Christmas "Spirits"

J like the typeical Sailor he is, has enjoyed his fair share of bar nights both in the US and overseas. Since we've gotten married those have become quite rare however we do still enjoy a nice cold one (or ones). One thing that we are both looking forward to are finding some new little fun drinks to enjoy! We recently bought four of these fun martini glasses and tried our first drink in them last night....

DELISH! It's called the "Diddy" and its so simple and smooth!

1 1/2 ounce vodka
3 ounces lemonade(we used minute maid)
shake on the rocks and pour over lime wheel


What are your favorite drinks?

The good things in life...

I'm that happy go lucky, very optimistic, crazy smiley type of person. That person that usually doesn't visibly show that she's sad or frustrated or stressed.... My dear husband on the other hand, can tend to look more on the pessimistic side. His job is very stressful, and as those in the military or with military experience know, its never just a job... its your life! They own it! On the days that he has duty or he's just run down, he tends to also see everything that is bad. I asked him to tell me 10 things that were good... They were hard for him! We get to the point in our upset pessimistic mind where we don't want to see anything good... When he finished with them. he began to realize that life wasn't so bad!

During the month of November, I hopped on the lets be thankful every day on Facebook. Sometimes it was easy and sometimes it was very very hard. But it taught me that even when I think the world is out to get me, its not... That I really do have everything I need- and more!

I still try to sit back and think about the good things we have and I encourage you to do the same. Remember especially during this holiday season but also during every part in our lives, that we do have so much to be thankful for. A home, a roof over our heads, plenty of food, indoor plumbing, dogs, a husband, clothing, a christmas tree and ornaments, presents under the tree, tv, freedom, God, love, family.... I can keep the list going...

One huge thing I'm thankful for! J and I are going to be a first time aunt and uncle! This baby is going to be so loved!

It's Christmas Already?

I'm sure many have a story very similar: They want to have the wedding in a specific month but family members want another month.. One side wins or some kind of compromise ensues... The month I wanted was May or June and my parents wanted more time to prepare and would have preferred August or September. J and I have now been married 7 months as of yesterday.

Another similar story for many... This is the story of the military. Even though they may have a pending deployment that will take them away from loved ones for 7 months, the ones in charge set up many "underways" (short little bouts out to sea). If I were to add up all the underways that we have had this far J and I have been apart 2-3 months. There is no way to say it but that it just purely stinks! The fact that we got married in May however, provided extra time together before the deployment... Invaluable time.

Take these two things along with one last thing... an impending deployment and you get reality. J will deploy during the last part of January. Specific songs do get me teary eyed and so do movies, pictures, stories... all right- anything can get me emotional! The reality is setting in that in one month I'm going to have to say goodbye.

As we prepared for Christmas season, I was really excited! I LOVE Christmas and so does J. We are like two kids... in fact as we went to pick out a Christmas tree I actually caught myself skipping! We picked up a countdown decoration.. We get to turn the spinner each day till Christmas. It's a lot of fun, and I can't wait for Kids one day to join in... However, now I pass by that countdown and realize that the countdown till deployment is getting lower as well.

My Christmas spirit has dampened. I wish it could freeze in these next two weeks forever. I wish I could have the time with J and the dogs. The good times with the new Wii, making breakfast together, decorating the tree, going to the dog park, snuggling, all are times that I wish would never end.

But I'm determined. I want to have a wonderful Christmas, make memories... We need those memories to make it through till next August. I'm also determine not only to make it through deployment but to conquer it! We will be successful!

There are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. - I Corinthians 13:13

The Beautiful Story of Our Day...

Getting Ready:

I enjoyed getting ready with my closest friends and family...
These people have blessed my life immensely.

As a gift to the bridesmaids, I made each of their identical necklaces and earrings...

After searching for bridal jewelry, I decided to make my own...
Hopefully before long these can all be a part of a company that I would like to start...
I'm thinking about calling it Sassafrass after what my hubby calls me.

My bracelet actually came from one of my best friends and bridesmaids. L gave it to me a couple years ago and has been something special to me. It was neat that it coordinated so well.

I wanted to take the get ready photos somewhere fun and different...
My parent's rental cabin was being used by family members in town for the wedding, but it just made it for more of a family centered event as we finished getting ready there.

I was so excited! I loved this time with everyone and our photographer was a blast to work with as well.

Bridal Portraits:

I was having a hard time letting loose as you can see from the first couple photos
however soon I was able "let my hair down" and couldn't stop laughing and having fun!

I had decided that it was going to be too expensive to have someone come do my hair (they would've had to travel 1 hour one way) and too far for me to go! SO I had decided to figure something out... However after many failed attempts I was worried about how it would turn out... One of the bridesmaids did her hair BEAUTIFULLY! and I asked her to do mine... She did! She should go professional... I'm blessed...

We put together the bouquet in the morning before getting ready... The berries actually came from a dollar store! You can find things anywhere!

More pictures to come.. I have so many that its difficult to pick from! All thanks to two wonderful photographers... Ginny Emery at wanderingalbatrossphotography.com and Kelly Kirksey http://kellykirkseyphotography.com.

Lost in time it seems!

Months have gone by haven't they?! I kept meaning to post, but found other things more distracting... However, I've been really wanting to start up writing again, maybe even finish some stories I've started. That would definitely be quite the day. So here I am again! And I think better than ever! I love how my life has changed even though it may not be exactly what I have expected. I would not exchange or alter it for anything.
An overview which will be extended in blogs to come:
- J and I have been married almost 7 months! I can't believe how time has flown.
- We have two puppies that we have added to our family this summer... We got Charlie as a rescue in June. She's a Lab mix... We were looking but not sure if we were ready to add more chaos but when we saw the photo of Mack, a Brittany Spaniel, we just couldn't resist and I am so glad. He is the sweetest thing and just adds so much!
- I work as a part-time nanny now! I'm not sure when I'll go back to school (however I did get accepted into Liberty University's masters program for Family and Marital Counseling), or get what some people would say is a "real job". For now, a real job is one that will allow me to be with my husband when I can...
- I am the Vice President for J's ship's Family Readiness Group... It keeps me busy and I love the people that I meet!
- J is busy as the ship prepares to stand-down for Christmas and deploy shortly thereafter. He's been out to sea much since we've been married but I think its a good warm-up!

So please let me know if anyone is still reading this and I hope y'all enjoy.

To wet your appetite...

Here are some photos to wet your appetite.... The rest are will be sprinkled about...
I got to do a fun bridal portrait where some of them where similar to a trash the dress session. I absolutely loved it! All the photos have turned out spectacularly! Both the photographers involved are highly recommended... They both love to travel. So check them out:

Ginny at Wandering Albatross Photography
and
Kelly at Kelly Kirksey Photography (where you can see more photos of mine here...)

And the aftermath....

It has been way too long hasn't it ladies? I always told myself that I would catch up on it and actually post in the mean time. But how the heck do you newlyweds do it?! I graduated from college, moved, got married and moved again within a span of two weeks. Yep, not much time there! I will start sharing my thoughts and feelings on the matters in the days to come. Now that I'm a new navy wife with a husband who works 11 hours a day, I have some time on my hands.

Finishing College!!!
It really was a bittersweet moment. I decided not to walk because I just had way too much on my plate. Wait really? Is graduating, moving, getting married and moving again enough? yah. Those are my thoughts too. For those that don't know, I graduated with a double major in Spanish and Psychology. I had both senior theses my last semester so yes there was a lot of writing and editing and more writing. Perhaps that is why blogging became the last thing on my mind. Again, the 30 page psych thesis and 15 page spanish thesis (yes in spanish) was not enough. I did have more classes which also had more writing required. This is not to mention the many wedding planning things I had to do or the packing that happened in the mean time.
This is how I felt in the middle of it all:
Packing!
Since many times my head was like the reference you can only imagine what my bedroom looked like! I decided that until I had actual time, real picking up was not going to happen. I knew that it would take waaaay too long to catch up and I needed to focus on school first. So getting to actual packing was intense. The day that i finished with all papers, tests etc both my mom and my brother came to help me out. We were able to get a good girls dinner in before the fun began and able to finish all of it in less than 14 hours including sleep.


So I finished college in three years. In three years, I graduated from high school and moved from Asia to Michigan, finished my first year at a private college in dutchville Michigan, moved to Montana where I went to school for a straight two years no break; after which I got married and moved to Virginia. In three years I grew up; I found my dream. In three years I learned many of life's hard lessons. In three years I became myself. I found who I was and stuck to it. In three years, I lost the layers. The layers of what could be fun, of what I would love to be. I lost the layers of who I really wasn't and peeled myself back to the layer of who I really am. In three years, I fought what I was taught and struggled through what I was told. In three years, I went through heartache and tried to love someone that I never should have. But through that heartache I found a new side of myself. I found a self that was strong and could push through the impossible. I found a self that could. This could self was the self that finished in three years. This self was the self that tried to push through for years. That was underneath all the layers. And in three years I became ready. I became ready to date the right man. I became ready to prep myself to be Mrs. B. A Mrs. that would instantly join the ranks of the Mighty Military Wives. The ones that could, the ones that can and the ones that will. Three years passed. Sometimes three years crept by. Three years flew by. What a wonderful three years. Now I pass over to the ranks of the married women. I have so much to learn. So much to work on but I now can....

Long time no Post

I know. I'm horrid.. Let me just recap as quickly as I can... Graduating = many papers and tests.... And moving. I moved out of my apartment with the help of my brother and mom in 12 hours (including sleep) and am now permanently at the ranch (until the wedding that is!) So! I have lots to do here in order to make my mom feel comfortable that everything is clean and ready for guests.... I Promise I will be better about posting after the wedding and recap on everything...
I GET MARRIED TO MY LOVE ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!!

Hair trial!

I had my hair trial on Saturday and this wasn't just any hair-trial. I had to have my stylist talk me through how to do my hair since I will be doing my own hair for the wedding (unless things change). I don't have the time to take 2 hours out of my day just to drive the distance... So! I'm gonna do it.. I'll have an update when I try to do it myself probably by this next weekend. Comment Ladies!

dress finally!

Finally finally found the rehearsal dress the other day. You won't be able to see it till I actually wear it.. but I got it at Ross! for like 12 dollars and couldn't be more happy about it! So look outside the norm and don't be afraid to go to the cheaper discount stores. Sometimes they're so much better.

First Mrs. B...

Today I got my first hint at what it would be like to be Mrs B. We received a check from the officiant who married my parents and were good friends: the check was written to Sara and Joe B.... and on the outside of the envelope said Mr and Mrs. Joe B.... I love it! The only fall-back.. I can't do anything with the check until we're married. But! That's only 27 days away!!! God is good and I cannot wait to marry him.

Going With the flow, Favor saying, Taper Candles and Dessert Bar.

I have been so so crazy busy with EVERYTHING! Momma got pneumonia, I'm a month away from graduating with a double major, and 30 days from being Sara B instead of Sara S. I realized its been 9 days since I've even checked my blogger! Yep I had a LOT of catchup to do... Good thing I have class time- cough cough-.

So so much has gotten done in the last couple weeks! Hallelujah! You all saw the favor bag that I got done... I did figure out what I'm going to put inside the bag... Its not exactly what I was thinking about but I actually like! After so much stress and pressure, I've just decided to lose my OCD tendencies and my perfectionist personality and go with the flow! It will be beautiful. As many brides have said there is a huge self-esteem issue and wedding craze issue when it comes to seeing everyone else's weddings and the perfection that the photos entail. I assume however (some of my assumption is actually factual since many brides have said the same thing), that many ladies realize that its not going to be perfect and that almost always does SOMETHING go wrong. Instead of getting distressed and stressed I'm going with the flow and already LOVING my decision. Ok so off of my rabbit trail... This is what is going inside of the bags:

"What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.

Publish Post

You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on. " Kurt Kaiser

As well as a note of blessing, prayer and thanks to our guests...

At the reception, we're mixing different textures to produce a "delicious" feel. I searched the Web for inexpensive taper candles but was actually able to find them at a grocery store which likes to keep costs down... We ended up ordering about 160 different ones (Always good to have extras) for 120 dollars. Not bad at all.

We were able to find the groomsmen ties at JC Penny's... They are striped burgundy and black and little bits of gold.. Perfect! They were at buy one and get one half off.

I have mentioned that we're doing a dessert reception... And oh boy oh boy I can't wait... Sink your teeth into some of these photos!
From Here:


from here:

We're going to tier all of the desserts with fabric draping. Candles will be mixed in and so will some flowers (but minimal). Above all of it will be this lovely sign from Martha Stewart. Instead however, it will say: "Eat, Drink and Be Married". The B's from the favor bag actually came from there... A pretty inexpensive way to look very put together.


Until next time... any comments or suggestions!?!

Favors and Sweets

With it being a May wedding I wanted to do something that was totally spring. I also am a true believer of doing things that are usable. I didn't want to spend money on 100 favors of which half are left behind. Thirdly, a lot of my guests are coming into town for the wedding. Some favors are inpossible for them to be able to fly with. So I found a good middle ground. Wrapping up flower bulbs so that people could plant them are small, reasonable and economical. This is what they ended up looking like. I'm planning on inserting a poem about seeds and blooming and planning on asking the guests to pray for us everytime it blooms. A neat momento!
I had my cake testing last weekend... We've all seen every type of cake and if I'm not unusual we all think that many different types are pretty... Am I wrong? I'm getting my cake done at Sweet Pea Bakery. The cake baker is a graphic designer so the cakes are gorgeous and they are able to translate ideas into beautiful works of art. I'm doing a simple two tier cake since we are doing cupcakes for the cakes... With the idea of the wedding being Fruit of The Spirit...the cake is going to have fruit flowing down the sides of the cake and lining the edge of the two cake layers. Cake is a vanilla with fresh strawberry filling.. Kinda like a strawberry shortcake!

Speaking of cupcakes! A good friend of mine is making my cupcakes as a labor of love. We're going to do 50 chocolate and 50 vanilla... We did a cupcake trial two weeks ago. I highly recommend doing trials.. You get yummy leftovers! We are going to put little pieces of fruit in the middle of each frosting "flowers". I'm exciiiiited!


What do you ladies think?

Photographer, Shower and Programs

The photographer is set and I'm so so so excited. I love her photography style and I think it will be so very much fun. go check her out: www. wanderingalbatrossphotography.com

This weekend is my bridal shower! I'm so excited especially because I get some good girl time. My BM- D is planning on coming up on Friday and both my BM-E and K should be there! My little sis will be there also... I can't believe that its so close!

I bought linen paper yesterday for the programs... I'm planning to roll them and tie them with ribbons! So beautiful!!!

Constant Frustration!

So! It all started with trying to order this adorable dress from Nordstroms that is on back order til middle of June. And that is definitely not going to work when I need it for the rehearsal dinner!
Then of course, I find out that my shoes from zappos have turned out to be completely the wrong color and I attempt the shoes from anthropologie... They were then on back order till May 20th! And no that is not going to work either... So i was browsing tonight and found the same shoes on another site! Then I browsed some more and found this dress at delias.com:
So not as cute but definitely cute! and a cut of the price.... So finally coming to a close! Lets just hope the shoes and dress work!

Shoes!

Ok! So the pair that came back and the color isn't right is being sent back and this one! from anthropologie was ordered.. Can't wait! (Sorry they won't let me show the photo!)

Guestbook!

I couldn't be more excited! I just found my guest book and it couldn't be more us or more perfect. I found this at Barnes and Noble but Amazon.com is where I got my photo! It's a photo book of Life's collection of best photos. Its just classic! Notice the top left photo! My fav~! There are perfect spaces on the corners for people to sign.
What about you ladies? What are you doing for something fun and unique or are you going classic?

Going through the to-do list...

I have been so busy just doing without telling whats going on!

We were able to find a venue that is soooo very very reasonable. Let me just say that my dress and the venue cost less than $500 put-together! The laptop has become my best friend as I have been just searching sites up and down for the best deal. Not only have things been reasonable but they've been what I want! That is truly the best part.

The reception venue is in my hometown and is just way cute. It made my day even more when I found out what they offer: approximately 500 black iron chairs (very french cafe-esque), several banquet tables for food etc and about 10 black iron tables. When my mom asked the lady about clean-up, the gal says "Don't worry about it- its my job!" Plus we can start setting up as early as there is nobody else scheduled. Cha Ching! I love that I don't have to rent/buy chair covers to cover hideous folding chairs. (Can we say a savings of minimally 200 right there?!?) My hometown church is where we are getting married in is just 5 minutes up the road. My dad has a 1954 Chevy Truck and several other friends have vintage cars. I can just see the bridal party driving off in these vehicles, can't you?

My mom and I have been hitting up the second hand stores for different glass vases, candle holders etc. We've come up with quite a few things for less than 100$ ! Its really incredible how you can save without cutting back on what you like. Everytime my dad tries to make sure that I'm trading budget for happiness, I just simply respond- I'm more happy though! Its true.. I've always been one of the girls who loves a good deal and would much rather a good deal than spending money on a designer. We were also able to find 8 different vases at Ross for like $15 dollars each. Granted not incredibly cheap but a good value for the size of these things! They are about 3 feet tall and the main stay look like this:


Ok so I jumped the gun, the wedding and more will be in the upcoming days!

Catch up time!

I know. I've been miserable. Its been a very very busy couple of weeks though.
My parents just moved back to the states and their shipment came thankfully while I was on spring break. So i spent spring break helping them unpack and move. I definitely crashed every night. BUT! knowing that I only had so long prior to the wedding I needed to also work on some things here and there, mainly when everyone had gone to bed. I thankfully got the wedding invitations done. (thanks to costco.com- highly recommended) They turned out to be very nice! I loved them and was so giddy when they arrived.

My MOH dress arrived and my little sis tried it on while i was there. It definitely was NOT what we thought we would look like. SO it got sent back and we tried to find a new one.

My hairpiece from Ella's Alley on etsy.com arrived also and I LOVE IT! It is so beautiful and lifelike. I couldn't be happier. I tried to do my hair a couple evenings ago because I decided to not get it done. I want more time to myself (since I would have to drive an hour away to get it done.... it would definitely cut out my day) and with my girls!

We ordered the shoes. Mom called me last night and said that they had arrived and I wasn't going to like them. Just what I wanted to hear! Supposedly the leather is a lot darker than previously thought. Anybody know of some good places to check for a cute pair of flats.

I'm going to be laden down with all of the appointments and meetings as time gets to a close. But it will be good....

More to come ladies!

Welcome Basket!

I'm definitely one of those that think the small details are not the end all but can make a big impression... I want a lot of small details that will just have to go away, but one that I'd like to keep is the Welcome Basket. Most of my guests are coming from out of town and I'd like to fill a basket of goodies... I also saw this at Martha Stewart Weddings:
So So cute!

I'm trying to think What would need to be in the welcome basket.... My list thus far:
Water bottle(s)
Chapstick (s) (you need it out here with how dry it is!)
maps
snacks
phone numbers
list of fun things to do...
and I'm not sure what else yet! any ideas?

Ironic isn't it?

Before I was actually able to plan my wedding... I was on here more! Maybe that attests to all that I've done!?
Lets see.... Waiting to get a check to my venue. Couldn't ask for a better price or better included items! Instead of having to rent white chair covers I now have black iron chairs that are going to go great with the feel of the wedding. I am so giddy! Just ask my dear room-mate.
I ordered my hair piece.... From Ella's Alley on Etsy and so far she's been fantastic!
And my aisle runner:

I also may have found my photographer.. Just waiting back if she can do the dates or not! but sounds good... Wandering Albatross

Oh and I almost forgot.. We ordered plastic (yes plastic!) wine goblets, tumblers, white coffee cups and black and white square plates.... From the most fantastic site ever. I seriously think I found my crazy quirky match. Smarty Had A Party ... The best name too hey?
So there's my update for now... oh and whatcha think about these from Zappos?

Another great picture...

Another great one of how to utilize fruit... Cranberries and oranges! love it! Can you imagine the smell too? It was from here: http://indianweddings.wordpress.com/2008/08/20/wedding-table-decorations/

More Hair ideas

Alright ladies, give me your opinon.. also to bird-cage veil or not?

Tackling the To-Do List!

Mom came over last night and we had a fairly quiet girls night with a lot of "tackling" involved. We went to bed working on wedding stuff (she fell asleep on me!) and then after some bill-paying continued on the wedding stuff...
We booked our DJ! He's great.. I met him at a bridal affaire and feel confident that he will be just right. He understands our vision of everyone having a good time and helping MC through the night...
We bought bridesmaid dresses! (From Spiegal) We found these and figured out how perfect they matched so we just went for it! And they will look great on everyone... Abby is going to be wearing the second one. (Its from Davids Bridal- go there and look for a better pic..)

We also bought rose petals in 4 different colors, and white paper bags to hold the luminaries and the favors.... The Favors are going to be flower bulbs with something corny but awesome to the extent of everytime it blooms remember us.
We narrowed down photographers and finally hunted down the number for the reception venue. We're trying to talk to them... Its a small town I would be blown away if it were already booked.
We also have the hotels down to two that we may reserve a block of rooms in and are just waiting till Monday to contact the Manager!
Its been busy but has been fantastic. Loved the time with mom!!!

The date!

So here you are ladies. Believe it or not! We are getting married May 16th... Yep that is 2009! 72 days away! Crazy I am, but totally ready to tackle it and marry the man of my dreams! YAY!

Did you know? and some good ideas!

Did you know:
1)that Spraying canola spray in a candle holder before you drop in a tealight can make the candle wax slip out easily. Makes sense but i like it!
2) you can use cake stands as candle displays? use multiple levels of candles and it looks really neat!
3) a couple drops of bleach can elongate the life of your flowers
4) wine glasses can be used as candle holders, especially looking pretty with some coffee beans or sand in the bottom.

Good ideas:
1) Tall vases lining the aisle of the church with candles

Lucky..

I heard the song Lucky for the first time today and it makes me tear up. I really am lucky to be in love with my bestfriend. Even so more than that I am blessed to be so in love and to be so in love with such an amazing. I just say, "Praise the Lord."

Moroccan Inspired theme?!

I was trying to find a way of how I envisioned the fabric draping... basically I see it as the Moroccan theme with the fabric being like a champagne and the colors coming from the tables. It will add even more to the romantic evening wedding feel.
Some of the pictures are no longer available.. but maybe these will give you an idea :D

check this one out here:
check this one out here: