Ramblings of a Mrs

Hilarious Outtakes!

2010-03-01T22:54:00.002-05:00

So this weeks Iheartphoto.com challenge is for hilarious outtakes.. I knew the minute I Read it, exactly what photo I wanted to enter...

This is from a family portrait shoot I did on the beach early in the morning. The familyw as a huge fan of the beautiful ocean background and I of course assured them that I would let them know every time a wave was coming... I was good about 99% of the time.. and the last time I completely forget.. but continued shooting :) Needless to say, she was not happy with me.. but mom LOVED it! :)

Where's Laurel

2009-05-06T20:55:00.001-04:00

So as some of you may have been wondering.. (or perhaps not) where has Laurel been?
Well I have been enjoying married life, working my tush off, school, and lastly.. really focusing on my photography.. I have been posting but under my photography blog.. if you get a chance... feel free to check it out!
www.photographybylaurel.blogspot.com

German Menu Night!!

2009-03-13T22:59:00.002-04:00

So I felt inspired tonight and decided to do some more cooking.. I also tried out 3 new recipes for this!! So I will show them allll here! Its a doozy this one..
Brats and Onion, Home mady Gravy, Spaetzle, Red Cabbage, and I made a Pineapple Marzipan cake (minus the marzipan!)

Bratwurst and Onions
Ingredients

1 lb bratwurst
1 large onion, sliced thick
1 tablespoon minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon butter
20 ounces beer (we prefer Budlight)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions
1 In a skillet over medium heat Saute the garlic and butter for approx one minute.
2 Add in the onions, salt, pepper, and enough beer to cover the bottom of the pan.

3 Cook the onions over medium heat until tender and caremelized.
4 Remove the onions from the pan and place the bratwurst in the pan. Brown the bratwurst and cook.

5 Once the bratwurst are cooked add the onions and remaining beer to the pan. Cook over medium heat until the beer has reduced to a thicker sauce with the onions.

Homemade Gravy
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon onion, finely minced
1/2 cup beer
2 tablespoons beef bouillon
3 cups water
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1 Saute the onions, Garlic, and beer in a pan over medium heat. Cook until the onions are tender, and the beer has reduced.

2 Add the watger, boullion, flour, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
3 Whisk until the gravy has reached the consistency of your liking.

Spaetzle
Ingredients

13 1/4 ounces flour
2 eggs
salt
1 1/16 cups water
1 tablespoons oil

Directions

1 Mix the flour eggs & salt together (use your blender).

2 Slowly add the water until the dough is smooth, but not stiff.
3(If large eggs are used then use a little less water).
4 Continue to blend the dough until it has enlarged in size.

5 Heat a pot of salted water to boiling add a tbsp oil.
6 Put batches of your dough in the hopper of the spaetzle grater and grate the noodles into the boiling water.

7 Do the recipe bit by bit lifting the noodles out of the water when they float Keep warm while you cook the rest.

8 If you do not have a spaetzle grater roll out the dough to about 1/4" thickness and slice across then slice the other way to have them the size you want them.
9 Boil the same as with the spaetzle grater.

Braised Red Cabbage with Red Onions and Apples

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups chopped red onions
8 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 apples, peeled & cored & chopped
1 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper

Directions

1 In a large heavy saucepan, over medium heat, heat the oil then add onion and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.

2 Stir in cabbage, garlic and apples.

3 Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until cabbage begins to wilt.
4 Stir in stock, vinegar, sugar and bay leaf.

5 Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes or until cabbage is soft and liquid has evaporated.
6 Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pineapple and Marzipan Cake

Ingredients

7 1/16 ounces marzipan, cut into smallish cubes
6 1/4 ounces butter, softened
6 1/4 ounces sugar
1 tablespoons vanilla sugar
3 eggs
10 5/8 ounces plain flour, sieved
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 (15 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

Directions

1 Preheat oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5.
2 Mix butter, eggs, vanilla sugar and sugar in a mixing bowl until well combined.

3 Add the marzipan and continue to stir until smooth.
4 Sieve together the flour and baking powder and slowly add little by little, stirring until you have a smooth dough.

5 Add the pineapple chunks and stir into the dough.

6 Pour into a greased loaf pan that has been lined with baking paper.

7 Bake for 50-65 minutes, if you feel it is getting too dark, cover with foil.
8 Depending on your oven and the size of your loaf pan it may take longer than 65 minutes, but not to worry.
9 Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer, if it comes out clean the cake is ready.

10 Allow to cool before removing from tin.
11 If you want you can cover with ganache, but it's great without.

Easy French Onion Soup

2009-03-12T23:19:00.004-04:00

OK, So as promised.. today I made.. Easy French Onion Soup And it turned out fantastic. Nick said he liked it a lot and usually he will tell me if he doesnt like something... Here is the recipe and step by step directions!

Ingredients

2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can beef consomme
2 large onions
2 tablespoons butter
2 pressed garlic cloves
1 dash worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
4 slices toasted French bread

Slice the onions approx. a 1/4 inch thick

Saute the Onions, garlic, and butter over medium heat.

Caramelize the onions until they are a nice golden brown.

Add in the Worchsteschire Sauce, Beef Broth, and Consomme and bring to a boil.

I allowed my soup to simmer for approx. 15-20 minutes.

In the meantime heat your over for broiling.
Layer a bit of Swiss Cheese in the bottom of the boil

Spoon soup over the cheese and leve room for the bread and additional cheese.

Cover the soup with your toasted French Bread and more swiss cheese.

Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubble and enjoy!

Wow

2009-03-12T15:04:00.002-04:00

I obviously an't say this enough.. Im a slacker lol... So I am committing myself to one blog a week! I SWEAR! I have even put a reminder in my blackberry lol. So I will be posting back later tonight after I make some home made French Onion Soup... I want to give some photos and my review...
As for other things I thought I would share withh you guys a few photos from the wedding..
you can check them out at www.dbimages.instaproofs.com and then click on Laurel & Nick.. .So please, enjoy!
As for other news... we are obviously back from our honeymoon. It was amazing! Hawaii was fantastic.. climbing the volcano, the craters, the waterfalls, all of the snorkelling, and the fine Hawaiian cuisine was FABULOUS!! I have a newfound appreciation for Spam! yes, I know Spam! But prior to that, I have never had Spam before... it wasn't all that bad! And I think perhaps it has some great potential.. we shall see.. I have picked up a can and a few recipes, so we shall see...

Easy going weekend

2009-01-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

So I was thinking this morning, this weekend was pretty easy going, but actually I did do a bunch of stuff. Friday night was opening weekend of the state fair so I pretty much stuffed my face which was fun. Then saturday morning dh and I watched movies until I have to leave for a birthday party which ended up being a job. Luckily I brought my cameras with me... I ended up taking over 400 picsb it was a place called My Gym which is similar to gymboree...the kids had an amazing time. And who wouldn't... Had they had an adult sized playground, I would of been having fun too!
the weekend ended nicely with breakfast in the morning, then I shot a baptism, and ended at my sisters house eating home made split pea soup and watching pineapple express...
This weeks agenda, packing!!!!

Where am I???

2009-01-16T15:10:00.000-05:00

I know I know! I have been severely MIA for a while... But I am officially back, and I'm a Mrs! That's right! We tied the knot aside the crashing waves two weeks ago and it was absolutely wonderful. The day turned out to be a perfect one that I will never forget. I was really calm the entire day aside from one hiccup with my flowers. I remember walking down the aisle and all I could do was stare at Nick.he was so handsome!
When he took my hands in his.. He just kept squeezing them and running his thumbs in circles over them. It was so sweet and personal, I don't think anybody else realized. His "I do" was so firm and determined it made my heart melt. And when I could hear the emotion as he said his vows, I knew I would love this man forever and through anything.
We followed the ceremony with a helluva a party that included my mother in law catching the bouquet, the best man catching the garter, and him "booty-dancing" all the way up to her.
It was definitely a great moment and everyone had an amazing time! You can see some professional pics on Devynn's blog www.dbimages.ca and then press view blog at the bottom.

As for what to do now... We are a week away from our honeymoon, and I have started the spring semester. I am takinbg a black and white film phoography class and I am Very excited about it.
I am determined to be abetter blogger. And I am going to continue to offer wedding ideas as well... I have to maintain my DIY queeen status.... But for now, I am off to the state fair. Have fun ladies!

Total Slacker

2008-12-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

I know I am a total slacker ladies.. but i only have 10 days to go until I am a Mrs and things are crazy!! I will definitely be posting pics and reviews and hopefully being WAY more active in my blogging! Thanks for being such supporters!!

I know I know

2008-11-20T07:17:00.003-05:00

It seems that the closer and closer i get to the wedding the less and less time i have on my hands,... now why is that? So last not Nick and I went in search of our groomsmen attire.. yes that is right.. we are six weeks away from our wedding and still do not have our grooms men attire. We wandered around the mall to this store called Havanna where we were told they sold the Guayabera shirts.. Well, they do. For $600! I walked in the store and walked back out. See I am what they call.. Cheap. I think paying $600 for a shrit is ridiculous. Now granted I paid 650 for my dress, but I got a complete outfit out of it.. There is no more shopping to be done with that outfit. But none the less we found a great alternative at Macy's on sale. But we had some concerns in regards to sizes for our men. So, I believe we will be purchasing these shirts from Blair.

:FREE WEDDING GOWNS FOR MILITARY BRIDES IN FORT LAUDERDALE

2008-11-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

FREE WEDDING GOWNS FOR MILITARY BRIDES IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Nov. 11 - Fittingly, on Veterans Day, bridal salon Patricia South's The Bride's Choice will give 10 designer bridal gowns away on a first-come, first-serve basis to military brides-to-be. Doors open at 11 a.m. (and close at 8 p.m.). The salon is at 4066 West Broward Blvd.To qualify, brides must be engaged, be on active duty in the military or have a fiance on active duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan. All military brides must show military ID, copy of deployment papers, copy of military orders or other qualifying proof. Brides do not have to reside in the area. Call ahead for an appointment at (954) 791-6007. For more information, go to abrideschoice.com. For other participating stores and states, go to bridesacrossamerica.com

Yes We Can!

2008-11-05T07:22:00.003-05:00

Disclaimer: I know that some people may not agree with my political views, and I am sorry. But here it is:

So last night was one of the most historic moments in our nations history and I for one am SO VERY proud of Americans and their ability to overcome the hystera of diversity and to see a need for a change in our country. Last night this country did not see black and white, they saw two candidates who were running for political office and we made a decision. We made a decision for change, and I for one am in aw at the process and with everyone who got out there and voted. Regardless of your beliefs and who you voted for, we got out there and voted in force! Many historical records were broken yesterday!
Yes, I am a Barack Obama supporter so I am extrememly excited to see my candidate as the President Elect. And I for oneam filled with such a profound feeling of Hope with Barack Obama making his way to the Presidency. I truly hope that he is able to not only live up to the hype, but also to stay true to the American People. We have put an amazing amount of trust in his hands and we can only wait and see what is to come. So, I leave you with his acceptance speech.

On a side note I am DEEPLY saddened to see Amendment 2 pass in Florida. I for one think it is a tragedy to take such rights away from ALL people regardless of what we personally want for ourselves. Unfortunately, many individuals only saw this initiative as banning gay marriages but they did NOT see it as affecting those of us who are domestic partnerships. I as an individual for the past 6 years have had NO legal rights should something happen to Nick. I have no visitation rights, no legal recourse, no rights should he pass to my very own home that I have paid on and lived in for 6 years!! I also feel for the elderly couples who do not marry because of economic and financial reasons. This too will affect them...

Live Update Widget

2008-11-04T13:44:00.001-05:00

Alright guys, I thought I would add this to my blog since I am watching this closely today despite being at work and in school all day. I made it to the polls early this am and ast my ballot. I felt very knowledgeable about the different ammendments they were trying to pass and people in line even asked to read my normal English explanations of each ammendment. Don't forget to go vote today! Polls are open until 7 pm!!

Free Starbucks Coffee for Voting!!

2008-11-03T17:41:00.003-05:00

GET OUT AND VOTE!! Thats right! It's that time of year to vote. It is our American duty to vote! Why would you let your chance to be heard go unheard? Thank you to Jamie for posting this! Starbucks has a new ad and they are giving away cups of coffee tomorrow, just for voting! for free! Isn't it worth the 5$ cup of coffee?

Crazy Week

2008-11-02T08:56:00.002-05:00

So it has been a bit of a crazy week for me. I had another exam in Anthropology on Tuesday.. Wednesday I relaxed, Thursday Dress Fitting (BLAH!), Friday HAlloween at work, then trick or treating with the kids, then Saturday was Softball and Soccer for my neice and nephew and then last night was a Halloween party for us adults. So take a deeeeeep breath.. and lets begin..
The Fitting went pretty well.. I really love Maria over at Mariolka;s she is such a delight to work with. We pinned up my bustle and I will go back the first week in december for another fitting.. We are not going to make any adjustments jsut yet since I have been in the gym at least 4 days a week..
On Friday we had a Halloween party at work. Idecided to wear my Amy Winehouse costume and had everyone cracking up. A coworker of mine made a squirrel costume and looked adorable! Unfortunately, on my way to leave my friend Stephanie was there with her baby and of course I wanted to hold him.. Well, that is until he puked all over me. so... I had to run home and think of a costume super fast for trick or treating.. So.. I'm a bride to be, I have veils, I own white dress, I'll be a pregnant bride.. and a cute one I must add... It was hysterical.. the kids kept punching my belly and of course.. I love to shock people so I would yell OW! My BABY! .. I know.. Im a sick individual... Softball was fun.. It really made me remember all the years I spent playing softball, so I got my glove from home and threw around a few balls with Shy shy in the backyard.. She was very excited about it. The Halloween party was great! There was a couple dressed up as a Cop and a donut, Vikings(my sister and brother in law), Hippies (my other sister and brother in law), Arabian prince and princess, Spartan and his wife, Gangster, and me.. Amy Winehouse.. needle in my arm and all lol.. I won first place YAY!! I will post pics as soon as I have them!
Btw... The RSVPs have been rolling in slowly but surely... I am very excited!!! two months come Monday!!! and I still have LOTS to do. My ring, rent chairs, finalize food with caterer, mens outfits (which we are going to look at today) We will get there though! Have a Great Sunday! -

DIY Derringer Hat Tutorial

2008-10-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

DIY Derringer Hat Tutorial

Alright Ladies.. So you have asked me to post directions as many of you would like to have a Mad Hatter themed party as well, pr you just want one of these cute hats. Please keep in mind that you can make this as big or small as you like… these are just the basic steps and you can modify them as you like. Also.. When I first started I used craft glue, then I also tried Hot Glue, and I used a tape runner believe it or not at some points.. Whichever you find will work best for you.. I definitely recommend starting with the craft glue. Also, keep in mind that when you choose your fabric you don’t want to use something TOO thick or too thin. If it is too thick you will have trouble getting it to stay and you will have to do a lot more stitching to keep things in place. If it is too thin the glue will show through the fabric.. For example thin muslin will not really work for this project. Please also post pics of your trials and errors, I would love to see yoru results as well!!

Supplies Needed:
Straight Pins,
Needle and thread in a coordinating color to your fabric
Hot Glue (Craft glue also.. you will see me use the hot glue gun in th epics)
About ¼- ½ a yard of fabric you would like to use
1 square of soft felt
1 square of stiff felt.. If you can not find stiff felt, Use two pieces of soft felt and craft glue them together.. or try craft foam paper..
Decorative pieces such a wreath picks, feathers, fake fruit piecesm beading, netting
Hair Comb or two (My original hat is taller then those in the tutorial so I needed two hair combs)
Scissors
Something to use as a stencil for the top piece of your hat, and the bas of the hat.

1. Using the stiff felt, I used the bottom of a cup to trace the top flat panel of the hat. Once you are done tracing this piece, Cut it out.

2. Using the stiff felt again, I used the bottom of a hat I already had made to trace the bottom base of the hat. When I first started I used a CD and then sketched it slightly bigger then the cd.. you can also use an upside down bowl. Once you are done tracing.. cut out the circle..

3. Using a tape measure, measure the circumference of the top of the hat. This is the length of the side panel you will need to make. I also wrapped a piece of felt around the hat to double check the length.

4. Once you have the length, sketch an arch on your soft felt in the same length as the circumference. The steeper the arch, the more of an angle you will form with your top hat. The straighter the line, the more of a perpendicular hat you will have (Similar to a traditional top hat.. I wanted an arch to give it that odd affect of the top of the hat getting bigger).
5. Decide how tall you would like your hat and sketch a similar arch at that distance below your first arch. Once you are done, cut this piece out.

6. We are now going to cover each piece with your selected fabric. With the top portion of your hat, measure out a piece of fabric just slightly larger than the top of the hat. Using glue, (whichever you chose to use) Glue the hat top onto the piece of fabric.
7. Using a pair of scissors, you will need to cut slits in the pieces of fabric that are hanging over the hat top… This will allow you to glue the pieces down evenly.

8. Using your glue, glue the pieces of cut fabric to the under side of your hat top until they are all attached.

9. You will need to repeat this step with the piece of soft felt that will make the side wall of the hat.
10. Cut a piece of fabric just slightly larger than the side hat piece of soft felt. You need to glue this piece down as well, and then cut the side edges in order to fold them over.

11. Glue down the cut pieces onto the opposite side of the soft felt

12. The base of the hat is the hardest piece since both sides of the base will be seen. You will need to cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the hat completely by placing the stiff felt in the center and pulling up all of the sides to the center. You will need to glue this piece down in the center.

13. I use a little glue to hold down the main pieces of fabric down to the opposite side of the hat. I put the gleu in a cross pattern and pull up one of each of the four sides

14. Using a needle and thread.. Pull the corners up to the center of the hat and sew down in a pattern or style you like.. I try to fold mine to make it nice and neat.. remember that the center where everything comes together will be covered by the top of the hat so it is ok if it looks a little rough.

15. Using straight pins, fast the top flat piece of the hat to the side wall of the hat.

16. Then, use a needle and thread to attach them together.

17. Once you have completed attaching the top to the side wall, stitch down the side of the side wall bringint to the two ends of the sidewall together.

18. Fill the top of the hat with any extra fabric you may have. This will help to keep the hat standing straight.
19. Using straight pins, fasten the top of the hat to the base where you would like to have it..
20. Using a needles and thread, attach the top of the hat to the base of the hat.

21. Once this is complete, you can decide where you would like to add your decorative pieces. I usually use a needle and thread as well as hot glue(hot glue really helped me a lot when it came to the different picks.. Also, I found that if you are using picks that have a wire inside them, you can usually bend them slightly and slide the bottom of the wire under that hat to hide the excess.
22. Once you have completed attaching your pieces, you can sew a hair comb or two to the bottom of your hat.

Enjoy ladies! If you have any questions please feel free to let me know!

Bridal Shower Teaser Pics

2008-10-25T21:15:00.002-04:00

OK, so this is just a real quick thing.. My bridal Shower teasers were posted by Devynn on her blog
They look amazing! I love her work!

Also, I will have the DIY Derringer tutorial tomorrow!

2 More Derringer Hats!

2008-10-19T22:40:00.004-04:00

OK so my sisters and my friends Denise saw my hat and requested their own.. I have one more to do it will be a red and gold hat.. but here is my sister's hat.. she is wearing a white dress with blue and black flowers:

And this one was made for my friend Denise.. this is actually the fabric she used to re-do her chairs and valances..
I Also had the gold picks left over from a Christmas Wreath I was going to make..

DIY Deringer Hat for Bridal Shower!

2008-10-15T20:09:00.003-04:00

Hey ladies! So I have been working on a difficult project for my Bridal Shower. My sister is throwing me a Mad Hatter Tea Party so I thought it would be fun to have a vintage style hat! After doing some research and finding some super cute Deringer hats and their price tage, I figured I could make these.. I can make anything! I Love my end results and now I am making one for my sister and my friend! I need to get cracking on them.. but here are some terrible pics of my process along the way and my final result..

MIA!!

2008-10-15T20:08:00.001-04:00

OK, So I knwo I have been MIA lately... Work has been crazy with the new job, plus I am having SEVERE Drama going on lol... but I promise I will be posting my DIY Deringer hat..
BTW... We are going to HI on our HONEYMOON!! YAY!! I also have become a registry stalker! IT's terrible, I know!

Great DIY Hair Tutorials

2008-09-29T17:48:00.004-04:00

So.. Thanks to Mrs Vingtage Glam as well as It's a Jamie Thing I ventured onto this Youtube Video:

I think this would make for a fabulous wedding day hairstyle..
Have you found any other videos that you enoy that would be a great tutorial? I would lvoe to try them!
Here are my results!

Please excuse the lack of make up

I've been Tagged! I Feel the LOVE!

2008-09-26T23:15:00.004-04:00

So not only do I have new followers, but I have been tagged!

This is my first time, and I have to say I feel special that others are even reading my blog let alone tagging me! So I will do my best!
Thank you Tayia at Love, Life, and Maple Leafs .. This is actually a new blog that I have found and if you are planning on DIY for your bouquets.. definitely check out her bouquet wraps!

Alright, so here we go!
4 things I did today:
1. I picked up all of my supplies for our "wedding intervention" tomorrow.. This is a Get together a group of friends is throwing for me to get a handle on quite a few of my DIY projects including invites, pomanders, favors, tissue pouches and many many more things..
2. I conversed with Etsy Seller Debrashi in regards to my flower hair pics for my wedding.. She makes clay flower arrangements, bouts, hair picks, and many other projects.. I am hoping to have her make me an orchid cluster, each of my girls a single orchid hair clip, and my flower girl an orchid hairband.. Knottie Rebmav raved about the Gardenia she had Debrashi make for her. I've also been told that they are surprisingly light!
3. Today was the last day in my current job, so today my co-workers and I celebrated my promotion with a fabulous breakfast they brought in for me, as well as packed up my desk :(
4. I applied to be a WeddingBee! That's right!

4 things on my To Do list:

I only get to list four?!?! Oh lord!
1. I need to write my paper on what leadership means to me for my Leadership Development course
2. I need to re-make, print, and cut my Direction inserts for my wedding invitations
3. I need to clean my house! I Swear that my fiance is going to divorce me before we ever get to our wedding day! (I am the self-proclaimed "World's Worst Housekeeper")
4. I need to mail out my Gift Swap Gift to one of my fellow January 09 Boards.. I was supposed to send this to her over a month ago and it has just escaped me.. I can't apologize enough to her!

4 of my guiltiest pleasures:

1. NACHOS! lol, does food count?
2. The Knot .. I am officially addicted to it and my fellow knotties.. I can't get enough wedding questions, suggestions ,and ideas!

3. Tayia, I am with you.. I am a closet Brittney Fan!!! I cant get enough of her..

4. Photography, I LOVE to take my camera with me everywhere.. I don't care if I have to take 500 pictures.. if I walk awy with one amazing shot.. I am smitten.. and let me fine tune this even more.. I LOVE photographing my neice Samantha.. She is such a little ham!!

(insert cute photos here hehehe)

4 random facts about little ol' me:

1. I was an exchange student my Junior year of High School in Austria.. One of the best experiences in my life...

2. I am an avid outdoors women.. I love to camp, go four-wheeling, mudding, and yes.. hunt..

3. I drive a HUGE pick up truck.. It even has steps to get up into it.. LOL.. I LOVE it..

4. I originally was a vocal music major in college.. I studied Jazz at the University of North Florida...

Now I'm gonna tag 4 people:
1. It's a Jaime Thing!
2. Polka Dot Bride/Groom
3. Tasty Treats by Michi
4. Vintage Glam Blog One of my All time Favorite Weddings!

Thanks for the link, Interesting turn of events..

2008-09-26T22:49:00.006-04:00

So I see that I have a few followers.. Thank you ladies and gentleman for the following.. I know I am fairly new to this whole blogging world, but it is definitely something I am beginning to enjoy. I also wanted to say a special thank you to It's a Jaime Thing!.. I see I am now listed under her Wedding Inspiration links! I feel very honored and I hope that I can live up to it!

On another note,
Things have been rolling along smoothly for me. Today was my very last day in my current job. I have held my position for almost 3 years now in the Legal Compliance department where I have filed, and pushed, and prodded with attorneys, state agencies, clients, and co-workers. I have to say that it has been an interesting three years and I have seen myself grow as an individual as well as a professional. I will miss my co-workers dearly, but luckily I will still be working for the same company.
On Monday, I will begin my new position as a Client Relations Manager. What that has in store for me, I'm not quite sure. I am positive however that the changes will offer me an enormous opportunity for growth.
Between a new job, the wedding itself, staying healthy, and school I know that I will have a lot on my plate.. but I know with everyone's patience and support that we will make it to the finish line! i look forward to sharing with everyone as we get closer and closer. Do any of you balance a large plate as well while planning? I'm interested to know if I am the only one out there.

BTW.. 99 DAYS UNTIL MY WEDDING!!!

DIY Napkins...

2008-09-23T22:42:00.003-04:00

So.. I just realized that I never posted my DIY Napkin Expiriment..

Yes ladies and gentlemen, you can even DIY Napkins. Matchbooks.. the possibilities are endless!

What you will need:

A Stamp of your choosing... I had a custom monogram stamp made on Ebay by seller Longchai for about $10 and I LOVE it...

StayZOn PErmanent Ink in your choice of colors..

Napkins or Matchbooks

I just recommend getting a good coat of ink on yoru stamp and then pealing it off of the napkin slowly so that it does not tare.... Here are the pics and the pic of the water test... no smudging yay!!

DIY Floating Orchids

2008-09-21T22:47:00.002-04:00

Ok.. So today has been a lazy Sunday for me.. but I did accomplish something! I finished my floating Orchids and crystals...

For this project you will need Orchids(or a flower of your choice)

Crystals, and fishing line... (clear)

I recommend stringing the flowers through a petal rather than the back of the flower.. this will help so the flower faces outward...

I also tied a knot below the flower and each crystal to make sure they stayed in the correct place..

I also recommend rolling up all of the strings and tying them with a twist tie before storing them away in a safe location.. I ended up having to cut four strands to pieces because they got very knotted together

So on another note.. I have quite a few things to accomplish this week before our wedding intervention on Saturday.. I have to print and cut all of my direction cards over... damn map.. lol... I also need to purchase more styro balls and tissue paper for the pomanders... Jen has also graciously offered to score all of my invite backings... Things are coming along smoothly YAY!

Pasta Salad

2008-09-20T20:11:00.003-04:00

So Tonight I made one of Fi and I's favorite dishes .. Antipasta Pasta Salad.. So I thought I would share.. You can be as creative as you like with this dish You can add as many veggies as you like and you can get as healthy as your mind can imagine.. I start with the basic items..
1lb of Rotini
1 lb of cubed cheese (I prefer Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack)
2 Medium Onions
1 Pepper (Or more to taste)
1 lb of Hard Salami
1 Can of sliced Olives
I jar of Pepperoncinis Sliced
1 Bottle of your favorite Italian Dressing(You can also use a vinagrette or Balsamic Vineger and Olive Oil)
Sometimes I add Celery, Cherry Tomatos, Cucumbers.. etc..

Step 1:
You can start by boiling the Pasta to taste according to the directions on the box... Make sure to season the water with Salt

Step 2:
While the Pasta is boiling, Chop all of your vegetables .. I like to leave them chunky so that the pasta salad is a little heartier

Step 3:
Drain your sliced Olives

Step 4:
Chop your Salami into Chunks

Step 5:
Place all of your ingredients (except Pasta) into a large bowl

Step 7:
Pour in 3/4 of the bottle of dressing

Step 8:
Blend Everything Together evenly (Ignore my black specks.. I mistakenly bought chopped olives instead of sliced hehe)

Step 9:
Once you have drained your pasta and it has cooled to room temperature.. add it to your antipasta and blend evenly

Enjoy!

DIY Favor Box and Card Class

2008-09-20T18:49:00.000-04:00

OK, So today was Card Class.. My friend Jeniffer is a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and holds card classes at her house once a week.. (http://www.jeniferletourneau.stampinup.net/ )

We made 3 cards, and two favor boxes which I think could easily be used for MANY wedding projects from favor boxes, to petal pouches.... You could use these for your bridal shower too! Here are pics of the projects we made and step by step instructions on the favor pouches...

Here is the Warm Wishes Card we made..

Here is the Birthday Card:

Here is the Halloween Card we made:
Here is a Pitcure of the favor pouches:

So lets make som favor boxes!
What you will need:
Paper! (I used a 4x6 sheet of decorative paper, you can use anythign larger.. I wouldnt use anything smaller though... You wont be able to fit much.. I will be using 12x12 pages to make goodie favors for the kids in the wedding..
you will need some "Terribly Tacky Tape" Or any other tape that has a super hold!
Ribbon
Stamp and inkpad
Two sizes of round punches for the tag
A Whole Punch

Step 1:

You will need to line The Terribly Tacky tape along one whole edge of the paper..

Step 2:

1/3 of the paper size strip on the bottom left corner of the paper coming away from the side where you already lined the tape.. Place another piece a 1/3 size piece of tape in the middle of the top of the pageStep 3:

Peel the backing of the tape off on the long strip of tape.

Step 4:

Roll the paper like onto itself and seal it so that it forms a "toilet paper roll"

Step 5:

Peel the tape strip that is connected to the strip of tape that is already sealed (the corner strip) Squeeze the two sides together in order to seal the end of the tubeStep 5:

Place your favor, candy, truffles inside the favor box

Step 6:

Peel the tape backing off of the opene end of the tube Step 7:

Press the two sides together in order to seal the favor box

This is what your end result will look like

Step 8:

Stamp your design onto another piece of paper and punch it out with your smaller punch.. (you can also use square punches or use only one punch.. the options are endless) Step 9:

Punch the backing in a cordinating coler using the large sircle punch

Step 10:

Adhere the two punches together

Sep 11:

Punch a whole in your tag

Step 12:

Punch a whole in the sealed edge of the favor box

Step 13:

Linbe the tage and the favor box together and tie together with the ribbon

Here is the end result

The nice thing about these favors is that they are extremely versatile and the possibilities are endless... You could use these as escort cards for your guests, favors, bridal shower favors, halloween treats for the local kids, for your kids birthday parties, for your valentines gifts.. All sorts of things! Just let your imagination run wild

DIY Invite Mockup YAY!

2008-09-13T00:41:00.004-04:00

OK ladies.. I am SOO excited.. I got my last few items in today that I needed to put my invites together.. here are some pics..

It took a while to get the printer color right but here is what I used:

Ivory Cardstock from Staples 250 pages for 9.99

Green ribbon from Joanns $1.00

Bronze Stardream cardstock from http://www.anchorpaper.com/ (Tom is FABULOUS)

Baroque Motiff Stamp from Stampin Up

Chocolate Chip Ink pad from Stampin Up

Clear Embossing Powder

I also designed everything in Power Point and Word..

The total cost for one invite is approx $1.00 Which I LOVE

Wet Burritos

2008-09-11T20:25:00.003-04:00

So tonight I made a recipe that fi and I love... so I thought I would share with everyone.. this is a recipe I found through www.recipezaar.com , which happens to be one of my favorite websites :)
So here we go:

Wet Burritos Recipe #33665
Having grown up with these, I didn't realize that most folks have never heard of a wet burrito. It is a meat and bean (or all meat or all bean) burrito with a spicy gravy and cheese on top. They are available here in many restaurants, and no self respecting bar would be without one on the menu, lol! Once you try them, you'll never go back to "dry" burritos again! Don't let the long list of directions scare you, these are easy!
35 min 15 min prep
SERVES 4

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worchestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes,in sauce divided
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (or you can use mexican blend)
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups refried beans, with
1/4 teaspoon cumin,added
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 (18 ounce) jar homestyle beef gravy for serving
sour cream
chopped onion
salsa
jalapeno
chopped lettuce
chopped tomato

Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic, making sure to chop ground beef into very fine pieces while cooking.
Drain off any fat from browning.
Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and half of the can of tomatoes with sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes.
While meat is simmering, heat beans with 1/4 tsp. cumin, and make gravy.
For gravy, combine enchilada sauce, beef gravy, and the other half of tomatoes, and heat until almost boiling.
Soften tortillas according to package directions.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Assemble burritos.
On each tortilla, layer 1/4 of the meat mixture, 1/4 of the bean mixture, and 1/4 cup of cheese.
Fold sides of burrito in, then roll from the other sides until you have a"package".
Place seam side down in a 13x9 baking dish.
When all burritos are assembled and in the baking dish, pour sauce mixture over all and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and burritos are heated through.
Serve each burrito with extra sauce from pan spooned over the top.
Have sour cream, chopped onions, salsa, jalapenos, chopped lettuce and chopped tomatoes available to sprinkle on as desired.

© 2008 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com
Share your experience with others, and post your comments on the recipe. Type 33665 in the Search box at the top of Recipezaar, to get back to this recipe easily.

IKEA

2008-09-10T17:28:00.005-04:00

So.. some of my fellow knotties and I Will be making an excursion to IKEA on Saturday.. So in teh spirit of IKEA and my DIY fame.. I thought I would share some fun links and projects..

My first is from my favorite knottie wedding which is Vintageglamgirl. She has started her own blog and the is a great easy, and affordable DIY project from Ikea...

DIY Coasters!

http://vintageglamblog.com/?p=436

Another great project I found was on an IKEA Hack blog..

DIY Lanterns!

http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2007/10/brightens-autumn-evenings-too.html

These could be used for centerpieces, the Ceremony Aisle.. all sorts fo creative ideas!

Also, on another note.. I found out today that I will be starting my new job on the 29th YAY!

New Happenings

2008-09-09T17:54:00.000-04:00

So it has been a few days since my last post... So I will catch you up to date.. This weekend was a bit of a blur.. I Did not get much done.. After my interviews with the VP of the company on Friday, all I wanted to do was relax. On Saturday I went shopping with my sister and neice, then to my other sisters house to watch the UFC fight.. It was VERY good... for those of you who missed it, I would definitely youtube the fight because Chuck Liddell got knocked the F&CK out! lol!
Ok.. so Sunday was a late morning start.. I went to Wally world.. picked up my mailbox and some paint to get started on my cardbox... I will be finishing it tonight and of course posting pics..

As for my good news.. I GOT THE JOB !!! WOOO WOOO WOOOOOOOOOO lol.. I dont know when I start.. just my raise.. I am having lunch with my new manager on Thursday to discuss how things will work... we shall see how things go from there...

AND HOW disappointing is it that BRit did not perform?!?! UG!

My DIY Hoodie, and school

2008-08-26T22:03:00.000-04:00

So yesterday was the first day of the fall semester for me.. I am taking a leadership course and Anthropology.. (Mon and Tues nights) I actually really enjoyed both of my first classes.. it will be interesting to see how things turn out..

So all day I have been working on my latest DIY project... I while I have printed most of my paper products.. I am waiting to put backings on them until the order of ink and paper come in from stampin up! Once that is in... we will be stampin and embossing invitations and cards lke crazy! I was thinking today and there are onlya few things left I have to buy...

The table clothes, dishes, silverware, cups, beer, and wine.. Then we have the finishing touches for our bathroom baskets, and gifts... As far as I know that is pretty much it yay!

Today I have been working on my latest DIY project which was making an iron-on rhinestone transfer.. I would use this on my hoodie I purchased from Old Navy this weekend.. I found it on clearance for $10. Well.. I finished the transfer and the hoodie and I think it looks great!

DIY Aisle Runner

2008-08-24T18:20:00.000-04:00

Hey ladies! I jsut had to share.. I finished my Monogramed Aisle runner tonight.. Here are the pics of the process.. It was pretty easy it just took some time.. First I printed the monogram that I wanted in a 4x4 foot size... It printed on about 9 pages .. I taped these together and then taped them onto a table.. I laid the aisle runner over it and taped it down (placed heavy items on them)

Then I took a pencil and outlined everything through the runner.. Once this was done I moved the stencil and taped down Wax PAper.. This ensure that the aisle runner doesnt stick to the surface.. plus the paint will blead through a little... Once it was taped down.. I taped down the aisle runner as well and begin to fill in my outline...

It took about 3 coats... I used some small amd fine sized brushes... once the three coats were done..

I used a brown sharpie paint pen to outline the letters.. this helped to clean it up a bit as well.. Once I was done outlining.. I touched the green up with a fine brush.. (this was because in some places I got a little craazy with the brown lol) Overall it was farely easy.. jsut time consuming.. GL!

MY DIY Veil

2008-08-15T09:52:00.000-04:00

So I finally finished making my veil. I was completely set on having a drop veil... I dont like the huge puffiness that comes off of a veil with a comb or clip.. so I thought the easiest would be the drop veil. This will be a fastened on with either a hat pin or two bobby pins crisscrossed.. I will then change over to a birdcage veil.. I attempted making one of those as well, and then one of my local knotties offered to let me borrow hers!! Love you Nani!

So here are some pics of both veils.. Teh Drop Veil I hand beaded with a silver-lined bead from JoAnn's.. I strung the beads, and then hand stitched the strand onto the edge of the veil.. I finally cleaned up the strings with an embroidery pair of scissors..

Supplies:
120" Wide Veil Cut to size and round.. ( folded in half twice and cut a semicircle)
Scissors
Thread
Beads
Needle

Total Cost Less than $10
Total Time : 1 week (after work, during breaks)

Job Interview

2008-08-14T18:35:00.000-04:00

So tomorrow I have an interview!! YAY!!!! I actually applied for a promotion within my company.. it is a position I have been waiting for for some time.. word on the street is that the hiring manager for this position thinks very highly of me.. .so please keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

Drama Drama Drama

2008-08-13T18:36:00.000-04:00

My fi and I have not seen his father in 4 1/2 years... welll last week he showed up at our house to try and make nice with fi.. He apologized for everything he did to him, his child hood, for taking so long to contact him.. yadda yadda yadda.. He also went as far as to extend his home to us in Uruguay and to be at our disposal should we want to go there for our honeymoon.. (he is moving back there) Well.. none the less the conversation went well and he hung around for abotu two hours.. I really think it needed to happen.. I cant stand seeing fi not have a relationship with his father regardless of the type of relationship it is.. So the next morning my FFIL calls me and offers to either hire us a videographer for the wedding (no thank you on any offers btw) or to give us cash towards the wedding... knowing my ffil and he track record.. I wont beloieve anything until I see it.. Fi told me to let him know we will take the cash but wont bet on it... So that is first on my plateThen Yesterday my MOH tells me that if the otehr girls in the wedding dont decide on dresses she may have to back out of the wedding because she cant keep affording ot put this off... I am a bit peaved with her.. she said she had the money for a dress a month ago, but now she doesnt?!? I mean.. I have only been engaged for 8 months.. I sent her an email explaining that her financial responsibilities are very important and while I would be disappointed, I would completely understand if she backed out.. WHICH SUCKS! Who would want to get married without their BFF there.. So I email my mom about this and mention abotu how my sisters havent really made any initiative to help or dress shop or anything... Well the response I got back from my mom was far from helpful... In fact.. she went off on a tangent about how my brother wasnt in the wedding and how dare my fi act this way when he is trying tecome a member of our family.. At first.. I Wanted to respond to her and say WTF?!?! .. but I didnt.. I didnt even respond to her.. I had mentioned to her two months or so ago that I had asked my brother to perform the ceremony (as a notary) and he said no.. she asked if h would be a GM and I said No.. not at that point.. fi had only picked 3 guys..I also said I needed to sit and talk to him because it is important for me to have my brother in the wedding.. Anyways.. she went on and on in her email about how her and my father are so disgusted with me and how could I do this to my brother and he will never forgive me... Sorry I needed a place to vent about everything.. So not only do i WANT my brother in my wedding.. I plan on asking him.. I just dont want to do it right now while he is unemployed and place that additional financial burden in his lap... Am I wrong.. Please tell me I am wrong! I feel like I am going crazy over wedding stuff.. I finally sent all of the girls an email today and said.. Tomorrow I will be at Davids Bridal at 6 pm and I will be picking the dresses out.. I would like for you to be there to partake in the decision but I cant keep putting it off.. so now, tomorrow.. my two sisters will be meeting me at DAvids (THANK GOD) but my BF still hasnt responded.. she has emailed me about other stuff though.. Everything just sucks right now.. except I did book my b-pics .. YAY!

Bridesmaid Dresses Finally!

2008-08-13T10:18:00.000-04:00

So after much arguing, searching, and tryting on of dresses, the girls have purchased their dresses.. Kathleen, Lynn, and Missy all met at Davids to pick the dress...

Here it is
These should all be here by Sept 15th, and were ordered in Truffle Brown.. also they got them on sale for $79!! woohoo!

Great Finds at JoAnns

2008-08-06T18:38:00.000-04:00

So I left work early because I wasn't feeling good and decided to stop by JoAnns to pick up some things.. I picked up the toule for my veil, the netting and the comb for my birdcage veil, Some ribbon that I needed, photo beads for my bouquet, and I gotShepherds Hooks for the ceremony for 59 cents!! All of their shepherd hooks are on clearance for 70% off.. I only needed the smalled ones .. I got eight of them to line the aisle with a toule "rope" essentially.. I also picked up the 4 6 foot garlands for the arch/canopy for the ceremony .. they were also on clearance and I got them for $2.99 a piece! woohoo!! I picked up two 6 ft floral garlands and 2 six foot beading accent garlandsHopefully I will also be able to finish the veil tonight and the birdcage veil..

My Date with the Oven

2008-08-02T18:41:00.000-04:00

Hello my name is Laurel, and I am a slob.. thats right.. I am a self proclaimed pack rat, slob, mess.. Im terrible.. I really am... Whats funny is my mom has SEVER OCD when it comes to cleaning.. but for some reason.. (as fi would say) he got the short end of the stick on that one.. I just find it hard to balance.. house chores, school, work, wedding planning, and LIFE in general! Well, every once in a great while.. I suddenly start cleaning.. oddly enough, they are usually projects.. not simple washing the dishes type of things... but more like, cleaning all teh ceilings, teh fans, the fridge ... so this morning in my straightening up and then cleaning the kitchen.. I venture onto the oven.. GROSS... So I got out my 409 and my brillo pad and a bowl of hot water and dish soap and I began to scrub, and scrub, and scrub.. Fi finally came out and asked what I was doing.. so I told him.. He informed me they has special cleaners that get everything off.. (honestly.. I had no idea) And now, I am happy to say... I hvae a VERY clean Oven and kitchen.. Now if I could only motivate myself to finish of the entire kitchen by doing the floor... UG!

Im a winner!

2008-07-24T18:42:00.000-04:00

Woo hoo I am sooo excited!!http://www.polkadotbride.com/wp/index.php/2008/07/29/winner-announced-dymo-letratag-personal-labelmaker/ I cant believe I actually won! there were soo many great ideas!! Sorry I just had to share!!

Lots of Checks

2008-07-23T18:43:00.000-04:00

So.. All of my epics are now posted.. http://www.dbimages.instaproofs.com/Now I just have to pick out my favorites I also have updated my bio with some of my favorite bios for diy, budget and all around... I have ordered my cardstock for my invites. ordered my STDsreceived my cello bags for my favorspurchased all of my chinese paper lanternshave all of my jewelry nowordered my glassine pouches for our ecofetti toss instead of petals or riceWe have the tiki torches for the aisle decorations, I received the bows for the torchesI picked up the aisle runner and now I just need to monogram it... I have my overlays for my tables, my mirrors, all of my vases now as well as my votive holders.. Slowly but surely everything is coming along... YAY!

Here We Go ....

2008-07-06T10:17:00.000-04:00

So we are on the final home stretch to the wedding and I have decided that I will try and blog my events and occurrences on the way there.
A brief synopsis of Nick and I .
Nick and I met over 6 years ago at work. I was the manager of a repo yard (yes, we repossessed cars) He was a tow truck driver for one of our owner's friend's company.. He would often come by the office and chat. We quickly became friends with both of us going through bad relationships and trying to get through them.. One day he asked if he could call me, and of course I said yes... we quickly became inseparable.. I told him that I wasn't looking for anything serious since we had both just gotten out of relationships.. and here we are 6 1/2 years later and we are getting married..
Nick and I have had a long relationship of ups and downs.. we both have really spent the last years of our lives find out who we were as individuals and who we were as a relationship, and with that comes bumps and bruises, but of course we are happy in the end. I am glad that we had the opportunity to go through everything we went through because I feel that this has helped to make us stronger as a couple.
Nick and I went on our first real vacation this past December. We took a cruise to Cozumel, on the first night of the cruise he asked if I wanted to go for a walk on deck.. On our walk we stopped at the front of the boat just to take in the stars and enjoy the moment. Now, mind you, I had made comments to a few friends that I thought perhaps this was it.. if he was ever going to ask me, this would be his chance. In that moment, I remember thinking.. "this would be absolutely perfect" We were discussing how happy we were, how we had come such a long way.. the music was running through my head and I was telling myself "stop it Laurel, don't ruin a good moment.. he will ask when he is ready... " Well.. he said to me.."You know how you always ask me how much I love you? " I responded hesitantly with a yes and he lifted his hand up with the ring and said "This much" .. I of course being the lady I am replied.. "Shut the F*ck up" That's right... I talk like a sailor.. I just kept repeating it and repeating it... then he leaned in and whispered in my ear "will you marry me" .. I just stood there in shock saying.. "are you for real? Is this for real? Are you kidding me?" And then of course the yes came..
It has been a whirlwind ever since... Lots of planning.. pains and groans along the way.

Nick and I are trying to have a great wedding on a shoestring budget.. And we are going to do it..
So far we have a venue set and by the end of the week we will have our photographer booked. A good friend of ours is DJing the wedding, friends and family will be helping me decorate, and we will be using a local restaurant to cater in the food..
We are having a beach side ceremony where our friend Autum will conduct the ceremony..
My sister Kathleen, Lynn, and my best friend Missy will be by my side...
Our friends Joey, Dick and Willie will be by Nick's side..
We are very excited as well that a lot of our family will be able to fly in for the wedding.
I will post more as we go along!