twinklebee

Cruise Vacation Part Duece (2)- Cozumel Mexico

2009-11-06T08:03:00.012-05:00

Fresh off the boat. Mexico was BEAUTIFUL!

Walking down the sidewalk...This was the view... loved it!

Street Performer- Scared teh bejeebes out of me. I was walking along and thought it was a statue and he leaned in toward me and smiled, I did a nice little jump and grabbing of Kevan.

Spanish Nativity Set- Jesus was in a hammock on a bungalow on the beach don't you know? Duh, the wisemen wore sombraros, and we can't forget little mamacita Mary. Should have bought this.

After looking a little in the touristy area, we took a taxi to the middle of down town where all the native people live and went to a little native restaurant called, "La Choza"

The food was awesome!

It was so tropical that it had an open construction with plants hanging from the ceiling and an open courtyard.

Let's not forget the Mariachi band- Video Below

They thought I was taking a picture, so they were grinning really big, and I just kept holding up the camera cause I was recording, and they kept grinning like "common already lady". You can hear me laughing and trying to explain to kev that I was recording. They were cute. I told the guy in the middle I liked his shirt but he didn't really speak any english.

Paintings on the walls/bar of the restaurant

The people there were VERY religious, there were all kinds of crucifixs everywhere, this was one of the most creative I've seen.

After eating we decided to walk around among the local people. We met people with pictures of Hurricane Ivan that almost destroyed the whole island. We were told stories of how the island used to look, and what the culture was like. Wish I would have taken more pictures. We were the only white people in the whole area. Alot of the areas where the people lived away from the touristy stuff was run down and people poor, but very friendly. We found some neat little shops and even stumbled upon the Flea Market with all kinds of neat goods.

(sorry it's blurry) Got this ring at the flea market. LOVE IT.

Couch in a Boot Shop. They had sea turtle boots that were beautiful. Should have gotten a picture...

Back on the boat, the next day was Kevan's Birthday, I ordered him a cake and he got a big loud singing surprise at dinner. The guy next to him said, "Hey man, get your money back, They spelled your name wrong."

We laughed.

Next day at sea, we did some more of this

We also went to a karioke competition, a comedy show, and laid out on the boat deck.

I'M READY FOR ANOTHER CRUISE- HUGE FAN!

Holy Moly! Watch This!

2009-11-04T08:28:00.001-05:00

I can't even describe the amazingness of this video. The first part is cool, but the longer you watch, they jumprope while flipping, laying down, while doing sommersaults.. watch all the way to the end...Maybe I'm doing the wrong workout :)

Cruise Vacay Getaway Part One

2009-10-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

On the boat and
GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS

Disclaimer: we were our own photographers, and I failed to take pictures of inside the actual boat... therfore, there are just lots of pictures of US :)

On the boat: Water slides, miniature golf course, pool, Casino, lots of lounges and show rooms. We went to several shows including a juggling show and comedy shows that were a blast.

First night at dinner on the boat.

The first day was a day at sea, which meant the casino, fun shows and relaxing on the boat deck sipping pinacoladas- people looked at us nutso when we asked for non alchoholic-LOVED THESE!

Second Night at dinner on the boat

One of my favorite things to do was to be on the boat deck at night. We lounged on the top deck under the stars, and stood along the railings watching the Ocean below. It was so beautiful and relaxing. Crashing waves, a large moon, a pitch black sky allowing millions of stars to appear, and an ocean breeze dancing around me playing with my hair. Ahhh.. doesn't get much better than that.

First stop: Grand Cayman Island

When we got there we looked in some shops, and got haggled by local people to do excursions and tours. All the excursions if you booked them on the boat were around $100 so we opted out- *Note to reader- always book the excursions on the island, way cheaper!

One guy talked us into a tour of the island. He gave us a history, and inside tips of the local people, more about their culture, etc. It was fascinating. First the tour took us to "HELL". I've been to HELL and Back, Have you?!? No Joke. The town's official name is HELL. We were sad we left our passports on board the boat, cause you can get a passport stamp saying you went to Hell. Here we sent out postcards that were postmarked from hell, to our parents (sorry folks, didn't have anyone else's addresses memorized!)

The Devil's Playground. It consists of natural limestone deposits on the ground (you can see behind us) Under the dirt the limestone is really white. The local people grind it up and use it to whitewash their houses.

We saw huge iguana's in Hell, walking around, laying in trees, they're all over.

This pic from here

They give you a chance to redeem yourself while in hell.

Next stop on the tour was the RUM factory. Grand Cayman markets rum and rum cakes like the orients do rice. It was crazy, they let you drink as much free rum as you wanted while you were at the factory. We opted out of course, but we did sample the Rum cakes...I can't even describe the goodness of the coconut rum cake. (all the alcohol was cooked out :) ) Kicking myself for not bringing some back!

Ahhh rum cake....

pic from here

This was the view walking down the sidewalk...

This was at a restaruant table. I'd eat there everyday for this view!

Next stop was the 7 mile Beach. The beach looks like this for 7 whole miles! There was no one on the beach, couldn't believe it, it was so Beautiful!!

Before we got back on the boat, we stopped at a local restaurant to try the local food.

Apparently the national dish in the Cayman Islands is Turtle stew. We opted for a Turtle Burger instead. It was made from sea turtle meat. Turtle meat is regulated because the turtles are endangered, so you have to buy it from the governement turtle farms. Our tour guide showed us the one restaurant (Above picture)that serves turtle on the island.

People ask what it tasted like. I compare it to lamb. It was different from anything I've ever had. Like Lamb, it has its own distinctive flavor.

We also got some Conch Chowder. VERY GOOD.

The towel animals we found waiting for us in our room every night.

When we left Grand Cayman we sat on the back of the boat on loungers and watched the view of the Islands disappear.

Other places we went not pictured:

The Aquarium where people swim with the dolphins.

The turtle farm where turtles are hatched, raised and released into the ocean.

Next Post: The Cruise continues to MEXICO!

U2 Concert!!

2009-10-28T15:05:00.000-04:00

Kev's Brithday Present- Tickets to U2 Concert, a dream of his.

First we went to...

for dinner. We ate slowly to enjoy every bite. INFO WORTH MORE THAN GOLD: THERE IS NOW A BAJIO IN TAMPA, FL!!! Can't tell you how ecstatic we were when we heard the news! Don't know what we were more excited about, Bajio or the concert :) For those who don't know its similar concept to QDOBA or Moe's, but 10 times better. The food has so much flavor. Mmmmm....

At the stadium. Their stage was amazing!

It was at the Buckaneers Stadium- Sold Out

the Pirate ship

All excited before the conert

A little U2 Love-

2009-10-28T15:00:00.002-04:00

A Beautiful Day- by U2
Better Video!

Home Sweet Salsa Home

2009-10-07T10:05:00.019-04:00

I went home to Indiana to visit my parents at the end of September, my favorite time of year there. Just a weekend trip. It was perfect, the weather, the company, the activities... all of it.

Standing on the parents back patio. (My dad's tornado proof shed)

hydrangeas still in bloom...

The only kids that are still at home.

On the way home from the airport we stopped at the American Countryside Farmer's Market. Beautiful! It's made of beautiful wood and has 3 floors of restaurants and shops full of home made items and home cooked goods (including a lot of goods from the Amish community). We had buffalo burgers for lunch, Yum!

Photo from here

There was a shop in the farmers market called "Sew Cute by Janet Bradburn", where I got this AMAZING purse.

It is machine washable, reversible, can be worn as a satchel purse of regular on the shoulder purse, and the POCKETS ARE TO DIE FOR! There are all kinds of fun prints, I went with a classic look so I could wear it with anything. Seriously favorite purse I've ever owned. When you pick it up, the straps automatically shut the top tight so nothing falls out and no one can see in your purse, when you set it down, the straps loosen and open the top.

A look at the inside. (Sorry, Didn't want to empty it out just for a picture) They use a whole pair of size 9 or larger jeans for the inside of the purse. There are pockets all the way around that are super deep. Everything has a compartment, the only thing in the big section is my wallet and glasses, no more digging for 5 minutes just to find my chapstick. Keys can be hooked on a belt loop. I have everything but the kitchen sink in here. LOVE IT!!!!

Then we were headed home to make salsa. Dad's famous salsa! I'm drooling just looking at the pictures.

Freshly blanched tomatoes, ready for peeling and slicing.

The master Chef himself, making some mean salsa.

Me and dad, hard at work. From 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Have I mentioned one of my favorite all time favorite snacks is Chips and Salsa- Good salsa.

The Salsa made it home safely on the airplane. Friends family and co workers who have sampled the salsa we made are begging me to share some more. I called Dad the first day back and said, "Well, the good news is, it's delicious! Bad news is, it's not going to last very long at all!"

Next: Can you guess?

Home Made Freezer Jam. Fresh berries. Flavors: Marion Berry, Iverness Berry, Raspberry.

Yum. Stocked up for the year. I'm already getting requests from those who tasted last year's jam we made.

Then we were off to visit Amish Acres! A fun attraction with shops, games, restaurant and theater revolving around the Amish culture.

The Inn at Amish Acres- wouldn't this be the coolest hotel stay?

The Round Barn Theatre. Dad said the shows in here are good.

Of course we visited all the shops at my request :)

I bought an Amish doll similar to this for my house, Notice how they don't have faces on them? Amish don't put faces on their dolls.

Everything was so country. Loved this-

And this-

You have to stand back and toss the ring that's hanging on the string and get the ring on the small hook on the post. Dad did it- I was amazed!

An after church picture. I was told I looked "very Floridian" with the huge-'ol flower in my hair.

Nothing quite like going home...

Paper Goods

2009-09-17T08:23:00.005-04:00

A friend of mine was going to throw away a little collection of these cards including ones for baby showers, birthdays etc., so I claimed them. Love em! I think I'm gonna do a craft night and Make some. Who's in for a girly craft night?

P.S. I think Allyssa made these? She's super crafty :)

Remembering Me

2009-09-16T11:26:00.004-04:00

Pic Via Gillar Girl

Thanks for all the warm wishes, kind words, and nice gifts on my special day :) Hugs to all!
A recap:

I had the whole day off work!
Internship Interview- not so birthday-ish but the only time I could fit it in.
Soup at Crispers for lunch
Transformers 2 movie at the dollar theater (robot heaven?- come on!!!....lame)
Auntie Mary surprised me and bought tickets to fly in and see me for a week- Wahoo!
My main man made me pumpkin Pie instead of cake at my request- what a keeper!

An Oldy

2009-09-11T08:43:00.004-04:00

With a birthday soon approaching I am having conversations that go something like this.
"I better enjoy these years while I'm young."
"Young? I'm on the verge of not young.. wait, I'm old!"
"I'm not Old! I'm only in my Twenties"
And then I have that conversation that starts off like... "I remember back when..." and I feel like an old soul.

As I addressed some envelopes this morning (maybe some of you are the lucky recipients), and put the stamps on, I thought, "HOLY COW! (yes, I still say holy cow :P ) I remember when stamps were 27 cents!" now I'm shuffling through my stamp stack trying to add up to 44 cents. Highway robbery I tell you!

Don't you love REAL mail? Getting the mail is my favorite part of each day (even thought it's usually junk). Make someone else's day- SEND SOMEONE SNAIL MAIL TODAY!! I have a dear family member and friend that sends me snail mail often, and i treasure each peice of mail. What a simple way to say a big I love you.

I ask, When do you cross over the threshold to, "I'm old", the point when you can't battle whether you're still a youngin any more.

LIfe's a Beach

2009-09-08T14:32:00.004-04:00

Literally for this little guy. How was your labor day?

We went to the beach! When we came back to our towels from frolicing in the ocean, as I was sitting down I saw this little guy run across my blanket. I yelped pretty loudly, drawing attention and laughter to our little spot on the beach. The lady next to us said he's been visiting our spot all day when we weren't there.... Wish she had told me this when I first got there and was laying unaware taking a cat nap that I had a little visitor that could sneak up on and pinch me pretty good.

P.s. He was a fast little guy who did not want his picture taken!

Also this lovely holiday our washer died. So we got this puppy

and her fraternal Twin:

You wouldn't imagine the deal at sears! They were 1,000 stinkin bucks off. We were just going to get the washer but it's 350 cheaper to get them both instead of seperate at different times.... So whamo! downside... it was such a good deal, that everyone bought them... they are backordered until Oct. 6...sigh... But boy oh boy I can't wait! It does 5 loads of laundry at once!

Killer Salad!

2009-08-13T07:37:00.003-04:00

Salad. It's what's for dinner.

Southwest Salad

We in the Lowe household were in need of a new salad to get our tastebuds to continue on the treck of eating healthier and lighter. So we have decided to venture into a new arena, experimenting with salad.
This is no easy task. M3 (see sidebar for his mug shot) Hates salad. He likes ONE salad that his grandma makes and I have yet to properly recreate. The above pic is what we had on our plates last night.

Southwest Chicken Salad
washed and chopped romaine lettuce
drained blackbeans
drained sweet corn
diced red pepper
southwest seasoned tortilla strips
diced red onion
southwest dressing
dab of light sour cream
a spoonful of salsa
mexian blend shredded cheese

PS- M3 had Seconds!

No Luck

2009-08-07T16:20:00.004-04:00

Well, he didn't win.... I still think he's the most loveable dog :) Thanks to all those who voted!!
PHOTO: We were playing fetch while I blog surfed on the computer. He fell asleep waiting next to my chair for me to throw the ball. Love this guy.

VOTE VOTE VOTE FOR COSMO!!!

2009-07-30T08:07:00.002-04:00

This little Love Bug has been entered in the "CENTRAL FLORIDA'S MOST LOVEABLE PET" Contest. If we win, We get a vacation at the beach which we are in desperate need of!

THIS IS THE PICTURE TO LOOK FOR! INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

Voting is Friday July 31st at 12 noon until 12 midnight.
Follow these instructions, it's super easy!!

1.Go to http://www.magic107.com/

2. Click on The most loveable pet contest on the home page.

3. Scroll down to GALLERY 18 (has a picture of a gray poodle smelling flowers) and click on the link "View Gallery"

4. Cosmo is picture #6 that looks like the picture just above these instructions.

5. The link to cast your vote is on the last picture in the gallery you are looking at.

6. Choose Cosmo's picture and submit!

There is one winner out of each gallery of photos and then the winners battle it out for the position of Top Dog!

Thank you! Thank you! Ruff! Ruff!

Get Ready!!

2009-07-29T09:06:00.006-04:00

This adorable little boy has been entered in the "Central Florida's Most loveable Pet contest!!!" PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!! I will post instructions on how to vote on tomorrow's post. First round of Voting starts 12:00 Noon, this Friday, July 31st. A note from the stud Himself:

" Hi, I'm Cosmo. I'm a Yorkie. Momma says I'm the "cutest little doggy she ever did see". My personality is a spunky as my name. I would give my right paw for a good belly rub, I play dead if you say "bang", and know all sorts of other commands and tricks. I follow momma all around the house in case the perfect chance to give her some snuggles comes along. My goal in life is to catch one of those pesky squirrels that runs around in MY backyard. My idea of a perfect day is riding in the car, windows rolled down with the wind through my hair. Please vote for me! Momma needs to win this vacation, and I'd love to go with her to play on the beach!"
Couldn't have gotten this far without my fans- xoxo Cosmo

Fireworks- Good Show!

2009-07-07T13:21:00.014-04:00

July 3, 2009

We walked to the "Red Hot & Boom" Celebration on the 4th. It is the largest event in Central Florida, and we live close enough to walk. It has famous singers and a huge fireworks show over the lake. It was Beautiful!

Our partners in crime for the evening- The Penders.

After the show, we walked back home and set off our own fireworks (the really good ones from Georgia :) )

Every boy's dream....

July 4th-

We rushed to downtown Orlando with our good friends the Collette's to see the fireworks over Lake. It was so humid we were dripping in sweat. I know, not a pretty mental picture.

Love the Palm trees in the pictures.

My fave- the gold ones that leave a trail of shimmer as they fall.

Also on the agenda?

Surprise Birthday Party for a friend

Cleaning House

BBQ with Friends

Dinner with Family

Sleeping in

Renting movies- Confessions of a Shopaholic-very cute.

What did you do for the 4th?

Added Value of a Shower

2009-06-30T16:58:00.005-04:00

Why do I spend money on dog beds? Apparently the shower will do just fine.

quality=cameraphone in the dark

Art

2009-06-29T10:48:00.005-04:00

This is my newest peice of art for the new place. I got it to go in the guest bathroom.

I've decided to do a subdued beach theme in here.

The painting is kind of glam and beachy all at once. Love it! Best part... It was clearanced to $2.98 (yes the decimal is in the right place).

The House is Warmed

2009-06-23T11:55:00.013-04:00

*Disclaimer- My camera is shot (another post for another day). Meaning, I'm lucky if i can get it to take pictures let alone pictures that are in focus, so bear with me.

Renee gave me these decorating tip set. Yeah, She's a rockstar. I have wanted these for YEARS, but never could justify buying this over life sustaining items. Perfect for a party- Thanks Renee!

So of course I had to go out and buy this with my 50% off coupon from JoAnns.

Which looks like this after all the cupcakes are eaten.

I did many designs, here's the lone surviving cupcake, I managed a fuzzy picture of before it was devoured. I did all the cupcakes in purples and whites.

Party Decor was fresh flowers and candles.

My friend Lauren who donated hours of her time to help setup made me this as a housewarming gift. Cute huh? I told her I really wanted a name plaque and she made it happen. What a friend.

Every party needs Entertainment.

Decor (*To see pics of the Empty house "before" go HERE)
Now, the house still needs lots of interior design work. We tried using mostly what we had and threw in a few new rugs here and there. Baby steps...

Got this shelf a week before at a garage sale- $7 It's got the shabby chic thing going on. I high fived myself when I went to Lowe's last night and saw almost the same thing for $89-$120.

Family Room

Above kitchen cabinets

My new fridge- vying for the spot of favorite thing I own. Totally recommend this layout in a fridge/freezer LUV ET!!

Since I forgot to take pics before or during, you're seeing the afterparty. The smorgous board was on this table.

Menu:
Creme Puffs
Cheesecake Bites
Mini Cupcakes
2 types meatballs
Queso (Velveta, Rotel tomatoes/chiles, spicy sausage)
Peanut M&M's
Trail mix
relish tray- cherries,blueberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, olives, pickles, carrots
Chips & Salsa
Punch- Gingerale, pineapple juice, and variety of lime sherbet, rainbow sherbet, raspberry sherbet. Punch was a total hit, recommend it.

Master Bath

Master Bath another angle

Office

Guest Bedroom- notice our very first comforter set as a married couple ahhhhh... totally not my taste now, but works great to have on hand for a guest room.

Craft room- Beginning stages

2nd Bath

2nd Bath- another angle

Our favors- my totally rad sis Holly bought the favors for my house warming gift. They are personalized fortune cookies. The messages were 3 different ones:

-Thanks for celebrating out new home with us- Kevan & Rachel

-It's really the DOG's house - we just pay the mortgage.

-May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends.

Sign says "Fortunes are always fun, please take more than one!"

The True Party "animals"

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Little Girls and Dancing.

2009-06-08T10:01:00.006-04:00

I went to my neice's dance recital this weekend. She just turned 5.

This is why I want to put a little girl of mine into dance someday.

I gotta say those 2 yr olds in their tutu's... adorable.

Party Time!

2009-06-03T11:55:00.003-04:00

and... You are SO invited!!
June 20th 2-5 pm Leave me a comment if you want more info! I'd love to have you there!

Suggestions? Never owning a home I've never thrown a housewarming party. I'm not the type to 'celebrate me', but after alot of prodding from friends and family and thinking it would be a blast, the housewarming party is here!

Do come.

2009-05-14T16:47:00.007-04:00

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

We Totally have Twinklebee buttons. Yeah- Rad I know! Show the love by putting us on your blog! Plus, Isn't it just so cute?

I haven't figured out how to list the code for you to copy so if youre interested leave me a comment and i'll send it to you :)

Twinklebee Sports Fanatics!

2009-05-12T12:22:00.003-04:00

I recently had an order for a Sports fanatic couple that were season ticket holders here in the sunshine state.
Orlando Magic- The blue has stars on it and the black has little white polkadots. Click to Enlarge. I will be making another of these to sell because I loved it so much. My partner HollyDoll made matching baby bracelets for the little chica that will be using these blankets at the game.

Florida State! I LOVE this one. Because I am a student here, Technically I could justify having one of these for myself right?? you better believe a future child of mine will be wrapped in one!
(folded up)

CAPE GIVEAWAY!

2009-05-06T12:57:00.003-04:00

Do you have a little Princess in need of a beautiful cape to match her tiara in order to rule her kingdom in style? Twinklebee's doing another giveaway. MG Inspires is offering one of her magical capes for one lucky winner go comment at Handi Andi's Blog

It will be pink sparkly like this one.

She also makes capes for little superhero's in the making- pre batmans etc. They're only $15!! visit us at Twinklebee.com

p.s. all but the little man in silver are related to me. Aren't they adorable? Also,

We moved, so until this weekend... no internet to blog. I jetsetted (is that a word?) last week to my little bro's wedding. Pictures soon...

2009-04-28T09:16:00.013-04:00

Twinklebee Giveaway!

This week will be multiple giveaways from Twinklebee!

Handi Andi's Apron's (a division of Twinklebee) will be hosting the giveaways HERE .

(A sample florida goodies basket I made for sister's weekend while they were here.)

I'll post the giveaways each day as well, so you won't miss a thing. Each day is a different gift basket. Go on over and Comment for a chance to win! Spread the word!

Uber cute aprons,

baby bracelets and hairbows, a twinklebee rag quilt

A superhero or princess cape from M*G Inspires. What little girl doesnt want a princess cape?

Don't have kids? Perfect gifts for baby showers or neices and nephews!

Stay tuned!! And don't forget to enter yourself for the giveaways by leaving a comment either here or on Handi Andi's Blog.

SPREAD THE WORD!!

2009-04-22T17:28:00.007-04:00

Girls Weekend Part 2
I ganked these pics from my sis Holly. Thanks Holl! To see the other ones, look at my previous post.

Mani/pedi's. LOVED this part!We went to a place called bahama nails. It felt like you were at the beach. Rocked.

Rachel mis Sis in law enjoying her mani in the tiki hut.

All our toes including my friend Sarah. Can you guess what toes belong to who?

What service! The ice cream man pulled up conveniently right up to our towels on the beach with cold ice cream. Resist? I think not!

Holly. Isn't she a looker?

We went to feed the "baby" alligators (3-4 ft. long) You dangle meet over the pit with on string. they leap in the air to fight over the meat. Very cool. Adrenaline pumping.