Marine Corps Mess Night-Blue lace bandage dress

It's been a while since I've blogged! We have been going through a lot (more on that later) and I've had a ton of stuff to catch up on.

This past weekend we went to whats called "Mess Night" or "Dining In". It's a tradition in the Marine Corps thats basically a summer ball but different and more formal. It is a dinner for Officers and Staff NCO's. (Non commissioned officers for those of you that don't know Marine lingo) There is a period during dinner where the floor is opened for "fines". Someone asks the President of the mess to fine so and so for doing such and such. They actually get fined but its more comical than real. For example this one Marine was fined $5 and made to carry a water pistol around the whole evening because he didn't do something correctly on the firing range last week. After dinner and fines, there are a bunch of toasts to Marines, Navy Corpsmen, Vietnam veterans ect. ect. It was an interesting evening for sure, comical but it was a bit tedious towards the end. Hubby and I were just glad to get back to our hotel room and crash.

Aww look at us!

 

There is nothing like the feeling of pride you get when you walk beside your Marine in his dress uniform. Definitely the sharpest uniform in the military (but then I'm a little biased haha) Ok so maybe I'm a little concieted but I think every Marine wife can identify with how you just love, love the way your Marine turns heads walking along in his uniform so handsome, proud and dignified. And I'm just like yep, look all you want ladies and gents thats MY man!

 

And here is my outfit for the night.

(Don't mind the pole sticking out of my head, my husband is not a good photographer)

 A better look at the dress.

 My silver heels
 

I wore a Blue Lace Bandage dress-Charlotte Russe

Silver heels-Got at a shop back in SC. Not sure of the brand

Blue nails-Claires nail polish

French Manicured toenails-done myself with a Sally Hanson kit

Silver and diamond necklace-Claires clearance rack

Diamond bracelet-(yes its fake lol) Ebay via China somewhere

Hair-I forgot my curling iron and with the heat my hair would NOT stay straight despite a flat iron. So yes its a bit messy but now you get to see how thick, wavy and untamable it is haha!

 

Saturday we went over to my parents house to pick up the girls and spend some time with my family. It was a really nice visit. Sunday we pretty much did nothing and just caught up on sleep and recharged from a week of stress and crazyness.

The Marine Corps Ball 2012

This past weekend the hubby and I attended the Ball celebrating the 237th anniversary of the Marine Corp. We had a fantastic time!

 

All dressed up! I got this dress on ebay from a store called Patty's Boutique. It's a store based in China and while I try to buy American as much as I can, I just couldn't pass up the price for this one. $30! Insane. I was suprised at the quality, it was really decent for the price I paid. Really love this dress! I wore it last year as well, but I doubt anyone noticed lol.

 

The back of the dress. I did my hair myself. It was very simple, just curled it and then pulled the top section back into a little clip.

 

My shoes I also got off Ebay. The brand is Pleaser. I love Pleaser they make some killer heels and have great prices. I've had these for several years now, so I'm not sure exactly what I paid for them.

 

My bracelet I also got off Ebay for $2. It was a new without tags item so not sure on the brand. Can you tell I love Ebay?

I spent hours on my nails...haha just kidding! I used an awesome product I was testing out.
They are actually stickers. You put them on the nail and simply cut off the excess. Here is a Link for more info on them.

 

Finally got Steven to smile..well sort of. So proud of my handsome Marine!

 

We drove down to the Hyatt in Savannah where the ball was being held. I love Savannah but absolutely hate driving downtown. There is always construction, too much traffic and weird one-way roads. We got to the Hyatt and hung out with some friends for a bit in thier room.

 



 

Then we hit Cocktail hour and mingled and chatted a while before finding our table.

 

Our meal started off with a light salad and ranch dressing.

 

 

Next we had a chicken dish with roast beef, asparagus and risotto topped with roasted red pepper and caramelized onions. The roast beef was delicious and so tender.

 

Dessert was cheesecake with some giant blackberries. It was delicious and creamy!

After dinner there was dancing, dancing and more dancing! My feet still hurt! I kinda wish they would have some ballroom dancing like a waltz or something. Even though I don't know how, it would be fun to learn. Its so elegant. Overall we had a fabulous time!

Loving my Marine

I just wanted to share with yall a sweet prose my hubby wrote to me. He wrote this while he was away training for a few months this past spring. I love my Marine so much and can't brag on him enough :)

A Peaceful Breath

 My mind went wandering a bit as I woke up early before reveille today. It left the usual war pondering and strategizing on tactics, to venture briefly toward a longing thought. My mind was ready for a brief moment of relaxation before I started the day. It was ready for a chance to take off the flak jacket and caviler that protected me, in order to be vulnerable and allow myself to breathe. This morning my mind searched to find a memory of what attracts love felt so deeply inside.
Deep in thought, my mind reminisces toward what seemed to be the memories that affect all five senses. The thoughts that I search through remind me of my humanity, they are uniquely flavorful and special to me. They are the ones so powerfully felt that, when thought upon, take charge and serge all over my skin in turn warming the very depths of my soul. They are the few memories which embrace my heart, comforting me at all times. The very first thing on my mind today was you…..
Love,
Your Marine

P.S. Give the girls a hug from me, I’ll be home soon


Aww he is truly my soulmate. I am so blessed to have found such an amazing person.