To do list: Learn to crochet!

CHECK!

I recently learned/tried to teach myself how to crochet.  I had learned many years ago, and absolutely hated it.  So I hid all of the crochet hooks and yarn that I had bought for so many future projects.  I just didn't want to see it.

But recently, one of my good friends (friend S), took on an adorable project.  Crocheting a minions hat!  She gave me tons of confidence, and said I could do it!  So after trying for hours, I finally figured out part of it.  I was still baffled by one section (crocheting into the magic circle), so I had a family friend help me with that part, and soon I was on my way! I used this tutorial video: Crochet a Minion hat/beanie
Here is the finished product:

I also used this tutorial to make some boot cuffs:  Boot Cuffs!

And this tutorial to make a headband, sorry I look so rough here! (Crochet headband/ear muffs)

So far this design has been my favorite, it took me a couple of tries to get it, but I finally did and it was so worth it! You can find this tutorial here: Crochet basket weave hat

I hope this post will motivate you to do something creative and enjoyable.  Even it is not crocheting, go out and find something you have been meaning to do, and just do it! Its always challenging to learn something new, but sometimes it feels great!

Finally, after a long week of wedding stuff, the reception is here!!

Finally, the reception is here!  It was a wonderful week of celebration, and this was the perfect ending.  It was a simple, but beautiful event, and boy, oh boy were the cupcakes out of this world.  If you are ever in the Charlotte area in North Carolina, you must, I MEAN MUST, track down the Cupcake Delirium Truck.  It is seriously amazing.  Cousin N and Brother-in-law K had some amazing variety: Carrot Cake, Boom Boom Biscoff (family favorite), Death by Chocolate, & Ferro Rocher.

 Cupcake Table!

 Signing Tree!

 Delicate centerpieces

The reception hall before anyone arrived!

 Cousin N's roommate from College- Friend "H"!  Totally amazing person!

 Cousin N's mom (Mami), my mom, and my aunt!

 Family friends!

 Family Friends!

 Family Friends!

 My Parents!

Sadly, I realized I have no pictures of the new bride and groom from the reception! So sorry for that but I will leave you with this adorable picture of them from their Honeymoon in Maldives (which I took from their personal collection :)!!  Congrats to you both!  May you have an amazing marriage!

WEDDING!

I do not have any pictures from the wedding, sadly!  I was busy during that time and was unable to take any pictures, but we have a few that I have received from friends and family.

 A morti (statue) outside of the wedding hall--Ganapti

My dad and masa (uncle)! 

 My dad and I!

My masa and I!

 A little dancing while the groom walks to the mandup (Alter)

 Standing with his dad!

 Cousin A!

 Mami (Cousin N's mom) performing the welcome ceremony for brother in law K!

 Walking Brother in law K to his alter!

 Guest walking in behind them!

Brother in law K with his brother K!

 The bride is here, I sadly don't have a picture of when she arrives!

All married, and the expression shows pure happiness!

Grah Shanti

Grah Shanti means peace at home literally!
But some times its not possible to do these ceremonies at home, such as this instance.  This was the first thing on our schedule friday morning, but getting to friday morning was definitely a hectic situation! Cousin N & I realized very late in the wedding month, that we did not book ourselves a room at the hotel where the grah shanti, garba, wedding, and reception were being held.  The original plan was for Cousin N to get ready at home, and drive to the hotel the morning of, but we realized that this would not work.  The family was too stressed about us driving the 45 minutes to the hotel in the morning (with tons of traffic), as well as the bride running late for her own event, which left us scrambling to find a hotel because the Hilton was booked! Due to our lack of planning on that part, we still had to pack up and get Cousin N moved to the new location, keeping in mind the clothes, and accessories associated with it! We finally left home thursday night at about 1:30 am, then had to make a pit stop at Walgreens for some contact solution & case because in some of the craziness someone accidentally threw mine away at home! Finally we got to our hotel room, and things worked out beautifully for the next day, but boy, oh, boy was it hectic.  We went to sleep at about 3:30 am, after taking off the mendhi, some girl talk, and preparing for the next day.

Here are a few pictures of the lovely Grah Shanti:

 Mrs & Mr!

 Brother in Law K, his brother, and my dad!

 My parents and Cousin N's in laws!

 Cousin N's parents & in laws!

 Grandmother (Ba) in the background, with the priest, and Cousin N's aunt and uncle

Parts of the ceremony above!