Our First Christmas

We went and bought our first Christmas tree. In New York, it's easier to get a live tree, but it's more expensive than other places. We have a lot of beautiful ornaments that really make the tree stunning. We just love having the white lights and pine smell.

My mother sewed us stockings inspired by Martha Stewart but improved by the Hales vision. You probably can't see all the detailed piecing and heirloom tatting. They are gorgeous.

And of course we have first Christmas ornaments - Thank you Mom, Dad, Mama, and Daddy!

And I couldn't help but post a picture of the ornament that we bought in Vermont. We went to a glass blowing studio and watched a vase be blown. I'm a sucker and had to get something to remember the experience. Garrett was sweet and now we have a beautiful glass-blown ball.

It's A Home!

Well, we used our wonderful gift cards and purchased a rug. Doesn't it look great with everything? Notice the coffee table - it was built by Garrett's grandfather - which works perfectly with the style.

So much going on and we're neglecting the blog

14 days until the wedding and A LOT is going on. Garrett's moved and I've partially moved. Now we are finalizing details for everything! I just had a test run with my make-up and I'm really excited. A friend from church used to work for MAC and she used her techniques and make-up to create an amazing look. I can't wait to share. :)

We also are looking forward to Garrett's sister, Shauna, visiting this weekend. So may fun things...not a lot of time to post...but we are thinking about you all!

21 Days

Or three weeks until the big day. I can't believe that everything is coming together so quickly and well. Garrett and I just ordered our wedding bands and we've almost moved the big things over to our new home. I can already sense that I will have days filled with stress, joy, excitement, fatigue, and energy (all within 2 hours probably). I guess that's why they say just enjoy the engagement; it goes so quickly. They really mean you pack a lot into a short time. :) But the best part is working with all of my family to create a few special days.

Moving, moving, moving

Well, it might be a multi-stage process to move into our lovely apartment, but we'll get there. :) Garrett has officially left Brooklyn except for a table and bread and most of my stuff is over there too. There was only one casualty that can be fixed with a little wood glue. Thanks to our friends from church who helped us move!

Apartment!

We just were approved for a 1-bedroom apartment.  Yeah!  Garrett's going to move to my side of the river, and I think he's excited.  We're planning on taking a lot of long walks by the water and hang out at the gym.  Our broker was even cool.  He said he really wants to help paint (and I really believe he's sincere).  Finally a broker I'm glad is getting paid for this!

Here's the website so you can check it out and dream of being our neighbors:

http://100maidenlane.com/