Ramblings

Well here I sit, computer open, 

Taylor Swift  playing in the background 

 (doesn't her new song "22" just make you want to dance?)

and I'm staring at a blank screen. 

I wish I could tell you I have something

 interesting or personal to blog about.. 

but I don't. 

The past couple days have been busy 

but boring at the same time.

How does that happen you ask?

well I was "officially" offered a new job on Monday!

Yayyyayy, thank the Lord!

And for the past three days I have been

working through the logistics of

putting in my notice at my current job,

thankfully they were all so supportive, and now

I am trying to figure out the next steps.

I also have been a reading feign.

I just finished The Lucky One.

Oh Nicholas Sparks, I love you and your books.

So I met my goal to read two books this month.

I just started The Art of Racing in The Rain.

So far, so good.

I have been trying to cook more.

I usually cook at least one meal a week.

I can't say they are all unique recipes

however, I did make mouth watering

butternut squash ravioli's that my mom and I loved

...by "make" I mean boiled and added

Olive Oil and Parmesan.

The only goal I have not accomplished 

this month was to create DIY wall decorations, 

but with me moving next month for my 

new job, I will work on that when the time comes!

Alright enough rambling. Sorry I didn't have anything better!

I will leave you with a quote

Source

Liebster Award!

I was nominated for a Liebster Award! L.A. from Simply Smiling (definitely check her out!) nominated me for this lovely award. Like me, L.A. is a new blogger and I love to read about her life's blessings! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for nominating me! I have heard about this award once before but never really looked into it. However I have now come to learned more about it and I am so happy to be nominated.

Here are the rules for the Liebster Award.

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to the
blogger who presented this award to you. (above)

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees. (below)

3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 other blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. (I am new to the blogging world so I don't have 11 blogs that are small enough to be nominated, If you would qualify for this award, let me know!)

4. Copy and Paste the blog award on your blog. (Done!)

My answer's to L.A's 11 questions:

1. Who is your favorite author?
I love to read and I have read all different types of books so it is hard to pin point one author as my favorite however Jodi Picoult and Suzanne Collins seem to be sticking in my mind. I have read so many Jodi Picoult books and she always has me staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading.
2. If any character from a book or movie could be your best friend, who would it be and why?
I would love to be best friends with Miss Skeeter from the Help. I love her personality and her attitude.
3. What are your 3 most favorite things to do?
Ski, read, and take pictures.
4. If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would it be? Why?
Hands down, Sandra Bullock. I LOVE her, shes my favorite actress and she seems so down to earth and funny.

5. Would you rather play video games or board games? What your favorite?
I'm terrible at video games so I would have to say board games. My favorite is probably Balderdash. I laugh soooo hard while playing it.

6. If you could have a super hero power, what would it be?
To be invisible. I think. I don't know, that's a hard question.

7. What is your best childhood memory?
Going to Sea World with my grandparents in Florida. It was one of my fondest memories. I loved shamu and spending all that time with my Memere and Pepere was amazing!

8. What is your favorite dessert?
Strawberry shortcake

9. What 3 blogs do you read everday?
http://www.heartshapedsweat.com/
http://www.frommygreydeskblog.com/
http://mysoulisthesky.blogspot.com/
10. What is your favorite color--- use the Crayola crayon name, if you know it :)
Indigo
11. What is your motivation for blogging?
My blog serves as my journal. I like to write about the things I do and what I enjoy in life. My family and friends in different states enjoy keeping up with my busy life by reading my blog.

11 random facts about me:

1. I love animals to the tenth degree
2. I cry when I see someone else cry (instantly, never fails, it's like a switch)
3. I started skiing when I was 4
4. My favorite candy is Smarties
5. I have a half brother and a step sister
6. I used to be on a strictly competitive cheerleading team
7. I am a fan of country music
8. I am afraid of deep water and sharks
9. I think my real calling in life is to work for a Hollywood gossip network
10. I would prefer a movie and wine rather than go out to a bar
11. The giraffe is my favorite animal.

My nominees are: 
(again let me know if you are a new blog and have less than 200 followers!)
http://www.simplysmilingblog.blogspot.com/
http://livelaughloveandlindsay.blogspot.com/
http://theycallmemomma.com/

11 Questions for my nominees are:

1. What inspired you to begin a blog?
2. What is your favorite hobby?
3. What song defines your life?
4. Would you prefer to live on the beach or in the mountains?
5. What is a quote you live by?
6. If you could choose a different career what would it be, why?
7. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
8. If you could be in the Olympics what sport would you play?
9. If you could go on a date with a celebrity who would it be, why?
10. If you could wish for one thing what would it be?
11. What makes you happy?



 

High Five For Friday and Letters

Woowee I love Friday's! I am so excited to just spend the weekend at home and relax. We have another snow storm in the forecast, one that I am not excited for. I foresee some good reading, studying, and healthy comfort food in my near future.

I am changing things up this week. I love the idea of High Five For Friday, but I have also seen people posting "Friday Letters" which I think is a great idea as well. So I have decided to combine my H54F post with a little Friday Letters. Just go with me on this one, we'll see how it turns out!

1. Dear Michael,

Thank you a billion for my homemade edible arrangement

for Valentine's Day. It was very thoughtful and so delicious!

I love you.

2. Dear Quiet Afternoons

You gave me peace and quiet to get some much needed reading

and blogging done. I found it very therapeutic.

3. Dear Child Life Exam,

Get ready! I am coming in a couple months and 

I am going to conquer you!

4. Dear Brookline,

Your restaurants never let us down.

The smokehouse has amazing food and the atmosphere

is so fun!

5. Dear Paige,

Your Valentine's Day card I found in the mail was a sweet surprise. 

You can always make me smile.

I love you.

Whats New

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday, one more day until the weekend!

So I have a new blog design. What do ya think? I am really wanting warmer weather and sunny days so I was hoping these new colors would invite Spring to show her pretty blooms and warm days sooner rather than later. I am watching the news while I write this post and the weatherman said that a possible nor'easter is going to dump more snow this week, yeahhhhhhhh... More shoveling and cleaning off my frozen car! Apparently the happy colors have yet to work, but I will continue to pray to the sun gods!

For the first time in a LONG time I am in a really happy place!
Currently I am..

Reading The Lucky One. I just picked up my second book for the month and I am so excited to read it. I have heard it is a very catchy and fun read so I am looking forward to seeing what its all about. I just finished the book American Sniper. It is the autobiography of Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle. Extremely difficult to read after his tragic passing, however, it was definitely one of a kind. I could not put the book down. I definitely suggest you pick up this book and read about his life as a Navy SEAL, husband and father.

Watching nothing at the moment but in an hour Nashville is on and my full attention will be on the TV. I have a list of weekly shows I like to watch - Nashville, White Collar, Hawaii Five-O, and Blue Bloods. Sensing a theme? Yes, crime shows are my guilty pleasure. And Nashville is one of my favorite shows this century!

not to mention Matt Bomer is so good looking in White Collar source

Listening to Carry On by FUN. I have had it on repeat for the past three days. FUN. is one of new favorite bands, their songs are so FUN. Would you believe it?

Looking forward to heading out do Denver, CO, this May to finally take my long anticipated exam. My dad is flying out with me for the week and I cannot wait to spend some quality time learning about Child Life and sight seeing around Denver. It will be a perfect mini vacation. Another MINICATION!

Wondering how to actually motivate myself for this crazy exam. After finishing school I have had difficulties getting myself back into study mode.

Laughing at how my dog likes to hide her stuffed toys in my dirty laundry and other various places. I am constantly coming across her owl or pig. I found piglet in my laundry basket today, he almost took a very chaotic bath.

Loving Jimmy Fallon's Ben & Jerry's ice cream, appropriately titled Late Night Snack. It is delicious. Vanilla Ice cream with a salty caramel swirl, and fudge covered potato chips. Yea, its sounds weird but it is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. If you don't believe me pick some up at your local grocery store and try it!

Happy because I wake up to Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen every morning. Probably the best song to hear first thing in the morning. I always wake up happy and ready to conquer the day. Clearly music has a huge influence on my mood and motivation.

That's all for now. What are you currently doing?

If I'd Know Then

I just began reading my second book this month (working on my February goals). The book, part of the What I Know Now series, is called If I'd Known Then. It is a compilation of letters written by women in their 20's and 30's to their younger selves. Jessica Alba, Emily Brydon, Misty Copeland, Lisa Loeb, and Kimberly Williams-Paisly are just a few of the woman who contributed to this book and wrote letters. I found this book in my stocking this Christmas thanks to my step mom, Marie. I am eager to dive into these letters and see what I have to learn. I felt compelled the write my own letter to my younger self. I will share.

Dear Courtney,

You are twelve years old and desperately trying to adjust to the changes to your body, thanks to puberty, but more importantly your trying to adjust to the changes within your family. Your parents divorced when you were really young and you know nothing different than having two houses and spending time with them separately. Your mom remarried your step dad when you were five years old and although you don't necessarily see eye to eye with him, he is a good man and supports you. Your dad has been with Marie for quite some time and she treats you like her own daughter. 

Your dad has been preparing to move up north with Marie to be closer to work. Something that will be extremely beneficial for him. You on the other hand cannot wrap your head around the fact that he is leaving you and moving an hour and a half away. Little do you know that move will turn out to be the best decision of his life.

Don't worry young Courtney, he will always make an effort to see you. He will come down every Wednesday and pick you up from school. You will go to the library to get some homework done before going to dinner and then tucking into the Marriot hotel for a night of the best sleep you have ever had. He will come down once a week for the next two years and spend the night with you just so you know he loves you and is always there for you. You will come to cherish these weekly father-daughter bonding nights, turning you into a biggest daddy's girl the world has ever seen.

Fast forward ten years and you are still a daddy's girl, sitting in your bedroom at your Mom's house feeling completely blessed because you truly have the best of both worlds. Your parents still get a long and have always worked together to ensure you have a superior upbringing. Your have two step parents that love and support you, a step sister that has become a very close friend and confidant and a half brother that annoys the heck of you but always can make you laugh.

Don't fret.

Your might feel like your family is unstable at the moment but soon things will fall into place, they always do. Your parents will always protect you and never leave you, no matter how far away they may be.

I love Friday

Woohoo it's Friday! I have a lot to be happy about this Friday. It was hard to pick only five things for my high fives this week. Between Valentine's day, a surprise visit from Mike, and a job interview this morning, it ended up to be a very positive week. Here are five things I narrowed down to be some of the best...

1. I made devil's food cupcakes with strawberry frosting for a fun Valentine's day treat.
(they were supposed to be in the shape of a heart but it was a major fail.
2. An unplanned visit by Mike brought a smile to my face.
3. My mom always gives us our favorite treats to show she loves us.
4. I am reading a good book called American Sniper. It is the autobiography of Chris Kyle. Definitely eye opening.
5. I reminded myself what it's like to be a kid again.. PBJ and goldfish.



This weekend I am heading into the city to spend time with my Valentine and celebrate all the good things happening right now!

A Love Story

In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I would share the story of how I met my Valentine.

This story begins back in my senior year of high school. My boyfriend and I had just broken up. I was devastated and in true high school drama fashion, had sworn off boys. I had just been accepted to college and I was going to be single! Yea, that lasted all of a month. Insert this cutie!

Yes, his blue eyes still give me butterflies

Mike was your typical high school jock (sorry honey). While sitting in class one day, my best friend yells "Hey Courtney, would you want to go to prom with Kyle's friend Mike?" Her boyfriend (Kyle) at the time went to the private high school in town. His friend (Mike) happened to be dateless to prom. "SURE!" I practically screamed across the classroom. And so it began.

We went on our first date. A double date mini golfing. He was late. I didn't care, he was HOT! I fell in love quick and hard. As it should be in high school. His prom still goes down in the books as one of my favorite days ever.

p.s. that pip-squeak kid in the background is my BIG BAD MARINE, Travis. You can read about him here.

Coincidentally Mike and I had been accepted to the same college. We went to school. Had a blast ( I still cry while reminiscing). He was the hockey player. I was the faithful girlfriend in the stands. After a few concussions and injuries he decided to hang up the skates. I whole heartedly support him for making such a hard decision. A sad day had by all.

We loved. We fought. We laughed. We kissed. We partied. We studied. We fell more in love.

We graduated as a stronger couple. We are still going strong. I love him for making me a better person and continually supporting me. He gets me every time he says "I just want you to be happy, that is all." What a good guy. Thank you Michael for being my best friend and partner in crime. I love you.

Aruba: part 2

As much as I love to just sit on the beach and work on my tan, I can do that at the local beach at home. I really wanted to do different things while we were in Aruba. We made a pact before we left that we would try to do something new each day. We wanted to experience the local culture. We easily checked that off the list when we ventured out to the local grocery store. You think I'm kidding but I'm not. shopping with the locals and trying to find groceries in a different country proved to be exciting and stressful at the same time.

What better way to experience culture than to rent the smallest car possible, cram everyone in it, and drive all over the country (fact: you can easily drive from one end of the island to the other in a matter of hour.)

We drove in circles for a little while until Brenna and I learned how to read the map. Thank goodness for us huh? Our first destination was Baby's Beach the most beautiful beach, secluded on the uninhabited side of the island.

We all crammed back into the mini car to drive through the national park, stopping to take in the sights of the "rough side" of the island, where signs strictly prohibited us from swimming in the not so enticing shark infested waters. I mean don't these pictures just make you want to go for a nice swim?

While in Aruba we also wanted to go see the California Light House. Who knew Aruba was home to a famous light house named after an American state? We made our way to the light house after dinner just in time for a beautiful sunset!
We did nothing but hang out around the resort on the last day. We swam in the warm waters, we walked the beaches, we drank.. A LOT (happy hour began at 10am and lasted for about 10 hours), OH and we met GRONK! For those of you who know football, Rob Gronkowski just walked up to the bar for happy hour. We died. Then we got a picture with him and his good looking brother.

It was an amazing vacation with wonderful people.

Aruba: part 1

After cleaning off my car for the third time yesterday and slipping on ice, bruising my leg and my ego, I wanted to be anywhere other than in the snow. Which gave me the perfect idea! I haven't shared with you guys my most prized vacation. The lovely coastal beaches of Aruba! So here she goes.. the most wonderful vacation of my life as of yet.

Mike: Do you want to go to Aruba for spring break? We can use my timeshare.
Me: Are you crazy? People go missing there.. No thank you!
Fast forward 5 minutes after looking at pictures..
Me: IM IN! Let's book tickets! (best decision of my life)

Fast forward 4 months and I am shaking while going through security at Logan Airport clutching my passport like its my lifeline. I am terrified of flying and I had never been outside the country apart from Canada and the Disney cruise, both of which were family vacations. I was now traveling without my parents and with three other college students. Needless to say.. I was freaking the heck out. I however, made time to take some sweet pictures from the plane.

Hello Bahama's, you are gorgeous from the sky!

We met up with our friends at the airport in Aruba and I was so happy to be on land and in a warm environment. Not to mention, Mike's parents and siblings ended up booking their timeshare the same week so they were waiting for us at the resort.

After grabbing some much needed alcohol at the duty free shop we headed to the resort! I think I had my jaw dropped the entire ride from the airport to the hotel. It was freaking beautiful, and did I mention warm? I don't know if you know this but Aruba is practically on the equator. I was dripping sweat from the moment we exited the plane. I wasn't complaining, the boyfriend might have been though.

My nerves completely calmed the moment I stepped out on our balcony. Holy palm trees. And that water! We wasted no time dropping our bags and changing into our suit.

Our bodies were so ghostly on the first day

We spent the entire afternoon on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming.

One fun fact about Aruba: the food is SOOO delicious. I didn't have a bad meal the entire week.

Brenna and Vince; our partners in crime

We spent the first day adventuring around the resort side of the island.

In the evening we all got together for dinner and a night on the town.

The night was complete with a creepy horse we met on the sidewalk

My favorite day of the trip was when we went snorkeling aboard the Jolly Pirate. It was a jolly of a good time.

The boys weren't so jolly about waking up at 7am

This was our ship!

 I was really nervous about snorkeling. I had never been before and I have a fear of swimming in deep water. Luckily, the bar was open the second we boarded the ship. Nothing like vodka and juice to calm your nerves at 8:30am.

So the first place we dropped anchor to snorkel was about 300ft deep and above a ship wreck. Snorkeling for this girl was a major fail between my asthma, the rough waters, and my nerves. My poor boyfriend was trying to snorkel and make sure I wasn't drowning at the same time. I finally gave up and swam back to the boat to take pictures but not before looking at the ship wreck.. which I probably shouldn't have done because it resulted in a major panic attack. Fact: Courtney does not like deep water, especially over a ship wreck. We stopped at two other spots to snorkel. I remained on the boat both times. It was fine, I loved taking pictures! We then dropped anchor for lunch and rope swinging. That I did partake in. It was a ton of fun!

my favorite twins :)

Once we disembarked from the Jolly Pirate, we were all feeling pretty tipsy good. Back to the hotel we went to get ready for dinner. We went to a little place called A Taste Of Heaven. To which it did not let us down. It was delicious. The owner sold us by saying "it tastes like Wendy's but much better!"

That is all for the first half. Fear not, I will be back tomorrow with the second half of my miracle trip!

Cozy Friday

What do you do in a blizzard? You watch funny movies curled up on the couch eating junk food and drinking hot chocolate. Or at least that is my plan for the rest of the afternoon. The Blizzard of 2013 is in full effect and we are embracing the relaxation and family time, just crossing our fingers the power doesn't go out! We have comfort food in the oven and wine to last for days. I'd say we are in a pretty good place... let it snow!

1. Valentine's day treats for my favorite Marine
2. The best dinner this week
3. Pretty view at lunch one day
4. Can't wait to get my diploma
5. This cutie pie

Have a great weekend!

Chili Chip Dip

 The Easiest Chili Chip Dip Ever

Ingredients:

1. 1 can of Hormel beef chili
2. 1 container of whipped cream cheese
3. About 2 cups of taco shredded cheese (you can use any kind of shredded cheese, but I prefer the taco cheese)

How to:
This is too easy...
In a glass baking pan (I use a 9x13 pan) layer your ingredients starting with the whipped cream cheese. Then layer the chili and add the shredded cheese on top. Pop in the microwave until the shredded cheese is all melted and call it a day! See, ridiculously simple.

Case Of The Monday's

I woke up today in a great mood, but with a slight case of the Monday's, when everything seems to be working against you.. Then again its all quite usual, I tend to get the Tuesday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's as well. This gave me a perfect reason to think about my February goals over breakfast (which might I add, was delicious! I stole my brothers cinnabon cereal, its relatively healthy for you.. not really)

source

February is going to be a month for productivity. Enough sitting around and seeing what happens. I am going to be productive and get work done. I was definitely in a funk last month. I had difficulty waking up positive every morning and it reflected everything I did. This month I vow to be positive, happy, and motivated.

Here are a few goals for this month...

1. Read 2 books

2. Learn something new

3. Bake a valentine's day treat

4. Cook dinner once a week

5. DIY wall decorations

6. Apply for my exam

7. Give back

Getting ambitious this month, I'll bring you along for everything I do!

Oh and here are some gems from over the weekend. I got to spend time with my two favorite peoples. I went to Starbucks and HAD to try their chocolate banana coffee cake. And my weekend would not have been complete without superbowl (superunhealthy) food and chip dips.

This recipe will be on the blog tomorrow