Lately I feel like I’ve had to pinch myself. Whether it was snuggling in bed by the fireplace at the most exquisite mountainside resort in Aspen, taking an urban hike through the streets of downtown Chicago or strolling along peacefully at the St. Louis Zoo, I’ve gotten to see some incredible sights and have some amazing experiences this year. I come home to a man I love, family that cares for me and is always there and am taking it all in while feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have before. Obviously it’s not always perfect- it’s hard to be away from home so much. I have to put some things on hold because of my travel schedule, which can be frustrating at times. Overall though, I feel like my life has found such an awesome groove and I couldn’t be happier.

I haven’t really done anything by way of wedding planning. I’ve pinned a few things, but really I haven’t felt the push or desire to make any solid plans yet. With the new house needing some upgrades, that is really where our budget will be going for the remainder of the year anyway. It’ll be all I can do not to just elope. Neither of us want to make a big deal of it, so we’ll see where the rest of the year takes us. I just want it to be as relaxed and stress-free as possible, and in the end just be married. The rest is all just details anyway This time is different- it’s about us, not pleasing anyone else or having a big showy ceremony and reception. Neither of us are tied to tradition- quite the opposite actually. If we do have a reception, I’d rather it felt like a party or a celebration where our friends and loved ones can come together, eat, drink and be happy. That’s really it (and I need to look fabulous, of course)