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!