DIY Plans on the Move

One of the tabs above (DIY Projects) explains what my friends and I have been up to with our version of Pinterest fun!

We met last night to figure out scheduling, projects and whose house we would meet at. We decided we would have two gatherings in October, one in November and one in December. After the holidays we hope to fit in two a  month!

For October we will be carving pumpkins, making picture frames and candle holders.

Here is where these projects are pinned: Pumpkin candle holders, Acorn Frame pinned here

November will consist of these:



This one is pinned here: Christmas ornament wreath

December will be:

Pinned here: Glass etching

As we meet to complete the projects I'll be sure to post pictures of all of us enjoying our projects!

What are some of your favorite DIY projects/crafts? I'd love to hear from you!

Wedding Wire

With our wedding date over a year away, I figured I should provide some insight into all the planning that has been put into place so far!

It's so exciting to be the one to finally figure out details for my wedding (after my participation in countless weddings!)

ceremony: Samuel Lutheran Church in Muskegon

recpetion: Docker's Restaurant in Muskegon

catering: Harris Hospitality

photography: Fly Photography

DJ: Modern Entertainment

flowers: Le Fleur

cake: made by my wonderful Aunt Nell!

colors: brown and blue

We are still looking into videographers, possible wedding transportation, wedding bands and I still have to say YES to the dress :)

Success

It has been exactly 9 weeks since I've starting following Weight Watchers guidelines. Since them I'm happy to announce that I've lost just over 20 pounds!

Some days are easier than others; but I'm so proud of myself for all that I've accomplished!


Before I started Weight Watchers


At the 20 pound weight loss! yay! I know this isn't the best picture to show before and after; but it's the best I could do for right now! :) 

In case anyone is interested in the sites that I tend to use for my tasty recipes- these are my go to sites! Check them out...

Emily Bites
Laaloosh
Skinnytaste

Last night I made the Baked Seasoned Fries for dinner. I didn't end up making the garlic aioli, but enjoyed them just the same!

Happiness is...

Coming home to surprises...

I've been bugging Brent to put up this wine rack in the dining room; he finally did so as a surprise! Super happy about it

Hanging out with some awesome friends...

And playing disc golf- something we all love!

Although it got too dark out; we still managed to play 9 holes at Whitehall Township Disc Golf Course. It's a pretty awesome course. I can't wait to play the full 18! If you play disc golf too feel free to check out the courses I've played; I track them on my account at Disc Golf Course Review under the username lanns815.

Have a happy Sunday!

AMAZING Dinner

Earlier this week I made Thai Green Curry Coconut Shrimp with Basil. It was amazing! The recipe is from skinnytaste; this blog is one of the go to places to find new and exciting Weight Watchers friendly dishes. Although this one had me purchasing items not normally in my kitchen (green curry, coconut milk and fish sauce); it was totally worth it. My fiance Brent and I enjoyed it for dinner, and I had it as leftovers the next night too. Try it out; you won't be sorry!
 


Thai Green Curry Coconut Shrimp with Basil
Ingredients:

• 1 tsp oil
• 4 small scallions, whites and greens separated, chopped
• 1 tbsp Thai green curry paste (or more to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (from 1 1/4 lbs unpeeled)
• 6 oz light coconut milk
• 2 tsp Thai fish sauce 
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• salt to taste

Directions:
In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat oil on medium-high flame. Add scallion whites and green curry paste; sauté one minute.

Add shrimp and garlic, season with salt and cook about 2-3 minutes.

Add coconut milk, fish sauce and mix well; simmer about 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through.

Remove from heat, mix in scallion greens and basil. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Make sure to calculate your own WW points; nutritional values vary based on brands. Skinnytaste stated that this recipe was 3 points for 1/4 of the shrimp and sauce. With my specific ingredients my entire recipe was only 6 points! 

Basement Overhaul!

Most people take a vacation day from work to relax, visit with family or friends, or go on a trip. Not me! Today I took a vacation day so I could get things done around my house! It seems as if I haven't been around much, or simply don't have the time to focus on the things that need to be completed. So today I did the dishes and the laundry; as well as the huge project of the basement!

I bought my house 4 years ago and it's still a work in progress! Now that the basement has been finished, and carpet has been added, I haven't spent the time to organize it to make it user friendly. Today I did just that! As an avid scrapbooker, I figured this would be the perfect place to get my scrapbook pages done. Check out the pictures of before and after! What an amazing change!!

My sister Rachel and I will be testing it out on Saturday as we complete a day of scrappin!

Look at this mess! (Before)

Yay! So happy with the new look! (After)

Now to move onto more projects...

Comfort of Home

Home. That word encompasses so many things! This week has been full of home moments; just enjoying my surroundings of life. Waking up this morning with my bed so cozy, especially with the crisp Michigan morning! It was tough to get up and leave that comfort, but I managed to do so.

Last night, finding my schedule open, I made the good 'ole standby for dinner- YUMMY grilled cheese (it was even Weight Watchers friendly with 1 point bread and 2 points of cheese). As I enjoyed my gooey cheese sandwich, I relaxed at the dining room table and relished in the comforts of my life- my family, friends, a job I love, routine, snail mail, smell of fall, and so much more. It's easy to forget all of the things that don't fall into that category- the dishes yet to be washed, the bookcase that needs to be dusted, the laundry that needs to be finished. Instead I wrapped my mind with all the comforts of life and feel fully and completely blessed!

What type of things do you find comforting in your own home? I'd love to hear from you too!