Dreams Do Come True: Budget Friendly Weddings

Hello, fellow bloggers!

Recently, I read a startling article from the Washington Post about marriage. Did you know that last year only 51% of all adults ranging from 18 and up were married? So, why is it that 7.5 million people were living together as couples, but not married?

In my opinion, I believe that one of the many factors involved is the economy. I noticed that many of my friends are getting engaged right out of college...broke. Don't delay your marriage out of fears...or money.

Harry proposing to Charlotte!

But, does that mean that if I get married broke that romantic, fairytale weddings with a great honeymoon are out of the question? Or that I will always live in an apartment trying to get by? Absolutely not!

How do I get the perfect honeymoon if I'm broke?
Recently, I started doing research on how to get exactly what you want...tastefully. So, what did I find for your perfect honeymoon? A registry! Yes, you read that correctly. "Buy Our Honeymoon" is a site for your wedding guests to help you out with that special, and much needed, getaway! Crazy, right?

Okay, so now you are asking "how does it work." Well, according to the site "Buy Our Honeymoon is a wedding registry for the couple who already have everything they need for their home, and who dream instead of romance in a faraway paradise." You can register for plane tickets, drinks, dinner, cruises, clothes, etc. So, get your soon-to-be-wife/husband and plan your perfect honeymoon together!

For more information visit: Buy Our Honeymoon

What if you are looking for your dream home, but you can't afford it? Or what if it is a "fixer upper" that you bought for cheap in the perfect location?
Well, hold on to your seat because I have news for you! There is a registry for that too! And yes, this is a tasteful way of asking for help from your friends and family.

"Hatch My House" is an online registry that you create yourself. All you have to do is sign up and create your ideal house! How fun is that? Your groom/bride-to-be and you can sit down and create a home together...for free! I think that sounds like one of the most exciting things that a newly wed couple can do.

For more information visit: Hatch My House

For more fun wedding ideas: 

• Pinterest: Wedding Decorations 
• Belle The Magazine: For the Sophisticated Bride 
• Martha Stewart Weddings 
• Project Wedding 

What is your dream wedding? And how do you plan on getting it?

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever”-The Notebook

Practice Safe Sun

Today, I was lounging at the pool with B. As I stared out at the children playing in the pool and the lifeguards blowing their whistles, I realized that tomorrow officially is the first day of summer! And I wondered, how many of you are doing the same thing right now, lounging near a pool, but are not practicing safe sun?

So, I bet you want to know how to practice safe sun? 

1) Sun Facts:

• Sun emits both UVA & UVB rays
• UVA: cause your skin to age early (wrinkles, fine lines, etc.)
• UVB: penetrate your skin causing you to burn
• Skin contains elastin and collagen
• Sun damage to these causes wrinkles and saggy skin
• Sun can damage your eyes (cataracts)
• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime

Skin Cancer

2) How to Protect Yourself:

• Apply sunscreen everyday (even during winter!)
• I personally love Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15 ($9.99)
• Apply sunscreen while in the sun!
• B and I like Coppertone ($8)
• Reapply after you sweat or get out of the water!
• Limit exposure to sun if possible or avoid peak hours
• Or pack an umbrella

B lounging under an umbrella in Brazil.

• Be fashionable!
• Wear: hats and sunglasses

Me rocking a hat in El Salvador!

B practicing juggling and safe sun in Nicaragua!

3) How to Stay Hydrated:

• Drink lots of water!
• Drink coconut water to replenish electrolytes

Vita Coco Water

• Eat watermelon and cucumbers
• Snack on popsicles :)

4) Extra Links to Check Out:

• How to Protect Yourself and Still Look Great
• Skin Cancer Facts
• CDC Summer Tips

Have fun in the sun, fellow adventurers!

St. Augustine, Florida

Guns Don't Kill People, Zombies Do!

Hello, fellow survivors!

"I will not negotiate with the undead!"

The time has come. Rudy Eugene, of Miami, has become the first...zombie! Fear not, B and I will help you become one of the few survivors. Read on to learn how to survive the zombie apocalypse because it will save your life and your brains. 

Survival Necessities:

The Dulles Gun Show has many choices!

• Emergency Kit
• Emergency Plan
• Emergency Food
• Security

Gathering: 

1. How:


• Nation's Gun Show: "C & E Gun Shows is dedicated to producing the most professional, safest and ethical gun shows in the country.  We strive to provide our patrons with the best available selection of firearms, ammo, knives and related merchandise, and our dealers with the largest crowds of qualified buyers anywhere, while always doing all we can do to protect the constitution of the United States of America."


• Gather Supplies:
• Guns, Ammo, MREs, Knifes, and Clothes
2. Where & When:
• The Dulles Expo Center:
• 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, Virginia 20153
• Dates: June 9 & 10
• Hours:
• Saturday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
3. Cost:
• Adult: $12 
• 3-Day: $18
4. Best Equipment:
• Machete: Always reliable and never runs out of bullets.
• Glock 22 (Generation 4): According to B, "The 40 caliber (cal) provides adequate stopping power without sacrificing high magazine capacity. It holds 15 rounds of 40 cal ammo, which is above average for a large bullet." 



Estimated Price: $549

• Viridian X5L (Generation 2) Gun Laser: According to B, "Red is dead. The Viridian site admits a green laser, which travels farther in sunlight." Will ensure that you kill the zombies with one bullet!
• Estimated Price: $275
• Ammo 556 Green-Tip: Hard to find, but is very accurate. This round will pierce body armor almost as easy as a zombie's skull! 
• Estimated Price: $500 for 1,000 rounds
• MREs (Meal, Ready-To-Eat): Packaged food that contains high caloric meals that are used quite often in the military. They usually have a shelf life of about five years.



6 MREs for $17

• Water Purifier: Make your water safe to drink.



Estimated Price of Steripen: $90

5. Test Yourself:
• Create a contingency plan!
6. Security: 
• Barricade! 
• Be aware of zombies and looters! 
• Don't trust the cops, they think zombies are a myth!
• It will become a man-eat-man world.

"This is the way the world ends; not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

-Amanda Hocking

They're dying to get into the gun show!

Artomatic 2012!

Hello, fellow adventurers!

A wise man once said, "Art is a microscope, which the artist fixes on the secrets of his soul, and shows to people these secrets which are common to all."

*Warning, there is some nudity within this blog post. 

Your Mission:

Visit Artomatic.

Where:

1851 S. Bell Street, Arlington (Adjacent to the Crystal City Metrorail station)

When:

Now-June 23
Artomatic Event Schedule

Price:
Free

Description:

Artomatic is eleven floors worth of art (i.e. paintings, sculptures, photography, and musicians). Bring some cash with you because you are able to buy drinks and snacks (including alcohol).

Why:
Do you have empty walls in your loft? Well, this is the time and place to buy art to fill those empty walls. Or, maybe this is the place for you if you want to become more knowledgable in the art world. Whatever the reason, be sure to check it out!

Another talented artist creating a mural on the office building wall. 

A few of my favorite artists:

• Eye of Ra Photography: Rahul captures the beautiful essence of the human body.

• Duncan Guthery Legos: This lego art is done by a very talented 11-year-old boy!

• Melissa Burley: Melissa creates amazing showcases of technology and light.

• Jamie Downs: Jamie paints the beauty of nature.

**Artomatic was filled with plenty of artists that deserve recognition too, so maybe you can go and give them it! If you go, let me know what you liked! 

Artomatic

Have fun, fellow adventurers!