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Oh my gosh, I'm an old married lady! I simply cannot believe Blake and I have been married for 6 years. It's been so much fun and each year has had their defining moments. The traditional 6th anniversary gift is candy. It's all about rekindling the sugary sweet romance. (gag, I know!) We are still very affectionate, but I do like the idea of making sure it's a priority and that you aren't just becoming roommates. We are totally best friends, but you've gotta keep the romance going! 

We always get a little sentimental around our anniversary and I love making it a month long celebration. Rereading our wedding cards and going through our guest book is always heartwarming! I think our wedding was perfect, and I love that people still talk about how good the food was to this day. All of the reminiscing reminded me of the things that didn't go so smoothly, and I thought I'd share a few funny and crazy moments from our wedding day! Six moments, for six years.


one// Intoxicated Guest
I was completely oblivious to this! Apparently it was pretty bad and there was some vomiting in the bathroom. I'm so glad I didn't know about this at the time! We had bartenders and a friend in charge of making sure no one over-consumed, but it still happened. 

two// Mega Heels and My Torn Dress
I was SO happy our DJ was great and everyone really danced the night away. I got out there in between saying hello to guests, and while everyone was jumping up and down to Ke$sha's Tik Tok (so 2010!) my dress got stepped on by some pretty high heels! She didn't even realize it, but my bussel ripped and I had to have my friend rig it back up! The safety pins didn't work too well and I ended up holding my train for most of the night. Can't complain too much, everyone was having so much fun on the dancefloor. 

three// Paparazzi
After getting my hair and makeup done that morning, it was time to get my dress on! Fortunately I picked a dress with a zipper so I could get in and out of it myself. I went into my bedroom to get dressed, alone, and then suddenly one of my mom's friends came in and started taking pictures of me in my underwear!! I tried to be modest and quickly get in my dress. I kind of forgot about it until she emailed me with the photos, subject line: For Blake's Eyes Only. They were horrible!! That email was promptly deleted and Blake has absolutely never seen those pictures. 

four// Crazy Mermaid Hair
One of my friends decided she thought I was too calm of a bride and wanted to do something to unravel me. She walked into my house that morning with the crazy shade of mermaid red hair. The joke was kind of on her because I didn't even say anything about it. I think I would have been upset if she had been in the wedding party, but she wasn't. She was an amazing help to me that day, though, so she really could have had rainbow hair and I would still have been okay with it! 

five// Caught Guests Who Ditched The Reception 
Blake and I got to our hotel that evening and were surprised to see some of our wedding guests in the valet line as we pulled up! They ditched our reception a little bit early to go to the hotel bar. We were totally good sports about it, but they obviously felt bad that we caught them. We did pose for a quick selfie with them! 

six// Incorrect Centerpieces 
I spent so much time curating the perfect wedding details. I had pictures of exactly what I wanted given to every single vendor! Quite the accomplishment as this was pre-Pinterest! Walking into the reception I immediately noticed that our centerpieces were not at all what I had commissioned. In fact the centerpieces were basically just a few hydrangeas in a vase of water. But, this was a huge lesson that I took away from our experience and often talk about with engaged friends! No one else noticed that the flowers weren't right. They were gorgeous flowers, and that's all that mattered. Basically, don't sweat the small stuff-you're just as married at the end of the day, no matter what the flowers looked like. 

We had the best wedding. I would do it exactly the same way, if we did it again. My only wish is that I had a videographer. I didn't think that was a big deal, but I've now seen such beautiful highlight videos, and wish I had one. It makes me so happy to think of all of our friends and family there supporting us. I treasure the photos of our guests, especially the ones who are no longer with us. & I love that people still talk about our mashed potato bar! Happy 6 years Blake!! 

Leave me a comment: Tell me your craziest wedding story! Did your wedding go exactly as planned? What would you do differently?


Our 6th Anniversary

Saturday, February 27, 2016

It's been too long since I've done a Currently Loving, especially since this is actually one of my favorite series to write. It was very hard to narrow down my list to five things this time, so I may just have to do a follow up next month! 

one// New Bedding
Spring cleaning is SO exciting to me! I start getting the itch to declutter and redecorate every year right around this time. This weekend we picked up the cutest bench from a yard sale to go at the foot of our bed. That inspired me to clean behind our bed and and then I went kind of crazy. Made a quick stop at TJ Maxx and walked away with some new bedding. I really really like it, although I'm nervous about those white euros with a black pug. May have to pick up some navy sheets too =]


two//Himalayan Salt Lamp
I've read about Himalayan Salt Lampsbefore. They have a lot of health benefits, apparently. The salt emits negative ions which attract dust and allergens. I decided to buy one because I just thought they looked really cool! The glow is so relaxing and I like how it looks in our living room. But, I have to say, I really do think it works! There is significantly less dust, at least in the living room. You'll have to tell me if you have one! 


three// Ed Hardy Body Spray
I had the hardest time narrowing down my list today, mostly because of all the new beauty products I've been trying! I am so proud of myself for going outside of my makeup comfort zone. In the last few month or so I have found that I am really sensitive to scents. Candles are the worst offenders and I've even stop using my febreze noticeables because of it. Such a conundrum because I love to smell good! Perfumes make me nervous because once you spray it on you can't get away from that scent until you shower-problematic if that scent sets off a headache. Body sprays on the other hand are much less strong and I do much better with them! Super long winded way of saying, I have really been liking this body spray by Ed Hardy. Ed Hardy is so tacky, but I LOVE this scent. 


four//Yes to Grapefruit Paper Mask
Yes to Grapefruit Paper Masks are new I think. I've seen a ton of celebrities Instagram themselves with paper masks on, and I was really curious to see what all the fuss was about. I picked these up at Target. I love anything grapefruit flavored or scented! The mask was really cold going on, but I loved how it felt after taking it off. So relaxing too.


five// Ceylon Orange Pekoe Tea
Say that 3 times fast! I've been drinking a ton of tea in the last few months and was introduced to Ceylon Orange Pekoe Teawhen we were at Disney in January! It was SO cold when we were there, I kept ordering hot chocolate and hot tea to keep warm. Disney has a partnership with Twinnings and usually they'd give me English Breakfast or something like that. When they gave me this kind, I was nervous to try it. I'd never heard of it! Don't let the name fool you because there is zero orange in this tea. The taste is really yummy though!


Leave me a comment: What are you currently obsessed with? What do you think of my current favorites? 


Currently Loving - February 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

one// I got a surprise day off on Monday, and it was such a great day! In the afternoon Blake and I took my nephew to the park and had a blast. He is hilarious. After we got tired of the playground we walked over to the soccer field and rolled around in the grass. I got a little itchy after that, but it was fun!




two// Got my Ipsy bag this week! I love getting this subscription and have yet to be disappointed with my bags. I did get a concealer this time that is a bit dark for me, but I think that has a lot to do with my current lack of tan! So i'll be saving that one for a month or two along with my usual foundation. Florida girl probs. 



three// I'm getting so excited for this weekend! I'm heading to Jacksonville for a girl's day trip which includes brunch and tickets to Phantom of the Opera! Doesn't get any better than that. I have seen a few plays a the Times Union theater and they are excellent. Can't wait!

four// Had this song on repeat this week!



five// Here is your weekly Delly! Crazy girl always rolls over like this for belly rubs. She lives the best life. We had a trip to vet this week, which was the most stressful experience! Delly usually freaks out as soon as we pull into the parking lot. But, typically our vet gets us right in and out. This time though we waited in the lobby for at least 30 minutes. Plenty of time for her to freak out even more! We brought her in for her usual Anal gland squeeze and nail trim, which is incredibly exhausting in itself, but she was also having some allergy symptoms and that lead to an even longer ordeal and a higher bill. Little one has to be on some antibiotics for awhile, but she doesn't mind getting extra 'treats', aka pill pockets.  


Have an awesome weekend!

Friday Five

Friday, February 19, 2016


Summary: 
This story follows Lotto and Mathilde, a married couple, for 24 years. The first half of the book is from Lotto's perspective and the 2nd is from Mathilde's. Every story has two sides, and this marriage is full of secrets. 

What I Didn't Like:
Lotto and Mathilde are incredibly unlikeable. Their marriage is so frustrating and just plain weird. And there is absolutely too much sex in this book. Some of it is important to the story, but other times it's gratuitous. 

What I Liked: 
I love books that have 2 different perspectives. It's always so fun to see certain minor details in the 1st perspective actually end up being important in the 2nd. This book really is beautifully written, almost poetic. Some chapters are incredibly attention grabbing, while others I felt like skimming through. The story gets much more complicated in the 2nd half and that's where you'll see the twists-even some that aren't very surprising. 

Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5 Stars (1: hated it, 2: didn't like it, 3: liked it, 4:liked it, 5: loved it)
I really wanted to love this book. Gone Girl did it so well! In that book your feelings toward the characters changed after every page. Fate and Furies tries to do the same thing, but just not as good. I was fascinated by Mathilde's childhood and I really wish the entire book had just been about that! 

Leave me a comment: What did you think of Fates and Furies? What's next on your to-read list?


Book Club: Fates and Furies

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Herringbone Vest: Marley Lilly
Striped Tee: Loft (old!) {similar
Jeans: J Crew
Wellies: Hunter

This is such a classic and cliche blogger look, and I love it anyways! I've been coveting a herringbone vest for months and my sister bought me this adorable monogramed one from Marley Lilly. I seriously love every single thing on their website. They do flash sales all the time too! All I need is a blanket scarf and this look would be extra blogger chic. 

Blogger Chic

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

one// Have you guys seen Ok Go's new music video? It's so much fun to watch. They always put out the most creative music videos, and each one gets better than the last!

two// Blake and I decided to retake our wedding portraits! I was feeling sentimental and started looking through the hundreds of pictures taken on our wedding day. I just didn't even recognize us in the pictures! Blake looked SO young and my makeup was so much more extravagant than I usually wear. Our group photos were nice, but the portraits were awkwardly posed and we look like totally different people. The thought to retake the pictures just popped up and we ran with it. I'm so excited to do it! I unboxed my dress yesterday, and I think it fits me better now than ever! 

three// Fitbit just came out with 2 new bracelets and I'm seriously dying to get one! I lost my Flex a few weeks ago and I'm so bummed about it. Every time I do anything active it's so lame not to get credit for it! I really like the new Alta. I've been saying all along they needed to make a cute and subtle tracker that can also function as a watch. Sign me up!

four// I've been having so much fun doing group fitness! Here is a little picture from this week's Tabata class. We convinced our husbands to come, and it was awesome!! Love my fit family. (Blake and I are on the left) 

five// My friend Monica opened up her Etsy shop this week! She makes the cutest planner stickers. I love using stickers in my planners, and she specializes in Erin Condren stickers. Check it out!


Happy Friday!!

Friday Five

Friday, February 12, 2016

As a kid, I kept several journals and diaries. I'm actually not really sure what the difference is between a diary and a journal. I faithfully wrote in my notebooks in absolutely horrendous handwriting. I recently found a few of these journals when we were packing up my childhood bedroom before I moved out and my parents sold their house. If I could describe being simultaneously embarrassed and overcome with laughter, that's how I felt reading those journals! 
Here is a small sample of the gems found within. Amy is my sister and we never got along when we were little. She is my best friend now, so it all worked out fine! 

Blogging is a form of journaling, but there is still a degree of information withheld and privacy to consider. I love the idea of writing down your deepest feelings, but actually writing more than 1 or 2 entries has been a challenge for me. I was sent the Life-Changing Magic journal by Marie Kondo. I appreciate her decluttering methods, and I think this journal is a great way to declutter your mind! 
There are about 6 blank lines for each day of the year, and 3 years worth of writing room in this journal. I really like the prompted journals, but this one gives you absolute freedom to write whatever is in your heart. And who can't commit to 6 lines a day? After 3 years, this will make such a cool keepsake that includes over 1000 memories and thoughts. Plus, it has little quotes and reminders throughout that remind you to spark joy every day. 

Leave me a comment: Do you keep a journal? How do you feel about your old entries? 



This book was sent to me for free through Blogging for Books and this post contains affiliate links.

Spark Joy Journal

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Ironically, I had both Cam Newton and Peyton Manning on my Fantasy Football team this year. Peyton was my 1st round draft, and he did absolutely nothing all year for me. I was so glad I had drafted Cam as a back up! Because he saved my butt from certain defeat all year long, I had to root for Carolina last night! But, let's be real, the best part of the game is always the commercials! Here were my favorites:

Number one has to go to the Puppy Monkey Baby! It automatically wins because of the pug face. Plus, I can't stop laughing everytime I see this! 



Loved the Shock Top commercial too! "You look like you're on a cleanse that doesn't work."



The Heinz ketchup commercial was so cute! The weiner dogs are adorable, but I think the most precious part is the little kid in the ketchup packet outfit.



Doritos always has funny commercials! This one was probably particularly funny because of the pregnant and recently pregnant people watching the game with us.



While the team I was rooting for didn't win, it was still an awesome evening hanging out with friends and eating junk food! Look out for a future post about what food we made for the Superbowl! It was so good, I think I'm going to make it for a baby shower next weekend too. 

Leave me a comment: What was your favorite Superbowl commercial? Did your team win? What did you think of the halftime show? 

Favorite Superbowl Commercials

Monday, February 8, 2016

I think we can all agree that small talk is the worst. It's awkward, weird and really unfulfilling. As I've gotten older though it's become pretty obvious that small talk is an unfortunate requirement. Whether it's in the elevator at work or riding the bus around Disney World, there are going to be times when chit chat is necessary. 

As an extrovert and people person, small talking comes almost naturally to me. Almost! My husband says I could talk to a brick wall. That might be true, but I still get a little nervous when it comes to starting conversations and making them meaningful. We could all just blurt out what's on our minds, but that doesn't mean what comes out is going to be interesting or helpful. 

I'm also a natural researcher and have made it a project to observe people who seem to have small talking down to a science. Putting a few things into practice has really changed my whole attitude about small talk and I thought I'd share those tips today! 


one// Prepare
As awkward as this step sounds, trust me, it's invaluable! It is so helpful to have a few conversation starters in your back pocket. Keeping up with current events, tv shows or a having a really interesting article to bring up will make sure you have something to talk about. It doesn't have to be anything deep or controversial. 
For example: Have you heard that there are new designs for Barbie dolls? What do you think of them? Do you think it's just a money making thing? Were you into Barbies as a kid? 

two// Ask Questions
I would argue that this is the most important step in making small talk. People love to talk about themselves! It's easy and they know all the answers. The key here is to ask specific questions, without being nosey. A general question, like "How are you?" is going to get a general answer, like "Good."
Try: "Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?" Once they reply you can follow up with additional questions. 

three// Ask for Advice
This tip is a little more situational and kind of depends on who you are talking to. People love being useful and helpful. They will walk away from this kind of conversation feeling really good about how it went. 
Here's one: My husband and I are trying to pick a place to eat tonight, have you tried any new restaurants lately? What should I order?

four// Compliment
If you offer a genuine compliment you will put the other person at ease and they may open up to you more. Again, make this a sincere compliment. Instead of saying a shallow "Oh, I love your shoes, where did you get them?" try: "I noticed you always look so put together, where do you get your outfit inspiration?" Asking where someone bought something can cause them to feel defensive. They could feel embarrassed about where they got it. Plus, are you really going to go out and buy the same ones? Instead, asking them about their style is more flattering and opens the door to so many other questions about their inspiration, where they like to shop and maybe even how they organize their closet. 

Leave me a comment: Do you hate small talk? What are your go-to topics? 


My Top Tips for Small Talking

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

I've talked about my fitness journey a little bit around here, even though it wasn't all that impressive or anything. There are some seriously inspiring stories out there, with some incredible before and after photos! As a teenager I never experienced self esteem issues about my body, even though I wasn't ever in great shape. After Blake and I got married we both gained several pounds, which isn't all that uncommon. The extra weight looked great on my husband, but terrible on me. Although, it's only now that I don't like the way I looked, I was completely fine with it then. I think I'm more conscious of my body now, since I've seen what it can do.


Fortunately for me I found a great workout buddy and we both lost a lot of weight doing a Beachbody program. I loved getting muscles and I even loved that little vein in my arm that suddenly popped out! I was able to maintain that weight loss for a good 2 years. But, last year, I kind of got in a fitness rut. My workout buddy moved away, and we were busier than ever! I tried to stay semi active but I wasn't doing nearly what I wanted or needed to do. 

It was all fun and games until I stepped on the scale last month. I had been avoiding it even though I could tell all my pants were so much tighter. The number isn't important to me, but the way I have been feeling is. The number just confirms it. 

I've learned a few things about myself in the past few years of this journey and if I'm going to succeed I need to implement some strategies that jive with those tendencies! I know that I workout best with a friend (extrovert probs) and I need a class environment. I also need to see results quickly and I need to reward myself often! 

In January, I joined a group fitness studio with two of my really good friends. Those girls are awesome and super motivating! Plus I know they are counting on me to show up, which is a huge push to get to class. Unfortunately, I can only make the evening classes that are offered, and there are only 2 classes a week. I've seen a big difference in my flexibility and strength in just the last month of going, but I think 2 classes isn't enough for me. 

My mom invited me to go to a Zumba class last week at her gym. I was going to go as a guest and pay the $5 for the class. I hate Zumba, by the way, I was just going to support her. Anyways, for just a few dollars more a month my mom can get guest privileges, and bring someone with her every time. Score! There are 2 classes a week that go perfectly with my work schedule, and mom and I can go together. Another check for a class and work out buddy! 

So, that means I will have 4 different classes to go to a week, both with people there who will make me feel obligated to go. No class on Wednesdays or the weekends. I would also like to do something active on the weekends. It doesn't have to be anything major, just a walk or a game of tennis.

I have another goal of cooking more often. We get in and out of the habit so easily. Honestly, the food we make at home tastes so much better than anything at a restaurant. I think it's mainly just a convenience thing to pick something up. My intention is to make an easy meal plan and use my crockpot more. You guys gotta send me your favorite and easy recipes! 

I'm feeling really motivated! Extremely poor timing though considering I just lost my Fitbit! I'm so bummed. I'm saving up for the heart rate band anyway, so it's only a matter of time before I'm up and running again. It stinks not to get credit for all those steps! 

Leave me a comment: How do you get out of a fitness slump? Do you work out better alone or with a friend? 


New Food & Fitness Goals

Monday, February 1, 2016


Hello!

Hi friends! I'm Kristen, and this is the Life and Style of an early 30's Floridian living the Best Life Ever, with her husband and three pugs. Runner | Avid Reader | Small Shop Owner

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