Christmas Card 2010

 So last year I had a beautiful card designed by Kristin (an old high school friend) at Organic Faith Studios (look her up on facebook for card information - its not posted on her blog).  It was so pretty and on lovely paper and I just really loved it. (Last year I only sent out 20 cards to family - boy how things have changed!)

This year, I was a bit more rushed because I wanted to use a wedding photo for the cards and also needed to be cost conscious since I'd be sending out a lot more and Jeff and I are still recovering from wedding expenses.  So Walgreens it was!  I sent in the file and picked it up 2 hours later, which was perfect so that I could address and send them out quickly so everyone would receive the cards before Christmas, haha.  Although these cards are lovely, I just prefer a heavier cardstock paper and custom design to reflect my personality - so to all my friends and family receiving our card, please know that next years will make up for this years and I intend on spending a lot more time perfecting my favorite card of the year. :)  At least our wedding photo made it, which was most important...

Merry Christmas to you all!

Love,

Rani

Our Wedding Day (Photographer Blog Version)

How sweet it is...

I am anxiously awaiting our photo CDs from our photographer, Brittany Dawson.  They are in the mail and should be here soon! :)  For now though, please take a moment to view the amazing blog post Brittany posted  that documents our wedding day and several of our lovely photos.  The above photo is one of my favorites, but oh my gosh there are so many more that I will post once I have the CDs.  Can't wait :)

View her post HERE <3

The sweetest moment of my entire life - right here - captured by Brittany.  

I just.love.it.

Honoring Jeff, my handsome CPA

Congratulations to my Husband!

Jeff officially received his CPA certificate this past Saturday, December 4th.  He completed and passed all four parts in May of this year after many long hours of studying, dedication and some sacrifice.  

I am so proud of him.

 

Jeff's Dad is also a CPA and was able to hand Jeff his certificate on stage.  Talk about a wonderful moment between Jeff and his Dad.  Ed was proud beyond words - it was such a great day!

And there is that hard earned certificate!  This is Jeff's 2nd step (after his Masters in Accountancy) in his career.  Next on the list?  Jeff is now looking into starting the MBA process (yes, he will then have two Masters degrees), with a start date of 2012.  It is a huge investment and commitment on both our parts, but I know Jeff has our best interests at heart (securing a solid career in order to take care of our family).  He is looking to distinguish himself from other CPAs and take on more Finance roles in the future.  Obtaining his MBA would ensure a strong job opportunity upon completion and an accelerated career path.  It is a lot to plan for and even imagine, but I know we can do it together and he will be wonderful at whatever he does!

I love my husband so much - I love his dedication to his career, his dedication to our family, and just love his ability to do all of this and still be his fun, goofy, and happy self.  <3

Congratulations, Jeff!

Even Though I Feel as if I Have No Readers...Colorado Trip 2010

C'mon guys...show my blog some love and leave a comment if you're reading...

Back to October 2010...Jeff and I's last vacation before becoming husband and wife, we spent time in Denver, Colorado.  Jeff went to a training for work and I met him there for the weekend after he finished his training.  We rented a car and just enjoyed exploring the city.  Here are pictures from our trip:

In Golden, CO - the weather was beautiful :)

enjoying the pretty town

Jeff loves all the pics I take, haha - had to get the Golden sign in the back

One of our dinners downtown - loved the scene there, very laid back

at the Denver Art Museum

The Capitol

The grounds were so pretty

I thought this sculpture was cool

Another night out - love this man

l.o.v.e

running the trails in cherry creek

it was beautiful

sun in our eyes, but still a great picture :)

trip to Red Rocks - by far my favorite part - next on the list, a concert here!

the views were phenomenal!

we did a bit of hiking here as well

The amphitheater

Towards the top - look closely, you can see downtown!

handsome guy and a great view

off center, but cute

at the top :)

Beautiful place!  We had such a wonderful time and loved being able to just spend time together.  Hopefully next time we will be able to stay for longer than a few days, really love Colorado. :)

Yummy Apple Deliciousness

My friend Ashley posted this super yummy recipe a few weeks back (see her post here) and if you know me, I love trying new recipes, so I had to try it myself!  It originated from the website We Are Not Martha, so you can check out that site for some other unique recipes.

This is the simplest little recipe, minimal calories (as long as you go easy on the cream cheese and cheddar), and although higher in fat than some might like, I don't mind because I don't get that much fat in my diet sometimes and who could pass up some cheesy deliciousness?!  As long as you use the ingredients moderately, you'll be just fine.  Plus sunflower seeds (like almonds and other nuts) are full of good fats and fiber so the recipe will you fill you right up and keep you full!  Read more about the benefits of sunflower seeds here.

So here is what you need:

green apple
cream cheese
sunflower kernels
white cheddar cheese
bread (I use whole grain sandwich thins)

couldn't ask for something simpler, right?

Directions: 
(refer to Ashley's blog for a photo instruction guide) 

-I spread a total of one tablespoon of cream cheese on both sides of my sammy thins.

-I then sprinkle with my desired amount of sunflower kernels

-I use about half a green apple and load up both sides

-As for the white cheddar - its the best!  I will admit I tried this recipe with my vegetarian cheddar-flavored cheese; it was good, but nothing beats the white cheddar.  I only use tiny squares that will melt into each other and only use it on one side to cut down on the fat.  But you most certainly should make it to your tastes and diet because its DELICIOUS - I am not kidding.  

-I bake (at 350) mine in the oven for a little over 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and apples are warm.

-You can eat it open face or make a sammy out of it - either way this recipe is so yummy!  

Seriously, how delicious does this look?  I have eaten this almost everyday since I tried it...

Enjoy!