Two-fer

I am fully aware that everyone is over our wedding (as you should be... we've been married over 2 months now.. we're OLD news! & we have a lot more exciting things going on)

HOWEVER, I am currently in Orlando right now on a 600 person meeting, and tonight we got done early [YES, 8pm is early], so I came up to my room, logged onto FB for the first time in quite a few days, and checked my blogger to catch up on my favorite blogs! And I happened to find out that we were blogged about.. TWICE today!

The first blog I found, was published by my garter vendor, The Garter Girl. Short & sweet, yet still exciting! You can read the blog HERE. The "garter girl", Julianne, was so great to work with. So friendly, and did exactly what I wanted! I would highly recommend her for all brides, no matter your style, she does it all!

The second blog I saw was published by The K.I.S.S. Real Wedding Blog. My photographer, Brittany, from Memory Makers Photography submitted our photos/story. [dont hate on my name dropping!] I adore this blog - I didnt even provide any information to them, and all of their talking points are amazing and I feel like they just "got" my idea/vision/style/intent!

Anywho!!! I just wanted to share this exciting news... Hope you all have a great week!

Good-bye for now from not so sunny Orlando!

My New Hobby

Those that know my husband, know the man does not like to eat anything foreign, or anything that he did not grow up eating... Although I will vouch that he has willingly been much more open minded, I tend to think it's more fun to sneak foods he dislikes past him unknowingly......

Here is a status gone conversation on Facebook that literally had me dying laughing:


Wednesday, June 15, 8:14 pm - Ashley Dunaway:
"J just ate spinach, yams, and mushrooms. Muah hahahahahahahahah :)"

Diana Cabrera likes this status
Wednesday, June 15, 8:33 pm- Katie Lane:

"Our baby boy is growing up so fast!!"

Wednesday, June 15, 9:32 pm, Justin Dunaway:
"NEVER!!!!"


Thursday, June 16, 7:45 am, Jordan Erwin:
"^^^ See what I have to deal with?"

Thursday, June 16, 7:59 am, Ashley Dunaway:

"I chop things small enough he doesnt really know :)"

Friday, June 17, 1:53 pm, Jarrett Dunaway:

"There was spinach in that damn lasagna!!! Oh boy, I feel sick!"

Friday, June 17, 1:54 pm, Ashley Dunaway:

"You thought it was basil inside, the only basil was on top hahahahahahaha"

This is where the FB post ends... but J then texted me becuase that night I made him take one more "Big Bite" with everything and he realized how much I must have enjoyed this moment.

& its true - I did love that moment... A LOT.

& yes its also true, it took the man TWO DAYS before knowing what he ate... not only that but he only found out because of Facebook... I mean... really?!

He likes the food, he doesnt like the idea of eating it.. so as you can see, I have a new hobby on my hands.... see what I can feed J without him knowing.... ohhhhh the possibilities are endless!

Happy Monday!

My Puppy Daddy

Most girls have a Baby Daddy. I, however, have a Puppy Daddy. And well he's quite an amazing Puppy Daddy...

About 6 months into our relationship, part of my Christmas gifts were gifts for Layla. Bowls, treats, toys etc for J's house. My boyfriend was getting serious about my puppy child... And it was pretty dang sweet of him.



He even humors me with my Layla Birthday Traditions...



They are 2 little peas in a pod

I know that J will make an amazing father in our future when we are ready to have children - but for now, he can be an amazing Puppy Daddy.. Happy (Puppy) Father's Day, J!

[[you can see below what my children will have in their blood.... scary?!]]

Dad #2!

I am not the only one blessed with an amazing dad - Jarrett's Dad, Bobby, is also pretty dang amazing!

Over the years Bobby has been extremely supportive of J and his decisions. He is ALWAYS helping us around the house and yard. And he's always ready to kick back, relax, and just have a good time.

I also consider myself extremely lucky to have Bobby as my Father-in-Law (FIL, as some may call it!) Since day one of meeting him, he has always made me feel comfortable and has constantly keeps me laughing :)

We love you, Bobby!!

PS - Apparently J was quite the little fisherman when he was little too! I think we really need to pick up this habit again!

Just Fishin'

I think most of you know how close I am to my parents - and luckily my husband enjoys his time with them as well. We try to see them often, which isn't always the case, but since I have not been traveling as much lately, we have seen them a bit more than usual.

One night we were at my parents and my mom mentioned this song in passing and once I looked it up I completely understood why she even mentioned it!

So, in the spirit of Father's Day - here we go!




My dad and I started fishing when I could walk, talk and had a bit of coordination. We used to go to let me mom sleep in. I used to name the worms and play with them - yes, its true this girly girl was not afraid of wormies. I fished with my dad until I can remember, well I can remember...

The last time I fished with my dad, I was about 12. We were in Wisconsin at a lake house. Scotty Potty, Zak and me in a little fishing boat. A bee is flying around and then LANDS on my leg (minor detail - I am terrified of bees. Like, run like a banchee while screaming, terrified of bees). I stand, screaming and doing this pathetic thing with my hands that I have done since my parents can remember, ROCKING the boat. Not minor rocking, I mean like, 'holy shit the boat is going to tip over' rocking the boat. My mom is videotaping from shore laughing hysterically, my dad is yelling and my brother is well... quiet. Shocker.

Good news, I didn't tip over the boat. The bad news, I don't think I was ever invited to fish again.

((Pathetically the only picture of fishing we could find))

((My Dad built me this sandbox a long long time ago))

((Proud Papa))

((Still have a fun and wonderful relationship))

Scotty still says that the conversations we had while fishing are some of the best; but I strongly believe that some of our late night, Lally Family, drinking nights maaaay come close to those fishing conversations. :)

I am truly blessed with such an amazing father, someone who can be one of my best friends, and someone that will unconditionally love me, and well, I love him! Happy Father's Day Scotty Potty!!! I may need to get my fishing license and throw a line with you soon!

Boogs at Her Finest

I was off in Austin this weekend with Miss Katie Lane, when I got back yesterday Layla was a cuddle bug... think she maaaaaay have missed me!

Can't ask for a much better homecoming... well cuddles with boogs and a yummy dinner with the all of the Dunaways & Future Dunaways to celebrate Justin and Marianne's birthdays. Unfortunately I forgot to bring out my camera at dinner - tends to happen when Jordan and I get going on the topic of their wedding!

I also found this video on our laptop - too funny not to share.... think she felt neglected this night?!

Overall - I guess the point of this post is to share our sweet Boogs' personality with all of you. She is quite the character - & we cant imagine not having her :) Sweet Layla Love... until she gets out of control! Then not-so-sweet Layla Love, ha!

Happy Wednesday To ME!

After a LONG work day, I stopped in at DSW on my way to meet J. (I've had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket since my glitter shoes randomly broke one their 2nd wear)

I have been coveting these Michael Kors peep toes, but every time I go they never have my size.

I guess after my torturous day, the Shoe Fairy was smiling down on me.

So pretty!

Happy Wednesday!

Onion Ring Connoisseurs

Since receiving our amazing, beautiful, delicious goody inspiring fryer...


Jarrett has all of a sudden taken a liking to cooking.. well, not cooking, but frying. Potatoes, sweet potatoes (for me.. he hates them) and on a whim I picked up some onion ring batter for our Mother's Day BBQ.

Since then we have tried every onion ring batter at Kroger. I am almost positive that Jarrett is officially addicted - cover your ears my oh so sweet, dietician friend, Amber. He even makes them by himself when I am already sleeping.

I l.o.v.e. onion rings as well.. however all of the batters we have been trying are more of the "beer batter" kind, and I am more of a bread-crumb, Sonic Onion Ring type girl. So yesterday, we tried an experiment.. and well it turned out quite amazing!

I suggest you try it!

Ingredients
2 large onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk, or as needed
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
seasoned salt to taste
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed (We use peanut oil)

Directions
1. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Or use a pan on the stove with 1" of Peanut Oil

2. Separate the onion slices into rings, and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.

3. Dip the onion slices into the flour mixture until they are all coated; set aside. Whisk the egg and milk into the flour mixture using a fork. Dip the floured rings into the batter to coat, then place on a wire rack to drain until the batter stops dripping. The wire rack may be placed over a sheet of aluminum foil for easier clean up. Spread the bread crumbs out on a plate or shallow dish. Place rings one at a time into the crumbs, and scoop the crumbs up over the ring to coat. Give it a hard tap as you remove it from the crumbs. The coating should cling very well. Repeat with remaining rings.

4. Deep fry the rings a few at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain. Season with seasoning salt, and serve.

Nana & Papa: This blog is dedicated to you (I did buy yall some batter too, but try this its better!)

Loves!

Wedding Days: Just When You Think Its Over...

Once the wedding is over, you get home from your honeymoon, and things get back to normal - Life Is GOOD!

Then one day you check the mail and your marriage license is back and all official. Exciting Day! Until you realize you now have what you need to start making that name change.











This realization happened to me a few weeks ago. And I literally didnt know where to start and I have been putting it off. Finally I decided it was time to bite the bullet and figure this out. After lots of googling I found this gem on The Nest (The sister site to The Knot. And just like The Knot, there are great resources and a lot of useless stuff on there).

So here, to all my friends who just got married, are getting married or ever plan on being married someday, are the steps to take care of the BIG name change and hopefully will help to fix your identity crisis.


Please join me in my little adventure and hopefully this to-do list is helpful for all of us!

FOR STARTERS
Make sure that your wedding officiant mails in your signed marriage license ASAP so you receive your marriage certificate. You’ll need this certificate (or in some cases, just a copy of it) to apply for a name change.

FOR “THE MAN”
Get a new Social Security card (you’ll need your marriage certificate). Go to SocialSecurity.gov.
Get a new driver’s license (you’ll need to bring your new SS card and marriage certificate).
Mail in your passport (with a new photo) for an updated one. Go to Travel.State.gov/passport.
Alert voter registration at DeclareYourself.com. Click “Register to Vote” and then check the box that says you are changing your name.

FOR YOUR WALLET
Change your bank account and order new checks.
Change your credit cards (even ones from retail stores).
Update any stocks, IRAs, mortgages, leases, or money market accounts.
Order an annual credit report to make sure all old accounts are closed—and that no one is opening accounts using your maiden name. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com.

FOR WORK AND HOME
Change HR paperwork at your office, get a new email address, and alert your contacts of the change.
Update insurance cards and policies
Change your name on utility bills, like cable, gas, and your cell phone.
Contact alumni associations, gyms, and other organizations you belong to.

What you need to know
Make sure the name (maiden, hyphenated, or hybrid) you’d like to use is on your marriage certificate; otherwise, you’ll need to get a new marriage license issued to get the name you want!
::I didn't know this little fact, so here's to hoping I havent lost my Middle Name!::


If I run into any troubles, I'll be sure to update you all, but hopefully with this check list, it'll be smooth sailing.... FINGERS CROSSED!

A Weekend Project

J&I are on a big home improvement kick, so this weekend we decided to try out our painting skills.

Here is the spare bedroom before:

Taping off the Room:

One coat complete!

Action Shot!

& After! So purty!

We also moved the funiture around - the room looks so much bigger now.

It really only took us Saturday and today we just did the final touch ups and putting the room back together. It was actually fun, and I am so proud of us. We did a pretty good job! The bathroom in that room needs help next... but not so sure we are skilled enough to do that on our own... maybe the laundry room should be next.. we shall see!

Go Mavs!

Life Well Lived

Thanks to good old facebook, I have been inspired by an old Car Hop friend, Lindsay to create this post - The originator of the idea a girl named Kelsey (who I dont even know... seems creepy, but her idea is so inspiring!) puts this weekly post like this:

"I’d been confronted with bucket lists, and other means of stacking up a bunch of hope and expectations, that there is no promise will ever come true. I LOVE dreaming, and making goals. I think that is a wonderful part of life. I certainly have my own list of things I hope I accomplish before I die. But I hope that I can leave behind, even if I died today, a collection of memories, and one-of-a-kind adventures that I’ve already experienced. Think of this as the other side of a bucket list. I’m calling it, a Life Well Lived list."

So inspiring yet so intimidating. What have I done that is special enough to share? The thought sure does get your mind spinning of all the things you do want to place on your bucket list, and hope to get a lot of those things done sooner than later. Maybe the point of this blog isnt that every item on the list is overly amazing, but more of the idea that small, daily things are amazing and blessings given to us. I am going to try to share a few items every Sunday (albeit today is Saturday, but moving forward I'll post on Sundays).

Well, let's kick this thing off...

1. One of the most important things in my life happened during college. I started at Texas A&M as a psychology major, during my second-ish year I took a sociology course as an elective. I thought it would be an easy peasy "A" and then I would move on. I NEVER expected to be so moved by one course. So moved that once the semester was over I changed my major to sociology. All of a sudden every day, every lecture was so much more interesting to me, papers we so easy to write, and going to class wasnt so bad. I had finally found my passion.

2. I graduated college in '07. Pretty much everyone accomplishes this these days, but its still a major feat in life. My mom is a hairstylist and my dad has his degree, but he accomplished that later in life, which is a feat within itself in my opinion! I did not finish in 4 years, but I can honestly say that I am glad that it all panned out the way that it did. It ended up being perfect timing for me and my future career.

3. Let's do an old school accomplishment. All growing up (through high school) i played soccer. When I lived in Chicago I played on a competitive team that pretty much dictated my life. Maybe dictated is a bad word to use? It was certainly not a bad thing. I had the best of friends, we traveled the state and even to Arizona for tournaments, and it was a whole lotta fun! In 1996 (I was in 6th grade) we won the State Championship. We got to sport out "Illinois State Champion" jackets to school, had our city, Hoffman Estates dedicate a day to us etc. Such a cool thing to experience at such a young age! Unfortunately I cant seem to find any pictures from back then, except for this one - cute huh?!

Well that will be my first Life Well Lived post - I hope you enjoyed & I hope that YOU in turn start writing your own Life Well Lived posts, and if you do, tell me and I would LOVE to follow. Honestly its fun to think back, and realize there are some cool things that have already happened, and it sure does make you think about what you can do in the future.

Loves!