Creative Wedding Decor - General

So call me weird but I'm a woman who doesn't want to spend nor worry about all the pizzazz of a wedding and wedding reception. For me it's more about making sure we (my partner and I) have the money for our wedding altogether and if that means creative and cheaper ways to make it all come to fruition than hell yes and I'm still going to be a happy bride. 

If you're wondering is that what I ended up doing for my wedding, then the answer is yes. I personally was more worried about the church in which the wedding was going to take place and making sure that there was enough food (for the buck) to feed our guests. Yes, that's right I didn't care about some glamorous dress and I was even looking for bargains on the wedding dress too! My ex-husband (well to be husband at that time) was mentioning about going on a honeymoon. Something he wanted to do but something I didn't want to risk using money for at that time, because we had other financial responsibilities to consider at that time...guess that's neither here nor there; moving on! One way to cut costs was to really hanker down on the guest list. Yes, ideally what bride doesn't want all those who are important to her and then those who have loved and respected her family, to join in the celebration. I wanted to be frugal and creatively unique while also making it memorable. 

At our wedding for the guests to take-home I was able to find a great deal on these mini mason jars that would have some engraving black text on them and we were going to fill them up with white chocolates so that the black text/font would stand out and it was with a pretty white satin ribbon. That was specifically purchased through a cool website that does event products, especially for weddings, but not going to lie, outside of that almost 80% was purchased on Amazon for cost purposes, whereas the few other items were purchased at Hobby Lobby, Bridal shop, and Mens Warehouse. At the entryway of the reception area there was this cute little built in shelf to provide a natural guidance to the flow of traffic, that's where I decided I wanted to do something creative for our wedding. Since being a practicing Catholic not only in the faith but the cultural faith traditions that it entails. while also knowing that this wasn't a typical relationship like that of my many family members before us...well I was trying to put in more positivity and reinforcement to the vows and the celebration of the day (regardless of how fucked up it was and the whole thing altogether). I acquired all the wedding pictures from the family members that were married in our families to reinforce the importance of the relationship and that if him or I should come across problems we had this visual appearance of something special and family members who could help us as well. 

While writing this, I'm remembering all of my illusions at a happily ever after even with the chaos and storms...Lordy it sheds light for sure on how truly optimistic your nature/character is...Instead of your typical sign in station or book, I had this idea in my head which I had shared with my ex-husband. I was concluding that him and I and our daughter wouldn't be staying with my folks in their house for long and when we had our own place we would have an entryway or hallway/corridor of some kind. So there was this beautiful elongated mirror at Hobby Lobby that had shutter doors in a vintage light brown stain, so when you opened the lock and opened the shutters it exposed the mirror. I asked my ex-husband if he could find a way to have the shutter doors held open to be able to leave the mirror exposed at all times, so as you can deduce, he was able to get some pieces so that the shutters wouldn't be flimsy on opening and maintain staying open once we placed the mirror on a wall or something. We bought these cute little small wood frames and I developed some pictures of my ex-husband and I together, then pictures of him with myself and our oldest. This mirror is what actually became our guest sign-in. We bought an iron stand to be able to gold up the weight of the mirror then had some different color sharpies at the base. Guests were to use the sharpies to sign their names and create positive messages or words of wisdom for the happy couple. So in my mind for our future home I figured that would also help serve as a special positive reinforcement to any struggles that we may come across in our future as a married couple...

Sadly, I have no idea where that mirror is sine my ex-husband had rented out a storage unit for the business he had created and took some of our possessions over there when he took my fifth wheel to Colorado...then took more of his or what I thought was our things when I got the apartment my girls and I live in...how things can change in a blink of an eye. 

If I should get married again, in case you were wondering, yes I would probably do something just as creative whether the same or something creatively different for my spouse and I, because I like those sentimental positive reminders for us (the couple) to remember...Now if it is the same my spouse would of course have to be ok with it first off because I don't want him associating that idea to me thinking about my ex-husband or anything like that, its more of the open positivity that it will bring us is all. So what are some ideas that you've done, used, or perhaps assisted in your own wedding or someone else's? 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

The Nest Cafe - General/Recommend/Restaurant Review

If you're going to be in the Frisco, TX area between the breakfast and lunch hour and you're looking for a tranquil, chill, and delicious food then the Nest Cafe is the place for you.

It's not a large establishment but it's enough for enjoying your eating time. Its location makes it prime for being right off of the Tollway and it's not too far in after you exit the highway. The restaurant itself has great lighting should you decide to visit while working a meeting, having a breakfast/lunch date, family meal, or even perhaps just some quiet reading/laptop work while you enjoy your meal. 

Their meals are dietary needs friendly whether it's the dairy aspect, fat, or even gluten free needs. I've gone a few times and their consistency is commendable and their flavors are pretty good. I actually bothered to take pictures though when I went this last time with my kiddos! It was a pleasant and nice Sunday brunch time for us and with the storms that had just passed through in the morning it was well worth a cozy and chill place like this...

I ordered the girls the special hot chocolates while I enjoyed my latte. The girls meals were directly from their kids menu and I was happily content with their selection and their serving sizes for my kids. For the girls to share, I ordered them a Snowman Pancake and they ate that as well!

I ordered two things from their menu and yes I like to enjoy my food and I eat what I want thank you! I got the Avocado Toast with Salmon and their Chicken Wrap. Though I compliment their establishment and food, what I'm about to say isn't meant to deter you from visiting and ordering their food! Just being honest since I like my food...The Chicken Wrap was sadly disappointing, the flavoring was bland and though it looked full I was sadly left wanting more. By wanting more I mean the wrap being adequately filled because it was nicely squished in the middle of the wrap but I left probably a quarter of the wrap (on each end or half of what I was eating). So I do not recommend that wrap. NOW, the Avocado Toast with Salmon was delicious, healthy, fulfilling and I was only disappointed in the sense that it was a portion (though adequate) that was too small for my personal liking. So the next time I'm going to have to order two of them! Highly recommend that one though!

So take some time out of your day the next time you're in the Frisco area or make sure to visit this place if you live in that area!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Virginia Beach (Thunderbirds) - General/Recommend/Family Life

Living on the East Coast definitely has its pleasures, fun, and luxuries if you haven't seen from some of my posts on here. One of the memorable moments is witnessing the Thunderbirds in action at Virginia Beach, Virginia. Though it's where the Navy/Navy Seals sometimes are based out of it was truly a treat to see the witness the parachuters and the jets of the Thunderbirds. 

My family had decided to make a little trip out of my birthday celebrations and we ended up staying the weekend in Virginia Beach with some pretty cool moments from seeing the air show and then delicious memories and sights when we ventured into the actual Virginia Beach area, which is where we got the witness the parachuters jumping out of the Thunderbirds big airplane-yes I know but apologies because I don't remember the name of that aircraft, so no disrespect! 

So even though the thunderbirds or Blue Angles may not be at the Virginia Beach bases, it's still worth a trip out there to enjoy the city, seafood flavors, and most of all the beach! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Rosary Popper - General/Family Life/Recommend

This post is more for the Catholic community, but anyone is welcome to read. So as I was saying, if you are a Catholic who is teaching the faith to their children then this item will probably be something for you and your household.

I actually saw this item on an Instagram post or advertiser and I have to admit that at first I was like eh and kept on scrolling. Then on another day it appeared again, but this time I did a double take and decided to read into the reviews of the advertiser. I was intrigued enough to bookmark or follow the page that was advertising it, which is the Gather and Pray. Then like I had done before I kept scrolling and moved on. Finally one day I noticed the same advertiser, and by this time my kids have had other popper products and items so I know that it engages them. So I not only clicked on the link but specifically on the product itself. I ended up ordering two of them for my kiddos and in their favorite colors.

Not going to lie, it's been one of the most beneficial investments for the kiddos when it comes to their faith and continual growth in their faith. It's so easy for them to follow along with the Rosary no matter where we are. I personally like when we pray the Rosary in the care on a road trip because my kiddos get the appreciation of the landscape while they concentrate on the prayers and get to observe the gifts and world God has created that they get to see outside through their windows. 

I highly recommend this product for all Catholic parents and their children, believe me it WON'T disappoint! So share in our faith and teach our little ones with this great product - The Rosary Popper!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

The Ritz and Tysons Galleria - General/Recommend

The very first time I had ever stayed at a Ritz Carlton was in New York City directly across the street from Central Park during my senior year of high school. Blessed enough to have experienced not only the beautiful Central Park view from the room we had but also enjoying the one-bedroom suite that was as spacious and elegant as a one-bedroom apartment! Then the overall top of the line customer service of full "turn down and tuck in service" and the chocolates on your pillows and concierge with the house car (which was a Bentley by the way). Definitely memorable times and moments during that stay and experience.

Why do I even mention that? Well as odd as it may seem the next time I'm staying at and am not only blessed enough to enjoy another stay at a Ritz location but then to be able to frequent it! Well, it's more than a decade later and I have my kids with me. So not only years later but it's on a non-planned moment where my family and I finished dropping off my sister at the airport to head back to Texas and the storms were pretty strong and dark! SO, instead of the almost two-hour drive back home in a pretty badly developed storm, turns into a mini getaway weekend and on Mother's Day weekend no less.

(image above not mine but a snapshot from Google Maps)

(both images above not mine but a snapshot from Google Maps and from Google pics)

The Ritz in Tysons Corner is pretty accommodating, comfortable, and a great location to many things in the area! It's truly ideal because of the easy access point in directions no matter where you're traveling from. Their staff are both smart, kind, ideal, family friendly, respectful, and very considerate starting at the host/check in station all the way to the restaurant chefs and staff all in between. If you're traveling with family (little ones in tow I mean), they are a hotel that's fully prepared for your needs with the provided cribs and friendly staff to both greet and assist you with your little ones. They even have these little tasty party favors in the evenings (whether during the week or weekend) for guests of all ages-it's really so quaint how they have it set up in the lobby outside of their bar and lounge/restaurant on the upper floor. 

Disclaimer though! My kids aren't like many other kids their age and I discipline them in the moment, so don't go giving them bad reviews because YOU don't have a handle on your little ones/kids - you KNOW who you are parents! Yea, you parents that don't believe in disciplining or just let you kids run around all over, scream, create tantrums, and wail their heads off all - yea NOTHING like my kids because even I hate that shit. Moving on!       

I never did stay in their suites, but it does leave me wanting to go back again for a nice R&R in one...no their simple guest rooms were very accommodating and spacious enough for our needs without a doubt. Their room service is exemplary not only in how it's visually plated but also in tastes/flavors and the fresh quality of their ingredients. They do offer a turn-down service and yes, they do provide chocolates. They did so many wonderful things for the Mother's Day weekend that it was pampering as hell that's for sure! 

Image above is the room service that we ordered for my kiddos. 

On a separate stay we were able to try out the full brunch buffet at the upper floor restaurant. First of all, the restaurant has an elegantly rustic feel with windows everywhere for plenty of natural light and comfortable seating everywhere! The buffet meal provided had plenty of options and this next part isn't necessarily because of the restaurant or Ritz itself, but it speaks to the quality and great staff that they've hired. See due to the amount of adventuring done before, my kids were given a slack on getting ready and waking up. So, it was a little crunching of time for the brunch time, at least before it ended anyway. My youngest was with me and it seems impressed all of the staff with her manners and mannerism that they began to wait on her hand and foot and once I mentioned that my other kiddo would be appearing soon as well, they began making sure that I would have what I needed to feed my oldest even before my oldest arrived and before they began cleaning up the buffet area. Truly endearing and sweet considering that the restaurant was almost empty, and they were just basically waiting on my family and me. So, when my mom arrived with my oldest, my youngest and I went to take a stroll, especially knowing that we would be going on the drive back home and sitting in the car for a little while.

The best part of this particular location in the Tysons Corner area of Virginia/Washington D.C. area is that it connects to a large indoor mall (basically a Galleria Mall) called the Tysons Galleria.

 

(image above is not mine but from a Google search)

Why does it matter so much that it connects to the mall? Well for starters, for those of you who don't plan but have spontaneous moments (like we did the very first night and first time staying here, and we had literally just the clothes on our backs) it helps to have literally any and all stores accessible to you! The coolest part is that there aren't just stores but a few good restaurants located inside the mall-the best part of the large multi-floor Galleria Mall is that since it connects to the Ritz, when the mall shuts down and locks up for the night it's not locked or hidden from the guests at the Ritz. The doors that lead from the Ritz to the mall are open for a VERY long time so even after everyone is gone and probably to bed, you can still walk off perhaps a late meal at the bar or a late meal from room service. Those same doors are also opened VERY early so if you aren't one to work out in their fitness room, then you can easily go use the stairs and walk a few miles in the mall - and yes for the record we actually saw a good chunk of guests (older mind you) that were up early and walking around before anything was open and way before the mall doors open to the public or those that were outside of the Ritz. Really a great setup and it helped with all the walking that my kids and I love to do! 

Everything really was within arm's reach every time we stayed and the fact that the Tysons Corner shopping center and other restaurants located outside of this particular location were just as easily accessible as far as commute goes, well I really can't express how awesome it all is! I know that if you're from the DFW area in Texas and know or been to the Galleria Mall off of the tollway and 635, then this Galleria Mall truly does knock that one out by the longest stretch! 

If you're going to stay in the Washington D.C. area or perhaps visit the area and some hot spots I highly recommend staying at this location; whether it's for pleasure, fun, couple getaway, or just a little R&R - yeah, I would definitely recommend it... 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

National Air and Space Museum - General/Recommend

There are museums everywhere in our nation of course but after being in a few there are certain locations that really are memorable. The National Air & Space Museum in Washington D.C. is one of those locations that really is worth the trip and visit.

Living literally only about two hours away from Washington D.C. it was easy to travel in and out of the area. My sister suggested a family weekend where we could try some places and also visit the museum, so there we all go! We stayed at our favorite location for the night to then wake up the next morning for the adventure that awaited us at the museum. You end up having to park at a garage nearby if you don't find a parking spot on the street parking. We ended up parking at the underground garage nearby and it was a nice plaza that leads out to the main street in Washington D.C. where basically almost all the museums are located-it's really pretty cool. 

Though you have a pretty good security checkpoint at the entries, the facility itself is family friendly and so is all the staff! You really won't be disappointed and the amount of history as well as things to learn isn't just for the kids but also for the adults! There is a cute little "kiddie" section and though larger than other museums it had decent stations for kids, but definitely more for older than four years old. 

So, if you're ever on the East coast and in the Washington D.C. area then make this a stop on your travels or plan out a trip to head out that way - believe me it's definitely an awesome place and area for the family!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

St Francis DeSales VA - General

I haven't really expanded on my faith, but I'll get to that at some point - yea know those damn bills wouldn't be able to get paid if I actually wrote as much as I actually wanted to; any who! Over the years I've been blessed with travels and "adventures" but with that also comes some beautiful spots where I get my reboot and peace when walking into a Catholic Church...

In the city of Purcellville, Virginia on a road where if you blink you could literally miss it, is a quaint little stop where the Catholic Church of St. Francis DeSales is. Beautifully in its interior simplicity and in my career, I had to take a note of the thought-out design of the style inside the church. You see, the seating inside this church is truly special because I've never seen ANY Catholic Church with the seating style that this one has and I'm not referring to the bench like seating, no what I'm referring to is the elevation layout of the seating. It's tastefully done that every attendee no matter their stature/height, would be able to see the alter without obstructions and a truly more visual participation to the Mass. 

Our family enjoyed it. Now for a little info on St. Francis de Sales from Catholic.org:

Feastday: January 24
Patron: of Catholic writers, the Catholic press, the deaf, journalists, adult education
Birth: August 21, 1567
Death: December 28, 1622
Beatified: January 8, 1661 by Pope Alexander VII
Canonized: April 19, 1665 by Pope Alexander VII

"St. Francis de Sales was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales in the Kingdom of Savoy near Geneva, Switzerland on August 21, 1567. He was a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Francis was both intelligent and gentle. From a very early age, he desired to serve God. He knew for years he had a vocation to the priesthood but kept it from his family. His father wanted him to enter a career in law and politics. In 1580, Francis attended the University of Paris, and at 24-years-old, he received his doctorate in law at the University of Padua. All the time, he never lost his passion for God. He studied theology and practiced mental prayers but kept quiet about his devotion. To please his father, he also studied fencing and riding. God made his will clear to Francis one day while he was riding. Francis fell from his horse three times that day. Every time he fell, the sword came out of the scabbard, and every time it came out, the sword and scabbard came to rest on the ground in the shape of the Christian cross. After much discussion and disagreement from his father, Francis was ordained to the priesthood and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, in 1593, by the Bishop of Geneva."

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Sound of Freedom - Recommend/General

Did you know that in 2021 the porn industry generated more income than the combined revenues of ABC, NBC, and CBS; also more than the combine revenues of the NFL, NBA, and MLB in the United States of America. Every second supposedly $3,075.64 was being spent on pornography; leading to a $15 to $97 billion a year "business". In 2023, globally it made $100 billion and nationally about $13 billion. 

Now take Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation...according to our governments website, 27.6 million victims worldwide. When you read into the data thats been collected (also on our governments website) it's sometimes still mind boggling to me. Here are the highlights that they posted on the website: the number of persons that have been prosecuted for human trafficking more than doubled from 2011 to 2021 (729 to 1,672 persons); in 2021, 92% of prosecuted were male and 60% of the men were white. With human trafficking being the nations second most profitable illegal industry and it being a $150 billion industry. As of right now, there is 49.6 million people in this horrible modern day slavery and whats stomach churning is that 12 million of those people are children.

Why did I start my post with all this information? Because of the movie that I saw and that this post is about...Whether your religious or not, whether you follow politics or not, whether you have kids or not, and whether or not you are a contributor as a viewer of porn or not - the movie Sound of Freedom is something I feel that every adult should and needs to watch...even if you can't stomach it, watch it. I feel that as a parent it should be on every parent watchlist-yes though emotional and probably something no parent would want to live through or go through (what is shown/happens in this movie) but it's something that IS a part of our daily lives, we just all don't perhaps take an active role in it directly...but every adult should have their heads on a swivel and be aware or at least knowledgable.

Being one to read books before their movies, this one was no different and let me tell you that there isn't much (actually almost nothing) that keeps me awake at night but after reading this book...I remember having to pray a few nights so I could literally pass out while praying. Granted I believe that it affected more than many other "true stories" because I'm a mother of two; that and the fact that my imagination is VERY vivid so it a little more haunting...anyway! My sister and some girlfriends wanted to go see it to also support the film but let me tell you that my sister and one of the other women (also a mother) didn't even make it past the first critical scene of the films that begins the storyline. Though I wanted to stay and watch the film, we all got out because shoot with four people what else were we supposed to do. 

I didn't go back to the theater though to watch it, I ended up watching it on Amazon during the time of still mixed reviews and even more so because it was included in the Amazon Prime videos. I watched the film at night, which I'm going to suggest to mothers to NOT do-it'll mess with your thoughts into sleep so I really don't recommend it - and I'm a woman who knows how to "turn off emotions" and also compartmentalize! I cried silently in some parts and personally quiet tears are more emotionally draining than the loud sobbing, I don't know why...anyway moving on. I can count on one hand the movies that I've seen in my lifetime that have an effect on me and when I mean effect me I mean physically, emotionally, and mentally; The Passion of Christ, 42, The Patriot, The Secret: Dare to Dream, and now this movie Sound of Freedom.

This movie effected on all levels and continues to touch my heart even remembering or seeing everytime an Amber Alert goes off or there's a missing child post on the news or on instagram the "OUR Rescue" organization about another sting operation and the mini description of the arrested and the victims found...

As a man I would say really grow a pair or if you have the so claimed balls to handle anything, watch that movie and PLEASE let me know if it doesn't affect you because if it doesn't then I would categorize you as an emotionally turned off person and possibly sociopath/psycho! As for the women, I think that high schoolers to women in their old age SHOULD watch this if nothing other than to be more aware of the world around you and be vigilant on what you see around you, because you never know if you come across someone being taken against their will...don't freeze up just have your head on a swivel and be prepared. We don't live in nice little safe bubbles so dont be naive to not at least notice signs or signals that could possibly help someone or even more so, prevent it happening to you...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman