Paper and Clocks

I'm not sure how many people are aware of this, but there is a traditional and modern list of anniversary gifts.  For the first wedding anniversary, the traditional gift is paper.  While the modern gift is a clock.  You can find a full list of anniversary gifts HERE. 

Being the somewhat crafty person that I am, I decided to have fun with my "paper" anniversary gift.  I searched the internet for unique "paper" anniversary gifts and ended up copying something that I had seen on my friend Louise's blog a few months ago.  She also copied it from this shop on ETSY.  But honestly, why spend $400.00 on something that is so easy to do it yourself?!?

So, I went to Target and bought a 14"X18" white frame for about $20.00, got a piece of white matte board and a heart stencil at Michael's Arts and Crafts Store for $6.00, and went to AAA where my Mom is a member to pick up maps from different places around the world.  I think I bought 8 maps and the total was $16.00.  In total, this entire project cost me less than $50.00.  And I guess you can be the judge, but I think it turned out just as awesome as the $400.00 one.

What do you think?!?  Every heart in the center column is a place that Josh and I have lived, while every heart in the outside columns is a place that we have visited/vacationed.  Each heart is cut out of an actual map (the "paper") and then using rubber cement, glued onto the matte board.

Since our anniversary was taking place in Grenada this year and it would be very difficult to ship this gift without it costing a fortune and probably breaking, I decided to give it to Josh a week early.  Plus, we had our frozen wedding cake as well as wine and champagne from our wedding that my Mom had saved to celebrate with.  So we nibbled on one year old wedding cake (not so great), drank white wine from our wedding, and I presented Josh with his "paper" gift.

I think my Mom might have written something on this in icing before freezing, however, it didn't translate a year later.

I think he really liked it.

And then he surprised me with something extra special!  Apparently, some guys do look at those anniversary gift lists.  Because my amazing hubby got me a watch!  I had been wanting this particular watch since I saw it at a boutique in England.  He remembered that I wanted it, and when he saw that the modern gift for a one year anniversary is "clock," he decided that this was the perfect gift.  And it most definitely was.  I absolutely love love love it!  :)

Isn't she a beauty!?!

On our actual anniversary, Josh and I went to the Aquarium Restaurant in Grenada.  It was very romantic with an ocean view.  It reminded me a lot of some of the places we ate in Cozumel, Mexico on our honeymoon.  The food was delicious and we had such a good time.

We took a little walk on the beach, even though it was dark.  I just can't explain how beautiful this island is, and how special it was to celebrate our anniversary here.