What is your dream office?
It's Official!
Check it out: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nikhubbard67?ga_search_query=nikhubbard67&ga_search_type=seller_usernames
In other news, Matt and I celebrated our Valentines Day after we got back from our couples shower. My favorite flower is the tulip...and no they will not even appear in my wedding because they are apparently out of season. I think that they are quickly becoming Matt's favorite too...every time he gets them for me he checks them every night to see how they have changed. They have the most character of any flower I have seen...starting out beautiful and demur, then stretching out towards the sun (in whatever direction) and opening up as wide as possible. I don't have any pics of them all the way open like they are today, but here are a couple of pics of what he gave me for Valentines day. He gave me them planted so that I could try to grow them. However, after reading articles it may be very tough since we don't have cold winters. (People in Oklahoma should do it!)
We went to dinner at Kona Grill and then he gave me a giftcard for an hour massage at a local spa...SO PUMPED! It was a nice night. We were also able to book our engagement pictures with our photographer for April 9th so we are trying to find cute outfits now haha.
A Mardi Gras Shower with a Couple of Friends and Family
Erika, Leslie, and Leigh Ann took charge in planning this shower for us from the very beginning. Layla, David, and Matt's parents stepped in to help with a place to have it and to make ALL of the food. And there was a lot of food! From fruit, to cheese, to dips, to gumbo, to king cakes...it looked like a greecian feast.
All of the wedding party that attended brought a little something to help in the preparation. Kristen brought the coronas, Jake-the water, Logan-more beer, Ashtyn- the daquiris, Derrick-the ping pong balls, Omeed- the sprite and coke, Danielle- more beer..etc...we had a lot of beer haha We are so grateful to have such FANTASTIC friends and family! It had been raining the entire week before, but cleared up for our special day (hopefully we are as lucky for our ceremony in June).
It passed by so fast, but it was so nice to see everyone. I had met many of the persian guests at other parties, but some I didn't remember their names. I am also not sure they even knew who I was haha. One passed me up when walking in, then later walked to my mom and told her congrats (thinking she was the bride)...many women later asked me if she was my sister. I commented "no", and told them her age haha. Kristen was her typical awesome maid-of-honor self...cutting the limes and showing up with a printed list of names to write the gifts down. Leslie was not herself (sorry it has to be said)...she is typically the punctual one who is always early and has everything planned out. That day she wasn't feeling good because of a Mardi Gras ball the night before. I loved it...everyone has their time when they need to be a little off...that is why we are friends haha. Erika and Leigh Ann got to the shower early to decorate everything...I appreciated that, especially since Leigh Ann is now larger than normal. ;)
The warm gumbo helped out with the cool weather which seemed to get cooler as each gift was opened. Everyone sat patiently and watched Matt and I open our many great gifts...we are so excited about them. One of our favorites was the set of crawfish boiling supplies Matt's aunt gave us since we couldn't register for them. It was just a great day with great people...if it is any preminition of what is to come for our wedding day...I CAN'T WAIT!
Later that day, the party continued at Erika's in-laws RV they set up on the parade route. It was Matt and I's shower continued complete with left-overs and sandwiches. It was the only parade that Matt and I got to go to this year so we enjoyed it.
The next day before we left, I was able to go to Linda's and try my dress, shoes, and veil on for my family to see. I was nervous to show them and hoped they liked it...my dad came up with a new song for me to walk down the aisle to. We brought Jake to the airport in Houston so he could fly home for school. When telling him goodbye, I thanked him for going through so much trouble to come down for our shower. He said, "Why wouldn't I, you are my sister!?" He is getting so grown-up...I love my family!
Nikki
Is there a game on tonight?
I'm getting my homework done so that I can take tonight off to enjoy a (hopefully) good game. Win or lose, this is a historical game and it is such a great feeling to know that the Saints got this far! When I moved to Louisiana I always thought, "Why is everyone so into this sucky team?"...well it took a few years, but I began to understand. The spirit of this great state and New Orleans in particular is unlike any other. I have spent some time here in Houston arguing against others that tell me New Orleans should have never been rebuilt! I cannot even believe I am hearing that, and know that these people have never experienced that great city (which is more than just Bourbon Street). To let the waters wash away a city with some of the most culture in America would have been inexcusable.
I think this is the same thing felt by many in that city. It is their home and the Saints coming back home when it looked unsure gave them hope. So this game is more than just about football to them...
Let the brass band play...Laissez le bon temps rouler...all the way until Mardi Gras! Everyone at home, see you next weekend! Who Dat!? Geaux Saints!
Nikki
Marriage Prep
Four Girls and a Baby
L.O.V.E.
In case you are wondering why I write these blogs; it is not only to keep my family and friends up-to-date on my life, but also to help me explore my creativity in other ways...it helps me in studio I think. I am taking a creative writing class about architecture this semester and they encourage us to blog, so be expecting more to come because I am not slowing down.
Just to make sure no one is wondering if I am still wallowing in self-pity after my last blog post, I decided to write this blog to perk up the mood a bit.
This one is for LOVE. It doesn't matter if it is the love of your family, the love of your friends, the love of that special someone...even if it is just that you love what you do. Take time to appreciate the love around you. As cheesy as it is..."Love is all you need". I feel so lucky to be loved by so many and to have so many whom I love...even if I don't always love what I do. I also just really like the style in this pic! ;)
Niks
Excitement and Nerves
Tomorrow school starts (que scary movie death music)...I am very nervous because supposedly it will be the hardest semester yet. I keep trying to think positive because thinking negative sure didn't help me any last semester. Sooo...I am going to have a fun and awesome semester! (said with a cheesy smile)
This past week was full of excitement. The most exciting thing was that my wedding dress came in on Saturday! As I opened the box, I saw the word dress on the label, and began tearing at the tape with all of my might. I was so excited when I saw it...it is sooo pretty. My ebay dress purchase was a success in terms of quality! When I tried it on, it was a bitter sweet moment. Originally when trying the designer dress on in the store, it was so small that it wouldn't go over my rear. I ordered the correct size to fit my larger bottom half, but apparently I have lost a lot of weight since I got measured in November. The dress is big EVERYWHERE...I knew this wouldn't be easy. Hopefully after my "lady" alters it, it will fit perfectly (I she can even alter it that much). My garter also came in so my wedding day outfit is close to complete.
Matt and I also met with our cake person who helped us design it and talked to the people about our Persian Rehearsal Dinner which should be a lot of fun. Matt's parents came here last night and his mom gave me my christmas gift from the family. It was a yellow scarf that had my "new" initials on it in green and orange. It looked so weird to see those initials and think they were about to be mine.
I also had my endoscopy Monday, where I was told that my ulcer is GONE! That was a good feeling, unforutnately I still have several mini-ulcer sores so the doctor is not sure why. I also noticed that my perpetual headaches I have had several times a week for years seemed to go away when I was on my diet. I will be continuing my "lifestyle" diet, as well as, getting three different food allergy tests done to make sure that is not what is causing all of my problems.
As I am finishing up this blog, another exciting delivery was just made! I have just been loving the post woman this week! We just received our first wedding registry gift from Matt's uncle, Reza, in California. Stacked at my front door are 3 large Macy's boxes with his name on them, but I am waiting on Matt to get home to open them. I feel like a child at Christmas, so like a child, I looked at our registry and found out that it is most likely our dishes...it will be hard not to use them until we are married! Be sure to keep checking our website for updates: www.mattandnikki.projectwedding.com and sign our guestbook!
Nikki
Almost 5 months...
Matt and I have been getting more and more motivation to get in shape for our wedding since it is almost 5 months away. We picked photos to inspire us...we will see if we get any results, but I am posting the inspiration photos to make it a little more real.
Matt was lucky to have himself to inspire...himself. He was working out pretty hard and running with his roomate, Lee at LSU about four years ago so we picked a photo from Spring Break to inspire him. It might be hard to tell, but as soon as he saw it he knew what he had to do. He has been trying hard to go to the gym; packing a small bag to bring to work everyday. Please ignore the large blonde next to him (I cannot believe I was once "That girl" that was with the cute guy and didn't realize it haha)
I haven't been as good as I would like to be in recent years and really couldn't find a pick to inspire me. Since we are going to be at the beach (hopefully) for our honeymoon, I wanted a bathing suit picture to inspire me. The problem with going to celebs for inspiration in the past is that they all are pretty slender, and let's face it, this girl has got curves that are not going away. I tried to think of someone with a similar shape, so I picked Kim Kardashian...I know I know. It seems like everyone is talking about her body these days, but the reason I picked her is because she does not look like she is full of muscle (because mine never shows), and her rear and chest are pretty similar to mine...large. After I started running last spring, my stomach started to slim down and then this diet furthured that. I am hoping that I can continue to eat similar to the way I have been and start running again (signed up for another 10K)...and then will add in some Tae Bo resistance bands. I know myself so gyms will just not work.
I won something...
Wish I could quickly get a trip together for palm beach haha.
My favorite website for wedding planning asked us to comment on our favorite part of wedding planning and was giving away prizes for doing so. Although I couldn't go this coming weekend, I quickly typed in mine (hoping to score the tickets for New York)...and I won 1 ticket to go to a big beach wedding show this coming weekend in Palm Beach. It is impossible for me to get there for the event, bit is still pretty cool that I won by quickly telling what I thought....which was not about the dress (the typical bride answer)! There were 65 people writing in and they chose 17 winners, so it makes me feel great! Anyone wanna go that can get there...?
winners:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/01/11/wedding-party-winners/
my comment is the 2nd one:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/01/07/wedding-party-palm-beach-giveaway/
Niks
Happy Mardi Gras Season!
Late, but Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The holiday season is always such a great time of year for me, not only because I get a break from school, but also because I really get into the spirit. Even though I couldn't afford gifts this year, I embraced the season and helped wrap others gifts and looked at lights. The holiday season passed in the blink of an eye, mostly because I couldn't really start celebrating it until December 18th when I finished school. Now I am looking at my continually drying Christmas tree with a little sadness in my heart because I as soon as I got into it, it was over. Tomorrow is the day I have finally decided to do the thing I dread most every year; take down my Christmas decorations and put them in boxes until next year. I felt that although I am very late posting this blog, I should a least write a little about Christmas and New Year before getting on with my other blogs.
Although I am in finals from Thanksgiving until Christmas, it is also a great time of year that fills me with such cheer. Maybe it is the sparkling lights that light up our neighborhood that is otherwise dark and cold in the winter. I have to say, one good thing about moving to Sugar Land is that our neighborhood, in particular, has the best lights! We saw a house with lights set to music and a santa roller coaster. Looking at lights on Christmas Eve was a tradition that my parents, who I have always thought do the best Christmases, started when we were younger. I have since carried that tradition on, not on Christmas Eve, but whatever night Matt and I choose to open gifts. He acts like he doesn't want to, but when we have the music on and start seeing the sights, I can tell he gets a little into it. This year he even told me that I always have so much Christmas spirit that it seems to spread to him more...I like that ;).
We headed our separate ways a few days before Christmas...little did I know I was headed to a soon-to-be blizzard. We really tried to cherish this Christmas because we know that next year things will be a little different and since our families do not live in the same states, there is a good chance that one of us won't see our family for Christmas. The day after I got to Norman, I started my shopping with my dad and brother which was quite comical considering we went to Victoria Secret together of all stores. I kept wondering what we looked like walking in together and as Jake walked by a rack of bras he said, "This is the bra Kristen wants..."haha. He later was trying to get her size from me secretly, but I misunderstood what he was saying when I kept hearing, "B20?"....bingo or vitamins?
Unfortunately when I heard we were getting snow the next day I thought we could still shop in it like in Houston. When I woke up on Christmas Eve I was amazed at the amount of snow and ice and the hurricane force winds.We couldn't finish our shopping so we relaxed together and stayed in our p.j's.
After doing the Christmas thing, we made our way through the conditions to Dawn's house for a Christmas dinner complete with a drum solo, games, and strep throat (we discovered two days later). The rest of my time in Norman was spent just enjoying the fam and hanging out. I had a good time this year and wish it wasn't over so quickly. I had to get out in my small window of no snow, but didn't make it all the way out before I hit the snowfall around Dallas.
Nice to see when I returned home, that Matt had missed me while he was there working and I was gone (doesn't happen often). I gave him his stocking full of candy and gifts from my family and we enjoyed one last night of Christmas.
Matt with his gifts...please ignore the pants...he found them and loves how comfortable they are. They look like highwater/ European men's capri pants in sweatpant form...not too attractive. ;) Now we know what to get him for mext Christmas!
I usually hate New Years...I find it to be extremely over-rated kinda like Valentines Day. I was excited last year because I was with friends and had a lot of plans for the following year, but this year has been a pretty good one for the most part and I did not want this coming year to go in reverse.The past three years we welcomed the New Year in New Orleans with friends which was amazing, so this year when Matt had to work the day before and I had just gotten back, we had no clue what to do. We only had ONE friend in town so I just thought we will probably stay home. Matt's sister, Layla, called us New Years Eve and told us she was coming to visit out of boredom in Lafayette. This was a good thing b/c it forced us to plan. Matt's friend got us into a private party at a bar that wasn't too crowded, had free champagne, and a breakfast buffet in the morning. Maybe making no plans helps you have a better time when it surpasses your expectations! I got ready right before with a necklace I got for Christmas, a dress I pulled from the back of my closet that I hadn't worn since high school, and a new pair of shoes for a good price. Hopefully this awesome outfit that fit perfectly together is a sign of a good year ahead haha. The night turned out to be a lot of fun and by the end Matt had convinced me not to think about the bad, but look forward to the good...Happy New Years Everyone! May this year bring you good health, wealth, and a general sense of satisfaction with you life...and as I kept telling our new cop friend from that night... I'M GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR! :)
A Mix and A-Mingle
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Although I have always lived in the South, when I think of Christmas I think of snow falling, a fire going, and a beautiful Christmas tree. So imagine my joy when, the morning after we got done decorating our Christmas tree, we woke up to snow falling in Houston!
Thursday night we had some friends over for dinner and had bought our live Christmas tree from the plant place before they came. While the guys cooked the deer Matt killed, the girls were able to decorate the Christmas tree to Christmas music. We love our tree this year! I also made two wreaths (I am trying to learn to make them as good as my mom). Matt is intending on putting lights up outside still, but we seem to have misplaced the ones we bought on sale last year.
Friday was a perfect day because Matt was off of work and my classes were canceled so when the snowfall increased we were able to go play outside like little kids. It snowed from 9am until about 4 pm when we started loading the truck to head to Lafayette for our Engagement Party (future blog soon). Although the outside lights are not up yet, it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...
Niks
"Elk City's Got it All!"
The snow started falling at our house this morning (pictures to follow soon) and reminded me that I had better get a Thanksgiving blog out before Christmas haha. I have been very busy with homework this week so this was my first chance.
Matt and I were looking forward to this (our favorite) holiday for months. He, of course, was looking forward to hunting and I was looking forward to seeing my family that I only get to see at this time of year. In order to get to his first hunt in time, we happily said goodbye for the long weekend, and headed out at 6 am. Upon arriving in Norman, Matt threw his stuff in my dad's truck and took off to Elk with high hopes of killing something. I took it easy that day with my mom and sister. Well much to his delight, all of the months of praying paid off; Matt got an 8 point buck that night.
The next morning my mom, brother, and I drove to my dad's parents. We met everyone when walking through the kitchen as we do every year. Something was a bit different this year, I suddenly was very aware of how short I am as all of the "little" cousins are now taller than me and dress with more style than I do. (when did this happen?!) The meal was delicious as always and was eaten on the classic reversible turkey/santa place mats. I ate some of Matt's pumpkin pie and some cranberry dressing stuff that my grandmother makes every year...no nuts in it for me please! ;) Matt and I are still in an arguement as to what the name of that stuff really is.
I then preceded to entertain and be entertained by the oh so talkative and very creative Casey, who only remembers me when I see him because he wants my dog Gable haha. I will take whatever I can get though...He tells me that he is my "ring beer" in my wedding and I say "sure, you can hold the beer!" After taking some pictures of him, I decided to show him how the camera works which he took to quite quickly. We had a photoshoot for about an hour and I had about 150 photos of carpet, feet, fingers, and tv's to erase...it was so worth it!
After laying on the couch, it was time to go meet my cousins who were being personally flown in. ;) It was already late the night so we all ate at Mimi's and went to bed. The next morning we went for a run. The run was cold and dry (I am a wimp in the cold)...but my mom, Jill, and I muscled through it and managed to run the neighborhood twice. Thank goodness I ran because the rest of the day consisted of heavy eating haha. Mimi and my aunt managed to prepare an amazing meal in record time that was also served on time which is a record as well. I followed that meal with some delicious dessert. Matt and the guys had been hunting all morning and after the meal took off again in search of the perfect kill. I was able to go through all of the wonderful invitations that Susie had to offer and narrow it down to a few...just a few haha.
The "four cousins" meaning Erin, Mark, Kristen, and me played a few games like old times and then the adults joined in for round of pictionary. When the guys got back, they saw how much fun we were having and wanted in on another round. We had a loud game going until late that night that was so much fun and showed many of my family members competitive side to say the least. I have never heard so many "You cheated!" screamed by adults haha.
The next morning Erin and Mark went to their other sides thanksgiving and took sweet Eli and Addi with them. Addi is the best baby ever...she went to me right when walking in the house which I have never had happen before! Troy took Poppy, Steve, and Matt on a ride in his plane to get breakfast in Oklahoma City during which Poppy and Matt got to fly it. When we went to pick them up, he decided to take Mimi, Kyla, Brooke, and I on a ride so that Kyla could fly it. She did amazing at flying and it wasn't until Troy did his 1.5G turn that we got sick haha...I could never be a pilot. On the way back I told Matt that he got to do two of his favorite things this weekend...Mimi then replied "Elk City's got it all!"
It was a fantastic Thanksgiving, although it felt too short. I didn't get as many pictures as I would like so if any of you have some feel free to send them my way. See you soon!
Niki
The Excitement is Overwhelming Me!
I am getting so excited about seeing everyone for Thanksgiving this year! I just had to blog about it to procrastinate and see if anyone else shares my excitement. I absolutely love Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday of the year and that is not only because I like to eat a lot of delicious food. I love seeing my family and getting to spend a couple days with them with little to no distractions from the outside world.
This year Matt and I are very excited about going to Elk City. He cannot stop talking about hunting and this will be the first time we see everyone since getting engaged. His parent's will also be joining us this year (85% chance). I extended an invitation and pending the results of his grandmother in Iran's hospitalization, they will be joining us. (If his dad can get back from Iran in time). His mom told him today that she is looking forward to seeing where I come from and my life in Oklahoma since my family knows their lives and backgrounds in Louisiana so well.
While my photoshop is reloading
I am having to reinstall my photoshop because it is not working and I cannot live without it, so while I cannot do anything I am updating my blog.
Halloween was fun at night, and our costumes worked our well. We went to a party of one of Matt's friend's friends. I didn't know anyone , but it was still cool to see the costumes. Then we went out to this country bar and I got swung around the dance floor by some guy...not fun! Matt and I were the milk man and the housewife haha. Do to all costumes these days wanting to show the belly...I made an apron with lace to tie in front, not the most flattering, but at least my tummy doesn't show like an 18 year old. ;)
This weekend, my sis and her main squeeze came to visit and go to his cousin's wedding. We went to get some sushi at our favorite place on Friday night. I got to meet and babysit their doggy "sir charles" as I like to call him...ADORABLE! We didn't have much time to spend together, but did manage to get together Sunday night to measure each other for the dresses for my wedding...and we ordered my dress! YAY! I am very excited. It is ashame that we have no pictures from the weekend, but out of four of us, not one camera had a battery charger haha. Enjoy your night!
Niks
This one is for you dad
A Southern Fall Weekend
Spent as one should in the South, this past Fall weekend Matt and I traveled to Baton Rouge to see the Tigers roll over Auburn.
At the beginning of fall Matt promised to bring me to an LSU game during my wine-fest about how much I miss it over there every Fall. I then stated, "make sure it is a good game." Because it was too hard to get Florida tickets he went for the Auburn game; proudly winning the ebay bid in the last 2 seconds after a week of watching it.
I had been on my food regime now for 2.5 weeks and planned on breaking it for one day during the weekend so that I could tailgate properly. We stopped in Lake Charles on the way in to grab some shrimp etouffee which was delicious.
We enjoyed the day of tailgating and then went to the game to see our Tigers play in Death Valley. This was our first time not sitting in the student section so it was weird not having to stand and dance to all of the band's songs throughout the game. I kept catching myself doing the dances while sitting. The Tigers played better than expected, stomping Auburn, and I got to hear the fight song which gives me chills every time. I left a happy camper, stopping at my favorite burrito place to top off the night. O how I love a Louisiana tailgate!
Nikki
"X"ing out the days
It seems like lately the calendar days have been collecting their X's very quickly. Before you know it...I will be walking down the aisle! ;) We have a little over 8 months left... and we are still progressing very nicely.
Two weeks ago we visited Austin, Texas to go to the one wedding shop out of four states of shops that had my dress. Of course when we got there, the dress was so small that it wouldn't go over my bottom. So I have pictures of me in the bottom of the dress, and pictures in the top separately. That does not stop my imagination so I went home and photoshopped them together to show my mom and sis the complete look. We all LOVED it and the seamstress sent me samples of the fabric she uses and I love them, so in Novermber I will be getting measured and ordering what I now know is my wedding dress. The thought that I have found my dress now makes me feel like it is all really happening, and I am getting more and more excited every day! That night we met Matt's cousin and his wife for dinner. She had called ahead for reservations and told them we were celebrating our engagement. When we got there, the menus said "Congratulations" and later we got a free desert haha. I loved it!
I have also started to collect decorations that I have found along the way at stores. Seeing everything makes it all come together and helps me to create more of a vision. Matt decided on gray suits and we are going to look for them in a few months. We have narrowed down our honeymoon destination to St. Lucia and Bora Bora, depending on money haha. My bridesmaids outfits are almost done, and I am deciding on my Junior Bridesmaid's dress this week. Today Matt and I toured the Hilton Garden Inn near our venue and they gave us a great rate of $69 per night so we will be setting that up for you all shortly! I have become an expert on cool blog sites for creative wedding ideas and have found that to be a constructive waste of my time. I am starting to put together ideas that will make our wedding more personal and am finishing picked music for the ceremony within the next week so that I can find someone to sing and play it all. If only Jonas would get back to me (as I look around scratching my head)...;)
Favorite websites so far...
I had my follow up appointment after my endoscopy the week before last. I was told at the endoscopy that I had an ulcer and would be getting anitbiotics for it. When I arrived, she said that I have a very inflamed and irritated stomach with an ulcer, and my valve between my esaphagus and stomach isn't working properly. On top of this new information, they don't know why this has happened...the story of my life! I have now decided that I will take no medication (that could just hurt something else), and have put myself on a regime of no sugar, white flour, and no dairy to get my body in balance (also no coffee). My hope is that within a few months my body will be balanced and I will be able to function fully aware and awake with no coffee. I am on day nine and doing well...I am very proud of myself and hope that this can aid in healing other imbalances in my life.
Matt and I celebrated our seven years of dating this past week. The day was October 10th, but Matt was at the LSU/FLORIDA game so he got back Sunday with flowers for me. Monday night he gave me a new LSU shirt, and took me to dinner and a movie. I must say, I have found such a great guy! After seven years I can still get giddy when thinking about how sweet he is which is rare I have found. Sure we have our tiffs, but in the end we conquer together as strong team mates.
Have a good weekend,
Niks