What the...

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This is my mood today, ya'll. I don't know why. If anything I should be bouncing off the walls this year, but I'm not.

On this day last year, I kissed the Hubs goodbye and put him on a plane back to Iraq. This year he is home, and we get to celebrate a new year together. I'm thrilled and feel horrible guilt at the same time. I've had such a blessed holiday season (Thanksgiving - New Year's) spent with dear friends, family and the Hubs while I have friends who have spent the holidays without their hubbies. With each day my heart has gone out to them remembering what it was like while the Hubs was gone. Perhaps this is part of the reason for the dark cloud hanging over my head, I don't know. Maybe it's because all my best friends are out of town. Maybe it's because I'm pms'ing like a mo fo. Maybe it's because realistically I know this is our first and last New Year's in our current town - this makes me sad and happy at the same time. All I know is - I'm acting like I've already had to much party, and the party hasn't even started yet.

P.S. The party is at our house. There are like four people coming. I swear it's not going to suck. Drop by!


UPDATE: Day just got better - I have 7 followers! Haha hey I take what I can get. Amanda over at MODG has been cracking me up and making me smile for weeks now. Check her out!

What's The Point?

Someone please explain to me the point in working this week? I'm sitting in my office yahoo chatting with my boss. Why? Because all our customers are off of work this week. So here we sit with nothing to do - fabulous! I'm running out of things to do. I have:
1) Stalked everyone on facebook
2) Shopped all the Year End sales from the 100 email brochures that I have received
3) Texted the Hubs and friends
4) Come up with several get rich quick ideas that turned out not to be so quick
5) Debated the validity of us getting snow tomorrow

I'm running out of things to do. Any ideas?

Incredible Christmas

The Hubs and I have spent the weekend traveling visiting family and friends. We got truly spoiled by both sets of parents. However before we headed out on Christmas Eve, the Hubs and I exchanged our gifts. The hubs was really excited about his Blu-Ray player. I was totally shocked by what he got me. First I wanted to share a picture of what our house looked like at Christmas. Bailey is sitting on top of the couch cushions. Isn't she cute?

(photo by Me)

Ok back to gifts! The first package that I opened had a hot pink travel pillow in it, so I knew we were going somewhere. It also had a ballet Christmas ornament in it. I've been getting ballet ornaments for years, so this was not a surprise. However in the next package was The Swan Princess. Ya know the Disney animated movie? I love Disney movies, but I found the choice to be a little odd. I was thoroughly confused at this point. The last thing for me to open was a card. The Hubs had specifically said to open it last. Inside the envelope were hotel reservations and tickets. The hotel reservations are for a hotel in Times Square, and the tickets are to see the New York City Ballet perform Swan Lake.

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It has always been my dream to see the NYCB perform, and Swan Lake is one of my favorite ballets! Even better - we are going over Valentine's Day weekend. The Hubs and I have not spent a Valentine's Day together in three years so this is an extra special treat!

Anyone else get an extra special and surprising Christmas present this year?

Twitter

I don't Twitter, but I'm tempted to join just to follow this guy. Hysterical!

True Blonde

The owner of my company once called me "the smartest blonde I've ever met." That ladies and gents was before the past weeks debacles.

While driving to work last week, I kept feeling my clutch stick. Yep I'm cool and drive a manual! Anyway said clutch feels like it's sticking, so I text the Hubs "must take car in to shop." Two days (yes, two days) later, I discover that the sticking is do to the floor mat being in an awkward position. Doh!

This Monday I gave myself a minor concussion. Mom's a nurse - she concurred that it was a minor concussion. How did I do this you ask? On the microwave! Yep the microwave door was open, I bent down to pick up the food off of the floor that had just gone flying off the plate being pulled from the microwave; stood straight up (at full speed) forgetting that the microwave door was still open, and bam, my head massively connects with the corner of the microwave. 24 hours later my eye socket and right side of my head FINALLY stopped hurting.

Please feel free to laugh at me...the Hubs, my boss, my bro and my besties all have laughed at me! I'm just glad I could help bring joy to other people's lives, even if it requires the sacrifice of several hundred of my brain cells.

Inspired Jewelry

While being sandwiched to my couch for the last several days - stupid cold, I stumbled across Lisa Leonard Designs.

(my heart)

I'm especially in love with the "my heart" necklace. "i hold your heart" by e.e. cummings was read at our wedding so it holds an extra special meaning to me.

(be still)

The "be still" necklace is so whimsical and simple that I think I would wear it everyday. This is a mere sample of the beautiful babbles to be found at Lisa Leonard Designs. Check her out!

...but Starbucks said so!

The holiday season is upon us. You know how I know...the Starbucks red holiday cup is back. So enjoy your first day of the holidays meal (Thanksgiving) in a couple of weeks and get to shopping.

In all seriousness, I love getting my first red cup of the season. This truly is my favorite time of the year. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas - as separate holidays. To me it's the happiest time of the year so bring on the family, good food, friends and lots of shopping!!

Nuggets

Wifey: The nuggets? As in their mascot is a guy running around in a chicken nugget suit?

The Hubs: No the Denver Nuggets - like the gold rush.

Wifey: Nope I think it's they are the chicken nuggets.

The Hubs: You're a chicken nugget.

Wifey: No I'm not.

The Hubs: How do you know?

Wifey: Because I bleed

The Hubs: Then you're an uncooked nugget.

Wifey: That means I'm just raw chicken - that's gross!

What can I say, we have intelligent, mature conversations. P.S. For those of you who don't know, we were watching basketball. ;)

A Special Thank You!!!

To all the men and women that have and are currently serving in the military. As the granddaughter of a Vietnam vet and a Korean vet and the wife of an OIF vet, today has a special meaning to me. Veterans give up so much of their day-to-day life in order to serve our country. I would like to say a very special thank you. I would also like to say how very proud I am of my own sexy man in uniform - the hubs! I love you very much and am so proud of all that you have accomplished.

You know it's home when

(the view from our dock)

- you love having people over to your house

- you don't mind the next door neighbor having band practice in their house (we share a wall)

- the "crazy cat lady" has become an endearing character

- you would rather spend money on something for the house instead of an article of clothing (this is a huge deal in Wifey world)

If you can't tell, I love our new townhouse.

When life gives you lemons...

grab a bottle of tequila. Unfortunately tonight I have no tequila so tonight writing shall be my tequila. If serious isn't you thing this evening, you might want to skip this post.

For the last 10 weeks, I've been the a listening ear for a friend who's hubby has been going through trooper school. S and I are childhood friends. We've literally known each other for over 20 years. Gasp - hey I'm not that old! We just have known each other since birth. Without getting into all the details, it had been a while since S and I had talked. Not because of anything other than life just taking us in different directions. This past summer, S and I met back up at another childhood friends wedding. Since then we have been staying in touch a la facebook.

Now that you have the Reader's Digest condensed version of our friendship, I can get back to my point. S messaged me today about how things are going with her and her hubby. I had told her that the hubs was gone with week. She responded that she couldn't imagine and that as soon as her hubby got home she was never letting him go again.

In that moment, I wanted to ball my eyes out. You see the thing that I try not to talk about on here is personal things about my life. Specifically the Army side of my life. Yes the hubs is in the Army, but we do the best that we can to just live life. The Army dictates enough of our lives that I can't let it control every aspect. But today when my friend said that, this life we chose overwhelmed me. As long as the hubs is in the Army, I will forever be letting my husband go.

This week it's training. Soon it will be a school that will take him away for longer, and after that, down the road at some point, there will be another deployment. And from day to day, I don't think about any of it. I enjoy each and everyday, because today is what we have.

Dilemmas

This weeks dilemmas:

- three days in a row of rain, is it wrong to call in sick and watch movies all day instead of going to work?

- how short should I get the pups hair when she gets groomed?

- new hairstyle without losing my current length? (Is that even possible?)

- Is it bad to let the dog chew on the hubs socks? (Answer: It's better than her chewing on my bra.)

- Sleep an extra 10 minutes and shower at night or get my butt out of bed on time?

These are the things that I think of while the hubs is away for 16 days. Random, huh? Can you imagine what kind of conversations we have? The mind reels. ;)

Happy National Mad Hatter Day

Hope you are having a very merry unbirthday!

i can read

Tonight I discovered "i can read." It's a website with fun and sweet pictures with sayings like the one above. Definitely need to check it out, it's great!

T9

Dear Phone,

While I find T9 super useful, if you do not learn some important words we are going to have to go our separate ways. Seriously, how did you not know how to spell "bagel"? Please get on this asap so that we can stay friends!

Love,

Wifey

HomeGoods

How I love thee, let me count the ways. I'm always thrilled to go home to see my parents, because besides the town where they live has a HomeGoods. I always find the best items in there. From the bedspread that we currently use to the most adorable pear cake stand for my Mommom's birthday, I always luck out. The prices are incredible also. But HomeGoods has upped the ante, they have a blog!! How did I not know this? The only thing that could make the store better - if I could shop online!

Bad Wifey

Hello blogger friends! I have been a horrible blogger lately. I thought things would slow down when the hubs got home from Iraq. Silly Wifey, things are busier than ever. With that said, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that the hubs is headed to WLC (Warrior Leadership Class) tomorrow. He will be gone for two weeks. Boo! The good news is that I should have lots of time to catch up on promised blogs i.e. honeymoon in maui and the new place.

Have a great night everyone!

Jet Skiing!

I'm going to start the honeymoon posts with our next to last day there. Strange I know, but it truly was one of my favorite parts. We went jet skiing! Oh my so much! The hubs and I had a blast speeding over the ocean. The place we went also had a photographer on site, so that is how we have these fabulous pictures.

Subtle Hint

Yesterday while at my SIL's wedding reception, I had an oh-so-subtle convo with my mother-in-law. Picture me holding the hubs' cousins lil girl (got that?). MIL walks up with a huge smile and says, "This is a good look for you. I like it." Subtle MIL - oh-so very subtle! ;)

Honeymoon Teaser

This was the incredible view as we were driving to our resort!

I'm back

Hello blogger world! We are officially up and running again. The move went great, and the honeymoon was even better. Stay tuned next week for honeymoon pictures and townhouse pictures.

We are headed to VA for my SIL's wedding. Hubs is a groomsman. Oh la la - hubs in a tux! I have to give a reading. Cross your fingers for me, I have to do a reading. I hate speaking in public. Oh the things we do for those we love.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Here She is...

Isn't she beautiful? The hubs got her for me. Isn't he just the best? I cannot begin to express how in love I am with her. She arrived yesterday. I can't wait to take lots of pictures with her next week while we are in Maui! I've been stuck in 35MM world so be prepared for me to start bombarding you with pics from here on out.

Really Married

The hubs and I have been wanting new bedroom furniture for quite some time. On Wednesday, we went and bought the above beauties. I just noticed that our walls and wood floors are almost an exact match for the above photo. Awesome! I felt so married standing there with the hubs, haggling over pricing, and setting up delivery. Our gorgeous new furniture and comfy mattress will be delivered the day we move. Perfect!

What was your "Awe, we are so married?" moment?

My Fault

So last night at dinner, the hubs pulled a total woman move. We are sitting at Jason's Deli when hubby spills salad on his khaki shorts. "Gee baby, we can't take you anywhere." *winks* His reply: "It's your fault. I was so enamored by you I completely missed my mouth." Haha very good hubs, very good!

Shining through the Journey?

While blog stalking today, I stumbled across this fabulous reminder that life does not wait for us so you need to Shine today. Thanks Chelsea Talks Smack for the incredible reminder. In line with her post and my blog stalking, I also discovered this great quote.

"Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.
This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now." Thomas S. Monson

I needed these simple reminders today. With the hubby being home, life is flying by. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I'm enjoying every second, but in the process I've lost a little of my "shine." I've said it before and I'll say it again - enjoy today because it's a fleeting moment so hug everyone, smile at strangers, and enjoy the little things in life. They really do make all the difference in the world.

Sing we of Salem ever...

Awe how I love my alma mater. My dear Salem College will forever have a warm and fuzzy place in my heart. Today I am especially proud of her for Forbes has ranked her #67 of America's Best Colleges. 67 out of 600 - I'll take it. Oh and we beat hubbies favorite team UNC. They were #68. To see all the rankings, go here.

Oh and a little shout out to the Army, West Point was ranked #1!

Pinned and Pounded

Last week the hubs got pinned and pounded! I was very lucky to get to pin the hubs' new rank on him. After I pinned him, he had to be congratulated by everyone in his battery. What followed can only be described as a pounding. All the guys his rank or higher walked by, congratulated him, and then punched him in the chest. It was entertaining to watch, but poor hubs was a little bruised after it all. He was a good sport and took it in stride. It was a great day, and an Army tradition that I was proud to take part of!

Thanks...No Thanks

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Today I am grateful for:
- sweet furbaby that wanted to cuddle this morning instead of wake up
- my wonderful hubby
- new townhouse
- sunshine
- going to the beach this weekend with the hubs and furbaby
- dinner with my parents the other night
- girl time tonight with M

However, I'm not a fan of:
- humidity (ugh!!!)
- dear friend J being gone for the whole month of August. :(
- hubs going to a concert out-of-state today and having to go to pt/work in the morning (don't ask!)
- long, boring day at work


Today (despite griping) I am feeling incredibly grateful and happy about life. Ladies with fabulous husbands, hold them tight and cherish them because we are SUPER lucky. Not all hubbies are as fabulous as ours.

Holding the smile...

Have you ever felt like a song was written just for you? There are times when I turn on the radio that I swear the artist is singing just for me. I promise I'm not that vain. What I mean is that I connect so intensely with the song that I could have written it. While I do not relate to the whole song, lately every time I hear the first few lines of lyrics to The Fray's song Never Say Never, I'm amazed at how well i can relate to it.

Here it is:
There's some things we don't talk about
Rather do without
And just hold the smile

Please don't get me wrong, my life is absolutely wonderful right now. August is a fabulous month for the hubby and I. Hubs got promoted yesterday. We head to Maui in just a few short weeks. Plus we are packing up and moving out of our VERY tiny apartment into a beautiful new place. So why the Debbie Downer lyrics? I think it's because in just a few shorts lines it summed up the way I felt while the hubs was deployed for 15 months.

what lyrics are inspiring you right now and why?

Moving

Well it's official... we are moving. Where to, you ask? Try five minutes down the road from where we are. Hey when you find the perfect place you can't pass it up. It's an older townhouse, but the inside is completely updated. There are brand new hardwood floors through the whole house, new appliances in the kitchen, and a completely redone bathroom. There is a balcony off the master bedroom and a large deck on the back of the house. One of the biggest draws to the new place is that we are right on a lake! I'm so excited. I can already imagine mornings on the deck, staring at the lake and drinking coffee. We are heading back to the townhouse this weekend. I will try to get some pics to post.

We also discovered today that the hubby will also be moving from to a new battery within his battalion when we get back from block leave. Keep your fingers crossed that it's a good move on both accounts.

I'm lovin...

- last nights enchilada recipe. Delicious!
- the memory of one of our "sons" singing along to Hannah Montana on the TV. Yes he knew all the words. Hysterical!
- Canoli and wine with J tonight. I've missed our weekly "dates."
- Greek yogurt with honey...need I say more.
- getting to see a dear old friend this weekend and all the old conservatory memories that we will drudge up.
- the fuzzball getting groomed today.
- it's almost the weekend!

Dinner Party

Tonight the hubby and I are having a few friends over. I'm making enchiladas for the first time. I'm a little nervous. The recipe is from the best cookbook that I have. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll let you know how it goes.

Photo of the Week

I have a confession to make. I've been married for a year and a half now, but I still browse wedding websites. In all honesty I do most of it, because I love looking at other people's photography. Today while browsing weddingbeepro , I found this gorgeous picture by Amelia Lyon Photography. I can honestly say that it took my breathe away. There are so many qualities about this picture that I love. The ivory dress against all the dark. The subtle glow of the candles. The oh-so-intimate stance of the bride and groom. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous!


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15 months in the making...

He is home!!

On July 10th, I got a phone call from Ireland. "Honey, I'm almost there." At 10:30 pm, the plane pulled into Green Ramp. My mother-in-law and I looked at each other and just about lost it. It was the only time that night that I cried. I cannot begin to put into words the overwhelming emotions I felt at seeing the plane pull in.

30 minutes later, they were off the plane and marching in formation into the hangar. It was incredible to not only see the hubby but our "sons" (dear single soldier friends) break formation and head in my direction. Those were the best hugs that I had received in months.

I hope to have some pictures up soon. My camera batteries died right as they were marching in. Great timing, and of course I didn't have extras. My in-laws have a few that I need to get. The photographer that was there got some great ones, but she does not release the pictures digitally. What? I know that's what I said. Anyway I will scan the prints once I get them. I will also have to crop out the pics the in-laws have of our greeting, because the hubby is grabbing my butt. What can I say - it's been 15 months. ;)

Waiting Game

Well the waiting game has begun. The hubs is on his way home. To keep myself occupied I am - writing this blog at work (bad wifey), helping hang decorations this afternoon, getting my hair and make-up done, and meeting up with the in-laws. I can't believe this deployment is almost over. It does not feel real yet.

Simple Things

This morning as I was walking to my car with a HUGE bag of trash the maintenance man came up and took it from me. It seems like a super small thing, but I have to tell you it made my day. I encourage you today to do something nice for someone else. You never know you just might make their day!

Happy Birthday

Today is the hubby's birthday! We hope to be celebrating together soon. We'll see what the Army has in store. I can say that this deployment is VERY close to being officially over!!

Happy 4th of July

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy,

Inaugural Address, January20,1961

My Sister's Keeper

Today I had a date with girlfriends, J and M. We went to see My Sister's Keeper. I won't spoil it for anyone, but it's definitely worth seeing. Take tissues! For those of you who have not read the book, it's a sad story. However it might just be the best acting Cameron Diaz has ever done. In fact, all the acting in the movie is very good.  

SMALL SPOILER ALERT

If you have had someone you know go through cancer, this may not be the movie for you to watch. On the other hand, it may help you to watch it. My Papa died of cancer 11 years ago, and there were a few parts that were really hard to watch. Maybe it was just the story or maybe it was because I remember what that felt like. Regardless, it's a great movie, but Take Your Tissues! 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I'm off to an outdoor jazz concert. 

Anyone doing anything fun this weekend?

Confessions

Today, dear readers - yes I'm talk to all five of you - I have decided to share some things that I have been hiding from you.

- I do not have nor do I understand Twitter. What can I say I am a internet networking late bloomer! I did not get a myspace or facebook account until almost all my friends had one. I was informed it was necessary. While I love being able to stay in touch with friends, recently I find that I crave privacy. Which leads me back to Twitter, everyone already knows what I am doing thanks to Facebook so why would I want people to have even more detail?

- This leads me to my next confession which is slightly ironic given the first confession. I, the person who wants some privacy back in her life, love to internet stalk people. I love to jump from one blog to the next and read about people's lives. Granted I've never met these people. On facebook, I photo stalk. As a budding photog I can't help it. I just love seeing people's pictures.

Can anyone give me a good argument on why I should Twitter? Anyone else blog/facebook stalk random people or am I just weird?

Summertime

On that first warm day of Spring, I look in my closet for the perfect dress. Today I found it at Nordstrom. Now to get it into my closet! 

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Uncommon Weddings

I am so thrilled to announce that my very talented and dear friend Bonnie has FINALLY and officially become a wedding planner. She was the driving force behind my wedding. She has did amazing things with her own wedding that I was fortunate enough to coordinate and photograph. Check our her blog and website. I'm so proud of you dear friend! 

Funny thing, I was about to blog about feeling uninspired lately when I remembered that I'm surrounded by people who inspire me everyday. I have the best friends. 

Happy Father's Day

For years I dreaded Father's Day. It's a long story, but in the last 7 years I got incredibly lucky. My mom met and married a wonderful man who has become my dad. Last year he adopted me. This year it was a joy to see Father's Day come. 

I have learned that what makes a person a Dad is not about blood relation. I hope each and everyone of you have a man in your life that has influenced you positively. You may not call him Dad, but that doesn't make him or his influence any less important. 

Last I would like to leave you with the chorus from our Father/Daughter dance from when the hubs and I got married. 

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Catch Up

Wow it's been a long time. I'm sorry for the absence. So here is a brief catch up of the last month:

- threw a bridal shower for a friend. Lots of fun, friends and yummy food. 

- my office moved to a temporary building while waiting for our NEW building to get finished. The temporary digs are quite small and have been a challenge to get used to. 

- lots of frg (Family Readiness Group) stuff including a volunteer recognition luncheon. 

- Redeployment/reunion training! 

- went to a childhood friends wedding up in the mountains. More fun and friends. It was great! 

And today, I threw a baby shower for a friend, finished buying sheets for our "sons", got my last package from the hubs and went to an outdoor concert downtown. 

As you can see, I've been a busy lady. I hope to be back to regular blogging again soon, but with the hubs coming home in just a few weeks things are super busy. Bear with me, I'll be back soon. 

Honeymoon

Hubby and I have yet to take a honeymoon. There was not time after the wedding to take a trip of any kind. Actually Adam left for a three week training in Texas a week after we got married. So we have spent the last several months debating on where to go for our honeymoon. 

Drum roll please...at the end of August, Adam and I will be headed to beautiful Maui for a week of fun and relaxation. You know the best part. I get the hubs all to myself for 7 whole days!! 

With a coast like this, what's not to love? 

Military Ball

So it looks like we will be having a ball after hubby gets back after all. We were originally told that we would not be having one. I guessed they changed their minds. Haha that's the Army for ya.

I was browsing online at Nordstrom's the other day and came across this beauty. What do you think? Ball worthy or too much?




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Weekend

I love three day weekends! I skipped town this weekend and went to the beach with the in-laws. It was great. Even hubbies grandparents came. It was relaxing and just what I needed. I hope that everyone else had a great weekend. Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow, but at least it's only a four day work week. Woohoo!! 

I hope that everyone has also had a good Memorial Day. I have a completely different perspective on the day than I used to. I hope that you took a moment today to think about all those past and present that serve in the military. They sacrifice so many of the small and big things that we often take for granted everyday. 

13 Months

13 months down. Only two more to go. We got this baby. We got this!

Congrats Grads!

Wow I can't believe it's been four years. My kid brother graduates college tomorrow. He will walk across that stage with his honor cords and his head held high. I could not be more proud of him. Congrats to you, J! You rocked college.

It's official

The hubs reenlisted today. Here is to another six years.

Patio Dreaming

Every great back patio needs a hidden ice chest.

I could spend hours just reading a book or napping with hubby on this swing.

All furniture and images by Pottery Barn.

I know I know it's California dreaming, but with a gorgeous set-up like this one how can you not dream of a patio. I could spend hours in that swing. The ice chest is for the hubby.

Ok excuse me while I drool!

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1) Homecoming this July!

2) Finally really trying for a baby

3) Honeymoon to Hawaii in August

4) The Kentucky Derby and watching it with my Dad.

5) M's bridal shower

6) Beach with the in-laws

7) My one sunburned shoulder no longer being burnt so I can start back at the tanning bed

8) 5:00pm ;)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1) Yummy brunch with girlfriends

2) Spent the last couple hours of a fabulous weekend with my B

3) Got two new tires on the car

4) Went back to the Dogwood Festival

5) Sweated my butt off at the festival. It is hot already!

6) Cleaned the apartment

7) Finalized future plans with the hubs

8) Relaxed with Bailey

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1) Get through my long to do list

2) Speed up time

3) Start my own photography business

4) Read my dog's mind

5) Find a new apartment/house

6) Sing

7) Get back in shape without working out

8) Have a positive life changing influence in someone's life

8 Shows I Watch:

1) Sex and the City re-runs

2) Food Network Challenges

3) 24

4) Brothers & Sisters

5) Gossip Girl

6) One Tree Hill

7) Will & Grace

8) Platinum Weddings

I tag YOU.

(Only if you'd like to of course).

Weekend Fun

This weekend I will be hitting up the Dogwood Festival. I'm super excited. Free bands, delicious food, and fun vendors what's not to love? I will let you know how it is, and hopefully will have a few pics of my own to share. Anyone else have weekend fun planned?

P.S. Keep a look out for fun new blogs next week, my very crafty bestie is coming for a visit. I'm sure I will have lots to share.

Earth Day

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In honor of Earth Day, I think I'm going to have to run to my local Disney Store and snatch up this adorable tote. It can also double as a shopping bag! Plus it's made out of 55% recycled PET/45% jute, so it's incredibly earth friendly.

What are you doing for Earth Day?

Favorite Photo

Today I would like to share with you my favorite picture from our wedding day. The wonderful Brian Salmon was our photographer. Check him out here.

I would love to see your favorite picture from your wedding day!

Happy Birthday

To my Mommom. She is the closest thing to an angel that I've ever met. She is my best friend. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. I hope it's a great day for you! Only bad thing...can you imagine having tax day as your birthday? Yuck. That would be right up there with having your birthday on April Fools or a leap year birthday.

Sleep Time Tuesday

Tonight's thought: 

How is it possible that I got a paper cut today that I don't remember getting?

12 months down...

12 months ago today, I kissed my husband goodbye and sent him off to Iraq. I would love to say that he will be home any day now. Unfortunately we have another three months to go. It's hard to put into words how I feel today. This year has been full of growth, sadness, and joy. One day when I am a little more removed from this situation, I will write more about this deployment and all that I have learned. But today it is still too close and personal so instead I leave you with a few lines from a popular song that pretty much sums up my feelings.

So far away from where you are
These miles have torn us worlds apart
And I miss you, yeah I miss you
And I wish you were here

If I Had A Million Dollars...

(Source)
I would buy this dreamy creation from Carmen Marc Valvo. Sadly I don't have the money nor anywhere to wear this gorgeous gown. However it does not stop me from dreaming or drooling.

LuLu*s

Zen ring

Today I discovered LuLu's. The only way I know how to describe the clothes and accessories found on LuLu's is that if forever21 and Anthropologie had a love child well that child would be LuLu's.

I love the Zen ring. Super cute and affordable. At just $10, I'm pretty sure I can spring for it.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter! Enjoy your day off unless you are like me and stuck at work. Bummer! Keep your fingers crossed that I can leave early and get on the road to my parents before all the traffic hits. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Wedding Style

Dress by Thread

I am usually not a fan of short wedding dresses until I saw this beauty. It's perfect for a Vegas or beach wedding. I also think it would be super gorgeous for an informal vowel renewal ceremony.

Sleep Time Tuesday

...on a Wednesday night? I know. I know. 

Tonight's thought - if you are going to have something on your blog called "Sleepy Time Tuesday", it would be smart to stock up on tea bags. The pantry is now stocked, and we will be back on track next week. 

Obsessed

Dear KitchenAid, how I love thee! I am in fact quite obsessed with my gorgeous black and chrome KitchenAid mixer that my parents gave the hubby and I when we got married. She mixes like no other. So imagine my delight today, when I stumbled across this adorable stamp on Etsy.



Stand Mixer Handcarved Rubber Stamp by cupcaketree.

Recipe Cards

At the end of May. I am hosting a bridal shower for a friend. Since M loves to cook, I'm having a kitchen/entertaining theme party. Think recipe books, martini glasses, and anything Pampered Chef. I thought it would be fun to send out recipe cards with each invitation so that each guest can pass on their favorite recipe to M. Great idea, right? I thought so until I started the search for the perfect recipe card. There are a limited supply of non-cheesy recipe cards out there. Etsy to the rescue!!

Who doesn't love a good monogram? Plus it's red to go with M's colors. The monogram recipe card is by PaisleyPrintsEtc.




I have to admit that these are my favorite so far. These are hand drawn and then letterpressed. Along with the adorable recipe cards, you get a handmade wood card holder box. Check out more of 1canoe2's items.

Anyone else found any cute recipe cards or card boxes lately?