I will be a little MIA here on this blog for the next week, at least. I might stop in for a little recipe or a Friday's letter but don't worry. It's because BIG changes are coming and I'm trying to figure it all out.
And by BIG I mean HUGE. Get excited. Get ready. Maybe I'll give you a little preview...
Big thanks to Brianna for emailing me a whole bunch and basically, being awesome.
What You Can Expect This Week
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Today we are talking all about beauty on Sunday Social with Neely and Ashley.
1. How old were you when you started wearing makeup?
If I remember correctly, it was 6th or 7th grade. Mom did not approve but when you have divorced parents and dad takes you to get whatever you want, it works out for ya in this case.
2. What are your top 3 beauty products?
My Luna Mini. Was given this through BzzAgent and I love it. Definitely make my face feel great.
Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadows. Ever since I was given them to try I have been hooked. They work great when I have those mornings I just wake up late or the moment I am just running a quick errand and can swipe it on. I might use it more than I should but they are just so great!
I blow dry or straighten my hair everyday. Much different from my long hair days. So I always have my Vidal Sassoon Heat Protective spray ready. I feel like it's protecting my hair, it smells great and definitely makes your hair shine.
3. What is one makeup product you don't leave home without?
Lip gloss. Gotta make those lips shine on a constant basis, people.
4. What is your daily beauty routine?
I wash my face with The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Cleanser, then apply lotion. After, comes all the makeup. If it's a work day, it's the whole shebang of mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, fill in brows, concealer, under eye cream, foundation, blush. If it's a day at home or running errands, I keep it light with just mascara, eyeliner and foundation.
5. What is your favorite hair/makeup product you've discovered in the last year?
In the last year, I've chopped 9 inches of hair off my head. So then comes the challenge of dealing with short hair and styling. I switched to Dove Amplifying Mousse and it really helps bring out the natural waves in my shorter hair.
As you can see, I am not a stick with one brand gal. I try everything until I find that one thing that works for me and I like. FOr instance, I accidently bought the Dove Whipped Creme Mousse. Ick. Never again.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Let's start by acknowledging we are entering the last week of January this week. I'm pretty sure it was basically yesterday when I was cheersing the New Year and throwing money out the back door at midnight.
But let's get to why I'm really here. Just a little Friday's letters for all of you.
Dear Frigid Cold-My extremities are not a fan. Especially my old lady joints that are seriously creaking at this frigid temps.
Dear yeast- I am missing you hardcore. More specifically, in cheese and cookies and life.
Dear blog-The time is finally here. You will be getting a much needed makeover all thanks to the wonderful Brianna! Get ready, its going to be great or some might say sassy ;)
Dear Justin Bieber- Insert everything everyone has said about you the past few days. Plus, just go home and put that smile away. No one wants to see that.
Now, make the most of your weekend as I will be working and reading about all your fun times on Monday. Thanks!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
In my cleaning frenzy this past weekend, I found an assignment from my 8th grade graduation. I was required to write down what I believed at 15 years old.
These beliefs still stand with me today and tell me just how wise I was.
I believe that I have my own sense of individuality.
Truth. I am very independent and do things because I want to do them. Felt that way then, feel that way now. I also always felt as if I was different from other people. (The awkward 15 year old years) Turns out, I'm just an introvert who likes her me time and can get a little crazy when in crowded situations. It's all good, people.
I believe that through the good and bad, my family will always be there.
When my mom died, my family was the saving grace. My cousin and aunt stayed with us that night just to make sure we were ok. And that aunt stayed the whole week to make sure we had food and everything. Family came in and out the next few weeks to see how they could help a 22 and 25 year old deal with losing their mom alone. My uncle did and still is doing so much in regards to my mom's estate and making sure my mom's estate is settled. AS I have moved away, I tend to keep in touch with some a little less but know that they are there.
I believe that friends diversify as I grow.
This is especially true in the last few years of my life. We have gone to school, gotten married, had babies, bought houses, and moved away. Most of us live so far apart it's hard to connect on a regular basis. The best thing though is our friendship is still there, it just has changed. As we all grow, we change. Our friendships have to change to accept each others growth and change.
I believe that God will help me overcome the struggles in my life.
He has and He will continue to do so. There were times I questioned his intentions when He took my mom from me to join Him in Heaven. But I had to believe in His ultimate purpose for this and saw how he helped me get through it. Through my friends, sorority sisters, family and of course, Brian, I was able to heal by being surrounded by such love.
I believe I can succeed in whatever I shall do.
First, I used the word shall. That's sophisticated. 8th grade Krista, thank you. I needed to hear this the past month. I've been feeling like I've been failing at what I am doing and not sure where to go. This is never where I imagined I would be with my career. I do not define it as succeeding but where I go next, I will succeed.And I need to keep believing in myself.
I believe that life will continue after death.
My mom is living it up in Heaven right now. Dancing, drinking and just smiling. She's the social butterfly. I believe there is a place in the clouds and universe where our departed ones go. God is there when he calls people back to come back to him. Those people don't age past the age of their death and there is where they are truly free. They can continue their lives without sickness or fear and live out all the great things. I saw my mom in a dream where she was going to church with my grandparents and she looked so happy. That's life after death to me.
I believe that love shapes the world to be a better place.
As I still think this is true, we have unfortunately, seen the acts of such hate the past few years that 8th grade Krista could never imagine. But I will never stop believing that if more people spent the time to smile at each other instead of yelling or being accepting not judging, there would be less anger and more people would spread that kindness and love.
It seems Hate has become a prominent place in our world instead of love. We need to start spreading love not hate. It shapes the world to be a better place.
Seeing how far I've come since I've wrote these yet, still am grounded by these things I believe, makes me happy. I have stayed true to what I believe everyday and still live my life by these.
These beliefs still stand with me today and tell me just how wise I was.
I believe that I have my own sense of individuality.
Truth. I am very independent and do things because I want to do them. Felt that way then, feel that way now. I also always felt as if I was different from other people. (The awkward 15 year old years) Turns out, I'm just an introvert who likes her me time and can get a little crazy when in crowded situations. It's all good, people.
I believe that through the good and bad, my family will always be there.
When my mom died, my family was the saving grace. My cousin and aunt stayed with us that night just to make sure we were ok. And that aunt stayed the whole week to make sure we had food and everything. Family came in and out the next few weeks to see how they could help a 22 and 25 year old deal with losing their mom alone. My uncle did and still is doing so much in regards to my mom's estate and making sure my mom's estate is settled. AS I have moved away, I tend to keep in touch with some a little less but know that they are there.
My high school ladies |
I believe that friends diversify as I grow.
This is especially true in the last few years of my life. We have gone to school, gotten married, had babies, bought houses, and moved away. Most of us live so far apart it's hard to connect on a regular basis. The best thing though is our friendship is still there, it just has changed. As we all grow, we change. Our friendships have to change to accept each others growth and change.
I believe that God will help me overcome the struggles in my life.
He has and He will continue to do so. There were times I questioned his intentions when He took my mom from me to join Him in Heaven. But I had to believe in His ultimate purpose for this and saw how he helped me get through it. Through my friends, sorority sisters, family and of course, Brian, I was able to heal by being surrounded by such love.
I believe I can succeed in whatever I shall do.
First, I used the word shall. That's sophisticated. 8th grade Krista, thank you. I needed to hear this the past month. I've been feeling like I've been failing at what I am doing and not sure where to go. This is never where I imagined I would be with my career. I do not define it as succeeding but where I go next, I will succeed.And I need to keep believing in myself.
I believe that life will continue after death.
My mom is living it up in Heaven right now. Dancing, drinking and just smiling. She's the social butterfly. I believe there is a place in the clouds and universe where our departed ones go. God is there when he calls people back to come back to him. Those people don't age past the age of their death and there is where they are truly free. They can continue their lives without sickness or fear and live out all the great things. I saw my mom in a dream where she was going to church with my grandparents and she looked so happy. That's life after death to me.
I believe that love shapes the world to be a better place.
As I still think this is true, we have unfortunately, seen the acts of such hate the past few years that 8th grade Krista could never imagine. But I will never stop believing that if more people spent the time to smile at each other instead of yelling or being accepting not judging, there would be less anger and more people would spread that kindness and love.
It seems Hate has become a prominent place in our world instead of love. We need to start spreading love not hate. It shapes the world to be a better place.
Seeing how far I've come since I've wrote these yet, still am grounded by these things I believe, makes me happy. I have stayed true to what I believe everyday and still live my life by these.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Tacos
Chinese Food
2. First 3 things you do in the morning
Hit the snooze button at least 2 times
Brush my teeth
Check twitter
Brush my teeth
Check twitter
3. Last 3 things you do at night
Brush my teeth
Plug in my phone
A little smooch for Brian
Plug in my phone
A little smooch for Brian
4. 3 TV shows you NEVER miss
How I Met Your Mother
Grey's Anatomy
(Although the whole Meredith /Christina thing has lost my interest..)
Thursday, January 16, 2014
"A firm decision to do or not do something."
A firm decision means you won't give up after two weeks or will really make a change in your life.And shouldn't we all make resolutions throughout the year as we grow and learn? Just my two sense.
When I saw the idea of choosing one word for 2014, I thought how much better of a fit it is. This one word you choose can have varied meanings and really can develop you as a person.
In my true fashion, I am late to this party and waited two weeks into the new year to decide mine. I figure I still have 349 days left to really live it so it counts.
The past year, my job has strained me and challenged me and drained me of this beautiful word. And the truth is, I've let it.
I've let it drag down the thoughts that I am better than that and deserve better. I've let it transfer that attitude when I come home and I can be a no good cranky pants.
I've let it make me think I can't do better and I won't do better. I lost my drive to really get out there and achieve the goals I want to achieve.
I've let it make me think I can't do better and I won't do better. I lost my drive to really get out there and achieve the goals I want to achieve.
My life thus far has taught me that you can be knocked down and get back up again. I was always about looking for the positive in things but lately, when people compliment my hair, I point out what's wrong. Instead of enjoying a night out, I just focus on the fact I have work the next day and blah blah blah instead of enjoying that moment.
Being more positive will also benefit my new marriage. I can raise up and carry my husband on my positivity. I will always remember we will be ok no matter our situation now. And all around build a better fitting life when I am carrying around a positive attitude.
When I think about myself, I won't focus I want I can fix, instead look at what I have changed and done. Last year, I planned a wedding. It was pretty spectacular. I also got back in shape before my wedding and have been making better food choices. There is always room for improvement but that's a big feat for this former picky eater.
When I think about myself, I won't focus I want I can fix, instead look at what I have changed and done. Last year, I planned a wedding. It was pretty spectacular. I also got back in shape before my wedding and have been making better food choices. There is always room for improvement but that's a big feat for this former picky eater.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
whenever I eat a Lean Cuisine or Smart Ones, I think about how I could make it and imitate it. One of my go to's is the Balsamic Chicken.
I am always looking for new recipes and challenges so I decided to give it a try. Let's just say the first time was not a success. Lacked flavor.
This time I found a recipe to go off of and tweaked it to fit my preferences. But it was a definite hit and we cook it frequently.
The original recipe is as follows...
*THis was pre-new camera so apologize for the quality of the pics
I am always looking for new recipes and challenges so I decided to give it a try. Let's just say the first time was not a success. Lacked flavor.
This time I found a recipe to go off of and tweaked it to fit my preferences. But it was a definite hit and we cook it frequently.
The original recipe is as follows...
Ingredients
- 10 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic cloves
1/3 cup onion finely chopped
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 oz whole wheat spaghetti noodles (dry)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
I nixed the zucchini. Not a fan. And added in tomatoes instead.
Directions
1. Chop garlic and onions. slice raw chicken into bite-size pieces.
2. Place in frying pan with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, along with basil and oregano. cook until chicken is done.
3. While chicken is cooking, boil spaghetti noodles and chop pepper and zucchini.
3. While chicken is cooking, boil spaghetti noodles and chop pepper and zucchini.
4. When chicken is cooked, add peppers and zucchini along with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and simmer.
5. Drain spaghetti and add to frying pan with chicken and vegetables.
5. Drain spaghetti and add to frying pan with chicken and vegetables.
6. Add one more tbsp balsamic vinegar and simmer.
*THis was pre-new camera so apologize for the quality of the pics
Thursday, January 9, 2014
One of the fun things you get to do when you get married is share finances. It means figuring out who pays what and who saves what. Join account or separate accounts. What's your debt look like compared to mine? Can we afford to this or how about that?
My husband is a GREAT saver. Me on the other hand, not so much. It pains him to see money coming out the account where I just tend not to look. I know, not very grown up. But we are both guilty of not adding up all the little things we purchase.
As we are trying to save more money for a house and every other dream we have, I know I have to get my grown up saver self into gear. We recently decided to open a joint bank account but still have our own separate accounts as we ease into this married financial business. For 2014, we will be adjusting our finances and developing goals for us, and any newlyweds, to get on a great financial path for the future as husband and wife.
1. Saving for the Future
To start, I am personally hoping to save well over 2 thousand this year to put towards our future. It might not seem like a lot but to me, that's a huge feat because I can name all the things I could buy with that money instead. It is just for me because as I said, I have a hard time saving money so I need to make a habit for just myself of saving.
I was so excited when I saw Mandy at House of Rose was hosting a 52 Week Money Saving Challenge. I pinned this challenge about a year ago and never really got around to looking more into it. This was exactly the incentive I needed.
If you haven't see the 52 Week Challenge, it is 52 Week (or a year) challenge to get you to save money with very little put away every week.
via |
2. Making a Budget
As of this very moment, we do not have any sort of budget for how we spend our money. Do we know how much we make and how much our bills cost? Yes. But beyond that, nada. I know, tisk tisk. Definitely not the way to start a marriage of financial success.
So this month, we are spending sort of how we normally do, with a little caution, and saving all receipts. We will then see how much we actually spend in a month. Especially on the Dunkin runs, nights out and other little trips we make that actually add up. Then from there, we will assess where we need to cut back and what we can save on and really set limits for our spending. And I am willing to bet most will be for me. But I accept my spending ways and am ready to change.
Really sit down and see where your money is going every month. Where can you save that money? Options can be anything from buying less bottled and getting a filter or even using the car that has the better gas mileage on all trips to save gas money.
3. Adjusting the Grocery Bill
The kitchen is our biggest money eater at this point. Grocery shopping drains our account every month. So much so, I am a little embarrassed to share the number we spend for just 2 people. So, I am jumping on the meal planning train. My friends tell me how much money it saves them because they shop just for those meals. And I know it will help with those nights we are all too tempted to order takeout. We are also guilty of throwing out food that goes bad because we do not use it.
To also help bring down the grocery bill, coupons will be entering my life. I am not talking crazy couponer here because this apartment can barely fit the normal amount of food. Just the stuff we use every week and can actually save money on. All you really need is a computer or smart phone and most coupons are at your finger tips. My favorite right now is coupon.com.
4. Addressing Debt
Most of the debt we have at this point are my student loans. That is a hefty payment that comes out of my account every month. I also have a credit card that keeps eating me alive every month. We will need to address my student loan payments and any options we might have to consolidate further now that we are married. And of course, getting rid of that credit card debt once and for all.
5. Monthly Rent
Beginning in June, our rent for this teeny apartment will rise once again. For an apartment that has very little space, no storage and no washer/dryer, we feel we will be paying too much with this increase. Since we need to give our notice in May, we are starting to look for different options in the area. We are fairly certain we can find a much more affordable place that includes the things we are not getting now from our apartment.
The extra money we spend every month for a storage space will also be factored in the monthly budget for rent and will hopefully, help us save money monthly in the long run. You can also look at your monthly mortgage or any expenses you feel like you can chop down a little to help you save money on your monthly expenses.
If we all do these as newlyweds, I think we can really set ourselves up for our future and family's future.
What are your financial goals as a newlywed or for 2014? Anything else I can do to be a super saver?
Monday, January 6, 2014
This is my first photo dump so let me show what I have been up to for 2014 via my iPhone and new camera, shall we?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
January
February
February is when I let the world see my sweet dance moves and reminded everyone the importance of a 30 second dance party. I "met" the best blogger, Kate from Classy Living, through my very first Cara Box. A little Club Sexy, anyone? Got a little deep and gave my reason why I love this blog and what it means to me.Also, met two other favorite bloggers this month, Emily from Newlywed Moments and Mallory at From California to Kansas
March
I reintroduced you to my funny side of it's called, "Because We're Getting Married." and a whole cat humor post. Yea, I went there. Did a little arts and crafts, BFF Long Distance Mug, Wedding Bathroom Baskets. I talked a little something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. And I told you why the bad days have made me thankful for the good days.
April
2 months until wedding! And I shared my Tea party themed bridal shower with you and the then fiance, took his turn on the blog to tell you allll about me. I also started out Birchbox in April and was officially hooked. I did an about my cat, Lily and really upped my crazy cat lady status.
May
I educated you on something near and dear to my heart, Friends. As I was just a month from wedding, I was in and out and did not blog as much as I would have liked. I showed what love is through pictures of me and my love as we prepared for our wedding day. I might have never gotten back to the Bachelorette Party pictures but gave you a glimpse of my awkward side. The stomach flu knocked me down the last week of May, aka. a week until my wedding.
June
The biggest month of the year. Prepared myself for rain on my wedding day. Wrote my groom a letter on our wedding day and went and got myself hitched! Oh yea. While we were honeymooning Hawaii, I gave you all a glimpse into our love story.
July
I started the month with my hopes and dreams from 5 years from now. I finally recapped our honeymoon in Hawaii. Maybe one too many posts but it was so good. Will love looking back on that one day. Pretty big months in our lives and since I was enjoying every moment, the blog didn't see much action these 2 months.
August
I gave fellow brides some advice about how things will go on your wedding day and it will be ok. Introduced you all to my sorority self. I finally started my wedding recap on Wedding Wednesdays. I also talked a little bit about being a dreamer and just how I think that leads us all to our dreams. And it was also my first attempt at a graphic.
September
Or Blogtember. Participated in this great series where I told you all about where I come from, what I do with my life, my social voice and other fun things. My HUSBAND celebrated his birthday with a little Princeton shenanigans and September, Lily became famous appearing on Shutterfly's Facebook.
October
Looking back at October, I only blogged 8 times. 8 times. I guess I took a little bit of a break. Had a lot going on with work and just wasn't in the blogging frame of mind without my blogging comfort, laptop :(. I added a little Christmas cheer and Halloween fun in there though (hint: The Walking Dead)
November
I got back into blogging and used to the massive Mac screen. I took on the Thankful Project to really reflect on what I was thankful for all month. It ranged from a memory, person to an annoyance or something you know. My husband participated in his first Mud Run and I gave some advice on how to handle grief during the holidays.
December
December was just upon us a day ago. It was the month I started my journey at the dentist. And what was it without thinking what kind of blog post I could get out of it. I talked a little bit about Paul Walker's death and why it was affecting me. We celebrated 6 months of wedded bliss and finally shared our honeymoon video. I encouraged everyone to spread a little love instead of hate, especially this time of year. I made our very own invitation ornament and sent a special ornament display to Molly. We had our very first married Christmas, which included looking back at Christmases past. Having a holiday birthday is what ended my post shenanigans for the month.
Everything above, the time I just spent putting this post together, is why I love blogging. I just realized my whole year in posts that were my own words and own moments. And I can't wait to continue to grow this little blog. Here's to a wonderful 2014!