Southern Utah Bride Magazine

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I just wanted to let everyone know about Southern Utah Bride Magazine really quick. The talented Jimmy Bishop from Gideon Photography has put together this stunning piece of work. It's really beautiful. There is so much inspiration for Brides all over the country within it's pages. So please go check it out and become a fan on Facebook. I promise you will be impressed!

Organization Step 1: De-cluttering the Computer

Yesterday I spent nap time de-cluttering my email accounts. You would never believe how much work that was. Are you like me where you have a problem deleting unwanted and unneeded emails? It's a big problem with me. I didn't know it was a problem until my Husband wouldn't let me put my email account on his iPad because of all the crap it contained. So I went through and unsubscribed to all businesses sending me advertisements. Deleted most emails that I didn't need anymore. Deleted all corney forwards. Read all unread mail. I'm embarrassed to say it was quite the task. It was the first step though in simplifying and organizing for the New Year. I think it's good every now and then to go through your computer and delete things you don't need. Emails, files, pictures ect. Frees up space on your computer and makes it run smoother. Since I spend a lot of time on my computer this will make life much nicer for me. Today I'm tackling our photos. Which is an even bigger task. As this is the number of photos we're working with. I need to delete all the duplicates, out of focus and just not very great pictures. Wish me luck cause I'm going to need it.

Starting The Year Off Right

I know I know. It's already the fourth! Yikes! I love New Year's. There's always so much to look forward to. It's almost like having a clean slate. 2010 was not the easiest of years, but I have to say I learned a lot this past year. It had it's good moments, but I'm definitely ready to move on to 2011. In 2010 I made several New Year's "Hopes" (resolutions sounds so strict) and actually accomplished some of them. Yay! This year my biggest focus is adding this baby boy to our life. There are a couple more things that I want to keep in mind though through out the year. I want to really simplify my life. Which means getting rid of a lot, organizing the things that are kept and not letting the "things" around me effect my mood. If I simplify my surroundings I will be a much happier person. Also by nature I'm a pretty shy person. Along with that I'm extremely self conscious. Sometimes this makes it hard for me to take chances. This year I want to try to put myself out there more, be a little braver. Over my vacation I watched the new Alice in Wonderland (heard not so good things about it, but ended up loving it). One part in particular has stuck in my mind. The Mad Hatter says to Alice "You're not the same as you were before. You were much more muchier... You've lost your muchness." Later in the movie Alice does something very gutsy and asks the Hatter "How's this for muchness?" That's what I'll be looking for this year. My muchness. So my two words of the year are Simplify and Muchness. Just three New Year's "Hopes" to think about (including Baby Boy). I think I can handle three. I feel good things on the horizon for 2011!

Hello Friends!!!

We're back from our trip to Utah. It was wonderful and much much needed. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a spectacular New Years. I'll be back tomorrow with some real good posting!

Gift Giving 101: Friends, Coworkers & Neighbors

image found on Mibo

I intentionally waited until after Christmas to post this one. Right about now you are probably in your kitchen deciding which treats you really want to eat and which to pitch in the trash. You'll probably throw away at least half of the goodies you are given. So next year instead of slaving in the hot kitchen baking items that could eventually be thrown in the trash (no matter how good you think they are) think of something else, something useful that you can pass along. For the past couple of years I have purchased a printable PDF Calendar off Etsy that you can print multiple times. The one above I got this year for $4.35 from the shop Mibo. I print them off on cardstock, tied them up with Bakers twine and attached a pen. I think it's a great gift to give that can be useful all year. I know there are all kinds of other ideas too, but I'm on vacation. Therefore my brain is just not working to think up any more creative, useful things. This is just what I like to do & I think people appreciate the break from sugar! See you all next year!

Ok... One more before I go!

Trees at the Electric Plant Johnson City TX.

Last night we did my favorite Christmas Tradition. Even if this was just the second year we did it. We went out to the Texas Hill Country Christmas Lighting Trail. We just stopped in Johnson City this year (last year we did Llano, Marble Falls & Johnson City) but even still it was down right magical. It is so much fun to see these small Texas Towns all decked out for the Holidays. If you live in Austin or San Antonio (or anywhere in between) you should make this a family tradition as well. It requires a little driving for a whole lot of fun. Miss. S was seriously in heaven!

Signing Off

Christmas Card Photo 2010

We are heading to Utah for Christmas. So posts will be sparse... if there are any at all. I hope that everyone has a lovely and safe Christmas and New Years. We return home January 3rd. Until then enjoy your holiday season!