sneak peak.

cheers to shopping with my hubby

& a little sneak peak :)

one of the many pics taken by our fab guests - this one: Uncle Dan

much, much more to come!

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

freaking fabulous friday.

yes, I know...

it's been a while.

you have to excuse me though,

I just got married 700 miles away

&& had Thanksgiving.

Don't get me wrong.

Thanksgiving is one of my faves

[and will forever be close to my heart]

but paired with the wedding, it was busy.

I could not be happier with the way everything turned out.

It was perfect.

I will talk about the details later.

I am still taking it all in & enjoying the memories, while I patiently wait for my professional pictures to be available.  For now, I will tell you about my

freaking fabulous friday

I came home to quite possibly the best wedding gift, ever.

source

A Tiffany's necklace from my bestie

[love & miss you jes]

monogrammed with my new initial - S

and...

got to go pick up my other wedding band.

[Hubs announced to me the day after our wedding that his gift to me [after MUCH anguish] was my other wedding band.  He has a hard time picking things out for me, which has so far turned out pretty ok for me...that means I get exactly what I want -- i'm not spoiled, wink wink]

So now, let me inroduce

[nevermind my unprofessional photography]

my entire wedding ring set.

love.it.

I am such a lucky lady ;)

I will be back shortly to recap & share pictures...no worries!

Ashley.Rebekah

niner, niner, niner...

yes.

nine days...

and I'm on CLOUD NINE!

And, I wanted to share a few things with you.

First of all, meet my new friend Rapid Lash.

source: google images

A friend of mine owns a spa and she introduced me to this fabulous stuff.  I was blessed with almost no eyelashes.  My mom has hardly any, and I undenyably got her genes in the eyelash category.  I have them, but they are definately thin and short. Not the ideal combo.  Anyway, that fabulous friend of mine surprised me with some Rapid Lash, and boy did I have no idea what I was in for!  After about 3.5 weeks of feeling no results, it seemed like one day I woke up and had lashes.  Now, they are long and beautiful and I won't have to get eyelash extensions for the big day afterall.  Thanks for saving me, dear Rapid Lash!  And to any of my bloggie friends that share my eyelash issue, I would definately recommend this magical stuff! [although I am not real sure where you can buy it other than a spa or specialty salon; and it cost $40 -- well worth it though!

let me know if you try it :)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

i've got it.

on Saturday, I finally ventured out

to get my flip.

previously discussed here.

this little gadget is quite possibly
the coolest thing ever.

 

It is compact, easy to use

& oh so accessable.

I can not wait to use it do document the fun things in life: you know, random wedding week events to share with all 10 of my loyal blog pals. 

I have been quite absent, keeping busy doing wedding preparation things like cooking dinner every night, doing lots of laundry, cleaning, dishes, walking the dog, working out, tanning, getting my hair & nails done, etc.  I'm pretty sure you get it, if you don't & you're wedding planning -- you will.

So, in true bird fashion, I will remind you:

I am getting married in

days!

We have been packing our things & can.not.wait. to head back to Ohio on Friday after we both get off work.  We are going to get in just on time to celebrate the biggest rivalry in college football:

Ohio State v. MICHIGAN

and I will be true to the family, proudly cheering on the

maize & blue

come on boys! make us proud!

I will try my very best to keep on top of posting during wedding week.  We have a lot in store. 

Monday: Marriage License

Tuesday: Pedicure with my mom & the girls

Wednesday: organizing wedding stuff

Thursday: Thanksgiving/RELAX!

Friday: Decoration Nation & Rehearsal

Saturday: THE BIG DAY!

love & patience :)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

reading...is relaxing

whenever I get

bored

or stressed

or anxious,

I read.

This past week, I went on a serach for a new book to read.  I have read several Nicholas Sparks novels & was on the search for the next best read.  I went to the library at school [which didn't have much to offer, it is a middle school people] and was contemplating going to the public library...until I went to Target.  I have mentioned, several times, how much I LOVE Target for ohsomany reasons.  As I was in one of my browsing visits, I strolled past the books/electronics and spied a new read:

source

I have been past the section SEVERAL times and the books "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue" and been very tempted to purchase, but resisted.  I came across this book "Vision in White" and just couldn't pass it up with my urge for a good book paired with my wedding wonderfulness mood.  I bought it and I would recommend it to ANYONE looking for a good read, and especially if you're wedding planning.  It is a SUPER CUTE read with lots of detail, Nora Roberts is FAB! It is a story about 4 friends who role played weddings as children, and grow up to own one of the most fantastic businesses that covers all aspects of weddings from the venue to the photographer.  These girls have a great thing going, I'm tellin you!  If you are in the wedding mood [or just coming out of it for that matter] it is a MUST READ.  I am almost finished and can.not.wait. for the next one.

Have you read any wedding books?

Hope you all have a fab weekend ;)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

yep.

it's true.

I have been a bad blogger.

A while back [30 days or so], I vowed to post each day for the last 50 or so days. 

I think that was about 4 posts ago. hah.

two wittle birds are getting married

in just 17 days!!

Nevermind the fact that I have to be back to work the Wednesday after I get married.  Nevermind the fact that my flight back to SC [by myself, yes, three days after the wedding my Hubster will be staying in Ohio to hunt & I will be returning to work] arrives in ATLANTA at 10 pm Tuesday night, and I MUST be at work the following morning to greet 400 middle schoolers as Mrs. Sessler!

nevermind all of that.

I am getting married

[must I remind you, in 17 short days]

to my best friend,

THE man of my dreams

and I couldn't be happier!

On a totally unrelated note, I have been doing some research.  The state gives each teacher in South Carolina a $275 supplement to purchase classroom supplies.  Although I am required to turn in the receipt, at the end of the day I get to keep whatever I purchase.  Last year, I bought an iPod Touch.  I love it, absolutely love it.  I can use it at school to play child appropriate music & fitness videos for the kids.  I can also use it for myself :)  So, you could say that I like to use this money wisely. I like to purchase things that I can use, but wouldn't usually splurge on.

and this is what I want:

source

meet the flip.

The latest & greatest in hand held video recorders. About the size of a cell phone, this beauty records up to 120 minutes of HD video with audio, which is easily transferred to your computer via a usb port.  I'm thinking this is fabulousness :)  I have been eyeing up the uses: honeymoon footage, crazy dog footage, random sc footage, etc. See? I should definately do it.

Do you know anyone with a flip? 

Well, that's enough for now...I will try my best to keep posting between now & wedding time.

Happy Hump Day!

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

guys & [sugar] dolls

i only have 8, yes EIGHT followers, and I got an award:

thank you, Sassy Bride on a Mission!

now this requires me to share 10 random things:

1. I have 3 brothers: one older & two younger.

2. FH & I met at a wedding :)

3. I love love love my dog it might be unhealthy

4. Target makes my heart warm, I love to just look. It is fun to me, even when I'm not buying anything!

5. I am originally from Ohio, transplanted in SC and I don't really like it.

6. I teach middle school.  I am might be crazy.

7. I was never close to my mom, until after college. Now, I don't know what I'd do without her [i love you  mom!!].
8. FH & I have never been to the movie theatre together
9. I absolutely love Thanksgiving & Christmas time.  I will start listening Christmas music the day after my wedding [usually the day after Thanksgiving, but this year, I can't bear to think that fall is over until after my fall wedding].

10. Other than FH, playing & coaching volleyball is my passion

and to share the love with my loyal followers:

[other than Miss Kris & SBOAM who are already proud recipients - who both, by the way, deserve this award...]

Born to Be Mrs. Beever

Heather @ Live.Love.Laugh

M.K. @ Chaotic Bliss

Candice  @ Lovely Tonight

Jeana @ My Dream Ring

&& I want to thank all of my fabuloussss followers.

On guys: mine is fab.  He scrubbed the whole bathroom today, did the dishes that I have been avidly ignoring, and did laundry. I sure do love him :)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

mmmmyesssss...

It certainly has been a while, or just simply far too long...

[insert Don't Worry 'Bout It ~ Shedaisy]

i seriously wish I knew how to insert youtube videos. this post could use it!

BUT, a certain someone is getting married

THIS MONTH!!

and that certain someone is

ME :)

don't hate me for counting down:

18 days until we head back to Ohio

26 days until the wedding

and i am ohsoexcited, I can hardly handle it!

I really hope we can snap a shot very similar to this:

source: google + fall wedding

I am really sorta nervous about the camera being in my face all day! I am not used to being the center of attention at all.  I will be practicing my wedding face & natural smiles here in the upcoming weeks. Don't judge me if I get all done up and have my FH snap some pics with the digi...

How are you getting yourself ready for the camera?

Well, it's true. I'm an excited blogger bride.  Stay tuned for all sorts of random posts & randomness while I whirl around in circles in this wedding magic!

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

helloooo [is anyone out there?] ?

So I have been a member of blogland for a while now, 58 posts to be exact.  And I still only have 8 followers.  Not that I am interested in other people stalking my life...but really, I guess I just don't have it. Perhaps my life isn't interesting enough, or maybe I am not an interesting blogger...because, I assure you, my life IS interesting.  Seriously. I teach Middle School. That in itself is interesting enough, and the stories are definately noteworthy most days, but I suppose with my best shot at professionalism...not blog worthy.  So I resort to wedding jibberish, and random photos that give my best at how things are, well, going.

Here in about 33 days, I will be a married lady and probably not have anything else to blab about [not that I have anything now]... So I suppose I shall evaluate where to go before I get there, right?!

While I think, I will continue to shower you with my online shopping steals & wedding fun-ness.

brown boots.

I have been SEARCHING for weeks.  I want cowboy boots, but I just can't justify the cost, I mean I'm getting married and I need to be on a budget.  I want a nice pair that aren't going to be ruined after one night, helloooo I would have been at Payless months ago [but really their stuff is NOT to die for anyway].  I don't want a heel, well because it's obvious that a 6'+ female does NOT need help.  So the search continued.  I went to Macy's, Kohl's, Belk, JC Penney, Sears & Dillards stores & online to see what I could see.  I discovered that I am WAY too picky selection is limited, at least for size 11.  I made one last stop at target.com before I went and spent way too much to settle for something that I didn't L.O.V.E.
This is what I found:

source

and I totally LOVE them! As soon as I found them [& of course ordered them immediately], I rushed to the local Target to check them out [they do not have the "brown" in stores yet].. They are FAB!  Exactly what I was looking for, at an oh-so-reasonable price.

 and that. my friends. is a deal. [and a happy bride-to-be]
[[did I mention that these lovelies will be debuting at my rehearsal dinner with my Vicki's dress??]]
mmmmmyesssss monday :)


.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

splurge..[or not]

I really want to post about lingerie & my feelings on that, but I suppose the teacher in me is very leary... so, I will resist.  However, I am really excited about this cute little outfit that I did purchase...

source

and....

source

They both come in several colors.  AND...the best part: Less than $12 for the pair. LOVE them :)

I also discovered a fabulous thing that excites me so much I can hardly find the words: LONG ATHLETIC PANTS.  You see, I am a PE teacher and I have a really hard time finding pants that are long enough!  I wind up usually buying mens, which have the longest torso ever! Just because I'm tall does not mean I need a long torso'd pant...hi, I don't like my pants up to my, well, you know....

anyway, these babies were only $14.95, which is a STEAL, plus they are super comfortable, long & perfect!

source

Thank you aerie, you made my day :)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

What a chilly Monday in SC!

today was pretty...chilly.  I was startled abruptly at 6am by the shuddering puppy next to me.  She had to potty, and was cooooolllddd.  Afterall, she only weighs 10lbs.  So I hopped up and turned on the space heater [yeah, we don't use our heat - expensive + SC cold has NOTHIN on OH cold!] and took her outside.  She did her little deed faster than ever & we both scurried back under the sheets.  Eventually, it was time to get up and I ventured out to my Monday mornin' car line duty - arf.  I stood outside and froze for a half hour. Fabulous Monday.  Anyway, as I stood there, all I could think about is how much I am craving some fabulous vegetable soup.  I will share the recipe wtih ya:

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients:

3/4 lb. of skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into 1" cubes

3 small or 2 medium sweet potatoes, pared and cut into 1" cubes

1 large onion, chopped

1 large can (28 or 29 oz.) diced tomatoes with chiles [I use Rotel]

1 can (14.5 oz.) fat free chicken broth

1 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 1/2 cups frozen corn (do not thaw)

Preparation:

In 4-quart slow cooker, combine chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, tomatoes, broth, oregano, and cumin.  Cover and cook on LOW for at least 6 hours.  Stir in corn, cook on HIGH until potatoes and chicken are tender, about 30 minutes.

GET THIS: Per serving: 270 calories, 1.5 g fat, 7 g fiber [that is AWESOME, by the way]  --- makes about 4 servings.

This recipe is SO EASY! I usually cut everything up the night before [like I did tonight], so that I can just throw it all into the crock pot before I head to work.  Also, I usually double it all because we really love this soup, and I like to take it to lunch and maybe freeze some [if FH leaves any for the freezin'].  I like to make corn bread muffins as well to go along with the nice warm soup in the belly. MMMmmmMMM...

** I take no credit for this recipe, it is totally a WeightWatchers original that I stole from my mom a couple of years ago...totally worth it**

Anyway -- I had a fab weekend, with two extra days off, it was wonderful!  I got to shop, and pick up some of the necessities from my registry using some of the gift cards that I still have from my shower. 

Finally -- I want to make reference to the wonderful GIVEAWAY going on over at Miss Kriss, I would TOTALLY love to have the cards.  I heart stationary [& Starbucks] :)  Yeah, I know I'm late...but I've been busy, ok?! [hehe]  If you don't make it in time for her giveaway, check her out anyway, her blog is so fun to read, she's a witty one!

Hope everyone is staying warm! It is wayyy too early in the fall to be this chilly, but hey -- who's complaining when we can eat some nice & warm soup!?

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

accomplished.

Sorry for the .... lack of posts ...

I have been a busy little beaver, crossing things off of the list like a good little bride-to-be.  I am so excited, as the countdown is nearly in the 30s!  Holy fast, I want it to hurry and at the same time, I can't believe it is almost here!

Today was a "teacher work day" and I made great use: wedding thingssss :)  Tomorrow I have the day off for a much needed extra day to the weekend.  My list of to-do's is dwindling & the excitement is mounding.  Some of the things I have done lately:

• Touched base with officiant to finalize times, details & bible verses
• E-mailed the cake designer to let her know when she can get into the venue to set up, day of
• Mailed remaining cake balance
• Typed list of to-play and not-to-play music, reception order & details
• Mailed remaining DJ balance
• Mom bought fall wrapped Hershey kisses to complete the favors
• Wedding & Rehearsal dinner invites are sent & received :) [everyone LOVES them]
• Confirmed Wedding night Hotel room
• Confirmed reservation & remaining balance with limo
• FH got fitted for his tux

Need to do this weekend:

• RE-DO the Sears registry [without FH :( ] off the top of my head
• Find boots to go with my Rehearsal dress
• Find a shawl/scarf/wrap for over my shoulders during our outdoor pictures
• workout
• tan

I suppose I have my work cut out for me.  So relieved to have an extra day this weekend & FH is out of town, so that means I get to do some exxxxtra browsing without having to rush home :)

[random photo from google: thumbs up bride]

have a wonnnnnnnnnderful weekend ;)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

Fifty Nifty!

Ladies & Gentlemen...

Drumroll please...

[google images 50]

we have officially reached the 50 day mark.  In just 50 days, I will be a Mrs! I can NOT wait. 

Dear 50 days: will you please hurry fast. thanks.

After a super whacky Friday at school, I was more than excited to come home to my little beautiful....

clutch.

source

I am SO excited.  I can hardly contain myself!  I didn't even know when I ordered it...It is the exact same material [satin] and color ["mocha" according to Target, which is really more like taupe to me...] as my shoes! BONUSSSSSSSSSSSS!  Oh, and I only paid $8.49 for it. Yep.  I really love a good deal.  I am just so thrilled with how cute it is.  thankyouverymuch iloveyoutarget.

And, justincase you forgot, these are my wonderful shoes:

Which I also purchased at Target, way back in the spring.  I am so excited, I can hardly wait.  I have been being a very good girl, working out & tanning.  AND may or may not be dreaming the next 50 days of work away. so what?!.

Have a good weekend :) God Bless!

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

seriously [i'm feeling a little stressed]

Here is the story of my fabulous DIY invitations...

We worked very hard for over 4 hours to complete 230 invitations. That's right. Two hundred and thirty.  Anyway, my FMIL has some fabulous friends.  One of them justsohappens to work at a post office.  As I knew that a couple of my invitaitons were going to be "close" she assured me that if I got them to her, she would hand cancel each of them [how nice of her] and make sure they got sent out with no extra postage.  PERFECT.  Not that I wasn't willing to pay the postage, I'll admit that I was down for saving a few extra cents if I could.  I was completely confident that she knew what she was talking about and had it all under control.

WRONG.

Much to my dismay, my MOH called me today with bad news. Bad, bad news.  I am quite mortified.  This situation was supposed to be taken care of.  Anyway, my MOH's mom received a fancy little sticky note from Miss Post Office. 

You have a package from Ashley.Rebekah awaiting you at the Post Office. 

In order for this package to be sent, you need to pay $.20

Hi.  I'm Ashley.Rebekah and I'm MORTIFIED!!!

What in the WORLD am I supposed to do?!?!

[toast at reception: Hi.  Thank you for coming. First of all we would like to appologize for the fact that some of your invitations cost you $.20 to receive.  Thank goodness you are all our family and friends and obviously realized that the package from Ashley.Rebekah that was waiting for you at the post office was your wedding invitation...] < not really, but seriously. what do you do?

ugh.

My mom is going to go to the local post office [my hometown P.O., no less] tomorrow morning to see if there are any more that require the $.20 so that she can pay and have them sent.   What if there are any at other post offices?!?!

On a good note. They are out [and not all of them require extra postage], my volleyball practice went great & FH's cowboy boots arrived & they are PERFECT.

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

p.s. FH hates me blogging, what an attention hog! ;)

weekend recap.

As you may know, my parents came down from Ohio for the weekend.  It sure was great to see them.  We watched some football, did some shopping, and squeezed in some sight seeing.  I miss them dearly!  Here are some of our pictures from the weekend.  We explored around Table Rock State Park, and I had mom take some pictures of us together ;) we're cute.

beauuuuuutiful view of the mountains:

such a peaceful drive:

My Mom & Dad [are too cute]:

...and so are we. [I love sepia :)]

I'm not sure that blogger is doing these pictures any justice.  oh well.

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

Fabulous Friday

My parents will be here shortly, visiting us for the weekend from Ohio.  I am so excited to see them!! We will be enjoying a weekend of football & great food together, followed by a little bridal shower at my church on Sunday.

Post on Monday, have a great weekend!

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

groom[smen] attire

here is the fabulous suit ensamble that my hot groom & his groomsmen will be sporting on our big day [which is, only 59 days away thankyouverymuch].  Men's Warehouse's very own Chocolate Tuxedo:

source

groom: ivory shirt & vest with a little "tie"

his men: ivory shirt, latte vest & "tie"

I feel like I keep repeating myself, and my life is not getting any more exciting. Hurryupandgetherefastweddingday.thanks.

 

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

a groom in boots

My FH loves his cowboy boots.

I remember the very first night I met him, looking down at his feet, like..."seriously?!? what in the H are you wearing on your feet?" I still sorta think that, but I realize that he loves them & their comfort, so I concede.  I do really like that they make him a little bit taller :) I love to feel short next to him!  He's a couple of inches taller than me as it is, but I like to wear flats while he wears his boots.

So these are what we finally chose:

[there is a reason I'm not putting the link & picture source, but I am more than happy to share this good deal with you, if you insist]

After a little shopping around, and trying on...we found the perfect pair.  Of course they didn't have his size in the store...in the color that we wanted.  So I stalked them online [ahem, without the style number or any information] and I finally found them.  I'm so excited to see these beauties peeking out from under his chocolate brown tuxedo pants and adding a few inches to his handsome stature. 

only the best for our wedding day :)

.:Ashley.Rebekah:.

i bought this.

Yesterday I bought this dress for option #2 Rehearsal & Dinner dress.  The first one, that I already received is wonderfully cute, but I'm not sure if it is Wedding Weekend appropriate [more along the lines of girls night out maybe].  So here is option two:

source

AAAAAAAAAAANNNDDD it was on sale. My favorite kind.  I will be getting it in taupe [we'll see how how that color works out] and I will be wearing some sort of tank under it because my cleavage is for my FH I'm a classy lady ;)

.:Ash:.

two months from today...

I will be doing this...

source

[with my very own daddy, making our way to the altar & my FH! YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

I kinda wanna scream.]

and I can.not.wait.

.:Ash:.

check it out!

I know I said that I wasn't going to post, maybe I lied.  I just so happened to remember the FABULOUS giveaway over at one of the bridal blogs that I stalk  read regularly. I admit, I may or may not have a problem with following the lives of other brides via blogger. nbd.  Anyway, this is the dream giveaway.  Heather over at Live.Love.Laugh is giving away a ring dish.  I have been swooooning over the ring bearer/ring dishes at Wise Impressions for months. Literally. Months.  I really want one, but have been trying hard to be a good little bride to be [only 2 months away!] and not spend money... However, here is the PERFECT opportunity.

GIVEAWAY!!

WHOOO doesn't LOVE a giveaway? I know I do.  And I'm competitive, so I'm in it to win it! Get yourself on over to Heather's blog and join in the fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

.:Ash:.

my feathers [are ruffled]...

but my hubby wubby is at the store getting me a bottle of wine.  j.u.s.t. what the doctor disgruntled coach ordered.  I could do without another day like this.  I will spare you details, because I wouldn't want to scare the 7 followers that I do have away...

I will be away this weekend, for classes & to finish enjoying the bottle of wine that hubster is buying now. love.him.dearly. see.you.monday. [today, periods seem to fit my mood perfectly.]

image compliments of google images - wine bottle

the ABCs [of Ashley]

I stole this straight from Heather @ Live.Love.Laugh - check her out :)

I had to take this opportunity to share with you..

drumroll please...

A - Age: 25.

B - Bed size: Queen [need a king!].

C - Chore you hate: folding laundry.

D - : Dog's name: Piper Anne.

E - Essential day-starter: coffee.

F - Favorite color: purple or pink.

G - Gold, Silver or Platinum: silver.

H - Height: 6'1"

I - Interests [other than blogging]: coaching, anything outdoors, working out.

J - Job title: Physical Education Teacher.

K - Kids: two please. [both boys, thanks.]

L - Living arrangements:  we throw our money away monthly rent a house.

M - Mom's name:  Patty.

N - Nickname: Ash, Becky, Ashley Marie, Pookie, Honey, Baby, Sweety [FH never just calls me Ashley, and that's ok with me ;)]

O - Outside or inside: outside for sure.

P - Pet peeve: chewing ice, mouth noises, popping gum.

Q - Quote from a movie: "Don't act like you're not impressed..." ~Anchorman

R - Right or left handed: righty.

S - Siblings: 3 brothers - Austin: 26, Caleb: 22, Cody: almost 21.

T - Time you wake up: 6:21 [well that's when I start pressing snooze].

U - Underwear: AE boy shorts.

V - Vegetable you dislike: lima beans.

W - Workout fav: the elliptical.

X - X-rays you've had: my R knee [I completely tore my ACL playing college volleyball].

Y - Yummy food you make: everything I make is yummy! I love cooking!

Z - Zoo favorite: elephants.

i am...[a child at heart]

I give myself stars for working out. Seriously.

I get one today. After a full day's work,

and coaching a volleyball match...

I still worked out.

[and I thought blog-land should be well aware]

.:Ash:.

tomorrow [the workouts begin]

The FH & I got ourselves gym memberships today :)

We are naturally fit people [he is a retired profesh. football player, and I'm a former college athlete & current PE Teacher].  However, South Carolina happened, a move across country, and we got out of our natural routine. We are very healthy eaters, and rarely almost never eat fast food, so I suppose we are off to a good start.

Starting tomorrow, this will be me:

[image compliments of Google Images: workout girl]

I just want to be very toned in my strapless wedding gown.  You know, I don't want to have flabby arms to show up in every picture! [that's not too much to ask, is it?!]

What fitness thingssss are you doing to get ready for your big day?

.:Ash:.

saving face.

seriously. I'm 25 and STILL getting zits.

they always manage to pop up at the most inopportune times,and stay for far too long. Recently, I started cheating on my loyal Clinique lady, and I am currently paying a huge price. zits. everywyere. [gross x10]

so today, I took it upon myself to return to what works. [I have even tried proactiv, did not work.] You know, my big day is about 2 months off, and I need to be on my best regime well before I walk down the aisle! I pay my respects to the loyal Clinique Acne Solutions:

source

And my go-to OIL-FREE moisturizer:

source

So hopefully from this day forward, we will remain loyal to one another.

What is your go-to facial care?

meet Piper [our puppy love]

I have shown several pictures of her on here...but let's make it official.

Meet Piper: Miss Personality.

She is our full-of-love-and-energy miniature daschaund.

&& she is precious. Most of the time she is acting like a ham, chasing a toy or being cute to earn a treat.  She loves peanut butter, long walks & the puppy park. 

We rescued her from the Humane Society in August of 2008 and she has been a great puppy for us since [I will probably always call her a puppy].  She was a stray, wandering the streets -- who knows what the poor dogs at the HS have been through.  If you are thinking about a dog, look at the local Humane Society!  She was fixed & caught up on all of her shots when we got her [SUCH an expense with a puppy].  We were really lucky to get a purebread, and a dog with a personality that suits us so well!  She is such a joy, we love her so much!

Do you  have any pets?

the dress [bustle extravaganza]

I bought my dress off the floor at David's Bridal.  I'll admit, it's not a place for everyone, but for me & my budget, it was perfect.  I had a great consultant and tried on several dresses.  My mom, FMIL, Grandmother [the only one I have left] and two of my bridesmaids went.  Having the girls there was such a blessing for my moms, they helped me in and out of each dress.  It was a really fun day.  I tried on TONS of dresses at a few different places, but ended up going back to David's to get the one I originally teared up trying on.

So I found the perfect dress, all I needed was a bustle.  PERFECT.  I have a seamstress [hey, when you're 6'1", you need one!].  So this summer while I was in Ohio, we got to work.  I jumped into my dress, with my slip, strapless & wedding day shoes...and we bustled...

and bustled...

and bustled [not gonna lie, I might have been saying a prayer]...

and ran into a length problem.

[[AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!]]

Once I put my shoes on, and paraded around the house, and looked into the mirrors [several times, like a little ballerina] it was too short.  I was in a panic!!  I SWEAR it was long enough before...maybe on the pedistool at the salon barefoot made THAT much of a difference... Anyway, I put my wedding shoes on...[yes, they're flats]...and you could see my toes! Not just my toes, but if I was standing in front of the church, on the end of the step [you know, when they pronounce us husband & wife]...you could see my whole foot.  I could just picture it all in my head.  I almost didn't believe it was happening. [[BRIDAL MELTDOWN #1]] I'll admit: I was frantic! I HATE, HATE, HATE things that are too short. 

THANK GOD I have a good seamstress, and a dress with pick ups & a bubble hem.  Easy fix.

[[deep breath of fresh air.]

Now, I can't wait to get it on and twirl around like a little princess. I am SO EXCITEDDDDDDDD!!!!

.:Ash:.

Myrtle Beach [Labor Day fun!]

so what if it's been a while...

Labor Day Weekend:

My future in-laws came down to visit us from Ohio.  We had a weekend planned in Myrtle Beach.  FH & I have lived here for quite sometime now, and had never been, so we figured it'd be wothwhile.  If nothing else, a relaxing week away from home :)

And it was!

with our puppy love on the beach :) [please excuse the beach hair!]

taking a walk...

Boardwalk at Broadway, Myrtle Beach

All in all, we had a great time and it was a nice little vacation!

Next vacation [or break from work & stress]: OUR WEDDING!!

holy 73 days! [i remember when it was 376!]

sunday cookin'

I got a few cookbooks for my wedding shower.  I LOOOOOVE to cook & bake! Today, I opened them, and decided to try something new.

Today's random recipie: Orange Teryaki Beef with Noodles

 so easy. so tasty.

My FH & I don't eat much beef [we prefer venison] so I substituted chicken.

it looked like this:

and was totally tasty!

get the recipe here! 

(picture from the betty crocker website)

try it. it's wonderful!