Goodbye May! It's been real. But it is now time to bid you a do and enter the month of June...which will become a very much favorite, fantastic, awesome, crazy month!! yes, that sounds crazy. Yes, I might explain. But maybe some other time ;)

On to May's farewll.

On the blog front, May was the first full month of blogging here on Blogger! Actually engaging in the blog world and having people comment and look at my things. Hence why I decided to look back and see what exactly everyone likes to read. What topics intrigue you. ("Stop saying the word hence...it's seriously annoying."  Name this movie!!!!)

And going back to topic...

All time favorite for the month? This baby..Our engagement story over on the Disney Inspiration Blog! Thanks for loving our story almost as much as we do :)

Second most popular was wedding related too...hmm a trend. Just thinking pink is all with my wedding colors. Seriously can't wait to utilize my colors in all aspects of the wedding. Loved this combo for awhile.

And rounding out the top 3 posts of May...drum roll please....my most recent Friday's letters!

I love doing these Friday's letters and talking to people or things about the week. Thanking them, bitching about them(it) or just being able to ramble off little things about your week. And this one was my favorite because I was able to share about Stephanie Decker and what an inspiration she is. Watching that on Ellen seriously made my week. And you can't not watch it and tear up. I dare you.

So there you have it.My top 3 posts from May. So you like my Friday's letters and wedding posts. Good to know :)

Ps. But seriously. Can you name the movie?!

The time is now

Do what you've always done and you will get what you've always gotten.

Words to think about. If you aren't changing any of your habits to get to your hopes and dreams...how do you expect to get there? Yes, Krista. This means you.

Ever sit and wonder what exactly you can start doing differently to change the outcomes. Whether it's a small action or a large decision or just a different perspective. Looking back on your days of consistent activities and emotions and noticing you aren't really changing much from day to day. 

Well. It is no longer acceptable.

 Do one different thing everyday. Smile when you get up in the morning if you are usually grumbling. Might put a positive spin on your whole day. 

Didn't get to that run yesterday because you were just too tired? Get off the couch and run!

Been wanting to take up a new hobby but you are a little hesitant if you could do it? Do it anyway! One day you might just own a business around that hobby. Hey, you never do know. I am a bit of a hobby whore collector myself and try any and all hobbies to see if I can do it. Trust me, it's fun just to try!

And if you aren't sure and are hesitant, just remember to have faith. Faith that even if you make a mistake or end up somewhere you didn't think you would, it was for a reason. There is a plan in everything. There is a lesson and something to learn in every action and mistake so take a chance.

I'm giving myself this challenge. Starting with one new thing a day. And see where it goes from there. Excited to see what happens!

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to all the selfless soldiers past and present that have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. I wouldn't be able to do half the things I do without all your sacrifices.

And I can't say it enough.

Thank you.

Friday's letters to give strength

Almost didn't make it for my Friday letters! That's right I just got home from work and am not out celebrating the holiday. Yes, I'm whining about it. Back to the letters.

Dear weekend-can you just add an extra day to make it a 3 day weekend like everyone else on the planet? just this once? pretty please with cherries on top? Dear apartment-IF you could pack yourself up into a billion boxes that would be awesome. All properly labeled too please. Dear hair-I am sorry I have neglected you these past few months. I am fully aware you need a trim and some new color. I am working on it. I promise. Until then maybe you can keep the freeze down a bit. Dear fiance-Don't ever forget you are awesome and amazing! Everything will work out the way it's supposed to and we are just along for the ride :)
Dear Stephanie Decker- You are an amazing person and woman. You put your kids first and lost both your legs but you haven't given up. You are giving people courage and hope and showing what true strength looks like. Despite losing both your legs, you are still smiling and determined to walk sooner than the doctor's said. Couldn't not tear up watching you walk your first steps on Ellen.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Let's talk budget

Everyone's heard it. How gosh darn expensive weddings are. Something around $27,000 average for weddings in the United States. Yup, the amount for a down payment on house is used for one day. But let's face it, it's worth it right?!

I mean I am not there yet but I can imagine it will all be worth it. But I am hoping to come in well under that average for my own wedding. Trying to figure out ways to cut costs as much as possible. Hence a lot of DIYing and comparing costs on DIY and regular. Because sometimes DIY can actually be more expensive than going the easy way. So just watch out.

This is my plan of attack:

I have researched what % is expected to spend on each item. It helps break it down a lot easier than what I would assume would cost.

We then had to decide what were our non-negotiable items...the things we didn't want to skimp on and would mean the most. For me, it's our pictures. I'm a picture gal (everyone that is around me knows this) and I can even be a bit crazy about it. This is something I don't want to skimp on because I want the best pictures! Fiance decided DJ too because we both love to have a good time and get our groove on. We also want our guests to have an amazing time and the music is what makes or breaks the atmosphere sometimes.

I then finagled it around to put more money into our top areas and see what we had left in other areas. This way I know that the other areas I can try to DIY or find the best deals. Bottom line: Make sure you identify what is most important to you so you can allocate a larger percentage to that and get what you truly want!

It also helps that our venue includes cake, place cards and the centerpieces. Allowed us to input some of that budget into our important components! 

The things I have decided to at least try to DIY..

• Save the Dates
•  invitations
•  Thank yous 
• Favors
• Programs
• Menu Cards
• Guest baskets
• whatever else pops into my head

There you have it folks. How we have tackled budget.

Some Monday Humor

It's a rainy Monday. Obviously the worst kind and everyone seemed to have on some sort of grumpy pants today. So this is for all of them and anyone else that just needs to take a deep breath. 

Relax, people.

All the images are from here. Seriously addicting.

Hope you enjoyed!

It's a shower!

As we look at another Monday coming to be tomorrow...I look back on my half weekend. Yesterday I did have to close at my job so not much going on there. Although, I did get to sleep in so that is always a fun little treat. 

And today I had the pleasure to travel to the Forsgate Country Club to celebrate a future Mrs. A Mrs. who I was fortunate to meet as my fiance's friend's girlfriend. Whew. And I am now lucky to have her as a friend. 

We partook in bridal shower games that included coming up with a memory of the bride. Took me back to that time in AC when we chatted in the Photobooth about what engagement rings we wanted and when we thought they were coming. Needless to say, by the time a year passed we both had our rings on our fingers :)

We sipped on some sweet Sangria and enjoyed a delicious lunch. Chicken fraincaise yummmm. And of course we watched as she opened up all her new goodies to fill her and her hubbies home. 

I unfortunately brought along a camera that wasn't charged. FAIL. Guess I'm still not used to having one again. And I have old school Blackberry that has that annoying shutter noise with any picture so I didn't want to disturb any present opening. Needles to say (after all that jumble) I don't have any pictures of the fabulous bride to be :( But I did grab some after I got home of the fabulous things we got to bring home with us. 

The pretty centerpiece I won..lucky number 6!

Of course little miss nosy had to see the new things

How cute is this?!

Just a beautiful day! Can't wait to celebrate the bachelorette in a few weeks :) 

See ya on Monday!

Who dares to try to kiss Will Smith?!

Today all I want to say is...Will Smith smacked a reporter for trying to kiss him! Gotta love him. 

                       

Friday's Letters

Dear Grey's Anatomy- What are you doing to me!? I can't believe the season finale ended that way and we still don't really know for sure who died. I see through you Shonda Rhimes. I'm still not totally convinced Lexie is dead. And I must say even though it was fake blood and bones...holy moly. Still made me a little nauseous. Dear Fiance-Great job being awesome :) I know you will kill it on Tuesday and then maybe we can figure out where we will actually being going in a month. Dear 2 day Detox-I'm not entirely sure if you really helped or not. I did not feel any different. Well, except for the fact that I was really hungry. I did though develop a real fondness for smoothies so I might just continue that for my breakfast. Dear exercise routine-If you could make yourself that would be wonderful. And help me get rid of these jiggly thighs before bikini season. Much thanks. Dear coffee- I definitely missed you for two days and will never give you up again.


Happy Friday everyone!

Detox!

Via my travels, I stumbled across this 2 Day Cleanse from The Look Better Naked Diet. 

 It goes a little something like this. 

Breakfast

Light shake:

   • Blend 1 cup skim (or soy, almond, rice, or hemp) milk

   • 1 cup berries

   • 1 tsp peanut butter (or flaxseed oil)

   • 1 cup of ice until frothy

Bonus: Add a dash of cocoa powder!   

Snack

   • 1 cup sliced cucumbers

   • 1 cup green tea

Bonus: Add a little vinegar and fresh dill to your 

cucumbers, or make a cucumber salad by slicing a 

couple of unpeeled cucumbers into rounds, dousing 

them with flavored vinegar (fig is great, if you can find 

it), and letting them marinate for an hour. Drain off the 

vinegar and keep them in the fridge.

Bonus: Drink your green tea straight up andhot—or 

brew a whole pot, toss in some fresh mint leaves or 

slices of peeled fresh ginger, and let steep for a few 

hours. Store in the fridge and pour it over ice when 

you’re thirsty.

Lunch

   • Steamed or raw greens (romaine, spinach, mesclun 

      mix, bok choy, arugula, watercress, frisee, endive, etc.)

   • 4 oz lean protein (white meat chicken, firm tofu, lean 

      beef, fish)

   • 2 tsp oil (olive, sunflower, walnut)

Bonus: Mix-and-match your greens! You can get a lot of 

no-cal flavor simply by adding arugula or watercress, both 

of which have a peppery kick. Or you can toss a handful of 

fresh basil, cilantro, or flat-leaf parsley in with salad greens 

for an extra jolt of flavor.

Snack

   • 10 asparagus spears, blanched

   • 1 cup green tea

Bonus: Dip the asparagus into nonfat yogurt swirled 

with Dijon mustard to taste.

Dinner

   • Steamed or raw greens

   • 4 oz lean protein

   • 2 tsp oil

Bonus: Be creative with your 2 teaspoons of oil, at both 

lunch and dinner. Whisk it with a teaspoon of vinegar 

and some herbs for vinaigrette; use it to sauté bite-size 

pieces of white-meat chicken, lean beef, tofu, or fish; or 

mix it with a flavor-booster spice mix to rub on chicken, 

beef, or fish before broiling or grilling.

Now I have been trying to get back into my eating healthy and fitness routine so I figured this would be a great way to kick it off. I wouldn't be doing anything crazy like just drinking smoothies all day or not having any solid food. Just eating every couple of hours and healthy stuff.

Well. I started today and sitting here all I can think about is a nice cold Diet Coke and chocolate chip cookies. That's right, I started a detox on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Who does that?! Especially when there's a box ready to be made in my cabinet. 

I am also pretty hungry but chugging water to distract myself from my grumbling tummy so that can be seen as a plus I guess. I also discovered I hate asparagus, even with non fat yogurt. I barely got through 4 spears. No way I was making it to 10 without losing the snack I desperately needed. 

So folks. That's how it's going. Trying to rid myself of toxins and get in shape. Are we all crazy?

Stay tuned to see if I make through day two...

Weekend Recap!

Having a weekend off is so wonderful. Especially when you get very few you learn to appreciate the ones you have and this past weekend was such a relaxing, nice weekend. Here's my weekend in pictures!

This was my Saturday. Uncle gave my car some much need TLC. Some brakes and an oil change later and my little, big car is good to go. Sure looks good for 90k miles. She ages well. Got to visit the old house as we desperately try to sell it. Met some nice wildlife in the back yard. Kinda miss those cute babies. Bears, not so much. I may or may not have made a bed on the driveway to have a quick nap. It was glorious. Oh and something big happened Saturday...I'm talking huuuuuuggggeeee. Might have to update you later in the week ;)

Sunday went a little like this...

Spent mommy's day with my little munchkin child. My fur baby. Also, spent it with booted sister. Check it out in the background of the pic. It's really fashionable. Gave her a little dye job and Miss Lily felt like she needed to wear the cape and sit on the special chair. I then enjoyed the end of the day enjoying some wine on my patio. Such a beautiful sky, couldn't not take a picture of it. And of course Lily wanted to join me for some wine.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and Mother's Day!

PS. How're my collage skills?? Amateur :) But thanks pixlr!

Dear Friday

Hey all!!


I am linking up this Friday with Friday's letters. It's my first time so it might be a little short. Work with me people!

Dear Friday: Thank you for being the best kind. Pay day and weekend off! Dear Future BIL-Congrats on your graduation from college!! Taking me back three years to that same spot....So excited for you! Dear Lily-Please stop taking off your collar like it is a game where I can find it every morning. Thank you. Dear Fiance- You are being super awesome this week and I appreciate it all and everything that you do.  Dear NJ Devils- Yay Eastern Conference Finals! Can't wait to see what the match up will be!

Getting through the day

The past few weeks the emails, commercials and marketing tools for Mother's Day have been on and on. 

Four years later and it isn't any easier to hear or see, "Shower your mom with love." Or "Make sure to let your mom know how much she means to you this Mother's day."  Delete, mute, turn the corner.

I wouldn't say I'm bitter but I also wouldn't say I'm not. In a way I am bitter. Bitter that showering my mom with love means leaving flowers on her grave. Bitter that I can't call my mom on the phone or send her the flowers to show her how much she means to me. I just have to whisper it into the wind. 

But I'm also not bitter of the fact that I still have amazing other women in my life. Look at these women I get to send mother's day cards to. Women who are there for me and support me. 

And let's not forget I get to be a cat mommy to this cutie. Yes, I said that. 

Past years I have used the distraction to get me through the day. And it's worked. Even with all the commercials. The first year I spent it at school feverishly packing up all my belongings for the end of my college career and spending it with my man and best friend. 

Last year, I spent the day at work and it was a pleasant distraction. Dodging the question about what I was doing later with my mom wasn't the best but I made it through.

This year, it is all about positive energy. Doesn't matter what people think I should do or act on Mother's Day. It's about celebrating my mom and doing things in her honor or for her. Doing things that make me happy. 

Even though this week will continue to be hard for me, it's about dealing with it the best way I know how. The best way I can. And this year it will include finally! signing for a wedding venue! Something positive to deal with the sadness. 

Until then...just trying to get through.

Pinteresting Wedding Wednesday!

Hey all!


So for this week Wedding Wednesday I am looking to my favorites from Pinterest this week.

(via theknot.com)

a different picture with each bridesmaids...love this idea! All of mine have such different and unique personalities it would be great to show in pictures!

(via heather lantz; originally from benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/)

These programs are so cute. Putting engagement photos to good use. Definitely something I would love!

(via pinterest; originally from kara yeoman)

Those are my three favorites from the past week. How much do you love Pinterest?! I am getting so many ideas and inspirations from there I don't know what people did before it. Follow me for all my pins on wedding, laughs and inspiration!

The Disney Inspiration Blog: MY Real Disney Engagement Story, A Walt Disney World Surprise!

Oh hey.

So if you haven't read here about my amazing proposal....
 you can now see it on the Disney Inspiration Blog!


That's right. I submitted my proposal story (since I'm slightly obsessed with it obvi) and they decided to feature it on their blog and tumblr! So have a looksy over here and tell me what you think!

The Disney Inspiration Blog: Real Disney Engagement Story, A Walt Disney World Surprise!

Cinco de Mayo!

Just stopping by to wish a very happy cinco de mayo to everyone! Arriba arriba!

I'm sorry. Did I say cinco de mayo? I think I meant cinco de drinko. Oh wait, I think I meant the day I get to see Avengers and drink a margarita. Yea, that's about right.

Here's a little cinco de mayo throwback. We love our margaritas ;)

And I can't forget a very happy birthday to my grammy! 

Everyone have a safe cinco de mayo!

Well Hello Friday!

Favorite parts of my week:
1. Two Devils playoffs wins!

(I don't know why this is so far down..perils of new blog life)

2. Carrie Underwood's new album came out Tuesday and I can say I love it. And she has been all over the TV this week. What could be better? I seriously want her legs. I mean look at this.

CREDIT: Michael Becker/FOX

Sorry Angelina, she has you beat. There is actually meat on her bones.

3. New water heater..which if I am correct actually has a better time keeping my water hot than the other one day. Maybe it's one of this electric savers too. 

4. Nice little chat with one of my bridesmaids who lives way too far for my liking. Always nice to catch up and share in all too similar life situations. Yup, even on opposite coasts. 

5. Avengers is out today!! Ok, breathe. Don't worry I will be seeing it tomorrow. I know you were all wondering when I would be going to see it. 

Loving this High Five for Friday..allows me to recap all the good things from the week and be a positive polly! You should try it!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Think pink

Or fuchsia.

Have picked wedding colors...even though I haven't done much else! They are officially fuchsia and black. With some sparkle of course.Very elegant.

Here are some pictures of the combo together. So excited!

(google)

(the knot)

( from here)

May Day! May Day!

That's right, it's May 1! And no we aren't in an airplane about to go down.

May Day is an actual day or holiday if you will. Many people don't know about this cute, thoughtful day so I think I will share. Because we all know I love my holidays..little or big.

( skip to my lou)

May Day used to be more of a religious holiday way back in the day but as people became more Christianize, it was soon replaced by Easter. Now it has become a spring festival in some cultures and represents the fertility of spring at this time of year. Birds chirping, flowers growing and trees blooming. And those of us with those lovely seasonal allergies can attest that this is indeed happening.

But the more modern take in the United States states that May Day is about spring kindness. Making up a small basket of treats or flowers and placing them anonymously on your neighbors doorstep hoping you run away before you get kissed.

I was honestly thinking of partaking in the cute little tradition today (minus running away trying not to get kised) because of the previously mentioned neighbor that helped saved many cardboard boxes filled with sentiments in my garage last night. Thank you neighbor for telling me water was trickling out of my garage. Here's some candy.


And we can also thank May 1 being the first day it was made official that we shall no longer be slaves to a 16 hour work day under cruel conditions and we should only work a maximum 8 hours. Hallelujah! Because let's face it, we barely make it through that on a day to day basis.


Head on over to good ole' Wikipedia for how each country celebrates.

Oh, it's raining alright.

Well.

Let me just tell you about my time from this past weekend until today. Let's just say it was a little bit crazy and a lot out there. 

Saturday I lost part of an eyebrow. That's right. I am now the owner of a quarter of an eyebrow thanks to a wonderful wax job. And from what I hear, eyebrows don't grow back that easily. Just wonderful. 

So I now have to part my bangs on a different side and it just feels so wrong. And not in a good way wrong. Not right at all.

But Saturday night I got to spend some time with some of my favorite people celebrating the senior. My greek family and sisters. Spent some time in a coat closet, talked wedding and life and had an all around great time. Almost made me forget I lost an eyebrow.

Sunday was a wedding day. Mine or whoevers. It's whatever ;) Felt very constructive and had a nice little afternoon treat. What's that saying? Hair of the dog that bit you? Aka. I'm old and might have been nursing a hangover. 

Monday was well a Monday. Crazy, sleepy, out of the norm. Had a serious panic moment. The one that kind of makes you evaluate where you are in life and why. (Without going into so much detail)

Well, some wine cured that right up. Cue door bell ringing. Friendly neighbor introducing himself at 8 o'clock at night. No, No. He was here to tell me there was water coming out of my garage. Score. He then proceeded to tell me how it just happened to his water heater a few months ago and now they keep everything in plastic bins (That explains all the time they spend in their garage..)

It does turn out to be my water heater. I hear a distinct hissing noise that must mean a leak for sure. After using all 5 of my leg muscles, I am able to pry the nailed door off the water heater . 

Side note: Who nails a door to a water heater?

Welp. A leak. Course of action, call the landlord. How nice I can do that. Have a problem? No worries, just call someone else.  Hopefully today someone can help me fix this mess. 

And here is all I can think, tomorrow is a new day. Not only that, a new month. And not only that, Carrie Underwood's new album!! So that must mean it will be a good month, right? Gosh, I hope so.