A bridal shower

I haven't blogged in quite a while, but if I'm not feeling moved to then I probably shouldn't because it won't come out how I want it to or how I need it to!  I'm trying to just go with the flow lately and I'm much happier for it *but more on that later* a few weeks ago a dear friend of mine called and informed me that I would be her matron of honor at her upcoming wedding!  Now the last time I was in a wedding party I was 8yrs old and had a pretty little basket to carry lol.  So I've been Very nervous about doing this for her.  And that means stress as well.  I want this to be wonderful for her, and amazing, But I don't want it to destroy me, my mother *who is always my right hand woman*, or our poor husband's that inevitably get caught up in the cross fire.  I also want to enjoy this time with my friend as well and get to meet some more lovely ladies!  That is a lot of wants, wishes, and expectations for one small event.  One of my big worries is money, my husband and I are doing just fine and he's finally getting unemployment which is a blessing beyond belief!  But I need to make my pennies stretch for this!  I feel weird asking the other bridesmaids to help *there's only 3more and I know none of them probably have the money to spare* so I feel like if I can pull it off myself I should. 

Thankfully the guest list isn't huge at all and definitely manageable  

so what I want to know is do any of you have budget friendly tips for bridal showers?  Decorations?  Food?  Venue?  Anything?  Anybody done this before?  Is there anything you wish you would've done differently?

Well Hello There Old Friend

It's a clear, chilly night here in Northern California.  Beautiful, crystal clear and ice cold.  My favorite candles are glowing atop the desk and bookshelf the flames dancing delicately against the light blue and grey of the walls while their sweet perfume fills the air, steam is still rising from my mug of green tea while I take a sip and feel the hot and aromatic liquid pour down my throat and warm me from the inside out, I feel more relaxed already.  There is nothing like a clean and warm room, filled with sweet scents on a cold night like this.  My movie is starting to play it's a favorite...a Beatrix Potter Classic the kind of quaint, quiet, calm cartoon that has me dreaming of water colors, misty afternoons, irish flutes, classic books and favorite  W.B. Yates poems, and of course countless cups of tea...this seemed like the perfect time to write y'all a quick little note apologizing for my absence lately but you see I have a perfectly wonderful excuse, you see my husband is home and he's home for good!

( if you follow me here, or here, or on instagram mrslester21 ...you probably already knew that )

 and well we've just been keeping ourselves busy learning about each other, just adjusting, loving, and soaking up every minute together.  And figuring out our very own Normal it's been an amazingly interesting and beautful few weeks since he's been home and I would not trade one kiss, one argument, one ounce of Us for anything in the world!  But I just wanted to let y'all know that I have Not forgotten about my blog or the fun I have sharing pictures, projects, and anecdotes of my own...or reading about Yours!  So keep an eye out for my much needed updates coming soon

...And Remember You're Beautiful

this is also a Note that I woke up to on our chalk board a few days after the husband was home isn't he sweet!

Love, Marie

A Few of My Favorite Things: 11 Facts and 11 Questions

A Few of My Favorite Things: 11 Facts and 11 Questions

I was tagged by the wonderful Janey! From what I know of her she's really cool, super nice, loves her man, is an awesome military wife (even if she doesn't have a fried chicken recipe to share ;) and is quite the crafter!

The Rules

1. You must post the rules. (and link up who tagged you)

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag however many people you want

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Eleven Facts About Me

1. I work the best under stress

2. My husband loves how I've embraced his southern-ness and my southern roots and am working it into our lives and it will be present in our children's as well (makes him feel at home ;)

3. I love to write short stories but I can only write them when I'm feeling a lot of emotion.

4. My middle name is 'Sunshine'

5. I am a pathological picture taker

6. I cannot resist someone in need no matter how much I dislike the person

7. When I'm in the kitchen my husband makes very loving attila the hun analogies

8. I'm a hard core conservative that used to have purple hair

9. cooking is my passion

10. My anger had a two second rebound rate

11. I was a virgin when I got married (dare to be different lmfao ;)

Eleven Questions:

1. What's your favorite beauty product? Clinique Cover up

2. Most romantic memory with your spouse/significant other? He asked me to marry him in Arkansas by the river when the moon was out on a perfect warm night

3. What's the best advice your mom ever gave you? Never have a headache
4. Favorite ice cream flavor? cookie dough
5. Would you rather be deserted on a desert island alone or with someone that could hinder your survival? Someone that could hinder my survival, if I get lucky I'll die and just go straight up to heaven and it wouldn't even have to be suicide!
6. When you were 6, what did you want to be when you grew up?A Baker like my great-aunt Pat
7. What's your favorite holiday and why? Christmas, EVERYTHING
8. If you could change anything about your spouse what would it be? His driving! bless his heart!
9. Are you a dreamer or a realist? Realist!
10. What is your favorite part of blogging? Feeling like I'm connecting to people
11. If money was no object, what would you want to do with the rest of your life?

 I'd open my own wedding planning buisness

Eleven New Questions

1. What's your favorite food?

2. If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

3. What's your favorite show?

4. Who do you talk to on the phone the most?

5. What is your fondest memory of an adult growing up?

6. What's your favorite hobby?

7. Do you like to DIY or hire others?

8. Do you enjoy cooking?

9. What is one major (but attainable) thing you want to change about yourself in 2012?

10. Do you really NEED facebook?

11. Are you usually the one that needs encouragment or the one who gives it?

I'm Tagging

Jasmine @ The Zickefoose Family

Sarah @ Each Day is a gift

Lisa @ Never Let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game

Janet @ Tattered 'n Worn