Tag Archives: personal

Never Before Seen Wedding Photos!

As you guys know, my wedding was featured on Junebug Weddings. While I was totally honored to be on the blog, they didn’t pick my favorite photos. Wedding blogs, in general, are really interested in the details of it all. But I really didn’t care too much about the little things. Yes, I made my bouquet, but I didn’t carry it. It felt unnatural. I carried a purse instead.

So I decided to share some of my personal favorite photos today!

Weddings aren’t perfect. Life isn’t perfect. But it sure is amazing.

love,
melanie

2013: The Year of Kindness and Simplicity

I took this picture at midnight on NYE. Fireworks over the Mississippi river.

I’m a little late to the New Year’s game, but it’s never too late to set goals for yourself. Right? In 2013, I’m not resolving, but I’m making S.M.A.R.T. goals to simplify my life and be nicer to myself. I’m not going to share my specific “S.M.A.R.T.” goals because they’re too personal. Sometimes keeping goals a secret is smart too.

I’ve recognized over the past year with the stresses of taking on more responsibilities at work and planning a wedding that I need to be nicer to myself. I can’t beat myself up if the dishes aren’t done or if I never finish the unending laundry pile in my downstairs bathroom. I can’t even beat myself up if my blog posts are sporadic.

I’ve also recognized that I want to live a simpler life– which means owning less stuff and appreciating small things. I feel so lucky to have so much: a new husband, a loving family and a warm place to live. This year, I want to appreciate all I have everyday.

Is anyone else trying similar goals? Let me know in the comments.

love,
melanie

Love Lists: Birthday Goals List

I love a good list, ya’ll. And for the past couple of years, I have created a list of things I want to accomplish before my next birthday. (I was inspired by Elsie from A Beautiful Mess.) I can’t find my list from last year. I think I misplaced it when we moved, but I remember there being lots of specific, ambitious items on it. I distinctly remember “Get a big girl job” was high on the list.

But this year, I wanted to do something a little more fun. So, I gave myself quite a few rather fun goals and a few scary goals (see: #7) to accomplish before my next birthday, April 22, 2013. Some of my goals are quite personal (see: #15). But I am sharing because I think it is important to recognize that we all struggle with issues and we need to tell people about our struggles in order to overcome them.