Cardstore

I was contacted by Cardstore to create and receive a greeting card at no cost to me in return for an honest post reviewing my experience. I happily agreed and set off to find the perfect card.

I am definitely one of those people who spends far too much time in the greeting card area of Target. I buy cards for no reason, I save the cards I am given, and I am always on the hunt for the next best card to give. The reaction of the card recipient while reading it is the best part, and I'm always looking to top it. Basically, I'm a card snob. Yeah, I said it.

On Cardstore, I chose a blank, customizable card to give to Trevor. I wanted to give him a card to celebrate our first home together {no, our ugly duplex doesn't count} and came across one that I could completely customize what I was envisioning.

With a little personalization of a photo of our new home and some lovingly crafted words - the card was on it's way to me. Seriously, it was so easy. Even better? You can upload photos right from Facebook and Instagram. And because I use IG like my own personal photo album, I can see myself making personalized cards for every occasion!

The cards at Cardstore are incredibly priced compared to the greeting cards you find at Hallmark, Target, or Walmart. Plus, they run specials on cards for upcoming holidays. When I made my card, their Grandparent's Day cards were $1.99 and now, they have a 30% off sale going on with CCL3030! So, you save money on the cards, you save time by not having to go to the store, and you can make your card much, much more personal than the ones you find in stores. Sounds like a win, win, win to me!

If you decide you want to make your own greeting cards and try out Cardstore for yourself, you can click through this affiliate link for a bonus 80 points. Their reward program is free to sign up and you accumulate points for every card you order - even the discounted ones! You can redeem your points for free cards, simple as that.

Here are some of my favorite love cards, just because!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

And even a few that are only meant for your significant other's eyes - hello, honeymoon cards!

1 // 2 // 3

Have you tried Cardstore? Check it out and let me know your favorite card design!

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A Month's Worth of Free or Cheap Dates for You & Your Spouse

Trevor and I try to keep things fresh. You know, we try not to get in the habit of throwing on sweats as soon as we get home and plopping down in front of the TV barely noticing each other for the remainder of the evening.

Of course, there are nights that that happens. Usually after a particularly rough day at work for me or a long day of hard intellectual hurdles for Trevor.  But nights like that are few and far between because we make a point of mixing things up!

I know we can't be the only couple who has struggled to find ideas for new and exciting date night activities so we've compiled a list for you {30 ideas to exact - one for every day of the month}... and even better, most of them are low-cost or NO-cost!

1.) Create playlists for each other {don't let your spouse see what you're putting on it!} and take turns playing your chosen songs for both of you to listen to. Share a bottle of wine, and you're good! Don't forget to turn the lights down and enjoy a slow dance.

2) Similar to the idea above, make a playlist that is the soundtrack of your life together. Include songs from your past {when you first met & your first dance song} and any songs that represent your future {for us it would be songs that represent our future family and growing old together}. Share your hopes and dreams for the coming years!

3) Break out a deck of cards and play Go-Fish, poker, or any other game. Spice things up with a gamble of kisses or even items of clothing. Strip poker, anyone?

4) Go on a scavenger hunt. Google and Pinterest are full of lists for you to print off. Otherwise, make your own and enjoy!

5) Choose a recipe you've never made before out of a cookbook you own or from the internet. Try something you wouldn't otherwise pick! Go grocery shopping for the ingredients together, then come home, roll up your sleeves and get to work!

6) Go to a thrift store or a dollar store with $5 each. You have 10 minutes to pick out the best gift or outfit for the other person within your budget. Get creative!

7) Cloud watch.

8) Test drive cars. Even better? Test drive your dream car!

9) Pack a picnic basket and head outside to stargaze after dark. Bring a flashlight, a star chart and try to find as many constellations as you can!

10) Create a small buffet of desserts. Take turns blindfolding and feeding each other. No peeking!

11) Attend local open houses and start a "dream home" list based on what you see.

12) Even if you aren't looking for a new pet, visit an animal shelter. Your heart will melt when you see your spouse fawn over cute puppies.

13) Volunteer together. 

14) Get outside and go on a hike together! Bring a few snacks and stop halfway for an impromptu picnic.

15) Have a snowball fight! The winner gets to pick his/her reward: 100 kisses or a foot rub.

16) Check out two copies of the same book from the library. Read each chapter together and discuss - it's a book club for two!

17) Did you know the Dollar Tree has puzzles? You'll love a low-key night at home with your favorite TV show and a new puzzle. It'll only set you back a buck!

18) Work out together. Maybe you'll go on a run, maybe you'll do an at-home video, or maybe you'll lift some weights at the gym. Any way you choose, get those post-workout endorphins flowing!

19) Be tourists in your town or state. Don't forget your camera!

20) Get all dolled up {heels, tie, your good underwear!} and go out for ice cream.

21) Teach each other something. Maybe you're good at soccer and he's good at video games. You each get an hour to teach the other all of your tips and tricks.

22) Climb the tallest tree you can find! Teamwork, baby, teamwork!

23) Have a dance party! Remember the dorm life when your whole floor would break into song and dance instead of studying? Oh, that was only me? Get your dance on and - BONUS for a dance party with your spouse: a little dirty dancing never hurt!

24) Make wishes together and throw pennies in fountains. 

25) Go to your local bookstore and pick out books for each other. First round, pick a book the other would love. Meet up and share your finds. Second round, pick a book about something you think the other would like to learn about. Meet up and share your finds. Third round, pick a book about something you like to do together. Meet up and share!

26) Just take an evening walk together and tell each other about your day. 

27) Ask each other these questions. When it's your turn to talk, talk. When it's your turn to listen, listen.

28) Search for local festivals. Usually you can find free music, cheap food, and lots of fun!

29) Check out your nearest zoo or aquarium. 

And, if all else fails

30) Stay in, light candles, get naked, and cuddle up in bed. 

Now - get out there and get your date on!

What's your idea of a night with your spouse?

DIY Hair Ties

These no-kink hair ties have been all over Pinterest lately and I was very intrigued to say the least.

I decided that I'd like to try and make my own before buying them because they're usually so expensive. Turns out, the hardest part of the whole project was picking out what colors of elastic I wanted to buy! The rest was a piece of cake.

Follow along and you'll see just how easy it is to make a set of these for yourself!

To make, you'll need elastic {the technical term is fold over elastic, or FOE}, scissors, and a small flame {I used a candle}.

You can find FOE at Hobby Lobby {though, they only have a thick white verison} and at other craft stores, but I found the best value and the most variety of colors on Etsy - more specifically, I ordered from ShekhinahPalace and was very satisfied.

Cut strips of your elastic about 8 inches long. Feel free to customize length for thicker hair or if you would prefer to make a headband rather than a hair tie. If you do choose to make a headband, I suggest wrapping it around your head where you want it to sit and adding a couple inches so you can tie a knot in it.

Cut the ends at an angle to make them look pretty.

Then quickly pass the angled end over your flame. No need to hold it over the flame for a long period of time, you just need to melt the elastic enough so that it won't unravel.

Next, fold the elastic over and tie a knot in the end. Pull tight!

Repeat, repeat, repeat to make a full set.

 

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Christmas Aftermath

Hope you all enjoyed your day with loved ones! Trevor and I spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with his. Today we're doing a little shopping and then heading to another Christmas celebration {not to mention another one this weekend and our last next Tuesday}. Christmas is far from over for us!

Here's a look at a few gifts I received the past couple of days. I am feeling so blessed and lucky to have such generous family!

1//2//3/4//5//6//7//8

How was your Christmas? What are your favorite gifts?

Handmade Christmas: Photo Coasters

You may remember that Trevor and I are handmaking all of our Christmas gifts this year. We like to call it Handmade Holidays. This is the first of {at least} three tutorials of some of the gifts we've made and are giving to our relatives.

Dear Family, if you are related to me by blood you will want to skip this post. Unless you want your Christmas gift surprise ruined. In that case, bah humbug and carry on.

DAD, this is your last warning to click out of this page and visit another website...

Ok, so if you're on Pinterest you've most likely seen a version of these. But because I promised you that I'd share tutorials of our Christmas gifts in this post, you're getting a long post with a million pictures :)

I had made a set of these for my mom for her birthday and Mother's Day back in May. They held up so well and were so loved and appreciated, I thought I'd make a set for my dad, my aunt, and my grandparents for Christmas this year.

First, I gathered my supplies. I wanted to make a set of four coasters for each recipient {there are three of them, remember?} so I bought 12 {4 inch x 4 inch}  tiles at Menards. They were something like $0.13 each or so.

I also bought a single sheet of felt from Hobby Lobby for each set of coasters {that's three sheets of felt for those of you that don't want to use your noggin}. You will need a paintbrush {I used a foam brush because I liked the texture it leaves behind} and ModPodge. You'll also need a waterproofing spray {you can see what I used below}. Finally, you will also need photos!

 

Cut your pictures down to be about 3 1/2 inches square. I didn't measure them or anything - I just eyeballed and cut. You could also cut little photos out and create a mosaic on each tile - but I chose to use one photo because I like the way they look more than a mosaic. It's just personal preference - try a mosaic if you want!

 

On a protective surface {I used a paper grocery bag}, lay your clean tiles out and roll your sleeves up!

Paint a layer of ModPodge on. Mine looks thick in this photo because of the color of the tile but you only need enough to coat it - no need to slather it on!

Next, lay your photo on and paint another layer of ModPodge on. I like to brush in the same direction so that the texture looks uniform. Again, experiment here and do what looks good to you. Move on to the next tile and do the same.

Let them dry - I think it was about an hour or so until I was sure mine were dry - and then add another top coat.

Let that coat dry - I let it dry for about 3 days only because I didn't have time to do the next step until then. Then grab your waterproof stray paint and spray your tiles. Follow the directions on your paint and do two coats. You can see that I have a matte spray - I totally love it and highly recommend it. It makes the tiles look more "polished" {put together, not actually polished} and finished.

Let that dry {lots of waiting here, folks! But it's not a big deal if you do a few steps at a time and come back at a later time. For instance, I went grocery shopping between the matte spray and this next step}.

Cut your felt out into 4x4 squares {or whatever size your tiles are!} and get your hot glue gun ready!

Glue the felt to the bottom of the tiles.

A few tips that came with experience: glue as close to the edge as you can and make sure you glue all the way around. It helps if you glue a little, then press the felt on, then glue a little, then press the felt on.

And you're done!

This is the set for my dad. My favorite picture on the coasters is the black and white of my Oma and Opa - pictured in the lower left here - when they were much younger and still living in Europe. It makes me smile every time I see it.

It really is a simple process and can be done in a day if needed. Like I mentioned, I took longer to make mine because I have been so busy, but if you plan it right you can give them as a gift tomorrow! {Pssst, you still have time to make these before Christmas!}

We just tied ours up with a ribbon and then wrapped them like the rest of our gifts for Christmas.

Try 'em and let me know how they turn out for you!

Thankful

Last week, I found out I won a Thirty One bag giveaway from Sara. I was super excited about it and patiently waited for the bag to show up at my doorstep.

Well, that day was yesterday. I opened the box to find a sorts of goodies including a handwritten note {so sweet!}.

So what am I thankful for today, two days before Thanksgiving?

I'm thankful for friends. And for this wonderful opportunity you all have given me to write about my life as a nursing student newlywed. 

Sure, I could write every day's happenings and post them for the world to see... but without readers and people who chime in to say very kind things {Cody tells me she loves my handwriting - I've never been told that before!} it would be like talking to an empty room.

For that I say THANK YOU for letting me write and for not complaining too much ;)

Happy Thanksgiving - I'll be back in a couple of days. Until then, I'll be working on my Handmade Christmas tutorial posts for you... and eating a lot of green bean casserole!

Bridal Shower Gift Idea

One of my oldest friends is getting married in six weeks. She and I don't live in the same city, but when we find time to get together {usually over lunch at Panera} we have a great time catching up.

She is marrying a great guy who is perfect for her. She loves her future in-laws {so important!} and cannot wait to be a Mrs. on September 8th. I cannot wait to stand next to her and be a part of her special day. She was there for me on my wedding day and I'm honored to repay the favor.

We threw her a bridal shower a few weekends back. So many people came and we had a wonderful time eating yummy food, playing games, and watching the bride {and groom - he came, too!} open gifts.

I had a hard time finding something that I knew she'd like. Of course, they registered for gifts... but when a close family member or friend is the person of honor, I like to personalize things a little bit. I thought back to the great gifts I got at my bridal shower. My mom quilted me a beautiful wall hanging that I will be able to hand down to my kids one day. To me, handmade, heart felt gifts are incredible special.

Finally, I decided I'd highlight their wedding date. They've been looking forward to this day for a long time {they got engaged only a few months after Trevor and I did} and, because they're also expecting a baby {oh.my.gosh. I am so excited!!!}, it will mark the day that they become a family - a Mr., a Mrs., and a little bean.

I found a 3-opening frame that fits 5x7 photos and embellished it with their {future} shared last name. It looks great with the wedding date in the photo slots, but if they decide they want to replace the numbers with some of their wedding photos later it will look just as wonderful!

The only supplies I used were: the frame, some scrapbook letters, colored paper to match their wedding colors, 3 5x7 photos of numbers, and some sort of glue/tape/adhesive.

Then, I put it all together and had to run to Walgreens to print the photos {side note: for some reason, they couldn't get my photo order right... it took three tries before I could actually put the photos in the frame!}

I was able to find the pictures I wanted online as stock images but I initially wanted to take my own photos. Since I was running out of time, I just went the online route but in the future I'd take an afternoon and hunt down the numbers in my own city.

My dear {beautiful} friend and bride-to-be with the finished product.

What do you think? Do you have any bridal showers or weddings coming up? This could be a great gift option!


Shared at Tatertots & Jello, Pincushion Creations, Katie's Nesting Spot, Shaken Together, Chic on a Shoestring Budget, At the Picket Fence, 504 Main, Six Sisters' Stuff, I Heart Naptime, Singing Three Little Birds, Natasha in Oz, A Lived In Home, CraftOManiac, Jam's Corner, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, & Sassy Sites!
 

Our Week in Paradise - Honeymoon in Jamaica

July 12 - Talk about a favorite vacation you have taken.

I have been looking forward to today's post since... forever. Or, well, it seems like forever.

This is the most perfect quote for this post because it cannot be closer to the truth - especially when it comes to the vacation I'm bragging about today.

Trevor and I took a trip in June 2011 to Jamaica for our honeymoon. We spent a glorious week at Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios and missed it the moment we landed back home in Milwaukee... no, I take that back. We missed it the moment we got on the bus to go to the airport to come home!

The resort is all-inclusive which means that all the alcohol you could want to drink is included and {even better} all of the food we wanted to stuff our faces with was included as well! The food was completely incredible and we had a hard time adjusting to making our own food once we got back home.

From the moment we walked into the lobby, we were relaxed. We got off the shuttle bus from the airport and were handed a warm cloth and a cold drink.

After checking in, scheduling our dinners and {complimentary} honeymoon couples massage, we were taken to our room overlooking the ocean. This was our view from our room - tell me you wouldn't love it!

The resort has an island accessible by boat that is used as an au natural sun bathing spot during the day and holds weddings during sunset and at night. Can you imagine just how gorgeous it would be to get married on that island?! I'm swooning just thinking of it!

We spent plenty of time lounging on the beach. We'd get up in the morning, go to breakfast {or have room service delivered - included!}, and head to the beach or a pool. Then, we'd eat a "first lunch" and find a new place to sunbathe. Early in the afternoon, we'd eat a "second lunch" and then find another lounge chair until it was time to get ready for dinner. It's a wonder I didn't come back 20 pounds heavier just by eating our "first" and "second" lunches everyday!

We ventured away from the resort once - to visit Dunn's River Falls {an excursion that was included} - and oh my goodness, was it a great time! We climbed a waterfall with a big group of people from our resort and enjoyed every second of it. The guides stopped us a few times on our way up to take photos of every couple. Here's the {awkward} photo they snapped of us!

We met and became friends with two other couples who were also on their honeymoons. One couple, from South Dakota, are expecting their first baby this year and we couldn't be happier for them! The other couple, from Indiana, is the couple that we're visiting this month in Chicago. We also met up with them in Wisconsin Dells right after Christmas so it's been far too long since we've seen them! The six of us enjoyed a particularly humid evening jumping from one pool to a hot tub to another pool... until it was waaay past our bedtimes. Such amazing memories! We have a great time together and Trevor and I are lucky to have found such fast friends {and wedding date twins} while on vacation!

Trevor and I want to go back as soon as we can afford to spend four thousand dollars on something other than student loans or saving for a house. As I mentioned in this post, I sometimes miss Jamaica so much that I could cry. I miss us being able to spend a whole week together without worrying about jobs or grocery shopping or laundry or cooking.

Tell me about your favorite vacation you've taken!

This post is part of the Summer Blog Challenge. To see more posts inspired by the challenge visit my Summer Blog Challenge page!

Gifts

June 27 - What's the best gift you've ever received?

If we're taking materialistic things here, the best gift I've gotten may be my bread maker. I am in love with it and the things it can do (pizza dough! cinnamon roll dough! yummy warm bread!). Plus, it makes my house smell heavenly. A bad day doesn't stand a chance when you walk through the door and are greeted by that yeasty, warm, delicious aroma. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Hands down, without a doubt, I prefer gifts of experiences to gifts of 'things'. If we're talking experiential gifts, the best I've had was our trip to Jamaica for our honeymoon. Technically, it was a gift because Trevor paid for most of it... but it was the. best. week. of. my. life. EVER. I have another post lined up to tell you all about it so, for now, let me just tell you that there is not a day that goes by without me thinking of our week spent in paradise. I dream about going back... and it physically pains me to think that we don't have plans in place to visit again. As pathetic as it sounds, there are days that I could cry just thinking about how bummed I am that we don't have Jamaica on our travel radar quite yet.

(You can't blame me for wanting to go back to that, right?!)

What's the best gift you've ever received?


This post is part of the Summer Blog Challenge. To see more posts inspired by the challenge visit my Summer Blog Challenge page!