23 out of 46...not bad :) We'll have to make up some new ones...
Friday, April 20, 2012
And now it's time to decorate...
So whether, we actually incorporate any of these things into our house, a girl can dream, right?
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| Ugh...I die!! |
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| We're so doing this!! Gotta love Modge Podge |
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| A beautiful addition to our collection |
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| So cute and so easy!!! |
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| Enough said |
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| Beautiful wall art- check!! |
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| Um...baby, could you start working on this for me??? Please!!!!!! |
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| Super precious- Mi Casa es Su Casa |
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| The chair of my dreams...just wish I could find it |
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| Yes please!!! |
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| Perfect for the backyard!!! I've loved this fountain since I saw it 5 years ago :) |
So...we're officially home owners!! (Sneak peek)
So we finally closed on our house last Monday! We probably won't be moving in until the end of May but all that matters is that we get out of the apartment from hell ASAP! More pictures to come...
Friday, March 30, 2012
I'm so trying this in our new place!!
DIY! 7 new stylish ways to de-clutter your beauty closet
BeautyRiot.com
By Alexis Finc, BeautyRiot.com
I would love to de-clutter, but whenever I think of organization, I imagine clear plastic bins with labels attached. I guess that works, but it's just so boring ... and ugly. Besides, some beauty products are actually fun to look at, like perfume bottles and colorful eyeshadow palettes. Why hide them in a drawer or in a bin under the bed?
Luckily, there's a bunch of crafty people on the Web who know a thing or two about stylish organization, whether it's for makeup, accessories, or perfume bottles. If I get started now, I think I might have the kitchen table cleaned up in an afternoon — or, alright, more like a week. Ready to join me?
Check the top creative ways to de-clutter your beauty closet:
beautyriot.com
Wooden necklace organizer
Salvaged wood is a hip and eco-friendly way to decorate. Here's how to bring that element into your room, and organize your necklaces at the same time:
Salvaged wood is a hip and eco-friendly way to decorate. Here's how to bring that element into your room, and organize your necklaces at the same time:
What you need:
• salvaged wooden board
• small drawer knobs (with screws)
• drill
• salvaged wooden board
• small drawer knobs (with screws)
• drill
Instructions:
1. Take your piece of salvaged board and drill five pilot holes down the center of the board, the same distance apart. (Tip: You may want to mark them out before you drill.)
2. Take your drawer knobs and attach them to the board, via the pilot holes.
3. Hang up the board, and arrange your necklaces on the drawer pulls.
1. Take your piece of salvaged board and drill five pilot holes down the center of the board, the same distance apart. (Tip: You may want to mark them out before you drill.)
2. Take your drawer knobs and attach them to the board, via the pilot holes.
3. Hang up the board, and arrange your necklaces on the drawer pulls.
beautyriot.com
Earring cheese grater
Here's a secret: Your cheese grater doesn't want to grate cheese. What it really wants to do is show off your earrings. Give it a chance.
Here's a secret: Your cheese grater doesn't want to grate cheese. What it really wants to do is show off your earrings. Give it a chance.
What you need:
• small cheese grater
• paint
• small metal hooks (used to hang pictures)
• four beads (the hooks should fit inside the bead holes)
• strong glue, like E-6000
• tape
• small cheese grater
• paint
• small metal hooks (used to hang pictures)
• four beads (the hooks should fit inside the bead holes)
• strong glue, like E-6000
• tape
Instructions:
1. Paint the cheese grater a fun color.
2. Once dry, attach the four hooks, one to each corner of the bottom of the cheese grater using the strong glue. Place a piece of tape over the hook to hold it in place until the glue is dry.
3. Once the glue has dried, remove the tape, and put the bead on the curved part of the hook. This will protect the surface of your furniture.
4. Hang earrings from all the different holes in the cheese grater.
1. Paint the cheese grater a fun color.
2. Once dry, attach the four hooks, one to each corner of the bottom of the cheese grater using the strong glue. Place a piece of tape over the hook to hold it in place until the glue is dry.
3. Once the glue has dried, remove the tape, and put the bead on the curved part of the hook. This will protect the surface of your furniture.
4. Hang earrings from all the different holes in the cheese grater.
beautyriot.com
Perfume plate rack
Perfume bottles are super pretty, but displaying too many on your dresser can end up looking like clutter. Here's a better way to organize and show off your fragrance collection:
Perfume bottles are super pretty, but displaying too many on your dresser can end up looking like clutter. Here's a better way to organize and show off your fragrance collection:
What you need:
• plate rack/spice rack
• paint
• picture-hanging hooks
• plate rack/spice rack
• paint
• picture-hanging hooks
Instructions:
1. Find a small plate/spice rack, and paint it a fun color.
2. Once dry, attach it to your wall with picture-hanging hooks. Arrange your perfumes and/or makeup bottles in rack.
2. Once dry, attach it to your wall with picture-hanging hooks. Arrange your perfumes and/or makeup bottles in rack.
beautyriot.com
Coffee bean brush holder
This simple project keeps your makeup brushes upright and organized. Plus, your bedroom will smell like coffee every morning. Yum.
This simple project keeps your makeup brushes upright and organized. Plus, your bedroom will smell like coffee every morning. Yum.
What you need:
• small, clear plastic tub (one side should be open)
• coffee beans/ small grains, etc.
• small, clear plastic tub (one side should be open)
• coffee beans/ small grains, etc.
Instructions:
1. Take the clear tub, and fill with coffee beans and/ or small grains (whichever you prefer)
2. Stick your brushes into the coffee beans, brush side up.
1. Take the clear tub, and fill with coffee beans and/ or small grains (whichever you prefer)
2. Stick your brushes into the coffee beans, brush side up.
More from BeautyRiot.com: Makeup Dare: 30 Days, 30 Looks
True Story: I Have Cystic Acne
My Fashion Week Backstage Diary
True Story: I Have Cystic Acne
My Fashion Week Backstage Diary
beautyriot.com
Rake organizer
Sure, you can buy little hooks to hang your necklaces, but we like this rustic, shabby-chic take on jewelry organization. And it's so easy ...
Sure, you can buy little hooks to hang your necklaces, but we like this rustic, shabby-chic take on jewelry organization. And it's so easy ...
What you need:
• old rake
• screw and screwdriver
• sandpaper (optional)
• Rustoleum (optional)
• old rake
• screw and screwdriver
• sandpaper (optional)
• Rustoleum (optional)
Instructions:
1. Unscrew the handle from the old rake.
2. If the rake is rusted, sand off the rust or cover the metal with an anti-rust spray paint like Rustoleum.
3. Drill the screw into the wall/ door of where you'd like the rake to hang.
4. Hang the rake on the screw, rake prongs down. Arrange your necklaces on the prongs.
1. Unscrew the handle from the old rake.
2. If the rake is rusted, sand off the rust or cover the metal with an anti-rust spray paint like Rustoleum.
3. Drill the screw into the wall/ door of where you'd like the rake to hang.
4. Hang the rake on the screw, rake prongs down. Arrange your necklaces on the prongs.
beautyriot.com
Teacup jewelry
It doesn't get any easier than this. Seriously.
It doesn't get any easier than this. Seriously.
What You Need:
• small, cute bowls and teacups
• small, cute bowls and teacups
Instructions:
1. Arrange the bowls/teacups in your top dresser drawer. (You can also place them on top of your vanity.)
2. Fill with necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other jewelry. Hang the earrings off the lip of the cup if possible.
1. Arrange the bowls/teacups in your top dresser drawer. (You can also place them on top of your vanity.)
2. Fill with necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other jewelry. Hang the earrings off the lip of the cup if possible.
Beautyriot.com
Magnetic makeup board
Is your makeup strewn all across your bathroom counter? Do you spend 30 minutes digging in your vanity drawer for your favorite blush? If so, you'll love this magnetic makeup board. Not only does it keep your makeup organized, but it also looks super cute on your wall.
Is your makeup strewn all across your bathroom counter? Do you spend 30 minutes digging in your vanity drawer for your favorite blush? If so, you'll love this magnetic makeup board. Not only does it keep your makeup organized, but it also looks super cute on your wall.
What you need:
• old picture frame
• acrylic paint
• spray adhesive
• metal sheet or baking sheet
• piece of fabric
• mini magnets
• strong glue, like E-6000
• old, empty pill bottles
• old picture frame
• acrylic paint
• spray adhesive
• metal sheet or baking sheet
• piece of fabric
• mini magnets
• strong glue, like E-6000
• old, empty pill bottles
Instructions:
1. Find an old frame, and remove the glass. Paint the frame a fun color.
2. Take the frame to the local hardware store and ask them to cut a piece of metal to fit inside the frame, or use an old baking/cookie sheet if it already fits.
3. Cut a piece of fabric to the size of the metal sheet, and attach it to the metal sheet with some spray adhesive.
4. After the spray adhesive has dried, attach the metal sheet to the frame.
5. Line up all your makeup products — blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows — and attach a mini magnet to each item. Use a heavy duty glue to attach the magnets.
6. Take an old pill bottle and throw away the top. Paint the bottle. Once dry, attach a few magnets to one side of the bottle. Fill the old pill bottle with brushes, eyeliners, or mascaras.
7. Place each makeup product on the sheet, as well as the old pill bottle.
1. Find an old frame, and remove the glass. Paint the frame a fun color.
2. Take the frame to the local hardware store and ask them to cut a piece of metal to fit inside the frame, or use an old baking/cookie sheet if it already fits.
3. Cut a piece of fabric to the size of the metal sheet, and attach it to the metal sheet with some spray adhesive.
4. After the spray adhesive has dried, attach the metal sheet to the frame.
5. Line up all your makeup products — blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows — and attach a mini magnet to each item. Use a heavy duty glue to attach the magnets.
6. Take an old pill bottle and throw away the top. Paint the bottle. Once dry, attach a few magnets to one side of the bottle. Fill the old pill bottle with brushes, eyeliners, or mascaras.
7. Place each makeup product on the sheet, as well as the old pill bottle.
More from BeautyRiot.com: Makeup Dare: 30 Days, 30 Looks
True Story: I Have Cystic Acne
My Fashion Week Backstage Diary
True Story: I Have Cystic Acne
My Fashion Week Backstage Diary
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Confessions of a Bad Blogger...
Forgive me followers, for I have sinned, it's been 3 months since my last submission...
I'm back now and with plenty of super fun updates. Hannukah, New Years, and Winter Break have long gone and the spring semester is in full swing. Lately my days are filled to the brim with program planning, phone calls, mountains upon mountains of e-mails, students stressing me out, and oh yes...wedding planning!! Needless to say, it's been a hectic two months.
On a happy note, things are calming down, a bit and we've recently celebrated some exciting milestones.
First, Brad and I are now g-dparents! Our nephew, Miles Spencer was born Monday, March 5th. We went to Dallas to meet him and celebrate his bris. Here are some of the pictures below:
Second, our little baby Manny, has had some milestones of his own, ironically, similiarly to Miles' but not Manny definitely got the short end of the stick, pobrecito. On February 17th, our poor baby went to THE appointment at PetSmart. So fortunately and unfortunately, there will be no Little Manny's running around in the future. He was pretty hyped up on pain meds the first day but he got better day after day.
I'm back now and with plenty of super fun updates. Hannukah, New Years, and Winter Break have long gone and the spring semester is in full swing. Lately my days are filled to the brim with program planning, phone calls, mountains upon mountains of e-mails, students stressing me out, and oh yes...wedding planning!! Needless to say, it's been a hectic two months.
On a happy note, things are calming down, a bit and we've recently celebrated some exciting milestones.
First, Brad and I are now g-dparents! Our nephew, Miles Spencer was born Monday, March 5th. We went to Dallas to meet him and celebrate his bris. Here are some of the pictures below:
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| Brad, Miles, and I |
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| Miles, Sheley, and I |
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| On the way home |
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| Manny and his Cone O'shame These are our updates for now, but I promise to be back soon!! |
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Manny's first Hanukkah
It's amazing how fast our little boy is growing up. When we got him he was barely 3 pounds and now he's tipping the scale at a whopping 7.5! He's also gone through his teething stage which, needless to say, has seemed like the bane of our existence. Our evenings have been filled with babying the boy and letting him wear himself out so that he'll finally fall asleep. We've also taken turns sleeping on the couch with him because his gums are bothering him so badly. But, on a positive note, we've had our first Hanukkah together! Here are some pics we wanted to share...
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| Building a fort in his new bed |
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| Celebrating Hanukkah with Daddy |
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| And a makeup less Mommy |
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| Manny and his new bed from Grandma and Grandpa Krugel |
Monday, December 19, 2011
Happy Hanukkah, Chanukah, Hannukah, from me to you! Plus some FAQ...
In case you didn't know, the holiday season is upon us! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, Yule, Boxing Day, or any other festival, I wish you and yours all the best and more. On a side note, I've decided to dedicate this post to all that is Hannukah (or however you spell it). First, since I've become the Jewish go to in my office, I've decided to share some insight regarding this holiday and all it's acoutrama.
Chanukah celebrates two miracles:
a) The 2nd century BCE victory of a small, greatly outnumbered and out-armed army of Jews, known as the “Maccabees,” over the mighty Greek army that occupied the Holy Land. The rebellion was in response to the Greek attempt to force a Hellenistic G‑dless lifestyle on the Jewish inhabitants of Israel.
b) The kindling of a seven-branched Menorah (candelabra) was an important component of the daily service in the Holy Temple. When the Maccabees liberated the Temple from the hands of the Greek invaders, they found only a small cruse of pure and undefiled olive oil fit for fueling the Menorah. The problem was, it was sufficient to light the Menorah only for one day, and it would take eight days to produce new pure oil. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and nights.
In the Hebrew, Chanukah is pronounced with the letter chet. The chet’s “ch” sound is not enunciated like the “ch” in child; rather it’s a guttural, throaty sound—like the “ch” in Johann Bach—which does not have an English equivalent. The letter “H” is the closest, but it’s not really it. So while some people spell and pronounce it “Chanukah” and others settle for “Hanukkah,” they really are one and the same.
Chanukah means “dedication” or “induction.” Following their victory over the Greeks, the Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple and its altar, which had been desecrated and defiled by the pagan invaders.
The word Chanukah can also be divided into two: Chanu—they rested, and Kah—which has the numerical value of 25. On the twenty-fifth day of the Hebrew month of Kislev the Maccabees rested from their battle, and triumphantly marched into the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, ready to rededicate it.
Chanukah begins on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The Jewish calendar is primarily based on the lunar cycle, and its dates fluctuate with respect to other calendar systems. Thus the first day of Chanukah can fall anywhere between November 28th and December 26th.
Is Chanukah a major holiday for you all like Christmas is for us?
While this has remained a question debated throughout time, personally, it is not in my mind a so called "major holiday." When I think important holidays in Judaism, I think of Rosh Ha'Shanah, Yom Kippur, Yom Ha'Shoa, and Passover.
Do you get presents every night?
In our family we don't, however it some families they do. Since my family is rather spread out, it's rare that we get to spend hanukah together. For example, the holiday starts tomorrow at sundown, but we won't see our family until Thursday or Friday. We usually exchange at least one gift if possible or give smaller gifts, like I did for Brad this year.
And for your listening pleasure here are some of my favorite videos of the season...
Chanukah celebrates two miracles:
a) The 2nd century BCE victory of a small, greatly outnumbered and out-armed army of Jews, known as the “Maccabees,” over the mighty Greek army that occupied the Holy Land. The rebellion was in response to the Greek attempt to force a Hellenistic G‑dless lifestyle on the Jewish inhabitants of Israel.
b) The kindling of a seven-branched Menorah (candelabra) was an important component of the daily service in the Holy Temple. When the Maccabees liberated the Temple from the hands of the Greek invaders, they found only a small cruse of pure and undefiled olive oil fit for fueling the Menorah. The problem was, it was sufficient to light the Menorah only for one day, and it would take eight days to produce new pure oil. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and nights.
In the Hebrew, Chanukah is pronounced with the letter chet. The chet’s “ch” sound is not enunciated like the “ch” in child; rather it’s a guttural, throaty sound—like the “ch” in Johann Bach—which does not have an English equivalent. The letter “H” is the closest, but it’s not really it. So while some people spell and pronounce it “Chanukah” and others settle for “Hanukkah,” they really are one and the same.
Chanukah means “dedication” or “induction.” Following their victory over the Greeks, the Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple and its altar, which had been desecrated and defiled by the pagan invaders.
The word Chanukah can also be divided into two: Chanu—they rested, and Kah—which has the numerical value of 25. On the twenty-fifth day of the Hebrew month of Kislev the Maccabees rested from their battle, and triumphantly marched into the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, ready to rededicate it.
Chanukah begins on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The Jewish calendar is primarily based on the lunar cycle, and its dates fluctuate with respect to other calendar systems. Thus the first day of Chanukah can fall anywhere between November 28th and December 26th.
Is Chanukah a major holiday for you all like Christmas is for us?
While this has remained a question debated throughout time, personally, it is not in my mind a so called "major holiday." When I think important holidays in Judaism, I think of Rosh Ha'Shanah, Yom Kippur, Yom Ha'Shoa, and Passover.
Do you get presents every night?
In our family we don't, however it some families they do. Since my family is rather spread out, it's rare that we get to spend hanukah together. For example, the holiday starts tomorrow at sundown, but we won't see our family until Thursday or Friday. We usually exchange at least one gift if possible or give smaller gifts, like I did for Brad this year.
And for your listening pleasure here are some of my favorite videos of the season...
Happy Holidays and a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tickle Me Tuesdays!
I've decided to join in on the fun that is Tickle Me Tuesdays!
If you'd like to participate (and you know you do!!), here are the rules:
1. Write a short post with anywhere from one to five items that have been tickling your fancy recently. Please include pictures and links :)
2. Make sure to link back to the party in your blog post (you can grab the button or include a text link)
3. Come back here and link up your blog post!
4. Visit some other links and HAVE FUN!
So....here are the things that have bee tickling my fancy lately...drum roll please....
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| Cafe Brazil Coffee I love love love Cafe Brazil!! It is the one place in Dallas that I make it a point to stop by everytime I'm in town. If you've never experienced Cafe Brazil you need to if you're ever in Dallas. They have delicious pancrepes, omelets, desserts, and best of all...COFFEE! My recent love is Chocolate Cherry Kiss. In fact, as soon as pay day gets here, I'm going online to http://www.cafebrazilonline.com/p-15-chocolate-cherry-kiss.aspx to order some delicious caffeinated goodness. |
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| Cowboy Boots As many of you know, I love Cowboy Boots! Especially Old Gringo boots, unfortunately when they cost more than half of your month's rent, it's time to move on. However, I'm working tirelessly to find a cheaper version. |
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| Jelly Beans! Why Jelly Beans? They're sweet, small, and satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your entire diet. I've also recently found some sugar free ones as well!! |
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| Scarves Scarves Scarves!!! Since Old Man Winter has finally decided to pay us a visit, my love for all that is Scarves. Why Scarves? They're pretty and colorful and it's like a big hug around your neck. If you don't have any scarves, I highly suggest you go by one. It will change your life and your sense of style :) <a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a> |
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tis the season to the be Thankful
Although I strive to express thankfulness for the things that I'm thankful for all year round, in the spirit of the season I wanted to share these with you now (please note that they are in no particular order).
- I'm thankful for my amazingly loving, generous, kind, and supportive family. Although I no longer live in Dallas, we do try our best to make it there as often as we can. In fact, once 5pm hits we will be hitting the road to spend the holiday with them. I'm also thankful for all of the sacrifices they made to come to this country and provide the life for us that we have been able to have.
2. I can't begin to express my gratitude to G-d and the fates of destiny for bringing my fiancee into my life. My friends can attest that I always had a fun and interesting life but I never knew how full my life could be until I met Brad. I'm so thankful that he's here and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him and our little man, Manolo.
3. I'm also thankful for the wonderful people that brought my amazing fiancee into the world and have helped to make him the person he is today. I'm so blessed to have such fun, loving, and kind inlaws.
4. I'm thankful for having the opportunity to have a job that I love, supportive and inspiring coworkers, and students that never cease to amaze me. They are the reason that I love what I do and have fun doing it!
5. I'm thankful for the health and happiness of my loved ones and hope that they continue to have all they wish for and more!
6. I'm thankful for the incredible friendships that I've been able to foster over the years. It doesn't matter if I've known you for a day or for my entire life, you are a huge part of who I am and who I'm becoming.
7. I'm thankful for my health and the blessings and guidance I've received that have guided me to the place that I am today.
8. I'm thankful for the experiences that I've had and the rich history and culture that I am a part of. Being different is a blessing not a curse if you embrace it and make it a part of who you are.
9. I'm thankful to be a Jayhawk, a Gamma, and an honorary Aggie!
10. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to be thankful for all these things and more!
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous holiday!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Two crazy kids and a little Manny
It's hard to believe that our little bundle of craziness is a little over three months old. Everyday brings new surprises, sounds and movements, as well as laughs. I know you've been waiting for it, so here's your latest and greatest update on all things Manny.
Manny has asked Mommy if he can be like everyone else he knows and loves and have his own facebook page. Since well, he's only a little over 3 mos old and is kind of missing opposable thumbs and mastery of English or Spanish, we felt like it probably wasn't a good idea. However we decided to meet in the middle, Manny now has his own Fan page!!
If you're a facebooker and want to be Fanny, click on the link above for all things Manny.
Also, since our little Manolo isn't camera shy, here are a few highlights of his latest highjinx...
Manny and Pato
Manny playing with Unca Sherlock
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| All dressed up and ready to go in the sweater his Abuela bought him |
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| Boys and their toys |
Simply Engaging Engagment pics
So this posting is a little late, I know, however things like work, sleeping, eating, dancing, family, and more work tends to get in the way. As we shared on facebook here are some of our favorite pics from our engagement session.
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| Still one of my favorites even if it didn't make the final cut |
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| Posing outside the movie theater |
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| Being artsy in Highland Park Village |
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| Tres Chic, no? |
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| Loved the colors on this one, just not as much as the next one :) |
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| This one was the family fave and will be featured on our Save the Dates |
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