Mmmmmmm... Cookies!!!

Happy Friday everyone!!

Let me share with you guys how my morning went via photos. :)

Freshly baked Baby Onesie Cookies

Cookies with Rolled ButterCream on top

All Decorated

So, yes....that's how I spent the majority of my morning today!

And, of course, once I was done and letting everything set, I sat my happy little butt down in front of this computer and watched last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy! Now, I'm on to Private Practice!

Happy Friday!!!

All about Love.....

There were two bible verses which I learned and memorized at a very young age. The first being John 3:16, which is the same case for many. The second one was 1st Corinthians 13:4.

1st Corinthians 13:4 just happens to be today’s Verse of the Day. Here’s the thoughts on today’s verse:

Love does not focus on me, but on others. Each of these qualities of love is based upon an affectionate, compassionate, and forgiving attitude that regards others as being valuable and not just placing value on me and my desires. No wonder the old saying goes "The middle of sIn is a big I!" When "I" become more important than others and what "I" want and that "I" win is more significant than what someone else truly needs, then "I" have lost my way and do not display the love of Christ.

How true is that?!? I mean, we all my read the above, but to we really comprehend it? I read these bible verses every.single.day and try to apply it to my life in whatever way I can. There are days that I read the Verse of the Day over and over again, and simply don’t understand what exactly it’s supposed to mean. Some days I just don’t get it, but I still apply it to my life in the best way that I interpret it.

With that being said, how do I apply this particular verse to my life?!? Well, for starters, I know that I have to be patient with my loves in my life. Take my 20 year old for example; She’s a wonderful daughter with a very good head on her shoulders. However, as a mom, I tend to be over-protective and very leary of some of the decisions she makes.

Like JUMPING OUT OF AIRPLANES.



or

GETTING A TATTOO



but I know that I have to trust her decisions she makes at let her make her own mistakes in life….. patient…patient…patient……

My love has to also be kind ……….kind as in “a sympathetic or helping nature” and for all that know me, I am one of the most kind hearted person there is. I continue to offer that ‘kindness’ of my heart to others on a daily basis.

One of the ways that I continue to struggle with is the part where love does not envy. I can’t help but feel envious of others to a certain extent. Don’t get me wrong….not in a materialistic sort of way, but in a more “Oh…I wish I was able to be that skinny after having had three kids too”. Or…. “I wish I pursued my Bachelors because look at where she is at today”…. in that sort of way. Weird I know, but yeah…… ugh.

I certainly don’t boast my love, but I sure am proud of how I am loved, who I love, and who loves me! I wouldn’t trade it for the world!!!

Have a wonderful Thursday my friends! I’m off to start my “Date Day Thursday” with the most wonderful man in the world whom I will be marrying in 69 days!!! Yipee!!!

Little Nolan's Story

Last May, I started a new chapter in my life. Although Brian and I were not engaged at the time, we had already decided we wanted to get married. We also knew that we wanted a "Destination Wedding". One of the first things I did was join The Knot which is an on-line site for brides to be. They have an entire community of Destination Wedding Brides along with a wealth of vendor information.

I joined the "forum" which consisted of fellow DW Brides who were planning their wedding or had just recently got married. It's safe to say that in the last year I've "met" so many wonderful individuals, I can't begin to express exactly how much they've inspired me in so many ways!

One of the 'knotties' had recently been married just 5 months prior to me joining the community. They were expecting their first baby, who by the way, was conceived on while on their honeymoon! How awesome is that?!?

Here’s a video that share’s Little Nolan’s story.

I don't know Ashley personally, however, I follow her blog and I just can't imagine how she feels. I can say, that she's an inspiration to all. She's gone thru one of life's most horrific curve balls it can throw anyone, and she continues to rise above it all. Below is another video which Ashley has titled “Our Amazing Nolan”

**For some reason, the video’s didn't load correctly, so, here’s the links to both videos.**

Little Baby Nolan’s Story

Our Amazing Nolan

I'm not sure exactly why I felt compelled to share this with you guys, but I think it's because of a post Ashley shared on her blog today. It was about a little girl named Piper, who like Nolan, came into the world very early.

Here’s a link to Piper’s Story.

I am truly blessed each and every.single.day for the gift of live that God has given me, as well as the lives of my children and those who I love so dearly. I have taken life for granted in the past, but within the last couple of years, have realized that we can’t! We can’t live life as if it will last forever. You can’t treat those you love with any disregard because YOU NEVER KNOW what will happen during any given day! Live life every day to it’s fullest, for you never know what tomorrow will bring. You never know what TODAY will bring.

Post-It Note Tuesday

Okay, I have to be honest here… I haven’t been working out daily like I set out to do when that good ‘ole New Year rolled in. I’ve been nothing but very sporadic. I shred one day…yoga three days later…shred again…more days off and cardio…then several days later maybe shred again. So, it’s safe to say that I’ve probably only worked out for *maybe* an entire week…yes, just seven days. And here it is, practically the middle of February. Ugh. How disappointing is that?!?

Not to mention the fact that we sail in 68 days. SIXTY-EIGHT days. I absolutely need to get motivated here when in comes to getting rid of this big ‘ole pooch I have!! I mean seriously!

I know it’s way easier said than done, but I really do need to something that will not only motivate me but make me disciplined enough to stick to some kind of routine. I’m afraid by the time I figure out whatever that maybe, it’ll be too late! Woe is me. :(

On with our theme for the day:

Post-It Note

TUESDAY

Your Opinions Please!!!

As most of you know, we're giving our sailing guests Welcome Bags. I was very fortunate enough to have a great friend, who I met through a very awesome forum comprised of Destination Wedding brides, make several drafts of what I will be using as the Tags on the Welcome Bags. She did an awesome job creating these and I'm very grateful and appreciative for it!!! :) Thanks Lisa!!!

Please view the photos below, and tell me which one you like the best!

# 1

#2

#3

#4

I’m torn between the first one and the third one. Brian, along with several of our friends totally love the third one. I like the first one because of the pastel colors and the flip flops and shells on the beach. I like the third one because it best depicts our week while cruising, with the sunset on the horizon.

So, tell me what you guys think!

NINE is the magic number today!!!!

Nine......

Nine Mondays until the week we leave for our Wedding Cruise. For the past several months, I've been stressing over the gazillion things that I need to do. This morning I came to the realization that if I don't get everything done as I had originally planned, OH WELL! I refuse to keep stressing out over the little things. Brian and I will be there along with our family and friends; I have my dress; the officiant is booked; so that's all that really matters! So enough of sweating the small stuff!! (However, I do hope that I get all the little things done!! )

Happy Monday everybody!!!

Exciting News!!! ~ Self Promotion ~

I was a little hesitant with making any type of announcement at all on my Blog regarding this, but I had to share with you all!!!

Due to some very, very, awesome encouragement from a wonderful friend of mine, I decided to open my very own Etsy Shop! It’s called Clever Confections! Here’s the link so you can browse around!

Please keep in mind that I just ‘opened’ shop on Monday, so I have a long way to go to make it nice and pretty. :)

The reason I wanted to share this with you guys is because guess what?!? I GOT MY FIRST SALE yesterday! Woo Hoo!! It was for 3 dozen of the Baby Onesie Cookies!! Yipee! Here’s a sneak peek at a photo:



I’m going to be adding non-edible hand made items to my shop in the very near future, all along the lines of Cakes, Cupcakes, Treats and other Clever Confections so please, please, please feel free to check back periodically to see what I have to offer!

Thanks for reading!!!

Loving Date Day Thursdays!!

Date Day Thursdays ~

Panera Bread

As most of you know, Thursdays are Brian and I’s “Date Day”. We more often than not start out at Panera Bread for a late breakfast / early lunch and just relax for about an hour or two. I always try to get the table next to the fireplace because it is very cozy, not to mention warm!!!

It’s so awesome when we’re standing in line and everyone greets us with a smile and a “Good Morning”. What’s even more amazing is when it’s our turn to order and the gal asks “Having your usual guys?” Then proceeds to get Brian’s Bagels, slice and toasts them, rings us up and gives us our little pager for my order. LOVE IT. Here’s what I get 99.9% of the time:



It’s the “You Pick Two” combination that they offer. Love me some Asian Chicken Salad with a Roast Beef and Asiago Cheese sandwich and a side of Chips. :)

Yesterday, while enjoying our meal, Brian and I had the opportunity to really discuss some of the more important issues regarding the upcoming Wedding Cruise. And boy did we get a lot accomplished!!! Isn’t it funny though, I mean we live together but never really get the time to actually DISCUSS things of this nature at home! We’re always too busy with normal life stuff that it takes a little “date time” to discuss like this!

Wedding Dress Alteration Issue

So, after Panera, we took my wedding dress to yet another seamstress to see if she would be willing to hem my dress for me. You see, I don’t need any other alterations other than the hem (because I’m sooooo short). After showing the dress to the nice lady, she asked if I could try it on so she can get the right look. Of course, I couldn’t because I didn’t have the shoes I’m going to wear with us, (maybe because I haven’t purchased it yet?????) however, since we’re going to be getting married on a beach, I told her that I didn’t think I’d be wearing anything with a heel on it at all. Nonetheless, I didn’t try it on, and just by showing her a picture of me in the dress and her visualizing the length, she estimated that the cost would be $325. WHAT? $325 to hem the outer layer and the lining?!? I have friends who are getting married right around the same time as I am and they’re having a TON MORE extensive alterations done, like adding material, switching out the zipper for a lace up corset back, etc., and they’re not paying that amount of money! Aye carrumba!!



So people, at this point and time, I’m not too sure what I’m going to do. I mean, we were fortunate enough to get my dress at an incredibly awesome price (read about it here) And to pay triple the costs, just doesn’t seem right. I guess if I love the dress that much, I suppose I could go ahead and pay it, but……. we’ll see.

$1.50 Margarita Night

We always cap off our Date Day with Margarita Night at a local Mexican Restaurant / Bar where they have $1.50 Margaritas! We meet up with friends there and have enjoy the ending of our day. I, personally, didn’t have ONE alcoholic beverage last night! You see, I think it’s the age thing. Now that I’m older, I can’t seem to just drink like I did before. Like last week….. here’s my drink after about an hour of being there…..



As you can see, not only is it just half consumed, but it’s melted down quite considerably. I, for some reason, can’t consume alcoholic drinks like I used to. Now on the other hand, I can definitely do shots! No problem whatsoever there!



Brian on the other hand, you will HARDLY EVER see him do a shot EVER. It takes a really, really, good reason for him to even contemplate doing one, let alone doing it period! The above shot of him and I doing one together was taken several weeks ago with the Minnesota Vikings lost to the New Orlean Saints (which by the way was a very bogus game). Yeah, that was one of those MUST DO A SHOT evening for him.

Here’s a picture of one of our friends who joins us for Margarita Thursdays, her name is Renae.



And here’s a picture of Renae and our favorite Bar Tender / Manager ever! His name in Ben.



Ahhh….. good times!

Just call me Susie Homemaker!!

So…. I got inspired by my friend / my wedding photographer / fellow blogger Jaye, author of Eco-Friendly and Frugal and owner of Eco Friendly & Frugal Shoppe on Etsy to Go-Green and as such, I purchased some unPaper Towels from her.



I absolutely LOVE these so much that I decided hmmm…. I should try and make these myself, which I did remember?!?



Well, remember I mentioned in my last post that I was attempting a new project?!? A Baby Blanket at that! Well, I actually finished it! Yes siree I sure did! In fact, after I blogged about it I ran to Wal-Mart (yes, it’s okay that I go to Wal-Mart for fabric as Target doesn’t have a fabric department) and purchased the material. While dinner was in the oven, I started the blanket. I think I spent maybe a total of an hour and a half at the most making it. Are you ready to see it?!?



And here it is all nicely folded with a ribbon on it, ready to package and mail out!!



Yes, I’m quite proud of myself! I think for my first ever “Blanket” it turned out just fine! I could even make little receiving blankets with the left over material!! How exciting!!

Now if I would only get this motivated about all of my wedding related projects I’ve got going on, I’d be good to go!

Taking on yet another project!!

We’re halfway through the week and I’m sorta glad it’s Wednesday. Why do you ask?!? Well, it means that tomorrow is Date Day Thursday! Brian has worked 8 days straight counting today so our much needed Date Day is very welcoming!

I’ve got a number of errands that I need to do today, not to mention household chores as well. My intentions are to get them done and out of the way before the early afternoon so I can spend the duration of the day finishing up some wedding related tasks.

And…. I’m going to start on a new project! A close friend of Brian’s back in Minnesota and his wife are expecting their first child in July and recently found out they’re having a baby girl. So, I’m going to attempt to make a baby blanket! Yes… I’m going to put my sewing machine to good use!!

Oh, don’t get me wrong… I’ve sewed things before in the past, so this project should be a breeze right?!? Ha! We’ll see! As a matter of fact, check out the Harley Flames Pajama Bottoms I made for Brian!

Oh, and my most recent project…. Dish Cloths (or unPaper Towels)

Ha!! So, wish me luck on my newest attempt! I’m confident that it’ll be a cute little blanket! And, I bet after I post a picture of it, I’m going to get tons of you wanting me to make YOU some! :) Well, one can wish!!

Oh, and wish me luck on finding a seamstress who will be able to come up with a solution for hemming my wedding dress!!! I'm starting to get a little worried because we are down to 77 days now. Ugh....... so, let me post, yet again, the hem of my dress because maybe one of YOU can come up with a solution and/or suggestion!!

You see the problemo??? I've been told by a couple of seamstresses so far that it's 'impossible' to hem my dress. Here's a photo of the dress in it's full length... maybe this will help you all get a better perspective.

As the dress is one piece, it's not like they can take any inches off from any other area! Ugh.... Anyway, as I mentioned above.... please wish me luck in finding SOMEONE who can help me!!! As much as I love to sew, I'm in no way, shape or form going to mess with this dress!!!

Happy Wedensday!!

Post-It Note Tuesday

TEN...SEVENTY-NINE...The Countdown Continues

TEN

Mondays left

SEVENTY-NINE

Days until THEE day

One of the DIY projects that I'm working on in the next couple of days are my AHR Invitations. They "Boarding Pass" invites and I absolutely love them!

These resemble "Boarding Passes" and consists of three 'passes' for each invite. The first one is an Announcement of our actual Wedding Ceremony for guests who weren't able to cruise with us. The second is the actual Invitation to the AHR (at home reception). And the last one is the RSVP.

I have also made a "Boarding Pass Envelope" which has our Monogram printed on it and the three Boarding Passes will be inserted directly into these envelopes. I'm very, very, pleased with the way these have turned out!!

My goal for the next couple of days is to get all of the boarding passes printed out ~ I have to make about 60 sets for our California Reception, and about 75 for our Minnesota Reception. So, we're talking a total of 405 boarding passes. Yikes! That's going to be a lot of cutting to do!! I foresee having friends come over for a night of putting these puppies together!

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I'd like to share with you all an excerpt from a fellow blogger ~ Heather @ Namaste-Heather wrote a post regarding blogging and what it means to her. I feel the same way she does and wanted to share it here with you all.

"If there is one thing I’ve learned about blogging it's that a community exists. Bloggers enjoy not only composing posts, but reading other people’s blogs; and commenting is a MUST if you wish to be a part of the community. I love it when people comment on my blog and I learn so much from them. It is a beautiful reciprocal process."

I enjoy reading many others blogs ~ it's awesome to read about another person's blog and find that we share the same exact interests! Whether it be just a simple hobby that we share, or the fact that we're at the same point and time in our lives where we're in the midst of planning a wedding. It's nice to be able to read and relate! How awesome is that?!?

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