Summer Weddings!

I have been finishing up a few different wedding invitation sets over the past 2 months and have recently been working on a brand new set of designs. Aside from wedding invitations, the beginning of the summer is already flying by! We have a few trips planned that are coming up and I cannot wait for the vacation! Our first trip will be to Denver during the 4th of July week/weekend where we will meet up with friends to go camping, rafting, and hiking. I also have a bachelorette party at the end of July to attend; I fly into DC and we head out to a beach on the coast of Delaware for the weekend. That will be a fun in the sun weekend!

Here are the newest beauties!

Congratulations to me!

Yes, it's true...I am officially engaged :)
Just under a week ago, my boyfriend popped the question after we had just gotten home from our dinner out to celebrate our 4 year anniversary! He sent me on a scavenger hunt to find my anniversary present only to come up empty handed. I could hear him laughing upstairs while I was rummaging through cabinets in the basement. I yelled upstairs to him "There is nothing in here," and he laughed "Yeah, I know." I was a little bummed, but walked up the stairs to find him on one knee with the ring in his hand. I immediately starting saying "Oh my gosh, This is really happening, Oh my gosh, This is real..." I repeated something along those lines a few times and then started crying. I did say "YES, of course!"

So, what's next? I am not really sure I want to plan a whole wedding yet. Honestly, I was able to wear my ring for one whole day and then had to take it to the jeweler to get resized (it was just a bit too small). Yeah, I shoved that diamond on my finger and wore it! I have been waiting 4 days to get it back! I'm so excited to see it again tonight :) Now that I will have my ring back it will feel more official and I can let the thought of being engaged and planning a wedding sink in.

P.S. He picked out the ring all on his own! and I absolutely LOVE it!

Summertime!

Eeeeee! I'm so excited that it's 75-80 degrees outside :)
I love being outside as much as possible, and since I live in Minnesota my outdoor time is more limited. We have a fun weekend ahead; we are celebrating our 4 year anniversary on Friday (tomorrow) with a nice evening out, on Saturday we have a Kentucky Derby party to attend (dress-up style), and then my parents are in town Saturday evening (grilling out), and Sunday will be a nice relax/catch up day. I wish I had a picture to post of my floppy derby hat that I'll be wearing on Saturday, but you will just have to wait until after the occasion once I get around to uploading pictures from the weekend.

Our softball season also started last week; we tied our first game and won our second game. Not a bad start to the season :)

I do have some new designs to upload, but have been a bit lazy on getting them organized into a nice format for your viewing pleasure.
Happy Kentucky Derby & Cinco de Mayo!

RANT

I work for a company where I am one of the few females in the office, and unfortunately the men in the office seem to take advantage of that. I'm not sure if all of them were raised to completely rely on women to do everything for them, but that is how it feels! I mean, honestly, you have two hands and two feet, like myself you should be able to print something and pick it up at the printer all by yourself. You should also be able to set your own out of office auto-reply for your phone and email (especially since I've written directions down several times for you), and figure out how to make an excel spreadsheet. For goodness sakes, you work in an office; the Microsoft Suite should be a staple in your work skills. Also, please learn to type with both hands as I was taught in school. You finger-typers are loud and inefficient (although I have seen some pretty quick one-fingered typers). Another thought: I am not your secretary, please do not treat me like one. If I was your secretary I would gladly offer to make you copies and send emails for you. Unfortunately for you, I have my own emails and copies to make! We all know how to properly answer the phone, so if it is ringing you can feel free to answer it. I know that I do an amazing job at covering the receptionist duties when she is away to the bathroom or out of the office, but again I am not the receptionist-you are welcome to help out.

Alright, I already feel better. Thank goodness.
I should write a book about the lack of etiquette in my office.
How often do you hear coworkers burp and fart outloud? On a daily basis, I'd say I hear at least 4 loud burps a day and about 2 toots (that can be heard from two offices away. I will mention that most of this is a difference in cultures, where I am used to people at least covering their mouths and saying "excuse me", whereas they are used to these outbursts as letting others know that their meals were tasty and enjoyable.

I'll end on a good note...It's Friday, which means I am almost free for the weekend, and it's supposed to be a glorious 70 degrees and sunny! I'm looking forward to yard work (yes, I know it sounds unrealistic), being outside, and hopefully finishing the 2nd book in the Hunger Games series (yes, I hopped on that bandwagon).

This is my dog, Bella; she really knows how to enjoy the little things!

Bridal Shower

This past weekend a friend of mine celebrated her bridal shower in the Washington, DC area. Unfortunately I was unable to attend, but I did get to contribute a thing or two.
I coordinated her Bridal Shower invitations to match the event itself; her main wedding color is a berry/sangria color which is nice and vibrant. She is also a huge fan of cooking/baking, so our theme was sparked from her interests. Aside from her invitations, there were matching Thank you cards and partying gifts. The gifts were spatulas that had an attached recipe for love.

Take a peak!

Spring Fever

It feels like spring in Minnesota :)
It's only the middle of March and we have already had days in the 70s! I can definitely get used to that. I love this kind of weather-I could handle maybe low 80s and that would be perfect.
Anyway, so I have been able to get outside for runs/walks/dog play time, etc...

It has been a hectic past month, and I think its finally going to start slowing down before the Summer season hits hard. I'm looking forward to being outside all weekend. Hopefully we will get around to doing some hard work (even though I'm nervous it might snow one last time).

I also just had 4.5 inches cut off of my hair last night! Big change for me :)
I do really like it, and it has been quite awhile since I've had it this short (at my shoulders, still able to pull it back), but it feels nice to have clean ends and more movement.
I wish I had a photo to share, but no such luck.

Knock, Knock...

Who's there?
Orange.
Orange Who?
Orange you glad that I have more invitations to show you!?

Here are a few of my latest designs that I have been working on! I'm pretty excited about most of them, and I do realize the text is identical, but I hope you can get past that. One of these days my business partner and I will have our website up and running and you will be able to see all of our lovely creations there. We have a few more tweaks and edits to take care of first.

The past few weeks have been a bit crazy and luckily it's mostly design related! I love being design-busy. It means a few things; my creative outlets are flowing, there is more to add to my portfolio, and I'm likely getting paid. All of those things are pretty great. I really do enjoy designing because I get to work with different people, and it's rarely the exact same thing that one person to the next is looking for. The lack of monotony is awesome.

Check 'em out!

Orange you glad you did?

Superbowl Weekend...

I wish I could say that I'm a football fan, but unfortunately that would be a lie. It is just one of those games that I have not grown to love...yet! My boyfriend is a huge Vikings fan and watches football whenever possible (or any sport for that matter). He would LOVE if I would watch a game/any game with him. Lucky for him, this Minnesota girl enjoys going to hockey games. This past football season I have watched more games or quarters of games than I have in the past 5 years, so I am trying!
We are hosting a small Super bowl get together on Sunday and I have compiled a list of tasty treats to serve; if I'm not going to watch the game, I may as well have something that I enjoy eating :)
We are having pulled pork sandwiches, sushi, chips/salsa/guac, veggies, and this dreamy looking layered oreo dessert. I would like to whip up the dessert tonight and eat the entire thing, but I'm holding off and plan on making it Sunday so I can't be tempted to lick the bowl clean. I do have some decency when other people are around...

I love Coffee Mugs!

It may be one of those random things that I like to "collect" but I do actually use them! I love the assortment of coffee mugs from shape to the color scheme and design. Needless to say, our "mug" shelf has surpassed it's limits for mug space. However, thanks to Shutterfly I can create my own face mugs! and I received a $20 voucher that would be a waste if I didn't spend it.
Here are my new creations!
(I'm thinking of using this as a Valentine's Day present for the Man)

I already have a "face" mug for me, but felt that Ian should have one too-and these are a perfect pair!

Spring Fever

Our Minnesota winter has been nothing of the sort this year. Luckily we have been blessed with mid 30s to mid 50s for month of December/January. It's really unbelievable, but I'm loving it! And in spring fever tradition, I have been inspired with a few wedding invitation designs. I have a few weddings on the books already and should have plenty of great things to showcase in the next couple of months.
Here's a Sneak Peak at my first attempts at Spring Fever designs...

Happy 2012

It's refreshing to pick a day to start fresh and try to make personal changes! Personally, I don't usually make New Years' Resolutions; I'm a fan of being able to make changes throughout the year when I'm inspired rather than just one the first of every year! However, I am on board with my boyfriends 30 day challenge which was supposed to start on Jan 1 (but I started it a week early). We are doing 30 days of salads and no drinking! Sounds fun?! It's really not that crazy...we are eating salads (an assortment of varieties) for dinner only, 5 nights out of the week. We can choose whatever we want for breakfasts and lunches. I'm fairly healthy on my breakfasts and lunches anyway, but dinner is my indulgence. Our start date was technically Dec. 26th. And so far so good. The no-drinking clause actually started on Jan 1. Honestly, I don't really drink all that much, but it will probably be the occasional glass of wine or beer on Friday night that I'll miss for the month.
What's your resolution for 2012?

On a work-related note, I have 4 official weddings on the books for stationary this summer/fall! I need to kick my butt in gear and get started on the designs! :) I love wedding invitations because each person/couple is different and it makes it challenging and fun for me.
Watch for upcoming designs & 2012 trends!

*Here's a peak at my friend's programs from October 2011-Thanks to Sarah Schultz Photography

Tis the Season...

Happy Holidays!
I have officially celebrated one Christmas this past weekend; we went and visited my parents and my mom's side of the family in Winona. It was great to see everyone, especially because we missed out on the Andraschko (my mom's side) Christmas last year!
We are heading to Devil's Lake, ND to visit my boyfriend's family Friday-Sunday, and then heading back to Minneapolis to celebrate with his mom's side of the family.
Luckily we both have Monday off, so we will be able to relax and recoup before heading back to the office...AND it's another 4-day week, which really isn't too bad.

I also went to my very first Vikings game at the beginning of this month and had a blast (see photo below)!

Party Season!

It seems that as we reach each season, I tell myself that I just need to make it to the next one so the days will slow down a bit...the days don't slow down. At least I'm constantly filled with fun weekends, family & friends.

We are lucky to have a group of friends in town from Colorado and there are tons of festivities going on because of their visit. We also have had some house-guests for the majority of the past week, which has been a lot of fun. Luckily they are pretty low key on the weekdays so I didn't feel too bad going to bed around my normal 10pm time. Tonight we kick off the weekend!
We are celebrating 2 birthdays-both celebrating 30 years! Our evening will kick off at Psycho Suzie's in NE Minneapolis...which is right in our backyard :) and then we will bop around the NE neighborhood for quite some time. Tomorrow I am looking forward to my work holiday party, which I planned/organized/etc...from start to finish, and then Sunday will be my first Vikings game! Coincidentally it is against the Broncos!

Other news: I just was asked to be a bridesmaid in my friend Jenni's wedding in September! I'm very much looking forward to a trip out to DC. It has been a couple of years and I always have a great time visiting.

I've also been working on holiday cards, wedding invitations for 2012 Summer, and a few random projects which has kept me busy but keeps me motivated.

Because I'm currently hungry, here's my first-ever Apple pie (for Thanksgiving)!

Wedding Season 2012...

My design partner and I are already gearing up for the 2012 Summer/Fall Wedding season.

I wanted to showcase my first Save the Date for this season!

I should have some holiday cards to show off soon!

feast feast feast

Have you ever had the opportunity to eat Beef Wellington? If not, you should and if you have, then you know just how awesome it is! For the past several years I have tried my hand at making Beef Wellington at home and it is usually for very rare occasions or for a special reason. Well, we had my boyfriend's parents and grandma over for dinner on Saturday night and my boyfriend (Ian) had mentioned the idea of beef wellington a couple weeks ago when we were first finalizing plans to have his relatives over. I kind of felt like I was roped in to making the dish and am so glad that I did!

This past Saturday morning started like any other until about 11am when I needed to kick it in gear and start cooking! First, Apple Crisp. Next, the mushroom paste/duxelle, followed by the green peppercorn sauce and then wrapping the mushrooms and prosciutto around the beef and letting it sit in the fridge until it was time to cook. This was the first time I followed the recipe to a T and it turned out perfectly! I wrapped the beef, prosciutto and mushrooms in puff pastry and baked it for about 45 minutes. The end result was a med-rare filet mignon that was so tender you probably wouldn't need a knife to cut it.
All in all a successful dinner that also included roasted rosemary potatoes, steamed asparagus, salad and delicious butt-buns(see photo below). The buns are just Rhodes brand frozen bread rolls. Delicious!

Another weekend adventure was the newest big-kid purchase from Home Depot...a Leaf Blower/Mulcher. Sunday afternoon was full of leaf blowing, mulching and bagging! I really like how quickly you can see a difference from a full leaf-filled yard to a almost clear of leaves yard.

Happy Halloween

I keep forgetting that it's Halloween today, and I'm bummed that I won't be home tonight to pass out candy for all the kiddos in the neighborhood (I think we only had about 10 kids last year).

This past weekend was very much wedding-filled! My friend's wedding has been in the works since January 2011 and it finally happened; she's married! I have a few photos that I snagged from the photographers facebook page...I cannot wait until I get to see all the photos! Sarah Schultz Photography was who took the photos, and this was not the first wedding I've been in that used this photographer. Her and her husband do an amazing job!
As the Maid of Honor this past weekend, I was a bit nervous about my speech portion of the evening...and I think it went quite well! Thankfully I had done a few mock-speeches in my head and out loud (to myself) while driving, and that seemed to at least help the thought process and organization of what I ended up saying the night of the reception. I also did all the printed materials for the wedding: Invitations, Place cards, Table #'s, Seating chart, Ceremony Programs, etc...hopefully I'll have a photo to showcase all of my hard work.

 (A couple of the bridesmaids: Me-Rachel, Brianna, and Abby)

Fall sweater weather :)

A couple of weeks ago, while it was still 80 degrees outside, I decided that I should hop on the soon-to-be fall weather bandwagon and purchase my first 2011 fall sweater. I am not usually a sweater type of person because they make me feel bulky (I already have broad shoulders), and instead of them being soft like everyone says they are, I feel itchy and overly warm. Anyway, I bought a sweater from Target and I am in Love! I am contemplating going back and buying it in a few different colors because that's just how much I like it. The current version I have is in the heather gray color which goes well with almost anything. It's comfy & casual but could easily be dressed up...did I mention how soft to the touch it is? Of my 5 senses, touch is probably one of my favorites. (Side note: When I go to any of those large shoe stores (think DSW or Famous Footwear), I will walk down an aisle of shoes and press my pointer finger into the soles of each shoe just to see how cushy it is.)
Lately all I've wanted to do is shop, shop, shop! I want to completely update my wardrobe. Fortunately, I have a sense of reality and I just avoid going into any tempting stores.

Hopefully when Christmas shopping starts, I'll get the "shopping bug" out of my system...until then, I'm just stuck fantasizing about new clothing.

Roxi!

We had the fortune of meeting and adopting a new puppy this weekend; her name is Roxi and she's a spunky Pitbull/Terrier Mix.  She's adorable and completely compliments our other pup, Bella.
Roxi was originally adopted by a friend who decided that with two children and a full time job, it was just too much work to take care of a pooch too! He brought her over Saturday while I was gone to meet my boyfriend and our dog Bella, and if all went well she'd come back on Sunday to meet me. Things went well on Saturday and she came back Sunday...we are technically doing a 1-week trial, but I'm confident that she will be staying with us permanently.

Aside from a new puppy, I also had a bridal shower and a birthday party to attend this weekend. It was a busy weekend, but lots of fun.

Kickball

I just wanted to put a quick note up about the kickball team I am on...we had a losing game last night, but I still had a lot of fun.
Here's to the MINNESOTA MUSCLE

My Best Friend's Wedding...

It's officially 25 days until my friend Laura gets married!
Her bridal shower is this coming weekend and I'm ready to just be in full-gear for the wedding weekend at the end of October. I'm the maid of honor, which means I really need to start thinking of a speech. Yikes.
Here's her wedding stationary

On a fall-related note: It's been such perfect weather!
This fall has been amazing; actually the tree leaves haven't even started turning too many colors yet. It has been high 70s for the past several days with only perfect weather in the forecast for the next several more. This is by far my favorite season...when we get Indian Summer type of weather.
I'd really like to have a nice fire outside one of these days; we have a bunch of sticks/bushes that we need to get rid of from our lilac bush. We recently trimmed about 5 feet of our lilac bushes. They had completely overgrown themselves and we can now see into our neighbors front yard. It's kind of weird getting so much more sunlight into our living room, but a nice change!