2014 Recap

Wow! It's already New Years Eve!
I cannot believe 2014 has already come to a close.
It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming it in.

2014 had lots of events for me.
I got engaged, transferred schools, got a few different jobs, began taking a lot more photos, and started my H&M shopping addiction.

Amidst the big events, a lot of little stuff happened too.
Some I am not proud of, but others I am really proud of.
I am not going to go into specifics, but all in all--2014 treated me well.

I know 2015 will be even better and I cannot wait to see what is in store.
The key event on the radar: the wedding!
Lots of planning and decisions are to be accomplished over these next few months since the wedding is early August.

I wish you all the best in 2015.
Love from Elisebeth :)

(details about Christmas to come soon-i promise!)

Gift Giving

Tis the season to spend loads of money on people. Right?
Wrong!

Why do you buy people presents?
Because you have to?
Or because you want to.

I do it because I love making them happy.

Rethink why you give gifts...
You may realize it is for a different reason than you thought.

End of Classes

Today was the last of my classes for Fall Semester 2014!
I have exams starting Monday at 8 am. But nonetheless, I am done with all of the instructional material!
Now the fun part-studying.
Ugh.
Such a dread.

But the reward at the end will be worth it! I will be home from December 19th (late at night)-until December 29th! 10 whole days! I have not been home for that long since I left for school in August. It will be weird being home again though. I have become so accustomed to my Saint Paul ways after all.

Also if you haven't checked out my new photo website follow the link below!
www.elisebethannephotography.wordpress.com

The Dress

Well, yesterday was a BIG day for me. 

I went and tried on wedding gowns with Ana, one of my best friends and bridesmaids. 

I tried on a few at David's Bridal. They were all nice, but not quite right. We then headed to Bride-to-Be Consignment in Bloomington. I had been there one other time with Trevor. That was where we bought some adorable lanterns (I still need to write a post about those beauties)! Anywho, we both tried on quite a few dresses. In fact... I fell in love with one! 

It is now hanging in my room. 

I'm so glad Ana was able to come this weekend and I bought my wedding dress! It was originally a $1200 dress. I bought it for $328.58! What a steal!

Elisebeth Anne Photography

So, I took a dive into the deep end this afternoon.
I created a blog/website for my photography.
I have officially branded myself as, "Elisebeth Anne Photography".
I didn't want to use my last name as I am getting married in less than 8 months and will no longer be a "Hovland".

Basically, this site will be filled with my work.
I won't post anymore on here, except maybe a preview and a link to the rest on Flickr or my new site.

I hope you check it out and like it!

Elisebeth Anne Photography

Christmas Lyrics

Bob's Tail
Tonight, Jordan came into our room and began singing Jingle Bells:

"Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight!
(chorus)

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh."

HOWEVER, he said "bob's tail" instead of "bobtail". 

Let's just say we have never laughed so hard in Holst 106 before.

Possum Brown
Jordan also sang Winter Wonderland, with incorrect lyrics.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kiddies knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Instead of Parson Brown, he thought it said Possum Brown. We then corrected him to "Parson." He followed this up by asking what kind of first name "Parson" is! This led to even more laughter.

What a night in 106! It's always a party when Jordan and Erin come over to "do" homework!

Wednesday

Originally I was going to post this Wednesday--but I remembered (at the last second) that it was WISE WEDNESDAY.
Oof, that was close!

Anywho.
Wednesday I went to the studio with Trevor for a while. He's working hard on his junior project, which is due Monday. I actually quite enjoy going to the studio with him because I get to see him doing stuff he really loves. And his finished product always amazes me. I am so blessed to have such a talented man in my life.

Not only did Trevor get a lot of work done, so did I!

I finished the first version of my outline for my paper in Lutheran Confessional Writings. As much as I dislike that class, I don't mind this paper. However, a full sentence outline sucks-regardless of the topic. I'll take another look at it sometime soon. It's due Monday..

Thanksgiving

If there were ever a year to be thankful, it would be this year.
I have so much love in my life right now and I cannot begin to name off those who have been so wonderful to me.

I think this picture sums up pretty well what I am thankful for.

My fiance. Thanks for being here for me no matter what. I appreciate all you have done for me. I am so excited to start our lives together in August. Thank you for being such an understanding person.

My best friend. Thanks for giving me not just any advice--but telling me what I need to hear. You're such an inspiration.

My sister. Thanks for all of our long talks and rants we have had in the kitchen, for the weird photos, for the bike rides, for the jam sessions.

My puppy. Thanks for snuggling with me when no one else is home.

My passion. Thanks for giving me a way to express myself: through photos. 

Wise Wednesday

I have been a huge fan of Taylor Swift as of late. So I thought it would only be fitting to use a quote from her this week.

Miss Productive

Well ladies + gents.
Today I did enough stuff to proclaim myself productive!
That doesn't happen too often, especially while I'm here in Saint Paul.

I got home from Trevor's around 1:30 and immediately set out to begin cleaning.
I vacuumed our carpeted area (living room, hallways). I even moved the furniture to do so.
I swept the kitchen and bathrooms. They were absolutely disgusting.
I then was going to mop. However, we only have dish detergent. So I made do, and hand washed our floors.
I also took out the garbage and recycling, which has been sitting in bags by the door for several days now.
My biggest task of the day was rearranging my sink area. It seems to get dirty way faster than it ought to. So I moved most of my stuff into drawers and cabinets that seemed more appropriate than leaving all of my products out in the open. I'm hoping this solves some of the issue.

Well, that was basically my day.
Now to begin on some homework.
Ugh.

Alone

Well yesterday after classes began my Thanksgiving break. Crazy to think we have an entire week off!

During my week off my plans include:
-eating a lot of poptarts
-homework
-cleaning our apartment
-enjoying the peace and quiet of being alone
-snuggle with myself under my electric blanket

Trevor decided he wasn't going to go home for Thanksgiving, and we had already decided holidays were happening together this year. So that meant I was staying here during my week off. This is probably good, so I actually get my necessary homework done.
Today at work I brought my Ed Psych book and did homework during my hour off (I worked 12-3, 4-8). All my coworkers probably think I am a nerd now. Oh well. I have so much to catch up on and get ahead on..It's enough to drive me insane!

Friday Humor

Everyone needs a good laugh, eh?
Enjoy these grandmas!

Life is Good, All of the Time

I too often forget about how blessed I am.

I just spent the past half hour looking at old blog posts. Some were harder to read than others. But nonetheless, my conclusion is how awesome of a God we have.

My life has certainly had its highs and its lows. But even looking back at these old posts, those low points seem to fade. The high points stand out like none other.

God has put so many incredible people in my life, many of which I take (or have taken) advantage of in all they have done for me. I'm sorry to those of you that I never told that I appreciate you. You have all been so wonderful to me and I can't thank you enough for that.

Right now I am going through a lot. I seem to be on a neverending emotional roller coaster. It's been a bit scary lately too. Especially a couple of nights ago.
Reflecting back on the situation, I realize I was out of control. I should not have done what I did. I am ashamed of how I acted. I am beyond thankful for a forgiving God. Not only that He is forgiving, but also that He has placed a man in my life who is also forgiving and loves me too.

These hard nights pass. I am so grateful to be on the other side of that now, and viewing it with a fresh perspective.
I took the time today to reflect not only on the other night, but on the last few months.
This reminded me that I need to get over the little things that don't matter and I need to be thankful for what I have.

God has truly blessed me with an amazing life. Even if that life sometimes includes really awful nights.

Nothing better reminds me of that fact than this.

Psalm 30:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

Wise Wednesday

It's the time in the semester where it's beyond stressful.. so I thought this was quite fitting.

Why I Don't Love my Fiance

I have another lovely article for your blessed little hearts to read.

This one was posted by a high school classmate of mine.

I was a little nervous to read it due to the scary title.

But the article really speaks for itself.

Give it a look: Why I Don't Love my Fiance

Cheaters Gonna Cheat

Nothing bothers me more than someone cheating on a test.
Part of the reason I want to become a teacher--to stop the cheaters in the world!! (JK. Not much cheating happens in Kindergarten)

I had an intro to psych test today.
The girl next to me sat with her phone on her lap and continuously was typing into it. She even put her test in her lap at one point and took a picture of it. WHAT?!
I understand being desperate if you don't study enough. My test I had on Friday was awful, but I knew I needed to suck it up and do my best, even if I could do better.

Some people are okay with cheating though. They are okay with being dishonest about their knowledge.
From a future-teacher's perspective, this is incredibly frustrating!
How do you know if you're teaching well if kids just copy answers? How do you know where the students are at? Assessment is necessary to gauge learning! Yes, it sucks. But it's needed!

Sorry, rant over.

The End is Near

I just looked at my calendar.
It freaked the hell out of me.
Only like a month left of this semester..only 3 weeks of actual classes.
I take my MTLE next Monday--I am terrified!

So much is coming up so quickly.
School + 2 jobs + wedding planning = STRESS!

At least Ana is coming to visit in a little over two weeks, that will be awesome to take my mind off of everything coming up!

Clean

I love clean and fresh spaces.
Especially spaces I live in.

However, that has been lacking of late--especially in my bedroom.
It's so hard to keep on top of cleaning tasks in addition to everything else I have on my plate.

But today, I cracked down and made myself get some cleaning in.
You can see my floor! You can look at my bed and not assume I just woke up!
Woohoo!

So that was my accomplishment of the day.
Cleaning has been happening.
Cleaning will need to continue to happen.

Now for more relevant things in my life--studying for tomorrow morning's test.

Wise Wednesday

I couldn't help but use a few of my photos from the concert this past weekend.

Loving Matty Healy currently.

12 Reasons Why it's Better to Get Married Young

I have a knack of finding articles supporting reasoning of getting married young.
Generally they are more seriously geared articles, but this one is quite fun.
I think #11 is especially humorous.

12 Reasons Why it's Better to Get Married Young

Winter is Here

Last night it snowed.
A lot.
It still is.

Welcome to Minnesota, eh?

I had one class change from in person to online so that commuters did not have to try to get in.

The 1975

If you're snapchat friends with me, I apologize for the tremendously long my story from last night.
I just couldn't help it! I got to see The 1975 at the Myth in Maplewood!

Easily the best concert I have been to ever--no doubt.
Granted, I was sweaty, getting smushed, and hot the entire time, it was a blast.

If you ever get the chance to see them live-do it!
You won't be disappointed.
Their lights were spot on.
Their music, was even better live.

Matty is amazing. Drinking wine on stage. Looking fine as can be. Mmm.
He's a class act.

I am so glad they played 'Robbers'. It's my favorite of their songs! If you haven't heard it, go take a listen.
Also, highlights from the night:
-The encore chant of choice from the crowd, "WE WANT SEX!"
-Bitchy, hat girl as we called her.
-Not being able to understand anything Matty said due to a combination of his British accent and slurred speech (he was wasted).

Me with my handsome man.
Thanks for keeping me safe from all the freaks at the show!

Joel, Christian, Trevor, and me in line before going in!

Matty

Nikon Adventure: KATRINA

Yesterday my roommate, Katrina, and I had some free time. It's been a while since I shot with my DSLR, so I thought it'd be fun for the two of us to go take some quick shots.

She was an awesome model!
So natural!
Also, the lighting was prime. It reflected her personality so well, and the pictures turned out fantastically in my opinion..

Here are my favorites...
To find the rest, click here: KATRINA

Check Us Out

My roommates and I decided to create our own Twitter so we can tweet about the fun stuff we like to do.
Last night our first tweet went out!

Check us out: @ladiesof106

We only have 3 followers right now.. One is me, the other is one of my roommates Anna, and the third is Katrina's mom!

Wise Wednesday

Comfortable: 50 People 1 Question

One of my Facebook friends shared this video.

I was almost crying by the end of it.


So many people are unhappy with their bodies. They find faults so easily. I admit, I am one of those people. There are some days I cannot find anything right with my body.

But other days I am so happy with it.

If only we, as adults, had a child-like mindset about our bodies. We could be so much happier with ourselves.

We so earnestly strive to grow up. To be adults. Maybe as adults we need to strive to be young and full of passion again.

Let's start a new trend as adults who are more than comfortable in their bodies. Be proud of who you are.
God has created each of us as wonderful human beings. We all have our differences, that's what is great about us.

My Best Friend

Yesterday marked 15 months with Trevor.
It also marked 9 months on the countdown to our wedding day!

I am beyond excited!
We will be sharing our first kiss as a married couple two years after we shared our first ever kiss.

Looking at the numbers, I realize how extremely blessed I am.
Within these 15 months, Trevor and I have gone through a lot.
Our biggest challenge was distance.
I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such an amazingly strong man that has supported me through the trials that distance threw at us.
Oddly enough, I cannot imagine where our relationship would be had we not gone through dealing with distance. The distance was hard, but it made our relationship strong in ways beside just physical intimacy. We were forced to rely purely on conversation. We became the best of friends.

I always imagined I would one day marry my best friend, and I am certain that I will do so.
Less than 9 months.

1989: How You Get the Girl

Trevor got me Taylor Swift's new album, 1989.
Wow.
The best album ever.

My favorite song: How You Get the Girl.

It makes me dance around my room and not care if my door is open and my roommates are watching.
Talk about catchy!

Go listen if you haven't already! The whole album is absolutely amazing!

My Halloween

Well I sadly did not go trick-or-treating last night. Or to any parties. I did not dress up at all.
Instead, I enjoyed a delicious dinner with my fiance. We went to the Mall of America to try to work out phone plans and then headed to Bride to Be Consignment.
At Bride to Be Consignment we found the perfect lanterns to be a part of our centerpieces. Sadly, due to misadvertising on their Facebook page, we paid more for them than I was hoping. But they were still an awesome deal! After that, we came back to my apartment and watched our current Netflix addiction: Bob's Burgers.


I am so excited to start working on our centerpieces.
I think we are going to be going for this look (minus the wood slabs):

 

It's exciting seeing everything fall together.

Especially now that the venue is officially booked! Which means the date is set in stone.

Wow.

These next months are going to be fantastic!

Only 274 days until I marry the love of my life! I cannot wait!

So that was my halloween. My treat: spending time with my fiance. My trick: spending more money than I had hoped.

Brittany Maynard Response from NEW Lutheran

This is a video that the high school I graduated from put together. I am so proud of the fact that they have developed a class that is learning so much about current issues and how to shine their light into the world.


The story about Brittany Maynard is heartbreaking. Cancer is heartbreaking.

No one wants to deal with the pain and suffering it brings. Thankfully, many have found the comfort they need in their most awful hours from a God who loves us unconditionally.
I pray that Brittany hears the message that so many Christians are lifting up to God.

I hope that she may feel the love that so many Christians are praying upon her.

We are not looking at this situation with judgment in mind, but with the view of God's plan and timing. He is the one who is in control, that is not our choice to make.


Brittany Maynard said she will take her life November 1, 2014.

That's tomorrow.

Send up those prayers.

Aspirations

Goals. Aspirations. Dreams.

Whatever you wish to call them, you should have them.

Have a purpose in life.

A reason to do what you do.

Personally, my ultimate and overlying goal in life is to be a light for Christ and to be a true example of what His servant should look like.

Right now I am not doing so well at that. 

So I am working on changing the necessary things in my life to get back on track. 

It's hard, but it's possible.

I have other goals, all of which support this overlying goal.

Some of my others are:

• marry the man of my dreams
• graduate college
• become a Lutheran classroom teacher (hopefully a preschool or kindergarten classroom!)
• gain better control over my anxiety and handle my stress better
• start a family
• find a church that fits my family's needs in the best way possible.

Obviously some of these goals are quite a ways off yet. Some have more flexibility in when they may occur.

Regardless of what I have in mind for timing, I need to keep in mind that God has the timing worked out already. It isn't going to always go how I have planned.

Matthew 6 offers a reminder about how to handle these unplanned events and timings:

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Wise Wednesday

Overwhelmed

Do you ever reach the point where you feel like you are going to break?

I got closer to that today.

I have been trying really hard not to begin cutting again, but damn, it's hard.

I am beginning to fall behind on homework because of work.

I also overthink everything. It is so hard planning a wedding when Trevor offers no opinions, while I am working 15ish hours a week, and taking 17 credits this semester.

I'm scared my breaking point is so close within reach that I will be there in no time at all.

Gosh, this is scary.

Even last night, it took me forever to fall asleep because of all of the thoughts racing through my mind.

I hate going to bed mad, and last night I did.

I really am scared.

Article: Young Engagement

I often come across articles I find fascinating and send them to people they either "apply" to or who I think would find them equally interesting.
I recently came across an article about why someone got engaged before they were 23.
Such a good article.

I am so used to people giving me this look of disgust when I say I am 19 and engaged.
Why do people who do not know you assume they know anything about you? You do not know what my relationship is like, so why are you immediately judging my choice.

This article is an awesome response to my personal frustration, and to the frustration other people in a position similar to me may be feeling.
Take a look: 5 Reasons Why I Got Engaged Before 23.

Blog Reboot

My blog reboot has officially finished!

I have a new background, new font, new title area, and more posts!

I am loving this new look. It definitely encapsulates what my life is about right now.

Let me know your thoughts on the blog makeover!

Work

Well I'm officially not the newest employee at Noodles!
Today, a woman was actually asking me questions, it's her first week there and I seemed to know what I was talking about.

Yesterday I worked at PLUS Time from 3-6 and was then picked up by my aunt to babysit my cousins. I watched them from 8 pm- 1:30 am. This morning my Noodles shift was 11 am- 2 pm. And I head back for a 4- 8 pm shift. Tomorrow I work a split as well.

I'm getting so exhausted from working so much. However, this coming week I don't work Tuesday or Thursday, which will be nice to have a little bit of a break.

The money is much needed. In case you did not already know--weddings are expensive!

Flashback Friday

In my Educational Psychology class last week we discussed memory.
One portion that really stuck out to me was "episodic memory."

Episodic memory is long-term memory for information tied to a particular time and place, especially memory of the events in a person's life. They are often tied to emotional or dramatic events in one's life.

These are those moments that happen with "dejavu."
Those moments where you have a flashback of something that happened to you pop into your when in similar circumstances.

For instance, when I moved to Green Bay from La Crescent, I had an episodic memory occur of leaving my grade school in Good Thunder, MN to move to La Crescent.

It's absolutely amazing how the mind works and how complex it is! Don't we have such an awesome God to have created us with these wonderfully well equipped brains?!


*Also, I have blogged for two weeks straight now! Awesome--right?! Well, the blog reboot has just about come to a close, and I'll be blogging more regularly than I had been before. However, it won't be daily like it has the past two weeks. But Wise Wednesdays will be a weekly occurrence! Have any ideas or thoughts for me, let me know!*

Pizza Ranch and Noodles and Company

Pizza Ranch and Noodles and Company are definitely two different worlds.

My favorite thing about working at Pizza Ranch: my co workers, the owners, the environment in general.
My favorite thing about working at Noodles: I get paid $8.25/hr.

I strongly believe that your favorite part of your job should not be the amount you are paid. However, that's really all I like about Noodles.

Noodles has challenged me in a way that Pizza Ranch did not though. I am meeting a lot of different people through working there. Everyone has such different backgrounds and it is quite the struggle to be the white, pastor's kid that goes to a private college. And yes, I have been asked why I am not living with my fiance yet. The only girl there that knew I am a pastor's kid popped into the conversation to say, "Obviously because she's a pastor's kid and can't do it before she's married."

In my senior year of high school, I took an advanced biology course. We discussed how we would be faced with the topic of creation versus evolution throughout our lives. In the class we were taught both sides. Yes, I learned about evolution at a private, Lutheran school. However, part of me feared the day I would actually face the conversation with someone who really, genuinely believed in evolution.

Sunday I faced that fear. We did not discuss it much, but it was brought up about how a co worker's friend went to a private Christian college for pre-med. She feared the friend would not be accepted into medical school because of "false" science classes, meaning they not only taught evolution, but also creation. I told her about how my high school taught evolution and she seemed to lighten up a bit about the topic, since I flat out stated that I believe in creationism.

It was amazing to me that I had the opportunity to take a stance on my beliefs. I did not know how awesome ti would feel. I did not talk much about my faith, but the fact that I told her I supported creationism shows that I do believe in God.

At Pizza Ranch, I do not know that I would ever have a conversation like that. For one, there is not ever much down time where you just stand around and talk with your co workers. At Noodles, that happens quite frequently.

Despite the fact that I do not like working at Noodles very much, in general, I think that God has definitely placed me there for a reason. For a reason more than just to be able to afford a wedding in August. I am excited to see where Noodles takes me and what I am pushed to do as God's servant.

Wise Wednesday

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

With October's huge emphasis on breast cancer awareness, I thought I would share one of the most intriguing articles about the topic that I have ever read. Ever.

This article is written by a woman who has undergone a bilateral mastectomy (both of her breasts removed) and complete axillary lymph node dissection (remove the lymph nodes which are under the armpits).

Take a read and hear what she has to say: Please Put That Pink Can of Soup Down and Put Your Bra Back On

H&M Obsession

H&M is my all-time favorite place to shop.

They have all of life's essentials.

My most recent online purchase came to a total of: $44.94.

More than I normally allow myself to spend..

However, my purchases were simply divine. I have no regrets of what I bought!

Above you see me wearing some of the lovely new items!

Here's what I bought!

Jacquard Weave Scarf- it's on sale for only $10 (that's how much I paid too) right now!

It looks amazing paired a plain v-neck and Columbia for a brisk fall day.

Mug- $3

These: Deer, Marten, Owl, Ape, and Dog are similar and are the same price as my raccoon mug! Talk about adorable mugs! I fill mine with chai tea lattes regularly..

Leopard Patterned Blouse- $14.95

I normally do not go for "exotic" prints, however they were sold out of the floral so I decided to go for it. I really love this shirt. It fits nicely and dresses up any pair of jeans! It also has a cute buttoned keyhole back.

Gold 4-Pair Earrings- $5.95

I was looking at earrings last time I was at H&M in Mall of America, but decided against buying any. I had asked an employee if they were hypoallergenic (a must for my sensitive ears) and she couldn't find an answer for me. So I skipped them. Online I couldn't even find a good answer. I decided to buy these. I figured if they did not cause my ears problems: awesome! If they did, I just have to give them to someone else. No problems yet! I love them. Perfect gold accents to my normally jewelry-free attire!

Gold Pendant Necklace- $3.95

I've really been digging gold accessories lately. I don't know why. Here is another awesome piece that I am more than happy to have added to my growing jewelry collection. It is so simple, yet so fabulous! It classes up any outfit.

Those were my purchases my last online order. I have not needed to shop online as much here, in Saint Paul, because there is so much shopping nearby. It helps me to get the "need" to spend out of my system. However, I am extremely happy with my purchases and cannot wait to find more good deals that are amazingly cute from H&M again!

Inspirational Video

All of us struggle in some aspect of our life. Some it's money, some it's relationships, some infinite other reasons.
Miss Kay from Duck Dynasty talks about her struggles from earlier in life..
I invite you to take a look at this video.
Miss Kay

Crazy Week

What an absolutely crazy week!

Monday was just a day filled with post-break hangover. Classes suck so much more after break.

Tuesday I ended up skipping my only class. We had a 20 page article we were supposed to read and take notes on, I had completely forgotten. 

Wednesday I had just an outrageously long day..but Trevor and I made some decisions on our wedding and stuff is finally getting done! We have a date picked, venue figured out, and a timeline for the day done! Now to send in the paperwork..
Thursday I did not have any classes, but started my first day at Noodles & Company. It is strange to be working with food somewhere other than Pizza Ranch. I can not really tell if I will really enjoy it or not, however everyone seems really nice there. That will certainly help.

Friday was a busy day. A test. A group discussion on a required reading. A quiz. A paper. Enough said.

My Wonderful Other Best Friend

E: What's your first memory of us?
B: I met you before the beginning of the school year in volleyball practice

E: What's your favorite memory of us?
B: Probably all the time we spent together driving around to random parks and just hanging out at you house and sometimes my house. Ooo or that time we laid in my front yard and watched Dirty Dancing... There are a lot more but I will stop there
B: And getting ready for dance together senior year

E: What's your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?
B: My biggest dream is to become an amazing wife and mother

E: What do you see happening in the next 10 years? Be detailed.
B: In ten years I will be 29 (wow that is old) Well I will be done with college, so hopefully I will have taught for a few years. I also see myself being married and having children. I would see myself at this point working from home so I could stay with my kids.
E: How many children at that point?
B: Hmm I don't know at least one but hopefully more like two

E: What do you look forward to most in the next year?
B: Um being half way done with college, spending more time in classrooms, spending time with all of my friends, and of course yours and Trevor's wedding
E: Aww

E: Where is your current favorite place to shop?
B: This sounds really interesting but I like online shopping. I fill up my cart and delete it and then it gets rid of my need to go shopping. I like Amazon and TJ Maxx.
E:That makes sense.
B: I like to think so plus it is a really good method for procrastination

E: Do you have any final thoughts/comments/things you would like to share with my blog?
B: Well this is the longest I have been without hanging out with Elisebeth and I miss her a ton. So enjoy the time you have with your friends and family.

My Wonderful Best Friend

E: What is your first memory of us?
A: I think it was winter league for volleyball before freshmen year.
E: I wasn't here for that lol
A: Haha oops... Oh! Oh! It was Sarah's party!
A: I completely forgot about that!

E: What's your favorite memory of us?
A: I don't think I have just one haha
A: I remember getting ready for snowball and Steinhaus was there at your house.. Creeper..
A: Or when you were here at my house and my dad started to sing karaoke with us
A: Or stage one
A: Or when we did solo and ensemble together
E: Wow, so many good times

E: What's your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?
A: Right now it's to discover who and what I'm supposed to be
A: And probably somehow make it into the fashion industry
E: Like as a designer? Model?
A: Both or either or!

E: Have any wedding plans you want to share with my blog? (Ana got engaged December 2013!)
A:

A: Well... Where to begin... First off I'm going for the rustic/vintage/boho theme with sage green and blush as being the primary color scheme..
A: As for flowers I'm thinking peonies and helaboris because of the time of year I'd like the wedding to take place, ideally either the last weekend in June or the first weekend in July of 2016.

A:

 A:

 A:

A: Here are some examples..
A: A lot of the decor and such is going to be DIY and things that I've had people so kindly offer to let me borrow. Even the wedding favors are going to be made by my grandma and I; we're going to make jam to give away as gifts.
A: The ceremony itself I would like to be held in the middle of the woods behind my grandparents'
house with the reception to be held in their barn or if that is not possible, I would rent a large event tent and have it in their back yard.
A:

 A:

A: The wedding party and overall guest list is going to be small, with only 75-115 people invited and 3 bridesmaids including the maid of honor and three grooms men.
A: I have yet to decide on a menu so that is still up in the air
E: It sounds like you have pretty much everything else figured out! You should just plan my wedding ;)
A: We don't have a big budget at all for this wedding so we are probably going to keep it relatively "simple". I used the "" because as you well know I have my ideas and they can be pretty complex haha
A: I would love to plan your wedding! Haha
A: And as for my dress I shall keep that one a secret ;)
E: Smart!

E: I can't believe you have all of that figured out already!

A: I've had that figured out for a long time haha

E: What do you see happening in the next 10 years? Be detailed.

A: In the next ten years... Hmm.... Well, Nick and I get married and hopefully by then I will have a set idea as to what it is I would like to pursue career wise. Once Nick is out of the Marines we plan on moving back here and probably getting an apartment to start of with, but eventually we would like to buy a house with land so we can have a small hobby farm with chickens, goats, horses, cats, and a dog. After he's out he is thinking of going into the police force. We also have dreams of traveling the world together before we completely settle down and start a family; which probably wouldn't be till we're 30 or so.

E: Seems like you have it all figured out!

A: Or so I like to think haha

E: Do you have any last comments/words of inspiration/things you need to share for my blog?

A: Well I should say that though it may seem that I have this grand plan of how I want everything to work out I don't expect it to. I don't mean that in any negative sense at all, what I mean is that I know God always has a plan as to how the events in my life, in everyone's lives, will play out for the better even when it seems like things are not going at all the way you had planned them. I always have to remind myself that God is in control and that in the end what he has planned is so much more amazing than anything I could have come up with and that it's times like those that shape who we are and who we become.

A: There I think I said all that I needed to say haha

Wise Wednesday

Every Wednesday I plan to share a bit of wisdom with you all.. So here ya go!

My Wonderful Fiance

E: What is your first memory of us?

T: Lol

T: Us, going to the ranch

T: For lunch

T: Or dinner

T: Whatever it was

E: What is your favorite memory of us?

T: I think seeing Hillsong with you

E: Wow, going way back to the beginning..

T: What??

E: What is your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?

T: Me?

T: Or us?

E: You.

T: Hmmm
T: I don't know, just be successful in something I love
T: Photography...Music

E: What do you look forward to most in the next year?
T: Um
T: Getting ready to live life together daily I think
E: Aww

E: What do you expect to happen in the next 10 years? Be detailed.
T: Ughhhh
T: Hm. Well... I'd like to finish school and move somewhere with more opportunity for us to do stuff! California preferably. I'd like to continue doing photography together since we both enjoy that. I'd like in a few years to grow our family as well and grow together in faith.

E: Do you have any last comments you would like to say for my blog? T: No comments. Yolo. Idk lol

My Wonderful Sister

E: What's your first memory of us?

K: Uh it's a toss up between when I showed the neighbors your bra once or you showing me that you could do a tummy roll thing and I couldn't so we were arguing over whether or not you were fat or I was.

K: lol. good times.
E: I don't remember either of those times!

E: What's your favorite memory of us?
K: Idk. Just talking in the kitchen when mom and dad are asleep.
E: Why?
K: Idk. cause it was bonding time.

E: Do you miss me when I'm at college?
K: Sometimes but sometimes I forget you are away
E; Ouch
K: Well you were gone a lot right before you left so

E: What is your favorite thing about having an older sister?
K: Same clothing size
K: Like having two closets

E: What's your least favorite thing about having an older sister?
K: You're crabby a lot so I guess that's a thing and you dance rape me sometimes(you can word that however you want)
E: Uh lol

E:What's your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?
K: Idk ummm I haven't thought that far ahead I'm just focused on school and crap like that right now

E: Do you have any idea where you want to go to college?
K: Idk. Probably a Concordia. Maybe Bethany.

E: Do you have any last comments for my blog?
K: School is hard. Don't do it.


Well there ya have it! My baby sister! Love her, even though sometimes she forgets about me... <3

Meet Me

As I am reinventing my blog, I hope to gain new followers.

While many of you probably know me from high school and the like, some things have changed about me since then..After all that was about two years ago since we went to school together!

I am going to do a few introductory posts like this to start things off.
If I did go to high school with you, I would love to hear how things have changed in your life too!

The Little Things

Well, followers..
The time has come for me to redo my blog.

I've begun to feel bored with it, so I thought I would try a few new things.
To start things off, I am going to blog more regularly and use more graphic grabbers.
What's a graphic grabber, you ask? Look up.

Thanks to Canva, I designed that little beauty! I absolutely love the site.

Back on track now..
So the blog that has truly inspired me to change my look is Absolutely Arkansas!
Kylie is a newlywed and one of the craftiest people that I "know".
I aspire to someday reach her level of DIY projects, but for starts, how about I just run a semi-decent blog?

So, in order for me to do this, I am going to be refocusing myself.

As a college student, it is so easy to get caught up in the stress of assignments and projects.
As a new adult, it is easy to get overwhelmed with bills and payments.
As a newly engaged woman, it is easy to be swept away with wedding plans and the million tasks to accomplish before the big day gets here.

Right now I fill a lot of roles. I am trying so many new things and experiencing so much.

How to avoid the stress?
I often ask myself this..normally after I am already overly stressed..

The little things in life.
Who is there for you when you are sick and don't want to do anything but lie around?
For me, I instantly think back to last winter when I had mono. Trevor would come over nearly everyday of break and sit by my side as we watched Netflix. I seldom felt like doing anything, but he was there nonetheless.
What do you have to drink before class, or you'll die from exhaustion/thirst/hunger?
I can't leave my apartment without a Chai Tea Latte in hand for my 8 am class.
Who is there when you come home from breaks?
I love being greeted by Buddy, my family's maltipoo, even though he often runs right past me to say "hi" to Trevor. 

There are so many other little things we don't even realize are there.
Two days ago I drove up to Institute, WI in Door County. My sister had a volleyball game at Sevastopol High School.
I had an amazing time driving up alone. I jammed to music and stopped in Sturgeon Bay to take some photos.
The little things I enjoyed then: alone time, music, God's wonderful creation, fall colors, the open bay, volleyball, and time with my sister.

All in all, we need to remember to step back each day and reflect on the little things we have been blessed with. Despite all the doom and gloom we may be experiencing, there is so much good in our lives too.

Announcement

Upcoming Excitement

I have so much to look forward to in these next few weeks!
October begins tomorrow, which is exciting in itself. I love October--there is beautiful leaves, brisk autumn air, and a reason to drink warm beverages. PLUS everything is pumpkin flavored!

Thursday (10/2), my history class will not be meeting. This is a common occurrence for this class on Thursdays, which means I often have no classes those days! Also! It's Packers v Vikings Game Day! I'll certainly be wearing my Rodgers jersey here!
Friday (10/3), Trevor and I will be setting out bright and early to return to Green Bay. We're photographing a wedding for two of our Pizza Ranch managers. We have to get there by noon, so that means I will be doing my hair at an ungodly time in the morning. Also, I don't know that I have heavy duty hairspray here, so hopefully my hair feels like holding a curl that day!
Saturday (10/4), I will hopefully be making the journey from Green Bay to Mequon! I really hope that I can use one of our cars and go see my friends at CUW. I miss them! It would be wonderful to be able to catch up with my ladies again.
Sunday (10/5), Trevor and I will be returning to Saint Paul. We will most likely be meeting up with my grandparents to give them their purchases from my sister's most recent fundraiser. It will be exciting to be able to see them again! And for my grandma to finally see my ring.

Wednesday (10/8), I will be missing my night class and driving with my roommate, Katrina, to Wausau. She's able to get me that far, and then my mom is picking me up! I am excited to be able to go home two weekends this month.
Thursday (10/9), I don't have much on my agenda for this day, but I will probably just relax and maybe have some wedding discussions with my mom. That evening I will be driving up to Sevastopol to watch my sister's volleyball game! Also, I will have Trevor's 70-200mm lens along, so I am going to try to take some pictures of her.
Friday (10/10), I'm hoping that I will be working this morning at Pizza Ranch. Since I'm home, I might as well take advantage of making money! Then that afternoon, I will most likely be taking the beautiful Maddie's photos and we'll be sure to grab some coffee to catch up over.
Saturday (10/11), I am doing a surprise photo session this day. SURPRISE! I'm so excited about it honestly. I probably shouldn't say more, or I'll give away the secret!
Sunday (10/12), I will make my way back to Wausau with my mom to meet up with Katrina to head to Saint Paul.

I have a lot coming up. An absolutely crazy amount honestly.

Good News!

After a last few weeks of stress--I finally have good news to report!

1) Married Housing
The lady finally has relayed all of the information to me! Hooray! However, Trevor and I will be spending our money elsewhere.

2) No Job
That phrase is a thing of the past! I officially have two jobs! I am a student worker at PLUS Time, where I have been volunteering the past two weeks. We offer after school homework help for kids at an apartment building near campus. It is an amazing opportunity for me to be working with these kids. Many of them are immigrants or refugees, and nearly all of them are ELL (English Language Learners, for you non-ed folk). Job #2: Noodles & Co! It's about a 6-8 minute walk from campus, it depends how you hit the lights. Apparently, Pizza Ranch looks really good on the resume when applying at food places. I was hired on the spot!

3) Wedding Planning
Wedding planning has finally begun! Thank you married housing lady... This is awesome news, however, stressful news. (Yes, Trevor, I know I'm not supposed to get stressed about it...) So many decisions! And so little money.. Good thing I have two jobs now!

Married Housing Update

Words cannot fathom my frustration level at the moment.

I finally got the long-awaited email from the married housing lady.

She sent me a PDF attachment.

Very vague.

Not very helpful.

I waited 3 1/2 weeks for this!

I emailed her back, asking, again, some of the original questions.

I better not have to wait another 3 1/2 weeks to get only a few answers.

Yesterday's Boredom

I'd like to think that my "high school fashion" has left my system.
Those were days filled with tee shirts, jeans, and hair in a messy bun. Literally--that was all I ever wore.
Now I try to be a little more fashion-forward..however, Saturdays allow me to lax back into that high school look, but with a twist.

Yesterday was a completely lazy day--I didn't leave my apartment at all. How fantastic! I wore my old softball tee shirt from freshmen year of high school, a button up, and leggings (which are my fall essential!)
I even had a little fun with my camera..

Freshly painted black nails--love

Barely brushed hair-felt so natural yesterday

Married Housing Emails

So, Trevor and I are attempting to begin wedding planning!

One big thing before that can happen? Where are we going to live?!
The hope is to get married at the end of next summer--sometime during August. The deciding factor on a date, however, rides on one very annoying CSP married housing coordinator.

I emailed her August 31st, with this:

Hey,

I have heard a few people mention "married housing" around me and I was curious if you could answer a few questions I have about that.

I recently got engaged and am looking to plan the wedding for this coming summer, hopefully.

How much does married housing cost? Is it a monthly rent or a semester-style payment? Does that include utilities?

Does it matter if he attends Concordia?

When would we be able to move into those? Move-in day for Concordia? Or earlier in the summer?

Thanks!

That's a pretty simple email, right?

Not too many questions, we just need to know the basics.

Her response on September 2nd:

Hello Elisabeth,

Congratulations on your engagement!  I will be out of the office today to attend a funeral and will not be able to respond to your questions until later this week.  I’ll get back to you, but realistically it will be Thursday or Friday.

1st red flag? MY NAME IS SPELLED WRONG. My email address has my name in it. This irks me so much. Is it really that hard to double check to make sure you spell someone's name correctly?

I emailed her back September 9th since I still had no response:

Hello,
I don't mean to be a bother, but I was just wondering if you could fill me in about married housing!

Thanks,
Elisebeth

I hate bothering people, but really? I didn't ask that much...

Her response September 11th:

Because my email and the internet were down for several days late last week and this past Monday  I’m still catching up on urgent things and have not been able to address important things.  I will be out of the office tomorrow, so watch for info next week.  I appreciate your understanding. Have a good weekend.

Cool, you must be pretty dang busy to not be able to take a few minutes to type a quick email with the basics. Also, thanks for down playing the importance of my planning my wedding planning. (No, I'm not trying to sound like bridezilla, but I would like to be able to set a date for several reasons.)

Yesterday, I was extremely pissed off about this. Well, honestly, I still am. So I emailed her again:

Hello, I have been waiting for a response for quite some time on this. 

I would like to have this information as soon as possible, as it is impossible to plan a wedding without having somewhere to live next year.

She better get the point that this is an issue. It is impossible for Trevor and I to have a date picked for our wedding without knowing where we will be living next year. If married housing moves in the same time as normal residential halls, we have to push out date to mid-August. If they move in at the beginning of the month or we end up living elsewhere, we will get married early August and move in right away. This is so frustrating!

This is literally the lady's job--to deal with married housing. I understand she has other tasks, but this is still one of them..thus it is important you do what is required of your job--answering students' questions about married housing!

UGH.

Sorry. Rant over, for now...

Life Sucks

Do you ever have those days where everything sucks?

You have to take a really hard test. And don't know how you did even though you put in hours of studying. Your fiance doesn't bother to ask how it went. You have a ton of notes to be submitted by the next day. You can't pass that one level on the new game you're addicted to. You woke up early because there was supposed to be a fire drill--and then it didn't happen. You still don't have a job to pay for college or a wedding or anything anymore. Your fiance has to be gone all weekend. Your roommates are gone all weekend so there is no one to hangout with. 

Why does life suck so much sometimes?

Hipster You

The in thing right now is: Hipster.
We all know it. The chunky glasses. Beanies. Thin typography. Mason jars. Etc.

This is one sense of style I feel I can get into.
You can DIY this style.
You can not do your hair, and look cool. Dude. That's what beanies are for.

Trevor wants to revamp his wardrobe to be "more hipster." That means money being spent.
We have a wedding to save up for and plan dude. Remember??!
He bought a sexy, new denim shirt from Old Navy ($19) and some swag-filled shoes from H&M ($20) to gradually begin the process.

I, too, would love to redo my wardrobe. But. One problem. I am unemployed. No job=no spending money on fabulous, new clothing=sad Elisebeth.
I desperately want to buy more slouchy cardigans and big sweaters and beanies and anything from the stores Typo, H&M, Cotton On, Urban Outfitters. UGH.

College does not agree with style. College does not agree with anything that requires money in all honestly.
College makes you poor. Maybe I shouldn't have gone through with a 4-year degree. I could be finishing up my Associates Degree and work in a day care.

Is that Hipster?
Shouldn't I be working at Caribou or Starbucks?
I'll probably make about the same from month to month.
Wouldn't it be more hipster to travel with my love and be able to photograph the world and write my experiences here. (For no one to read.)

So, what really is Hipster?
This is what my good friend Urban Dictionary has taught me: 
Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter. The greatest concentrations of hipsters can be found living in the Williamsburg, Wicker Park, and Mission District neighborhoods of major cosmopolitan centers such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco respectively. Although "hipsterism" is really a state of mind,it is also often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Both hipster men and women sport similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of messy shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs. Such styles are often associated with the work of creative stylists at urban salons, and are usually too "edgy" for the culturally-sheltered mainstream consumer. The "effortless cool" urban bohemian look of a hipster is exemplified in Urban Outfitters and American Apparel ads which cater towards the hipster demographic. Despite misconceptions based on their aesthetic tastes, hipsters tend to be well educated and often have liberal arts degrees, or degrees in maths and sciences, which also require certain creative analytical thinking abilities. Consequently many hipsters tend to have jobs in the music, art, and fashion industries. It is a myth that most hipsters are unemployed and live off of their parent's trust funds.  (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hipster)


Interesting, eh?

Maybe media has led us to believe one thing about this "lifestyle" where the truth is really something completely different.

In all honestly, I didn't realize that the trend had such complexity until reading this!

While many people tend to pick out the style of a hipster, you could pick out so much more.
So will you be the hipster that looks effortlessly cool? Or will you be the musician or artist? Or will you be well educated?

There's more options of being hipster than you realized.