Alexa's Bridal Shower & Recipe

Alexa, my other fabulous cousin is getting married at the end of August. Can we say "kill them now" to Carrie & Alexa for pretty much having their weddings back to back?!?!? I mean srsly. What's a girl to do but TWO showers, TWO dresses, TWO new pairs of shoes? I'm tellin ya, it's such the tizzy. LOL Okay. I hope you here the sarcasm crap in that speech but I LOVE them both and my whole childhood/growing up/seen every crap stage/lowest cry moments are all wrapped up with these two. Therefore, i was happy to do it! LOVE YA!

Anywho, today was Alexa's bridal shower and the color theme was complete opposite of Carries.
You can see her shower by clicking here. For Alexa's shower it was all about black & white with a POP of red. Scarlet red. Oh how i LOVED this color scheme.



The invite. My FAVORITE invite I've made yet!



The bride to be. Well sorta--haha Alexa!



Notice the candle holders? They might look familiar LOL because I used them at Carries only they were hot pink! But, we all agreed we LOVE like ADORE them in the red. Yep, I'm vain enough to admire my own creation. I can do that you know.




Reminds me of Twilight. Red/Black theme though Alexa hasn't a clue what Twilight is about.



Carrie & me were talking today and we decided that I'm a punch aholic. Only without the alcohol part. I'm always expanding my punch recipes so with Alexa's I found this OUT OF THIS WORLD Strawberry Daiquiri Punch recipe. Not to mention but uh...it color coordinated perfectly!

Strawberry Daiquiri Punch
1 bag of frozen strawberries
2 cans of frozen limeade mix {though I say only use 1}
3 cans of frozen strawberry daiquiri mix
2 2liter sprites chilled
3/4 cup of pineapple juice

In punch bowel combine limeade mix/ daiquiri mix/ pineapple juice and pour your first 2liter of chilled sprite. Add frozen bag of strawberries on top to add decor and as a supplement for ice.



I had so many cups of this. I had to go the bathroom SOMETHING FIERCE after the shower!

And of course I ALWAYS do favors...I came up with this WAY cute idea of giving out a little bag of Oreo cookies. It color schemed SO WELL. There was so many people there that I ran out!

And Hailey...out of all the food we had She went right for her bag of Oreos.

I think though for awhile...I'm CLOSED for all Bridal shower business. But wait...you wanna hear a really funny joke that's not really a joke? My Other...other cousin Melanie SHE'S GETTING MARRIED IN OCTOBER! I'm tellin ya people, it's apparently wedding season in my family in my DEAR FUTURE LATE HUBBY didn't get the memo!

Be Courageous and be Brave

I have been having a tough couple of days. Dealing with work & stress along with anxiety has really taken it's toll. Sometimes it's so hard to just breathe and get through the next moment. And sometimes....Sometimes I just need my mom. I am a FIRM believer that my mom knows when I need her. When I just need a moment to be completely connected with her again.

She knows.

I was driving late the other night and was trying to just hold it all in because lets face it... crying and driving are just not safe! The radio was on and as I was so desperately trying to just breathe the song Forever Young by Rod Stewart came on. Now, some may laugh and chuckle but I started to really REALLY listen to the words of the song to take my mind off of things and the words just struck home from my mom just to me.

May the good lord be with you

Down every road you roam

And may sunshine and happiness

Surround you when youre far from home

And may you grow to be proud

Dignified and true

And do unto others

As youd have done to you

Be courageous and be brave

And in my heart youll always stay

Forever young, forever young

May good fortune be with you

May your guiding light be strong

Build a stairway to heaven

With a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain

And in my heart you will remain

Forever young, forever young

And when you finally fly away

Ill be hoping that I served you well

For all the wisdom of a lifetime

No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose

Im right behind you, win or lose

Forever young, forever young

Thanks mom. I needed that.

{PS. watching this video of Rod Stewart preform...Also made me laugh :) Enjoy}

Health...NOT NOW!

I am physically drained. That's right, drained I tell ya. For the last two hours I have been lying around my house proclaiming "loudly" I'm DIEING.

I have chills one minute. Burning up ten minutes later. My head {what a joke}...FEELS like I've been HIT by a freakin sledgehammer. And I'm achy EVERYWHERE on this so-called body of mine. What is going on? WHY? WHY I SAY? WHHHHHYYYY?!?

Doesn't the health gods know that I, Tierra Lynne Coleman have another bridal shower to do this weekend? Don't they know I have a FULL work schedule this week with no days off? Don't they know I have NO sick days left? Don't they know I HAVE to have everything together for Alexa because she deserves it?

DON'T THEY KNOW I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS?

Excuse me while I go sit in the corner {with an electric heating blanket} and pout.

I am MAD.

I will NOT go down without a fight.

I wont. I WON'T. I won't.

Get to Know Me Monday

It's been awhile since I last did a "Get to know Me Monday" and this has been on the brain as of late. Smells. Scents. Have you ever noticed how certain smells just instantly put you in a good mood? Or at least for a small passing moment? Well, a friend of mine at work was talking the other day on how our brain is stimulated by everything. Sites, smells, and sounds etc. In particularly smells can make or break a passing mood or thought. BOY... should I know! I work at the hospital and in every room I enter is a new smell. And BELIEVE you-me most...MOST are not the good smells LOL Some half the time are JUST unbearable and with my job I have to linger for at least a few minutes in each room to chat with the patients and the trick of not going BA-ZURK with smells is one trick I just cant seem to master.

HowEVER

I do try to think of all the lovely things on this earth that..as my friend says "stimulates" good thoughts --hehe--Isn't it also funny how some smells also stimulate your feelings as well?

Like lemons. Fresh cut lemons make me think of home. Not so much as my house home but in the since of ordinary simple pure peace of home.

The smell of books. Bookstores, Libraries, and the smell of a brand new book THRILLS me.

It's another one that makes me feel at home simply because it's me. Its what I've always been about. Reading. My mother would read to me at least 6-8 books or more if I could talk her into it when I was little. I just don't know how much I can express that reading to me is simply me. I adore it. New places, New people, New lives...it's a whole new world within each new or old book with a history. And the smell...is just pure essence to the soul.

Sharpies. Okay...now don't get all weird and think I get the "high buzz" but I love the smell of writing with a sharpie. If you have ever received a note, card, or letter by me...9/10 it was written with a sharpie. Not to mention but there just plain cute. Every Christmas is a brand new pack in my stocking :)



Bread. WHY oh WHY does bread have to be loaded with calories? Alas entering into a bread bakery or a fresh loaf out of the oven in just plain intoxicating. Agree? Well you better LOL
I can eat bread and rolls as a meal in it's self! Comfort food? Heck yes and the smell...Comfort Smell ALL the way.



Now, whatever your doing in your life I hope you stop and take a moment for whatever smell that brings a small happiness to your life. Remember it. Take it in. And then...think of me.

Probably in some AWEFUL hospital room smelling something TOTTLY different. LOL
Auvoir

My Dress

Carrie's wedding is in 16 days.

To say things are starting to really come into focus and panic is barely hitting it.

If I was the bride right now...OH. MY. is all I've got to say on that.

I wanted to post about my dress. I took a leap and decided to have it made. The dress I sincerely wanted from J. Crew was almost two hundred dollars. YIKES! A Little to up there even for me. So, I new what I wanted and my amazing friend Amber F. agreed to make it for me {with in return me buying her dinner and a fabulous mini cheesecake from our favorite bakery LOL} that's a great deal right?

So, after weeks of searching dress patterns and Amber's amazing skill of Patience's toward me...I found it.

Carries colors are HOT pink w/ lime green accents SO I wanted a summer color on myself that would not match but "flow" with the semi -formal event.

Hence...I bring you diva like gold taffeta. I love taffeta. taffeta just says formal to me with rich texture.

So...to give a taste the top picture is of the finished bodice. I told Amber from the get go that I wanted ruffles. YEP. ruffles. And Amber....I Love you...You gave me ruffles!

{SQUEALS with DELIGHT}

40 Second Thoughts

I wanted to post tonight but COULD NOT figure out what this little Missy--that's me!--wanted to post a bought. Yeah, well I guess that's why I'm a Woman!

So

haven't done a "40 second thoughts" post in awhile so here it goes...

1. My house is a wreck! Do I care? Heck no...I have a great book instead!

2. I bought my first "little black dress" this weekend...as the french say..."Ohh la la"

3. Walked in on a 80 yr. old naked man tonight at work {hospital} now I'm SCARRED FOR LIFE

4. The love of my life could possibly be the so called Jerk that I never could get over.

5. Tonight, I ordered pizza just-for-me! LIBERATING

6. Why on earth do we have to keep shaving are darn legs EVERY single DAY? Oh yeah So I can find a husband right? What-eva!

7. Cleaning is HIGHLY overrated...okay maybe not but I JUST DONT WANT TO!

8. Hey You! Sexy hospital therapist I see EVERY DAY and we talk every day. Are you single?

9. That so called love - of- my-life- jerk...yeah well...WHY do WE girls ALWAYS obsess over the guy that makes you want to pull your hair out?

10. Dear Dad. I wanna repaint my room again. You game? Wait..yeah well I know you did that last year but that was SO LAST YEAR

Being inside my brain...well now THAT is an interesting place. Chow.

Lingeire Shower {No "P" Pictures}

First, I just want to say Thank you to everyone who commented for your honest answer on previous post. To Suzanne...I especially want to say thank you for your honesty and heartfelt comment. You pointed out something that i didn't even think about and I appreciate it beyond words for the enlighten meant. {{{Net Hug}}}

So, after what Suzanne pointed out in the comments...I did NOT want to attract any sicko creepers.

Therefore NO P pictures.

I just want to post that first to know me is to know that I would NEVER place myself or surround myself with people who would lower my standards. Last night was great fun and despite the penis cookies {I fill SO 13 writing that word in a whisper} it was the only thing "risque" and I found it HILAROUS. They were totally UGLY and funny at the same time.

Carrie received some cute things for their honeymoon and I am so happy and excited for her!

21 days everyone! BTW the top picture of the bag with the zebra print bow was mine. What was it it you ask? .....Wouldn'T you ladies like to know {Wink}

Question? Comments Allowed

Okay, I have a question: Tonight, I went to my cousin Carries lingerie shower. I would really LOVE to share the pictures with you all but I DO NOT--repeat--DO NOT want to offend anyone. Me and my cousins w/ Carries friends had a lovely time tonight ALL IN GOOD TASTE I assure you and the party was over by 9. I'm home safe and sound without a tarnished scratch on me.

HOWEVER on a side "shock" factor and just plain out funny...Alexa who planned and was incharge of the shower made and decorated -------> here comes the "P" word ------> Penis cookies. YEP you heard me right, Penis sugar cookies. Along with pictures of Carrie opening gifts.

HERE COMES THE QUESTION:

Should I post about it with pictures or would you think that was just plain awful of me? I remind you that this is my blog and i do have the right to post about it but I would not like to offend anyone in the least...so you decide.

COMMENT BUTTON OPEN so ANSWER!

Thee Dinner is Served

Well, Apparently I can cook.

Or...at least I try and make it look pretty :)

Okay, so I'm NOT really a cooker. I might be -could be but I really don't have anyone to cook for and "try" to impress.

HOWEVER

They say that to get to a Man's heart is through his stomach.

Well, DEAR FUTURE HUBBY WHO IS BEYOND LATE

Does this help? Will this entice you to come out of your closet?

Not THAT closet but at least what ever dumb ugly rock your hiding under!

Whelp. Anywhos this is the dinner I fixed on Monday and it really turned out well So I decided to share! Enjoy :)

Bow Tie Asparagus W/ either--you decide--Chicken, Shrimp, or Ham.

{we prefer shrimp} 1 box of shrimp scampi "Sea Pack" brand from Sam's club

1 cup of Heavy cream

2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese

3 cups of asparagus cut into pieces

1 cup of diced tomatoes

1 box of bow tie pasta

1 tablespoon diced garlic

In large saucepan cook the whole box of shrimp scampi or chicken

Cut asparagus into pieces. Enough for three cups. Then place in a microwave baking dish and cover all the way with water. Cook in microwave for 10 minutes.

Dice tomatoes for 1 cup.

After shrimp is done remember to remove the hard shell at the end. Let sit.

Bring water in large pot for pasta to boil then add pasta. Cook for 8-9 minutes.

In another sauce pan bring heavy cream, Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon of diced garlic to boil. Stirring constantly.

After pasta is done, drain well and drain the asparagus.

Add all ingredients back into large pot. Serve on plates with light parsley sprinkled on top and enjoy!

Family 4th of July

Warning: Picture Overload

Our family 4th was stunningly FABULOUS. We held our annual family gathering at a different location this year and one that I think everyone is in full agreement is our new spot! The Sun was out and the food was flowing. It doesnt get any better then that to celebrate my 2nd favorite holiday and take pride in our country!

To the Red, White, & Blue. Amen.

GALOURIS FOOD CITY CAKE!


Me and the two brides. Carrie up first Aug. 1st in the blue dress and Alexa Aug. 28th in the middle! And yes, you don't have to say it...I'm the shortest!

This shot of Hailey CRACKS us up! I've always said Hailey is a firecracker and this confirms!

It's all in the stride.

Cousin Love?

Can i PLEASSSSEE light one now? He says.

Hailey takes the honor of cake cutting.

What mischief do these two hold in their smiles?

The stud poser.

Hiding from the boys and that darn water gun!

CheerWine is a caffeine soda. It's kinda like a cherry coke but not. It's SO GOOD! A South Must!

I actually had to work later that afternoon at 4 but that was fine with me. We had been there all day from 10 am to 2:30pm So off to work i went and then later that night we went to Kingsport--our neighboring city--like we do every year for the beautiful fireworks show.

I love the 4th. This country has gone through so much and I'm so proud to be an American. Those 6 words I'm truly thankful to say and for this great nation. One nation under God.

The Status: chpt. 1

Tonight, i had a thought. As I was starring at my facebook account wondering what to update my status line--you know, that quirky little one liner that's supposed to say it all AND draw your attention?--

Well, really. What would you like to know? And what if...I turned this into a blog? Maybe a recurring post every so often as a journal like one liners on Current status updates of me.

The things that are happening.

I mean do you ever wonder what the lovely blogger your following is really doing in her every day to day life then what is last posted on her blog?

So, as a grand new beginning...I give you the first of the "Status of Me"

First up: the love of my life pink nail polish I'm currently strutting around.

"City Pretty Rose" by Nicole O.P.I.

I find this name a let down. I mean this is a pink that needs a true stand on its own name.

i take my toe nail polish seriously.

Song Replay: Broken by Lifehouse

NO, I'm not broken but it's lyrics haunt me ..."I'm holding on for another Day..." "In your name I find meaning..."

Plus, broken is the theme song for the movie the Time Travelers wife in which I'm awaiting.

Book finished: The time Travelers Wife.

I wont go into a review but its being made into a movie and so I had to read the book.

I loved it.

It made me cry. First book to ever do that.

Tomorrow: I'm off. I'll be uploading all my July 4th pictures to facebook and some for the blog.

Tomorrow Night: Concert of Thriving Ivory AND Sam Bradly. Now you probably haven't heard of him but if your a twilighter then you might know that he helped co-write the song Never Think with Robert Pattinson and he's a good pal to Rob as well.

Current Worry: Well, first Alexa's Bridal shower. The next one. Don't tell her...but i haven't started anything yet.

Next, work. I'm trying to find another job.

Deep Thoughts: Time

It's too short. It's to long.

Wow. You can really tell I just read a full 5oo page book about a love story with time.

My house: REALLY needs to be cleaned from the weekend.

Last Movie Seen: Ice Age w/ my nephew. He's always a great date.

Wishful Thinking: PLEASE someone drop me a laundry fairy so I don't have to do my own.

The End of chapter 1.

***UpDAtE***

I found this video of Lifehouse preforming live of Broken. It gives me chills. To me, its not really a breakup/sad song but a song up hope. A life holding on to find that someone. I think it fits 100% perfect for the movie the Time Travelers Wife. Not to mention but I think the lead singer is oh so hot and his voice...Just listen to the lyrics. I LOVE this song.

Bridal Shower & Recipes

Carrie's shower took place this past Saturday and PHEW!!!!!!! is all I got to say.

Okay, well also that it turned out VERY lover-ly.

One shower down and one more to go.

We had such the crowd at Carrie's house and I want to send a major shout out/thank you to Jenny B. for staying over with me and Carrie and working just as hard to help us out.

The only bummers is that

A} I WISH I took more pictures of family shots with Carrie but everything was just going by so quickly and making sure enough food was out etc...that your mind wonders and photos get pushed to the "no-go"

B} Somebody needs to give my computer a spanking & "talksie" because AGAIN it wont let me upload the video I did of Carrie growing up that I showed at the shower.

And C} The florist we went through was SO tacky and lousy that that's all I'm gonna say cause I'm getting mad all over again. POO on them!

The invitation sent out {address/number whited out for creeper control} and the picture of Carrie below was inserted with it.

We or should I say Carrie {I'm too short to reach LOL} worked so hard on hanging the white lanterns I picked up at Dollar tree months ago for 50 cents.

I at least handed the tape and gave advice :)

I wanted to showcase some of the many engagement photos of the lovely couple, So on small marble side tables around the room I displayed this every so cute setup.

The limes, limes, limes part. We loved it and SO easy to do.

Oh the food... the food! And also...one small advantage of not having your mother dearest around is that you don't have to ask for permission to spray paint her huge gold candle stick things hot pink!

Spinach Dip. This was mine and Carries first time making it and it's SO easy. At the bottom after pictures is the recipe requested from face book.

Our family FAVORITE that made us think it's Christmas. Mini Cheesecakes. Ummmm so good. And then our summer favorite mini fruit pizzas.

Southern comfort Punch. Okay "funny" haha- ditsy story that my cousins shall never let me live down is that last year when I was searching a good punch recipe on good old Martha.com

I came across this FABULOUS punch called "Southern Comfort" punch.

Now, me...being the doesn't drink person just thinks "How cute is that name!" "This IS the south so it must be an old southern recipe that I've never heard of."

Alright, so HOW was I to know that this is called that because "southern comfort" is an alcoholic drink?

So by request again at the bottom of pictures is the recipe to the "clean non-alcoholic" newly named "southern punch" recipe.

Suckas!

Yes. I ENVY this apron. Hey Alexa! Ya wanna order this for me too at Christmas? Birthday?

The table after everyone was gone and it's all cleaned up. Too cute I tell ya!

Carrie advertising the favors. Wal-Mart had strawberry and strawberry kiwi smackers chap stick on sale. And you know me, I just couldn't resist giving these out as favors.

How adorable is this picture? Girlie happiness in a bowl is what I say.

Spinach Dip
1 package of Frozen spinach
1 16 oz. sour cream
1 cup mayo
1 dry package of vegetable mix
Cook frozen spinach till boiling. Then cover & simmer for 8 minutes. Drain well.
Mix all ingredients and spinach and let chill 4-to 8 hours. Serve w/ wheat or Italian bread.

Southern Punch AKA Southern Comfort without the real "Southern Comfort"
2 frozen lemonade drink mix
1 frozen orange juice mix
1 1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 liter of sprite
1 navel orange.
1 Lemon
1 cup of coconut to sprinkle on top
Put the frozen drink mixes in first. Add pineapple juice. Then Sprite on top till the top of the bowl --you may not use all of it. Cut navel orange/lemon into slices. Place as floating top. Sprinkle coconut on top to finish if off. Repeat to refill.

As I said at the top. One shower down. One more to Go! Yay for Alexa!

PS. Have you voted on my poll yet?
It's coming up soon as a post and I will be allowing comments...So VOTE!