celebrate

Seven.

| The Bee Life

This is going to be my last year ‘celebrating’ this date. Well… not even, because I told B we don’t have to celebrate it anymore, ha! But Cinco De Mayo marks seven years with B, a lucky seven years.  And although we have a new awesome anniversary every November to celebrate our marriage – this day will always be sentimental to me! It was a day that forever changed my life, the day I knew B was the one – that’s pretty major right?
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I’ve shared our first date story and I talked about how we’ve grown together especially through our wedding prep… so what else is it about my guy, B and us? A lot of it is everything we have in common, our similar hobbies and interests, but also that we help balance each other out.  I’m a bit more open and honest, B is much more reserved and kind.

Here are seven things, you may not know about us:

  1. Throughout the year we write memories on little pieces of paper, throw them into a jar and then read them to each other on January 1st of the new year!  I then tape them into a note book so we have each year “handwritten” according to us!
  2. We attend church weekly, usually on Saturday’s at 4pm with all the old people
  3. We have a daily banter which consists of me talking as Moz to B – it could be a comedy skit, although maybe it’s only funny to us… *grins*
  4. We both cook and clean the house – our rule is whoever makes dinner, the other one does the dishes (we don’t have a dishwasher!)
  5. B and I both have a crazy sweet tooth, surprisingly sometimes his can be worse than mine!
  6. Our saying was you had me at “Yeah, Me too” – because when we first talked we would follow-up by saying, “Yeah, Me too.” We had a custom cake topper made with this phrase too for our special day!
  7. I finally got B to join me in my bootcamp classes (he actually really likes them!)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again only because each year the ways change slightly but we still continue to be blessed by each others support, laughter, honesty, teamwork and love.

Love you, B! ❤

 

 

 

 

P.S. I’m not naked in that picture – I had a strapless dress!

Weekend Recap – April Showers

| The Bee Life

This past weekend was definitely the definition of ‘April Showers’ … the rain honestly reminded me of our wedding day, just nonstop and a complete soaking! But despite the rain, we had a pretty great weekend.

Saturday started with the new norm, waking up, a quick cup of coffee and then heading out to bootcamp, with B in tow.  He’s strong into his second month so it’s been fun having a workout buddy especially on Saturday’s!  We reluctantly pulled out from the white wicker for the front porch – but I figured maybe it’ll help the weather figure it out! We had a low key night in after church and watched the start of the NBA playoffs.
Weekend Recap - the bee life
We packed all our fun into Sunday! The morning started off with a celebration for our dear friend, E at her baby shower! It was ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ theme and I was lucky enough to be asked to help with some of the decor. I made a wooden sign with the theme’s slogan and then some fillers for the floral centerpieces – the whole room turned out great and was so E.  The food, sweets and company were all a perfect combination to celebrate the mom-to-be! We can’t wait to meet Baby T!

From the shower I made a quick stop at home, then B and I were headed downtown to go to the Cavs first playoff game! We had scored some awesome seats during the ticket pre-sale (before the game schedule was even set), although, the game was a bit rough as a fan. We saw a few clearings of hope, but never gained the lead.  Being our first playoffs game the crowd was electric and the energy throughout the game, even during the hard parts, was incredible.  Apparently, we just had to get some of our bad playing out of the way!

How did you spend your weekend?!

Weekend Recap – Birthday Fun

| The Bee Life

These past two weekends have been full of birthday celebrations! It was great being able to celebrate my birthday two weekends in a row with family and dear friends, sweet treats and lots of bubbles… all of my favorite things!
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When my family was in town we headed to Bar 32, a newer hot spot with awesome views of the city.  It’s a ‘rooftop’ bar on the 32nd floor with views for miles right along the lake, with a bit higher end menu of drink options. We enjoyed a few drinks here, the views and ordered a gigantic pretzel to share with the table, everything was so delicious!  From there we headed home grabbed some pizza, blew out some candles.

Perhaps one of my favorite parts of my birthday celebrations was the night before, B and I went out to dinner to one of our favorite spots in town and had some bubbles and a great meal.  It was nice spending uninterrupted time as just the two of us, and a great way to really kickoff my actual birthday weekend.
20Weekend Recap - Birthday Fun - the bee life I took my birthday off and enjoyed a three day weekend!  Started the day with an early morning workout with B, my birthday workout – and honestly the perfect way to start the day! From there I ran a bunch of errands and got some things ready as we hosted a bunch of our friends over for an informal birthday party. It was fun having our nearest and dearest friends over for more celebrations, and a great excuse to have everyone over.

This past birthday, I truly felt so special and spoiled by all of our friends and the family, it’s been so great to bring in another year without focusing on the actual number!

Cheers for another year!

 

Birthday Reflections

| The Bee Life

Another wonderful year has come and gone, and I’m looking straight into the eyes of 28. Eek! So in order to celebrate and share, here is a hodgepodge of 28 things about me, things I learned about myself this past year and inspiration for my new year!
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Here we go!!

  1. I will always love birthday cake.
  2. The Wizard of Oz was my favorite movie as a kid #rubyslippers
  3. Every year I would get a ‘Nancy’ cake and they were usually Disney princess themed growing up
  4. I love champagne, but it’s also one of the only alcoholic beverages that agrees with my stomach
  5. Hidden Talent: Dog Whisperer
  6. I am an avid scrapbooker and started in high school – I probably have about 10 and counting large 12×12 scrapbooks
  7. I hope to get more into interior design this year with projects beyond my own home
  8. When I golf, I only need 3-clubs: a driver, iron and putter and I’m not that bad
  9. Crafty especially in the homemade card department
  10. I prefer to cook without a recipe, but baking, recipe needed
  11. I have two godmother’s, but no godfather.
  12. This past year I learned I can go without eating pizza for months!
  13. I can recite The Wedding Singer, line for line, among many other movies…
  14. Dancing is one of my favorite things to do
  15. I’m really good at games; Scrabble, Cards, Connect 4, Wii Bowling (sitting), you name it… bring it on!
  16. Vanilla frosting, vanilla cake, rainbow sprinkles
  17. Fruit and desserts are two food groups I could live off of
  18. When I was little, I swallowed a plum pit, because I didn’t know you weren’t supposed to eat it!
  19. I have a super high pain threshold
  20. This past year I learned I am stronger than I think I am
  21. Pink and gold are my favorite colors
  22. Growing up my dream job was to be a CIA agent, like Sydney Bristow
  23. I love fast cars, like Lamborgini’s and Ferrari’s
  24. My Starbucks order started as a Carmel Frappuccino, I now order Red Eyes
  25. B and I were both characters from Wizard of Oz for Halloween, multiple years
  26. I don’t like going to the movies
  27. I wish I could’ve known my grandpa
  28. I dream of the mountains

It was really hard to think of 28-things because I didn’t want to overshare, but I also didn’t want to bore you! Did I miss something that you’re dying to know? Leave a comment and I’ll be sure to answer!

Cheers!

Champagne Cocktails for NYE

| The Bee Life

We are in the final countdown of days for 2016 so that means it’s time to start planning for your last night of the year.  And in my opinion, every occasion is an occasion for champagne, although some occasions call for a little more expensive champagne than others.  But there is always one occasion that demands champagne and that is New Year’s Eve!  I love champagne straight, all day long, but found some fun, easy cocktails to try for your NYE celebration for those who might want a little more “umph” to get the party started.
Champagne Cocktails - NYE - the bee life

Pomegranate Cranberry Champagne Punch – This cocktail will be tasty for everyone, and requires minimal ingredients beyond what you may already have stocked on your bar. Garnish this with some cranberries and mint leaves and you’ve got a fun drink to be enjoyed by all!

Champagne Punch – I love this punch because it has a bit more flavor paired with rum and pineapple juice for a little more exotic flair to kick off your evening of celebrating. Not to mention the recipe allows for a larger portion, perfect for the family party or night with friends.

Raspberry & Ginger Beer Champagne Cocktail – This cocktail is something even your honey won’t mind drinking… well maybe besides the pink color.  Mixing a taste of raspberry with ginger beer and champagne this cocktail is sure to be refreshing and light and perfect to enjoy the whole night!

If your like me and have a love for champagne, these are fun ways for other guests and friends to enjoy some bubbles as well – or even more simple buy some garnishes to throw in your bubbles – frozen cranberries, raspberries, blue berries, or even a strawberry garnish and some greenery to give your champagne a sophisticated look for your NYE party! And don’t forget to WOO when you pop that bottle!!

Cheers!

 

 

Photo sources linked above. 

Holiday Hacks – Make A Statement

| The Bee Life

One of my favorite things about the holidays is presents! But no… probably not what your thinking – I love WRAPPING presents… seriously, it’s all about the presentation.  Although my wrapping game isn’t quite up to par with what I’d like it to be… I’m getting there. So if your like me, and like to make a statement with your presents, and include them as part of your decorations under the tree – here are some easy hacks to do just that!
Bee Holiday Hacks - Statement - the bee life
Pick a Theme or Color Palette. This can tie into the decor of your home if your planning to use these are decor under the tree. Often times I’m inspired by a specific ornament or even spotting some gift wrap in the store and working around that to pick my theme for the year!

Get Wrapping Paper for Each Person/Categories. I know; this is getting a little crazy but I like to wrap all of B’s presents in his very own wrapping paper – this leaves out the need for 20-different name tags.  This could be done by family (yours vs. his) or by person if you have enough variety in your paper selection.

Stock-up on Tags/Ribbon when you See a Good Deal.  And it doesn’t have to be Christmas! I stocked up on a bunch of tags after Valentines day, they were gold, and bright pinks – they’ve come in clutch throughout the year and I’m sure I’ll throw a few gold ones on gifts this year too.  Always be on the look out and stock-up especially if you see one of a kind options at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. Or better yet, print your own with these free printable Christmas tags! Don’t be afraid to keep it simple too and make a statement with ribbons, tags, or greenery.

Invest in some Good Tape. This is a fault of mine; because I scrapbook and go through a lot of tape, therefore I just stock-up at the Dollar Store – however I’ve come to find that this tape and some of the fancy, thicker wrapping paper I’ve picked up don’t go well together.

This is a fun way to spread some extra cheer and make a statement with family and friends.

Photo Source: Cosmopolitan

Parties – Festive Cocktails

| The Bee Life

Since I’m SO pumped for the holidays this year – I can’t help but get excited for all the fun leading up… the decorating, the tree hunting, our Christmas party, baking cookies, just all of the things!  One way to customize your holiday party is to have a signature drink, these drinks have me totally inspired for our upcoming holiday party.
Festive Holiday Drinks - the bee life
Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer: This drink just looks light and refreshing especially with the garnish of rosemary to top it off.  I think substituting out the pomegranate for cranberries would also be a great option if you wanted to make it a little more affordable and easier to create. This would also be a great drink for a NYE party!

Pink Peppermint Russian: Although I would need to substitute the milk, perhaps with almond milk, this drink looks so pretty and delicious and has Christmas written all over it. Not to mention, it’s a warmer drink which is perfect for warming up your guests from the cold and snowy nights.

Crockpot Cranberry Apple Cider:  This is perfect for a party to start up, and let it simmer and cook in the crockpot while you fine too the decorations and prep the food!  Easily add in some whiskey or rum and you have an instant cocktail to keep you warm and keep the festivities going!

My other go-to holiday party drink is getting the party start with Little Beers, or red and green Jell-o shots!

Cheers!

 

Weekend Recap – #BestofCLE

| The Bee Life

This past weekend started with a bang on Friday night at Cleveland Magazine’s annual Best of Cleveland Party! This year the event was hosted at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame which is a kickass venue for a party.  The #BestofCLE features the hottest spots around the city, nominated by the people, live music, tasty treats, on top of being able to walk around and explore the Rock Hall exhibits.
BOC 2017 - the bee life
I ate all the sweets I could at the event, including cookies from Little Shop of Cookies, doughnuts from The Vegan Doughnut Company (YUM!), Jack Frost Donuts and macarons and sugar cookies from Luna Bakery & Cafe! Everything was so delicious. Beyond all the sweets, they had an array of sushi, sliders, pizza and popcorn from all of Cleveland’s favorite spots.  The night ended with DJ EV remixing a bunch of new and old songs getting everyone dancing, one big party.

We’ve been able to attend this party for the last seven years and it’s become a tradition with B and dear friends.  This is where we’ve first met people who have turned into dear friends and nights we’ve fallen more and more in love with our city.  If you’ve never been, its one of the best parties to attend in the city and you’ll get a taste of the entire city!

Cheers!

#ICYMI: Catch up on past #BestofCLE’s: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016

Weekend Recap – #EatDrinkAndBeMramor

| The Bee Life

Woahhh! Hello October and hello to a much delayed weekend recap of our friends L&C’s wedding! Since this was the last wedding before THEE wedding, it was all surreal but so much fun. It was especially fun planning our wedding alongside of L&C, relating with the latest dilemma’s, vendor drama and sharing pictures of our dresses and grand plans.  And it was awesome seeing it all come together for the actual day!
Weekend Recap - EatDrinkAndBeMramor
Since L works in the wedding industry, we knew she’d be pulling out all the stops on their big day – this was evident on the ceremony space with their gorgeous pergola framing the alter area, draped perfectly with dried hydrangeas and surrounded by lanterns.  Cocktail hour followed the tear-jerking ceremony as we got to mingle with friends and snack on yummy treats.  The grand reveal into the reception room was stunning.  Mini-tree’s were the centerpieces with hanging tea-lights and the kings table for the wedding party was jaw dropping and the focal point of the room.

From there the evening got started with dinner, toasts and first dances.  The dance floor quickly filled up as we boogied the night away with the crew between stops for drinks or a stop at the photo booth.  We definitely had a lot of laughs on and off the dance floor with everyone!  The wedding favors for the night were home brewed beers made and customized special for the bride and groom by Chronicle Brewing Co. they were packaged in custom carriers for easy take home! (We’re using them for our wedding too!)

It’s crazy to think that our wedding is next! But we’re so excited especially after all the fun we had at these four-weddings we’ve attended this year.  This 2017 wedding season is definitely going to be one to remember!

Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs. M!