First Day of My Life

Thankful Thursday, 5/23/13

2013-05-23T14:27:00.001-04:00

Oh how I've missed my thankful Thursdays! And you lovely ladies!

Today, I am thankful for...

My darling Chewy who has slowly become my best friend...

My wonderful husband who is indeed my best friend...

Our fun Saturday boat day...

My (almost) nightly beach walls with my two best friends!

My clean eating - it's made my body very happy!

I'm thankful for this beautiful life I lead and all the wonderful people I am blessed to have in my life!!

Clean Eating

2013-05-20T17:15:00.002-04:00

I'm on a mission! A mission to EAT CLEAN!

If you're following me on Pinterest, you can probably tell! I have a board dedicated to clean eating.

Clean eating is NOT a diet - it is a lifestyle. The focus on clean eating is to consume food that is in its most natural state as possible - avoiding processed & refined foods.

It is important to eat five to six times a day - 3 meals & 2-3 small snacks. With each meal, you should consume a lean protein, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and a complex carb. This will help to keep your body energized all day .

It is important to drink a minimum of two liters of water a day. This can get tough for some of you - so throw a lemon in there if you need an extra burst of flavor!

If you're trying to decide what is "clean" and what is not, as far as a packaged product goes...if the ingredient listed is too difficult to read, it's probably not natural.

It's okay to eat healthy fats (essential fatty acids) but saturated fats and trans fats (or food that is fried or high in sugar) are the devil.

If you think it will be difficult to eat clean, make it simple by packing a cooler full of clean food for work or when you go to a friend's bbq.

I'll be honest - it isn't easy - it takes work. You have to eat mindfully, not whatever food is easiest to cook up or eat. You must make a conscious effort to eat clean. I'll tell you - you won't regret it! You feel less "weighed down" and less bloated. But, having an accountability partner will also make eating clean easier. You can share recipes and tips! If you need one in your life, you can count on me! :)

7 Minute Workout!

2013-05-10T11:32:00.000-04:00

Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times must be listening in on my conversations. I've decided to start spending my (mandatory unpaid) 30 minute breaks at work working out! What better way (in my book) to spend 30 minutes. I've noticed that you can truly get a good workout within 30 minutes with high interval training - you confuse your muscles!

Reynolds posted a about a 7 Minute Workout that reaches all muscle groups. (Just what I've been looking for!)

The following 12 exercises should be performed in rapid succession for 30 seconds per exercise with a 10 second rest period between.

From the May 12 issue of The New York Times Magazine.

I'm least looking forward to the push-up/rotation exercise - push-ups in general make me want to gag.

Interval training is my favorite - it keeps you on your toes & doesn't allow a moment for you to get bored.

Wedding Wednesday: Photobooth FUN!

2013-05-08T11:26:00.004-04:00

Just a sneak peak at some photobooth fun we had at my wedding...

Have You Met Chewy?!

2013-05-02T21:35:00.002-04:00

V & I are "parents"! Ok, we are only fur parents.
Fur parents to the best pup ever - Chewy! ;)

Before we got Chewy, we were talking about getting a pup. Then we both decided that when we came across the "one" - we would know it.

And by golly...Chewy came right into our laps. We were walking in the middle of town at the Farmer's Market. As we left a coffee shop, I said "today we're getting a puppy!" Surprise, surprise - WE DID! Chewy was sitting on the lap of one of the volunteers from the rescue. I held what was then an 9 week old puppy (he just turned 5 months on April 25!) and I fell in love. The volunteer could see it and offered to not only pay for the rest of his puppy shots, for him to be neutered AND all of the toys/cage/food that was there.

How could you say no to that amazing blessing (and to the cuteness)?

We took him right away to get a collar :)

Roaming around outside, getting the lay of the land

Nothing better. <3

Can I help you?

Did I mention how smart he is?

Loving life!

Salt life pup ;)

Hair Removal By Nair: Get Smooth For Summer In Three Simple Steps

2013-05-02T17:00:00.000-04:00

For us here in Florida, it’s pretty much already summer time! For those who have summer creeping up on them, that means you have extra time to make sure your legs are ready to be showing some skin – whether they be in bikinis or short shorts! If you’re like me and it is necessary to have smooth legs every day, time to take a look at what Nair has to offer! Nair offers a number of hair removal products that provide professional results at home – saving you tons of money!

Nair has a new product out called the Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care Body Trio and Face Trio. These are the newest depilatories from Nair; they are joining the Brazilian Spa Clay line. This line has been inspired by the beauty secrets and expertise of Brazil. Every product is infused with mango butter and acai berry. The mango butter and acai berry moisturizes the skin and purifies the skin.

Retailing at about $13.99, the Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care Face Trio is (obviously) a three step process. You start with the pre-balm. This balm coats the skin completely so you are less likely to have any irritations or redness. Right after using the pre-calm, you use the depilatory. Next you remove the depilatory complete. And apply the moisturizer. The moisturizer neutralizes the pH of the skin so your skin becomes normal.

The Body Trio system is the same price and has a similar process. To begin the process, you prepare your skin before hair removal with a pre-wipe that is full of mineral oil and chamomile. Once your skin is prepared, you apply the depilatory. The depilatory is water resistant so you can use it in your shower – just be sure the area isn’t in direct stream of water. Once all of the hair is removed, there is an aloe vera gel to use that makes for the perfect finish!

I am very satisfied with this line! It certainly beats shaving. I have pretty sensitive skin so I am always nervous to try new products – but the ingredients in Nair are so advanced that the products treat your skin very well. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a change from repetitive shaving!

If you want to learn more about Nair, be sure to check them out – they have a full line of summer hair removal products!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Nair. Nair sent me the products and compensation for my review. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Conscious Box Giveaway

2013-05-01T19:02:00.000-04:00

What better way to come back to the "blog world" than with a giveaway?

I am a fairly environmentally friendly chick. I try to be at least - and I always make hubby recycle, even if he doesn't like doing it!

I am excited to announce the chance to win a Conscious Box! (Think Birchbox but with environmentally friendly products!)

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 30, 2013

2013-04-04T15:47:00.001-04:00

I married the love of my life, my best friend, my everything!

It has been quite the experience - planning since August for this day. This day was exceptional, amazing, perfect.

There were quite a few "quirks" to say the least but when I saw my soon-to-be husband as my wonderful father was walking me down the aisle, everything else seemed to simply go away.

I felt trapped in time - in a daze - smiling from ear to ear (ok, and crying) as our eyes met and held their gaze. I will never forget that feeling. I wish I could put it into words or at least bottle it up - it is one of the most amazing feelings I have ever felt.

Until I receive the photographs of the first day of the rest of my life, I will share with you some that friends and family took...

Me and my girls :)

En route to get hitched!! ;)

My dad walking me <3

Exchanging vows & rings

First kiss as Mr. & Mrs.!

Hey, guess what, we are MARRIED!

First dance <3

Thank you to all of my amazing family & friends who helped me along this wedding planning journey and who came to celebrate the best day of our lives with us.

Love, the new MRS!!

Congratulations from Mickey & Minnie!

2013-03-04T08:54:00.002-05:00

IT CAME!

Quick & Organic Pizza: Rustic Crust Makes Healthy Cooking Fun

2013-03-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample Rustic Crust! (Thank you, Rustic!) Rustic Crust is the country’s leader as far as all-natural ready-made pizza crust goes!

The pizza crust is made of all-natural premium ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. There are gluten-free, whole-grain pizza and organic pizza options for the crusts. (The pizza sauce is one hundred percent all natural.) Also, it only takes minutes for the pizza to be ready.

In today’s society where natural ingredients and healthy cooking are important, Rustic Crusts’ pizza crusts are two thumbs up! There are no trans fats, hydrogenated oils, GMOs, or added sugar in it. Once you bake the pizza, you can’t even tell how healthy it is! The pizza crust ingredients are so phenomenal that eating healthy has a whole new meaning to it.

I decided to make some healthy pizza last Sunday. I just needed some shredded mozzarella. I wanted to add some extra to it so I also had roasted vegetables to add to it. Once I baked the pizza, you could tell right away that something was different. There was an added zest to the pizza – the sauce and whole wheat crust added to the flavor. Even though you’re eating pizza, you could tell that it was healthy.

V had no idea that the pizza I made him was not only healthy made of all natural ingredients. He was gushing how wonderful it was and how he can’t wait for me to make it again! I bet you could even trick the kiddos in your house into thinking that the pizza is healthy!

I have a surprise for you – a downloadable coupon! You can download the coupon for $1 off of the Rustic Crust pizza crust of your choice! (However, you must let me know what you think of it when you try it!)

Disclosure: Rustic Crust sent me (2) pizza crusts and tomato sauce in order for me to write this honest review! All thoughts are my own.

Be That One

2013-02-21T20:41:00.000-05:00

Matt: V's best friend...his BROTHER...for at least 15 years. For reasons we cannot comprehend, God took him home on February 10th.

I want to share with you what Matt taught me - Matt taught me to love everyone. Yes, EVERYONE. Even though you might not like them, they will never EVER know.

He taught me to always have a smile on my face - no matter what. It truly is contagious.

Matt taught me to embrace other people. He was everyone's biggest fans. A handful of people know I have a blog. Guess who read my blog and would make comments about things I posted when I would see him? Matt. Matt got so excited for things that YOU were excited about. Not only would he get excited about them, but he would ask you how it was going and ask you questions.

He would never say no to an adventure - to an instance that had an opportunity to become a memory.

I could go on and on, but I will leave you with one thought. Be the one in others' lives - the one who they go to for a smile, a laugh, a comforting hug, an excited question about your new venture, a crazy off the wall metaphor, an adventure...

I thank my God every time I remember you; I will always love you, be thankful for all you taught me, and for being V's absolute best friend and number one fan. <3

Matt, you will always be my favorite. And I promise that we will live on your legacy, tell your beautiful babies what their amazing father was like, and we will be THAT ONE for them.

Best COUPLES Resort

2013-02-04T22:41:00.000-05:00

No, not a "couples only" inclusive - but the resort Couples.

They seem to offer the most for what you're paying. There are many things that are included at Couples that aren't at other all inclusive resorts.

Here are my choice:

Tower Isle Jamaica (Ochos Rios)
Sans Souci Jamaica (Ochos Rios)
Negril Jamaica (Negril)
Swept Away Jamaica (Negril)

If you've been to any of these resorts, which would you recommend? Most importantly, which would you go back to and vacation?

Wedding Invitations to Mickey & Minnie

2013-02-02T11:53:00.001-05:00

Living in Florida, there is some kind of "rule" that you must love everything Mickey & Minnie. (Either that or your life will be miserable - Mickey & Minnie are everywhere.)

If you send out a wedding invitation to Mickey & Minnie it is said that you will receive a signed "Best Wishes!" photo of Mickey & Minnie on their wedding day. Some also receive a "Just Married!" pin.

I simply cannot pass up the opportunity for this fun keepsake!

The last couple of my wedding invitations will be sent to:

Mickey & Minnie Mouse
The Magic Kingdom
1675 North Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Mickey & Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, California 91521

There is as long as long as a six month wait until you receive anything back - so I won't be counting down the days ;)

Have you/will sent wedding invitations out to anyone famous?

Happy Birthday to my Ma!

2013-01-30T09:06:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to my Ma who is one of the kindest, most generous, sweetest, most thoughtful people I know.

She always puts others first before herself - even people she just meets. That's how amazing she is.

Thanks for always being there for me - even sometimes when I don't know I need you. ;)

Can't wait to see you tonight to celebrate!

LOVE YOU!

61 Days Until the WEDDING!

2013-01-28T09:20:00.002-05:00

I am SO excited. 61 more days (which I know will fly by) until one of the happiest days of my life! (I am assuming when I have a kiddo, that will be another happy day;)

If you've been to an all inclusive, where did you go and would you go again? I'm currently on the hunt for an all inclusive. Would love your input.

I am also excited for my wedding so then I can start blogging again. ;) When I do have time to go on the laptop, I feel like I should be productive with the wedding. It seems like a never ending list of things to get done!

Happy Monday!

Wedding Wednesday: Mad Libs RSVP Cards

2013-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

To throw some flare (and fun) into your wedding invitations - it's all about the RSVP cards.

There's many possibilities you to make it fun.

This is what I decided to go with:

Did you have fun with yours are did you go traditional?

(I went traditional for those who I didn't think would appreciate my humor!)

Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Invitations

2013-01-16T09:11:00.002-05:00

After many decisions and looking through tons of invitations, I decided to go the DIY route (so many options!) and I wound up with these:

Once the majority of my guests receive them, I will share with you the wording - especially because some of my RSVP cards have a little extra fun in them ;)

Top 6 (Free) Wedding Fonts

2013-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

My top six (free!) wedding fonts (handwriting-type fonts) based on how my name and my fiance's name looks together:

Number 1: Pacifico

Number 2: Lavanderia

Number 3: Chopin Script

Number 4: Channel

Number 5: Wisdom Script

Number 6: Cursif

Since these fonts are free, if you use the frequently and

are able to donate to the font creator, please do so!

1: Pacifico; 2: Lavanderia; 3: Chopin Script;

4: Channel; 5: Wisdom Script; 6: Cursif

Simply Positive Tuesday!

2013-01-08T09:22:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day today is! Literally - it's expected to be in the mid-70's today - yes, in early January. It's crazy!

There are a lot of positive things in my life this week - I am going to focus on that instead of the fact I had a 7am work meeting and am now extremely tired ;)

I got a new hair straightener that is AWESOME! It's called the Jilbere Nano. It seriously has made it look like I have naturally straight hair. I also got a new Argan oil from Avon - its made my hair look/feel so soft and silky!

V is finally eating normal again! He had a horrible case of food poisoning from Chipotle - it lasted five days. I felt horrible! I am SO happy he is back to his old self.

Finding a pretty ring in my Diamond Candle that I got for Christmas. AND it actually fits! It's most likely fake, but that's ok. ;)

Zoya nail polish has a promo going now - 3 free polishes, you just pay for shipping. I've gotten one in my Ipsy - that's the only one I own. Any color suggestions? I'm a coral/pink/red kinda girl!

What are some positive things you have in your life today?

Linking up with Dansha & Erica!

My, my, 2013!

2013-01-02T22:12:00.002-05:00

I am seriously in shock that it's 2013.

2012 was quite a wonderful year. I truly learned who I am. 2012 helped me to become who I am as a 26 year old lady. I've found my voice in life and am as confident as ever. All of these things help me become a very happy person.

People have noticed recently just how happy I am. They ask me what my secret is. I tell them it's the salt air ;) but it's really that I have learned to let go of all negativity, cling to the positive, and thank God for all I have.

I make it my vow to do this even more in 2013! -Rid myself of all negativity, go with the flow, and be a ray of sunshine!

December's Ipsy

2012-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am a HUGE fan of this month's Ipsy bag!!

First off, even though the bombshell lipgloss is a little "loud" - when I wear a thin layer of it, I do like it. It's different for me. Usually I stick to calmer colors but am loving how long this product lasts, too!

The Mai Couture Highlighting Paper is something I have never heard of until December's bag. I was skeptical at first, but once I figured out how to use them - HUGE FAN. They are so easy to use and add a beautiful little extra "something" to your face.

Recently I stared using eye shadow primer so when I saw there was Mirabella Prime in the bag, I got SO excited. It has converted me to a frequent face primer wearer - it makes my foundation and concealer stay on all day.

NYX Eyeshadow. OMG. I don't know if it's this color or the product itself, but I am IN LOVE!! Serious. The color is just so amazingly gorgeous and it lasts all day. At first I thought this was going to be "too much" to wear on a daily basis but it is what I would say PERFECT.

Urban Decay Eye Liner? YES. It's a pencil (which I stopped using and started using liquid) but this is an amazing pencil that is easy to use and lasts all day.

All of these products are close to full products which AMAZES me. I am a huge fan of EVERY single one of these products. Might I mention that I am so glad I said goodbye to Birchbox?!

Thankful Thursday, 12.20.12

2012-12-19T23:45:00.002-05:00

Wedding Wednesday: Music

2012-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

DJ or live music?
What did you choose for your wedding?

We're trying to go for live music - a jazz band. But they are mighty expensive! (Like almost more than what food costs...ew!!)

Anyone know of any live musicians willing to travel to North East Florida area who would want to play at my ceremony & reception?!

Gaiam TV Gives You Lots of Happiness!

2012-12-18T23:57:00.000-05:00

Although we have television at our house, we do not regularly watch it. What we do watch are shows or movies we select for ourselves on programs like NetFlix, Hulu, and now Gaiam TV! Gaiam TV is a service that offers video subscriptions to those who are interested in health and happiness. There are over 2,000 videos offered! These videos include thought provoking movies and fitness videos. Gaiam TV also gives you the opportunity to watch documentaries online – which is one of our favorite type of videos to watch. You can stream these videos on your computer, laptop, iPad, and even smart phone!

After watching a few top documentary films, I watched a movie called “Happy.” (Which I highly suggest you watching!) Watching this made me realize that there are a handful of things that make me happy that I can commit to doing more of in 2013 so I continue my happiness.

To start, giving compliments freely to all I come across not only gives happiness to others, but also leaves me with a warm heart and smile on my face. It’s so simple to give a compliment – which means the world to people. I also commit to continuing to remind V how thankful I am for him and how much he means to me. He does this to me – so I know how happy it leaves me! This might sound a little silly but eating fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season makes me happy. Delicious tasting food makes me happy – and when I know it’s healthy, it makes me even happier! I commit to continue eating healthy in 2013. Number four on the list of things that make me happy is getting a good workout in! It leaves my endorphins high and feeling good. It also leaves me happy when I am able to encourage others during their workout. Lastly, focusing on the positives instead of the negatives leaves me a very happy person. There is no need for negative thoughts clouding your pretty little mind!

Thank you Gaiam TV for leaving me a very happy person!

If you do not have a membership to Gaiam TV, you can sign up for a free ten-day trial. (If you sign up for the free trial using this link, you will automatically be entered to win a three-month subscription and a cozy, organic fireside blanket. Once you fall in love with Gaiam TV, you’ll be happy to know it’s only a $9.95/month fee to stream unlimited content.

I invite you to watch this happiness film and make a list of five things that make you happy that you would like to commit to for the New Year!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Gaiam TV. All opinions are 100% my own.

Cami's Holiday Nails!

2012-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

I decided to get a "Christmasy" color for my gel manicure - maybe (just MAYBE!) it'll last me until Christmas?!

Let me vent for a second - usually I go to one particular lady for my nails. Unfortunately, she's moving come January. So I decided I'd try to find a new nail tech I can use. (Well that and my lady wasn't working Thursday night when I wanted to grab my mani!) I went to a new place - close to home - so I figured it'd be convenient if I fell in love.

It was not love at first mani. Why do people speak a different language that I clearly do not speak?! I don't care if you're talking about me or not - it's rude. It's mean. I know you can speak English perfectly fine - what's the deal?!

Am I the only one who is peeved by this?

Linking up with Vicki & Tara!