In This Marriage

It's my anniversary this month! It will be two years since me and hubs tied the knot. There is no possible way that I can believe that it has been two years already. Anyhow, is it bragging to say that I have an awesome marriage? If it is, then this is me bragging. Here are a few things that I've learned on the go that I thought would be fun to share.

My top 10 secrets to an awesome marriage:

1. Marry someone you have fun with

Do I have to explain this? Do you want to spend the rest of your life with someone who bores you to death? Think of your best friend. I'm guessing you have fun with this person. Your hubby is your new best friend. Have fun with him.

2. Never take yourself too seriously.

This is really an overall life rule for me. Let's face it: when you are with someone so much, weird things are going to come up, weird things are going to happen. Learn how to laugh at yourself. Honestly, it just makes life more fun.

3. Let things go.

Don't hold on to past grievances. Deal with issues as they arise, and then leave them where they belong: in the past. Everyone makes mistakes, you wouldn't want the husband pulling out your fault list every time you made one, so don't do it to him either.

4. Pick your battles

Some things are worth going to battle over. Some things are not. If you don't want to be fighting all the time, then choose to only "discuss" the things that are major issues. You've heard the phrase "making a mountain out of a mole hill," if everything is a mountain then you will never be able to cross them all and you will never move forward. So knock over those mole hills without causing an incident and move on.

5. Prioritize

I'm just going to say it: your marriage is a big deal. Your spouse is a big deal. Look, your husband is your partner in life. You need to invest in him. And you need to make time for each other. Date night is not something that should fall by the wayside once you get married. In fact, it is even more important. There are so many little things that demand our attention everyday, make sure you remember to shut them all out once in a while and focus on each other.

6. Don't keep secrets

There is no place for secrets in a marriage. I'm telling you: either they WILL come out, or they will eat you alive. Why did you marry this guy if you don't want to share your life with him? I'm not saying you have to share every unimportant detail with each other. I honestly don't want to hear what my husband did every second of every day (and I'm nosy!). If it's an issue/important/dangerous to you or your marriage, spill the beans.

7. Try new things

There are no two people who are exactly alike. We are all unique and we all have different interests, including your spouse! Maybe you hate museums but he loves them, hit up a local one some weekend. Maybe the thought of sushi freaks you out but he has been craving it since you got married, (barring allergies) try it out! Not only will this allow you to experience new things (and maybe surprise you), it will also get you out of a dating rut (not that YOU ever get in one) and, most importantly, it will show your man that you care about him and the things that he cares about.

8. Make time for yourself

I know you love your husband. And if you're a newly wed, you probably want to spend all your time together. That's great! But make sure you also make time for you. Read a book, go for a walk. Don't get into the vortex of "us" so much that you forget about "me."

9. Speak up

Something bothering you but you're too afraid to say anything? Is there something you've always wanted to try? Bring it up (in a loving and open minded way). What's the worse that could happen, really? I said it before and I'll say it again: you want to spend the rest of your life with this person. Might as well get things out on the table now rather than holding on to them for the next 20 years. Your husband can't read your mind (or so I've been told).

10. Get dirty, a lot

And have fun with it. You know what I'm talkin' about. That's all I'm gonna say.

the internet

Everything is headed towards the world wide web...

Friendships, banking, buisness deals and recipe swaps are all happening online.

Speaking as someone who even does her college classes online...

(I'm on the internet alot)

I feel, with the help of Lauren, we have tackled the world wide web head on

 and we found some pretty amazing sites!

This post is dedicated to helping you achieve FREE photo editing and sharing.

There are four sites I will recommend today and a little explanation with each.

1. Picasa - A Free download that lets you edit your pictures in detail on your computer

2. Picnik - Online where ever you go editing through the internet

3. Flikr - Claimed to be the best online site to share photos on

4. Vi.Sualise.Us - A bookmarking site that you download,

 great source for finding photos as well

Hope this helps

Love,

Kaitlin

Springfield Castle {A Vacation}

Did you know you can rent an Irish castle?! Let's daydream for a minute, shall we?

Let's go here.

I think I'll start my day with some quite, alone time in this meadow.

Then I'll enjoy some breakfast at this stately table with the morning light coming in.

In the afternoon I think I'll take a leisurely stroll with my husband down this lovely lane.

After we have gone out on the town and hit a local pub (just for the food and the company, of course), I'd love to grab a book and snuggle up to read in front of this fire.

And at the end of my perfectly relaxing day, I'll crash on this beautiful bed. Don't worry, there are many more rooms. I just thought I'd indulge in a bit of pink since I don't get to decorate with it at home. :)

This is the Springfield Castle. To find out more information, and for all photo credits go here.

Leap Year {An Outfit}

When I started this blog, I thought it might be fun to have a regular style post. "How hard could it be to style and outfit once a month?" I asked myself. Little did I know that either a.) it is actually not as easy as it looks/sounds or b.) I do NOT have the gift for it.

Regardless of the obstacles, I was still pretty determined to make this styling thing work for me so I decided to give myself a little boost: styling an outfit off of an already existing picture. Even more in particular, I thought it would be fun to do a picture from a movie soooooo....

{via}

Being March, I thought it would be fun to choose an Irish centered movie. (Are you sensing a theme?) This is a still from the movie "Leap Year." I went through a pretty intense Amy Adams phase, which was the main reason I saw this movie when it came out. It's pretty cute. Nothing extravagant, but pretty cute.

Of course, anything set in Ireland has got to have lots of green and I quite love the intense greens along the road in this picture. Stunning.

Here is something I would probably wear on a day out with my husband: comfy and casual.

1. A floral shirt from Forever 21 to start us off
   
2. A jewel green cardi from Urban Outfitters, worn open (don't wanna get pinched on St. Patty's Day now, do we?)
   
3. Some gray skinny jeans from J. Crew
   
4. Red peep toe heels also from J. Crew, for a little pop of color down by the toes
   
5. A brown hobo bag from (surprise!) J. Crew again (at this point, I was just on a J. Crew binge)
   
6. A lovely daisy brooch from Etsy
   
7. The Rainkissed Leaves scent from Bath and Body Works (I love this scent but B&B doesn't sell it any more =( You can still find it online other places though.)
8. And some red hair dye from Loreal to top it off! (just kidding)

Be gentle, this is my first time. For all I know, this outfit would look terrible actually put on!

Lucky You

• This Lucky Elephant necklace is adorable.
• A crocheted St. Patrick's Day top hat and tie? Of course!
• Make a little wish with this bronze wishbone necklace.
• That is actually a real four leaf clover in that vial necklace. Love.
• The leprechaun bookmark was a must add.
• I would actually totally wear that amazing leprechaun robot necklace.
• What's your lucky number? You can get this ring customized with it!
• Too cute: vintage St. Patty's Day cards you can print yourself!
• This iPad lucky horse shoe vinyl sticker just made me laugh.

**All these items were found at Etsy.com. Go there to search for more amazing treasures!**

Ye Olde Irish Ballad

When I was young, my dad used to sing me traditional Irish ballads from a little paper songbook. Nope, still not Irish, that's just the way my dad is. My favorite was "Molly Malone" and that, coupled with March being the month of St. Patrick's Day (of course) is what inspired this playlist. Hit play, do a little jig and let your inner "Irish" out!

Sly Little Fox {A Baby Shower}

I'm guessing you're expecting me to feature a St. Patrick's Day party. Sorry to disappoint. I will admit that was my original plan. I will even admit to searching the heck outa google to find one that I liked. Alas, no such party caught my fancy. So instead, I choose to feature one of my favorite parties I have stumbled upon in my internet wanderings.

Sly Little Fox {A Baby Shower}

Let's start with a few of my favorite pictures:

Love the mask, and this picture of it over the belly is just perfect.

These little mushrooms are made out of cheese and tomatoes. I hate it when there is nothing but sweets at a party, I need something non-sweet thrown into the mix. Plus isn't the little fox just adorable wandering through his mushroom forest?

I love the bunting. The little fox picture is actually what first drew me to this party. 

I am loving all ginger cookies lately and these look like they would be quite tasty with some tea.

Adorable (and quite easy looking) DIY lapel pins as favors.

There are several things I like about this party:

• It is unique
• I have a thing for forest animals (especially foxes!)
• It would work for a boy or a girl (or a surprise baby!)

I just love it. If you'd like to see the rest of the party go here.

Party via asubtlerevelry.com

Lucky {Some Ideas}

Just a few ideas for you to make your own luck this month:

1. Stand up for yourself.
2. Ask questions.
3. Understand your personal core values, and don't compromise them.
4. Love yourself.
5. Think positive
6. Be prepared to make changes and be flexible.
7. Celebrate small victories.
8. Look for the best in every situation.
9. Follow your instincts.
10. Search for a mentor.
11. Do your best, and don't make excuses.
12. Choose friends who are confident in themselves and make you feel good about yourself too.
13. Evaluate, so you can make improvements next time.
14. Smile. Even when you don't feel like it.
15. Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t.
16. Relax. Take a deep breath.
17. Play to your strengths.
18. Stay active, Exercise.
19. Help others.
20. Stop looking back.
21. Dress the part.
22. Make goals. (Goals should be attainable, and measurable.)
23. Compliment other people.
24. Implement good habits.
25. Care less about what others think of you.
26. Look people in the eye.
27. Speak up. Be heard.
28. When sitting, sit up straight.
29. Own a confident walk.
30. Take risks.
31. Drink water. A lot.
    
32. Make a decision, stick with it.
33. Don't waste opportunities.
34. Make connections. Get to know as many people as you can.
35. Don't leave things open-ended: conversations, projects, relationships--tie 'em up.
36. Finish well.
37. Drop friends who make you feel less about yourself.
38. Always try to see all sides.
39. Have a budget.
40. Let things go.

***I actually found the bones of this list at little chief honeybee but changed a lot of things and made it my own. Still, I like to give credit where credit is due.

Before You Say I Do...

My Top 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Saying "Yes":

1. Is he good-lookin?

I'm sorry if that sounds shallow. But let's be honest: do you really want to spend the rest of your life with someone you're not attracted to? I mean, really? 'Cuz guess what? If you want a good marriage, you're going to be doing married things and you're gonna wanna like to look at your honey. Plus, chances are things aren't going to get better with time, if you know what I mean. Sure, personality and common interests and all that are important too. But if you can't look at the person you're talking to, then you aren't going to get much of the other stuff. Just sayin'.

2. Does he believe the same things you do?

I'm not just talking about your spiritual beliefs although is MUY IMPORTANTE. I'm talking your other beliefs too. Do you have strong political views? Are you an environmentalist? Do you believe sugar is of the devil? Are you a vegetarian? Think of your core values. What is important to you? If he doesn't share your values, it could cause confusion or even big issues. If you don't understand or value each others' values then you wont understand why the other person values them either.

3. Does he want kids? How many?

This is going to come up someday. And if you're not on the same page...Uh oh...

4. How does he treat his family?

This is important. Here's why: his family is who he is most comfortable around. He's been with them his whole life! If he gets along well with his family, that's good. If he doesn't, you're gonna want to know that too. 'Cuz guess what? If you marry him, YOU will become his family.

5. Does he have a good job (or a job at all)?

Do I really have to add anything to this? A man feels like a man when he can provide for his family. If he can't or doesn't, issues may arise. Also, do you want to be the main provider for your family? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. This is strictly about how you feel about it. Just make sure the job situation is something you consider.

6. Can you be completely comfortable around him?

I'm not asking if you feel okay being gross around him (although, those times will probably come too). Ask yourself if you're being your true self with him. Do you hide your love for sci-fi? Do you never let him see you without makeup? If you can't be comfortable with your man, one of two things will end up happening: either things will blow up when he finally meets the real you, or you will spend your life being miserable because you can't be who you are. Here's a hint: neither option is a good one. Be yourself.

7. Does he make you feel special?

 Does he still do romantic things for you? Do you still have special date nights? Some women seem to think that these things will come after they get married. DON'T BE DECEIVED! Marriage is hard work! If the romance isn't kept alive before you say "I do" it will quickly fizzle out and die after the honeymoon. Because being married isn't the cure for lack of romance. Putting a ring on a man's finger doesn't make him a Romeo. Honestly, things often cool down after the wedding and it takes even more work to keep things romantic. 

8. Does he serve you?

Does he put you first? Please don't take this as a diva license. A husband is not a genie, sent to fill your every whim. But if you're going to be married, you want a man who makes you his priority. (By the way, you've got to prioritize and serve him right back!) Watch to see if he lets you choose the movies every now and then. See if he really listens to you. You'll be able to tell if he is putting you first or only thinking about himself.

9. Do you like his friends?

You know that saying, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future?" It's true. Besides, not only do you "marry the family" you also sometimes "marry the friends." Basically I'm saying, when you join your life to someone else, you get the whole package. Let's be real, he may have one or two oddball friends that you don't like. That's not a deal breaker. But say you don't really like any of his friends. Or say him and his friends enjoy things and activities that you don't like/agree with. You're going to get all that when you tie the knot. Marriage isn't a buffet where you can pick and choose the pieces of someone's life that you want. So make sure you like what you ordered.

10. What don't you like about him?

Be honest with yourself. I know that love makes people blind and all that. And I'm not saying go looking for his flaws. But if you see something you don't like, don't ignore it and hope that it will go away after the wedding. It wont. In fact, it will probably be even more annoying to you than it is now. Instead, ask yourself, "Is this something we can discuss and work out?" and if not, "Is this something I can get used to?" If the answer is no, then you might want to reconsider.

An Irish Tradition

Did you know that the traditional meal for St. Patrick's Day is corned beef and cabbage? When I was growing up we had it almost every St. Patrick's Day, with some yummy Irish soda bread. Well that, and possibly green pancakes and green milk. Ya we were awesome. I just feel sorry for you that you weren't there. ;)

Anyway, can you guess what's coming next? Yup! In the spirit of St. Patty...I thought I'd give you some recipes for the above mentioned yummy dinner!

Corned Beef and Cabbage

• 3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
• 10 small red potatoes
• 5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges

1. Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound or until tender.
2. Add whole potatoes and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.
3. Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain.

Irish Soda Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

Green Milk

{via}

• Glass of milk
• a few drops of green food coloring

1. Mix together

I know that corned beef and cabbage doesn't sound all that appealing to a lot of people. But maybe this year, give it a try. And the Irish soda bread is really good, I promise. :)


Corned Beef Recipe {via}
Irish Soda Bread Recipe {via}
Green Milk Recipe via my brain.

Altoid Tin Clock {A Project}

Let's start with something fairly easy, shall we? This adorable little clock, made out of an Altoids tin, is something I've wanted to try for a while now. I actually did buy the clock parts for it but they were a bit big for the tin. I'm hoping I can figure out the tutorial on my own to incorporate the parts that I've already bought. If that happens, then I'll update with my version!

For now, please visit Desing*Sponge for this tutorial.


If you make it, send me a link or picture! I'd love to see the different versions people come up with!

{A Bathroom}

There will probably be times that I do more with this space. However, this time around I would just like to leave you with one image:



Doesn't this bathroom look divine? I could definitely relax in here for a good bit. Light some candles and grab me a handful of dark chocolates and I would be in heaven. :)

Unfortunately, I don't have the source since it's been in my "favorites" folder for a really long time. If anyone knows it, please tell me and I'll update!

Southern Vampire Mysteries {A Series}

In the beginning of this year I made myself a goal: read at least one book a month. I have to laugh a little, because in the past reading one book a month would be laughable to me. I read obsessively and could easily put a book away in an hour or a day, much more a month. But as I got older and got addicted to TV (confession) I read less and less. So much so, that reading a book a month was, sadly, a pretty big goal for me.

However, when I really get into a series, that's a different story. I DEVOUR series. The only problem becomes finding a series to get into.

So this month I'd like to review a series: The Southern Vampire Mysteries (aka The Sookie Stackhouse Novels).

The star of these books is Sookie Stackhouse (surprise!), a waitress and telepath living in Louisiana. The world has just been introduced to the existence of vampires as the vampires have "come out of the coffin" with a Japanese invention of synthetic blood. Due to this new invention, vampires no longer have to use humans for food, making them "safe." As both humans and vampires try to adjust to this new, out in the open, co-existence, all kinds of issues arise, and the rest of the supernatural community waits in the wings to decide if "coming out" would benefit them as well.

Being distinctly different from other humans (and actually a supernatural herself) Sookie is quickly pulled into the supernatural world consisting of, not only vampires, but werewolves, fairies, shapeshifters and plenty more. She falls in love, goes on adventures, saves lives and gets scraped up quite a few times, all while trying to cling to her humanity. Sookie is not a whiny, helpless heroine. She is strong, stubborn, brave and selfless. She takes care of herself.

So far there are 10 book in this series, each covering a different wild adventure, with more on the way.

I will admit to being fed up with the vampire craze. However, this series is no "Twilight." I read through all of the current books in about three weeks. (And they are big books too!) I liked the supernatural feel of the books as well as the mystery element. I know a story is good if I get sucked into it right away and that was my experience with these books. Charlaine Harris, the author, has been at the writing game for a while and really knows her stuff. I was impressed enough with her style to consider reading her other series as well, but have yet to take that step.

Overall I really loved this series and am anxiously awaiting the release of the 11th book, due out this May. It opened me up to the genera of mysteries as well, which I had never really explored before. I give it two thumbs up. Go check it out!

(P.S. Can I just say...there is glitter on the covers of these books. If that doesn't make you pick them up, I don't know what will!)

Dance DVD's {A Workout}

Lately I've been exploring exercise through dancing. I know that working out isn't always fun. In the past, I've gotten discouraged when I tried working my body really hard only to be overwhelmed by the pressure and, eventually, just giving up due to dread of my next workout. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this problem.

Something that I have recently (re)discovered, is my local library. Not only did I rediscover the library as and endless source of books for me to read (well, duh!) I also learned that it has all kinds of resources I never would have thought of! Read: movies, music and WORKOUT VIDEOS!

I absolutely LOVE that my library offers workout videos. Not only does being able to rent a video, instead of buying one, allow me to see if I like a particular one before buying it (my library lets you keep them for 3 weeks), it also gives me the chance to try things I would never have thought to try and to mix it up so my workout doesn't become sedentary.

In the beginning of this year (like many, many, MANY people) I resolved to get "back in shape" and start taking better care of my body. And yes, I wanted to lose some weight. Even more than in years past, I wanted to get down to a slimmer figure and had a bigger picture in mind: I want to be in the best shape I can be before we start having kids!

That, coupled with a goal of mine to learn how to dance (it's scary) resulted in me browsing the uncharted waters of dance DVD's.

There were actually a couple that I tried and didn't really like. I wanted something that would get me moving but would also be fun, upbeat and relatively easy to follow (did I mention that I'm dancing illiterate?) Then I stumbled on the "Cardio Go Go Dance" DVD by Crunch. Fun Fact: I had no idea that "Go Go" was actually a type of dance. I thought it was just referencing a get up and "go-go" attitude about working out.

Anyway, I tried out the video and actually ended up really enjoying it. It was fun, the instructor was easy to follow and went over the moves several times, and I woke up the next morning actually a bit sore! (I had had doubts that I would actually get any kind of real workout). Success!

Unfortunately, I had procrastinated and by the time I tried out the DVD it was time to take it back. I was disappointed, but I decided to check out the other choices while I was there. To my surprise, there were several other dance videos by Crunch! I snagged them all up and took home my loot in anticipation of many good workouts to come.












I know this was a long winded post. Kudos to you if you made it all the way through it! I guess, to conclude, I have these two pieces of advice:

1. When you're working out (especially when you first get started) don't work against yourself by committing to a regimen that will quickly burn you out. Instead, find something you really enjoy (or want to learn!) and make it fun! It might not be dance for you. Maybe you'd like to swim, or bike or hike or even just walk the dog! The point is to get active, not to tear yourself apart.
2. And also, check out your local library. They probably have some things that will surprise you! Maybe you can't afford (or don't want) to go to the gym. If you have a DVD player then you're set! It is usually free to get a library card and, if they have a section of exercise DVD's then you have a vast array of personal trainers! My library not only has dance workouts but also yoga, pilates, kick boxing and many many more! Even if they don't have dvd's they probably have exercise books and magazines that can give you some tips on your track to healthy.

Pure of Heart {A Blog}

As this is my first blogger feature, and, really, the post that launches this blog, I want it to be special.

I read several blogs and there are a lot that I just LOVE (I'll probably be featuring them later on in this blog.) But I wanted to start with one that is near and dear to my heart:

The blogger behind Pure of Heart, Kaitlin, is someone I actually know IRL (that's "in real life" for those of you not up on your blogging lingo).

The title of her blog fits her to a "T", because she is one of the most pure, tenderhearted people I know, or have ever known. But I'm not just featuring her because she is one of my friends. Her blog is definitely worth checking out.

Kaitlin and her husband, Alan are newly weds and old souls. They both love a good treasure hunt at a local estate sale and always have flowers in the house. She blogs about both of these and you will often find pictures of her finds. How she finds such good deals, I will never know, but her taste is impeccable and lovely and I swoon over each new snapshot.

Also to be found on Kaitlin's blog are great ideas, thoughtful reflections and the occasional DIY. This is a blog to keep your eye on as, I believe, she takes her blogging to a new level. Check it out today and give Kaitlin a quick "hullo" to let her know you stopped by!



P.S. Thank you so much Kaitlin, for supporting me as I launch off on this new adventure! I'm so glad I sucked it up and spilled the idea to you:)