Vynuss Vision

Laundry vs. Pinterest

2012-01-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

Is it so bad that it's now been 2 days since I my wonderful husband started my laundry for me, and I have yet to get it out of the dryer to fold and put away? I won't even begin to tell you how many times I've restarted the dryer. *blush*

I'm not really sure what my problem is with laundry lately... I used to LOVE to do laundry...so much so that I enjoyed ironing just about everything... I know, who loves ironing? I mean really. I was that girl that ironed her sheets.

These days, I feel like it's such a chore!

Instead, I spend hours on Pinterest!!!

I love this graph... this is me. The more time I spend on Pinterest, the more pinning I do, and the more pinning I do, the less I am productive. It's become ~~an addiction~~ my new favorite pastime... I do so well until I get the email that says, "So and So is now following your pins... follow them back?" and of course I click the "follow back" button, bringing me to the site. Then it's a black hole in my day. I can't say I regret it though. I have found so many interesting things and some great DIY projects! Not to mention the ahhhh-mazing recipes!!!

My new goal is to actually do some of the things I've found and pinned. (in what time, I'm not sure, but I REALLY plan on trying to) This is going to be great!!!!

Are you on Pinterest? Have you done any of the DIYs or made any of the recipes, or purchased anything you've found on Pinterest?

XOXO-

photos via

Chúc mừng năm mới (Happy New Year!)

2012-01-23T12:03:00.002-05:00

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới

Which means "Happy New Year" in Vietnamese

Today, the Vietnamese and Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year!

This year marks the year of the Dragon!!!

via

I do love dragons! I have one on tattooed on my back. The dragon is thought to bring luck, strength, nobility, wisdom, and a promising future.

What I love about the New Year is the food!

Banh Tet

Banh Tet is a cake that consists of glutinous rice(sticky rice), mung beans, and pork, which is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Usually people start making this a week before new years. In South Vietnam, where my family is from, the shape is usually in a log shape. In the North, it's usually in the shape of a square.

Xoi (sticky rice)

Xoi (pronounced soy) is sticky rice. It's usually eaten with Gio, what I call Vietnamese bologna. The reason the xoi is colored orange/red is because of the baby jackfruit pulp they use to color the xoi red. As you might know, the color red in Asian cultures is symbol of happiness and good luck.

Lì Xì

For kids, the thing I loved getting were lì xì, (pronounced lee see) which were little red and gold envelopes filled with money. I usually received them from my grandparents and other relatives.

We also got them during happy events like weddings. :)

Tonight, we have a New Years celebration on campus... I will be there, hopefully, if i feel well enough to go. (I've been sick for a week now ~~fighting~~ losing a battle with this cold). I really want to get there to eat all the yummy food!!!!

Do you celebrate the Vietnamese/Chinese New Year? What do you do to celebrate?

Wishing all my blog friends a HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS New Year full of LOVE, LUCK and LAUGHTER...

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!!!!

xoxo- Vy

Happy Birthday Lilly Pulitzer!

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

IT ALL STARTED WITH A

JUICE STAND

in 1958

Our Beloved designer, Lilly Pulitzer, left the hustle and bustle that is New York City and moved to beautiful and sunny Palm Beach, Florida with her beau Peter....

...She opened a juice stand, and to hide the juice stains on her dresses, she had a sleeveless colorfully printed dress made...

... and the birth of the classic shift dress was made...

But of course, not everyone knew about Lilly's dresses until a famous person was seen in it while on vacation.

Who was it that made the shift dress and Lilly's name famous?

Famous First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy!

Lilly's dresses were popular among the socialites and was very popular into the early 80's.

In 1984, they were no longer producing the line.

It wasn't until 10 years later that the Lilly line was bought and revived.

Today, Lilly dresses are a treasure and a heirloom.

Here are some of my Lilly wearing moments:

A Sorority Event

My Aunt's wedding (Me and my ~~baby~~ brother)

Our First Easter with just the 2 of us.

Visiting my friend Phil at his Restaurant in NoLa (He just opened a NEW Restaurant in NoLA- ROOT!!!)

Visiting one of my favs in the world- Trishy in NoLa

The pictures could go on...the memories made while wearing Lilly dresses...The quality of the dresses is... the lifestyle and "cult" that is Lilly Pulitzer is what we celebrate. We celebrate the woman who started it all- Lilly Pulitzer.

Happy Birthday Lilly!

We <3 you!!!

Join the blog hop with Pink Preppy Lilly Lover Trish!
XOXO-

Images via and via and via

I Voted today. How about you?

2011-11-08T16:26:00.000-05:00

I voted today, how about you?

Can you imagine what it was like not being able to vote? It was only 91 years ago that women were given the right to vote via the Nineteenth Amendment.

Many people have fought for the voting rights of women, so I feel it necessary to exercise my civic duty and get out to vote when I can. :)

There were of course women who felt that there were women that didn't want to vote and were probably not qualified to vote anyways. These women were part of anti-women's suffrage. Using humor, Alice Duer Miller wrote in 1915:

Why We Don't Want Men to Vote:

Because man's place is in the army
Because no really manly man wants to settle any question otherwise than by fighting about it.
Because if men should adopt peaceable methods women will no longer look up to them.
Because men will lose their charm if they step out of their natural sphere and interest themselves in other matters than feats of arms, uniforms, and drums.
Because men are too emotional to vote. Their conduct at baseball games and political conventions shows this, while their innate tendency to appeal to force renders them unfit for government.

I thought it was funny. Hope you got a chance to get out and vote today.

I'm trying like heck to motivate to study for this finance exam, which I really NEED to study for, but can't seem to focus enough to study. :(

Hope all is well!

XOXO-

Wedding In Minnesota (Recap)

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago, one of my girlfriends got married in her home state, Minnesota.

I met Katie in Va, and she once lived here, but then she moved back to Minnesota. Why would anyone move there? It's too cold! LOL. Just kidding, Katie.

Anyways, Tommy and I were excited to go, not only because we missed her and Scott, and it was her wedding but also because neither one of us had ever been to Minnesota. It was such a quick trip because, I had classes on Friday and my sorority induction on Sunday which I couldn't miss since I'm president. I think the total trip was 22 hours there and back. I was EXHAUSTED!

We we landed, at Minneapolis airport (such a nice airport) and went into the city to get some breakfast. As we're driving towards St. Cloud, not 5 minutes after leaving the airport, I see signs for the Mall of America! We HAD to go! However it was 8:30 AM, so I was doubtful it was going to be open. BUT it was open!! Well, none of the stores were open. :( I did get to see some of the coolness that is the Mall of America, such as the indoor roller coaster and the lego store!

The indoor amusement park

The Lego store (All of those scenes are made completely of legos!!)

Here's a close up of the Loch Ness Monster

Tommy is checking out the Lego mosaic murals...

Here's one.

And heres' the close up. Amazing isn't it?

I just wish we had more time so we could go shopping.

After we left the mall, we drove the 1.5 hours to St. Cloud to the hotel we were staying. We had just enough time to grab some lunch, and get ready for the wedding.

And what a beautiful wedding it was!

While everyone was waiting in line for drinks, we stayed outside and took some sunset pictures. :)

Congratulations to my good friend Katie and her husband Scott!!!

We love you and miss you.

XOXO-

Cocodot Love

2011-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Cocodot <3

So, I do design and print my own stationery, but I also love other great stationery companies. Cocodot is one of those companies!
You can send invitations and card online for free and can order printed cards and invitations as well.
There are so many ways to customize your card right online, including uploading your own photo!

How cute is this holiday card:

Thanksgiving and the holidays aren't that far away (51 days till Christmas)... you could get started early with your holiday cards! (hint, hint)

This one makes me want to have a sunday brunch!

I just love the LuLu Powers Collection:

How cute is this anchor card (Found under the LuLu Powers Nantucket collection)

It's only fall, and I already miss the warmer weather and a good ole clambake! Le sigh.

I LOVE this flag... it's like a symbol of a nation for Pink and Green!

Right now, through November 10th, Gilt City is having a sale on Cocodot printed cards: you can get a $100 Credit for $50 or $50 credit for $30. You have to be a member. If you're not already a member, you can get your invite here: http://www.giltcity.com/invite/vynuss3.

And of course if you don't see anything you like, you can always contact Vynuss Designs for your design, stationery, and printing needs! (Don't you just like that plug?)
Hope everyone is well... I'm feeling like a giveaway in the near future. What do you think? ;)
Stay tuned!

XOXO-

iPad, Kindle, or Nook?

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

I know that quite a few of my friends are full of opinions, and I hope that they chime in!!!

I love technology, and usually consider myself a technologically savvy person, and know what I want, but I am so torn on the iPad, Kindle, Nook war.

I know I want an e-reader, just not sure which one. iPad is twice the price of the Kindle and Nook, and I'm a mac girl through and through. But my rationalization is why would I need and iPad when I practically carry my MBP (MacBookPro) with me everywhere? So that leaves me leaning towards the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes and Noble Nook.

Kindle is coming out with the Kindle Fire, which is going to have all the fun web browser capabilities and the color touch screen... But I think I like the "paper-like" reading screen of the B&W versions... But then I'd need a reading light to read in the not-so-light areas like bed, or in the car on the way to OBX in the evenings... Anyone with either and want to share their thoughts and recommendations?

XOXO-

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween Friends!!!

We've decorated our house for the trick or treaters!

(it's hard to tell, but there's cobwebs all over the porch and blood stains on the door)

Complete with a graveyard...

We had some kids scared to walk up to our house! One little girl told me she was afraid of the spiderwebs. Another told me he was just plain scared of my haunted house.

Mind you, my neighbor was playing some creepy music next door... i thought the music scared me more than my decorations!

Tommy and I went to the ~~pumpkin patch~~ farmer's market to get our pumpkins!

This is the same farmer's market that President Obama and the First Lady visited when they came to Hampton:

We had a competition to see who would carve a better pumpkin. I tried to throw him off by saying I would carve something really easy. When he got started, I brought out the big guns and carved something what I really wanted to carve:

Here's his:

What do you think?

I saw some really great pumpkins this year on blogger and Facebook. Did you carve or decorate pumpkins? What's your favorite way to decorate yours- carve? paint? cover?

Hope you and all the minnies had a great Halloween!!!!

XOXO-

It's been a long time and lots of changes...

2011-10-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

WOW, so it's been just a little over 2 months since my last post!?!?
Well, school started and my life went into overdrive. Literally. I was working, working, working, schooling, and not sleeping.

My career job was in full swing since we were in the midst of convention and conference season. Add to that my job at the women's shelter for victims of domestic violence was busy (sadly, it's always busy there!) and October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so gearing up for that was just busy. In addition, I had a few orders in for Vynuss Designs, my company I started a few months back. And then add to all that busy and craziness, I'm a full time student and school started. This semester has been much harder than any semester I've had thus far. Managerial Econ, Operational Management, Managerial Finance, and Business Statistics... Whew... Oh, did I say, I HATE MATH? :( Yes, I do not like math, I can do it if I HAVE to, but do not prefer to do it. I'm also president of my sorority, so that keeps me busy too. Not to mention my poor husband... Oh, how I felt like a horrible wife, just coming home to eat and doing absolutely nothing to help him with all the housework chores. He's my lifesaver and my hero for taking care of me, and loving me. (that's NOT him below... but it's a good representation of what he's done)

Anyways, something had to give, so I left the shelter. It was 40 mins from my home one way, I was only working 2 days a week, and I felt it was not fair to the staff and myself. It was sad, because I really loved what I did there, and I loved the people! They really didn't want me to leave, and at times I contemplated not leaving, but it was a necessity at this point. The good thing is that I can come back and help out as a volunteer and work on some projects. :)

Since I've left, I feel a little less stressed, probably because I can actually read for school and catch up. I just can't wait for school to be over. If everything goes well, I'll be hopefully graduating in May 2013.
I am excited to get back into blogging again. I tried to at least keep up with everyone, with whatever time I had, but it was so dang hard. I have some reading to do to catch up, but that sounds like fun to me! :) In the next few posts, I'll just be spending some time updating you all on what's been going on with me & Tommy and our adventures.

XOXO-

all images via

C'mon Irene!!

2011-08-26T23:05:00.001-04:00

Catastrophic

Historic

Scary

Huge

All names that Irene has been called. And she's coming this a way!

I was a nervous wreck earlier this week. Add to the fact that I was running a fever of 103.1 just Monday and Tuesday. Then we had a 5.8 magnitude earthquake! It was crazy!!!
It made me dizzy. I survived my first earthquake!!! :)
There wasn't any damage at our house, so this picture is hilarious!!!

It's been an eventful week!

Today, I finally start feeling better.. just in time to hurricane prep.

We've batten down the hatches: secured all our outdoor equipment by brining most everything inside or into the garage, brought all our plants indoors, filled our tubs with water, did laundry, vacuumed the house, stocked up on food and water, and of course alcohol!!!

We're ready for Irene, and now, I've got cabin fever from being home sick all week and then thinking about being stuck in the house while Irene is in town. :(

I was worried about my family as most of them are on the southside, Tom's family is in Poquoson, a very flood prone area... good news is that their house is in the high part. :)

Now that everything is all set, I'm getting excited. I haven't been home for a good ole hurricane in years!!! Since before 1998!!!

Tommy and I are waiting for Irene with our Light and Stormies... Since we didn't have Ginger beer, we opted for Ginger Ale. It's a drink from the BVI that we loved and it's a perfect hurricane drink!!!

Light and Stormy Drink

Dark Rum

Ginger Ale

Lime Twist

Dark and Stormy Drink

Dark Rum

Ginger Beer

Lime Twist

Pour Rum over ice, top with Ginger Ale or Beer, and Squeeze the lime juice into the drink and drop the lime in.

ENJOY!

We'll off to the hurricane wait... Hopefully there's not a lot of damage. I am sure we'll lose power... let's hope for not too long.

Oh, and I go back to school on Tuesday since the first few days of school has been cancelled for most all of the colleges here- ODU, NSU, Christoper Newport, William & Mary...

Everyone on the East Coast, Be Safe!!!

XOXO

Wordless Wednesday-In Memory

2011-08-10T17:18:00.000-04:00

... of one of my favorite bloggers...

Lisa

Bumpkin on a Swing

May you rest in peace

I took this pic in BVI for Lisa while I was on vacation

XOXO-

images: Via

Skype Addiction?

2011-07-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

Well, I wouldn't say it's quite an addiction... but I do love skype. I love that I can hop online and "see" and talk to my friend in Minnesota, show my momma something real quick when I can't make it over, talk to my cousin late night while he shows me his college diploma over Skype, talking to our baby cousin as she tells us a story of her day, or just connecting to family that live out of state and don't get to see on a regular basis... As busy as my days get, and as much texting, email, and phone calls we do, I love being able to see people. I know it can never take the place of physically seeing someone and running over to give them a hug, but it helps when I can't see them in person.

Upsides:

All the above+
Free video chat one on one, can go up to 10 people (with a paid subscription)

Works from PC to Macs and vice versa

You can share your screen (I use this with my mom in law when we do tech support or work stuff)

Downsides:

Skyping when you look like crap, sometimes when you're at home and just woke up or just worked out...
I don't have a lot of people on it... at least not all my family is on it.
Group video chat requires a subscription (We tried the 3-way video chat and I could only see one of the persons we were chatting with, but we could all hear each other)

Does anyone else use Skype? What do you use it for? What are your experiences??

XOXO-

skype image via

Pho Real

2011-07-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

Ok, so anytime I cook something Vietnamese, I usually post it on Facebook and everyone always comments. We've gone so far as have a "Friends, Family, and Pho" Night at our house. Everyone has asked me my recipe on how to make pho, otherwise known as Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. To clarify how it's pronounced, it is pronounced "Fuh-uh", no "Foe".
Pho is a staple in my family. I grew up eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it NEVER got old. It's my comfort food (and a great hangover cure)! It's like chicken soup- a cure all. It's not too hard to make, it just takes a lot of prep work and time to make. Most of the time is just the waiting/simmer time.
When you cook it, the smells of the spices permeate the house and smells amazing! So here's my mom's recipe with a little variation from me.
Getting recipes from anyone in my family is really hard. Most of me learning to cook from them goes something like this:

Mom: ok, so you put some of this in here...
Me: how much?
Mom: a little bit
Me: how much is a little bit? like a tablespoon? a teaspoon?
Mom: to taste
Me: (sigh)

So without further ado, my mom's pho recipe as adapted by me...

Here are your ingredients:

· PhoBag Seasoning OR (6 whole star anise,3 sticks cinnamon, 1 tablespoon cardamom pods, 1 tablespoon whole blackpeppercorns and 8 whole cloves)

· Pho Hoa Seasoning (in orange box found in Asian stores)

· Pho Bouillons (yellow box, optional)

· Chicken Broth

· Chicken Bouillons

· 3 whole onions (2 to roast, 1 to slice)

· Beef Bones or Ox Tail

· Fresh Ginger root

· Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam)

· Sugar

· Black pepper

· Pho Rice Noodles

· Round Top Roast

· Thai Basil

· Bean Sprouts

· Lime

· Cilantro

· Green onions

· Hoisin Sauce

· Siracha Sauce

Steps to make the broth:

Dry Roast Seasoning to release flavors
Put roasted seasonings into steeping pouch or cheese cloth or tea infuser ball (leave out cinnamon stick if it doesn't fit)
Peel and stab onions to help release flavor and roast sliced fresh ginger until slightly cooked.
Par boil the beef bones (put bones in a pot, cover with water, boil for 3-5 minutes, a scum will come to top, discard the broth and scum, keep the bones)
Bring chicken broth and steeping pouch with seasoning to a boil
Add and season to taste:

1 bag of the pho hoa seasoning
1-2 pho bouillons
1-2 chicken bouillons
1 tbsp of black pepper
1 tbsp of sugar
the roasted ginger
A splash of fish sauce

Once the water comes back up to a boil, add the beef bones or ox tails
Add the 2 roasted whole onions
Simmer broth for a few hours.

Prep-work for garnishes etc...

Slice the round top into thin slices (hint: put the meat in the freezer to just about frozen... makes it so much easier to cut)
Chop Cilantro and Green Onions together
Slice an onion in half and then into paper thin moon shaped slices
Slice Limes into wedges
Rinse and dry bean sprouts and Thai basil
Boil Dry Pho Noodles (wide rice noodles) according to package directions or until al dente.. make sure to rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. OR if using fresh noodles, dip fresh noodles in boiling water until soft.
Just before eating, make sure to bring the broth back to a boil so you can cook the meat.

Putting it all together:

In a large bowl, fill with desired amount of cooked noodles.
Take a ladle and fill with the raw thinly sliced top round beef.
Dip ladle in boiling broth with chopsticks and cook the beef to medium rare or desired done-ness, careful to not lose any in the broth! :)
Pour the cooked beef and some broth over the noodles. Repeat for more meat, otherwise just add broth
Garnish with Hoisin Sauce, Siricha Sauce, bean sprouts, Thai basil, thinly sliced yellow onion, green onion and cilantro mix, lime juice from the lime wedge, and if you'd like- jalapeños or hot chili peppers.
ENJOY!!!!

Note: you can also add and experiment with other meats like: Vietnamese Beef balls (pictured above), tripe, flank, tendons.

Bowl of Pho :)

I'm not really good at writing recipes, I write them so I understand them, so if you have any questions, or if I've left something out, let me know, and hopefully I can help you.

XOXO & Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T23:11:00.002-04:00

XOXO

Final Blast Off

2011-07-09T10:33:00.000-04:00

There is just something amazing about space shuttles going into space. Ever since I was a kid, and as far back as I can remember, watching a space shuttle take off to outer space is was the COOLEST thing ever! So watching the final space shuttle take off was really exciting and sad for me. I'll admit, I had a few tears.
I woke up and watched it from the beginning. Hearing all the final checks, listening to the "It's been great working with you", and the "it's a go" to the final count down was emotional.
Am I a geek and the only one that still thinks this was the most awesome thing ever? My DH, Tommy, didn't care all that much about the launch, but thought I was just too cute because I was so into it and cared.
This morning he brought in the paper with the front page covered with the picture of the Atlantis, and said "Here you go honey, I thought you might want to keep this one." How'd he know I'd probably throw it into my collection of important history newspapers (the day Pope John Paul II died, OJ's trial, Bin Laden, Princess Di, and the Wedding of 2011)

We'll that's my post on my feelings about the history making event of this week. This weekend we have one of my BF's in town from DC, and we're going to the beach! The weather was not that great yesterday, so we couldn't take them out on the boat. Let's just hope today stays gorgeous, so they can experience Va Beach (they've never been).
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
XOXO

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

From our home to yours....

Happy Fourth of July!!!

I hope that everyone has a great weekend filled with fun cookouts, family, friends, and all things patriotic.

Remember that as we celebrate our Nation's independence, the men and women, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends that are serving our country so we can keep our Independence and Freedom!

And to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice- We salute you and will never forget!

I got this in an email the other day... it said it was created by a 15 year old.

(It's a real tear jerker)

XOXO-

Tankinis

2011-06-30T10:00:00.003-04:00

I've never been much for tankini's, but I'm about to start taking dive lessons and need a substantial bathing suit, something that's not going to "expose the goods" so to speak.

I'm not sure if I'm ready for a once piece. The last time I was in a one piece was in high school when I was on the swim team (and in my best shape ever)

Hummm maybe I should get back into swimming...

So, I went on a tankini search in the stores and didn't find anything I liked.

Then I remembered a lil ole site: zappos.com, and I remembered they had all kinds of things besides shoes, so I searched for tankinis and came up with a couple hundred of them!

I found a tankini that I actually loved:

And here are the bottoms I got:

I just thought they were too cute (and nautical)!

The best part- it's free overnight shipping and free shipping both ways!!!

I can't wait to see how it's going to look and fit.

Has anyone ever shopped Zappos?

xoxo-

2 months?!?

2011-06-29T10:00:00.005-04:00

Wow, has it really been over 2 months since my last blog post?!!?

Let's see if we can do a top 10 quick update of what's been going on.

1. Finished school for the semester- got all A's!!!

2. Cut down 4 trees on our property... finally got rid of the gum ball trees. Marley can now enjoy the back yard. AND we no longer have to stress about the tree's roots pushing on our foundation.

3.Tore apart and rebuilt a much bigger deck... We thought it was going to be a weekend project, but instead it turned out to be an almost 4 week project instead (and still going) !!

3. Went to a DH's uncle's wedding in Northern VA- on a boat. A paddle boat- The Cherry Blossom on the Potomac. Had a great time, but got a lil sea sick.

4. Went to our annual event- Gold Cup. A steeple chase in NoVA the weekend of the Derby!

5. FINS up! Went to see Jimmy Buffett in Va Beach!! Always a great time!

6. Went to our favorite place: OBX to our beach house for Memorial Day weekend. The sun was hotttt that weekend that we all got sunburned!

7. Went to New Orleans to visit some friends and get away for a long weekend.

(We got to see my fav people: Phillip Lopez- Exec. Chef at Rambla in NOLA, and Trishy of Preppy Pink Lilly Lover)

8. My two cousins- Jenny and Josh, graduated from college. We had a great party for them.

9. I went on a retreat for work to JMU for 3 long days.

10. I finally officially started my own company- Vynuss Designs... Custom Stationary, Invitations, and my jewelry. Check out the new website which is still being worked on at www.vynussdesigns.com.

So that's my top 10 of what's been going on these past couple months.

I have lots of catching up to do!!! Hope everyone is doing well, and is not as busy as I've been!

XOXO-

Preppy Plates on Joss and Main!!!

2011-04-10T19:00:00.000-04:00

So, I just found out about Joss and Main..

...and in good time too!

Joss and Main is one of those awesome members only limited-time deal sites.

This Monday at 11:00 A.M., Preppy plates will be on sale!!!

Squeeeeeeee!

I just love the preppy plates!!

Here's a preview:

Too bad I'll be in class...

Hummm maybe I can sneak online via my phone?

If you haven't signed up for Joss and Main, here's the link:

Happy Shopping!

XOXO-

Pink and Green Thursday

2011-03-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

Greetings BF's!

It's been a long time since I've played along with Trish's Pink and green Thursdays, but since I just got this yesterday, I had to play!

As soon as I saw them I had to put them on my Lilly Wishlist and of course pre-order them too! What a great way to bring a smile to my face!!! I heard the truck drop off a package, my DH went to the door and retrieved my package, and I knew it had arrived!!!

They are too cute and just perfect for when the weather clears up and I can sip wine out on the deck

Don't you just love this deck!!!!

or beach.

I love the calm serenity of this beach

I am slowly getting better... I went to the doctor twice and the first time (Friday) she told me that I had a virus and that it just had to work it's course. I pretty much slept the weekend away, By Tuesday I had to get back to the doctor since I didn't feel any better. Found out that it turned into a bacterial infection and was given a Z-pack, Prednisone, an inhaler, and super cough syrup. I am at least on an upswing now. If you could hear me talk, you'd think I had a frog in my throat. :)

Also found out that I have reactive airway disease which is almost like asthma. :(

Booo.

More rest for me for a couple more days....

XOXO-

Sick...

2011-03-24T11:55:00.000-04:00

I don't know how it feels to be hit buy a train, but I think I have a pretty good idea...

Yesterday, I tried fighting back what I thought was allergies.

Last night and today the body aches, the coughing, the swollen throat and burning ears and eyes, have taken over.

Yep.

Not allergies.

Don't doctors make house calls anymore? LOL I can't even imagine getting out of bed to go to the doctors right now. I have enough trouble just walking to the bathroom.

So, off to the store my DH has gone... to get me chicken noodle soup, Theraflu, and any other meds he can find. Thank goodness for a wonderful husband!

What are your sick remedies? I'll do anything to get better right now.

XOXO,

Lilly Wish List

2011-03-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

I have to share my current Lilly Wish List:

I want to have this furniture!!!!!

I love the chair! I think it would be great for my craft room! I would totally re-do our reading room for that chair if my DH would allow it...

He knows I love Pink and Green, but he's not a huge fan... however I see yellow in the chair, so maybe...

Okay, so maybe this shouldn't be on my wish list since I've already pre-ordered it. I can't wait for it to come it and drink my wine in it...

It's one of my favorite Lilly Prints and I think DH secretly loves it do because of the monkeys!

Not that I NEED another bike, but if I had a Lilly bike, then MAYBE I'd go for more bike rides... :)

I would totally add a basket to the front!!!!

What are some of your latest Lilly Must haves?

Most of mine do not consist of clothes because I am determined to lose some weight, so no purchasing Lilly clothes until I meet my mark!

(Now that is motivation!!!)

XOXO-

About the BambooPink Jewelry!

2011-03-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

About the Bamboo Pink Jewelry

Ladies (and Gents)!
We've gotten some more info on the new BambooPink Jewelry, and I just wanted to share with you all the info we've gotten.

How it’s Made

All bamboopink jewelry is hypoallergenic. This means it is not only nickel, lead and tarnish free, but all earrings have a titanium surgical post as well. bamboopink will random test every shipment of jewelry to insure quality control. The Gold BP Finish pieces are 24 karat gold plated which create the stunning gold shimmer. The Silver BP Finish pieces are plated with the precious metal, rhodium, a member of the platinum family, to create the silver sheen and unique brushed look.

The Signature bamboopink by JudeFrances Love Knot

Inspired by the ancient Celtic and Chinese knot characters symbolizing love, trust and harmony, the bamboopink love knot represents the union of the three unique founders to create one harmonious company. The symmetrical knot is interwoven into itself with no beginning or end—the three founders, Jude Steele, Frances Gadbois, and Debbie Millar, saw this design as a perfect depiction of their partnership and vision for the company: unity, trust and love.

The Jewelry Pieces

All bamboopink jewelry is designed by co-founder, Frances Gadbois. This classic, sexy, elegant and affordable collection starts at $19 with most pieces under $100. Featuring only the finest crystals as well as seasonal colored stones in turquoise, coral and more, bamboopink jewelry will always be on-trend yet classic for everyday wear. The line is composed of a myriad of earrings from hoops to studs to show-stopping chandelier earrings; super chic bangles and bracelets that are perfect for layering; stackable rings as well as bold and funky cocktail rings for day into evening looks; and collectable pendants and chain necklaces which make bamboopink the most versatile fashion jewelry collection around.

You can still sign up with BAMBOOPINK for free!!!! And Join my team! It's a great opportunity and the jewelry will sell itself! All the selling can be done online so you don't have to have parties if you don't want to. You can be a consultant without having to buy anything either! Here's my link to sign up: www.bamboopink.net/vynuss. This is a truly fun and exciting opportunity! Can't wait to share it with you all!! :)

XOXO-

Family Traditions

2011-03-19T22:58:00.000-04:00

Happy Weekend!!!

We went up to Annapolis last weekend for a "Surprise" 50th Birthday party and family reunion for DH's family. It was a good time. I was exhausted from not being able to sleep the night before, but was still able to have a good time.

DH's grandmother was an identical twin and the twin's birthdays were right around this time, so they typically got the entire family together for a family reunion around this time. Now, both sisters have passed, and they still continue the tradition.

The O'Donnell's...Some of them

I love traditions! What are some of your favorite family traditions?

My family dosen't really have a lot of traditions. A lot of the family traditions/gatherings have dwindled with everyone growing up and moving away and having their own families. The family gatherings we had used to be so frequent that it was almost every weekend we were getting together. Most of our get togethers always seemed to focus around food.

Good. Food.

Like Pho! (a Vietnamese Beef noodle Soup)

or STEAMED CRABS!!!!!

I remember when I were a child, the aunts and uncles would all get together and get a bushel of crabs to eat. We'd have to lay out the newspaper and drawn butter and then just dump a bunch of crabs on the table...

Most of our summer family gatherings consisted of bushels of steamed crabs.

This was a picture from one of our family reunions.

I am so glad we have a home so that we can start our own family traditions and have everyone over for events and gatherings. Both our families are so big, that I don't think we'd be able to get everyone over to our home. I can't wait till the next family reunion...whenever that will be. The next wedding? Graduation?

My family reunion... one of them. :)

Hope you've all had a beautiful weekend!

XOXO-

For Japan With Love

2011-03-18T23:26:00.000-04:00

Praying for those affected by this disaster!!!

XOXO-

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T23:30:00.001-04:00

Me and Keenan Grace

For each petal on the shamrock

This brings a wish your way -

Good health, good luck, and happiness

For today and every day.

~Author Unknown

Keenan and Momma B

May you all have a safe and wonderful St. Patrick's day!!!

XOXO-

Bamboo Pink!!!

2011-03-14T13:18:00.003-04:00

Most have you might have seen via other bloggers, friends, FB, and news that there's a new jewelry company out- it's called Bamboopink by Jude Frances (check them out at www.judefrances.com), and I have become involved in the launch.

I've seen in floating around and didn't get a chance to check it out till now... and lucky I did with only one more day to sign up for FREE! I figured why not??? It's free, and I can use the extra income! No jewelry hosting parties and everything is all set up for me! Sounds easy enough, and I love that there's no obligation. :)

Here's some info on the company:

Bamboopink is a new fashionable, yet affordable jewelry line made and designed by a JudeFrances, a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores, is all over the red carpet and worn by Oprah and the likes! Bamboopink has already become one of the fastest-growing women’s internet start-up companies in U.S. history! This company is the first of its kind -- an internet launched company and we will be given our own websites, apps, and technology for virtual trunk shows…so all of this can be done from your own home and without hosting parties!

What sets this company apart from other direct sales companies:

* GROUND FLOOR opportunity --- probably won’t ever happen to you again! Everyone with a business background knows that the FIRST people in on a start-up company are the ones that make the money!!!

* Strongest comp plan in the industry!

* Very successful “designer” multi-million dollar jeweler making/backing this jewelry --- basically guaranteed to be successful!

* Instead of growing one sales rep at a time, we can grow hundreds of sales reps at a time with this innovative business model and free sign-up period – but the time to do that is NOW!

This company is exploding over the internet as we speak --- over 13,000 people have already signed up nation-wide -- Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

It’s simple to sign up, go to my site: www.bamboopink.net/vynuss As soon as you sign up, I will send you an email with tools and tips so you can start building your team just as I have!

Sign-ups are free for a limited time (Ends tomorrow at midnight March 15th), with no risks or obligations…..just an OPPORTUNITY to take a “sneak peek” at this company, watch it unveil, and decide if it’s something you want to be a part of (you can walk away at any time if you decide you aren’t interested!) The company is still forming and “unfolding” as we speak….this is your chance to get in on the GROUND FLOOR!!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! And you can win fabulous jewelry and other prizes just for signing up and getting your friends to sign up!

This is an AMAZING, once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity by private invitation only --- I hope you will consider joining me!

Here are some more resources and information below:

· Official Bamboopink facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bamboopinkbyJudeFrances

· Video of private launch party Bamboopink Party

· News clip Bamboopink Business Opportunity

· “Opportunity” video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XWQ0z0fjw

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can be outside all the time!!!

XOXO-

OBX March 2011

2011-03-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

We're back at our favorite place to be:

The Outer Banks

We are just enjoying time with the family, catching up on some things, and then doing a lot of relaxing.

No need to mention my daily activity of collecting shells...

The weather was a bit cloudy on the first day, then it POURED (with tornado warnings), and today was a bit chilly, but sunny.

We'll be leaving to go home tomorrow.

Always the saddest day at the beach.

But we'll be back!

Here are some shots I took:

Tommy and mom

Crab

Beach access

Me!!

Looking over the dunes

Artsy shot of the beach access

Berries

Enjoy!

Hope everyone's week has gotten off to a good start!

I'm on Spring Break from school, but not from work. LOL

Also, as you might notice, the blog look might be changing around as I play with new looks. Let me know what you all think!

XOXO-

Coco Chanel

2011-02-23T23:24:00.001-05:00

So, one of my group assignments for class is to create a wiki page for a topic.

Luckily (or unluckily) I have a group of all girls.

Lucky because the topic we chose is going to be fabulous- Coco Chanel!!!

Unluckily, because 3 of the 5 girls had no idea who Coco Chanel was!!!

GASP!

Can you believe it?

They had never heard of the House of Chanel!!!

I found that impossible and thought they were just kidding!

I then proceed to ask them if they've ever seen the Coco Before Chanel movie.

(Blank stare)

How about Chanel No.5?

(Shoulders shrug)

Hummm, how about Karl Lagerfield?

(nothing)

I know! How about the double C's?

(blink, blink)

This should be rather interesting. I figured EVERYONE would know the Chanel name. I ended up assigning homework to my team- they all had to rent and watch the Coco before Chanel movie. In fact, I plan to watch the movie again. Oh shucks!

I love some of the fashion of the Cruise collection 2011...

images via and via

Please tell me I'm not crazy thinking everyone should know about Chanel, even just the name! Or is it that Chanel does not appeal to the younger generations? I remember falling in love with Chanel in high school when I couldn't afford Chanel fashion. I love the classic style and the perfume... oh the perfume.

At least with this new project, I can introduce Chanel to 3 more young women who might just learn to appreciate the haute couture and classic fashion coming from the House of Chanel.

Happy almost Friday ya'll!!!

xoxo- Vy

Update of where I've been & what I've been doing.

2011-02-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Where have I been lately? BUSY.

What have I been doing? EVERYTHING!

I seem to have little to no time these days. After I started working at the Vera Bradley/Stationary Store in about October right after the wedding, my life went 500 MPH. Not only was I working at the shop part time, but I also was interning at a domestic violence shelter. I was eventually offered a part time position as the volunteer coordinator and I love it. Add to all of this my going to school full time for the first time in over 12 years and also working for another company, my father in law's company as a consultant. I was swamped and Tommy was feeling neglected.

We went on our honeymoon in January to Aruba (LOVED IT) and when we came back, life was hectic! We enjoyed each other's company and bonded. We needed it after the busy season of the holidays.

I had to cut back something, and figure out how to spend time with my new husband since my jobs were keeping me from home, and when I finally made it home, I just wanted to go to bed or was just too exhausted to do anything at all.

The shop was the first thing I had to cut out- it was too demanding time-wise and didn't pay nearly as much as my other jobs and it also conflicted with my plans to go to school full time. The people I worked with were great, but it just wasn't a good enough fit for my full time school schedule and life.

The shelter continued to be a flexible place to work and I consistently feel like it's a place I'm helping make a difference. I am still there and love it.

The consulting with my father in law's company became a real part-time job, and I really enjoy it. It keeps me back in the corporate world, yet is also flexible with my already crazy schedule.

I have also been working on my design work and creative skills and have been doing some print jobs for some friends and family, which takes some time.

I'm also the Vice President of my sorority, so that also keeps me busy with some event planning and coordination.

I guess the key for me is the flexibility I am lucky to have. There would be no way possible that I could do all that I am attempting to do if my jobs were not flexible.

School has been rather demanding, and I feel like after I've finished working at the shelter, for the other company, design work, spending time with Tommy until he goes off to bed, I'm staying up till 2 or 3 am to finish studying or school work. What sleep? Sleep is over rated. LOL

It's been a busy busy time for me, and I've got tons on my plate, than goodness I have a wonderful husband who cooks for me at night and tries to take care of me, especially when I can't.

It sucks that he's unemployed right now, but I feel like I have to work harder to help support. He's busy looking and I hope that he'll find something. I am just being a supportive wife... just as he was supportive when we moved back home and I was unemployed. Things are going to be tight for a while, but we can do it! :)

Hope that everyone else is doing great! I know I haven't commented much, but I am reading updates on my phone and keeping up the best I can with everyone. :)

XOXOXO

-Vy

A beautiful Saturday

2011-02-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

Today was a beautiful day in the Hampton Roads Area!

I started the day with an awesome bowl of home-made brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple oatmeal. It was DELISH!

Then Tommy and I did some yard work and raked up all the terrible gumballs that have covered our yard for a while. Our dog, Marley wouldn't even play in the yard anymore.

Then I went off to an alumni luncheon for my sorority. We celebrated some of the ladies' 90 plus birthdays! It was so awesome! One of the alumni even showed me her birth announcement!

It was stamped with a 2 cent stamp!!!!

The Birthday Gals

I loved being able to chat with our alumni and found some really amazing women. One of the ladies I chatted with told me how she's been doing some really neat research on her family's genealogy. She's traced her history back to John Smith's days!!! How amazing is that!!!

We also played some games and I won in Bingo!!!

When I left, I decided to take a walk down the beach, since it was so gorgeous out. I ended up collecting a few shells, but nothing too spectacular.

I met up with my in-laws and Tommy and did dinner and a movie.

We went and saw Just Go With It. IT WAS HILARIOUS! I laughed so hard my sides hurt and I had tears coming down my face. I just love Adam Sandler movies!

Tomorrow will be more of a day to catch up on homework, work, and some projects I've been working on. Hope the weather continues to be gorgeous and everyone can get out and enjoy!

XOXO- Vy

Kate Spade Sample Sale

2011-02-18T14:57:00.000-05:00

I just have to share....

Today is the last day!

Unfortunately, I can not purchase anything

(whines)

because of our current situation (explanation later)

So I'll share my favs...

Maybe there'll be a fairy godmother who'll send me a gift or two for just being a good girl.

LOL.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Friday!!! It's gorgeous here!!!

XOXO

-Vy

I've been tasked...

2011-02-16T23:47:00.000-05:00

So I'm currently attending a leadership development class and one of the things we've been challenged to do is JOURNAL! And Daily at that!

Of course, my initial thought is that there is absolutely NO WAY possible that I can add another book to my backpack! It's already weighing in at a ton and a half!

(4 Classes in which I am required to bring my books to each class, my laptop, laptop power cord, my notebook/binder, pens, highlighters, and of course my wallets and cosmetic cases). Some days it's extra loaded down with items I need to work at the battered women's shelter that I work at.

So, I realized that I've been wanting to get back into my blog since I've been neglecting my blog, and what better way to get back into it and accomplish a task required!

So hopefully you'll be reading more of the blog in the near future, that is if anyone is still reading... :)

xoxo- Vy

Superbowl Sunday

2011-02-06T19:21:00.000-05:00

Today is Superbowl Sunday, and as any good ole American would do I chose a team.

My team is not in the Superbowl, so I chose to be a cheese head!

GO PACK GO!

XOXO

-Vy

OBX sunset

2011-01-23T13:00:00.001-05:00

Loving the beauty of one of my favorite places- OBX.

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SNOW!

2010-12-17T00:49:00.000-05:00

We've got it, and it was not fun driving in it.

I do love to see the snow... only when I'm safely home.

It's been a trying couple weeks... Will catch you all up in a couple days...

I need to just catch up on life.

xoxo- Vy

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2010-11-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown

Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog friends and readers! Wishing you all a safe thanksgiving surrounded by good family and friends.
XOXO-
Vy

Friends Family and Pho Night

2010-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, we had a dinner party.

This time, it was a Pho night. I called it Friends, Family, and Pho.

It was such a fun night. The idea actually came to me when friends of mine were interested in trying Pho, a Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Pronounced "Fuh"- most people will try to pronounce it as "Fo"). I had mentioned it in conversation that I know how to make it, and of course they asked if I could make it for them. I love to eat Pho and didn't mind at all. Whenever I do make it, my in-laws usually come over for it too, so as it originally started as Friends and Pho, I expanded it to include Friends, Family, and Pho.

Here are some of the pictures from the evening.

I'm a bit pink- I get the glow from drinking wine. :) This is Katie- one of my girlfriends who really wanted to try my pho.

From the comments from everyone, looks like we're going to have more Pho nights.

I love dinner parties, and can't wait to have more... Hummm what other dinner party themes can we come up with???

Well, let's wait till after the holidays!!!!

Hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

XOXO- Vy

My favorite kind of breakfast

2010-11-15T00:40:00.002-05:00

Just the other day, my DH and I went to grab some brunch. We stopped by quite a few places, and they were all packed! One place had a line going out of the building- there were probably 30-40 people standing outside waiting. The food must be really good there... We will have to get there early enough next time to try it out. The place we ended up at was a nursery. It's called Anderson's home and garden showcase. There's a cafe in the inside, and the food was delish. We both got eggs benedict. His was a standard eggs benedict, mine was a crabcake benedict on pita bread with spinach and old bay seasoning- YUM!!! :)

DH laughs at me when we go out for brunch because if there is eggs benedict on the menu, I'm getting it.

I just need to learn to make it. Anyone have any good breakfast recipes?? I love making omelettes and the standard eggs and a meat, but want to try new breakfast recipes.

Xoxo

-Vy

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Wordless Wednesday- Claudia

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

XOXO- Vy

Images via

Speech!

2010-11-09T23:16:00.000-05:00

Via

I know I'm not the only one in the world who hates public speaking... But it still makes me nervous to talk in front of people. Even more so when it's people that know what I'm talking about. Tomorrow morning I have to do a mock speaking engagement at the shelter, to the directors of the shelter, about the shelter. Yikes!!!

I've taken public speaking, I was the president of my Toastmaster's program. In middle school. Yet, everytime I get up to speak in front of people, my heart races. I know most of it is in my head because I aced public speaking and was chosen to speak at a competition for public speaking.

I love theater, and never had a problem acting in front of people, so why so nervous with public speaking? Ah, I wish I knew...

Anyone else in the same boat as me when it comes to public speaking? Any funny stories?

XOXO- Vy

music: Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall

What time???

2010-11-08T08:36:00.000-05:00

I've been even busier than before the wedding. "What time?" seems to be my thoughts these days. And of course making time for the blog has been rather hard. Because this blog is one of my favorite things to do and because I make time for me to do this blog, I plan on taking some time out to write each week- whether it be every other day or once a week.
Where have I been? And what has been keeping me busy? Well here it is:

I work part time at a Boutique and Stationary Store called "The Boutique" and "P.S. Paperie"- love the Vera Bradley and all the awesome stationary we have!!
I work part time at a women's shelter - H.E.R. Shelter (originally I was just going to volunteer there, but then I was offered the position as the Volunteer Coordinator- and I couldn't say no! I absolutely LOVE my job there! The cause is very near and dear to my heart.)
I work as a part time consultant to my father-in-law's company as a designer doing the brochures, business cards, website, marketing materials, etc.
I go to school part time- studying business management at ODU.

So 4 part time gigs going on right now calls for a busy week/month. Oh, and to add on top of all that- being a newlywed. There are some days that I am so exhausted, but I love everything I am doing. I am doing okay right now with all these things on my plate, but can honestly say that I will definitely have to say no to anything else that comes up. :)

I hope that everyone is doing well and keeping warm! It's so chilly here that we've finally had to turn on the heat. Winter is at our doors. Ir's sweaters, sweatshirts, and boots weather! I love the warm cozy clothes weather, but not for too long.
XOXO-
Vy

Weekend Recap

2010-10-24T23:57:00.000-04:00

It was a busy weekend!

I worked all day Saturday.

Came home, had another couple and my brother in law over for a bonfire and drinks.

Their dog, Emma and our dog, Marley played and wore themselves out.

This isn't them, but thought this was cute!

Sunday was church.

Then off to the Oceanfront for an event with a local shelter (H.E.R. Shelter) supporting the awareness of defeating domestic violence.

The staging area of the race.... Shortly after this, everyone ran/walked the 5k.

Then to campus for induction into an organization- APASU (Asian Pacific American Student Union).

I got a cute pink and green empty cup of memories- meant to be filled with new memories with APASU. :)

When I got home, I helped my brother in law and husband with salvaging and taking pictures of my brother in law's house fire.

Getting ready to go to the house.

Here are the pictures of the 2 alarm fire:

Everyone made it out okay, thank goodness for his nose. He smelled the burning plastic smell and got everyone up and out of the house after he'd seen the fire and smoke. The fire originated in the kitchen, on the stove. No one is quite sure what happened, but they are saying it was an unattended stove. No one was hurt. They are gutting the house tomorrow. The top and bottom apartment are not live-able. the fire also caused damage to the house next door as well. All we can say is thank goodness everyone is safe.

I'm exhausted, so off to sleep I go. Tomorrow is a full day at work with another event in the evening and some studying to do for an exam.

XOXO- Vy

Lilly Pulitzer and American Cancer Society

2010-10-23T10:16:00.000-04:00

Today when you shop Lilly, Lilly Pulitzer will donate 10% of the day's sales to the American Cancer Society. What better reason do you need to shop Lilly! :)
In addition, if you spend

$100 or more, you get a FREE iPhone case
$250 or more, you get a FREE memo board (this I LOVE)

Happy shopping! I can't wait to hear what you ladies bought from Lilly! :)

Happy Saturday ladies! Hope you guys have a wonderful day filled with lots of fun and love!
I'm off to work (missing both my High School and College homecomings today). :(

XOXO- Vy

Floral

2010-10-21T21:18:00.001-04:00

I must share with you all my florist- Alisa Cowsert , owner of Botanique.

She was an amazing person to work with. There are all kinds of florists to choose from and there's one in town that's supposed to be really great, but his prices are much too close to the stars than my pockets. When I found Alisa through a reference, I fell in love with her work. She didn't have an exhorbant studio displaying all kinds of arrangements or anything special, but instead an elegant, yet simple office space next to her warehouse where she does all of her work. I must also note that the office was painted in my colors too!!! :)

When we pulled up for our first visit, I think I might have squealed! On a table in her warehouse, she had a centerpiece all set up- much like the vision I had created in my head. However, it wasn't set up for me, but for another event she was working on.

As some of you may know, orchids and peonies are my favorite flowers. I've always assumed that orchids would be too expensive to have, but Alisa knew how much I loved them and was going to make sure I had them in our arrangements and bouquet. Peonies are more of a spring flower, so getting them for the Fall was going to be a little difficult. Alisa came up with another option that would give me the same feel- garden roses in pink. She knew exactly what I wanted and then some.

She asked all kinds of questions learning about Tommy and I, and found that Tommy proposed with the barrel of monkeys. So she incorporated the barrel of monkeys into our bouquets and boutonnieres. Tommy's boutonniere had the monkey holding the flowers.

My bouquet had 2 monkeys arm in arm- if you look closely, you can see the silver barrel of monkeys at the bottom of his boutonniere and the 2 at the top of my bouquet.

Here's a close up of Tommy's Bout.

She also had the monkeys in our sweetheart table arrangement.

Just amazing.

Our centerpieces consisted of high and low arrangements. Here's the high table arrangement.

What's awesome about this arrangement is that the arrangement was on a lightbox which illuminated the arrangement from the bottom up through the glass (in pink, of course!) as the sun set and the room got darker. The other thing I loved about it was the pink orchids which were floating in the vase.

She did a great job incorporating the coral plates in our short table arrangements.

I would recommend Alisa Cowsert to anyone in the area who needs an awesome florist who has amazing talent and creativity.

Thank you Alisa for all your talents and the amazing job you did with our wedding!!!

XOXO- Vy

I'm a MRS. with a wonderful MR.

2010-10-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

I'm officially a Mrs.!!!

Tommy and I were married in my hometown Norfolk, VA on October 9, 2010. It was one year to the day that he proposed to me in his home in Poquoson, VA.

It was such a BEAUTIFUL day with BEAUTIFUL weather! We couldn't have hoped for any better.

The days leading up to the wedding was slammed busy! I actually worked up until Wednesday before the wedding. So Thursday and Friday were running around days, staying up past 2AM, and stressing about all the last minute items. There weren't too many last minute items because I did a great job planning the wedding. There were times that momma B and I just called each other saying..."I can't think of anything else to do".

The day went off just about perfect... The only hitch we had was my ~~"best-friend"~~ person who was supposed to show up and do mine and the bridesmaids' hair didn't show up. :( I got a text early AM from her saying that if I wanted her to do my hair, she'd need someone to come get her since she didn't drive down... my MOH, Krystal, was amazing and calmed me down and said we could pick her up, we still had time. So, I called and texted her back- numerous times... no answer. coming up on 9:30 AM I had to make a decision and come up with a backup plan. I found a local salon- Salon Fringe. THANK GOODNESS for the owner, Justin! He did an amazing job on my hair- he was my hero!

And a huge thanks to my girls for being there and a great support.

Before

After

We had a full Catholic mass. It was really beautiful. Catholic Wedding are long, but we were really happy we did a mass.

I didn't even make it down the aisle without crying. Right before my dad and I walked down the asisle, I told him that I loved him... two steps later, I'm tearing and in need of tissues. A couple people handed me tissues. :)

Instead of doing unity candles, we did a sand ceremony:

We loved the symbolism of the sand ceremony. Since we are beach people, we decided that this fit our personality the best. A sampling of what we had Tom's dad read:

"...today you join your separate lives together. The two separate vessels of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you have been as an individual and your lives before today. As these two vessels of sand are poured into the third vessel, the individual vessels of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual vessels, so will your marriage be.”

Our wedding party.

(L-R: JoJo, Danny, Joey, Kevin, Tommy, Me, Krystal, Jocelyn, Vinita, Susan)

After the ceremony, we went to our reception site and did some pictures with my photographer. Followed by drinks, dinner, and dancing! I wish I could relive the day all over again! It was such a beautiful day and I was so happy to see all our families together celebrating our special day.

Our dance was amazing. I can't wait to see the video! There was a dip, lots of twirls, some fancy steps, and a DEATH DROP! Quite a few people thought Tommy would drop me, but he's an awesome dancer and with our practice, I had the utmost confidence in him.

Some other sights from our wedding:

One week and we are still doing amazing. We just can't keep from reminiscing about our day and looking at pictures. I can't wait to get the pictures back from our photographer!!! These pictures I've posted here are just from friends and family!

I'll share more little details about the day later. I didn't want to make this post ridiculously long.

Hope you are all doing well, my dear BF's. Things are getting back to normal, slowly but surely. I'm trying to catch up with you all, so if my responses/comments are days (even weeks) late, you'll know why. :)

XOXO- Mrs. Vy Barto

Music: At Last by Etta James

It's a Monsoon out there!!!

2010-09-30T23:53:00.001-04:00

This is the picture I took on the ODU campus early this morning. Introducing ODU's newest pond!! :) We've been getting hammered by some serious rain! In fact, some roads are impassible due to the flooding. While in my class this morning, the tornado sirens were going off. Tornadoes touched down and were seen in Norfolk, a few blocks from where I was. The wind gusts were ridiculous! I sat in the parking garage, and the wind was shaking my car! Scary. Anyways, I spent the rest of the day driving all over the area in the terrible weather. Again, Scary.

Why?

Well, I had to go to class- a paper was due.

I dropped off my cake toppers with my cake person,

I dropped off some votives and candles with my florist.

I met with my make up artist and did a trial run.

I had a facial to prep my face for the wedding.

I went to my dance lesson.

via

I think I actually almost used an entire tank of gas today.

Tomorrow morning I have to get to the church at 9 AM and meet with the deacon for all the final paperwork delivery, then work all day. Tomorrow night will be a nice night in for Tommy and I. We're planning on doing movie night.

I don't mind this rain, right now. I hope it gets it out of its system so that next Saturday, we can have some amazing weather! I hear there's a wedding next weekend that would LOVE to have some great weather. :)

I don't want to be wearing what I wore today:

I hope you are all doing well, I've been terrible at catching up with everyone. I'm sure I will do much better once this wedding planning and prep is all done!!!

XOXO-

Vy

Music: Don't Rain on my Parade by the Glee Cast

The excitement builds...

2010-09-28T22:31:00.000-04:00

I can't believe the wedding is next Saturday!!!!

YIKES!!!

and

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

I've been busy with getting all the somewhat last minute items taken care of such as final counts, balances paid, touching base with all my vendors, and last minute purchases.

My cake topper came in last week. It's adorable and just what we wanted:

We also have some palm trees, surf boards, and some starfish to add to our cake tooo. I can't wait to share what the cake looks like! It's going to be awesome!!!! I ordered the topper online at Etsy from Keren at Mudcards. She's done a wonderful job on our topper, and working with her was very easy. She does all kinds of custom cake toppers. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for something unique and personal. We have a cute lil monkey theme going in our Wedding. From our Save the dates, to the topper, to my bouquet. We both love monkeys.

Speaking of wedding, we're also taking dance lessons; mostly to choreograph our first dance. We didn't want to do the 2 step shuffle for an entire song. I love our first dance. We're only in dance lesson #2, and are doing GREAT!!! We have a wonderful teacher- Amy of Amy's Dance Studio.

I'm hoping we look as great as Marcia Cross does in this picture! :)

By the way, Tom is doing GREAT with the dancing! He loves to dance!

Via

I'm having so much fun dancing that I think I might learn more dancing after the wedding. I've always wanted to learn to tango, waltz, and cha cha.

How fantastic that would be!!!

via

I've also been getting in the items for the reception. For the cards, I'm doing a birdcage. It seems that today, there's so many people doing the covered faux gift boxes, that I wanted to do something a bit more romantic. I haven't gotten a chance to dress it up, but I have a jeweled dragonfly and a bunch of embellished white butterflies to dress up the card cage. I'll have to post pictures when it's done.

That's about it for now... This week's another busy week with dance lessons, school, and work. School is pretty busy with an exam this week and a paper due. So off to work on that!

XOXO- Vy

By the way, for my Vera Bradley fans: The Villager tote is only $27 (Normally $72) today online and in outlets only. (Select styles only)

Music: You and Me by Dave Matthews Band

Vera Bradley Launch Day Tomorrow!

2010-09-22T23:02:00.000-04:00

Since I'm working at The Boutique and we sell Vera Bradley, I must let you know that tomorrow is launch day!!! There are 5 new patterns (Shown below), one of them being a breast cancer awareness pattern- Twirly Bird Pink, and it's really cute! There are also a couple new bag styles.

We were really busy this week with the incoming shipments, checking them in and getting the store ready for the launch. Today at work, after we closed we rearranged and got the store ready to display all the new patterns. I'm pretty excited about it!

Here's a preview of the fabrics:

Baroque

Versailles

Buttercup

Twirly Birds Navy

Twirly Birds Pink (Breast Cancer Awareness)

Do you have a favorite pattern??? I'm loving the Baroque and the Twirly Birds!

XOXO- Vy

Images via

Weekend update

2010-09-21T21:49:00.001-04:00

Again it's been a busy week.

First- I started a new job!

It's a part-time job at a boutique shop in Newport News called "The Boutique". It's a cute shop full of Vera Bradley bags, accessories, and stationary.

The other half of the store is called P.S. Paperie. This part of the shop is too cute with all kinds of stationary and paper products, pens, gifts, and invitations. It's my kind of shop.

So far it's been great! I think I'll enjoy working here!

Second, school has been keeping me busy. I'm in school Tuesday - Thursday.

Third, I've been busy with wedding planning and tying things together for the wedding.
Last week, I met with our florist, Alisa Cowsert and finalized the floral arrangements for the reception, the bouquets, and the corsages. I'm really excited with what she's come up with. She's found a way to incorporate my white coral dishes I bought in Florida and blogged about in February.

It's going to look awesome on our tables!

Fourth, this past weekend, Tommy and I were a part of my good girlfriend, Hailey's wedding. She did a traditional Vietnamese wedding and it was amazing!!! We drove up to Northern Va on Friday afternoon and then got up early on Saturday for the wedding. The morning ceremony started at 10:00 AM with the grooms family and friends processing to the bride's family house with trays of gifts. The girls (my role) had to line up and accept the gifts from the groom side. Everyone then comes inside and the introductions are made, the bride is brought down, and there's a blessing and tea ceremony at the bride's house then, everyone processes to the grooms house where it happens all over again. Then there was a nice little break (few hours) and then the dinner reception started at 6PM. 10 course dinner is served and drinks, dancing, and cake... We could only make it till midnight. We were exhausted!

The Procession of gifts

The Girls (Hailey, the Bride, has the yellow headpiece)

The guys with the bride and groom. (Tommy is the bottom right )

Me and Tommy

Tommy, Colin, Hailey, Me

This week should be somewhat normal. The only really exciting thing is on Thursday, I'm driving back up to Northern Va to pick up my wedding gown! I'm soooooooo excited!!! I can't wait to try it on! Wooo hooo!

Hope everyone is having a great week! Can't you feel the cooler air! We've had our windows open for a week or so. It's been so nice.

Thanks to all my followers and readers.

XOXO- Vy

Music: Freddie Mercury tribute Crazy Little thing Called Love
Photos Via and Via

Wordless Wednesday- Fashion Fashion Fashion!

2010-09-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

Tommy Hilfiger

Beautiful Taylor Swift at Tommy H. show

Monique Lhuillier

Victoria Beckam

Marchesa

Vera Wang

Carolina Hererra

Badgley Mischka

Diane Von Furstenberg

Ports 1961

Lincoln Center

XOXO- Vy

Music: Supermodel by RuPaul; Labels or Love by Fergie Instrumental
Images via and via

Where has all the time gone???

2010-09-10T15:24:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a very busy couple weeks!!!

Well in no particular order.

I started back at school...

It's my first semester at ODU as a Lady Monarch. :)

I'm only going part time this semester because of the wedding. It would just be too much! Even so, it's keeping me very busy with all the reading and homework!!!

I'm retaking an Accounting class because the accounting class I took over at Mason didn't transfer over. Go figure. I'm also taking a Writing in the Social Sciences class, which is really interesting. I'm going to have to do some fieldwork and interviewing for this class. I'm to observe and write about a subculture. I'm not sure what subculture I'm going to write about yet. I'm thinking a nursing home or a women's shelter? It has to be something we are not familiar with. We're still in the exploratory stages.

Tommy and I went and enjoyed ECSC, the East Coast Surfing Championship here in Virginia Beach. It was fun, and packed. I actually did some volunteer work for the event and sold the T-shirts for the event as well as played beer police, making sure people weren't leaving the event area with beer.

Me in my hot yellow Volunteer T

The Crowded beach


Surfer

We drove up to Northern VA to see Jimmy Buffett~

That's always a great time! :) We went to the Thursday show and thought it was awesome! He called it the Hurricane Party because Earl was just offshore. I heard the Saturday show was even better. Either way, we love Jimmy Buffett!!!

Momma B and Aunt Dana in their cute aprons

Momma, Tommy, and I (rockin out my cool shades! )

This guy's outfit was hilarious!

Jimmy Buffett!!!

Tommy and I were scheduled for our Pre-Cana (Pre-marriage counseling classes), but that ended up getting canceled because the instructors never showed up. About 10 or 15 other couples had to leave as well. We are rescheduled for this weekend. Hope it doesn't get canceled again! (Fingers Crossed)

Speaking of wedding...

I've been consumed with wedding stuff as well.

I've been meeting with caterers, wedding planners, florists, cake person, music director, church coordinator.... it's getting down to the wire. As of yesterday, we are exactly ONE MONTH away from the big day!!!

I've also sent the invitations out and the responses are already starting to come back in! It's sooo very exciting! I can't wait!

I spent some time with my dad last weekend and learned how to make Vietnamese Eggrolls! It was a lot of fun to spend some time with my dad and learn from him how to cook. Any time I spend time with my family learning how to cook is quality time for me.

Before

After :) YUM

Hope you all are doing well, I have tons of catching up to do with all of you! Hopefully, I haven't missed too much! :) I'll try my best to keep this updated and catch up with everyone soon! Have a great weekend ladies!!!

XOXO- Vy

Music: Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce; Longest Time by Billy Joel

Wordless Wednesday- Seeing things with a different eye

2010-08-25T09:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!!!

Shhhhhh!

XOXO- Vy

Photos via and via

Weekend Recap- Bachelorette Party

2010-08-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind of a weekend with a lot of car time and girl time!!!

Friday morning, I left Southern VA an headed up to Northern VA. A trip that normally takes me 3 hours, took me almost 5 hours! There was quite a bit of traffic!

I stopped in DC to pick up my best friend, Jamie. We had originally planned to have lunch and go shopping, but I'd gotten there so late that we went ahead and got on the road to head to Kent Island, MD on the Eastern Shore.

There, we stayed at my cousin's in-law's condo. We went out and had dinner at an awesome restaurant called Bridges...

and ate some delish food...

(the seafood nachos were TDF!)

...and we enjoyed the sunset...

... with a some drinks...

(Vy, Susan in Red, Vinita in back, Hailey in red to far right)

After dinner, we went out for more drinks and bachelorette dares!

Hailey, Vinita, Vy, Jamie (JJ), Krystal

One of the dares was to get 3 men of the girls' choosing and get them to write down what they thought marriage was. The best answer we got was...

Marriage is in a glance, you see your friend, not a lover. A person whom doesn't judge but binds your heart without walls. It is easy when it is effortless.

Another dare was to get on a boat by the end of the night. And boy, did we get on a boat!!!

The guy who gave us the best definition of what he thought marriage was came to Bridges with a bunch of people including his girlfriend. They owned sonic powerboats! They came on 2.

The 6 of us split into groups of 3 and went on a boat ride with them out on the bay, only to go to the bar next door. :)

Their boats kind of looked like this

The half of us with the boat captain!

The sonic powerboat crew

Saturday morning, we got up nice and early and made our lil trek to Ocean City, MD. It took us about 2.5 hours to get there and we headed straight to the beach!

Vy, Vesna

We actually had a ton of pictures on the beach, but my girlfriend has those pictures...

Some of them are sooo funny. I'll have to share them once I get them from her.

Afterwards we went to some Ocean City landmark bars:

Susan, Jamie, Vy, Krystal, Some random guy, Vesna, Vinita

Black Raspberry Margarita

We did a Bachelorette Scavenger hunt at Fager's Island, but gave up because we one of the challenges was to find a guy named: Tony, Joe, George, or Kent and get a business card from him. We ran into a Kent, but no business card... and kept looking for more men with business cards. We found that we weren't having as much fun looking for these people and hoping they had a business card at the beach bar, that we just gave up and had a good time dancing instead.

Goodies!!

Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and made our trip back home. I had to take Jamie to work and she ended up being a half hour late. Oopsie. She did call ahead and let them know we hit a bit of traffic coming back from the beach, so it was okay. Then, Hailey and I stopped off in Georgetown to get some Georgetown cupcakes. Bad Idea. The line was over an hour long!

I found out that the next time I come up, it'll be easier to call ahead a day and put in my order and then I can just walk in and pick up.

My neighbor, Tara will just love me! She was a lil disappointed that I didn't come back with a dozen of the sweet treats, but next time I will. :)

Of course, we had to see a couple of my fav stores on our walk back to the car:

Kate Spade

Papersource

I dropped off Hailey and proceeded home and got home around 6 (That's 10 hours after we checked out of the hotel!). Drove to momma B's house to have a family dinner saying good luck to lil future brother in law, Danny. He's off to JMU today. It's momma's last baby going off to college. She'll be back later tonight after moving him in and will be a wreck, I'm sure.

All in all, it was a great weekend with some really fun girls! I just wish they all lived closer!

Hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!!! :)

XOXO- Vy

It's a White Party with DSS!!! :)

2010-08-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Today, my friend T, Desperately Seeking Seersucker is hosting an Online White Party in celebration of her IRL white party she has! Click here to find out more! The fun in this is that you just have to find some white pictures and post!

Tomorrow, I'll resume with a weekend update! :)

Sooo what about a white party in a beautiful white mansion?

Maybe we can see the entire city???

Hummmm what to wear... they say white is not very flattering... but these ladies prove it otherwise...

Have a wonderful Monday!!! Join in on the White party! Tomorrow T will be telling us about her giveaway!!!

XOXO- Vy