Thursday, October 31, 2013

Halloween Throwback

Happy Halloween! We're planning to spend our night handing out candy. Unfortunately it's raining, cold and crappy. I thought I'd have some fun and do a Halloween throwback. Because I was lazy and focused on getting to school this morning, I took pictures of the pictures instead of scanning them, so I apologize for the quality!




Bottom left was a cat, with ears on my head. 
The bottom two are taken from a scrapbook pages my mom made. The first 4 Halloweens I had. A clown, Red Riding hood, a doctor and witch
Top right was taken while camping. They had a trick or treating night. 



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Our Engagement Story

I was reminded yesterday that I actually have not shared the story of Brian and I getting engaged. I'd love to say it was perfect, beautiful and all that good stuff, and while I wouldn't change the night for the world, it was more funny than anything. I actually still think back to the night and the proposal part doesn't seem real because everything else going on was just entertaining

Our anniversary is on February 15th. In 2010, a year after starting to date, we decided to spend two nights about an hour away from here. I think we chose something that far away because it was right on the border of Maine and we figured there'd be stuff to do. We went up Sunday afternoon, which was Valentines day. Got to our hotel and then headed out to dinner. While getting ready Brian kept acting weird. He put on his coat 20 minutes in advance and wouldn't budge from it. It was the dead of winter (no snow was on the ground though) but I found it odd Brian had to wear his jacket the whole time. Even during dinner. He kept saying he was cold. After dinner, we somehow came in contact with my aunt and uncle. They were staying at a hotel for the weekend which was about 20 minutes away. We decided to go visit. Brian was clinging to his jacket but, again, I payed little attention. We were going to spend this visiting time soaking in the pool and tub and just having fun. As I walk out the door behind my aunt, I turn back and see Brian and my two cousins huddled around the closet thing that's in the room. I was so confused. They were talking quietly and smiling, weird! I did hear Brian question whether they'd make absolutely sure the hotel door was locked. The night came and went after that point.



The next day, our actual anniversary. We spent the day out and about at some outlets. It was a perfect sunny day. We got back to the hotel around 5pm, which I then asked if we could go to dinner. We only picked up a few small things to eat since it was only a day of being there, so I was hungry! Nope, we had to wait. I was confused (although in my mind I already had a feeling of something). Brian proceeded to announce we had reservations at 8pm. I was shocked. Reservations at a regular old restaurant? I'd never heard of such a thing. We putted around for awhile. This is when Brian started getting weird. As I was getting ready he put on his jacket, again. It was a little chilly but there wasn't a need for a full-on winter jacket. He claimed he had to go make a call downstairs in the lobby....um, you have a cell phone, make the call here. He kept insisting to go downstairs, so I let him go, with his jacket in toe. Finally we got into the car to go and he "had" to call to make sure the table would still be ready for us. So weird! At this point I had a hunch but didn't show it. We got there and the manger brings us over to our "special table". We sit and these were there






They were so nice :) As we sit the manager whispers "Congratulations" to Brian....total giveaway! I could tell Brian was freaked at that point. He knew I had heard what was said, so he quickly changed the subject. We looked at our menus and ordered our food, nothing new right? Our waiter was really nice too. During the waiting time for our food it was awkward. Sometimes we don't talk alot at dinner so it wasn't new, but there was a separate vibe to this one. We got our food, which was excellent as always. I did notice that our waiter barely came over during the first half of our meal. Usually they come make sure it's cooked ok, but he didn't We weren't even halfway done our meal and finally he comes over, but not to ask how we're doing. This is how the 1 second conversation took place:


Waiter: "My manage has made you guys a nice cheesecake for dessert"

Me: "Oh, really? Thanks!" (as I sat there cringing yet being polite)

He left the table and I automatically look at Brian and burst out with

"I don't even like cheesecake!!"


I was NOT happy. I pretty much knew what was coming but seriously Let me finish my meal first and then make me something. Although it's silly, in that moment my other thought was that I'd have to pay for this cake that I didn't even like. Brian could tell I was beside myself (I'm a girl, what do you expect!) so he asked me then to break my tension. He was on the ground, with people around and me having to finish chewing a chicken finger (we aren't overly fancy :)) The moment was perfect. It was totally us. Except for the mere fact I could say I was engaged, the greatest part of that moment was that no one else in the restaurant acknowledged anything. The restaurant wasn't packed but there were people around us. I am not a center of attention girl, so I was glad no one clapped or anything. The moment expressed who i am perfect. A girl who just sits in a corner eating chicken. No fuss, no spotlight, just me

We started calling our families, who already knew. It's something we laugh about to this day. Oh, and the nicest part was that the manager paid our bill for us!

And as for that cheesecake, that didn't happen. I got chocolate instead!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Taste of Tuesday: Apple sqaures

My grandmother came over Sunday afternoon for lunch. We always like to have her join in to bake something. Partly because she enjoys it and partly mostly because she only eats sweets "when she comes to our house and it's before 5pm." My grandmother is a hoot! This time we made some apple squares. My mom's said she's made them before but I dont remember. i assumed they would be the texture of maybe a cheesecake or something that's thick. Oh my gosh! I think I ate 3 that night. The one side note I will say is that it contains nuts. If you can have them though, they pretty much make the whole thing 10 times better!






Ingredients: 

  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 2 cups thinly sliced apples


Directions:
  1. Cream together the sugar eggs beating until fluffy
  2. Add dry ingredients alternatively with oil and vanilla. 
  3. Fold in nuts and apples
  4. Pour into greased 13x9 inch pan
  5. Bake for 40 mins at 350 degrees. Cool and cut into squares.




Linking up with Ashley and Jessica


Monday, October 28, 2013

Weekend Update!

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a nice Fall/Halloween weekend and I cant wait to hear all about it! Ours was spent with family again. I couldn't help all weekend but wish we were dressing up and doing some Halloween things but honestly, nothing beats spending time with family!

On Saturday my parents and I spent the day with my aunt. She, my uncle and cousins live up in Maine so we don't see them as often, so when we can find a day, we meet halfway between (an hour drive for both of us) and find fun things to do. This time, my aunt came alone. We decided to go explore a very nice park. Which included walking trails, a science center, some interesting history, and the best part? It's located right along the ocean! It was a perfect Fall day! Leaves everywhere, awesome colors, but....a little cold. After walking for about 3 hours we went to dinner. Brian and I got engaged at a 99 restaurant which is an hour away from us, and just so happens to be 4 miles from the park we went to. We  decided to eat there. We got engaged 3 years ago and neither of us had been back since that night. It was sad Brian couldn't join us this time but it was fun to think of the memories! We actually sat at the same table too. Yesterday my grandmother came over for lunch. Perfect relaxing afternoon with her!

a) Dinner at the place Brian and I got engaged. 
b) My mom and aunt. The leaves covered the walking path. It was so pretty!
c) We had these yesterday. Apple squares. Recipe anyone? :)
d) There was a clearing between paths. I forget what the statue was for but the start date was 1623
e) Where they kept ammunition. The 4 pieces in the front were actually used.
f) Totally random but I bought these this weekend. I'm so excited to start wearing them! Leopard print, cant go wrong
g) Amazing walk



Linking up with Sami

Friday, October 25, 2013

High Five For Friday!

It's Friday!! It's been a long week of midterms and papers but despite that I've found some good!


a) It's been sunny and gorgeous everyday but got cold so fast! I'm loving it though. Bring on the sweaters, scarfs and boots :)
b) My mom loves doing photography. Just a hobbie and has been taking a class at a local college. We had so many leaves this week that she wanted Bailey playing in them. Apparently he doesn't like them as much as he doesn't like water. A tip? If you want them to do something, hold a treat up! 
c) I took this at the cemetery for the group project. there are MANY trees around and in the property but this was gorgeous. The colors were no joke!
d) I know there are so many picture collage apps on the IPhone but sometimes I still take pictures with my regular camera. So I wanted to find a desktop site for making collages and I did. You click and you get 8 pages of template choices and many other options. 


For my 5th thing I wanted to share this amazing video. It's been traveling all over Facebook and we died laughing last night






 photo H54Fbutton-1_zpsa7aaa665.png



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

This should only happen in the movies

Happy Wednesday! I've been wanting to write this post for awhile but because it may seem a little harsh, I wasn't too sure about it. But I needed a laugh today and thought I might get a laugh out of you all also. Know that this is something I'd never normally throw around and I'm never this mean but it's just so funny

The lovely Ashley always talks about how she, and her hubby Joey, have awesome neighbor. Going out for drinks or having game night. In a perfect world, that's how I'd love for our future neighbors to be. Around our age and similar to Brian and I. It may happen and it may not, it wouldn't make it or break it though, of course. Right now though, we still live with my parents. We live on a street with 6 other houses. My parents, along with the owners of 5 of the other houses, have lived on this street since I was born, and even before that. So, needless to say, they've all become friends. We wouldn't all get together or anything but we chat in the street and help each other out during the winter. These other people are around my parents age so it's always quiet around this part of the neighborhood.

Our street is perpendicular to two streets, one on either end of ours. Which means if you drove down each end of our street and just kept going, you'd crash into a house. There are many houses around us also, we've met some who are very nice and for the most part are all very quiet....

Except for one, and we learned that the hard way. Back up to 2011. During the summer Brian seemed to have alot of early morning shifts. After getting up for the day, I'd take Bailey around the block for a small walk. I tried to do it everyday if it wasn't hot out. On one particular day I made the mistake of letting my niceness go too far. We walked down our street and saw that a woman and two little kids were outside on the lawn at the house right at the end of our street. The woman asked if they could pet Bailey. I always try to let kids pet him because they enjoy it and he doesn't care. So I let them, and then me and the woman started chatting. Big mistake. I mentioned I had to keep walking but we'd say hello again soon. That was the beginning of the craziness.

I swear to you it feels like this whole thing should only happen in the movies, it's just that unbelievably hilarious. For the next few months I'd chat with the woman and her girls almost everyday. They come up to our house to say hello and I'd stop by while walking Bailey if they were outside. It seemed fine at first. Granted this woman is about 50 so it's not like I could really connect with her but it was just nice to have someone to say hello to. But then she started wanting to chat a little too much. I'd walk Bailey after supper a few times and she started insisting on coming. She was going through personal things so I felt bad but finally I had to cut her off. She realized it and was upset at first

And then the craziness started. It might have went on before this but no one had noticed it. Now we knew what she was like so it made sense that things happened. She's basically the talk our part of the neighborhood but I don't think she knows it. We all call her "crazy lady". 

Here are a few of her crazies:

1) Don't blame others for your missing dog: she decided she wanted to dog. Big dogs. Ok fine. The problem was that she's careless and a day after getting these dogs, one got loose and disappeared. We all couldn't help but laugh because how do you do that in one day? The second dog would get out here and there. But one day went nuts. Brian watched the whole thing while, luckily, my mom and I had taken Bailey on a car ride. the dog ran up our street, went to the restroom on our side lawn, without her picking it up, then ran around the block about 3 times while she ran trying to catch him. She then decided to blame my best friends' grandmother for the missing dog and claims "she took him". 

2) Everything has directions, you should follow them: It was a typical day. My dad went outside and looked at her house and saw a firetruck and police. The firetruck and police are at this lady's house ALOT for no reason. But this time it smelled like something was burring. My dad, along with two other neighbors went to check it out, and were informed by the cop that she had put plastic in the oven and that it caught fire. Smart

3) Maybe we aren't home: one afternoon Brian and I were both home. Both busy doing homework. The doorbell brings and it's this woman and her girls. I was in the kitchen and tried to hide so she didn't seem me. I had no interest in talking. She rang two more times. I understand there's a car in the driveway but that shouldn't mean anything. I didn't hear them so I thought they had left...and then I hear the gate. she proceed to walk into our backyard with the girls to see if we were there. I cant even figure out what thought process she used to assume she could just go open our gate.

4) Don't be dramatic: This was a killer one. This is the one that said the feud on fire. This was 2 years ago. My dad always calls when he's coming home from work. This was the job before his current one. He'd leave work about 4:45 and get home around 5:30. I don't think he called on this day. Until about 5:25pm. I answered think he was giving us a 10 minute warming. He was calm with chuckle in his voice and said "I'll be delayed a bit, I'm talking to a cop". Um what? He had just got into a fender bender. As he laughs and whispers into the phone "it was with crazy lady". I think I almost fainted. It was shocking. He was fine and got home and explained the story. He was behind her, she stopped suddenly and he just couldn't stop. He said he felt the brakes more than the impact. He got out and went to the driver's door, not knowing who it was at the time. The woman was on the phone and basically put her hand up to him saying "wait, I'm busy". While he waited he looked into the backseat and realized the two girls were there, and then he knew who it was. She got out, hysterically crying and put her head on his shoulder, while her girls stood on the other side of the car all alone. She then got a grip and looked at him saying "do I know you". He said he was my father and she goes "oh my gosh!" and was probably thinking "what did I get myself into". Even with a witness, they deemed my dad at fault of course. The police and ambulance came and she felt "back pain" so they put her on a stretcher and neck brace and took her to the hospital. We're still trying to figure out how that even makes sense. She was and is fine. She asked for money for her "injuries". They wanted to settle with her for $1,000 but she wanted more.

5) Don't leave your girls under 5 with an animal: one day I went to say hello and she was sitting on her front steps with a little hamster inside a blanket. the poor thing was all wet. She then told me the girls had put the thing in the toilet to play. I had no connect....

There are many more small things but those just topped the cake. It's just hilarious and we all secretly thank her everyday for the laughs. :) 



Have an enjoyable day!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Taste of Tuesday - Homemade applesauce

If you read last weeks Weekend Update, you'd see we had a Fall day on Sunday, Corn mazes and apple picking. We picked a good amount of apples and have eaten some throughout this past week. One of my mom's favorite things to bake with are apples, but we haven't gotten around to making anything dessert like yet. Last night we had pork for dinner, and along with that usually have applesauce. We like to buy the chunky applesauce. I find the plain doesn't really have any flavor or depth to it. Because we had alot of apples left my mom decided to make her own. it's always so so good. It's amazing how many store bought foods/desserts you can actually make, you just need to find a recipe! This homemade stuff is my absolutely favorite. Mostly because it's made fresh and probably doesn't have as much sugar or whatever else the store bought kind has in it. We made a good amount and it was all gone by the end of dinner. I'm sure you could find many recipes online but this one is from my mom's personal cookbook


picture via



Ingredients:
  • 4 medium cooking apples . Each cut into fourths
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar or 1/3 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar 
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 ground nutmeg


Directions:
  1. Heat apples and water to boiling over medium heat; reduce heat
  2. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to break up apples, until tender. 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in remaining ingredients
  4. Heat to boiling; boil and stir 1 minute 
  5. Enjoy!


Linking up with Ashley and Jessica



Monday, October 21, 2013

Weekend Update!

Oh...Monday, it's you. How dare you interrupt my perfect weekend. The weekends that are awesome go by fast and the relaxing ones go by slow. Makes sense but it would be nice to reverse that every so often, anyone with me on that? Today's definition of "Monday" is that I have two midterms this week.  The thing about it is that both are fully writing. Essay questions and short answer. Yuck! At least give a few multiple choice...that makes us happy! 

Now onto the weekend. It was awesome...like totally awesome. We werent busy every second of the weekend, so it was more of what we did that was perfect. On Friday Brian, my mom and dad were all working, which meant I was going to stay home alone for 3 hours. Not a big deal of course but for some reason I just wanted company this time and Bailey isnt much help after awhile. My mom was chatting with my grandmother earlier in the day and asked if I wanted to hang out with my her. My mom asked her and she instantly turned happy. My grandmother has been dealing with some financial/personal things  It's been getting her really stressed so the fact she'd have me as a distraction "saved her". She's the cutest. We sat and watched the game show Chain Reaction and then put Ellen on. Then we colored for a little while. As I've mentioned she and my mom and aunt love to make cards. She got out all her supplies and we made a card. It was so great spending time with just her. Saturday was a dad/daughter day because my mom and Brian were both working. First we went to the cemetery. That may not seem exactly fun but it kind of was. For my Human Geography class we have a mini group project. We had to go observe how a cemetery was cultural. What type of details were in the cemetery, whether it be the shape of the stones, whether there were plants, was there a wall or gate around the property. Things like that. And let me say, it was amazing to walk around snapping pictures of things I never would have thought about before. I'm really excited about the project and all my findings. After that we went to Kohls for my dad. "For my dad" being the key words. I started looking around though and in about 10 minutes had 6 items to go try on. I really wanted to resist but I just couldnt. I ended up leaving with 4 things which I'm in love with. And yesterday we went up to Maine for a quick trip and met some family. It was gorgeous!



a) the card we made. 
b) One of our favorite spots. It's on the side of a 2 mile walking path.
c and d) I hate taking selfies. They had amazing clothes this time!
e) I'm so picky when it comes to pizza and need light sauce. This was perfect!
f) We made Pumpkin spice muffins Saturday. So good!
g and h) I'm buy a second of each when my Kohls cash is activated Thursday. 


Linking up with Sami 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Taste of Tuesday - Cake Batter Rice Krispies

I think I've mentioned many times that my family loves desserts. My mom and aunts each make a different dessert, something they each they have "specialty' in making. Granted they are usually they same every year but that's ok! Needless to say we were excited last year when my cousin started dating this girl (they got married this May). I was kind of excited this girl joined our family because not only are our names basically the same, our hubbies names are both Brian (go figure I bring in a guy whose  name is Brian like my cousin! And then my cousin does the same), we share the same birthday but she also loves to bake. Perfect for us! She's turned us on to so many awesome desserts we never would have thought of. I'm now obsessed with her Pinterest. The funny part? She's gluten-free so pretty much all the desserts she makes she cant have. My cousin has to be the taste tester, sweet deal huh?! So last month when we had my grandmother's bday part, she and my cousin brought two different desserts. One I knew I didn't like and the other looked interesting. But I tried it and oh my gosh it's amazing! So that's what I want to share today. 




*A side note: I thought it was very sweet so be sure of how much you want at a time. Also, when we had them last month they were made into balls instead of just squares like we made. You can do them either way


Ingredients: 
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup yellow cake mix
  • 6 cups rice krispies cereal
  • 1 1.75-ounce container of sprinkles
Directions
  1. Lightly coat a 9 x 13″ baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows. (*personal note:  we assume that we're supposed to melt the butter fully. My mom didnt but it turned out fine)
  3. Stir until they begin to melt, adding in cake mix one spoonful at a time so its combined.
  4. Stir in cereal so it is completely coated with marshmallow mixture.
  5. Sprinkle in half of the sprinkles and mix.
  6. Press into baking pan and top with remaining sprinkles.
  7. Allow to cool before cutting.
  8. Enjoy!





Monday, October 14, 2013

Shenanigans - corn mazes, apples and family

Oh Monday! Why did you have to start out being 44 degrees and with total fog? this weekend went by in the blink of an eye. We were so so busy. While it's kind of sad that it's over, I also remember that I got to spend almost every minute of the weekend with family. So blessed!

On Saturday we had a fundraiser. Let me go back a second. December of 2009, a family member passed away *very* unexpectedly (very being the key word if you catch my drift). It was something no one could have foreseen him doing. His sister decided she wanted to start two different scholarships in his name. One at the college he attended and the other at his old high school. To gain money, she also decided to have a one day fundraiser ever year, which is called "The Live It Now" Celebration. That was the motto our family member lived by. We cook food, there's a kickball tournament, kid activities, raffles, bracelets, bumper stickers and t-shirts are sold. It's a great time that we all look forward to. This year wasn't as big a turn out as we had hoped but any amount will do. Plus it was FREEZING so we all stood around the grill which was so warm! We went back to my aunt and uncle's with everyone. Always a fun time!


a) That's Mason. The hit of the show. He was probably the warmest out of all of us!
b) My wonderful parents! 
c) With the kid stuff they do tattoos every year. That's what mom got. 
d) Kickball. I was surprised I got it after she kicked it



a) That's my Uncle. He looks like my dad's twin if you hadnt noticed :) Him and my dad were the cooks
b) Baby baby..cant get enough of this guy!
c) She's the cutest! 




a) I have the best cousins!
b) Playing a game called "heads up" (see picture c)
c) So much fun! It's basically Charades but with your phone. It's $0.99 in the app store!
d) We came home and had some of this and turned on the fireplace


On Sunday we went to breakfast then had a Fall day. Went to the corn maze. I might of mentioned in a previous post that when they make the maze the "carve" it into an animal. This year was a salamander  They have mailboxes throughout the maze with questions to answer. It's so fun!





a) Let's get lost!
b) They had the tail, and eyes labeled for the salamander
c) We got some exercise!
d) Mailbox



a) We were discussing which way to go 
b) Picture perfect! Love Fall
c) The chickens were right at our feet. Brian and my dad kept picking corn and dropping it
d) Beautiful setup


a) selfies :)
b) It was stinky because there were so many apples on the ground because people pick them but don't take them. We didn't have a huge selection
c) Now there are some apples!




Linking up with Sami



Friday, October 11, 2013

5 on Friday!!

Happy Friday!!! I've been a little MIA this week and havent liked it one bit. I had two tests this week. Tuesday and Wednesday. I swear the Professors talk in private and makes tests the same week on purpose. Anyone agree? Anyone? Anyway, I figured I'd link up for Five For Friday!



One:
 My dad and I did a few errands Saturday. First stop was Kohls! Please tell me it's not only me that says it's only going to take 20 minutes but then it takes an hour! We got to pretend it was Christmas while the time passed! We then went to the grocery store and found a fabulous Fall display. 



Two: 
My mom, Brian and I took a walk along walking trails we have basically in our backyard. It's such a beautiful place to just go relax and reflect. It's gorgeous during Fall! It feels like we're up at the mountains or something but behind those trees is our neighborhood!



Three: 
I finally did the iphone upgrade! My dad was given an iphone for work and yesterday he was talking about something he did to it. Turns out he did the upgrade too. Go figure he was the one that showed me yet I'm the technical one!



Four: 
We have a very busy weekend planned. Sunday is Fall day. Corn maze, apple picking, the works! Tomorrow is a big day. We are having our fundraiser for the fourth year for my cousin who passed away. When the day for the even gets announced every August, you best believe we get in full gear to prepare! I'll be writing a separate post about it. Such a special time. Here's me last year. The number "3" and the words "Live It Now" are the symbols for the event and for carrying on my cousins memory!



Five:
Probably the greatest part of the week....I was chosen as the state rep for NH and Maine for the Northeast Bloggers Network . It's so exciting to be able to connect with bloggers in the same area. The blogging world has been so much more than I could have ever though and I feel so proud and accomplished in getting chosen!












Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Hair Routine

As you are reading this, I'm probably sitting in a chair getting my hair done. Getting a slight massage while they shampoo and condition my hair, gossiping with my awesome hairstylist (who I have gone to for 7 years!) and letting myself relax almost to the point of falling asleep while she plays with the dryer. Perfect morning to get me relaxed for this Human Geography test today! Anyway, first let me say that I know hair places change and people get promoted or decided to leave or their schedule doesn't really fit yours, but if you can find a good stylist that you can stay with for awhile, do it! I've been with mine since 2006 so my trust in her, my confidence that whens he tells me we should or shouldn't do something is all for it, and just my comfort level has reached a very stable level in that time. She had a baby two years ago so I had to go see another stylists. It wasn't too bad but I could tell right away that my hair looked nothing like it does with my normal stylist. I had the option to just sit with this temporary person or go to my normal, and I chose normal. I refuse to got  anyone else. Because she knows me, my hair and that's what I need

So, why am I making a big deal out of a hair cut? Well, you see, my hair likes to give me trouble. If you look at pictures over the years, you'll see the style hasn't really changed. The color has due to the highlights but the shape and texture hasn't. I've always hated it. I used to wear it up almost all the time in school just  because no matter what I did to it, it wouldn't work. Plus I was OCD about it look weird. I have thick hair that doesnt this weird thing around my face where it makes an "indent" where my ears are. Way awkward. My hair also knots up and gets tangled a lot (or at least it used to!)  I've also tried many products through the years.

That's where my stylist comes in. Not only do we need to work with the fact my hair is just gross but we need to accommodate for the highlights. I've tried many shampoo and conditions over the years. Many strays, cream things. We found out quickly I cant just buy stuff from Walmart. It makes my hair all balled up and I cant comb it. So then we started with the products they have at the salon. We tried a few. We mixed them up. I'm still happy to say that we finally found a perfect combo. So today I want to share them with you!





1) This is the best shampoo and conditioner! My hair is dry and usually doesn't have life to it so this is so nice for giving it a boost and moistening it. As I said I've tried many other kinds from Walmart or something but I think whoever makes them puts all this stuff in it. I read online that this Pureology though, doesn't have sulfate and it seems to be a healthier product.

2) So, this straightener was one of those "as seen on TV" and I actually had no idea about it and hadn't seen it before until Brian surprised me with it for Christmas. At first I wasn't sure about it. I used to straighten my hair all the time in high school to make it look decent but it just made my hair flat and broke my ends. This straightener is so gentle and I love how it has the brush plus the roller. My hair is able to be straightened while it's being given a slight curve at the same time. 

3) This all soft was a high or miss. the highlights need a little extra care especially at the roots so that they stay in tact. This stuff is basically a more powerful treatment than the conditioner. I only have to use it one a week. The only thing is that it has to be left in for 5-15 minutes. I usually do 5 while just staying in the shower. I can usually see a difference in terms of combing when I use this. 

4) I've used de-tangerler strays of all sorts but they don't really work. this is a cream that I use after my hair is towel dried. I just run my fingers through my hair with it. It gives it shine, moister, body. At first it didn't seem like it was working but my hair is so soft and fluffy now, it's great!

5) So, this is just a side note. These products have been wonderful and done great things for my hair but they weren't working 110%. That is until my stylist told me something this summer. I'm probably the only person in the world to not know this but you actually aren't supposed to dry your hair. Drying is good for giving your hair body and it helps to not tangle easy but it can actually damage it. She said dry it if I want, when I want. If I want extra boost. I think I've dried it three times since June and it's been amazing! Granted my hair isn't always attractive but my hair has been so much healthier!


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Taste of Tuesday - Pumpkin Inspired

A few years back, we had a solid year of eating nothing but healthy. Granted this is something we should do all the time but we were inspired for some reason. Cooking meals wasn't a big issue since my mom likes to cut down on high fat or salty things when she's cooking anyway. The desserts though. How were we going to still enjoy a brownie or something without it having tons of bad stuff? The solution was pumpkin. I"m not someone who will just believe you because you said so, especially with food. But honestly, using pumpkin instead of some of the other ingredients actually isn't too bad. Here are some Pinterest inspired pumpkin recipes.














Linking up with Ashley and Jessica


Sunday, October 6, 2013

Sunday Social - Childhood Edition!

It's Sunday! You know what that means....

Sunday Social
This weeks questions:

1. What were you like in middle school and high school? Middle school was actually better than high school. I had actual friends, whereas in high school they would be my friend and just laugh the minute I turned my back. You'd think it was opposite. I pretty much was your typical kid though. Glasses, braces (in middle school), way to much makeup to cover up the gross face, would probably burn every piece of clothing that I'd wear if I saw it today. People just picked on me for being different and used it to their advantage. It's actually said because I blocked out pretty much all of my high school years in memory. I was only trying to be who I was but because of them, I looked like a fool.




2. What were your favorite pastimes? As I've mentioned my two best friends and I used to make up concerts and perform them. I also loved just hanging out in the neighborhood. We draw a four square on the street and play for hours. We go next door and jump on the trampoline with the "boys" I also miss all our family gatherings. We still have them now but when I was younger, the fact that we were going to hang out with people I love was a big deal. It always made me so happy that I'd always get impatient waiting for the day.


3. What songs were you obsessed with? Anything Backstreet or O-Town. O-Town was awesome! Was that a popular band or was it just us? You could throw some Lance Bass in too if you want :) My grandmother turned me onto the band Boyzone also. I was in love with their songs!


4. What fashion statement do you look backing and cringe? Like I said above, I think I'd ditch all of my outfits back then. I'll admit I wasnt the most fashionable but then again, everyone else liked the booty pants/shorts and the short tops. I hated the boxed shorts. The ones that would fit in the waiste but then make some box shape at the end. The stores we shopped at wouldn't have all the options like now plus our moms wouldn't let us dress with those tight capris. We should also discuss those skort things that were way too short on us. Without giving TMI, lets just realize that that skort barely covers anything...



5. Who was your celeb crush? Probably Nick Carter. During the early 2000s when Gilmore Girls was on it was Chad Michael Murray. Alot of that was because the guy who I had a crush on in middle school and was my side kick through all 4 years looked exactly like him. 



6. What was your favorite movie? All the girly movies. A Walk to Remember, Bring It On (my dad and uncle used to LOVE watching that with me, and no I'm not being sarcastic!). I cant even remember the names! 





Friday, October 4, 2013

Oh hey! Another #hashtag

Happy Friday friends!! I had a whole post planned out but due to the yucky weather we're having (nice to see you again Fall!) I decided to write it for next week and give you some laughter

As most of you know, I only started using twitter two months ago or so. It wasn't something I thought I'd use.  I'll admit that I didn't think it was a personal as it is. All my friends acting like little girls getting so excited that these famous celebrities started to follow them. Yay, sounds so fun right? that's what I thought it was. A place where celebrities tweet and we just watch. Totally out of the loop. I'll also admit that I didn't really follow what hashtags were. You can have a hashtag for like anything huh?! My Facebook feed is full of them every single day. My cousin is big with twitter and likes to use hashtags in her everyday chatter. While it's something that would get annoying, it's actually kind of funny to hear it actually said instead of just typed. And then I saw this video and couldn't stop laughing!




Have a great day!!


Thursday, October 3, 2013

A Bright Sunshiny Day

If you were/are like me, a still-semi newbie to this blogging world, you get a little disappointed if your post doesnt get a comment. You know it's true a little right? This blog is for you, sure, and not everyone can relate to each of your posts, but when you have followers, it's nice to know they like reading your posts and like connecting with you. For the past month or two I havent felt connected in this community or to bloggers, I'll admit it. So when Sarah from Sweet Happenings emailed me that she had nominated me for the Sunshine Award, I kind of did a happy dance :)


sunshine-award

The idea of the award is to nominate 10 bloggers whose posts brighten your day.

The Rules
1. Include the award logo in your post.
2. Link to the person who nominated you
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself.
4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. Link the nominees to your post and notify them!


Questions from Sarah: 

1. What's one city you visited that you DIDN'T like and why?
Probably Brian's hometown. I've said it to Brian a million times and while I liked living with his family, the location wasnt for me. It's a big city. Brian's family lived about 2 streets from downtown. Downtown was basically the most direct way to get anywhere, which meant there was non stop traffic at all hours of the day. Way too disorganized and busy for me! I'm not a city girl. I need space. 

2. What's your favourite clothing store?
Kohl's hands down. While their prices may be a little more, I always find wonderful things. Plus the coupons and Kohl's cash are the best!

3. If I gave you $500.00 right now, what would you go buy?
I honestly cant think of much I'd want. I'm a simple girl and while some things I own may be way out of style, I'm happy with it and dont need anything fancy. I'd give some to my parents and save the rest. 

4. What's the population of the city you currently live in?
Oh geez. That's a good one! I just looked it up and it says as of 2012 it was 86,933

5. What's your favourite scent?
Anything at Bath and Body works. OK maybe not everything. I love fruity things. Lip gloss, candles, lotion. I have a very sensitive smell so a fruit scent is one of the only type (except for pumpkin and vanilla) that I can tolerate. 

6. Would you prefer to live in the city or suburbs? 
Again, look at question 1. Totally suburbs! 

7. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night owl. I have to take medicine at night due to a problem with migraines that started back in senior year of high school so it makes me sleep in later

8. What was your favourite childhood show that you can remember?
I think Zoom would be near the top of the list. Brian and I actually watched an episode on Youtube one day just for fun! :)

9.  Do you prefer swimming or skiing?
Swimming! I have no idea how to ski. I'm lame, I know!

10. How long have you been blogging for? 
Since February!


Questions for my nominees: 
1. If you had to choose only one, what would your favorite Fall activity be?
2. What is your favorite part about the blogging world?
3. When you moved in with your hubby/boyfriend/fiance, what was the biggest change for your relationship?
4. Red wine or white wine?
5. Tell us about your parents and/or siblings. Bonus points for a picture! 
6. If you had the means, what would be your number one jewelery pick?
7. You just got your dream job but it means moving. Which state would you want this job to be in?
8. So many shows have come back! Whats your favorite?
9. Embarrassment? Tell us about a childhood one. 
10. Favorite junk food item?

My nominees are:
Ashley @ Lets Get Bananas
Ashley @ Hell0 Ashley
Kate and Adam @ The "florkens"


 
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