TravelingbeebryantRN & Flicks_withNick

Before I started digging into all things Texas, I thought we’d talk a little bit about my solo exploring this week. I am getting ahead of myself though. I  wanted to first touch base on a few things first. I wanted to update you on my dresser status, and then on anniversary happenings! 

This week was Nick and I’s second wedding anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been two years. It seems so crazy. Before I start bragging about our fun date (sorry not sorry), I have to explain a few things. I am definitely a person of tradition and really enjoy reading about traditions. We started our morning out with a workout at Orange theory. Our first anniversary weekend, started with a hike!

Last year, when I was doing some research about anniversary gifts, I came across the traditional anniversary by year. For example, the first anniversary was paper, and the second was cotton. I decided that Nick and I would follow these traditions, but it wouldn’t be the primary focus. I am definitely a gift giver of experiences. If anyone knows me, they know this… They most likely are thinking, “why can’t she just get the item I wanted?” Last year, I got Nick Lakers tickets, and this year I got him back to the future musical tickets. We will be going to New York at the end of October to see the musical! Honestly, if money wasn’t an issue… we’d live in New York City. We both love it there. Anywho, for the first year of paper, we got this book! You should check it out. The beginning of the book talks about the dating years, the proposal, the wedding, and the honeymoon. Afterwards, it goes from anniversary to anniversary. Every year, you fill out a series of questions, and place a picture of that anniversary. So on our fun date, we went to a cool coffee spot ( Omaha folks, check out Stories Coffee, we really liked it!) and worked on the book! It brought back so many good memories and conversations. We had to go back and finish some of the dating questions from last year. We printed out some more pictures, and added to it.

Afterwards, we headed to Gather. Gather is a local restaurant in downtown Omaha. A coworker from work suggested it to us, and we decided to check it out. This local restaurant is an ultimate farm to table restaurant. It’s Omaha’s first urban vertical farm. Definitely check out their greenroom. The service was exceptional. Nick and I have this new tradition that we bring out rent-a-dog cake topper from our wedding cake with us to our anniversary dinner, and have them place it on our dessert. Gather outdid themselves! 

I would like to say I’m outdoing myself with this dresser just like Gather outdid themselves. At this point, Nick is hoping we are going to be able to use it… I tell him it’s not funny. I tell him I am a persistent person, but really I am stubborn, and don’t give up! Sometimes, he likes to remind me… there is a reason things are on sale. The dresser needed a lot more work than I thought. I started researching wood filler, and how to go about doing this. I started doing wood filler on the top of the dresser. After doing the wood filler, I sanded it all down. Part of the problem I think is that it’s not real wood… I started using spray paint instead of real paint. That was a whole other issue. I wish I used real paint. I started adding some texture to it recently. I’m hoping that it’s going in the direction I like. I do have to say, when I went to Lowe’s and I asked the guy a question and he said, “who will be helping you?” I did find it a little insulting! I responded with, “I’m doing this project solo.”  I think he caught on. 

Ashland, Nebraska absolutely gives off Joanna Gaines vibes.  Is anyone else obsessed with the Magnolia collection? When Nick and I got married, this was a huge thing on our wedding registry. We wanted a lot of her kitchen items from target. Well… If you love the Magnolia collection at target, check out Ashland, Nebraska. Ashland  is approximately 30 minutes from Omaha. On my days off from work when Nick is working, I often find the quaint small towns to explore on my own. This was definitely a good find! If you are visiting Ashland, Nebraska, here are some places to visit:

Downtown

The main street in town is Silver street. The street is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and a wine and cider room ( decided Nick and I needed to come back!). There are so many good shops to choose from, honestly it was hard to decide which one to hit up first. 

Salt Creek Mercantile

This store catches your eye instantly. The store is full of homemade, and locally sourced home decor and gifts. All my Joanna Gaines fans will love this store. Honestly, my travel nurses will be tempted. My husband likes to remind me that we don’t own a home yet, and we also only travel with our Ford Edge and Topper. I unfortunately left with empty hands, Nick would be proud. 

Postscript

Next stop, the unique bookstore filled with all your unique books, writing utensils, journals, and they also carry so many cute childrens books. They have this cute little library, and coffee shop that’s nestled in the back of the shop. The shop gives off the best vibes and it’s honestly so homey.

Fariner Bakery

I am currently writing this review, as I enjoy a pumpkin spice latte in Fariner Bakery. Fariner Bakery is such a hidden gem. As soon as you walk in you can tell the bakery is filled with so much charm, detail, and love. It’s a small batch bakery, coffee shop, wine merchant, and market. The bakery not only has great coffee, but also has a beautiful interior, and also exterior deck. The deck has great seating to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend or even read a book or work on work. The staff at Fariner Bakery were also so sweet.

There’s nothing more enjoyable than small town charm. Any readers from Nebraska or Iowa have suggestions on any other small towns in the surrounding area? If you are in the area, definitely check out Ashland, Nebraska! Next up, let’s talk about Texas and some other fall festivals in Nebraska.