A Ray of Sunshine

I am back

2011-12-05T21:07:00.001-05:00

Surprisingly enough I am back. Honestly I thought about deleting this thing completely and never looking back. Then I thought about all the wonderful people I met through my blog and I didn't want to delete all of you from my life.

A lot has changed in the last 7 months. I started a new job. I am back processing mortgages. I didn't think I would ever get back into the business. It is stressful, but it pays the bills.
I have lost more weight, but I'm not at my goal weight yet. I will get back into my gym routine after the holidays. I'm sure you can all relate to the difficulties of dieting during the holidays.
I met someone.... Well I actually met a lot of people, but the last one is especial. I will one day tell you about the horrific dates I went on. I hated dating it was one of the worst things ever. I hope I never have to do it again. When I gave up on dating I met Amir..... At the last place I would have wanted to meet someone. We met at a lounge. It's so crazy how things end up happening, but like they say everything happens for a reason.

All I can say is that I am very happy about where my life is right now and I'm excited about blogging again.

2011-05-18T18:05:00.002-04:00

Last night I cried into my pillow. I was talking to friends and I realized how alone I felt. I’m surrounded by friends that love me to pieces, but I miss my family. I miss the boy that broke my heart, I miss the idea of what we were building together. As most of you probably know already, I’m single again. I have been for almost 3 months already. I wasn’t ready to shout it out to the world but I guess I have moved on to a new stage of what I call the “grieving process.” I know I’m one of many people going through this at the moment and maybe some handle it better than others. I am still angry and I haven’t forgiven him yet. There was no cheating of any kind involved (it seems that the first question I get). We both just knew it was time to take a different paths in our lives. What upsets me is that we are destined to walk on separate paths for now or even for always as I don’t know what my future holds. I have been spending a lot of time with friends and I have made new friends. I have been taking classes and I have been going to the gym. I have been enjoying my new job and all of the responsibilities I have as a maid of honor in a wedding. A lot has changed in the last 3 months and although I miss him I have never been happier with my life and the path that I’m on. I have learned just how strong I am and how much I can handle. My new coworkers have told me that they would not be able to handle everything that I have endured, but I didn’t think I would either. It is different when you’re the one living through something. There are times when I feel like crawling under my bed and never coming out. Then I look into the eyes of my beautiful baby girl and I realize that I need to be the woman I would want her to be if she was going through this. I don’t know if this makes sense to everyone, but that’s ok. You don’t need to understand, or judge or assume. It is what it is, and all that matters is that I’m happy and I’m healthy.

I don’t know if he reads my blog anymore but incase he does: I do miss you once in a while, but I’m happy and I am moving on. I hope you are doing the same and I hope that nothing but blessings come your way. You will always be a tenant in my house of love.

First Reconciliation

2011-02-25T14:02:00.000-05:00

My baby is doing her First Communion in May. I can't believe how much she is growing up. She will be 8 in exactly 5 days. This year we are doing an Mad Hatter Tea Party. I will be sharing pictures as I start putting up the decorations a week early. I always wait until the last minute and stress myself out so this year we are starting early.

So 2 weeks ago my baby had her first reconciliation. I was so proud!!! Of course I had to take pictures :)

Project Wedding Dress

2011-02-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

Changing my diet has not been easy.  I have the largest sweet tooth ever, seriously, it is ridiculous.  I have been struggling with my weight for the past 3 years.  Two years ago I weighed about 200 lbs and I was so gun ho about losing weight that I got down to 168 lbs in less than a year.  As  a result I had to get my gallbladder removed.  It has been a year since my surgery and I have not kept up with my diet.  I have been eating a lot of crap and a lot of sweets.  The funny part is that I do not eat the sweets that I bake.  I crave pure sugar, like that snickers bar at the check out line at the super market.  Two weeks ago someone close to me said something about my weight and it hurt my feelings.  I cried for about two hours and then I snapped out of it.  What the f*ck was I accomplishing crying on the couch???? NADA!!!! So I weighed myself.... 180 lbs.  I was so upset with myself, how did I let this happen again?  So I vowed to myself to make another serious attempt.  It has been so difficult... I still do not enjoy working out, I have forced myself to go to hot yoga twice this week, I am forcing myself stay away from carbs and coffee.  Oooo coffee.... I miss it so much!!! So so MUCH!!!! However, I am seeing results, I lost 2 inches of my belly bulge :) and I have dropped 7.5 lbs in the past two weeks.

I don't have any pictures to share about the way I look in that awful green bathing suit!!! To be honest I am scared to death to even put it on and take a picture. Don't get me wrong, I love my body and I love myself, but I want to feel comfortable in all my clothes not just wear the same 5 outfits every week. I know that I am not the only one that has gone through this, plus I know that I am not the last person that will go through this.

Hot Yoga

2011-02-14T12:19:00.000-05:00

I am a member of a coupon site and the other day they sent me an interesting deal... One month of unlimited yoga for only $49. This package always goes for $175 and considering that I want to lose weight this was the prefect opportunity. I have gone twice already. The first time I felt like I was going to pass out. I pictured myself face planting right there on the nice hardwood floor, but that didn't happen. I laid down when I felt dizzy and as soon as it passed I got back to work. I have never done yoga so I was scared that I would feel as if I was beneath everyone, plus I'm not that flexible. I'm happy to say that even people that had been there many times before took a break :) I felt so comfortable and I can't wait to go back on Wednesday.

Here is some info on HOT Birkam Yoga: (found on Wiki)

Bikram Yoga is a system of yoga that Bikram Choudhury synthesized from traditional yoga techniques and popularized beginning in the early 1970s. Bikram's classes run exactly 90 minutes and consist of a set series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Bikram Yoga is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (≈ 40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%, causing it to be categorized as a form of hot yoga.

We need your help

2011-02-02T22:18:00.000-05:00

Wbeimar and I are trying to win the Ultimate wedding contest over at Crate and Barrel.... We need your votes :)

Go HERE to vote

My Sisters

2011-01-27T20:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have sisters... 3 of them to be exact. You have heard me speak of Shiselle, but there is also Ana Maria and Lauren. Four girls... Shiselle and I are full sisters and Ana and Lauren are our half-sisters. Although from looking at us you would never know it. Sometimes I wonder how my father keeps track of all the crazyness.

Freshly Decorated

2011-01-21T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on perfecting the recipe, but for my first time these sure are yummy and pretty.

Our Save the Dates

2011-01-12T23:16:00.003-05:00

Wbeimar and I have set a date for our wedding again. Although we had a 3 month hiatus... We are back on track and we could not be any happier. This time around we are doing things simply. No bridal party, only a maid of honor and a best man. There will be two weddings, one for family in Dominican Republic and one for friends and family here in NJ.

In Dominican Republic we are having a beach ceremony and most-likely our reception will be in my parent's backyard. In NJ we are planning a Mad Men inspired vintage carnival... hence the save the date (link to the Mad Men save the date). I'm ~~still working on~~ our beachy one is done.

Baked By Laura

2011-01-12T21:12:00.004-05:00

There's no way to deny how much I love sweets. Just ask anyone that has known me for more than a day. What's a better way to spend the "snowstorm" than baking with the best gift ever. I blogged about that lovely gift here.

I have been thinking of ways to earn some extra cash here and there and I wanted to try baking. I love baking and my family loves eating what I make, so I thought let's try it out. I have been searching the internet for different recipes and trying to make them my own.

Today L and W wanted cookies so I wasn't experimenting, just pretty much followed step by step.

Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
adapted from Kyla Roma

What you need…

1 cup salted butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

2 eggs 

2 tsp. vanilla extract 

3 cups (12 oz) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. smallish-medium coarse sea salt (Kyla said that table salt is bitter so I trust her judgment...NO SUBSTITUTES)

1 tsp. baking soda 

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 

2 cups/16 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Parchment paper for the pan (wax paper will burn, no substitutes!)

Are you Ready?!?

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until it is very creamy – approximately 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour until cookie batter is fully incorporated.

5. Finally add chocolate chips until well distributed. The cookie batter should be somewhat thick.

6. Drop about 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons of dough or use a medium cookie scoop and plop the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (mine spread too much so maybe try 1 tablespoon).Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are nice and golden brown. (I was able to make about 3 dozen... by the last batch I only had to leave them for 10 minutes since the oven was so hot, so make sure you watch them)

7. Remove from heat and allow the cookies to stay on the cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes. Pick up the parchment paper with the cookies still on top and transfer to a cool non-porous surface. Allow the cookies to cool on the paper for at least 3 minutes before serving.

I wish I had some pictures after they had cooled down... However, they were devoured! Here they are still on the cookie sheet... See they are huge, but oh so yummy!!!

More Pictures from NYE

2011-01-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

Hello 2011

2011-01-02T23:40:00.002-05:00

Our New Years in Pictures....... Mostly from the photobooth I made (which was destroyed by the kids at 12:10 AM)... I almost cried!!!!

The rest will be posted tomorrow night :)

A Passenger's POV

2010-12-30T22:52:00.000-05:00

This is how we communicate

2010-12-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

My love stayed in the US while I came to spend the Holidays with family. I miss him a lot. We skype every chance we get. I can't wait to see him again in 5 days.

The best gift

2010-12-27T16:13:00.002-05:00

So this year I didn't ask for a lot

What I did ask for I didn't expect

Only because I never expect anything

I'm not a material person

write me a poem

and I will be :)

but alas W got me this:

Like I said I hoped

but I didn't expect

This means that I can start

start working on my dream

My Christmas

2010-12-26T21:14:00.000-05:00

We're here in DR.
I'm glad I'm missing the blizzard
but it's sweater weather here at night :\
who knew especially since this is a tropical island
internet is sketchy here
when I get a better signal I will post the rest

Friends Like Us

2010-12-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

I need your help raising money to buy teddy bears for kids with cancer.

First I want to say thank you to Jamie for finding this for us.

Each year in the U.S. approximately over 12,600 children are newly diagnosed with cancer and with each one of those children diagnosed comes fear, worry and pain. Friends Like Us wants to always be able to put a chemo bear into their hands to help them through their journey. No, we can't take away their pain, but we can help with their fear & worry by visually educating a child about their treatments and what they will experience, as well as open up a line of communication with them for the doctors and caregivers.

Friends Like Us is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help children who have been diagnosed with cancer, leaving "a lasting impression of love and hope with them." It began when their own child was dying of cancer, and they made their first chemo-bear. After 3 1/2 years of chemo, he is thankfully in remission! Their mission now is to create chemo-bears for other children, as well as give a little something to their siblings so that they do not feel left out.

Their biggest challenge is always making sure they have enough bears. It costs $550 for every order of 100 bears.

I am helping by donating 50% of all profits from now until the end of December. My goal is to raise $50 by the end of the month. If we all work together we can give something good to these kids.

STOP BY THE SHOP

These ladies are also raising money stop by their blogs:

Jamie from Inspired Mess

Ashley from These Hours

Elizabeth from Donna's Decembers

My Birthday in Pictures

2010-12-08T10:31:00.000-05:00

My 27th birthday was amazing!!! I really couldn't have asked for anything more. I worked and after had a girl scout meeting during which Wbeimar came in with red velvet cupcakes and the girls all sang Happy Birthday to me. It was so sweet and I was so surprised. I wish I would have had my camera with me, I was blushing so much :)

Everything is great over here. As you can see, Wbeimar and I are back together, and this time is forever.

New Items in the facebook shop

2010-12-06T00:30:00.000-05:00

Stop by and take a look :)

December 1

2010-12-01T22:54:00.000-05:00

I am participating in Journal your Christmas and the December Daily. Here's my cover and first page. Are you participating?

Thanksgiving

2010-12-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

Our Thanksgiving was magical. My parents and sister came from DR and we spent it together :)

Body Image

2010-11-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

When you look in the mirror what do you see? Are you happy with it?

For a very long time I wasn't, and I'm sure a lot of people aren't either. I know have a realistic goal for weightloss that is healthy and attainable. There is nothing worse than setting a goal for yourself that you won't be able to achieve. Do you ever look at pictures and realize how skinny you once were but when you think back you felt like you were huge? I've done that so many times, and it now upsets me that I wasn't truly happy with myself. However, something different happened last night. My friend brought a picture over from two years ago and I felt proud. Two years ago I weighed 200 lbs, since then I have lost close to 50 lbs... that's about what a 5 year old weighs. I work out three times a week and I try to go on the gazelle two days a week. I eat healthy but I don't deprive or starve myself. If I want a piece of chocolate cake I eat a small piece instead of half of the cake. Something else that had stalled my weightloss is that I wasn't doing it for myself. I was losing weight because of comments people would make. Finally I decided to do it for myself, my health and my happiness.

By next week I plan on sharing a picture in that green bathing suit of mine.

Go Shop

2010-11-11T23:12:00.000-05:00

Start Shopping now for the Holidays

We decorated for Christmas

2010-11-11T01:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's early to decorate for Christmas, and yes we do celebrate Thanksgiving. However, we will not be home for Christmas or New Years so we wanted to enjoy our tree for as long as possible. I will still be adding a few things here and there and I will definitely be sharing those additions with all of you, and I changed somethings around the house and I wanted to share :)

That's how we watch TV around here... It doesn't matter that we have 3 couches, the floor is always more comfortable.

2010-11-10T21:23:00.001-05:00

It's funny how ending a long-term relationship can change your life forever. I had my life planned out just like a lot of people do... get engaged, get married, buy a house, have babies, grow old together... just like they do in the movies. However, my life isn't a movie, and if it is I'm patiently awaiting for the director to scream CUT and go on to the next scene. Three months ago I was happy, well I thought I was. How can you expect someone to love you if you don't love yourself first? I was ashamed of my body, of its imperfections, of the wrinkles and the dimples that were in the wrong places. But one day I woke up and looked in the mirror and saw how beautiful I truly am... Not in a conceited way but in a "I'm happy that I am who I am way." I'm not perfect nor do I ever expect to be, because honestly what really is perfection? what is perfect for me, is not perfect for you. I have been working out three times a week, my goal is that by my birthday I will be wearing size 7 jeans. It is an achievable goal, I know I can do it I just have to have faith in myself. Even though this is my goal, I will be ok if I don't make it there. It seems that when I look at pictures and see how skinny I once was I say damn and I really thought I was fat...
Something that I am very happy about is that I have grown up a lot. I have made a lot of good changes and I have learned some valuable lessons. I am a different person but I still have the same heart. I have gotten back into photography, scrapbooking and my shop.

Check this out!!

2010-11-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

NEW ITEMS IN THE SHOP!!!

GO CHECK THEM OUT NOW

I have crafty friends :

2010-11-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

My friend Miriam makes these amazing diaper cakes, like really amazing. Go check out her facebook page and be amazed!!!! So, she asked me to make a corsage/pin for her friend's baby shower. Here is the lovely mommy to be with her pin and awesome diaper cake!

Video of the Week

2010-11-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

Here's what the adults did for Halloween

2010-11-06T20:20:00.000-04:00

Halloween Part I

2010-11-02T20:43:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend!!! How was yours?

In love

2010-10-29T18:21:00.000-04:00

I got these lovelies from my friend Lindsay... aren't they the cutest :) go visit her shop asap, everything is magical.

Some of our Halloween Decor

2010-10-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

Some peeks at what's happening in my neck of the woods :)

We're having our annual kid's party tomorrow, so I will finish decorating today and share pics with all of you soon :)

Another Layout

2010-10-29T09:06:00.002-04:00

Lily and I have been very busy lately... very very busy so I haven't really had any time to scrap. Yesterday I did 2 layouts. Here's the second one. I'm not sure why but both of them turned out to be simple yet beautiful to me. Maybe it's because I'm attempting to simplify my life.

Four Generations

2010-10-28T12:23:00.001-04:00

I usually don't speak a lot about my private life, but I have noticed that I don't allow people to get close to me out of fear of getting hurt. What if I let you into my life and then you leave me? So as part of my personal journey I will begin sharing more about myself because all I want to focus is the good experiences that I am meant to have. If we do become friends and then something happens that we aren't friends anymore so what.... at least I got to know you... right? I hope so!!!

So I've had this picture for 7 years :) Lily was 6 months when I took her to Dominican Republic to meet my family. this morning I finally scrapped it. It makes me smile so much!!! I look like such a baby... Well I was but more on that later on.

Enjoy the page

Haunted Street

2010-10-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

Every year these houses get decorated, so many people go see them that the town now closes the street at night. Not that many houses were decorated but we still had a blast!

We are Girl Scouts

2010-10-27T13:45:00.000-04:00

This is my second year as Lily's troop leader. It's a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it. I have also decided to help with a Junior Troop, not on the administrative side, but with activities and so on.

Here are some pictures of our Halloween Party on Monday.

This year Lily decided to be a DARK BRIDE. I tried to get her into a different happier costume but she wouldn't budge. I can't deny she's my daughter.

I painted this the other day, figured it would be a fun photo op or the girls. I'll be using it again at our Annual Monster Bash this weekend.

Our troop (minus a few girls), and yes some faces are blurry since some parents haven't said if they are ok with their daughter's faces online. Better safe than sorry.

Song of the Week

2010-10-25T23:55:00.000-04:00

Getting Ready

2010-10-24T18:04:00.001-04:00

I'm revamping the store.... Here's a peek at what's been going on.

Hopefully I will be ready to unveil everything in a week :)

Updated House Tour

2010-10-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

Craft Corner

Technology corner (printers and ipod dock) and my gazelle

The living room

looking at the hallway

Fall banner made by me

The kitchen

On the inside our front door

My bed

Lily's bed

Lily's wall of her favorite layouts

We decorated for Halloween over the weekend and I will be taking those photos today after work. Unfortunately, I didn't go to the extreme like last year because I decided this year would be a more fun Halloween instead of "dark" like lat year.

Pumpkin Picking

2010-10-17T20:56:00.000-04:00

A few pictures of Lily's class trip to the pumpkin patch.

Song of the Week

2010-10-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

Our Weekend

2010-10-04T12:44:00.000-04:00

Saturday was spent at the Rutger's Football Game, the Bergen Hawk's Football game, and celebrating my friend Johanna's 25th birthday. Then Sunday Lily and I spent it at home relaxing :) It was great!

What's in my bag

2010-09-22T13:01:00.000-04:00

Bag - liberty of London for target
2010-2011 planner from Barnes and Noble
2 moleskin notebooks- business and journal
2 subject mead notebook for randomness
1 Jordi Labanda notebook from Target for school and girl scouts
Wallet
"Dark Matter" by Cameron Cruise
Pens and pencils (mostly sharpie pens)
Charger for blackberry
Sunglasses
Covergirl wet slicks in freedom of peach nivea face cream
Chapstick ultra smooth in fortify
Car/ house keys

I will come back and add links later on.
Have a great day
Laura Lopez
www.lauraplopez.blogspot.com
www.arayofsunshine.etsy.com

Life Lessons

2010-09-21T14:45:00.001-04:00

Every once in a while an obstacle is thrown into our paths to teach us a lesson.

Here is what I have learned so far.

1. Although some days are TERRIBLE still I have more GOOD days where I feel content with my life.

2. Sometimes you get the phantom limb syndrome about the person. Even though they are gone you still feel their presence around you.

3. Your REAL friends are the ones that let you cry and vent without saying anything and just hand you a tissue when you're done.

4. I am BEAUTIFUL, STRONG and I deserve nothing but the BEST.

5. Sometimes you have to FAKE being ok until you start believing it yourself.

6. If people ask too many questions it's OK to tell them to back off and mind their business.

7. Life goes ON

That's all for now. I will add more to the list later.

Laura Lopez
www.lauraplopez.blogspot.com
www.arayofsunshine.etsy.com

A broken heart

2010-09-12T21:28:00.000-04:00

As I shared with all of you recently, my relationship has ended. It was a wonderful four years and when it came to an end it was shocking to me. I was not expecting it at all. I thought everything was ok. Obviously it wasn't. It's been a month and a half and it has been getting easier to accept. Some days are really bad. Just about anything makes me cry, and then there are days where I am perfectly fine. There are days that I want to hide under the bed to cry. However, I am stronger than that. On those days I have to force myself to get out of bed and keep living my life. My heart is shattered into a million pieces but I am slowly putting the pieces back together. I wish there was a manual that would tell me how to get through this a little easier. I can't say I don't miss him, because I do... A lot! There are times I expect to wake up from this terrible nightmare, there are times I expect him to come knock on my door and say that we need to talk. However, I know it won't happen. Actually a part of me doesn't want it to happen. As much as I hate to admit this, we needed this break. There were things that we needed to fix on ourselves that we didn't do while we were together. One positive thing is that this happened before any official plans were made. No deposits were made and no contracts were signed. Thank God.

Everything happens for a reason and if I wasn't strong enough to handle this God would not have put this in my life path. Right?

I know I will be ok! It will take time... I don't know how long, but I will be.

I love you all!! I have lots of pictures to share, but I am still editing them. So give me some time :)

Her first day of second grade

2010-09-06T18:52:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday my baby started second grade.  We took some photos on our way out of the house and as I look at them I can't believe how big she is.  To me it looks like she is 9 but she is only 7.  Someone please tell me how to stop her from growing up.

Getting to know You

2010-08-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

Today I'm joining in on the fun... This is done by this lovely lady! If you join her leave me a link so that I can see.

1. If you accidently knick a car in a parking lot..Do you leave a note or do you get the heck out of there? I would leave a note... I know what it feels like and it really sucks!

2. Love your body or plastic surgery? I'm trying to lose weight and become healthy so I can love my body even more, Surgery scares the living shit out of me so that would never happen.

3. What about your favorite blog(s) continues to drive you back? The inspiration and the love the blogger has for what they do.

4. What percent of your blog is BS just to make your life seem more interesting than it really is? None of it!!! I love my life and I wouldn't be able to lie to anyone about it.

5. If you had to give up one type of meat for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pork... I hardly eat it so I don't think I would miss it

6. How often to you eat out? Once a month... I'm trying to save money.

7. Skinny jeans or boot cut jeans? Skinny jeans!

8. If you caught your spouse cheating would you forgive, divorce, or plan your kill? I would probably want to plan my kill or revenge lol but then it would get me nowhere. I don't know what I would do... but I'm hoping I would divorce the person. Once a cheater, always a cheater!!!

2010-08-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

I've gotten some emails asking where I have been.... Well... Wbeimar and I called of our engagement and broke up. I'm as shocked as a lot of you and it's going to take some time getting used to it, but I know I will be ok. Hopefully I will get back into this blogging thing ASAP I miss you all.

P.S. I'm turning off the comments... I'm not looking for a pity party, I just wanted you to know where I have been.

Love you all!

August 1: Guilty Pleasures

2010-08-01T20:00:00.003-04:00

I found this on Ashley's blog... There is a prompt for each day of the month.... Hopefully I will do them all!

Right now I have no guilty pleasures. In the past they were diet coke and cookies and cream Hershey bars. Just thinking about them makes me feel like I’ve gained weight.

Wait I lied…. My guilty pleasure is TRUE BLOOD

No one can tell me that these aren’t just the sexiest bunch of bitches you’ve ever seen.

Hi Everyone

2010-08-01T10:29:00.001-04:00

I know I have been absent but to be honest with all of you I just haven't felt like blogging. There are some things going on in my life that I don't want to talk about, I just need to get through all of this and move on. So like they say... KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. I know everything happens for a reason, but I'm not in a place that I can see that yet. I don't see the reason and I'm scared of what might happen in the future. We are not sick... I'm just going through some emotional stuff. I do want to thank everyone that has emailed me and called to make sure I'm ok and I'm sorry that I haven't responded. I will when I'm ready.

Now some happy stuff: I have been working on lots of important and cute things for the shop and in other good news I have lost another 10 pounds. It's been difficult to get back on the exercise wagon but I jumped in and I'm feeling a lot better about myself.

I'm not going to promise you anything, but I will try to blog more often. I will be taking some pictures of me in that lovely green bathing suit to compare and contrast... I'm nervous

Have a fabulous Sunday

An amazing transformation

2010-07-24T13:59:00.002-04:00

Can you believe how great this is?

Our afternoon fun

2010-06-03T16:14:00.000-04:00

Laura Lopez
www.lauraplopez.blogspot.com
www.arayofsunshine.etsy.com

this is how we are spending our afternoon

2010-06-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

Laura Lopez
www.lauraplopez.blogspot.com
www.arayofsunshine.etsy.com

As you may have noticed

2010-05-05T01:09:00.000-04:00

There have been some changes around here in the past week. All thanks to miss Courtney. Doesn't my blog just look so good?

She also worked on our wedding blog

Now go show her some love and if you need a little makeover head on over to her :)

Present for our flower girls

2010-04-30T13:27:00.000-04:00

I gave one of these owls to each of the girls that will be participating in our wedding next year.

Laura Lopez
www.lauraplopez.blogspot.com
www.arayofsunshine.etsy.com

TWO YEAR BLOGIVERSARY COMING UP

2010-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Due to the post office not delivering part of my giveaway :( the blog party has been postponed to Friday, April 30th.

I'm planning a small party with many many giveaways and surprises :) mark your calendars!

image found via weheartit

Lily's Wall Art!

2010-04-28T02:49:00.002-04:00

Lily had a blank wall in her room that was just driving me insane! A.C. Moore was having a sale on canvases... I got the brilliant idea to let her do whatever she wanted. Being my daughter she wanted one large canvas with a bunch of colors and smaller ones with solid colors. We did the splatter painting together and I painted the solid colors for her. paint flew everywhere and there is still some on the window screens to prove it. :)

It was so worth it :)

5 Pounds.. ~ A B.S in Fitness

2010-04-27T14:43:00.002-04:00

Want to see what diet I'm trying out this week? I have a dress fitting on Sunday for my best friend's wedding and I want to lose 5 pounds. Want to try it with me? Just go here: 5 Pounds.. ~ A B.S in Fitness

Laura Trevey

2010-04-26T09:36:00.001-04:00

Beach Umbrella

How amazingly cute is this? I was clicking through Flickr and I found this. I absolutely love it. Laura has pictures of her studio and all of her other pieces. Please go check out her blogs and etsy shop to.

Her Blogs:

www.lauratrevey.blogspot.com
www.brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com

Enjoy!!!

We love you Titi

2010-04-24T08:04:00.001-04:00

My sister left on Monday. Lily was so upset :(

We will miss you a lot and can't wait to see you in May or June :)

Today is opening day for tee ball and we are also going to a scrimmage for Rutgers University. Pictures coming soon I promise ; )

Favorite Body Parts

2010-04-23T11:06:00.000-04:00

My favorite part of my body is... my legs

Even though I've gained some weight and now have started losing it my legs have stayed pretty toned. At least they don't look like I smeared cottage cheese all over them. yuck!

Even though I'm not at the body weight that I want to be at I love the way that I look now. I'm a lot more comfortable with myself now than I have been in a very very long time. I am happy to try on clothes at the store without worrying about finding a size that will fit me.

By just losing 32 pounds I feel empowered and confident. By July I plan on weighing close to 130 pounds, which means I have 3 months to lose another 38 pounds. I know that I can do it! I just have to get rid of my diet coke ~~obsession~~ addiction. Any ideas on what I can drink instead? I hate club soda and water bores me.

p.s. I have serious issues with drinking water out of a cup. i just can't force myself to do it. It grosses me out! However, hand me a bottle of water and I drink it without a problem... and this only happens with water

What's your favorite part of your body?

Printmaking 101

2010-04-22T08:36:00.002-04:00

Three weeks ago I began a printmaking class at a local art school. I was so nervous on my first day, I had no idea what to expect especially since I haven't taken an art class in over eight years (since high school). I had so many butterflies! This is what I've done so far...

My first print was carved from a speedball easy carve block. Very easy to carve, but a nightmare to run through the press. The block kept slipping so I had to hand rub them. Being my first time it worked out pretty well.

On week 2 I knew I wanted to start working on our wedding invitations. I wasn't sure what I wanted to print, but since our wedding is on the beach i wanted people to know that right away. I did a drypoint etching on plexiglass, but when I went to print I realized that a drypoint would be way difficult to print 150 times.

So I went back to the drawing board : )

On week three I did another linoleum, but I just wasn't happy with the design. The color came out perfectly the second time, but everything just looks too busy.

Today I'll be printing in the same color, just a new linoleum block. This one looks perfect on the block, but we'll see what happens when I print it. As soon as I get home I will photograph and post the newest edition. If this one works out then I will be printing approximately 200 of them in the next 4 weeks.

Wish me luck!

The Wedding Binder

2010-04-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

I introduce you to the wedding shelf. That is where I keep our binder and any magazines that have ideas that I need to go back to look at. When i first got engaged, I was picking up every wedding magazine out there. What a waste of money!!!! Most of the time there was nothing I would use for myself so they would go straight to the recycling or to someone else that was engaged. Now I make sure that before I buy a magazine I read it. I also rip out pictures that I like and place them directly into our binder.

These are images of my centerpieces, my bouquet, bridemaid's dresses, some dress options for me, decor for the ceremony, activities for the kids... Next week I'll show you how we are asking everyone to be in our wedding party.
Can you believe that I have edited our guest list like 10 times :) I have taken some people out that we really won't miss and added a few that must be there :)

Personalizing a Moleskin Journal

2010-04-20T20:02:00.000-04:00

Someone in my printmaking class (a whole post on this coming on Thursday) bought me some Rives Moulin du Gue. It was such a nice surprise... I mean I have only known this person for 3 weeks and she is already giving me presents :) I wanted to say thank you and since she is an artist I figured she could never have too many sketch books.

Here's what I did:
1. Drew a bunch of lines with crayon
2. Colored in the shapes
3. Added some Washi tape

It all took less than 15 minutes.

Here's one that I personalized for myself :) I'm a list lover

On Being in a Relationship

2010-04-20T12:15:00.001-04:00

The movies make it look so damn easy. Boy meets girl, girl and boy fall in love, they have one fight that helps them realize just how much they love each other, they get engaged, get married and live happily ever after. Since movies are usually less than 2 hours long they fail to show all the hard work that goes into achieving that happily ever after.
Being in love is not easy. It involves... understanding, compromise, attraction, compatibility, sacrifice and so many other things that would take forever to list. Both parties involved must be willing to work at everything because obviously it's a 2 way street.
My relationship is no where near perfect because let's face it, no one has a perfect relationship. There's always small issues to argue over, little things that bug the heck out of the other person and well if at the first sign of trouble you run for the hills then it is best to not be in a relationship.
Why am I writing about this? Well is seems that whenever my friends have trouble in their relationships they call me. I'm their personal Dr. Phil... No I do not have any training, but apparently I have a good head on my shoulders and enough common sense to tell them when one of them is being an ass. Also, they feel they can tell me ANYTHING yes..... ANYTHING. Even stuff I don't want to think about I hear it :) I'm not judgmental and I tell them exactly what I think even if they don't want to hear it. So I'm trying to put a list together of the most important aspects of a relationship and I need your help.

What is the most important aspect of any relationship? Please don't be afraid to tell it like it is and if you don't feel comfortable commenting please email me lauralilyan[at]gmail dot com

Happy Weekend

2010-04-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

This weekend was pretty good, even though the weather has been pretty crappy for the past few days. Unfortunately, my sister goes back to DR tomorrow. we will miss her. Today as she was packing she put on a headband she found in one of my boxes ;) I warned her that funny pictures must be blogged for everyone to enjoy :)

This is me before going to work out today. The room in the background is Lily's... There's a few more things that need to be finished and then I will be giving you all a tour :)

I'm also attempting to get rid of some items... These rings are beautiful and they have never been worn so hopefully they can go to a happy home :)
If you would like anymore information please email me at arayofsunshine7[at]gmail dot com

Silver Flower (1 center stone)

I'll be back on tuesday with some happy and exciting news :)

A Tour of our Living Room

2010-04-13T19:50:00.000-04:00

I love seeing where and how people live, how they decorate and how they get themselves organized. A lot of you have seen some pictures of where we used to live. It was a 4 bedroom apartment in a 2 family home. One of the bedrooms was my art area. However, when my sister moved out, I downsized since it was only going to be Lily and myself. I said bye bye to my art room and figured that as long as I found a place that had space I could figure it out. We found a cute 2 bedroom with a big living room and a spacious kitchen. The bathroom is ok, and the bedrooms are perfect for us.

Without further ado I present you to our living room/ art room. :)

The view from the entryway (as soon as you walk in the house and look to your left:

The "reading corner" as I like to call it:

The art nook :)

The sitting area:

My favorite table (with my little treasures):

Are you wondering where I do my crafts? Well... I placed my butcher block in the kitchen :) It works out perfectly especially because when I have company for dinner I throw a table cloth over it and presto instant extra table :)

What do you think?

The last 3 weeks in pictures and some words

2010-04-11T23:01:00.000-04:00

The last 3 weeks have been hectic... we moved, celebrated birthdays, said good-bye to my sister and our puppy Koda (they moved to Dominican Republic), celebrated Easter, went to the zoo, got an Escalade :), and enjoyed Spring Break even though it just went way too fast.

In other news, I'm taking a printmaking class in hopes that I will learn something new for our wedding invitations. I'll be sharing some prints soon promise. The date has been set and a location has been selected.

OCTOBER 29, 2011

I've also selected center pieces, my bouquet, ceremony decor... too soon? Who knows, but at least I won't be stressing out later on.

Be back on Tuesday since tomorrow I'm babysitting and we have girls scouts.

Miss you all,

Laura

It's been a while

2010-03-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

The move is complete! Boxes are unpacked, a certain little girl turned 7, a certain fiance turned 28, a certain mommy busted her ass and hurt her knee which resulted in no training for 1 week, and I started the indie biz 2.0 class. WOO HOO!!!!
Yes, I've been busy... Yes, I miss you and hopefully this week everything will return to regularly scheduled programming.

LOVE YOU ALL!

What's coming this week: pictures of the new apartment, sneak peek of new products for the shop, wedding planning updates, and a few projects :)

Meet my trainer

2010-03-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

So a few of you have asked what I do when I workout and I told you all about my trainer. Well he now has a blog. Here's his intro:

Welcome to my blog. Here I'm going to try and cover all things fitness from; workouts, new exercises, sports performance and even diet tips or healthy snacks. Feel free to add things that have worked for you and keep us updated on your progress because you never know how you losing one pound could motivate another person to start working out. Also if your in the North Jersey area and would like to train, feel free to contact me at 40inchvert@gmail.com

SO GO CHECK HIM OUT NOW....

Trust me you won't regret this at all!

Inspirational Monday _ Ashley

2010-02-22T00:37:00.015-05:00

I wanted you to meet one of the most amazing girls I've met through the internet. We met in a Red Velvet Art class last year and we became the closest of friends. Go check out her blog and let her know how amazing she is!!!

1. What's your name, what do you do and what's your blog address?

Hi! I'm Ashley - I'm 23 and an accountant (currently in school majoring in Elementary Education).

http://ashleywatts.blogspot.com

2. What's your favorite crafty thing to do?

I really like to do a lot of things: crochet, paint, scrap, graphic design, write...it basically just depends on what I'm in the mood for at the moment!

3. Where do you find inspiration?

Literally everywhere! Weheartit.com, flickr, my blog reader, in the shower, in nature (that's a big one!), music, movies, books...everything! :)

4. Do you have designated crafty time?

Not really...I squeeze it in whenever I have time!

5. I know I waste so much time doing meaningless things.... How do you stay motivated?

I'm definitely the same way! lol I try to stay offline for as long as possible (until something on my to-do list involves my computer - which a lot of it does! lol). I'm also one of those people that, when the inspiration hits, I feel like I have to do it right then! So my inspiration helps me stay motivated a lot too!

6. Do you have any organizational tips you can give us?

Oh my, that is something I've been trying to work on as of late! I'm very disorganized! haha
*My number one tip is to clean as you work. I'm bad about making a enormous mess when I craft...so in order for me to stay focused I have to take breaks so that I can clean up the mess!

*I also take about 15 minutes before bed and try to put things back where they go...it helps me to figure out where I am when I come back to a project. :)
*AND, I've started to make lists. I have a board (separated into days) where I make a daily list of the things I HAVE to do that day. I also keep lists in a planner and longer-term lists on task list in my gmail. :)

7. Do you have a crafty space? (can you share a pic?)

I do! It was actually meant for both my mom and me...but it eventually just became someplace I only went lol. It's not very big...and not very fancy...but it meets all my crafty needs! :D

Weightloss Friday

2010-02-19T00:11:00.000-05:00

I have been meeting with a trainer 3 times a week for the past month. I feel so amazing!!! Let me just tell you that when I started I couldn't do a girlie push up without crying. Now I'm happy to report that I can do a full set without complaining too much... the complaints start around push up number 9. If you live in the NY/NJ area you should definitely email me so that you can train with Ybron!!! He is awesome. I'm actually enjoying working out, if he is able to get me to do it then anyone can do it.

I have not weighed myself because I honestly don't want to know. The last 3 weeks have been stressful and I am an emotional eater so the diet hasn't been so perfect as I would hope. Since we are moving into a new place I've been looking at some pictures from our current house. I'm really going to miss these granite counters. They were the perfect surface to make bread on. Hopefully our new ones will work just as well.

Promise I will start sharing pictures as soon as we get the keys, which should be later tonight. Tomorrow I start painting :) Wish me luck!

Shop Has Been Updated

2010-02-17T11:01:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't been here in such a long time but I'm so busy with moving, planning 3 birthday parties, and updating the shop.

Go check it out!

A Ray of Sunshine

Miss You

2010-01-27T23:07:00.000-05:00

I'm trying really hard to get caught up. A lot has been checked off the list and a lot has been added as well. Lily's school is having a bookfair next week and tomorrow will be spent making stuff for the fair and finishing Lindsay's planner :) Valentine's day cards have been finished and my swap stuff was sent out.
If I owe you an email sorry :( I promise you will hear from me tomorrow. All of the posts waiting to go will be posted hopefully tomorrow night.

Wish me luck!

P.S. We're moving so i will have some craft stuff to giveaway and some to sell. I will be picking up boxes tomorrow. What I will probably do is fill some boxes and you would just pay for shipping. What do you think? I have a lot of new stuff that I know I won't use any time soon. Plus the apartment we're getting is smaller since it's just Lily and I.
I'm excited to decorate and I can't wait to share with all of you.

Lots of stuff to do tomorrow so goodnight!!!!

Share a recipe today

2010-01-25T08:09:00.001-05:00

The awesome Lindsay is sharing this yummy recipe with us. Hopefully I can make it this week.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake

Ingredients:

1 can evaporated milk

1 pkg cream cheese, softened

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1 bag (16oz) frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrot mix, thawed

2 cups cubed, precooked chicken

1/2 cups uncooked instant white rice

1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 inch casserole dish

2. Combine evaporated milk and cream cheese in baking dish with wire whisk until smooth. Add soup, water, garlic powder and black pepper; mix well. Add vegetables, chicken and rice. Cover tightly with foil.

3. Bake for 35 min. Remove cover and top with cheese. Continue baking, uncovered for 15 min. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Thank you so much for featuring me Laura :) I hope everyone enjoys the yummy recipe!

xoxo,

Lindsay

And the winner is...

2010-01-24T23:04:00.000-05:00

OK SO RANDOM.ORG IS BEING WEIRD.

I put all of your names on a list and there were a total of 21 entries with some of you getting double points for blogging about this.

True Random Number Generator

Min: Max: Result: 7

And number 7 is

Kristie said...: Hi!!! I'm a new follower. Very excited about this giveaway. Also, congrats on your engagement, that is very exciting. I got married about a year ago, so if you need any advice, just ask! :); January 14, 2010 2:52 PM; So kristie please email me lauralilyan(at)gmail(dot)com with your address so I can get this out to you ASAP.; Thanks everyone for playing along. I have a huge giveaway planned for when I reach 100 followers, but only you can help me :)

Weightloss Friday

2010-01-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

On Monday I started working out with a personal trainer. Apparently I was doing everything incorrectly because after my first day I discovered new muscles. Seriously I had no idea I had muscle in certain places. What a difference when you do things correctly.

So like I said I'm not going to be weighing myself every week or measuring myself. I know muscle weighs more than fat so I know all that matters for now is that I feel good about myself. I'm searching for healthy alternatives so if you have any good links please share. I'm off to the trainer now.

Have you been keeping up with your plan?

Bridesmaids and Flower Girls

2010-01-20T12:46:00.001-05:00

My best friend is getting married in July and on Monday we went to David's Bridal to find my bridesmaid's dress and Lily's flower girl dress.

This is my dress except it's in Cornflower. For some reason David's Bridal never stock this dress in cornflower. Weird right? And I know you are loving my toe socks... they match this dress perfectly :)

Next it was Lily's turn. She couldn't stop smiling and she wanted to try on every single dress in the store.

Of course my best friend picked the one that was custom made and only for each order placed. She got it in all white and I'm sure my Lily will feel like a princess that day :)

The girl that helped us told us she had been a bridesmaid in 17 weddings!!! All I could think about was "27 Dresses" and how it's been a while since I watched it. The last scene (KH's wedding) is similar to what I want my wedding to look like.

My favorite Color

2010-01-20T08:24:00.001-05:00

Our wedding colors will definitely be yellow, gray with white.  here are a few pictures that made my heart skip a beat :) 

Find all credits and links here:

{Inspiration} A Wedding in Mustard Shades of Yellow

My Photo Wall

2010-01-19T15:27:00.002-05:00

I'm currently taking the RVA Style class and I'm playing catch up with the projects. Over the weekend I created my version of the photo display. I painted the center painting with my favorite colors and then added the pictures around it.

Please let me know what you think :)

Crafty Thursday on Tuesday

2010-01-19T13:25:00.002-05:00

Meg asked me to make her a custom planner so I have been working on that for the past few days. I've also been playing catch up with the RVA class. Almost done working on my wreath. Can't wait to share with all of you hopefully later today :)

And don't forget about the giveaway! Only a few days left!!!

Keeping your Crafty Space Organized

2010-01-19T10:14:00.001-05:00

For How to Tuesday I wanted to feature artsy spaces and how to keep them organized.
I'm not the neatest person on the block... Anyone that knows me can tell you that when I start a project it explodes in my craft room and sometimes makes its way to the dining room table. However I do have some tips on trying to stay organized.

1. When you finish using something put it in its place... I tell Lily that all the time, but for some reason I don't listen.
2. Find a place for everything. I've found that if everything has a place when it comes time to clean up it will be so much easier.
3. Have pretty containers. I started using boxes from ikea and I've also found a lot of baskets at the dollar store.

Do you have any tips??? Please share with me! Also please share your crafty space. I love to see how other people live lol :)

Inspirational Monday _ Margot

2010-01-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

1. What's your name, what do you do and what's your blog address?

My name is Margot Miller and I am a 26 year old illustrator and designer. I work at an accessory company designing kids handbags and backpacks for all different companies, mainly Disney and Nickelodeon. I am very lucky to have a job where I can be creative all day!!

I also run a business with a friend called Pixelation that launched a few months ago and freelance illustrate.

You can check out pixelation at www.pixelationfoto.com and my illustrations at www.margotmiller.com and of course, last but not least- www.icedgrandesoylatte.blogspot.com

2. What's your favorite crafty thing to do?

anything that uses paper- i am a collage artist at heart :-)

3. Where do you find inspiration?

EVERYWHERE- especially flickr & children's books!

4. Do you have designated crafty time?

in an ideal world...

5. I know I waste so much time doing meaningless things.... How do you stay motivated?

I'm extremely goal motivated. if there is a deadline (personal or official) i put a lot of internal pressure on myself to reach it. probably too much pressure! but hey, whatever works!

6. Do you have any organizational tips you can give us?

I WISH. i am the worst. no. not one. infact, if you have any good ones please send them my way!!

7. Do you have a crafty space?

my entire room has become a crafty space, due to the small living style of new york city! here are a few pics :-)

Monday Inspiration ~ Lindsay

2010-01-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

1. What's your name, what do you do and what's your blog address?

My name is Lindsay, I'm a wifey, mommy, daughter, sister, friend, creator, crafter, inspirer

You can find me Here:

Pixies and Bears- http://www.bearypixie.blogspot.com/

Twitter- http://twitter.com/Mezmerized814

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/AirForceWifeyandMommy?ref=name

2. What's your favorite crafty thing to do?

Mine changes from week to week, one week it could be sewing the next day it could be finger-knitting. Right now though its scrapbooking because I have been working on my Style File. I decided to do nothing but my File for the next few days then get caught up on my other projects :) Oh I almost forgot I love to make treasure boxes for my friends, I'm actually going to be making 4 this weekend!! Busy Busy!!

3. Where do you find inspiration?

Here's a surprising answer, family. My husband especially, I'll throw some of my ideas at him and he always gives awesome ones back. He can leave me pretty shocked at times too, I'm like "I didn't even know you knew what that was!" then I'm speechless. My mom and sister do the same thing give me good ideas for a new project or tell me how I can make the current ones better. I also get lots of inspiration from my good blogger friends too as well as the world.

4. Do you have designated crafty time?

I can be found crafting anytime! Right now it's early in the morning because my husband is on day shift. Some of the projects, for example finger-knitting can be done anywhere at anytime, so if it's family movie night, I just finger-knit while watching a movie :) Very big at multi-tasking :)

5. I know I waste so much time doing meaningless things.... How do you stay motivated?

Through all of my online friends :) Seeing you guys complete projects or even talking about them helps a lot. Also I am now involved in a great project that helps you keep your goals as well as many other fun, inspirational things. You can find me at 2010 Best Year Ever too. http://bestyearchallenge.blogspot.com/

6. Do you have any organizational tips you can give us?

I think a great way to stay motivated is having a clean area to work in. Only things I have out are my Style File stickers, papers, glues and such. I also keep a calendar and write down what I want to accomplish on what day. I make myself do it and it actually works for me. Also finishing a project you start on before you move on to the next one is a great tip I learned from LP :)

7. Do you have a crafty space? (can you share a pic?)

I sure do!! I actually finished it on New Years Day!! Putting together a crafty space was one of my goals for 2010 that I was able to cross off the first day :D

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me and a special thanks to Laura for featuring me!

xoxo,

Lindsay

Weight loss Friday on Saturday

2010-01-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!  Sorry I'm late...

Every Friday i will be sharing fun workouts, diet tips, my weight loss, healthy recipes I find ...

Please remember that I'm not a doctor, a nutritionist, or a personal trainer and everything I share here is what I'm trying for myself.  I recommend that you speak to your doctor before you start any type of weight loss.  I did learn the hard way that if you lose weight too quickly it affects your gallbladder ( I had mine removed in November).  I did meet with a nutritionist and this Monday I start with a trainer so hopefully I can control my weight loss and do it the right way.  

Wow that's not pretty at all lol, but it is what it is!

Today I weighed myself and I came in at 168 lbs... I still want to lose about 40 lbs more then I just need maintain my weight.  So I took pictures of myself and I'm keeping them in a journal (I did take pictures of it, but my camera is not cooperating so as soon as I get that working I will share with you)but here is a picture of me in my bathing suit.

  I will not be weighing myself every week since it would drive me crazy if I didn't lose weight.  My trainer told me that I probably wouldn't in the first month since I have to start gaining my muscle back and replacing the fat.  I do want some proof that I'm making progress so here are my measurements.

Waist 42 in., Hips 42 in., Arms 14 in., Bust 41 in.

Getting it on paper makes it real.  OMG!!! So since I started in July I've lost 32 lbs and a total of about 20 ins.  I can't believe it!!!

Since it's so cold here I refuse to go walk outside so for now I will meet with a trainer 4x a week and I will throw in some TaeBo once or twice.  The first few times I'm sure it will be hard, but after I know it will get easier... I HOPE! 

So today we start- Hopefully you will join me in my journey. If you can't or don't want to send some encouraging thoughts this way.

This is what I call inspiration

2010-01-15T10:49:00.001-05:00

I found this over at Shimelle's blog. She is amazing!!!

I'll be back later with Weightloss Friday. I need to get all of my measurements down on paper :)

Crafty Thursday Part 1

2010-01-14T13:30:00.001-05:00

Since it's CRAFTY THURSDAY I wanted to share a mini album I made right before the holidays.  The pictures and the paper were just amazing.  I couldn't wait to get this mini album finished.

Back story for the mini:
In September 2009 we went to Florida for a scrapbooking retreat (Damaris is hosting another one... Check it out here).  The wonderful Margie, Damaris's sister took our pictures.  She is just amazing and if you are anywhere near Florida you need to have her take your pictures.  TRUST ME!!!!

I purchased the papers and album from Damaris.  She puts together the most amazing kits, I need to win the lottery just so that I can get all of them.

I'll be back with some more crafty things later on... I'm attempting to do a tour of " The Room" but I need to get it cleaned up a little bit.  So be patient please.

And don't forget the giveaway!

SIDENOTE: My computer has been acting up. Apparently I save way too much stuff and my hard drive was full. Mind you I own an external hard drive that was empty (Wbeimar bought it for me 2 years ago so this wouldn't happen). Well I learned my lesson. I've transferred all of my pictures and files so this never happens anymore.

Giveaway time

2010-01-14T09:49:00.007-05:00

I figured we all need a pretty planner for 2010 right???? Well I made this and I kind of want to keep it, but since I love you all so much I'm sending it to a new HAPPY home :)

What do you have to do????

1. Be a follower of the blog
2. Leave a comment

I always loved to do extra-credit in school, so if you are like me... Here's some extra entries, just make sure you leave me a comment so i can keep track of it all. (You will get 2 additional entries for each of these)

3. Tweet about the giveaway
4. Blog about the giveaway

You have until SUNDAY JANUARY 24th @ 8pm est to enter. Winner will be posted at 9pm est

Here are some more pictures... Click on them to enlarge

P.S. The tabs and the calendars are from a CREATIVITY PROMPT workshop I did.

Save the Date

2010-01-13T13:48:00.001-05:00

Since we are having a destination wedding, I have been doing a lot of research on the perfect save the dates for us. These are just way too cute, and I wish I knew how to do this.

Save the Date_9/26/09 from Jason Harmon on Vimeo.

Save The Date from Josh Dick & Julia Schwadron on Vimeo.

Bobby & Carrie Photo Booth from Sara Montour on Vimeo.

It's Wedding Wednesday

2010-01-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

My friend sent me David Tutera's "Big White Book of Weddings." As I read it, I will share what I get out of it. He says to relax, kick up your feet and enjoy it with a glass of bubbly- well I'm not a fan of liquor so I'm drinking coffee.
Thanks for joining me during this very exciting time in my life.

"The hard part is over- you found him! Now this is cause for a celebration: your wedding!"
- David Tutera

THE BEGINNING!

He proposed! Wow- now what? It's all so overwhelming! Guest lists, invitations, flowers, food, drinks, ceremony... Blah blah blah! Let's take a deep breath and relax. This is supposed to be fun so as David says- "it shouldn't feel like work, if it does, step back and continue later."
As I work on my wedding and my best friend's wedding I will share all of my experiences with you. Whether it's good, bad or just plain ugly!

So welcome to the first installment of WEDDING WEDNESDAY, next week I share my wedding binder... and make sure you stay tuned since tomorrow is Crafty Thursday and I will be sharing my Style File and a custom album I made. I also have a giveaway coming later today. I'm just trying to get these pictures uploaded.

XOXO,

Laura

My Plans for this blog

2010-01-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty inconsistent with this blogging thing and for that I apologize. So for 2010 I plan to share, share, share!!!

Wedding plans, crafty projects, diet and exercise plans and so on. Starting this Wednesday I will start on a regular schedule. I don't know about you, but I work better with deadlines. So here is the schedule.

MONDAY---> Monday Funday

Includes inspiration from other bloggers, features, pretty things I find along the way

TUESDAY ---> How to Tuesday

My own or others from the blog-o-sphere... If you have one you want to share email me.

WEDNESDAY---> Wedding Wednesday

Since I am now engaged I will be sharing my trials and tribulations as a bride... Hopefully I won't become a bridezilla!

THURSDAY---> Crafty Thursday

today I will share my current project.

FRIDAY---> Fat Burn Friday

My ups and downs with weightloss

SATURDAY---> Guest Blogger Day

(if you're interested email me)

SUNDAY---> Week in Review

I will share other pics from the week and sneak peeks of what's to come

I can't wait to get started and I hope you come along for the ride. Just bear with me as I get used to having a schedule.

I will also be updating my etsy shop regularly. I already started working on that :)

Our Engagement Party... Part III

2010-01-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

I promise this is the last of the pictures :) Lily and my cousin Coral did a small performance for everyone... Lily played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Then my sister played for us. She used to play back in the day, but it's been a few years.

Lily with my cousin. He's her favorite since he's only 4 years older than her. When they get together all they do is play play play.

Waiting for Lily before the toast was made.

My uncle spoke, my stepdad spoke, and then Wbeimar and I had to say thanks. He knows how much I hate speaking in public plus I probably would've started crying so he said thanks to everyone.

My dad and my 3 sisters.My uncle, cousin, aunt and my sister.

Posing in front of the tree with my parents.

Other random pictures of the night:

Cutting our cake... I wonder what I was telling him. I look like I'm going to hit him with the spatula right?

Our Engagement Party... Part II

2010-01-04T12:08:00.008-05:00

So like I said before, we left the restaurant for my mom's "New Year's Party." Why is this in quotations you ask? Well, there was no New Year's Party... The whole family knew that he was going to propose and they were there for a surprise engagement party. I'd always told Wbeimar that my dream was to have my whole family there to share the good news. Him, my mom, and sister planned this amazing party for about a month. I can't believe I didn't notice. Everyone was wearing yellow (my favorite color) and I was in white. My sister had even bought Lily a secret dress behind my back. My family and fiance are amazing!!!

Here is everyone when we walked in. The cake my aunt had made for us. The very cool diamond rings were made by her (hoop earrings with "diamonds" from little girl hair things). How crafty of her!

Spreading the amazing news!

My Godmother

My Godmother and her Hubby

My Grandma

My Stepmom

My Aunt (on my dad's side)

My Aunt (on my mom's side) and her hubby

My Cousin

My Stepdad... I'm not much of a dancer, but it was a special occasion.

Me and Lily

My mom, my aunts, and my cousin. My mom is the one in the yellow dress :)

I was so happy and excited. I couldn't believe they had done so much for me.

The buffet spread that they put together. The food was delicious.

Part III coming soon...

On the 26th... in the Dominican Republic

2010-01-04T09:54:00.007-05:00

I said YES!
Now that it has finally started to sink in... This is how I remember it happening

I got dressed in my ever so short white dress for the "Pre- New Year's New Year party" that when I bought it didn't seem so damn short. I was so worried about having my own version of a Britney's Spears moment. (Thankfully I wore underwear)
Shiselle still had to use the straightener on my hair, but Wbeimar and I were already late for our 5:30 pm reservation. My step-father let Wbeimar borrow the the 4runner _ we were driving towards Boca Chica and I asked Wbeimar if he knew where he was going. He informed me that Aurelio had shown him the way earlier that day when they went to buy ice for the party.
Wbeimar pulled up to Boca Marina when I told Wbeimar that I was definitely over-dressed for this place. He let me know not to worry because there was a wedding going on so everything would be fine... Of course he was right, yes there was a wedding, but there were also people hanging out in their bathing suits and jumping in the ocean.
The sun was setting and the water looked so beautiful. We ordered our drinks and some appetizers. When the sun got lower, the curtains were raised.

Right before that I noticed that there was a small family of crabs hanging out under the dock. (The whole restaurant is on a huge dock)

Then Wbeimar brought up the fact that every time he tries to tell me how much he loves me or how wonderful he thinks I am I giggle like a school girl. It's a nervous giggle but nonetheless I laugh in his face. We always joke around that when he finally decides to pop the question I might laugh in his face. Just thinking about it makes me giggle. I looked over at the horizon, and when I turned around Wbeimar was down on one knee beside me.

All I could say was "shut up! are you serious!?!"
He then told me he loved me and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I said YES! I gave him a kiss and he put the most amazing ring on my finger. I was in utter shock for about 15 minutes and all I could do was stare at the ring and smile! During this time he called his family...It started sinking in and that's when the tears started coming. I was so happy and excited! Then HOLY SHIT! We had a wedding to plan. Then i was told the restaurant had run out of the desert I ordered so we asked for the check and decided to head to my parents for the "NEW YEAR"S PARTY."

TO BE CONTINUED....

Christmas Eve

2010-01-02T18:38:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve was spent with my dad's side of the family. One of my cousins recently had bypass surgery so we all invaded his apartment since he's supposed to be resting. As you can see my hair is super straight now :) My BFF is a hairdresser and we tried the Brazilian straightening before the trip. (More to come on my Brazilian experience lol)Wbeimar, me, Lily and Shi (my sis)

Grandma

Annie (my sis), me, Lily, Shi (my sis), and Lauren (my sis)

After Christmas dinner we went to a party that was thrown by one of my dad's friends. Below is the decor on the buffet table. Isn't it amazing?

Wbeimar and me :)

Annie, Lily and Lauren... Lily wanted to go play... Lately she has not been in the mood to take any pictures :(

Shi and Annie

My dad and Shi

The party was amazing and fun! 2 very well known Dominican artists were performing all night and we had front row seats. The best part is that at every party right before its time to go home they serve a bowl of Sancocho (a thick stew with 7 different types of meat) just to make sure that no one drives intoxicated.

More of our Christmas festivities coming up...

Christmas Break

2010-01-02T11:39:00.004-05:00

This year we decided to spend Christmas in Dominican Republic. My sister, Lily, Wbeimar and myself took a flight on Christmas Eve morning. Thankfully we had been upgraded to business class so we had plenty of leg room. We all slept the whole time!!!!

Shiselle being Vana White... Lily did not want to partake in the picture taking so she decided to hide.

The view as we were landing.

Getting ready for our arrival! And below are all the pictures of us greeting the family after we had gotten our luggage.

I'll be back later with pictures of our Christmas Eve dinner and the party.

Hope you all had an amazing Holiday season... It's now time to get back to work!

What I've been doing

2009-12-20T23:48:00.000-05:00

I've missed you all so very much, but I've been a busy girl. I'm going to start selling these rings, I've also made some tote bags... I'm working on taking pictures and adding everything to the shop. Etsy can be really difficult sometimes! I wish it was so much easier to add items...

Tomorrow I'm finishing Christmas cards, finishing a fundraiser project for Lily's school, hopefully blogging, cleaning... I'm looking forward to Christmas.

What do you have planned?

Awesome giveaway~

2009-12-16T13:19:00.000-05:00

Just go here

On Sunday I turned 26

2009-12-09T23:56:00.002-05:00

I vowed that this new year it would be different. I have decided that I would make this year the best ever. Do you think I'm having a quarter life crisis? I started questioning where my life was going, where I am and if I truly like what's going on. And in true Laura form, I DON'T.

As I am writing this I am watching " Julie and Julia." Have you seen it? It's so inspiring. It just goes to prove that you can change your life if you put your mind to it. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. So I will start fresh, start anew and I will share my journey with all of you. If there are any of you still reading.

So first I need some explanations... Why are blogs such a popularity contest? Why do we try so hard to make everyone else happy? If this is my blog, why can't I just write about what I want? I can't say that I'm not guilty of participating in the contest. If I denied it I would be a hypocrite. So here is my first goal for my fresh start:

BE TRUE TO MYSELF

So won't you join me in my journey?????

P.S. I got bangs on Friday. What do you think?

Shop Update coming this week

2009-11-29T23:12:00.001-05:00