Blog Design

**Update! 2 headers are already gone! Hurry to make sure you get yours!**

As most of you know, I do some blog design on the side. I just finished up a custom design for another mil-spouse, Jenn at Bull Session. Check out her super cute blog!

As you also might know, I am headed to Poland in a few weeks. This of course means POTTERY. Lots and lots of pottery. (See here for trip number one.)

How do these two things go together? Well, I need money for pottery :) So, I have decided to have a sale. If you choose one of my pre-made headers, I will customize it with photos and/or your blog title for 15 DOLLARS (usually 25!). Extras can be added on beyond that (such as signature, divider, etc.).

I will sell each header only once. So here is your chance to get a custom blog design for only 15 dollars!!

Here are the headers I have available: (Some have pictures and titles so you can get a sense of what they would look like.)










Of course, if you would like a complete custom design, I can do that as well!

Email me (bluestarblogs at gmail dot com) if you are interested. Tell your friends! Help a sista buy pottery! :)

And if I have done a blog design for you, please share your experience in the comments. You know, so people know I'm not mean and crazy. :)

From No Good to Very Bad All in 24 Hours

A. Yesterday I went to the dentist because I broke part of my tooth off. With my fingernail. Nice. I hate the dentist. Hate, hate, hate. And I have a cavity. Crap. I now have 2 more dentist appointments in the next 3 weeks. Boo!

B. I got pulled over on base because I may (or may not, but more likely may) have cut a police officer off in the roundabout. In my defense, I thought he was turning. Although my defense sucked, I still got out of a ticket.

C. I put self tanner on this morning, as I believe tan cellulite looks better than white cellulite. Too bad the tanner also had glitter, which you don't get the full effect of until I stand outside (far away from home). And then you see that I have obviously been at a slumber party playing Pretty Pretty Princess and taking a glitter bath.

D. I saw some old (read: they broke up with us) friends at the BX. We chatted. Then they asked if I was pregnant. No joke.
1. I weigh 125 pounds.
2. I was not rubbing my belly or buying baby stuff.
3. You suck.
4. I know my sister will really enjoy this. This kind of stuff makes her happy.

E. My haircut guy is closed until mid August. Pout. :(

F. My street is closed. For 5 weeks. Which means I had to walk all the way up this...


with my giant boxes. (More on those later.) On trip two up the hill, Doner Guy (who you may remember) offered to help with my boxes. He actually offered to close his shop to help me carry boxes. Uh, no. Also, I was wearing Spanx, and it was very hot. This was not fun.

The bright spot? My boxes from the states finally came in! It was like Christmas. I totally forgot I bought all this stuff...


And with the material I made this...


I know. I'm like freaking Martha Stewart. It's a gift.

Now it's time to enjoy more wine and end this day. And if you tell me there are starving children in Uzbekistan and I shouldn't be pouting we will break up. Forget the wine, I'm going for a Rum and Coke. That is all.

PS- My cat would like you to know he is not fat, he is merely big boned. Meow.

I Think I Need a Baby Carrier

No, not because I'm pregnant (although I do have quite the food baby at the moment), but because I have a cat. A cat who will not leave my side. Even after I take him to the V-E-T. I offer you proof...

Today:

Some Other Day:

And Again (see, I do get out of bed sometimes!):

And a Cold Day:


Wouldn't it be easier just to strap him on? I am registered at Babies R Us. Feel free to send baby carriers my way. :)

Show Us Your Life- Wedding Dress

Kelly has started a weekly linky carnival for different "life" things. At first it was house stuff, and I always meant do it but forgot. Now, well today at least, I will remember to participate! This week's theme is your wedding dress!

We were getting married in Jamaica, so I had to find a dress that was casual, but still wedding like. I must have tried on a million dresses. I went to tons of shops. Everything from high end to low. I found some, but none that I just "knew."

Then we headed to the Bridal Extravaganza in Houston. It really was an extravaganza! You could plan you entire wedding walking around that place. There were dress shops there as well so we sent Jordan away and I started to try on a few dresses.

Then I found it. THE one. It was flowy. It wasn't poofy. It was perfect. And as a bonus, the lady says you can spin a wheel and get some money off of your dress depending on the percent you land on. Guess what I landed on? FREE! I won my wedding dress! (I told you I was a lucky girl!)


(Let's all take a moment of silence to mourn the loss of my tan. Amen. And yes, I have curly hair.)

How exciting is that? And a big help to the budget! So I walked out with my perfect wedding dress without paying a cent! My Dad was SOOO excited!

I think it worked perfectly...





(Ignore the wedding hair- hated it. Bleh.)

Thanks for letting me share!

Bernkastel-Kues

Tuesday and Wednesday I headed up to the base where Jordan had his TDY. Luckily it was just about an hour away. I listened to Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella on the way there and back. LOVING it! I was actually laughing out loud. I'm sure the people driving next to me thought I was nuts.

Tuesday evening we headed out to dinner in a town about 15 minutes away. Bernkastel-Kues is in the heart of wine country on the Mosel river. It was the cutest town ever. It was one of those towns where every single building was just precious. Very German-ish.

(For those of you who are Facebook friends, just pretend like you haven't seen these already, okay?)













We can't wait to go back for the wine fest in September!

In other travel news- 15 days until Austria and 22 until Poland. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Love,
Your non-weird blogger friend

Outed

Not many of my "in real life" friends know about this blog. It's not that I am trying to keep it a secret, it's just that I don't think they would understand. How do you explain to a non-blogger what a blog is all about? How do you tell them about the people you have "met" and the community that exists in the blog world? I'm not hiding my name with some crazy code, I'm not posting only photos of myself from the back. If you come to the blog, you know it's mine. However, I'm not exactly passing out business cards with the address. I kind of like it that way.

For instance, my friend Sarah (first a blog friend, now a real life friend) and I were attending Jordan's promotion ceremony. Someone asked first if we were sisters, then asked how we met. We both looked at each other awkwardly knowing telling him we met on a blog would make us look like weirdo internet psychos. Don't act like you don't know what I mean. We went with Facebook, which still made us look weird.

Today at lunch, a friend of ours saw a book I am currently reading for blog purposes. Jordan explained that I had a blog and was given the opportunity to review this book for the blog. Not being a blogger, the friend was confused as to what I did. I felt like a dork. A loser. Like I spend my entire day doing live action role play games with my online BFFs. I felt outed.

So how do you explain it? How do you put into words what all this is? (Without looking like a Cullen-level pasty white, non-socialized, agoraphobic weirdo, of course.)

Lucky Duck

Lately I have been pretty lucky! In addition to all my shopping deals in the states and in Luxembourg, I have won not one not two but THREE giveaways. Woo Hoo! *Happy Dance!*

The first, is from the wonderful Katie...



How fun are these Vera Bradley things? All are in use as we speak! Thanks Katie!

Next, I won a super cute key fob from Kaitlin...


How super fun and preppy, right? Maybe now I won't lose my keys so much!

And most recently I won this from Kimmie...


And not only did I win the book, I won an AUTOGRAPHED copy! I love love love Jen Lancaster. I have purchased (and read!) every single one of her books. I already bought this one to, but not an AUTOGRAPHED one. Oh my goodness I'm excited!

I'm thinking this lucky streak should keep going. Where can I get some lottery tickets?

Luxembourg, Sort Of

Went to Luxembourg. (Again.) Brought the camera. Forgot the camera battery. Luckily, the first time I have done something like that! So, I will just show you pictures of what I bought :)


Sephora = Heaven! There are none in Germany and they don't ship to APO, so these trips are special!


Can you believe these were only 4 euros a piece? Baskets (for some reason) are usually really expensive here!


And these were also 4 euros! I can't wait to put them up!


Of course- wine! At 2 euros a bottle how can you say no? I'm enjoying the Moscato as I type...

This week I have been super busy with house things. I made cafe curtains and a storage area cover for the kitchen. Shocking, I know! I did them myself! Ignore the dishes. No judging!


Then I put up the curtains my friend lengthened for me. Each tab had to be re-sewn or pinned at the top because the curtain rod doesn't come down. Lovely.


The living room is also a work in progress. Finally got all the curtains up and put the chair cover on. Also added some wood pieces to the wall (purchased at Hobby Lobby for 6 dollars each!). Next step is an oriental rug. Here are the before and afters...




These wall hangings (metal) were also purchased at Hobby Lobby for 6 dollars. I seriously teared up with excitement in that store. It was heaven.


That's enough pictures for now. :) Another busy week coming up this week, and the countdown is on to school. Only a month left until I have to go back. Nooooooo!

Casey...out!

Hooray!

First, I am so glad you all agree with me about Michael Jackson! Makes me wonder who out there, besides Hollywood, ISN'T tired of hearing about him. The media needs to get with it!

Second, 200 followers! How awesome is that? Thanks to each and every person who takes time to read my rambling posts. I so appreciate it! I'm still amazed there are people out there (other than my Mom and Dad) that want to know what I have to say. Ha! I am hoping to do another giveaway soon, so stay tuned. Judging by your comments on the last post I know you will LOVE this giveaway!

Third, I started the Shred again and Jillian is a total hooker. Ugh. I cuss her in my head every single time. DO NOT say a couple more if there is 10 more to go. DO NOT tell me 400 pound people do this workout because I can't even get through it. Her only saving grace is that I know it actually works. Hooker.

Fourth, I know I haven't given you cool travel pictures in awhile. Have no fear! Luxembourg this weekend, Poland soon, and Austria sooner. :)

Alright time to clean for the cleaning lady!
Tschuss!

June 25th

June 25th- My 25th birthday. You probably remember it more as the day Michael Jackson died, though. But did you know it's also the day that 1st Lt Brian Bradshaw was killed in Afghanistan? I bet not. I didn't see his name on CNN.

I am so very tired of hearing about Michael Jackson. I'm tired of seeing a US Representative from my home state try to pass a resolution to honor him. I'm tired of seeing him on the news. A moment of silence in the Senate? Really? Yet here we are, over two weeks later rehashing every lurid detail of this accused child molester's life. To quote the "Reverend" Al Sharpton, "Your daddy wasn't no freak." His use of a double negative could not have been more appropriate.

Was he a good singer? Sure. Was he a great entertainer? Absolutely. But a moment of silence in the halls of government? Really? He was just that- an entertainer. He didn't change the world. He didn't give his life for the betterment of others. He didn't serve a cause greater than himself.

But you know who did? 1st Lt Brian Bradshaw. Take a few minutes to watch this message from his Aunt. It quickly puts back into perspective what really matters. No 4 million dollar funeral, just a town coming together to honor a TRUE hero.


Watch CBS Videos Online

(Thanks USO Girls for sharing this clip!)

Visits

My last semester of college was my student teaching semester. I was lucky enough to be placed in a great school near my hometown in two grades I really wanted to work with. My first half was spent with Kindergarten. I felt welcomed immediately.

(Many of you who have student taught know what a blessing that is. Horror stories are told about terrible mentor teachers who have you around just to make their copies.)

The teacher (Mrs. M) had a welcome sign near the door for me, a desk with supplies for me in the classroom, curriculum items she had been saving for me, and even a welcome book with pictures of each student. I jumped right in to working with the kids, and Mrs. M was great about letting me try everything. I learned SO much during my time with her. We had some "fun" kids of course, one who told us his red hair came from the devil, but we had great kids too. I knew instantly I wanted to teach Kindergarten and have a classroom just like hers!

(My favorite memory- We told the kids that a man was coming to watch to see if they could go to first grade or not. They didn't need to know he was actually there to grade me. They were so well behaved.)

I kept in touch with Mrs. M (Stephanie), invited her to our wedding, went to dinner, showed her my first classroom, and cried when I said goodbye for Germany. She was always helpful and encouraging. Especially so when I took my current Kindergarten job. She was kind enough to send me all sorts of files, all of which I used- of course. My themes are directly in line with hers, we even do some of the same activities on the same days- half way across the world.

Today, I was lucky enough to get to spend time with her again. She and her husband drove almost 3 hours out of their way during their visit to Germany just to come see us! We went to lunch and showed them around base. Her husband especially liked going out to the flight line, which Jordan loved showing him! This visit just further reinforced how lucky I was to have such an AMAZING mentor teacher. Thanks for everything Stephanie!


Anybody else keep in touch with mentor teachers from college?

And because I told her I would put this up, below is a picture of a former student and I (I can't believe she is so big!) from our dinner in Texas. She is an extremely intelligent and sweet girl who was in my first class. Her family was (and still is) very supportive and thoughtful. Her Dad reads this blog regularly, and was a big help when I bought my Mac. Yet another blessing to count- awesome students and their awesome families.

That Was Special...

Sunday- Saw Flea. Had heart attack.
Monday- Purchased flea product from BX. Put on cat.
Tuesday- Cat is pissed. Skin is red. Washed off cats skin.
Wednesday- Cat still having a kitty-cow. Won't lay still. Give cat a bath. Cat not happy.
Thursday- Cat lays around, still pissed.
Friday- Cat scratches off all of neck fur including orange polka dot. Take to vet. Give cortizone shot. Gets cortizone cream. Cat VERY pissed. Mom very tired of pissed cat.

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

So I've been pretty out of it lately and I apologize. I think the jet lag is getting to me this time. I have been going to bed around 12 (that is when my cat is freaking out) and waking up around 9. Add a nap in the afternoon and most of my day is spent sleeping! Hopefully I will get on the right schedule soon.

When I finally did make it back here I was shocked to find the house a mess. Okay, maybe not shocked, but whatever. So, when I am not sleeping I have been working on all that. I have also been having fun putting up some new things I bought for the house.

While you wait for me to get back to normal I will share a funny airplane story with you...

So I was sitting in the second row behind a 30 year old guy and an older woman. She was German and was quizzing him on some basic German words. He seemed to be friendly enough. Then she asked him to turn on the light. He said, "Do it yourself." Then she asked him to get her jacket from the overhead, he said, "I'll move so you can get up and get it." The guy with me offers to help and the younger guy in front just watches. Then he starts to tell her...
"I don't know if you know this, but lots of girls want me. I'm kind of a big deal. I could totally be married right now. I'm pretty awesome."
I kid you not. The guy next to me and I were laughing SO hard. We both just stopped our conversation to listen.
Toolish guy in front of us continues...
"I mean, I'm pretty special. Seriously Mom, I am."

WAIT. Hold the freakin phone. You have been a total jerk to your MOM?!?! The rest of the flight we gave him the stink eye and continued to discuss how amazing we were. Then toolish dude started having gas. The rest of the flight.

Could he have been any worse? I think not.

Winners!!

You get a book! You get a book! YOU get a book! Okay, well NOT everyone gets a book, but these lucky winners get 2 HomeBuilder study books AND some sweet Chick Fil A coupons...

#5- J.J. (Jeri)
#35- A.J.
#27- Ashley
#24- Rachel (My IRL friend! Yeah!)

These runners-up will get coupons for a FREE milkshake and a FREE sandwich at Chick Fil A...

#7- Katie Craig
#29- Leslie
#15- Stacey
#9- JG
#21- Jamie
#23- Stevy

And a super consolation prize of a FREE milkshake coupon goes to:

#3- A Military Wife

Congrats to all the winners! Email me- blustarblogs (at) gmail (dot) com! Please be sure to mention which prize you won in your email. If I don't get your information by Wednesday, I will redraw for your prize. Thanks!

If you mentioned you would like to know how to get these study books for your base chapel, please email me your contact information so I can pass it along.

A HUGE thanks to FamilyLife and CO&P Integrated Marketing for sponsoring this giveaway!

Didn't win but still want the book? Get it here!

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PS- For those of you who mentioned how great Heidelberg was, I agree! I didn't end up going today, but I actually went in 2007 when my parents came! Steph- Let me know if you want some info, I think you will like it!

Home Sweet Home

Made it back to Germany safe and sound. I only threw up on the plane once, but luckily I was sitting next to a doctor. :) The Lord watches out for me!

We are heading to Heidelberg tomorrow with some girls who are new in town.

Hopefully all my boxes come in soon!

Thanks for all your positive comments on the new look. I think it's fun too!

Tschuss!

PS- I will draw the winners of the military marriage giveaway tomorrow. I have decided after seeing the books to do 4 sets of 2 books to each winner so you can do it with your spouse, or give the book to another couple and start a group! Winners will also receive a coupon for a FREE Chick Fil A Sandwich and a FREE milkshake. No kidding. Yeah! Be on the look out for another giveaway soon...

So Long, Farewell

Today marks my last full day in the states. Tomorrow I get on a plane for the vaterland (fatherland). I miss my husband very much, but it's going to be hard to leave this time. Really hard.

I leave this time knowing that I am most likely saying goodbye to my Grandma for good.
I leave this time knowing I won't see my family for another year.
I leave this time with very heavy suitcases.
I leave this time knowing I am going back to the land of a sucky BX.
I leave this time knowing Chick Fil A will not touch my lips again until the summer of 2010.

Yes, I know, somewhere in the back of my mind, that this year will go by fast. I know that I am blessed to be able to travel. I'm sure I will have plenty to do with school and grad school. I know this is the experience of a lifetime.

But I will still miss home.

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Are you in Google Reader? Come out! Check out the new look! I was going for sassy professional. What do you think?

Book Vs. Movie

Back in the fall I read My Sister's Keeper during our trip to the Rhine River. I finished it in just one day. Let's just pretend I didn't sit outside of our hotel with a beer and sob uncontrollably as I read, mmm kay?

Last night, I went to see the movie with some long time friends (including Stevy!). I was super excited to see how the movie turned out. Disclaimer- I know movies don't typically live up to expectations.

But this movie, oh this movie, was NOTHING like the book. If you have read the book and saw the movie, you know what I mean. The brother's story line, the parent's relationship issue, the court case, and HELLO the person that passes away. How do you just change a story totally to make a movie? I don't get it. If you have seen the movie but haven't read the book- READ THE BOOK!

Books with good movie adaptations: The Secret Life of Bees and The Notebook. Both stayed true to the story without trying to over do it.

Other terrible movie adaptations with GREAT books (read them if you haven't already!):
The Other Boleyn Girl, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Kite Runner, Girl with a Pearl Earring

What do you think? Any books that were made it to good movies? Any books your loved and movies you hated? Please share!

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Want to buy/read these books? I'm a big Amazon fan. They ship to APO addresses very quickly, and have reasonable prices.


PS- Today is the last day to enter the giveaway!