Merry Christmas to All!

Merry Christmas everyone! 

We rang in the night at a beautiful candlelight service at Church remembering the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a beautiful moment to watch over hundreds of peoples candles start to light up all over the room until the entire room was illuminated. Complete strangers coming together to help one another create this beautiful symbol of how quickly one person can help another. If we all took that knowledge with us in our day to day life, we could create a chain reaction of happiness and love. 

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours. 

My sanctuary

I've been under a little more stress than usual lately. I think it might have a combination to do with the holidays, expenses, being an adult and all that comes with it: cleaning the house, taking care of the dogs, paying the bills, spending 90% of my day at work. Normal adult life I guess you could say. While I have no right to complain, because this is life, it can still be somewhat overwhelming! 

I've tried a few things lately to help me with my stress, yoga, meditation, etc. but I always find myself cleaning the rooms I am in, or not able to focus, or get a breath of fresh air. My boyfriend came up with an AMAZING Christmas idea, that I was able to get a little early :) 

My boyfriend did some shopping at Lowe's and was able to put together a nice relaxing area on our patio that can be my getaway at times! I can read out there, blog out there, listen to my meditations, anything. All in the fresh air! :) 

 

He got me outdoor shades so that I can see out but no one can see in! :) It also helps with some of the heat! Not to mention the super cute lanterns he hung so I can read at night. 

 

This is one end of our patio, and my creeper Ollie in the corner. I got some of my favorite plants ever, Elephant Ears! They are so beautiful and easy to take care of. 

 

My other side of the patio has another Elephant Ear, a rotating fan for the more warmer days, and two super cute comfy chairs! There is a shelf between the chairs that he put some candles and books on and I cannot wait to spend numerous nights out here in my sanctuary! <3 

Merry early Christmas to me :) 

 

Ollie approves! 

Food for thought - 2014

I found this pretty cool article on the website thoughtcatalog.com that was all about ways to make 2014 much better than 2013. While this year has been pretty great, there is always room for improvements. I was pretty inspired by this list so I will link it here - http://thoughtcatalog.com/meagan-kelly/2013/12/37-tips-for-a-better-2014/

My favorite one, "Consider the world a dinner party, and your life a prime cut of steak (or tofu for vegetarians) and ‘cut away the fat.’ The bullshit, the negative people – you don’t need it, cut it out of your life. Surround yourself with who and what you want to be."

"My First's" Tag

I have seen on many blogs, users doing a "My First's" tag and I thought I would give it a try. I love looking back on memories, I feel like your past makes you who you are today. I have always believed that I should never regret the past, not even the bad times. If it weren't for those moments, I wouldn't be where I am today, surrounded by loving people, I wouldn't know the things I know etc. Never regret the past, it only has made you stronger. 

First Best Friend: 
I could count a few people as technically the first, but I think my first real best friend that taught me about friendship is Charlene Amis, who I am still friends with to this day. We met in 1st grade and she also happened to live a block away from me. 

 

I can remember countless sleep overs, countless Summers spent together. Our mom's were pregnant at the same time and now we both have sisters that are best friends! We have been friends for over 15 years. 

 

This was Charlene and I, her adorable son Julian, my friend Destiny, and our sisters Rebecca and Isabella celebrating New Years in 2010!  

First boyfriend:

As crazy as this may sound, my first boyfriend was Philip. I was never really into the whole dating idea when I was in middle school like most of my friends and really just enjoyed hanging out with friends. When Philip asked me to be his girlfriend, I obviously said yes but it scared me out of my mind! Smart decision though ;)

 

First Pet:

Besides having a fish tank with about 20 fish as a kid, my first real pet that I named and played with etc was Duck Duck. I found a duck at the park who was struggling with a broken leg. My mother and I both felt terrible and took him in and raised him until he was a full grown duck. I wish more than anything I had a picture of him! He was the cutest thing, and would swim around our bathtub every night. He was my first love <3

First Word:

Kitty Cat - As ironic as that may be considering I am extremely allergic to them, but yes Kitty Cat was my first word.

First Celebrity Crush:

My first crush was Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys! No shame :) Fourth one on the bottom!

 

First Job:

 My first job was folding clothes at Pac Sun. Needless to say, that was the moment I realized I never wanted to work in retail again, folding the same pile of clothes over and over is such a tedious job! Luckily this was a seasonal job so was only 3 months or so. 

First Concert:

As much as I wish I could say Britney Spears or N*Sync or something of that sort, my first concert was not until high school at Next Big Thing. It is basically a get together of a bunch of alternative bands usually up to like 10 bands. I even got the chance to crowd surf! 

First vacation without my parents: 

The first time I ever went away without my family was a trip to California! Yes, very far from home. We spent about a week there and had a great time. I got chances to see San Diego, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Laguna Beach. 

My friend Kasey and I on Rodeo Drive.

Christmas Gift Ideas?!

A couple years ago for our anniversary I received a very unique and special gift from Phil. If you are stumped this Holiday season on what to get that special someone, friend, mother, grandmother, whomever, this is a great idea! 

 http://www.diamondcandles.com/ 

 

 The basic concept is that you purchase the candle and about half way through there is a ring hidden inside the candle. This ring can range anywhere from $10.00 to $5,000.00. The rings are all different but beautiful in their own way and they fill your house with amazing smells.

 I currently have two, the Vanilla and the Midnight Kiss and can't wait to buy more. They are great ideas for any girl that loves jewelry, taking baths, relaxing etc. We even had it one time at a Christmas auction where everyone brings a gift, it was definitely fought over! 

If you get your order in before next Tuesday  12/10 you are guaranteed to have your order in time for Christmas! 

A year ago from now...

I love looking back on life and thinking about all the good things that have happened. All the good memories, all the fun times, all of the experiences. It got me to thinking today, where was I a year ago? How much has changed in the past 12 months?! When I really started to think about it, I was amazed at how much was different. As the end of the year creeps nearer and near, yes people it is only 4 weeks away, I wanted to take a moment to look back on the past year and reflect with gratitude in all the good moments. 

In the past year I have...

 

Moved into a new home with Philip, we went from a 600 SF apartment in not the best neighborhood to a 1,000 SF apartment in a wonderful community that makes me feel so at home! 

 

Got the amazing chance to go to Harry Potter World and Universal Studios as a Christmas present from my boyfriend. I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and literally cried when I found out where we were going. It was amazing! They did a fantastic job and I hear they are working on it and expanding it even more, another trip? I think so! 

  I ran in the Color Run! Such a blast! If you haven't done it yet and are thinking about doing it, DON'T HESITATE. At the end there is a huge concert with a ton of color and you leave a complete colorful mess. 

 

My baby boys got older! :( Balto turned 3 and Ollie turned 2! I know they are still so young but every birthday makes me sad!! 

 

 For Philip's birthday we spent it at the Zoo! Where we had the opportunity to feed a giraffe! They are one of the sweetest animals ever, with LONG tongues! 

Saw Matisyahu live, his performance was unlike any other, so comfortable and personal. Great experience from an amazing and talented artist!

 

We were given the fate of finding these two beautiful pups on the side of the road and able to bring them in, get them treatment and to a new home! We found them flea infested with imbedded collars and starving. Sweetest pups in the world, I'll never understand animal cruelty. 

 

I got the awesome opportunity to see one of my all time favorite movies, The Punisher, in theaters at its 10 year anniversary with Thomas Jane, the main character and also do a Q&A afterwards! Very cool moment :) 

 

Philip and I had an awesome time at Treeumph Adventure Course! Tree Top Obstacle, talk about adrenaline rush! 

 

 I was blessed this year with a new job. I went from working at a company where I felt like just a number to company that feels like a family. Even though I have been there less than a year I feel at home. This was a picture I took before a work event at the horse track. I love my job and all the great opportunities it has brought me this year! Philip also got a new job this year that has allowed him to grow so much as a person and learn a field that could become a career!

 

I spent my birthday in Georgia, where I visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which by the way is amazing! We were able to see a turtle that had completed her rehab and was being set free out into the ocean! Great experience! Just keep swimming Sandy Hook! 

 

 I surprised Philip with a night time deep sea shark fishing trip! He actually caught a shark too! Unfortunately I couldn't snap a picture in time before we threw the shark back over. 

 

 

We spent a very rainy 4th of July hoping for it to clear up, which it did, and we were able to catch an absolutely stunning firework show! 

 

We traveled to St. Augustine where we were able to see Philip's cousin get married! Visit Castillo De San Marco's, and get to spend time with Philip's brother Chris who is in the Navy and his ship just so happened to break down right near St. Augustine. 

My mom, sister and I went to see Maroon 5 for the second time! My mom is kind of in love with Adam and every concert in our area she jumps on! It was my sister's first concert ever, and the opening performer was Kelly Clarkson who is one of my all time favorites! Amazing night for us 3!  

 

Philip and I celebrated 7 years together this year! I truly believe he is my soul mate. I love this man with all my heart! I feel like throughout this year our love has grown more and more each day! 

 

Imagine Dragons concert was amazing! :) We were fortunate enough to get these tickets for free from my mom!

 

We visited the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary where we encountered so many amazing primates. They are so beautiful and unique. We spent hours there, learning about them, feeding them, it was amazing. 

 

 

We had a spooky Halloween carving pumpkins and attempting to watch The Conjuring, we made it about 30 minutes in, freaked out and turned it off! 

 

 Found out I needed glasses. After months of barely being able to read street signs while driving I got up the courage to see the Eye Doctor and discovered I have 20/70 vision. I am still working on getting used to the glasses, I constantly feel like they are sunglasses and need to take them off as soon as I go indoors, but the world looks a lot different and detailed now! So I am thankful for that :) 

 

The TimeFlies concert was incredible! They are so talented and such a good time! 

We just returned from a trip to North Carolina and are looking so forward to Christmas! Only 22 days! I am so glad that this year has been so much fun, a change of environment, and so much more.

Blogmas anyone?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

I am pretty familiar with Vlogmas on YouTube where YouTubers vlog everyday until Christmas but I thought why not try BLOGMAS? I am a HUGE fan of Christmas, sadly I couldn't wait until December to start decorating our house. My tree is up, ornaments are on, stockings have been hung and it is beginning to look A LOT like Christmas! 

 

 I am happy to say I am about 75% done with my Christmas shopping with 3 weeks to go :)! Success!

I found a little Christmas Questionnaire on http://www.makeup-pixi3.com/2013/11/the-2013-christmas-tag.html

and thought I would take part! 

1.  Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?

This is a tough question for me. I would choose a real tree over a synthetic one ANY DAY. There is just something about going to pick out your Christmas tree with your family, finding the perfect one, struggling to get it in the car and out and the Christmas aroma that fills your house! On the other hand, I have a fake tree in my home. Why? My boyfriend and I decided after our first Christmas in our home together this would be the best route to go because of our dogs. I have two VERY curious pups, and I can just imagine one of them trying to drink the water from under the tree and knocking the entire thing over! 

2.  You're in a coffee shop, it's December, what do you pick?

 Another toughie because I am not a big coffee drinker. I would probably say Hot Cocoa with loads of Marshmallows! :) 

3.  Whats your favorite color scheme for decorating the tree?

I have never really followed the color scheme on the tree idea. Our tree is full of ornaments that are from significant memories in our lives. For example, after getting into a car accident where a deer rammed my car my ornament for that year was a deer. Each year we all receive an ornament that has something to do with something that happened that year. On top of that we pick up one ornament from any place we travel to so that at the end of the year we can relive all of the memories! 

4.  Giving or receiving?

As much as I love opening presents and getting new things, I love to watch others open presents that I picked out for them. I try to put a lot of thought into every single person I buy for's presents so it is a true joy to see their face when they open their presents!  

5.  To mince pie or not to?

Honestly, never had it, so I would not be the best judge here for an answer... 

6.  What's your traditional Sunday lunch?   

Well considering Christmas this year falls on a Wednesday we will go with that. We usually just have the regular, some ham or turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, some sort of pie. My grandma is an amazing cook and baker so anything she decides to make is alright with everyone!  

  

 7.  Christmas day fashion

It is a tradition in our family to open PJ's on Christmas Eve. We have done this every year since I can remember. We then sleep in those PJs and wear them on Christmas Day! So we are extremely fancy in my family ;)  

8.  What's your favorite Christmas song?

Has been and always will be Baby It's Cold Outside. There is just something about thinking about cold weather and being stuck indoors with someone special cuddled up next to a fire. Am I a hopeless romantic or what?

9.  What's your favorite Christmas film?

Elf, of course. What else?!

10.  Open presents before or after lunch?

BEFORE! I can barely make it to 7 am. We usually set our alarm at 6 am and get up and open presents at home, then go to my mom's and open presents there, then go to my dad's and do presents there. This all takes place before lunch! I don't have that kind of patience. 

Happy Holidays Everyone!     

Also, I may or may not have the sweetest boyfriend in the world who makes me Christmas shaped pancakes on Sunday mornings ;) 

 

Outfit Of The Day

This is not your typical OOTD girl tag that you would probably expect to see on social media. I just needed to post this as a memory for myself! To always remember the day I walked the streets of Wilmington, NC rocking this bad boy. 

 

If this screams tourist or dork that's okay. Luckily I did not think to bring a basketball or it would have gotten a little out of hand.. 

Happy to be back home in my house in the Sunshine State, not as cold down here! Glad to be with my pups and in my own bed, where I can cuddle up and watch my One Tree Hill ;)  

There is only ONE tree hill, even if it's really Wilmington...

For any One Tree Hill fan I think I do not even need to explain, you'd just understand. If you are not a OTH lover like myself, you just would not understand. One Tree Hill is my "dork thing", which everyone has. Its that thing that can make you literally smile from ear to ear, act like a kid, feel literally giddy again. It can be anything from favorite movies, favorite meals, games, etc. but this is mine. 

When I found out I'd be spending Thanksgiving break in Wilmington, North Carolina with my family I immediately thought, ONE TREE HILL. 

The first and most obvious spot to go was the One Tree Hill bridge, the bridge shown in almost every single episode intro. Of course I queued Gavin DeGraw's "I don't wanna be" song while we were walking up to it, I mean could you think of a better way to take in that moment then belting out the lyrics?! 

 

I was obviously a little too excited

 

And how could we not use this time as a perfect photoshoot... 

 

 

 

The bridge was a great way to start our OTH tour! 

Next on my to do list was Karen's Cafe/Clothes Over Bros. It was a little heartbreaking to look in the windows and see absolutely nothing but it was still worth it to see the exterior. 

  

Finding this written on one of the windows made the moment even sweeter! 

Then it was on to the River Walk. Where we also caught some awesome glances at the Battleship.

Due to the fact that it is Thanksgiving, every shop was closed so we need to make time to come back and shop Market Street, but we did peek into a store window and find these bad boys! 

 I had a moment walking down the street with my boyfriend Philip spotted this out of the blue.. Comet - Any OTH fall will understand the significance of this word! 

Then it was onto the church, the infamous church where Lindsay realized what the comet was and where she left Luke at the alter. Also, where Nanny Carrie kidnaps Jamie! 

On our way back to the apartment we found this nifty little box. I was so surprised by this small simple gesture but it truly made my day! 

 

The basic concept is that these books are for anyone to take, just in the hopes that they return and also a drop off point for books. It really gave me that small town feeling I was hoping I'd find in NC. 

After we had gone everywhere within walking distance, we hopped in the car and took off to find some more OTH locations. 

'

Dan Scott's House! 

Sitting on the steps of Lucas and Karen's home. 

Peytons House! and who would know... right next door was..

Haley's House

and finally Brooke Davis' House! & it still had a red door! :)

We drove by Tric to sadly realize a lot has changed since the show went off air and it is now an AC company. That's okay Wilmington, I understand you can't necessarily just keep empty buildings around for my sanity. 

We finally made it to the river court by night fall. Although they have ripped up the court, you can still see where it was due to the change in the grass, which to me was extremely cool! We are going to have to go back in the day time for pictures. 

All in all, it was an amazing OTH filled day.