Blog Makeover!

It was brought to my attention yesterday morning that my blog had possibly contracted a virus. With a little digging, I found out it was linked to the layout/background I was using for the blog. Immediately, I had to redesign the blog which took a lot of research and time.   I found this design below but didn't like the banner at all.  The hearts were killing me.  I'm a loving person but that's a little much.  I wanted some color contrast.

Then the search began for a new banner.  What you see below was the new banner for about an hour and then I realized it didn't really go with the blog background.

With some trial and error.....and I MEAN trial and error (computer crashing a few times) (losing all my work). I was able to finish my final look for the blog (see new banner below). I hope you like the new look.  It feels like it's a whole new blog.

Hats off to the Queen!

Last night, I was watching Katie Couric's special on the Royal family and of course I was drawn in immediately.  I enjoyed the history lesson on the royal family and learned a few things about the Queen I didn't know before such as......

-She became Queen at age 25 ---YOUNG
-She's was the first Royal to have her crowning televised
-She's the first Queen to have a FB page, twitter, etc (social media)

The Diamond Jubilee will begin this week and I wish I was there to take part of this history.  My friend, Dee Dee has been in Europe for a week now but will be headed to London soon for this special celebration.  I wonder what fancy hats she will be wearing this weekend....

Speaking of hats!  I found this article a few weeks ago at my nail shop.  I enjoyed seeing the style of the queen from young until now. Her style is classic and for an older lady I think she has a pretty good wardrobe.  HATS OFF TO THE QUEEN!

TOMS: Summer Wedges

I love TOMS and everything it stands for as a company.  I came across these adorable wedges for the summer.  Immediately, I thought of my sister-in-law, Nicole because she loves her heels. She would probably love these wedges as well.   I hope to see these TOMS in my near future.

Alberto and Rachel are engaged!

Wow... it's the month of engagements!  Today, I found out that my cousin, Alberto asked his girlfriend, Rachel to spend the rest of this life with him.  Aaaahhhhh...I've been waiting for this day.  My cousin, Alberto is an amazing guy with such a kind heart and I know he will treat Rachel like a queen.    

Alberto took Rachel out to dinner last night and while at dinner he had an accomplice spread red rose petals from the outside to the inside of his home.  As they returned from dinner and walked on the bed of roses, Rachel came upon these bouquets and picture frame.  As she turned around, my cousin was on one knee and asking for her hand in marriage.  Very romantic!  

THE RING!!

BLING BLING!

I see a beautiful wedding in the future! Can't wait!!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Congratulations to Jon & Alex

Jon & Alex

A few days ago, my friend Jon proposed to his girlfriend, Alex in one of the most creative ways I've ever seen. 

I couldn't be happier for him and his soon to be wife!

Jon, Bridge, Ryan

Jon and I have know each other since college and we met while working at a jewelry store.  I knew when it came to the ring he would be an expert in choosing the perfect diamond for his lady.  He's a great guy and I know he'll be an amazing husband.  Congratulations again to Jon and Alex.  Let the wedding planning begin.

Lip-dub proposal

I'm all about a GREAT proposal.  Saw this clip today and thought I share.  Enjoy!  Very creative. 

About Merdeezy!

Who's Merdeezy? She's a friend from NC and her real name is Meredith.  

Her "gangsta" name is Merdeezy and she is one of a kind.  She seriously was put on this earth to make people laugh.   

Yesterday, as I got home from work I had a text waiting from Meredith.  As I read it, I about died laughing.  I know Ryan probably thought I had lost it.  Ahhhhh....THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS MERDEZZY!  Totally made my day.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT WAS SO FUNNY??  You'll have to check out the story on her blog.  CLICK HERE or http://merdeezy.blogspot.com/2012/05/truth-thursday_24.html

May Anniversaries

As you many of you know, I L-O-V-E a good wedding.  I enjoying seeing the love between two people, the family gathering together as one, friends old and new reuniting, laughter, flowers, fashion, and cake!

I also enjoy seeing the love grow and the life they share together.  May appears to be a popular month for birthdays, graduations and WEDDINGS.  Even Mark Zuckerburg recently got married.

Here are some special couples (my cousins & wives) in my life that just celebrated anniversaries in the month of May!  Happy Anniversary!  Ryan and I wish you many more happy years!

Alden & Ellen, May 23, 2004

Beautiful Hawaii

Francisco & Jamie, May 19, 2007

Bianca & Oscar Ray, May 16, 2009

Kayaking Adventure

As I said before, I went kayaking over the weekend with my husband, brother-in-law, aunt and uncle. Of course, Ryan was behind this trip because it's one of his favorite things to do when it gets hot in Arizona.   I've kayaked before but that was 6 or 7 years ago and it was only for 30 minutes.  

This kayaking trip was so much FUN!! We started at 8am so we could enjoy the cooler weather as long as possible.  After the first 30 minutes, I was starting to get hungry and somehow couldn't stop thinking about cheeseburgers.  For the next three hours, I couldn't stop talking about comfort foods. Something about being in the water always makes me HUNGRY!  It always happens when I go swimming.

The whole experience was amazing and I would do it again.  I did have a few moments where I totally crashed into trees and rocks but that's what makes the whole thing fun.  It's a learning experience.

I do have to mention that my last 30 minutes was HARD!  My hands felt like jello, I was hungry, sore, and exhausted.  When I reached the very end.....my husband informed me that I had rowed 13 miles.  I couldn't believe it!!  That made me feel so good!  "We are the Champions" came ringing in my head.  I know that sounds dramatic but it made me laugh.  4 hours & 13 miles of rowing!

If you decide to go Kayaking here are some tips:

1. Eat a good breakfast

2. Pack snacks

3. Wear gloves

4. Water shoes

5. HAT!

6. The most important.  SUN SCREEN.

As you see in this picture ---- my brother-in-law, Tom failed at #6!  OUCH!

We call him NeopoliTOM.  Looks like pink knee highs too!  

I don't have any pictures of our adventure because we didn't want to risk getting our phones wet.  Maybe next time I will buy a water proof cheapy camera to capture some shots. 

Here's a video I found on YouTube to give you a feel of what we did on Sunday. 

3 birthdays = 1 weekend

I have puppy fever!

Ugh.... it's MONDAY!  I swear I had the craziest weekend ever and now I'm literally exhausted!  I celebrated 3 family birthdays and went kayaking for 4 hours on Sunday morning (can we say SORE.)  I will have to tell you about my kayaking experience soon.  It was an adventure for sure!   Have you ever had a crazy weekend where you're dreading Monday morning??!  I think I passed out at 9pm last night. ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Saturday night, we celebrated my cousin Kirsten's birthday which was an "Alice in Wonderland Theme."

Sunday night we celebrated my cousin, Oscar Ray's birthday.

Happy Birthday to all!  I survived the weekend.  Time for another great week. 

Grandpa's birthday celebrations

The "blue"glasses were part of his birthday package!  

 What's great about having a big family is that a little gathering can lead to an instant party.  Today's my grandpa, Oscar's birthday and this morning many of us joined him for a breakfast feast at Mimi's Cafe.  As you can see from the pictures he was sporting a KOOL-AID smile all morning.

I forgot to mention that I invited my grandfather for breakfast but failed to tell him about everyone else joining us??! I did it as a SURPRISE! Yes, I know...I'm kind of sneaky at times.  He was so pleased to see everyone arriving one by one to his birthday breakfast.  Seeing my grandpa's face this morning was priceless and will always stay with me.  Happy Birthday Grandpa!  Love you.

Are you PLOPPING?

You're probably wondering what in the world is "ploppling??!"  I was asking the same thing when my sister told me about it last night.  I guess it's a new trend in the curly girl world which helps in styling and controlling curly hair.  My sister mentioned that she had tried it the night before and things turned out pretty well.  I knew  immediately  that I wanted to try it out!  Two hours after talking with my sister last night, I had forgottten the name of it so I started googling   " poolping curly hair", " pulping curly hair", "pumping curly hair" and thank goodness that led me to some "PLOPPING" videos/images.

It's a pretty simple concept if you  follow the pictures above.  Unfortunately, I fell asleep early last night so I wasn't able to try it over night.  Instead, I woke up super early to allow time to dry.  I felt like a NINJA in the head piece!  Ready for battle!  (Curly hair is my daily battle)  I think my husband thinks I'm a little crazy as I tried to mimic my inner ninja (sound effects included).  Maybe it was the coffee that gave me the energy as well.

This is my hair after plopping.  It still a FRO but the curls look nice.  Also, it made my hair shorter which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing.

Here's a you tube video on plopping!  Let me know if you try it!  You can also do it if you have straight hair and needing some volume.  GOOD LUCK!

Birthday Celebration: Mr. Blair

A week ago today was my father-in-law's birthday and over the weekend we gathered as a family to celebrate.   This time we met up at my sister-in-law's house and she had feast of appetizers waiting for us!  Of course, I arrived STARVING and ate everything in site! I ate so much I could barely eat dinner!  

Her house has a really nice pool table and I got to play a few games of pool with my brother-in-law, Tom. Ugh... I haven't played in 2 years so my game was rusty.......but I almost had him at the last game.

I just realize that we have celebrated a birthday every month with Ryan's family since September of last year.  There is a lot of us and a lot of partying/fun times.  The best part about celebrating a birthday every month is getting to see the family and also EATING CAKE!!

Speaking of cake...it appears it's tradition to always get "Nothing Bundt Cakes!"  They are seriously the best cake.  I think my favorite is the chocolate with chocolate chips.  Thanks to Nicole for reading my mind and buying that cake for Saturday's dessert!

Blogging Family

Need an excuse to read another blog?  

My sister decided to start a blog about life and her sewing adventures.  Enjoy!

Check it out...http://suzettesews.blogspot.com/