Goodbye 2012!

Monday, December 31, 2012











Well, 2012 it's been real. Not too shabby of a year but still hoping for a much improved 2013. Which, I just have this inkling, it will be :) Stay tuned for my 2013 resolutions, Real, actual ones I intend on keeping. That's the point right?

Here's my year in review!




Now, it's time to ring in wedding year!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!




Last 2012 Friday's Letters!

Friday, December 28, 2012




Can't believe we are already about to embark on another year..where did this year go?! Seriously. It seems like it was a couple weeks ago when I was sitting in my old apartment ringing in 2012 with my two favorites.

Now here we are...at 2013!! So get ready for some year ending Friday's Letters...


Dear Fiance- This year has been a crazy year. Filled with wedding planning galore and the big move in. And I wouldn't have changed any of it. Nope, not even the slight bickering. We knew we had a lot of adjustments to make when we made the move and we will always have adjustments to make and I think it's a great test for our marriage. You have become a wonderful playmate for Lily. She has grown quite fond of you...even stealing my sleeping spot next to you when I leave every morning. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. But it makes me so happy :) Thanks for being so amazing and helping me deal with my emotional moments..and trying to get me to let things out better. I love you so much and am so ready for wedding year!!!!!!!!!

Dear family- I miss you terribly and feel like the past year was the first I have seen the least of my whole family. My childhood and teen years were spent with majority of you and I truly miss that. I know that it is just growing up but I want you all to know I love you very much and wish I could see all of you as much as my heart wants to see you.

Dear friends...near and many far- Same goes for all of you. Majority of you are the farther. Life has become hectic as a grown up causing scarcity in our visits. But please know I still cherish each and every one of your friendships and I truly wish we had all the time in the world to spend together. I miss seeing each of you on a  regular basis and catching up.

Dear bridesmaids- Thank you all for agreeing to stand with me on the most important day of my life. And helping with any wedding tasks and listening to any wedding complaining I might have to do. The next few months will go by so quickly and I am so glad to have you all! And I can't say thank you enough...but THANK YOU!!

Dear self- This year you made a big move and left your hometown. Switched jobs in a new area that this country gal just isn't used to. Helped your best friend celebrate her wedding festivities with a great bridal shower, fun bachelorette party and awesome bridesmaid speech (if you say so yourself) Did a good chunk of planning your wedding . To say you did it stress free would be a lie. But with all the changes and fun things going on, you have learned to adapt. Change was never your favorite but you will get it. In time things will come. You just have to keep reminding yourself that. And things do happen for a reason.

Dear Lily-Thanks for being such a special part of our lives. I love being a crazy cat lady and I am glad that I have some crazy cat lady friends to share in the joy of being a cat owner. Here's to another fun year with you

 Dear blog-2013 will be your big year...get ready for bright changes!! More frequent posting and more on the spot feeling postings. Going back to the original workings of the blog and why I started blogging. Hope you are all ready to start to SEE some of the changes ;)

Dear 2013/26 year old me- Get ready. I'm coming for you! It's wedding year and we couldn't be more excited!! You will be a year of many great things...not just marriage. We will get to commit our lives to each other, enjoy a week and a half of relaxation and hopefully a few other changes will be coming our way. No, not babies, people. Give us some time.
I am determined to have some great resolutions that I actually work on. Changes I need to work on for myself, Brian and our marriage (eekkk!!) And I changes I want to make for myself to move myself forward. 

Dear birthday-Thanks for showing up on a weekend, But no thanks to my work schedule. No birthday weekend for me :( Can we do a repeat of last year though?? Happy 1st Anniversary to one of my favorite couples :) Love you both!


Hope you all have a wonderful New Year's celebration planned and are looking forward to 2013!! See ya in the New Year!!












Anatomy of a sick day

Thursday, December 27, 2012




Today, was a sick day. 
Still carrying the fever like a champ. Still poppin' the cold meds and drinking the hot tea like it's my job. And I guess it is today being as I wasn't at my actual job today.


Basically, my day started with a late wake up call from Ms. Lily. Not sure if she was concerned or wanted the option to have her bowl filled with more food. 

I then proceeded to the couch, tried to get down some waffles before taking my cold medicine. Never have I ever not wanted to eat more than this morning. But then again, maybe this is a good wedding diet? 

Then my trusty phone rang with a nice reminder that my wedding dress was in!!! (which I had gotten the phone call last week but the holidays ate up my time) The nice lady told me I had 3 days to get it before it was returned...uh what!!. Cue me jumping in the shower, throwing on some makeup to disguise my pasty  white, sickly face and drive to the shop to pick up that nice dress.

THE DRESS IS NOW IN MY POSSESSION!!! And I get to look at it all day, everyday if I wanted. Well, if I didn't have an actual job. But this also means things are getting real. and real fast. Here we are getting into 2013...that means wedding year and 5 months to go!!

But anyways, back to my sick day which I know you are all loving to hear about. Stopped off at a Dunkin...drive through of course. Getting that wedding dress ate up all my energy. Ordered myself a large hot tea. Oh yea. There's something about a Dunkin Donuts hot tea that isn't the same as the one at home.

Proceeded to come home, change back into my sick day clothes, popped some more meds and passed out on the couch. Had the cutest snuggle buddy.



And here is all the great tv I watched today....CSI: Miami, He's Just Not That Into You, Real Housewives, Friends, The Ugly Truth, The Back-up Plan. All very good quality tv. And all the time downed lots of water and soda...to soothe my throat. Even added some apple cider vinegar in there. I'll try anything when I feel this awful.

I also spent some time catching up on blogs, preparing some fun, new things for my own blog (!) and entering into fun giveaways. Found this gem of a giveaway over at Very Jane. A New Years Giveaway where you can win 3 very awesome prizes.  

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit

Kitchen Aid Mixer

An iPad Mini

So very hoping I am one of the winners!


My bedtime will be coming soon I'm sure. But I am so very excited for my wonderful, handsome nurse to get home and take care of me:)

And THAT my friends, is my sick day.




The 'Day After Christmas' Blues

Wednesday, December 26, 2012







They have hit me hard. In the form of a nasty cough, sore throat and 100.5 fever.


Attempted to go to a full day of work but around 2:30 had to call it quits. Best decision ever. I have since taken up residence on the couch/bed armed with soup and fluids and a lot of junky tv. And also got watch Miss Lily enjoy her new toy!




I don't know about you but when I'm sick I like to watch all the shows you don't normally watch. And have 7up and ginger ale handy. And it also helps that I now have a very handsome nurse handy :)


But I also still refuse to accept that Christmas is over. I always get the post Christmas blues. But I guess my birthday helps ease the pain 5 days after!



Hope you have fared better with the after Christmas blues. And I will update you with the goods when I can function much better..






Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012




Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!







May you be spending your holiday with the ones you love and that Santa was good to you!







Saw it. Pinned it. Did it! ..Tension Rod for Cleaning Supplies

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Back for another Saw it. Pinned it. Did it!

Here is the pin that started it all. Pinned this way back when.






 Even before I moved...had about 3 extra curtain/tension rods that have been around for awhile and knew I could find something for them. (curse of Pinterest I tell ya)

But not everyone understands the need to keep senseless things...my dad as he was helping me move, "These are garbage right?" "No!" "What are you going to do with these?" Not sure yet. But I don't want to throw them away."


Well, low and behold. I did do something with at least one! Go me!



Now, the rods I had were too big for under the sink. But I knew there was someway I could still make it work. And also a way to not have to separate the hanging cleaning supplies and the non-hanging cleaning supplies. 

First, was location. We have a walk in closet...meant for coats, scarves, etc.etc. We use it as the cleaning/Lily business room.

I got the idea to add the curtain rod under the shelf. Added a few dollar store bins to hang the non-hanging cleaning supplies. Gets them out from under the sink and all are in the same convenient place. 

Each bin has it's own 'theme' so we know where things should be and can find them quickly.









This is the 'Lily' bin. 
Has her bathroom things...shampoo (because you know how easy she is to bathe) , fur trapper from Pledge (genius invention if I do say so myself) And her freshen wipes.



This is the 'laundry' bin
Our detergent packets, Shout color catcher (helps save money when each load of laundry cost you $3.50 #apartmentwoes) Dryer sheets and currently my free sample of Downy


And this is the 'cleaning' bin. 
The stuff that doesn't hang. Has our Lysol wipes, Pledge wipes and carpet cleaner.


And then added all the hanging cleaning supplies at the end.


So if you happen to have a cleaning closet...and can utilize this system...I definitely recommend it. Especially useful in an apartment where you have limited space. 

I can now use under the bathroom counter for extra supplies we have and other bathroom odds and ends. They can then stay out of the nice linen closet. 

And there you have it folks! Until, next week!








Wedding Wednesday: DJ Dilemmas

Wednesday, December 19, 2012









So right now, we are trying to figure out one of the most important parts of our wedding. Yes, more important than a lot of things. We need to get our groove on properly, people.

And we need our guests to have an amazing time and never forget the awesome time they had dancing the night away at our wedding. BUT, we are running into the, what we want as opposed to what is in our budget.

Since we have already gone above our budget on photography  we have had to watch the rest of what we are spending and see where we can cut. So imagine our sadness when we realize what we want, there isn't just wiggle room with our budget.

Here is what we want from our DJ....

Awesome selection of music to get the party going
Not having a lull in music where people are sitting too long
The party feel
Everyone on the dance floor
Accommodating our music wants
Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music


I mean, you can't get shots like these without the proper entertainment.


















Bee tee dubs, these are all from our amazing photographer Abella Studios


The DJ makes or breaks the wedding. Ok, maybe not breaks. Takes more than that after those vows to break it.

But it is what stands between an ok wedding to an amazing, awesome, fabulous wedding. And we all know we want that for our wedding. My best friend Steph's wedding was a blast and it was because of the great selection of music (ok, and maybe the spirits.)

And I want all the extras that give it that extra wow! The plasma screens, the lights, the confetti...we want it all! Which is the problem. We just don't have the ALL money to accommodate our wants. 


So we are left with the question, can we do it? How much would it put us over? Is it worth it for one day? What can we cut from? (That we haven't already cut)

I think it's the 6 month mark when the stress sets in. Because I feel it. 

Silence.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012














Show and Tell Monday: Christmas

Monday, December 17, 2012






1. Tell us your favorite thing about Christmas time.

For me, it's always been something magical about the season. The music, the lights, the giving, the family traditions. It has always been a favorite of mine. Obsessed with this season.

2. Tell us what your plans are for Christmas this year.

Well, I work Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas bright and early. So we have adjusted our plans to include fiance's family on Christmas Eve since we are close. Then our first Christmas morning living together! So looking forward to this :) Then over the river and through the woods....up to North Jersey. The land that I grew up in. Stop in at Dad's then over to my cousin's for a Rush gathering. Can't wait to see all of my family, I've missed them so the last 4 months!!

3. Show us a picture of Christmas past. Or present. 





4. Do you wrap your presents all in one box, or do you like to wrap each present separately?

Even though I'm not that good at it...I love to wrap separately! It's all in the ribbon and bows and ripping off that wrapping paper.

5. Tell us about any special traditions you or your family like to do.

Since we are a WE this year and finally together, we have to start making our traditions :) But something my mom always did for us every year was buy a new ornament. All my ornaments represent a time in my life and I love looking back on them.




Silence and Support for Sandy Hook




Today, there are parents grieving over the loss of their children still unable to understand. Parents hugging their children a little tighter as they put them on the school bus. A small town still in shock that this was their small town that was now forever changed. And a whole nation (and world)  reeling and heartbroken over the 20 tiny lives lost and 6 educator lives lost. And the question still remains, Why??

We as bloggers, talk aimlessly about whatever comes to mind or what is going on in our lives. You read it, intrigued. We hope you learn something from our writing or enjoy what we are writing. And as with any platform you try to make a difference if you can.

That is why tomorrow, will be a blog silence. Silence for all those lives lost on Friday. Silence for everyone in that town coping with this tragic event.

So to bloggers and anyone else that wants to help out,





On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.

Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic 
and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their
highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support
groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."



Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

 We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way.

Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,
The Blog World

And want to say thanks to NeelyMichelle and Meg for putting this together.








Cut Short Friday's Letters

Friday, December 14, 2012




So I sat down and started to write my Friday's letters...

But then I saw the news about the tragedy in CT and it just didn't seem right to finish my list. Writing about my wedding hair, material things when so many lives were lost today.

My heart goes out to all the families whose children were taken too soon. Lives that could have enriched this country as authors, actors, businessmen and all as individuals. My heart also goes out to all the families of the rest of the victims and the poor children who had to witness such a tragedy.

So heartbreaking that this happens in the world today. Must be thankful and hug everyone around us that we love. Just so sickening.






Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. {Fail}

Thursday, December 13, 2012




Ok, so I very recently participated in an Ornament Blog Sawp.


You might have read about it here.

Basically, I had high hopes Pinterest would come through for me and lead me to the perfect ornament. Well, I guess I could say it did do that. Just the execution was off. So here goes My saw it. Pinned it. Did it.


So here is where it started....




Tell me how easy that looks!


So off to Michaels and AC Moore I went. Gather my snow, styrofoam balls, foam paint brush. But I did forget the glue. Oops. So I thought it would be ok to improvise with wood glue. It said dries clear so why not? Well, folks.

{Here, is where I discovered I can not find any of the pictures I put together as I was doing this...womp, womp}

Ok. So fail 1. But I would not give up! I tried again...this time with actual craft glue as it suggests. Dried clear...give it a go and try to glue it. FAIL AGAIN. See how it all crinkled and gathered? Safe to say the cupcake holder was too big or the foam ball was too small. So off to another trip to Michaels and grocery stores to find the perfect fit. Unfortunately, another purchase of cupcake holders yielded the same result. (No picture for these because it was at this point I threw my hands in the air...or the ornament across the room. Either or ;)

But seeing as I still have one of the fails...snapped a quick pick.



That's my fail. Not cut out for that pin. But good luck to anyone who wants to try it. And clearly, it does work properly occasionally.


And I must end this post saying...me and this precious kitty have been together as mommy and fur baby for 3 years today. I picked her up an hour and a half away to bring her home and she has given me so much love.












The 12th day of the 12th month of the (20)12th year.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012



Aka. 12/12/12
 
Last we, me and you, will ever see. Sad to hear we will not be there in a hundred years. Even though they keep saying it won't happen until January 1, 3001. Um, what happened to January 1, 2101?? Even though it's not technical, still counts in my book. Still use the last two numbers. Just sayin' 

Aka. #121212concert. 

Amazeballs. Humbling. Touching. Wonderful. So many talented, courageous people in one room. And all to help the people of New Jersey and New York. Just pure awesome.

Aka. #Brady121212. 

Obviously love me some Tom Brady. And love that he has the number 12. And that he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for a standout performance on Monday Night Football.

Aka. The 12th. 

Both a glorious day and gloomy day. The 12th of February I was blessed with securing a very fine mate who will become my hubby in 6 months (glorious) 
The 12th of January, the most important person in my life, my best friend, my mother was taken from me and sent to Heaven. My heart has since been filled with a dreadful whole.
But that same year on the 12th....I was given the wonderful news that this little precious baby would be mine the very next day.


So me and the 12th, definitely a love/hate relationship we got going on here. 


And this was my 12/12/12 present from Dunkin Donuts. Yummm!




Hope you had a memorable 12/12/12!!

Christmas Ornament Blog Swap!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012







I have recently had the opportunity to participate in my first ever blog swap and it was a great experience!

TutusandTeaParties


The blog swap, Christmas Ornament Swap, was held by Tutus and Tea Parties and I got paired with Leslie from My Kitchen is Open. She is such a sweet person and I am so glad I got paired with her. If you are ever in need of any recipes, definitely check out her blog. She cooks and bakes up some yummy treats!

And she is also absolutely wonderful because she got me not 1... but 4! ornaments, all under the $5 limit too. She's definitely creative. They are beautiful and hang very nicely on my tree.




Can't wait to add pictures to those two. And even Miss Lily approved!




And As for Leslie's ornament, I made serious attempts to DImyself. Since she is a cooker and a baker, I thought the cupcake ornament I saw on Pinterest was perfect. Looked easy enough for me to attempt.



Let's just say, I was not meant to be a cupcake ornament maker. Feel free to stop back Thursday for my Pinterest fail :)

So yes, needless to say I turned to Etsy to help a girl out and found this cute ornament that fitted what I wanted to get her perfectly. How cute is this?!


Definitely go check this shop out...she's got quite the skill with cupcake ornaments! Might even say I am a little jealous...


So there you have it folks. My first blog swap was a success and I can't wait to participate in more!


It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...!

Monday, December 10, 2012



Everywhere we goooo....in this apartment..! (Done in my best Christmas singing voice)

Time for me to show off my best Christmas decor. Last year I had a new place to decorate and it was so exciting and now again this year I get to find new things. Love me some creative decorating. Forget shoes, I have a serious decoration buying habit.

But in all fairness I do score some pretty great deals. I am still transitioning from old decorations to new ones. So please bear with me if I haven't quite caught up with the domesticated Christmas decorating.


Welcome to our home!


Picked up those cute over sized ornaments at a local farm. They have a huge set up for Christmas and let's just say I could have spent a lottttt of money there had Brian not dragged me out.


Please do come inside!

Check out that cute kitty!
Have some garland strung up the banister and a nice remember of how long until Santa comes...can't wait!!

Double the stockings...Double the fun!

There weren't too many options for our large stockings this year. Last year I was spoiled with my fireplace, but this year it was a challenge. So they ended up on the stand as you come up our stairs into the living room. Cut down from my 5 to 2. And yes, my cat's stocking is larger than ours. Because let's be serious....Santa only comes for her ;)


Our 'First' Tree for Our First Christmas 'Together'!
This year it was a little different decorating the tree. First, I actually had someone helping me! Truly wonderful. And second, because I was trying to make it 'our' tree and not just my tree anymore. I have snowflakes and some Christmas balls. Added the 'K' and 'B' to the tree. Then there is of course, our engagement ornament, a Brian ornament, and a few Lily ornaments. And yes not a one Krista...apparently my name is very hard to find in ornaments ;)
Wall behind the couch
Includes my Mickey Christmas snow globes :)

For Fall I had a nice fall wreath sitting in place of the bow, but I just didn't have a cute Christmas wreath equivalent. So up went the bow. Not in love, but not too bad.

A little TV decoration
Large jar has my grandma and mom's old ornaments. And of course another snow globe :) Added some red, green and gold bells from Michaels to the other candy dish. Got them half off! 


So glad I got to SHOW you my Christmas decor! Stop by From Mrs. to Mama...the cutest momma you will ever see and link up! 






Some days.

Thursday, December 6, 2012





Some days are rough.

Some days I want to call you just to chat like we used to.

Some days I just need a hug from you and to hear you say I love you.

Some days a little something reminds me of a memory and I am reminded of the hole left by your loss.

Some days these little memories make me smile and allow me to remember your life.

Some days are good.

Some days are better.

Some days I want you to bicker with me over wedding plans, telling me what I should be doing.

Some days something happens and I just want you to guide me in the right direction. 

Some days I wonder what you think of how I've grown in the past 3 years. Are you proud?

Some days are painful.

Some days I think about the relationship you and Brian would have been able to have. You always loved him.

Some days I cry over everything you will miss in our lives. Especially all the babies.

Some days the family just doesn't understand leaving behind Harmony. Moving on from where you belonged.

Some days I remember you are with grammy and pop pop and I know that's your place now. 

BUT.

Every day I miss you, Mom.










Things are Getting Crazyyyy.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012




With wedding planning that is. We are (practically) 
officially 6 months away from the big day!!
Weird to think I will be *hopefully* calm about the fact that tomorrow night is rehearsal then comes the big day in just 6 short months. Half a year. Minuscule amount of time really.


We are in the midst of the crazy, "we are behind" planning that it just might be starting to make my head spin. And by head spin I mean glasses of wine before I tackle my wedding to do list. 


And here is why. We are currently 'behind' on a few details.


-DJ..kind of a big one. I need to get my groove on properly
-Save the Dates. should have been out weeks ago. or months. Perhaps tomorrow?
-Hair/Makeup...have an appointment next week so hopefully making a decision soon!
-Officiant...we do kind of want to make this thing legit. Have contacted a few just have to take the next step
-Flowers....paint me a pretty bouquet. Have ideas floating around in my head.
-Wedding Cake-this has been procrastinated because of the fact that these two kids aren't really cake people. So in reality, it's just about what looks pretty :)


And then comes the task list for next month...which then makes 5 months...then 4 months...then oh man!


HERE. WE. GO.

Anything I should be doing ASAP that isn't on this list? Let's hope not!

Jam! Christmas Version: Tuesday10

Tuesday, December 4, 2012


Absolutely my favorite time of the year! So naturally I want to participate in any and all blog link-ups I can for Christmas!


And in the fashion of my Tuesdays...the Tuesday10! And this week it's all about 
your favorite Christmas music.


LenaBActually


So let me discuss my favorite Christmas jams. The ones I belt out like I am Mariah Carey and have some semblance of a singing voice. And I will add all the videos. For you guys of course. Not so I can play them continuously...

1. All I want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey
Don't care what anyone says...will always be a Christmas favorite!



2. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays- N Sync



3. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree


4. Christmas Wrapping
Don't know why, just love it!



5. Where are you Christmas?- Faith Hill




6. I met an Angel on Christmas Day- Celine Dion

A lot of people don't know this one but it's a good one!



7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Christina Aguilera




8. O Holy Night- Carrie Underwood




9.It's beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas


10. Christmas Shoes
Even though this can easily bring the waterworks...I love it's meaning





And there you have it folks! Please enjoy and have a wonderful, Christmasy day :)


My Christmas List: Show & Tell Monday




Linking up on this fun Monday with Becky for Show and tell Monday. And I get to show you the 4 things on my Christmas list this year!






So my Christmas list. It's really not legit. Let me explain. I have always been a simple gal. Not really wanting much and it was always hard to answer the question of what I wanted for Christmas. 

Well, except for when I was a little girl. Going through that toy book it WAS NOT hard to find something that I could put on that list for Santa.

But this year? Honestly, all I actually want is anything that could help with the wedding or wedding planning. But if a gal can dream....this is what I would want in my wildest dreams.

1. A New TV that is bigger than the teeny 25 in. we have in our living room. Yes, it's sad. Yes, our friends always comment on just how small it is. We get it. We struggle to see it sometimes too.

2. If you haven't noticed from my tweets or my obsession with my iPod Touch...I really want an iPhone. I am so over being in the world of the Blackberry. It's been ok to me but it is more than enough time to move on.

3. Yes, folks. I want a Kinect. I look at the Xbox sitting in my living room everyday and I would like to enjoy it as much as Brian does. I want to dance like a fool on those commercials. And I also want the Zumba to go along with it. Get in wedding shape the fun way.

4. How old am I? A baker's rack is indeed on Christmas list. Or any rack or anything that I can organize with. Because anyone that has been to our apartment can absolutely agree with this. I stink at organizing and need as many things as I can get to help out with it.




Well, that's my good ole' Christmas list for the year that I don't expect anything from. We are on a budget, people. But if Santa could just answer one...it might be the biggest one on the list ;)





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