Message in a bottle???

Source

Or more like color from a bottle?

Mr. A and I have been trying to cut way back on finances to save for several large purchases we would like to make next year. One being a house and the other a second honeymoon to Italy with friends. In order to reach these goals we have to cut way back on everything and I mean everything. I am couponing it up at the grocery store, no new clothing for a bit and we are for sure not doing any huge Christmas gifts (we did just get everything for the wedding anyway). We are in the process of merging all of our money and looking into everything we spend and we have realized we budget an embarrassing amount of money for my hair each month. It is almost $100 a month!!!! The reason you ask? I actually have grey hair and at 27 years old it is really embarrassing and frustrating. And no it is not just one or two hairs people I am almost 70% grey. I never want anyone to see it so I am always super diligent about getting those grey hairs covered.

Well in the spirit of cutting back I am considering doing touch ups from the store bought variety. I need suggestions on good products and techniques. I want to know what works best. Am I risking a lot by attempting this? Am I being silly? I feel like this is a thrifty way to make some cut backs but I am concerned I am going to come out looking like an old lady. I will still go see my regular girl for hair cuts and a touch up every 4 or so months but this would be a good bridge between now and then. Thoughts? Recommendations?

Confession Monday

This weekend I headed to Houston to hang out with my niece and nephew for Halloween. While watching them my niece told me she did not want me to play with her several times and chose Mr. A over me. She told me to leave and would not give me hugs or kisses. She seems to hate me because I discipline her sometimes. I was so hurt by this that I had to go to my room and hide because I was so embarrassed and sad I teared up. Is it sad that a three year old can hurt my feelings?

Wedding - Ceremony

WARNING: Very picture heavy!

Here are some more pictures from our wedding, this time of the ceremony. We got married at the Stephen F. Austin Hotel. We used half of the ballroom. It came out really pretty with the light coming in the windows behind us. All of the decor was simple and relaxed.

 We had pictures from all the weddings in our family outside the room. 

 We decorated the isle with cream rose petals and floating candles. The candelabras were rented from our florist to frame the ceremony area. 

 My mom walked down the isle with my brother-in-law and nephew. Declan is so cute! 

This was right before I walked into the ceremony. I love this picture of my dad and I. 

I did the programs my self and had them printed at Quick Print. I had the logo designed on Etsy. 

My niece, the flower girl. Harry, our dog was the ring barrer. SO CUTE!

Coming down the isle!

 My dad giving me away. 

 To join our families we did a wine ceremony. Very fitting for two wine snobs like us. I like this shot because you can see the back of my dress. The whole reason I bought it! 

 Laughing at Sam while he married us. 

Saying our vows to each other. 

Love this shot. 

Our first kiss as man and wife! 

We are married! I love this picture we both look so silly! 

More updates to come, next up are portraits! 

Items For Sale!

I have finally been able to deal with the room full of our wedding stuff. All these items are in great condition and were used during our wedding. Let me know if you are interested!

http://picasaweb.google.com/ChristineS20/ItemsForSale#

Thanks!

Finally some more pictures from the wedding!

I finally am posting some pictures from the wedding! I know it has been like 7 weeks, but life is super busy!

Thought I would start with the beginning and spread these posts out a bit so you guys don't have to take it all in at one time. We started the day off getting our hair done. Then headed to the SFA to get make up done. These few pictures are of me getting my dress on and chatting with my bridesmaids.

Getting my make up done.

My sister having a fight with Annabelle before the wedding about something cute! I love this picture. 

Kelly and Janet

Kate and Sarah

My beautiful niece Annabelle

I feel like I look like a movie star in these pictures. They are my favorites of the getting ready shots. 

For you brides out there, I got my dress from Lazaro. My bridesmaids got their dresses from JCrew and my sister got Annabelle's dress at Jack and Jill. 

I know I have been MIA

Sorry about me being MIA for about two weeks. I have been super busy at work and at home. I had ACL and then one of my conferences, which went well, and then ended up super sick the last four days. I am working hard on new posts and will be back in full force in no time.

Last night Mr. A surprised me with date night. He gave flowers and proposed two options. Of course in my normal fashion I did not choose one so we are doing one of the dates tonight! Last night we went to Alamo Draft house to see "The Social Network" and I have to say I left the movie thinking Mark Zuckerburg was kind of an asshole. Anyone else? I kind of wanted to delete my Facebook account but then I realized that canceling my one membership would not do anything to his 500 million friends... Any who I thought the movie was really good and lived up to the hype so glad we finally went to see it!

Tonight we are carving pumpkins and watching another scary movie at our house. What do you all do to celebrate Halloween?

Month-A-Versary

Yesterday was our one month-a-versary. We are just an old married couple now. God I can't believe how fast time goes by! We spent most of the night doing stuff for my work which kind of sucked. But I did realize that it was not that bad when my new husband poured me a glass of red wine and took a crack at the project with me. It could have been way more crappy. Marriage is awesome. 

I attempted to use our new crock pot last night. Here is the beautiful beast: 

I made a new turkey chili recipe from Gina's, SkinnyTaste.com. It was super easy. I prepped it the night before and then just turned the crock pot on low for the day. I love the cock pot! Here is the recipe: 

Crock Pot 3 Bean Turkey Chili
 Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 12 • Serving Size: 10.8 oz • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Points: 3.125 ww points

• 1.3 lb (20 oz) fat free ground turkey breast
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped chilies, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, undrained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can small red beans, undrained
• 2 tbsp chili powder

Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for topping
• shredded cheddar to top (extra pts)

Brown turkey and onion in a medium skillet over medium high heat until cooked through.
Drain any fat remaining and transfer to crock pot. Add the beans, chilies, chickpeas tomatoes, tomato sauce and chili powder mixing well.
Cook on high 6-8 hours.
Garnish with onions, cilantro and cheese and enjoy!

It was really good, I topped it off with a smidgen of sour cream and some toast. Perfect for a somewhat chilly night in Texas. I do have one issue though the hubs does not like beans and this was a very bean heavy recipe. He actually sat there and picked them all out of the chili while eating. I don't know what is wrong with him. I need to find a chili sans beans, any thoughts? Would it just be turkey soup then?