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.

In early October, I mentioned that I was in the midst of making lemonade. As much as I wanted to spill my heart out and give you the juicy details, I simply couldn’t. I was relieved yet anxious, happy yet sad… I needed time to reflect and get things in order.

While I still won’t divulge all the secrets of the storm (oh yes, it was quite the thundering storm), I can safely say that it was a turning point in my career.

Leading up to the storm, I spent 3+ months questioning my purpose, strengths and abilities–and it wasn’t pretty. And now that the storm has passed and I’ve had a month or so of thought and action, I know that I shouldn’t have questioned myself one bit. I feel re-energized, renewed, confident and content.

And I’ve made some sweet, sweet lemonade.

Last month, fiance and I had our engagement photo session in Austin with the very talented Morgan Lynn Photography. Morgan and her husband Amir made us feel so relaxed and comfortable. It was so natural and easy. And we couldn’t be happier with how the photos turned out.

Watch our engagement photo slideshow here.

I’ve been loving Pinterest lately–especially for snagging easy, delicious recipes. Last week, I came across two recipes that sounded absolutely delightful and seemed super simple.

Recipe #1: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a staple in our home. It’s the perfect dip and a great alternative to chips and salsa (which, although very near and dear to my heart, is not the healthiest of options). Coupled with baked pita chips or your favorite vegetable, hummus is such a delicious snack.

So when I came across this recipe, I knew I had to try it myself. It takes a matter of minutes and just a few ingredients to make–and will certainly leave your taste buds thanking you.

Ingredients:
- 1 red bell pepper
- 12 oz. can of garbanzo beans
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 2.5 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon of cumin
- Garlic (minced or powder) to taste
- Juice from 1/2 lemon

While the recipe calls for a “roasted” red pepper, I didn’t roast mine and it turned out just as tasty. Simply combine all ingredients in a blender, serve and enjoy!

Recipe #2: Cinnamon Apple Chips
The second recipe that caught my eye was homemade apple chips. It includes only two ingredients (apples and cinnamon) and couldn’t be easier!

Using medium-sized red delicious apples, I cored the apples, sliced them into thin rings, placed them on a sheet pan and sprinkled cinnamon on both sides of the slices. The recipe suggested to bake them at 275 degrees for two hours but this was just too long to wait. So instead, I baked mine for 1 hour at 325 and flipped them after 30 minutes.

In the end, we had beautiful golden brown baked apple rings that tasted just as delicious and sweet as the kitchen smelled. It’s simply the most perfect fall treat.

What new recipes have you found?