Home for the Holidays

This year I hope all of these things were true for you:

My first batch of sugar cookies!

Lots of yummy goodies to fill your belly.  

Lots of good booze to lift your spirits and help you cope with the craziness that is the holidays.

Our very first full size tree.  Santa came!

Beautiful holiday decor to surround you and keep your spirits jolly.

My wonderful husband and I.

And more than any of these things, I hope you were surrounded by loved ones.  Family friends or whomever makes your heart smile.

My longtime friend Erin, and her boy, my godson, Cassius.

Still more fun to come for New Years!  Any fun plans?  Do you go all out or keep it lowkey?

Tis' the Season for Coconut Flakes

I recently gained a new appreciation for Malibu rum while on my honeymoon in Aruba.  Shocking.

I've just learned that they came out with a new Malibu Holiday/Winter Edition that features actual coconut flakes in the rum!  I'm sooooo goddamn excited! 

I love the flavor of coconut in absolutely anything.  However, believe it or not I'm not a huge fan of sweet drinks.   Here are a few solutions I've come up with to this problem when it comes to mixing up some Malibu yummyness for my glass:

Malibu and black cherry seltzer.  Just enough sweet and absolutely delicious!
Malibu and club soda with just a splash of coca-cola. Obviously Malibu and Coke is a staple at most bars, I find the amounts of sugar in Coke to be disturbing so this is my fast fix to this problem.

What will you be mixing up this holiday season?

DIY Holiday Decor

I'm a huuuge fan of Real Simple Magazine.  They sent me a cute DIY project slideshow this morning for holiday decor and I thought I'd share.

The gold gift bow wreath is my favorite, how about you?

Credit here.

 I plan on attempting some DIY garland next.

I found some great DIY projects on Design Sponge.  Check it out!

I made my own Christmas wreath this year and it came out just as nice as the marked up ones you find at places like Pier 1.  I also find some satisfaction in DIY projects.  I'm no Martha Stewart, but I take pride in saving $ and sprucing up my home at the same time.

What easy DIY projects have you done?  Please share!

Credit here.

This year I'm taking my first stab at making glorious Christmas sugar cookies.  I hope they come out looking somewhat recognizable.

Cybertastic!!

Today has been a cybertastic day so far!  Yes I made that word up. 

Photo credit  here

Free shipping and deep discounts is sooo much better than fighting the holiday crowds at the stores!

Photo credit compliments of MSNBC

I'm trying to avoid being brainwashed by all of the Christmas hype that is all over the televisions, radios, and any store you walk into nowadays.  Whenever possible, shop local, and shop with cash so the store owners don't have to pay credit card fees.

I tried to create a holiday list with at least half of the items from ETSY. 

ETSY is a great way to do some local shopping, and support small business.  Most sellers do take credit cards instead of paypal if that is an issue.

This holiday season I plan on keeping my focus on what is important, family, not shopping malls or gifts or last minute stocking stuffers.  I can't deny that a nice thoughtful gift puts a smile on my face, however stay focused on your family and your blessings that come in the form of beautiful people who are part of our lives.

Happy holidays my friends! 

Photo credit here.

Keep calm and carry on and get out of the malls whenever possible!

We're Married!!

I'm sorry to my followers that I've been such a slacker.  I was busy getting married!!  We are officially a family now and I couldn't be happier!

Here is my pre-ceremony shot that I wanted so badly.  What do you think?  I started to cry of course (happy tears).  I was a ball of emotions that day.

Please follow this link to see a small sampling of my wedding photos.  Michael Bloom Photography is amazing!  I would recommend them to any and everyone! He made me look like a goddess in the below photo, I seriously can't even believe it's me!  And such fun wedding party shots.  I'm still waiting on all of the photos, but the sampling alone has me drooling!!

All the wedding stress is over (Thank Christ!) and now I get to settle into the warm fuzzy holidays with my husband.  I'm thinking warm fire, hot cocoa, Christmas music, ridiculous amounts of food!  All with the man I love.

 Mmmmm get in my belly!!

I love to decorate for the holidays!

Friday Funny

Always come back to my ninja love.

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you all have a lovely fall weekend.

List 10 Things You Are Grateful For

With my wedding fast approaching, (so sorry for my lack of posts lately!) and my nerves and moods in constant flux I thought it might be a good time to go back to an old journaling exercise.  List 10 things that you are grateful for. 

1) My wonderful fiance, and soon to be husband, who not only sticks by me through everything, mood swings and all, but loves me (and tells me everyday) in the midst of all the craziness.

2) Alcohol, yes I said it.  No, I'm not an alcoholic, but it sure has been helping me out lately when my nerves need some calming.

 

3) My wonderful family and friends who have been unbelievably generous and helpful with the planning of our wedding.  Their love and generosity never ceases to amaze me.

4) My car.  I thought my baby needed new brakes, and I was going to be screwed with a huge bill right before the wedding.  Took her in, and low and behold, she just needed a little TLC, nothing major.  Still have a few months on the brakes. 

5) The financial ability to even have this wedding!  I complain about the costs almost daily, but when I really think about it, I'm so happy that everyone is coming together to celebrate our union.  It make me feel so honored and spoiled all at the same time.

6) My job, yes it is making me bat shit crazy lately, but I'm still happy to have one.  Trying to tie up all those loose ends before my big break for the wedding and honeymoon!

7) My upcoming honeymoon/vacation.  We're going to aruba!  I've never been to the bahamas and I'm looking forward to a whole lotta R&R.  Especially after planning a wedding!

8) My health!  Yes sounds kinda funny since I suffer from 2 autoimmune conditions.  HOWEVER, they have both remained relatively calm in the midst of all of the wedding stress.  I'm so so thankful for that!  Feeling good!

9) Massages!  I treated myself to one last week.  Deep tissue and boy was I sore and boy did I need it.

10) The upcoming holidays, I'm beyond excited to have my first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a married couple.  I'm going to be all warm and fuzzy and lovey and destressed this year for the holidays.

What are you most grateful for at the moment?

Remember, even on the worst of days, there is always something to be thankful for.

Swarovski Ladybug Love

I have a slight obsession with ladybugs.  I love them, any charm, nicknack or tiny figurine I can find of one I end up purchasing.

With my impending nuptials I've been a stressed out mess lately.  Aaaand Swarovski send me a little birthday gift of $15 credit so I treated myself to the newest addition to my collection. (I can justify any purchase)  Meet Lucky Ladybird.

Lucky Ladybird

Now I need to buy a printer's/letterpress drawer to hang on my wall to hold all of my little neurotic collectibles. This one I found on etsy is of particular interest to me. 

You can find it here on etsy.

Go Green! Go to a Yard Sale!

Do you know that here in the US, we produce one third of the worlds trash?

I feel like I'm performing an earth-friendly service by purchasing from yard sales vs. stores.  Why not get something for a quarter instead of paying full price for it at Homegoods or Walmart?  Especially if you have the ability of washing it, ta-da!!  Good as new!

I've always been a huge fan of yard sales, and great finds for great prices.  There are a few select items that I wouldn't purchase from a yard sale necessarily, but not many.  I'm planning a yard sale for Labor Day Weekend, so I'm super excited.

I have yard sale strategy.  I plan on putting my key items (sure to sell) in the front, making them visible to all who drive by.   

 I've even found a very handy "How to Host a Garage Sale" tips guide on Real Simple's website. 

I've purchased brand new items with tags still intact, everything from hiking bags to silverware holders to blankets.  Why the hell not?

Do both your wallet and the earth a service by stopping by next time you see a yard sale!  If it's washable then it's doable, and haggle away, that's half of the fun!

Brouse these Recycling Fun Facts to get excited about going green.  Your children and grandchildren will thank you.

Today, and everyday my friends...

this is my wish for you.  Using this as a reference always helps in times of trouble.

Find this @ quotablecards

 Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

I love everything on the quotablecards website!  They sell anything from stationary, candles, magnets to tote bags, mugs and framed quotes/wall art.  All of the saying are lovely.  Definitely check out the website.

Pre-Ceremony Photos / Would you do this?

What do you think of this idea?  You don't get to actually see eachother, but you do get to feel the touch of your soon-to-be husband's hand?





 I love this idea!  A pre-ceremony shot without actually seeing eachother.  I must have one of these.  Oh the anticipation!

(Photo by Gina Leigh)

Etsy, My Bestie

If you haven't heard of the website Etsy yet, well get on board!  It's an amazing site where crafters can sell, anyone can purchase, and you can network with fellow crafters or buyers.  I've found many fantastic items on the site at unbeatable prices.  Best part is, every item is unique and more than likely one-of-a-kind!

For when I finally acquire a macbook, I must have one of these:

You can find cookie monster here.

           For when we finally finish paying for our upcoming wedding maybe I'll be able to purchase some original artwork for our bedroom.  Gorgeous!    

You can buy this fantastic piece here.

I've gotten so many wonderful wedding DIY ideas from Etsy.  Below are a few I will attempt on my own.

These can be bought here.

This can be bought here.

Buy this beauty here.

I actually went ahead and bought this print, couldn't resist. Find it here.

My mother went ahead and bought us the card box below, personalized of course.

Order one here.

I want these items just because, well, they're fab!

Purchase this here.

Angora Jersey Thumbhole Armwarmers.  Buy them here.

Yes please!  Buy this Gold ring w/semi-precious Carnelian here.

Friday Funny: I Heart Dennis Leary

"A coffee flavored coffee!!!"

There has never been a time I've watched a Dennis Leary clip and not laughed.  I had the pleasure of seeing him live on his comedy tour recently in Albany, NY at Palace Theatre.  Hes still got it!

My Bridal Shower.......

was a hit!  I was surprised with a gorgeous Jimmy Choo cake, which was an exact replica of the shoe I will wear on my wedding day.  Ladybugs everywhere, since I'm obsessed with them.  The best part of all: wonderful family and friends everywhere!

My wedding shoe replica cake!  Made by Corsino Cakes.

It was really such an honor to be joined by so many people, a good majority of which traveled over an hour, just so they could celebrate our impending marriage.  I'm in awe of how lucky I am to have so many amazing supportive people in my life.

I know you're really supposed to create a bouquet out of the ribbons from the shower and use it at the rehearsal, however my friends thought the hat was much better.  What do you think?

Bridal Shower Antics

I had my makeup trial done the morning of my shower, and I'm very happy with the results!  Might as well have somewhere to go when you're all dolled up.  

My MOH picked out the most adorable favors for the shower.  Ladybug magnets!  I was soooo close to buying these for wedding day favors! 

 

There were also gorgeous gerber daisies everywhere. Love Love Love!!!

Thank you to everyone who came, helped out and made the day so special for me.  I love you all!

What I Can't Live Without

So here are a few things that I absolutely could not survive without.....OK maybe I could, but I'd be a rather bitchy individual.

I love HONEST TEA!  If you haven't already tried it, please do!  It's very low in both calories and sugar so it's good for your waistline, also it's loaded with antioxidants.  Wayyy better for you than Lipton tea, unless of course you drink the unsweetened version of it (I do).

I highly recommend the flavors pictured here: Lori's Lemon, and Peach Ooh-La-Long
Yummmmo!!!






Rosebud Salve is my ultimate savior.  I use it on my lips (the only thing that helps them when they are really chapped in the winter), I use it on my hands, my cuticles, and in the winter when I have static hair, you can rub a bit in the palms of your hand then smooth over hair lightly, and BAM, problem solved!  You can always find this product at Sephora.

To relieve some stress and burn some calories get off your butt and try ZUMBA!  This latin dance-inspired fitness craze is taking over and it is easy to find a class most anywhere you look.

I hate treadmills and most aerobic exercise boors the hell out of me.  I love to dance so Zumba is the perfect workout for me.  I can dance for over an hour straight and I am soaked in sweat so I know it must be doing something.  Also, this has always been a major source of stress relief for me.

Even if you feel you have two left feet, I guarantee no one is watching you.  Just keep on moving and have a good time with it, you'll love it!







Please try Dove's Shea Butter body lotion if you haven't already.  The scent is divine and it leaves my legs and body feeling silky smooth!

 When it comes to makeup I love my Laura Mercier!  It covers up the never ending dark circles that are under my eyes. And the tinted moisturizer serves as an excellent alternative to heavy foundation.  Both are excellent products and well worth the $.



Do tell, what products should I be trying?  What is it that you can't live without in your daily routine?

Ahh Yes, and last but certainly not least, I love getting into a bed made with crisp freshly cleaned sheets more than about anything else.  Not anything, but just about!  Who's with me here?!