Holy Button Batman!

Holy cow! I have a "blog button!"  What's this you ask?  Free advertising for those who chose to post it to their blogs, that's what!  I must be an HTML dummy 'cuz this threw me for a loop + at least an hour of almost banging my head against a wall.  So here it is, in all it's glory!  Ain't she a beaut! All you have to do is copy the code in the box, add a "text" widget to your sidebard, paste it and presto chango, there she'll appear! Also, in case you can't find this post again, I have niftily added the code to my side bar as well - i.e. grab it and add it to your page if you so desire! :]  Thank you faithful readers!  My next feat will be to add tabs to the top of my page- oh HTML, how I loathe our love hate relationship.

<a href=" http://kendrasfreshcut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/Docter_K/BEEBUTTON.jpg" alt="FRESH CUT" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Day 4 - My Parents!

Well I may be a little biased but I'm pretty sure I got the best pair.  After 25+ years of marriage, I can still see how much they love eachother.  I think after I got married, I really saw how much they loved one another because I better understood establishment of marriage.  I am forever thankful for the way they raised my brother and me and their continued support throughout our lives.  They have warmly welcomed my husband and sister-in-law as their own children and I am so happy to call this pair my very own.

Dear Dad is a postal carrier and loves his job.  He delivers mail to the ever coveted route of a beautiful beach community and is what the shop owner's call "The Mayor" of the city in which he delivers.  Why?  Because of his charm, friendliness, and general joy for people & life.  As a whole, my Dad is compassionate, helpful, and humorous.  He is always there to lend a helping hand, give educated advice, or fix something that's broke.  Although he may be a man of few words, his words are full of wisdom and are well-seasoned with life.

Beautiful Mom works as a receptionist/catch-all at their church and enjoys being about the Lord's business. She is caring, generous, funny, calm and sentimental - a real softy.  We chat on the phone often (she lives a couple towns away) and I miss living close but treasure our visits that much more.  Her character of gentleness, genuineness, and love for her kids & others has always remained a constant in my life.  Not to mention, she is an organizational wiz - must be where I get my need to clean (well sometimes it's a need - haha).

LOVE YOU BOTH!

(all genuine photos)

Day 3 - My First Love

Lucky me!  I get the write about one of my most favorite things in this world - my best friend!  For me, my first love is also my last - my husband, Pete.  We fell in love when I was 17 and were married a short two years later.   We will have been together 6 years this April.  Crazy.  I really can't imagine my life without him.  My life has changed so much since we have been together, and it has been the most exciting time of my life.  A few fun facts about him are as follows:

• He is mildly, okay severely, obsessed with Kobe Bryant.  At first I was all, ick. But I have to admit after many a Laker game, I do appreciate Kobe's "mad skillz" and educated articulation during interviews.  Plus he's from Italy and can speak like 3 languages, I'm down with education & Italy.
• Pete wants a motorcycle and has for many-a-year, but thank the Lord (really) that that dream hasn't come to fruition - it scares me to death, although I do enjoy his sense of adventure.  Let's just channel that adventuresomeness into some other activity, like under water basket weaving, please.
• Husband is a pretty snappy dresser with good taste, but this means he's hard to buy for.  But if you are lucky enough to score big with something he'll love, (like a change jar that digitally counts your coins for you) his expression is all the thanks you'll need.
• Pete is goofy to the max and if you have ever gotten the chance to see this side of him, you probably were left wiping the tears of laughter away.  I could share evidence for this, but I think you should just find out for yourself - it's better that way.
• We have a mutual love for these things: Jesus, traveling, photography, all kinds of music, IKEA, Big Train Chai, coffeeshops, shopping, big band music, Food Network, our baby (the Honda), Canada, Italy, cooking together, The Pink Panther, any Apple product, hockey, sweet kitchens, In & Out,  & dry dorky humor (plus much more, there's just too much to list).
• Pete is really really good at whatever he sets his mind to - he can make the *best* cup of anything you'd like to drink, he is a self taught & very talented photographer, he's really great at figuring out anything electronic (computers, cameras, websites, etc...), he's a great athlete (National Ping Pong Champion a few years back...), a great student - (even though he'd say he hated school, he's always ready & willing to learn), a hard worker, and a REALLY great husband.
• He's also great friend, someone you can really count on. He has a heart of gold.  
• He's an amazing leader, teacher, and friend for the kids in our church's youth group - the fact that they love him so much and look up to him is evidence enough. 
• Lastly, he really tries to give me the world even though all I need is what I got and that's him!

So, here's to you my love!  You're my beginning and my end and I can't wait to grow old with you.  I love you more than all the fish in the sea and all the stars in the sky!

(On Our Honeymoon - Cozumel 2007)

Giveaway!

Mimi Boutique "Justina" Satchel Giveaway

The Frugalista Diaries teamed up with Mimi Boutique 

to give one lucky reader their Marc Jacob's Inspired 

quilted satchel the "Justina", in a color of their choice. 

(11 choices!) 

The "Justina" is inspired by Marc Jacob's Stam Satchel, 

and is made of quilted faux leather with brass toned 

hardware w/ removable chain strap. 

(Retail Value: $52.50)

To Enter:

*Visit MimiBoutique.com and tell The Frugalista Herself 

what your favorite item is in her comment section.

*Follow Mimi Boutique on Facebook or on Twitter 

(required)

For Additional Entries (one each):

* Become a Follower of The Frugalista Diaries 

* Follow Mimi Boutique Twitter and/or Facebook

* Tweet or Blog about this giveaway

Day 2: The Meaning Behind My Blog Name

FRESH CUT: BEAUTIFUL IMPERFECTIONS OF THE EVERYDAY.

You want to know don't ya?  Well it's no big mystery.  I'm sure most of you have already figured it out to one degree or another, but here are the logistics of it, if you are so inclined.

"Fresh Cut" means a number of things to me.  The original thought behind the blog was that if I ever had a cooking show I would name it "Fresh Cut," haha in my dreams right?  Well either way, I found it still applies. However, since then I have come to find several other meanings that also work well.

  Fresh cut, as in, fresh off the press - new.  

Fresh cut, as in fabric - a new craft or idea.  

Fresh cut for culinary - fresh ingredients... cut.

 For home decor, like fresh cut flowers.  

Fresh cut for photography, fresh photos & fresh angles.

You might have to humor me a bit, some of them are a little bit of a stretch, but hey I'm trying for versatility since I post about a range of different things.

The motto, "beautiful imperfections of the everyday" represents how the regular mundane, and sometimes messy imperfections of each day can still be made beautiful.  What will you do with your mess?

(ALL IMAGES FROM weheartit.com)

What I Like Wednesday Awards!

Amanda from The Little Yellow House awarded me with a Blog Award. WOW! I've never gotten one of those before but am so thankful to have received one.  I'd like to thank... just kidding.  Haha. Anyways here are the rules to keep these awards a-passing!
Rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Answer 10 questions
3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award

The 10 Questions (and my answers, of course!)


1. Why did you create this blog?
I started this blog as a personal journal of my life, the blessings in it, and the trials I have endured through God's grace and favor.  I write to remind myself of the Lord's movement in my life and also to share a little bit of myself with those who want to read about the various "everyday imperfections" that this house wife encounters.  I hope that you are encouraged, inspired, and above all else enjoy reading it. 


2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?
My favorite blogs always have to do with house renovations and decorating.  I really enjoy WRITING cooking blogs, but don't necessarily enjoy reading them, only because they can be so recipe-esque.  I try to "beef up" (forgive the pun) any of my cooking posts by making them, if nothing else, humorous in some way.


3. Favorite make-up brand?
Errrrrrr, covergirl?  I have a lot made by them, but not necessarily intentionally. I really am a sucker for pretty marketing and that's about the extent of my make-up preferences, although I do enjoy E.L.F. because it's pretty cheap.


4. Favorite clothing brand?
Tarjay? Haha. I used to work at Victoria's Secret, so I have an extra soft spot for anything PINK. Also, good ole Betsy Johnson, Ezekiel, & BCBG.


5. Indispensable makeup product?
Concealer & Bronzer


6. Favorite color?
Kelly Green


7. Favorite perfume?
Again, being a previous VS girl, I am prone to but not limited to their perfumes, Love Rocks, Heavenly, LIVE Pink, & also Noir Tease.  However, as of late I am absolutely loving Betsy Johnson's.


8. Favorite film?
I think a series would better suit my answer and I say Pushing Daisies hands down.  If I could live as Chuck, I totally would. I cry cuteness every time I watch it. 


9. What country would you like to visit and why?
Italy.  I don't think I need to answer why but if you must know... Pasta, Pizza, Cappucinos, Art, & History - it's all there.


10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
Forget one eye with mascara since I'm not heavy handed in that department - the hubs loves blush so I gotta keep my bases covered.


And now to pass along this award, here are just a few of my favorite blogs, both new & old & in no particular order.


Corynne from Crynfiction
Danielle from The Cate 8
Lissa from Humble Pie
Sasha from Lemonade Makin' Mama
Alysia from Alysia Juanita
Lauren from Journey To A Johnson
Megan from A Little Cate Family
Sara from The Lovely Lemon

Blog Challenge!

Upon discovering Lindsay's blog over on My Happily Ever After, I decided to tackle the 30-day blog challenge.  Now, keep in mind, these probably won't be 30 consecutive days, but hey - I'll give it a try.  A couple examples of what these blogs will entail include: favorite movies, a place I've traveled to, something I'm afraid of, goals, something I miss, etc.....  For me this will be a great way to hone in on my writing skills, but for you, it may be a total snore, or maybe you'll enjoy getting to know little details about me.  If at any time, I feel that it's getting to "Hey, Look at this girl!" (thumbs pointing to me) trust me, I'll spare the both of us.  But I thought it was a neat idea.  I might customize a couple challenges or come up with some news ones, but we both find out together!  Anybody else up for the challenge?  Comment if you're going to join in! Here's to Day 1!

Introduction:
For those of you who don't know me, Hi! I'm Kendra.  I have been married for over three years and am only 22 so that means I was just a babe when I said, "I do."  No regrets there, it was the best decision I have ever made.  We don't have any children, but want to in the future.  The husband, Pete, works at a well known coffee shop *cough sbux* and part time at our church, Calvary Chapel. I am a reading therapist for children who are behind their grade level or need extra enrichment.  Together we spend a lot of time serving in our church's the youth ministry and I help out with the worship.  Above all else, we love Jesus and want to glorify Him with our lives.

15 Interesting Facts:

• My favorite snack is pretzel crisps with sharp cheddar cheese and an ice-cold coke.
• I can't wait to see what my kids will look like someday. Will they have my eyes or his?
• I drive my dream car, a 2004 galapagos green Honda Element.
• My husband & I used to be professional photographers and still do it on the side sometimes.
• When we were first married, we had a dog but we had to put him down because of his aggression.  Maybe we'll get another (more friendly) one someday, but not anytime soon.
• I am reading through the bible in one year (for the 2nd time) - the bible is the most exciting book I have ever read and never grows stale with time or repetition.
• I LOVE to cook and am trying to branch out to try new things like cooking with fresh herbs and eating things (like veggies) that I wouldn't normally try.
• Because of this, my favorite TV channel is FOOD network hands down.  I wish you could pay per channel, I would seriously pay $10 a month just for that channel alone.  How come you haven't come up with that plan yet people?
• Because of this, I have seriously considered(ing) naming my daughter (when I have one) Giada, (after the adorable and large-smiled chef, Giada Delaurentis). Don't judge.
• I have my BA in communication sciences and disorders, i.e. speech therapy.  No, I do not help people make speeches who are afraid to do so, I studied speech impediments and other speech impairing disorders/behaviors.
• I love to organize everything from my food pantry and junk mail down to the receipts and lipgloss in my purse - sickening, I know.
• While growing up, my family did lots of camping and took at least one family vacation together a year.  I really hope to do this when our family grows; great memories to be had and I can't wait.
• If I could live anywhere, it'd be Italy or France.
• I wish I could just walk up to a beautiful house, knock on their door and ask, "Can I just see what the inside of your house looks like?"  I would love to crash houses for a living.
• I'm a sucker for vintage dishware.
• I love thrifting for anything - furniture to remodel, clothes to resew, canvases to repaint, anything I tell you!