engagement photos // take 2

You may remember that Aaron and I were supposed to get our engagement photos back in the winter. I did a post about some outfit ideas I had pulled together...but the beginning of this year was freakishly warm and we didn't get any snow! Totally crazy for Ohio, and I would have appreciated it any other year...BUT it completely ruined my plan for Winter Wonderland engagement photos.

I contacted our photographer and pushed the photo session back into the spring (now in mid-May) so that the scenery would be pretty outside ;) Needless to say, I now need to re-think all of my outfit choices since the photos will be completely different than originally planned.  

I have a custom flower crown from Etsy (missstevemarie to be exact) that I would like to wear for some of the pictures with a long bohemian-style dress. I'll then probably change into a more casual outfit - maybe jeans and a cute blouse or a chambray top...that's still to be decided! 

American Eagle Outfitters // Cold Shoulder Tiered Maxi Dress

Forever 21 // Lace Duster

**This would be worn over a cami maxi dress of course

Urban Outfitters // Kimchi Blue Lace Flutter Sleeve

H&M // Lace Dress

Any suggestions of stores or websites I should look at for this style of dress?? xx 

april goals

Can you believe it is April?? I feel like 2016 just started and here we are in spring already!

I've decided to share some of my goals for the season, as it has been awhile since the New Year resolution time, and I think it's time to re-prioritze and get back on track ;)

// Goal #1

Crunch time. The wedding is t-minus 6 months away (almost exactly) and I need to get my butt in shape. No dancing around it anymore - my dress will arrive in July sometime, so I need to be ready for fittings by then. I have a goal in mind and think it is realistic, attainable, and healthy. Just want to look and feel my best for the big day! 

I have started really focusing on a couple things like drinking much more water throughout the day, meal planning, and squeezing in exercise anywhere I can - even it is a 10 minute jog with the dogs before class. This salmon and veggie "one pan" recipe is on my list to try out this weekend for a quick, easy, and healthy meal!

 
// Goal #2

Savings $$ This always seems to be one, but with some major purchases and projects that have been underway since the start of the year (*ahem* bathroom remodels), I want to get back to putting money away every month. Since we won't be taking a major honeymoon after the wedding this year, I would like for us to have the opportunity to take a big trip next year...and that means starting to save now.

 
// Goal #3

The spring purge. This time of year I always get the itch to just do a major clean and get rid of things. I want to throw away and donate everything, and start from scratch. Of course, it doesn't ever end up being that dramatic, but I do want to find a couple days over the weekends coming up to start deep cleaning the house. I found this nice print out on Joanna Gaines' blog to help get me started! 

 What are some of your spring goals?? xx
 

spring beauty

I am feeling like it is time to revamp my makeup collection. I've been using the same trusted items for awhile now, and I'm itching to try some new products for spring.

Here are some things that have been on my wishlist - let me know if you use any of them, and how you like them! Or if there are other items that you love that you think I should try out!

Things I am looking for recommendations on:
Foundation - been looking at Too Faced and NARS, thoughts?
Setting Powder - no clue where to start, hate the one I am using right now (Physician's Formula)
Shimmer/Highlighter - love mine, but it is running out and discontinued! Need a replacement ASAP!
Primer - want to start using consistently, but not sure which one to purchase? 
Mascara - need something that gives some *umph* as my lashes are lacking right now

**All brands I currently use or will purchase are from cruelty free companies only ;)

 // Too Faced Born This Way Foundation ($39)

// Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit in Light ($40)

// Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector Pressed ($38)

// Pacifica Rose Gold Brightening Serum & Primer ($15)

// Alba Botanica Self Tanner ($8)

// Beauty Blender Sponge ($20)

// Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($23)

// Rapid Lash Serum ($50)

// SeahMoisture Pressed Powder ($15)

// Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Mini ($12) 

I'm also getting tired of my makeup brushes, and I'm looking for recommendations on new ones! What are you must have makeup brushes / tools?? xx 

home decor // spring table

I finally got around to updating our dining room center piece! I know I posted on some inspiration a couple weeks ago, and I actually ended up using a few of the pieces from Target. I didn't go with any tray or basket in the middle because we have a relatively small table, and everything was too big - but I like how it turned out with just a runner and a few spring touches! 

Table Runner / Metal Bird / Candle / Place Mats 

Flowers are from Trader Joe's - Eucalyptus and White Spray Stock