It's been 30 minutes since my last Pin, and I'm not ashamed.

So. 

I.love.Pinterest. 

Within the last week or two, my pinning has taken off! It seems I create a new board every time I log in. I have never been more excited to sit and wait in line at the bank, doctor's office, etc. I have a problem, and luckily I hear admitting it is the hardest step. Although, I keep telling myself that projects, recipes, cleaning tips, party planning, organizing and so on are very productive hobbies compared to Zak's video gaming. Yet I seem to hear.... "are you pinning again?" more than I have been saying "more gaming?". Love you honey! He can't even complain because he most definitely has benefited from my new found hobby. But honestly, where do all these women (I assume) come up with these ideas? I am constantly re-evaluating what I thought were my creative tendencies and taking pictures of anything I find myself doing that could possibly deem me a genius. Too much time on my hands? I never thought those words would be said out loud and to avoid regretting that statement, I will just type it. Let's just say I am so thankful I am done with school, married, moved in, and finally enjoying some time to myself while my hubby works on homework. It's what I call productivity, really.... right? So, here are a few projects I have completed that I thought I would share. 

** Note: Don't be too impressed with my collage-photos, there's an app for that.. download "Pic Stitch" and you too can become as tech savvy as I am.... I amuse myself too easily. 

My first Pinterest-inspired project was "pumpkin chocolate chip muffins" and they were delicous! This recipe made about 3 dozen muffins, enough to take to work. Click here for the delicious recipe!

Then came scarves. I have a ton of cute scarves and I never know how to wear them. Especially for well-endowed women, the girls often shove the scarf into your face and choke you which can be quite uncomfortable. So, this pin was Heaven-sent really. Knots are the solution I decided on. The scarf can be worn long, but not too long, dress it up, shorten, and add some texture with knots. Genius. Learn the other 39 ways here.

And the finale.... 2 pins in the last 2 days. Do I sound crazy yet? Because these were things I already wanted to make or had planned, Pinterest just gave me some ideas. I think sometimes we (or I) get overwhelmed from Pinterest and think... "that's adorable, but when am I ever going to buy all the necessary ingredients/craft supplies, etc and actually do it?" Well if you find yourself asking this then perhaps it's time for you to make a new board called "stuff I can and will actually make", I might be creating my own soon. So here they are, pumpkin carving and hot chocolate. I can't find the pin, but I know I saw somewhere some carved pumpkins that said "Mr. and Mrs." and we already had plans to carve pumpkins this weekend, so wah lah! And then when Zak and I were in Winco today at the check out, I look over at the peanut butter wall and remember Oh!! We need Nutella for the Nutella hot chocolate that I want to try! After a chuckle and an eye roll, we picked some up and it was delicious!!!!!!!!!! I know I will live on that this winter.

The directions on the Pin say: "Nutella Hot Chocolate: 1 cup milk. 2 spoons nutella. Saucepan. Heat medium. Blend. Whisk frothy." 

So easy and very addicting. Just add some whipped cream, and crushed candy cane on top for more tasty goodness.

Anyone else convinced that I have a problem? Haha. I'm seriously contemplating planning a Pinterest Party! Any takers? I have heard of people doing it and it sounds so fun, have everyone bring a recipe they have been wanting to try that they saw on Pinterest and then make a craft together? Bring it on ladies!

My next recipe I want to try this week is:
From the Pioneer Woman. I think we were best friends in another life, and I must recommend her book "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" It's her love story that I read last summer. They are now making a movie about her and I'm so excited to see it.. I'm rambling. 

I'm ready.

I've joined the cutemarriedpeopleblog club!!

So this is where I write about recipes, trips, crafts, projects and how much I love my husband right? If so then I am totally IN. Blogging seems to be huge right now, and I'm no Pioneer Woman, but I'm ready to start my own! I have been thinking for some time now "oh after I get married and life settles down I will start a blog.." well here goes! To give an update on the last few months, Zak got home from his mission for our church in April where we started dating immediately. (He kissed me 20 minutes after he was released and my world changed forever!). Let's just say writing letters wasn't the easiest-but blogging is a whole different story right?? Ha. The true test will be to see when my next post will be. He got down on one knee on June 10, 2012 and asked me to marry him, and of course I said YES. 

Then began the crazy start of wedding planning, which I decided is NOT my favorite thing to do. I think Zak would agree that he likes me much more now than when I was busy planning. ;) With a quick engagement and an out-of-state mother, planning was difficult but we made it and everything turned out perfect! (minus the fire drill at our wedding reception but I guess that's a story for another time). September 14, 2012 we were married in the Portland, Oregon Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had our reception that evening at a beautiful shabby-chic (new favorite style) barn in the Salem Area. For an Oregon September, the weather was PERFECT, and the colors of the temple gardens were perfectly coordinated with our wedding colors (Eggplant purple and Burnt orange) and I would like to say that we called the temple to coordinate... just kidding, but seriously we lucked out! We were so blessed to have a ton of friends and family with us that day at the temple. 

 

 

Thanks to my friend Hillary who scavenges Groupon frequently, we totally scored on an awesome deal for our honeymoon. We stayed for 3 nights on Orcas Island (one of the San Juan Islands north of Seattle) in a beautiful cottage on Deer Harbor Marina. We went on a whale watching tour-where we saw Orca Whales, had some amazing local food (seafood for me and beef for Zak), gazed upon the beautiful stars, shopped at local shops, and spent time exploring the beautiful island! We loved our trip and can't wait to return.

Since being home, we got Zak all moved in to our adorable two-bedroom apartment in Salem, opened and put away mounds of gifts, and organized our new place together. We had a ton of fun sorting through our new things and using new appliances. :) We even brought in Zak's cat Sheila. She loves being on carpet versus the hard wood floor she is used to and still loves running up and down the hallway. It's been fun to bring our furry friend home (good thing we scored an awesome new vacuum for our wedding that can handle pet hair!). We had our first experience entertaining guests today, Zak's family came over to watch General Conference and to have some taco soup with us :). It is SO nice to have new dishes (a matching set) as well as a full set of silverware...no more mismatched flatware! 

More than all the excitement of moving in, opening gifts, going on a dream vacation, and playing dinner hostess, I am overjoyed to be able to spend time and all eternity with the love of my life. I feel like I have already learned so much about Zak and love spending time with him daily. We have already grown closer together as a couple and have instilled lasting habits and traditions together. He makes me laugh constantly and is always in a good mood. I love and appreciate him so much and can't wait to see what lies ahead. Love you babe!