Have you ever heard of the saying, 

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible"

Of course we have been living life together. But being married is completely different and it's something we have both talked about since the first year we started dating. So I'm quite eager to begin our married life together. 

I know I haven't updated lately, story of my life. But wedding planning is going really well. I'm so proud of myself that I haven't gotten really stressed or have had a complete meltdown. But I pray that it doesn't happen at all. 

I have checklists that Caleb and I look at before each month to see what we have to do. We don't have anything for July, but probably will work on stuff for August, just to be ahead of things. I think that's why I haven't lost my mind, because we are working on things ahead and keeping organized. 

Right now we have been working on our guest list and invitations. 

Some tips for invitations and guest list stress:

1. If you are making your own invites, make sure you have a program that is gong to work with your printer to print them correctly.

2. Buy extra ink! 

3. Before starting the invites, make sure you collect addresses.

4. Enlist in help. Seriously. You will want a few people double check everything! 

5. You will want return labels on the invites AND the RSVP envelopes. 

6. You and your Fiancé will make the guest list, and then it'll grow.

7. Take a deep breath when parents want to add more people, it's a big moment for them and they are proud. 

8. Always plan on the bigger amount of guests so you don't freak out.

9. Check spelling of guests names, 100x.

10. When making the guest list, count children just to get an exact amount of people who will be there. It'll help in the long run. 

It may seem early to be doing invites. But since we are having a holiday wedding, it's recommend the earlier the better. Plus we didn't send out save the dates on purpose. We knew we would send out invites early. I won't say when we are, because I want our guests to be surprised ^_^