Stay

We are heading back to Scotland today...

we made some great progress while here,

and some not so great progress,

if you follow me on instagram you'll know..

hint: bushy fake eyebrows

Oh,

and remember when I promised snowy pictures of N. Ireland?

Well the rain melted all of the snow right before we got here..

awesome.

I leave you today with this video,

my new favorite song,

which I'm surprised about because I am not a die hard Rihanna fan,

but this is GOOD.

I love me some good piano playing.

           

$75 Susan Posnick Giveaway!

Last week I told you my daily makeup routine,

and the products that I use.

Susan Posnick has been a recent addition to my make up life,

and my face is thrilled to have her.

The products are incredibly well made,

high end,

and last a very long time.

There are so many options to choose from,

but I personally own:

Susan Posnick ColorCorrect

Susan Posnick ColorMe (in peony and ginger)

Susan Posnick Coloreyedefine (jetblack and moonshine)

and

Susan Posnick Coloressentials (in dubai)

Today Susan Posnick is giving away one very lucky reader

a $75 credit to her shop

(that can basically get you everything I have)

TO ENTER:

Use the easy entry below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monogamy Monday- Plus Ones

An Instagram shot of our wedding Invitations courtesy of Amanda's instagram!
Invitation design by WhitneyCPBG

Just a little peek at our invitations to get this Monday started...

On to the topic of plus ones...

You don't have millions of dollars,

and can't invite everyone to your wedding,

so what do you do about the issue of plus ones?

I feel like this may be the most awkward topic of conversation,

second to not having children at your wedding.

When Stephen and I started the planning process,

I originally wanted like 20 people at our wedding,

but Stephen has around 40 first cousins,

so that was obviously out of the question.

We agreed on a number of 80,

except somehow our current guest list has 105...

(side eye Stephen).

However,

with it being a destination wedding for a number of guests,

we will still probably land near the 80ish mark.

With Stephen's family being so big,

and us wanting a wedding on the smaller side,

(and not being made of money)

we really had to choose our guests carefully.

This is how Stephen and I have determined who can bring a plus one:

A. They are married or engaged (duh)

B. They have been living together and or have a child together

C. They have been dating a long time (at least a year) and either myself, Stephen, or both of us, know and have met the significant other.

D. They are traveling from the USA (I am obviously not going to tell my American friends they cannot bring a date when they are traveling across the world and spending a lot of money in the process).

This of course is always destined to create some sort of issue with someone who wants to bring a date.

I get it,

I know if I were invited to a wedding and Stephen was not,

I would be bummed,

but I also know the expense that goes into a wedding.

I think sometimes people only take into account the cost of the food as the only item the bride and groom pay per person.

Except, it is not just the food that costs money per individual.

In some cases,

the chair you are sitting on,

that pretty plate you are eating off of,

the cocktail glass you a drinking out of,

your individual menu, 

place card, 

place card holder,

napkin,

and drink your drinking...

are all costs that have been paid just for you.

That, along with many other items, are all things that add up; far exceeding the amount of just your meal.

And that is just a few examples.

I wish we could just say,

everyone is invited!

You can totally bring the guy you just met on the side of the road because he has sexy scruff and good height!

But we can't,

and to be honest,

when I look up from my meal at dinner,

I want to see the faces of those nearest and dearest to us.

Thoughts/stories about the plus ones?

Did you allow them?

 Did you have certain stipulations like we do?

Did people not show up because they couldn't bring a date?

Did people show up with a date regardless of their names not being on the invite?

N.Ireland Bound...again...

via I just really liked this.

We are heading back to Northern Ireland for the next few days.

We will be spending some time with Stephen's family,

and hammering out as many wedding details as we can.

We are hoping this will be our last necessary trip to N.Ireland in regards to wedding stuff until June.

On our agenda:

Our food tasting *insert lots of exclamation points here*

My hair trial *nervous laugh*

Makeup trial *nervous laugh*

Filling out marriage license paperwork (which I believe they call a marriage schedule?)

and

Meeting with the Minister (a requirement to getting married in the church).

I am also hoping we can get the details for our rehearsal day/dinner worked out.

Since we have no idea what we are doing for that yet.

I am really excited to get out of Glasgow,

see some snow,

since we are the only part of the ENTIRE UK that has yet to get snow,
(it seems unfair for it to be so dang cold and not at least get the beauty of snow to look at)

and have some dates with Stephen.

We haven't done much of anything except attempt to get back on UK time since we landed in Scotland.

You can follow us on instagram if you want to see snowy N.Ireland,

and wedding stuff...

Have a Happy Weekend!

My Daily Makeup Routine

And by daily routine I mean like once a week...

After getting a few questions here and there about what my makeup/skin care routine is,

I decided to go ahead and share the products I use and love with all of you.

Some of the products are recent additions to my life,

and some I have been a faithful user of for years.

1. St. Ives Apricot Scrub: It is cheap, and gets the job done. Now, everyone has a different skin type. I don't typically ever get break outs or white heads (knock on wood). But I do get black heads occasionally on my chin or around my nose, and this solves that issue for me. Stephen and I both use it and love it. I know a lot of people go out and spend a lot of money on certain special products for skin care, or buy organic etc, but for me, since I have never really had a problem with my skin, I tend to just stick to what works for me. I understand everyone has a different preference. 

2. DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew: I LOVE this. It is like the perfect amount of moisture for my face. I typically have dry skin when the weather changes, and my skin will literally suck up the thickest of lotions, but I have found this one to be really great without being oily..hence oil-free. 

3. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer: I used this before I apply the silk creme foundation. This helps the foundation adhere evenly to the skin. You should always use a foundation primer before applying any type of liquid foundation.

4. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation: I asked one of my favorite makeup artists back in the day, what foundation he recommended. He said either Laura Mercier or Armani. Both pretty pricey, but I obviously went with the more affordable of the two. I am a HUGE liquid foundation fan. I absolutely hate power foundations. This is just my personal preference though, and yes I have tried both. I think you get the best full coverage with a liquid foundation, and if applied correctly (same with a powder) it wont look too thick or cakey. I swear by Laura Mercier, and have used this foundation now for probably close to 10 years. It also lasts forever, so while the initial price might seem a little expensive, it goes such a long way. I use cream ivory in the winter (sad face) and beige ivory when I have my normal color back.

5. Susan Posnick ColorCorrect (C2): I was recently turned on to Susan Posnick by a friend of mine, and then was sent some makeup of my choosing from the company. It is now all I use, along with my other daily products. This Colorcorrect serves a double purpose. It is a concealer (for dark under eye circles, blemishes, etc) and a highlighter for the T-Zone area. I use this after I apply my foundation.

6. Susan Posnick ColorMe (Peony and Ginger): Love these two. A few people asked what blush I use; it's Susan Posnick ColorMe in Peony. I use the Ginger as a bronzer. I am not a huge fan of the applicator on the bottle, but I just take the top off and use a blush brush instead of the applicator.

7. Laura Mercier Eye Shadow Duet: I love this combo for a smokier eye, or I put it on lightly and mix it with some gold tones for a more day time look.

8. Susan Posnick Coloreyedefine (jet liner and moonshine): I use this liner when I am going for a softer look as opposed to maybe a liquid eyeliner. I use the moonshine on the inner corners of my eyes as a highlighting technique.

9. Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder: I apply this after I have applied all of my makeup (foundation, blush, bronzer). It just sets everything and gives your skin a really soft even texture, and highlights in just the right places. I love it.

10. Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara: I use this mascara when I am just running around during the day, meeting friends, etc and want to look more fresh faced. It goes on pretty light and not clumpy. It also makes my eyelashes seem super long.

11. Covergirl Lashblast volume Mascara: I use this for when I am taking photos or going out at night. It goes on thicker and obviously isnt as great of quality like the Laura Mercier (I mean duh, it's only 4 bucks) but I sort of love it and have used it forever.

12. Susan Posnick Coloressentials (dubai): Probably some of the best lipstick I have ever used. It is really mousturizing and lasts a long time. I sometimes use it on its own, or ill sort of mix a couple lipsticks together until I get the color I want.

13. Maybelline Colorsensational  (Pink Punch): I am not seeing it online, but I am pretty sure you can get it at target (US) or Boots (UK). This is the pink lipstick you have often seen me wearing. Sometimes I mix it with Dubai to tone it down.

What is your make up go tos?

Are you a liquid foundation girl or powder? 

Any of the above you might give a go?

goodbye living4london/dramatic post title

the first time I was ever in London circa 2010

You may notice my URL is different.

It is seriously about time.
After 72+ hours of tears and sending dramatic e mails to Bobbi because it was not re-directing,
or letting us sign into my accounts to fix it...
it FINALLY is working.
(thank you to Gentri and Shayln for also trying to help...I was obviously scrambling)

I have a funny story behind my living4london URL though...

It was the year 2009,

and it had been decided that going to live abroad was going to happen.

I started researching different schools in England that had good reputations,

and a program that suited my needs.

All of them were in London,

except for one,

which was in Nottingham.

I loved the look of the University of Nottingham,

it seemed to have more open space,

and a lot of parks and fields.

I didn't really want to live in the city of London,

so this seemed like the perfect fit.

Now,

as an ignorant American,

I really had no idea what the United Kingdom was,

I didn't know Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were two different countries,

I didn't know that Ireland was surrounded by water and you couldn't drive there from Scotland..

and I didn't know that Nottingham was not a part of London...

You know how hollywood is IN Los Angeles?

Or how I am actually from Agoura Hills,

but I say I am from Los Angeles because technically I am...

I thought the same concept applied to Nottingham and London.

So I created my blog URL living4london.blogspot.com

Then I moved abroad,

and quickly realized,

oops...

Nottingham is like a 3 hour drive north of London.

It is not a part of it at all.

It would be like saying Palm Springs is in Los Angeles.

fail.

I left the URL because I didn't know at the time you could change it,

and then I was too embarrassed to admit I wasn't IN London...

so I just let it go.
Actually,
other than flying through Heathrow,
I have only been to London three times.

I know what you all are thinking...

"cool story Megan, 

needs more dragons.."

www.acrossthepondblog.com is the new URL.
Also my instagram is Meganacrosspond now..
I need to start trying to keep things consistent for my own sanity
or this is a foreshadowing to a total blog overhaul...

My Wardrobe Winter Essentials

1. Hunter Welly Socks 2. Fleece lined tights 3. TopShop Thick Sweater 4. warm hat

Having spent a total of three winters in the UK now,

I feel like I have finally found some really great winter wear essentials to recommend to those who are looking

(I get a lot of soon to be expat question in regards to clothes..so here you go)

1. Hunter Welly Socks: I got them last winter and they changed my feet's life. For those that have Hunter Boots, you know they do not keep your feet warm. Dry? Yes. Warm? Not at all. Enter in Welly socks. These are fleece socks (note: fleece=warm). And they not only keep my feet super warm, but they are so thick that they provide a sort of seal in the Hunter boots that keeps the cold air from getting in, which was a better solution than me stuffing scarves around my calf. I also wear them with my regular boots too in the winter. It is a little snug, but in the warmest most awesome way.

2. Fleece lined tights: holy.crap. My future Mother in Law got these for me for christmas this year. I put them on and literally gasped, and then wanted to punch myself for not having found these sooner. They are tights material on the outside, but the inside is lined with this soft fluffy fleece like material. They are also only like 10 bucks. They are also warm...and I feel like they could be worn as tights OR leggings because they are pretty thick...except they have the tights liner up the crotch...so..don't wear them as leggings if you are wearing a shorter top (which you really shouldn't be wearing with leggings either..) But if you don't have these and live in a cold climate..GET THEM NOW. Seriously. This is now the first item I tell people to buy.

3. Thick sweater: This is kind of a duh moment, but I need to elaborate on thick. My future mother in law made me the sweater I am wearing above for Christmas, and it is SUPER thick and warm. I had bought some sweaters at H&M thinking they would keep me warm. Rookie move. If you hate wool (which I do because it makes me itchy) then a softer fabric that is doubled up, or thick to begin with, is what you need, much like the one linked above.

4. Hat: So I have SUPER sensitive ears. I don't know what it is, but if it's cold, after about 10 minutes of being outside the inside of my ears will feel like someone is actually stabbing a knife into them. I feel the pain in my inner ear, up to my head, and in my jaw. It is the worst pain I have ever felt. So I need a thick hat that can cover my ears.

There is always the obvious big down coat and scarf, but you don't really need me telling you that.
I hope.

The 4 above are my little tricks,
and items where I have made mistakes with by buying the wrong kind,
or just not knowing what to look for,
and severely paying the price for it.

Hope this helps you cold climate dwellers,
or soon to be UK expats.

Again...fleece=warm.

Bracelet: c/o Poshlocket

This and That

photo from my bridal shower taken by Ozvisuals. more coming soon! I promise.

1. I keep thinking about a romantic date Stephen and I have back in LA. A friend of mine gave us a little picnic basket as a gift. So one day we gathered up our stuff and went to the park down the street. It was one of the few days we had alone time. Now I keep spending an obscene amount of time looking at picnic baskets for myself, and to give to everyone I know in the world. Like seriously, who wouldn't want this? If Scotland was picnic friendly (I am obviously talking about in terms of weather) I would totally go picnic right now. Anyone super sick of me talking about the weather yet and or reading the word 'picnic'? because I am.

2. I went through a crazy reading phase a few months ago and read this, this and this in less than two weeks. They were all amazing...especially this one. If you haven't read it, leave now and don't come back until you have finished it. I am about to start this one thanks to Elizabeths recommendation. Have any of you read it? Want to read it together?

3. Stephen's suit came in for the wedding. It makes it seem a little more real. Only 5 months until the big day...does someone want to come over and take over the planning?

4. Your comments on yesterday's post made me even MORE excited to move back to the USA this summer. Like, I want to have a big welcome home party. Everyone is invited.

5. Speaking of yesterday's post. Thanks to the wonderful world of blogging and twitter, someone who read it and tweeted me just may have saved S and I a lot of trouble and hardship with guiding us in a better Plan B direction. I feel so much less stressed now knowing we wont have to fear being separated, and a lot thankful for awesome strangers willing to offer up help/answer my insane amount of questions and e mails. I promise to pay it forward for anyone who will need help getting their British lover to the USA.

6. I am planning on posting my California Bridal shower soon. Like in the next couple of weeks. You know, the one I had a month ago? That one. I am excited about it.

7. We are heading to N.Ireland at the end of the month. It will be our last trip (hopefully) for a few months. I'll be having my hair trial, makeup trial, and we will be having our food tasting (best part)  meeting with the minister, AND filling out the paper work for our marriage license. BIG things are happenings.

8. After three winters of trial and error, I have finally narrowed down my top winter essentials. I'll show you them tomorrow.

9. I am about to get honest with you all. I have this irrational fear that keeps me up at night. I am so scared of having the stomach flu symptoms the day of the wedding. Please tell me it is every bride and grooms fear of puking at the alter? I can breath in my dress, so that gets rid of the fear of passing out, but I am up at night planning the best way to puke at the alter. Is there a way to just sort of excuse myself? Signal the minister, a bridesmaid, anyone to create a diversion? This has nothing to do with nerves of the wedding. I have had this irrational fear my whole life. First day of school. What if I puke? First day of college. What if I puke? Summer Camp. forget it, ill end up puking. Sleep-overs. What if I feel sick? THIS IS NOT NORMAL.

Re/Expatriate- Official News

I'm not pregnant.

Lets just get that out of the way first.

Some of you already know this,
and maybe most of you have sort of picked up subtle hints,
or just figured it out on your own..
in which case this is much more anti-climactic...
but...
I have never officially made this announcement on here yet,
and I feel like blogging it makes it more real.

This summer,

after the wedding,

Stephen and I will be officially re-locating back to the USA!

Permanently.

I can't really discuss details yet of how this is happening...

as we have two plans in the works right now.

Plan A and Plan B.

Both involve relocation almost immediately after the wedding 

(if all goes according to plan...side eye immigration office)
and I don't want to jinx it by talking about the plans yet.

Some of you already know I have been wanting to move back for awhile,

and that S and I have been planning different ways to go about doing it,

because as I have mentioned on this blog before,

the process is very difficult and very time consuming in regards to visas for Stephen that will allow him to come to the USA and live there.

There are a few different options that will let him in the country and stay,

some are risky,

and some can take a very long time,
we are hoping to avoid both of these scenarios.

We actually didn't officially decide our return back to the US until we were home over Christmas.

We originally only had Plan A...

but decided we just did not want to have to stay another year in the UK if Plan A didn't work out..

so we implemented plan B to ensure we move back this summer regardless.

We are giving up our flat right before the wedding,

and will be staying in Northern Ireland until we fly back (hopefully together) with my family.

By the time we leave,

I will have been living in the UK for three years,

Scotland, specifically, for almost 2.

It is funny how quickly your life can change...

it moves so fast that sometimes I wonder if I have remembered to take a breath.

I thought, upon moving to Scotland,

that S and I would be in the UK for another few years at least...

then so much happened,

and things became clear,

and we just knew the US was where we wanted to call home.

This has been the most incredible journey,

I feel like I am leaving with a better sense of myself.

I know who I am,

I know what I want out of life,

what is important,

what is necessary.

I have been changed.

Being an expat has been so beautifully challenging.

Being abroad,

often alone,

has made me have to rely on myself,

my own instincts,

in making my next move or decision.

I was once so wrapped up in the voices of others,

allowing them to guide my life for me,

until I left the noise and found myself in a world of quiet.

When I left California this time,

I knew my journey as an expat was coming to a close,

whereas previous trips had me yearning to get back to the UK.

My heart isn't in it anymore,

time is so fleeting,

so easily taken away,

and for me,

I don't want to spend anymore of it so far from my family,

my supportive community,

and my beloved sunshine ;)

It's no surprise that some of my very best friends out here,

are American expats,

who I know I will see again on US soil

(except for you Soph who will be back in Australia...close enough ;) ).

We are so excited to build a home and family one day soon in the states,

and host our amazing friends and family here in the UK,

some who have never been to the US.

I'll be sharing more information on our transition as we start making the actual steps in June!

Because you know,

planning a wedding just isn't stressful enough
so we decided to tack on a transatlantic move on top of it.

{editors note: both of these plans have the possibility of failing, or potentially moving so slow that S and I will have to be separated for a short period of time after the wedding). Visa stuff is never guaranteed, if both plans fail we will have to remain in the UK for another 6months to a year...in which case I will cry...because no, a marriage license in the UK does not grant Stephen immediate entry into the US. He still has to immigrate over through a government issued visa which can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to get...sometimes longer if you screw up the forms. Prayers and good thoughts appreciated.}

PB&J Boutique Giveaway!

Today I have an awesome giveaway for you courtesy of one of my new favorite shops,

PB&J Boutique.

Remember that lace collard shirt?

It's from them,

and I LOVE it.

Today PB&J is offering one winner the opportunity to choose any one item from their brand 

La Vie

The items pictured above are a few of my favorites.

Just use the easy entry below to enter!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monogamy Monday-Hair and Makeup...and me venting

Hair and makeup is really important for the big day,

both of them drastically change the outcome of your photos.

The makeup needs to be slightly heavier than usual so that it picks up the light just right,

and the camera catches it,

and your face looks flawless.

With the right hair,

makeup,

and photography,

you are destined for beautiful photos.

Which is what you want...

I hope.

Right?

Not all makeup artists are good,

same with hair dressers,

and I am slightly/really particular.

I am dying a little bit on the inside because I have such talented friends at home (in cali) who do either hair or makeup.

Finding someone in N.Ireland has turned into a much more difficult process than I had thought.

I have been quoted really high numbers,
only to find out later that they usually charge clients half of the price they quoted me.

I am talking $600+ for hair and makeup.

The other night I got really frustrated,

and totally angry tweeted (fail)

because a lady,

after talking to me on the phone,

e mailed me the next day with a really high quote,

that did not include blow drying hair,

assumed I wanted an up do without asking,

and was going to charge me $75 extra to come to the venue location that was around the corner from the shop.

I thought maybe I was crazy,

and that these were just her regular prices...

but I just had this feeling she was lieing.

So then Stephen called around town

(my hero)

and asked different salons, and our venue, what this woman usually charges...

it was half the price she quoted me.

All of that stupid stuff to say,

I think we found someone for hair

because I used Stephen and his accent to make the calls instead.

Actually he just went and did it on his own.

I know,

he kills me with how amazing he is sometimes.

 I am pretty sure I am having my hair down,

styled in a specific way...
but then sometimes I just love those loose flowy up-dos that will probably last longer than my hair looking good down...
These are the big life dilemmas people.

but I'm curious...

hair up or down for weddings?

images 1 & 2 source

ps

I have a big announcement on Wednesday...so if you weren't planning on coming back to this blog, now you kinda have to, because everyone knows when someone says they have news and wont tell you what it is right then you HAVE to find out. muahaha.

Oh Thank Goodness

I am so relieved it is Friday.

I need a weekend to feel like I can get myself back together,

without feeling like I need to be doing something else,

which seems to make it that much harder to get back on track,

because I just want to hide.

Funny how needing to do things does that?

I have a package stuck in customs,

I am still waking up around 2pm,

(which at least is a couple hours earlier than I have been)

I am still going to bed at around 3am

(which again, is at least a few hours earlier than earlier in the week)

I still need to catch the daylight so I can take pictures and act like I am doing something other than sleeping or watching movies,

and with the sun setting at 4pm these days

(if it comes out at all)

it's making it pretty hard to accomplish all of the above.

So I am going to leave you with a couple of blogs to read.

One of my goals this year,

 amongst many other things that I am not going to list,

is to find and read new blogs.

After all, it is these types of posts that led me to some of my favorite blogs,

and some of my best friends.

******

Jackie is a sweet Pennsylvania college girl,

who is about to join me and my expat life in the UK

(London for her)

Except she will only be here for a few months (wise move Jackie..wise move)

instead of three years (I seriously don't know how that happened)

unless she meets a hot british man...

which is likely..

and then she will end up like me.

muahaha.

Her blog is full of great inspiration and positive energy.

Hi all!  My name is Jackie and I write the blog Purple Monkey.  I'm a college student who is in the middle of her sophomore year in a small Pennsylvania town.  I write a lot about my life there as a division one college swimmer and how my life is changing as I'm growing up.  I also talk about my love of fashion, my obsession with baking desserts, and my love of traveling.  In fact, this summer I'll be documenting my life abroad as I move to London, England for two months to study!  My motto for 2013 is to live life to the fullest, and this little blog will be capturing every second of that.  I love meeting other bloggers.... so come on over and say hi :)

BLOG

*****

Daliene has become a great blog friend of mine.

She is a loyal reader of this blog,

and you may have seen her here a couple of times in the past,

under a different blog name.

She is seriously awesome,

and funny,

and kind,

and cute,

and smart.

Basically everything you want in a blog friend.

She is a Texas girl,

so all you Texans out there,

holler at your girl.

Alamo Adventures is all about my life here in Texas. I am a teacher by day, and a blogger, coffee lovin runner, and design addict the rest of the time. This month I am kicking off 2013 with a 30 in 30 fashion challenge as a way to curb my Target addiction. Unfortunately it has turned into more of a photography nightmare (awkward outfit poses and head chopping). I'm so excited to sponsor Meg. One day when my blog grows up, I hope it is as cool as Across the Pond! Stop by and say hello!

BLOG

The Bachelor...I know...I know...

Okay,

so this is my first time ever doing a post on the bachelor,

but someone on twitter mentioned me doing a recap post,

and Bridget (who usually does posts on the bachelor/ette is out of town)

so I feel obligated to go for it.

I also have nothing better to write about currently...

lets just call it what it is.

Ashley H:

She got cut. duh. Did anyone else notice how her accent changed from when she was talking one on one with Sean to when she did her "i just got cut" interview? I thought she was a weirdo.

Ashley P.

She got cut also. shocker. Her 50 Shades of Gray stunt made her look like a total nut job. It might have worked better on Brad's season. He seems like he would be into a little S&M. I digress. When she got drunk and tripped down the step? I totally laughed out loud. Then her little bit at the very end of the show? Hilarious. She is at least crazy in a funny way.

Ashlee.

With two E's. She is one of my picks to go far, and that is not just because the previews suggest that. But seriously, only in America is a professional organizer a job. I think she might be a little crazy and OCD, but who isn't? I like her the best...so far.

Sarah.

I like her. When she was sitting on the couch waiting for alone time with Sean and feeling insecure because she has one arm...I just wanted to reach through the screen and hug her. I doubt she will be one of the ones at the end though.

Desiree.

I liked her dress. It reminded me of the Jenny Packham one Kate Middleton wore in teal, but girlfriend needs help with those bangs. Her whiiinnnyyy voice during her one on one with Sean started to feel like nails on a chalkboard, but she doesn't do it all of the time, so i'll let it slide. She will go far, until her boyfriend/hired actor (who is not nearly as hot as Sean) shows up to whisk her off. Seriously? Where did they find that guy? 

Lindsay.

She will forever be known as the girl who wore a wedding dress on the first night of the Bachelor with Sean Lowe...and got hammered and tried to make out with him. I literally wanted the ground to swallow me up during that whole drunken "dance with me and lets make out even though we just met and I am wearing a wedding dress and smell like booze" scene. Can't believe she got a rose after that.

Lesley.

I find her boring.

Robyn.

I actually almost died from second hand awkwardness when she came in doing a back flip in her Rent The Runway Badgley Mischka dress and then totally ate it. 

Tierra.

So all of the previews suggest she is going to turn into a Courtney (from Ben's season) type lunatic. Not gonna lie though, I would have totally given her the first impression rose too. She has fooled me so far into thinking she is wonderful.

Kristy.

"I am a Ford model" who says that?? You can say you are a model, but who names their agency as part of the job title? No one. Except her. Maybe I am out of the loop and girls are doing that now, but probably not. 

Taryn.

Girlfriend is definitely going to probably opt to leave on her on accord, most likely in tears, because it's all just "too much" for her and she "didn't realize" because she has "never watched a season." BS.

Kacie B.

Suuurrpprriiiseee. She is back. I like how she came in thinking she had this in the bag, and then didn't get a rose until the ceremony part when half of the girls got one during the cocktail hour (changing things up already Sean...how dramatic of you). I still like her, but I don't think she is going to get the final rose/ring. 

There are other women but none of them stood out enough to me yet.

I find the Bachelor so much more entertaining than the Bachelorette,

probably because the dynamic between a bunch of women is always so much more dramatic and entertaining.

Thoughts?

images source

Take me to the Movies

via

I feel like I have used this post title before...

But I'm too lazy to go find out.

I thought 2011 was sort of a crappy year for film.

Meaning most films that were released at the end of 2011,

and awarded in 2012.

I mean the films that were nominated for the 84th Oscars in 2012.

The best was The Help,

and I could of gone without seeing the rest.

I think they picked it up in 2012 though

(films that we will see nominated in 2013)

So far these are my top favorites...

not in order...

because I am still trying to figure out which one I loved more.

1. Les Miserables: Ugh. It really was as good as everyone said. I am so glad they changed it up and had them sing live, instead of in a studio. Anne and Hugh were just incredible. (we are on a first name basis). I got full body chills more than once, and cried three times. I first saw the play when I was three. THREE. I didn't stir or whine through the whole thing. My mom played the music on a cassette TAPE in the car, and we would sing along. After seeing it a hundred times after that, it still has not lost its magic. I thought the director did a beautiful job. My ONE and only qualm is that I thought Russell Crowe was sort of a poor casting choice. I love him as an actor, but I thought his awful voice was really distracting. Stephen and my brother were Les Miserables.

2. The Impossible: GASP. Have you seen it? I was white knuckling it through so many scenes. I felt my heart strings being tugged on with brute force. I LOVED this film. I am always a fan of Naomi Watts, and the little boy? He was so wonderful. If you need a good cry, watch it. Oh and I never want to live near the ocean. It's confirmed.

3. Zero Dark Thirty: If you love Homeland (which, seriously, who doesn't?) then you will love this. It is so fascinating, and well done. 

4. Django Unchained: whoa. This film was rough. Like, covered my eyes a couple times, rough. Now, I am not the type of person that won't see a film because its too gory, or has some sexy stuff in it...I can disconnect in that way for the sake of a good film...but this definitely is not for the weak stomachs or faint of heart. However, its Quentin Tarantino..so I was somewhat prepared for some brutal magic to happen on screen.

5. This is 40: I am usually not a big comedy person. But I love everything Judd Apatow does, and he did not disappoint here. Hilarious. We all loved it.

6. Silver Linings Playbook: I realised (thanks to all of you in the comments below) that I forgot to list this one earlier. This was the first film I went to see while in LA.  It was completely not what I had expected it to be going into it. I am a huge Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence fan, and as per usual, I thought they were both so wonderful. It is a lot darker than the trailer suggests, and such an interesting and beautiful play on mental illness. The five films above I would maybe say I loved a little more, but this is still a worthy watch. 

Tonight we are watching Argo.
I have heard it is great.
Has anyone seen it?

Any others I should know about?
Any of the above you liked or disliked?
This is honestly my favorite topic to talk about.

The last time you guys suggested TV shows I added like 10 to my list...
A special thanks to those who suggested Parenthood and Girls.
Well done.

Monthly Goals...but not...

via

So after reading my friend Bridget's post,
which led me to Elizabeth's post,
along with everyone elses' post,
I was all set to plan out my new years resolutions.
I was going to set one goal a month,
and I would meet those goals,
and life would be perfect.

But to be honest guys,
and this may be due to the fact that I haven't seen daylight in five days,
 I am pretty sure my brain is melting.

We are still so jet lagged up in here,
sleeping during the day,
up the whole night...
I can barely differentiate between days let alone plan my goals for the next 12 months.


However,

there is an overarching goal I have for 2013.


It hit me when I was in LA...
this resolution...
while I was having dinner with one of my good friends.

You know those moments where someone says something to you,
and you may have heard it a thousand times before,
but for some reason,
this time it smacks you right in the face?
You get chills...
your eyes tear up...
Because all of a sudden it all made sense?
This was one of those moments for me.

There is so much pain in this world we have no control over,

like death or disease...

But there is pain we do have control over in our own lives...

Not going back to an ex who treats you poorly,

not allowing toxic people in your life be it friends, or even family.

Not participating in situations that you know will have a negative outcome.

Starting arguments,

talking poorly about others,

allowing people to talk poorly about you,
giving into petty drama or manipulation...

For 2013 I want to make a conscious effort to not allow pain that I have control over enter my life.

This is my goal.
What is your big overarching goal?

Monogamy Monday- It's Back! PHOTOGRAPHY

photo of me shot by ozvisuals for a published bridal shoot in 2010

I have been very blessed to be able to work with some extremely talented photographers while living and working in LA,

which makes choosing a photographer for a wedding even more difficult.

Finding someone to photograph your wedding is probably one of the most important decisions a bride and groom will make.

The wedding itself is just one day;

you wear that dress once,

those flowers will wilt,

you have to return the rentals,

the band and DJ leave,

you eat the food,

all over the course of roughly 24 hours.

However,

the wedding photos...

the wedding photos last forever.

Photographs are moments held captive in time,

and you want someone who will not miss a beat.

I met Oz in 2009 at a bridal photo-shoot.

Then I worked with him two more times after that.

We became fast friends,

and then I met his wife, 

Ali 

(my chief bridesmaid)

and her and I have been glued to the hip,

even with an ocean between us

ever since.

Oz is a wedding photographer genius.

He knows how to capture the right moments,

with the right light,

and make everyone look amazing in the process.

It was a no brainer that he would shoot our wedding in Northern Ireland.

He recently shot our engagement photos
(coming soon..)

and from the little that he let me see,

I am already in love.

I think there are two important aspects to finding the right photographer,

1. The quality of their photos. duh.
and

2. Their personalities

I love working with Oz.

He is kind, fun, outgoing, and can make anyone feel comfortable.

I mean,

he and my brother took Stephen to Vegas for goodness sakes.
He is that level of awesome.

He is not just a photographer to me,

he is a dear friend,

and I firmly believe whoever you hire should be someone you could be friends with...

someone you would want to hang out with.

You will get the best photos with the combination of their talent and character.

If you are planning a wedding in the US
or anywhere, really...

but specifically Southern California,

he is my top recommendation for you.

Unless you try to book him on my date,

then you can't have him.

Thoughts on wedding photography?
Did you like who you hired,
or are you currently searching for the right one?
What type of qualities are on your list of musts for someone shooting your wedding?

To My Brother on his Birthday

Shane and I are four years, one month, and one day apart,

(I'm older)

although at our current ages people either 

a. think we are twins

b. think he is my older brother

or 

c. think I am his girlfriend

When I was home this past month,

we busted out the home movies to show Stephen how adorable we were,

and I mean, who doesn't like watching other peoples home movies?

(everyone).

We watched footage of when Shane was in my mom's belly,

and then when he was only a couple weeks old,

and again when he was around a year.

In most of the footage Shane is just staring at me,

completely content with my four year old self holding him,

making faces at him,

flinging his head around

(I mean seriously someone should of told me stop instead of filming...)

and feeding him.

He loved me.

And I sorta wanted to drop kick him.

Like most sibling relationships,

we had some rivalry.

Which he will say was all my fault.

And he would be correct.

It's pretty obvious now that Shane and I are very close.

We are best friends.

We get each other.

We know each others lives better than anyone.

We know what the other has been through,

what they had to endure.

We have seen the same darkness,

and same light.

We have shared in each others triumphs

and failures.

We support each other,

love each other,

and show each other respect and compassion.

I am so lucky to have him as a little brother.

He is one of the most selfless and giving people I have ever known.

I can't imagine a better person to walk me down the aisle...

to hold that honor.

Happy Birthday Little Brother,

I promise next year I will be home to celebrate.

photo by ozvisuals in 2010