DIY Engineer Print

So I've been in this DIY craze lately. I'm borderline obsessed with decorating our cute little apartment on the pennies. I've seen numerous posts on the "engineer print" so I thought I would give it a go! 

Here is a little step by step of how to make this project work! First, here is a little glimpse of the end result. 

Materials: 

-Engineer Print 

-Plywood, cork board, or foam board to mount photo on. 

-Spray Adhesive

-Some type of medium to cover the sides of the mounting material such as paint, spray paint, duct tape, etc.

-2 sets of hands because it makes this project way easier! 

1. Find a photo & blow that sucker up! 

This was easy because I already knew which photo I wanted to use for months. This was from our engagement shoot. I fell in love with this from the second I saw it! I took a copy of this on a cd to FEDEX to be printed. I know Staples offers the option for an engineer print as well. The great thing about engineer prints is they are dirt CHEAP. It only cost me $3 and some change to get a 36x48! Granted, you get what you pay for, black and white only, and the paper that it is printed on is equivalent to copy paper. So, if you can't stand to sneak a peak until you get home, be very careful as the thin paper wrinkles easy. 

2. Find something to mount that bad boy on. 

Lucky for me, I had my assistant, Mr. Handyman Husband to help me with this part of the project. We headed to Home Depot to decide what would work best. We decided on a thin piece of plywood which we had to get cut down (Home Depot does that for free!) to the exact size of the photo since I did not want a "border" around the picture. I've also read that people have mounted this on foam board. However, with my cat being the little rambunctious thing that he is, if we used the foam board, I guarantee it would have been knocked down and destroyed within the day. 

3. Prepare plywood. 

I had some left over white spray paint which I thought would be enough. Ummmm, nope, and I was too cheap (lazy) to buy anymore. So for any of you that ever see this in person, don't look at the bottom edge. 

Here is what our board looked like! Please note the white blotch on the siding...whoops. Don't spray paint your entire apartment complex while attempting this. 

4.  Attach photo to plywood.

This was the only slightly tricky part and where it was so nice to have T's assistance. We rolled up the picture as you can see below. It was the best way we found this to work. T would hold the picture while I used the spray adhesive. We did about 6 inches at a time. Spray, roll out the picture, spray, roll out the picture until the entire picture was down. Being the impatient woman I am I wanted to slap that thing on there, but trust me, do a little at a time to ensure the picture goes on even and smooth. 

I'm positive the only way this worked was because I had a good lookin' man in uniform helping me! 

Here is a shot before I attempted to paint modge podge over the top...grrrr

Not sure what I'm looking at...probably the stripes of spray paint I left all over the ground. #imgoingtogetfined 

I've read some people have used modge podge over their print successfully, however, it absolutely did not work for me. It made the picture bubble up! I tried as best as I could to fix it and thankfully you can't really tell from afar, but it still makes me grumpy when I walk by and see those tiny bubbles. 

Last but not least, put the finished product on display! We considered hanging ours, but I set it up on top of our dresser and like it just fine. It's directly in front of our bed so it's the first thing I see in the morning. It's make me haaaaapppyyyyyy! 

How stinkin' cute is that!? And so ridiculously affordable! Everyone should go do this DIY now. Right now! What are you waiting for?? 

Until Next Time, 

Always 

Little Reminders

You know, as much as the military impacts my daily life, sometimes I forget that T is actually in the Army. Well, not forget, but don't always think about what it actually means to serve in the armed forces.  I forget that he does not hold a 9-5 job like many others.  Maybe I have just become accustomed to it, the stereotypes, the misunderstandings, the constant change that comes along with this lifestyle. I forget that this is not what people think is "normal."  

Sometimes, life gives you little reminders.  

First, some back story....

T and I went on a quick get-a-way last weekend to visit Asheville, North Carolina, the quirkiest, art-filled, free-spirited town I've ever visited!  It is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America as well as to some tasty food joints and active nightlife.  Seriously, the Biltmore was gigantic.  In case "the largest home in America" doesn't describe how large it is, let me show you (sorry for the weird crop angle):

 It was truly remarkable! I highly recommend visiting if you every have the opportunity.  

Anyway, I rode with T to his last formation of the day, and we headed out right after. It only took us about 4 1/2 hours to arrive in Asheville, but we made a pit stop about halfway to get a snack.  Being two hours away from Fort Bragg, we were definitely out of the military town atmosphere.  Since T didn't have an opportunity to change, he was still in full uniform, which to me is completely normal, obviously.  I don't think anything of it considering I see dozens and dozens of people in uniform everyday! I actually can't think of one time he has worn his uniform out in public when he doesn't have to.  If he has the opportunity to change into "civilian clothes" he does!  He has never liked drawing attention to him in that way, which I have always respected.  We end up walking to get ice cream, and you would have thought he had 4 eyes and 10 arms.  Everyone was staring at T.  EVERYONE.  At first I thought I was imagining things, but the more people we passed, the more looks he got.  Then I realized, these people probably very rarely see someone in uniform!  

That is when I was reminded of what wearing that uniform actually means.  How this is not the "normal" for most. The men and women that give their service to the country that we love is something to be extremely proud of.  Seeing these boots on our floor this week has meant something more, something deeper.

America is the land of the free because of the brave.  I'm sending a huge thank you to all our service members, currently serving, retired, and of course, the ones that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

God Bless the USA and the tremendous ones who protect her.  


Until Next Time, 
Always         

.

Handsome Husband & Big News

After my second leave of absence from the blogging world, I hope the third time is actually the charm. I was overly inspired to get writing thanks to some recent news T and I received. First, let's play the catch up game...again.

1.  I am a married woman! WOW! What a magical day. Full of more love, happiness, and joy than I have ever experience. T and I felt beyond blessed to have such a magical day.  We have been married for almost 4 months now, and it feels like we were just walking down the aisle! 

2. We have 2 pets! A sassy kitty named Dobby (after Harry Potter of course-"DOBBY IS A FREE ELF!") and a handsome Husky named, Rocky.  Considering the only pet I've ever had was a Beta fish, this has been a major highlight for me.

...the one and only time they've snuggled...

3.  So here is the big news, after some unexpected twists and turns in Army life, T and I will be moving in the very near future.  Keep in mind, I just got settled here at Fort Bragg, NC.  But, hey! Change comes with the territory.  You think we would know by now to expect the unexpected, right?  Well let me tell y'all, we did NOT expect this new duty station.  Heck, we had no idea there was even a chance of us moving so quickly! So if the fact of moving wasn't surprising enough, when we found out exactly where, we almost passed out!  We are extremely thrilled to be starting a new chapter of our lives in.......Vicenza, Italy!! That's right, ITALY!! 

Below shows exactly where Vicenza is located! From the beginning of our relationship, T and I dreamed of being able to travel and see the world together.  We feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity and truly look forward to being immersed in the Italian culture.  The beauty (and wine) that awaits us is almost too much to handle!

I hope this blog will offer a glimpse into our travels and life in general for our family and friends who we are wanting to stay closely connected with.  I also hope other military families stumble across this blog as I will also be posting about our process of PCSing OCONUS (moving overseas) which may be of some use! 

Until Next Time, 

Always      

Day 1

I had the case of the Day 1 Blahs yesterday.  By "case" I mean full on terrible, crazy, close to psychoic blahs. 

T left for training again yesterday morning, after only being back for two weeks.  Of course, it's a no contact type of training, but even worse, no letters.  Needless to say I wasn't a happy camper.  No matter how hard I tried to ward off my blahs, I just couldn't shake them.   

Here is a list of things that set me off yesterday:

1. A teeny tiny nail stuck in my tire, costing me $16 to repair.  
2. Couldn't find my red cardigan for the upmteenth time.
3. My purse tipped over in my car, leaving junk EVERYWHERE.
4. My grilled peanut butter sandwich stuck to the pan. Twice. (Yes, grilled PB is a thing, just make it like a grilled cheese with peanut butter, no cheese, obvioulsy. Life changing.)
5. My wireless internet WOULD NOT WORK.  Totally lost that battle.
6.  Last but not least, I stepped on a lego.  Um, OUCH.

On a normal day, these things would probably go unnoticed-except maybe number 6.  But let me tell y'all, my Day 1 blahs mixed with the above list sent me into a full downward spiral. By 8:00 I buried myself under the covers, shoving my face with oreos. Don't judge. 

I'm back to normal, positive Amanda today! Thank goodness because I don't think I could handle another day of losing cardigans and stepping on legos.   

Piece of advice, tell your significant other how much you adore them today and realize how lucky you are to hear their voice everyday. 

Until Next Time.
Always
 

I'm baaaaaack

Wow, it’s been awhile! Honestly, I was struggling trying to figure out the direction of this blog, which was causing a bit of a writer’s block. I’m still not 100% sure , but some changes will be coming in the near future. However, it has been too long, and I’m jumping back on the bandwagon. My dear friend, Kory Woodard, who runs one of my favorite blogs ever (not to mention I guest write for her monthly- you can check her page out here), installed a great new template on my page! I’m feeling good and inspired again, so...let’s get bloggin’!

First, here are a few updates to get us back up to speed:

1. Planning a wedding is crazy.

2. Planning a wedding on a reasonable budget is crazier.

3 Planning a wedding with your other half absent the majority of the time is craziest.

T and I will have been engaged for six month this week! How time flies! 

I still look at my ring at least 389745 times a day.  I mean look at this beauty!?!

Anyway....

It feels like just yesterday he was down on one knee asking me to spend the rest of our lives together. We decided on a December wedding due to the Army’s “Christmas Exodus” (basically a two week break given to Army over the Christmas holiday). Truthfully, we could not pick another day that would guarantee T being able to make it to the alter. His training schedule changes on what it seems like a weekly basis, so planning anything is nearly impossible. I really think we are out of our minds getting married three days after Christmas, but hey, whatever!

I have been in full force wedding planning mode here lately. It’s been so exciting I can’t hardly wait for the day to get here. You know everyone says it’s the bride’s day. All about what I want which obviously soooo true, but I have to say, not being able to talk to T at all is not ideal. There are some things I just want to talk to him about and hear his thoughts and opinions. Out of the six months we’ve been engaged, over three of them have been with zero contact. No fun! I did get a couple of letters here and there, so I guess I can’t complain. I’m expecting to hear from him this weekend and am anxiously waiting to fill him in on every detail (and vise vesra). Because I’m sure chair rentals and tablecloths is exactly the thing he wants to talk about when he gets back!

As for updates on my sweet soldier, things are going great for him. He had a slight set back about two months ago, but is feeling fully motivated again and ready to dominate anything that comes his way, according to his letters anyway! T has been training for the past six weeks at SUT (Small Unit Tactics). I was so happy to receive my most recent letter because he wrote pages and pages about how much he has benefited from this training. It’s been amazing to watch how the Army has transformed him and showcased some of his best characteristics. He’s a natural leader but struggles sometimes having the confidence to do so. It sounds as though SUT has given him a great confidence boost and an opportunity to use his never-ending positive and motivating attitude to help others reach their personal best!

I always tell people this, but I am so proud of him and his dedication to serving our country all while constantly striving to become a better man; spiritually, mentally, and physically. He truly is one of a kind.

I am one blessed gal.

Until Next Time.

Always

2.15.13

There are so many words I want to write, so many thoughts I want to share.  Instead, I'll let the pictures convey just how happy I truly am, for this is the beginning of our 

...always...

 "A baptized man and a baptized woman who have a good sense of who they are, and who have revealed themselves to each other, come together to each other in freedom and by mutual consent agree to be bound in permanence, fidelity, and fruitfulness towards new life."

All photos courtesy of Blue Mason Photography
http://www.bluemasonphotos.com/

Did you know? YES I KNOW.

So, I am all about getting some quality advice.  Nothing beats having a vent session with one of your best friends over a nice glass of Cabernet.  Exchanging stories, maybe getting some words of wisdom on how to handle a specific situation in your life.  There are a handful of people, who when they share an opinion or give out advice, I listen.

Let me just tell y'all, the cashier at Walgreens is NOT one of them.

**DISCLAIMER**This is another vent post.  Sorry in advance.

Everyone has those people in life that believe handing out advice is their God given gift.  Well no, can I speak for us all and say, "IT SURE ISN'T."

So here is my collection, "The You Knows," spoken to me by people on all aspects of the spectrum.  From the cashier at Walgreens to random acquaintances who love to tell me the life I am leading is dreadful.  This post is dedicated to you.

You know living apart is hard.  Really?  I had no clue.  I've only been in a long distance relationship for a year now.  I've seen my boyfriend less times than you see yours in two weeks, but please, continue to tell me how hard it is to live apart from the one you love, especially when your significant other lives in the same room as you.

You'll move away if you guys get married.  You may move overseas and won't get to see you family.  Guess that means you aren't very family oriented. Yep, that is what I am looking forward to the most! Didn't you know??  Idiots.  Obviously you don't know me very well.  My 16 year old sister is my best friend, and I don't go a day without talking to her.  Just because I may move to a different state, doesn't mean that will ever change.  I grew up in a home where family means everything, and I plan on carrying that wherever I go.  Whether it be in Japan or way out in flipping outer space.      

You know he'll be gone all the time right?  I don't know why you would want to have a husband that is never home. Nope, that never crossed my mind.  Thanks for letting me know that though since I am sure you are an expert on absent husbands or relationships for that matter.  So, in case anyone wondered, this thought crosses my mind everyday.  And you know why I want to have a husband that is "never home?"  Because I love him and want to share the rest of my life with him.  Because our love is stronger than a four month deployment  Simple as that.  Next point, please!

You know when he deploys he may not be able to talk to you for weeks at a time.  Considering the person that gave me this tidbit of information has zero connection to any branch of military and believes "deployment" means years and years of living in a cave in Iraq, I should just let this comment roll off my back.  The rapid growth of technology has truly been a lifesaver for long distance relationships.  Believe it or not, there are opportunities for soldiers to contact their loved ones while on deployments.  Each deployment is different, however, sometimes they can bring their phones and computers.  So, yes, there will be weeks at a time where we can't speak, sometimes months, but what does that change?  I can tell you it definitely doesn't change the fact that no matter what, I will stand next to my soldier, through the good and the bad.  To the months of no contact to the times where I cherish every second he is safe at home with me. 

You know Army men don't make that much money.  Well I wasn't aware you were getting a paycheck from the Army!  No, soldiers may not make 6 figures a year, and many would love to make more $$$ (who wouldn't love to make more $$$), but the benefits they receive aren't too shabby.  Housing and food allowance along next-to-nothing insurance costs are not a bad gig.  Besides, is it really any of your business what others are depositing in their bank account? UM NO. 

You know when people come back from overseas they have PTSD.  What if he has to kill someone?  First of all, I am pretty sure you don't know what PTSD is, so I'm not exactly sure why you are even asking.  If you aren't my dad or my best friend, don't ever ask me that what if question.     

Let me just go ahead and put it out there.  Just because YOU may not want to live a certain way doesn't mean I think it is awful.  Just because YOU think it is crazy to marry into the military, doesn't mean I agree.  This is MY life, not YOURS.  I genuinely appreciate the care and concern from the people in my life that know T and me personally.  But to the complete stranger, if you see me working out in my Army tee shirt  and you think it is a good idea to come up and start chatting away about one of those 6 things I have listed above because your cousin's friend's boyfriend's mother married a Marine during Vietnam, you are absolutely dead wrong. 
  
To the rest of my friends, please don't be afraid to talk to me about military life and think the times when we have spoken about it I want to tell you to shut the heck up.  Not true at all.  I feel the deepest appreciation to those of you that have let me vent, given me encouraging words, or just sent me a random text and ask how I am holding up during those no contact periods.

Just remember, when you think you know everything about someone, walk a mile in their boots before putting down their decisions.

Oh, and shout out to Tammy, the cashier at Walgreens, that inspired this post.

Until Next Time.
Always