Hi, friends. 

After six weeks of training, I'm home. 

I was greeted by a loving husband, a home-cooked meal, and a beautiful sofa-- the best welcome home party ever. 

Even though the big, empty space in our living room is filled, there is lots to be done to cozy up this loft. I am loving this Anthropologie piece by Joetta Maue [here] but it is wayyyy out of these newly weds price range. It's great inspiration for a DIY project and makes me not feel so weird for being attracted to vintage linens. 

We've got a couple house projects going on this weekend... We will be throwing open all of the windows and enjoying this fantastic fall weather. It will not be so long before you hear from us again. Photos to come soon!

Love,

The Woods

Making a home on a newly wed budget is not easy. Making a home when your rarely at home also has it's challenges. This weekend was my last weekend off before pounding through the last two weeks of training in Little Rock, so Chris and I camped out in our little space and worked on a few projects. The paint dried just in time to pull our entry way together before I leave...

Don't let this fool you, making a house apartment your own is a SLOW process (and quite stressful if you share my Type A personality), but can we agree it's worth the wait? There's still more to be done, which I will share with you along the way along with my budget tips and DIY... for now, how about some more photos?

How fun will this be to walk into when I come home to stay? Kick of my shoes to be greeted by a snuggle Persian rug and a handsome husband.  I'm already full of miss, but this stubborn white paint still on my hands will be a reminder of this sweet, reno-weekend.   

If you follow me on instagram you know I was quite the ballerina today (no formal training).

If you were in my head you would know this is the song playing over and over that put a little extra pep in my step.

This song [At Home by Crystal Fighters] has been the anthem to my Friday.  And every Friday. 

It means a long week of training is over and I am on my way home for a weekend with the husband. 

It is quite complementary to the scenic drive across Arkansas. I just turn it up and sing my little heart out. LOUDLY. 

Tonight we will have a date night in which means take out sushi from downstairs and apartment DIY projects... Our little home is coming together... Slowly, but surely! 

Happy Birthday, Cathryn. 

When Cathryn was born I could not have loved her any more. What's not to love??-- have you seen those big blue eyes?

When Cathryn was born I could not have been more proud (and I had the t-shirts to prove it). I called her "my baby". Sometimes I would even let people hold her. 

Today, "my baby" turns twenty. TWENTY!! I love her more everyday, and I have never been more proud. 

I miss you sis!

Thank you, Steve. For silly movies, great banjo diddlys, and inspirational quotes. 

Training week 3 is now underway, and what better way to ring it in than with an iPhone alarm clock?.... At 2:55. AM. Nope, no mistake here. 2:55 with thirty brief minutes to get ready and hit the road for a forty minute drive. I typically consider myself a morning person.... But 4am?

 I'm re-evaluating. 

I think I will insert a clause:  I am a morning person*

*if there is a sunrise and/or breakfast involved

I rewarded a hard days work (and averted a nap) by browsing a few of the Conway, AR antique shops and flea markets only to stumble across a real gem, where I met the newest addition to our loft... (more on this later)

But first, the Target tour of Arkansas continues. Little Rock. Conway. Fort Smith. Fayetteville. Little rock. In the next four days.  (insert: weekend with my husband) Then, three more weeks taining in Little Rock.

Yay! It's Friday! And there is nothing I'd rather do (besides go to dinner with my husband who is visiting me in Little Rock) than show some love to my readers with a Friday-treat giveaway! 

 And the winner is.......

Stephanie at The Phanie Pack! 

She will be getting this fun red surprise in the mail from me:

Papyrus card

Essie "Russian Red" polish

And a Target gift card 

... And it is way past due for me to get out of this Red and Khaki and go out with Mr. Woods. Let's do this again soon! 

Every time you read this blog you get a look inside this crazy mind of mine.  

If you looked in one of these journals, you'd see... all of my crazy thoughts in list form. 

1. Planner 

although I'm aware I can do nearly everything ever from my iphone, I don't make it far without my trusty hardback moleskine planner. This bad boy is packed full of travel dates and daily to-do lists.

2. Moleskine large ruled notebook 2 pack

One of these kelly green beauts has been filled with wedding details: monthly and daily lists, countdowns, vendor info and IDEAS. It's already been fun to look back on since the entire process can become much of a blur. 

It's twin journal fit's ever so nicely into the back of my khaki's. It is filling up fast with Target business college notes, how to's, and advice from my team members. 

3. "She's a dreamer, a doer, a thinker. She sees possibility everywhere"

Snagged this sweet notebook during the target back to school madness. The inspiring quote on the front cover makes it a perfect pad for me to jot down blogging outlines, ideas, and resources. 

4. For the night stand

Some times it's hard for me to turn my mind off at night (and sleep is VERY important to me). Keeping a journal bedside allows me to leave my thoughts. sleep soundly. and pick up the next day where I left off. It hold true that some of the weirdest (and grandest) ideas come in the middle of the night... it's always good to have a pen and paper ready. 

5. Line-a-day gratitude journal

There is certainly something good in every day. Someone may have lied to you and said being married is easy and always beautiful, moving to a new place isn't difficult, and grown up jobs are a walk in the park. It all comes with challenges (most of which are very comical). Chris and I enjoy reflecting back on the day and recording a positive memory for the day, so we can look back on our first year of marriage and remember the happy times we've shared.

6. Love Letters

While Chris and I were apart during his back country trip to the Yukon, Canada we kept Journals for each other, and exchanged them upon his return. They are so happy to be in the same household on the same book shelve. These words from my husband are truly my most treasured possession. (I just love seeing the inside of his mind!)