This is a blog about random things. It could be about things that make me laugh, cry, smile, feel loved, people I love, things I like, funny stories, inspiration, weddings, cats, anything!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Confessional Thursday
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Our X-Mas Gift!
Source
Can't wait to get home and play with it!!! =)
Going back to the store today to pick up another lens for it cause it's on SUPER sale (like $300 off)!
On the first day of Christmas....
- A House Coat
- 2 pack of razors
- 3 pack of Kinder eggs (little chocolate eggs with white chocolate inside and a little surprise in the middle! I hate them but Josh loves them)
- 4 mini shot glasses (maybe I'll get those ones that have liquor already inside of them) or 4 beer glasses
- 5 fingered gloves (not that I know of any 1-4 or 6+ fingered gloves)
- 6 pack of boxers
- 7 lotto tickets
- 8 yummy cookies
- 9 minute sexy little show ;)
- 10 minute massage
- CD with 11 songs
- 12 pack of Budweiser
Monday, December 7, 2009
Featured Bride Blogger!!!!!!!!!
Josh and I met in Karate when we were 14, so sometimes I will refer to him as Mr. Black Belt, and call my wedding stories "The Adventures of Mrs. Black Belt" because our lives have been nothing but an amazing adventure. We are a pretty quirky couple, and we have quite the sense of humor. We quote movies and songs all of the time, to the point where sometimes I think that we are that annoying couple that people just want to barf by just listening to or watching us, but I'm just fine with that. That's who we are, the couple who is so in tune with one another that it makes people physically ill. I LOVE IT!
We are very laid back, and like to do things a little "differently" than most. I like unique things, funky color palettes, sparkly things, kitties and puppies, Detroit Red Wings, punk rock (and all other kinds of music), DIY, meeting new people, and well writing (otherwise I would be kind of a boring blogger... never writing anything)!
I know from listening to other brides about their weddings that things can't always turn out perfect or just as planned. Sometimes there will be that one hitch, but the most important thing is the two people getting married. I actually find life rather beautiful with the imperfections that it throws at us. They make us grateful for the things we have, the perfection that we find in our love for one another, and the chance that we had for living today because we are never promised tomorrow.
View it here. =)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Recipes with Kraft Dinner!
Heat oven to 400ºF. Prepare Kraft Dinner as directed on package, omitting the butter. Meanwhile, brown meat in large nonstick skillet; drain. Stir in tomatoes and oregano; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Combine KD and meat mixture; spoon into 9-inch square baking dish. Top with Cheddar. Bake 10 min. or until Cheddar is melted and casserole is heated through.
Chili & Cheese:
Chili Recipe:
2 lbs of ground beef
2 packets of McCormick (or other brand) chili seasoning
1 large onion chopped
2 bell peppers (I prefer a yellow and a red) chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes (I prefer the Hunt's Fire roasted )
1 can red kidney beans
1 can light colored kidney beans
1 can of "chili beans" (if you can't find this just use another can of kidney)
1 to 2 cans of plain tomato sauce (I like thick chili so I use 1 can but if you like it soupier use more)
Fry bacon. Drain MOST of the grease but leave enough to coat the pan , throw in the chopped peppers saute for a few minutes , then add onions , saute a few more minutes until soft, add in ground beef , season with garlic powder , salt and pepper to taste, and then 1/2 a packet of chili seasoning and cook through . Add ground beef mixture and all other ingredients including the bacon crumbled up or broken in to small pieces to a large pot or crock pot .... simmer on stove top on low for an hour or in a crockpot on low for 3 hours.
Then, cook KD as directed. Add into Chili. Top with sour cream.
Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese:
Mac N Cheese Lasagna:
"Goulash"
1 box Mac N Cheese
1 can/bottle spaghetti sauce
Ground Beef
Onion
Put some oil in a pan, and on medium heat cook the onion and toss in some garlic if you wish. Then brown the ground beef. Once cooked, drain the remaining grease. Add in pasta sauce. In another pot cook Mac N Cheese as directed. Add mac N cheese to the pasta sauce. Serve with garlic toast.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Confessional Tuesday
Monday, November 30, 2009
Making Someone Elses Holiday Better
This holiday season as many struggle to make a living and afford to buy their own family something for Christmas, we have decided to make our first "just the two of us" about helping those in need. Josh is working on Christmas Eve and part of the day on Christmas Day, and I will be at the Food Bank volunteering while my work is closed for two weeks. I also was given this address so that we can write a Christmas card to soldiers who have defended (my and soon to be Josh's) country day and night, and are now recovering. If you would like to write to them you can send them a card to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO BOX 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Please help make someone's holiday extra bright this year. =)
Friday, November 27, 2009
OoOh My Clutch is here!!!
I'm so excited, I am getting all my goodies every day!! I purchased a clutch off of Etsy that I have been eyeing for like 6 months, and I just got it today! It's gorgeous and it was such a quick and easy transaction. I reccomend her to anyone!
Boneca Linda - $50
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Let Us Give Thanks!
1. Talk about a huge breast!
2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
3. It's Cool Whip time!
4. If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst!
5. That's one terrific spread!
6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.
7. Are you ready for seconds yet?
8. Its a little dry, do you still want to eat it?
9. Just wait your turn, you'll get some!
10. Don't play with your meat.
11. Just spread the legs open & stuff it in.
12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?
13. I didn't expect everyone to come at once!
14. You still have a little bit on your chin.
15. How long will it take after you stick it in?
16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.
17. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all of that!
18. That's the biggest one I've ever seen !
19. I like it a little greasy.
20. Just get your whole fist in there.
Happy Turkey Day! =)
Mr.BB's Tie & Gift
He wanted something more his "style" for his tie/shoes. He wants to wear converse shoes as soon as I told him I wanted to wear them. =) So I found him a wicked tie (thanks to my beautiful friend Casey) on Etsy! We just got it yesterday and I surprised him with it! He loved it and was so excited about it! Here it is:
Super quick transaction, and it arrived very fast! It's just perfect!
And for part of his wedding gift I got him a silver guitar pick (engraved). He just picked up the guitar again for the first time in about 5 years, so I just wanted to give him something that expresses my love for him and our mutual love of music (like our tattoo's do). We always say "To infinity and beyond" when we say I love you. Toy Story is his favorite Disney movie ever. =)
From Etsy seller PinkCheckersDesign - $27 (custom)
I Love Pretty Dresses!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mr. Black Belt: In the Paper
Unfortunately, it's an article expressing how hard the Food Banks in our city, and surrounding areas are being hit by the economy. The demand in the Food Bank here has risen 80% since last year. It's so hard right now for some families. When I volunteer there, I feel like I am helping, but I still wish there was more that I could do. We donate whenever we can, and I volunteer whenever I have a spare moment, but I wish we could give them a whole truck load of food. I will just keep wishing that donors and the community will continue to give so generously to the Food Bank, and know that we are helping people. Here is the article in the paper:
Pressure on Food Bank
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Kissing, Dating, and Cohabitating - OH MY [Part 2]
The second on actually has some data to prove their theory and some of the numbers behind how many couples that live together before marriage don't actually end up getting married. Here is that article: Science Blog.
So now that you have read "the facts", what is your opinion? Do you already live together with your significant other? Do you think that if you had, that you wouldn't end up together? Or would you be that 40% that would get married after living together?
Kissing, Dating and Cohabitating - OH MY [Part 1]
1) Mr. Crappy Tire - Dated for 6 months total, moved in at month 4 (he had financial problems because of school and I felt bad... STUPID ASHLEY). We lived together for 2 months (in separate rooms though) before I found his wrappers/cans/bottles UNDER his bed. Needless to say in that moment, I figured out why he always wanted to come into my room to watch a movie. I will also mention that cohabitation does not always lead to sex, I never had sex with Mr. CT. It all depends on your values and self control. That being said, I personally have no problem with pre-marital sex (to a certain extent. Like you probably aren't prepared to have sex at the age of 13 because you wouldn't be able to handle the consequences that come along with having sex, like pregnancy. We shall save this topic for another day).
2) Mr. Introvert - If any of you have ever met me or know me even in the slightest, you would know that an introvert and I just don't belong together. It took me a little over a year to figure that one out. We dated for about 10 months before moving in together (this time it was my financial problems that lead us to that point) and in the 4 months that followed, I learned all of his traits, thoughts, etc. Most of them drove me absolutely insane. I could never spend the rest of my life living with someone like this. He is a great person and he will make someone so very happy, but that someone just didn't happen to be me. His incessant whining; leaving his computer, Xbox, and every other light on in the house; his less than terrific hygiene; his ability to suck the fun out of everything; etc. Sorry, just not for me. I didn't sign up to be someones mommy. He was as sweet as pie though, and he always put me before himself. I really wish him all the happiness in the world, even if he hates me. (OOPS.)
3) Mr. Black Belt - a.k.a. Mr. Right for Me Yes Indeed - With Mr. BB, what I saw was what I got, and boy was I happy about that. We have been together for 3 and a half years, and have lived together for the better part of two of those years. We have been friends for at least 8 years now, so I always knew he was the one for me right from the start. With Mr. BB, I have found minimal things that changed in the time we have lived together. In some respects, the changes that did happen were for the better. I was pleasantly surprised that his cooking was good, he is cleaner than I am in some respects, he helps with laundry/dishes (when I'm really busy with school and work, he does them ALL the time), etc.
Part 2 tomorrow... what inspired me to write all of this kerfluffle!
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Rest of Our Gorgeous E-Pictures! ♥
Monday, November 9, 2009
PaperCake Design Customized Map Giveaway!
Click on the link to find out more information: Wedzilla and PaperCake Design
There are several ways to enter and win!
Engagement Teasers!! [ROUND 2]
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pasta Sauce Avec Bacon!
300g Minced Meat (preferably beef)
5 pcs Streaky Bacon, thin strips
2 tins Skinned Tomatoes, chopped/mashed
1 clove Garlic, chopped
2 pcs Yellow/Large Onions, diced
1 pcs Carrot, diced
2 pcs Celery, diced
Red Wine, to taste (normally put 1/4 of a cup)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Parsley for garnishing
1. Brown bacon in pan.
2. Add onion and saute till caramelize.
3. Add garlic once you can aromatic add in minced meat. Saute for another 2-3 minutes
4. Add tomatoes and red wine. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add carrots and simmer for another 15 minutes.
6. Boil spaghetti in salted water for about 15 minutes. Drain.
7. To serve, on spaghetti, put some celery and pour hot sauce on top. This will then retain the crunchiness of the celery when you bite into it yet, does not taste raw. Then garnish with bit of parsley.
Taste it, you will LOVE it if you like bacon!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Gifts for Your Husband on the Wedding Day
There are tons of gifts that you can give your Husband on the day of the wedding, and they don't have to cost an arm and a leg. I was working on my gifts for Josh this weekend, so I just thought I would post some of the ideas that I thought of while racking my brain for the perfect gift. Please feel free to post more!
*Guitar (Electric or Acoustic) - Perfect if he wants to pick up a new instrument, or just really enjoys music. Tons of articles and books to help you out. Also, don't be afraid to browse in stores, and ask a sales associate. I find that if you go into a small business music store, they are much more personalized and knowledgeable. Acoustic guitars can range anywhere from $50 (used) to $200 (brand new). Electric guitars can range from $100 - $20,000 (depending on the brand, quality, etc.).
*Sterling Silver Guitar Pick (Personalized) - I'm getting this for my fiancee, will post pictures and a review of the vendor when I get it in! $27 plus shipping.
* Boudoir Album - This is more on the sexual side of things, but can be an incredible gift that he can keep forever. The side of you that only he will get to see, captured in sultry photographs and all wrapped up in a pretty little package. These can range from $100 - $700, all depending on the photographer, outfits, hair, makeup, etc. Very well worth it though, because you also get to see and feel how gorgeous you are!
* Digital picture frame - I think this is a great gift for anyone, because you can take it anywhere and have your pictures with you! These have dropped in price and can range from $50 - $200.
* Concert/Sporting Events tickets - What better gift than something that he watches on TV anyways?! You can get tickets to events for super cheap, or you could go as far as to order season tickets to his favorite sports team (which is actually cheaper than I thought it would be).
* Gaming Console - This could be for a beginner or an avid gamer. The beauty of it is that sometimes games will come out that I like to play, so we both use it quite often. It also doubles as a DVD player because our PS3 comes with a Blu-Ray player in it! Here is a guide to all of the systems and what they do.
* Stocks/Savings Bonds - You are investing in your future together, but you could do it in a fun way! A friend of mine got her husband a share of Marvel (comic books) stocks. There are stocks for almost everything imaginable. Go to a broker to find out more information about your options.
Other items: Watch, iPod, mini-moon, slide show for the wedding, custom cuff links, custom Converse Shoes, etc.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yeild.
"When you get those rare moments of clarity, those flashes when the universe makes sense, you try desperately to hold on to them. They are the life boats for the darker times, when the vastness of it all, the incomprehensible nature of life is completely illusive. So the question becomes, or should have been all a long... What would you do if you knew you only had one day, or one week, or one month to live. What life boat would you grab on to? What secret would you tell? What band would you see? What person would you declare your love to? What wish would you fulfil? What exotic locale would you fly to for coffee? What book would you write?"
A truly remarkable Canadian movie, with gorgeous Canadian scenery.
Friday, October 30, 2009
My HOT B-Pics Shoes!!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Halloween Movie Marathon!
- It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Hocus Pocus
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Casper
- The Addams Family
- Halloween Town
- Harry Potter (all of them)
- Practical Magic
- The Haunting
- Dawn of the Dead
- Shaun of the Dead
- Donnie Darko
- Beetlejuice
- Sleepy Hollow
- The Witches of Eastwick
- The Covenent
- Urban Legend
- Candyman
- Psycho
- Scream
- Scary Movie
- The Fog
- Halloween
- Devil's Rejects
- House of 1,000 corpses
- The Omen
- The Blaire Witch Project
- Dracula
- Phantom of the Opera
- House on Haunted Hill
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- Final Destination (all)
- The Shining
- Corpse Bride
- The Crow
- The Craft
- Ghost Busters
- 13 Ghosts
- Haunting in Connecticut
- The Uninvited
- The Unborn
- SAW (all)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
♥ To Write Love On Her Arms ♥
To Write Love On Her Arms Day is a day where anyone can write the words love on their arms, to support those who are fighting against depression and those who are trying to stop cutting.
Please help and write love on your arms, doesn't matter if you are a girl or a boy, the more people who write love on their arms and upload pictures, the more support and awareness twloha will spread.
Its quite simple to help out, as twloha is a non profit organization, so the simple words of "LOVE" on your arms, can already benefit and raise awareness, as your friends will ask why do you have love written on your arms, and you would tell them its twloha day, and how writing love on your arms is actually helping a cause."
To read more, please visit their Facebook page.
Such Pretty Little Things ♥
I had a quick email interview with Jaymie and she had this to say "I am located in Calgary, AB. My background is in visual communications and I work as an art director full-time for an online/digital agency in town. My free time has been fully dedicated to weddings for a few years now, starting with my own wedding which was last year. I made my jewelry and hair accessories for my wedding and then everything just snowballed from there. I opened my etsy shop, Lottie-Da Designs, early this year and am loving every minute of it. I am inspired by 'glamorous vintage' - everything sparkly and elegant. I try to create items that are a little different than mainstream. The best part of Lottie-Da Designs is hearing back from the delighted brides who wore my piece on their big day!"
This is the gorgeous piece I will be getting for my big day, as I am what they call a tiara-phobic.
Lace Feather Bridal Headband Hair Accessory - Ivory
Some of her other lovely pieces:
Rhinestone Ribbon Bridal Headband - Anya
Rhinestone Bridal Ribbon Headband - Eva
Chantilly Pearl and Crystal Bridal Earrings (matching necklace sold separately)
To view more of her amazing work, please visit her Esty shop: Lottie-Da!
Pandemic? I call BULL SHIT.
Read more about it here:
Canada enters 2nd wave of H1N1
Saturday, October 24, 2009
DIY Photobooth!
Life With Leo - Do It Yourself Photobooth
DIY Photobooth Using MacBook & Ikea Curtains
Instructables - DIY Photobooth
Breeze Systems - DSLR Remote Softwear
The Wedding Lens - Photobooth at the Wedding Reception
The Things We Think But Do Not Say - How to Make a Photobooth
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tag! I'm It!!
To continue in the spirit and tradition of the award, I am going to write 7-10 (I pick 7...lol) facts about me and then pass the award on to seven other "Kreativ" bloggers!
- I have a first degree black belt in Shorin Ryu karate. I started when I was 5 and got my black belt when I was 16. I took a little bit of a break in between, but I still love it with all of my heart.
- I can't help but always think that no body likes me. It's just my defense mechanism that I have had since I was as little as I can remember. If no one likes me, I just don't care and if I don't care I can't get hurt. It took me a long long time to learn that my fiancee isn't going anywhere.
- I eat every item of food on my plate one at a time. I can not mix the foods, nor can they be touching one another. It grosses me out, and I refuse to eat a random pea if it has touched my mashed potatoes (just an example).
- I love smartfood popcorn, and every other kind of popcorn.
- I have hypoglycemia, I hate it.
- I love having a blog, even if no one were to read it. There is nothing that I enjoy more in the world that writing and singing.
- When I have a down in the dumps kind of week, month, year, whatever I always watch Dawson's Creek from start to finish. Every season and every episode. <3
- Lost in White Chiffon
- A Texan in Oz
- My Dream Ring
- Bride Sophisticate
- The Nearlyweds
- Pink Design Events
- Kandee the Make-Up Artist
I look forward to reading all of your posts and beautiful inspiration, ladies! Don't forget to pass on the LOVE...
Tag... now you're it!
So Uniquely in L-♥-V-E!
Tessa Kim birdcage veils and hair accessories is based out of southern California. All of the collections are completely handmade with the highest quality materials yet still priced very responsibly. The inspiration for the lines are a mix of vintage glam with a modern twist, many items contain vintage accent pieces and are each unique. The line contains birdcage veils, tulle veils, feather fascinators, flower fascinators, vintage lace necklaces, dress sashes, corsages, boutonnieres, and much more to come.
Here is the piece that I'm eying for my B-Pics session. The Black Mini Birdcage Veil! $24!!!!!!
Birdcage Veil with Magnolia fascinator set- the Delilah - $64
Peacock and Sequins Fascinator - $49
Feather Flower Fascinator - $34 (single flower)
This has to be one of my favorite items in her shop, it's just stunning!
Assorted Feather Headband with pearl button - $49
For more gorgeous and exquisite statement pieces, please visit the Tessa Kim Etsy Shop. Happy buying!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Oh My ♥ Luscious Lovelies ♥ by Bleu Garter
Handcrafted in California from fine silks and antique laces, you can pick one of the several gorgeous styles of garters by Bleu. You can also make your very own custom garter! Choose the design, fabric, and colors... add embellishments such as bows, embroidery, or jewelry... make your garter a keepsake.
This is the one I will be getting. The fabulous Versailles from the Paris 1928 collection.
Some of her other stunning garters and collections include:
Paris 1928
Marseille
Strasbourg
Moulin Rouge
Hot Tamale
Sweetart
Head over to Bleu Garters to order your delicious garter, or to see what they can do for you as a custom order! <3