lets wear matching outfits and fly to New York

Sometimes I like to be that matchy-matchy couple, wearing outfits that perfectly coordinate with one another. It's pretty silly, but I love it. And Timmy loves me enough to wear his mustard colored shirt just because it brings out the yellow flowers in my new twirly skirt. A twirly skirt I bought in anticipation of our anniversary trip to New York, New York!

New York City is a fabulous place to visit. (I will italicize, emphasize, and underline VISIT, because it most definitely would not be a fabulous place to live. Too much cement.) It is huge and intimidating, busy and bustling, constantly entertaining and truly captivating.

It is a beautiful thing to be young and in love. To be young and in love in New York City is pure magic. It is so effortlessly easy to slip into the bustle of NYC life, to sink down amidst the many many people, and to become completely alone and anonymous in a sea of millions. There was only me and only him and just us two.

Which is the way we like it best. In a new place where we knew no one, we held hands and wandered and explored. We rode a big red tour bus around town, drinking in the sights and getting terribly sunburned. The Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center Memorial, Ellis Island, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. We quick stepped down streets and raced from place to place, determined to truly experience NYC. I loved it all, which is high praise coming from a girl who does not like big cities.

But, my favorite part of New York City was this handsome husband of mine.

It is funny how, now that I'm married, my excitement and enjoyment is greatly effected by Timmy's happiness. When his eyes are sparkling, mine are too. And when both our eyes are sparkling, the effect is true euphoria.

Sometimes when I'm with him, I feel as if I am on happiness overload, as if my little heart couldn't possibly contain one more ounce of happy. And then he calls me sweetheart and kisses my forehead, or sings me silly love songs loud enough for all of New York to hear, or buys me dairy free chocolate covered almonds, and my heart stretches and more happiness pours right in.

I love that we don't mind waiting in line for two hours to see the Statue of Liberty, that we had more than enough to talk and giggle about as we melted in the hot, hot sun, that we can't take enough kissy pictures of ourselves. And I love that, even though we were in New York City, surrounded by famous restaurants, when all I really wanted for dinner was Chipotle, Timmy didn't really mind.

 

After a long day of sightseeing, we rode the elevator back up to the 30th floor of our luxurious hotel, overlooking Central Park. Sunburns were soothed and outfits were changed. I wore my wedding shoes and jewelry and a dress I bought on our honeymoon in Ireland. Timmy wore his wedding shirt and shoes. And we kind of just gazed happily at each other in a moony lovestruck way. Saying things like, "Well, don't you look so handsome tonight, Mr. O'Brien." and "Mrs. O'Brien, let's go to the theater!"

   
The crowning event of the evening was going to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. The most glorious production I have ever seen. Only eight rows back, we had the perfect view. I have had every song stuck in my head ever since, and I'm in no hurry to get them out.

 

And when we left the theater, and I had a meltdown in Times Square at midnight, because I was completely certain one of those undesirable looking characters was planning to mug and murder us both, Timmy humored me and hailed a taxi as quickly as possible.

Sunday arrived bright and hot. And after three days of mile high skyscrapers, my eyes were craving tall trees and green grass. Our picnic in 102 degree weather in Central Park was somewhat of a bust, and the kites we brought were not flyable due to the lack of wind. (Timmy "flew" his anyway.) It's funny, even when we're covered in sweat, hot and sticky and unbearably uncomfortable, being together is all that matters.

 

I love Tim in the happiest times and in the unhappiest times. I love being married. I love being Timmy's wife.

 I am one happily one year married girl.

It's a Grand Opening

Apple Nutrition is officially open!

In one week, we somehow managed to transform
that (picture on the left) into this (picture on the right).

Stocking shelves, entering barcodes into the computer, pricing products,
putting up posters and signs, cleaning, decorating, organizing...
we were busy little bees!

Family and friends joined to help, partnering with us as we stayed up past midnight every single night. Arriving early every morning to start again, all sleepy eyed and groggy.
Pulling 19 hour days.

In the end, as we sat in an emotional mess on the floor late last night, Caleb (Rynn's fiance) drove 2 hours to come to the rescue! He and Rynn hugged us close and sent us home at mignight. Those two lovelies stayed up until 3:30AM, finishing everything we didn't have the energy to tackle! We are so blessed with amazing family! Amazing moms, sweet sisters, fabulous daddys... without their help, we would still be knee deep in boxes.

The store looks amazing. (Doesn't it?!) I had an idea in my mind of what I wanted it to look and feel like, and it's exactly perfect. I was pleasantly surprised to find that many of our products have gorgeously designed packaging, pretty labels, and brightly colored lids. Everything looks so lovely sitting on the shelves. I feel like a little butterfly, surrounded by happiness. (And I'm one proud little graphic designer... Oh, doesn't everything just look soooo pretty?!)

Our store feels happy and bright. 

God is so good, and He is just as excited as we are!

Come visit us! Pretty please!
We're pretty much giddy with excitement. 

6313 McKee Road, Fitchburg
(across from the Super Center Target on PD)

Store Hours

Saturday, 10-6

Monday - Friday, 10-7

Sunday, Closed

This week, my days look like this:

6:00AM .:: Wake up. Get ready for work. Eat breakfast.

7:00AM .:: Work on various Apple Nutrition projects.

7:30AM .:: Leave for work.

8:00AM-1:00PM :: Work at my "real" job.

1:00PM-2:00PM .:: Take a nap during my lunch break.
2:00PM-4:30PM .:: Finish out the afternoon at my "real" job.
4:30PM-5:00PM .:: Go straight to Apple Nutrition.
5:00PM-12:00AM .:: Work at Apple Nutrition.
12:30AM .:: Go home. Go to sleep.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Too much work. Not enough sleep. And when I don't get my sleep, I become one droopy, sick, and somewhat pouty girl. I'm not sure how I'm still alive. And I definitely do not have the time, energy, or cheer to formulate an entertaining blog post.

I am just a little overwhelmed.

Lucky for Timmy and I, we have a host of family members
and friends who have been tirelessly helping us in our
frantic scramble to get everything finished in time.

Coming Soon:
New York City!
Apple Nutrition Updates!
New Designs!

(Timmy and I on a tour bus in NYC)

today...

Today this is what my mind sounds like:

"I need to print the membership sign. And the shelf talkers. Oh, but I need to change the wording. I'm so tired. What was I supposed to change it to? Do you suppose I have enough felt at home? I forgot to eat lunch. Isn't this green tea supposed to wake me up? I hate caffeine - what have I been reduced to?! I hope we can get to bed before 2AM tonight. Oh! Call FedEx about oversize prints. Wow, I need to pick those out... Oh my goodness... Where's my list?! I can't believe we're taking three days off this weekend to celebrate our anniversary. Are we crazy? I love being married. Do we have time to finish everything? I think I'm going to bring an air mattress to the store and just start sleeping there. Oh! Send those files! I need to pack! What should I bring? What time does our plane take off tomorrow morning? I'm so excited to be a 'one year and...' married couple. I love Timmy. I desperately need food... Last year at this time I was almost married! I need to do laundry. Statue of Liberty! Mary Poppins on Broadway! Whee! Central Park!

I'm so excited to explore New York City."

The End. 
(that is what my mind sounds like)

pure beauty shelf talkers.

Apple Nutrition is going to have a magical beauty section.

And Timmy negotiated with the vendors, to pretty much
get me a lifetime supply of free makeup.
Which is good.
Because after I researched all the icky ingredients
found in typical beauty products...
I've been suspiciously staring at all my 
old makeup. Parabens, huh? ...

 Lately, this is what we do.

Smooch, jump, and work
at

Apple Nutrition.

(We open in two weeks!)

rosebud sympathy cards.

(I keep a little Inspiration File on my computer with pictures and images that inspire me. When I'm thinking about creating a new design, I flip through my file, fill my mind with creativity!)

pirates love elephants.

My little nephew is having a pirate themed birthday party this weekend.
I love birthday parties, and I love any excuse to play dress up.

But, seeing that I am 23 years old, and seeing that the dress up part is probably meant for the children, I have decided to only dress up just a *little* bit. Nothing too extreme. Because I am, you know, an adult now. Someday I'll have a little girl, and then I'll have a good excuse to dress up like a princess to go grocery shopping. But until then, I'm stuck coming up with "classy" pirate outfits.

Which isn't so bad, really, because this gives me an excuse to create cute things that could pass for pirate, and I'll wear again. And since Timmy has been too busy for our usual daily lunchtime phone dates (boo-hoo), I've been left to my own devices during my lunch hour. And I happen to work right next to a Hobby Lobby. Timmy doesn't usually let me go in there unsupervised.

I love Hobby Lobby. And I especially love their jewelry aisle. Hobby Lobby
always makes my creative dreams come true, and it's aisle of beads and
baubles and pretties never disappoint. I left with a purple and gold bandana,
gold chain, jump rings, clasps, purple beads, gold beads... and elephant beads.

Do pirates like elephants? I say yes.

(I won't admit how long I stood deliberating if pirates
and elephants go together. My conclusion was, they don't really.
But these little elephant beads were TOO CUTE to leave behind.)

My little elephant beads created the most adorable dangly bracelet and this perfectly piratey necklace. My purple bandana became a pretty flower hair clip. (I like to think all the lovely women pirates wore their bandanas this way.)

Hm. Looking back on my previously written paragraph, I realize the words
"adorable", "little", "pretty", and "lovely" are all words that
should not be used when describing truly piratey accessories.

Oh dear, I'm not very good at this 'pirate stuff', am I?

I may or may not look like a pirate on Saturday.
But I will at least have a super cute flower in my hair
and darling little elephants dancing around my wrist.

Now I just need to convince Timmy to wear the elephant necklace I made for HIM...

meet Renee.

Renee is a fabulous floral designer located in Madison. Her ability to weave flowers together into a perfect blend of petals and stems leaves me in awe. Her website is here, and her work is gorgeous.

Be sure to check out her "Friends" section! (Thanks Renee! Seeing my name on your website makes my heart skip a beat!)

I met Renee at the Business Launch Party Laura (remember meeting Laura in this interview? She has a great special going on right now - check out her website!) and I had in March. She is the kind of person I especially love to meet, bursting with creativity and simply delightful to talk to! Guess what? You can meet her, too! Right now... 

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I just turned 29 and have been in the Madison area for almost two years now. My first floral job was at LaCrosse Floral in LaCrosse, WI in 2003. I then worked at Spring Green Floral in Marshfield, WI. From there I finished a floral design certificate with Penn Foster University and attended a Wedding Design School in Seattle, Washington at the Floral Design Institute in 2008. 

Besides creating things, what do you do?

Well, next to designing floral arrangements, you can usually find me at Cool Beans Coffee Cafe. It is a great full time job. So flowers, coffee, and also a love of traveling are my three top things to do.

What inspires you?
The beauty of flowers is what inspires me most in this field. Since I was young, I have always had a passion for picking flowers and admiring their beauty. That's where it all started!

Tell us about your business:
My business involves meeting with clients and discussing the vision the bride has for her flowers. I have a variety of books and photos to look at in helping design a look and feel for the arrangements. This is included in the consultation along with a price quote. The wedding is then book with any necessary follow up appointments. With this business, I am always look to give the bride and groom the best deal possible with great quality. I am extremely picky about the quality of flowers and in having everything live up to the expectations of the couple. My pricing includes a complimentary toss bouquet and free local delivery.

What is a little known interesting fact about yourself?
I once walked from LaCrosse, WI to Winona, MN carrying a cross to raise money for Angel Tree Prison Fellowship. It was a random inspiration I had while in Dallas, TX on a road trip with friends that I saw a man along the highway carrying a cross on his back. A year later I made the 31 mile walk, praying every mile for the people who had donated money. It was a great accomplishment... and a really heavy cross. :)

Favorite Color?
Brown! I love the color!

In 10 years where would you like to be?
Arranging flowers full time. By then I hope to be more established and even more educated than I already am in this business.

If I'm interested in your products/services, what is the best way to contact you?
Leave a message at 608-572-0174, email renee@madisonweddingflowers.com, or request information at http://www.madisonweddingflowers.com/

I would be happy to answer any questions!

I love the colors in this arrangement. And see the seashells in the bottom of the vase? Magical! If you're ever in need of beautiful flowers, give Renee a call.

My Rynn is going to Japan (again) this August.
She is on staff with Youth With a Mission (YWAM), helping to lead a Bible School of the Nations (BSN) class. The team is holding a free car wash on July 3, to raise funds for their trip.

I helped to design this flyer. Take a read, it's really inspiring.

I'm really proud of this little sister of mine.

P.S. You can read her blog here.

I fell in love with you the second before the moment we met, before our minds had time to catch up with our hearts. It was an elusive breath, a love that whispered down through the cracks and fell into my soul. It was a love that explained why your gaze felt so familiar, before I ever spoke your name. Why your presence made my heart smile and stretch, eager to begin what it already knew, before I felt how perfectly my hand fit inside yours.

Quiet and sleepy, like a blossoming rosebud. A love that murmured of memories yet to be made, of a fairy tale more precious than countless imaginings. A love that existed just beneath the surface of reality, just beyond my lingering thoughts. It floated beneath my knowledge for long months.
And you became my good friend.

Then, out of nowhere, in the midst of a prayer,
my mind fell in synch with the beating of my heart.
And I looked up from my daydreams to meet forever in your eyes.

Two years ago today, the day that I knew.
Ever so softly, as if I never should have doubted,
an eternal voice told me

that I was (you were)
the one.

I had fallen in love with you from the start.
And you had fallen in love with me.

Two years ago today, the day you told me. In a fluttering whisper, as if we had always known,

that I was (you were)
in love.

 (Two Years Ago Today)

(One Year Ago Today)

 (Today)

June 8, 2008 - the day we started dating
(Happy Two Years of Us, Baby Love!
The 730 happiest days of my life.)

Dear Pinklepurr,

I am very sorry that I just now realized Pet Vitamins existed. Please forgive me if your kitty eyesight suffers because of my negligence in giving you daily dosings of Vitamin D.

love, Becki

Did you know Pet Vitamins existed? I mean like, actual brands of pet vitamins?

I did not, until Timmy informed me that Apple Nutrition will be carrying a line of pet vitamins.

 
I scoffed at the idea of feeding vitamins to pets (How do you feed vitamins to pets?), until I realized what Vitamin D can do for pet's eyes. Then I was a believer, and I knew some pet vitamin shelf talkers were in serious order.

And they make me laugh. Apple Critters. Get it? It sounds like Apple Fritters. (Umm... don't ask me why that is funny, since nobody (hopefully!) eats pets, and there is no real reason to connect pets and pastries. But... it's funny!)