9.21.2011

Myrtle Beach

**Warning: ridiculous amount of pictures below! :))**

I finally found enough time to actually sit down and write about our family vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC a couple weeks ago.  After a LONG 15 hr drive, we finally made it there in tact. 

We spent tons of time at the beach and pool......



Jake normally hates the water and will hardly go in past his feet most times.  The ocean definitely took some getting used to for him, but by the end of the week, he was chasing ducks into the water (see down below).


We also spent some time at the boardwalk.  Tons of restaurants, bars, and shops there.  We ate at Pier 14, just off the water.  It was AWESOME!! 

My parents.  LOVE :)

This is the Skywheel.  It's ridiculously tall.  200 ft above sea level.

Pier 14.  The restaurant we ate at.

Josh and I at dinner

Josh on the pier with the skywheel
We also visited Barefoot Landing.  An outdoor shopping area with 100 stores.  We all cruised around there for awhile.  I bought a coozie and took some pictures, but that's about it.  We about ate at what seemed like a REALLY bad Mexican restaurant.  Ever had flavorless Mexican food?  I had a feeling that's what we were about to eat, so we skipped it and went elsewhere.



Since the timeshare didn't allow dogs, we boarded Jake at a place a couple miles up the road (which was a really good first step for me).  He absolutely LOVED it!  But of course, I was worried, so we visited almost daily to take him to the beach and for walks in the park etc.  On one of the walks, we went to a nearby park since we didn't have much time, and he kept chasing the ducks and turtles.  HILARIOUS!  Again, like I said above, he HATES water, but literally jumped in the water to chase them.  Now we know... if we want him to get in the water, just find an animal for him to chase.



This is a MASSIVE and AWESOME hotel nearby that we REALLY want to stay at (and who wouldn't?)
my iPhone takes pretty decent pics sometimes!  Wow!
In addition to all the above mentioned, we went to a local bar and played pool, drank lots, swam, tried to boogie board, went for walks, hung out at the pool, the beach, the jacuzzi, and a bit of time shopping at the outlet mall.  I even had some time to just relax and catch up on some reading.  That was super nice!  Overall, a relaxing vacation!  Definitely  much needed by all of us!!

Has anyone else been to Myrtle Beach before?  I had a lot of fun, but still didn't feel that there was a TON to do there other than bars, restaurants, and the beach.  Did I miss something??

9.20.2011

Volunteeering at the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build

This past Saturday, myself and some co-workers volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build.  And, boy, what an experience it was!!

Denise and I working hard :)

It was so great to get out there and get my hands dirty building... especially when I have such a craving for it since we can't do anything to our apartment.

The entire time we were there volunteering, we were helping to put up siding on the house.  It's amazing at how quickly a house can be built.  Last week the roof was put on.  It's just so quick!!  And the absolutely most amazing part of it.... THE WHOLE HOUSE IS BUILT BY WOMEN!!!  Whoohoo!!  Girl power! :)

I loved helping as much as possible, and just selflessly donating my time and energy.  The family who will be living in the house was actually there that day and helping alongside the volunteers.  How cool is that?  I have a huge respect for that family!  They can say they not only received such a generous donation, but they also can say they helped build it with their own 2 hands!  Well... 6 hands since there was 3 of them there that day.  :)

I had an opportunity to talk to the family, and learned a bit about the Habitat for Humanity process and about their journey.  It was so rewarding getting to know them on a more personal level.  It makes the experience much more real, since I can actually tie the homeowners to the house and my experience..

Overall, like I mentioned in a previous post, I really enjoy volunteering and the experience that comes with it.  I have not been volunteering as much time as I'd hoped, but life has been crazy busy lately and at least I have found some time to help with the Habitat For Humanity.

9.18.2011

Quick DIY Fall Wreath

In an effort to decorate our house for fall, I decided to make a leafy wreath to hang someplace...  On our front door, perhaps?  I still have to get a door hanger if I decide to hang it there for good.  There was a hole big enough for a screw to hang it on long enough for me to take quick picture.  

Picture taken with my iPhone.  Please excuse the crappy quality.



Here is a step-by-step of how I created the wreath in under 30 minutes.

First of all, I started with an old leafy garland that I had laying around the house.  I've never really LOVED the way it laid, so I decided why not make something else out of it.  Everything I used to make this project I already had, but I know it wasn't very expensive. 

Supplies Needed
-leafy garland or other leafy material
-12" wreath (I used a a straw wreath, still in packaging, but I'm sure a styrofoam one would work just fine)
-hot glue gun and glue
-scissors or wire cutters

Leafy Garland
I cut off the leaves with scissors, since they aren't attached through a wire.  If your leaves are attached through wire, be sure to use wire cutters instead of scissors.  It's nearly impossible to detach them otherwise.

Leaves already cut out and bare wreath

I attached the loose leaves to the wreath with a hot glue gun.  I started attaching them by putting the largest on the bottom layer and staggering them around.  I had them all facing outward til I realized it needed to have some leaves facing inward as well.  So I basically had them going each and every direction. 






All the leaves attached

I actually only used about half of the leaves that I had from the garland, so you may end up seeing some leaves in another project around the house soon. :)  Betcha can't wait, can you? :)

The wreath up close... and yes that is my dog behind it.  I couldn't resist :)

What do ya'll think?  Have you made any DIY fall projects?  I'd love to hear from you about what you've done or if you have any simple decorating ideas for fall!

9.16.2011

Starting a Side Business... Wow!

As I'm sure most of you know already, my husband and I have both started up our own business.  Josh has been in school for design and has been getting experience while he can.  I purchased a (new to me) DSLR camera from a friend who took our engagement pictures.  Since purchasing it, I've been playing around tons and just learning more and more and needless to say, I'm ready to branch out.  I've done a few photo sessions and absolutely love it!!  This has to be the best "side" job I've ever had!!

The past few weeks Josh and I have been working to get McEinhart up and going.  Through McEinhart we have Design and Photo, each a separate business.  I can't even count the number of hours spent with writing contracts, giving ideas for my logo to Josh, making business cards and all of the research and time spent behind the scenes.  I love it though!!  I have my Bachelor's in Business and this kinda thing is right up my alley.  Writing contracts is a lot of fun for me (yeah... I'm weird like that)!  Hmm... maybe I should consider Law School again ;)

All in all, I must say that starting up a business has been sooooooo much work, and soooo time consuming, especially considering that we both work full-time and are still trying to have a social life, as well.  But right now is the time to work my butt off while I'm young and without kids, so I can enjoy life when I'm old.

And.... with that being said....

It's movie time!  Josh and I rented Something Borrowed!!  I sure hope it's good!  I could really use a good movie right now.. it's just been too long!

 Oh... and be sure to check out my photo blog to stay up to date with the latest sessions: 

9.11.2011

9/11... 10 Years Already?!

I can't believe it's been 10 years since 9/11 happened.  A life-changing day for everyone, not just those involved or those who lost loved ones, not even just Americans.  It affected everyone across the world.  An event that made us feel hopeless and disgusted that anyone could even fathom something so horrible. 

I'm not sure about you, but I remember exactly what I was doing when I heard the news, like it was just yesterday.  I was on my way to school (I was in high school at the time), and remember hearing on the radio that a "plane hit a building".  I remember thinking, "who would be stupid enough to run a plane into a building?!?!" 

Amazing that a "stupid" person running a plane into a building was in fact a terrorist attack.  As Americans, we never thought that could happen to us.  I know at this point, my ideas of America being a fearless country, have been slightly changed.  Now I worry that we AREN'T untouchable; that we can be easily attacked; that they've broken and beaten us down.  We are still trying to pick up the pieces from 10 years ago, and we will never be the same. 

Today, my heart goes out to those thinking of their lost and loved ones from 9/11.  I can only imagine the pain each year at this time. 

It also reminds me of the song by Darryl Worley - Have You Forgotten?  I listened to this song for a long time when it came out.  I love it!



Where were you when you heard the news about the towers being struck??

9.05.2011

This Week...

...is my family VACATION.  My hubbs and I, along with my parents, are in Myrtle Beach.  LOVE the beach!! Absolutely fabulous!  Now, if only I could have the beach as my backyard!! 

So... the reason you guys won't be hearing from me this week is because I'm enjoying the beach-ch-ch-ch-ch :)

And don't worry....

When I get back home, I'll be sure to tell ya all about it!!!

I think this may have to be my new picture on here.  Haha!  I love it!!

Now... I know ya'll are wondering how long it took to get this shot... but really, it only took like 3 minutes and 30 pictures.

I LOVE it! 

Oh... and HAPPY LABOR DAY!!  Make sure you don't do any laboring!  Be sure to relaxxxx... on the beach, perhaps? :)