1. Bridal Portraits. Last weekend when I was down in South Carolina I got my bridal portraits taken. I’m happy I got them done for many reasons: 1) I was able to do a trial run on my hair and makeup 2) I got to work with an amazing, talented and fun photographer named Christina Valentine (seriously, check her out if you’re looking for a great photographer that will make you laugh and also take fantastic photos) and 3) now I don’t have to worry about squeezing in bridal portraits on the big day! I am super excited to see how they turn out and I can’t wait to share the photos after the wedding.
2. Cyber Bullying. Yesterday I received the first mean spirited comment on my blog. While the comment was completely uninformed and inaccurate, it still hurt. At first I wanted to respond viciously, but that would be stooping to the same low level as the anonymous commenter, so then I decided that I’d kill with kindness by writing: “Dear Anonymous, I’m writing this from my home: a small, one-bedroom, middle class apartment that I rent in the suburbs. I’m sorry you don’t enjoy my blog, but have a nice day! Oh and yes, I do donate to charity as well as a scholarship fund, my favorite of which is the 1LT Dimitri del Castillo Scholarship Fund that was created in honor of my late husband who was killed in Afghanistan. The scholarship goes to support the children and unmarried widows of other fallen Rangers. Additionally, I have worked very hard and have endured very much in order to purchase half of a home (you must have missed where I said I’m splitting it with my parents…a teacher and a retired Army officer), including a combat tour in Afghanistan protecting YOUR freedom. Thank you for your concern though and thanks for reading!” Ultimately I decided to just go ahead and publish it and not comment on it, because I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion, no matter how uninformed. All of this did get me thinking though. While this little jab I received was nowhere close to the cyber bullying that so many individuals endure, it made my heart hurt for those who are subject to this cruel new form of bullying. Isn’t life hard enough without the haters? Why can’t we live in a world where we help and encourage those who need it, celebrate with those who have things to celebrate, and love our neighbors as ourselves?!
3. Gold Dotted Burlap. I recently bought a few yards of this sassy gold dotted burlap (who knew burlap could be so fun?). I have no clue how I’m going to use it (table runner? placemats? stool upholstery? pillow?), but I’m crazy about how Jenn from My Fabuless Life used it to spruce up a tired, old folding chair. Maybe I need some burlap covered folding chairs in my life?
4. Metal Trivets. Ever whip something out of the oven or off of the stove and realize you have nowhere to put it (that won’t damage your countertops? That has been happening to me a lot lately, but not anymore now that I purchased this 3-piece set of metal trivets from CB2. Best part? They are only $19.95 AND they are pretty!
Well I hope you all have a lovely weekend! I have the Nation’s Triathlon on Sunday and I’m not nearly as trained as I should be, so hopefully your weekend will be less painful than mine 🙂
After working in retail for most of my life, I've come to the conclusion that there are just some people whose goal in life is to be miserable and make other people miserable too. And hiding behind an anonymous comment means they're nowhere near your level of decency. You're story is great and I love following for ideas on what to do to my own house! From one Army vet to another – Keep up the good work and thanks for your service!
I can't believe someone said that, but to each their own! Don't let it bug you too much; to most of us, you're inspiring and have accomplished many things we would be too scared to. Good on you and high five from me.
Anonymous
September 5, 2014 / 6:25 pm
It's unfortunate that cyber bullying has become so commonplace in our society. Kudos to you for taking the high road! Also: Where can I get that gorgeous burlap!?
Your response was classy and perfect. I wanted to give them a piece of my mind in a much less classy way! But as you said, that would just reduce myself as well.
I can't wait to see your bridal photos! I bet they are really beautiful and fun. I also LOVE that chair! Who ever would have thought a plain, metal folding chair could be so cute!
Your response was classy and perfect. I wanted to give them a piece of my mind in a much less classy way! But as you said, that would just reduce myself as well.
I can't wait to see your bridal photos! I bet they are really beautiful and fun. I also LOVE that chair! Who ever would have thought a plain, metal folding chair could be so cute!
After working in retail for most of my life, I've come to the conclusion that there are just some people whose goal in life is to be miserable and make other people miserable too. And hiding behind an anonymous comment means they're nowhere near your level of decency. You're story is great and I love following for ideas on what to do to my own house! From one Army vet to another – Keep up the good work and thanks for your service!
I can't believe someone said that, but to each their own! Don't let it bug you too much; to most of us, you're inspiring and have accomplished many things we would be too scared to. Good on you and high five from me.
It's unfortunate that cyber bullying has become so commonplace in our society. Kudos to you for taking the high road! Also: Where can I get that gorgeous burlap!?
Your response was classy and perfect. I wanted to give them a piece of my mind in a much less classy way! But as you said, that would just reduce myself as well.
I can't wait to see your bridal photos! I bet they are really beautiful and fun. I also LOVE that chair! Who ever would have thought a plain, metal folding chair could be so cute!
Your response was classy and perfect. I wanted to give them a piece of my mind in a much less classy way! But as you said, that would just reduce myself as well.
I can't wait to see your bridal photos! I bet they are really beautiful and fun. I also LOVE that chair! Who ever would have thought a plain, metal folding chair could be so cute!
You are such a class act! And, that gold dotted burlap? SO cute!
Loved everything about this blog post! E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g,
Thanks for your encouragement Alyssa!
Thanks so much Sabrina!
Thank you Lauren! As of the burlap, I bought it at Joann's and it's $14.99 a yard.
You're too sweet! Thanks Tracy!
Thanks Karen! Yeah I had no clue a basic metal folding chair could be cute!
Thanks Heather 🙂