Ten Thankfuls Bringing it Together...

I know this one sounds a little weird but I think it helps me stay grounded.  I am thankful that no matter what blessings are bestowed upon our lives I will never forget the obstacles and things that I have overcome.  I am thankful for the ability to look to my past because it will help me tread forward.

As for my other "Thankfuls" since tomorrow is officially Thanksgiving I will go a head a list them:

#5 I am thankful for my job.  Now if you know me personally then you know I can really be ready to be done with work but nonetheless I am so thankful for the opportunity to have a job...especially in this economy.

#6 Creative Ability, yes I said it  I am thankful that I am good and crafty with my hands..no seriously I would probably go insane if I could not use my hands to make things.

#7 Readers-  I know over 2013 I have been off and on, then mostly off again when it comes to posting frequently.  But to those loyal readers I am truly thankful for you!  So hats off to you and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

#8 Me Time!  Yes I am truly one of those people who appreciate those stolen moments to myself....when  I can curl up with my glass of wine and clean out my DVR...lately those moments don't happen as often as I like but when I get them they are golden.

#9 Technology I know this seems like a weird thing to be thankful for but when you live in a different city than your immediate family and close friends cell phones, face time, facebook, and other things seem to some how save your world and I am truly thankful for it.

#10 R&B Music - I mean come on!  There is nothing like hearing someone sing (in my case most of the time it is Beyonce) the soundtrack of your life.  Good music touches me, it makes me feel good. Yep i am pretty thankful for.

So that sums up my Ten Thankfuls!

Ten Thankfuls # 3 My Friends

Good friends are hard to come by.  I am not just talking about someone you love to have a good time with I am talking about a great friend you have been trough the trenches with.  I am blessed to say I have a number of friends whom I am extremely close to and have been in my corner.  I just wanted to take this moment and shout out some of my best friends.  I am truly thankful for you!

Ten Thankfuls #2 My Family

Of course this photo only captures a snippet of my family (and extended family) but you get my drift!  Family is super important and I love mines dearly (taking the good with the bad lol).  It's pretty much one of those things that are a given.  I happen to be surrounded by people who love and truly support me and that is why I am thankful for them.

Brooks Wedding Recap Series: The Bridal Party

So I know last week I said that I had the best bridesmaid in the universe and this week I am still sticking with it.  Our entire wedding party (even our hosts/hostesses) were the absolute best.  They were a complete ball of energy and since we wanted our day to feel like a giant party their energy made our day exactly what we wanted...memorable.

The Wedding Party:  The Ladies and Gents...

Photo Credit

Our Wedding Party:  Parent's and Children....

Photo Credit

Once again I have to give all of the thanks and credit to our amazing wedding photographer Raquita at Pinxit Photography she was the absolute best!  You can check out her website here: Pinxit Photography

Ten Thankfuls #1 My Husband

So its vastly approaching that time of year again.  The time when we all reflect on things we are thankful for.  So this year I decided that I would do some posts on ten things, people, places I am thankful for.  So for day 1 of this challenge I am thankful for my loving, sexy, considered, amazing husband.  True love is hard to find and I wake up and look at him sleeping each morning and I honestly have to thank God for this blessing he has sent me.

So what are ten things you are thankful for??? Please feel free to share them.

Brooks Wedding Recap Series: Getting Ready

Sooo I am finally taking the time to start the recap series of our big day.  June 8, 2013 was filled with so many emotions.  Joy and and love filled the air as all of our family and friends traveled from near and far to celebrate the union of Mario and I.

Getting Ready: Guys

First, let me say the week the guys had in St. Louis leading up to the wedding was something completely different than that of which the girls had.  The guys days before the wedding consisted of partying, playing around and having a good time.  I mean even in the hours before the wedding they were enjoying themselves.

Photo Credit

Getting Ready: Girls

Now the week the girls had in St. Louis leading up until the wedding was completely different than what the guys experienced.  While we had our share of laughs and funny moments my girls were spending late nights and extremely early mornings running errands, putting bags together, and since I was such a hands on bride a lot of time went to setting up the Rehearsal Dinner Space, Ceremony, and Reception sites.   While we were running around trying not to stress out I still found the time to have an emotional breakdown while preparing for the wedding lol this came the day of while handing out my bridesmaid gifts. Let me just say I hands down had the BEST bridal party ever.  They were all very dedicated and supportive during my wedding experience.

Photo Credit

Getting Ready: Random Blissful Moments

So there were sooo many moments the worlds best photographer Raquita Henderson at Pinxit Photography captured while we were getting ready  I chose to highlight some of my favorites below.

Photo Credit

Now I know I mentioned this earlier but I have to give credit to my wonderful wedding photographer Raquita Henderson at Pinxit Photography for all of these photos.  She was such an amazing patient person and I am so thankful we found her to capture our special day

Up next:  posts on the Rehearsal Dinner and The Ceremony...

My Summer Favs....

Soo this summer there are a few things that I am beyond loving!  I just thought I would share some of my latest addictions with you guys.

 

So starting from the top left

1) Steve Madden "Weekender" bag.  This style/size of bag is the perfect fit for summer (or any season).  It has become a staple for me at work (I just have way too many things I haul everyday).  It's perfect for days trips to St. Augustine or a weekend trip top Orlando.

2) M.A.C Lipstick - Any shade of nude.  I will say I have always loved a nude colored lip but this summer I have loved it even more.  I feel back in love with Nude this past Memorial Day weekend while in Las Vegas.  I got my makeup done for my bachelorette party  and I haven't been able to put this color down since then.

3) Candy Crush - HA! I soo know this is not a fashion or beauty find but this game is freaking addicting! The hubby and I can't seem to put this game down.  I mean there have been nights where were both laying around watching tv and playing this game! (you can find it for free in the Android and IPhone App stores).

4) Wedge Sneakers - I know this style of shoes have been out for a while but I am soo loving these this summer.  When I need to make a run to the market or mall these shoe give my look the perfect finish.  I can honestly say prior to this trend the only time I'd be caught in some sneakers would be at the gym!

5) Justin Timberlake's 20/20 Experience - I LOVE this album!  Its got a little of everything on it!  This is my go to album this summer.  A great buy for you music lovers!

This pretty much sums up my most coveted summer favs.

What I'm Cooking Wednesday's:

Hey guy's I want to start a new series of posts and they will be called "What I am Cooking Wednesday's".  It's where I will share on Thursday's what I cooked the night before.  I will be trying some new things and mastering some old.  Feel free to use any of the recipe's I am providing and I promise I will be 100% honest as I review and recap them.


This Week's Dish:

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage and Escarole

Image Credit

So before I begin I will say that this is a recipe I tried a while back when I was doing weight watchers.  I can never seem to find Escarole so I did replace mines with Rapini (aka Brocolli Rabe).  I actually love this dish, it has small spicy kick to it and it allows me to eat pasta without all of the guilt that normally comes with it.

On to the recipe:

Ingredients:
6 oz of uncooked pasta bowties (I used the whole box)
1/4 tsp of salt (for when you cook the pasta)
1 tsp of olive oil
8 oz of uncooked turkey sausages, hot Italian style (removed the castings - the clear film that holds the meat together) (I used 4 out 5 that came in the package)
1 small uncooked onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves (I used the minced garlic that comes in the jar)
8 cups of escarole, roughly chopped into bite-size pieces (remember I used Rapini instead)
3/4 cup of chicken broth
14 1/2 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (I actually only used 1/2 of the can)
1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (I used 1/2 of cup and I used shaved Parmesan)

Preparation:

Cook pasta in lightly salted water according to package directions; drain pasta and return to pot.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and onion; cook, breaking up sausage as it cooks, until sausage is lightly browned.

Add garlic, rapini (escarole) and broth to skillet; cook, stirring often, until rapini (escarole) is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

Spoon sauce over pasta; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese; sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if desired).


Here is a look (from my cell phone) of how my pasta came out.  Feel free to ask any questions below!

Our Wedding Unofficial Recap: The Ceremony

Hey guys I know its been such a long time since I posted but I am back!  The wedding is finally over and so is the month long vacation from just about everything.  Before I post some pics from this very small unofficial recap of our big day.  I wanted to take some time to talk about the changes to the blog.  First things first you will see that I have add a few pages at the top of the site (specifically the one that says "Shop")  Yes!  I finally opened an easy store and yes it is def a work in progress.  But as you will see in some upcoming posts I have been Strassing shoes and accessories.  But I will talk more on that later.  Next, on the right hand side of the page you will see i have my latest pins from Pinterest as well as my latest Instagram posts.

Okay on to my mini recap....and when i say unofficial I mean that these are photos that were taken by my friends.  Once I have the photos from our wedding photographer i will post them here.

The Ceremony:

As you can probably tell our wedding colors were black and white.  We had a blast on our big day and I am glad that is over....its was quite the long and stressful journey but it was a successful one.   I will be sure to post about some of the many DIY projects I took on for the wedding!

Tuesday Chic Spotlight: Morrisa C.

Hey guys! So I know this post is long overdue but I am pleased to announce the return of the Tuesday Chic Spotlight series.   This week I am honor to post about this stylish natural chica Morrisa C.

On Hair...

What are three words you use to describe your hair?

"Versatile, A Renaissance, and Cosmic"

 How long have you been natural and what made you go natural?

"First when I was 16. And again when I was 20, so 7 full years now."

What is the best part about having textured hair?

"All the fun and exciting styles I get to try, braids, straight, color, up/ down, everything!!!"

What is the most unexpected thing you've experienced since going natural

"When I straighten my hair, it is straighter now with a flat iron than it ever was with a relaxer."

Name one beauty you cannot live without? Why?

"Essential oils and butters (Coconut, Shea, olive, etc) Great for moisture in skin and hair. Look young, stay young!"

On Fashion and other things...

What would you say your fashion style was?

"Vintage, Classic, Feminine ( With a dash of punk thrown in there)"

Name three things that are always in your purse?

"Burts Bees Lipbalm, Travel size shea butter, and Carol’s Daughter hair pomade"

What are you favorite bag and shoes?

"I love crossbody bags and coach has a the lovely MADISON LEATHER ISABELLE in tealJI am a huge BCBG fan and my BCBG black suede wedges with rhinestones are an interesting play on a classic wardrobe staple"

What do you think will be a huge trend for 2013?

"Native American Prints/ Big and even Bigger Hair!!!"

Is there anything else you want to add?

" Check out my online vintage boutique: messy jane on Etsy.com and my natural hair blog: www.goteamnatural.com"

And that wraps this feature up! If you are interested in being featured in the Tuesday Chic spotlight series please send an e-mail to admin@allrelevantthings.com. 

Look of the Day: Safari Edition

 

 

Hey guys! I know it's been awhile since I posted but Happy New Year! I am so excited about 2013 and all of the things I plan to do and bring to All Relevant Things!

I wanted to post really quick on a recent Look of the Day.  I wore this to have lunch on Sunday with some of my friends....I hope you enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I Wore:

 

Tan Jacket - Express

 

Leopard Purse - Steve Madden

 

T-Shirt - Forever 21

 

Army Green Jeans - Forever 21

 

Orange Sneaker Wedges - Bakers

 



Leopard Scarf - H&M

Gold Necklace and Earrings - Forever 21