The Dirty Side of Marriage

Everyone knows that when I write here I am writing from the heart. I don't like to sugar coat things and I never will. I feel like there is already too much fabrication out in the universe as is, so I refuse to add to it. I like to talk to you about the real, in the real. I hope that you appreciate the raw and uncut as much as I do and continue to hang out with me. Here we go.

Source

Let's talk about marriage. Boy oh boy, marriage is always a touchy subject because everyone has their own views of what they believe marriage is, but the one problem that I have with marriage is that people tend to not tell you what really happens in a marriage. Before you got married have you ever asked another married person what marriage is like to them? I swear I must have asked 100 people this question and I got the same simple answer, "I love being married. You always have someone at home with you to talk to and be there when you need it most. You have a lifetime partner." and here is the kicker, "Trust me you are going to love it." Don't get me wrong, these are all valid reasons and I love being married, but I wish someone would have sat me down and told me the dirty stuff so I could have at least been prepared.

This is why I have decided to tell you the dirty side of marriage. This is not intended to scare you. It's purpose is to let you in on the good stuff. Some of these things may be hilarious and some may be down right crazy but nonetheless it's the truth. I will continue to add to the list as time goes on.

 No One Told Me....

1. He's going to fart in his sleep.
2. We have to be around each other day in and day out.
3. That I would find things out about myself that I never knew.
4. That I would actually like cooking for someone.
5. We would argue at least once a week.
6. Sparks eventually would die.
7. We would have to eventually reinvent ourselves.
8. It takes a lifetime to know a person so never stop learning about your spouse.
9. Children change the whole dynamic of your relationship so think twice before having them.
10. Communication is the number one weapon you have against marriage failure.



*These are my personal opinions and beliefs. Some are from personal experience and conversations with other married couples and friends.

Wishlist Time

My husband keeps asking me what I want for Christmas and I keep telling him nothing, but being the sweet human being he is he just has to get me something. Now ladies we all know that there are so many things we can come up with that we desire. I swear I see something that I want almost all day everyday. I want to make this easier for the hunny buns so I have decided to put together a Wishlist of some of the things I am drooling over. Hey maybe I can inspire a gift for that one person on your wishlist that you can't seem to figure out what to get them. Take a look and hey tell me a few things that you wish for in the comments.

To get the dirty work out of the way, some links in this post are affiliate links to help support the upkeep of this blog. Gotta tell ya that.

1. Baseball Cap

2. Hooded Sweatshirt Dress

3. Shoulder Bag

4. Midi Skirt

5. Sweater Dress

6. Statement Necklace

7. Booties

Don't forget to follow me:

Bloglovin’

Facebook

Twitter

The Great Gatsby 1st Birthday

So I've decided to incorporate my love of party decor into a regular routine on the blog so I will be highlighting parties that I see on the web and some that I may have done myself. Also I will be giving you party planning tips and tricks. Partying on a budget is my specialty and boy am I good at it. But for now here is some party inspiration. In the spirit of the new film opening this weekend, The Great Gatsby, I have stumbled upon one of the cutest most adorable 1st birthday party decor ever. I so happened to read one of my fave blogs, Project Nursery, and I saw this Great Gatsby themed party by Layla Grace's co-founder, Tiffany Harris and her husband Tom. I fell all the way in love with this theme and the way it was executed. Take a look at the pics and be inspired.

Source

Source

Source

Isn't this the most amazing theme for a 1 year old birthday party? Everything was just right. Not too over the top. I loved the little touches like the personalized cakes and party hats. Guests dressed in appropriate attire and even wore pearls. Oh how I love the 1920's era. Do you have any cute 1st Birthday themes?

Oh, Motherhood!

I have been a mommy for a whole year now and this will be my second Mother's Day that I will be celebrating. If I began to tell you what motherhood means to me it will quickly become a novel. So much has happened in this first year and I would not change any of it. I'll try my hardest to keep my meaning of motherhood simple and clear. So here goes.

When I think of Motherhood and what it means to me a few words come to mind that describe it and the things one goes through:

MIGHTY

ONE-STEP AHEAD

THRIFTY

HUMOROUS

EMPATHETIC

REASONABLE

HUMAN

OPEN-MINDED

OVERFLOW OF LOVE

DISCIPLINE

To see what these words mean to me and my true definition of motherhood hop on over to The Little Style File!

Met Gala 2013: Punk, Chaos to Couture

Death to Prison, Freedom to Protest 

by Pussy Riot

Source
Paloma Faith

The joyful science of occupying squares

The will to everyone’s power, without damn leaders

Source
Allison Williams in Altuzarra

Direct action—the future of mankind!

LGBT, feminists, defend the nation!

Death to prison, freedom to protest!

Source
Anne Hathaway in Valentino

Make the cops serve freedom,

Protests bring on good weather

Source
Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney

Occupy the square, do a peaceful takeover

Take the guns from all the cops

Death to prison, freedom to protest!

Source
Cara Delvingne in Burberry

Fill the city, all the squares and streets,

There are many in Russia, beat it,

Source
Chanel Iman

 Open all the doors, take off the epaulettes

Come taste freedom together with us

Death to prison, freedom to protest!

Source
Doutzen Kroes

Source
Julianne Hough in TopShop

Source
Amar'e and Alexis Stoudemire

Source
Eve

Top Picks of the Night

Drum Roll Please….

Source

Source

Source

Who were your fave's for the night?

Dearest Baby Rhyan: You Are Turning 1

Dearest Baby Rhyan,
OMG (Oh My God-just in case you guys aren't using this when you get old enough to read this)!!!! You are turning 1. What a year it has been. You are the most amazing little lady ever and so happy. There are so many things that I can say, but I'll go all day. So I think its more fitting to tell you of this very day one year ago. The day our lives changed.

It was 11 am on May 4th, 2012, I was walking into what was to become my last doctor's appointment to check on you and make sure you were progressing. While being weighed the nurse asked if I had felt you move at all that day. I then realized that I hadn't and I began to get alarmed. After telling her, she quickly placed me on the monitor so that we can hear your heartbeat. There it was just as strong as ever, but you still were not moving. We tried everything to wake you, but you would not budge. After about 2 hours or so the doctor came in and told me I had to go to the hospital and get an ultrasound so we can see what you were doing in mommy's tummy.

Nina and I headed over to St. Peters hospital in New Brunswick, NJ at around 1:30 pm. The ultrasound tech came in and began the ultrasound. She was not much of a talker, but I saw your heartbeat and you. So I knew all was well. I began to calm down. The tech left the room and then came back with another doctor. She told me that during the ultrasound they noticed that the fluid that was around you had gotten too low and they needed to induce me to get you out.

So off to the delivery room we went. Daddy soon came after that and was ready to see you. After daddy arrived Mama and GGMa Linda came. We were all excited and anxious to see you. They induced me at 4:30 pm and then the nervousness kicked in. Contractions started coming and I knew you would be here soon. I'm going to spare you the rest of the details until a later date. At around 1:00 am I felt the most immense amount of pressure and you were ready to come.

I thought I was going to have this long drawn out labor as I have been told that first pregnancies have longer labors. But no buddy you were ready and not playing. At 1:41 am on May 5, 2012 at 7lbs and 4oz. 20 in long, my beautiful baby girl was born. You came out screaming and letting the world know you were here. They placed you on me and ever since then I haven't let you go. My pride and joy you are growing so fast and if you can please stop lol (laugh out loud-just in case). If I could I would keep you as a baby, but I can't and I know you will grow up healthy and strong. You will always remain Mommy's Baby.

Love Always,

Mommy

Mod Podge Table

I'm in the process of decorating my home office on a budget. Therefore there is a lot of diy'ing going on. I needed a desk and I was not trying to spend too much money on it so I waited until my neighborhood thrift store had their 50% off everything sale to look for one. I snagged this lovely white table that was $14.99, but with 50% off it came to $7.49. Talk about a deal!



Source

I refinished it with some fabric and mod podge and my amazing fab desk was born. I can't wait to fully finish my office, but judging from this desk I'm not going to want to leave this place.

Mother's Day Gift Guide from a Mommy

Yes it's another gift guide and with Mother's Day around the corner I'm giving you ideas from all angles. Last week was for the crafty gift giver and today I'm giving you my personal wishlist of Mother's Day gifts that I wish for. The best gift ideas come from the recipient so take it from a mother and be inspired.

1. The most adorable Charm Necklace with all of my families initials.

2. If you have something to say then why not say it with these Kate Spade 'Call to Action" Bags.
3. A day of pampering PLEASE!
4. I love super soft clean skin and this The Clarisonic Mia 2 will do just that for me.
5. Who doesn't love comfy pj's. I know I do and these are so inviting.

Next Week Preview

I'm a mommy and this mommy has a few items that she's wishing and hoping and praying for on Mommy's Day. Maybe this will help you get your mommy something by seeing what a mommy wants. Stay tuned!

Another craft is coming your way. I can't help myself. Stay tuned!

My precious sweet little baby girl will be 1 next week. The time has flown so fast and she's getting bigger. Oh the memories of being a new mom. Stay tuned!

Chic Baby: Baby Rhyan's 1st Photo Shoot

Here are pics from Baby Rhyan's first photo shoot. She did an amazing job and I couldn't be more proud of her. She is the happiest baby ever and smiles like no other. I just wanted to share these with you. Be prepared this post is very pic heavy. LOL!!!! But they are oh so adorable.

*All pics are courtesy of Finn & Emma. (Review coming soon)

4 Mother's Day DIY Gift Ideas To Try

Mother's Day is right around the corner, 18 days to be exact. Don't panic you still have plenty of time to get your gifts in order. I am a strong believer in thoughtful gifts made by hand so it is only right that I give you a bit of inspiration to make your shopping a little bit easier. Especially since you will not have to go into the traditional stores to buy your materials. Take a look and hopefully I can get your creative juices flowing.  

1.    DIY Body Body Scrubs

Every woman loves to be pampered. So a body scrub is the perfect gift for spa loving mommies. Give her smooth soft skin this Mother's Day with a do-it-yourself scrub made with sea salt, raw sugar, coconut oil, sweet orange, and essential oils. Get the full tutorial here.

2.    DIY Monogrammed Canvas Bag 

Canvas bags are so handy and eco-friendly. Get you a blank one and it can be personalized any way you may like. So why not surprise mom with a monogrammed doily canvas bag. She can use it as a shopping bag or just simply as a simple handbag. You can even add a picture to the bag (tutorial here) to really give it a personal touch. Get the full tutorial here.

3.    DIY Teacup Candles

These cute little candles are so amazing. They add femininity  to any space. Every mom loves candles and to top it off with it being handmade by you will be pretty impressive and thoughtful. The tutorial is quite easy so get it here and make your beautiful teacup candles.

4.    DIY Terraniums

What says I love you more than life. Plants and flowers are a staple Mother's Day gift idea. But give her something more personal. Terrariums are the easiest to put together and the plants that grow inside are very easy to take care of. Plus it's a simple statement piece in any room in the house. If this seems like the gift for you here is the full tutorial. 

I'm FLAT-tered: 10 Flats You Must Have

To know me is to know that I truly adore flats. I have nothing against the beautiful and almighty heel but a chic flat is all a girl needs. Some think flats are so boring but I'm here to show you the season's 10 hottest flats. Pay close attention and get your shopping bags ready. It's time to shop.

Next Week Preview

I'm so excited for this weekend because the countdown has begun for Baby Rhyan's 1st BDay. Of course my house is a mad house right about now with all of the DIY projects going on for her party. So I will be doing what I love the most this weekend...SHOPPING! I can't believe she is turning 1. I'm a ball of mixed emotions right now. But I guess we all go through it. Good thing I have amazing friends that have gone through it and can help me. Enough of that for now back to my weekend. It shall be filled with shopping, family time, and hopefully (fingers crossed) relaxing.


Next week I have some super fun things lined up for you. Take a peek and enjoy your weekend.

10 chic flats for those who love to look gorgeous but refuse to go high. High heels that is!

Last, but not least,

Rhyan will show you how she does it. Baby style!

Be safe folks and have fun. If you feel like talking, leave a comment. I'll be checking back in. Enjoy!

Dearest Rhyan: Mommy is Your Everything

Hello my precious baby,
I never understood people when they said a mother forms an everlasting bond in the womb with her child, but girl do I know now. You do not want anyone but mommy. You hear mommy's voice and the excitement in your eyes just warms my heart. To feel love like this you will never know until you have children of your own. When I come in the house you scream so loud and the biggest smile spreads across your face. I drop everything, pick you up, and the kiss marathon begins. After about 20 kisses you get frustrated and try to bite me, but  I love it. I will ease up eventually. OK maybe not, but you will learn to appreciate it lol.

Fashionable Cork Boards

Source

Source

Source

Inspired yet?

I saw loads of these on Pinterest and I have been dying to place these on the walls in my home office. I did not want one massive board overpowering the space, especially since there is not much anyway; so four separate boards were the way to go.

I found this four pack of cork boards in Joann's and I used a 50% off coupon and got them for $3.50. Talk about happy. The fabric I bought from Hobby Lobby and used my 40% off coupon and got a great deal for one yard.

Here is a list of the materials that you will need to complete this project. Giving it to you early so that you can gather things now and get ready for my step-by-step tutorial.

Materials:

• 4 cork boards (any shape or size you desire)
• Fabric (amount of yard depends on how many boards you are completing and size)
• Scissors
• Staple gun
• Measuring tape
• 3M Command Strips (easy application and removal)

Stay Tuned….for the finished product and DIY!!!!