Essie Nailpolish Love

{Sweet Talker}

I am loving Essie nail colors this summer! This was my "something blue" polish that I wore on my toes for my wedding back in June. I got so many complements on my feet that day! Although, my Kate Spade heels might have had something to to with that too...;)

{Mademoiselle}

Yesterday, I had this sweet pink color painted on my toes for Sarah's wedding this weekend. It may be my new favorite color of all time! It is the perfect neutral and looks good with all heels. What's not to love about this precous pink?

Weekend Recap

With Luke's job being so busy during the week, I live for our weekends together. This weekend included roses, gun shopping, finalizing honeymoon details, painting, and hogging the bed. Marital bliss at its finest. :)

{On Friday, Luke bought me some beautiful roses for the apartment. I love roses!}

Luke has been looking into purchasing a handgun for a while now. If you know my sweet husband, you know that when he becomes interested in a subject/new hobby/item he wants to purchase, he doesn't rest until he knows absolutely everything there is to know about this particular subject/new hobby/item. Luke has always loved guns, but has just begun building his collection in the last year or so. On Saturday morning, he finally had the chance to purchase his new handgun. Say hello to my little friend the newest member of the family... 

{...a Sig Sauer SP2022}

The gun shop where we bought this handgun had to order it because they were out of stock in the store, so Luke won't have his new gun until next weekend. But he is still pretty excited, none the less. And I'm not even about to act like I didn't enjoy looking at guns myself. I actually had a really great time! I grew up in a family of all girls where guns were "scary." However, I married the epitome of alpha male who has already taught me so much about guns and has made it his priority to buy my handgun next (as well as both of our concealed handgun licenses). It will be partially pink I've decided, and either a 380 or 9mm. I shot a 380 out at camp this weekend and am already addicted. I can't wait for Luke's gun to get here so I can practice!!

 {Taco roll w/guac, chips and salsa, and fruit salad for lunch with the Lawleys!}

After gun shopping, Luke and I had lunch with Tim and Audie, our honeymoon coordinators. It has been so much fun to have a pre-existing friendship with this awesome couple while planning our Disney honeymoon. We have spent multiple lunches with them picking out our hotel, dinner reservations, etc. We love how much they love their job, each other, and the Lord. It is always such a blessing to be in their home (especially with the way that Audie always feeds us)! This time, we were picking up our honeymoon itinerary and finalizing details. The next time we get together with T&L will be after we're back from Disney and hopefully already planning our 1 year anniversary trip!!

Saturday afternoon, Luke headed back to camp while I went to Sarah's bachelorette party. I can't believe her and Andrew are getting married next weekend! We went to Tipsy Canvas to paint and drink wine. This was such a great idea for a bachelorette party, btw. After painting, we had dinner at TGIFridays. I had to go out to camp after dinner, but I heard the girls had a great time going out and celebratings Sarah's last weekend as a single gal. I can't wait to stand next to her next weekend as she becomes Mrs. Lewis!

{The adorable bride-to-be!}

{My tree painting. Don't judge, I'm not an artist, ha!}

Since Luke and I spend the majority of our weekdays apart, the newness of figuring out how to live with each other is still going on and will probably continuing happening for a while. I thought those of you who are married may find our newest newlywed issue a bit comical. In my sleep, I seem to still think I am the only one in the bed. The last couple of times that Luke and I have woken up together, he has said something along the lines of, "Hey--you're in the middle of the bed!" or "Look at where you are. Do you see I'm hanging off the edge over here?" I feel terrible about this, but just giggle every time. I guess this is what we get for technically having two places of residence. I'm so used to sleeping in the middle of our super plush queen bed alone at the apartment that when he is home, my body isn't quite sure how to give up half of its bed. Poor Luke!

{My sweet sleeping babies, when I'm not taking up more than my half of the bed}

C25K

 {via C25K}

Have you heard of C25K? I first heard of this acronym a few weeks back when a friend shared her weekly C25K workout on Facebook. Then a little earlier this evening, I had a second friend post her weekly workout on FB as well. This intrigued me and, being the want-to-be hardcore runner that I am, I decided to do a little research.

C25K stands for Couch to 5K and it is a beginner running plan. You can find this plan in the form of a smart phone app. Don't have a smart phone? No worries! There is a custom C25K podcast that works with any mp3 player. One thing I love about this app is that it has a music player built in that enables you to change tracks without leaving the app. This has always been something that bothers me when using my iPhone as an iPod during workouts. This app also allows you to track your progress and share this progress on Facebook and Twitter. So social media savvy!

Confession: I may or may not have been eating as healthy or working out as much as I was pre-wedding. No longer stressing about how I look in a wedding dress is not an excuse to slack in the taking-care-of-myself department! I love running, but I'm not a very good distance runner. The most I've ever completed without walking was a 10K, but that was a couple of years ago. I run a pretty steady 2 miles straight right now. I think I'm going to try the C25K strategy simply because it gives me a planned workout every day (no excuses!) and will help me up my 2 miles to 3 miles consistently. Wish me luck!

If you've done C25K, how did it go? Were you successful? What did you struggle with?

Get off your rear!

I saw this picture on Pinterest today. I guess it's time to put my tennis shoes on...

#feelingguilty

Bangs

I need some major bang help. If you read my blog two posts ago, you learned of my much anticipated haircut. I'm still loving the cut, no worries! But I've got to figure out these bangs. If you have bangs and you know how to rock them, you're the expert I need to talk to!

This is the photo I used as inspiration for my new cut:

And this is what my new hair looks like:

Now, I obviously have a little of my hair pulled back in this picture, but you get the drift. I was a little nervous to cut as much bang as Kerrington (SYTYCD) did in picture #1. I've never made a commitment to my bangs in that manner. But on the other hand, I'm afraid I didn't cut enough. How do you find a happy medium between mega-bangs and "are those bangs or an accident?"

Am I not styling them right? I've tried a flatiron, blowing them dry with a round brush, etc., but I still end up pulling them back. I want to learn to wear my new bangs confidently. Suggestions? Help??

The low-down on a romantic honeymoon to Disney World!

Luke and I are beginning to get a little stir crazy. Countdown to our honeymoon: 27 days!! We are so excited to pack our bags and get out of town for a little while. Neither one of us have taken a legitimate vacation from work in months, so this trip is much anticipated!

This morning, I received an email from Disney World via our travel agent, Audie Lawley. One of the many links in this email was titled, "Romance at the Walt Disney World Resort." Because Disney is where we are headed in 4 weeks, I had to click on this link to read a little more about what Disney is saying about romance. This is what the article said:

Sitting in an elegant restaurant having an intimate dinner a couple sips crisp chilled champagne. They silently toast themselves while overhead a brilliant fireworks display lights up the night sky. They have spent the day being pampered at an exceptional spa. Our couple will dance until the wee hours of the morning, then end their special day with a slow walk hand in hand though beautifully manicured gardens. This scene could be taking place in any city, Paris, London or New York. Would you believe this happens at the Walt Disney World® Resort all the time?

Disney has many different ways for you to spend some romantic time with that special someone. Start your day with a couple's treatment at one of the world class spas. Try a Couples Relaxation Treatment at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or a Grand Romantic Evening treatment at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A Time for Two Massage at Walt Disney World®'s Dolphin Resort's Mandara Spa is a great way to relax together.

After a relaxing treatment it's time for a romantic dinner. The California Grill at the Disney's Contemporary Resort offers rooftop views of the Magic Kingdom® Park while enjoying a delicious meal. Another place with wonderful views is Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Make reservations for a later dinner so you can enjoy the nightly fireworks over Magic Kingdom® Park while you eat.

The night can continue even after the fireworks. If you like to get out and party you can dance the night away at Disney's Boardwalk Entertainment District, including Jellyrolls or Atlantic Dance Hall. There is also Rix Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort for a more intimate setting. Then after the lights and dancing, take some time for a leisurely walk around your resort hand in hand. Find a quiet spot to sit and watch the glittering stars turn into an amazing sunrise.

It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic getaway with your special someone. Disney has so many options to choose from to make it the perfect personal escape. Let our MouseEarVacations.com® Disney Specialists help you plan the ultimate romantic retreat!

Now, doesn't this make YOU want to go on a romantic getaway to Disney World?? I can't wait for our dinner at the California Grill, eye level with the beautiful fireworks. I can't wait to ride top of the line roller coasters with my husband who has only ever been to Fiesta Texas/Six Flags (he has NO idea how much fun he is about to have!). And I can't wait to have champagne from Epcot sent to our room at the Wilderness Lodge (oolala!).

This honeymoon/vacation/our first big trip as husband and wife cannot come soon enough! I may or may not have already started packing...;)

More hair cutting, retail therapy, and a date night

On Tuesday, Brooklyn got her hair cut. On Friday it was my turn! Pretty soon I after we got engaged (Nov. '09), I asked Luke how he wanted me to wear my hair for the wedding (June '11). I know that this sounds a little early to be asking such a question, but I wanted to know how he pictured my hair looking on our big day so that I would be cautious when getting it cut. And my question was right on target; he wanted long, blonde curls for the wedding. So over the last 19 months, I've done nothing but trim my golden locks less than an inch every so often. I've always loved long hair, so I didn't mind growing it out. But at about three months pre-wedding, I started getting restless. I wanted to cut it so bad, but I resisted. Penelope, my hair stylist in Corpus who I love, has been listening to me talk about cutting my hair for a while now and when I called her a few days back to schedule THE appointment, she squealed with joy! 

 {Pre-haircut}

{Post-haircut}

I don't know if you can tell, but Penny cut off right at 5 inches. Love it!! It also looks shorter when its dry. One of my favorite feelings is the way healthy hair feels after a significant amount is cut off. I even splurged and bought a new hair product that is supposed to help protect my hair from the heat of a blow-dryer and flatiron, while keeping it healthy and shiny. We'll see about all of this, but it sure makes my hair smell good!

Now, on to retail therapy. Also on Friday (and prior to the hair cut), I was in my office for almost 8 hours straight working on a large presentation that consumed most of my day. So after work, I headed straight to Ann Taylor LOFT. This is my favorite way to de-stress! If you're a young woman business professional, you know that LOFT is a valuable resource for stylish work clothes at a reasonable price. LOFT is also known for it's really great sales, especially if you're patient and appreciate a good bargain. I've read multiple blog posts written by friends lately that talk about their success with shopping at LOFT, so I'm jumping on the band wagon and will now share with you my shopping success.

Although I didn't find anything for $3.88 (my favorite sale price at LOFT!), there was a "40% off already marked down items" promo going on and I definitely took advantage. With both business clothes and honeymoon attire on the mind, these items are what I specifically searched for and found!

{I bought two of these rolled-sleeve tops, one in navy and one in lime (minus the flower). I love finding tops that fit my body type and this is one of those}

 {I bought two pair of shorts, in mustard and brown. I'm ready to wear these on the honeymoon!}

{I love this sweater! However, the one I bought is melon and white striped}

{And I can't go to LOFT without buying something for work, so these cropped pants are what I went with. I like this tailored look and their length is good for the summer}

So, if you add up what all of these items cost at full price, that number would be $257. But if you then add them up according to their sale prices (all were on sale) and then take off an extra 40%, you get $110.91, which is what I paid. This is 67% off the original price!! I just can't resist smart retail therapy. :)

On Saturday night, Luke and I went to dinner at a restaurant in Portland. It was fun to drive over the Harbor Bridge to dinner for a change. I had a gift certificate to the restaurant we went to, Pepitos Cantina & Grill. It's a fun little Mexican restaurant with awesome margaritas! Luke loved his guacamole enchiladas and kept saying, "We're definitely coming back here again." I guess this little adventure was a success! On our way home from dinner, we stopped at Starbucks to get frappuccinos for dessert and then we bought and watched I Am Number Four on On Demand. 

{We our fraps!}

I've really enjoyed our relaxing weekend in Corpus! What did you do this weekend? Anything fun? If so, I'd love to hear about it!

No more hair!

Brooklyn visited Mrs. Nancy at La Pooch today and came out looking quite beautiful! I asked Nancy to trim her a little shorter than normal since it's summertime and I think she's loving it. This pup has needed a haircut since before the wedding, but I just haven't had the time to take her. Today was the day and I must say, she's looking pretty cute!

 

{Picking B up from La Pooch}

{Ears blowing in the wind on our way up the stairs to the apt}

{Silly girl was OVER that bow and pulled it out, ha!}

I love my sweet little Brooklyn!

Back to normal

As I walked into the office yesterday, for the first time in months, I felt like my normal, outgoing, confident, driven self. I don't really know how to explain this transformation. All I can think is that over the last few months, my attention has been shared between work, family, wedding, Luke, etc. and it has taken life settling down for me to realize how streched thin I've been. Looking back now, I see that stress over the last few months made me cranky, short, and a little negative at times. I can gleefully say that the wedding high (although I loved it while it was present) has worn off, life is getting back into a more normal routine, and I've gotten 7+ hours of sleep the last two nights. Glorious!!

Today I am reminded of many blessings in my life: my incredibly supportive husband who encourages me to chase my dreams, a great job that challenges and grows me daily, friends that I laugh uncontrolably with on a regular basis, a puppy whose excitment never dwindles when she realizes her momma is home, and a God that loves me more than I could ever fathom, despite my imperfections. I am thanking the Lord for these blessings and a little bit of normalcy today.

What are you thankful for today? How how the Lord blessed you recently?

4th of July Weekend and 1 Week of Marriage

This 4th of July weekend was much needed for the Hintons. After a whirlwind wedding weekend last week and having to go back to work immediately after, we were pumped to have a 3-day weekend all to ourselves to just cozy up in the apartment, chill out, and celebrate having being married for a whole week (not too monumental for most, but we love it!).

Luke didn't get home until almost 9pm on Friday night, but being the impatient committed wife that I am, I still cooked him dinner. I decided on chicken alfredo with bow tie pasta, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes. I made a little garlic bread too! In the past, I haven't been one for much cooking, but I'm definitely trying. It helps to have a super cute husband who is always hungry and up for anything. He told me he liked it, so I was content. :)

{Friday's dinner. It was yummy!}

On Saturday, we did a lot of nothing and it was WONDERFUL! We slept late, hung out by the pool at our apartment, watched TV, and then went on our first date as husband and wife to Grimaldi's. There was a lot of good food this weekend.

{Our little family hanging out at the pool. Even Brooklyn jumped in!}

{Playing in the pool}

{He loved his pesto/pepperoni/italian sausage pizza on our date}

On Sunday, we went to church with Aubrey and Pam and then to lunch at McAlister's. After lunch, we made a quick trip over to Luke's uncle's house so that he could pick up a surf board because our next stop was the beach! Luke, Aubrey, and I met up with a group of the Zephyr staff in Port A. We laid out, listened to 80's pop, and played in the gulf. I felt pretty special when Luke asked me if I wanted to swim out into the gulf with him and ride the surf board in. If you ask him about the last time I tried to "surf," he'll tell you a story about how I almost killed us, ha! But we had a great time and no one died. :)

{Driving to Port A!}

{Life is good}

{My handsome surfer husband}

That night, Luke stayed out at the beach until 11:30pm while Aubrey and I went back into town to go see a movie. We saw Monte Carlo. I know, I know, don't laugh. But we wanted to see a chick flick and this was really our only option. It was pretty cute and we made sure to giggle like 13-year-olds when the cute boys were on screen. :)

In honor of having Monday off, Luke and I slept in late again. Glor-i-ous!!! We spent a few more of our wedding gifts cards and bought curtains for the apartment (something we've NEEDED for a LONG time). Luke hung them up this afternoon and I'm loving them! I also did a little more laying out by the pool and worked on more thank you notes from the wedding. I was a little bummed when Luke had to leave to go back to camp (and may have even teared up). It's so hard to be newlyweds and have to live an hour apart during the week. :( But I plan on going out there in a couple of days to watch the fireworks, which makes me feel a little better. I can't wait for the summer to slow down in August because this means that Luke and I will be on somewhat of a more regular life schedule AND it will be time for our honeymoon! 41 more days until Disney!!

 {Sort of a dark picture, but the curtains are a sage green}

 {Poolside, my favorite}

Hope you all had a fun and safe 4th! Happy Birthday America!!

Our Wedding Highlights Video!

Sara + Luke Highlights from Cinema Elegance Films on Vimeo.

This evening I received an email from Cinema Elegance, the cinematographers that captured our wedding day through video. Although I knew that it will take a little time for them to get all of the video footage from our wedding edited, I also knew that it would just be days after the wedding and I would be receiving a link to a wedding highlights/wedding trailer video. And this is what the email was about!!

It was perfect timing too. On Tuesday, Luke and I went back to the real world because we aren't honeymooning until the middle of August. This was a little bit of a bummer because Luke works almost an hour away from our apartment and during the summer has to stay on the camp grounds at night. Although I can drive out there and stay with him (and I did twice this week!), it's just not the same as if we lived and worked in the same town 24/7. But Luke had just gotten home about an hour before Andy sent me the link of this video. We got to watch it together and, of course, I cried like a baby! All of the emotions that I felt that day came flooding back and Luke and I were able to relieve our wedding day all over again.

Andy--Thanks again to you and your team for capturing the most precious day of our lives! This is one of the most amazing gifts you could have ever given us (even though we paid you, ha!). We love you guys so much and will definitely be recommending you to anyone looking for wedding cinematography. We can't wait to get the rest of the footage of our big day!