Spring Wish List

It's here.

FINALLY.

Winter is over...and we can finally welcome spring!

With spring comes beautiful nature, time outdoors,

spring fever...

and the need of a new wardrobe!

Here's what I'm wanting this spring!

CLOTHES

The office is going to be freezing - so cardigans and jackets will still be neccissary.

This is what I want to wear this spring!

TRAVEL

We have a long weekend coming up!

Where are you going to go?

   HOME

It's time to start sprucing up the yard!

Here are my home improvement ideas...

   FOOD

Healthy eating to get ready for swimsuit season.

What's on your menu?
We are loading up on veggies, like these stuffed zucchinis!

 
 GIRLS NIGHT

Trying to plan a girls night once a month..

what's the perfect spring girls day or night?

    DATE NIGHT

Perfect spring dates?

I need ideas...help!

The Newlywed Game

1. Who does the laundry in your home, you or your spouse? Any good stories?

Danny: We split it - I do my work clothes.

Nicole: We both do it. Danny says I "don't do it right." Whatever that means...

2. If your spouse had to eat at one restaurant for the rest of their lives, what would he or she pick?

Danny: Cheesecake Factory.

Nicole: Um...Subway? I feel like he goes there a lot.

3. Are you or your spouse better at cooking? Any good stories?

Danny: You, for sure. BUT it was pretty funny that time you caught the potato casserole on fire.

Nicole: Me...unless we are grilling out!

4. Which one of you is more concerned about their "fashion?"

Danny: You.

Nicole: I'd say Danny. He always wants to make sure we match, he takes longer than me to get ready, and he owns more cologne than any department store!

5. Ideally, if you don't have them already, when does your spouse want to have children?

Danny: (he apparently though I said "where." So his answer is....) In a hospital. (Must have been distracted...)

Nicole: Yesterday. He doesn't want to be "old."

6. Who planned dates when you were dating? And what was one of your favorites?

Danny: You. Wine festival.

Nicole: I feel like I still plan all the dates. My favorite? Um...our first one when we went to the beach and to a super fancy restaurant!

7. What's the toughest part of being a newlywed?

Danny: Finances and the future.

Nicole: I honestly can't think of anything...

8. Who is the best with the finances?

Danny: You.

Nicole: Me. No question about it.

9. Who is the strict one?

Danny: (laughs) You.

Nicole: Me again.

10. What will you plan to do on your first anniversary? Or, if you've already celebrated, what did you do?

Danny: Little Dipper.

Nicole: We went to the Little Dipper, same as our second anniversary!

Bonus Question: Assuming you were expecting something a little special on Valentines Day, how did your spouse do?

Danny: You surprised me every morning!

Nicole: He did great! I wasn't expecting anything...and then I walked out to my car and saw a teddy bear holding a beautiful necklace. Totally unexpected!

Life Lately...

It's been a while since I've done a real life update. Remember back in the day when I used to share funny stories? Well, I wish I had time for that now!

In a typical Monday through Friday week, I probably see Danny a total of 2 hours. He wakes up and goes to work before me, followed immedietly by school, gets home around 9:30, showers and goes straight to bed...only to wake up and do it all over again. I wake up, do chores around the house, work and I don't get home until after 9, play with Miley and go to sleep....and repeat. I'm constantly looking forward to our next day off, even though it's usually filled with grocery shopping and test driving cars since our first car is on it's way out.

I don't really like wishing time away, since we only get a limited amount. But really...Monday through Friday I'm wishing for time to speed up & Saturday and Sunday I'm praying for it to slow down. I'm also wishing for a money tree. A vacation. And for my hair to stop going gray. 

I've had a lot on my mind this week. Almost every single one of our bills have gone up: sewer went from $31 to $63, internet from $30 to $52. I already pinch pennies....now I want to sit in the dark and hope my electric bill doesn't climb to high (oh and I'm counting down to normal weather where the heat/ac won't have to be on for a while.) I'm also stressed because Danny's EAS is coming up. We don't have a solid plan and that scares me. AND there have been some big changes at my job lately, which makes me feel like things aren't that secure there.

I don't like to complain. Life really is good. I know I don't have that much to complain about and it could always be worse, but it's been on my mind lately and I just had to get it all out.

Now, lets move on and start counting down to the weekend!

Morning Coffee

Source

Happy Sunday! While everyone else is still sleeping, I'm already sipping on my coffee...and preparing to go into work. Apparently I was feeling a little crazy, because I volunteered to work on a Sunday. Crossing my fingers that it goes by quick and painless!

I sent out my Christmas cards a few weeks ago (for selfish reasons, I wanted to make sure everyone had my new address...so we could get one in return!) I had a really hard time making our card this year, I wasn't too big of a fan of our family pictures, but managed to come up with something pretty good. I'm sure you've been waiting for the big reveal...so here it is! Our 2012 Christmas card!

This year we decided not to get a Christmas tree (it's very Grinch like...) but I think it's probably for the best. Miley is alone for 8 hours a day....I'm basically saving myself the heartache/torture/misery of coming home to a fallen tree, broken ornaments, and eaten presents. It's probably for the best....

We did decorate though! I decided that instead of a Christmas tree, my fireplace would be the focal point of our Christmas. I think it looks pretty darn good! And on Christmas Eve, Santa won't have to travel that far...just send those presents right down the chimney! Just watch out for the bees...apparently we're still having that problem.

Have a great Sunday friends, I'll be working my butt off, only to come home, go to sleep....and do it all again tomorrow. Happy Sunday!

Laugh Lines

Source

Last week me and Hubby went out to dinner with some friends. We had a great time..there was lots of talking and even more laughing. On the way home, Hubby caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and pointed out a wrinkle (which he doesn't have, he's just crazy!) Then he pointed out gray hairs (now those...they are there!) and the fact that he's almost 30. It was very "woah is me." But I get it...no one wants to get older.

It got me thinking. Laugh lines, gray hairs, a year older...it really doesn't bother me. I'm a firm believer in living with no regrets and to me each wrinkle laugh line is just another great memory that you made. Every gray hair was caused by something stressful, that made you who you are. Hard of hearing? Maybe you went to a few too many concerts, but hey...you had fun!

I was reading Ellen DeGeneres' book "Seriously...I'm Kidding" the other day. She says at eight we want to be older. Somewhere in the middle we start lying about our age. And when we hit 80 or 90, we start showing off our age. I'd also like to point out...that in "the middle" is where people start trying to "fix" themselves. They get rid of lines and color their hair...why be ashamed of who you are? Or your age?

I'm only 26, which is far from being "old." (Which by the way, I think "old" is 90.) But I'm taking a stand now to never be ashamed of my age or the lines (that will be!) on my face. They are part of you and everything you have done. Why would you want to hide such a beautiful thing?!

Source

No Longer a Passenger

For twenty-six years I was a passenger. I was always the navigator on roadtrips. I was always next to the person in charge. But being a passenger extends way beyond the car: I always held the grocery list while Danny pushed the cart. On walks Danny was always in charge of Miley while I walked next to them. Being a passenger was just a part of life. And I was okay with that.

Two and a half weeks ago I became a proud holder of a North Carolina license. Two and a half weeks ago I had to get over my fear of being in charge. In such a short amount of time I've tasted true freedom. I've been able to get coffee when I want coffee. I've been applying for jobs, went to an interview and got a job...because I could drive myself. I've been able to help Danny with small errands, mail packages to Kaleb, and have lunch with a friend. I've pumped gas. And yesterday I made a big step...I went grocery shopping by myself. I pushed the cart and was able to keep track of the budget (the list is a different problem, I left it at home! Oops!)

I will never regret waiting ten years to get my license. In fact, I like that I waited so long. I never missed out on anything, I was able to save money, and obviously it didn't stop me from moving 800 miles from home, getting married or buying a house.

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason - who knows the reason why I waited so long, but I'm sure there is one. All I know is, things are looking up right now and they can only get better!

Thoughts on a Saturday Morning

The boys are still sleeping, I'm supposed to be bringing Miley for a walk.

Instead I'm wishing I bought a new bathing suit...

and could rock it as well as this girl...

I'm also thinking of how much I want to see Kenny and Tim in concert.

Why does it have to be on a Sunday night?

I'm craving coffee.

Since we moved, the closest Dunkins or Starbucks is 45 minutes away.

This is torture!

And finally, I'm thinking about how much I love quiet early mornings!

Maybe I'll even surprise the boys with a homemade breakfast.

....that's a big maybe!

Thoughts on a Sunday Afternoon

It's been a much needed relaxing weekend.

Tomorrow it's back to to-do lists, making phone calls, and signing my name.

But until then I'm dreaming of...

Mullet dresses.

 and

a old new hair color. I want to go back to black!

We've rekindled an obsession this week - iced coffee.

Caramel Almond Iced Coffee.

Oh-Em-Gee.

c

And finally...I'm thinking about our new house.

So much work and so many ideas!

At the top of the list?

DIY curtains!

Let's Go Shopping

I have a Monday morning routine. I take my purse, turn it upside down...and shake. I'm that person who won't give the cashier a penny, I want my 99 cent back so I can save it, roll my coins and cash them in! Believe it or not, I've paid for three trips with just change (Jamaica, Disney and Ireland.) Not to mention filling up the gas tank a few times. I love change!

But today when I turned my bag upside down, a few things fell out that I wasn't expecting: gift cards! $25 Visa gift card, $25 for JC Penny and $50 for Kohls. So I decided to sit in front my computer and do a little online shopping!

Only problem? I couldn't find anything to buy!

Here are a few Pin-worthy outfits I want in my closet. And more importantly....for vacation!

That's right! It's time for a vacation! Where in the world do you think we are going?!

Blogger Seasonal Depression

Growing up in Massachusetts I always thought I had seasonal depression. I always thought it was because the days were dark, dreary, and snowy. But turns out...in North Carolina I have the same problem. And what's even stranger, it's been gorgeous out! I'm talking....80 degrees and humid this past week. There's just nothing to do. Our weekends are spent at home instead of out exploring our gorgeous state.

My blog goes downhill from November to March. We don't travel (we haven't left North Carolina together since September!) there's not a lot to report on, and my stories seem so boring. From April to October it seems like we travel so much, I take so many pictures, and can't stop talking about all the fun stuff we do!

So, even though it hasn't been very wintery, I'm so glad this winter is almost over. Our calendar is jammed packed, just the way I like it. I can't wait to get out of this weird funk I have been in. I can't wait to start blogging about fun stuff...and not just updating you on our boring winter lives.

Do the seasons affect your blog? What are you looking forward to in the upcoming months?

2012.

So, it's 2012. The year I have been fearing since I first learned about the Mayans. And I swear, news of the end of the world is following me. This weekend I went to my parents - a Popular Mechanics magazine was on the counter with the "twelve ways the world could end." A few hours later I was on a plane and the History Channel was highlighting the same information. And yesterday I logged into Yahoo only to find that there were solar flares on Sundays.

I don't think the world is going to end on December 21, like the Mayans predicted. But I do think something wacky is going on out there. This "winter" weather is crazy. New England has barely had any snow and I rarely need a jacket in North Carolina. The compete opposite of my last two years in North Carolina. And there have been tornadoes this month. Really? It's January!

Something isn't right. 

People like to tell me that the Mayans just got tired and stopped working on the calendar. Or that pollution is just causing the change in the weather - to which I say, if pollution can do this...what else can it do? Also, I've heard people say that 2012 is just a "new beginning." Again, weather changes caused dinosaurs to die off....but it was also a new beginning. 

I'm sure my fear is completely unreasonable. But if there's one thing you can't pick up on my blog - it's that I'm a pessimist, always fearing and expecting the worst.

So, what do you think is going on out there?

November To Do:

There are five weeks in November, so I'm setting myself five "goals." I feel weird calling them goals because they are so simple. So instead, I guess it's a November To Do List. And I love lists!

{1}

Repurpose/Redecorate/Re-something with the bookcase that I found! I've never done something like this, so any help you could give me would be great. I think I might add some wallpaper or fabric to the back. Thoughts?

 

{2}

Drive more. We haven't been going out that much. I need to stop saying 'no' when Danny asks me if I want to drive. I would ideally like to have my license by February.

{3}

Have a fondue night. We haven't used our fondue pot in such a long time! And I really want to try the pumpkin fondue before it's out of season.

   

{4}

Spend more time with Miley. Yes, I know I'm home with her everyday...but we need to start doing things WITH her. Now that the cooler weather is here we need to bring her for more walks.

  {5}

Read one book every week. That's five books in a month. Totally do-able!

It's a Doll.

I generally do not blog about controversial things. I steer clear of politics, religion, and anything like that. I don't like getting people riled up and getting nasty comments on my blog. We are all entitled to our own opinions and they don't always have to be the same.

That being said - I do not understand the recent controversy over the new Barbie. Really, I see nothing wrong with this doll.

First, Matel is not gearing it towards kids. This is a collectable doll. If a child ends up with one...that's because an adult bought it for them. And obviously if a parent has no problem giving this doll to their child, you shouldn't have a problem with it either.

Second, tattoos, pink hair, and a cute outfit do not make someone a bad person or influence. Did you know both Teddy Roosevelt and FDR both had their family crest tattooed somewhere on their bodies?  Sure, they aren't huge....but what's the difference between one tattoo and a chest full of them?

Finally, just because you play with a toy does not mean that it's going to influence you. It's funny...I played with a cash register when I was little...I'm not a cashier. I had toy cars, remote control cars, and that red and yellow car that everyone had....and guess what, I don't drive. Get the hint? In fact, I did have a ton of Barbies, dressed them up, cut their hair....and I don't have a bad body image (or know how to cut hair.)

So, how about this...it's a doll. Plain and simple. She has tattoos just like 1 in 4 Americans between the ages of 18 and 50. Or 36% of people between the ages of 18 and 29. I bet some of your favorite bloggers even have tattoos that you don't know about.

My Biggest Pet Peeve

Most of my pet peeves involve food. I can't stand loud chewers, people who talk with food in their mouths....and crunchy food in general just freaks me out. But there is one thing I really can not stand.

The phrases "ew," "gross," and "you're gonna eat that...." get under my skin. Let me explain why....

It started waaaaay back in elementary school. I wouldn't say I was teased a lot in school (except by those damn twins who used to make fun of me for having boobs...but anyway...) but the lunch room was always torture for me. And it wasn't even like I ate weird food! I vividly remember eating the pepperoni pizza Lunchables and being teased....because apparently the pepperoni looks like something else...hmm...

The lunch room stories continued into high school. I liked to bring my lunch, again nothing weird, but people still teased. Kids are cruel...but whatever.

Senior year I went to England and France with school. I will always remember the list of rules, it was long...but the only thing I remember is....

The worst thing you are allowed to say is "that's interesting."

It was so nice traveling to different countries, trying different foods and knowing that the worst someone could say is "that's interesting." I took full advantage of that! And I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to try really strange food...it was the perfect opportunity to!

Because of that trip, whenever I go to a restaurant (mostly when traveling) I always order what everyone else is afraid of and sometimes the item that no one knows what it is. And I always love it. Think of it this way: if someone else thinks it's good, it must not be that bad.

I went out Saturday night Danny's friends. That was my first mistake. The second was when I ordered the hard cider with Guinness. The bartender thought it was weird, but she's making money off of it...so she didn't care. But I got so many dirty looks from Danny's friends. Um, this was served at the craft beer festival. It's not bad, it's delicious and maybe if you manned up and tried it....you wouldn't be saying "ew."

So, just remember - when you "ew" someones food you are being rude and disrespectful. Try new foods, and if you still don't like it, just say "that's interesting."

Just a Little FYI

I've started a little side project blog.

Only hitch...it's private.

Wanna see what I've been up to?

Comment with your e-mail address!

Random Wednesday Rambling

Have you heard of this new fad?

Ombre hair?

Or as I like to call it....an excuse to let your roots grow out....

 Speaking of fads. Have you ever had an old time picture taken?

I have...once or twice. Or eights time...

  Those pictures can get expensive!

You know what's not expensive?

The ball dress I'm selling for $100 OBO!

(buyer pays for shipping if you are not in the Jacksonville area)

 It's a size 8 Belsoie black, one shoulder, floor length dress.

Only worn once...perfect condition!

 

 

 What are your random thoughts today?

Pen Pals!

Today I'm headed to the post office to mail out Kaleb's very first pen pal letter. I think it's so cool that he wants to keep in touch with his friend Jonathan, that he met in Maine. I think it's even better that little kids still want to write letters....not e-mail, text message or call.

Right before Kaleb left, and in the middle of a "I'm bored" hissy fit, I sat him down and told him we were going to write his first letter. Short, sweet and to the point...

I really hope his mom can keep up with it! He thought it was so awesome that he would get a letter in return and they can keep doing it as long as they want. Even if he just colors a picture and she sticks a stamp on the envelope, I'd be okay with that.

No letter would be complete without a drawing on the envelope. This is Kaleb's drawing of him and Jonathan on the beach. He said he's in the boat fishing and Jonathan is in the water swimming....in Maine, of course!

Let's Talk Ball Dresses...

So, most of us have been to a ball. And if you haven't....you at least know what it is. And what you should wear to it. For those who don't know, or need a refresher course, these dresses are not appropriate.

This is not a cocktail party. A prom. Or a Vegas chorus line. Seriously, show some respect and dress appropriately!

And if you choose to wear those dresses (I know someone who is considering all three...) I reserve the right to laugh and make fun of you.

My Thoughts Recently...

I'm ready for this training to be over. I miss my husband, my bed, my pillow, my home...my dog sleeping past 4:30AM. Yes, ever since we have been in Massachusetts Miley has felt the need to wake up and see my Dad off to work.

I have a few more weeks in Massachusetts with nothing planned. Literally, nothing. Everyone who said they wanted to hangout while I was home has stopped trying to make plans. And if they have made plans...they cancel last minute. It's seriously frustrating. I love being here and spending time with the family...but I can not wait to be back in Jacksonville!

Once we get both get back we have lots of plans. Big plans, small plans, travel plans. Oh, I love plans!

We've had our tax money back for a while but haven't spent a penny of it (which came in handy with the almost-government-shutdown) so our first step is to spruce up the apartment! Screen for the backdoor, picnic table, ottoman for the living room and probably a few more things thrown in! The rest will go into savings.

Me and Danny made a deal: he quits smoking and I'll get my license. About time, huh?

We'll have Kaleb for a month (atleast I'm hoping he gets to come down....) Last year we did so much but this year I want to keep things local. I'm crossing my fingers we'll get to bring him to Maine for the 4th of July!

After that we want to start our One Tank Trips again. I need suggestions! So far we're going to Asheville. Where else should we go?! I love summer so much...I could go on and on about the things I'm excited for!

We're hoping to make it to the local beer and wine festivals in the fall. Then we have Reina and Dave's wedding (aka blogger convention!) Then I might be making my way back up to MA for Veronica's bridal and bachellorette stuff. Seriously, I'm a busy girl!

 

And in between all that we have some pretty big plans for ourselves. If you stalk conversations between me and Bonnie (The "Sometimes Single" Mom) you know my obsession with her gorgeous children. Or if you've seen pictures of me hanging out with Lauren...it might be clear what kind of plans we have. Who knew that I would actually get this fever. 

Sooo...with all that being said, I seriously can not wait for my hubby to be home!

Adventures in Hair Curling: The Results

Thank you to everyone who left comments on my hair-dilemma! I followed Kate's advice to the letter. Along with everyone's advice for hairspray, hairspray, hairspray!

So, this morning while I sipped on my coffee and read some blogs...I let my hot rollers heat up for an hour. I showered (I know my hair is supposed to be "dirty" but I feel disgusting if I don't wash it everyday) and got to work. Lucky for me Danny is home, so he helped me roll one that I was having a super hard time with. I sprayed with lots of hairspray....and then waited.

An hour and a half later (and two more applications of hairspray) I was left with this...

And that brings me back to my perm days. Scary! 

After a little hairspray and moving things around (and a wardrobe change) this is the results...

So, what do we think? Can I go into public looking like this? And have you ever noticed that you really do have a "better side?" It's obviously my right side!