My Creative Blog:
Current Events

Sometimes it's hard to really make something like the tragedy in Japan seem real when we're so far away. We can watch the news, see the YouTube videos, but still it can be hard to even imagine the devastation and even harder to have the same heart that Jesus does when his people are hurting. This blog is called REAL housewives for a reason… we're trying to be real and transparent with our readers and even more importantly, living out a REAL, authentic faith in God. So, I'll be honest, I don't always have the kind of compassion and burden for those that are hurting that I should. I let myself and my life get in the way. Japan does seem real to me because I've been there. I've met wonderful people and I had the privilege to meet a family that has dedicated their life to serving the people of Japan. The Bengtsons Please be praying for their family as they try to put life back together and offer hope to those hurting in Sendai, Japan.

Last night I took a few minutes to look through some pictures from my summer in Japan. It was amazingly beautiful and every person I met was incredibly kind.

My primary purpose while I was there was to help take care of Dean and Linda's two sons while they prepared for a move. I also assisted Shauna (one of my dear friends and life-long role models) teaching English classes.

In addition to praying for The Bengtsons and Japan as a whole, I also found a cool, tangible way to help. The Salvation Army has designed this great shirt and 100% of the proceeds go towards aid for Japan. I looked into these shirts closely and due to donations the cost to produce them is almost non-existent, so the money is actually going to help. I really like the shirt and it's a good reminder that even after the media dies down, and the next big news event comes along, that the people in Japan will need our prayer for far longer. So maybe consider ordering one as a way to help and a reminder to pray.
Just a few gifting ideas for these shirts: 1- Teacher Gifts- I guarentee you the teacher will love it and it won't be the same old 2- Christmas presents- yes, I know it's VERY far away, but I think it would be a good lesson for my kids to give them one months later and remind them that we still need to be praying. (I hope my kids don't read my blog) 3- Graduation Gift- stick it in with some dorm stuff Click HERE to order a shirt through the Salvation Army

If you're looking for a place to provide support financially and aren't sure who to go through, the organization that the Bengtsons have recommended, and are working with is CrashJapan and you can donate through that link.
Have a great Tuesday!

While I should have been home preparing for a television shoot, I was off traveling in New England this weekend. One of the highlights of our trip was a completely impulsive, spur of the moment, Taylor Swift concert with my daughter Makenzie. I was completely impressed by Taylor Swift. She was humble, thankful for the 52 thousand fans, and downright adorable. As a mom, I was so thankful for the example she was in her style and the way she presented herself. Her outfits were amazing, but they weren't immodest or trashy and the way she danced was fun and not overly sexy. I've always been a fan, but after last night I'm totally sold!

Source: artof-love.tumblr.com via Monica on Pinterest In honor of our special night together, I thought I'd take a little time and explore country style. My first thought when it came to country blogging and decor was The Pioneer Woman. If you haven't checked out her blog, which really is WAY more than just a blog, you're missing out. She has an amazing"Lodge" with a genuine country, mountain feel.

As I began to explore country style I realized that even though I have a more transitional style, I'm really drawn the light colors and the primative storage used.

Source: houzz.com via Monica on Pinterest
Metal baskets like this were really popular this year. There were tons of great DIY versions, that were pretty similar to these ones from Anthropologie.

Who doesn't love a country kitchen? Again, the light colors and presence of white gives the room a soft, yet clean, crisp feel. I'm loving the green cabinets and accents.

The blue and yellow in this kitchen is awesome. It just so happens that they're the very same accent colors as my"coming soon" dining room. I love the idea of open storage, but in real life, with 4 kids, that is just NOT going to work.

Source: coastalliving.com via Monica on Pinterest
Even though I'm more of a modern or transitional girl, I do love me some farm table! I can't wait to show you our version later this week. It's old farm meets Restoration Hardware (with 8 legs!)

Source: countryliving.com via Monica on Pinterest
Old wooden floors make me happy. Right now we have laminate hard wood (a must have for our crazy kids), but someday I really would love to bring in old, weathered hardwood a pair it with my more contemporary style.

Source: blog.baerhomedesign.com via Monica on Pinterest
Sometimes I wish I was a country girl because designing a country room seems so simple. Lots of white, metal, and just a few accessories. This bedroom is adorable and Jess would love the baskets under the bed.

Source: beautifulpaper.tumblr.com via Monica on Pinterest
I know this room isn't really country, but I feel like it's a modern take on country. The colors are perfectly country, but the lines of the furniture and some of the accessories have a more modern feel. This room is right up my alley.

Source: smg.photobucket.com via Monica on Pinterest
So, I might not have"Gone Country," but I did enjoy exploring the style. Who knows, soon you might see me around my house, listening to Taylor Swift, and wearing this…(which btw I think is actually adorable!)

Source: dottieangel.blogspot.com via Monica on Pinterest

I am such a sucker for fairy-tale endings, especially real-life ones. I was not disappointed with the wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine this weekend. Ahhh, such history and tradition, beautiful people and loads of money spent!

Engagement photo on THE wedding program

Didn't you just love her Alexander McQueen dress? It {quietly} screamed"royalty".

I loved the lace detailing on the bodice that was timeless, but still looked modern.

One of my favorite elements were the huge trees Kate requested to have brought in to Westminster Abbey. She apparently loves the outdoors and wanted to bring that feeling indoors. With a $83,000 pricetag, why not?

What fairytale doesn't involve a 4-horsedrawn carriage?

Wasn't it ridiculous that the press made such a big deal out of their two public kisses?

I wish I could have changed into another fabulous dress for my reception. Welcome to the big leagues, Princess Catherine.
Just for kicks, we thought we'd share a few pictures from our days spent as a princess:

Kev and I were married almost 7 years ago, and it seems like just yesterday. I am thankful that my dress was very simple and timeless, however, I wish I had picked a dress that was a little more unique.

In my opinion my wedding day was perfect, and I really did love being the center of attention (my husband is rolling his eyes right about now). I wouldn't really change a thing (except that my wedding pics are not in digital form, so I had to scan these! Hence, the grainyness…)
Eric and I will be married 10 years in just a few months… (I hope you're saving for a Caribbean trip babe!) Now, when Jess mentioned posting some of our wedding pictures my simple response was,"NO!"… Let me explain… I LOVED my wedding day and I felt great the day of, however a few weeks later when we got the pictures back (which were taken by a faithful blog reader, that did a great job-especially in the pre-digital age) I was so bummed to see that my make-up lady had used a powder that reflected against the flash in every-single-picture. Months of tanning, all to look like the Bride of Chuckie in every picture. So, when I asked Eric today if he knew where our wedding pictures were, he actually said,"Do we even have wedding pictures anymore?" So, only because I'm a dedicated blogger, you're getting one picture…

Now, pictures and joking aside, I loved a few specific things about our wedding… It was in PA and I was from MA, but SO many family and friends made the trip to be there for us. I had the best wedding party ever and I love the people that were part of our special day. I will also never, ever forget our DJ and the funny stories that go along with her. And finally, I might change about 95% of my wedding because it's been 10 years and I didn't even know what my taste was like back then, but one thing I wouldn't change is marrying my very best friend. Cheesy, I know, but sometimes it's okay to be sap city when it comes to the amazing, handsome guy that's absolutely perfect for me.
So, did you watch the Big Event? Tell us what you thought!