'tis the season for engagements, falalalalalalalala

adam and i went to two amazing engagement parties recently. both were for our cousins.

my cuz, amy, @ her engagement party w/the two happy hostesses.
the cute couple in front of the beautiful tree

the dessert table. how pretty and festive! lauren and jordan also had delish appetizers.

didn't remember to take a pic of us until the very end of the party, so not the best, but oh well.

lauren and jordan (the hosts) had amy and thad do a newlywed game! amy and thad had to answer questions about each other to see if they both answered the same. the questions were from the party guests. i think they answered every single question about each other correctly! it was so impressive and fun to watch!

we got to see banana (aka anna) and michael there.

amy's future bother-in-law and sister-in-law. i talked to them for quite a while and they seemed so nice!

loved all of lauren's decor.

guests were asked to write advance for the future wedded couple. and, the advice was really good!

then, guests got to take a quiz about the couple. the person who had the most correct answers won a prize! we had a great time at the labbe engagement party! way to go, lauren and jordan! can't wait for more wedding festivities with y'all!

another engagement party we went to recently was adam's cousin's engagement party. again, another picture perfect wedding party.

look at this gorgeous decor and that cake!

the adorable couple

mandy and luke. i loved mandy's dress!

me with the mother and father of the bride. look @ the pretty centerpiece!

every detail was thought of.

how cool is this? even the water bottles were personalized!

CoNgRaTs to the FaBuLoUs CoUpLeS! We are so happy for y'all! Such an exciting time!

Happy Frugal Fall Y'all

Decorating on a dime (or so) for Fall.

I {heart} banners, so I just had to make a Fall one. I got scrapbook paper from the $1 section at Target, cut them into triangles and hung the triangles with ribbon I already had! Tah-dah!
I made a little framed leaf decoration using an old frame I already had and taping 2 leaves from the Dollar Tree to a black piece of paper.
I made a little U with a $2 paint-it-yourself U and $2 dry moss from Hobby Lobby.

I also made a "pearly pumpkin" to match the wreath. I used left over string of pearls from the wreath to make round pearly polka dots on the pumpkin. I ran out of the pearls before I was finished, but oh well!

Ah, I love Fall! I love decorating with Fall colors.

more dining room decor.

A parent gave me this cute little turkey a few years ago. Perfect centerpiece for the dining room!

One of my favorites of Fall is the owl. [There are owls on the ribbon, you just can't really see them!]

Even though it hasn't really felt like it, Happy Fall Y'all!

Hand-Me-Down Happy

{please excuse the lack of color. i keep on wanting to paint but am avoiding it, hah}

everything in this room was free or we already had it. gosh, i love free things. this guest room has come together pretty well considering we never spent a pretty penny on it! heh.
for the other guest room, we used adam's sister's childhood bed along with the mirror that i had growing up.

i did spend a little on this guest room but not a lot. i kept expenses to a minimum. i bought the following few things for the room: the bedspread from burlington coat factory, a used $10 nightstand from a used furniture store that i paint white,

this shelf from walmart,
a pillow from tuesday morning,

and a pearly shade from garden ridge. the actual lamp is one that my parents weren't using anymore.

i was glad to put to use this picture that i had in my bedroom growing up.

A Trick-or-Treat Tag Along

Adam and I were able to tag along with our niece and nephew as they went trick-or-treating.
It was oh-so-fun with this oh-so-cute one!

What a beauty!

And, here's another cutie!

Can't wait to see them again!

Fable Fest with Family

Fishin' for fun
Fishin' for Fall

Let's cruise around!

Could they get any cuter?

Cute as a 'lil pumpkin!

Me with the 'lil princess

Nice to be out in the Fallish weather

girls' night out for amy!

my cuz, amy, turned the big 27. great reason for a girls' night out!
1st stop: tasty appetizers at amy's.

next up: mulberry's for dinner.

last stop: taco cows?!

happy birthday to my cousin & friend, abr! so fun to celebrate with you!

Raetzsch Summer Beach Trip 2011

okay, people, we know texas beaches aren't world renowned for their beauty (let's be real), but i must say, the beach this year was nicer than we seen in 20 years. no seaweed washed ashore. no jellyfish floating around. the water--as clear as possible. so...

even i got in the texas beach water! haven't done that in at least 20 years! hah.

if you haven't yet, you should go enjoy the beach because it was quite nice.

there are sandy walks to go on and...

games to be played and...

soakin' up the sun to be done and...

memories to be made!

so, don't wait or hesitate. there's still time, go now! enjoy family time at your nearest texas beach.