Love Remains the Same

Once upon a time, I had written a witty and amazing blog post. Perhaps the best one of all. And then reality set in, I was trying to do 5 things at once, and I ended up accidentally deleting said blog post before posting. The struggle IS real. I was extremely frustrated with myself at first, but then realized that I couldn’t do anything about it, so I decided to take a break and restart later. So here I am!

I don’t think I can even attempt to mirror what I had previously written {I’ve slept since then, HARD!} but I will try to think of something right around the same level of amazing {wishful thinking, wishful thinking..} I’m currently sitting on top of my comfy bed, with my new cozy blanket, a cup of tea {with marshmallows in it..because, well, marshmallows!} , a fall candle burning right beside me, and my husband sitting in the other room watching a few pre-season NFL games{which I must say, makes my heart very happy, it's a pleasant sound to hear. Happy fall!}. I think I’m ready for this. Aaaand, go.

As I grow older, I’ve noticed a lot of my tastes changing. They say your tastes start changing every 7{?} years {or so?}, and for me I feel that this is pretty accurate. This ranges from a wide spectrum of things, from my taste in company, food and drink tastes, musical tastes, pretty close to everything.

Ever since I was about 18 or so, I’ve been {gradually} incorporating, and dare I say even liking vegetables, but recently I’ve been LOVING all vegetables that I used to loathe. Tomatoes? Yum. Brussel Sprouts? Pass ‘em over. Okra? Gimme. Carrots? Mine. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with these vegetable cravings. Was I pregnant? Was I having some sort of mental breakdown? What was the root cause of this sudden onset love of vegetables? As it turns out, neither of the above were the culprit {although I’m sure some people would argue the latter..} I honestly think that I am just getting a bit braver as I get older and more willing to try new things.  

This is a change I am kind of extremely happy about: I am not longer just a sweet white wine lover! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dumping all of my moscato d’asti and Riesling down the drain, but I’m no longer reaching for them at the liquor store. Now, I’m looking for chardonnay and cabernet {and dare I say even the occasional shiraz..} Do I somehow feel more sophisticated drinking these newfound wines? You betcha. In case you were wondering, my current favorite brand is actually by Dave Matthews. The brand is called Dreaming Tree. DELICIOUS and your wallet will thank you, because this wine is budget friendly. A couple more of my favorites are Freakshow and 14 Hands..so walk run to your nearest liquor store and get your hands on a bottle {or two, or three..}

Musical tastes have absolutely changed. I hear most electronic music and I think “wait, is this music?” I’m over my “only rap music” phase, although I do love myself a nice rap song when I’m driving with the windows down. Don’t judge, you know you do it too. I’ve been really digging the Michael Buble Pandora station lately. It features good ole Michael himself, Frank Sinatra, Ben E King, & of course, Norah Jones, the classy lady herself!

You know the saying, the more things change, the more they stay the same. There are a few things in my life that aren’t going to change: my love for Charles, my faith, my love of my family, my chocolate & coffee obsessions, and my habit of watching reality tv shows, just to name a few. And you know what? I’m ok with that. My life is in a better place than I could have ever imagined.

Let's get down to the recap portion of our blog post today:

Fresh Farmers Market flowers..$5 for these beauties that will last weeks. Go home with your $15 bouquets that last 2 days, Wal-Mart. Although I still do love walmart..

You can't beat end of summer nights on the deck with your handsome hubby and a nice glass of red wine. You just can't beat it!

Honestly, it's felt more like fall lately than it has summer {well, at least the nights and the mornings feel that way} so I've been trying to spend as much time as possible outside on the deck with the girls {yes, the dogs..}

While at the lake last weekend, the mister and I woke up at around 6am to a thunderstorm. There's nothing quite like the sound of thunder when you're waking up. We decided to make the most of it and spend the early morning hours cuddling on the deck listening to the storm in a hammock.

When thunderstorms disappear, it's time to take a sunset boat ride with the family..and I'm glad I wore this shirt over my swimsuit and we were BOTH glad I had this blanket, because it got CHILLY.

Lake views..why isn't this my permanent view?

 



You know we love local things, and Friday we got the pleasure of trying out CORE brewing company that just came to our town. What and awesome place! If you're around my area, check it out, you won't be disappointed.

I hope as much as your life changes, some things remain the same. 

Is this real life?

Yes, I’m back after what was a {too} long hiatus. Life gets in my own way in the summertime, y’all, you best believe it! Between wedding showers, baby showers, going to the lake almost every weekend, Blues Festival, cookouts, and many more exciting yet exhausting summer activities, I just haven’t had time to blog. By the time I get home on Sundays, I’m usually cleaning, getting my grocery shopping done, then taking a shower and falling into a nice, deep sleep.

First and foremost, since summer is slowly coming to a close, I have to say how excited I am that Razorback football is only 38 days away! Charles and I always have the best time during fall: Amazing weather, grilling out and making incredible food {especially Charles’ famous smoked ribs..lip licking good}, spending time with friends and family, and of course, FOOTBALL!

Fall for the Alley family also means our wedding anniversary! Can you believe it’s already been almost a year since Charles and I got married? Year one has flown by. We also get to spend our first fall in our new house, which I’m thrilled about! We have been working in the yard and purchasing patio furniture in preparation for the season!

Charles also has converted to Catholicism and he is about to graduate college with his leadership degree. I’m so proud of my hard working husband. I couldn’t imagine “doing life” with anyone else.

Let me share a bit of what has been going on through pictures..

Charles and I are both directors for the Riverfront Blues Festival, and here we are, directing on!

Quite a lot of boating has been occuring this summer

After Charles converted, I threw a small brunch for a few family members. We had champagne for mimosas in a cute bucket, fruit in fun, colorful little cups, spring colored flowers, quiche, and sausage balls. And of course rolls! I love the look of this setup. I also had cute, colorful little plastic mason jars for the mimosas for a cute little touch.

The BMW is no more, someone purchased her, so we got the new 2014 Ford Escape Titanium. LOVE IT, thanks so much to Hug!

Charles and I before Easter mass, right before he converted {dress - Suite One Boutique}

Backstage at Dierks Bentley thanks to my awesome sister in law! {Kimono - Suite One Boutique}

Our wedding made it into a local magazine here in Fort Smith called Entertainment Fort Smith. We had a two page spread, and my bouquet even made the cover! Thanks so much, E Fort Smith!

Funky fourth at Lake Ouachita! We like to be patriotic {kimono & headband - Suite One Boutique}

There's been quite a bit of grilling this season. Charles and I have taken to grilling pizza's in our Pampered Chef pizza pan, so there's bit a lot of relaxing on the patio, enjoying our time together

You can't beat a Lake Ouachita sunset. You just can't!

My BELOVED patio furniture! I scored the sectional at Big Lots for 20% off during a sale, I scored the rug which was a display rug at Wal-Mart for $30! They took money off of it due to it being a "display" which I thought was awesome! I also scored the pillow on clearance at Target. The umbrella was one I purchased 2 summers ago at Wal-Mart. So excited to relax on this sectional this fall while we watch football and grill with friends...

 

 

Well, friends, I'll be back again soon with more updates. I hope you've all enjoyed hearing from me, because I've enjoyed catching up with you!



Alley Family Fun Days!

Happy Sunday, friends! 

We had a fairly low key week around the Alley household {shocking, I know!} I cannot express how much I needed that week full of movie watching and staying at home with my ball & chain {yes you, sweet Charles!}

I'm not sure what religion each and every one of you are, but as  you probably know. my family and I are Catholic, and this coming week is Holy Week. It's a very sacred week full of tradition and I absolutely love this week. It brings back amazing memories. As much as I love Holy Week, it is a very busy week, especially for those who are joining the Catholic Church, like my husband. So this coming week, we have mass on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday night {when Charles becomes a member of the church..stay tuned, this proud wife will be blogging all about it}. On top of that, we have a Board Meeting for the Riverfront Blues Fest {coming June 20-21..don't miss out!} and Charles has class{Mr. College Graduate coming in December 2014! {Another proud wife moment..} 

As you can see, my next week will be quite the busy one, but I'm looking forward to it! 

Let's rewind to take a look at my not so eventful week from last week!

As a closing prayer in Charles RCIA classes {yes, I'm the crazy wife that tags along for moral support..but hey, he asked me to, and how can I say no to that sweet man?] we say this closing prayer, and Charles and I fell in love with it from the get-go. We now incorporate it into our nightly routine!

Yes, we watched Frozen. No, we don't have children, unless you count the fur babies. This movie was adorable!

Boozing and baking banana bread! 

The puppies always know we are going on a trip when they see momma bust out some of her Vera collection. 

If I'm going to make it through a Friday afternoon 2 hour meeting..essentials are required. 

I just had to have some Apple Pie Moonshine {don't worry..this kind is legal!}

What's an Alley Family Fun Weekend without mimosas all around?! Pre Arkansas Derby drinks with the Alley's!

The better half and I...and then some more. 

2014 Oaklawn Arkansas Derby! 

My mommy in law && the Brother In Law's GF, Jen! 

Charles turned his car into a "limo" by putting down the middle seats and him and his dad rode in style on the way to the races! 

Before we got to the racetrack, a few of us stopped into The Savory Pantry in Hot Springs to get some delicious dips, marinades, & spreads. Charles and I found THE most DIVINE blue cheese herb mustard dip that we purchased, and I don't even like Blue Cheese!..if you're in Hot Springs, you had better go check it out! 

The races were PACKED, so we were very blessed to have box seats so that we could sit down and relax! I mistakenly wore wedge heels...my feet were not impressed. The box was my safe haven. 

Run ponies, Run!

When we got home on Sunday, I ran to the grocery store to stock up on some foods for this week. I pack our lunches every day, and since we are going to have quite a busy week, I figured I better do a lot of food prep today. We made it home from the lake at a reasonable hour, so I had ample time to prep food for lunches and even some dinners for this week! It only took about an hour to do, and it was so worth my while!

Charles was begging for his favorite after lake recovery food, so lo and behold, I went to Pho Hoang to get his favorite meal. I got myself some Chicken fried rice and barely made a dent in it, so I packed it up for Charles to take in his lunch tomorrow. He loves leftovers! 

Since Holy Week is such a precious time in my family, I thought I would share a little story with you that I found rummaging around the internet one day. We all need little reminders that God is always with us..

"One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was only one. 

During the lowest times of my life I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, "Lord, you promised me that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most, would you leave me? 

The Lord replies, "My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you" 

We all go through hard times. We lose friendships. We grow apart with people. We lose jobs. We fight with our loved ones. We feel sorry for ourselves, and think that our problems are the worst out there. But they aren't worse than others. And you have the power to control the negativity in your life and turn in into positivity. 

We also don't know the struggle of others, and we need to realize that there is power in forgiveness. Never make someone be too afraid to reach out to you for a helping hand, or to rejoin your life. Acknowledge their strength. 

"Once you become consciously aware of just how powerful your thoughts are, you will realize everything in your life is exactly how YOU allow it to be" 

Intonation

And we're back. Happy Sunday, my friends =) What has gone on in your weeks? Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot to report back. I've been in kind of a funk this week...a busy at work, lots to do at home, feel moody, sore muscles, all around funk. Honestly I'm not sure where this weird funk came from --it was a gorgeous week, warm weather, sunny..a textbook "Be happy!" week. Honestly I sensed that Charles felt the same way this week. Here's hoping that the upcoming week will turn out a little better. 

Anyhow, I still managed to do a few productive things, such as meeting new friends {{everyone check out Channel 5's new meteorologist Shelby Hays--she's wonderful!!}}

Here's a little highlight of the week..

Sorry for the instagram photo, I accidentally deleted the original! Charles had a particularly awful Monday, so I wanted to treat him to something special. He had mentioned a few weeks prior that he wished he had a pair of chaco's {all his friends had them..} So after work, I ran to The Woodsman and picked him up a pair! Everyone needs a sweet little something every once and awhile. I also picked up a little tub of Ben & Jerry's, because even guys need ice cream to cheer them up!

Tuesday we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get the sweet babies out for a walk around the neighborhood. They had a blast! I would love to make it a nightly ritual. 

Friday afternoon was a bit dreary and grey in anticipation of an incoming storm, and Charles decided to burn a few twigs in the backyard. So I grabbed a beer, took off my shoes, and sat under the dreary sky, smelling nothing but fire and the smell of anticipated rain, feeling the cool breeze, and watching the dogs play. I swear I could have sat out there forever and had a barefoot, blue jean night {&& I could have listened to Jake Owen as well :D}

Since I myself was feeling a little down in the dumps all week and Charles went to the lake to work on the boat speakers, I spoiled myself and bought the Naked 3 pallet. I LOVE it already, it has the perfect colors for blue eyes!

Just in case you wanted to see the sky on Friday night when Charles and I sat in the backyard, here it was. Isn't it gorgeous? I couldn't resist to snap a quick photo!

SEE!? I told you that I could have a short photo section. 

Since we have both had an abnormal week, where we weren't at the top of our game and we were both a bit on edge, we weren't exactly the most pleasant of people to be around. I feel guilty for that, I know that when I'm in a bad mood I can be quite the pill to swallow. Sometimes, you just have to spend some time along to truly realize how much you enjoy being around someone. I'd take a grumpy, moody, irritable Charles over no Charles any day of the week, and I have a hunch that he feels exactly the same way. 

I was chit chatting with a co-worker and a friend a few days ago, and we were talking about tone of voice and how people have different reactions to them. For example, if someone talks to me in an angered or forceful tone of voice, I immediately shut down and quit listening to what they way. I don't want to hear it, and I am too busy planning out my response to ever truly get anything resolved. 

Interesting...

Upon realizing that this is how I react to moodiness, I took a look back and realized, "wow..too often I let my emotions dictate my tone of voice, and it has never resolved a problem." The past few days I have really been trying to take this food for thought to heart. If you have to have a discussion with a friend, a family member, a husband, a wife, a co-worker, you need to be mindful to use your tone of voice in an understanding and non-angered tone. 

I have often heard that relationships with family, friends, husbands, girlfriends, parents, and the like are similar to houses. Just because a lightbulb goes out doesn't mean you're going to go buy a new house. You're going to fix or replace the lightbulb.

"Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder"

Where to begin..

Happy Sunday, friends!

We had a pretty eventful, yet uneventful week {if that even makes sense..} Although it was mainly spent working, going to the gym, and cleaning house, we had a few events that made the week quite interesting! 

The biggest take away from the week was the fact that my wonderful and sweet husband got accepted into the RCIA program at a local Catholic church. Yes, friends, he is converting! I'm so thrilled for him, and cannot wait to be a part of this journey with him. He has asked that I be his sponsor, and I couldn't be more thankful and feel so special. Congratulations to Charles!

The weekend was mainly where all the fun began, so let's start there, shall we?!

Friday night we had homemade sushi night at our house. We usually do this once a year {on a Friday during Lent} but we are thinking about having a "fall version" this year. We had too much fun. I did not have as much fun on Saturday morning, however, as I think we managed to use every last dish that we own and I had loads upon loads of dishes to do! 

Saturday was fairly uneventful -- gym, took a nap {ahh it was wonderful}, and out to dinner with my lovey and to pub crawl! I had never been to our local pub crawl, so we decided to go out this year. We really didn't get to "crawl" though, because it was a rainy, windy, cold mess! We went to one bar and stayed put. It was PACKED as can be, but we had a blast. It was a much needed night out. We were tucked into bed safe and sound by 11:30, and fell asleep with the window open, listening to the pouring rain and smelling the cold air and the rain. Needless to say, I slept peacefully last night. 

Today Charles and I went to introduce him to the priest who will be guiding him through the RCIA process, and then we took my brother to lunch. After some cleaning around the house, I decided to get a little "blogging" in before I head to the gym and then to my parents for family dinner. Honestly, all I want is a nap...hmm..maybe I can sneak in a half hour or so before the gym...we shall see!


Pictures, pictures, pictures..

Friday was "pi" day {{3/14}} so I brought some friends at work little mini pie's! I'm nerdy and I know it. 

Part of our "sushi bar"

Doesn't it look amazing? It tasted that way as well

A few of our guests for sushi night

The brother in law creating his sushi!

My sister and my husband creeping in the background

"make your own sushi creation"

My sister even made homemade lo mein to go with the sushi!

I wanted to make individual cups of spicy mayo for the guests, and decided to have a little photo fun while I was working on it!

My sweet, handsome husband and I at dinner on Saturday

Sorry for the bluriness! We were in the dark

Just a view of the bar we went to, all decked out for pub crawl!

Some photo fun with my honey!

We didn't even notice the photobomber in the background

Before we went out!

My handsome all dressed up to meet the priest. What a stud muffin. 

This week should be a pretty tame one, at work and otherwise. I'm rather looking forward to that, and looking forward to getting a little extra time in at the gym. Lake season is in two months people, let's put a little bit of pep in our step and get into lake shape. Not only will you look better, but you will feel better as well, I can personally guarantee that. Just get motivated to make a personal lifestyle change.

"If you change nothing, nothing will change"