Currently I am...

Since I'm away from the internet to celebrate my best friend's last single weekend before she gets married, I thought I'd share a little about who I am right now.

...watching a lot of TVonDVD: Glee: Season 1, Bones: Season 3 & 4, & The Wire: Season 4. And I can't forget how I got sucked in once again to ABC's The Bachelorette, but I think that might have something to do with the company that I share on Monday nights.

...reading Emily Giffin's Heart of the Matter and while I've loved all of her previous books, this one has me wrestling with my own insecurities from growing up in a divorced family atmosphere and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet.

...excited to have found a little time to sew, even if it was a simple accessory that will be used this weekend on the lovely bride-to-be. My head is swarming with ideas, so there might be some crafty-ness in the future here at Grable Tales.

...listening to several of the Glee soundtracks on repeat (Vol 1, 2, & 3 to be exact). I generally work alone at work, which provides many hours of iPod listening, & the Glee Cast is to thank for keeping me motivated for the last two weeks.

...looking forward to getting my weekends back after the busy summer we've had. Don't get me wrong, I have loved everything we've been a part of for the last few months, but I am ready for some more weekends at home with my husband.

...loving how handy my husband has been lately! From clearing our overgrown creek to painting our garage, he's got it done before I even have a chance to lend a hand. I wonder what else he has up his sleeve...

...missing our families after seeing them so much lately. My mom is coming for another (short) visit next week, but that might be the last time I see her until Thanksgiving. And there are no current plans to see Sam's family in the next month, which is very unusual, and I am hoping that changes soon.

...dreaming about what our future looks likes - where we'll be, what we'll be doing, and who we will be. Then I have to remind myself to live in the present and everything will work itself out. Easier said than done, right?

Recent Projects

I'm a list person.

I make lists about almost everything - home, work, etc. - and the feeling I get crossing off a finished item... amazing!

Of course, due to our busy schedule this summer, my list of (personal) projects is getting longer instead of shorter, but because some progress is better than none, here are a few of the items that I have been able to cross off my list (slowly, but surely) and a couple that should be completed real soon.

Knowing what I go through when I try to reach something on a high shelf, my MIL found me a little stool to use around the house. The only problem is that it really did go with my home decor, so after a little paint job it now fits right in!

Deep inside my closet I have a pile that consists of items that just need a little mending or slight altering and knew that if I didn't get to them soon, they have to wait to be worn until next spring/summer. Therefore, I crossed this one off last month!

These necklaces are two of my favorites, but unfortunately they hung too low around my neck. Using some pliars & scissors, I was able to undo the hardware, shorten the ribbon, & put it all back together in no time at all. Now I want to wear them every day!

{via}

Since recieving my first digital camera, it's been harder for me to actually print out pictures we take. I guess I figure since it's on my computer I don't need them in an album. Well, I've changed my mind and instead of scrapbooking, I've decided to make photo books of several large events in our life thus far. This one is still a work in progress as these books take time & money.

And lastly, since receiving the pictures from our lovely photoshoot a few months back, I've been craving a blog update and immediately contacted Krameymartin Designs once again. Stay tuned, as this one is also still in the design stages and I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Are you a list maker? What motivates you to get things done?

OOTD 7.18.10 - Wedding Edition

On me:

Jewelry: American Eagle

(which I wore at my wedding too!)

Dress: Anthropologie

Belt: Anthropologie

Sandals: Kohls

On Sam:

Suit: Men's Wearhouse

Tie: Kohls

Shoes: unknown

Remember that wedding I can't seem to stop talking about? Well here are our outfits for the lovely event! Sam was the best man, so his attire was pretty easy to nail down, but as someone who wasn't in the bridal party, but still wanting to go with the color scheme of the wedding (since I'd be photographed some due to being in the family), I put a lot of thought into my dress and was exstatic to find this beauty for over 75% off a couple months back!

Sneak Peek: The day we got another sister!

It's been mentioned before, but this summer is full of weddings and this weekend we crossed one off the list & got ourselves a new sister out of the deal! To say we couldn't be happier is an understatement!

Here's a sneak peek of a few pictures I snapped with my camera (but I can't wait to see how Jonathan David Photography's pictures turn out!) :

Sisters - it's official!

The groomsmen having a little fun with mustaches on a stick.

Love this shot of the bride & groom, plus Jonathan David Photography at work!

Lighting the unity candle.

Sam toasting the newlyweds!

I'm sure this isn't the last you'll see about this wedding, but I couldn't resist putting something up for those wanting to see a couple pictures and announcing again how happy we are to have Krista in our family officially now!

Birthday Love!

Can I just tell you how thankful I am for the wonderful people who love me and who I got to spend time with (coincidentally) for my birthday!

First off, Sam spoiled me with several gifts:

Anthropologie gift card {+ birthday discount}, New Moon DVD & Glee CD's!
(plus, a giant bag of Sour Patch Kids, which there is no picture of because that sucker was gone before I could take one.)

I also was surprised with a lovely birthday dinner on Monday night thanks to the Weathers. I love our weekly get togethers and really hope we can continue them even after the Bachelorette is over :)

Pasta & cupcakes + good company!

On Wednesday, we drove up to Sandy to prepare for one of the big weddings we have this summer - my BIL & (now!) SIL's wedding! - and in between all the choas of wedding preparations, my awesome in-laws threw me a mini party to let me know they were thinking of me. Love them!

Supplies to make creative cupcakes & a new seatbelt wallet!

While also up in the Portland area, I was able to sneak away to see my maid of honor/best friend/college roommate and spend a couple hours catching up, talking weddings (her's is in 3 weeks!) , and giving each other gifts - mine were for the birthday and hers were for the bridal shower I can't make due to the wedding above.

A new top + nail polish for me; A photo album + wedding frame for her (courtesy of my mom).

Luckily, my mom happened to be up in Oregon for a conference (and to also attend the aforementioned wedding) , so I got to go to lunch with her & finally catch up in person. I really really miss her! Oh and as you can see, she knows how to spoil me too!

Fiestaware bowls + magazine subscription + Sex & the City DVD's + decorative spools + a new top + a gift card!

And the first season of Glee delivered by my mom from my kind brother!

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better 25th birthday! And a quick thank you to all who sent me sweet messages & cards - I really felt the love from everywhere!

OOTD 7.11.10 & 7.12.10

Sweater: H&M
Tee: Forever21
Skirt: me!
Sandals: Forever21

My husband so graciously gifted me an Anthropologie gift card for my birthday this year, so on Sunday (7.11.10) I headed up to the closest location & shopped with very little gilt :) Purchases will be shared soon!

As for my skirt, I followed Freshly Picked's skirt tutorial again (see first attempt here) and this was the outcome of my second skirt, which is currently one of my favorite pieces in my closet manily because of the bright yellow color!

Tee: J.Crew

Pants: Anthropologie
Sandals: Forever21

For my birthday today (7.12.10) , I had planned to wear a skirt or dress to fancy up my outfit a bit for the occassion, but when I looked out the window at the grey skies, I decided I'd wear my new pants instead, which are actually leggings disguised as pants. I suppose comfy & cute will be my motto today!

OOTD 7.8.10

Tee: J.Crew

Dress: Anthropologie

Sandals: Target

First off, I apologize for the poor photo (I was running late, which isn't like me). But, more importantly, this was the perfect dress for the 90+ degree day we had yesterday. It was airy enough for the weather outside, yet kept me covered enough for when I was in the office. Not to mention, I scored it for $10! How can I not love this outfit?!?

New: Haircut!

A few days ago, I treated myself to a much-needed haircut (after almost 8 months of growing my hair out).

I went in thinking about the idea of bangs and didn't decide to take the plunge until my hairdresser had the scissors to my hair. And I have to say I love them! Hopefully I get the hang of styling them quickly, but so far, so good!

So, what do you think?

Weekend Highlights: 4th of July + OOTD

Because life seems to be flying by & our weekends are almost longer than are work weeks, I bring you another post of weekend highlights.

For the past two years, we've spent the 4th of July up at the in-law's house and this year followed suit. Throw in a weekend full of garage sales, BBQ's, fireworks, & family and you have a recipe for a great time!

Friday:
After a full day of garage sales, this was my biggest find - a new coach purse for $6!

Saturday:
Sam & I spent most of the day preparing for his brother's bachelor party. My main contribution was this homemade peach pie! {Sidenote: while the guys were eating burgers & pie, the girls headed over to my SIL's house, where we had planned to watch '27 dresses', but got distracted by talking instead :)}

Sunday:

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft
Tee: Gap
Belt: Anthropologie
Shorts: Abercrombie
Sandals: Forever21

Every year my in-law's church has an outdoor service for the 4th of July weekend and the only difference this year was the frigid temperatures, which I definitely didn't dress for!

Later that night, we caught the fireworks show from my SIL & BIL's house. Sam caught this shot from his view on the roof.

Monday: After a full weekend, we decided to play games & rest up. We did manage to walk off some of the food we ate that weekend which our bodies thanked us for.


And now it is Wednesday night already and before we know it, it'll be the weekend again. I love these kind of weeks!