Grow

If you've taken the time to read any previous posts you already know I love making lists. You also know that I LOVE the start of a brand new year. A third thing you might have learned is I never follow through with any of my lists, plans, or resolutions that come with the new year... or any other day. Regardless, I dragged out my journal and my favorite new pen to make a list of 2014 intentions and resolutions. Hopefully, you'll notice that this year's list is a little different.

I also chose one word as an overall theme for 2014: GROW. 

I chose this word because I already see tiny signs of growth in my life that I really REALLY need to nurture this year. I want to grow physically, financially, mentally, and emotionally. I want to grow in my marriage, in my career, and in my practice. 

It's going to be a good year. Here's my little list for your enjoyment...

-be mindful!

-set a daily intention

-weekly meditation

-start 5k training

-dedicate time to my practice

-drink more water

-eat more veggies

-love my body

-start a full time job

-begin a 52 week savings plan

Here's to a year of GROWTH!!!

2014 Yoga Project

Last week I had a ridiculous breakthrough in my practice. First came pincha mayurasana, next came scorpion. I am still in shock. I learned a lot while working up to these poses and I'm so glad I kept trying. 

After seeing this type of unexpected progress, I decided I would start a little project for next year. A few years ago, Kathryn Budig started a column for Yoga Journal called "Challenge Pose." She regularly posts different advanced postures and the steps to work up to them. So...I had a nerd moment, wrote down the name of each challenge pose, and put them into 5 categories: Headstands, Backbends, Hips & Hammies, Transitions, and Arm Balances.

 I'll be using my list throughout 2014 to expand my practice. If you want to follow along, I'll post links to all the poses as I attempt/fail/accomplish them. You can browse through all of them if you click HERE. 

- HEADSTANDS

  - Tripod headstand

  - Traditional headstand

  - Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B

  - Funky headstand

  - Fallen angel

  - Headstand lotus

- BACKBENDS

  - Camel pose

  - Camatkarasana

  - Urdhva dhanurasana

  - Eka Pada Urdvha Dhanurasana

  - Padangustha Dhanurasana

  - Mermaid

  - One footed king pigeon

  - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II

  - Eka pada kapotasana

  - Eka Pada Viparita Dandasana I

  - Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana

  - Funky chopasana

  - King dancer

- HIPS AND HAMSTRINGS

  - Lotus

  - Tortoise

  - Standing splits

  - Anantasana

  - Compass

  - Visvamitrasana

  - Hanumanasana

  - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana in Hanumanasana

  - Bird of paradise

  - Eka Pada sirsasana

- TRANSITIONS

  - Pick up

  - Jump through to sit

  - Pick up and jump back

  - Crow to chaturanga

  - Headstand to chaturanga

  - Tripod to crow

  - Bent knee pike to handstand

  - Dropbacks

  - Chakrasana part 1

  - Chakrasana part 2

- ARM BALANCES

  - Vashistasana b

  - Kapinjalasana

  - Baby bakasana

  - Bakasana

  - Side crow

  - Silly crow

  - Funky side crow

  - Urdhva Kukkutasana

  - Parsva Kukkutasana

  - Flying pigeon

  - Eka Pada bakasana

  - Flying crow with leg up and back

  - Arm pressure balance

  - Firefly

  - Baby hopper

  - Baby hopper ii 

  - Grasshopper

  - Eight angle

  - Eka Hasta Bhujasana

  - Eka Pada Koundinyasana Variation

  - Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

  - Eka Pada Koundinyasana II

  - Peacock

  - Pincha mayurasana

  - Pincha scorpion

  - Funky pincha 

  - Ardha Shayanasana

  - Hanumanasana pincha

  - Hollowback pincha

  - Charging scorpion

  - Ganda Bherundasana

  - Dwi Pada Koundinyasana

  - Handstand

  - Handstand scorpion

I'm Back

Excuse my hiatus. I was just COMPLETELY avoiding talking about my life in any way. 

Christmas is less than a week away, and until a few days ago I couldn't care less. I'll spare you the details. Life still isn't cooperating as well as we'd like, but we're feeling better about it. 

I have some plans for this little place. The Blushing Bride series was a lot of fun even though I didn't finish. Maybe I'll bring it back as a weekly or monthly post. I'm also looking forward to sharing some yoga breakthroughs I had earlier this week! And of course I'll be sharing my plans for 2014 resolutions and my new 30 before 30 list. 

That's it for now. Have a lovely weekend!

Day 11: Honeymoon Plans

I always love hearing new couples talk about all the fun things they did on their honeymoon. Isn't it the best tradition ever!? You get to spend your first week of marriage on VACATION! 

Most people immediately imagine napping on a beach or cuddling in a cabin when they hear the word honeymoon. Sure, that sounds amazing, but don't be afraid to break the mold. In case you're up for something different, here are a few other ideas for honeymoon plans.

1. Theme Parks: This can be a really fun and really relaxing option. Imagine a day spent with Mickey Mouse and an evening in a Disney Resort Spa. The best of both worlds!

2. Road Trip: Get lost! What can be better than discovering new things with your brand new spouse.

3. Stay-cation: Having the time and funds to drop everything and escape is getting harder every day. Regardless of your reasoning, an at-home honeymoon can be just as fun as a big getaway. Find some new places for dinner, schedule a massage, open some champagne, spend an evening in a fancy hotel.

And if money is an issue, start a "Paradise Falls" jar and start saving coins for a special getaway.

How are you planning to spend your honeymoon?

Disney Honeymoon Ideas

Romantic Road Trips

How To: Honeymoon at Home

Day 10: Photography Investment

As a photographer's wife, nothing makes me cringe more than bad wedding photos. (Just Google "bad wedding photography.) So many brides spend thousands of dollars on a gown but can't seem to commit to professional photographs.

Our photographer was the most expensive item on our budget. Why? Because I wanted someone I could trust to capture beautiful moments in the most beautiful way. Our great great grandchildren will have these pictures and they deserve the best!

So, cough it up ladies! You absolutely won't regret it. To further prove my point, here's a sneak peak of our gorgeous day with Tin Can Photography.

While you're at it, take a look at Hubby's work. Isn't he talented?

P.s. Thanks for being patient while I play catch up on my 31 days series! I WILL finish.

Guest Book Alternatives

**DISCLAIMER: I AM THE LEAST CRAFTY PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE**

I have always hated the idea of a guest book. This hatred is probably due to the fact that my mother never chose to display hers. It just became another book that got packed away. Luckily, this Pinterest world we live in gives us access to SO MANY cute alternatives to a guest book.

I wanted something special that I could proudly display in our home. So, I picked up a few decorative cards at my craft store, had guests sign them with a special message, and then attached them all to a cork board. It's not quite as fancy as I wanted, but they can be removed easily if I choose a different frame or background.

Here are the basics steps I used for my collage. Feel free to tweak and change it to fit your own style.

((SUPPLIES: cards, straight pins, paper background, cork board or canvas, scissors, tape, one push pin))

1. Cover your cork board/canvas with solid or patterned paper of your choice. This will be seen in little nooks and crannies when all is said and done. Pay special attention to the border. 

2. Arrange your pre-signed cards so all your sweet messages can be seen clearly.

3. Consult your cat supervisor. 

4. Once everything looks good, use a push pin to prep the holes for the straight pins. Then slide the straight pin through. (You can skip this and glue everything instead. I just liked the look of the pins.)

5. Bend the straight pins that poke through the board and tape them down. Beware: It will look like a torture chamber back there!

Voila! You have a cute way to display reminders of your special day. If stabbing yourself with straight pins isn't your thing, here are a few other great guest book alternatives. Enjoy!!

Well Wishes Box

Signed Initial for Wall

Thumbprint Art

Framed Hearts

Bridesmaid Dresses

We've all been there. We all have too many dresses that don't flatter our bodies, or dresses we can't wear anywhere else. And no, I CAN'T hem them. I hated the idea of forcing my dearest girlfriends to spend money on something they hated, so I gave them a color and let them choose any dress they wanted. ANY.

Even if that's not your style, there are several ways to make you AND your bridesmaids happy.

1. One dress, same color. When going with this option, please PLEASE, consider the different body types of your bridesmaids. REMEMBER: Uncomfortable people look uncomfortable in pictures. And I don't mean sweatpants comfy... I mean confidence comfy.

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2. Same color, different dress. You can either give them a specific color and let them search for a dress OR you can visit a bridal boutique and choose a fabric that comes in a variety of styles.

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3. Different shades of your color. Choose different dresses in shades that compliment each other. This can look so chic!

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4. Mismatched. This could be absolutely anything. Patterns. Themes. Lengths. Mix it up!!

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