I've Done It Again...

Oh sigh, I've been a bad, bad blogger of late! I promised myself that as soon as I returned from hiatus I would resume my blogging schedule but, alas, that has not happened. I wish I could give a good reason, and I suppose if I used the old noggin I could come up with a plausible story, but I'm not even going to insult you by trying. I've simply been busy and lazy - a terrible combination!

The Shangri-La Matric dance is now only 8 days away, and it's crunch time! Just as soon as I think I have everything I need, I run out of printer ink! So off I go to buy more, only to discover a mere four hours later that I somehow have miscalculated / misplaced a pack of paper - so off I go to buy more! Up and down and on and on it goes!

This is one ridiculously busy month for me, so I solemnly swear that as soon as November rolls around I'll be back to my usual posting schedule! I hope!

But just in case that turns out to be a lie, here's an awesome picture of ninjas to keep you company!

FABULOUS!

Until next time!

Peace and Love!

{Video} Tamlyn & Rodney Teaser Trailer

While on hiatus, it occurred to me that I had never shared our wedding video teaser trailer!! I've wanted to share this for a while to showcase an amazing talent! It looks phenomenal! Elsa from Mona Lisa Productions did an amazing job of making us all look like rock stars! Hope you enjoy!

{Please note: The picture resolution of this video has been compressed in order to make the file small enough for internet viewing and downloading}

Until next time!
Peace and Love!

{Inspiration} Deep Purple

Since I was a child I've been in love with deep purple! It is a colour filled with richness and mystery, a perfectly regal colour fit for any occasion! Here I've combined it with a hint of silvery hues, creamy white and basic black to compliment the deep complexity of the colour. Keep it unfussy!  I'm really enjoying the trend brides are following of wearing coloured shoes with their gowns, keeping it fun, so it's no surprise then that I adore these purple satin peep-toes! The same can be said for this twist on the traditional bridal garter - how gorgeous is this creation!? To round off this look, deck the tables with exquisite purple, crystal-cut glasses, Tiffany chairs and masses of Picasso calla lilies. Seldom have I seen a more beautiful flower, or one so well-suited to this look! And how stunning are these plywood Picasso calla wedding invitations? I love a twist on the traditional, and these are perfect while still maintaining the level of class you'd expect to accompany this colour. I'm in love!

Spring Bouquet Inspiration!

Now that spring is here to stay and wedding season is firmly upon us, I thought I'd share some spring wedding bouquet inspiration to get those creative juices flowing! Any bride would be lucky to be carrying one of these beautiful bouquets down the aisle to the man of their dreams! Keeping colours bright and cheerful, and textures soft and feminine, I've chosen ten bouquets that will blow you away! Feast with your eyes!

And I'm Back!

Hello lovelies!

So it's been a little over a month since I packed my metaphorical bags for a trip to the land of couch and period films, but that doesn't mean it's been a quiet month! This blogger has a few news items that I'm quite excited to share with you all!

Firstly, a big thank you to my faithful readers - in my absence Jade & Jasmine has received over 600 page views, putting the total number well above 2,500 page views since I started in January. It's great to see that you enjoyed the classics while I was away! Readership is growing in leaps and bounds, with people checking in from all corners of the globe! Why not join the site and stay up to date with what we're up to? I love making new friends!

Taking a Break - But I'll Be Back!

A few things you can expect in the future

* More wedding bouquet inspiration

* My favourite picks of this wedding season's bridal fashions

* A gorgeous deep purple wedding inspiration board

* My DIY wine bottle table numbers - finally complete!

* Tips on how to be the perfect bridesmaid

* And more!

Until the 11th, lovelies!

Peace and Love!

{Photo Challenge} Strangers

When I woke up this morning and looked out my window, one thought crossed my mind - "I'll be damned if I'm going outside in this weather in search of a few strangers to photograph!" So, admittedly, this is an old photo - taken in May of last year.

While I was in wedding school, our class hosted a comedy evening at Montecasino in Fourways to raise funds for the Wedding Wish. The ladies in this photograph, while members of my class, are complete strangers to me - I don't know their names, where they live, what music they like, or even why they were at wedding school - and I never asked. One could argue that this makes me antisocial, but I wholeheartedly doubt that they know any of these things about me either, and they never asked. I'm not one to roll with the crowd, preferring the company of a few select individuals instead, so the fault lies with no one.

It is fortunate for me, though, that on this cold, grey day I happened across this photo - a photo I nearly deleted a number of times. My hand was only stayed because, believe it or not, I'm hopelessly sentimental.
I'm also tickled by the irony of this photo - such happy looking individuals hosting a comedy evening. I chuckle inside.

Tomorrow I promise a brand new photo, not one rescued from the archives.

Until then!
Peace and Love!

{Photo Challenge} A Street

Not just a street - my street. I know I said I'd start this challenge tomorrow, and I had every intention of doing just that, but... It snowed in Joburg today, for those of you who haven't seen the million and one posts on Facebook, and I was hoping to catch a few snowflakes falling. Alas... It didn't snow where I stay. Still, the lighting was interesting, kind of moody, and I don't think this turned out too badly! Of course, I tweaked it slightly - what photographer doesn't - but it's not far from the original. 

Now I go eat lunch, my tummy calls!

Until tomorrow!
Peace and Love!

Another Challenge! {Copious Amounts of Non-Sarcastic Applause}

I know how much I enjoyed my 30 Day Challenge, and you all seemed to as well, judging by the number of people stopping by for some light reading! I miss writing everyday, and having the topic laid out before me - sometimes the creative brain just refuses to co-operate! - and so I'm at it again. This time though, the challenge is photography!

I came across this challenge on, you guessed it, Pinterest, and I'm keen to give it a shot (see what I did there?)! It can't hurt to improve upon my (greatly limited) photographic skills, who knows when I'll need to take my own photos in a pinch?

{DISCLAIMER: I possess only a simple point-and-shoot, so don't expect the world from me! I hear from pro photographers that one can learn to work magic with these casual toys if one just learns the basics, so let's hope I learn something over the next 31 days!}

Kicking off tomorrow, so stay in the loop!

Until then!

Peace and Love!

{Inspiration} Black & Lime

Gearing up for a spring wedding in the city? Why not go for a bright and beautiful combo of black and lime? Go mad with colour and throw in a signature cocktail to refresh your guests while they mingle. Simple and sublime!

{News} Overhauling the Brand!

For those of you who have been following this blog, you'll have noticed that I'm not one to sit still and be happy with the general aesthetics of my baby! Over the last few months, I've been constantly been upgrading  banners and colours and logos and just about everything else, trying to find that look that to my eyes is perfect. I'm a hard one to please, and I'm especially critical of my own work, so just when I think I've found something that I can live with, something catches my eye as out of place and I change it again!

But finally, yes FINALLY, I think I am happy! I've been searching for a look that conveys exactly what it is that Jade & Jasmine is about - a blend of professionalism, elegance and fun! All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy indeed! I have been on the hunt for that special something that gives the elegant air I so desire without being stiff and inaccessible - something to appeal to people from all walks of life. Like I've said before, beautiful events are not, in my opinion, the sole quarter of the rich and famous - everyone deserves their slice of perfection - and I want a look that conveys that philosophy. A tall order perhaps, but I'm delighted at the outcome!

{Conversations With a Pro} Makeup By Pam

Image by Ryan Parker Photo

Makeup artist Pamela Pierce is a superb talent. Putting the "Pam" back in "pamper" since 2009, she has had many a satisfied, no, make that deliriously overjoyed, bride wearing her art on their wedding day! When I first met Pam, I had zero intention of hiring a makeup artist for my own wedding, but just chatting to her and witnessing her passion and enthusiasm for her craft changed my mind completely! Needless to say, I chose to hire Pam to make me gorgeous for my Big Day - and didn't she make me feel like a queen and look even better! I can now safely say, with absolutely no bias, that when it comes to makeup, I will use no other! And never again will I consider doing my own makeup for a special event. I am officially converted!

I've asked Pam to share a little about herself and her business with me, with us, so enjoy!

{Inspiration} Cotton Candy

We all know that a wedding is about the bride - if a groom manages to get his say in at all, he's learned the noble art of making his wife-to-be believe something is her idea! And so, this is a board for the girly girls out there! A soft palette of pastel pinks and purples and blues and greens to make any girl swoon and make any groom feel like he's fallen into a barrel of cotton candy! This uber-feminine palette is complimented by a gorgeously frilly cake, shabby chic bunting and soft, floaty bridesmaids dresses that any girl would be dying to put on! Add in a few fun elements, like twine-wrapped champagne glasses and cotton candy for dessert and you're sure to have a hit event!

The Perfect Bridal Shower: {Part 3} For the Fun-Loving Bride

Wrapping up this (albeit short) series of posts, let us not forget our friends who love a good party! Many brides out there would love to dispense with the formalities of a sit-down lunch and rather let loose with their girls and just have FUN without having to worry about offending Aunt Maude. If this is an option for your bestie (I know it wasn't for me - God forbid if I'd chosen to exclude the older generation!), here are a few ideas to give her a send off that will thrill her!

{Luau Party}

15 Superbly Elegant Centrepieces

I'm not going to say too much... Have some wedding centrepiece inspiration!

{Inspiration} Sage & Cream

I just love toying around with vintage elements - it is one look that just works! - and this board is no different. If you've been following, you'll have seen this gorgeous green and ivory bridal gown before (click here!), and it was too much for my delicate sensibilities - I just had to build a board around it! Sage is such a beautiful colour - just rich enough to be interesting, and just subdued enough to not be an assault on the eyes - and paired with cream, it is a match made in nuptial heaven! I've kept flowers simple with baby's breath and roses in the palest pink, et voila! A classy affair fit for any time of year!

The Perfect Bridal Shower: {Part 2} For the Traditional Bride

For some reason many bridesmaids tend to steer clear of more traditional bridal showers but, for the life of me, I can't understand why! I know that today's world dictate that we all be "so different", but in trying to be so different we all end up being the same! So I say why not try a more traditional approach to your bestie's bridal shower? It worked for generations past, so why not us?

There are still many brides out there, despite what magazines may have you believe, who perhaps don't yet live with their betrothed, and who would love to have a simple kitchen tea or the like to stock them up for their future home. So why not lavish your bestie with a shower suited to her. Too many bridesmaids make the mistake of customising the shower to their own tastes, forgetting that the day is about one person, and one person only - the bride! Just because you may enjoy throwing back tequila shooters, doesn't necessarily mean your bestie does! Maybe her idea of fun is shopping for a new colander or pot set. (I don't judge - kitchen appliances get me there!) So think about it before you book that stripper!

{Trend} Ombré: Yay or Nay?

ombré  (adj) \ˈäm-ˌbrā\  :  having colors or tones that shade into each other —used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark

It is unbelievably difficult to browse Pinterest nowadays without coming across at least 3,482 examples of ombré wedding elements each time! Before I joined Pinterest, I'd never even heard of this trend but, then again, Pinterest has an uncanny knack for uncovering and popularising the oddest of things...

I've thought long and hard about whether or not I subscribe to this particular trend, and my answer is as such - everything in moderation! I do believe that if one is going to create a whole wedding of ombré elements, we may as well take a trip down to Sesame Street, but a few touches here and there can add quite the impact to one's event.

{Inspiration} Romantic Red

When I was younger, I always loved the idea of a red wedding. The colour, especially in its darker hues, has forever been so striking to my eye! I used to say that when I got married I'd have a red, black and ivory wedding with touches of silver and millions of candles... Alas, when I found out that my sister-in-law was keen on a red wedding, I bowed out of the idea; but it is still a fast favourite of mine.

I thought I'd put together a board of the wedding I would have had were I to have married five years earlier than I did. It is often fun to reminisce, even if it is about things that never happened. 

And so, here is the would-be wedding of one Tamlyn Ghobril.

The Perfect Bridal Shower: {Part 1} For the Decadent Bride

It is no secret that when it comes to planning that perfect bridal shower, most maids of honour start to sweat bullets! If you've ever been bestowed this particular honour, you'll remember how you wanted to be the perfect maid! But planning the perfect send-off is often so much more difficult than we give it credit! What will the bride like, what is within that all-important budget? The questions never end! But once the theme is nailed down, things start to move a lot more smoothly...

I have been a maid of honour twice, and am now scheduled for my third go-around as a bridesmaid! But, as the universe would have it, I have not been responsible for conceptualising any bridal showers - that has been taken care of by brides, over-bearing mothers of brides, and of course, a very stressed maid of honour! But that doesn't mean I haven't had a few ideas of my own floating around in my head!

10 Irresistible Wedding Bouquets

One really can find the most spectacular things on Pinterest! 

Here are just a few of the gorgeous bouquets that I've come across on my travels through cyberspace! 

Don't worry, there are plenty more where these came from, and I have every intention of sharing them!

Enjoy!

{Inspiration} A Vintage Affair

A gorgeous vintage affair! Use a blend of soft pastels and old world elements to create an ethereal atmosphere.

Moroccan Chicken with Chickpeas and Apricots

It's recipe time!

See, I have this deal with Kes' dad, John - a newly established deal, not really set in stone, but a nice challenge nonetheless. Our washing machine broke about a month and a half back, and since the things are so damn expensive - and I refuse to take one on terms because it adds about R2,000 to the total price - we are currently without said Western luxury! But D-Day is nearing - the end of this month we will be getting my new baby!

This is where the deal comes in. As I've said before, love is a bestie letting her bestie come over to do her washing when her washing machine breaks. And this is what Kes did - it must be love! So for the past 6 or so weeks I've been heading over to Kes' place about once a week to do some washing. John is a big lover of food, and she happened to mention my Greek-style liver dish to him - and he was only too keen I make it! So I obliged. As we were finishing up dinner (which was a huge hit!), he discovered that I'd been been making use of their washing machine, and so has "demanded" a new recipe every time I go over as recompense. Since I go about every week, this is a bit of a challenge! Like I said, he loves his food, and he can be fussy! But I think I have one for this week - my Moroccan chicken with chickpeas and apricots.

15 Gorgeous Centrepieces You Can Do Yourself

If you've ever planned a wedding or special event, you know how costly they can be! One of the biggest numbers on your budget spreadsheet is bound to be flowers and decor. We all want our event to look fabulous, but not all of us can afford the luxury of high-end flowers and decor... That's why I always say, if you want something to fit your pocket, just do it yourself!

I've scoured Pinterest (my most trusty research database!) and come up with 15 gorgeous and inexpensive centrepieces you can do yourself! Enjoy and feel inspired!

{Inspiration} Dusk til Dawn

Inspiration comes from many places - many, many places. One thing that inspires me is nature. Yes, that sounds cheezy, but when I look at all the colours that the earth has to offer, I can't help but feel moved. I have always been inspired by the colours found in a sunrise, specifically this photo of a typical South African sunrise...

I love the blend of colours from rich orange to champagne to shades of blue, especially the deep, rich blue at the top of the spectrum. That was the inspiration for this board. It's one of my favourites, if I do say so myself.

Alice in Kempton Park

This is just a short one today - something I've been meaning to share with you for the last few weeks! A bit of a photo entry, shall we say? As you may know (or not...have I even mentioned it?), we're busy working on the Matric Farewell Ball for Shangri-La Academy in Kempton Park, and a few weeks ago we had our decor mock-up! I'm quite excited about this event! Not only was I at school with a few of the teachers, but I was also taught by a number of them in primary school, so this event is close to my heart. I can't explain how excited I was when we got the job!

Their chosen theme is Alice in Wonderland - could a girl ask for any more creative freedom!?! I've had so much fun brainstorming ideas. Below is the inspiration board I came up with to set us on our path.

{DIY} Custom Cloth Napkins

It's been a good long while since I shared some DIY inspiration with you! Too long, in fact! I really love the idea of adding that personal touch to an event, and I find that often the best ideas are the simplest ones! That's why I can believe I'd never though of this before!

I'd always thought of napkins as more functional that decorative - just a bit of cloth to protect one's clothing from the perils of stray food. But with a little paint, and a bit of creativity, they can become much more than that! I'm definitely going to be trying this, even if just for the rare dinner party I host!

Here's what you do!

1. Start off with a simple store-bought cloth napkin - or if you're feeling energetic you can make up a few with some cloth of your choice, all you need is a sewing machine and a little know-how!

2. Store-bought stencils are great, but I prefer to make my own - it gives me freedom to choose my wording and font. To make your own stencil, simply print to your desired size on plain printer paper and cut out the wording with an art knife.

{Inspiration} Autumn Romance

I love the combination of warm reds and orange with neutral greens to create a sensual autumn palette. Turn the light down low and use lots of candlelight to capture the depth of burgundy and burnt umber. Pair with warm bronzes and old gold in underplates or candelabras for a touch of elegance! Tealights in small frosted-orange votive holders shimmer like liquid amber and add touches of fiery warmth to table settings. Light a low fire in the hearth and banish cooling temperatures with glasses of glühwein. Perfect to welcome the cold season!

Reflections {30 Day Challenge}

{A photograph of yourself today and three good things that have happened in the last thirty days}

{Yes yes, I know I'm late, but I had a funeral to attend and so was away from my home (and therefore internet) for a couple days... All I had about my person was my phone, and while the thing is magical, I had not the inclination to type a whole post on it.}

So when a girl discovers how to use her webcam, and is trying to take a pic for her final blog posting in her 30 day challenge, this is what her husband does! I'm not so good at the self-portrait thing, so I resorted to technology to make my life easier. I use "easier" in the very loose sense of the word - it took me about 40 minutes and a million help centres and forums to figure out just how to open my webcam! Judging by the number of forums out there dealing with this exact problem of "lost webcam on-button and stuffs", one can assume that this is a common problem with HP... I've pinned the sucker to my taskbar now, so no more hiding!

Fun Favours For Any Occasion!

Don't ask me how I came across Punkapicky Creations because, for the life of me, I don't remember! Someone posted something on Facebook that was shared by someone (or something along those lines) and it ended up in my news feed (somehow)... What I do remember is clicking on their website link and being blown away by their range and prices! As I browsed I wished I had come across them earlier - perhaps when I'd been planning my own big day. I especially love the sweet jars and personalised wine bottle labels - that's my kind of style! 

A Camel Named Camille {30 Day Challenge}

{Something you could never get tired of doing}

This is not me, this is a picture I found on Google. That's one happy camel! :)

Life is made up of many strange encounters - with people, with objects, with places - and my sole encounter with a camel at Gold Reef City was a match made in heaven. I was at the theme park with a few varsity friends, and we came across a guy offering free camel rides. I'd always been curious about riding a camel, so leaped at the opportunity! I climbed on, and they walked us around the beer garden area, trotting at times (do camels "trot"?), and by the time the ride was over I was hooked! 

The One Ring, The Only Trilogy {30 Day Challenge}

{Your favourite movie}

No matter what anyone may say, no matter what evidence may be launched in my direction, there is none better than The Lord of the Rings! No argument thank you! Since the first moment I turned on Fellowship at the end of my Matric year, I've been hooked. In the three month break between school and varsity I watched it every time it was aired on DSTV, even if that involved waking up at 3am! And when Towers came out that December, I went twice. I couldn't get enough!

Changes {30 Day Challenge}

{A photo of you last year and how you've changed since then}

This photo was taken at my bridal shower last year. I saw Jared Padalecki pull this move in the Supernatural season 3 blooper reel, and it tickled me, so I thought I'd recreate his genius in a thong. My in-laws tried desperately to embarrass me by making me parade around in this white blingy thong, but to their utter disappointment I just had fun. The organza bag it came in is on my head. Like I've said, I'm almost impossible to embarrass. Life is inherently funny, and  humans are among the most ridiculous of creatures to call this earth home - if we can't laugh at ourselves, what can we laugh at?

I haven't changed much since this photo was taken. Most changes are superficial. The obvious change is that I now wear an extra ring on the third finger of my left hand, and I no longer have to pull out grey hairs associated with planning my nuptials... I started this blog, I'm less trusting of people I trusted before and I've given up drinking. None of those are related though, to each other or to who I am at the core. They are simply small things that have changed in the last ten months. I still think that life is inherently funny, I still play Omega wolf when necessary, and I still work my butt off for what I want. I think that at my age I'm too set in my ways to indulge the whimsical flick-flacking teenage personalities that some conceal within them. I will always be me at the gooey centre of it. The shy, nerdy girl who enjoys a good laugh and a dirty joke. I am the sum of my parts, and we are what we eat.

Until tomorrow!
Peace and Love!

Mapungubwe {30 Day Challenge}

{A photo of somewhere you've been to}

To most this is just another featureless hill in a featureless landscape, but ladies and gents, this is Mapungubwe Hill. I won't write you an essay on the significance of Mapungubwe in Iron Age southern Africa - I already had to do that in third year! If you're interested you can check out the Wikipedia entry here. Suffice it to say, this simple stone koppie caused quite a stir among many a group of archaeologists! And rightly so.

An Arsenal of Plastic {30 Day Challenge}

{What's in your purse?}


{DISCLAIMER: I understand that there may be some confusion as to my definition of a “purse”, but let me clarify: I am South African, and here purse = a female’s wallet.}

When I was a child I remember seeing a woman at the store with a purse that was ridiculously jam-packed with cards, knickknacks and myriad paper slips that seemed to serve no purpose other than to occupy space. The image of her sifting through her cards to find the right one to pay for her purchase stayed with me for years – for reasons I know not. Perhaps that over-stuffed purse symbolised adulthood to me – the burden of financial responsibility. Perhaps I felt I’d glimpsed something very personal – I mean, who really looks inside another person’s purse? Whatever the reason, the tableaux she left burned into my memory has always intrigued me. But it never once occurred to me that I might turn into that woman at the store.  

A Little Bit of Pride {30 Day Challenge}

{A photo of something that means a lot to you}

{DISCLAIMER: I don't like to brag. If this sounds like bragging, I apologise. Please take it in the spirit in which it was intended - me sharing something personal with you.}

When I was at school, I was one of those academic freaks that never studied but always seemed to end up at the top of the grade. This trend continued into high school until eventually, in Standard 9, it slipped away. Now I wish I could take all of it on myself, but unfortunately I can't. See, while subjects like English, biology, geography, even Afrikaans, remained in the high eighties or nineties, math and science insisted on becoming a mystery to me. I'm not a fan of people putting their failures on teachers, but when one has a math teacher whose english (and handwriting) is indecipherable and a science teacher who is more intent on flirting with the boys in the class than teaching, I believe exceptions can be made. As a result I lost the basis for Matric math and science, and when I got my final report card, it was a study in contradictions. I was condoned a pass on higher grade for science, but math had to be dropped to standard grade for a pass! This blew my intentions of studying a BSc out if the water! So I enrolled in Wits Drama School.

If I had an entry on IMDB, the Trivia section would look like this {30 Day Challenge}

{15 facts about you}

I'm just under 5' 10"

My favourite colours are purple, black, grey and red.

I hate being lied to - I'd rather someone tell me the truth and hurt my feelings than lie to me and make me a fool.

My favourite fruits are grapefruit and oranges.

My biggest fear is failure.

When I have children I hope to have twins - a boy and a girl - but I'll be happy with healthy.

To Whom It May Concern {30 Day Challenge}

{A letter to someone who has hurt you recently}

To whom it may concern

This is a letter I could never send. This is a letter that will remain unaddressed. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is that to speak out, to defend, to stand up for oneself is to become a pariah. And so I write this letter knowing that you will never see it, never read it, never understand that it is meant for you.

Happiness Is... {30 Day Challenge}

{A photo of something that makes you happy}

When asked how they managed to stay together for 65 years, the woman replied, "We were born in a time where if something was broke, you fixed it... Not throw it away."

Photos like this make me feel warm inside...

Until tomorrow!
Peace and Love!

Why "Jade & Jasmine"? {30 Day Challenge}

{The meaning behind your blog name}

This blog, my baby, was named for my business - Jade & Jasmine Wedding Design. That was the easy part. When I decided I wanted to start blogging, I knew I wanted to focus on all things wedding. The other stuff is fun too, but weddings are my passion! So it seemed only fitting that I unite the two under one umbrella. Coming up with my business name was the hard part...

ER: Wedding Edition {30 Day Challenge}

{Another picture of yourself}

This is not a flattering photo. But I believe that if I'm forced to bombard you with photos of myself, I have to at least make it interesting - give you a story. And does this photo have a story. Not one that will propel you towards your writing desk, but one that makes you appreciate the normal and predictable nature of life. Or maybe I tend toward histrionics. We'll find out soon enough, I guess.

{Conversations With a Pro} JB Photography

In the year 2000 I met Jay Braack in science class at high school. We became good friends and over the years we've stayed in touch. So imagine my astonishment when I recently discovered, via the magic of Facebook, that he had chosen to pursue a career in photography! This man kept his passion quiet from many but, when I saw his work, I knew I had to share it with the world! It is my absolute pleasure to introduce to you, JB Photography.

Cravings? What Cravings? {30 Day Challenge}

{Something you crave a lot}

I had to think long and hard about this... And I've come to the conclusion that, if I'm honest with myself, I don't crave things. Undoubtedly there are things without which I simply cannot live, but I don't think about them every second of every day and NEED them RIGHT NOW! Some I even forget about for a while... So in the spirit of full disclosure I'll share that list of things I cannot live without. This is a bit like going through someone's trash - the noble science of garbology. One can tell a lot about a person by simply looking. So look and enjoy my vulnerability!

To My Most Valued Readers

{Inspiration} Vintage Teal

Inspired by Kes!

Family Ties {30 Day Challenge}

{DISCLAIMER: I put so much energy and nervous tension into yesterday's post, that I'm feeling stretched thin! So forgive me if this post doesn't have the same vim and vigour! ;)}

{A photo of you and your family}

I am a child of the new generation. Resultantly, I have a number of families, so bear with me!

My Blood Family

From left: Catherine (my step mom), Blaine, my mother, Me, Deeanna, Rod, Donovan, my father (2011)

This is the obvious photo - my blood family - all parents and siblings in one photo. This has never before happened, nor do I foresee it happening again in the future. I guess you could say this is a collector's item!