Happy Birthday Prince Charming

Dedication: To my better half, PIC (partner in crime), prince charming, love of my life and birthday boy- Patrick Turiano! 

It's been an eventful weekend at the Turiano household. As some of you may know, my amazing better half is celebrating his 27th birthday today. Since birthdays should be a weekend or week long celebration we did just that for the mellow yet always jolly, Patrick. Keeping the festivities in true Patrick fashion they involved a whole lot of football and a whole lot of just chillin.

Saturday night we hit up Cask N Flagon for some good old college football (LSU vs. Alabama) beers, and bar food.

 (The Birthday Boy ready to blow out some candles) 

He also got some really rad gifts from Mr. Lopez-Bernal and the future Mrs. Lopez-Bernal. He loved them so much he wore them to work today. I'd like to formally thank them both for keeping Patrick so very stylish. 

(Tie and shirt courtesy of Gabe and Yisel) 

Disclaimer: Patrick did NOT wear the presents with the shorts to work today! 

Sunday the birthday festivities involved more football and much needed studying. We also sprinkled some fantasy football into the mix. In honor of the special day I agreed to the unthinkable, dinner in front of the television. Please know at the Turiano household dinner is sacred and sitting in front of the TV is a huge no, no! We both grew up in families where dinner was quality time and “uno se sienta en la mesa.” I’m happy to say we’ve continued the tradition but broke the rules for the birthday boy.  

Mom & Mami: Please know I was sure to extra spoil our favorite guy and made him one of his favorites, arroz con picadillo.

(Patrick enjoying dinner and the Pats vs. Giants game) 

While Mondays are always crazy with school, work, internship, job applications and homework, we still managed to celebrate the man of the house. Here’s our simple celebration, please pay special attention to what he’s wearing, it was courtesy of his hot wife.

(This is Patrick's I'm an old fart face!)  

Happy Birthday Booger, I love you more than words could ever express. I think I speak for all of our family and friends back in sunny S. Florida when I say “may all your wishes come true.”

Hasta next time,
Grace

Through Thick and Thin

Dedication: To relationships here, there and everywhere!

This week started off a tad bit spooky and I'm not referring to the Halloween festivities, but rather to Kim K's announcement she was filing for divorce. Was it really spooky or deja vu? Seventy-two days after pledging to spend the rest of her life with NBA star, Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian called it quits.

While many wondered was it a publicity stunt? Was it for money? Was if for ratings? Others such as myself thought, what does this say about the institution of marriage? Most importantly, what kind of image regarding marriage is this whole fiasco portraying?

I vowed to spend the rest of my life with my prince charming 1302 days ago. We were 23-years-old, straight out of college, madly in love and absolutely out of our minds. We look back at it now and laugh but still believe it's the greatest decision we've ever made.

(Patrick and I, April 12, 2008) 

 Today, we are surrounded by wonderful family and friends who have vowed to love each other through thick and thin or are planning on taking the big plunge. Many of them have turned to us for advice.

I'll share with you the miniscule wisdom we've acquired in the past three plus years. 

• Marriage is about compromise
• Life isn't perfect or a fairytale
• Date nights are the bomb, always make time for just you two
• Respect, trust and honesty are a must
• Never go to bed angry
• You're each other's biggest fan (professionally and spiritually)
• Time with the girls and time with the boys is way cool
• Don't air your dirty laundry, it's your business not anyone else's
• Her family is your family and his family is your family
• Talk to each other not at each other.
• It's not what you say it's how you say it
• Choose your battle's wisely; don't fight over the little stuff
• While things may not always be perfect, just remember you're perfect for each other.

Honestly, I could go on forever! I'm also not a relationship expert or insinuating my advice is the best or right for that matter. What I can say is I'm still madly in love with my Booger aka prince charming. We have a lot more to learn and many more hurdles and obstacles to face; the best part you ask? We'll do it together!

Please know this post is by no means a jab at Kim K- I'm a HUGE fan! I watch the show, love her clothing line, like her perfume and think she's got a rocking body. I admire her for following her heart and doing what' right for her. I wish her and Kris the best during this difficult time, but I want people to know that marriage is a beautiful institution. It's also a lot of hard work and should not be taken lightly. If you aren't sure, don't do it! More than anything I want people to realize that a wedding is a one day event and a marriage should be till death do you part. 

Hasta next time,

Grace

A Snooki-fied Halloween

Dedication: To my favorite reality star and halloween costume, Snooki

Snooki 

Some people have no idea who they'd like to dress as and channel on this wicked day. Others (me) know exactly who they want to be. 

When our friend's Gabe and Yisel invited us to their halloween bash, I automatically knew my costume; America's favorite 4'9 girl, Snooki. In order to complete the Jersey Shore/Snooki package I needed a hot gorilla juice head. Therefore Patrick (prince charming/my better half) had no choice and was the designated Jionni. For those not following The Shore, Jionni is Snooki's boyfriend.

(Snooki and Jionni)

Here's our rendition of the reality couple...

(Jionni and Snooki aka Patrick and I) 

(My rendition of Snooki)

Many thanks to Gabe and Yisel for the fun get together. All I have to say is DENZEL WASHINGTON!

Happy Halloween!
Grace