Mini- Vaca : Surprise Trip to the Mountain

 Quite a few weeks ago, I planned this surprise trip for Andrew. He's been working so hard and studying so diligently.  When I found a weekend that I had off from work and that he didn't have an exam following, I took advantage of it!

The best part about it was that he had absolutely no idea what we were doing, and I enjoyed every minute of getting to unveil surprises!

Surprise #1-  McDonalds on the drive. McD's is Andrew's absolute favorite. Me, not so much. I feel awkward and guilty when I drive through for him. But, he's worth it and he loved his junk food treat and first surprise.

Surprise #2- Mount Hood! He figured out pretty quickly with the outfit I left out for him and the direction we were headed that we were headed for a hike!

 It couldn't have been a more perfect day! Warm, sunny, and beautiful snow on the mountain.

 We definitely are not professional hikers and we didn't go too far. Needed better hiking attire for sure! But, we absolutely enjoyed every second of the peaceful, quiet, gorgeous outdoors!

 

 

Goodbye beautiful mountain!

Surprise #3- Overnight stay at The Resort At the Mountain! 

They have some great deals if you are looking for a trip to book!

We drove up to the resort and Andrew said, "Ohhh, I know what we are doing..." He thought we were just getting a massage at the spa and then heading back to Portland. So, we went into the main entrance of the resort and I had him go sit down while I made sure they were ready for us. The lady was so great when I whispered that he thought we were just here for a massage. She secretively got the info she needed from me and showed me on a map where the "spa" was and circled where our room was. Then she increased her volume giving us spa instructions. Oh, she was fabulous!

So, we headed toward the spa and then I turned us off to our room. He was so surprised!

 We played some lawn bowling while waiting for our massage time. He was right on that part, we did have massages scheduled!

 

Surprise #4-  All inclusive massages for the two of us!  This was the most amazing spa experience I've ever had! I can't even begin to explain how relaxing the entire experience was from the moment we stepped into the facility to the moment we left. I highly recommend the Resort at the Mountain Spa. 

 Surprise #5- All inclusive dinner! We could order anything on the menu. So, naturally, being the cheap-os that we are, we took advantage of this and ordered close to the most expensive items on the menu! Boy, were they delicious! 

(They had much fancier names and delicious sides, but this is the basically what we ate)

Andrew:  Peppercorn Crusted New York Steak

Jenna: Flat Iron Steak and Smoked Salmon 

I've never eaten so much meat in one day in my life. BUT, our meals were probably the best meals either of us has ever had. Truly a treat!  And, Andrew couldn't get over how excited he was that they brought him a Henry Weinhard Root Beer (his favorite drink). 

Nice face Babe!

 Our cozy robes! 

 Surprise #6- All inclusive Breakfast

Also, absolutely delicious! No photos of the food, but we enjoyed the nice fireplace in the lobby!

 Overall, we both had such a great time! Andrew couldn't stop smiling the whole trip and we were reminded that it doesn't require a week's vacation or even an entire weekend. Just 24 hours of being together and doing something out of the ordinary away from schedules and studying was all it took. I also learned how much I love surprising him! So much fun!

Honestly . . .

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

 I am absolutely exhausted and just want to lay on the couch and put my feet up. Which is what I am doing . . . Thankfully, Andrew is being a sweetheart and making some dinner. 

 

To be fully honest, today was not a good day. One of those days where I honestly wonder,  "why am I a Nurse again. . . "

-13+ hour days

-Aching feet & everything else

-Wearing super cute grandma compression socks for being on my feet all day

-Getting lunch 9 hours after breakfast . . . 

-I realized that I only emptied my bladder once today. . .

-Had difficult, challenging, crazy cases with ALL of my patients today

-Cleaning up every body fluid you can imagine. . .

Then I am reminded why I do this and why after most days, I feel very satisfied and blessed.

-I get to be an advocate for my patients

-I do for them what they cannot do for themselves in their most vulnerable moments

-I guide and educate them in times of need

-I am able to help meet their basic physical, emotional, and spiritual needs

-I can share God's love and light with each patient and family member

-Helping others brings me immense JOY

-I can use my gifts and talents to tangibly help my patients and hopefully improve their quality of life

I am so thankful to be a nurse and truly do love what I do. Sometimes, I just need a little reminding. After a rough day of giving my all to my patients, I am simply worn out! Not to mention, I am still learning so much and am very new at this!

Thankful for a free weekend and fun, relaxing plans with my love!

Refinish- Lumiere

 

While in Salem on Monday, I worked on this project. I refinished this previously plain wood mirror and 3 large candle pedestals.

I'm still planning to distress the mirror . . .

I Purchased these candle pedestals across the street at a junk sale for $1 each. They remind me of Beauty and the Beast candlestick character, Lumiere. 

 I sanded down the mirror and painted with three different paint colors- all in the green, mint, blue, robin's egg color palette. The mirror was $24 from Target on clearance.  Ace hardware sells little containers of paint for a few dollars each. Great for little projects like this!

 

Yes, I'm wearing camo. Perfect gear for some dirty work!

I re-hung the newly painted mirror in our bedroom. 

I think it adds a nice romantic touch.

I've enjoyed my days off, but it's time to head back to work!

Favorite Finds: Color Palette

I am nearly obsessed with this color palette (egg photo above). . .  I just can't get 

enough of it! I've always been a fan of the blues & greens to teal, but I love how they all work together! Yesterday (day 4 out of 5 off- pro to working 12 hr shifts= more days off), my mom and I met up for some shopping and girl time together. I took some photos along the way of items I loved in this same color palette. (Mostly taken at Anthropologie).

 

Rainy Monday mornings are the best time to shop or be in any public place! We had the shopping center nearly all to ourselves!  

 

New finds mixed in with our dishes.  Love it!

Thanks mom for a great day! 

 

Egg drop soup and honey chicken for lunch. I'd like to learn how to make egg-drop soup! So good! 

I Sew: Plaid Skirt

           
 {Blouse: Old Navy, Cardigan: F21, Skirt: me, Belt: Thrift Store, Necklace: Great Grandmother's,
 Boots: Ross, Purse: gift from Italy from Aunt R.}

 
This is my first sewn clothing item. What do you think? It's certainly not perfect, but it'll do for a first try.   I just need some additional bracelets and maybe a different sweater or jacket to make this outfit a bit more fashionable. Also, I'm in desperate need of a hair cut!

 

Yellow zipper added after I realized that to get it on, I had to pull it over my head! Much easier to slip on now. 

  I completely understand why the contestants on project runway complain when not having stick-like models (size 0-2's)...  People like me .... It's not so easy making things for normal folks with curves. Currently working on different ways to better work with big bums (i.e. me). It was a challenge getting this skirt to fit correctly between the waist and hips.  Overall, I am pleased with the results! Stay tuned for further projects!

 

Have I mentioned how much I adore my husband. I enjoyed a lovely Starbucks date this weekend while Andrew studied and I did some reading. With each day, I am more and more thrilled and thankful that I am finished with school (for the time being), am a wife, am working my dream job, and can do what I love to do in my time off. All praise and glory to God!

DIY: Soy Candles

Make your own soy candles! We followed this blog tutorial.

 

After a rooftop dinner with our friends, Brandon and Catherine (Brandon goes to medschool with Andrew and his wife, Catherine, is a fellow nurse!), we started the candle making project. The guys headed up to the lab for some studying. 

 We mostly used vanilla, cinnamon, and some lavender as scents. 

After the wax dried, we topped the mason jars off with fabric and tags.

 I think they turned out great! Can't wait to try lighting one. They make great gifts too!

How To: Use a Piping Bag Without a Mess!

I don't know about you, but when I use my piping bag with frosting or other ingredients, it turns out to be a complete mess and disaster! Just getting the frosting into the bag is difficult. So, I learned this trick and thought I should share. Maybe you already know it and I was just out of the loop. . . If you don't, try it out next time!

 

1. Stretch out plastic wrap

2. Place frosting or ingredient onto plastic wrap (this is cheese cake filling)

3. Fold over edges to cover all substance

4. Twist plastic wrap ends

 

5. Place into piping bag

6. Pull plastic twisted end through end of piping bag

 

7. Cut end and attach end parts of the piping bag

  

8. Pipe away as usual... 

  

9. Pull plastic wrap tail out of piping bag and throw away

 

10. See, no mess!! So easy and quick! 

**Not my original idea. If you want to watch a how-to video, click here**

 This is a made up pie of all sweet things I could find in my cabinet. Oreo-crusted, pumpkin, chocolate chip, cheesecake. It was just ok. The important part is that it was mess-free right?