Instant Pot Adventures (001) - Deviled Eggs

By now I'm sure you've all heard of the Instant Pot!
Well, my parents got me one for Christmas, this year!!!

I have been going back & forth between wanting an Instant Pot and an Air Fryer over the past few months...
Even though I've only had the InstaPot a few days & I've only JUST used it for the first time... I must say, I'm glad to have this over the fryer!!!
We don't eat a ton of fried foods to begin with, and this thing is seeming to be SUPER versatile.

I haven't really cooked much since getting it, so today was its maiden voyage. I had heard from someone on Facebook that it makes good hard boiled eggs. I was intrigued.
As someone who makes dozens of dozens of deviled eggs EVERY SINGLE YEAR, the thought of quick hard boiled eggs was a dream come true!!!

Off subject, but over the years I have perfected hard boiled eggs!!!
If you don't have an InstaPot, feel free to find that secret here!!! Perfect EVERY time!

Anywho, having said that ^^^ I will NEVER boil eggs like that again!!!
Now, this InstaPot method only, truly, saves me about 6 minutes of "cook" time, BUT it's still so worth it! We'll get into all of the "whys" in just a moment.

I want to preface this by saying, normally, I cook WAY more than 10 eggs at a time.
This particular family gathering is small, 10 people.
Usually, I will cook 2 to 3 dozen at a time!
I am confident, but curious to see how well it handles all of that, next time.

Alright, let's get into this!!!

First of all, you have to test your Instant Pot prior to actually using it. Just follow the simple instructions in the booklet that it comes with.
Basically, you add 3 cups of water to the pot, attach the lid, set the vent to seal, and run the pressure cooker for 2 minutes. All this does is assure that your cooker is working properly; lid, vents, etc.

Now, I Googled how to hard boil eggs in the InstaPot and pretty much every single tutorial said to add one cup of water & to use the little rack that comes with the pot.

I pressed the "egg" button, then pressed the adjust button until it was on high, & set the time for 5 minutes. 10 seconds later, it beeped and began. It takes about 2 minutes for the pressure to build up, then it will steam for 5 minutes. Once the time runs out, it will automatically set itself on "keep warm". So, you let the eggs sit, while the pot naturally releases pressure, for 5 minutes. (12 minutes in, so far.)

Once 5 minutes has passed, turn the release valve to vent. Do this VERY quickly, and make sure your hand is not anywhere near the release vent!
Use a spoon if you are worried.
Once the steam & pressure is all released, remove the lid.
(14ish minutes, so far.)
By the way, the eggs look great, here. No cracks or spillage.

I used a pair of tongs to remove the eggs, and I put them in a bowl of ice water.
Mostly, this just makes it to where you can handle them while peeling.
Sit in ice for 5 minutes, then peel!
(Done in 19+/- minutes!)

Now, let me tell you...
My LEAST favorite part about making deviled eggs is the peeling!!! Ugh!
Especially when I have to make a few dozen at a time... By the end, my finger tips are so sore.
However, these were the easiest eggs to peel, that I have ever experienced!!!
You crack the shell & it practically slips off! I was extremely impressed. Didn't take long, at all.
But, the best part?!?!?!
NONE of the eggs peeled ugly!!!
If you've ever made boiled eggs, you know what I'm talking about. Some eggs like to hold onto their shells in a couple of places & when you're peeling, the shell takes a bit of egg white off with it, causing the white to look jagged. Not these! All 10 of my eggs are perfectly peeled & beautiful!!!

Here is a cross section of one of the eggs. The yolk is perfectly cooked! There is no gooey center, which was my main concern before starting this.

Again I say, perfectly cooked. The outer edges are still yellow, and haven't been over cooked to that rubbery green color.

After you devil your yolks, spoon the mixture into your whites & sprinkle with your seasonings.
Here they are, all ready to be put in the refrigerator until we head out this afternoon!

How about a close up of those gorgeous eggs?! Delicious!

All in all, I am thoroughly impressed with how well the eggs were cooked. Normally, it would take me 25 minutes, JUST to "cook" them *see link towards beginning*, but these were done & ready to peel in just 19!!!
I will be using this for ALL of my future egg-scursions. ;)

Thanks for reading.
I will be back, next time, with my buffalo chicken dip! (Whole recipe, and all!)

***Sorry, not giving you my deviled egg recipe, that's a secret! Lol.***

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

This is gonna be just a quick blog about how to cook perfect hard boiled eggs!

Take a sharp knife & poke a small hole into the top of each egg.

As you poke them, place them into a big pot.

Once you have finished adding all of your eggs, make sure your pot is large enough to add enough water to completely submerge your eggs, and still have boiling room.

Sprinkle about 2tsp of salt into the water.

Place on your stove & turn it on high.

It will take about 5 minutes for the water to begin to boil, once it is boiling let it boil for 10 minutes.

After your timer goes off, take the pot off of the heat, immediately, and put a lid on.
Let the eggs sit in the pot for an additional 15 minutes.

(About 30 minutes in, so far.)

After that timer goes off, you can drain the eggs & add ice water to the pot. Let that sit about 5 minutes so that the eggs are easier to handle while peeling.

That's it! That's the secret!
Perfectly boiled eggs, every time.

If you have an Instant Pot, and you want to boil eggs in that, I have a blog explaining how, as well.
Click here to read that one.

Saving Myself from Myself

People who know me, know that I have struggled with my weight a lot over the last 11 years.

All through High School, I was never a size 2, like most of my friends, but I was ok with my body. I enjoyed what I looked like, for the most part.
At 17 I was 160lbs, and I loved my body!
That was really the first time that I ever wondered how much I weighed, so I couldn't tell you any other weights from prior to 17.

However, once I turned 18, I gained about 25lbs. I was 185 at 19, when I got pregnant.
However, I had lost about 10lbs before I found out! So, I was feeling good, losing weight without really trying, then it turned out, I was just pregnant... Bahaha.
By the day I gave birth to Ty I was 38.5 weeks pregnant & 198lbs.
About a month after I gave birth I had dropped back down to 174!!!
The lightest I am aware of being since.
I am certain that I weighed less after starting work at Dodge, but I never weighed myself. I just know by the way my clothes were fitting after 2 months. However, that's when my accident happened.

For those who may be reading this who don't know me, personally, on April 26, 2010 a man ran a stop sign doing about 60mph & slammed into the front quater panel of my car. I spun a couple of times, took out a stop sign & almost hit a giant tree. My son, 8 months old at the time, was in the back seat. My head busted out my driver's side window, my left arm punched through my windshield, and my right knee was jammed into the dashboard.
Ty was, so thankfully, unharmed!!!
I, however, was quite banged up.
I remember turning around to look at Ty after it was over, he was in his carseat & it hadn't moved. I unbuckled so quickly & climbed out of my broken window. The Drs at the hospital told me that I had a tibial plataue fracture & put me in a leg brace until I could get in to see an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Well, between car insurances & other BS it took 2 months to get into one!!!
At that time, they told me my leg was not broken, but I had severely sprained my MCL, AND both of my bursas in my right knee had burst! (Those are the little sacks that surround your knee & joint for lubrication.)
Needless to say, after being in a brace for 2 months, my leg needed a TON of physical therapy!!!
It was horrible & painful & I've told you all of this to say that my knee has always been an issue since, AND that that is when my weight REALLY got out of control.

After 2 months of just sitting around due to my "broken" leg, and then the pain over the next few months of PT. I just started gaining.

In 2012, I had decided enough was enough & I lost about 40lbs, just from eating less (not calorie counting or anything), drinking a gallon of water a day, and walking 4 miles a day/3 days a week.

For whatever reason, after I hit 193, I gave up... I, honestly, can not remember why... I know that my mother-in-law passed away that October & life was not very good for a few months after that, I suspect that's what happened.. That's neither here nor there. Between the beginning of 2013 & the end of 2017 I gained every pound back.

Here were get to 2018. Fresh 2018!!!
January 7th, to be exact.
It wasnt a "New Year's Resolution", I just happened to start in January lol.
My husband had recently switched jobs & we had some extra spending money. He had bought himself some things & I just could NOT figure out what I wanted for myself.
Finally, I said to him, just give me $200, I will keep it in my account & let it pay a gym membership each month!
At that point, he told me that I didnt need to use the money for that, to just join & that he would just pay the membership fee, normally.
I almost cried lol.
We had tossed around the idea of joining a gym for YEARS. Something inside of me just knew it was time!!!

I went the next day to check out Anytime Fitness & Planet Fitness. When I arrived at Anytime, at the time I would have to be there each morning, it was not "open". But, you could get in with the fob. I found out that employees didnt show up until 11am, and I did NOT feel comfortable knowing that I could be at the gym, completely alone at Anytime.
So, in their parking lot, I called Planet.
Someone answered! I asked a few questions & once I found out that if PF was open, there was ALWAYS an employee there, I just knew that was the one.

I went on the tour. Then, I opted for the $22.95/mo membership instead of the $10!!! But, I'm SO glad that I did! Over the summer, my step-mom started going with me, as my guest, & that was just an even better added bonus to my life change. We bonded so much, and she eventually got her own membership & still goes!

Moving on to the start.
I was so nervous, my first day was the 9th, because I didn't know that I would be able to start the day I joined, and I went in normal clothes lol. Didn't have time to go home & come back before Ty got out of school.
So, I walk in.. I was so glad to see SO many people in all different points of their journey. Not everyone looked perfect, and that was a little less intimidating.
I went to the treadmill, walked one mile as a warm up. Then, I moved on to the 30 minute circut room, and finished off with 5 miles on the bike.
I left feeling so good!!!

I continued that same routine for the first 4 weeks. Then, I got the nerve to take a class with the trainer!

My first time, I took 4 classes in a row.
Arms, legs, shoulders, abs. (Not necessarily in that order lol).
There were 3 other women taking the first & since I was the only one in the other 3 they agreed to join me for those, as well.

I ended up taking 3 more focused classes before I was ready to take on a "design your own". Luckily, he had gotten to know my body a little. So he knew how to modify workouts to suit my specific issues/crutches (knee, mostly).

So, after that, I was on my own with that routine for 6 weeks.

About 3 weeks in, I forgot my leg brace on top of the dryer... It was leg day... I decided to go easy, but I felt like it wasn't really working me out as good as usual. So, I figured I could just put my weights back up & just do less reps.... But, it blew me away that my knee didn't hurt, at all!!! I got through my ENTIRE leg day without any pain!!!
I assumed the pain would come later, and it never did!!!
To this day, I have not had any knee pain!!!
Just like that, I had healed myself without even knowing it!
So, on top of EVERYTHING else, this was my favorite side effect! This has been quite a Chilly winter for Florida, and the cold weather usually KILLS my knee. That, I figured, would be the true test. NOTHING! NO pain! It's truly amazing!

I ended up taking the class again a couple more times, then I decided that I was confident & educated enough to design my own.

I have been doing that ever since!
I took a couple of 3 week long design classes with a couple of other trainers, as they came through. (Turnover for a trainer has been kind of high at my gym lol. After John left, we are on our 3rd one!!!)

But, mostly, just to get new ideas & run ideas that I've seen past them lol.

I follow quite a bit of people on my Fitstagram (as my Sister-in-Law called it over Christmas haha), & I save a ton of workout videos & try them when I'm feeling brave!

Now, it wasn't just exercise, alone, that helped me shed the weight. For the majority of my journey I have been in a caloric deficit! I still eat carbs, and anything else I want to eat, I just make sure it all adheres to my daily calorie allowance.

Over the course of this journey, I KNEW only one thing. That I didn't care how slow going it was, as long as it was always going! When I first started taking classes with John, we had conversations about weightloss & such. I told him I was only losing one pound a week, and he said it was perfect. You really want to aim at losing 1 to 2lbs a week, to give your body time to get into your new habits, and to allow your skin to regain its elasticity.
I have seen so many amazing, beautiful bodies over the last year that have excess skin, and I am not afraid of it. I know it's a possibility. However, I am glad that i chose to take it slow & am doing my best to minimize the chance, or amount.
I have, consistently, lost 1lbs a week, since beginning. With the exception of a handful of weeks where I lost 2 or 3.

I am on week 51 & I have lost 57lbs!
236 down to 179!!!
I have gone from a size 18 pants to a loose fitting 13/14.
Size XXL shirt to a loose fitting L.
42DDD bra to a 36DD.
Size 10 wedding rings to size 8.
AND a 9.5 shoe to an 8!!! That one caught me by surprise! Lol.
I have so much stamina, I am so much stronger!
***Editing on January 3rd, to add that from week 24 (about 212lbs) until now, week 52 (179lbs) I have lost 39" Total across my whole body!!! I don't know how many total inches are lost since the start, because I didn't measure until week 24.**

I even gave myself a small, personal goal aside from weightloss..
To do ONE pushup by the end of December.
I reached that goal on November 27th!!!

I won't be adding any photos on this blog post, however, I will link my Instagram, if you'd like to check it out for yourself.

Once I have reached, what I'm hoping will be, my final goal weight (160), I will post a new blog with tons of photos of my journey.

I really just wanted to get this out & maybe help anyone who may be struggling like I was! Someone who maybe needs to know that it doesn't have to be hard. You don't HAVE to lose it all in one year. One pound lost is still ONE POUND LOST!!! 20 weeks from now you could be 20lbs closer to your goal, or you could be exactly where you are right now!

All it takes is wanting to change, and taking action!

After all it is the "time" for resolutions, and although that's not what mine started out as, it doesn't mean it couldn't have. I know there's a stigma around "NYRs", but I think if you REALLY want it, you can make it happen!!!
I think the issue is, people thinking that they HAVE to start on the 1st. Like, if they start before or after it doesn't count.
I promise, it DOES count!!!

Reviewing the Influenster Staycation VoxBox

Hello everyone!
Today I have 5 products that I am going to be reviewing for you.
All products were sent to me by Influenster, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.

Click here to watch my Unboxing video.

First up we have the KISS brand "imPRESS Press-On Manicure" in the color "Goal Digger".
This set of press-on gel nails is a pretty, mauvey/baby pink color with accent nails of an iridescent version of the same color. They retail for $7.99, for 30 nails (24 of the main color and 6 accents).

I am not a 'press-on nails' type of person, I prefer to use my own  nails and paint them. However, I have applied the nails per the instructions, and as far as false nails go, they aren't too bad, yet.
The application was simple and well explained, using pictures and written instructions. As I am typing this I have only been wearing them for about two hours. I will wear them until one pops off. Once that happens, I will remove the remaining nails in a couple of different ways:
 1) How the instructions direct you to, by using a small amount of nail polish remover at the seams & letting it sit for a few minutes, then peeling them.
2) By peeling them without remover, if possible, to check for damage to my nails.

Click here to watch the application video & hear, in real time, my first impressions.

I will update this once the wear test is complete.
Application day: Friday, September 7, 2018 1:30pm
First pop-off:
Removal Results:
1)
2)

Final imPRESSion (see what I did there?):

I added a matte top coat to the thumb nail to see how it would look & react.
I LOVE it!!!

The matte top coat began to flake off after a couple of days.

The excess glue let EVERY single particle attach under my nails.. :(

The magical coating also began to wear off after a few days.

Dude, I put these nails through HELL & back & they are CHAMPS!!!

I mixed polish while wearing them, and cleaned my hands afterwards, as well.

Taking them off was quite a task! I put 100% acetone under them & around the sides, didn't help much! Haha.

All in all, I am THOROUGHLY impressed with these nails! Once they are stuck on there, they will NOT come off until you WANT them to come off!!!

I'd say for a quick mani while on vacation, and you didn't or couldn't bring all of your supplies, pop in to a store & grab yourself a pack! Worth it, for sure!

Find more info here.


Next up is the Crest brand "GUM & Enamel Repair Toothpaste". It retails for $6.99 & is advertised as available at Target. (It may, or may not be sold elsewhere.)

First impression is that it doesn't have a very strong flavor. So, that's great for people who may be sensitive or averted by strong flavors. Personally, I prefer a strong minty flavor in my toothpaste, however, it was not bad. The small amount of suds were nice, it really let you see where the paste had spread to, making it a better brushing experience. What I love most about this toothpaste is the fact that it repairs your gums AND your enamel. I've had toothpastes do either/or, but never both. That's a plus, for sure!

Find more info here.


Moving on to the Completely Bare brand "Moisturizing No-Bump Shave Gel". This 2oz bottle retails for just $4.99, which I feel is a great price! I shave my underarms EVERY day, so I was very excited to try this out.
I usually just use my razor and water to shave my armpits, because my razor has a moisture strip on it. I use my body wash to shave my legs.
When I tried this product I used it for both, although, in the future I will only use it for my underarms.
The gel rubbed on easily, in a very thin layer. I was a little worried that it would be too thin of a layer, but my razor glided over my legs in a very smooth motion. The rinse was great, as well. No residue was left behind. Same goes for my underarms. The first time, I applied a bit too much, and as I was shaving, it "gooped up". However, the next arm I used such a small amount that it wasn't an issue again. With the amount of product that is needed, this bottle will last me MONTHS!

Find more info here.


Now, I'm going to tell you about the Eva NYC brand "Mane Magic 10-in-1-Primer". A 6oz bottle retails for $11.99, and you can find it at ULTA and Costco. I have the 1oz sample size.

This spray is to be used after a shower, applied to damp hair, prior to brushing or blow drying.
The info says that it gives your hair its daily dose of vitamins and nutrients, detangles, reduces frizz, strengthens, softens, adds shine, smoothes, protects from thermal and UV damage, and even can cut your drying time! ALL of that in ONE spray!
On top of all of the great things it can do for your hair, it smells GREAT!!! No aerosol smell that some sprays can have. It's kind of a floral scent.
I use a great shampoo & conditioner already, so it will be difficult for me to tell if my hair is softer or if the detangler works. I'd say a good test for the detangler would be when you get out of a pool! I was,  mainly looking at the dry time & the frizz control. I always let my hair air dry, so, once it has dried I will compare it to the usual time. As for the friss, I live in HUMID Florida!!! So, that will be a GREAT test! I will update this once my hair has dried.

Update: I wouldn't say my hair dried in "record" time, but it was a little shorter than usual. Nothing to write home about lol.
However, I WILL rave about the frizz control!!! I have wavy hair, so, when it air dries it is always SO poofy. When my hair was dry it was, definitely, more flat. Still wavy, but not poofy. Obviously, not as straight as when I use a flat iron, but some happy place in between air dried & straightened. I will, absolutely, buy this product! Especially for those summer parties where you're in and out of the pool. That way your hair looks great once it dries.

Find more info here.


The final product to review is SheaMoisture brand "SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Gelee Moisturizer", which retails for $12.99. It is recommended for oily an blemish-prone skin.

First of all, I'd like to start with a disclaimer that this product gave my face a bad reaction (photos below). It was fine at first touch, but after about 45 seconds, once I had rubbed it all over, my face started to burn. At first, I thought, maybe it was just a tingle from a cleanser or something, purifying my skin (blemish-prone). However, after a little over a minute, I decided that it was time to wash it off. After I rinsed  my face with warm then cold water I was fine. About 10 minutes after, my face had red blotches all over, but they only lasted for about another 30 minutes. I will say, I have no known allergies, and it did not affect my neck, at all. Perhaps my face is just really sensitive? Please, don't let this sway you from giving it a try, but I'd warn you to try it on a small area of your face first, and  wait for 30 minutes before applying it all over.

Now that that's over... I liked the consistency of the gelee. I was like a thinner version of hair gel. After you rub it in, your hands will feel a little sticky. I cleaned mine, but I'm sure that the stickiness will go away as it soaks in, as it does n your face. I liked that you could see all of the tiny specks of charcoal throughout the gel. I can't really give you a review of how it worked, seeing as how I only wore it for a minute, sorry.

Find more info here.


I hope that you guys found these reviews helpful.
I will be back at a later date, with my next VoxBox!
Thanks for reading.

How Does Married Life Feel?

Well, as of today, Eric & I have been married for a month (no matter which way you gauge "a month" (4 weeks, or corresponding dates)).

People keep asking me how it feels to be married..
I know, I knew it was coming, lol

Honestly, being married kinda feels like each birthday you have after 22.....
How does it feel to be (insert age here)?
How does it feel to be married?

(both get the same answer lol)

Well, it feels pretty much the same as it did before.

"I have a new (age) name.. that's kind of weird, but it's growing on me.. the only time it confuses me a little is when I have to say it or write it..
there's always a slight hesitation."

You don't ever "feel" older on your birthday.. It usually takes a few to realize you're not 20 anymore lol..
Well, as far as marriage goes, our relationship doesn't "feel" any different.
I still love him just as much as before, more every day..
We still sleep in the same spots & positions.. Our life still consists of the same day to day routines..

Now, perhaps it is a bit different for those who don't live together until marriage..
Maybe that's the norm.. and the reason for the question, usually..

But, when you've already created a life together, getting married seems more like just a piece of paper & some new jewelry lol
I KNOW it means more than that.. but, people don't ask you "what does married life mean to you?"..
They ask how it feels....

Now, if you ask me what it means to me, you may get a bit of a better answer..

My marriage means everything to me!
Not that my premarriage relationship didn't mean everything, it did!

It means that the only thing left for Eric to give the woman that he's given the whole world to, was his name.

It means that I have to put his wedding ring back on him after every time he washes his hands & leaves it on the counter 

It means that we are, hopefully, only weeks away from the adoption going through.

It means that when someone asks me about my "husband", I can actually answer, without the awkward "correction" (well, I stopped correcting people about a year ago anyways.. lol), or pausing first..

It means I love it when someone refers to me as Mrs. Creech 

It means that I smile like a lunatic when Eric refers to me as his wife 

It means that we loved & valued our love for each other SO much, that we had a great big party to celebrate it with our closest family & friends!!! 

"married life" feels the same.. but it still means SO much!!! 

Becoming Mrs. Creech

Well, I ended up staying busy with last minute set up & details until about 4:30pm (note, the wedding was at 6pm lol)

I was still filling deviled eggs when the photographer arrived.. Everyone had taken showers except for Nicole & myself.. I ripped one of the whites, so I ate it... realizing I hadn't eaten ANYTHING ALL day!!!

After I finished the eggs, I tried to help with something else, and I was blocked & told to go get in the shower, and that they would take care of everything from there..................

I ran and hopped into the shower.. Probably the quickest shower I have ever taken LMAO
I even shaved...

When I got out I realized that I STILL hadn't done my nails.. so.. I put on my under garments & sat on the bed to paint my nails... Judy was telling me I needed to get my hair blow dried... So, they got a chair & started blow drying my hair..

Just about then, Amy arrived... I had only done ONE coat of polish on my right hand, at this point... Amy took over from there (for my nail gals.. Amy is @tepiddeath)... So, she is doing my nails & we decide that I should put my dress on so the photographer could come in... Stormy has now started on my hair & the photographer was shooting away <3... Once my nails were almost finished I realized I had made a mistake hahahahaha... It was time to take my whitening strip off & my nails were FRESHLY painted.......... Amy to the rescue!!! <3 she pulled my strips off  for me!!!! (we have photographic proof hahahaha)

So, then...... my hair is getting finished, and my nails... Amy got me a beer lol

Once my hair was finished we decided to zip up my dress... And then, Nicole put the pearls around my neck, to which we both commented on how we were surprised that we weren't crying.. then, we hugged & the tears started flowing.. Amy to the rescue with some amazing eye drops hahahahahaha..

Now, Mema has arrived with the ring box (it is about 6 now...)
She gets all of that handled...
It's time for my Dad to come in, now.. We have our shot bottles ready (of course Dad & mine are "3 shot" bottles).. We take a few pictures when he first sees me.. We didn't get shot glasses, so we decide we will just swig a shot straight from the bottles... Dad says he will be dowing the whole bottle...
Count of 3 we go.... I down my whole bottle in 2 seconds (THREE shots!!).... Dad didn't... everyone is yelling "Kayla, what did you do?! lol" ... Dad says he was just joking when he said that, but then downs the rest of his bottle, as well.. HAHAHAHA...

So, here I am...
NO food.. a beer, and 3 shots...
And it's time to walk down the aisle!!!!!

I go out...........

It was perfect!!! 8 minutes of perfection!!!
Eric's vows were perfect.
My vows got the reaction I was looking for.
I didn't cry, nearly as much as I thought I would (probably had a LOT to do with my friend Jack Daniels ;))
After the ceremony, we took SO many pictures!!!!!!

By the time we were finished, I was beginning to feel the alcohol.. So, I made myself 2 plates of food & went to our table lol

I probably managed to get 6 whole bites in, between kisses & photos... and then, the festivities began...
Our dance.. My Dad & my dance.. Ty & my dance..
The garter toss (Brandon caught it.)
The bouquet toss (Lorraine caught it.)
The cake.. We did good, we didn't shove the cake in each others face... until AFTER the feeding lol

Then, after a little socializing, it was time for toasts.. I went to eat more of my food... only to find that my mother had taken the ribbon off of my cake & put it on my plate.........
Oh well, I was JUST informed that we had to give a toast first, anyhow!!!!!
Good thing I am quick on my feet!!! ;)
After me....
Dad gave a toast..
Kalem (best man) gave a toast.
Kelly (maid of honor) gave a toast.

By the time all of that was finished a few people were getting ready to leave.
I feel like as soon as I finished saying hello to everyone, I was already saying bye to some...

After saying bye to a few people, I went straight over to the food & ate a couple of eggs!!!

The rest was just a blur.. I t went by SO quickly!!!
We took several FULL FAMILY photos on the dance floor!!! :)

And more & more people were leaving...
Pretty much everyone was gone by 10pm..
And the rest who remained sang karaoke & had a few beers until we all went inside & went to bed..

I woke up the next morning & saw all of the photos & videos that some guests had posted.
The video of Autumn & Ty just made my entire life!!!!!!!!!! <3

My wedding was perfect.
So many amazing people put in SO much to help make it so, and I will FOREVER be grateful to them all!!!!! <3

First thing Monday morning (March 28th) I went to the Courthouse to file our marriage license & got our copies... Went to the Social Security office, also... They told me I had to wait 2 days to change my license.. Went to do that on Wednesday, and then updated my bank & all that needed ID proof, as well!!!

I have been married for 16 days, now.... And I am JUST starting to get used to seeing my new last name lol

(pictures will be added once I get them from the photographer!!!) <3

The FINAL (engagement) countdown!!!

Saturday, March 12, 2016 -14 Days until "I do!"

Well, Nicole & I figured out how we will set up the food tables.
We also got ALL of the candles cut & put into their holders (the ones for the aisle).
We need more for the extra tables. (Those will be the round tables we borrow from Sue)

We hung the net light on the tree :)
It looks so pretty!!!

Dad & Eric cut all of the direction signs for us.. just have to paint "wedding" on them.

We didn't get much else done, because of Brady's bday party, back in Jax.. We DID stop by Walmart on the way there, and I bought my SD Card, the other candles, the frame for our puzzle & the balloons for the direction signs... They were OUT of round white table cloths.....

Sunday, March 13, 2016 -13 Days until "I do!"

Today we woke up & went into Gainesville to go to a few stores..
Target to exchange a swim suit for Brady, we checked out the table cloths... nothing..

The Party Shop... also nothing for table cloths (we need 20!!!)

Walmart.. FINALLY!!! BUT they only had 12 round ones... got them all, plus the 6 rectangle ones we needed.

Home Depot, for the last bit of tiles Nicole needed for her bathroom floor...

Got back, the guys had just returned.. They had to go run a few errands, as well..

I painted the direction signs & the seating sign..

Eric finished building the dance floor..

Also, I called & paid for Dad's shirt.. When I'm getting off the phone the lady says we can pick them up after 3pm on the 24th............................ :/ That threw a wrench in ALL of my plans... I wanted to go that morning & get them so that we could be out to Melrose at a decent time to finish getting last minute things done.... So, I asked Kelly if she would pick up Eric's, Ty's, & my Dad's when she picks hers up (they're ALL paid for already lol), and just bring them with her. Luckily, she's the best MAid of Honor, EVER, and said no problem!!!

So, our plan is to leave here Wednesday prevening & then go grocery shopping FIRST thing Thursday morning.. Get back to the house & get to work..

We still have to nail the direction signs to the posts, we have to make the streamer wall & hang it.. and a few other things that are on my list......

Eric's dad may be picking up the chairs for us & my dad will be going to get the round tables on Sunday, after they get back from their vacation (they leave tomorrow morning).

I didn't get the coasters coated...... gotta go this week and buy the stuff...

THEN.......... after we already left Dad's I get a text that says I forgot the DAMN box of coasters!!!!!!!! :/

Nicole says she will be in OP tomorrow, and I tell her I will meet her there!!

Monday, March 14, 2016 -12 Days until "I do!"

Took Ty to school, then waited for Autumn to get here (Ashley was running late.. stupid time change lol)

As soon as Autumn got here (around 8:40), we headed out..
Went to Lowe's & I bought the Purple Orchid, the coating for the coasters, & a loop hook for the streamer wall..

Stopped by Winn Dixie to check the price of their beans & see how long the Expiration date was (to know if they would last 3 days ,if we bought them on Wednesday of next week..), only to find out that they NO LONGER make their beans!!!!!!!! WTF?!!?!?!?!?! Those are my FAVORITE!!!! :(

Then, onto Walmart had to check out the tea (price & how long on expiration for Wednesday pick-up lol) & got the last 8 round table cloths, the 2 8x10 pictures I needed (one of Eric's Mom & one of Eric's Granny) <3.. I also picked up all the stuff for Ty's Easter Basket :)..... As I am finishing ordering the photos, the intercom comes on & says "sorry for the inconvenience, but they will ONLY be accepting cash for a while" (their freaking credit card machines were down!!!)...

I had to leave, go to an ATM, & then come back to buy all of my stuff..... :/
After ALL of that.... We didn't have time to stop at Dollar Tree.. I had to drive to meet Nicole to pick up the coasters.. So, I end up getting over there about half an hour early & go into the Dollar Tree right by the meeting spot lol.. I went in for TP & the cheap, little, plastic champagne glasses.... I walked out with that PLUS 2 scarves, a butterfly headband for Autumn, some gum, and another thing for Ty's basket LMAO........

So, I get done, meet Nicole.. I gave her the bag of cups & forget to give her the table cloths... lol

Stopped & got some gas & was back home by 11:30ish!!!!!!!

I put together Ty's basket, hid it in my room..
I made some bobby pins for my hair, with my flowers... I will insert them into my braid :)

I wanna put the puzzle together tonight & then, maybe get started on sealing the coasters.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 -11 Days until "I do!"

So, we tried the polyurethane spray last night.... even after 5 coats, it still didn't seem to be working..... I decided to take them back & ask what I should get..

I took them back & brought a coaster with me, for a visual & physical aid in explanation.
The lady told me it was too dry, and was just absorbing the poly... (that's what I said last night, minus the "too dry" part lol)...
She told me maybe I need to condition it first...
THEN, she went & got a can of conditioner and a can of polyurethane..
She tried it out.. Sat there & did it.. conditioned it, then coated it with sealer... blow drying inbetween layers.. BEST customer service I have EVER received!!!

I bought that stuff.. only $1 more than what I spent on the spray lol..

I conditioned all of the coasters & then sealed about half of them.
They look SO great!!!!

I plan on finishing the rest on Friday. :)

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 -10 Days until "I do!"

Well, I was planning on spending the day with my best friend tomorrow, BUT her stupid work called her in!!!!!! :/
Ok, ok..... it is because her coworker's kid has strep... I guess that's an acceptable reason....

We switched to Sunday, which is my ONLY free day between now & the wedding!!!!! <3

This means I will be finishing the coasters tomorrow, as well as restocking a few polishes in my shop... It is my LAST kid free day before the wedding.... Friday starts Spring Break!!!

I will update once I finish them!!! <3

Thursday, March 17, 2016 -9 Days until "I do!"

WE ARE IN SINGLE DIGITS!!!!!!!! xD

Well, I went to Mema's today...
Just to drop in & check on progress..

She finished my garters & they are GORGEOUS!!!! They fit amazing, too!!!
The new ribbon on the 2nd tier of the chandelier is perfect!!!

We finalized the design of the topper, boutonnieres, flower girl basket, & cufflinks..

I gave her a few extra things for Amanda's bouquet.

She will be having the final photos printed on Friday.

I finished the coasters, today, as well!!! (more like gave up... a LOT of cussing was involved HAHAHAHA)

I spilled the polyurethane ALL over myself...
AS SOON AS I finished coating the FIRST set, it started RAINING!!!!!

I counted how many we have, including the ones I coated today... 67... I texted Eric & asked him if he thought that was enough.... he agreed... after all, we only have 65 RSVP's AND 20 of those are CHILDREN!!! lol.... I'm sure 67 is MORE than enough... so, check THAT off of my lists!!!

I also just sat down & rewrote some final lists, one for here (things we have to do before Wednesday).. one for Mema's (for Tuesday).. & one for Dad's for Thursday & Friday (& a TINY bit for Saturday!!)

THEN......... I emailed a draft of our full ceremony to my Aunt Jean (who is officiating for us <3)...
Awaiting approval ;)

EEEP!!! it's SO DAMN close!!!!!!!!

Friday, March 18, 2016 -8 Days until "I do!"

Well, today starts my week of teeth whitening lol
How cute am I?!?!?! ;) HAHAHAHA

Monday, March 21, 2016 -5 Days until "I do!" 

We went down to the court house today, & bought our marriage license!!! <3

Bought Eric's pants, and a new bottle of the polish that I will be using for my wedding mani!!! :)

Tomorrow will be a long day lol..... got a LONG list of things to finish making & hopefully, we can get it all finished by a decent time... I wanna bring them all home tomorrow lol

Still trying to figure out the best way to handle giving everyone their cuff links........

*******the laptop is already packed & I'm on my phone app.. I will correct the following colors later.. :)**********

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 -4 Days until "I do!"

I woke up a little later than I planned..

got to Mema's around 9am.

we buckled down & got ALL 6 of the boutonniers finisbed, they look so great!!!

then, we moved on to Amanda's bouquet..

then Autumn's flower girl basket, and then Autumn's barrette  (we made 2 to have a backup).

Mema then stained the ring box..

after that it just after was 1pm.. and we took a 30 minute lunch break.

after lunch we got RIGHT back into things.

we got all of the cufflinks put toget her & then assembled all of the cufflink boxes :)

(R-L, T-B; Ty (ring bearer), Eric (groom), my Dad, Kelly (maid of honor), Brandon (groomsman), & Kalem (best man))

then, we put a few finishing touches on the chandelier :)

it was beautiful before, but it is perfect, now!!! <3

She got started on a set of special coasters for Eric & I.

She still has to make our cake topper & finish the ring box, but other than that we are FINISHED!!!!!! :)

We hung the chandelier in my car & I packed everything else & put that box in my car.

Tomorrow is packing day!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 -3 Days until "I do !"

I woke up & packed everything this morning lol

Eric is making sure that the cooler is clean, right now.

We will be leaving around 4:30, we have to meet Eric's Dad at 5 to pick up the reception chairs... THEN, it's straight out to Melrose & we will be there until Sunday evening!!!

I am stressing about forgetting something...

I have a HUGE list & I have everything packed & checked off, but I feel like I'm forgetting something, still...........

met up with Nicole & Mike to get all of the chairs..

well, we went grocery shopping tonight, instead... I'm already over budget, & we still need more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, March 24, 2016 -2 Days until "I do!"

when I laid down last night I remembered what I was forgetting......... my super fine sharpies for the guest book.....

finished grocery shopping, picked up Lorraine's cooler & ice for the guests, and picked up a few other little things we still needed... including more sharpies.

Kelly picked up all of the wedding shirts.

we got started on the streamer wall... nowhere near enough streamer....

Friday, March 25, 2016 -1 Day until "I do!"

We got more streamer & more tea (the guys drank one gallon..)

we cleaned all day.

we used ALL the streamer we bought yesterday & it STILL isn't enough!!!

we'd need about 6 more rolls to finish, and I don't wanna buy them OR spend the time doing it anymore lmao.. we will hang a half wall haha

I boiled & shelled the eggs, I will mix & refill tomorrow, cut Cucumbers & bell peppers & make the veggie platter, make the cheese/pep platter, make the pulled chicken.. and all the other food we need, tomorrow.

I gave Dad, Eric, & Ty their cufflinks.. they love them!! <3

We also got the wedding CD finished!!!

still have quite a bit to do tomorrow..

I figure I will come in & start getting ready around 4/4:30....

Saturday, March 26, 2016 -Day of Wedding!!!!!!

Dad, Eric Ryan, & Vernon left a little while ago (around 5:30 am) to go get Bryce...

they left so early because it's about a 3 hour round trip!!! :/

they will stop & get hair cuts on the way back, AND inflate the balloons, attach then to the signs, & put the signs out on their way back.

I should go back to sleep, but I can't!

I'm getting married TODAY!!!!!!!! <3

(I will be posting one last blog... to hear all about my day & see some pictures, go check it out!!!)