Saturday, December 21, 2013

My fiancé is an engineer.

If you don't know me and haven't read my blog, that title probably didn't grab your attention. Why did I use that title? Hey buddy, I'll be the one asking questions here! Why are you reading my blog if you're going to be so rude? Get out, stalker!

Anyways, back to the engineer comment.

Kevin is a lot of things. Funny, cute, smart, life of the party, loud, annoying, forgetful... Wait, what was the question?

Right. Super fun. Love him. (Good save, Kelly. That was close.)

Kevin just turned 24, and his birthday happens to be 5 days before Christmas. He's always been really great about not making a big deal about that, and he would never complain about getting shafted on presents.

TOTALLY KIDDING.

Every year I feel like he's literally just finding out about how close his birthday and Christmas are. Every. Year.

"Oh Em Gee. My birthday is SO CLOSE to Christmas. What?? How is that fair??"

It's not like it's happened twenty four times or anything... Your surprise is totally justified. 

I've been trying to be really great with the presents I buy this boy, I mean, recently 24 year old man. It's my love language, I try to find the most meaningful gifts for each person. Holidays and birthdays are literally exhausting. 

As I've become older, I've started appreciating cash and gift cards like most sane people, but giving a great gift is an art.

That's why I was looking for the perfect birthday gift, and I was on a budget since I went overboard on his Christmas present which is a ... Kidding! This would be the one time Kevin actually read my blog without me holding him down and forcing him to listen while I laugh at my jokes.

We were watching Dr. Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory) and for some reason Kevin really identifies with him. I mean, they're practically the same person. (LOL. I'm seriously hysterical.)

Sheldon had a train set. Guess who decided he absolutely had to have a train set. 

Guess who found that train set?

Best. Fiancé. Ever.

I'm waiting on my Golden Globes nomination. 

Seriously, he didn't even expect it, and I found the perfect one.

Needless to say, it was like giving a hyperactive 5 year old a drum set. His parents faked their joy while glaring and making those "We are going to kill you" motions you see in old time murder shows.

Totally worth it.

That little train scooted around that track complete with remote control, batteries from two flashlights (thanks Jane!), lights, and the constant "Toot Toot! All Aboard!" from our little engineer.

Ladies and gentlemen, that's how it's done.

He's happy, I'm happy, and I'm marrying a conductor. BOOM. Jealous? Thought so. 




Happy 24th birthday, babe! Let's see about finding you a fancy engineer hat.




Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Confessions of a Budget Bride: Goodwill Hunting for the Perfect Dress


We’ve all been there. Just engaged, excited to begin planning out the wedding we’ve been dreaming of since we were 12 years old. With magazine clippings and color-coded binders in hand, we walk into the store for our dress shopping extravaganza with seven of our closest friends and our mother, who is ready to cry at the drop of a hat, while obnoxiously waving our ring finger around like it’s on fire. 

Maybe it’s just me, but I was in for quite the sticker shock while wedding dress shopping this past year. It took me a while to find “that” dress because, as a recent college graduate on a budget, working a full-time job and freelancing while smack dab in the middle of purchasing my first home with my well-intentioned fiancé, I wasn’t exactly “making it rain” dollars in the middle of the bridal store.

Welcome to the 21st century, also known as the age of the budget bride. Any of my friends who have recently become engaged soon learn that the wedding of our dreams is only attainable when we stay within a reasonable budget. Watching “Say Yes to the Dress” had completely ruined my practical mindset, and after watching budget-less debutantes proclaim their desire to find the dress of the season, or their need to purchase not one but two dresses, I felt a little disheartened after walking into a major chain dress salon. In fact, I was immediately turned off to shopping after finding that I could pay off my car loan instead of buying some of the dresses I saw, and that didn’t sit well with me.

I get it. I can’t imagine how much love and care goes into designing each dress. However, I will wear this dress one time.

Enter Goodwill Manasota, where the Fairy Godmother of wedding dress shopping lives. Immediately after entering the store at the corner of 17th and Honore in Sarasota, I felt like her magic wand had transported me to an enchanted world filled with beautiful white satin and lacy dresses that had normal, attainable price tags attached. Sticker shock be gone!

I was delighted to hear that many of the dresses donated to Goodwill are brand new, and some are only lightly used. That should go without saying, since they are wedding dresses, worn (hopefully and in most cases) one time.

After trying on several, I actually found my perfect dress and paid a fraction of the regular retail price.

If you’re not on a budget, by all means shop at the big stores. Let them twirl you around, tell you how beautiful you look “all jacked up” (apparently, that’s a good thing when dress shopping – it is a professional term used to describe a bride with a complete ensemble: dress, shoes, veil, tiara, flowers, etc.), and then have a blast paying full price for that gown. One very important fact that places tend to overlook is alterations, which can cost hundreds of dollars. I knew that I would have to have any dress shortened and hemmed, since I’m 5 foot 2, and most dresses are made to fit tall European models who eat quinoa all day. My dress looks like it was altered for the previous owner, who – ta da! – was exactly my height and size!

The dresses I found at Goodwill ranged in price from $40 (yes, $40!) to around $350. Retail pricing would range anywhere from $1,100 to $2,600 for the brands I found.

I’m extremely proud to be a budget bride. It says that I’m sensible, I’m smart, and I see beauty in things that aren’t necessarily new. Take heart, dress shoppers! I just happened to find the perfect dress at a ridiculously low price, and I can’t wait to have my dream dress on my perfect and wallet-friendly day. (You’re welcome, Dad!)

Here are some other tips to keep in mind while shopping for your big day:

·      Don’t Wear Make-up! This is to protect the beautiful dress from becoming stained with a perfect outline of your face. It’s also a good idea to wait until your spray tan has dried, too. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember on an impromptu-dress shopping excursion.

·      Use words like “Vintage”, “Rustic” and “Classic” to describe your discount dress. I have a theory that vintage fashion was created by broke college students, and quickly caught on. I’m not talking about vintage that is actually vintage, like some ridiculously expensive Chanel find that Marilyn wore, or some supposedly-passed down Dior top that a magazine editor’s daughter found in her mom’s closet, I’m talking about the “vintage-because-I-found-it-at-Goodwill” piece that is unique, second-hand and that no one else has. Which brings me to my next point.

·      No one else will have your dress. It won’t be prom all over again when you see your wedding photos in the local newspaper, and you see that someone else had a dress that resembles your own, as your new mother-in-law plays the game of “Who wore it better?” and doesn’t choose you. Your dress will be a unique find, because it’s one of a kind. Out of season doesn’t always mean out of style.

·      If you find it, buy it. Dresses at stores like Goodwill are unique, which means they are only there for a short while. This also means that you should check back often and regularly, as the inventory is fresh every day.

·      Keep an open mind, and try everything on. One of the best things about shopping consignment or at Goodwill is that you aren’t competing with other brides, or on a time-crunch. I felt rushed when I tried on dresses at a large retailer, and I wouldn’t recommend feeling rushed for such a big decision. Also, size can be misleading. I wear a 10 in wedding dresses, but my normal size is a 6 or 8, so definitely keep that in mind.

·      There is no pressure to buy. Obviously, you want to buy the dress you love before it’s sold to someone else, but you don’t have three saleswomen hovering over you, pressuring you to shout your decision to buy that dress across the store and ring a bell like you’re calling the kids in for Sunday brunch. In fact, I was actually really excited because during my dress-shopping experience, employees of Goodwill were stopping to help, offering their advice, and just making me feel like a star in general. I may or may not have invited them to the wedding, but with all of the money I saved on my dress, I can buy more food! That’s a prize in itself!

I’m so excited that I found a dress I loved, and that I will be able to donate after I wear it for someone else to enjoy! If you have a fabulous dress, I’d recommend donating it for another young lady to wear. I’m so thankful that the fashionista who previously owned my dress donated it, because she made my bridal dreams come true! Let’s take back our budgets, our weddings, and our sanity. Shop local, support your community non-profit organizations like Goodwill, and find your dream dress at a fraction of the cost. Fellow brides, you’re welcome. 

SO MANY DRESSES!


This dress was originally over $500, perfect for a beach wedding!!


This gorgeous gal was one of my favorite dresses, originally $2600!! It made my waist look super tiny, and I felt like Grace Kelly!!


Tip: Buy some awesome and unique jewelry and tell everyone it's an antique heirloom that was passed down for generations... no one has to know! *Engagement ring not included!

Monday, December 2, 2013

Casa de Strausbaugh

 I'm super excited to announce that as of 1:30pm today:
WE ARE HOMEOWNERS! 

Back on October 7th, I posted that an offer we made on a home in Myakka was accepted. (You can read that blog post, titled "No Cardboard Box for This Girl" here, in case you missed it.)

It's been a very trying process, and there were times when we both got a little discouraged. However, with the help of an awesome realtor (Shelly, you are amazing!) and some extremely patient loan officers, a fantastic home inspection guru, not to mention our wonderful families who have gone above and beyond to help us with everything, we got through all of the gross parts of home buying... and we closed today!

We knew this home was ours since we laid eyes on it. It really never stood a chance, and now we get to start the "fun" stuff! 

Kevin's already started inviting people to help us out, and it's hilarious. I say, "We will have to have you all over for a barbecue!" and then he chimes in with, "Wear your painting clothes, we'll provide the brushes!" So far, we've successfully tricked quite a few people. I guess I shouldn't have said that since half of those people read my blog... oops! :)

We can't wait to start getting the home ready for our new life together, which will officially begin in early April 2014! I'm going to con family members to take photos of us in front of our new house; holding the keys, in front of the door, etc. Really, all of the obnoxious we-just-bought-our-first-home photos that you can think of. Is there a board for that on Pinterest? There is now. Boom.

I'll post pictures of the house as soon as we take them, but here's a little teaser photo for now!!



This is Kevin before the tears, while he was signing his life away. That's not a phrase I would typically use, but since the loan officers, lenders and realtors said it, I figured it was appropriate! As you can tell, he's super excited that I was taking his picture. You'll thank me one day. 

I really want to document the house as it gets beautified (I was going to say bedazzled but I've already given Kevin a headache from my ideas...) so I'll try to post photos here and on Facebook regularly. The process, before and afters... again, I refer you to my Pinterest boards - Casa de Strausbaugh and Obnoxious New Homeowners!

We are so excited about this new adventure, please keep us in your prayers while we make our way through this major step in our lives!

**I didn't want to put our address up for the whole world to see, knowing how popular we are, I didn't want people stopping by all hours of the day! If you want to send us gifts, money, cars, furs or a tacky Christmas newsletter (just kidding, I'm sure your family's is adorable...) I will be more than happy to give you our address!! ;)


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Going Hungry at the Hunger Games

Kevin and I went to see the second installment of the Hunger Games movies last night.

Wow.

I was fortunate enough to hear about the books way back when, and I've re-read them many times. I am always so intrigued with books like this. Who comes up with this stuff? How do they get these ideas? As an aspiring writer, I am blown away by the creativity that people show and how they use words to share their ideas. The Hunger Games trilogy is pretty much a warning; it warns of letting one group of people hold all of the power. Deep. 

Most of you who follow this blog know that I'm not a super serious writer, I'll save that for my heartbreaking (and future best-selling) memoirs, "The girl who talked too much and had nothing to say." (That's a working title... bear with me.)

I like to keep this blog light, so I apologize for the earlier statement that made you almost stop reading to grab the nearest tissue box. (I know, it's that good.)

Kevin has been a champ. He's "suffered" through most of the Harry Potter movies, we still have a few left, and he's been "dragged" to both the Hunger Games and Catching Fire movies. Someone has become a HUGE fan. (Hint, it's not me. I was already a fan.)

It's been so long since we saw a movie in the theaters that I almost forgot what it was like. I was reminded by the 7 year old (I'm guessing) boy sitting behind me and randomly kicking my seat. I swear, I almost volunteered him. Kidding, that would be awful. This does really make me doubt parents who bring their children to these movies. This is not a child's movie. If your kid is too young to understand about conspiracy, governments gone wrong, and a kick-butt heroine trying to sacrifice herself to keep someone else alive, then do not bring them to this movie. 

I'm a crier. I don't think I've ever made it through a movie without crying, and it's one of my favorite things to do. Seriously. I get really into movies, books too. So when your brat kicks my seat, asks loudly, "IS SHE DEAD?", asks why the painting of Rue is so important, I will turn around and roll my eyes, briefly of course, annoyed that my feelings were interrupted. COME ON. Use your judgement. Read the books and reviews. Know your kids. If they can handle it, and shut up for 143 minutes straight, by all means, bring them. If they can't, I will be very annoyed*. 

*Keep in mind that I've just watched a whole movie of a really tough gal that I totally want to be like, and I've gotten some new moves that I will try out the entire way to the truck through the parking lot after the movie. Kevin is my test dummy, ask him. You have been warned.

I was starving throughout the whole movie. Ironic, right? We went to Chili's before hand, had awful service, my food (soup) came 10 minutes after Kevin's (burger) - do the math on that one - and so I wasn't super thrilled, I was also hungry, and we were almost late. Almost. Another pet peeve, if you're going to be so late that you miss the whole beginning of the movie, you should buy me popcorn to apologize, leave and never return. The lady beside me had succeeded in finding the loudest popcorn bag ever made, so that was fun.

I can't wait till this movie comes out on DVD so I can really enjoy it. Pausing to explain to Kevin the significance of the rebels, even if he couldn't care less, time for a bathroom break, and no laughing teens! Can't wait.

All in all, the movie was AWESOME. The casting could not have been better. Jennifer Lawrence will forever be Katniss, and I'm so glad we live in a world where the Hunger Games is just a movie, and where Catching Fire is something you don't want Kevin to do to your new house.

SPOILER ALERT: You will become obsessed with dressing like Katniss. I currently have braids in my hair, black tights and high brown boots and an awesome sweater that I know she would love. It will happen, so I recommend buying your essential gear now. Also, if you know of someone who has a bow for sale, I'll take it. (If you think I mean a hair bow, get out.)

If you have relatives coming in town for the Holidays, I'd recommend watching the movies..... Welcome to the Hunger Games!

Happy Thanksgiving, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

How to become a happier worrier

Today, I'm on a quest to become a happier worrier. 

I'd like to just be happier, but the content of this post should help you understand why that's just not possible. Let's dive on in, shall we?

For those of you who may not know, Kevin recently made a huge career change. After feeling very frustrated with a job that he didn't see a future at, he decided to join the Publix family. (Kevin's entire family works for Publix. Maybe not the entire family, but it's almost impossible to name a married couple in his immediate family who has no connection to the store.)

Do I think that Publix is awesome? You bet I do. Are they sometimes expensive? Always. Do they have great BOGOs? You're darn tootin.

If we weren't right in the middle of buying our first home, and if I was making more money, it probably wouldn't be such a huge deal, but the transition has been a little rocky.

I'm going to preach for a quick second, then I'll return to my usual, snarky self. I pray and tithe as faithfully as I can. I have been praying a lot these past few weeks for patience, faith and peace. It's beginning to get a little easier to see the big picture.

Generally speaking, I like to be in charge. I get a thrill from to-do lists. Yes, a thrill. Get over it. (See? Back to my facetious self in no time.) This time in our lives has been a huge reminder that I don't have control, I can only control my reactions to what happens.

I'm also fabulous at focusing on the "small stuff". Ask Kevin. I really feel for him sometimes. I'm famous for getting excited over the small things in life.

Examples include, and are not limited to
getting a new haircut
food (in general)
when my niece says, "I love you, aunt."
 when my niece tries and almost succeeds at doing a cartwheel (She's not even 4, and practically an experienced gymnastic. Olympics, here we come!)
for great dancing/singing/miming songs played in the car, especially when someone else is driving and I can become an interpretive dancing sensation
an awesome book
hearing a friend tell a really funny story
having a funny story to tell
great days at work! 
Smiling
etc.


(If you've ever seen the show The Middle, I'm basically Sue Heck. I have heard this comparison from more than one person. So I had some rough high school years. I'm over it. Kind of.)

I am get excited over small things, which I enjoy doing. This also means I can get easily frustrated while Kevin is the complete opposite. We both have our faults, and during this new challenge, we are trying to work through all the annoying stuff.

One of the changes, as silly as it seems, is Kevin's new schedule.
He worked all weekend. Are you kidding me? His "days off" were Monday and Tuesday.
Monday and Tuesday.
I'm serious.
 
Let me take a quick moment to say that I'm thankful for this new job. He's got great intentions. He's got a big heart and even bigger goals. Kevin wants to own Publix. (Not really, but he has big plans.) It's not like I never see him, I do. He's not off in some foreign country, or doing something insane, it's just a big change for us. For the past two years, I've looked forward to our weekends off together, and now I don't know what his schedule consists ahead of time.

I've really had to pray about my reactions to things in life I can't control. I've blogged about this before, about not becoming a bridezilla. I want to be that girl who floats through life, not a care in the world. Who makes a mistake, fixes it, and doesn't spend two days sick with guilt over the tiniest error.

That would make me Kevin.

And if I were Kevin, and Kevin was Kevin, who would worry about the small stuff? Getting the signed papers turned into the mortgage people? Calling to follow up on the venue because someone (cough cough KEVIN) messed up the contract? Getting stamps and addresses for the wedding guest list? Buying me clothes? See what I mean?

Someone has to worry about the small stuff, I just want to be a happier worrier. Possible? Maybe. Am I going to try? I got my pants on, don't I? 

(That's a rhetorical question. I am in fact wearing pants.)

Any advice is welcome, I look forward to hearing your stories, heeding your advice, eating your food, and being your friend.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween! Let's Look Ridiculous Together!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

If you know me at all, you know that I pretty much loathe Halloween. I'm NOT a fan of scary movies, commercials, costumes, vampires, darkness, night, mean people... You get the point.

Some people are all, "OH EM GEE I love Halloween, it's like, totally THE BEST holiday ever!!" And I'm all, "Ok, weirdo... I don't like being scared, I like happiness, sunshine, and rainbows."

I will say, however, that when I check out at Publix with my GIANT bags of delicious candy, when the cashier says, "Wow! You must be expecting a ton of trick-or-treaters!" I always respond with, "Yes. Totally. I LOVE Halloween. Now put the candy in the bag as I walk away slowly." I never mention that I live off a highway, and that the first time I trick-or-treated was when I was 15. Not important.

This year, I am so excited about Halloween! Why? I'll tell you!

CANDY! 
(I know I already mentioned that, but come on. It's awesome. No trick-or-treaters = candy all to myself. Hello, shows that I've taped to avoid scary commercials!)

COUPLES COSTUMES!
This year, I have a fiancé. This means that I'm not scared to force him to dress up, because he already admitted he wants to marry me, so it's fair game! Welcome to the next 97+ years of your life, BABE! 

Or should I say....

DR. SHELDON COOPER!

That's right! For an awesome Halloween party that my boss invited me to last Friday night, we went as Sheldon and Amy (Farrah Fowler) from the Big Bang Theory!



Kevin and I, or should I say, "Shamy" were very successful in our representation of the fabulous couple! We rocked those costumes. I'm still trying to find a photo of us, I'll post it here as soon as I do! (We tried finding costumes at the store, but homemade ones are so much easier! On a side note, I found out that a "Large" at the costume store is actually a child's size 4T, and should not be worn in public. Seriously, people.)

Tonight, because it's actually Halloween, we will be dressing up as yet another amazing couple, Katniss & Gale from the Hunger Games! Super easy costume, because I had everything already in my closet and "borrowed" my niece's Brave Bow & Arrow set. (Ok, so I bought it for my costume and plan on giving it to her later. Don't judge me.)

I'm Katniss at work today, so if anyone gives me crap I'm just going to roll my eyes and maybe punch them. A few people said I actually looked like J.Law, (Jennifer Lawrence? She plays Katniss? Catch up, will you?) and I seriously almost started crying. She's amazing. 

Being in love means doing things you sometimes hate. Smiling. Watching an action movie. Looking at fishing stuff. (OMG How many different fake worms do you actually need??) Dressing up together. 

Kevin has been such a sport about the whole ordeal, after the initial resistance. You know, to prove he's "a man." (If I were a bad fiancé, I'd mention that he's worn his Sheldon 'Flash' t-shirt not once but about 43 times since the party... but I totally won't.)

Have fun dressing up and stay safe! We'll be trick-or-treating with a little Doc McStuffins (Madisyn, although Kevin would try to wear that outfit...) tonight, and I'll be doing quality control on the candy that she collects. You know, because I want her to only have the best. 

What are your amazing Halloween costume ideas and plans? Can't wait to hear all about them! If your significant other does dress up, make sure to take A LOT of pictures. You'll be happy you did!

Monday, October 7, 2013

Fishing in the Dark REMIX

If you've ever heard the country song, "Fishing in the Dark"by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, you know that fishing, in the dark, is super romantic. It's full of "counting the stars" and the moon "shining through the trees", and most importantly, "fallin' in love". 

Reality check. The only people who actually believe that this can happen are boys. Big, redneck, momma-lovin boys. Because I can tell you right now, this is not how a girl would have written this song.

How would a girl have written this song? I'm glad you asked. 

See my lyrics below, play this video and sing along. If you want to get really fancy, here's a karaoke version. You're welcome.  

**************************************************

"Fishin' In The Dark"

Gettin' in the boat and I almost fell out,
I hope we'll be fine,
I really hope that leak doesn't sprout
like it did last time, 
I hope we don't si-ink...

Across the bridge I see some alligators, 
I hope they aren't hungry,
He says it will be fine they're more scared of us,
But he can outswim me,
I hope they are aslee-eep, ooooooh, ooooooh

Chorus:

You and me going fishing in the dark,
Who's idea was this the mosquitos are out,
I'm getting cold.
I haven't caught a thing and I lost my bait,
I don't want to touch the worms, that's your job babe,
I wan't to go home...

Stayin' the whole night here, sounds like a nightmare...

It's really cold now and I've got like twenty seven-bug bites,
I forgot my sweater and you're getting on my nerves
Is it time to turn around? 
How far are we.... away from the shore?

Chorus

And it DOES matter if we sit forever and the fish don't bite,
because I won't be jumping in the river because gators might...
Baby let's goooooo.....ooooooh oohhhhh

Repeat Chorus until your boyfriend/fiancé/husband takes you home.

************************************************************

You're welcome. Yes, these lyrics were completely made up by me, composed of true events. If you'd like to share or sing on the Voice, you're welcome to it, but you have to pay me royalties and make me famous as well. Do we have a deal?

Feel free to enjoy these pictures I took during our most recent fishing trip to Lake Manatee. These pictures were taken using my iPhone 4. No filter, no special lens, no editing. God sure has a talent for making these fishing trips tolerable!! 






No Cardboard Box for This Girl

We have a very big announcement to make.....

WE ARE BUYING A HOUSE! 

I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, I should say that our offer on a home was accepted this morning!

Kevin and I have been stalking, obsessing and praying over a house that we found in Myakka. It is literally in the middle of our parents' houses. We would never have to grocery shop. I'm kidding, of course.... totally kidding.

We have waited for this home to go on the market for months, and when it did, Kevin pounced like a lion on a weak and wounded gazelle! (It's true, that image is accurate.)

We are so blessed. I'm crying, alone in my office, thanking God for his favor... and Kevin's going to "call me back, because he's at McDonalds and he's in the middle of lunch". 

I see where our priorities lie.

We still have to go through closing, inspections and appraisals and all of that official mumbo-jumbo that is required, but I'm so happy that we are going through this together! God really had our backs. This home is on 5 acres, in a great location, in Myakka and we got such a great deal on it. Just when we thought it couldn't happen, it did. Color me impressed. 

Keep us in your prayers if you think about it, we need them! I'll keep you all posted, and we'll have to have you over for a barbecue or something! You bring the food! (Just kidding.)



*** Side note... I did confirm this with our realtor before posting. Kevin played an awful trick on me. When I called him to check to see if he heard anything back.... (offers were supposed to be in last night) he said we lost the house by an offer that was $1000 more than ours. I almost lost it. He then said, "Kidding, it's ours. We won." (Like it's eBay....) All jokes aside, our offer was the best! Just thought I'd put a disclaimer for anyone who actually knows Kevin.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Cruel and Unusual Punishment


I'm pretty sure I'm like, the best aunt ever. 


Well, I'm trying to be.


My biggest goal as an aunt is to influence that girl as much as I possibly can. I'm succeeding. 


(I just high-fived myself.)


Because of this, today I experienced something awful. 
A heart-breaking, painful experience.


I had to drop Madisyn off at her new day care.


"Can you take her? We are afraid she'll be too sad if I take her," said Mimi. "I can't do it because of my new work schedule," said her mother/my twin sister, Jessica. "We hate you and want to punish you for being amazing," they both thought in their minds behind my back.


Cowards.


I took her all right, and I got her all excited. I did her hair (duh), we practiced dancing and singing (she's like, really gifted) and introducing ourselves. (I also told her what to say when someone said they didn't want to play with her. You're welcome, Jess. I hope you're the one that gets yelled at for it! I'm half kidding.)


She was magnificent. She's brilliant. Sure, she didn't want me to leave, but thanks to a brilliant teacher, Madisyn met two new gal pals. 


What they didn't tell me is that I would be the one to cry. 
To look back. 
To keep peeking around the corner to see if she really left. 


My heart is broken. 
Thanks a lot, mom and Jessica. 
I owe you big time. 


Madisyn is so amazing and I can't wait for her to be "discovered". Need proof? 

Aunt Kell Kell & Maddie "First day of Daycare Selfie"

Getting ready to go to Daycare!


First day of school picture!

The place is called Jump, so.......

This is before we built the giant racetrack.

Her new friends!


How I found "The One"

I just knew it. The moment I looked over, I saw a light shining down on my perfect choice. I laughed a little, blushed, rushed right over and took what was mine.

And I've never been happier. I can't wait to wear it!

Oh, you thought I was talking about Kevin? Well this is awkward....

I said "Yes" to the dress! Yep, this girl has found her a dress! 

After a David's Bridal trip that left me feeling a little "eh", we decided to make a spontaneous trip to a few wedding dress consignment shops in Sarasota. If you are dress hunting, I highly recommend trying consignment first. I was really concerned that the dresses would all be 80's style, big poofy sleeves, crazy accents, big bows on my rear.... and there were a lot of those. Don't get me wrong.

However, there are quite a few dresses that are from this century, and many of them are exactly what you'd see in a store. The only catch is they have usually been worn, or if you're lucky, the original owner never got married!

Kidding, that's actually really sad..... How dare you.

Anyways, my dress looks like it should cost about $2000-$3000, and I plan on looking up the retail cost if I can find it! (Not that it matters, I'm just a little curious!)

This dress has everything I was looking for but couldn't find. Isn't that funny how it works out?

Speaking of working out...... that's what I should be doing right now! I have a dress to wear! 

;)

Stay tuned for more adventures in wedding planning//job drama//being engaged to Kevin!

{{thanks for reading}}

Friday, September 13, 2013

How to Fail at Cooking

I wish I could say that this post was full of great recipe ideas, or pictures of food I made/managed not to burn, or even tales of success from attempted Pinterest dishes. 

My Pinterest food board, titled, "Recipes I Could Actually Make!", hasn't actually seen the inside of my parents' kitchen.

Don't judge me.



At first, the fact that I can't/am too lazy to cook really bothered me. I can make a mean pot of spaghetti, I can brown ground beef like you've never seen, and I can make this amazing taco salad.

However, if you're trying to throw in fancy words and phrases like, "Steam", "Tablespoon", "Simmer", "Measure",  "Broil", "Oven", Timer", "Don't eat the raw dough".... I'm kind of lost after that.

I decided the other night that I was going to cook for my man! That's right. Cook. I quickly snapped a screen shot of a delicious (easy) looking recipe... crayoned a quick shopping list of ingredients on my nearest empty envelope (there was no paper/adult writing utensils anywhere near me, and I had thrown away my old receipts/note holders, as I like to call them), and the excitement set in. That's right, this Martha Stewart-in-training was going to make a very complicated meal of BBQ Chicken Pizza things for her fiancé. (Chicken, cheese barbecue sauce, pita things... advanced level stuff.) If he ever doubted that I was ready for marriage.... I was about to squash all of those fears.

Then.... I felt it. The anxiety. Do I have to use the oven? How much will this cost? Is it too late to cook? Is there a curfew on this kind of thing? Wow, didn't realize it was already 7pm.... 

My knight in shining armor comes over and I tell him, "I'm going to cook for you. Let's stop by Publix on our way in." 

Kevin leans in and whispers the magic words, "It's late, I'm starving, and we're broke. Let's get McDonalds."

I can't wait to marry this man. 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Five Speeds & Triple Dates


A note to my readers: I've decided that this blog will not only be about my adventures as a bride-to-be, but I will continue to keep blogging on this site after we are married. Future blog posts will probably include topics like:

How to NOT kill your husband 101
I'm not your mommy
Don't make me choose between you and the cat
Why "House Hunters" is a giant lie
How being a twin prepared me for marriage 
My struggles with my new name/identity 
Etc.
***************************************
I'm very excited about this prospect of blogging from this new point of view, and I hope you'll continue to read/follow/adore/stalk, whatever you want to do!  


There have been some really funny things that have happened since my last entry. And no, I'm not referring to the conversation I had with a man in Office Depot this morning while I was trying to make business cards, "Here's MY card. Made it free. Vistaprint. (As if I'm the one person on the planet who hasn't heard of vistaprint... gee thanks, Mister!) It's brown. Keep it. No, really. (After I said, "Wow, love the swirls. Very nice." and tried to hand it back.) I wanted yellow and black (He was a bee farmer, I'm not kidding) but hey, the bees can't tell the difference!" Me: "Thanks!" (As I'm running outside.) Nice..... but just a little creepy.

Anyways..

TRUCKS

Kevin's always had really nice trucks.
(Girls, if your man has a truck, refrain from using words like "pretty", because apparently...... they don't like that. Weird, because I personally love that word!! You should approach with extreme admiration using words like "macho", "studly", and of course, "date me, now." You'll thank me later.)

He decided to buy a truck, or in his words, a "grocery getter". Not that he actually buys groceries.... but something to help him save some gas money during the week. Wow, responsible, right?? He shows up with this little stick shift.... contraption. It's so rusted that I decided I might need to get a new tetanus shot. Well, it's fine as long as it's just his back and forth truck, right?

Imagine my surprise when this truck became our date night transportation. Yep, nothing cooler than the ol' rust bucket. 
It's a truck/meat defroster! (On the roof, so handy!)
This is how he has to honk the horn.
   
So fresh, so clean.
It's probably the most hilarious truck you've ever seen, and guess what. He loves it. He reminds me of a high-schooler who just got their first truck. His enthusiasm (and sound effects) when he's driving make me laugh. The other night, he let me drive it. (It's a stick shift...)

I only stalled out 3 times! 
(This was while trying to start it. It's not as easy as it looks in the movies!)

Attempting to drive the beast...

DATES

Our most recent date was a trip to go cosmic bowling. We met up with Steven & Stephanie (Kevin's brother & his bro's girlfriend) and Jason & Heather (Kev's cousin and his wife). It was super fun, even though I am a horrible bowler. I chuck the bowling ball, get it perfectly straight, and manage to knock down two pins. I did get some strikes the other night, which was very exciting! I like triple/double/group dating because it's a fun time and you can vent about your boyfriends/fiances/husbands/girlfriends/fiancees/wives and trade stories! Believe me, we always have a good time because the boys are always giving us new material!!


Bowling is fun, but it's awkward when you go bowling as a group for the first time and find out everyone else was in a league together. (Oh, did we forget to tell you that? Giggle giggle... Was that another gutter ball? Do you need the bumpers? Giggle.) Thanks, guys! Had a blast, because this time I was prepared, with my super sweet & extremely distracting dance moves. Take that, last place! (For the record, I was still in last place, but I was TIED for last place, so there.)

I'm enjoying this time with Kevin, because life is just too short to be annoyed at every little thing... so I'll update with some more funny pictures/stories soon! 
       

       

From top to bottom, clockwise: Kevin & Lulu, Going Venue shopping, Kevin driving and being excited, and Kevin driving like a ghost! (Like in the movie Bridesmaids, "Hey, Who's driving that car?")