So as you may remember back in January I announced that we weren't going to have any sort of official wedding.  I tried and tried to find the cheapest way to have one but even paying a couple grand is just too much for us.  So here's what we decided and here's what my official plans are as of now.   I can't wait to do this all on my own.  It's super fun for me and the decisions shouldn't be very hard. 

[Ceremony]: Justice of the Peace
Estimated Cost: $50 for the marriage license but everything else is free. 
Plan: Once we get our marriage license we will call a local judge to arrange a date and time for us to come in.  Our parents will be with us.  We will be dressed up (more details later in this post) and afterwards we will go for lunch or dinner with our parents. 

[Reception]: A Party
Estimated Cost: (see more below)
Plan: Instead of  having a formal reception where the more guests we invite, the more our bill rises, we have chosen to just throw a big party.

[Venue]: Our House
Estimated Cost: FREE!
Plan: Our house that we've owned for just under 2 years is the biggest symbol of our commitment. It's also the house we plan to live in until we die.  It's our happy place and we are both constantly talking about how much we love it, from the yard to the decor.  So what better way to take the stress out of a wedding then doing everything in the comfort of our own home. We have a large back and side yard, awesome neighbors, and a beautiful view of a pond and plenty of privacy.

[Food]: Caterer
Estimated Cost:$1000 or less
Plan: The one thing we don't mind splurging on would be food but when you have a formal reception you also pay for the service.  Well, I am currently looking into different options with a BBQ company that would basically deliver everything and we would all just eat buffet style! The best part is that the food doesn't have to be fancy. It'll be more informal party food that you would find at a cookout. 

[Drinks]: Some Provided, Some BYOB
Estimated Cost: $250
Plan: Because we have friends that have all different preferences, we decided to provide some wine, beer, and liquor but we are also going to encourage guests that if there's something they like in particular, feel free to bring it along.  Honestly, our friends and family are of the age when we aren't party animals anymore so if we have more than a couple drinks we'll be sleeping. 

[Decor]: DIY
Estimated Cost: $25
Plan: The Dollar Tree is my best friend.  I mean really how hard is it to get white streamers and balloons and decorate myself.  



[Invitations]: Facebook
Estimated Cost: FREE
Plan: Because it's a waste of money and paper, the best way to notify our friends and family is a Facebook Invitation.  It will hold all of the details of the big party and it'll be a great way to discuss things that people want to bring. You can laugh all you want, but no one keeps wedding invitations so what's the point? 





[Dress]: A SECRET
Estimated Cost: $100
Plan: I will be finding a simple and cheap dress to wear. It won't be a formal wedding dress at all.  But it's what works for me and I can still wear it on other occasions.  You'll just have to wait till photos of the big day to see what it actually looks like! 



[Music]: iPod and iTunes Playlist
Estimated Cost: FREE
Plan: I already have a Bluetooth speaker I use for working out in the basement so easy as that I'll be hooking it up and using that to play music off a playlist I'll have made up. 



[Photographer]: Friend
Estimated Cost: $100?
Plan: I have lots of friends that love taking pictures.  I'll offer someone some money to attend and walk around and take some action shots of everyone.  Pretty simple and they can use my camera and memory card if they wish.   The price may vary. I just put $100 for now.




So there you have it  -$1,275 estimated cost.   Of course these are estimated costs so I hope to still keep it below that! 

Stay tuned over the next few months as I go over everything in more detail and take you along on my journey as I get everything ready!

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Outfit of the Day: Pretty Peacock

This is probably one of the brightest and boldest outfits I've ever worn.  These leggings are actually little peacocks with lime green, mint green, bright blue, and white.

And while there's no regular blue on the leggings, it still looks amazing with a blue top.  I also happened to have a statement necklace with all the colors from the leggings in it so I was excited to put this outfit together.  Of course it was a snowy day so hardly anyone was at work and I could barely show it off.  That's how it always happens though right?

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Preparing My Home for Spring + A Giveaway!

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Spring is almost here and I like to take this time to do little changes around the house.    So in my typical style, I wanted to take you on a tour of the few changes I've made.

Some of the changes involved new things, and others involve rearranging stuff I already have.  In addition to what's below I also love to add fresh flowers to the dining room and kitchen.  It reminds me of what is right around the way. 

Read more »

Outfit of the Day: Toning It Down

While I'm a huge fan of bright colors, there are days I like to keep it toned down and completely neutral.   I found this tunic top at Ross Dress for Less last year and it is so comfy plus it's a neutral beige.  I paired it with some LuLaRoe leggings with black and army green.

Being an introvert, there are some days where I truly just want to blend in.  And this outfit helps me do just that. 

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Going Stir Crazy? 10 Things To Do While Waiting for Spring

I know I know, it's killin me too!  Pennsylvania has had little tastes of Spring here and there but then it goes back to cold winter weather.  Spring is right around the corner and if you can't take it anymore, here are a few ideas of things you can do indoors until the days are longer and the sun shines  brighter than ever!

1. Start Seeds Indoors 
If you are excited to begin your garden why not get an early start? I have a mini greenhouse that I use but you can start some seeds for an herb garden or even veggie garden on a windowsill or anywhere else that gets decent light.  And you don't have to use seed starting trays either.  Empty egg cartons work great. 

2. Try the KonMari Method
Read my post here about the KonMari Method, get the book, and then begin! Knock the majority of it out in a few weeks while you wait for the weather to improve.

3. Purge Your Closet and Cabinets
Go through your home and do some spring cleaning.  Tear up that closet and get rid of things you aren't crazy about (better yet - try the KonMari Method above), throw out any expired foods, and take stock of cleaning supplies you may need to replace.

4. Deep Clean Your Car
On those "almost Spring" days, use a microfiber towel to clean the dust off of the interior of your car, then vacuum really good, then clean the interior windows, and finally wash and wax.  Now's also a good time to check your tire pressure and oil level! 

5. Finish Your Taxes
Because you know damn well you won't want to sit inside and do your taxes when you could be outside enjoying the nice weather. So log onto your tax program and get started. 

6. Start Exercising
Get more active now so it's not such a shock when you are outdoors doing things.  Lift weights every other night, go for a jog around the block in the sunshine, and start drinking more water. 

7. Read
Come on, it's free if you get your books from a library! And it occupies your time.   Plus, when it's nice out you can read outdoors too!

8. Make Summer Plans
Now's a great time to finalize vacation plan, book any arrangements you'll need, and devise a budget and plan to put money away so you're ready when the time comes!

9. Home Maintenance
Check your air filter, clean the inside of the windows, wash guest linens, curtains, rugs, and pillows.   Just do the little things that you normally don't do because you'd rather be doing ANYTHING else. 

10.  Get Your Mower Serviced
Now's literally THE best time to take your mower to a local shop and have it serviced so it's ready for all that damn lawn mowing you'll do for the next 6 months!

See, there's definitely some stuff you can do while you wait!

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Outfit of the Day: Pretty in Floral

This is one of my favorite outfits ever.   This is LuLaRoe from head to toe.  It's a pair of heathered pink leggings, a black Classic T, and a Sarah cardigan.

I've always loved cardigans and floral prints so this gives me the best of both worlds.  I also love the ribbed material and how it clings to my body.

I think every LuLaRoe lover should own at least one Sarah!

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