An Open Letter to Friends

Dear friends,

First, I love you. No buts or ifs. No judging. I. Love. You.

Some friends come and go. Some friends stay for a long time. I value all kinds. If we are no longer active in each other's lives just know I probably still think about you. More importantly, know that I would be there for you in an instant if you ever needed something. I hope that you feel the same, but it's quite alright if you dont. Things change. People move on.

What I can't do is watch you hurt. If someone is hurting you in any way or if you're hurting yourself in some way, I am sorry to say there is only so much of that I can bear. I will be your shoulder to cry on, your ear to listen, your sound advice. I will not be your sole problem solver or therapist. I can take you so far. You must do the rest. And I beg of you to do so. For you.

Please understand that if I distance myself it's only because I try to bear the burden for you and I cannot. It pains me. I worry for you. And sometimes I have to be selfish and, for my own sanity, take a step back.

But I love and cherish you. I will be there for you if you reach out. I want the best for you. Always.

This is not the first time. And may not be the last.

I remain.

Your friend.

Dirty hairbrush? Clean it up!

Random quick post. I've done a lot of research on this. It's all the same. Your gunky hair brush? So normal. There's no getting around it. I hardly use any hair product and I still feel like my brush gets so gross so fast. So here's some tips and tricks.

There's no substitute for manual cleaning.

Remove as much hair as possible between brushings. Otherwise you might as well be running your oily fingertips through your hair everytime you brush.

Tweezers are your friend. Or another brush, but my style brush requires tweezers.

Depending on your brush there are different methods. Once I tweezer as much of the gunk off, I give it a hot water/lemon juice bath and a good scrub with an old toothbrush. If you prefer you can use a mild dish soap or your shampoo. But not too much and be sure to rinse well.

My picture is embarassing, but I think we can all agree we are not alone in this. At the end it looks shiny and practically new.

If you're wondering, this is a Goody Clean Radiance brush with copper bristles.

Tell me- what's your everyday necessity you hate cleaning or don't know how to clean?

Getting Older

As my 30th birthday approaches I can feel things subtly shifting within me.

I'm less tolerant of other people's indecisiveness, drama and general lack of commitment/consideration.

 Found here

I'm increasingly interested in doing more with my free time, including volunteer work. Which, I'll admit, I have yet to actually start. Mostly I stills just sit around and craft or do laundry in my spare time. But I've taken some steps towards other things.

I also want a child- in the not SO distant future. I've always had random urges to have children. I just feel it stronger within me. Like down to the core. Almost as if something was missing in my life. (Not to be confused with wanting to be pregnant, then birth a child - can we skip that part?)

I just want to start a family, have another little person around to fill the void. I can feel it.

Its a little unsettling. But I just watched an awesome clip of Drew Barrymore talking to Ellen about turning 40 and how she "finally feels her age." In a good way. And you know what? I think I might too.

Though, I DID just get carded while ordering a cider at lunch with my parents. So there's that.

Don't get me wrong. I have a good life. Not always great, but good. Good food on my plate. A reliable new car. A decent roof over my head. And a husband who works his arse off to make our lives better. What more could I want on the cusp of 30?

Tell me, what are your getting older stories?

Self

I wasn't going to weigh in on the Bruce Caitlyn Jenner topic. But I've read so much hate and ignorance, I can't help myself. Let's get to it.

Are there better role models for the community? YES! However, Caitlyn is doing her best to separate herself from the Kardashians. Lets also remember, Bruce was an Olympic athlete. BEFORE ALL OF THIS. And howany other in the teams community have this kind of platform already to bring so much awareness? Not many. The ESPN Courage award is debatable, but kudos to them anyway.

One of the most profound things I read was a quote from 'the' interview about how Chris would go to bed at night thinking his life had been wasted. What a terrible thought to have in your head, eating away at your souls, night after night.

On the flip side of that, Caitlyn was a little taken aback by her new face after surgery. People take this as a sign that this is not an authentic change or as a publicity stunt. Woah woah woah. Caitlyn lived as Bruce her entire life until recently. I would be shocked if there wasn't a spark of doubt. I applaud her for speaking about it! A tattoo is a permanent change to your body, and no matter how sure you are of your choice, there's always a chance you may look at it after the fact and wonder "should I have just done that?" Maybe not the best comparison, but I hope it offers some insight.

Does Caitlyn have other issues? No doubt. But deep in her heart she believes this is who she is meant to be. Who are we to judge that? It's not hurting anyone for her to be herself.

Too many people want to know will Caitlyn date men or women? Uhm, again, its not about who she is sexually, physically, or mentally attracted to. Its being comfortable with yourself first and foremost. And at the end of the day Love is Love.

What is SELF? It's a combination of many things. Mind, heart, body, spirit. All of these needs to be in harmony. Otherwise, you live in disharmony. I am sure we have all experienced this at some point in our lives and we all have ways of expressing our true selves. For some it may be a musical outlet, or as simple as having an unnatural hair color. For others, it runs far deeper an far more extreme.

I'm no stranger to supporting human rights. Of all kinds. I refuse to give up on people that we can make this a better place to live.

Man and Wife! Say Man and Wife! - Off Beat Ceremony

It's our 6 Month Anniversary! So in case you want to re-live our ceremony like I do... please enjoy! :)

Music/Processional

*Adam to play everyone in*

Order:

Juan w/ Rings *Lauryn Hill*

Julia and Monte *Lauryn Hill*

Me and dad *Foo Fighters*

INTRODUCTION

Good evening. Our bride and groom would have asked me to take a moment to thank all of you being here to share this very important day with them. As all of you may know, Nelson and Meagan are both… well… how shall I put this?

They’re geeks. There. I said it. They love Sci-fi movies, Super Heroes and video games almost as much as they love each other.

And so, before we begin, I’d like to take a moment to recite for you some of the most romantic… and geekyest quotes that Nelson and Meagan could find.

“There’s a lot of things you need to get across this universe. Warp drive, wormhole refractors… But you know the thing you need most of all? You need a hand to hold” (Doctor Who)

See? Beautiful. But geeky.

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone” Arwen to Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings

“I came across time for you. I love you. I always have. Kyle Reese to Sarah Connor – From The Terminator

“If we join together, no force can stop us” (Excerpt from the Klingon wedding Ceremony of Worf + Jad-zia. Star Trek: Deep Space 9.

And of course… No geek wedding would be complete without this quote. The final word on marriage in all of Geekdome.

“Mawwidge- Mawidge is what brings us togethah today. mawidge, that bwessed arrangement! That dweam witfin a dweam. Then Wuv… Twu wuv… will fowwwow youuuuuuuuu foweverrrrrrrr. So Tweasure your wuv.

MEAGAN

All right. Let’s get on with it….

DAN

And on that note. I think we are ready to begin our ceremony.

An Irish Blessing, selected by the bride.

May the gentle breeze bear witness to this ritual and carry a message to all the lands.

May the sun warm their hearts, and its ever-burning fire fuel their desire for each other.

May the sea provide for them its bounty and comfort their souls with its sounds.

May the earth lend its strength and reveal its mysteries.

BLESSING OF THE PARENTS

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are here today to be witnesses to the union of Nelson and Meagan, whom we all know and love. But perhaps none have loved and influenced them more than their own parents. It is with great respect that we ask their parents to bless this union.

Mary and Joe

Do you sanction this marriage with your blessing and receive these two respectively into your homes, with love, as a member of your family?

*we do

Nelson and Carmen.

Do you sanction this marriage with your blessing and receive these two respectively into your homes, with love, as a member of your family?

*We do

Thank you. Without your blessing… this could have been very awkward.

BLESSING OF THE RINGS

And who has the rings?

Let us not forget that a ring is nothing more than a bit of metal, precious metal, but metal none the less. It is cold, until warmed by loving hands.

At this time, we are going to pass the ring box around the room. I ask that each of you hold the ring box for but a moment, and warm it with your love, then pass it along. As you, their family and friends do so, please wish these two health and happiness; all that is noble and good in life. When these rings come back they will contain in their precious metal, that which is more precious… that which is priceless: your love, hope, and pledge of support.

In the meantime, Meagan and Nelson have selected some readings that speak about who they are both as individuals and together as a couple.

First, we would like to invite Juan to come forward for a reading of the Essential Rumi

Reading of the Essential Rumi

When I am with you, we stay up all night

When you’re not here, I can’t go to sleep

Praise God for these two insomnias!

And the difference between them

The minute I heard my first love story

I started looking for you

Not knowing how blind I was

Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere

They’re in each other all along

We are in the mirrors as well as the face in it

We are tasting the taste this minute

We are in pain and what cures pain, both

We are the sweet cold water and the jar that pours it

I want to hold you close like a lute so we can cry out with loving

You should rather throw stones at a mirror?

I am your mirror, and here are your stones.

Thank you, Juan. Our next poem is going to be read… by you.

Starting from Nelson’s side, going down each row, everyone has numbered lines of poetry on the back of their programs. Starting with number 1 and going through 24, we would ask that you each stand up and say the line of your poem in turn. The poem is entitled

To Love is not to Possess by James Kavanaugh

1- To love is not to possess,

2- To own or imprison,

3- Nor to lose one's self in another.

4- Love is to join and separate,

5- To walk alone and together,

6- To find a laughing freedom

7- That lonely isolation does not permit.

8- It is finally to be able

9- To be who we really are

10- No longer clinging in childish dependency

11- Nor docilely living separate lives in silence,

12- It is to be perfectly one's self

13- And perfectly joined in permanent commitment

14- To another–and to one's inner self.

15- Love only endures when it moves like waves,

16- Receding and returning gently or passionately,

17- Or moving lovingly like the tide

18- In the moon's own predictable harmony,

19- Because finally, despite a child's scars

20- Or an adult's deepest wounds,

21- They are openly free to be

22- Who they really are–and always secretly were,

23- In the very core of their being

24- Where true and lasting love can alone abide.

Thank you all. Well done indeed.

HAND READING

Now, to our bride and groom. I ask that you please take each others hand.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are

holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all of his days of his life. These

are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and

cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands that will wipe countless tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of

joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear of grief

overwhelm you.

RING EXCHANGE

By now the rings have been passed through out the room. And now, the rings have made their way from your loving hands which have endowed their precious medal with warmth and happiness to the hands that will bear them into the bonds of marriage.

Wedding rings have long been a symbol of love. Nelson and Meagan, these rings are a symbol of your love for each other. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together.

Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight. May your lives and your family always be encircled by love.

Nelson, please take Meagan’s left hand in your own and repeat these words:

“I give you this ring as a symbol of our love” (repeat)

“As it encircles your finger,” (repeat)

“may it remind you always that you are surrounded” (repeat)

“by my enduring love and faithfulness”

(Nelson puts the ring on her finger)

Meagan. Please take Nelson’s hand and repeat after me.

“I give you this ring as a symbol of our love” (repeat)

“As it encircles your finger,” (repeat)

“may it remind you always that you are surrounded” (repeat)

“by my enduring love and faithfulness”

(Meagan puts the ring on Nelson’s finger)

I LIKE YOU POEM

The Bride has asked her brother, Jacob, to come up and read another short poem.

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard

I like you because

If you find two four-leaf clovers

You give me one

If I find four

I give you two

If we only find three

We keep on looking.

… I like you because if I am mad at you

Then you are mad at me too

It's awful when the other person isn't

They are so nice and hoo-hoo you could

just about punch them in the nose.

… I would go on choosing you

And you would

go on choosing me

Over and over again.

CLOSING:

Nelson, Meagan, you have professed your love by exchanging your vows. You have symbolized your commitment by exchanging rings. I have but one more question to ask…

Do you promise to outlive each other, to pull time apart for each other, to change the future together,

to always kiss goodnight, and to be the others’ player two for the rest of your days?

-I dos

Meagan and Nelson, you have just engaged in a perpetual war that will drain you to eternity.

And now, by the power vested in me- by these two –

MEAGAN:

Say Man and Wife:

DAN:

Man and wife! You may kiss the bride! Make it so!

*kisskiss*

*We return back down the aisle, Adam comes down aisle playing our first dance song, we have first dance at double doors leading in (Rupert Holmes- Escape)*

What's a Non-Tradional Bride to do?

Planning your wedding and need your feelings to be validated? Look no further.

The last 3 weeks leading up to my wedding were the most stressful part. Not because of nervousness, but anxiety. Over things not done and last minute changes. That all my planning and hard work was going unnoticed. Over spending quality time with all the people who were coming in to see US. Over people panicking over things I had deemed unimportant or had simply trusted in that it would just "work out". Especially when I had more important things on my mind like finding a new bartender and making an ipod playlist?

For every person that asked if I was excited, I just got knocked down another notch.

For every person that said it was time to just roll with it, I didn't feel comforted.

I didn't have that wow moment with my dress (I slept on it).

I didn't fall in love with my hair (even though I knew it was amazing and what I wanted).

So why should I feel excitement?

I felt stressed and I wanted it to be over (mostly).

(And mostly I wanted to chain smoke a pack of menthol cigarettes but the small part of me that was still sane wasn't willing to compromise my health).*

For the non-blushing bride, these things can feel depressing. Like- what's wrong with me?

The truth is, nothing is wrong and its OK to feel this way. We spend so much time and energy (some of us months and some of us years) planning the perfect evening that we know will last mere hours. Not everyone "feels" like a bride "should" and that's ok. There's no good way to handle these things. When someone asks if you are excited, you grin and say yes despite all those other feelings. And if you're lucky, your maid of honor lets you curse to her and go on a tangent.

I wish I could say I found a true outlet, and writing this blog out helped, but overall I did not. Although, IG accounts of cute bunnies did help take the edge off.


Also, if you are a guest at a wedding and it is not explicitly stated that you have a plus one - you DON'T have a plus one! Especially not two weeks before the wedding. *end rant*


In the end, everything DID work out. Almost 6 months later, we are still married ;)

PS Plan yourself a kick ass honeymoon to look forward to! Was the highlight of the week following the wedding!

*For the record, I'm not even a regular smoker- social at worst, never at best.

Bunny Bonding- the Longest Journey

Many of you already know we have pet bunnies. When most people find out- we are met with shock and AWWW.

Indy turned 7 this year. We've had him since 5 weeks!

Nero is turning 4? As a rescue, you can never be too sure.

Both are fixed, litter trained, and cohabiting. The road to get here was long and treacherous. But rewarding in the end. This is their story:

Indy has been an only child since he was an infant. So the introduction was not smooth. Nero was also a rescue, so not only did we not know his background he also had to get fixed and had other medical issues that cost us $800 in the end. It was many months before we could really start bonding the two.

When bonding bunnies, you have to start slow and in neutral territory. We used a fence and our back porch for this, as neither spent a lot of time there alone and Indy pretty much has free run of the whole house. We spent our free evenings out on the porch with them. Eventually, as they got more comfortable, we would go to the kitchen or living room and let them explore together until a scuffle would erupt. Lucky, both rooms are connected to the porch with sliding glass doors- better to keep a close eye on them.

Some days were good, they could be out together for hours on end without bickering. Other days, Indy just couldn't be bothered to have a little brother. We started to refer to Nero as Indy's shadow. He is much younger and just wanted to be near his new friend! Indy is middle aged, and most of the time wanted to be left alone. We also discovered Indy was territorial about his tent that he lounges in. SO we removed that from the equation for some time.

Many fights ended in tufts of fur floating around, but we were quick to interject and not leave them unattended in the beginning. Later on, Indy just grunted at Nero and he would scamper off. Nero learned when he wasn't welcome. But we would still scold Indy. Indy ended up in time out by himself on more than one occasion.

After what seemed like forever- we finally made the bold leap to take the fence down for good and see what happened. Its important to note that after closely watching them, I felt the time was right. They made it overnight without killing each other, there may have been some fur floating around, but no real damage was done so we let it go.

We're happy to report that there seems to be a mutual like between them now. One litter pan, one water bowl, one food dish. It remains clear Indy continues to be more dominant. But I'm pretty sure Nero is OK with that. Indy will actually try to get Nero to groom him, but Nero can be a loner so Indy does most of the grooming. And Nero is still Indy's shadow.

Wedding Ceremony Readings

As a non-traditional/traditional couple with no focus on religion and for a friend reading the ceremony- I found myself having to WRITE the blasted thing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Actual conversation with the fiance:

Me: Can I read to you some of what I've written for the ceremony?

Him: Ceremony?!

Me: Yes, the ceremony...

Him: Oh..... I thought we were just going to get up there and say "I do."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, in my quest to write a ceremony I discovered its harder than it sounds. You need length, and interesting things to say. I researched online and used Offbeat Brides, my brother sent me a book they had used, and a friend send me a [lengthy] document with many options.

I then discovered a book on my shelf "For You, My Daughter" - a Blue Mountain Arts collection of poetry. Here are some of my favorites:

When you are happy,
I'll love you with
a joyful heart.
When you are sad,
I'll love you with a heart
made a little heavier
by your tears.
When you are right,
I'll love you with a heart
filled with pride.
When you are wrong,
I'll love you with a heart
that has learned acceptance.
When you succeed,
I'll love you with
a cheering heart.
When you fail,
I'll love you with a heart
that rewards the efforts you've made.
When you dream,
I'll love you with
an encouraging heart.
When you give up,
I'll love you with a heart
that is strong enough for both of us.
When you are simply you,
in whatever mood or phase of your life,
I'll love you with all my heart
and more than you'll ever know.
~Linda Sackett-Morrison


I am always here
to understand you
I am always here
to laugh with you
I am always here
to cry with you
I am always here 
to talk to you
I am always here
to think with you
I am always here
to plan with you
Even though we
might not always
be together
please know that
I am always
here to
love
you
~Susan Polis Schutz


I will support you
in all that you
do
I will help you
in all that you
need
I will share with you
in all that you 
experience
I will encourage you
in all that you
try
I will understand you
in all that is in your
heart
I will love you
in all that you
are
~Susan Polis Schutz


i wish for you warmth
when it is cold outside

i wish for you a star
when the night is dark

i wish for you courage
when the world is afraid

i think of you, i wish for you
and i know you know
that here, there is a heart
and a home;
and here, there is someone
who loves you
more than any wish could ever give.
~Laura West Rosenthal


I enjoy the knowledge that we'll make it
through whatever life brings
with courage and with love
through the years.

More than you know...
and more than I can ever say,
I feel a wonderful thankfulness
in my heart... just for you.
And I want you know remember, though
my thoughts don't always convey
and my feelings don't always show,
I love you, and I always will...
more than you know.
~Andrew Tawney


I hope that today
and always
the love I have for you
is reaching out
and touching you-
making your days
a little brighter
and your heart
a little warmer

I hope that today
and always
you are aware of how
special you are to me
and how lucky I feel
to have you in my life
~Susie Schneider


Even
if a day
should go by
when I don't say
"I love you..."

May never a
moment go by
without you
knowing I do
~Daniel Haughian


If I could stand beside you always,
I would.
If I could carry you over all the obstacles,
I would.
If I could turn all your tears to laughter,
I would.
If I could tell you
all that will happen to you,
I would
But I can only tell you
one thing with certainty:
I love you.
And I hope my love will
shine on all your tomorrows
and brighten every step
you take in the future.
~Dorothy Hewitt


 You probably don't realize how important
you are tome. There are times when the
one thing that helps me get through the
day... is thinking of you.

You bring happiness to me when the world
seems to be wearing a frown. When things
don't quite go as planned and my world
seems upside down, my thoughts of you help
to set things right again.

You are so important to me.
You make me think, you make me laugh,
you make me feel alive. You put things
in perspective for me. You provide support
and encouragement, you lessen my worries,
and you increase my joys. If my life were
a puzzle, you would be the one piece that
was a perfect fit.

Every day... I think of you.
And I've got a million smiles to prove it.
~Marin McKay



PHEW! I'm all typed out. Though many of these did not make it into the actual ceremony, I hope you find some inspiration here!

Tell me, where have you found unexpected inspiration lately?!

DIY Wedding Card Box

Weddings are expensive. It's one thing to say the average wedding costs $35k. It's another to live it. (Tho trust me, my budget is nowhere near that!)

Today we are going to explore an alternative.

Wedding card boxes are expensive. Whether you are looking at a traditional card box, wire bird cage, or something in-between... it's going to be $20 minimum for a 'nice' style. However, you can get something cheap- and cheap looking- for less than $10.

NO MORE I say! If you have a little time to spare and are crafty, you can get something way more unique and cheaper! Because I'm a DIY craft junkie, the only real out of pocket expense for me was the box itself. I could have stopped there, but why?!

Worst case scenario this is going to cost $20, for me it was just over $10 and took maybe an hour to do.

Materials:

-Large fake book storage box: at Michael's 40% off plus an additional 25% off coupon= less than $8!
-Hemp Twine- or string or whatever you have
-Scrapbook paper- if you don't have any laying around, look for alternatives (think of your theme-comic books maybe? or Michael's has specials all the time)
-Template
-Pencil
-Scissors
-Misc. embellishments- optional
-Di-cut Shiny Red Damask letters- previously purchased ~$3 (I've been holding onto these for the perfect wedding craft so I am including the cost here) or if you have a Kricut or something you could make your own

I don't want to spoil too much, so here is the incomplete card box!

The outside- fits our "Adventure theme" and colors.

Nice and roomy on the inside! Dare I say- BIGGER on the inside?

 The materials.

 The layout.- All I did was trace a template on the side of the scrapbook paper I didn't want to use (this way messy lines won't show) and cut 'em out. Then, hole punched two corners on each for my twine to string them up inside the book.

Not done, but you get the idea. The black/gold things in the corners are picture corners. I'm planning on hiding the end of the string with them. I also need to add the di-cut letters to spell out  C A R D S.

BONUS: the fiance loved the idea and picked out the book to use.Teamwork and collaboration.

So tell me- what crafty projects are you up to?! (Doesn't have to be wedding related!)

Hump Day

Hump Day is almost here, it is especially bad when Hump Day = your Sunday and Thursday is your Monday. UGH.

Fair warning, this is going to be a lot of random nothing. But hey, I'm celebrating a mysterious 53 blog hits yesterday (seriously don't know who all of you are but thanks?!)

Aside from working, its been busy busy over here. 2 baby showers, starting the 7 month countdown to I DO day. And today I decided to get my Etsy shop back up and running. Humor me while I take a moment to PLUG myself:

Find me here. And on FB.

Also, can we talk about the Rainbow Sun that could be seen around Central Florida?! How cool was that? If you weren't in the area, you missed out on something truly remarkable.

Jealous? You should be.

 

 

If I disappear again, its likely because we've finished watching all there is to see of Dr. Who on Netfix and I'll be miserably depressed.

 

Finally, we've been busy fully bonding these two. It was a LONG process, that I may tell you about later. But I am happy to report they are living symbiotically. ;)

Time to go find that Zombie that's roaming around (sick men are never fun).

So what's new with all of you?!

Bringing Home the Bacon

My mom asked me just the other day if I wanted to go see Kevin Bacon speak at USF.

I was on the fence about going, but it was free so I figured why not. (Also, to make myself feel better about being on the USF campus, I wore a UCF football shirt.)

I'm glad I did go.

 

I learned a lot about Mr. Bacon.

Although a day late, I would like to officially say Kevin Bacon is my #mcm

 

 

Did you know when the game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon was started he thought it was a big joke at his expense?! He was not fond of it and thought the game would be like a fad. Now he is using it as the name of his non-profit organization: http://www.sixdegrees.org/

 

Connecting Celebrities with Organizations and Organizations with Celebrities. Check it out.

 

Story telling.

"I didn't have to worry about bringing home the... bacon"

 

Yea, he totally said that.

 

 

Cool, calm, and charming.

 

 

He has done a lot of movies, so I'm off to see what I can find on Netflix.

 

How do you prefer your Bacon- with or without glasses?! Tell me in the comments, because I can't deicide...

 

 

PS He threw up BULLS horns, but he was moving too much for me to get a good pic. Sorry Bulls. #sorrynotsorry



Simple Jewelry Fixes- DIY

Since I didn't got to MegaCon over the weekend, here's a quick Jewelry update:

 

The necklace on the [below] right I've had for ages. I didn't wear it often because it didn't lay properly. At over 3' long it wasn't working for me. I took off over 1.5' and now its an adorable bib-style necklace. This isn't the first necklace I've adjusted this way. Such a simple solution!

 

PS Don't discard the remaining links- use them again for another project another day!

 

Next up, a cheap looking, junky and chunky heart pendant. The cute crown tarnished but I held on to it to repurpose. Finally got around to it. The little pink deer is from a pair of earrings, sadly the earring hooks tarnished.

I pried the crown off easily, then sanded down the residue from the epoxy.

Finally, I stacked my pieces on top and super glued them into place.

 

And just like that, without spending a dime, using what I already had- I now have TWO "new" pieces of jewelry. *happy dance*

 

 

Tell me, what have you repurposed lately??

Ich Liebe Dich... Liebster Blog Awards!

Thank you to Ashley over at Not Your Average Ashley for nominating me for the Liebster Blog Award.

1. Why did you start blogging?
    I had a lot of free time and needed something to fill it. I follow a couple of great bloggers and thought "I can do that!"
2. How did you come up with the name of your blog?
    It's a short and silly story, but I have a blanket from Halloween that has skeletons on it. Viola.
3. What's the best place you've ever visited?
    Oh gosh, that's tough, I recently went to the Dominican Republic. That place is definitely high up 
    on my list. What a beautiful place!

A sample of the shore at the resort Riu Bachata.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If yes, what are they?
    I don't think so...
5. What's your favorite thing about yourself?
    My creativity.
6. What's a hobby/activity you would like to learn but haven't tried yet?
     Needle-felting. Sad to say I haven't made an effort to really try it yet. Instead a browse etsy all day
    for other people's cute creations. Like Felt Me Up
7. Do you have any pets? If yes, what are they?
    Two bunnies. People are always surprised by this. Indy is a blonde/golden color, and Nero is
     black/gray.

My protector and constant companion.

 

8. What's your favorite piece of clothing?
    Do my pajama pants count? Yoga pants? Fine, my long skirts. So easy to put on but I can look put
    together in minutes.
9. Read the book or watch the movie? Explain your choice!
    Read the book (first) and then watch the movie. The movies never live up to the books, but no
    matter I enjoy watching them for a visual reference.
10. What's your favorite type of music and why?
      I don't have a favorite type, my mood determines the genre. Some days it's pop, some days
      alternative, and others its rap. Conversely, music changes the mood- so if I'm on my way to work
      I try to listen to pop so I go in in a more positive mood.
11. When was the last time you had a day that was "The Best Day Ever?" What did you do?
      My brother's wedding was probably my most recent "Best Day Ever." It was an amazing       
      experience. I wish we could do it all over again.

Not from the wedding, but from the Bridal Shower I threw for my Sister-In-Law.

 

Now for my nominations:

Can I re-nominate Ashley?!

1- Jen at EPBOT
2- Jen at Bloggess
3- Margeaux at 365 Journey
4- Dana at WonderForest
5- Mel at Felt Me Up

I know its a short list, but I'm going to curl back up on the sofa for now.

Tell me, who would you nominate?!

     

Wedding Dress Woes

Throw everything you know about wedding dress shopping out the window!

Start Early. Or don't.
Don't pigeon-hole yourself.

Try dresses ON.
Stop looking.

Once the date was set, I started looking. I'm not one of those crazies who started looking more than a year in advance, however. But I started looking for shops and going into shops and quickly learned what was within my budget... and what was not.

One store I went into told me to try on dresses in size 18! 18!? I'm usually a 14, and yes I know that the "rule" is wedding dresses run small (although who thought that was a brilliant idea I'm not sure). So I started with the 18's, shockingly enough they were too big. I did try on a 16 or two that fit well or were tight. Guess what- not all dresses run that small! So don't give yourself a complex over it. Go by fit, not by size. In the end, my dress is a 14 and it fits like a glove! No alterations needed at this time. Huzzah for saving money. I know this is not the norm, but I also know someone who bought their dress off the rack and needed no alterations. So it is very possible!

This also means you must try things. New things, things you didn't think you would want. My dress is not what I "wanted"- but I couldn't be more pleased with it. It didn't hit me right away, I tried almost 20 on before I really liked anything. Not just regular like, but like-like. No, I didn't cry over it, but I also couldn't stop thinking about it either. The day I tried it on I left the store without purchasing it, but I went back shortly and ordered it.

Having just picked it up today, I want to wear it all day and look at it all the time. But its going to my parent's house so the groom isn't tempted to see it and I'm not tempted to actually wear it every day. 'Cuz I might.

No lie.

And since I can't show you anything... here's a picture of my accessories, to tame your curiosity...

Got any wedding tips? Share please! =)

ADIOS Valentine's Day

HAPPY V.D.!

(I just like typing that...)

Google stole my feels today- check out the home page.

While some of you may be dealing with this:

via

We will shortly be on our way to this:

via

See ya'll when we get back... if we come back ;)

What are your Valentine's Day plans? If you do that sort of thing...

Wedding Theme- UP and UP

I literally squealed with delight when I saw this in the $1 bin at Target. The wedding is taking on an UP theme, not entirely intentional or unintentional.

 How perfectly adorable is this?! I think we will use our thumb prints instead of hand prints. I may have guests write messages and put them in the mailbox. Or use it for the Dollar Dance. So many options! I can't wait to get started on it.

For size reference:

I couldn't resist giving you all some insight to my absence lately. Been a little preoccupied. Also, have a big trip coming up next month!

So there you have it. Have  great week everyone!!!

The Night Circus- Book Review

Lately I just have not been motivated to read. (Possibly because I've been forcing myself through the second book of Game of Thrones- I think maybe eventually I'll just watch the show). This made me sad. I mentioned this to a co-worker (who happens to be an avid book reader) and she knew right away I had to read a book she just finished.

From the cover art to the jacket synopsis, I was sold! My ONLY complaint is the time line jumps back and forth. Aside from that, this book is perfect. I tend to read a lot of period books, books about magic, etc and sometimes I over do it. While The Night Circus is set in the late 1800's/early 1900's and relies heavily on magic, it remains imaginative, clever, unique, mysterious, sad, and fun. The Night Circus has it all. The characters are engaging and really draw you in. Erin Morgenstern writes with such detail but in a way that is easy to read. I feel like I am finally out of my book funk- on to the next one!

Now someone please make this a movie!!

 

Have you read any good books lately?

P.S. Happy New Year!!!

Adorably Simple (and cheap) Gifts

How to make an adorable gift- great for many occasions, not just the holidays- with a few items. Here is what you need:

 

Small candle (These candle are from Bath and Body Works- on sale 3 for $10!)

Flat Snowflake ornament or tissue paper*

Washi Tape

Ribbon*

 

*(of which you probably have laying around- otherwise the Dollar $tore is your friend)

 

Here we Gooooo:

 

 Remove the string from the ornament. Remove the front label (don't worry it still tells you what scent the candle is on the bottom) and then wrap the washi tape around.

 

Like so:



 

Before, during and after progress shot.

 

Set the candle on top of the ornament and tie a ribbon around both to keep them in place.

OR fold a small piece of tissue paper around the candle and tie with a ribbon bow.

TADA- bonus, the ornament is now a cute little candle "holder."

 

And, wouldn't these even make cute favors?!

DIY Holiday Cards

Now that my cards have been sent, I can share with you all my cards!

Inspired by this find on Pinterest I decided to make my own cards. Easier said than done, but I'm pleased with the results none-the-less.

The Original

What you need:

A Cup

A paint plate

Paint- greens or blue/yellow to mix

Something for the ribbon (I used sparkly paint)

Cards/cardstock

It took me forever in Michael's to find cardstock that I liked. I went in hoping to just get 5x7 cards- apparently those are hard to come by without envelopes. So in the end I decided on round cardstock- which I thought would be cute with round wreaths.

I opted for a simple hand written message on the back- I'll sign them all later....

I leave you with this message:

Soooo fellow crafters- whats on your holiday craft list?!



Brotherly Love- Living with Pets

So, you may or may not know, rabbits run our house. Recently, we've been trying to get our two to become more comfortable around each other. At first, it wasn't going well.

Indy, who is almost 5 years old (middle aged), has been an only bunny for the better part of his life.

He's kinda spoiled.

Nero, a rescue approximately 2 years old (teenager), wants to not be an only bunny.

This is how tonight's interaction went:

Running, scuffling, lounging, thumping. All somewhat OK until Indy decided he wanted to check our Nero's corner of the apartment. Nero comes running right over to me/us on the sofa, looks up and Thumps! Thumps! Thumps! Hilarious I tells you! This is a huge milestone in our relationship, he recognizes us and knows who takes care of things when they get out of hand. Anyway, guess its ok for him to be in Indy's business but not the other way around.

Other than that, Indy spent a good portion of the evening at my feet. He knows who his momma is. =) But hopefully we are on the right track to allow them to spend more time together and less supervised.

Everybody is back in their respective "rooms" and winding down for the evening.

 

What crazy antics do your pets get up to!?