Merry Christmas!

(Terra Dawn Photography)

 

I hope that your holiday is filled with love and family! Even though this will be our first Christmas away from Mississippi my heart is filled with so much joy and happiness. I'm humbled by what is really important in this life and that's family. The relationships that you build and nurture mean everything in this world and the most important one that anyone can have is with God. You are never alone even during the holidays and I hope that if you find yourself sad during this time of year that you will go and serve others. Giving back to the community and people in general will fill your heart with love and keep you nice and warm during the cold winter months. Happiness is a state that we all choose to either live in our whine about. Take control of your life and choose to be grateful, thankful, and most importantly happy.

 

 

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 

 

It's a Wonderful Life

 

The holidays have been fantastic so far. For example this weekend we went to a "Silly Hat Christmas Party"and I won a rubber chicken for least effort. I suppose it's true since my hat is adorable and not silly at all. Haters.

I have been so happy lately... like ridiculously happy. Nothing drastic has really happened and you'd think I'd be sad that this will be our first Christmas spent away from home but I just can't get sad. I feel all of these blessings happening in my life and my heart is so full of love that I could just explode. I have wonderful friends that I do fun things with, I'm so in love with my husband that even when he forgets to plug my phone in to charge at night I don't get mad, and the closeness I feel to God right now is stronger than I have ever felt before in my life. This past year has been such an interesting one full of situations that have really tested my emotions and I can honestly say God has lead me through each one of them. Each choice that has brought me to where I am at this moment has been the right one and while I have cried, bitched, moaned, screamed, etc. many times it was all part of my process.

One huge part of my process has been learning to love myself. I've always struggled with weight and the need to please the people that I love most and this year I really learned that the only person I have to please is myself. (Sometimes Chad) I've started to change lifelong habits (such as drinking soda) and to move towards a more realistic life. I put down the MyFitnessPal App and started to LOOK at food and see it for what it is instead of counting it. It took 6 months but I've lost and kept off 17lbs and I hope this next year that number doubles. I still eat pizza, I still eat cake, but it's just different now. Portion is key and I think letting go of the GUILT for eating those things has been the biggest change of all. Another thing is working out, learning that my body really loves yoga and that cardio and weights are quite fun as well. The importance of getting my body into a healthy place has also made me a believer in massage. I have been carrying such stress around with me for what feels like years and after four massages in two months I finally feel un-wound. I know so many people that have never gotten a massage and I have no idea how anyone lives their life that way. Between my work stress and working out I don't think I could make it without getting the occasional massage and I have found the most AMAZING masseuse in Washington. I feel like the Seahawks should hire her but then she wouldn't have time for me so hopefully none of them see this blog post.

I wanted to tell you guys about Diane so that if you are in the Lynnwood, WA area you can get a crazy good deal and check her out. I love to share really good services with people and I give her my 100% backing as the best masseuse I have ever been to. (And I've been to a lot) She really has a knack for reading your body and where you carry your stress but the best part is how tuned in she is with your energy. Now, I know that sounds crazy but it's true! My right forearm has been tight for months and I could never figure out why. Then I go to Diane and she notices and then tells me that in Eastern medicine the right side of the body is thought to be the male side and that tightness might mean I'm holding onto an issue with a man and I need to just let go. WHOA, I thought of a personal situation the moment she said that and I took the advice. Two months and three massages later my arm is no longer tight. It's very rare to feel like someone is in tune with what you're going through in life and I feel like she knows exactly why I'm stressed and then she gives you affirmations and guides you to let them go. I'm about to snag this deal right now and if you're smart you will too! Two 90min Massages OR Three 1 hour massages for $100! (Normally $180!) That is crazy good and she doesn't jip you like everyone else with only a 50 minute massage she has always given me a full 60 minutes for an hour and Sunday I ended up getting 67 minutes of pure happiness just because! It was so lovely that I had that half asleep/half awake massage because I was so relaxed and what she does that is so different from any other one I have ever had was the "Healing Energy" part which basically means she whispers to you about breathing in and out and other chants to focus on instead of thinking about having to go to the grocery store for the third time in four days. Diane is such a delight, I always leave so relaxed and refreshed. Check out these deals on her website that are only good until December 31st and get ready to feel brand new!

Bettybbite Dreams

Today I ran across this article on Facebook and I couldn't stop laughing. I hate my birthday... I always cry and I'm just not one of those people who send out announcements or do stupid countdown texts the entire month. (Kill me) I was born on the last day of the year (Yes, that means December 31st not January 1st which is in fact the first day of a New Year.) and that just happens to be six days after Christmas; which sucks. If you have a December birthday you know what I mean and you should get a laugh out of  22 Truths people with December birthdays will understand.

Yes, that is also two Lauren Conrad GIF's I have used in less than a month. I've been in a Hills mood lately and God granted me a gift of reality gold when I found out that E! was doing a Heidi & Spencer catch up special called AFTERSHOCK: Heidi & Spencer. Now, I'm really ashamed to admit this but I kinda feel bad for Spencer. I mean he almost got in a fight with a random guy at a fast food restaurant for how he acted on a TV show three years ago AND he gained 50lbs from stress eating pie. Seriously, he loves blueberry pie and I have a soft spot for stress eating Reality TV men. (Rob Kardashian I'm talking about you.) I have no idea if anything they said was the truth but I like them for the first time and the ONLY reason is because Spencer seriously admitted to hating himself and how he acted. Man, I love a good slice of Humble pie served up hot.

However, in more important news one of my artsy fartsy friends has something to share with you today and I am so excited so I'll just let her take over now: Meet Bettybbite Dreams

When I was a little girl I inherited 2 large trunks of jewelry and bobbles from my grandmother, Cubina Mahota Hamm Prater. I would wear them around everywhere and have worn them up into my 20s now, to which vintage has become exceedingly popular. I carried around one of her suitcases full of broken bits and missing earrings from moving out of my parents, through college and out of college. One day I just started stringing them together and thought what could I do with these, and then it hit me: Dreamcatchers

 

 My grandmother has Chickasaw in her blood, her name is Cubina Mahota. So I started making dreamcatchers from the strung beads, brooches and doilies she left me. From there it moved to repurposing necklaces, earrings and collar clips. I started collecting all kinds of antique and vintage things from other antique stores, estate sales and thrifted finds. It started as something to do with her stuff and moved onto giving them out as presents to the family and close friends.    

More people started to take interest in my spin on dreamcatchers, which are created from vintage finds. They would give me family heirlooms and jewelry from their own grandmothers that have been passed down and I would create dreamcatchers for them. I found this to be a great way to display these pieces that would usually just sit in an old jewelry box collecting dust. I add vintage laces and ribbons to them, to give this great delicate fullness feel and I can work in all kinds of different colors and sizes. I have an art and design background so each piece to me is a piece of artwork that I give to someone. Every piece placed on a dreamcatcher is well thought out and the idea that people can add to their own jewels to them really makes you a contributor to the art as well.  

 

I recently started an etsy account as I have started to collect an overabundant amount of supplies the last few months and I really enjoy making something others will cherish forever. Here are a few of the dreamcatchers I hold so dear to me, some are sold, and some are still up for grabs. Check out my Etsy Shop & Follow me on Instagram @bettybbite_dreams for special sales.

Also, starting RIGHT NOW I am offering all of Terri's readers a 20% discount valid until 12/31/2013 on my Etsy site with code: CRAZYTHOUGHS  !
*For custom orders email me at bprater.design@gmail.com
 

How beautiful are those dreamcatchers! I have always loved Bridgets style and she is so freaking crafty I can't even handle it. One time she made a bikini out of bubble wrap and SHOULD have won a bar contest for it. Or maybe she did... I can't remember college was blurry but the point is: The girl has got skills. Fun Fact: She was also with me the night that I met Chad for the first time and she just recently got ENGAGED! Congrats girl, you are going to be a BEAUTIFUL bride!
 
2007

 

2013

 

Umm, I just realized that's over SIX years of friendship... crazy. 

I just can't wait to get my grubby little paws on one of these babies. My husband BETTER be ordering me one for Christmas (Hint number two darling) and you guys should shop small and get a one of a kind gift for a one of a kind person this year! I stalked all her current ones on Etsy and I'm in love with the following:




I don't even like pink and that one is fabulous. I'm thinking a custom rose gold & sparkly white/flesh tone one for me... a big one with crystals. (Hint #3)  Is it too much to want fifteen of these on my walls? I mean you can't ever have too many things catching bad dreams right?

PS. This was the most enjoyable blog post I've written in awhile and I just want to say I'm thankful for all of you that keep up with me and enjoy reading about my crazy life. 

 

Christmas Card Bloop!

A day late and a dollar short... this has been my life lately. I can't seem to get un-sick and I'm about to kill someone/something but I don't want to mess up and forget to post about this neat little blog link up I'm doing with Cassie at Always a Blogsmaid.

It's on Instagram and you guys should join in the fun and hashtag your craziest Christmas card bloopers with #christmascardbloopers2013

You should go look at mine from this year to see the perfect Christmas WTF face because lets all be honest... you know you make that face at least 200 times when you're around family. I also can't hear/say BLOOP without thinking of Nene Leakes.



In other news... we are almost done with snowflake land aka my living room. Pictures soon.

Surfer dreams

Warning: Naked butt action below

I'm sure most of you know that Paul Walker died on Saturday in a tragic car crash in CA but in case you haven't heard yet - it's sadly true. My sister text me and I was hoping so badly it was just a hoax. I have no idea why it makes me so sad when people I personally have never met die but it does. Paul Walker was my dream guy when I was a teenager; blond hair, blue eyes, a tan surfer body, and the way he talked... oh how you made me fall in love with you. Varsity Blues, She's All That, Joyride, The Skulls -- those were my movies. I remember going to see the very first Fast & Furious with a friend and getting in my Mustang GT afterwards then speeding out of the parking lot like an idiot.

He was so pretty. I enjoy pretty looking men and damnit he was a really good looking man. The older he got the better he kept getting and after searching news articles online I just found out he has a 15 year old daughter! He was so low key, such a nice normal guy and in Hollywood that's pretty rare. Why must the good die young? I know the older I get the more and more people I know will die because that's just how life is but it doesn't make it any less sad. My heart goes out to his family and the people that actually knew him. I can't count how many times I kissed my pillow at night pretending it was him. Oh Paul, I hope you're surfing in heaven... shirtless and goldenly tan forever.

 RIP

Christmas Cravings

It's that time again! Chad & I decorated our tiny Kirk Elf tree last night and Christmas has officially blown up in our house. We wanted to go hunt down a real Douglass fur out in the wilderness Griswold style but while we were in Fred Meyer the other day we found these adorable little 4ft trees that came with a tree stand already in place and netting already around them. For only $25 bucks we couldn't pass it up so in the shopping cart it went! If you follow that link it will tell you what elf grew our tree Ha! We have a little project we are nearing completion on and I can't wait to show you guys. Hint: ELF (the movie)



But lets get to the REAL point of this post... Terris 2013 Christmas List! For those family and friends (HUSBAND) that always ask me what I want for Christmas here is my list. I will only respond with, "My list is on my blog" anytime I'm asked and please... strangers feel free to buy me gifts as well. I have no shame.

Kendra Scott

GOLD Iphone 5 for AT&T

Oh Louis...

 

Etsy

 

 

 

Chanel

Etsy

 

Etsy

 

I've got a new goal to read as many books as possible and I need credits for my Kindle!

 

Etsy

 

Diamond Candles! In all flavors WITH the Ring! 20% off via this link too!

This one is what I REALLY want the most - I want to complete our stoneware collection.

I found the website and created a registry so maybe a few family members will click this link.

If by chance any family members do read this... please buy the stoneware but send it to your house for safe keeping until we get a bigger place. Our Apartment just seems to be getting smaller and smaller lately... I'm getting house fever BAD!



Christmas card photoshoot with Terra Dawn

This year I wanted to make sure that Chad and I had some professional pictures taken for our Christmas cards since we wouldn't be showing our actual faces at home. It will be our first Christmas not going home and I have to say I'm a little sad BUT the good news is that two of Chads sisters are flying up on the 26th to visit! Lucky for me I'm friends with an AMAZING photographer Terra Dawn and she fit us in for a quick mini session to snap a few shots. The only day that we could take these photos was the same day that we flew back from our LA trip and to say that we were tired is an understatement. However, it ended up being a beautiful sunny and somewhat warm Sunday afternoon in Kirkland and the pictures turned out amazing. We took these in Downtown Kirkland along the waterfront and in the city. PDA overload but what can I say, I like to kiss my husband. Okay, I'll shut up now and just show you the goods...

 

 

 

I'm so in love with ALL of the photos... the Christmas Card winner is still being hidden because I want to TRY and surprise our families. If you are in the Seattle area and like what you see contact Terra Dawn and set up your session! I can't suggest her enough; she's super fun to work with and super fast when it comes to returning the pictures. We had so much fun with her and even though we were both exhausted her positive energy pumped us up and made us feel great. It's always fun when a photographer squeals while taking the photo and says, "OMG these are so good!" I have to say.... she was right!

Terra Dawn has also decided to give any of you guys the hook up if you book with her and mention that you saw it here on my blog!

Mention Crazythoughs blog when booking and you will get $50 off a 1 hour session!
* Regular session cost is $325 but with discount only $275
* Comes with an online gallery of all images available for download at no extra cost
* Must book before 12/31/13 for $50 discount (Date of actual session can be anytime you & Terra agree on does not have to be before 12/31/13)

LA LA LAND

I'm so excited because I only work 2 more days this week and then Thursday morning we head to the City of Angels to play for a long weekend!

We are staying in Long Beach and so far we have the following adventures in the works:

Driving up and down PCH to explore as much of the coast as we can. I fully plan on taking it back to high school and going to Laguna to hang out with girl LC and go eat some of Casey's Cupcakes.


She gives great advice.

Then we are going to head to Newport Beach and find my poor husband some really good Mexican food while I find more cupcakes...maybe Sprinkles this time. Basically I plan on eating as much Froyo/cupcakes as possible and then I'm going to go shopping. Makes perfect sense.



Along with exploring a much of the coast as possible we are also planning on adventuring to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, and MAYBE if I'm realllllly into it I'll venture to Coto De Caza and stalk some Housewives. I also might stalk SkinnyRunner on one of her runs... I won't be running of course - I'll be in a rental.

In other Housewife news... come hell or high water we are going to eat a SUR at some point and I really want to go shop at Kyles store oh and DASH... maybe I'll find something to buy under $100.00. Doubtful. If I see Kanye West though I'll barf.

We'll see what else we can squeeze in....lately we have been fans of "relaxed planning." That's what I call it when we have ideas of things to do but no solid plans. In all honesty I'm just really excited about spending FOUR straight days OFF of work WITH my husband.



Now a question for you:
What should we do in LA? Tell me your thoughts and we might add it to our list! If you live in the area let me know - we plan on going out every night and exploring some bars/venues and if you're in town you should come hang out!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with the trip. I won't be blogging while on vacation...

Life is busy

I'm so sad I haven't been blogging more but I frankly just haven't had the energy. Work has been absolutely nuts and I came home three different days last week with a headache but I swear it's not stressing me out I'm just BUSY. Things are so good at work customer wise; we have already hit our numbers for this month and it's only the 10th! It's just little things like not having a CSR (my old position) help; the one we did have just quit. That entire situation was really frustrating but I don't want to bring up any negativity so lets just say things can only get better. So, work has taken up most of my life and the other parts I'm trying to focus on working out and eating well. By the time I accomplish those two things the only other thing I want to do is spend time with my husband who works a completely different schedule that me. I miss him so much! I can't wait until our vacation to LA together on the 21st - only eleven more days!

October was absolutely fabulous as usual. It is my favorite month other than December and it was filled with a lot of friends and events. Here are some snap shots of what my October looked like.

I'll try and post more but no promises. Until life gets a little less crazy somethings gotta give and sadly it's been blogging. I also haven't been practicing my photography or my ukulele. Did I tell you guys we bought a ukulele? Yea... it's just sitting by Chads guitars...taunting me.

The first Halloween party - Debauchery Click that link to go to the partys Facebook page. Basically it's a HUGE annual party that my friend Rae told me about last year. You might remember this post about it. Well, this year it was at a new location and we went again and met up with Rae who in my opinion had the best costume - Spring Breakers. Haha I love seeing all the crazy costumes and you know what I love even more? Being the only Voodoo Doll there! Chad was Rick Grimes and surprisingly he was THE ONLY ONE.

 

 

Went to this really fun Southern Bar Witness in Capitol Hill and drank a Bible Thumper and a Son of a Preacher Man. Both were fantastic. I want to go back on a Saturday night when the owner give impromptu sermons and please go look at their website and check out their food. 

 "Dixie Poutine" - Bacon Gravy, Pimento Cheese, Crispy Fries. Say What?!

Dressed up for Halloween at the office... well 2 out of 3 did. #Halloweird

 

Then my friend Angela came into town and we did quite a few activities together...  

I'm obsessed with my Pomeranian.

We went out on Halloween with those two crazy soccer people.

My mother in law sent us her famous cookies and they were delicious.

 We humbly request more for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Then my husband posted this on his Instagram for a TBT. Why do I have no memory of ever seeing this? He swears it was in our wedding slide show but I still spent 10 minuets at work trying to figure out if that was a human or a doll. So freaking cute I could just explode. That really is him in a mask! I want little skeleton babies! Well, not right at this moment but one day... that's another thing that's in the water now. Everyone's getting knocked up. Tis the season! Congrats to all your expectant mommies; this will be the best holiday season of your life if you do it right. It really is the perfect time to announce you're eating for two.  

 

November has already started off with a bang and we still have our LA trip and Thanksgiving to make it through. I love this time of year! Christmas will be here before we know it and one thing I do have to post (mostly for my husband) is my Christmas list. I love doing that post and it will be coming out soon!