Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

 

Awkward:
--  Waving to a neighbor from my car, who I never met. Only for him to wave his hand like Miss America (where it rotates back and forth) with the most confused look on his face. People can't just wave at strangers anymore?

-- Expecting your dog to get 'down' when he still doesn't know how to 'stay'. Guilty of being a bad parent.

-- Going out for sushi with another couple and I thought I cook eat more, so I ordered too much. 

-- A spider found its way between the screen and glass in our back door. I then did my 'freaked out by a tiny moving object with 8 legs dance'....eek, Charlie to rescue!

-- At work, removing cat fur from my black pants using scotch tape as someone passes, gives me a look and continues walking. I don't know who was more uncomfortable, lol.

-- Since we got our Ping Pong table, Charlie & I have played every night. I beat him each time. That's an awkward for The Man ;)

Awesome:

-- Coming home (3:00PM) and craving a Wine Cooler. I can't remember the last time I drank one since I'm such a Wine Chicky! There was one left in my fridge and it was a Bahama Mama! I promise to buy a pack for whoever chose to leave this delicious, refreshment in my fridge :)

-- Seeing shadows on the deck which we all know the definition: a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light. Believe me there is a ton of light on this beautiful sunny day!

-- Two of Charlie and I best friends are expecting their first baby on May 1st. Shortly after they'll be heading out to San Diego where the hubby is stationed. We're really sad about the distance but extremely happy for them. With that said, we're throwing a get together here Saturday for them. (It's not a surprise, so I didn't ruin it by talking haha)

-- Did I mention how gorgeous it is today? I was able to open the sliders for the kitties (see picture above)

-- Watching my favorite show, How I Met Your Mother and feeling I could relate to it completely. It's a great feeling.

Sharing a Love Story ♥

It's everyone's favorite post at Love is Everywhere. Love Stories! Without a doubt I'm thrilled to share Natalia's beautiful story.  She is wonderful and has quite the beautiful family. Enjoy and let's spread some love her way! ♥

Natalia: Ma Nouvelle Mode

Me and the husband

I love katie’s blog because she is trying to see the beauty and love in everything.  I am so grateful she is letting me share my story about my husband and I. I won’t go into too much detail because that would be like a million part series, but I would love to share our Reader’s Digest version.  Let me tell you a little bit about us.  I was born and raised in southern California.  My husband, Lavar, was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas.  We are different in so many aspects of our lives.  He grew up in a home that didn’t have running water until he was in college.  I grew up in an upper middle class white American family.  He has bullet wounds and a knife scar from growing up in a bad area.  I don’t know if I have ever seen a gun.  He had family that bailed when times got tough (he lost his dad) and I have had so much family I can’t count.  I tell you all these things because I want to show how love can prevail, no matter what family situation or what people think. 

Pics from our wedding day

We met in college.  I cannot remember him for the life of me until our second semester and he remembers where I was standing, and what I was wearing the first time he saw me. J  I actually had to pay for our first date because I lost a bet.  Nice, Lavar, nice.  We liked each other immediately but didn’t actually officially start dating until our junior year.  In the meantime, we dated other people, were friends, didn’t talk at all, and then back to friends.  When we did start dating, there were quite a few people that were not okay with it because it was interracial. We had a lot of people against us throughout our college career, which made things rather difficult.  We had to break up twice during his season because his coach, who was black, did not want him dating me.  We actually were not allowed to talk at all for those 3 or 4 months out of the year.  I was never the kind of girl to get ‘stuck’ on a boy.  I didn’t let anyone get to me.  Lavar was the only one who I couldn’t get out of my head, no matter what.  Turns out, I loved him and haven’t stopped since!

First year of marriage

 After we graduated college, our relationship was so much easier.  We didn’t have anyone trying to tear us apart.  We got married two years later and then up and moved to France. Our wedding day was one of my favorite in my life.  So we have two races, two cultures, (thankfully one language), two upbringings, and living in a country that is neither of ours.  To say it was hard would be an understatement.  But let me leave you with this: Lavar’s pastor said this on our wedding day “Two cultures, two races, two countries, two people, ONE GOD.”  I have loved that saying because it represents our life. 

Our family now. Yes, my son is wearing an undershirt and a scarf. Don't ask.

And now we are a happy little family, with two monster boys living in France and enjoying life!  I hope you have enjoyed our little story!  I love that I was able to share it with you all and thanks so much for reading!

Natalia

Ma Nouvelle Mode

You can visit Natalia at:

Blog: http://manouvellemode.blogspot.com/

All stories will be archived here. We would love to read your story so if you would like to share please visit for details ♥:

Starting with You

So we all know that quote that goes a little something like this "in order to love others you need to love yourself first"... I agree and disagree with this little phrase.

I lack confidence as many people too. I do have some confidence it's just only in certain areas of my life and self. Do I love myself? Yes (with a slight pause of hesitance). I need work though, a lot of work. I could love myself more, that's for sure. Even with lacking some love for myself I am still able to care and show love to others with all of me. As well, I know there's special people in my life that care about me in return.

I think that quote was meant to wake us up a little. To kick us in the butt because there's always room for improvement, right? I have a few goals this year, one being figuring out what I want to do, career wise. The other is feeling comfortable in my skin. In a nutshell, working on the areas that I do not love so much about me and doing a bit of remodeling inside and out.

I've been so happy because I bundle away all the negativity in my life and let shine what is good. It's time for some spring cleaning ♥ It all starts with You! Once You are happy it's very easy to see the beauty around us. Are there things you want to work on in your life?

Sponsor Love: Choose To Be Happy

Today I introduce to you the very lovely, Chelsea at Choose to Be Happy. The name of her blog describes her to a T. She's fun, loveable, and is filled with so much positivity. We are honored to have her as a Sponsor at Love is Everywhere! Read all about her then head on over to spread the love :)

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Hi lovely blog readers of Love is Everywhere

I’m Chelsea from Choose to be Happy.

Nice to meet you.

I think we are going to become the greatest of friends!

Whether you like it or not… but please just like it :)

I started my blog in November 2010. 

My mom has been a dedicated blogger for the past 3 years. 

I am like her in too many ways to count, so I thought i’d give it a try.. 

 I have a lot to say, so why not?

 We are given the unique opportunity to reflect upon our lives and write it down and I just love that.  

I love our little blogosphere.  We make blogging look good.

Ok so lets chat… I’ll start.

I’m just your average America girl, dating your average American guy

    we always dress like this



 I went to the University of Alabama and love it with my whole heart. Roll tide.

I love reflecting on my college days.

I love all the memories and it sometimes makes me miss Alabama.

 But it’s a good thing.

I’m glad I have such fun college memories to look back on and miss. 

 My boyfriend Austin (nicknamed Stone by yours truley) and I have dated for about 4 years.

Time goes by so fast. 

The real world captured me upon graduation and moved me to Atlanta, GA for work.  

After graduation in June 2009, Stone was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies.

He now plays on the double A minor league team in Reading, PA. 

He is away for the season from March til September which is not fun! but

sometimes your greatest pains are your greatest strengths.

 

I am border line inseparable from the teddy bear, Charlie Bear. 

 My boyfriend gave to me before he left for spring training last year.  

He is my bear child

that is normal...right?

I am big time obsessed with warm weather and that stud mr. sunshine. 

 Sunshine gives me happiness superpowers. 

I would love for you to come visit me at Choose to be Happy so we can chat some more!

Ping Pong, anyone?

"A cousin is a ready-made friend for life."

I grew up with a very large family. I'd like to reword that. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a very large family. My father was 1 of 7 children, he also happens to be the oldest. My father had 2 kids (my sister and I). The rest of the siblings had 2-3 with the exception of 1 have one fabulous little man ♥ Each cousin has someone else within a few years apart so in a way our parents had us in groups, haha. 

We all lived very close to one another growing up. I say very close because we had actually lived in a 4 family complex until I was 4 years old. After moving we all remained close. My cousins are my friends.  As we've all gotten older, starting families, going off to college, moving away we have drifted a bit. A few years ago I had decided that I didn't want to wait until the Holidays to come around in order to see my cousins (that are within the same state). I put together what I soon would call 'Cousin's Night'. It didn't last long the first year as everyone's schedules were chaotic and I didn't realize how much work I would need to put into it.

 Last year in January I told myself that if I was going to begin this monthly tradition I had to give it my all and stick with it. That I did until some unpleasant situations occurred last fall. Putting that all aside I'm happy to announce that last night was the kickoff. Cousin's Night 'Born Again'! It was fabulous. We had a Ping Pong tournament with the new table that Charlie and I bought. 

 I wanted to share the different activities I've put together since I began this tradition. Perhaps, it will give you ideas in case you'd like to begin something in your life ♥

**We had Karoake Night at my house.  Holy cow, was that fun. I wasn't sure how everyone would feel. Hand me a mic and I'll sing and dance all night. Charlie hooked my laptop up to the TV and everything streamed on the big screen (okay not so big, but big enough to see the words). 

**A Sunday afternoon we went Ice Skating. We all car pooled and went to a rink a few towns over and felt like kids again. We spent hours there and then after we drove to a yummy local pizza joint and stuffed ourselves!

**Cookout on our back deck late spring! I had bought sidewalk chalk so that my Cousin's kids were able to just relax and be creative. It was so cute as they put hopscotch together and drew pictures for each other. I'm not going to lie, us 'big kids' also had partaken in the sidewalk chalk fun!

**Bowling! What a fabulous time that was. It's always good times to laugh at each other with our silly bowling postures and terrible scores! Then you get the competitive nature from the fellows and it just gets better and better.

 Needless to say I had wonderful weekend and I feel great to know that our Cousin's Night is back on track. Where it should be. I think it's so important to keep relationships alive. Family is key in life and as wonderful as Holidays can be, they're stressful and only last a few hours (realistically). This is something I feel very strongly about so I look forward to what's to come! I'm already planning the next few months. Knowing that warm weather and the friendly sun is on our side there's so much to choose from! ♥

 

If perfect existed..

.....it would be tonight ♥

Sometimes we need to take time and think about what we truly want. Sometimes we need an evening without pictures. Sometimes we need time with friends without discussing our recent dramatic events, because we can do that anytime. We need time to laugh a lot, talk about positive things in our lives, eat unhealthy food, watch a comedy/romance and just be. Tonight was that for me with some of my favorite girlfriends.

Here's to what a perfect night is in my eyes ♥

What do you Love?

Happy Friday to everyone. If you aren't working this weekend, that means all that stress that you've been dealing with the past few days is either on hold or vamoosh! It's time to enjoy these days that we're given to catch up on chores (yuck), run around like crazy doing errands.. I hope though you find some time to enjoy the things you LOVE!

The beautiful colours of fruit...

A very, very clean kitchen... that will not stay like this for too long, but I can at least enjoy the moment!

My curtains that are only a few weeks old. I love the light that hits them causing a pretty tint of yellow in our Living Room..

Did I mention that tonight is Ladie's Night?! Oh yes.. you know what that means...

Sticking with the theme... what I really love is the beautiful decor that two of Charlie & I, besties bought us. I've had it on the counter so all could see but I finally figured out the perfect spot!

All of the lovely compliments that you all leave. I truly appreciate each and every one ♥

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

It's a lovely day, oh yes it is! The moment I got home, ran inside let Peanut out, grabbed my camera, food and plopped on our deck swing. Have I mentioned it's my favorite place at our house? ♥

Awkward:
-- Bumping into a desk in front of a co-worker and trying to shrug it off. You know how that goes :)
-- Talking to my neighbor while our dogs are smelling each other and I spit because I was laughing so hard. Oops! I didn't spit on her though!
-- When I got was caught out staring at a man talking to himself. Read about it here.
-- Buying some delicious looking tortellinis at the store yesterday and forgetting to get a sauce. Charlie better like butter.
-- My bff and I were texting back and forth about 'tanning'. I read it wrong the first time around thinking it was 'training'. So of course all my questions were around training. She got me on track, lol. 
-- Not knowing how to work my new cell phone, getting a call that I didn't mean to pick up.
-- Even though no one saw I don't mind embarrassing myself what so ever. I was walking in my heels, pretty fast to leave work (still in the building) and I happened to step right out of my right shoe. No tripping involved but a quick 'Holy Crap..' followed by laughter, looked around and realized that dramatic moment was mine alone.

Awesome:
-- Being able to finally see our deck since there's no snow and enjoy our time on it!
-- Charlie cooking two yumm-o-licious steaks last night, they were delicious and it's so great time be able to have dinner together again!
-- Finally ambitious to paint in our house. I've only done the bathroom downstairs but I'm feeling antsy to get a move on with things. So motivation is awesome!
-- Having a Ladies Night at my house tomorrow night with some of my close friends!
-- After much planning, Saturday night will be the first Cousin's Night this year. I'm so thrilled, it'll be Game Night (darts, ping pong, cards).. it's going to rock! I love my cousins ♥
-- Charlie let me use his credit for his cell phone so I could rid mine and get the new Thunderbolt. It's perfect and I can blog on it.. you know how we love that! He's wonderful.
-- Getting to see my bff and give her a house warming gift!

Oops, I didn't mean to stare!

I wanted to share a little story from today. Here it goes:

Today after working later than expected... [insert violins and pity sounds.. aww]... I decided that since I had an hour before Charlie got home I would drive on over to the grocery store.

Now, before I continue with the story because I'm good at getting sidetracked there's something you may not know about me from my blog because I haven't talked about it. I have a little bit of a phobia that came to light when I was 18-19 (I'm 26 yrs now). It wasn't just a 'little' thing when it started but now I do a pretty damn good job at controlling it. You can call it whatever you'd like but they called it Agoraphobia. Doing much research on the topic I never felt I fit all of the 'qualifications' to be defined by such a word, but anyways that's what I have.

To this day I have no idea how it started as I'm pretty outgoing and love talking to people. It started when I would have panic attacks going out in public and it just got worse. I couldn't go places by myself and times I would get somewhere I would freeze up and could not go in (a restaurant for example). Charlie has always been so patient and truly amazing with this, I can't even begin to explain how much!

Getting back to the story! Today I ventured to the grocery store by myself, so please understand that's a HUGE deal for me! I drove to where I felt most comfortable, walked around grabbed some stuff.. well not just stuff, steak!! I was in there for only 10 minutes and so I proceeded to the checkout line. Cashed out, bing, bang boom and headed on out. I got a nice smile and a 'hello there' from a cute, little old man as he passed me.

I was then at my car trying to get situated holding my purse, keys, cell phone and 4 bags. As I'm trying to open my door this man walks bye. He was tall, slender, holding one bag and here's the catch.. he was having one intense conversation. He had no bluetooth in his ear, no cell phone in his hand and was walking alone. I didn't realize I was staring until we locked eyes and he stopped dead in his tracks. He looked down and continue walking, excusing himself from his own conversation. I looked away quickly but it was too late..

There I was disapointed with myself. I've never been one to stare. I wasn't staring at him with bad intentions. I know that one of my thoughts that went through my head was is he okay? Did something just happen inside the store that had him upset? I was staring because I didn't know the answers and I couldn't just ask. I feel terrible for staring because it caused him to stop his conversation. He felt insecure because of me. That's awful. It's awful that society has left us where we care so much what others think. Shame on me! If I could relive that moment again I would have freed a hand, waived and smiled at him. Maybe not waived because realistically there was too much in my hands, but I would have smiled and not stared..

Note to all: I talk to myself ALL day. I talk to myself when I walk, in the car, even when someone is next to me which in turn confuses them. ♥

Trying to get somewhere

We always seem to know where we have to go, where we would like to be in life. The hardest part is the ambition to figure out how. The destination is already built in our minds, the picture is clear as day. It's like going to visit someone far away, you're exciting, you know what you need to pack and so you prep. Then you're thinking 'oy vey' how do we get there? So then the search for directions comes into play. In the end we always get there though, don't we? :)

After my post yesterday I began today following my own advice. Today was a rainy day so I did as Mother Nature asked and let the raindrops wash away my own worries for the time being.  Then I proceeded to reach out to those I haven't talked to in quite some time. They were quick check ins to let them know that I was thinking of them and see how things were going. They were happy and I was too. The positive reactions alone fills my heart and made me realize this was the right choice. I'm thankful for having those in my life as well for being so patient with my as I have left the friendships drift a little ways from shore. It's important to be active in lives around us, those that make a huge impact on us. We need each other.

I get lost just as much as those around me do. We just have to help each other, direct each other, take a hand and drag each other to where we should be going. The hardest part is trying to get somewhere. I'll help you as much as I possibly can ♥

Making this week count!

Welcome to a new week! ♥

Today I wanted to share a love message with everyone. I find myself lately getting extremely caught up in things that have been causing me much stress. I'm working on reducing the stress as quickly yet careful as possible. One thing that I feel I lose site of at times is those around me that need help. I have various friends and family that have just as much or even more stress than I have. Mine I can control, sometimes others can't because of the situations they're put in. 

This week I want to spend reaching out to loved ones and making sure that they're 'Okay'. It doesn't add stress to our lives just checking in with someone to see how they're doing. Even if it's a quick email, phone call, text message, a pat on the back as you pass bye them, a hug, a kiss, whatever is most comfortable ♥ I feel that it's important to do. I hope that if you're in the position I am, where yes.. there's a lot going on in your life but you know you're able to find a few minutes a day to spread some love in other directions. Please do! Let's make this new week count! ♥

Sometimes we just need a friend....

 

Love is helping a Friend!

One of my lovely friends, Brooke at Bright Wishes is one of the finalists in receiving free wedding photography and videography. For those who are in the process of getting married or have been married know how important both of those are in having your wedding documented. Let's help her win this extremely amazing gift! See below for all details. It's wicked quick to vote! ♥ 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So here's what you do again:

1. go to THIS POST

2. comment saying you're voting for Chris & Brooke.

3. and then you'll get a cyber hug for being such an awesome blog friend!

Have a great Monday everyone!

Wishing you all...

.....the most beautiful day! If you happen to be out take a little time to look around. Appreciate those streets you drive up and down everyday. Notice the houses, the little businesses. See the trees as they're getting ready to bring back their leaves. Embrace what Winter brought us and say goodbye because it's Springs turn to show it's beauty! ♥ Give hugs to those you love. Smile at a stranger as you pass bye and ask how they're doing. Believe me you're making their day!

We have a Winner! ♥

Thank you to everyone who joined in on the Giveaway. A HUGE Thank you to the oh so beautiful Melody at Lap of Luxury for having this! We have our winner. Be sure to stop bye and visit Melody to see her amazing shop!!

29 Gifts: Day 8

"No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you - life"

Day 8:  Growing up I was a lucky girl, I know that. My parents are extremely loving and always got us what we needed. We weren't spoiled and we weren't rich but they always did what they could for us. In return my sister and I have always been appreciative of that. They're wonderful. 

Last weekend I went with two of my co-workers to Magic Wings which as quite the experience. I wrote about it here. After we ventured through the land of butterflies we searched for a place to eat. The Yankee Candle Factory was right up the road and my friend raved about the restaurant there. I was in shock when I heard about this restaurant because of one reason. The Yankee Candle Factory is my mom's first favorite place (second is the Christmas Tree Shop). We've gone here many a many a many years and never once did we ever go to the restaurant.

Below is the 'oh mah gawd it was so flippin' good' Restaurant!

So after we ate a fabulous meal we shimmied over to the Yankee Candle Factory. Immediately, I felt guilty. I felt this way because I've always gone there with my Mom and she wasn't there to enjoy the moment. I knew what had to be done. Find her some cute little gifts to bring back home... and so I did!

Below is a spray for linens and all that jazz with the scent of Home Sweet Home. As well my new favorite candle 'Pink Sands' that I had to share with my Mama. Notice the adorable candle holders ♥