Here we go again.

Things are never quiet in our crazy little world. Since the wedding we have been super cute and domestic. Brian's been cooking and grocery shopping. I've been reorganizing and getting laundry done. But then a little bird sent a reminder, we don't live a quiet life. Enter, chaos.

It's "angry august" here at Northern, when guides get burnt out and staff gets tired. Everyone has been pushing through doubles and weeks with no end since July. It's the race to the finish to make money before everyone heads their separate ways before winter. Separate ways? Oh yes, that means ARE WE MOVING?

Our fabulous house, with tons of space and some mice is far too big for heating without some wood. And scaredy me doesn't want to heat with wood in the old house when Brian's at work all night. So, we need something smaller. No biggie - except the question in all conversations. Will that be in MAINE or MASS? Oh, boy.

We've been stealing quiet conversations over lunch, trying to figure out where we fit best. And there's the prodding new discovery, Brian's job in Mass he has been working towards for years is hiring. Yes, they called - and yes, he'll be in Mass next week.

But we're here now, semi-settled in a town with no school for the future babes. Moving is a must - but location is debatable.

Calling all brides.

Be happy. If you do nothing else on your wedding day; be happy. Don't worry whether or not everything is in the right place, or if you've forgotten something. It will all be perfect, after all, at the end of the day you will be married to the love of your life. (and if you can follow through with the other two hints - everything else will get any needed attention)

Surrond yourself with incredible people. I was overwhelmed by the excitement that surrounded our wedding. Our family and friends were abuzz about attending our wedding, how happy they were for us, and how much they were looking forward to our celebration. A big part of this was vacation time, as our wedding was a destination for all of our guests and many stayed a few days before and after. But it wasn't just about a few days off - people we really EXCITED for us to be husband and wife! I love it! (and my amazing hubby!!!) What made it even more special were the friends that shared their talent - a sweet friend was my bridal attendant (a huge help and lets you breathe deep), a new friend played his guitar for our ceremony (one of the sweetest gifts), my wonderful cousin did our ceremony reading (with love and some tears), and at a last minute request to lead Amazing Grace, three dear friends stood up and sang their hearts out for us.
{Advice: People love you, let them share their gifts on your big day - it is truly a most special gift}

Include everyone, or at least as many people as you can. This was the key to my sanity. My bridesmaids have always been amazing people and they were superstars for my wedding. We also had a ton of hands helping us make our big day - aunts baked cookies, his mom and grandma made table runners, my father cut card holders and refinished a beautiful screen, my mom did a thousand things, friends of the family cut fruit at our cabin, helped us with hair and make-up, made fabric flowers (I love this project!), and my aunt came through in a last minute request with the most beautiful sentimental something borrowed a girl could ask for. And then we overtook one of my bridesmaid's parents inn room in a whirlwind of dresses and make-up.

Many hands - when all have open hearts and focused hands - do indeed make light work.

With love,
Mrs. Crater

Wholly Moly - Hold ON

Last few weeks have been a whirl wind - like HOLY MOLY WE ARE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE1

Put on rose colored glasses, hold on tightly to my chair and make sure nothings coming from behind to throw me back into the tornado.

WHEW!  I think we're safe.

Quick recap:

• Brian cut his leg WIDE open (first ambulance ride since we've been together)
• Guide Training (more on that later) week of beating my body to a pulp
• Mom-mom passed - heartbreaking loss, she will be truly missed
• Nikki, my boss at Forrester, left to become the Chief Home Officer for her family
• We started moving into the house we are renting for the summer
• My sister is getting MARRIED this weekend

Oh yeah, and there's that wedding of my own that's getting closer everyday!

Enter major time on the computer, family crafts, and lots of hugs from my new friends in Maine. Trying to convince Brian that getting 20 small tasks that have no looming deadline makes me feel better than doing 1 big thing = my sanity is returning.

Soapwalla Kitchen

Back in middle school I had a friend who's mother was a nurse and switched her to aluminum-free deodorant. And that's when it started - my search for a natural product. Back then I only wanted it because my friend had it. But now I realize my momma blessed me with beautiful skin and don't I owe it to her and myself to keep it safe and healthy?

After years of casually searching for something (those rock sticks you wet, totally ineffective natural producs)that actually worked, I stumbled upon the Earth Friendly Weddings after a recommendation from a friend. Second post I read - all about a fantastic deodorant from where else, but my favorite place Etsy!

Soapwalla Kitchen makes an all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant cream in her Brooklyn apartment. It is fantastic! It smells incredible, is as smooth as lotion, and isn't irritating after showering. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't looking to change deodorants. I forgot to stir it before using and it wasn't very effective, but on the second day after some stirring it worked great. Dry and smelling like roses, I'm HOOKED.

And a bonus, I needed more body oil (way better than lotion in the summer, I put it on one night a week and no slimly lotion skin when you get sweaty, by the way) so I tried Soapwalla's Luxirious Moisturizing Body Oil. It's HEAVEN and smells delicious.

Mmmm...Avacado.

I love food. And right now I'm hooked on this delicious treat:

A fresh, soft roll from the Good Bread @ R Family Farm picked up at the Skowhegan Farmer's Market toasted; topped with melted goat cheese, cool slices of ripe sweet cherry tomatoes, and avacado.

True heaven. And best enjoyed with a glass of Three Blind Moose Riesling.

Try it for yourself - let me know what you thinkg!

Oh Greenville. My Love.

The town of Greenville is the epitome of a classic New England lakeside town. It bustles in the summer with tourists hoping to catch a moose sighting, decked out in their Maine sweatshirts and flip flops. In the winters things quiet down while many shops close up and residents hunker down waiting for the first major storm.

Greenville is why I fell in love with Maine. Our save-the-dates needed to be just as charming. They are the town's first introduction to our family and friends. The solution, vintage postcards.

Vintage photographs of Greenville were reprinted into post cards by a local vendor, Vintage Paper Image. They are perfect. I could print all of the information right on the card, and finished it with a personalized stamp from Sugar Letter on Etsy. Adorable.

Pitter patter...goes my heart.

I know, I know....I've been a terrible blogger. What have I been doing? Planning my all consuming, help me I'm drowning, but I love it so much I can stop starting new projects WEDDING!

Why have I been so selfish and not shared? Cause I've been sucked in and don't want to come up for air. But, all good things must be shared...plus this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, so I'd better let out the secret that I have new found skills. Crafting like a maniac and loving every minute of it. <3

Get ready...