Pretty as a Picture

When Pat's school held the golf outing and silent auction we ended up with so many prizes that some never received any bids.  Toward the end of the auction we opened up the bidding to a new starting minimum of $5 per item for all items left without bids.  There was a mad dash to certain items but I gravitated toward a photo shoot.  I scored a one for $40 on a river in Tampa and it was the quickest photo shoot I've ever been to.  Brutus almost jumped in the water which is unusual for him since he doesn't like to swim.  I know it's just Pat, Brutus, and I but I thought it would be something fun to do and get the whole "family" picture thing accomplished.  Today they sent us the proof for the picture we chose to have put on canvas and I think it turned out great.  I'm hoping for two minor touch ups and then once I give the final okay they'll print it!  Can't wait! 

Fishy Update!

The two Dalmatian Mollies have had babies!  There are at least six little ones (that we can count) swimming around in the tank!  Happiness!  Here's hoping they all survive!

Happy 1st Anniversary to Us!

Pat and I recently celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary.  The past year has been full of ups and downs and the quite certainly the busiest and most stressful year of our lives.  While we couldn't afford a big get away to celebrate we opted out for a smaller get away.  

Saturday afternoon we dropped Brutus off at aVIP (a "cage free" boarding kennel).  Then we headed down to Clearwater Beach to check into our hotel.  Our room overlooked part of the Gulf...it was beautiful.

We headed down for dinner at Jimmy's Fish House which was right on the water too.  

 

After dinner we walked to the to the Tropics Party Boat for a sunset cruise.  Because of the weather forecast a lot of couples apparently had canceled but it ended up working out for us because it was a nice, fairly quiet, boat ride.    

We headed back to the hotel and relaxed the rest of the night.  The next morning we walked to breakfast and stopped at the beach for a moment. We decided we missed our pooch and checked out to go pick him up.  Once we got home, Brutus was happy to wear his dad's lei from the sunset cruise.

Finally, Sunday night after dinner we dug into the top layer of our wedding cake.  Pat was less than thrilled but he manned up and tried some of the cake.  It wasn't half as bad as either of us thought!  But...we still threw it out.

Happy 1st Anniversary to Us!

Tampa Bay Times Interview

Well, it wasn't much more than a simple mention of Dreams by Design Events, but a mention in the major newspaper nonetheless.

I found it on the main page of the Tampa Bay Times website and was happy that the reporter didn't make the bride out to be a huge penny pincher.   However, from the rash of comment that have already accumulated the general public isn't very happy about her method of paying for her wedding. 

I, on the other hand, have already received an email from another wedding vendor in the area looking to work with me when it comes to future events.  Fingers crossed that there are other events to come!

Step in the Right Direction

So it's no surprise that I'm a little O.C.D. when it comes to most things in life...  The older I get the more I want to use my powers for good!  I started Dreams by Design Events back in December in the hopes that before the value of education dropped so low that my pay was based off 8 hours of my students' school year that I could have a successful small business doing something I truly enjoy.  Boy was I wrong...the lovely Rick Scott passed the bill and teaching has taken a turn for the worst in Florida.  However, Dreams has taken a step in the right direction.  A friend of the family offered up some advice while I was in New York to take up Twitter.  I did so grudgingly and found an account named BuckforaBride.  This bride was looking for ways to do her dream wedding on a small budget so I started following her account and then she followed mine...  I eventually offered my services for free and she accepted.  It was nothing big to me until she emailed me saying the Tampa Bay Times would like me to attend her interview about being a frugal bride and using social media to get help.  YAY!  I went downtown today and met with both Yolanda, the bride, and Susan, the reporter.  It was great and I can't wait to attend the wedding and see this amazing wedding alllll put together!

  

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!  

Pat and I have had a great weekend so far spending time with Jeff & Ali, our friends from Gainesville.  They came down Saturday morning and we made our way to the Pas-a-Grille Beach in St. Petersburg.  It was a gorgeous day out and the beach wasn't over crowded.  I certainly waited too long to put any sunscreen on and am currently paying for it.  We came home, ordered some yummy pizza, and watched the UFC fight before crashing.  Sunday we headed to Channelside to grab lunch at by far the most interesting restaurant I've ever been to called Stumpf's.  It was a mix of horribly corny music, 70's inspired decor, and some type of pirate ship theme.  Then we headed over to one of the coolest places down there called Wet Willies which is basically an alcohol infused slushie station.  Pat and I split the most delicious Bahama Mama slushie.  Late last night, Pat and I were able to just lay on the couch and watch a movie...something we don't get to do too often anymore.  As for today, the actual 4th...we don't have any plans.  Pat is busy studying and I suppose I should find some work to do as well while I cuddle up with Brutus.  Looking forward to next weekend when we can get a little more beach and a little more time alone to ourselves for our anniversary weekend!

More Pictures as Promised!

Here are some more great pictures from my weekend in Buffalo via Momma Beyer!  :)  

 If you couldn't tell, I was miserable it was so cold, but Uncle Tom made me a fire!