"To All The Players That Made This Possible, Thank You Very Much!"

Title: Sublime - "Thanks"

I'm not usually one to give into peer pressure because I'm pretty cool like that but today is a different story. It's Thanksgiving tomorrow (YAY! Bring on the stuffing!!) and I thought I'd make of list of things I'm thankful. Why not, everyone else is doing it! 8)

I'm thankful for:

God, because without him, we would not exist, and for blesses me everyday even when sometimes I don't realize it.

My dysfunctional, crazy, messed up loving family who I love even when I question why.

My Vito for loving me even when I'm' not being very loveable and continuing to tell me I'm beautiful every day, even when I'm not.

My cat, Zoe Princess, for always wanting to cuddle and sleep with me, for greeting me at the door, and playing fetch like a dog. Best. Cat. Ever.

My niece, for being the sunshine in my life and telling her mom that I was her best friend forever.

Norbert Jr, for not breaking down and leaving me stranded by the road ever.

My job, for having it and having on the the greatest bosses in the world.

Rob Pattinson for gracing my dreams last night for the first, but hopefully not the last time.

My friends, for giving me countless hugs and laughs especially when I need it most.

My ipod, for keeping me sane because without constant music, I'd be dead.

My ever-so-lovely blogging girls who not only enterain and inspire me daily, but whose comments make my day.

Happy Thanksgiving ladies!!

"Oh Honey, You Know Me It's All Or None"

Title: Missy Higgins -"Where I Stood"

Hi. My name is Vanessa and I've sucked at blogging lately. I've been missing, but not missing at all. I've been reading blogs but just haven't gotten around to writing anything. I was sick. again. I'm always sick. Luckily I'm on antibiotics and feeling mostly better.

Let's talk about one of my favorite days of the entire year since it is upon us. Not Thanksgiving, though it is one of my favorite holidays...


Black Friday!!! Wooohoooooo!

LOVE this day. Now let's get this straight. I'm not a fan of crowds or rude people, but I put this aside for one day of year just for the amazing sales. It is a yearly tradition for my sister and I. We have done it for multiple years now. We sit around on Thanksgiving, spreading out all the ads, cutting all the coupons, making a list of all the places we need to go and making a map of the day. After dinner we relax and then get ready and head out. Our Black Friday shopping starts at midnight. We usually shop all night and during the day. Usually by lunch time I've had my fill. Vanessa + lack of sleep + rude people= grouchy, bitchy, ready-to-snap Vanessa.

By the end of the day, our car is packed to the brim with bags and boxes.


I know it is crazy but it is once a year and totally worth it for the sales.

Anyone else braving the crowds on Friday for the sales? What time are you starting your shopping extravaganza?

Love Is A Movement

Never read the story? Please go here and bring a tissue.

Here are some mind-blowing facts about depression found on the site:

-121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. (The World Health Organization)

 -18 million of these cases are happening in the United States. (The National Institute of Mental Health)

 -Between 20% and 50% of children and teens struggling with depression have a family history of this struggle and the offspring of depressed parents are more than three times as likely to suffer from depression. (U.S. Surgeon General's Survey, 1999)

 -Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with 30 percent of teens with depression also developing a substance abuse problem.   (NIMH)

 -2/3 of those suffering from depression never seek treatment.

Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. (NIMH)

TWLOHA is one of my favorite organizations.  It touches my heart on personal levels.  Today is a day to recognize it.  I don't know if it is the national day (which I think is the day before Valentine's day?) but I never pass up a day to remind myself of all the people in the world suffering from depression or addiction or self harm or thoughts of suicide that are plaguing their lives.

So please, take a moment out of your day to say a prayer for someone who is suffering, to remind those around you that you care, or even write "love" on your arm so when someone asks, you can tell them the TWLOHA story.

Blog Awards!!

I'm been absent lately due to almost dying being sick all week. Not the swine, no worries.  In my absence I've been tagged by a few lovely ladies for my first blog awards and am super excited!

So thanks ladies, here goes nothing.  Since the rules are super similar, I'll just combine the post because I can and am super cool like that.

Alright. So the rules for Kreativ Blogger are:
1. List 7 things about myself others might not know.
2. Award 7 people with the award.

The rules of the Honest Scrap Award are:  divulge 10 honest things about yourself. Then pass the award on to 7 bloggers who you believe will be 100% truthful! 

1.) Vito & I are currently trying to figure out a new last name.  I like my last name the way it is, simple and practically impossible to misspell.  Vito's last name is always mispronounced and misspelled.  He hates it because it related him back to his father.  Since neither of us want that last name, he came up with the idea of creating a new last name for both of us to take when he get married.  He wants it changed before he graduates so it is on his diploma.  Unfortunately, this is harder then it looks because we never agree on the same thing.  Hopefully one day we'll both figure out something!

2.) I get pains or feel sick and I usually proclaim "I think I'm dying" or "Maybe I have a tumor" to which Vito replies "That's nice dear."  I slightly over dramatize my pains because I think the worse when I feel them.  I stopped watching the show House because the simplest symptom turns into the craziest disease ever and my imagination is far to crazy to listen to it.

3.) In  another life, I would have either been a baker, a photographer, or an actress/singer.  I adore baking but under all that pressure I'd crack the moment I'd mess something up.  I'd love to be a photographer and hopefully I'll master this skill later in life.  I've always wanted to be famous, even as a child but my mom told me she's never put me through that.  I'm still sad because the stage is like a second home to me.

4.)  From kindergarten through 5th grade I was home-schooled. 6th grade through 8th grade I went to private school. 9th through 12th I went to public school.   I've seen it all and every single area has pros and cons. 

5.)  I always wanted to take ballet as a child but my family couldn't afford it.  They bought me a pink tutu when I was 6 and I lived in it.  One day when I was watching a documentary on ballerinas, I saw the damage on their toes and how bad they looked.  That was the last day I ever wanted to be a ballerina.

6.)  I get cravings.  Not just random cravings, I mean so-intense-you'll-be-convinced-I'm-pregnant-cravings.  I'll feel them coming hours before it hits me. Seriously, I'll proclaim "I feel a craving coming on" and within hours I'll shout "I need ____" and it will not go away until I get it.  I'll go weeks wanting the same thing  It ruins my dieting. The last time I tried to diet I craved hot dogs.  Doesn't sounds weird right? Wrong, I hadn't eaten hot dogs for almost 10 years at this point, I hated them (I ate tooo many as a child) .  Not anymore. 

7.) I hate driving with my shoes on.  If I can slip them off easily, I drive bare foot or in socks.

8.)  Growing up my mom never let me cut my hair other then a trim every once in a while.  I had hair down to my butt, stick straight.  I hated it because my sister has beautiful short spiral curls.  Finally in 7th grade I was allowed to cut my hair and it went curly.  Now I wish it was straight again but I'll never have my hair that long again.

9.) I hate the cold. I wish I could never see snow again.  It's soo pretty for the first night when no one touches it but then it gets all nasty.  People can't drive in the snow here nor do they do even a decent job at cleaning the roads.  I will one day live where it doesn't get very cold at all.

10.)  I have specific sleeping habits that need to be the same or I can't sleep, period.  I have to have sound.  I can not sleep in a quiet house, the aforementioned crazy imagination takes over.  I always have music on.  I also can't sleep in socks but no matter how warm it is, I have to have a blanket on.  The blanket has to wrap under my feet but loosely.  I also can not sleep if it is even the slightest bit hot.  I keep my AC on for as long as Vito will let me.  I always have a fan on directed on me, even in the winter.  I can't sleep too close to someone which leaves cuddling on when I sleep.  Their heat from the body and their breathing on me drives me nuts.  I can't share blankets, ever.  I'm not a blanket stealer, but I need it wrapped around my body and I can't do that with someone else in it. I also sleep with a giant stuffed dog as my pillow.  My sister gave him to me when she moved out when I was 10, I've slept with him ever since. I'm weird, it happens.

Now that you know so much more useless info about me, I tag:

Sarah

Alice

Jenny

Amanda

Meghan

Vienna

Amy

Cooking Light

As the cheap money-smart shopper I am, I love coming across good deals! & I love receiving snail mail, seriously love it. That being said, Amazon is offering a year subscription to Cooking Light for $5. That is super cheap considering buying a single copy will cost you nearly that much. I'm hoping the lighter recipes will help me lose a few extra pounds I don't need and I always love to try new recipes!

Head over here to sign up for yourself!

"What A Shame To Have To Beg You To See We're Not All The Same"

Title: Shinedown - "What A Shame"

Warning: Rant about to commence.

This week has been a long, long, hard week.  I've been overwhelmed with homework and tests and I've basically surrounded my life with school this week.  It's been hell.  I worked for hours upon hours on a paper one night and a project and did not get home until late.  Vito got off work late and came in the house with flowers.  I asked him why and he said "No reason." *swoon*.  I love getting flowers and it is even better if there is no reason for getting them.  It was great right?

So I updated my status on facebook to say "Vanessa loves to get flowers for no reason <3"

I get on the next day to many of my girlfriends "liking" my status or saying how cute it was.  One girl friend, who I adore and love to have fun with, also commented on my status.  She said "Boy, you can tell you aren't married! LOL"

Now normally I would laugh it off, but honestly I was completely offended.  This woman is having and has been having problems with her husband who puts plenty of other things in front of her and their kids.  She knows this, admits it, but stays with him.  I am offended that she assumes that because her husband doesn't treat her the same, Vito will obviously change once we say "I do."

Vito is the most caring man I've ever met and for her to put him down like that and our relationship, it just really bugged me.  It's stupid to be upset, I'll let it go but it just stings.  This man I will spend the rest of my life with so I know things change over time but his sweetest and willingness to love me and go out of his way to show he cares, I don't think that will ever change.

So what do you think, am I just overacting or would you be offended too?

"P-P-P-Poker Face, P-P-Poker Face"

Title: Lady Gaga - "Poker Face"

For all the Christopher Walken lovers out there like myself (btw, Vito can do a dead on impression, that is why I'm in love with him obvi).

"A Chance To Change, Or Stay The Same"

Title: Cavo - "Let It Go"

This week-

I Like:

The fact that I order this yesterday from amazon and can't wait to watch it.

I Dislike:

That I've been living under a rock for the entire week because of the massive amount of homework and tests I had. The TV has not been on since Sunday. Thank God for DVR, I have some major catching up to do this weekend

I Love:

That I saw all three of these bands last night and loved it. (especially Daughtry. Hi, in another life, Chris & I would be married, it's the voice mmm...) Recap and pictures to come once I get them on the computer.

I Hate:

Firstly, I hate beer.. but that isn't important right now. I hate drunk people at concert. Drunken loud people who can't stand up straight, spill their beer all over people and people's stuff, and then get up on a chair and flash your barely existing boobies while a poor 12 year old is sitting behind you with her dad. Not only do they not want to see that, neither did I. Ew. Seriously, ew.

What do you girls like/dislike/love/hate this week?

In case you forgot...

My sister and I are going to the midnight showing. Anyone else going at midnight?

"I Love This Record Baby But I Can't See Straight Anymore"

Title: Lady Gaga - "Just Dance"

As promised this is my 3rd and last Halloween recap post and then I'm ready to say goodbye to Halloween until next year (after I upload all the pics on facebook, my friends are getting anxious since I'm the only one not to post yet)

The party was amazing.  The decorations were out of this world.  My fav part was the fog machine.  Not just any fog machine.  I fog machine that made bubbles and when they popped, fog came out.  I amused me all night.  Let's meet all the characters who graced us with their presence:

The naughty nurse with her dead victim.  She tried to revive him all night with no such luck.

The one and only Sweeny Todd. 

King Diamond of course.

The big, bad wolf

Flo from Progressive, DISCOUNT!

Ash from Evil Dead.  Thank God he came, he needed to save everyone from the dreaded zombies.

And by dreaded zombies, that was us.

We originally were going to go as contestants from Legends of the Hidden Temple, but helmets are crazy expensive so we went for zombies.  It was a lot of funny and very messy.

There was many other people there with some kick butt costumes, these are just my group of friends I've included.

We talked, we laughed, we danced, we beer-ponged, we laughed, and we danced some more (mostly to Lady Gaga).  All in all, one of the best Halloween's I've ever had!

Thank you Meghan for the winning idea!

Until next year!!!

"Well, I'm Sitting Here Thinking About It All Over Coffee"

Title: Daughtry - "Breakdown"

So, I need your helps ladies.  I have a question. Bet you couldn't guess by the big "?" or anything, I try to be sneaky, I'm awesome like that, obvi. ;)

When people leave comments on your blog and you want to respond to something they've said, do you respond on your page under the comments or do you respond on their page?  Is there a correct way or just preference?

"I'm Supergirl & I'm Here To Save The World!"

Title: Krystal Harris - "Supergirl"

So I'm sorry if everyone is over Halloween. I am not sadly. I miss it already. But I still need to recap Halloween day!

So I went out to lunch with my mom, sis, and niece for sushi. Yummmm. Then Mom and I went shopping to get things for Vito and I's costumes. I will reveal our costumes in the next and last Halloween post. Btw, it was one of the ideas left on my blog! I'll leave you in suspense for now.. 8)

So the first person to be dressed up was my furbaby.

Yeah, I dressed up my cat. Who said dogs were the only animals who could have costumes? The cashier couldn't believe my cat would let me. Well my cat is awesome, end of story. 8)
After torturing dressing up the cat, Vito & I headed over to see my niece dressed up. She was super excited for her costume this year. What was she?

Batgirl! Why she picked it? Because she thought she'd look cool in it. Oh Lord...
Bat girl "flying away!!" to get some candy.

Hitting up the candy before going out.

After enduring pictures, she headed out with her friend to get more candy and Vito and I headed home to get dressed for the paaaar-tay!

Le Love <3

Le Love is a blog I adore in my google reader.  There is beautiful photos (see above), heart breaking stories, and poems that will melt your heart.  The site is dedicated to love.  All types of love. The good and the bad.  Check it out and let me know what you think! 

"Geese Cackle, Feathers Tickle, Belts Buckle,Beets Pickle, But Crackle Makes The World Go Round"

Title: From Rice Krispie's jingle

Hello November! I can't believe we only have 2 more months until the end of the year! I am SOOO excited. And I am also SO excited that I have so much to share with you all from this weekend. I literally took 200 pics between Friday and Saturday nights. Yup, it was an amazing weekend. I'll start with Friday.

As a surprise for my sister's birthday, I took my niece over night and she went out to eat with my BIL. My niece, in case you forgot, is the cutest girl to ever exist. See below to see this proven point.

After dinner at Isaac's we swung into the grocery store to get supplies to make rice krispie treats because she never made them before. We had a blast.

Another photo proving the cuteness. While melting marshmallows, we couldn't help but to help ourselves.

We traded off stirring and adding rice krispies. We also dyed the marshmallows orange, for Halloween.

Sometimes it got messy and eating it off our fingers was the only choice, obvi.

After putting it into a pan, she continued to decorate them with black icing and Halloween Sprinkles. She was very proud of her self

While letting them sit to cool, we got our PJs on and laid down to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas. Her fav character?


She laughed every time his face changed. After 30 mins into the movie, she zonked out at 10. It was a wonderful sleepover and a great beginning to Halloween Weekend!!!