Black Tie 2014

This is always such a fun event. I love getting all dressed up and raising money for scholarships.

The event is always beautifully decorated, the food created by the culinary department is top notch, lots of great items to bid on, and you get to socialize, and check out every one's fancy outfits.

This year was no exception, another great night at the Black Tie. Thank you to the committee for putting on this event - all the volunteers are truly what makes the fundraiser such a success every year.

And there is usually a bonus after party that is just as much fun as the event itself.

Wednesday Scripture

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Acts 20:35

These photos are all from my mission trip to Mali in February as every post needs pictures I feel. Plus this is a reminder that I really need to take time to post photos and talk about the mission, it was without a doubt my favorite one to date.

Montreal, Canada for a Weekend

Last weekend included a fun short trip to Montreal, Canada. Can't say Montreal was ever on my bucket list of places to visit but it was actually gorgeous and quite fun. We kicked the trip off with Absinthe cocktails at our amazing hotel. I loved the design of the hotel.

 

 

 

 

Then woke up the next morning and headed out for a leisurely jog to stretch our legs and also explore the city a bit more. I absolutely love running when on vacation as it gives me a chance to see things I normally wouldn't. We scored on this run as we were only a few cobblestone streets away from the waterfront.

 

 

 

 

Sadly it was pretty overcast the entire day but at least the rain more or less held off so we were able to get out and explore the Old Town of Montreal. The architecture won me over without a doubt. I loved the intricate details and the copper tops. Gorgeous!

 

There were super pretty flowers and plants everywhere which was a win in my books.

 

We ate several amazing meals, one was at this super cool old stable made into an uber fancy but delicious restaurant called Gibby's. My parents actually ate at this same place when they were in Montreal several years ago.

 

We also had the famous smoked meat. I'm not a huge smoked meat fan but it wasn't bad.  I even ended up with a Diet Coke that had my name in French - win!

14 Day Clean Eating Challenge

Life keeps getting in the way of loosing weight or just being healthy. I have been trying hard to make healthy choices lately and recently signed up to sell Arbonne. I love the company, love their products, and the teamwork that comes with being a consultant. I first heard about Arbonne when my friend hosted a 14 day Clean Eating Challenge.

I am going to host a challenge starting September 29th and would love to have more people join in the fun. The larger our team the more we can encourage and inspire each other to make healthy choices for our mind and body. Contact me for more information if you want to join the Challenge.

Be Kind and Compassionate to One Another

Sticks and stones will break my bones
But words will never harm me.
 

 

 

Who remembers this nursery rhyme from childhood? I do for some crazy reason and right now trying to keep repeating it in my head.

 

Please people be kind and nice to each other. Don't judge and don't speak poorly of others. You never know what that person may be dealing with or the circumstances surrounding their actions.

"Brothers and sisters, stop slandering each other. Those who slander and judge other believers slander and judge God's teachings. If you judge God's teachings, you are no longer following them. Instead, you are judging them." James 4:11

9.11

Today we look back on one of the darkest days in our Nation’s history and the nearly 3,000 lives lost.  However, today is also a reminder that under terrible circumstances, Americans came together with a new sense of purpose, pride, and understanding. 

 

 

 

On this Patriot Day, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims of 9/11, and of the Soldiers and Civilians who have given their lives since to preserve our freedom.  May we never forget their sacrifice. 

Army Dine Out

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Battalion Dine Out this last Saturday. I had been to a few Dine Out's in Iraq but none were the full fledged fancy ceremony. It was so much fun. I loved the traditions and history and the honoring of those who serve. Plus any chance I get to get all fancied up is a win if you ask me. Thanks Justin for taking me and for being such a great date.

Sunday Al Fresco Dining

We had gorgeous gorgeous weather Sunday so it seemed the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and dine al fresco. I love evenings like this!

No matter what you're eating it seems to always taste better when dining outdoors or on a patio. I don't do it nearly often enough and really need to take advantage of this final month or two of perfect patio dining weather! Bonus in that my garden is full of goodies to harvest for a healthy and delicous meal.

Our new Vieques Hideaway - Las Iguanas

This was the winning house from our Vieques Beach House Hunt. It isn't our dream house but it's cozy, feels Islandy, and is walking distance to town and beaches which seems like  a win. I honestly fell in love with it when we saw it. My parents want to keep searching for a home on the water or with views of the water but we just couldn't pass this little beauty up in the meantime.

 

You truly could move in today and be comfortable and happy. It's clean, its nice, and the decorations don't hurt my eyes. However, since we ended up on the low end of our budget we are blessed to be able to do some major rennovations right away to make it perfect. One huge bonus of a small less expensive home.

The orange has to go - I want something lighter and brighter. The kitchen and dinning room will be opened up so they feel more spacious and so you can interact with those slaving away in the kitchen. When we open it up the wood will become a cool cement kitchen and a better layout.

The bathroom is lacking true hot water (well hot water by our standards, it has this electric hot water situation at the moment) so it will also get a major overhaul to include an outdoor shower (trust me these are a must on the island), new cement vanity and shower, and again updated color and tile.

Other than that we just need a/c units in the bedrooms, fresh paint, some new fans/fixtures, and a little sprucing of the furnishings and we should be good to go for your dream affordable island rental. As soon as we are ready for rentals I will publish the link and information. Can't wait to close on this oasis and start making it ours (or yours for a week).

All these photos are from the BravosBoyz listing and were not taken by me.