Friday, August 30, 2013

Friday Randoms

Hello hello! Happy Friday lovelies :)

I've been trying to write everyday but time is getting away from me. I miss you all!

Due to where we are (see below), I cant exactly type up a regular post, so here are a few random things that have been happening.

1. I posted about the start of Topic of Conversation, a link up, yesterday. You can see it here. The first link up will be next week!

2. I met with my three teachers this week. The first teacher is wonderful. She was telling me one of our group projects will be having to go observe things at a cemetery. Creep or interesting? The other two teachers are a lot older. Not always bad but don't really seem to have a personality. I personally like teachers who can at least make it a little fun. But we'll see!

3. Class starts on Tuesday and I've avoided putting everything together until this week

4. I'm so excited to say I got a new design! I wanted to find something that seemed like me but was also inviting. A perk of getting a new design? A blog button!!! Please let me know if you'd like to swap! I'd love to have you join me on my sidebar :)

5. I'm so excited to say that I might be getting a job. A big question I have is if anyone knows about direct sales? It's a company that sells products. It's kind of like 31 or Mary-Kay but this company is geared towards health and fitness. I would get to work from home and it's like my own business.

6. I have a bunch of posts for next week already planned! Go me! I cant wait for you to read them.

7. Lastly, we went on a mini vaca. My parents, Brian and I. I cant wait to show you pictures!

 
 
Happy Friday!!
 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Topic of Conversation; a link up!

Do you try to reflect at least once a day?
Do you like having a girls day and just talking for hours?
Do you like giving encouragement to others?

If you answered yes to any of these than this link up is for you!

Welcome to Topic of Conversation!

As bloggers, we like to share our fun experiences, our DIY projects or recipes. While it's great to get to know a bloggers personality, especially if ours is very similar, it's also nice to connect on a deeper level though. A level where we connect through encouragement, advice, or prayer. Sometimes we dont get to see the struggles or same accomplishments. This link up will do just that!

Each week a new question will be posted. Some questions will be super easy and some may make you think. 

Rules:
1. Follow your host (me) through GFC
2.  Link up your post with the answered question from the previous week
3. Grad the button and tell your friends to come on over!
4. Visit some other blogs! Encourage, give advice, make conversation
5. Sit back, grab some coffee and talk to a friend!



 photo coffeecopy_zps3d223281.jpg "/>



The first question is:

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Our favorite summer activity!

It's really Tuesday already?! Gosh. Just a week until school starts back up.  Where has the summer gone? Is anyone else feeling that way? We had a nice relaxing weekend. My mom and Brian both worked all weekend so it was father/daughter time. We went to dinner, relaxed in the backyard and went to the lake for a bite.

While there I realized that I actually havent shared with you all the one thing that makes our summers awesome. I've mentioned it to some of you a few times and always get the usual "oh my, that's so cool!" What am I talking about? If you've read this here blog long enough, you'd know I mean Jetskiing. It's something we look forward to every summer. Getting to relax, eat, have fun and spend time with family. Whats better than that?

Let me back up a minute. Two of my Uncle's had wave runners before us. We'd go and ride on theirs. We had gone out on some while on vacations but it hadnt been as personal. We may not be the most adventurous people but being on the water, in the open air and having fun at the same time seemed like our speed. Everyone kept saying that we should get one. We didnt have any "toys" before. My mom had her fancy camera to do photography but my dad didnt have an "outlet' He worked 12 hours 5 days a week and wasnt able to enjoy going on fun outing with us, so this would be his time. My parents toyed around with the idea. Surprisingly buying a wave runner isnt something you can take lightly  For one it cost ALOT of money. About $8,000. Who knew, right? I'm pretty sure my parents jaws dropped when they heard the price. You have to have it winterized every year, re-registered also like a car which costs a good chunk and just the small maintenance  If something goes wrong with it, well you better hope it's nothing extreme. You also have to watch out when your in the water. One of my uncle's has had to pull his out many times due to something getting stuck in the bottom. It took about a year of debating. Was this something we'd be able to afford? Would it be worth it? Would we still love it in a few years? This was a long term thing, not just something we could sell at the end of summer. They finally came to the agreement to buy one. They bought it in May of 2009 and we couldnt be happier! 

It's something that has made our lives so much more fun. The thrill of going 50 miles an hour in open water, getting wet from the other waves. Sometimes we jump off in the middle of the lake. We park it at the sand bar and just float in the water. I feel happiest when I'm out there. I have peace, I can think, I feel calm. If you can afford it and it's something you'd be interested in, I say go for it. It's brought our family closer together. 

You may have noticed that in the second paragraph I refereed to it as a Jetski but after that I called it a wave runner  Well, that's because they are different. Yes, a jetski and wave runner are two different things. It's something you probably wouldnt know if you arent into boating and all that. A wave runner is considered a boat. That's what we have. A wave runner can fit 3 people while a jetski can only fit 2. While in the water, you can sometimes stand on the jetski and drive. With the wave runner you cant. In some bodies of water they say you can only have boats and not jetskis. We fit that criteria. If I were to give a review, I'd say a wave runner is better. Maybe I'm a little biased since I've rode on a jetski maybe once but just from observing the wave runner seems to be safer  Reason being is that it's heavier. A jetski seems like it would tip very easily. 

Dont get me wrong, a wave runner can tip too if you make a mistake. A mistake you ask? Yup, there are rules for riding a wave runner  Rules besides no standing and stuff l like. You have to turn into on coming waves. If the waves are big, be prepared for a bath! If there are two people on the thing and you are making a turn, one person has to lean to the left and the other to the right. I get so freaked on that part! One time Brian took out a wave runner and I hopped on the other with my dad. Went went out to the middle and met up with each other. They both stopped and just let them float. After being done talking my dad started to go but because of the angle, the wave runner started to turn...and we both fell in. Thank goodness for life jackets!

Here are some pictures of our days at the lake:



Dont they look like twins? We can never tell who is who when they are out in the water together


One Uncle has a boat. We loved riding in it!



Nothing better than riding side by side!


It's not very cooperative with your hair...


The girls have fun at the sand bar!


That's a cousin and Brian. She was "attempting" to stand


They love fishing!


Probably my favorite picture!


Riding around while the sun is setting is breath taking!


Nothing better than fireworks!


Tubing was fun! Except when you got thrown overboard


What kid wouldnt love this?


This was my dad's cake for his 50th birthday. Pretty much sums up our thoughts on the whole jetskiing experience



Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sunday Social - being a kid again

Happy Sunday friends! I hope your weekends have brought you relaxation and fun. It's been beautiful here so it's been nice to get outside! 

It's Sunday again which means Sunday Social and this week's question are awesome! I've been talking alot lately with other bloggers about how we kind of wish we were younger again and got to do all the fun kid things! It's funny how when your a kid or teenager you dream about when you have a "big girl job" and a house and a family. Yet now, we kind of miss those days when we didnt have a care in the world


Sunday Social




1. What do you miss most about being a kid?

Hanging out with my two best friends. We met in kindergarten and started doing everything together. they live one street over from us, and they still do! We dont see each other really ever anymore except for the dinner dates once every few months. But just the fact that we've been friends our whole lives. We used to do everything and anything together. If only we were mature enough back then to actually realize how special and unique our bond was

2. Dd you have a nickname growing up? What was it?

It was Krissy. Play off of the real name..boring :)

3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess? 

We were blessed to have a great playground at our elementary school! We had many rules at recess. I know, come on! One rule was that we couldnt just sit and talk to our friends, we could have fun if we were in motion. Which meant we were always climbing on the monkey bars or the slides. Favorite hands down was foursquare!

4. What did you want to be when you grew up? 

a Teacher. I have loved children ever since I can remember. I loved helping out in our classrooms. I figured that if I could help students learn and I could pass down all my experiences than I was doing something right.

5. Did you participate in any school activities? 

I wasnt and am still not a sports girl. I was always the nerd who would come home from school and do her homework until it was done perfect. Although my best friends and I did particulate in the school's talent show. Here's a picture and if you want to read the whole story you can find it here

6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about?

Oh gosh, I did some pretty funny things. I think one time that I always cringe about when hearing is when my mom and I went to the food store. Now, I love color. If it has any type of color it stands out to me. So apparently, the nice little things of crafting ribbon that were in a small bin at checkout looked overly good that day. so, I took one and walked out. I'm pretty sure I felt guilty five seconds later. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Blackberry Cobbler + a Giveaway!

If you remember from two Mondays ago, I wrote about our weekend and how we went blueberry picking. You can read it here if you havent already! I mentioned how we live 5 minutes from the country which means we get the please of going to the farm and getting to pick all sorts of things.

This past Saturday my mom, grandmother and I took an impromptu drive down to the farm to pick blackberries! My mom and grandmother are big fans. Me though, not so much! I think they have too much of a sweet/bitterness to them. We got a good amount and they were big! My mom searched on pinterest for a nice easy recipe and came up with this one. I tried some and it was actually really good. I would choose an apple crisp over it, though, any day but it was good and I'd have it again.


Ingredients:
  • 4 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Garnish: fresh mint sprig

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°
  2. Place blackberries in a lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish; sprinkle with lemon juice
  3. Stir together egg, sugar, and flour in a medium bowl until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle over fruit.
  4. Drizzle melted butter over topping.
  5. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.
  6. Let stand 10 minutes
  7. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired
  8. Enjoy!

Linking up with Ashley and Jessica

------------------------

Now for a giveaway!

You can find me over at Rachael's blog as I help host this fabulous giveaway. 



First of all, thank you to AMY O jewelry and Country Club Prep for sponsoring this!
I have the most dedicated and awesome Letters from a Mermaid readers, 
and you deserve to be spoiled!

Sara from Sincerely, Sara will also be helping sponsor this giveaway!
Check her out! She's an AWESOME and inspiring creative writer!


Kristen from Happiness Is a Mood, Not a Destination will also be hosting this 
giveaway on her site as well! Kristen has become one of my best blog friends!



One lucky Letters from a Mermaid reader will be receiving $30 to Country Club Prep
and also the beautiful seafoam Hamptons Weekend Bib.  


I am so excited for one of you lucky readers to be pampered by winning this giveaway!

It runs from August 20th to September first, so you have plenty of time 
to enter. Remember to check back daily because a lot of these entries can be done each day!

Good luck, everyone!

xoxo, 
Rachael


Monday, August 19, 2013

5 things and an announcement!

Happy Monday!!!! I hope your weekends were super. We didnt do much. Saturday we went to dinner at a favorite restaurant! Yesterday Brian took me with him up to the airport where he flys for the BBQ they have once a month. It was fun and the sunset was gorgeous :)

Short story: There were three people sitting at the table next to us at dinner. Two gentleman and a woman. The men seemed to be alot older (I'd say late 80s). At one point I turned around to see one of the old men trying to pick up his menu that had fallen on the ground. He was so close to grabbing it...his fingers could touch it but couldnt grasp it. It didnt help the chairs are the kind that have arms so its hard to bend over them. I got up and said that I'd get it. He looked at me with a blank face (he wasnt able to talk much and seemed to be a little weak) He was able to muster up the BIGGEST smile and say "thank you sweetheart". It honestly was the greatest feeling. Totally made my day!


Anyway, today I'm mixing it up because my wonderful and lovely bestie, Rachael, tagged me in her 5 things post. 

5 Blog Crushes (tagged!)




5 things I have a passion for:

Family
Photography
Dogs
Blogging 
Helping others 


5 things I'd like to do before I die:

Re-learn French
Bungee Jump
Write a book
Create a stronger connection with the Lord
Raise a beautiful family


5 reads I love:

(Needing to read) Bossypants!
The Castle/Nikki Heat books (kind of obsessed)
Something borrowed
The Time Travelers Wife
Anything Nicholas Sparks


5 favorite movies:

The Notebook
Dantes Peak (if you havent seen it, do it! So emotionally heartfelt)
The Christmas shoes (I kind of cant wait for December!)
A Walk to Remember
The Wizard of Oz


5 places I want to travel:

Italy
Alaska
All the places the Bachelor and Bacheloretts go! :)
Europe
Canada



Also! Come back for a giveaway and a special ("must read") post on how you can Pay It Forward!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sunday Social



Sunday Social


1. What is something you’ve always wanted to do but are afraid of?
Sky Dive!!! Now I know that it's unlikely that anything bad would happen but I dont really like the unknown. Plus falling from what seems like forever away isnt at the top of my list. Plus it would mean getting into a small plane. If I cant even muster up the nerve to go up with Brian I dont know how this would happen. My dad and cousin did it though and it was amazing to watch!
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Realistically it's hard to answer. Things change everyday. Things have happened in the last few years that I hadnt expected but have been a blessing. But if I had to say: living in a nice house with a child or two and Brian and I both reaching our goals if we havent already!

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013?
We have lots planned! I think I"m looking forward to going to Disney in December the most! I havent been since I was 4.

4. What are your hopes for your blog?

I hope that it can keep growing with readers and with me personally. This is an outlet to write and document everything I'm feeling and doing. I also hope that at some point along the way I can inspire others.

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?
I would love to stay here! I've lived in the same house all my life and I wouldnt want it any other way. I loved living with Brian in Massachusetts but it never felt like home. I didnt get the same feeling as I do here. Plus there it was pure city and here it's quiet and country. I would love to raise my own family in this house too someday!

6. What is your morning routine?
Honestly it depends on the day. But usually I spend the morning catching up on the blog and spending time with my mom and Brian. We dont normally get out of the until after lunch. 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

That Time I.....Had a Job

Although I'm a day late, I wanted to participate in Alex and Emily's That Time I....

As I've mentioned many times, I've been searching for a job for awhile. I've been blessed to be able to live with my parents and that they have been supporting of me doing school instead of working these past few years. Up until meeting Brian (2009) and getting engaged (2010), I really didnt have financial responsibilities. While many may consider me lazy or something, I'm grateful that I've been able to focus on school. True, Brian and I dont have much money and spend most of our time at home or going places that require little or no money but thats ok. I figure that by giving school everything I have, things will look better in the long run.

What most of you dont know though is that I did have a job. Back in 2004/2005. Where you ask? Not many places hiring people that young. It was a family owned business  My Uncle and cousin decided to go in on it together. the employees were all family. Including my aunt, dad, and cousins. It was such a fun time! I know you'd love to know the name right? It was called The "Holy Cow" Cafe. Now, thats probably not a name you would expect for a diner or even a name you'd like a 40 something year old would pick out, right? Let me tell you how the name came to be. A short story that meant everything.

This was a dream of my aunt and uncle's for a long time. Our family is close as you know and my uncle is the master at making breakfast. He seriously has the best homefries :) Anyway, whats better than having both? It took awhile to get everything together. The space wasn't big and was part of a four business strip on the side of a busy main road/intersection. It was run down a little so it needed alot of repairs. Finally it was done though. Columbus day weekend 2004 is when it opened. But first it was signing the paers. My uncle and cousin met with the people to do that. As i'm sure you've guessed by now, my family doesn't really hold back and we basically say whatever w want. As they each signed the last form, my uncle stood and started to yell "Holy sh**". Luckily for himself, he caught it and replaced it with "Holy Cow, we did it!!!". And that my friends is how the name came about.


The place was so fun! I wish there were still pictures of the whole thing. Everything was cow. The floor was black and white title. There were little cow figures everywhere. Although they dont do it justice, here are two pictures.


Notice the cow curtains in the window...


Thats Jamie. My cousin and part owner. We had fun shirts! And notice the cow on the wall behind him. I'll never forget where North, South, East and West is!


As I said it was so nice having it be family. We had lots of laughs, lots of precious moments, lots of milestones. For Christmas my aunt bought little stockings and stuck them to one of the big walls. Each of our names was one on. Santa was good to us too :) I worked every Saturday morning along with my aunt. My dad sometimes filled in and was one of the cooks (my cousin and uncle usually did the cooking). 

It was an experience I'd never forget. Granted I was 14 and more concerned with everything else on the planet, it was a learning period. I feel like it's important to get kids started young with learning. I'm not talking about educating/school type of learning. I'm taking about learning for the real world. Learning how to deal with people. These days kids spend all the time on their phones or hanging with friends or some of them even get into things they shouldn't. Kids need to learn customer service, or communication or just responsibility in general. I believe alot of who I am today is part of this experience. I'm the shy one. I dont like being center of attention and have a hard time talking to people. This job made me get out there. I formed relationships. I learned cooking skills/cleaning skills which will help me when I have my own house. 

Here are another few things I learned:

that I have OCD/organizational skills - can I just say when you have glass plates stacked way high on a shelf that could easily be bumped and make the plates fall, you kind of get obsessed. And I'm my table wiping skills are better than anyone

You probably want to make sure you're all clear before you empty anything - one day my uncle, my dad and myself were working. We were done for the day, luckily, so we decided to pull the plug or whatever on the sink to make the water drain out (they kept the dirty dishes side plugged and re added water every so often). Well, one pull and bam. The floor flooded, yes, it was lovely. Why? We had no idea. We may have let it like that and not told my cousins the next day...oops. 

I could feel like I was in a sona just by sitting next to the dishwasher while it ran - I have nothing to say for this one. Man oh man it was HOT. I'm pretty sure I let out more sweat on my face in those few months than I have since. 

How to make Belgian waffles.- this was a total score! Jamie started to let me make them for customers and I'd always add cool whip and strawberries. And now that I have a waffle maker at home, I can use those skills too

And most importantly...

That are there amazing people in this world - As I said i worked every Saturday. Alot of people that came in knew my aunt and uncle and cousins or were just family members in general. Then you had the regulars. It wouldnt be a diner without them! We looked forward to theme very week. Then there was this couple. husband and wife. They came in a bunch of times when we first opened. They were the nicest people. Always saying hello and making conversation. Then they started bringing their little boy in. He was about 4. The bathroom was int he  back where I was so they'd have to bring the boy to go potty alot. He'd smile, I'd say hi. We formed a bond. They didnt come in for awhile. They had been coming in every weekend so it was fitting they'd give it a break. We missed them. My aunt and I always said how we missed that cute boy running back to us. One Saturday though, it was busy and we were busy in the back. Who comes running back to us? Yes, that boy. His parents followed and said that "he wanted to come in just to see Kristen". It was the most precious moment. I will never forget that little boy!

Unfortunately, in May of 2005, my uncle and cousin decided to close the business. To be honest, they regret it now but it was what they had to do. It was hard for me. There's another diner there now. It's been there for about 7 years. I will not go in. I'm not even sure why I wont. My dad goes to breakfast there sometimes but for me, it's not something I want to do. 

It was such a great time in my life that I will never forget! 


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Wedding Wednesday - centerpieces and invites!


Hello, everyone!

We are working all summer long to bring you some exciting link ups on one of your favorite topics-weddings! Kristen and I both have wonderful men in our lives (Kristen is engaged!) and enjoy talking about weddings together.  We thought we would join you in on the fun!

There is a linkup below! 
If you are linking up with any similar wedding post (we aren't that strict ;D)
please don't forget to tag us and also put this photo on your sidebar/in your post! 


Copy and paste this HTML code to insert our button:

<a href="http://s1338.photobucket.com/user/rbsparks/media/linkup_zps98bf0304.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1338.photobucket.com/albums/o698/rbsparks/linkup_zps98bf0304.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo linkup_zps98bf0304.jpg"/></a>

Today's Topic: Centerpieces & Invitations

Rachael

I have always had a simple taste in centerpieces. Anything too complicated starts to look
tacky to me. After all, the party is not a show but a celebration. That being said, 
I also believe that centerpieces should have traces of the bride and/or groom's personality. 



I love these simple but romantic mason jar centerpieces. 
Mason jars are so...rustic. They remind me of fall, the ocean, and all things romantic. 


Again, my obsession with mason jars. 
For a nautical wedding, I think yellow and navy pinwheels are a fantastic touch. 


....Mason Jars. Let's just say my wedding might have a lot of them. 


I also think that this is an adorable and original idea for the guest/gift table. 
A lot of people do photo books or photo frames with signatures. 
That's the traditional idea and probably what I will opt for as well; 
however, the idea of writing individual notes and dropping them in a bowl is lovely as well!

As far as invitations go, I also think that this is a spot where wedding planners drop
too much money. I have a simple but bold taste in invitations. I think a simple but sweet 
printable is acceptable with a nice, crisp envelope


These chevron inspired invitations are superb. 


I am aware that the box idea would be overwhelmingly expensive; 
however, I love the navy and sand dollar inspiration!


Kristen

I was just a little excited to write up this post. When I think of centerpieces and invites, I think DIY! Cant beat it.  I've seen so many brides use a wedding planner and just let them do everything and while that isnt always bad, I'm excited to put my own touches on my wedding. Alot of times we over think the fact that alot of this stuff can be DIY type stuff, which then makes it even more meaningful. And lets face it, invites and centerpieces make some of the biggest statements!


Centerpieces:


1. This is such a different look. I personally have never seen it before but I love the light coming up and the beads! I probably wouldnt go for that type of flower though


2. Simple and kind of common. As I've mentioned, one of my favorites! 


3. I was SO excited to find this. Totally unique. It could be used for a winter wedding which is what we want. Again, I'd change the flowers maybe

4. Mason jars, yes!!! I love the DIY element of this


5. Beachy wedding. I figured Rachael would love this!!! Add some aqua and you have it made :)


6. I'm in love with this. So personal!


7. Never thought of using these but I kind of like them and think they are fun!


Now for invitations!




1. Matches with the centerpiece! My sister in law had invites like this!



2. Love pictures!!!




3. Every girl needs something monogrammed



4. A butterfly? Yes! I have never in my life seen this but it's a fun idea :)



5. Lace, so elegant! 
 
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