Stick people get animated for MADD Canada

November 2, 2012 22 Comments

I’m sure you’ve seen them; the stick families. The little decal representations of family members, pets, hobbies etc on display on the rear window of vehicles as a symbol of the vehicle’s precious cargo. It’s hugely popular here.

I think they are adorable! I’d love to have a little stick decal of Hubby, the Dude and TESS!!

One MADD Canada chapter, MADD Edmonton & Area, is tapping into the stick family decal phenomenon to drive the message of impaired driving home. They’ve developed the Stick Family Campaign; animated decal stick figure family illustrating what happens after a tragic car crash has occurred. Like last week’s post with Simple Plan’s video, this campaign shifts the focus away from impaired drivers and shines a light on the families who are affected by the carelessness of impaired driving.

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I get goose bumps every time I watch it. So simple yet so powerful.

I love how this campaign is designed to make us think critically about a serious situation because, as the commercial shows and we all know, the decision to drive impaired has long and devastating effects.

The Stick Family Campaign also produced coordinating print material and impaired driving awareness decals.

However, I haven’t been able to track down where a person can buy these decals specifically although I believe you can get window decals custom-made at local print/design shops. Hmmmm…something to consider….

What do you think of using a popular fad like the stick family decals to relay an important message? Do you have stick family decals on your vehicles? Would you have some custom-made in honor of a loved one or to relay socially responsible messaging that’s close to your heart? I’d love to hear your thoughts…

On August 1, 2009, my beautiful mother-in-law’s life was cut tragically short by an impaired driver and my stepson’s life changed forever. In honor of Donna and Jordan Kennie, please don’t drink and drive. Impaired driving is 100% preventable. Think about it.

Support MADD Canada and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and on the Web.

Text MADD to 45678 to donate $5 today. Report impaired drivers – CALL 911.

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Hubby’s Corner: What superhero would you be?

October 1, 2012 45 Comments

When most people stop and think about superheroes, most would tend to reference the more traditional forms of superheroes seen in this picture. Superman; Batman; Flash Gordon; the possibilities are endless.

A superhero is typically someone who has obtained some form of super power through some spectacular event in his life. But it can also be simply someone who is a costumed person of mystery fighting for a personal cause.

How many times have you ever caught yourself daydreaming – If I were a superhero, who would I be? I think everybody has some favorite superhero or super power they wish they had at one point in their lives. So as I sit here pondering my superhero options, I think I finally have the answer!

I have always thought that the Invisible Man would be super cool. The fun I’d have just messing with people and the sights I’d see. Check out the pic of me waiting patiently in the women’s locker room. Can you see me???

Or maybe Batman, with his bat-belt gadgets. He usually has everything on that belt for every occasion. He was a real boy scout prepared for anything.

Then I quickly switched to Spiderman with his wall climbing and web swinging and quick draw web shooting but I was concerned about the costume selection!??  NAH!

Then it came to me!!!

BANG!   POW!   SMACK!

Over the years I’ve occasionally been referred to (by Natalie’s friends) as Nat’s Man.

That’s right this looks like a job for ….dunt-da-da-dahhhh!!!!     

I can just imagine NATSMAN swooping in to aid my damsel in distress; saving her from the hands of evil doers. I picture her looking deeply into NATSMAN’s eyes with awe and amazement of my greatness as I whisk her away to safety while stealing a hot kiss!

But alas, I chuckle to myself …who am I kidding?! I have tears running down my cheeks as I sit here tossing around the endless NATSMAN costume possibilities. I’d like to think that NATSMAN would have a manly black unitard; hot-rod red accent colors with built-in body shaping amour – superhero Spanks you might say? But I’m not fooling anybody because if I was truly NATSMAN, I’d be dawned in a hot pink, glitter-covered unitard with perhaps a diamond studded g-knit with large pink stones where my balls used to reside.

My utility belt would be stocked with Nat’s cash, ID and lipstick (because none of her outfits have pockets). On the other side of the belt – a never-ending thermo cup of Butter Pecan Latte, foot cream and purple nail files. The best utility belt option would be my retractable car/house key holder – pink of course – so all doors before my damsel would be opened prior to her royal arrival. What I could not fit into my utility belt, I could store in my quick-as-a-flash hot pink, rhinestone covered murse (Portmanteau = Man + Purse).

On my right hand, I’d sport a feathered glove for giving great back tickles while she watches TV. And my left sleeve would contain magician style flowers that I could whip out at a moment’s notice. And as much as I would love to be a masked superhero…at this point I suspect my only head gear would be a sparkling tiara.

Regardless of the silly costume ideas and the elaborate images, I can’t help but be thankful for the day I met Natalie and every day since. You might say meeting her was the spectacular event in my life…where I obtained my super power and became forever known as dunt-da-da-dahhhh!!!!  

PS: NATSMAN is not the only superhero fantasy in the household!!!!

XOXO – UP! UP!  and AWAAAAYYYYYY!

Now that I told you my dirty little secret…what superhero would you be? Who is the real-life superhero in your life? Come on…share the wealth…

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Urban Word Wednesday: Panty Anthem

August 15, 2012 48 Comments

Welcome to Urban Word Wednesday! New words, phrases, and sayings I am learning (and using in my day-to-day life) brought to you by ME…and the Urban Dictionary. You are gonna love these!

Let the panty party continue! After yesterday’s post with underwear a deux, today’s Urban Word keeps the things in full swing as we celebrate of national underwear day (NUD). After you leave here, make sure you keep rocking out with Jenny Hansen. She’s talking panty parades and UNDIE SHOOTERS (need I say more???). She’s also got the dirt on an undie pop-up party with FreshPair (the fahhhbulous peeps that started NUD) in NYC August 22-23, 2012 (never have I wished I was in NYC more).

So….lets get down to urban word business!

Panty Anthem: a song that makes people want to take their panties off.

Examples Of Use:

Hubby and I were at the grocery store last night picking up a few things for the week. We were in the vegetable aisle checking out the lettuce when we had the following conversation.

Me: did you see mine and Jenny’s blog posts today? We are doing a belated celebration of national underwear day which was on August 5.

Hubby: I can’t believe you two missed THAT. But yeah, I saw the vibrating panties. I am getting you a pair for Christmas and we are so doing some kind of James Bond type vlog with them.

Me: nice. That sounds like super duper fun! Maybe I could wear them to the gym and finally have an assisted coregasm. What did you think of the fundies? Would you try a pair with me?

Hubby: I just broke 3 bills this week sweetheart. If you and I tried to slip into a pair of those we’d look like a monkey trying to fawk a football.

*I feigned disappointment – we definitely had people’s attention then*

Me: You know what they say, trying is half the fun. Wait a minute…

*I perk my head up towards the ceiling to hear the radio better*

Me: OMG I LOVE this song! It’s totally MY panty anthem?

Hubby: a panty anthem?

Me: you know…it’s so good it’s making me want to take my panties off!

*Hubby drops the lettuce and grabs my hand*

Hubby: come on, we can find the station in the car!

This is my panty anthem:

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What’s yours? Come on…share the wealth…

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How long does it take for love to develop?

July 23, 2012 35 Comments

Hubby and I on our wedding day just after we said “I do”!

Last week I wrote a post about how long women (in search of a long-term partner) should wait before giving up the hooch. It created quite a stir in the comments section which, as Tomi (one of the commentors) pointed out, gave me the opportunity to clarify and communicate my position, which rocked! All in all, I found it challenging and exhilarating.

As part of those comments, Tomi asked me (or maybe he was asking hubby, wasn’t sure), how long, in my opinion, does it takes before love develops in a relationship.

An excellent question I found myself pondering last night as I watched the finale of the Bachelorette. In about 8 weeks, Emily weeded through 25 men on wild and worldly dates to narrow it down to just one (I won’t say who just in case you’ve PVRed it). At the finale, she professed her love and said “yes” when he proposed.

But is 8 weeks and a couple of one-on-one dates enough to truly develop “love”?

I don’t know. I definitely think it’s plenty of time to develop a solid case of lust and excitement knowing that the chemistry and potential for more exists.

I believe there is a big difference between lust and love. To me, lust is what we usually feel at the beginning of a relationship. The first few months where we have the rush of emotions, the wanting to be together all the time, the excitement, heart pounding, belly butterflies. Lust fires up your chemistry and gets your juices flowing. It fills you with hope and a sense of endless possibility. It’s the inkling that love…could happen! Unfortunately, it can also cloud our judgement and have us doing things we never thought we’d do.

Lust is like the much older, semi-slutty sister of love! She gives great advice and loves you to death but watch out because before you know it, she’ll have you shooting Tequila at some sleazy bar pushing you towards the douchebag with the amazing bedroom eyes and the great ass! You’ll wake up in the morning in a haze, very hungover having had a great time but with plenty of regrets.

For me, love is what can be born out of lust. It’s the strong silent type. Where lust is a raging fire that can sometimes burn you…or burn out too quickly, love is the long, slow-burning flame that will keep you warm, safe and toasty for years to come.

Love is when your relationship moves from the fire and sparks of lust into something deeper, more profound and lasting; built on qualities that go beyond chemistry but into deep mutual respect, shared values and dreams, a commitment to each other’s happiness, and a profound sense of “home”.

How long it takes to move from lust to love varies for each and every person but I believe it usually takes a couple of months (3 to 4) to develop.

That being said, I know people who’ve gone from meeting to lust to love much faster and some much slower. I think there are a zillion factors that come into play; how open we are to it, how trusting, how self knowing etc…

For hubby and I we each had a different experience. For him, he knew he loved me probably after 3 months where I took a little longer to come into my feelings. I was more hesitant. To be honest, I wasn’t sure he was the real deal. But he was and he was patient and trusting knowing what I felt long before I did. We were together around 4 months when I finally said those magic words “I love you”.

His response…”I know…”

How long do you think it takes for love to develop? What are some of your love stories? Do you remember the first time either you or your partner said ‘I love you’? Come on…share the wealth…

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How long should you make a guy wait? The Singles need your advice!

July 16, 2012 89 Comments

I’ve got a bunch of single gal pals (the Singles) that come to me for relationship advice. I gleefully and enthusiastically deliver all tidbits of advice I have to offer acknowledging that it’s based solely on my personal experience.

In one area, me and the Singles ALWAYS differ!

How long do you wait before going ALL the way?

My advice; 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly the relationship progresses. To be honest, I think the longer you wait, THE BETTER! Now let’s be clear. I am not saying you shouldn’t have any intimate fun…there’s lots of boudoir frolicking that can be had that does not involve going the whole way. I am merely suggesting that you keep things to 1st and 2nd base for while.

The Singles gawk, throw their heads back in disgust and usually look at me like a 3-headed dragon.

“We have NEEDS Natalie….” they scream at me.

My response: “do you want to get laid or find a life partner?” because I think the two goals require two totally different approaches.

To back me up, I saw an interview between Dr. Phil and Steve Harvey, comedian and author of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and Straight Talk, No Chasers, where Steve suggests women make the men they are dating wait 90 days before they have sex.

“The biggest mistake that women make is they find out the information too late. You find out he’s married too late, you find out something’s wrong with him, he’s not really working, he’s not really a committed-type guy,” he says. “You can get this figured out in 90 days if you give yourself a chance, but once you commit yourself physically to a guy, you become emotionally involved, and you try to force it to make it work because ‘I slept with the guy.’ And you end up dragging yourself through the mud with a relationship that you really need to get rid of.“

I emailed that little ditty around to all the Singles.

Most of them did not reply. Go figure.

Steve shared his thoughts on his 90-day rule and dating in general on the Ellen show and I gotta say, I was sold on his theory!

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Amen Steve!

To all my Singles out there, here are my final pieces of relationship advice:

  1. Set your BAR sky high!
  2. Shout it from the rooftop! OWN it!
  3. Demand to know his intentions/plans on the first date!
  4. Set a 90-day (or something similar) no-sex rule so he knows you ain’t here to PLAY, you here to PLAN!

If he’s worthy, he’ll stick around!

I know, you are all wondering….do I practice what I preach?!?!

Hubby and I waited 4 weeks from the time we started dating exclusively.

Why didn’t I wait 90 days, which was my rule at the time? There were a couple of factors that I think made the timeline exception warranted.

Relationship intensity was fierce: for hubby and I, 4 weeks together was like 90 days for most. We spent nearly every single day together from the time we met. And it wasn’t all flirting and fun during that time. I took Steve’s advice to heart and grilled hubby extensively (who grilled me right back), we explored the nitty gritty details like our mutual interests, our values, and the kind of relationships/life we wanted with a partner. We were both dead honest with each other from day one. It was intense but it was also as natural as breathing.

And……

Hubby got rave reviews from multiple credible sources: hubby had worked at my then workplaces for years but was gone by the time I was hired. So all of my coworkers (all women – varying ages) had known him for ages. These women didn’t just speak highly of him…they adored, worshipped and loved him. To most, he was like a son to them. In their eyes, I could do no better and they all told me we’d be perfect together.

How right these ladies were!

But I still made him wait 4 weeks! And when we took things to the next level, I knew what I was getting myself into and I knew he was worth it. And vice versa.

So…have y’all got my back? How long do you think the Singles should wait before jumping in the hay with a new man…and why? What’s your best piece of relationship advice? Come on…share the wealth…

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Maximizing summer with magnetic convenience

June 5, 2012 24 Comments

With summer coming up on us like a freight train (and for those of you who enjoy summer nearly all year-long – damn you), hubby and I have started pulling out the usual fun-in-the-sun gear.

We’ve got our beach chairs (I admit, I have a slight addiction), we’ve got our umbrella, and we’ve got a new collapsible cart from Costco to help us tug all our gear to and from the beach. Ok….not “we”…more like hubby will tug it along but I digress.

As you can see, we are pretty well set up!

Except for this TRAGEDY right here! Note the red circles!

Yes…that’s right! While maxin’ and relaxin’ catching some rays, Hubby and I have to physically HANG ONTO our beer? A major intrusion on my mucho relaxo attitude! It requires care and consideration which hampers my potential nap possibilities. I mean, what if I fell asleep or got so relaxed I simply….let go?!?! We are talking possible epic beer blunders people. There’d even likely be…spillage….

GASP! Say it isn’t so Natalie?!?!?!

It’s so people. It’s so!

For those skeptics who are reading all confused saying “why doesn’t she just set the damn thing on the sand?!?!?” Silly people….silly, non-beach people! Although to the less experienced bodacious beach baby, that would sound like an adequate solution allow me to impart some of my hard-earned fun-in-the-sun lessons with you. Setting said koozie on the beach leads to 3 things:

  1. SAND on my beer koozie. I understand, in and of itself this is not a huge issue except for the fact that now, each time I bring that cold cocktail to my lips, I’ll inadvertently get sand dribble all over myself. This is both uncomfortable and leads to uneven tans. No thank you!!
  2. Speaking of cold, setting said koozie on the HOT sand means that my brown bottled brewski will be tasting like hot chocolate in no time. Ewwww…
  3. And finally, by having your beverage sitting in the sand, there is an increased likelihood of knocking the darn thing over. When I pour myself out of that insanely low-to-the-ground beach chair, I stagger around like a drunken sailor that’s been on a bender for a week.

I am sure you all understand now the dilemma I am faced with. That all beach people are faced with. A travesty!

Well no longer! I’ve saved our respective beach butts with….the portable magnetic beverage stake!

I want to BE That lady in the picture! How uberliciously fabulous does that look (although it would be improved if it was available in bedazzled pink…just sayin’!) Ya just drive the little stake into the ground near the chair and use the magnetic insulated koozie and voila, all done.

The magnetic based keeps the koozie secure to the stake so all is kept “cool, raised and in reach” (my kind of motto). You don’t have to worry about knocking it over unless you want to punt it like a football (another viable FUN use – gotta luv multipurpose products!!!!)

You can order this genius gadget for $10.99 (+ shipping) from the website.

How do you keep your beverage cool and clean in the summer? Are you a beach bum or a sand hater? What’s your favorite ways to cool off and beat the summer heat?

It’s Twisted Tuesday and that means it’s time to enjoy a smile, giggle or laugh…here’s hoping I’ve provided it in spades…enjoy!

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Happy Birthday to ME!

March 19, 2012 81 Comments

Today is my birthday!! I will turn 37 years old around 10:25 this morning and I can’t wait! I love birthdays. Squeeee!

I’ve always loved my birthday. No matter how old I am turning. Age has never been a big deal to me. And I know some of you groan “well duh, you are only 37 years old…” but I don’t think age will ever be a big deal to me.

Part of my joie-de-vivre comes from having the world’s best birthday role model; my Mom. I mean, this is a woman who knows how to embrace birthdays and aging in style! For her sixtieth birthday, she hosted a pole dancing party with one requirement: you attend, you work the pole. And work the pole we did. Whatever age she turns, my mother embraces the gift of life and living.

And I definitely take after Mom. I’ve never been one to want to stay in the same place (metaphorically speaking). To me, time passing and aging signifies growth and forward movement. To me, our age is like a badge of honor, something to be revered and celebrated! We made it. Another year under the belt where I learned, challenged, and pushed myself to do more, aim higher, and live louder.

I mean, I’ve already got plans for my fortieth underway so I am pumped to hit the next major milestone!

Here are my top 5 reasons for loving my birthday!

  1. The name of the game is GIFTS! Squeeeee. Whether it’s the gift of time with friends and family or the gift of jewellery (hubby always delivers spectacular on the gifts part ), it’s a joy to let your loved ones shower you with gifts. Some of my most treasured birthday gifts are cards I’ve received from my loved ones with the most beautiful and inspiring notes of family, love, friendship and sisterhood. I save them and reread them from time to time and my heart is always warmed with how blessed I am.
  2. It’s not a day, it’s a season! Thasss right. I like to draw my big day OUT! Although today is my actually bday, I like to start celebrating early and carry on through the big day and beyond. This year we started on Friday evening with dinner with friends, Saturday night was dancing with friends, Monday night dinner with the family, and this coming weekend, a hot tub party with more friends. Woot woot! And, if you can believe it, this will be one of the shortest birthday seasons ever. Usually I manage to save gift certificates from my bday to spend in August so I can extend the pleasures throughout the months! No joke…I like to draw it out!
  3. ME ME ME. I know, it’s shocking to hear it but I LOVE being the center of attention and what better day to scream “I rock!” from the rooftops than my birthday. On Saturday night, my BFF had the DJ wish me a happy birthday, there are tons of facebook messages coming in, hubby had a bday wish on the radio for me, and there’s a bday sign across my office door so coworkers will swing by all day with best wishes. And now all of my blogging family will swing by with loads of uber fabulousness. I mean…I am EVERYWHERE! Squeee…Love that! I love to shower people with love and adoration and I love to be showered. I mean, it’s all about give and take, right?
  4. Like a fine wine, I feel like I get better with age. Coming into my 30s was the best thing that ever happened to me. I felt like for the first time in my life, I finally settled into my own skin. As a woman, I grew into my bones and felt at peace with myself. My self-esteem soared and I found my self-confidence. I also became more adventurous and slowly but surely I let go of my paralyzing fear of abandonment and opened myself up to love. Love of myself and others in a deep and profound way. And each year, it only gets better.
  5. Any excuse to have a party! Birthdays are a fantastic reason to toss the diet aside for the day and indulge across the board. Food, friends, family, and fun – let er’ rip! Birthdays are a great time to throw caution to the wind, buy that new outfit, try that new restaurant, or toss that bash you’ve been dying to have. Seriously, we only live once so let the good times roll!

How do you celebrate your birthday? Does aging get you down or fire you up? What are some of the best birthdays you’ve ever had and what made them so special?

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I promise…do you?

March 9, 2012 22 Comments

Squeeeeee y’all are getting more of me than you bargain for today. I am guest posting today at Jessica O’Neal’s blog where I share my Love List. Be sure to visit her and check it out! I can’t wait to hear what you’d put on your Love List!

Now, to today’s post. On April 16, 2011, Anthony McColl (Tony) was driving friends home from a party when a Mazda Protegé crossed the median line and struck his car, killing McColl and seriously injuring his four female passengers.

According to police, they had been chasing the driver of the Mazda Protegé after seeing the driver driving erratically but had broke off the pursuit because it was becoming too dangerous.

The driver continued to speed and a few minutes later lost control of his vehicle and struck McColl. The driver of the other car, Brandon Crawford, 20, was also killed in the crash.

This video was made in tribute to Anthony McColl and it moved me to tears. His family and friends have created a website and a Facebook group called “Tony’s Promise” where people join and pledge to never drive and drive or let another person get behind the wheel while under the influence in Tony`s honor. Love it!

 

Tony….I promise! ♥

Will you take the pledge and join me in making an “I promise” in Tony’s honor?

Two years ago, my beautiful mother-in-law’s life was cut tragically short by an impaired driver. In honor of Donna Jean Kennie, please don’t drink and drive. Impaired driving is 100% preventable. Think about it.

Support MADD Canada and follow them on Facebook, Twitter (@maddcanada), and on the Web.

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About me and the superhero formula

February 20, 2012 44 Comments

I recently watched Clay Collins’ video on how he accidentally created one of blogopshere’s most viral “about me” page. I thought I’d take a crack at re-writing my ultra boring About Me page using Clay’s five steps superhero formula.

Superhero Formula

  1. Establish a common enemy with target market – fight against the enemy for them. You go to battle for them! Specific or idea.
  2. Super power – show it off – how do you make miracles happen for yourself and others.
  3. Purpose – your target market needs to know you are doing things not just for the money but for a larger purpose – and you must be truthful.
  4. Fatal flaw – your kryptonite – it will help target bond with you.
  5. Your original story – explains how you went from ordinary to extraordinary – how did you transform?

My answers:

  1. Common enemy: together, we will fight against boredom and bland colors.
  2. Super power: urban redneck powered by a tacky sense of fashion (who said a cowboy hat with stiletto heels wasn’t hot!?? Is there such thing as too much bedazzling???) and a stellar sense of humor. My secret weapon: hubby.
  3. Purpose: to entertain you, make you smile, make you laugh and bring you joy.
  4. Fatal flaw: procrastination and temper tantrums which can lead to occasional bouts of negativity.
  5. Transformation: Thanks to Kristen Lamb’s blogging to build a brand course, I transformed from a bland blogger using basic colors, a plain header, inconsistent and deadly boring blubbering to a blogger extraordinaire with a flair for color, content and consistency. The 3 Cs baby!

How I put the formula to use.

Natalie Hartford

Natalie Hartford is an urban redneck; a cross-breed of city girl and redneck. She loves high heels, bling, all things pink and sparkly along with ball caps, 4X4ing, camping, and drinkin’ beer. She often mistakes tacky for fahbulous! An avid golfer, don’t let the stylish and colorful outfits with matching clubs fool you; she’ll wrap that driver around a tree in a temper tantrum in 2 point 5 seconds (hello…she nearly got kicked off a golf course for her potty mouth).

By day, she sports dress pants, button downs, and suits putting her bachelor degree in journalism to good use working in public relations. She slings words for fact sheets, press releases, and powerpoints. From chairing meetings, to organizing and emceeing events, she rocks the corporate communications world.

By night and weekend, she used to flail around in cyberspace until she ate from the forbidden fruit and channeled super human blogging powers. Now her blog is a pink pallooza of fun bringing color and comedy to all the lands. Where once lived a bland blogger with inconsistent and deadly boring blabbering now lives a sparkling pink goddess blogger divine battling against the seriousness we all face in life spreading laughter, smiles, and zany word fun all over the blogosphere.

At the same time she sets fire to the page working on her first novel. Torn between chick lit, women`s fiction and paranormal, she`s getting to know characters, drafting scenes, sampling dialogue and plotting to her heart’s content.

She doesn’t do it alone. Her secret weapon, the Robin to her Batman, is hubby. He keeps her calm, neutralizes nap time, and blasts her procrastination. Second time around for both of them, they rock the romance by living and playing large. Best friends forever; you complete me; yin to my yang; K.I.S.S.I.N.G. When they aren`t having “shock and awe” fun sampling Natalie’s urban words in public, they sneak away to their rustic camp hidden deep in the New Brunswick countryside (so deep, there`s no cell reception or Internet). There they spend their days tearing up the trails in their 4X4 Rhino and nights pondering plot possibilities, cuddling and hanging with their trusted side-kick Tess (their beloved Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever). Ahhh…the life!

If you want more of Natalie:

Visit her at: http://nataliehartford.com
Talk to her at: natalie@nataliehartford.com
Follow her on twitter at: @NatalieHartford

What do you think? Did I rock the super hero formula or make a mess of it? Suggestions to improve? What do you think makes a kickin’ About Me page? Know of any fahhhbulous examples that rocked your read? Share the wealth…

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A palooza of romance: hubby’s top 5

February 13, 2012 63 Comments

Tomorrow is Valentine’s day and I’ve got a week-long love fest planned for you. Buckle up for a palooza of all things romantic, sappy and corny. We are going to kick off the week with the top 5 romantic things hubby has done in our over 7 years together.

1. Nat’s Day – Letters of the alphabet. Very early on in our relationship, hubby planned and executed a day-long scavenger hunt. All day long I received different clues and deliveries that led me to flowers, love notes, cards and presents all with these little foam letters attached. Each letter came with a note. “A is for how adorable you are; B doesn’t begin to describe your beauty” etc. At the end of the day when I got home with my entire alphabet, I found the original alphabet form to put all the letters in. When I did, and flipped it over, there was a message to meet hubby at his place. There he had dinner, dessert and an evening of the Notebook all planned for us.

Nat's Day - Letters of the Alphabet

Nat's Day - Letters of the Alphabet

2. Nat’s Day – Keys. Another day-long scavenger hunt for little gold keys (you know, the ones for those tiny luggage locks). Throughout the day, I came across them in a million different ways; packages delivered by co-workers, in the trunk of my car, and hidden in flowers. At the end of the day, all of the keys unlocked a box which promised a night of romance.

Nat's Day - Keys

Nat's Day - Keys

Nat's Day - Keys

3. Nat’s Day 3 – Mission Possible. This time it was a scavenger hunt for CDs. Each CD was part of an all-day mission for Bruce Easily (hubby) and Fatality (me) to hook up for a night of romance. And each CD contained hints about where and when to find the next.

Nat's Day - Mission Possible

 

4. A day for Dad. My Dad was killed when I was 16 years old. One year, on the anniversary of his death, hubby gifted me with a large picture frame that he put together with a picture of my Dad, a few of me growing up, and the poem I wrote for Dad’s funeral. He also gave me my first orchid (my Dad grew orchids).

A day for Dad

5. The millions. The millions of flowers I’ve received; the hundreds of romantic messages in dreamy cards; the foot rubs, massages, and spa evenings; the never-ending surprise dinners; the engagement proposal; and….the never-tiring cuddles, snuggles, chick flicks, back tickles and hair pulls.

Hubby’s talent for all things romance makes me a very lucky lady indeed. There’s nothing that makes a gal feel more special and loved than surprises and unexpected gestures of adoration. And I gotta say, hubby delivers in spades.

How do you breath romance into your relationships? What’s the most romantic thing someone’s ever done for you?

Prize Alert: Last Monday I did an author’s spotlight featuring the amazing Elena Aitken and we did a fahhhbulous book giveaway. Here are the winners:

  • Julie Glover – Nothing Stays in Vegas e-Book
  • Louise Behiel – Nothing Stays in Vegas e-Book
  • Darlene Steelman – Nothing Stays in Vegas e-Book
  • Marcia Richards – Grand Prize – Drawing Free signed copy

Elena is gone on vacay (lucky lady) so she will connect with y’all upon her return. In the meantime, fire me your email addys to Natalie at nataliehartford dot com. I will forward the info along to Elena and she can get in touch with each of you upon her return Feb 25.

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