It’s hard to believe that my bridal shower and bachelorette weekend have both come and gone. While at first the 14-month engagement seemed to slowly pass, things have certainly picked up momentum. The last month has gone by so quickly! We’re now into the final weeks before the big day and I can’t even begin to describe the amount of emotion I am feeling.

Of course, there’s incredible happiness and joy that is overwhelming beyond belief. But I’d be lying if I said it’s all been easy. The hardest part is keeping things in perspective, realizing that the day-to-day wedding emails, to-dos, questions and comments are just… details.

A couple weeks ago, a friend gave me the best wedding advice I’ve received to date. “If there’s one thing I can tell you, don’t leave each others’ side the entire evening.” While this seems like a short and quick piece of advice, it’s in fact the exact words I needed to hear.

There’s no doubt that I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating. I can’t wait to dance the night away, drink champagne, and laugh and love with all of our friends and family. But the one thing that I’m looking forward to the most is the very moment when the doors open and I see the man I will soon call my husband standing at the front of the aisle waiting for me. Being able to look into his eyes and know that he loves me to the moon and back, promising to cherish each other for the rest of ours lives… that’s what this is all about.

So with just 16 days to go, here’s to keeping things in perspective, embracing the remaining days until I am a married lady and appreciating every single moment of this incredible love.

Our wedding invitation arrived in the mail yesterday. 50 days to go!

On Dec. 5, my brother left for San Diego for U.S. Marine Corps boot camp–easily one of the hardest things he’s ever had to endure. And on Friday, March 2, he graduated, officially becoming a U.S. Marine.

Words can’t even begin to express how proud I am of him.

He has embarked on a journey unlike any other and as a young 20-something with his whole life ahead of him, it’s very exciting to see him travel this new path. And while he’s now a handsome, grown-up U.S. Marine Corps private, he’ll always be my baby brother.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of my wedding day. The handsome man waiting for you at the end of the aisle, the beautiful white dress, sweet-smelling flowers, romance, honeymoon and celebration with family and friends… It’s all what every girl wishes for.

For the past 11 months, I’ve been immersed in this wedding wonderland, planning each and every intricate detail of our special day. And while overwhelming at times, the process has been incredibly positive and almost perfect. However, what they don’t tell you is that planning for the big day and combining two families into one can be one of the most stressful things you’ll ever have to go through. So many opinions. So many personalities. So many people. So many things to consider.

Yet through the entire process, I’ve narrowed my focus on not losing sight of the true love and affection that I feel for my fiance.

When we first got engaged, it was suggested that we both read this specific book to prepare for our upcoming nuptials. We each bought our own copy and began reading. It wasn’t long before we came across a number of passages along the way that asked us to discuss particular topics. Covering everything from in-laws and children to future planning and finance, we were forced to dive into some deep waters.

A few topics have been more challenging to discuss than others. But for the most part, it’s been quite an eye-opening experience. We’ve learned a lot about each other by talking through these various subjects, and it’s helped me appreciate this special moment in our lives so much more.

I’ve learned that engagement is one of the most precious moments in a relationship. It’s the one time you aren’t dating and aren’t married. It’s a phase unlike any other and one that should be cherished and embraced, bringing you even closer as a couple.

Our engagement has taught me just how lucky I am to have found my life partner. He is the kindest, sweetest, most incredible person I’ve ever met and in a few short months, I’ll be his bride. Words can’t even begin to express the love I have toward him, this special time we’ve spent together and all that’s to come.

Three and a half months to go!

Whether you celebrate with the love of your life, your friends or your family, I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with endless amounts of happiness, candy, flowers, champagne, chocolate, hugs and kisses.

XOXO

I’ve seen a few posts lately from 20-somethings who are struggling with blogging and fighting to stay afloat in the midst of a scheduling whirlwind including everything from career, life, travel, weddings, family events… you name it.

Seems I’m not alone in this continuing battle with blogging. The common thread? We all love to write but don’t have the time for it anymore.

And the funny thing is… We all have LOTS to say. So why can’t we just find the time?

The truth is, when I have a moment to breathe these days, I want to spend it by a) cuddling with my honey and pup, b) catching up on my beloved shows, c) sharing my time with family and friends or d) sleeping. The idea of being introspective or putting my thoughts on paper always takes last place.

So I’ve got to thinking about this whole problem and I can’t help but wonder why I just can’t seem to get it together.

I follow so many interesting mommy, home decor, lifestyle, career and fashion bloggers (among others) who always manage to find the time to write. And while I’ve come across several bloggers who struggle like I do, it still baffles me how people always have the time and energy to dedicate to blogging. Heck, I’m not even married with kids yet… So what’s my excuse?

The answer remains a mystery. But I promise you this –> I’m going to STOP MAKING EXCUSES AND WRITE.

Starting NOW.

By now, people are starting to take down the Christmas lights and New Year’s is just around the corner. Thoughts of fancy dresses, champagne, music, dinner and dancing are swirling through the air. It’s almost 2012! This New Year’s Eve, raise a glass and remember all the excitement, challenges, changes and happiness that happened in 2011. So put on your party dress, fancy shoes and kiss the one you love.

It’s a clean slate. A blank canvas. Paint a picture that is uniquely you. Cheers to a new year!

The other night, I went to an event and made all kinds of great, new contacts–many of whom are either in the blogosphere or members of the local media. It was a relaxed environment. We were chatting and laughing over bubbly glasses of champagne and delicious, bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.

In conversation, it somehow came up that I write a blog. A few had visited the blog, read my content, etc. They had nothing but kind words to say about it. Of course, I thanked them. But I was thinking, “Gosh, I hope they don’t really read the content…”

This whole scenario has been playing on repeat in my head for several days now. For the first time since I started blogging, I wasn’t proud of my blog. It wasn’t because I don’t like the look (I love it) or because I don’t have great examples of my work here (I do). It has occurred to me that I’m not wildly proud of the content. What began as a more professional blog has transformed into a personal, lifestyle-type blog. My posts now include recipes, travel adventures and life updates.

And truthfully, I think I prefer this style of writing more so than PR-focused posts. It’s natural and heartfelt. It’s real.

Don’t get me wrong–I read tons of fabulous blogs by incredibly talented PR people, social media gurus and communication masterminds. And more often than not, I end up learning something new after reading them.

For me though, I’ve used this space as an outlet. A way to express my thoughts, life changes, career moves and relationships. And this has been the identity of my blog for a while now. So why wasn’t I prouder in that moment?

I guess the bigger question is–isn’t it okay that my blog’s identity has shifted? I’m not the same person I was when I wrote my first post. I’m older, wiser (I hope), in a different place, with a new job and an exciting life ahead of me. So it’s only natural that my voice has changed, right? Right.

From now on, I will stand proud of this hodgepodge, inconsistent space. Cheers to that!

I’ve written about giving thanks and the delicious food around the Thanksgiving table–but rarely do I take a moment to reflect on what I’m truly thankful for. This year has brought many adventures and as I turn the page into this new chapter of my life, I realize just how thankful I am for the gift of life and love.

I’m thankful for a man who loves me more than anything in this world. Who makes my heart go pitter patter day in and day out. Who picks up daisies on his way home–just because. Who accepts me for me. Who sets the example to be a better version of myself every day. Who works harder than any other person I know. Who makes me stronger, better and happier than I’ve ever felt in my life. Who will soon be my husband.

I’m thankful for supportive, loving parents who continuously give. Who are helping me create the most perfect wedding any girl could dream of. Who provide the strength and wisdom to get through situations big and small. Who show me their unconditional love. Who push me to succeed and never settle. Who appreciate my sensitive nature and creative mind.

I’m thankful for the 15 years that I had with my mother who was the kindest, most loving, thoughtful, funny and beautiful person I could ever know. Who gave me the gift of life. Who was courageous and strong, generous and wise, sweet and loved. Who taught me how to live and love. Whose memory shines like the warm sun and glistening stars in the sky.

I’m thankful for my siblings, family and friends, health, faith, education, career, sweet doggie and warm home. I’m thankful for pie, pretty shoes, coffee, laughter, the beach, technology, comfy pajamas, taco trucks, fall-scented candles, manicures and pedicures, and sunshine.

But most of all, I’m thankful for my lucky, happy life. My past, present and all that is to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

These days, fiance is usually studying, preparing for an exam or practicing in the dental lab on the weekends. While I’m usually lucky enough to get a date night or something of the sort in the evenings, our weekend days are generally spent apart. I’ve managed to adjust to his schedule and find my own fun in this new city I call home but this weekend was a big treat–no studying, no school… just us.

Here are some snapshots of our weekend. How was yours?

Double date @ Feast, San Antonio. Yukon gold chips + blue cheese sauce.

Wedding registry @ Crate & Barrel.

Oreo-stuffed chocolate chip cookies.