Suprise!

So I have been working on something a little special.

I noticed my blog writing was lacking and it was a real disappointment to myself. I decided that I really wanted to get back into enjoying my blog and have been contemplating purchasing my own domain that would allow me to customize my blog the exact way I wanted to.

So the other day when I was in a really crummy mood I decided I was going to make myself happy and just go for it. I wanted to start fresh with a new blog that represented my style.

I would like to introduce...

A Tale Of Two C's

ataleoftwocs.com

I really wanted to change my blog name to something that 1.) defined me 2.) was unique but a little personal as well.

The story behind the name goes as so..

When I was little my mom hated the nickname "Court" and she refused to let any family member call me that. So she decided to name me Courtney Catherine and nickname me "CC". Now that I am older, all my friends and co-workers call me "Court" (sorry mom) but my entire family calls me CC. 

I really hope you stop by and follow the new and improved blog of mine!!!

but I should mention.. bare with me as I learn the ropes of the new program. I am slowly tweaking the design and settings so if it doesn't look right at first, I will get there!

Welcome Home!

2 posts in one day!

What has the world come to?

Just kidding.

 I wanted to include this in the last post

but decided that it needs a post all of its own.

On July 1, 2013..

Travis came home from his first (and hopefully only)

tour in Afghanistan!

Welcome Home, Trav!

We love you so much

and are so so proud of you!

His family was there to welcome him home!

I am so happy to see my best friend's family happy 

and together again!

Thank you Travis.

For all that you do and all that you sacrifice!

 

 

Chat Stew

Let's chat shal we?

First of all I am sitting here drinking my morning cup of coffee (something I haven't done in weeks) and watching Live with Kelly & Michael. One of the best shows ever? I think so! Goodness they are so funny. So Michael of Kelly, if you are reading this.. keep making me laugh, you make me feel motivated to start a fun productive day!

Moving on.
Who is excited to see the second Dispicable Me? This girl! I literally can not wait to see those little yellow munchkins! I mean come on.. how can you not adore these things..

Has anyone heard of guanabana? Neither had I. Until I took a vitamin water out of the fridge and saw this.

Let me tell you.. it. is. delicious. Run out and grab yourself a strawberry-guanabana vitamin water, you will not be disappointed!

I have been trying to eat better. I fractured my foot so I am out of commission when it comes to exercising. Therefore I have taken on a low-fat low-card diet for the time being so I don't look like whale at the end of this. Wish me luck everyone.. I like my sweets and bread.

Que drastic change in mood..
on a serious note it is hard to accept defeat, especially when you strive so hard to succeed. No one likes the feeling of failure. I don't like the feeling of failing especially on an exam that determines my career. I received my results for my Child Life exam and I missed the passing grade by 15 points.

"Are you kidding me! 15 points! 15 points, Courtney you couldn't have upped your game for three questions?!" That is what has been going on in my head for the last couple weeks. Sure I talk to my family and friends and they are so supportive (thank you all!) and I understand that it is not the end of the world and I can take it again in the fall, but I feel like a total failure. Defeated. Embarrassed. and low.

Time to schedule more studying into my schedule. I thought I was done with this crap! But I have accepted that I need to re-take the exam in November and rock the socks off that test. Wish me luck!

And with that, I am going to shower and find a quiet cafe to look over material and drink some yummy tea. Have a fabulous Wednesday, everyone!

A Bunch of Excuses and A Sun Burn

I'm baaaackk!

I am still alive.. and truly sorry I have not posted in over two weeks!

Life got in the way... again.

I have been super busy with work. I now have two jobs at the hospital and I am starting to feel like I live there. Just section of a room on the top floor and label it "Courtney's Suite" because I am ALWAYS working. But at the same time I am working and saving some good money, so I can't complain too much!

With all that being said, there has not been much going on in my life. I did have the weekend off and stowed away to Mike's lake house with his family. It was nice and relaxing and we had a fun time together. It is so nice to wake up in the morning and see this view...

It was also a treat to finally see Mike again. After a month I was starting to forget what he looked liked.

I am now sporting a lovely farmer's sun burn. The weather was in and out all weekend and apparently when it was "in" I was not paying attention and scored myself a nice burn. Bad Courtney! Thank goodness for Aloe!

I will try to make a conscious effort to update more than once a month with my new busy schedule. I promise.

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

What A Weekend

There is nothing like climbing into bed, blogging and watching Duck Dynasty on a Sunday night. So relaxing. Definitely needed after the weekend I had.

I feel like I am about to crash and succumb to my overwhelming stress this weekend. Something always interfered with our plans.. we would plan a whole day and then something drastic would happen and change our plans completely. It left me feeling unsettled and unproductive, like we had a busy weekend of nothing. You know when you get so frustrated that you cry and then that turns into a laughing fit.. that was me this afternoon. I was crying hysterically.. the laughing part came a few minutes later when my dad went to throw a tennis ball for our dog and nailed me in the head. Happy Father's Day.. thanks for the abuse. A hug would have sufficed.

I then turned my frustration into motivation and cleaned the entire house. I vacuumed, dusted, clorox wiped, and laundered. I felt much better after. I can now go to bed feeling somewhat successful this weekend. I have my mood lighting on and can focus on my blogging and pinning!

Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

I hope everyone has such a fabulous day today with their fathers!

 I love you, Dad!!

Enjoy your day, everyone!

Friday Letters

T.G.I.F!

I am super excited it is Friday!

Today I am going to change it up a bit.

Instead of doing High Five For Friday,

I decided to do Friday letters.

Dear Sun,

Please come out to play soon.

I have the weekend off to enjoy myself

and I would appreciate some nice 

warm weather to do so.

Dear Michael,

Thank you for being so sweet to my family.

You made us breakfast last Sundayand my family loved it.

Especially my brother... keep it coming

xoxo

Dear Starbucks,

Thank goodness for your Passion Fruit tea!

It is the perfect combiantion of fresh and caffeine.

My mouth waters just thinking about it.

I know my new go-to guilty pleasure for the summer!

Dear Little Boy,

 You made me smile so much yesterday.

I loved seeing your smiling face in the clinic.

Please stay happy, it is contagious!

Dear You,

Thank you so much for reading my blog.

I hope you enjoy your time spent here.

I know I sure do.

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend and happy Father's Day!

Saw It. Pinned It. Did it.

Also known as "SPD." I am linking up with Katie and Stephanie for "Saw It, Pinned It, Did It."

I found a super easy recipe for a fruit salsa on Pinterest a couple weeks ago - you can read about it here. Paired with cinnamon pita chips, this salsa is a perfect summer must eat. It is soooo good. The mixture of berries, applies, and kiwi's had a perfect fresh taste with a little sweet kick. Can you say yum?

My picture does not look as appetizing as the Pinterest picture!

Side note: I made this for Mike and I to snack on while we were grilling burgers last week. He told me - and I quote - "This is sooo good, its one of the best things you have made!" Just sayin'.

What you need:
-1 container of strawberries
-1 small container of raspberries
-1 small container of blue berries
-2 kiwi's
-1 apple

How to:
(Make sure you pay attention, this is really detailed)
-chop strawberries, kiwi's, and apples into small cubes
-add raspberries and blue berries
-mix together well (raspberries will soften and add a great, sweet juice to the salsa.
-refrigerate for 15 minutes

Ta Da!! Throw some cinnamon pita chips into a bowl and call it a day. Super easy, super delicious, semi-super healthy!

Let's Go Bruins!

Hello Friends!

It has been a long week already and it is only Wednesday...

I am working major overtime this week so therefore I 

don't have much to update on, unfortunately.

It has been work, eat, sleep.. get up and do it again.

I am itching for Friday.

I have a fabulous Father's Day weekend planned!

I will have pictures and fun stories, I am sure.

My prized Bruins are in the Stanley Cup final play offs!

WOOHOOO!!!

My boyfriend would be so proud if he was reading this..

so..

LETS GO BRUINS!!

Let's have a repeat of 2011!!!!

Titles Are Overrated

Happy Monday y'all!

I like to pretend I'm a little Southern belle and use phrases like "y'all" when I blog. Lets pretend I haven't lived in Northern New England my whole life. I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, I know I did. I spent my days relaxing with occasional reading and TV watching. It was perfection.

A big happy birthday and congratulations to my good friend Derick, who graduated college this past month.

I had a great time at his graduation party yesterday.. but indulged a wee too much at the dessert table. Thank you maxi dress for holding up your side of the deal and concealing my growing food-baby. I should mention I held up my side by not spilling anything on you.

I have to admit, I am a little late to the party. But what can I say.. I like to stroll in casually late to any party. I am in love with the #ABeautifulMess app for my phone. Talk about an instagram and blogging God send.

Friday. Friday. Friday.

I love working 12 hour shifts and only having to work 3 days a week. That gives me 4 days off to have fun with my friends and family. I was lucky to have Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week off and I used the time to my full advantage to have fun!

1// What a pretty sunset I snapped on the way home last night. I was safe, I promise!

2// I spent some quality time with my Mom on Wednesday and she actually joined the 21st century and got an iPhone. I'm sorry Mom, but you phone was archaic!

3// New gel color from OPI adorns my nails right now, Strawberry Margarita! It makes me so happy!

4// Look at this adorable patterned burlap I stumbled upon in Jo-Anne Fabrics. I now need to find something to use it for.

5// Mom surprised me by waking me up with Dunkin Donuts coffee on Wednesday. Halleluiah, she is amazing!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Here's To Summer

source

Summer is a time for fun. While I am basking in the sun or working 12 hr shifts, I am consciously making an effort to be more positive and fresh. I went through a time where I was not happy with what I was doing or where I was going. I wanted more out of life. What I learned is I just can't sit there and wait for it to happen.. I have to make. it. happen.

It is a crazy time around these parts. I am at a point in my life where I am not sure where my future lies but I know I want to have fun making my future happen. I am learning how to have fun and indulge without breaking my piggy bank, because you know.. I am still trying to save money. But I just can't help but be happy. The weather is beautiful, summer clothes are out in full bloom as well as my favorite flowers, the ice tea is flowing, and I get to see my friends. What more could a girl ask for?

Here's to Summer! Lets drink and be merry!

Current Events

Happy Monday!! Yay, I finally have a couple days off. The next three days will be filled with sleeping, eating ice cream and reading... pure relaxation!

With that being said, I wish I had some fun story and picture for you guys, but I don't. After working 4 12 hour days, I have nothing fun to write about unless your idea of fun is nursing sick people back to health.

So currently I am..

Eating chipotle turkey and avacado sandwhiches from Au Bon Pain. If you haven't tasted this succulent sandwich.. do so. Curse the hospital for having an Au Bon Pain, I am addicted and can't stop.

Watching nothing at the moment. All my weekly shows have ended. It is a sad time. I am still looking for new summer shows to watch. I am not a Bachelorette/Bachelor watcher so I am kind of at a loss.

Wearing scrubs mostly. I have been trying to acquire a more mature wardrobe so when I am not working I can get dressed up and feel good about myself. I can't wait to have my new maxi dress altered so I can start wearing it! Mom if you are reading this, we will be altering tonight or tomorrow.. FYI!

Wondering when I am going to receive the results from my certification exam. I am on the edge of my seat waiting. Lets go people.. get this show on the road.. will ya!

Laughing at all the AT&T commercials. I mean how cute are those little kids. I laugh every time!

 Listening to Jason Derulo's new song "The Other Side" it is soooo catchy!

Happy that I got woken up early this morning on my day off to have a funny conversation with my friends.. I'm still laughing! I love you guys ;)

Is it Friday or Wednesday?

I wish I could say I am super excited about today being Friday but unfortunately I am working today and all weekend. So for me, today is more like a Wednesday. Which I don't mind, I like Wednesdays too. I am not complaining.. at least I have a job!

So for every body else out there celebrating a glorious summer Friday... Happy weekend y'all!!

I just realized that I forgot to add the numbers to the pictures, so lets go in a clockwise order.

1// A pretty addition to the yard. I see myself relaxing out on this cute bench.
2// A beautiful sunset coming home from getting ice cream the other day.
3// I am in love with my new phone case.
4// My old girl is so sleepy. I don't know how she can even breathe sleeping like this.
5// I loved having a morning to myself to leisurely drink coffee and blog.. RARE!

Have a fabulous weekend! Due to my work schedule I wont have anything fun for this weekends wrap-up but check back on Monday and brainstorm something fun.

I Love Links

It happened again.. I got pulled into pinterest and could not resurface. Half the time I find myself forgetting to "pin" things I actually like. Do you know how hard it is to back track and find something you forgot you wanted to pin. Im-poss-ible! Slower than molasses going uphill. However, I did salvage a few.

<1> I love the color scheme of this bedroom
<2> I would love to turn a closet into a mini office
<3> This fun party punch
<4> I want this sweatshirt
<5> This fruit salsa looks delicious

Summer Bucket List: 2013 Edition

As I'm sure you all know, I am welcoming summer with open arms. None of this June 21st crap, Summer always begins on Memorial Day.. in my family that is. So in celebration of the start of my summer, I have decided to make a bucket list for summer 2013.

Let the fun begin!

• Read 15 books (this may not seem like a lot for some of you but I am an extremely slow reader.. this will be difficult for me.)
• Go camping in a tent
• Go rock climbing
• Have a cookout with my family and Mike's family (5 years and we still haven't had a big family dinner.)
• Go to the zoo
• Go to the beach
• Climb 3 mountains
• River rafting
• Attend a Red Sox game
• Eat smore's
• See a movie at the drive-in (yes, we still have one near us!) 
• visit the islands off Boston

It should be a pretty good summer.

Holiday Weekend Wrap-Up

I spent the weekend welcoming summer with my friends, family, and... winter clothes! I actually had to pull my wool socks back out of their-packed away-bin. No bueno.

here is some proof..

It is now 10:30 on Monday night, the sun came back out today and warmed up the temperatures, and I am happily back in my summer pjs.

Moving on.This weekend was tons of fun. Like playing with little puppies kind of fun. No not really, but wicked fun nonetheless. It was the perfect combination of friends and family. Lets begin on Saturday shall we?

Saturday was filled with a rowdy crew of party goers. Note to self: if you want to have a good time, attend a gathering at your roommate-in laws. My college roommate's fiance (who also happens to be my beau's good friend - hmmmm, I wonder who had a part in that introduction) graduated college recently and his family knows how to throw one good graduation bash. Despite the rain that threatened to get in the way.. we had a dancing, beer pong throwing, and cup flipping of a good time.

don't try to take pictures of boys after 8pm.. you will get the squinty "not another picture" look!

I'm going to toot our own horn... we are some good looking roommates :)

Her and her mother really know how to cut a rug. This picture does not do them justice.

Sunday morning was spent recuperating from said party. "What happened to your voice!" my mom yelled at me the minute I said good morning to her. What happened? I spent the night battling the DJ's speaker, that's what happened! I must mention, the speaker won. BUT the DJ's were killin' it!

After my brother made me breakfast for the second time this weekend..

Thank you Cammy.

... retail therapy was in order. Mom and I made our way to the new outlets. Wardrobe-1 Wallet-0. I did however purchase my first maxi dress!

Memorial Day was spent brunching with my Dad's side of the family and visiting my grandfather's grave. A perfect day of visiting with family and reflecting on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to ensure our freedom.

What holiday weekend is complete without going out for ice cream? None.. correct. Peppermint heaven in a cup.

Remember

Happy Memorial Day!

May we always remember those who fought for our freedom, 

especially our fallen heroes.

May we also keep those in the military today in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to them and their families for their sacrifice!

xoxo

High Five

...for Friday!

(p.s. if you are reading this and it is still Thursday, I apologize. I would not have time in the morning to post this before work. Lets just pretend.)

Woohoo, I love Friday's

especially when I have the holiday weekend off!

After neglecting my most favorite post of the week for so long, I have finally gotten back on schedule.

1//I miss him already. Its only been three days. Thank goodness I get to spend more time with him this weekend.

2//If you haven't read this book, DO IT! I was hooked and read it in 2 days.

3//My new favorite Starbucks summer drink: passion fruit tea, sweetened.

4//LETS GO BRUINS! Stanley Cup Playoffs!

5//my dad's fortune.. he gave it to me.

Colorado Part II

Today it was back to the grind. After a nice 10 day vacation it was back to work for this girl. On any other occasion I would complain but I am still reveling in my new found freedom. I forgot what it was like to actual have leisure time and not feel guilty about not studying. Can this chick get an Amen?!

Since I have returned from Colorado 2 days ago, I have already finished my post-exam book. Nicholas Sparks got my heart thumping yet again with his book The Rescue. I loved everything about it. Read it... I dare you.

As promised, here is the second installment of my Colorado pictures.

Day 4:
Friday was pretty low key. Mike and I spent the morning running around Denver with dad. By noon he was off to the airport and on his way home. Mike and I had a nice date night that evening to celebrate our 5 year anniversary. I am still shocked typing that. I cannot believe it has already been 5 years since we started dating. Happy Anniversary Michael, I love you!

Day 5:
Saturday was one of my favorite days. Mike and I got up, had breakfast and rented a car all by 10:00am. We then headed off to Colorado Springs to visit the Air Force Academy and the Garden of The Gods. Unfortunately the academy was preparing for graduation so visitors were restricted to where we could visit. But I still fell in love with the school. It was beautiful and I felt proud just being there. The Garden of The Gods was beautiful and I will let those pictures speak for themselves! We finished off the night by going to a Colorado Rockies game. It was so much fun and would you believe it... THEY WON! They wiped the field with the SF Giants.

Day 6:
Good-bye Colorado. A sad day had by all. I was super sad to leave and a little bit uncomfortable after a homeless lady cast some weird voodoo spell on Mike and I. I felt terrible but neither one of us had any cash to offer her and she did not like that. After cussing us out and wishing bad things upon us, we decided to vacate the area and head back to our hotel to prepare for departure.. only to have flights get delayed and not return to Boston until 3 am. It was an extremely long travel day and we were so happy to crawl into bed at 4 in the morning!

My favorite thing we did? Definitely going to see Breckenridge and The Garden Of The Gods.

Colorado Part I

I was told before coming out to Colorado that I would love it here and never want to go back home. Well they were right, I absolutely fell in love with this state!

Day 1:
My dad and I both arrived and went to our hotel. We were not impressed with the hotel. It was a lot little dumpy and we decided that night to change hotels. Before that we hit the town and explored Denver. We went to a local aquarium... we are spoiled in Boston with the Boston Aquarium but the Denver Aquarium was exciting as well. We then grabbed dinner and a movie and headed back to the hotel for a good sleep. It was a perfect father-daughter bonding day.

Day 2:
We got up early and got out of the first hotel and went and checked in at our new hotel. It was like going from homeless to the Taj Mahal. We were extremely happy we changed hotels. Not to mention the service was much better! After checking into our new hotel we went out for a nice river walk and then to the biggest Starbucks I have ever seen. Once caffeinated it was off to the Denver Zoo. Unfortunately I don't have all my zoo pictures at this time because they are on my camera and I still don't have my cable. Don't fret, I will be sure to post pictures of all the cute animals at a later date.

the Taj Mahal of hotels

Day 3:
EXAM DAY! I woke up early, nerves already setting in, had a well balanced breakfast and was off to take my test. The one reason I came to Denver was finally here. Shaking? Yes. Panicking? Yes. Confident? Yes. But, I knew it was now or never and I was confident in how I prepared. 6 weeks, I have to wait 6 weeks to know how I did. May the grace of God be with me. Keep your fingers crossed!

While I was taking my exam, My dad went to the airport and picked up the boyfriend. When I finished they picked me up and off to the Rocky Mountains we went. One word... beautiful!! It was amazing. I found myself pinching my arm making sure I wasn't dreaming. The mountains were so pretty and snow capped. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

my favorite!

Gorgeous huh?

I'll be back tomorrow with part II.