{ Four Month Update }

I've pretty much been right here,

escaping with tunes and fabulous books,

shamelessly neglecting all you fine people 
in cyber space.

Please forgive me!

Okay, take my hand and we'll run to the ice cream shoppe!

Not sure? ...I'll buy you your faaaaavorite flavor! With Sprinkles? Fruit topping? Hot Fudge!???? (bats eyes)

=0) There, thats better! Now tell me all about it..

Isn't life nuts? In that valley, on that mountain. Steady waters or rushing falls. All wrapped up in a captivatingly glorious package with a sparkly bow called L.I.F.E. And its a roller coaster ride, my friend. And a fabulous one at that!

So, SO MUCH has happened! I thought since I've decided to lavishly grace you with my presence (snorts at my shameless alter ego talking here...) I'll type up a quick summary of my life since August, and will later follow with pictures for fun on future posts to play catch up. =0)

1) Just incase you havent heard: we moved into the duplex next door to my parents. BEST THING EVER. no joke! So happy it turned out this way! (loooong story - will update). But...yeah: Loving every minute!

2) Still working at Chiropractic office - loving it more than ever though there was a time I wasn't sure about it. But let me tell you: Animal Chiropractic is AWESOME!

3) Took a MUCH NEEDED mini-vacay to Port Aransas with friends for Labor Day Weekend. 2 tanks of gas and a broken beach umbrella later we've got a fab story to tell.

4) Learned a VERY IMPORTANT lesson in the art of saving animals: check with your neighbors BEFORE welcoming it into your home.. not a pleasant situation :( But! In MY defense I thought it was a stray and its owner lives on a separate street. It was sweet while it lasted.

5) Oh Oh Oh! HOW could I forget??? WE BOUGHT A NEW CAR!!! (Pre-Port Aransas) This made the Hubs very happy =0)

6) Speaking of: We celebrated the Hubs (and his twin's) 24th Birthday in style this year complete with a super fun surprise party, family and friends and a PS3.

7) Lost my cousin to a very unfortunate incident. Very sad, and huge shock to the family. She was 24. Our hopes though still rest in that we may see her again. There was definitely a time of mourning.

8) Dove into the world of novels once again. Discovered possibly one of the greatest treasure chests in the history of good deals: $One to Two dollar Novels of all kinds. I have 19 waiting patiently on my night-stand and have since read: Water for Elephants, Harvesting Ice, The Birth of Venus (this book is downright terrible - I threw it away), The Widower, Bel Ami, The Secret Life of Bees, The Shack (shook me up this one) and am now on The Peppered Moth, which am not so sure about...

9) Since one of my best California girls decided to get hitched, we jumped a jet and flew to the Golden Coast for a MUCH NEEDED FULLY LOADED THANKSGIVING Vacay. Complete with Winter Wonderland Resorts, Bustling International cities, plenty of vast farm land and cow manure to burn, quite literally in your memory forever, a quick jaunt to the FABULOUS VEGAS *let me tell you - it totally lives up to its name* and something we'll never repeat again unless its on OUR schedule. (can you say - tunnel vision? Not fun!)

10) HIGHLIGHT OF MY LIFE: Meeting my grandpa Doug, Grandma Linda, Auntie Jody, Uncle Larry, Uncle Steve, and Aunt Lauri for the FIRST TIME from my dads side of the family. Tears. Lots. Photos too =0)

11) One week after said fabulous vacay, we welcomed the Hub's Twin brother in from his overnight flight from Rio de Janerio, Brazil. And since, three words: Coke-a-Cola. Gaming. Boys-Only. The End.

12) Christmas Eve, first rain of season: Hydroplaned and fishtailed in New Car. A total rush. Also, I thank you Jesus for answering me when I screamed your name because that car wasn't going to stop. Hopefully only an alignment is needed though, since my car and the median decided it was time to become good friends. No body damage - yay! Also, the Hubs visibly breaks a sweat when I mention I'm taking the car somewhere.  *rolls eyes*

12) Christmas at Nana's. Best yet. Her china never gets old - but the allergies do! =( However, gifts kicked cheese and crackers this year: Secret Santa + 2 gifts each + MINIMUM $20 = Lots of fun! Note to self: DO NOT USE OWN BODY TO GUESS SIZE OF OTHERS. Lots of um... 'oversized' items. New Years resolution - Weight-loss!

13) Rediscovered my pop and hip hop side. Oh Pre-teen self how I've missed you so! Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. Yes.

14) Guten Tag! Wine Tasting around the quaint German Settlement 'Fredricksburg' with booze-loving Brazilian friends. And if anyone knows Brazilians - they love liquor. In any shape or size. So, happy Boxing Day!


And, that would be the most current, my dear friend. Thanks for reading and because I didn't formally have a chance to tell most of you:

I pray a very Merry Christmas was for you and yours;

And the gift of a blessed, renewing New Year!

Happy 2011. 

{ Thank your Mr. Tuesday }

"Do the MADDY face...you're so cute when you're mad." 

- my husband

Lately, as in....the last year of our marriage, I've become the nagging wife. I mean, its probably not that bad, but in my defense, sometimes I feel like my man doesn't take me seriously and... I end up crying. Then I realize that its probably because I'm being ridiculous.

I've realized that I have become that woman who gets really upset when her husband throws his stuff on the table after a long day of work, that she just cleaned. And harps on him about it. Who gets upset when her husband lets the toothpaste bottle get water all over it without cleaning it and leaves it on the counter. And harps on him about it. Who also gets upset when he makes a request for her to try keeping her word, or showing love to him by cooking for him more often, or not making him feel less than by interrupting him or making fun of him in front of others. 

Yes... I do these things.

That is a hard pill to swallow!

Recently, it has struck me: I have such a good life. I have such a good husband. Who really loves me. Who lovingly and devotedly provides for me without complaint. Whos main focus is to make sure I'm happy, and being the best I can be. Who always, and I mean, always supports me in anything I want to do (thats within reason lol). Who always makes me feel as though I can conquer the world. Who faithfully holds up and looks after his family, doing everything he can (literally) to make our lives better.

It got me thinking. Instead of using my words in a negative way - I should use them in a positive way. (DUH) Instead doing things that have a negative impact, I should put much more effort into doing things that will bring a positive impact. (What a revelation!) 

But, for real: Not just for me, not just for us. For him. Because, he is a very good man, and an excellent husband. And I want to bless him.

This Tuesday, I want to say thank you to my husband for helping me see the better in me. =0) Love you Froggie

~

A few scriptures I've been inspired by:

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day;

Proverbs 27:15

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Proverbs 19:14

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Proverbs 14:1

A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 12:4

{ Junk Wars }

Rows of bins filled to the brim with all kinds of 

unwanted treasures line the warehouse. 

High volume air conditioning blasts straight down the rows, 
whipping your hair around as you 
rummage through the mounds.

Just then you hear it.... "Neewwww BIN!!!"

Let the chaos ensue.

Well, today - I had the most hilarious and  unexpected  experience in a long time. Inspired by a friends blog, Harper's Happenings, who came home with a delightful array of little treasures for the home that only cost her a few dollars, I decided to venture out into the world of treasure hunting at Goodwill and other second hand stores once again.

I used to buy from these places all the time a few years back before I was married. That didn't turn out to be the best thing for me since, I became sadly addicted and forced myself to stop. (Eventually, I ended up donating over 10 trash bags full of clothes, many with the tags still on. Yes, terribly pathetic.) Anyhow, now I do believe it is safe to say that a little bargain hunting once in a while is quite fun and OK. =D  For me, I have to make sure I am in the right frame of mind before I even step one foot inside those stores. I usually have a list of some sort, to keep me on track otherwise I will end up wanting everything thats in good condition I get my hands on. (well, its not THAT bad..but you get the picture.) 

Truly, the trick to Goodwill shopping, is to know what you're looking for - and only buy things you know you will use, or have a place for. Be prepared to put things back you know you don't completely love, wont always use or already have something similar to. For example..if you already have 3 black shirts...try not to buy another black shirt. (Formerly, this was my problem.) Besides...less is more I say :)

So..back to the present - today I went to a Goodwill warehouse down the street. It looks MASSIVE from the outside. Naturally, I thought when I went in there would be rows of clothes already sorted by size, or color, or type. Household items and shoes, purses, scarves on the back walls somewhere just like every other Goodwill I've seen. But this was a totally new animal.

It was rows and rows of BINS. Im talking, HUGE bins. Nothing was sorted. Somethings were broken or smashed. God only knows where these items came from. Not that theres anything wrong with that kind of stuff...Its just, I realized it when I saw a lot of people with gloves on to protect their hands while they pushed aside old bunched up dirty sheets and clothes, planks of wood and dusty electronics, collections of dirty toys and stuffed animals. Strangely enough..it was one of the cleanest smelling stores I've been too. (This might be due to the quality air blasting control.)

Anyhow, I strolled down with my basket, peering over the rims and only moving items big enough in order to see what was under them. Eventually at one point I heard a ton of commotion. I turned to the noise and noticed that almost everyone in the store was down another isle, crammed together and viciously tearing apart the bins in this area, thrusting items faster than one could eat with their hands into canvas bags or stand up hampers. "Newwww BINS!" came another shout near the front of the store. Another round of the animalistic ascent on the unsuspecting, newly donated items. I tried to make my way over there but people were moving so fast I feared I would be stampeded. Eventually I stood where I was staring after them, memorizing the very bizarre situation before me, and just started laughing. 

After the search died down, people who now had canvas bags almost as tall as they were, filled with miscellaneous junk, towed over to the back wall where apparently they had a shopping cart or two. They sat with their bags, pulling out all their items, sorting and eventually dividing what they wanted and dumping back into the bins what they didnt seem to think were "keepers." My thoughts were: what exactly was in such numerous amounts, they thought had such value? The baskets they took to the front to be weighed and paid for looked like they were just filled with a ton of miscellaneous junk!

So, I prattled around and found myself a few nice things. All for the happy amount of $7.50 =D

Above is a previous Yankee Candle Jar someone took the time to remove the candle out of. Its now home to my favorite snack: The sunflower seed. (dont worry, I cleaned all my jars with very hot, soapy water) Safety first!

A CANDY Jar! I love this... it even has 'candy' on the front! Inside, I've nestled some yummy Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate chunks. (this is also a little preview of my breakfast bar...but I don't keep the chocolate here, too tempting!)

Now for one of my FAVORITES:

Above, in prefect condition, is an Elizabeth Arden Picnic Basket! I'm thinking this must have been quite expensive on its original market?

For the Christmas season...a happy little snowman apron! I don't currently have any seasonal aprons, just one thats black and white with cute French toile scenes on it...but I use it all the time and am looking forward to wearing this cute festive one in the next couple of months.

A beautiful, perfect condition hardback Charles Dickens 'Stories for Christmas' Collection for our growing Library. Since we have an office now, complete with actual BOOKCASES! - I felt I couldn't pass on adding it. Its a very pretty copy too. Featuring: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.

And last but not least, a Croquet Set! This was so much fun bringing home to the family. At first, I found only a bag with the 6 balls and arches. But halfway across the warehouse, I found a lonely bat! I turned on my heel and hunted down the bag. Mom, dad and Drigo thought this was the coolest! I've got it set up in a basket, next to the sliding glass door for the next afternoon we have nothing to do.

Got any memorable finds? Please share!

{ Favorite Sounds No. 2 }

"A dream is a wish your heart makes, when its fast asleep. 

In dreams you will lose your heartache, 

whatever you wish for you keep.

Have faith in your dreams and someday, 

your rainbow will come shining through.

No matter how your heart is breaking, 

if you keep on believing,

A dream that you wish, will come true."  - Cinderella

Every morning, sometime between 1:30 - 2:30am for the past week, I hear one of the happiest, soothing sounds ever - birds singing in the tree outside our bedroom window. Since I am usually climbing into bed around this time (the hubs is usually already cozied up sleeping like a rock) its like a little lullaby as i'm waiting for sleep to come. I can't help but smile and feel ridiculously giddy like when I was a kid, and thank God for the day and the little gifts He gives us. So, I thought (as my second addition to favorite sounds) I'd share what singing birds remind me of and why I love their sweet lullabys.

One of my favorite movies of all time. Romeo's departure, Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Sitting on the cool grass on a comfortable spring afternoon, relaxing.

A day at the beach!

The morning of a new day!

One of my favorite movies of all time. 'A dream is a Wish' Cinderella

God is a painter!

Another favorite movie of all time! "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream' Sleeping Beauty

Our little friends :)

Couldn't resist - too cute!!

{ Thank your Mr. Tuesday }

"That side is sleeky."

(He was trying to say the side was 'slick.')

I guess i'm a bit silly for not realizing that when we met - we could barely understand each other (to the point we mostly communicated with our own raw form of sign language in order to describe things or what we were trying to say) ...and that this might be a problem. Needless to say, we misinterpreted each other for probably the first 1 1/2 year of our relationship. But the most interesting thing about this - is it didn't have an effect on our want to be together.

See, the Hubs is native-born Brazilian. And though he studied three years of English before he came to the US - it wasn't completely enough. But, being as smart and intuitive as he is - he caught on very quick. (and as a side note: he became fluent in Spanish within three months :) Probably because Portuguese and Spanish are both Latin based languages, but still. So, in the beginning especially - there was this lovely language barrier. However, looking back now I realize something. We were both incredibly gracious and patient with each other. I mean, on our second date he asked about a bracelet I was wearing which has words on plates connected together like: courage, family, honor, charity, faith etc. I was trying to explain to him that I wear it because it reminds me of the most important things in life - and encourages me to be more like Jesus. He thought I was saying 'I am like Jesus.' Huh?

Anyways, apparently that didn't bother him enough to think im a freak and walk away. Why not I wonder? I can't explain it. We just didn't wan't to be without each other. (PS - now he understands my true meaning.) And I think that so much of that love for each other and the even stronger love for eachother today was bread from having patience. So, today I would like to say, that even after 2 years and 2 1/2 months - my husband still remains one of the most patient, most gracious person I know on this planet. Literally.

We're not perfect. We still have our misunderstandings and small fits of "I want it my way". But, if its one thing that takes me by surprise every time, its his seemingly endless patience with me and my crazy ways. I knew I couldn't find a better man who was willing to take me for who I am. Thank you for all of your patience honey. I love you.

Second date :) 1/3/08
aww look! we were just two kiddos then!


ps..i know the post was made on wednesday instead of tuesday - dont hate! :D

{ Thank your Mr. Tuesday }

Tuesdays should be our "Thank Your Husband Day". The beginning of the week can be a bit hard, adjusting to the week life after the weekend. I'm thinking I might make a tribute to my husband every Tuesday. Or another man in your life you love, and would like to thank. Today, I'd like to say He is an Honorable man, who loves the Lord. I love everything about him. And I think he is so good for me, because he is very focused and driven. I am so blessed to have him part of my life. I love you honey.

With all my heart...

I'll follow you, honor you...

serve you, Love you.


All my life.

3.10.2008

Photo Editor Extraordinaire

Listening to: Paparazzi by Greyson Chance

For some strange reason, my laptop doesn't have any cool photo editor softwares on it besides paint. And we all know paint was cool when you first discovered computers back in the 90's in middle school... But nowadays? Who do you think you're kiddin chap!

So...I went on a little quest for the best FREE downloadable Photo Editor Extraordinaire. To my surprise, it took less than 5 mins (cause I timed myself...) 

At this site you can read the top 11 best free downloadable Photo Editor's software for Windows/Microsoft. (I typed in Windows XP) It gives a great review of each - and I went with Photoscape. (which happens to be #1 anywho)

I am really surprised. It has effects I didn't even know existed! I can't stop playing! (the hubs looks over like I've lost my mind each time I squeal with delight) And its very user friendly. I haven't tried out the others but this suits me just fine. I guess I just felt it...it was love at first edit :)

PS. This is the original picture of above. Isn't that just AMAZING!?

I found The Bob.

I couldn't help but think of my friend Rebecca at She Becomes (check out her inspirational blog here) when I saw this while driving on the freeway. Printed on a black license plate in HUGE white letters, this white car skipped into my lane and BAM. There was 'BOB'.  (you should have seen me chasing this guy down the highway - i'm surprised he didn't call the cops on me as I was trying frantically to get close enough without hitting him for a picture of the back of his car with my phone.)

Just in case you're at a loss with the reason for my fascination with this discovery, you can check out both her hilarious posts here and here.

Love ya Becca! (I tried to wave him down for his number but I think he was too freaked to stop...)

The Culprit

I wandered into my kitchen to find an inviting snack sitting there as though it would have all but jumped into the microwave to cook itself for me this morning.

This year, I made a resolution that I would not be eating processed foods - strictly organic. I have been reading, and recently finished a wonderfully inspiring book called 'Fit For my King' by Sheri Rose Shepherd, a former Miss America. She tells the story of her climb to fame, her fall and her ultimate rise when she finally finds and welcomes Jesus into her heart and makes Him King of her life. This book is a wonderful daily-devotional full of humor, love, hope and encouragement - not to mention some of the best tips on really loosing weight ever. I was doing very well, I would say for about a month and a half.

Until...today. Until...IT was STARING AT ME.

I tried to hide from it...

But when I peeked over the counter after focusing hard on picking up a piece of wilted lettuce from last nights dinner (as though THATS going to help..) ....it was still there. STARING AT ME. (Insert Jaws Theme here).

*sigh. Lets just say attempting to ignore the pretty, buttery, salty, happy looking package did not work.

I probably resembled the beast as I shoved handfuls of kernels in my mouth, too:

I hate you Jaws.

More Polyvore fun :)

Summer 2010 by arelidawn featuring Francesco Biasia bags

Another Polyvore creation :)

Inspiration by arelidawn featuring Steven Alan dresses

Another Dress-A-Friend Friday!

Dress-A-Friend Friday! by arelidawn featuring Vince Camuto shoes

This is also for my mother, Mary. I wanted to create a look for her she would be very comfortable and cute in. My mom still has some killer legs after all these years, so I went with the shorts and high-heels. I love you momma!

Dress-A-Friend Friday!

Dress-a-Friend Friday! by arelidawn featuring Michael Antonio shoes

Items in this set:
Pleated Floral Dress, $25
Women - sweaters - Featherweight cotton ruffle cardigan - J.Crew, $80
Michael Antonio Matteo, $65
SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Ladylike Satchel, $80
GUESS - U85089L1 (Animal Print) - Jewelry, $89

This is for my sweet, loving mother whom I adore with all my heart. Her name is Mary. She reminds me of Spring because she has the freshest, kindest smile and joyful spirit - she lights up any room! She has always given and asked nothing in return and if I had the money I would buy her this outfit. I plan to someday. I love you momma!

Summer Chic with Ann Taylor

Summer Chic with Ann Taylor by arelidawn featuring Ann Taylor

Some fun I've had on Polyvore :) Submitted for a Contest

Favorite...

 ...things to do on the Weekend in Spring

Weekends make me so happy. Especially weekends in Spring: Theres a general liveliness about; people rustling and bustling, parties, barbecues, family reunions. I love the weekends. I think the weekend should be three days long, instead of two :) Really! Two days just isn't enough for all this:

Going to the market

Doing Laundry (yes, I love this)

Having a Barbecue!

Tanning and Swimming

Bon Fires and Marshmellows!

Going Camping!

Fresh spring flower bouquets...

Going for a bike Ride!

What are your favorite things to do during spring?

Someday...

I'd love to have this Jeep.

This, my friends is a 1997 TJ Jeep Wrangler. For as long as I can remember I have wanted one of these. I'm not quite sure why I didn't buy one when I had the chance with my first car. Now, I completely appreciate my car. Its a 2000 Toyota Camry in Dark Grey - its been very good to me. There are times I had to be without my baby - and that was very hard. I'm pretty sure I might cry if I have to give it up...

But then again, when you look at the pretty above - they might be tears of joy! 

What is your dream car?

Beautiful days...

Listening To: 'All of Creation' by MercyMe

This week has been a bit tough. Every once in a while a feeling of panic will wash over me. Its amazing that even in the midst of my free time which is quite enjoyable (something I'm sure we all love!) I still feel this random hit of uncertainty and fear. It doesn't last long..just reminds me.

I have laid down for sleep giggly as a young child on Christmas Eve, waking up ready for the day and excited for what ever is coming next (and to be able to work on my little projects). But...theres still that unsettling lack of peace. Sometimes, it lasts through the day - coming and going. And I realized - I might be a praying person, who prays throughout the day... but have I dedicated my day to Jesus? I was so moved by this feeling of fear and uncertainty that came again that I just kneeled down and gave it all up. All my plans, all my fears, all my sin or rebellion, all my hurt. How miraculous the peace is when you give these things to God. Especially at the beginning of the day. How many of us can count the numerous times we've put God first - and went to bed thinking, 'Gosh today turned out better than I expected.' or 'Today was incredible!' 

I would like to say that I am so sorry to Jesus for being rebellious and selfish with my time. I know that must hurt God, and I ask for His forgiveness. And I am sure He does forgive me, as He promises. What love!

Thats a way to start the day, right? Have a blessed one!

One of my favorite Sounds...

After I have turned down the lights and put on a cozy nightgown, curled up in bed with a fresh cup of water on the nightstand and the moonlight is gleaming through the curtains in the window... I hear it. One of my favorite sounds in the world - the sound of the late night train. 

Its sweet, friendly whistle all but personally sings me a lullaby at the end of each day (though I like to think it does :).  I'm not sure what it is that I love so much about the sound. I would love to work on a train. Just to ride it all night. Or all day for that matter. Just ride it for a while without worrying when I need to get off - I don't care where. Its a much more enjoyable means of transportation..falling asleep to the rocking of the train. 

I suppose its much like how I loved hearing the sound of the jets fly over my grandparents house early in the morning before the sun was up when I was little. Perhaps it reminds me there are a few up and about like myself when it seems like the whole world is asleep. Reminds me life is still moving. 

I though't I share some things a train makes me think of, and why I love them.

Couldn't help it :)

Travel

Love

Scenery

People

Adventure

History

What is your favorite sound?