Celebrate Good Times

I'm home!!! It's always bitter sweet coming home from a vacation. It sucks leaving the beautiful weather and the ocean but it's nice to come home to my dogs and some good food. As most of you know I was away last week, getting married to my super awesome fiancé. We had an amazing time and we were fortunate enough to have 52 of our friends and family join us. It was such a blast and I am so grateful to everyone who could make it they really made it special. I haven't had much time to go through all of your pictures yet but here is one so you can kind of get an idea of how beautiful our location was.

 I can't wait to get our professional photos back. From what I have seen of them they are amazing! We brought out photographer with us because she's totally amazing and we had to have her. She also did these photos for us which is when we fell in love with her style.

How was your week?

Today I'm linking up with:
Chasing Big Dreams
This Gal Cooks

Happy Thursday!!

Guest Post

Today I have a guest post for you guys from one of my lovely sponsors, Hanna from Violet Lulu. 


Rob and I share a love story that isn't quite like most. We chose to be together forever before we really knew each other and fell in love after making that commitment. I'll start at the beginning:

I was 25 when I met Rob (he was also 25) and even though no one had ever really broken my heart I was so closed off to the idea of even being in a relationship, let alone falling in love. I guess if we were to analyse it I would say that it was hard having a parent suffering from extreme depression. It was pretty hard for me to trust in relationships, even non-romantic ones and so I dated safe guys that I didn't really care for for a few months before finding some really important reason why I couldn't be with them any more. Or alternatively, they'd get tired of getting no where with me and drop me!

Rob and I are both hair stylists, pretty good ones actually (although I have no trouble admitting he is much better than I am- he works harder at his craft than anyone I've ever met) and for 3 years running I was invited to style hair for Fashion Week in Melbourne, the city that I made home when I was 19 years old. On the third year that I accepted the invitation I was also one of 4 hair stylists working the week invited to the fancy VIP opening night party. I never met the other two but the fourth was Rob who had moved to Melbourne just 6 months earlier from another city. I was running late after getting caught up at work and I'd also already had a few drinks for courage since I knew I wasn't going to know anyone there except the people running the hair department at Fashion Week- and I knew they would be pretty busy. When I arrived one of those people took me over to a man I'd never met and introduced us briefly before running off to do something else. I didn't even catch his name.

I didn't miss how handsome he was though. Rob is really quite shy but he is also such a workaholic that he doesn't make much time for friends, especially not new ones, and he also has a strong inner confidence. Anyway, the combination of these 3 traits came across to me as arrogance. Once I made a few jokes he warmed up a little bit, enough that I didn't find the nearest exit at least and I remember saying to him "look, I don't know anyone here, can we be friends for tonight?". The bar was open so we got quite drunk together and I rescued him from a few different girls, we went to the after party and shared a chair, then the after after party and then I invited him to come with me to another club where a friend was celebrating her birthday. By this stage I was totally into him but didn't think he was into me.

I was wrong, we started dating straight away. I liked him more than I'd liked most of the guys I had dated but as I mentioned, he was such a workaholic that he never had any time for me. He would call me last minute to ask me on dates, or he would call me in the middle of the night to talk after not having heard from him for a couple of days, once he took me out for lunch and fell asleep on the table because he'd been working so hard. After about 6 weeks I'd had enough, I thought "this guy is joking right? I deserve better than this!" and I got ready to break it off. Then I realised something in my life felt off. It wasn't any kind of physical symptom, I didn't even think that I was late but I knew I had to take a pregnancy test (or two). There it was: I was pregnant. I was pregnant to a guy who had been treating me badly and who I didn't even think I liked anymore. I waited a couple of days to go to a doctor to have it confirmed, just to force myself to believe it was true. I knew that abortion wasn't for me, no matter what happened so it was a pretty hard situation to come to grips with.

In retrospect I wish I hadn't waited those few days alone (the doctor confirmed on Friday, I told Rob on the Sunday), I was so scared to tell him and I was scared in general. Finding yourself 25 years, pretty much single and pregnant is no laughing matter, especially if you haven't been gearing yourself towards being a young(ish) mother. When I finally asked Rob over he started by apologising for treating me so badly, he told me that he was planning to move to London in the next year so he was trying to not want to be with me, however he wanted me to be his girlfriend anyway. He felt strongly enough about me to see how our relationship went before deciding to move away. That was a shock but then I still had to tell him that I was having a baby. He actually started smiling and kissed me. We talked for most of the night and agreed that we could and would do this together. We knew we were having the baby anyway, we knew we liked each other and we knew we owed it to the baby and ourselves to try to make a family.

We moved in together and a few months later we were head over heels in love with each other and my barriers came down one by one. He made an effort to balance work with home life, rather than throw everything into his work, with great success. We now have a 20 month of baby girl named Violet Lulu and are expecting another baby at the end of February. Of course there were growing pains and we argue sometimes, that's normal but on top of the normal stuff we are just getting to the bottom of each other, after all this time. It gets harder to learn someone else once a baby comes into the mix, I think. I'm so happy though and even though the situation wasn't ideal I often wonder if I would have let the love of my life in if I hadn't been forced to.

We look at what we made together, what we've built together, our ability to overcome obstacles together, the joy we share for our life and our love for each other and thank God every day for knowing what to do with the us.

GFC Blog Hop

It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the GFC Blog Hop!

When I want to follow a blog the first thing I look for is GFC (Google Friend Connect), it's so easy and  nice to be able to go and see all of the blogs you follow in one spot. It's really a great tool to have. 

One side note- Did you know you can follow through GFC using your Twitter Account? TRUE, it's definitely an option!

Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?

RULES are simple:

1. Follow your host via GFC

The First link below

2. Follow your co-hosts via GFC

The Next 9 links below

3. Link up below using your main blog url not a specific post.

4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them via GFC 

and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.

5. Tweet about this blog hop

Tweet

6. Share about this blog hop by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!

<a href="http://www.thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com/search/label/gfcbloghop"> <img src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z237/melissaenault/gfcbloghop-1.gif" border="0" /></a>

*After 6 months of the waiting list to cohost being extra long, I finally have paid cohost spots available! Email me if you're interested at melissa@thelifeofanotsoordinarywife.com

Post Sponsor Ad:

High Five for Friday

1. & 2. Funny pictures of Waylon and Grapes with the Go Pro
3. Up in the gym just workin' on my fitness
4. Breakfast. Yogurt, homemade granola and fresh blueberries so yummy.
5. Two years ago in the Dominican. Round 2 next week with all these lovelies.

Today I'm linking up with:
From My Grey Desk
What Jean Likes
Glam Hungry Mom

Happy Friday!

My 30th Birthday

Today is my 30th birthday! Holy moly how did that happen!? Time sure does fly by. I'm not really sure how I feel about it yet. I don't think anyone really likes getting older (once you've passed 21 of course) but lots of people have been telling their 30's were they're best years, so I'm hoping this will be the case for me as well :)
Welcome 30, I have lots off plans for you.

Happy Thursday!!

Small Sponsor Spotlight

Now my small sponsors who are on the sidebar right underneath the large sponsors this month. Some of these ladies will also be doing guest posts later in the month so be sure to check them out :)

Hello I am Ashlee and I have a little blog I like to call ABpetite. ABpetite is a healthy eating blog that shares tips, helpful nutrtional facts and even weight watchers points. I would love to see you there!

Twitter / Facebook 

I'm Ameryn and you can find me over at Oh So Nifty. I blog about my life and things that interest me, like healthy living, crochet and sewing, cute pets and the newest addition to my life, a baby on the way! I'm an interior designer turned stay at home almost mom and am trying my hand at handmade goodness! This year is going to be a big one for me, so come and follow along!

Blog / Facebook

Ameryn is also offering you guys 50% all her ad spots with the code nifty50

"Hi i'm amy and I live in seattle washington, My blog is basically about my life, books I read and there are some reviews of items all mixed in. I love to read, do some photography and just hanging out. A few of my hobbies are craft things like crocheting and cross stitching I do share some of that on my blog also. I hope you'll come check it out and follow!"

Blog / Shop

Hi Mavy May readers! I'm B and I blog over at Then There Was We. I write about life as a military spouse, a young full-time stepmama to a kindergartner, and life at our current duty station in northern Japan. We'd love for you to stop by our little corner of the internet!

Blog / Pinterest

Hello I'm Andrea Bai, a football wife and modern mom, and I blog over at Glam Hungry Mom. I am a self-proclaimed foodie, beauty obsessed, fashion loving, family woman who believes make-up and style are art forms, and creating recipes is considered therapeutic. I love to live a mostly healthy lifestyle and follow the 80/20 rule. However, you will find a few indulgences sure to please. I am also known to feature my family's favorite products. I hope you stop by and say "hi!"

Blog / Twitter

I'm Brittany Michelle, a 28 year old business student living just outside San Francisco, California with my musician boyfriend. I am the brainiac and designer behind all the goodies at The Sapphire Bee dot com and in my spare time you can find me painting, crafting, cooking, shopping for designer fashions and traveling the world. I love making new friends so stop by and say hi! :)

Blog / Shop / Facebook

 Brittany is also offering a 15% discount off your entire purchase at The Sapphire Bee dot com and 25% off all ad spaces on our blog with promo code MAVYMAY (offer ends 11:59 pm PST on 1/20/13) 

Thank you to all my January Sponsors! You guys rock!

Happy Wednesday!

Large Sponsor Spotlight

It's that time again! I would like to introduce you to my large sponsors this month. You can find them hanging out on my sidebar all month and some of them will be doing a guest posts this month so keep your eye open for that :)

Hi! I'm Niki, the lip gloss loving blonde behind Glossy Blonde! Glossy Blonde is a lifestyle blog with a focus on beauty, style and sweets. You may or may not get to know my pets pretty well, too :) Stop on by and say hello, I love to meet new people!

Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Hi, I'm Hanna of the blog Violet Lulu. I have a fiance. We have a daughter and another baby on the way. I'm supposed to plan a wedding but I just kind of keep thrifting glassware. I'm sure it will work out in the end. My life just tends to do that.

Blog / Instagram / Twitter

Hey there! I am Lesley from  The Dream Tree where I write about anything and everything.  More or less it's a mish-mash of my life & dreams, mixed with tasty recipes, hair & makeup ideas, quick & easy projects, and realizing that this life is beautiful, but a short one.  

Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Dreaming of Dimples is an extension of me. A space to share my life, my thoughts, and my talents. I blog to inspire and connect with this wonderful world of talented, amazing female bloggers.
What you can expect to find on my blog is a true representation of my life. Not just the happiness and joy but the sadness and heartache as well. It is filled with the things I love, my struggles, things that motivate me and inspire me, my photography and any little adventure on my life’s path. At the moment, I'm sharing a lot about our heart-wrenching experience with infertility. Hope you stop by to say hello. I'd love to meet you!

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

To Celebrate Growing Older, by Regina Brett

I saw this Post that Steve shared the other day and I really loved it. It's written by a 50 year old lady who writes a column for the The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, about lessons life had taught her. It's a very positive out look on life and something that I will keep to read from time to time, when I'm feeling down that it's not so bad.
Some of you may have seen this before floating around Facebook already but I really enjoyed it and really want to share it with you guys so here it is.

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

Published: Sunday, May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM     Updated: Thursday, April 03, 2008, 10:17 AM

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Today I'm linking up with:
What Jean Likes

Sponsor Call

Interested in sponsoring Mavy May designs for the month of January? There are still a few small sponsor spots left, if you want to grab one up head over to my sponsor page. If you are interested in swapping I would love to swap although it is not required. All spots are free of charge, just use the code provided on my sponsor page. 

Happy Tuesday!

No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Balls

My sister brought what she called peanut butter oat balls with us snowboarding the other day and they were so yummy I had to make some myself. I really liked the idea of them, being a vegetarian they're a great way to get a punch of protein, sort of like a home made protein bar. She didn't really have a recipe for them more of just a guideline so this is what I came up with.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Rolled Oats 

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter 

1/3 Cup Honey

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract 

1/2 Bag Milk Chocolate Chips

Combined all ingredients in a large bowl, mix well. Once mixed roll mixture into small balls, refrigerate  one hour and enjoy.

This is one variation I made. In another batch I made I added coconut and raisins instead of chocolate chips. You can kind of add whatever you want as long as you keep the basics and add to that. Basics being oats, peanut butter, honey and vanilla.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy Friday!!

Today I'm linking up with:
AB petite
Chantilly Songs

Words to Live by For 2013

                                                              Source: handdrawnwords.tumblr.com via Christine on Pinterest

                                                                          Source: tumblr.com via Christine on Pinterest

This year I want to make stuff happen. Work hard at everything I'm doing and start putting plans behind the things I want to achieve. Use my time more wisely to get what needs to be done done.
How well I can do this will definitely be tested this month with some big things coming up. I start school full time next week and I am leaving for a week to the dominican for our wedding Jan 22. I am really looking forward to both but it's going to be a lot of work.

Did you make any New Years resolutions? If so what are some?

Today I'm linking up with:
Pretty Little Inspirations
This Gal Cooks
What Jean Likes

Happy Thursday!!

What's New With The Shop

This year one of things I want to work on is getting some new stuff in my shop, taking new pictures and focusing on updating it a lot more. I have decided to change the pricing a little on somethings in the shop for now. All single pairs of the button earrings will now be buy one get one free. I have featured a few of my favourites along the top row. Click here to check them out. I would love to hear what you guys think, what your favourites are and what new colours or designs you might like to see.

XO

Christine

Life Lately

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Years. Here is a little of what I have been up to lately. 

Lunch with mom, siblings, aunts and grandma / Nap time. These two always make me laugh

Reese destroyed my pillow and had those little white balls stuck all over her / Christmas day, me, my sisters and brother

New Years Eve, two of my good friends :) / Grapes loving the tissue paper

What did you do for New Years?

I have some new ladies hanging out on my sidebar, go check them out.

Happy Wednesday!