2013 in One Picture

Tuesday, December 31, 2013



2013. Lots of things happened this year. With this blog and outside this blog. I had good days and bad days, stressed days and elated days. But in those 365 days, there is only one picture needed to sum up my 2013. 





This year started with the final 6 month countdown to or wedding and all kinds of weddings plans. It led to the moment where we said our " I Do's" and became husband and wife. We started our journey of forever this year. I am becoming a better wife everyday and we are learning the steps of marriage as we go. This adventure of marriage, made it's roots this year and we can't wait to see where it takes us!


Linking up with Jena at Recently Roached. What one picture can sum up 2013 for you?


Having a Holiday Birthday

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Today is indeed the day of my birth. It is also 5 days after Christmas and one  day before New year's Eve. I am what one would call, a holiday baby. I had 2 chances within a week to appear on a special day and I blew it.

someecards.com - I bet your birthday would be a bigger deal this time of year if you were conceived by a virgin


I am not bitter about being a holiday baby. But ok, maybe just a tiny bit. Just saying it has it's up and downs and it really sets ya up for life.Now, my parents did a great job of making sure I had my own separate occasion and parties to celebrate (roller skating party, holler!) it's just sometimes the holidays became the Grinch to my birthday. And if you weren't quite sure, here is how you tell you are a holiday baby for sure.


You probably have gotten Christmas and birthday gifts together. Like hey, here's you Christmas present...5 minutes later..oh and here's your birthday present. Now, I am thankful for any presents I have ever received it's just but, it's my birthday. Am I not special for two presents?

It doesn't go unnoticed how small your gifts look compared to your sisters who has a normal birthday. It's too be expected when everyone has maxed out their credit cards and you are supposed to understand this at your 5th birthday party, right and not be scarred from it? And today, presents just aren't your thing. Getting presents and opening them is uncomfortable for me. Just let me get you gifts, deal?

And one last gift favorite, What is birthday wrapping paper? Because your birthday gifts are most likely wrapped in Christmas paper. It's just as convenient to wrap the presents all at once as it is to give them all at once I suppose.

You were never able to bring cupcakes, brownies or anything fun to school for your class. Talk about having issues because no one knew your birthday even existed. It was Christmas vacation and everyone was worried about Santa.

On the other hand, you get to spend every birthday with your family at home instead of school. And extra points for birthday snowstorms. It even applies for winter break in college. And! If you are so lucky and have an adult holiday week, bonuses for you. The rest of us are still at work, but it was fun while it lasted.

Your birthday is another festive event to add to the bunch of yuletide cheer felt this time of year. Lucky for me, my birthday is a big party, I had my 21st birthday on New Year's Eve Eve which is a thing and a big fun time. Go me!

Yup, that's my mom!

The best party decorations are out for your birthday. A Christmas tree in the living room, stockings hung for everyone to admire and your latest version of the holiday centerpiece. Definitely a great way to be able to show off your Pinterest inspired home decorating in the future.And you got to show everyone just how good Santa was to you every. year.

Snowman to celebrate


You are given a second chance to get that gift that wasn't under the tree. A small time where you have all the hope in the world for that new toy to be yours. And let's hope you get it because if not, you have to wait another 360 days to get any other gift.

And if you are like me, it's a Happy Birthday New Year!




But for serious, my friends, I had pretty great birthdays. Roller skating parties, family parties that included pinatas (be jealous) and me hating life when being watched opening presents. And now I get to spend it with my husband and the best people in my life.





A Very Married Christmas

Friday, December 27, 2013

Welcome to my picture recap of our first Christmas as hubby and wife ( yea I say hubby, I'm cool with it)

Christmas Eve was spent with the in-laws (father in law took some pics but haven't got my hands on the yet!)

After we left, we went drving around finding the best Christmas lights and possible houses we want to own one day. Which might be when we are 80, who knows.

Sad this is blurry but it was my favorite





Christmas Day we spent at home, just the two of us.Or should I say 3.

When in doubt, just sit on it.



Am I spoiled much?! Infinity necklace from Helzberg

Last year, our first Christmas living together, Brian wasn't sure of the whole stocking tradition. So I stuffed his and he might have not realized my tradition of the stocking shall we say. But this year, he got it. It's all about combining Christmas traditions together.

Hubby did a girl proud with his stocking stuffers

With our gifts, we said not spend too much. But I always like to spoil him because he never likes spending money and coincidentally I do. So I spend it on him. Plus, this guy let me buy my super nice camera. So he deserved a little something nice.

And I'd say he did pretty well too Side note: Pineapple for HIMYM fans. Couldn't resist.



Gifts from the fam



Jingle all the way and eggnog.



Awkward family photo award. She loves pictures.



Now bring on a birthday and new year!

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

From our family to yours! 




meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Monday, December 23, 2013

This is our 8th Christmas together and as we celebrate our first as husband and wife, let me take you back through memory lane.

Circa 2010 with bangs.









Our first holidays together. Clearly we loved each other.



Christmas 2008.


First trip to NYC
 

Our first Christmas together as Mommy and Kitty
We like Christmas trees.



Second Christmas shenanigans.


2011 with our newest cousin!


My first place.


And somehow 2012 escaped us without a single Christmas picture? Could it be the wedding planning?


First Ornaments on the tree!




Christmas Tree!
Happy holiday season of love everyone!

A Happy Friday to All...

Friday, December 20, 2013

Welcome to the last Friday before the big man in the red suit comes!

Just rambling along today, join me will you?

Christmas Spirit-Learn it. Live it. Love it. I mean, come on people. Get the Scrooges out of your butt and put on a less Grinchy face shall we?



2013-Say what you are over?! But how can that be because last I remember I was starting a new year anxiously awaiting my wedding and now it's all over you say? Preposterous.

Momma-I just miss you.

Husband-Let's get down with our bad selves this weekend and party like it's 2006. Get what I did there?


Bloggity Blog-Get ready for some awesomeness come 2014. You are getting a serious makeover. Hope you love it.

Life-What is your meaning, purpose? What direction are you headed with these fun obstacles?


AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!

My Dream Holiday Decor

Thursday, December 19, 2013


Christmas is my absolute favorite time and I love to decorate. However, living in a 900 square foot apartment does not allow for much creativity or space for all the decorations I wish were a part of my life.

But I never stop dreaming that I will have a huge house to decorate one day. I'm talking a tree in every room and the best table Christmas landscape. Basically, the kind of dcor everyone will Pin and want in there life. As much as I want these pins in my life.


Starting with the entrance to my home.Definitely a festive, welcoming environment for all our holiday guests!
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Dream mantel and Christmas living room I will have.Fire burning, candles burning and just the large, real tree glowing in the corner.

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Love the wooden, iron staircase that wraps around. I do decorate my small staircase with lighted garland. Can't wait to continue with an even larger staircase.
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A tree for my office. Because it's so bright and cheery and white!

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A tree for the bathroom. Everyone should have a tree in the bathroom.

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And now where all the family and friend holiday memories happen, around the table.


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Love the idea of a dessert buffet set up like this. And the peek of a Christmas tree coming through.

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And adding on a touch of a hot chocolate bar. A candy cane to swirl around and add the peppermint taste to your hot chocolate.

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What are your table set ups for the holidays? Or what you wish you had?


Christmas Ornament Display

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The easiest Christmas window decor to make, like ever.

Christmas Window Display





Make sure to gather ALL the supplies you need. Slight exaggeration. Just two.


Ornaments






Cut the ribbon, alternating colors and sizes for how many ornaments you intend to use

 I always have a little helper

Then, slip the ends through the ornament topper and tie. (You can also hot glue the ends if you desire)


And would you believe that's pretty much it?!

You then pick your window, arrange the ribbon sizes how you want them to hang. 

Command hooks come in very handy to hang from the window. And they slip right off after the holiday. Or any thumb tacks you have on hand.



This was my first set I tried with and sent off to my Ornament Swap partner Molly. She's super creative and I was trying so hard to find something to make , pretty much the most creative person on the planet.




Many thanks to Pinterest for the fab idea

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Spread a Little Love

Friday, December 13, 2013

Something short and simple for me to say today.




Rid the world of hate by spreading love everyday. 

Love your loved ones just a little more than yesterday. Love the people that annoy you day after day. And learn to love each other as a society and not carry hate for one another. Be kind.

Hate brings evil. Kindness brings love.

Please spread a little more love today and everyday.

Christmas Movie Favorites

Thursday, December 12, 2013


As I am suggling up on this frigid NJ day on my day off watching Christmas movies, I figured it's a great time to share my favorite of all my favorites of Christmas movies. And also, because Chelsee and Christine are hosting Christmas in the Air. Remember my Newlywed gift guide?


I am a Christmas lover. Christmas obsessed. Whatever you want to call it. But I watch Christmas movies all year round. Basically, it's because I love the happiness and meaning of Christmas movies that I want to enjoy them all year. Not just for a month or two. My husband is very lucky I just keep that year round Christmas to just movies and music..

Enough rambling, I know you are dying to know my favorite Christmas movies.

1. It's a Wonderful Life


This movie is in black and white and is quite the classic. (do not even get me started on how upset I am about them making a colored version). It has one of the truest Christmas tales and what the meaning of Christmas is really about.


It became a tradition for me and my mom to watch this movie together whenever it was on. Getting this movie on VHS for a family gift exchange was one of the best presents I ever got.

Oh, George Bailey. It will be ok.

2.The Santa Clause, 2 & 3

These are all my favorite. I love having a Santa Clause marathon in my own house. I especially love when he has to find a Mrs. Clause in the second one. Noodles and pie anyone?


3. Elf



The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Need I say more?


4. Love Actually

Is there anything better than a love story set at Christmastime? How about a bunch of them all intertwined?

5. The Holiday



Flashbacks to my sorority gilr days where we all crowded in a bsasement to watch this romantic holiday movie. Just something about the across the world love. And Jude Law doesn't hurt.


6. Arthur Christmas



This may be a cartoon but I somehow enjoy it. Arthur is the dorkier younger brother that likes the simple times of Christmas and what it's truly about. And his light up slippers, the best part.

7. Four Christmases


Many people did not enjoy this movie or hardly remember it existed. But as a Reese Witherspoon fan, I really enjoyed that she made holiday movie. And it even touched on the craziness of families when you have 4 to go to. Something we are well too familiar with this married Christmas year.


8. Christmas with the Kranks

Boycotting Christmas? Santa Clause in another Christmas movie? Just doesn't seem right. But will still always be at the top of my life to watch.

9. The Grinch



Cindy Lou Who. Da-da-DA GRINCH!! And how did Jim Carrey do it?!

10.Iron Man 3



It takes place at Christmas so it's a Christmas movie, right?



And just for good measure,

11. Pretty much any ABC Family Christmas movie.










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