Complete

I did it!

I blogged everyday in November. 

It wasn't always easy and it wasn't always the best writing, but the goal I set is now complete.

What a gratifying feeling!

Tomorrow starts a new month

and it's CHRISTMAS MONTH!

HOLLER!!!

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE

FINALLY!

FINALLY!

FINALLY!

Thanksgiving has come and gone and it was amazing!

Now we can celebrate 

THE BEST SEASON OF THE YEAR!

CHRISTMAS!

 

It's time to haul out the holly

and trim the tree!

This is going to be the best Christmas ever,

I KNOW IT!

"we neeeeeeeeeeeeed a lil CHRISTMAS NOW"!

Thankfullness

My heart and tummy is full!

2013 has been the best year of my life and 

I'm so thankful for everything God has blessed to me. 

Everyday, but especially today I'm Thankful for:

My Family

My New Family

My Husband

Wishing you and yours a very thankful and happy Thanksgiving.

Count your blessings, life is good < 3 !

Wordless Wednesday

You Are My Suuuuuuuuuuunshine

 Both Jessica of The Newly and Jenn of Going the Distance tagged me with the Sunshine award.

I'm going to post my answers for both ladies today.

Enjoy a word heavy post :)!

Here are the rules:

{1} Acknowledge the nominating blogger.

{2} Answer 11 questions the blogger has created for you.

{3} List 11 bloggers that deserve the recognition & love (not including the blogger who nominated you).

{4} Post 11 questions for the nominated bloggers to answer.

***********************

1. What is your 'happy place'?
Anywhere I'm with my family, husband and friends
. 

2. If you could tell your 18 year old self one thing, what would it be?

Don't worry about what other people are doing or think about you. LEARN more in school! Trust your instincts instead of listening to other people. 

3. Fall or Spring?

Neither! Summer Summer Summer all the way!

[source]

4. What's at the top of your Christmas wish list?

I honestly don't really having any one thing on my list. I'm not trying to be all 'things are just things' but I really don't have a THING I want. I'm just really excited to celebrate Christmas with my new husband and my family. I just want it to be a perfect Christmas season :)!

5. Favorite breakfast food?

I'm a sucker for a good eggs Benedict with some super sugary crepes or french toast on the side. With of course a mimosa to sip :)!

6. If you could change your name, what would you choose?

I love names that sound fancy; Lorelai, Lillian, Victoria, Angelina. I will say though, that I LOVE my name because it is unique even though people pronounce it wrong all the time. Hope my future lil girl doesn't mind a girlie sounding name ;)!

7. If you had to choose: french fries or dessert?

I'm a sweets girl through and through so it would definelty be dessert!

[source]

8. Favorite quiet time/de-stressing activity?

Reading, yoga, or just vegging out with a drink while watching some of my favorite television shows. Or, I love to put on my dancing shoes and go out for a night with the girls to destress. It's not quiet but it's fun.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Oh my, there are so many places! I would say The Mediterranean and Australia!

10. Favorite store to shop for yourself in?

Hmm, I don't know. I've been REALLY good about buying clothes this whole year, no trends. I used to shop at LOFT and VS online a ton, but I'm a good girl now.

11. If you had all the money in the world, what's one item you'd most like to 'splurge' on?

This is going to be super cheesy and I'm sure C wouldn't 100% agree with me, but my splurge would be paying off my parent's home and Babyspices college/law school loans. I'd love to have a house or super awesome car or vacay, but splurge would be to help the ones I love.

***************************

1. What is your favorite activity to do on a rainy day?
Snuggle with my husband, watch tv/movies, drink hot cocoa and eat junk food.
 

2. If you could go back in time, what is ONE thing that you would change?
Hmmm....this is tricky. I think the things I would change would probaly alter my life so I don't know if I would actually do anything. I guess I would talk to my late grandmother every week. There's not a week that doesn't go by that I wish she were still here on earth. I'd talk to her about a future wedding and babies and ask her recipe questions. Gosh, I miss her. :(
 

3. If you could be one Real Housewife from any season, which one would you be and why?
Honestly, they all drive me all kinds of nuts. I think, if I had to choose I'd be Lydia from the most recent OC Housewives. Her personality is the most like mine and she seems to be a genuinely happy person, and keeps the drama at bay when she can. 

4. Favorite ice cream flavor. Go.
Mint Chocolate Chip

 5. Name/show something that you've seen online that makes you laugh every time you see it.

[source]

6. Tell about the best date that you've been on. Or the worst.
I made a bet with C early in our relationship regarding our favorite football teams and won. So he had to plan a date night and it was one of the best nights ever. We went out to dinner at an awesome restaurant Old Town then went to a dueling piano bar. It was so much fun and he did a great job planning everything. I had a blast and probably started to fall in love with him then [even though it was three months later before the words were said].

7.  Who is your celebrity crush?
My Husband VinDieselPitBullChuckBassJohnCenaPierceBrosnan
 

8. If you could eat one thing/meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chips & Guac, Lasagna, S'mores and a Bellini to wash it all down.

[source]

9. What's the best thing, for you, about blogging?
The friendships I've formed. It's insane how many ladies I have in my phone that I met because of this lil piece of internetz. It's incredible the support that I've found here too. Thank you sweet friends!
 

10. If you were a gazillionaire, do you think it would change you, or would you lead a relatively normal life?
I think I would still be normal if I became a gazillionaire now. My parents have taught me the value of hard work and I see how awful entitled people can act. But, I'm not sure if I were raised a gazillionaire if I would be the same. 
 

11. What's your favorite month of the year, and why?

Hmmm....it's a tie between BIRTHDAY month [April] and WEDDING month [September] 

 

 Both Jessica and Jenn tagged most of the ladies I would have, 

so I'm nomintating YOU!

YES, you reading this post. You are my SUNSHINE :)

Here are the questions to answer!

1] Breakfast or dinner?

2] What is your biggest fear?

3] If you could live in a movie which movie would it be?

4] What is your dream job?

5] You're given $10,000 and it can only be spent on clothing, where do you go and what stores do you visit?

6] If you could go back in time, what period would you like to visit?

7] What is your favorite piece of candy?

8] You have to get rid of Blogging or Facebook, which is it and why?

9] Where do you want to retire?

10] Tell us about your perfect day!

11] What teacher was the most inspirational in school?

Take a look, it's in a book

I haven't been reading too much recently, life's been kinda busy.

But I did finish these books within the past two weeks so, 

it's review time!

****************

"Hugh De Luc, a poor innkeeper, returns home from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the Holy Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning." In his absence, Hugh's son has been killed and his beloved wife, Sophie, abducted by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes Sophie is held captive. There he confronts men more evil than he ever imagined and embarks on an epic battle to restore his broken life"

[picture and teaser via goodreads]

This was one of those books that I finished reading, just because I had to know what happened. I wasn't totally invested into it like other books, but there was NO way I could set it down without finishing the whole book. This book may have had Patterson's name on it, but it was completely different that any other Patterson book I've read. At first I was intrigued by the medieval setting and the journey, but grew disenchanted with the violence. I was able to figure out one of the big twists before it happened, but was thrown for a loop by others. Honestly, the book felt a bit drawn out and could have ended a few battles earlier. If you want a book that's unique, a 'quick' read or you enjoy the medieval era, this is a book for you. If not, I'd say skip it.

**********************************



"The New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin and The Skinnygirl Dish, Bethenny Frankel takes us on an empowering journey to A PLACE OF YES
BETHENNY FRANKEL’S no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is personality won over countless fans, and made her a nationally bestselling author and the star of her own hit Bravo show Bethenny Getting Married? Now Bethenny opens up and shares the obstacles she overcame and the great success she has enjoyed while discovering how to approach life from “A Place of Yes.” Bethenny’s path was not always clear as she overcame a difficult childhood, failed relationships, entrepreneurial efforts that never quite got off the ground, and lifelong money struggles. To deal with these challenges, Bethenny developed ten rules for pursuing her goals with authenticity and drive."
[picture and teaser via goodreads]

Yes, I read Bethenny Frankel's 'self help' book. But only because it was free on BookShout. I think she's a rockstar, building her life from nothing to where she is now and was interested in reading more about where she came from and how she got to her skinnygirl empire. I honestly was hoping for some great behind the scenes stuff from her time on RHONY, but sadly not much was written about that chapter in her life. Most of it was about growing her business and her relationship with her then husband, Jason. It was kind of weird reading about their 'AMAZING' relationship, knowing full well the are divorced now. She has a great writer's voice, no nonsense and to the point, just like her personality, but the book was a bit unorganized in my opinion. And near the end it got way too 'Rah Rah, you can do it' blah blah blah. Which is a reason I choose to not read many SelfHelp books. If you want an easy peasy read and to learn more about the skinnygirl mogul I'd say give it a try.

Reason #2340832048 being married is awesome

It's all about THE LITTLE things

50 Reasons to be Grateful for your Husband 

Even though I'm a super newlywed, I have to say I've already learned so much about marriage. I know I still have a lot more to learn, but it's incredible the knowledge that comes with being a wife and living with a spouse.

The links above are just a two of the many I've read in the last two months. I wanted to share them here for others to read, but also as a reminder for myself. Something to look back on later with the wise eyes of a wife of x amount of years.

I know I'm always gushing about marriage my husband and how awesome life is, but that's the bubble I'm in right now. Life is far from perfect, but having C as my husband makes me feel like "who needs perfect"?!? What we have is fabulous and I can't imagine life any other way. 

Marriage is awesome :)!

On the Road Again

[source]

With the holidays approaching, lots of people are road trippin' to see family which means lots of cars on the road and lots of hours rolling along. Luckily for C and me we don't have kids that we have to entertain, we just have ourselves. 

Thank goodness for Kindle's, books, magazines and sleep. 

While perusing pinterest I came across *this* pin regarding road trip songs.

 It inspired me to throw together a quick virtual playlist for our

long road trip for the holidays.

Below are songs I'd put on my ipod for this nine[barf] hour drive!

[I linked a few just for fun :)]

***************************

The Monster - Eminem

Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet

Tom Petty - Free Fallin

The Girl from Ipanema - Frank Sinatra

She Thinks My Tractors Seksi - Kenny Chesney

Southern Girl - Tim Mcgraw

This Kiss - Faith Hill

Everybody - Backstreet Boys

My Way - Usher

Crazy Game of Poker - OAR

Lights Camera Action - Mr Cheeks

Jackson - Johnny Cash & June Carter

Poker Face - Lady Gaga

Kokomo - Beach Boys

Dixieland Delight - Alabama

Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra

Bringing Seksi Back - Justin Timberlake

****************

What are your favorite road tripping songs?

Another Thankful Friday FIVE

Last week I decided to make my post about five things I'm thankful for and I'm keeping with that theme today. This week I'm thankful for some serious and some not so serious things :)!

1] The families behind our men and women in the military 

[source]

I mentioned last week how thankful I am for our armed forces and the men and women that put their lives in danger every day so that our country can be free. I failed to mention the families behind those amazing men and women. I am so in awe of the families that are left behind while loved ones are deployed. C was on a work trip one night this week and when I went to bed that night, I looked at the empty side of the bed and just thought 'I miss him'. I can only imagine missing my husband or wife for months or even  years at a time. An empty bedside isn't a fun thing for that long I can bet, so I'm sending happy hugs and vibes to those with deployed loved ones, especially around the holidays. < 3

2] Good Coffee

That would be a nonfat caramel macchiato that C ordered for me all by himself! He's so good to me!

 Aka the nectar of the god's. I love me some coffee, especially some GOOD COFFEE! I used to be a girl that enjoyed a lil coffee with her cream, but as my coffee tastes have grown, I've been adding less and less to a good cup of joe. I've also learned that the trick to drinking black coffee is making sure the coffee you drink is good quality. Because I've been IFing for the past six months I've had to learn to drink my coffee sans sugar/cream. The first few days it was ugly, but that's because I was drinking Folgers or Maxwell House. Once I graduated to Godiva, and sometimes Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts flavored coffees, oh my land it was smoooooth sippin. I try to stay away from Starbucks usually, but their holiday flavors and red cups get me every season.

3] Kickball

Who knows where I'd be today if it weren't for a big red/orange ball and a bunch of people that love to compete and get hammered afterwards. My life took an incredible turn for the best in 2010 when I decided to join a random kickball team in DC. I was recruited from my VA team and without too much thought [which is so random for ME] decided to join a new team, compiled of people I had never met before in my life. I seriously knew of one person on the team when I joined. God granted me the peace and excitement needed to jump at the new adventure and low and behold three years later I'm married to an amazing man. One that I probably NEVER would have met without that first kickball team. We've traveled the country for tournaments, had some awesome parties, made amazing friends and fell in love all due to a kids game. So thank you WAKA and Kickball365, you've made my life amazing.

4] Optimism

[source]

  I'm so thankful I was raised in an optimistic household and have kept that optimism throughout my life. There are way too many debbie downers, cathy complains alot and whiny wendys in the world, and I'm glad 99% of the time I don't add to the pessimism.When people describe me, nine times out of ten the word optimist is used and that makes me extremely happy. I actually like helping people find the silver lining and the good in situations, it's better then commiserating and wallowing in downerville right?!? Sometimes I fall prey to complaining/whining about petty things like meetings, traffic, an inconveniences, but I'll usually remember how much worse other people have it and snap back to my optimistic perspective. Life is too short to be anything but happy, so smile don't complain :)!

5] Bobby-pins and Hairspray

Let me just state for the record, I love sleep. It's like my favorite ;)! But, sometimes activities are more important than sleep so that means turn around time in the mornings has to be quick. Lately, I've been trying to keep my hair healthy and won't wash it every morning/night [but yes, I shower]. Sadly, my fine hair loses volume the next day so a twist updo, or ballerina bun are the new second day staples. Thank goodness I have me some awesome [and cheap] bobby pins and fabulous hair spray to keep everything in check.

What are y'all thankful for today!?!?

Get on up and SHAKE THAT BOOTY

ANGST, ANGST [lil] BABY

OH angsty teenage years,

do you ladies remember those?!?!

Back in middle or high school

and thinking you KNEW everything?!?!

How that one boy's smile could 

make or BREAK

your day?

How your parents were

RUINING YOUR LIFE?!!?

How no one COULD POSSIBLY

understand what you were feeling.

[happy, joy, sadness, angst, fear, puppy love]

 No?!?!

Well I do, for sure. 

I remember finding solace in music. 

Goo Goo Dolls

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Margaret on Pinterest

Limp Bizkit

Source: google.com via Charles on Pinterest

Papa Roach

My junior year of high school my dad was deployed to South Korea while the four B ladies stayed at home in the USA. 

That was hands down the worst year of my life. 

My grades plummeted, my mom and I were fighting constantly 

[sorry mama b] 

and I was just so upset my dad wasn't home.

Did I mention I was 16 and thought I knew EVERYTHING!?!

Yeah, we won't talk about that now, haha.

But, we can talk about the bands that helped ease my angst.

That made lil young pinky feel tough and hard.

Or emo, depending on the mood. 

I listened to some old Goo-Goo dolls

and Papa Roach recently

and immediately was back in high school

and all angsty. 

 All I can do is laugh at me back then.

What I thought was important.

What I thought was right.

And HOW MUCH I thought I knew. 

Bless my teenage heart, but lawd I was a mess ;)!

I'm glad I'm no longer angsty or emo-y. 

I'm so happy to be so happy!

But, I have to say thanks to the angst musicicans

that helped me out when the 

WHOLE WORLD WAS AGAINST ME [winkwink]!

Do you have any angst music?!?

Wedding Wednesday: Formal Portraits

YAY Wedding Wednesday is back!

Sorry for being out last week y'all, I was home sick and did not have this prepped before I went on vacation.  Never fear though, I have lots of wedding day pictures to share today.

Today I'm sharing all of the formal group shots before the ceremony, after the ceremony and the wedding party pictures at the Jefferson Monument in DC.

Again, be ready for a picture heavy post because I JUST
COULDN'T choose just one of each picture.

The girls took our 'formal' pictures on the deck at my parent's house
and the boys took theirs in a cute courtyard at the church.

*****************************

 My lovely bridal party

My two most favoritest girls EVER!

Beautiful Beautiful Sissys

Babyspice - MOH

Sportyspice - MOH

BFFER T - Bridesmaid

BESTEST L - Bridesmaid

I love this picture!

BEST PARENTS EVER!

The boys

C's Grandparents

Daddy's Mom and Mama B's Dad

Daddy's Stepmother and Dad

C's parents

C's family

 Both sets of parents

My parents

My family

All the ladies and the groom

LOVE how the flowers pop!

  Wedding party

Our fabulous pastor

After we took all the family shots we jumped into the limo for some drinks while we were driven into Washington DC to get pictures at the Jefferson Memorial. Luckily traffic wasn't too bad and we were there with plenty of time.

love my girls

LOVE the colors!

WONDERFUL GIRLS! SO MUCH FUN!

Silly boys!

It's a WEDDING PARTY ;)!

I love all the group shots and the colors came out exactly as I imagined. The pinks and the greys looked amazing in the church and popped PERFECTLY at the monument.  I'm so happy I was able to get the happy, fun, bright colors because they perfectly describe our day.

All of the family pictures turned out fabulously and I'll be giving them as Christmas presents this year. It's nice to have such happy pictures, makes looking back that much more fun.

Check back next week for the bride&groom photoshoot!

****Unless otherwise stated, all photos are the property of PinkPersistence and RMN photography. Please ask permission if you wish to use any photos***