Where have I been?

My best friend got married yesterday! Hence the reason I've been non-exist on this here blog lately. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for her. So much love and wonderful emotions filled the entire day. I wish them all the happiness in the world and I hope that enjoy their honeymoon!
I'll be back this week with regular postings. I'm hoping that I recover from the wedding coma soon.
{More photos to come!}

And also..
yesterday was my baby sister's twentieth birthday.
Happy Birthday Michelle. I love you.

Scenes from the weekend

Saturday night was my best friend's bachelorette party. Dinner, drinks, high heels + laughing so hard our faces hurt. I made her a sash (pictured above) to wear and another bridesmaid brought a veil for her. It was the perfect night.

^  ^  ^  ^  ^

Sunday we slept in a bit, did some chores, played with the chickens and FOUND OUR FIRST EGG! We haven't built nesting boxes yet because we really weren't expecting them for another month or so, but I guess we should get on that. Since we didn't know how long the egg had been there, we composted it (don't want to be eating rotten eggs now, do we?!) but this morning, I knew to check and there was another egg in the shavings! I washed it and have started a carton for our free-range eggs! For now I think that there is only one chicken laying, so I hope the others catch on soon. Can't wait to try the eggs. I hear they are absolutely delicious + and as bright as the sun.

 I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Stay cool.

Recently

 

& hello friends..

Can you believe how fast June flew by? I'm having a hard time adjusting to my summer mode. Which is less teaching and more relaxing (I don't even know what that word means), more time spent in my craft room and more time chasing the chickens. Just kidding. Kind of. 

Dance classes start next week and I feel so refreshed and ready to teach! It's amazing what a couple weeks off can do for our little dancing brains. 

Since I've had a bit of extra time* I've spent some long days locked up working on Handmade by Nicole. You might have noticed a few new items in the etsy shop or on our facebook page (which I hope you have) because I've been experimenting with some new jewelry projects and I'm really excited to share them with all of you.

On a random whim the other day, I started playing around with the wire that I originally bought for the heart rings and I came up with those bracelets you see over there --> and I'm kind of in love. I'm also working on incorporating those heart charms into a delicate chain necklace. Really excited to get them into the shop!

*not truly extra, mind you. I've had plenty of things keeping me busy -- it's funny how you have "time off" and you become busier than normal.

Among other things keeping me busy as of late, my best friend's wedding is a month from Wednesday! I am over the moon thrilled for her. She and her soon-to-be-hubby have done a fabulous job planning the big day. All while remaining partially sane and relatively normal. Kudos guys. I can't wait to stand up there next to you and enjoy your special day by your side.