The Latest
Wedding bloopers: The funniest pics from our wedding day
Three years ago today, my house was filling up with my bridal party and family. We were doing all the things you do before your wedding, like slamming bagels and shmear, drinking champagne, and hurriedly trying to get last-minute details nailed down as Brian snuck out to escape the insanity. Three years ago, I married […]
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World
Woah. Like literally. Woah. Joey Lawrence circa 1994 WOAH. I gave you a sneak peek of our Galaxy’s Edge experience last week when I talked about my Star Wars Style, but this week I’m going to tell you everything I can about your first visit to Batuu. If you didn’t already know, I’m a Walt […]
What to wear to Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Well, this week has been quite the whirlwind! Tom and I managed to snag tickets to the Walt Disney World annual passholder preview for Galaxy’s Edge, and I have a full trip report coming next week, so make sure you’re subscribed for email updates. Today, I’m talking about Star Wars style at Disney. Because when […]
When you’re ashamed of your alma mater
I graduated from Glenbard East in Lombard, Illinois in 2001. This is the place that I spent four years of my life a few lifetimes ago. I was an enthusiastic, involved athlete and student during my time there. I was a cheerleader for two and a half seasons, a student leader, member of the choir, president […]
My (Sometimes) Ridiculous Life
DIY Beauty and the Beast costumes
I use affiliate links for some items in this post to help support my writing habit. Any purchases you make through my links might contribute to my monthly cheese budget. Well, there’s only a few days left to get your costume situated, you guys! Might I recommend trying out a classic? A couple years ago, I […]
I Was Working as a Waitress in a Cocktail Bar…That Much is True
Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a girl who waited tables at an Irish bar where people were mostly dicks. She also spent a few weeks running pub trivia, which is where our story begins. (Oh hey, that girl is me, and I’m about to switch to the first person). I may […]
The surprising discoveries of marriage
Calling all of my massage therapists in a tizzy on Sunday morning, I had hoped to schedule a same-day appointment. To my dismay, none were available. So I did the next best thing. I scheduled an appointment for Monday morning. Brian overheard my call, and yelled up to me, “Wait. What time did you schedule it […]
When I Like Like Someone, I Internet Stalk Them
As we began our story last week, I met a couple of dudes in a bar and they invited me on a trip to Ireland. Just like that… And I considered it for a hot minute. And then fucking logic set in… “But probably not. I don’t even know you guys!” Bright and Shiny was […]
The Married Life
4 things that save my marriage every day
Brian and I have been married for more than 6 months now, so I’m pretty confident that gives me authority to offer up marriage advice. As it turns out, there are a lot of things that can help a marriage along, especially when you’re navigating alternative facts and not really sure what’s real and what […]
My new favorite word is husband
Heeeeey there, Blog Friends! I went and got married on you last month, and obviously I’m a brand new lady with a whole new personality. I’m lying about that last part. I’m the same me. Just way less stressed than I was during that whole wedding planning bullshit. Our wedding was magical, and I can’t wait to […]
Marriage advice from a newlywed
So I’ve been thinking. How long do you get to consider yourself a newlywed? Since Brian and I have been married for exactly 365 days (tomorrow is our anniversary), I’m wondering if I can still consider myself a newlywed? Well, regardless, I thought it was important to impart some very necessary wisdom about marriage that […]
Marriage in the days of alternative facts
It’s been 5 months since Brian and I tied the proverbial knot. And let me tell ya, marriage isn’t easy. It’s been rough going as we wade through real life and what’s true or not. The world is insane, you guys. Here are just a few of the crazy “truths”that have come to light and […]
Our Home – AKA I Hate Cleaning
And This is How Many Times I Injured Myself This Weekend…
On Saturday morning, I attempted to finish clearing the dead crap from my heavily landscaped yard, a task I had begun upon arriving home the night before (while wearing a damn dress, no less). Dirt, mud and pollen threatened to swallow my hands whole. The purple paint on my freshly manicured, middle fingernail chipped. A […]
How GE Lighting Brightened My Reading Spot
I was offered the opportunity to give a room in my home a mini-makeover with lighting from GE, and I thought to myself, self, this sounds like a great excuse to clean your apartment. And then it took me several weeks to clean my apartment. Are you surprised? Me neither. So when GE sent me free […]
Can Someone Come Over and Pack My Shit?
Hey Blog Friends. Sorry about, you know…my mini-disappearing act. Things are getting hectic around here…we’re moving in T minus 11 days, and the only things that are packed around here are the Christmas dishes…because It was almost April and we were still using the Christmas dishes. Because it was too cold to bring up the […]
How to Make House Hunting Less Like Dating
For the last couple of months, instead of estate sailing and garage sailing for vintage board games, Brian and I have been adventuring out with our realtor (who is hilarious and awesome), but you knew that already. Because we almost bought a house. And then we didn’t, and we were heartbroken. It was like a […]
Wedding Shenanigans
Planning a Wedding is Hard Work
It’s been a little over two months since Brian and I got engaged. We (and by we, let’s be honest here, I mostly mean me) are deep in the throws of the planning. Since Brian has been telling me we would get married this year since last January (why yes, he did wait until December […]
Reasons I’m Going to Marry Brian
Brian and I are getting married on September 16. For those of you not interested in mathing that out, it’s approximately 4.5 months (or exactly 142 days) from today. We had our engagement photos last weekend, and they were ridiculous, just like us. For those of you not following on social media, here’s a sneak […]
I Didn’t Want Him to Buy an Engagement Ring
After a certain point in your relationship, people start asking questions. They ask if wedding bells will be ringing in the near future. They start grabbing your hand every time they see you, hunting for a giant, sparkly rock. They address invitations, thank-you cards, and holiday greetings to “Mr. and Mrs. _____” in an attempt to get […]
Eats and Drinks
Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Turkey Chili
If you remember the story of Death Bug, you’ll remember how I almost died…and how Death Bug tried to poison my homemade chili. I take a lot of pride in my homemade chili, so I thought that I would share with you my secret recipe to greatness. Brian loves it when I make “comfort foods.” […]
How to Bake the Perfect Cookies
It’s National Cookie Day, you guys. Do you know what that means? Fresh-baked, melty-chocolatey, delicious cookies should get in your belly. Immediately. This post is sponsored by the fine people at Otis Spunkmeyer, several of whom I met a few weeks ago in Chicago while sampling their delicious snacks. As always, these opinions, ideas, and […]
Gettin’ Skinny With It
Things NOT to do When Spring Daylight Savings Time Hits. A Cautionary Tale.
And by cautionary tale, obviously, I mean shit I already did. And probably shouldn’t have done. Because holy fuck, I’m feelin’ it today. And yesterday. Mostly, I think Daylight Savings Time is stupid, but that’s another topic for another day. Instead, let’s get into the ridiculous shit I did this weekend without thinking about the […]
Where’d You Get Those Crazy Ass Yoga Pants?
For the last several months, you’ve seen me prancing around Instagram, blog conferences, and, let’s be completely honest here, real life in the most amazing (or obnoxious) pants known to man. And for the most part, I’m pretty sure you love them as much as I do. Many people have asked where I find my […]
