the night in.

I have been thinking a lot about my travels to S. Korea almost 2 years ago... maybe it's because of the current events going on over there, or maybe it was my recent guest blog post here.

While I was in Korea, I tried my best to document my memories and take video.  But, the whole process what just so overwhelming and I really wanted to be in the moment while I was there.  So, every week, I want to try to recall a memory or two from the trip.

Our first moments in Korea were... humid.  From the moment we stepped off the plane and looked outside, I just knew that the rainy weather + heat would not be a joke!  I was so nervous going through customs because it was my first time entering a foreign country.  But, seriously- they didn't even ask me anything!  My passport was stamped and I was sent on my way to the luggage area.  Now let me tell you... I may have over packed.  FYI- a 5 week trip to Korea does not call for two medium suitcases, a massive duffle bag, a purse AND a backpack.  I think I forgot that I was the one who would be responsible for carrying it all on my own.  So, I found my bags, strapped them on/dragged them behind me and my new friends and I headed to the currency exchange booth.  This was confusing, because even after all of my research I still did not quite understand the rate of USD vs. WON.  But, I exchanged all of my cash and saved my American change because I thought it might be nifty while I was there.


We had no idea who would be meeting us and were just hopeful that once we got out of the baggage area, someone would recognize the herd of American kids and come fetch us.  And they did!  Of course they simply recognized us from the photos we had sent over previously (we just looked about 10x frizzier and really tired in person).

I subscribed to Glossybox again after taking a few months off.  Here is what I got in my box this month...

Moving into our first home and starting from scratch meant that we had to try really hard to make this house a home.  I started with something simple and just bought a wall decal to go above our couch.  I think it looks pretty darn cute, but there was still so much more space to fill.

The empty wall in our dining room was practically glaring at me!  So, I decided to put our engagement photos to good use and make a wall collage.

Things you will need:

• Unfinished Wood Frames in various sizes (I chose to do 9 frames- 3 4x6, 3 5x7, 3 8x10)
• Paint Samples (I went to Lowes and found the pre-mixed Valspar paint samples, but you can ask them to mix you a sample in any of the normal colors as well.)
• Paint Brushes (I purchased a 2" brush for base color and then a variety pack from Hobby Lobby)
• Newspaper
• Wood Filler (Optional)
• Sand Paper (Optional)
• Photos to go in frames and any other items that will be a part of the collage!
• Picture Hanging Supplies

The project is pretty simple and the time it takes to complete depends on how you want everything to look.

1. Start by laying out enough newspaper on the floor to cover your work space and opening windows for proper airflow while painting.



2. If your frames don't seem unfinished enough, take a little bit of sandpaper to rough them up.  Luckily, mine were pretty unfinished and did not need any at all.

3. Add wood filler to any spaces on the frames.  This will allow the paint to go on smoothly without any gaps (unless you are going for that look, of course).  Let it dry.  This could take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour depending on the amount used.



4. Now it's time to paint your frames!  I did 2-3 base coats on each one.  Remember to allow them to dry between each coat.  I also decided to do designs on my 8x10 frames to balance the two colors.






6. Hang your photos up and enjoy! (We broke the "N" while trying to put a picture hanging kit on it, so I will have to buy and paint a new one...keep in mind how delicate wood is when doing this project.)

I am a big fan of Wildfox Couture jumpers and even own one myself (the glitter heart one I wore in our engagement photos).  However, they are super expensive...

I was browsing through the Forever 21 website today and spotted this top, which looked oddly familiar.

It is the Cat Pattern Waffle Knit Sweater...an almost perfect dupe of the Wildfox Cat-Face Lennon Sweater (pictured below).

Wildfox Retail Price: $335

We got back from Disneyland on Monday and we were absolutely exhausted, but had so much fun.  Today, I'm sick, at home and in bed.  I'm not sure if it's the warmer weather that has induced horrible allergies + migraines, or the fact that my body is so taxed from moving into our new house and then immediately going out of town that it decided to get sick!  But, I just wanted to do a trip recap while everything is still fresh in my mind!

Last time we went to Disneyland was at the end of November/beginning of December to take our engagement photos.  As you may recall, it poured rain like no other.  I knew that it would rain on Friday this time, so I thought nothing of it because I feel like a pro in the rain at Disneyland now.  To our surprise, it was snowing and hailing on our way through Cajon Pass which was pretty terrifying!  But, we still got to the Mickey and Friends parking lot around 7:30 and went straight to our favorite breakfast spot...the Rainforest cafe.

Just in the process of unpacking, cleaning and then packing for our trip this weekend!

I'll catch up next week when it all winds down and can give a proper recap!