Feelin' Ragged

I first started skiing at Ragged Mountain when I was 4 years old. I have loved skiing from the moment I stood in "ski skool" at the top of the beginners trail. When I was in high school I raced on both the school team and the Ragged Mountain Ski Team. I spent the majority of the New England winters wearing snow gear, uncomfortable ski boots, and a helmet with skis strapped to my feet.

Yesterday, all the "old timers" (apparently once you graduate college you are considered and old timer) gathered to frisk the mountain once again.

Growing up in New England, this was my favorite playground. I hate that I have to get up early in the morning and go to work rather than the mountain. Who invented this work thing anyway?
 

I spent the day skiing in a blizzard with my Dad and my old teammates. It was just like old times (maybe that's why we are called "old timers"). I only have two pictures because I spent my day living in the moment rather than capturing them.

High 5 for Friday

I am linking up with Lauren for High 5 for Friday!

1. It was a white Christmas
2. Pup wanted to see our stockings
3. My first Alex and Ani bracelet
4. My guilty pleasure

It was the most wonderful time...

... of the year!

In my family, Christmas is a three day event. Filled with a lot of road trips, food, and cat-naps. Of course, there is also the wonderful tradition of watching 24 hrs of A Christmas Story.

Let us start with Christmas Eve. My Dad drives 4 hours down to my Nana's house and picks me up half way down.

We always stop for tea at Starbucks. A tradition we will never give up. Bonding over tea and Christmas music

At my Nana's we took our obligatory "cousin" picture, this year outfitted with Santa hats. Tis' the season!

My Dad and I got back in the car and drove 4 hours back up North to his house. I was pleasantly surprised to wake up on Christmas morning with SNOW!

Our Christmas is laced with many traditions, one of which is eating homemade Christmas cookies for breakfast. Another tradition that will never be given up.. YUM!

My sister, BIL (brother-in-law) and I open our stockings that Santa's elves graciously fill every year.

Our puppy, LiLi, was not impressed with her stocking present so she decided to dig through ours.

While waiting for our extended family to make their way to our house, we continue eating cookies and watching A Christmas Story (for the third time that morning).

Once our family members arrive, we all sit down and open presents as a whole family. Everyone was on the nice list and Santa treated everyone very well. Thank you, Santa!

We end the day by opening the cards hidden (kind of) in the tree (another tradition) and eat a delicious meal.

On the 26th, I celebrate Christmas with my Mom, Step dad, and brother. I am lucky to have two families that enjoy everything the holiday season has to give!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday!

What are your holiday traditions?

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone had a happy, healthy, and blessed holiday! Today was filled with family, love, giving, and way to many Christmas cookies!

I spend Christmas day at my Dad's house up north and I woke up to bright snow coating the ground, it was beautiful! We had a relaxing and happy holiday, pictures soon to come!

Where has the time gone?

Christmas is in 2.II.TWO DAYS! Where has the holiday season gone? I feel like it creeped up on me way too quickly. I have been wavering between being in the holiday spirit and not quite feeling it. I think that is due to the fact that Thanksgiving was a week early and we decorated for the holidays so early that it just kind of dragged on.

Desperate to feel more in the spirit over the last week, I have been a baking fiend, a crazy Christmas movie watcher and a busy little elf, decorating even more! Now if only I felt more satisfied with the gift giving aspect.

I hit the jackpot with the beau's gift and my mom's gift was well thought about, however every other gift I got is not satisfying my giving spirit. It has been more of a practical Christmas in regards to gifts rather than a fun Christmas. We shall see how it goes. I am going to embrace the next 3 days and continue to be nostalgic with family and friends.

Happy Holiday's ya'll!

High 5 For Friday

1. Reunited with my roommates for a little Christmas celebration 2. Snuggles for days 3. A light dusting 4. Best sangria ever 5. Hot chocolate and my favorite Christmas cookies

Sugar and Spice

Tis the season.. its Christmas cookie time. My mom and I spent all day on Sunday baking delicious treats for our friends and loved ones. Snacking on cookie dough and candies throughout the day kept us going and in the end we baked 5 different kinds of cookies. The ones dipped in chocolate are one of my favorites. What kinds of cookies does your family make?

How Old Are You?

Today is my Dad's birthday. He has taught me so much in life and I can't thank him enough for everything he does. It makes me happy when people tell me "you're just like your father." I only hope to be as wise and kind as him one day. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you!

Weekend In Pictures

This weekend I was filled with Christmas Spirit. I finished decorating the house, baked cookies and started my Christmas shopping (boyfriend's gift: check!) I left today to visit my Dad and Stepmom up north for a couple days. Pictures and recipes to come!

High Five For Friday!

1. So excited to finish this book

2. My favorite Marine home on leave

3. A little holiday nail color

4. Friendly interns.

5.Comfort food

New Chapter

A new chapter in my life has begun. I have graduated college and have entered into the "real world." Scary, you ask? Why yes, it happens to be terrifying. This is my journey into adulthood.