Wedding Wednesday

Well, the day has come. My last blog post as a single lady!

There has definitely been some drama and some stress this week, but I've been praying for God to bless me with peace and help me to remember what this weekend is all about and as always, He has come through.

This weather report has everyone a little on edge, but after wracking our brains to establish a Plan B and wondering if a last-minute switch in venue was necessary, I stood my ground and decided rain or shine, I'm marrying my best friend...and I'm marrying him in the outdoor ceremony I had planned.

I'm excited to see all my best friends whom I haven't seen in over a year. I'm excited to get prettty-fied and rock my Bachelorette pin-up attire, and my beautiful, bohemian wedding dress. I'm excited to board that plane and spend a week of fun and relaxation in Jamaica with my husband. But I admit, I'm also a little excited to be done with wedding planning!

So stay tuned for some very special guest posts (trust me, you won't want to miss these!) and I'll see you all in two-ish weeks!

Sunday Blessings XXII

There's a reason my blog is named (Bee)autiful Blessings. Yes, it's because my nickname is "Bee" and it's a cute play on words. But also because for a long time this blog was my way of documenting how God was working in my life. 

When I first moved to Ohio just over two years ago, I was pretty lonely. I became negative and what you may describe as a "Debbie Downer." Then one day it occurred to me: to remain negative in light of the joys in life, is to completely take for granted the gift of grace God has given each of us. 

I made a pact with a friend, and with myself, that I was going to start actively counting my blessings. I would no longer remain oblivious to the miracles surrounding me and I would thank Jesus for every precious moment of life His mercy had given me.

About two weeks after making that vow in my heart, I met my soulmate. Chuck has been, without a doubt, my biggest blessing. And so, as I became ever so enamored with our relationship, I started to devote more time and energy to him rather than on Him. And as my attention has strayed, it has become evident in my writing. 

I'm so thankful for every single person who has read, commented or followed my blog. But if you came to this blog for the wedding plans, I'm sorry. This was never supposed to be one of those blogs. I never planned to be one of those girls. I don't regret devoting so much time to wedding and marriage-centric posts; it's an exciting time in my life and I want to look back on my feelings being young and in love when I'm old and in love. I do, however, regret failing to mention to whom all the credit for our union belongs to.

After this week, I can guarantee you there will be posts about our honeymoon, posts about my bachelorette party, posts about my wonderful outdoor ceremony and crazy, fun reception. But I also want to ensure that everyone who reads this blog knows that there will be more posts about "Big Guns Upstairs" (any Dane Cook fans out there?). Because the bottom line is this:

Every good thing I have to write about is solely because of the love of Jesus Christ. 

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Happy Sunday, everyone.

I have been blessed beyond measure this year, this month, this week and this day. 

How have you been blessed today?

Single Digits

Oh. My. Goodness.

Life has been crazy this past week. I've been wanting to update my blog with pictures of our move last weekend, my thoughts on wedding jitters, a post about the wonderful date my hubby-to-be took me on Tuesday night. But y'all (yeah, I just used "y'all")- I have been so TIRED. Hubby got me sick last week and it kicked the crap out of me. So here is a blurb on my past week...

WE MOVED!

[Pictures to come as soon as I find my camera cord!]

Our [new] home is a complete and utter train wreck, but we did it! With the help of Chuck's mom and brother, on Saturday we said good-bye to our first Pittsburgh home and settled into what will be our newlywed pad.

The groomsmen will not be donning their birthday suits.

As exciting as a nudist wedding might be, I am much more comfortable now that I know my groom and all his finest gents will be appropriately suited up on our big day. Speaking of which...we also ordered Chuck's wedding band! I'm having it sent to his Mom's house in Ohio so there's no chance of us missing it if it arrives later than planned!

I'm going to be groomed!

I have an appointment on Saturday to get my hair cut and colored, an appointment Sunday to get waxed and an appointment on Wednesday to get my mani/pedi. The world better watch out because I'm going to be one fierce and sassy bride-to-be! (Either that or I'll be horribly traumatized from my first waxing experience. So nervous!)

Lastly, as we sat watching some old school HIMYM re-runs, I was distracted by the soft snores of one handsome husband-to-be. As I gazed over to reveal the source of the aforementioned sweet, slumbering breaths, this is what my eyes fell upon...

Yes, my darling fiance legitimately fell asleep like this.
No, he was not aided by  the conveniently placed empty beer bottle in his midst.

I can't wait to marry his goofy ass in...

...wait for it...

9 DAYS!

Wedding Guilt

*This post has been edited since its original publishing*

There's been something weighing heavy on my heart in regards to our wedding ceremony.

It was never my intention to stir up a political debate regarding marriage equality. I don't think our wedding is an appropriate venue for something like that. However, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to dismiss the fact that it's not fair.

It's not fair that I can marry Chuck and some of my best friends cannot marry the loves of their lives. I am filled with a sense of guilt and feel as though I am betraying the same friends who have loved, supported and blessed Chuck and my relationship from its very inception. How can I look into the eyes of members of our bridal party, friends seated in the audience and family wishing us well from afar knowing that I have a priviledge that they do not?

To me, this isn't a matter of whether sexuality is right/wrong, moral/immoral, natural/unnatural. It is simply a matter of human rights. We are treating members of the LGBT community as second class citizens. As lesser than heterosexual couples; all the while declaring it in the name of the sanctity of marriage.

Homosexuality is not a threat to the sanctity of marriage. You know what is?

Adultery.

Abuse.

Divorce.

Let it be known that as the daughter of someone who has been divorced more than once, I firmly believe there are instances when divorce is a necessity. But divorce has become a get-out-of-jail-free card. Because there exists a way in which to cast aside your marriage vows, people do not take seriously the commitment of marriage.

This is ruining the sanctity of marriage.

Not the faithful lesbian couple who have stood by each other's side for 20 plus years but aren't given the same rights as Kim Kardashian and her horrendous "marriage."

I realize that not everyone who follows this blog will agree with my position. And I hope that those who fall into this category will not see this as an invitation to throw Bible verses at me regarding the "sin" of homosexuality. My reason for writing this is simply because, I cannot, in good conscience, stand beside my future husband at the altar in two weeks and pretend like I have any more of a right to marry him than my best friends have to marry their significant others.

So while this will not be a topic of discussion within our marriage vows, it will be my heartfelt prayer as we enter into our life-long commitment to one another in front of our friends and family.

The Jesus I follow said nothing concerning same-sex marriage during His time on earth. What he did preach, was a gospel of love. And as I strive to be more Christ-like every day, I will not condemn my LGBT brothers and sisters.

I will show them the same love and compassion that Jesus would.

T-Minus 18 Days To-Do List

It doesn't even seem real that my wedding is 18 days away. This month is going by in a blur and I know the wedding weekend will be the same way. Chuck got his passport in the mail a few days ago so we're ready to board that plane to Jamaica and bask in the bliss of having NO WEDDING PLANNING to do!

Right now, my to-do list looks something like this:

• Pay our photographer
• Give our honorarium to our Pastor
• Buy Chuck's shoes and shirt (Finally bought his suit last night! Yay!)
• Buy our wedding bands (Yeahh...we're a little behind on that)
• Finalize our ceremony/reception music
• Get our marriage license
• Get rid of this ghostly white skin!
• Get my final cut/color
• Schedule my mani/pedi
• Put together my Bridesmaid's gifts

There's still a lot left to do, but there's also so much accomplished that I'm feeling pretty confident.

We're also super busy trying to move in to our new apartment this week. Every night we pack up my car and in the evening after we get out of work we unload and repeat. We're making pretty good progress and are looking forward to Chuck's parents and his brother visiting this weekend to help with the last of it. Phew! I'll be glad when this week is over!

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Help a Bride Out! :)

Only three weeks left until my wedding weekend! We've got a lot in store between August 31st and September 9th...and chances are, blog upkeep will be the least of my priorities. So I'm putting out a call to my lovely blog followers- anyone wanna help a bride out?

via

C'mon- how can you say 'no' to this face?

If you're interested in guest posting, leave me a comment or shoot me a message at beeautifulblessings@gmail.com!

Thank you so much!

What I'm Loving Wednesday v10

Sorry for my Debbie Downer post last night, folks. I've been feeling pretty worn down the past few days. But after a good night's sleep and some God time this morning, I've awoken this morning refreshed and at peace. My prayer for the next few weeks is that every time I start to feel stressed and overwhelmed, God would remind me of the joys of the wonderful changes in my life. My stress stems from a new home, a new husband, a new job, and a new semester of grad school.

Seriously?!

How blessed am I?! I have so much to be thankful for and being mindful of that has instilled in me the most cleansing and calming sense of peace. God is great!

In light of that, here's what I'm loving on this Wednesday...

Today, I'm loving...

This bikini I ordered for our honeymoon from Target!

Source: target.com via Kaity on Pinterest

This hair inspiration. Black has served me well but after the wedding, it's time for a change!

Source: google.com via Kaity on Pinterest

Source: pinkyfureshh.tumblr.com via Kaity on Pinterest

These Pinterest funnies...

Source: themetapicture.com via Kaity on Pinterest

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Kaity on Pinterest

Source: themetapicture.com via Kaity on Pinterest

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Kaity on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday, all! Be blessed today :)

Pooped

Today, I am pooped.

I want to write a post raising awareness and support for some of my favorite humanitarian organizations.

I want to write a post giving you the recipe for the awesome Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili I made on Sunday.

I want to tell you how as my nuptials grow closer, the issue of marriage equality is weighing heavier and heavier on my heart.

I want to be able to tell you that I've been super good about keeping up with my wedding workouts and that I'm making headway on packing for our move next week (...NOT!).

I want to write something of substance so that I can prove to myself and to you that I do know how to write.

I want to do all those things, but I am pooped.

My Anti-Bachelor Party

Well, as of about 8:00 PM last night, Pittsburgh was raided by a bunch of Wilmington boys! Chuck's Bachelor Weekend is upon us and to keep me from sitting home and pouting, my good friend Matt was nice enough to come visit and spend some time distracting me!

Before Chuck left, I had to make sure I got a picture of my two favorite guys.

This picture is terrifying. 

I think it's safe to say he was a little excited for a night on the town.

After trying to be just as wild and do some bar-hopping ourselves, we opted to come back home, get a good night's rest and spend all Saturday exploring Pittsburgh.

We're old and lame. What can I say?

I took Matt to Penzey's Spices in the Strip District. He was in heaven.

We also picked up some chocolate-covered lavender and orange blossoms. So yummy!

Seriously, the markets in the Strip are out of control. 

So. Much. Good. Food.

We ended our day together nomming on some Buddha's Favor and General Tso's tofu at Sichuan Gourmet (formerly known as China Star and Chuck and my date spot) in Squirrel Hill.

I had such an amazing day with my second boyfriend (kidding, of course) and former roomie. He proved to be just the person I needed to take in all the amazing-ness that Pittsburgh has to offer and have just as much fun as those silly boys and their Bachelor shenanigans!

Now I just have to sit patiently and wait for my future hubby to return to me. 

And it looks a little something like this:

What I'm Loving Wednesday v9

Wow! It's been awhile since I've done one of these. Truthfully, the only reason I am is because my supervisor is out of the office today. Shh! Don't tell.

Today, I'm loving...

Clean Sheets

Seriously! Is there any better feeling in the world than a good night's sleep in sheets straight out of the dryer? Ahhh...

Yoga

Okay, I haven't actually started yet. But my little sister is becoming a certified yogi and I have to admit, I'm a little jealous. I really need to get in better shape and I just found out there's a yoga studio TWO BLOCKS away from out new apartment. To say I'm excited is an understatement.

Work

Tomorrow, is my official one-month anniversary of starting at the Farm Service Agency, and I have to say, so far, so good. I still have a TON to learn, but it's a really great atmosphere and I love that I'm helping to support our country's producers. Have you thanked a farmer today?

These dresses I got from LuLu's

Source: lulus.com via Kaity on Pinterest

Source: lulus.com via Kaity on Pinterest

I've never shopped there before, but oh my goodness! They have the best dresses! The polka dot one is for my pin-up themed Bachelorette Party at the end of the month. The floral one was just for fun :)

What are you loving today?!

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