From Single to Married in .02 Seconds: July 2012

Friday, July 20, 2012

...it was then that I carried you.

Well the last 24 hours have been a complete whirlwind. I've received some of the best news of my life, some of the worst news and then there is the shooting in Colorado...

My feelings are very mixed today about how to react to the last 24 hours. I don't know how to react or even how much I want to say. Due to that, today's blog will be very short and sweet.

My heart, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the injured and deceased in Colorado on this early Friday morning. I pray that the man responsible is brought to justice and you are able to find some peace in time.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Oh, Pinteresting Wednesday!!!

Yay for Wednesdays! This month is flying by and luckily so is this week. It's Wednesday already, which means we are half way to the weekend!

My birthday was great {thank you for the birthday wishes!} but the celebrations aren't over yet. Anyone else notice I love to stretch out my big days? First my wedding {which turned into a week} and now my birthday {which is 5 days of celebrations}. I am getting good at this in my old age. :)

Anyway, since I am obsessed {like most everyone else in the world} with Pinterest right now and thought I would share some of my new loves. It just so happens there's also a tag for this! Yay! Here are some of my favorite pins...

via

You can join in the fun here!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

twenty seven candles = way too many

Today I will get to experience the lovely sight of seeing 27 candles on my cake. Honestly, there is no way I can possibly be this old! It feels like just yesterday that I was graduating high school...even celebrating my 21st birthday. Now I am 27, which is that much closer to 30.

Everyone has their "scary age". Even Miranda and Carrie from SATC had a scary age. Mine is 42 and I have no idea why.... I realized today that I am now only 15 years from my scary age. Yes, I understand that I've got time...but yesterday I was still 16 years away and now I am only 15. Seriously...it's getting scarrier by the minute.

26 was a great year for me. I got married and managed to survive a ton of life changing events that seemed to happen back-to-back. It taught me that I am strong and my bond with the hubs is even stronger than what I thought. I still thank God every day for bringing him into my life and I know that he is one of the main reasons why 26 was a good year for me.

Though as great as 26 was; I can't wait to see what 27 brings. So much is changing and I am excited to see where it brings me!

This week has been kind of a whirlwind, which is why I haven't been on much the last few days. There has been lots of celebrating and fun...and it isn't done yet. This last weekend the hubs surprised me with a trip to San Francisco. We caught a Giants {best MLB team...EVER :)} game and I was able to do some shopping at all of my favorite stores. Tonight we are celebrating with the in-laws and tomorrow I get to go to dinner with some of my closest friends. My mom will fly in on Thursday to celebrate with me...which I think I am most excited about. Saturday we are celebrating one of my best friend's birthday and ending it with a day trip on Sunday.

This week is going to be so much fun and I can't wait to share it all with you!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Friday (the 13th) Letters

Good Morning! You all have no idea how happy I am that it's Friday! This week has been a whirlwind to put it mildly. I've missed a few posts the last few days, but I refused to miss Friday letters this week. Join the fun and link up here!

Dear Heat- 105 is just too much!! I understand we are in summer, but come on! Please stick to the 90's if you insist on staying.

Dear Saturday- Please hurry up. I want to celebrate my birthday already. Even though my birthday isn't until Tuesday...we all know I like to drag it out and enjoy an entire week of festivities. :)

Kaiser- Thank you for all of your help and kindness this week! I know some don't like you, but I am a forever Kaiser patient.

Dear Katie- Remember, July 16th is a perfect day to go into labor....just make sure not to give birth until the 17th though. :)

Dear Hubby- You really are my rock and the best thing that's ever happened to me. Love you!

Dear Life- I am very happy right now and would really appreciate if it stayed this way for a while. No sudden changes please!

Dear Emily (bachelorette)- You were thinking like a man on Monday's episode. It really was bad. Please, please, please redeem yourself and choose Jef in the end. On the bright side...your hair was gorgeous though!

Dear Friday the 13th- Please be dormant this time around. Usually you are...but I just want to make extra sure you know where I stand.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Normal?

Link up with Allyce. All the cool kids are doing it. :)

1.
Is it normal to drive 5 mph over the speed limit? 10 mph?
Assuming you are on the freeway, it depends on what lane you are in. The far right lane is for the 65+ drivers that think 45 is the new 65. The far left lane is for those that plan on driving at least 80mph and just pray that they don't get pulled over. Now the middle lane is for those that plan on either going the speed limit or 5 miles over.

Basically, yes...it's normal. However, realize that when the lights start flashing behind you it is not a sign to drive faster.

2.
Is it normal to pick a wedgie in public?
Eww. I do not need to know that your panties are jammed up your rear. Please find a bathroom, or even a corner, to relieve the tension.

3.
Is it normal to put makeup on even if you aren't planning on leaving the house?
Yep. Who knows if someone will stop by or if you have to quickly leave the house for a while. I don't need to scare my neighbors...

4.
Is it normal to go skinny dipping?
If you are in the privacy of your own backyard or a remote lake...yes. If you are in a public pool I urge you to keep your bathing suit on. Oh yeah, thong bikinis do not count as a bikini! Cover your goods please!

5.
Is it normal to use the restroom while on the phone?
I really don't need to hear you gabbing about your mother's ex hubby's son's cousin's former partner while there are smells permeating from the stall next to me. I only need to deal with one mini-crisis at a time, thank you.

6.
Is it normal to check yourself out when passing by a window/mirror?
I do it all of the time. No one wants to realize at the end of the day they had food in their teeth or a surprise was peeking out from their nose and nobody told them...

7.
Is it normal to keep folded laundry in the basket instead of putting it away?
I hate doing laundry...so yes. It's very normal.

8.
Is it normal to turn & walk the opposite direction when seeing someone you know in a store?
Nope. I am assuming if you even consider it, you must not like the person. I don't see too many people be lining it for the door when they see their best friend. However, if you read #3 you saw I am always put together...so why not flaunt what a wonderful life I have. I know...I am a b*tch.

9.
Is it normal to drink coffee/soda from a straw?
Soda, yes. Coffee, no.

10.
Is it normal to hover the toilet in a public restroom?
Ummm. yes. I don't need crabs, or scabies, or any other nasty creepy crawly thing that call a public crapper home. Yuck.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Uncensored on Emily

(Written right after the Rose Ceremony)

I loved Emily on Brad's season, but right now I think a blade of grass is smarter. How could you keep Arie and let Sean go?!?! Without even touching on the fact that he just seems like a male version of Vienna to me...your lifestyles are SO not in sync...

You claim to get up before 6:30 and he rolls out of bed (when he is even home) around 9.
He eats out every night because he "loves people" and you are a self-proclaimed homebody. How does that mesh well? How does your daughter fit in with his family?
You can't even trust yourself to hang out and talk with him in the fantasy suite because you think something will happen that you know shouldn't.
You openly admit that you didn't think he had even thought in detail about what it would take to step into the role as a father. Aren't you supposed to give the person you want to marry the benefit of the doubt and trust their judgment?
Lastly, how do you make a marriage work when it takes you until the second to last week to talk about serious things because you were too busy kissing for the last 6 weeks?

Honestly, I really do like Jef, but I loved Sean. He stood for everything real and sincere.

As the Daily Tay pointed out...

You go to parties & hang out with Jef.
You have a fling with Arie.
You marry Sean.

Next week's episode will be an interesting one for sure!

Just a reminder that my blog sale is still going on. You can check it out here.

Vacations Past

One of the main reasons I knew I could marry Michael was the fact that we'd never had a bad vacation together. I mean I had gone on vacations with past boyfriends and all we ever did was argue and get mad at each other. With the hubs... it was always easy and fun.

Since our one year anniversary is fast approaching; the hubs and I decided that it was high time we started thinking about where we wanted to go. Originally we said we were going to go back to the beautiful resort that we got married at, but have decided that we would rather stay in the US this year.

While throwing out different destination ideas, we were reminded of some of the fantastic trips we've taken in the past. Since being together we've been to NYC for New Years Eve, Nashville, Jamaica, Florida... and of course our wedding cruise that took us to Cayman Islands, Roatan, Belize and Cozumel.

Each trip was fun and unique. I of course will say our wedding cruise was my favorite (for obvious reasons) but really loved all of the other trips as well!

*About to experience photo vomit*

Here is a look back at some of our fun adventures together...

Nashville

Next to the Nashville sign. Dream come true!!

Isn't my hubby adorable? Standing in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Faith Hill & Tim McGraw's house (according to the stalker tour we took.) :)

I fell in love with this flower pot! If only it didn't cost over $100.00 to ship!!

NYC

Yup...that's my hubby! :)

Don't mind the roots. Lol!

I do not recommend trying to find the Yankee stadium at night. It was S-C-A-R-Y...but a lot of fun!

Rocking my 2010 purchase. :)

It rained, snowed and fell below freezing...but we did it!

Such a fun experience...but one I do not need to do again. Haha

Tasti D'lite was not so tasty. We only went there because it was on SATC.

Such a fun tour. Even the hubs liked it.

...Why the hubs like the SATC tour. :)

Jamaica

First drink at the resort.

There are no words for this photo...

Notice the 2 drinks in front of us...it was a theme this trip!

Please see photo above for description. :)

:) Best way to spend Thanksgiving...EVER

Once again...no words. :)

I love this man!

Florida

Enjoying Miami Beach. :)

Cruise

On the tender in Grand Cayman

Did I mention I HATE heights...

Off to dinner <3

The present left on our bed

The bug behind me on the sea plane.

After he tore ligaments in his ankle...2 days before the wedding...

If you made it through all of those you deserve an award!

Where have you been on vacation and where would you recommend we go there for our first anniversary??

Also...just a reminder that my blog sale is still going on. You can check it out here.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Guest Posting at CoverGirl + Converse!

Happy Sunday, friends! I just wanted to let you all know that I am guest posting over at CoverGirl + Converse today. I talk about my life as a newlywed and some of the places we've been. I love Taylor's blog and hope you all will check it out!

P.S. My blog sale is still going. You can check it out here! :)

Friday, July 6, 2012

Guest Post: CoverGirl + Converse

Hi all! I'm Taylor and I blog over at CoverGirl + Converse, and I am so very excited to be guest posting for Amanda today! I thought I'd share with you all a healthy way to attain that bronzy glow this summer. The sun's rays have so many harmful effects on our skin, including advanced aging and burning. And here's a real shocker: suntans fade within a few days, but the damage done to the skin is permanent and irreversible. There's no denying that bronze skin is both beautiful and trendy, so how can we get a summer glow without damaging the skin? Well I'm here to help - below are a few products that help you achieve a natural-looking glow, plus they are completely safe.

Sunless Tanning Foam - Purchasing a bottle of sunless tanning foam (or lotion) is essential to attaining an allover tan without sun exposure. I personally use Jergens, and it works wonders! It does not splotch or discolor like some self-tanning products out there, but it gradually creates a natural looking glow that appeals to your personal skin tone. Plus, this light & refreshing foam is so fun to use!

After Sun Lotion - Now I'm not asking you to stay indoors all day with the blinds closed - in fact, spending the day at the pool is a regular occasion for me! I only suggest that you protect yourself wisely, and after a day in the sun be sure to apply a nourishing after-sun product like the Philosophy one above. This will rejuvenate your skin and prevent it from any peeling or damage.

Cheek Bronzer + Bronze Highlighter - As you start to achieve your summer glow, you'll need to match it with your face! I personally adore Estee Lauder's bronzer. It goes on light and looks very natural. I also find it handy to carry a bronze highlighter in my purse for on-the-go freshening up, and Benefit has a wonderful sun beam product that I've heard great things about.

I hope these tips have been helpful in informing you how to attain a bronze glow this summer while keeping your skin protected and healthy!

It has been a pleasure posting at It's A Powell Life, and I hope to see you all over at CoverGirl + Converse soon!

xoxo

Taylor

Thursday, July 5, 2012

America's Week Recap

Well I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! Ours was a blast and it started with camping this past weekend. We packed up Thursday night and drove over to the campsite around 1pm Friday afternoon. We always love camping at this location because it is never too crowded, very shaded, near water and {normally} they have a Freedom/"White Trash" Parade for the 4th. This year the campers that usually do it must have taken the weekend off because there was nothing scheduled...so what do we do? We have our own parade! Below is a short video that should sum up our camping trip. :)

Then yesterday we went over to Pat and Jess's house for a fun-filled celebration. Jessica never skimps on the decorations and I think it's impossible to leave her house hungry! She is such an awesome host!

My scary attempt at a 4th of July jell-o mold is above. It looks pathetic compared to Jess's beautifully {and festively} prepared food.

We enjoyed hanging out by the fire with some of our favorite people in the world. :)

And of course it wouldn't be the 4th if I couldn't cuddle up with someone. This year Mara one the honor!

After a little while Pat, Jessica and Tyler decided they wanted in on the fun, so we all decided to cuddle for a photo.

The boys decided they wanted to be festive...how do they do that? Drink American Flag Budweiser of course!

And finally...it wouldn't be our group unless we ended it with a bon fire in the middle of the street using all of the used firework containers. I guess they just really missed camping?

Our week really has been a blast, but after looking at these photos I am ready for a nap! The thing I love about his country is no matter your race, political view or religious view...we always manage to come together to celebrate this wonderful country. July 4th is one of my favorite holidays and I just wanted to thank the men and women that defend this country for allowing me the opportunity to celebrate the way I do.

What did you all do for the 4th?

Also...just a reminder that my blog sale is still going on. You can check it out here.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

proud to be an american!

Here is my 4th of July style. I am all about simple & patriotic. What's yours?

Celebrating July 4th...a Powell way

Hope you all are staying cool and enjoying America's day! We are headed to a few BBQ's and maybe lounge in the pool for a little bit. I love this holiday and I couldn't even tell ya why. There is just something about it... I want to thank the men and women that defend this country day in and day out and I want to thank the wonderful people that fill it's streets. Today is a day that we celebrate the "American Dream" and all that this country has to offer.

Happy 4th of July!!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Tale of 4 Cities... Bachelorette Style

Well, it's Tuesday again! Even though I just linked up with Is It Normal, you all know I don't like to miss a week of ~~critiquing~~ recapping Emily's choices. Thankfully she realized the error of her way this week and sent home the spaz.

The first hometown date was in Chicago. Chris took her to an authentic Polish Pub and then over to meet his family. Chis seemed very lovey-dovey and Emily seemed like she would be more into scrubbing bunions off her feet. There was no chemistry and it was kind of boring to watch... Luckily he didn't get a rose this week, even though I thought he was going a little 5150 over the whole situation. It's been 6 weeks dude...not 6 years!

On a side note...Chris really needs to lay off the coffee!! That man is wound so tightly that it causes him to twitch. He seemed like a nice guy, but sometimes nice guys turn into psychos because they don't know how to control their feelings...

The next hometown date was good 'ol Jef. Emily seemed to fit in and Jef's family seemed like they really cared about this process without being uptight about it. They seemed to get along great and my favorite part of the date was when Jef read Emily the letter he wrote. It was so different than the awkward moment between Emily and Ryan and I thought it was the perfect way to end a great date.

Next up Emily went to Scottsdale, AZ. The date went okay, but like Chris, I wasn't blown away. They met at the racetrack and he was able to convince Emily take a ride in his indie car. While I think she likes Arie, I think she is finally realizing that he may not be cut out for a family right now. His lifestyle is very different than hers and while his family was nice, I do not think she fit in. It was a little awkward when his family started speaking Dutch in front of her when they knew she was completely clueless as to what they were saying. Couldn't that have waited until after she was gone...?

The last date was with my favorite bachelor...maybe ever...Sean. They went to Dallas and Emily fit in like you wouldn't believe. Just the fact that he started the date off by walking his dogs won me over. It was simple like her hometown date was, yet was very much him...laid back and fun. While at his parent's house he tricked Emily into believing that he still lived at home...in a pigsty no less. It was funny and everyone seemed to get along great.

Next week I am banking on her dumping Arie. While I have had my doubts about him in the past, he still just doesn't do it for me. I am team Sean and Jef all the way!

Honestly, aside from watching Jef and Sean in their element, my favorite part of the night was Emily's fashion. Here are a few of my favorite Emily pieces...