Monday, February 28, 2011

Who is EXCITED???? I am! I am!



Who is going home?
I'm thinking  [HOPING] Chantal or Ashley!
I feel in my heart Ashley is going home tonight! I love her bubbly personality, however....She's a little to push and shove! I like you, do you like me? I like You.. Tell me you like me!
Chantal... Something I just don't really care to like 110%. I don't have the great reason.. Oh wait, maybe it's because I am TEAM EMILY!

Brad WILL propose to Emily♥ 
Let's hope so anyway!


Why I love Emily? - Who doesn't? No, really - Emily is great all the way around. I'm sure she has her faults, who doesn't? But she's all around a genuine person. I love, love, love  her mommy skills!
The way she was with little Ricki was truly awesome. Her daughter is her everything, so it seems!

Why I think Emily & Brad are good for each other? - I don't really know what Brad went through before, But I believe they both really want love and are finding the comfort of love within each other. Make sense? I think Brad will be a wonderful father figure to Ricki and make up for lost father time. Being his father isn't around, I think he will try even harder to Ricki's sake!
I do believe Brad & Emily are falling in love, however I need Chantal to disappear!


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Curious, if you love Emily, You love her Story!
Thought I might share an image of the late finance' Ricky Hendrick!
   If you go HERE, you can watch more!



Video of the New channel Hendrick Motor Sport's Plane Crashed



Looking forward to tonight!
I'll be back with MORE tomorrow! Don't forget to drop in your thoughts!

Marry Me Monday: Ashley's Wedding Day Advice

Welcome to Marry Me Monday!
Every MOnday I will have guest telling any story they wish to share about their Fiance' or Hubby's!
If your are interested or want to learn more, go HERE. As for now, let's move on to Ashley from Life after the Aisle. Ashley chose to share her experiences 7 advice about her wedding.
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Hello Lovely Stilettos & a Fishing Pole Faithfuls!!


I’m Ashley from Life After the Aisle and have been honored by Jess asking me to guest post.  I was seriously stunned and over-the-moon excited for MY VERY FIRST guest blogger appearance!

I am a ‘newlywed’…I’m not sure when that term goes away for an individual, but I still consider myself newly. =) I am about 2 weeks from celebrating my first wedding anniversary! Jess asked that I share something wedding related since she is a bride-to-be. After consideration, I decided that I wanted to share some advice with anyone who is planning on getting married at some point in their life.

I was very active in an online community: Project Wedding. The young women I met through this site were unbelievably supportive and positive and had tremendous ideas. About a week before my wedding, I sent a private message some of my ‘inspirations’ asking what they learned from their wedding experience and any advice they could give to me.
::This is some of the advice I received::
*Try your hardest to get everything done at least 3 days before.

**Accept that not everything is going to be 'perfect' and you will be stress-free all day!
*It is going to be the best day even if things do not go as planned.

*Remember to smile A LOT  – you will be in a ton of pictures.

*Try not to daydream about what the day will be like - it will be better than you can imagine.
*If, while you're taking pictures, you see something you'd like a photo of, speak up!

*Enjoy the time you have with your family and friends especially the ones you are close to.

*If you have the chance and can afford to go pamper yourself , DO It!!
::Do::

*Get enough sleep the night before. It is such a long day.

*Bring one of your wedding invitations to be photographed.

*Make sure someone packs up some food for when you leave. You're going to be famished!

*Spend 10 minutes alone with your new husband directly after the ceremony. It's the only time you'll get to be alone before you leave for the night.

*On your wedding day, allow yourself to be emotional.

*Look at yourself in the mirror on your wedding day and take in your bridal image.
*Try to focus during the ceremony and on your groom

*Practice good posture in the months leading up to the wedding – you don’t want to be slouchy in all your wedding pictures

::Don't::

*Drink too much champagne before the wedding. Not because you'll get drunk -- because it makes you sleepy, or if you are like my little sister drinking makes you splotchy lol.

*Don’t sweat the small stuff. There will always be something that doesn't go as planned.

*Don't drink too much wine or eat a lot of pasta at the RD. . .it will make you bloated on the wedding day :) At your reception the next day, eat and drink all you want!

*Don't worry about your dress. It's going to get dirty. . .and that is ok. :)

****************************I found the girls all basically said the same thing: relax, take it all in, it flies by and don't worry about things NOT being EXACTLY perfect.  I took this advice to heart.
::Some things that happened the day of::

*I forgot some of the decorations for the reception -- no one noticed because no one knew.


*The aisle runner wasn't staying down because of the winds we were experiencing.  Everyone was stressing it except me.  I just said to cut off the monogram part and figure out a way to keep that down.  That's what we did, it's all we could do and it was still perfect.
*I wanted the cake table in the center of the dance floor, it was at the back of the dance floor!

::Some other thoughts/pointers from MY experience::

*If you can, invite all of your out of town guests to the rehearsal dinner.  So many of our guests came in from out of state and were invited to the rehearsal dinner.  They were able to spend REAL one-on-one time with us and deeply appreciated being asked to join.  Even if you can’t pay for everyone, still extend the offer for them to at least come see you and spend time with you.  You won’t WANT to spend time with anyone but your husband at the reception lol.

*I was SO stressed about the weather -- I wish I wouldn't have monitored it at 10 days out.  THEN I was so worried about it not raining, I didn't take the wind into consideration lol.  DO NOT WORRY about the weather, make sure you have a backup plan just in case...it doesn't matter what it's doing outside - it's still going to be the best day of your life.
*EAT LUNCH!! I know that sounds so obvious but you are going to be so busy getting ready for you Big Day! make sure to stop and eat something -- I had Subway. it was 'light' and kept my anxious tummy settled.

*DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE!  I had ours with us in the hotel and didn't realize that it hadn't been signed until well after the reception was over.  I had my MOH and John's Best Man sign it that night.  Before we left for our honeymoon on Sunday we had to haul butt to our Officant's house to have him sign and notarize it. Also make sure it is filled out correctly AND completely -- Our officiant forgot to fill out ALL THE INFO so I mailed it off and it had been returned while we were away.  It was SO DISAPPOINTING to open our license only to find out it wasn't complete lol.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter that your flowers were pink instead of red or that the table setting was all wrong.  No one is going to care or remember for that matter, the MOST IMPORTANT part of your day is the part where you say "I Do"/your vows. Enjoy your day ladies.  It's AMAZINGLY FABULOUS =)

I know that is a lot but take it to heart -- understand that things probably won't be 100% perfect, and that is OK because the POINT of the day is that you get to be your man's wife

Thank you again Jessica for asking me to post and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! You are going to be a beautiful bride!!
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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Something New & FUN!!!


Most of you know I am getting married in September!
Well, On Wednesdays [& other days] I've been posting all about my planning process!Since I was a little girl, I have always loved listening to other peoples real life stories! Hearing your stories inspire me & always r touch my heart. I love them!
 I came up with Marry Me, Monday!
Where I plan to have different guests on my blog writing stories about their fiance's OR Husbands! I am super excited about it and can't wait to hear about every ones real life stories!

If you have a story you would like to share, please fill free to contact me! I would LOVE to set you up to have everyone read your love story♥
First Dates
The Proposal
Bringing them home to meet the Parents
Most embarrassing story
The Wedding Day
When you KNEW he/she was the one
How you met

Anything, just get creative & tell me all about it!
Hope to see you back here tomorrow! Our first Newly Wed is one of my favorite blogger friends, a lot of you are probably familiar with Ashley from

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Friday, February 25, 2011

I'm wearing JEANS to work!!! Must be F.R.I.D.A.Y!



1. I am currently obsessed this certain website! Forgive me, but I can not share... YET! I promise, I will soon OR later.



2. Today I am swollen! Yikes! Yes, you read that right. I'm pretty sure my body is retaining water! Thank goodness my boss had a water pill. I sure hope it helps! Any suggestions; food, liquids, etc? Help me out!


3. The age I am is 25 and the age I feel is 25. I am loving my age. I am the happiest I have ever been. Everyday it gets happier. Clique, right? It's true. I look forward to each day, better yet each year!


4. My favorite place is our home! End.of.Story! I love being home!


5. Something I have been procrastinating is ... picking our honeymoon location! We are having the toughest time. Do we go all out? Do we not? Out of the States? In States? Seven Days or 5 days? Resort or Hotel? Tropical or Adventurous? 

[If anyone has any suggestions as to where we could go IN THE U.S., please fill free to share with me!]


6. The last thing I purchased was an unsweetened tea from Carey Hillards!



7. The thing I love most about my home is the fact I have an amazing man waiting on my arrival every evening! A smile when I walk in the door!






Thursday, February 24, 2011

New Addition


One year ago, we started renovating Aaron's great grandfathers home to make it ours! I was in & out of stores every.single.day! Paint, Carpet, Molding & Framing, Mirrors, Door knobs, more paint, tile, curtains, henge's, etc. There was so much I was picking up which left little money for things that I wanted rather than things we needed. Left behind, was Pappy's kitchen table!  It wasn't a horrible table but my heart wanted something different. I found this particular table, very simple, located at my favorite store Hobby Lobby. I fell in love but Aaron dared me to buy it. We didn't need it. We had a table! Sooooo, when all this wedding planning started, I informed Mom about this table & four bar stools at Hobby Lobby. It was one sale & had been for one whole year. I've wanted it, but knew it wasn't on the top of our things to do/get list. It would be a great shower gift for everyone to pitch in on. Hobby Lobby does not have a registry, bummer!

Somewhere in the time when my Mom was in New York the week before our Engagement Party, she shared this want for this table & stools with my Aunt P, Uncle J & her children. Our party invitation stated
"Your presence is their presents" meaning, NO GIFTS. However, they disagreed!

So, a BIG thanks to my Hernandez family in NY for helping our home become one step closer to exactly the way we would love to have it.
We LOVE our new table, and Aaron agrees... It looks much better!


My Hubba Hubba Handy Man being frustrated
as he puts it together♥

Me trying my very best to be Vanna White!

Wa-La! Here it is!

[Photos were taken when my blackberry, excuse the quality!]

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Aaron leaves this evening to go back to Santee, for the weekend for more fishing time! Exciting for him! :)
I am staying back. I hate it when he is not home, I never sleep good! On the brighter side, I'm looking forward to a few wedding events, and a more relaxing weekend! Maybe a little "ladies" time!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: Engagement Party

I'll start off by saying, I woke up with butterflies. I was very calm all day, which is unusual. The party was perfect. Seriously, it could not have turned out better. I can only imagine how special we will feel on our big day, because we felt on top of the world! I sure did!  We had about 70 of our closest family members & friends at my parents house! Both our parents worked hard to make this night special. They achieved their goal. Our mothers... gosh, I don't think I can find words to describe the time, effort, energy, and love they put into this gathering. To capture everything, I'm gonna start piece by piece... moment to moment!


Decorations & Food
The party was held at my parents home, in the outside garage!
Decorated as best as it could be; Blue, Gold, & Brown was everywhere.

Our Table Tops

[Notice the favors: Stilettos & a fishing luers filled with sixlets!]



Cake Table

A Groom sitting down holding a fishing pole, with a ring on the hook....
The Bride reaching for the Ring...









The Food
[Don't have great pictures of the food tables, sorry]




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Extras






Everyone here & there, socializing






Bridesmaid, Kristie & myself


Brother in law, Father in Law, Dad




Aaron with his Grandma & Mom.

 My greatest friends from my old job!



My Matron of Honor, My sister Kim!

Bridesmaid, Heather & myself

 Maid of Honor, Danielle & myself!

Friends since High School! 
Before Dinner, The Speeches



My step dad thanking everyone for joining us to celebrate our engagement!
Also welcoming Aaron as a son in law! :)


Mr. P adding his warm welcome. Telling everyone what he always says to Aaron and I!
"I always believe that when you are best friends, you will make it forever. I truly believe Aaron and Jessica are best friends. Once you're best friends, Lovers is just a bonus!"
Our Thank Yous



They were hand bags that said,
Mother of the Bride
Mother of the Groom


The Dads didn't get on... so they pretended!

Introducing Our Wedding Party

The Game
Basically The Newly Wed game, however we are not yet newly weds!
It was great. I just knew I'd blow Aaron out of the wall, but he showed me up.
I did beat him by one point - 12 to 13
The questions were handed out to our Maids & Groomsmen for them to take turns asking us! Both of us were given a dry erase board, when a Q was asked to Aaron I had to jot down what I thought his answer was. Vice Versa!




Here are a few example of the Q's & A's that were asked to each other;

AARON, What is your biggest pet peeve about Jessica?
My A: I put stuff in random places and can never find it.
His A: How she slurps when she drinks.

Jessica, If Aaron were to have dinner with a celebrity, who would he pick?
My A: Fergie [Thinking opposite sex]
His A: Jean Claude Van Damme



AARON, What is your favorite feature about Jessica?
My A: My Boobs
His A: Her Eyes


Jessica, What is Aaron most likely to be doing on a Sunday Afternoon?
My A: Fishing [This was hard b/c I didn't know what season]
Aaron's A: Anything Outdoors
Point Me!

Aaron, what is Jessica's favorite hobby?
My A: Crafts
His A: Scrapbooking
Point Aaron!

Jessica, What does Aaron Love about you most?
My A: My Personality
His A: The way she cares for people.
Close enough, Point Me!


Aaron, Where was your first kiss taken place?
My A: My Parents back porch by the door.
His A: Her parents Patio
Point Aaron!


Jessica, What is the most embarrassing thing Aaron has done in front of you?
My A: The 1st time he pooted in front of me, he tried to cover it up by walking in the pantry, however I heard it.
His A: Nothing.


Aaron, what is one secret that you've kept from Jessica, that you think she doesn't know about?
The Crowd immediately started saying... "Oh gosh, here goes a big fight"
My A: Nothing, he tells me everything.
His A: She knows everything.
Point Aaron!


Aaron, who is more dominant in the bedroom?
WE.DIED.AT.THIS.VERY.MOMENT.
After being in shock for a minute, we started writing!
My A: Me [As I was red as a strawberry]
His A: Jessica
Point Aaron
[Embarrassing... Everyone dyed laughing]
now I get teased that the "D" on top of the cake was not for our future last night, it was for DOMINANT!



There were many, many, many more questions.. however I can not think of them all. It was fun & a great way to let everyone learn more about us.
In EVERYWAY! [ha!] We received a gift, Two cook books. A Grill Master one & The cook books of all cook books, Betty Crocker! I've always wanted Moms so she bought us our own. Aaron too, love this cook book!

Also, At the bottom on the Invitations, it stated
Your Presence is their Presents!
However, we did receive a few goodies!


Kristie, Candice, My sister Kerri, Heather, Holly, Me, My Sister Kim, & Danielle
Missing: Rachel & Aaron's sister, Bridget

The night ended with much happiness and I think everyone enjoyed their time together!
My groom & I felt so special!