happy thaksgiving!

It always seems that the years go by faster as you get older. 

The holidays get here before your even ready. 

Even with a late thanksgiving this year, it still crept up! 

(On me at least)

This year I am thankful for so much. 

Personally and professionally,

I have experienced change and I have learned so much!

I hope that the leaps and bounds I have taken over these stepping stones 

(I am antsy but glad) are getting me closer to the shore!

My family that has guided me, 

shaped me and even drove me a little insane.

Truly blessed with a large family and knowing the meaning of love and patience through them!

My dear friends that know who I am and what I am about... 

Even if we get caught up and don't see each other as often. 

It can get hard as life happens but, knowing you are there makes it worthwhile.

My amazing other half 

who reminds me everyday that I am always more okay then I think I am. 

he supports me, loves me unconditionally and protects me from everything he can

(except shopping!).

I am so fortunate that my family has traditions for the holidays! And we tweak a little here and there butI love sharing it with new people that come to our table!

Here is a sneak peak of some of what I prepared for our table this year! 

And, if you are in need of some hostess tips, please check out last years post (here)

Wishing you the happiest and yummiest of Thanksgivings with your loved ones!

centerpiece party

 apple cupcakes (mid bake)

  as i mentioned in last years post.

give your guests a name tag, it lets them know they were thought of during your planning!

 we always do a little matchy matchy

bashful and blushing

i often write very sentimental and poignant things
which, lately i have become to bashful to post.

i'm unsure which reasoning i have for my shyness 
because i am the furthest thing from shy!

i have been reminding myself to stay true to me, 
and if i save it all for my journal then at least i got it "out on paper"

i almost want to figure out what has been scaling me back?
but i won't, for now!

when writing is your craft, you literally are an open book
i love to share my thoughts and experiences, its an amazing outlet.

and... i love the feedback from you all too ;)
it is SO rewarding that many people read my "itty bitty blog"  & look forward to my posts 

today i will share some of my thoughts with you...

then right into the holiday business we shall go!

<3

pain /gain (F.C. W8)

in life people will use metaphors to inspire 
and to help get through situations
we often use quotes to speak our own minds

music lyrics to express our emotions

but there comes a point where we stop using the words of others...

and we use our own!

in the journey of weight loss and transformation 

you are pushed to your brink

you are forced out of your comfort zone

made to give up what you know for what you need

all in the name of a better looking

better feeling

and 

simply better you

much of these changes can be painful...

avoiding temptation, upping your reps, running an extra mile

how you view the gain is what counts!

do you see it as....

pain then gain

pain vs. gain

pain and gain

pain or gain

at the end of the day, 

what once was the greatest pain will be your greatest strength

and that is all the gain you need!

you have certainly gained a 

feeling of accomplishment and success

 that's what has been pushing us through this journey

now after 8 weeks you are definitely seeing changes, 

you are feeling more energized

and you should pat yourself on the back!

next week will we celebrate non-scale victories

lots of recipes are on the pinterest page hope you're pinning along!

it's all in a name, or is it?

i have been with my mr. for 8 years... 

however we dated in a past life, as "kids" 
and then we went our separate ways but remained friendly, 
both having different relationships and different interests.

for those who ask about the story i will indulge just a little bit
and give ya some of our history...

                   ~        ~        ~

i was leaving for college and had my away message up (that's how long ago we're talking)
i happened to check my phone while i was running around 
and "HIS NAME" popped up - i sort of laughed thinking about it 
figured that he mistakenly texted the wrong person but i opened it and it read... 
"hey did you leave yet saw ur away wanted to stop by"

i gushed a little bit thinking how sweet that was of him. 
PLUS i always liked him, he was funny and he was so cute. 

he came by, we laughed and chatted for a bit, 
helped put things in the car and off i went.
we texted my whole ride down to school, most of the first night there. 
and we pretty much never stopped talking.

i came home at the end of september for a break
we had plans to meet for dessert one night.
part of me remembers thinking it was going to be more casual 
but there was that elephant in the room that it was more.
for us both.

i do pinch myself sometimes because i never imagined 
that my life would turn out this way.
i didn't even notice how i really felt.
it wasn't until i was going back to school that i realized
i was head over heels for this boy.

this boy who was a friend of mine for years. 
and now.... this man has been mine for the last 8 years.

i won't get into the play by play
(it is long and that blog is for another day)
but i am a lucky girl. he pushes my buttons and he always has my back.
it's been the most amazing journey.
pretty crazy/awesome/special how life turns out!

                   ~        ~        ~

so now that all that gushy stuff is to the side 
the real purpose to my blog is this...

why the hell am i calling him my boyfriend?
he isn't a BOY. he is a 27 year old man!

ugh the standard is not working for me anymore, 
and after all it seems so childish. doesn't it?

i heard a mutal friend refer to the guy she was dating as her man friend.
carrie bradshaw even had a moment with big referring to him as, man friend.
i have a best guy friend, his name is manny - so i call him  - man friend.

he calls me his girlfriend, and no i don't prefer that he call me his WOMAN!
i'm not sure i would like lady friend either? that seems awkward?

so what is the right name to call your person after "boy & girl friend" 
just ages themselves out!

i know this may seem so silly to you all 
but it is something i have been pondering for some time now!

what do i call this gentleman whom 
i happen to no longer want to call my "boy"friend

is it really just a title? or is there some 
validity to what you change it to be?

things that make you go hmm...

;)

Hostess with the Mostess - Fall Fun

fergie did say it best right? 

why i adore planning a party, prepping for a party and hosting a party

 so much i will never be able to explain

it's my ideal creative outlet

showcasing special parts of the guest of honor

& bringing together loved ones

but what i do NOT know is why...

every time i have hosted a party at my home, something goes awry.

 wind blowing my table'scapes away

rain/misting out of nowhere

bees flocking to all the apple based drinks

leaving me a little flustered
can you say perfectionist?!

~ ~ ~

a few weeks ago i hosted a birthday party for my other half
he didn't want printed menus in frames or a signature drink
and of course he wasn't looking for a theme!

which is okayyyy
he wanted a simple get together with our friends and family
and that is just what he got!

 i however, was able to convince him 
that we could have a
 "fall fun day"
we had kan jam, corn hole, card games
a keg, a ton of HIS favorite foods and of course a signature drink!

YES,
i had to get my girly hands on this party just a little
with some center pieces 
(which will be getting reused for thanksgivings table'scape)
oh and some flowers too ;)

the birthday boys selected menu:
meatball & buffalo chicken sliders
quesadilla bar with all the fixins'
veggies & dip
spicy hummus & pretzel chips
homemade queso & chips
& of course lots of dessert!
cupcakes, mini cheesecakes & apple cake
(recipes coming soon)

here's some pics!