I believe

I believe...

...that there are mostly good people in the world

...that we all have a lot to learn

...that God doesn't mind who we love and neither should anyone else

...that all animals go to heaven

...that kindness is the true religion

...that New York pizza is the best in the world

...that you can never make everyone happy, so it's best to stop trying

...that you get what you give

...that you are what you eat

...that laughter is the best medicine

...that my dog knows what I'm thinking

...that life isn't fair but karma is

...that a glass of red wine can make everything alright

...that if you have health you have everything

...that in the end, our daily stresses aren't worth the worry

...that God has a plan for each of us, though we might not understand it

...that sometimes not getting what we want is the best thing that ever happened to us

...that everything little thing is going to be alright

Think

One of the things I have realized over the last few months, with the help of yoga, is that our thoughts ultimately determine everything; our mood, daily happiness, stress level etc.  If we can learn to control our thoughts by staying positive and rejecting negative thinking, we have the power to change our lives.

The mind is so powerful.  It controls everything in the body including how we feel.  Lucky for us we have some control over this element.  I don't know about you but sometimes my mind races and I can be very negative in my own head.  Buddha says what we think, we become and it is so true. Once we are able to recognize, reject and refocus these thoughts we can be happier, healthier individuals.

One of the best ways to change your thought process is to practice gratitude.  Each day think about all the things in your life you are grateful for. ("I am grateful for this beautiful weather"  "I am thankful for clean water and healthy food" "I have the best family, I am so lucky" etc) When we actively concentrate on these kinds of things instead of "I feel so fat" "It is so hot out, I am so uncomfortable" "I am so annoyed that he did that" it helps clear the mind refocus on the positive.

It is a process.  We can't change how we think overnight but if we work at it a little each day, eventually it will come naturally.  What we think, we become. Simple as that. I promise it's true. Give daily thoughts of gratitude and positivity a try, you'll be glad you did.

Perfect Gift

Frank and I are celebrating our 8 year anniversary this weekend..I wanted to get him something sentimental.. something we could have forever and that would help us remember this wondeful time in our lives.  I saw this etsy vendor on my cousins blog last year and haven't forgotten it.  It is a canvas art piece customized for us!  Each phrase is something significant to us and our time together to date..love it!

Cheers

At my shower, my mohs and bridesmaids gave me a basket of wine (they know me too well).  Each bottle is to be opened on a special occasion in mine and Frank's life. With it they read a poem that put this girl in tears.  I am going to post it on my blog for two reasons.  1.  I have had so many people ask me for a copy because they were just as moved as me and want to read it again and/or steal it for future showers 2. because I lose everything and this way it will be safe and sound through the security of the internet :)

Wedding Night

Together at last as husband and wife
The future begins as you toast on this night
Eight years together, now marrying your mate
So sip this wine and cheers this date
The night is meant for you to share
Enjoy each other a perfect pair

Back from Honeymoon

So you're back from Belize with a suitcase and tan
After a week in paradise with your man
Back to the real world but dont you fret
The celebration doesnt end just yet
Before you unpack pop open this wine
You'll always be his bride, no matter the time

First Fight

When fights occur and tempers get hot
Pour a glass and be thankful for what you've got
Despite spilled milk and sassy remarks
Know you'll always have each others hearts
If you always agreed, it would certainly be a bore
And by asking for Liz's hand, Frank is surely in for more!

First Dinner Party

Open your home to entertain and eat
Catch up with old friends and new ones to meet
Share the love you have with others;
Neighbors, coworkers, sisters, brothers
When the night is over share this bottle of wine
But don't sit down yet - it's clean up time!

1st Christmas Eve Together

A wise man said wine is better than beer
And now is the season for holiday cheer
So pop the cork and raise your glass
Take a sip, sit back and relax
Kiss goodnight when the night is through
And tomorrow Santa will be good to you!

1st New Years Eve Together

When the ball drops, raise your glass
Cheers to the wonderful year that has passed
2012 was the year you became a bride
2013 will only add to the ride
A new year of love, a new bottle of wine
So toast your hubby, for auld lang syne

First Anniversary

Been married a year, where did the time go?
No longer newlyweds, now you are pros
Hope the days found you in good health and good spirit
Keep saying I love you - one always needs to hear it!
Now toast this frist date, it's certainly not the last
And as you build your future dont ever forget the past!

New of First Baby

The news that a baby will soon share your life
Will make you a mother, not only a wife
You'll see it through good times and sometimes through bad
The loving mother and the dearest dad
Sadly, Frank must drink this alone
Before you know it nine months will have flown

Child's Wedding

When the day comes for your child to say "I do"
Remember it's a day for celebrating you, too
Think back to this day when we read you this poem
And toast to all the ways your love has grown
If you have a son and the shower's his bride's
Present her with this basket with wine bottles inside
And should you and Frank have a girl to behold
Shower her with this bottle as her something old..........     (and that is where I lost it)

Seriously, how amazing are they? Blessed and Grateful <3

Bridal Shower

I must apologize for being MIA for so long..I have been a very busy lady.  Seriously, I had to start using the google calendar app because I cannot keep my schedule straight.

I had to come back to write about one of the greatest days of my life so far that happened this weekend..my bridal shower! I did get amazing gifts..everyones generosity blew me away.  But that wasn't the thing that stood out to me.  I have never felt so loved as I did yesterday.  It is an amazing feeling to see so many people you love and care for, from different parts of your life, in the same place. I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I do.

It was easy to see the amount of work, time and heart that was put into making yesterday as phenomenal as it was.  Every detail was thought out and personalized by the people who know me best.  I really do feel like the luckiest girl in the world.  I have to give the biggest thank you to a few people.  My momma who I love so so much.  Thank you for your love and support and making yesterday perfect!  My future momma in law who has been an amazing help and support through everything.  My powerhouse co-mohs Laura and Gina, you two are ridiculous.  You continue to impress and surprise me and I love you both so much.  My dream team bridesmaids.. you guys were legit soldiers yesterday! You had your assignments and that was it ..my favorite line of the day was Christie "all I know is I have to do cards and I just wanna make sure I do it right." I really do have the best bridal party a girl could ask for, also the best looking :)  Lastly, I have to thank Mr and Mrs Saccaro for opening up their beautiful home to us.  There is no better venue I could have imagined, thank you so much!

Here are a few things I have learned since the shower:

1.   I need a bigger house
2.   I might qualify to be on the show "hoarders" with the way my living room/kitchen looks right now
3.   I'm not as good of a cook as I thought since I definitely don't know how to use 50% of the things I got..but I am excited to learn
4.   I am becoming an emotional wreck and may burst into tears at any given moment
5.   I can't pull off a bow hat, even though it was beautifully made :)
6.   Pink lemonade and vodka is always a good idea
7.   When I get really happy, I smile with literally every muscle in my face and it is not good wedding day picture material
8.   Rent the runway continues to be the best invention ever
9.   A&S and Malverne Bakery for every catering event in my future..hands down
10.  I don't think it gets any better than this

Blessed and Grateful <3

change

I challenge everyone to spring in to action with this..a simple use of the voice you've been given to spread awareness on something so important for humanity. please watch...

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

who are you to say you can stop a war? ...who are you to say you cant

Lucky

If you're lucky in life you can say that you have a best friend. Someone who is like a sister to you. Someone who loves you..who is there for you..tells you the truth and always has your best interest at heart. I must be really lucky because not only do I have one friend like this I have two! Laura and Gina are the sisters I never had and always wanted. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. This is why I have TWO maids of honor. Some people are like " you have two maids of honor?" like it's a weird thing. I see it as I am the luckiest girl in the world that I have two people in my life that have all the qualities that a maid of honor should have ..not everyone can say that. I thank God everyday for all of my friends because He has blessed me with some really good ones. Laura and Gina are beyond what I think I deserve in a friend and I am so grateful for them.

Take the time today to thank those special women in your life..sisters, best friends..they truly are gifts from God to get us through this crazy, beautiful life <3