Caramel Covered Photographs

Favorite Christmas Movies!

2011-12-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I'm linking up again for the Holiday Blog Challenge!

With today's topic, I just couldn't help it!

Favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

It is a classic.

I already DVR'ed this from last month so I can watch it any time I want!

The cartoon is best. But that being said...

The Grinch

I also love The Grinch too.

Every year my niece comes over to spend the night and we watch this while drinking hot chocolate.

The Holiday

I adore this movie.

It is so cute and I just can't help watching it every year.

The Santa Clause

Oh this movie.

Vito hates it but I just don't care.

It is the cutest (and only the first one!)

The Nightmare Before Christmas

I LOVE this movie.

& I LOVE that I get to watch it at Halloween AND Christmas!

The Muppets Christmas Carol

Because no Christmas is complete without the Muppets!

I know I must be missing some great ones so please help me out!

What are your favorite Christmas movies/Specials??

& again, feel free to head over here and link up your own post!

Favorite Christmas Traditions

2011-11-29T12:05:00.001-05:00

Hey ladies!

I hope y'all had an amazing Thanksgiving full of lots of yummy food!

I know mine was.

We're still eating leftovers. 8)

To get into the Christmas spirit, I'm linking up to a Holiday Blog Challenge!

It's day two and the topic:

Favorite Holiday Tradition, Old or New

Christmas Eve Present

Growing, my sister and I weren't told about Santa.

We knew all along that our presents came from our parents.

So every year on Christmas Eve, we were allowed to pick one present from under the tree (excluding the big ones!) to open.

This helped with the anxiousness of wanting those presents now!

Christmas Cards

Growing up, as a family, my mom would send them out.

Then she stopped sending them but I picked back up in middle school.

Handing them out to everyone I know, with two mini candy canes to make a heart attached to the back.

Even now, Vito & I send out photo cards (which we started last year!).

I get excited every year sending and receiving them!!

P.S. I ordered ours this past weekend. If you want one, let me know in the comments & I'll add you to the list!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Every year, my mom puts together the tree and puts the lights on it.

Putting on the ornaments is the "kid's job".

So my mom sits back and we all decorate.

Even though my sister has her own family and has moved out, they still come over to decorate the tree still.

Growing up, we were better at this but we use to get a new ornament each year.

We've been slacking lately but we still do this occasionally.

The Pickle

The most fun of holiday traditions at our house.

Since I was probably 10, my mom would get up early on Christmas Eve and hide a pickle ornament in the tree.

Every year, my sister and I (now Princess, Vito, and my brother in law too) search for the pickle in the tree.

Whoever finds the pickle receives an extra present.

It gets ugly and competitive in our house & I love it!

(even though I'm pretty much the worst one at finding it...)

Christmas Eve Night

Since Vito has been around, we started our own tradition for Christmas Eve night.

Once it gets dark, we go and drive around looking at the Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music.

At 10:30, we head to Christmas Eve service.

The candle light part is my favorite.

We then head home and it is usually 11:45.

We turn on Christmas music from the radio and dance to the light of the Christmas Tree until after midnight.

It has become one of my most favorite parts.

What traditions do you have?

Or head over here and link up your own post!

"Feeling Gratitude & Not Expressing It Is Like Wrapping A Present & Not Giving It."

2011-11-24T00:01:00.004-05:00

Title: Quote by William Arthur Ward

Today I am reminded how thankful I am for:

My Crazy But Always Loving Family.

♥

A Roof Over My Head & Clothes On My Body.

♥

My Friends Around Me & My Bloggy Friends Alike.

♥

A Fiance Who Never Ceases To Amaze Me.

♥

Good Food Like Stuffing and Mom's Pumpkin Pie.

♥

Spending Time With Loved Ones.

♥

A Gracious and Forgiving God.

I hope y'all have an amazing Thanksgiving.

Eat lots of food.

Surround yourself with love.

Be Thankful.

& get working on that Black Friday plan of action!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {38}

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder to be thankful at Thanksgiving,

as well as every other day of the year as well.

Happy Wednesday!

10 Day You Challenge {5 Foods}

2011-11-21T16:25:00.001-05:00

Pretty sure this challenge is killing me with picking.

(I'm indecisive, I don't make choices!)

Today is foods.

5 foods.

How do I pick only 5 foods?!

CRAZINESS!

Carbs

I tried to split this up but then I wouldn't have any other type of food on this list.

Carbs are my BFF.

Pasta, Potatoes, Bread.

All the bad stuff is soooooo good!

Does it get much better than pierogies?

Mashed potatoes inside of pasta.

Usually with cheese.

Nom. Nom. Nom.

Soup

I adore soups.

I adore making them.

I adore getting them when I'm out.

I think I survive the rest of my life on different kinds of soups.

They are such a comfort for to me.

Fresh Fruits

One of my favorite things about Summer is all the AMAZING fresh fruit it brings.

Strawberries, watermelon, peaches, cherries, raspberries, pears, kiwis...

Love, love, LOVE fresh fruit.

Ice Cream/FroYo

This is another comfort food for me.

Ice cream and froyo?

Yes please.

With lots of toppings.

Usually including caramel!

Or fruit!

Cheese

Pepper Jack, Dill Harvati, Cheddar, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Feta...

Yes, More, Extra, PLEASE.

Your turn: 5 foods and go!

The Cutest Christmas Cards

2011-11-18T15:45:00.001-05:00

First, I am so, so, SO glad that so many of you are on my side for giving Thanksgiving some lovin' before it diving into Christmas.

I just love you all.

For serious.

Now that being said, even though I do not approve of decorating of listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, I do believe it early preparation.

Only when it comes to shopping.

I love starting to shop early for presents.

Makes shopping during the actual holiday season a bit less stressful.

This also includes getting my Christmas cards ordered.

I don't know about y'all but Christmas cards can be veeeeery expensive in my opinion.

I use to pick up a few boxes the day after Christmas and store them with the wrapping paper.

Still money spent.

Well, not this year.

The savior?

Tiny Prints.

They are graciously giving away 50 free Christmas cards to us bloggers.

All you have to do?

Write a blog post.

That. Is. It.

Does it get much simpler than that?

Negative.

The hard part?

Choosing which Christmas card to use.

Because let me tell you, I have over 30 cards a few marked as favorites on their site right now.

Let's just look at some of these, shall we?

Classy Plaque.

How pretty right?

Loving the ability to put in different pictures. & you can change the color if you don't like the red, they have 2 additional options.

& who doesn't like options?

Merry Making

One of my favorite things about Tiny Print's card collection?

The back is decorated. Not just plan white.

Adorably decorated to match the front!

Merry Intent

And if they didn't win you over yet, some cards even offer different layout options.

Like this adorable circle card that comes with ribbon.

I'm sure you can see now what kind of decision I'm up against.

So if you are interested in blogging for Tiny Print's Christmas promotion for the cards, head over here and fill out the form.

Do it soon as the offer is only for a limited amount of time!

And really, how can you say no to free ADORABLE cards?

Do you send out picture Christmas cards?

Also, let me know if you would like a Christmas card in the comments!

Dear Christmas...

2011-11-15T14:15:00.001-05:00

We should talk about this.

I believe in equal celebrations for EACH holiday.

Usually this isn't a problem for people, as it seems others agree.

We don't seem to be putting out easter eggs before Valentine's Day.

No flags for 4th of July before Easter.

No Turkeys before Halloween.

But Christmas items before Thanksgiving?

Somehow this is okay for some people.

WHAT?!?!

Christmas music in the stores.

People decorating.

I just can't get behind this.

What about Thanksgiving?

I feel Thanksgiving is getting shafted.

He wants to be celebrated too.

So Christmas, back off!

Black Friday will be here soon and you will get a month of celebration!

Turkey Day is only asking for a bit of recognition too.

At least Nordstrom is on board with me.

Please tell me Nordstrom and myself not alone here.

Anyone else big Thanksgiving Day fans and believe in celebrating it before getting caught up in Christmas?

10 Day You Challenge {6 Places}

2011-11-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

If you haven't noticed in many of my posts, traveling is a HUGE passion of mine.

As someone who wants to see as much of the world as she can in her lifetime, narrowing it down to 6 places is nearly impossible.

So, here are the first 6 places that come to mind!

6 Places

Italy

Greece

England

Ireland

France

Tahiti

Where would you go?

Happy Weekend!

Word-Filled Wednesday {37}

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Because someecards never fails to crack me up.

And sometimes Wednesday need more laughter in them.

Happy Wednesday!

Results: Vanessa vs. Vito {Round 1}

2011-11-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

I'm dragging here on this Tuesday morning.

Even my coffee hasn't brought me out of this fog I'm in.

Hence the lack of creativity in the title.

Fail.

I feel it has been long enough since I put up my poll that I should post which side it seems ALL of you are on.

Sheets then blankets.

This is the norm.

For Vito.

That's right, it seems I am the odd one out here.

Two words:

FUZZY

BLANKET

When I have the choice of touching a sheet on the soft, fuzziness of a blanket, I choose the blanket.

Every.

Single.

Time.

I bought a king sized fuzzy blanket at Target 2 years ago on Black Friday.

(Best purchase ever, by the way. $20 for every size. Every member of my immediate family owns one. Even Vito.)

I lay on part of it and wrap the other part around me.

Vito calls it my burrito.

So yes, I don't even sleep on the fitted sheet.

I also feel like the sheets make me colder than with blankets.

I only sleep with a sheet in the summer time because me and being hot do not mix for sleeping.

So for now, I will except defeat.

Vito wins.

I am not normal.

Please love me through it?

"But If Either One Exists Well That's Fine By Me"

2011-11-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

Title: City & Colour - "Make Believe"

You know, sometimes two people get into a disagreement.

One person believes they are in the norm.

The other person holds the same belief.

They can't both be right.

Well friends, this is happening between Vito & I right now.

We both hold different opinions on who is the normal one.

How will we know which one is correct?

Well obviously, we take it to the blog for a vote.

Easy Peasy.

Now I'll give you to two different options.

Vito will not let me tell you which side we are each one because he thinks there will be bias.

Silly boy.

So when you crawl into bed at night when it is cold outside, do you:

Option A:

You lay down, pull a sheet on top of you and then pile blankets on top.

Option B:

You forgo the sheet on top when it is cold out and cover up solely with blankets.

If you pick the wrong one, I will end our bloggy friendships.

Just Kidding!

Maybe... ;)

So let's here it!

10 Day You Challenge {7 Wants}

2011-11-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

I'll just pretend here that it isn't November 1st (?!?!) and continue with the 10 day challenge!

7 Wants

Win the Powerball

This would take care of the following wants & more.

Pay off student loans

The amount of stress this would relieve from Vito & I's life.

Indescribable.

Buy our first house.

I can't wait to share a house of our own.

That I can decorate however I want.

& host parties and dinners.

A place of our own.

Have the beautiful wedding that we both dream of.

Weddings cost SO much money, even if you are trying to do it on a budget.

To be able to have the wedding we want without having to sacrifice eating for the next year or 3?

Yes please.

Buy a DSLR camera

I LOVE taking pictures.

& I'd love to learn more about photography by shooting with a DSLR.

Because sometimes my point & shoot just doesn't cut it.

Travel

There is so much world out there.

So much to see.

So much to experience.

It is calling my name.

Finding the perfect job.

Now that I have a degree, I want to find a job that I enjoy.

One that lets me help others.

One that is rewarding.

Let's hear about your wants!

Word-Filled Wednesday {36}

2011-10-26T12:27:00.003-04:00

True Story.

Happy Wednesday Lovies.

10 Day You Challenge {8 Fears}

2011-10-24T10:50:00.000-04:00

Hey ladies.

This is where I should insert what happened over the past month.

Sickness. (2x)

NYC.

General craziness from October.

Life.

So let's just pretend I've been here the whole time and pick up where I left off?

Awesome.

Another day of the Challenge!

It's a pretty heavy, depressing post.

Enjoy! ;)

8 Fears

Vomit.

It is my biggest fear ever.

It would most likely be diagnosed as a phobia.

In relation to me.

In relation to others.

This makes going to bars and riding public transportation hard for me.

It is not something I can handle.

At all.

Losing my loved ones.

I can't even handle thinking about losing the ones I love most.

It is an instant anxiety booster.

Clowns.

Ew. Just ew.

Clowns are SO creepy and I just.. ew!

Last time at a Halloween scary thing?

I'm pretty sure I left nail marks on one of my guy friend who was in front of my because one of the clowns followed me.

I walked out in tears.

No bueno.

Not being enough.

General fear.

Not being enough.

Not being good enough.

Not being pretty enough.

Not being a good enough friend.

All of those self-doubting feelings.

Bugs.

EW.

I hate any and all bugs.

Want to bring out the screaming girl in me?

Put me near a bug.

I freak out.

Especially bees.

They seem to be the worst.

EW!

Never losing weight.

I'm terrified that I'll be this weight forever.

That I will continue this self-hating attitude because of my weight.

I fear I'll never be happy with myself and that isn't okay with me.

Becoming pregnant.

I feel selfish having this fear.

With all the wonderful women I know who have struggled getting pregnant/are struggling to get pregnant.

& here I am praying I don't.

Sigh.

Being stuck in life.

I fear often that I'm stuck.

Same job.

Same place I'm living at.

I have so many hopes and dreams and when I don't see visible progress, I fear this is the way it will always be.

I want to travel the world and have a job where I'm making a difference in people's life and live somewhere where it doesn't snow.

I fear the aspect of no change.

What do you fear?

Word-Filled Wednesday {35}

2011-09-28T12:35:00.002-04:00

Damn sneaky, little creatures...

;)

Happy Wednesday Loves!

10 Day You Challenge {9 Loves}

2011-09-26T13:00:00.001-04:00

I'm so glad so many of you have decided to join in and do the challenge too!

If you haven't yet, feel free to join!

It'll make this Monday more... bearable!

9 Loves

God.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Vito

Because he is my soul's other half.

My Princess.

Because she is the sunshine in my life.

My Loved ones.

Friends & family.

Because they're with me through everything.

Tears & Laughter.

Travel.

Because seeing and experiencing the world is my passion.

Food.

I have way too many favorite foods.

& drinks.

Nom. Nom. Nom.

Music.

There is never a day that passes by where music is not in my life.

Whether I'm just listening or singing, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Beach.

My most favorite place to be.

Books.

There is no feeling like transporting yourself into a world within a book.

What do you love?

10 Day You Challenge {10 Secrets}

2011-09-23T10:30:00.002-04:00

A day late, but here is the 10 Day You Challenge I spoke of in Wednesday's post that I found on Jenny's blog.

Welcome to day one!

10 Secrets

I still sleep with a giant stuffed dog my sister gave me when she moved out when I was 11.

After High School graduation, our school has a lock-in at the school. Oodles of food, DJ, swimming, hypnotist. They went all out. It was actually pretty awesome. Once the doors unlocked at 5am to go outside, myself and two other grads went out to the one guy's car. He had a bottle of champagne. We popped it and drank champagne in the High School's parking lot, toasting to the end of your high school careers. Then went back instead and enjoyed the rest of the lock in.

Even though I love and adore children, I don't think I want to have any of my own.

People often make me feel like I'm "missing" something within myself because of this.

One of my biggest regrets is not going away for college.

Whenever I'm in my car, my radio volume number has to be in increments of 5.

My sister was the first person I called after Vito asked me to marry him but when I called my mom next, I told her she was the first person I called.

I have zero self confidence.

I wish I was more artistic.

I often envy artistic talent that other people possess.

Anytime Hanson releases a new CD, I have to buy it.

I may not love them like I use to (think plastering my wall with Zac Hanson pictures because he was obviously going to marry me one day), but I still love their music.

10.

I have the biggest black thumb ever.

My mom even bought me a cactus as a child, thinking that I could keep that alive.

Wrong.

I've killed a cactus.

Fail.

Feel free to join in on the challenge with me!

Happy Friday & the first day of fall!

Word-Filled Wednesday {34}

2011-09-21T12:30:00.001-04:00

Hey y'all.

It's about time I get back around this blog.

It's been vacant for a bit too long.

& I miss you ladies.

I plan on doing a little blog challenge I found over on Jenny's blog.

That'll start tomorrow!

But for today, enjoy Word-Filled Wednesday.

It's something I need to work on, especially with all the stress going on in my life right now.

"There's a 30% chance that it's already raining!"

2011-09-06T11:30:00.002-04:00

Title: Quote from Mean Girls

Thank the Lord it is Tuesday, which is like a Monday since I had off yesterday.

So let's talk about important things from this weekend.

Tuesday.

September 6th.

September 6th?!

Someone please explain how we almost have 1 week of September already over with.

Please look at this weather forecasted for today:

63.

A high of 63?!

I'm pretty ready for fall but I'd like to ease into it please.

It was almost 90 just 2 days ago.

Also, anytime a percentage of rain comes up, I think of this scene from Mean Girls.

Makes me laugh every. single. time.

Labor Day weekend = Good sales weekend!

Vicki's had their panty raid.

Kohls had a huge sale on K-cups.

Borders has less than 10 days left and is up to 60-80% off.

Bath & Body Works brought in their fall scents.

Please see the one they made just for me.

Pumpkin and caramel? My two favorites? Yes.

Also bought sweet cinnamon pumpkin spray for my car too.

YUM.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

The iced one on Saturday for when it was hot and humid.

The hot one for today when the high is 63*.

Delicious.

That is all I gots to say about that.

Yesterday Vito & I celebrate one year of engagement.

1 year already?

Yeah, I can't believe it either.

We kept it low key and just enjoyed being together all day.

The weather was unfortunately rainy so any day trips outside were thrown out.

But that is okay.

We went to dinner and ate yummmmmmmy food.

Spinach and Artichoke dip.

Blue Moon for him and White Zin for me.

Blondie Sundae for dessert.

Duck for him and parmesan encrusted tilapia for me.

It was good eatin', to say the least!

Guess it is time to get to that wedding planning I've been anxiously avoiding awaiting!

How was your holiday weekend?

"'Cause You're Hot Then You're Cold, You're Yes Then You're No..."

2011-08-26T10:15:00.003-04:00

Title: Katy Perry - "Hot N Cold"

Dear Fall,

We should probably talk and get something straight.

I am sure you are currently confused with how I've been treating you.

I want you here.

I don't want you here.

I miss you.

I want you stay as far away from Summer and I as possible.

I keep changing my mind, hence the title to this post as Katy Perry so nicely helped with.

But you know what, as my 7th grade teacher taught me:

As a woman, I have the prerogative to change my mind any damn time I please.

So let me explain myself.

Fall, I love you.

It's true and real love.

The leaves changing and crisp air?

Yes.

The switching of the wardrobe?

Yes.

I mean, I've already bought a pair of boots in preparation and I've been staring at my scarves longingly, waiting for the first cool night.

Any and all things pumpkin?

Yes.

I mean you are talking to the girl who is counting down the days until she can have a pumpkin spice latte in her hands.

12 including today.

(September 6th)

Halloween & Thanksgiving?

Two of my favorite holidays.

I already plan on making soup once a week.

See Fall, I really do love you and all the things you bring me.

BUT....

(I hate that word too.)

There are two problems.

First?

I don't think I'm ready to let go of Summer.

I love her too.

It's just, I haven't spent enough time with the beach yet.

4 hours sitting on the beach?

Clearly not enough for my beach-bum soul for an entire summer.

Second?

I am happy when you are here but I know you'll leave too.

& what happens when you leave?

Well, you know.

Winter.

& with winter comes freezing temps and that horrible white stuff.

I will never, ever be ready for that.

So as you can see, my heart is torn.

Please know it isn't you.

I love you, Fall.

Just give me a bit more time.

I'll be ready soon.

Promise.

Word-Filled Wednesday {33}

2011-08-17T09:30:00.001-04:00

Coincidence?

I think not!

Now where is my froyo....

Happy Wednesday Beautifuls!

"Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything, I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed"

2011-08-15T12:46:00.003-04:00

Title: Bruno Mars - "The Lazy Song"

Is it really Monday already?

I just don't see how this is possible.

Wasn't it just Friday??

To brighten up your Monday, please keep reading.

Getting up out of bed this morning?

Seemingly impossible.

I got up late because I hit the snooze many, many, many times.

I feel like I've been walking in a haze.

Come to work with half my coffee already consumed and start working on time cards.

Remember that sleepy haze I was in?

Right.

Phone rings and I answer:

"Thank you for calling -insert company name here-, Vanessa Sleeping"

Instead of speaking.

It was the boss's wife.

She laughed, told me to stop sleeping on the job & that I was fired.

I told my boss and he laughed.

Obviously, I need more sleep.

So today, I will be dreaming of being at home in bed.

Taking a nap with Vito.

To get me through this day.

Word-Filled Wednesday {32}

2011-08-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

I hate crying.

I really do.

But sometimes it is necessary because nothing else helps.

& there are times where I feel weak because I'm crying (Read: traitor tears).

This is my reminder that crying doesn't make me weak.

I am alive.

"You Is Kind, You Is Smart, You Is Important"

2011-08-08T09:30:00.001-04:00

Title: Quote from "The Help"

When I first bought my Nook back in May (wow, it's been that long already?), I signed up (actually Vito) for a library card. This enables me to borrow e-books for 2 weeks at no charge.

This idea is gold, just so you know.

First book I went to borrow?

I'd heard how amazing it was and decided I needed to check it out myself.

Well, the library may be amazing because it lets you lend them for free, but I was not the only one who wanted to read this book!

The library had 4 copies, able to be borrowed for 14 days and I was number 26 on the waiting list. (Side note: there are over 60 people on the waiting list now. You can do the math on how long those people will be waiting)

Since there were so many other books to read, I shrugged it off and was pretty excited when I received the email last Thursday that the book was finally ready for me.

I started reading it over lunches but let me tell you, once I got half way through, I could not put this book down. I finished half of it in one sitting over the weekend.

This book will make you laugh loudly.

Feel rage and anger and disgust.

Have your heart swell with love.

& sob like a baby.

The hype around this book? Worth every bit of it.

I am most excited that I finished the book right before the movie comes out this week and I can't wait to go see it!

Have y'all read this book?

Love it? Hate it?

If not, what are you waiting for, go read it now!

"Pour A Little Salt, We Were Never Here"

2011-08-04T15:15:00.002-04:00

Title: Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"

So sometimes we get these grand ideas to try new things.
With me, it is usually a restaurant.
Because, hi, my name is Vanessa and I love food.

So a few weeks ago I finally convinced Vito that we should try something new for lunch.
This restaurant went in about a year ago but it is 15 minutes out of the way of anything.
After all the talk, we ventured out and tried Sonic.

We were like children in a candy store.
It took us 15 minutes just to order because there were too many options.
We went to chili cheese dogs.
& they were scrumptious.

I loved how fast the service was and how yummy it all was.
The winner of the entire meal?
Strawberry Limeade.

I'm not sure how I lived before trying this drink.
Delicious!

I am a believer in the Sonic-craze, for sure.

Have y'all been to Sonic?
What do I need to try when I go back (because I will be going back!) ?

Word-Filled Wednesday {31}

2011-08-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

I don't know about y'all but these words are so true to me.
Nothing seems to be a better motivator than being doubted.♥
Happy Wednesday Loves!

Word-Filled Wednesday {30}

2011-07-27T11:16:00.003-04:00

It seems the older I get, the faster time just seems to fly by me.

Prime example: at work today I just realized I still had my calendar set to June.

June.

& here we are, only 5 days left in July.

Where is this Summer going?

I just don't know.

& I'm stressed because I can't seem to find a balance to do everything I want and need to do.

Multiple people to see.

Many posts to write.

So many places I want to go.

A life to figure out.

In the midst of trying to fit everything and everyone into only a short amount of hours in the week where I'm not working or sleeping, this quote I found really speaks to me.

If you are overwhelmed, maybe it'll be a nice reminder to you too!

Happy Wednesday!

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {29}

2011-07-13T09:33:00.003-04:00

As I'm almost done rereading the last book in preparation for the movie,

I found it only fitting to use a Harry Potter quote for today.

Just so we are clear, I am certainly not ready for this to be over.

.Not.Even.Close.

Now excuse me while I run off to buy more tissues for tomorrow...

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {28}

2011-06-29T09:09:00.003-04:00

It really is all about love.

Happy Hump Day, Ladies.

♥

Flashback to the 90s

2011-06-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

While blog reading, I came across a post by Syndal and well, it has made my entire day.

Born in 1987, I'm pretty much a 90s girl.

If you grew up in the 90s, please watch these.

& remember when TV use to be good.

You will thank me.

Talk about nostalgia.

What do you miss from the 90s?

Also, Happy Friday!

Word-Filled Wednesday {27}

2011-06-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Just something I need reminded of as I often fall into the mind set that things should just happen because I want them to.

I need to remember that I have to make an effort, instead of just wanting.

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {26}

2011-06-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm bringing back one of my favorite posts to write, since it's been a few months.

Enjoy!

♥

Loving who I am is a constant struggle for me.

Reading this just makes me smile.

I hope you all are able to be happy and love who you are.

If not, you can continue the journey with me to work on it!

Happy Wednesday!

New App Alert!

2011-06-13T15:23:00.000-04:00

As if there weren't enough things to waste my time on, I found a new game.

A new addicting game.

Say hello to

It's like Hangman.

I made Vito download it last night.

SO much fun!

If you play it already, do you feel a new addiction starting too?

& we should be playing: caramelphotos

If you aren't playing, you should be!

Because really, who needs productivity anyway?

Happy Monday!

"No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting"

2011-06-07T12:47:00.005-04:00

Title: Quote by Mary Wortley Montagu

So the e-reader situation.

I read up on information.

I spoke with people at Best Buy.

I played with both big names.

I had already made my decision.

Then there was a sale.

This solidifies my decision.

I present you my final choice:

I bought it last week and I ADORE it.

Like, love.

The reasons I chose it?

First off, I liked the touch screen instead of the key board. It's easier for me.

Second, playing with them I found the Nook's pages and such easier to navigate overall.

Third, the touch screen portion? Color. Love it.

Forth, overall the reviews I read, most went with the Nook.

Fifth, there are waaaaay more cute nicknames I can use for the Nook vs the Kindle.

For me, it was no contest in the end.

Do I miss the feeling of holding a good book?

Yes and no.

I'll always love books. There is just something about them.

But the Nook is waaaay easier to hold and read.

No pages flopping shut.

No more bulky books in my purse.

I've already finished one book (Water for Elephants) and started on a second (My Horizontal Life).

My favorite finding?

Being able to borrow e-books from the library.

Free books... Not having to leave home... LOVE.

I've fallen in love with the Nook!

"Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book."

2011-05-25T16:13:00.004-04:00

Title: Quote by unknown author

Oh Reading.

Ask me about things I missed while I was in school and somewhere in the top 5, I would say reading.

I tried to avoid picking up books during the school year because I never wanted to put them down.

I get lost in the books and want to do nothing else but read.

Not such a good thing when papers need written or projects need completed.

Now that I've graduated, there will be so much more time to read.

SO exciting!

One idea I've been toying with is buying an e-reader.

I brought it up to Vito around Christmas and he shot down my idea.

Saying it isn't worth the money unless I'd be reading a lot.

I put the idea out of my head for awhile but now with my birthday, the idea came creeping back.

So yesterday after Vito took me to dinner, we headed over to Best Buy and I played with the different e-readers.

Even after playing with them, I have an idea of which one I like better.

I still feel like I need more opinions!

So I thought, who better to turn to but my dearest bloggy friends.

So tell me about your e-reader!

Which is better:

Kindle or Nook?

Or another one??

If you don't have an e-reader, why not?

Help a chica out!

Between Order and Randomness

2011-05-20T10:08:00.000-04:00

Title: OTH Episode Title

Oh hey there lovelies!

Long time no speak/read/write? Meh, whichever.

I've been trying to write blog posts. I swear. You can check my dashboard.

I've started a whole bunch but I can never finish.

I get an idea and BAM it's gone.

I wanted to just suck it up and blog something so y'all know I'm still here and alive!

So welcome to Vanessa's completely random post.

I've finished my college career as an undergrad!

Last Saturday Vito & I graduated.

There will be a whole post dedicated to this with the zillion pictures that were taken.

But in short, it was fun and exhausting and amazing.

Because of said graduation, we are partying it up tomorrow.

Stressed and anxious?

Oh you bet.

What I thought would be a relatively small party has morphed into almost 50 people.

I should be excited right?

I will be.

Let me finish worrying about the amount of food we'll need first and then I'll be fine.

I'm currently drinking a caramel mocha iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

Scrumptious.

My birthday is this coming week.

Ya know, my most favorite day of the entire year.

And I'm not even excited or ready for it.

With graduation, it's being put on the back burner.

I haven't even had the chance to ask off work yet.

Vito's in charge of planning and I'm excited to see what he has up his sleeve!

This picture makes me so happy.

That's all I have to say about that.

Actually, no it's not.

Two other things?

I want to see a pic of Josh as Peeta.

& I want to know who is playing Cinna.

If you don't know what I'm talking about here, get your butt to the nearest bookstore and buy The Hunger Games.

You can thank me later.

Apparently the world is going to end tomorrow.

At 6pm to be exact.

My only thoughts on that?

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Matthew 24: 36

Tomorrow (actually tonight) I'm going to whip up a batch of this salsa.

This may not seem important but trust me it is.

I'm almost 24 years old and this chick loves to cook and bake.

One ingredient I've refused to use because I hate it with every fiber of my being?

Onions.

HATE.

And I don't throw that word around for just anything.

I'm the girl who picks them out of everything.

But, PW is my kitchen hero and if she says to use onions in the salsa, I just have to suck it up.

Pray for my soul.

I am SO tired of rain, I don't even have words.

It's rained for the last 7 days.

I'm beginning to forget what sunshine looks like.

I thought April showers brought May flowers.

Not more rain.

On the evening of Vito and I's graduation, our dateaversary twins tied the knot!

I can't wait to show you pictures because it was absolutely gorgeous and so much fun.

It even rained in the evening, which the stunning bride was VERY excited for.

She tells you her love for rain over here.

Go visit her blog.

It's new and needs some love.

Wish her congrats & welcome her to the blogging community.

& tell her to blog more!!

Love you bff

10.

I did something I've never done before.

Ever.

My google reader had over 800 unread blog posts in it.

It was so daunting, I clicked "Marked as all read."

I feel equal parts guilty and relieved.

Please still love me through this.

Also, if I missed any big posts by doing this (SO SORRY) please let me know so I can see them!

Well, this is enough non-sense.

Happy Friday loves!

"Every Feeling, Every Word, I've Imagined It All Before...I Dare You To Let Me Be Your One & Only, Promise I'm Worth It "

2011-04-20T12:01:00.002-04:00

Title: Adele - "One and Only"

Ello loves!

It's Wednesday and what a lovely Wednesday it is!

But before we get to that point, let's rewind.

Remember waaaaaay back here, about 7 months ago (has it REALLY been that long? Crazy) when I made a big announcement about me and Vito and a certain ring? Remember how I also promised details of my day and the big fail of a blogger I am, STILL haven't blogged about that day?

Sorry about that. But no fear because today is the day!

Just so you are warned, this post will be full of details and pictures and mushyness.

Continue at your own risk.

Back on August 27th, a Friday, Vito spent his evening at work while I spent my evening trying to ready ourselves for a day trip to the beach. We were suppose to be leaving early the next morning to meet up with our dateversary twins and head to the beach. I felt it coming. The dreaded, horrible, miserable cold. I tried to ignore it because hi, it was August and I had yet been to the beach. This was a tragedy. Went to the store and bought snacks. Came home to pack and decided to lay down for a bit, in hope to feel better.

Vito woke me up 4 hours later when he came home from work. I felt worse. Cue tears and whining "It's not faaaaaaaair" and "I want to goooooooo". It was ugly. Vito kept insisting I would be fine. I told him how badly I wanted to go but I didn't want to be on the beach with a box of kleenex as my bff. So we canceled. Cue more crying and more misery. I was upset, Vito was bummed. Our friends were sad.

I updated my FB status the next day with "miserable". I get a text message within a minute of updating it from my sister inquiring what was wrong and if I was okay. I didn't think anything of this until later. But I told her how I was sick and stuck on the couch. Sad times.

The next weekend rolled around and we decided to head down to the beach on Sunday. Our friends sadly could not come as the guy, Steve, was now sick with the dreaded sniffles. Cue lots of sad times again. But it was Labor day weekend, it would be our last shot at a beach trip with school started so Vito & I decided we'd go it alone and enjoy our day at the beach.

Sunday September 5th.

We got up late. As per usual. We headed out around 7 and I decided I'd drive this time. We stopped at BK for breakfast and made our 3-3.5 hour trek down to OCMD.

We made good time and found an amazing parking spot down by the boardwalk. With it being Labor day weekend, it was very, very packed but we found space and marked a spot all to our selves.

It was beautiful, barely any clouds in the sky.

In the low 80s, perfect beach weather.

For me, I enjoy relaxing on the beach.

Vito on the other hand, is all about swimming and acting a fool.

We enjoyed sun tanning.

We ate our packed lunch of sandwiches and chips.

Really, it was perfect.

What better way than to spend the day enjoying each other at my favorite place?

I couldn't think of any.

We played in the water, did sudoku puzzles, read books, listened to music, napped in the sun.

Love.

Also, this is probably my favorite picture of Vito ever.

Really, ever.

After laying on the beach for 5+ hours, we were getting hungry for dinner.

We headed back to my car and changed in the car.

Klassy.

All the sand? Still haven't gotten it all out of my car.

It was only know when we both realized the amount of sun we had soaked in.

Oh we were burnt. Very burnt.

Strike one.

Went to put on makeup, didn't think that my eye liner had melted in the car. It smeared all over my face.

Strike two.

Finally got ourselves together and ready to go eat.

Started to get a rash on my thighs, so painful it was hard to walk.

Strike three.

Cue Vanessa in a bad mood and starving. So we made our short walk to dinner.

I thought getting food would make me happier. I was incorrect.

Let me say, I looove bull on the beach. We've eaten there plenty times before.

This day was just off. My sandwich was gross and I only ate half of it.

Vito casually mentions about going on a walk on the beach later. I dismiss this as my thighs hurt and I'm now officially in a bad mood.

Cue the saving grace.

Let me tell you, if you've never had Thrasher's french fries, you've never tasted heaven.

I crave these things year round.

We go to this beach strictly because they are home of Thrasher's.

Please, go. ASAP.

And be prepared to wait. I'm not the only one who is in love with these babies.

After chowing down on these, my mood improved. Because, well, they are to die for.

After eating those we walked more of the boardwalk.

Picked up some of the best fudge around at Wockenfuss.

Vacations are all about food, right? Right!

Our tradition has always been to go to the photo booth and get our pictures done.

Vito suggested we wait but we were RIGHT by them so I insisted we do it now!

We're fools, what can I say.

Since my legs were trying to be the death of me, we found a bench and parked ourselves on it.

One of my other favorite things to do at the boardwalk, and well in general, is people watch. & the boardwalk happens to be the most perfect place for this activity.

People were probably watching us.

Making fools of ourselves for the sake of funny pictures.

It is what it is.

Then, again, Vito suggests we take a walk on the beach.

This, well, throws red flags. Immediately.

I knew.

I'd spent all day at the beach with the man I love and I had no idea.

Until now.

I even teased him.

"What if I say no right now?"

I'm mean.

His response?

"Oh. Well I guess we don't go then..."

It was confirmed in my mind.

So I said, "Let's go."

The sky was beautiful.

The beach was calming. We walked a short distance and planted ourselves near the water.

Enjoying the waves crashing.

Vito was nervous. It was too funny.

He'd make little comments and then silence.

"I'm really glad we came today"

"There's a reason I wanted to come here"

I saw him fiddling with something in his pocket and so I looked the other way, knowing what he was doing.

Then he looked me in the eyes.

"Vanessa, I love you and..."

Cue tears.

Mine & his.

My thoughts?

It's now. He's proposing now.

Remember what he's saying.

You are going to want to remember what he's saying!

Then he pulled out a ring and asked me to be his wife.

"Yes, yes, a million times yes!"

Do I remember everything he said?

No.

But I remember the feeling.

The overwhelming feeling of love that can't be placed into words.

Something I knew would come one day but I could never have expected it to be perfect.

For me.

For him.

Please know how much I love you all to put up these last few pics, with my makeup all a mess from crying.

I had to take them though. I yelled to Vito that I needed to take them right away.

Incase I ever blog on weddingbee.com one day.

It's a goal of mine.

I called my mom and sister, bawling and so excited.

They both knew.

Vito had asked both of their permission.

I asked him how long he'd had the ring.

Since April.

He'd bought it thinking we were going to the beach in June but that fell through.

He bought the ring and went home that same day and wrote out what he wanted to say.

& he memorized it.

So all those specific words I don't remember? They are written down, never to be forgotten.

After heading back to the boardwalk, we made it back to the photo booth. Vito told me he was insisting we wait because he wanted to do it afterwards. So we have two strips.

We called my Pop-Pop and Shirley, who were down at the beach also and went to see them.

They shared in our excitement and I was so glad we could share it with them.

Around 10:30, we packed back in the car and made our long trek home.

I spent the first half an hour texting with Brit, who had also got engaged that day, on the beach.

We have dataversary twins and now we have engageversary twins too.

Vito & I talked about the day.

I told him when I saw it coming.

He told me his favorite part was watching the entire day unfold for me, without me having any idea (until right before) what the evening would bring.

I fell asleep in the car and barely remember going from the car to bed.

I will assure you three things we were after our long day:

Completely exhausted

In pain from sunburn

In bliss.

I decided to FINALLY do this post today (which is the longest post EVER) because it is mine and Vito's 6 year dateversary.

6. whole. years.

So to Vito, my love.

Thank you for bringing me those roses 6 years ago.

You came with roses but left with my heart.

May we continue to celebrate this day for the rest of our lives.

Thank you. For everything.

I love you with all my heart, all my soul, and all of me.

Forever & Ever.

Your future wife,

Vanessa.

"Just Like The Movies. That's How It Will Be, Cinematic & Dramatic With The Perfect Ending."

2011-04-04T13:11:00.000-04:00

Title: Katy Perry "Not Like The Movies"

Saturday night Vito & I had no plans. None. It's a pretty rare & treasured occurrence. I pondered what we could do. Go out? Meh, maybe but I wasn't feeling it. I thought we could cook a nice dinner (there's been a Pioneer Woman recipe that has been haunting my thoughts), enjoy some wine, and rent a movie maybe even go down the street and see one in the movie theater. A relaxed evening.

Sounds perfect right?

Especially because there are A LOT of movies I've been wanting to see.

In the theaters:

1. Source Code.

One word: Jake.

That is all.

2. Hop

I love how adorable & funny this movie looks. Excuse to grab my niece for the day & see it with her instead? Quite possible!

Now for some movies I missed in the theaters and will inevitably Red Box them. Because Red Box is now a verb.

3. I Am Number Four.

I read this booked, loved it, & couldn't wait for it to come to theaters. Did I see it? Ugh, no. I will soon though. But I'm MORE excited for the next book to come out.

4. Love & Other Drugs.

We covered this reason already. Incase you forgot:

Jake.

5. It's Kind of a Funny Story

I've been wanting to see this & read the book. I mean really, it has Marsh from U.S. of Tara in it! Love that show!

6. Tangled

Everyone and their mom has seen this movie and loved it. I neeeeeeed to see this, just so I can understand the amazing hype around it. & really, it's Disney.

Unfortunately we saw none of these but we will. & soon!

Did I miss any other movies in my list that are must-watches?

Word-Filled Wednesday {25}

2011-03-30T09:38:00.002-04:00

I'm about to leave work to pick up my cap & gown.

Graduation is in 44 days.

Stress? Finally hitting me.

So I found this very fitting for today.

Happy Wednesday Loves.

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {24}

2011-03-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

♥

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things!

2011-03-20T19:00:00.001-04:00

One of my new and fabulous bloggy friends, Cait, had this list up on her blog and I decided to join in! Make sure you go check out her blog, it is simply lovely!

{1} food

Caramel, Soup, Tomatoes, Pasta, Pierogies, Fresh Fruit, Ice Cream... I could go on and on, I have SO many!

{2} color

Pink and Black

{3} animal.

Cat & penguin

{4} sports team.

Not a big sports fan but my family roots for the Ravens

{5} dessert.

Ice Cream. & Caramel. & Peanut Butter. & Chocolate. & cheesecake. I could go on and on here too.

{6} artist/singer/band.

Adele, Florence + The Machine, & A Fine Frenzy

{7} pair of shoes.

Flip-Flops or my TOMS

{8} outfit.

Jeans and a cute T

{9} store.

F21 & Target

{10} brand.

Whatever works.

{11} perfume.

Pink Sugar

{12} accessory.

My engagement ring <3

{13} city.

Los Angeles

{14} hobby.

Reading

{15} beauty product.

Mascara

{16} snack.

Lately, bananas and peanut butter

{17} holiday.

My Birthday!

{18} movie.

How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days

{19} song.

It changes constantly. Right now? "Someone Like You" by Adele, "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, or "Marry Me" by Train

{20} guilty pleasure.

Starbucks

What are some of your favorites?

Shopping for a Cause

2011-03-18T13:46:00.001-04:00

As I've seen around bloggy world today, I was going to join in on the silence to honor the tragedy in Japan but after receiving an email, I needed to share this.

Forever 21 (one of my favy stores, especially for jewelry) sent me an email letting me know today only, 100% of their online sales will be donated to the relief efforts.

If you were eyeing something up, today is the day.

It's such an amazing way to help.

So head on over to F21 and shop away!

Happy Friday!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday {1}

2011-03-16T12:36:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm switching it up a bit! Instead of my usual Word-Filled Wednesday, I'm decided to link up over at Jamie's blog and share a few things I've been LOVING lately.

The music that has been playing almost constantly in the car, at work, and at home?

Adele. I've had her first album for awhile and love love love that one too. But this one? On repeat. Her voice is hauntingly beautiful and the songs are perfection. My favs? Rolling in the Deep, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain, & Someone Like You. If you don't have this album yet, get it and thank me later.

My new nightly drink?

I love me some hot tea in the evening. Mix some splenda in it and it curbs my nightly cravings. I love all things peach so imagine how excited I was when I found this. SO yummy. I'm looking forward to making this in the summer as iced tea with sliced peaches in it. Absolutely Scrumptious.

Newest iPhone App I'm obsessed with?

This app blows me away. I've been using it constantly. You take photos through the app and you can add many different filters to change the photo. You can follow other feeds and I really can't tell you how excited I am to take pics on my phone now! Seriously, LOVE.

Food that is absolutely scrumptious?

These things are addicting and delicious. They are a great snack that I keep in my desk door and I LOVE the taste. Also loving the mint chocolate ones too, but butter toffee is by far my favorite!

Pretty new nail polish?

Chocolate Kiss by Ulta. Note, these are not my nail but I'm loving the color and the fact that it stayed on my nails for more than 24 hours without chipping? That's pretty much a miracle in my life.

So tell me what you are currently loving! Or better yet, head over to Jamie's blog and link up!

Happy Humpy Day, loves!

"Well, Hot & Heavy, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Candy, Jesus Christ"

2011-02-28T12:30:00.002-05:00

Title: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - "Home"

Hello loves. First I want to thank all of you who read the last post, said so many touching things, and most importantly send prayers. I watched a live stream of his memorial yesterday and it was beautiful. May his soul rest in peace.

Today, I decided to post something to cheer this place up. It's a dreary Monday here but this video never fails to brighten up the day. Not only do I love this song (it's my ringtone for when my home, which is usually my mom, calls me), I just love this little daddy/daughter duo. Hope you enjoy it too!

Happy Monday Loves!

Word-Filled Wednesday {23}

2011-02-23T00:54:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite posts to do here is Word-Filled Wednesday's. Who doesn't like pretty pictures with inspirational quotes on them? I certainly do.

Today, we are going to switch it up a little.

The beginning of this week I heard terrible news. Another person from my high school graduating class has passed away, making our total losses as 3 in less than 6 years. I was not close to any of these three men but I knew them. It's still scary having people the same age as you die, it's a bit of a reality shock.

The young man who lost his life this week was bravely serving our country. At age 24, he was fighting for all of our freedom in Afghanistan. My heart is broken for his loved ones left behind.

So this week, I ask you all to say an extra prayer for those mourning the loss of this extraordinary man's life and for every other person serving in the military who selflessly put their lives on the line every single day so we can all sleep in our warm beds at night, safe and sound.

♥

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

2011-02-10T10:29:00.005-05:00

Title: Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Oh blog, how I have missed you. I've been MIA, getting into a new schedule with school and work and everything else life is throwing my way. I've also been neglecting reading blogs too (so sorry, I'll catch up soon. Promise!).

I've still been popping in and out of Twitter and yesterday the lovely and sweet Ivy tweeted about one of her posts. I read over it and fell in love with the idea.

Pay it forward.

The idea of doing something nice for someone, and then in return they will do something nice and the generosity keeps paying forward, brightening others day.

Here's the deal. I promise to send three of you something homemade sometime in 2011. In order to take part, you need to leave me a comment and also post this idea on your blog, continuing to pay it forward.

Simple right?

Make sure in your comment to give me your email address and I will get into contact with you!

"Looks like someone's practicing the mundane activity she'll be saddled with the rest of her pathetic life."

2011-01-11T15:30:00.004-05:00

Title: Quote from Easy A.

In the past 48 hours, I watched "Easy A", not once but twice.

Then this morning, Vito & I repeated our favorite quotes during breakfast.

Seriously, this movie was uh-may-zing!

If you haven't seen it already, please run (well, drive if you insist) to the nearest RedBox and pick it up right now.

It'll make you want to sing "Pocket Full of Sunshine" in the shower.

It'll make you want to vlog.

It'll make you wish parents were always this hilarious.

It'll make you swoon over Penn/Dan Humphrey/Woodchuck Todd, if you weren't already.

It'll make you miss 80s classics and wish John Hughes directed the story of your life.

Most of all, it will make you laugh.

If you haven't seen this movie already, why did you finish reading this post when I clearly gave you instructions waaaaaay up there to head to Redbox immediately?

If you have seen this movie, tell me what was/were your favorite part(s)???

"In Such An Ugly World, Something So Beautiful."

2011-01-06T09:17:00.001-05:00

Title: The Kooks - "Naive"

A small sampling of things Vanessa does not like:

People who think they are funny, and they are not.

Cold cars in the morning. And the afternoon. And the evening too.

People who hide behind Facebook to tell you things because they have the inability to do it to your face.

The cost of textbooks.

Being in 2011 and I'm still writing 2010.

Cold feet.

Future in-laws.

Drama.

The fact that Limewire shut down.

Thinking that my car would be off this year when it actually is paid off next year.

Impending snowfall.

Wally World.

Thinking you know someone and finding out otherwise.

A small sampling of things Vanessa does like:

Being in the year I will finally graduate.

Cinnamon raisin english muffins for breakfast.

Being in the year I will (hopefully) find a big girl job.

Having a wonderful man who will get out of bed when he doesn't have to be up to make said scrumptious cinnamon raisin english muffin for breakfast for me while I get ready for work.

Being in the year I will move out.

Wine.

Being in the year I will start planning my wedding.

Wearing scarves.

Zumba.

Finding the recipes for Mojo broth and green goddess dressing served at the Melting Pot.

Soup.

Losing weight over the holiday season.

Florence + The Machine

Lists.

What are you liking or disliking?

""And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

2010-12-24T10:43:00.006-05:00

Title: Luke 2:12

I'm sitting here in my PJs on a lazy Friday morning with a list full of things to do. I'm officially done with my semester and somehow managed to make Dean's List for my hardest semester in which my one adviser proceeded to tell me it would kill me and another encouraged me to drop a class because he didn't think I could handle it. (Take that Dr. L!)

Today is Christmas Eve already. Leading up to this day, I have been less than excited. I feel the older I get, the less exciting Christmas becomes. My friend says that holidays now are obligations. I could understand where he was coming from. I've been stressed about buying presents for everyone, having enough money to buy presents for everyone, fitting in everyone and seeing them during the holidays (word of advice: stay single, it makes things easier), making things for dinner, wrapping everything, getting cards out. It doesn't help that my mom not only works on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, she also upset every year because 12 years ago today we lost my grandmother to cancer (eff you cancer).

All these stressors from every day life plus our loss puts a damper on Christmas, ya know?

Last night my mom asked me to come upstairs and she showed me a video on youtube that she received through an email. I sat and watched it and it really had me thinking.

Then my mom sat there, crying and told me this video reminded her of me when I was younger. First off I never believed in Santa. It was something we never did, I always knew my presents came from my family. Now when I was that young, I use to go into work with my mom. Her supervisor, Gail, approached my mom one day about a conversation she had with me. Gail had asked me if I had written my letter to Santa Claus yet. I stood proud and looked her in the eye and told her that Christmas was not about Santa but about celebrating the birth of Jesus. Gail told my mom how I had made her think about the true meaning of Christmas and my mom was so proud of me.

I really needed to hear this story as my mind has only been focusing on the fact that things aren't done and there are no Christmas decorations and not enough money and so on. I lost my focus on what Christmas is REALLY about.

The birth of Christ, our Lord.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.
I hope you spend it with those you love celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

"Let Me See You Gettin' Nasty With Your Pumpkin Juice Cup"

2010-12-08T21:03:00.004-05:00

So you all know the G6 song, I'm sure. First let me say that I hated it. When it first came out, I refused to listen to it. Vito on the other hand heard the song and loved it. This was odd seeing as he usually hates that kind of music and tries to avoid it at all costs. With him listening to it, it grew on me. I now love the song.

That being said, I found these three parodies.
If you love the HP and know this song, watch/listen to them now.

P.S. Don't forget to let me know if you want a Christmas Card!

"Christmas Time Is (almost) Here!"

2010-11-29T16:12:00.004-05:00

Now that I've successfully celebrated Thanksgiving , I can officially move on to the next holiday on the list.

Christmas!

I cannot believe Christmas is going to be here in less than 4 weeks! Thank God for my engagiversary twin Brit for introducing me to Shutterfly and their Christmas cards!! I have been sending Christmas cards out for years now, getting out the green and red pens to write lovely messages to my loved ones. Vito and I have been on the fence about buying picture cards instead of the generic ones in the store. We seem to get a few every year and I "ooh"and "Aww" at every single one!

After seeing that they were offering a promotion for us bloggers, I was immediately sold. This year would be our first year picture Christmas card! By just blogging about Shutterfly, they are graciously giving us 50 free picture cards! Free! Head on over here to check out this amazing deal for yourself!

After that, you need to head on over and check out to multitude of different designs they have to offer for Christmas cards and Holiday cards. My biggest problem is trying to pick a favorite one, there are SO many cute ones!

I'm in love with the flower tree. So cute!

How could one not fall for these stockings!?

I just adore the candy cane letters! So festive!

Pretty snow flakes!

As you can see, there are many, many, many choices!

Also make sure you check out their Christmas party invitations. Makes me want to have a party just so I can buy the adorable invites!

I now look forward to picking a design and a picture(s) for our first photo card!

I can't wait to see how they turn out! Thanks Shutterfly!

If you would like one of these little pretties from me, either leave your email in the comment section below and I'll contact you or you can email me with your address at caramelphotos@gmail.com

Word-Filled Wednesday {22}

2010-11-24T15:04:00.005-05:00

I'm switching up World-Filled Wednesday a bit.

Instead of a quote, I found mention of this list over at D's blog and researched more into it and found the author.

Please read them.

You will not regret it.

Promise.

39 Ways to Live & Not Merely Exist

Love. Perhaps the most important. Fall in love, if you aren't already. If you have, fall in love with your partner all over again. Abandon caution and let your heart be broken. Or love family members, friends, anyone -- it doesn't have to be romantic love. Love all of humanity, one person at a time.

Get outside. Don't let yourself be shut indoors. Go out when it's raining. Walk on the beach. Hike through the woods. Swim in a freezing lake. Bask in the sun. Play sports, or walk barefoot through grass. Pay close attention to nature.

Savor food. Don't just eat your food, but really enjoy it. Feel the texture, the bursts of flavors. Savor every bite. If you limit your intake of sweets, it will make the small treats you give yourself (berries or dark chocolate are my favorites) even more enjoyable. And when you do have them, really, really savor them. Slowly.

Create a morning ritual. Wake early and greet the day. Watch the sun rise. Out loud, tell yourself that you will not waste this day, which is a gift. You will be compassionate to your fellow human beings, and live every moment to its fullest. Stretch or meditate or exercise as part of your ritual. Enjoy some coffee.

Take chances. We often live our lives too cautiously, worried about what might go wrong. Be bold, risk it all. Quit your job and go to business for yourself (plan it out first!), or go up to that girl you've liked for a long time and ask her out. What do you have to lose?

Follow excitement. Try to find the things in life that excite you, and then go after them. Make life one exciting adventure after another (with perhaps some quiet times in between).

Find your passion. Similar to the above tip, this one asks you to find your calling. Make your living by doing the thing you love to do. First, think about what you really love to do. There may be many things. Find out how you can make a living doing it. It may be difficult, but you only live once.

Get out of your cubicle. Do you sit all day in front of computer, shuffling papers and taking phone calls and chatting on the Internet? Don't waste your days like this. Break free from the cubicle environment, and do your work on a laptop, in a coffee shop, or on a boat, or in a log cabin. This may require a change of jobs, or becoming a freelancer. It's worth it.

Turn off the TV. How many hours will we waste away in front of the boob tube? How many hours do we have to live? Do the math, then unplug the TV. Only plug it back in when you have a DVD of a movie you love. Otherwise, keep it off and find other stuff to do. Don't know what to do? Read further.

Pull away from Internet. You're reading something on the Internet right now. And, with the exception of this article, it is just more wasting away of your precious time. You cannot get these minutes back. Unplug the Internet, then get out of your office or house. Right now! And go and do something.

Travel. Sure, you want to travel some day. When you have vacation time, or when you're older. Well, what are you waiting for? Find a way to take a trip, if not this month, then sometime soon. You may need to sell your car or stop your cable bill and stop eating out to do it, but make it happen. You are too young to not see the world. If need be, find a way to make a living by freelancing, then work while you travel. Only work an hour or two a day. Don't check email but once a week. Then use the rest of the time to see the world.

Rediscover what's important. Take an hour and make a list of everything that's important to you. Add to it everything that you want to do in life. Now cut that list down to 4-5 things. Just the most important things in your life. This is your core list. This is what matters. Focus your life on these things. Make time for them.

Eliminate everything else. What's going on in your life that's not on that short list? All that stuff is wasting your time, pulling your attention from what's important. As much as possible, simplify your life by eliminating the stuff that's not on your short list, or minimizing it.

Exercise. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Eventually try running. Or do some push ups and crunches. Or swim or bike or row. Or go for a hike. Whatever you do, get active, and you'll love it. And life will be more alive.

Be positive. Learn to recognize the negative thoughts you have. These are the self-doubts, the criticisms of others, the complaints, the reasons you can't do something. Then stop yourself when you have these thoughts, and replace them with positive thoughts. Solutions. You can do this!

Open your heart. Is your heart a closed bundle of scar tissue? Learn to open it, have it ready to receive love, to give love unconditionally. If you have a problem with this, talk to someone about it. And practice makes perfect.

Kiss in the rain. Seize the moment and be romantic. Raining outside? Grab your lover and give her a passionate kiss. Driving home? Stop the car and pick some wildflowers. Send her a love note. Dress sexy for him.

Face your fears. What are you most afraid of? What is holding you back? Whatever it is, recognize it, and face it. Do what you are most afraid of. Afraid of heights? Go to the tallest building, and look down over the edge. Only by facing our fears can we be free of them.

When you suffer, suffer. Life isn't all about fun and games. Suffering is an inevitable part of life. We lose our jobs. We lose our lovers. We lose our pets. We get physically injured or sick. A loved one becomes sick. A parent dies. Learn to feel the pain intensely, and really grieve. This is a part of life -- really feel the pain. And when you're done, move on, and find joy.

Slow down. Life moves along at such a rapid pace these days. It's not healthy, and it's not conducive to living. Practice doing everything slowly -- everything, from eating to walking to driving to working to reading. Enjoy what you do. Learn to move at a snail's pace.

Touch humanity. Get out of your house and manicured neighborhoods, and find those who live in worse conditions. Meet them, talk to them, understand them. Live among them. Be one of them. Give up your materialistic lifestyle.

Volunteer. Help at homeless soup kitchens. Learn compassion, and learn to help ease the suffering of others. Help the sick, those with disabilities, those who are dying.

Play with children. Children, more than anyone else, know how to live. They experience everything in the moment, fully. When they get hurt, they really cry. When they play, they really have fun. Learn from them, instead of thinking you know so much more than them. Play with them, and learn to be joyful like them.

Talk to old people. There is no one wiser, more experienced, more learned, than those who have lived through life. They can tell you amazing stories. Give you advice on making a marriage last or staying out of debt. Tell you about their regrets, so you can learn from them and avoid the same mistakes. They are the wisdom of our society -- take advantage of their existence while they're still around.

Learn new skills. Constantly improve yourself instead of standing still -- not because you're so imperfect now, but because it is gratifying and satisfying. You should accept yourself as you are, and learn to love who you are, but still try to improve -- if only because the process of improvement is life itself.

Find spirituality. For some, this means finding God or Jesus or Allah or Buddha. For others, this means becoming in tune with the spirits of our ancestors, or with nature. For still others, this just means an inner energy. Whatever spirituality means for you, rediscover it, and its power.

Take mini-retirements. Don't leave the joy of retirement until you are too old to enjoy it. Do it now, while you're young. It makes working that much more worth it. Find ways to take a year off every few years. Save up, sell your home, your possessions, and travel. Live simply, but live, without having to work. Enjoy life, then go back to work and save up enough money to do it again in a couple of years.

Do nothing. Despite the tip above that we should find excitement, there is value in doing nothing as well. Not doing nothing as in reading, or taking a nap, or watching TV, or meditating. Doing nothing as in sitting there, doing nothing. Just learning to be still, in silence, to hear our inner voice, to be in tune with life. Do this daily if possible.

Stop playing video games. They might be fun, but they can take up way too much time. If you spend a lot of time playing online games, or computer solitaire, or Wii or Gameboy or whatever, consider going a week without it. Then find something else to do, outside.

Watch sunsets, daily. One of the most beautiful times of day. Make it a daily ritual to find a good spot to watch the sunset, perhaps having a light dinner while you do so.

Stop reading magazines. They're basically crap. And they waste your time and money. Cancel your subscriptions and walk past them at the news stands. If you have to read something, read a trashy novel or even better, read Dumb Little Man once a day and be done.

Break out from ruts. Do you do things the same way every day? Change it up. Try something new. Take a different route to work. Start your day out differently. Approach work from a new angle. Look at things from new perspectives.

Stop watching the news. It's depressing and useless. If you're a news junky, this may be difficult. I haven't watch TV news or read a newspaper regularly in about two years. It hasn't hurt me a bit. Anything important, my mom tells me about.

Laugh till you cry. Laughing is one of the best ways to live. Tell jokes and laugh your head off. Watch an awesome comedy. Learn to laugh at anything. Roll on the ground laughing. You'll love it.

Lose control. Not only control over yourself, but control over others. It's a bad habit to try to control others -- it will only lead to stress and unhappiness for yourself and those you try to control. Let others live, and live for yourself. And lose control of yourself now and then too.

Cry. Men, especially, tend to hold in our tears, but crying is an amazing release. Cry at sad movies. Cry at a funeral. Cry when you are hurt, or when somebody you love is hurt. It releases these emotions and allows us to cleanse ourselves.

Make an awesome dessert. I like to make warm, soft chocolate cake. But even berries dipped in chocolate, or crepes with ice cream and fruit, or fresh apple pie, or homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies, are great. This isn't an every day thing, but an occasional treat thing. But it's wonderful.

Try something new, every week. Ask yourself: "What new thing shall I try this week?" Then be sure to do it. You don't have to learn a new language in one week, but seek new experiences. Give it a try. You might decide you want to keep it in your life.

Be in the moment. Instead of thinking about things you need to do, or things that have happened to you, or worrying or planning or regretting, think about what you are doing, right now. What is around you? What smells and sounds and sights and feelings are you experiencing? Learn to do this as much as possible through meditation, but also through bringing your focus back to the present as much as you can in everything you do.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Word-Filled Wednesday {21}

2010-11-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {20}

2010-11-03T16:49:00.003-04:00

Cheap and effective, just the way it needs to be. 8)

Miss you ladies.

xoxox

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {19}

2010-10-20T16:24:00.002-04:00

I'm alive, I promise. School has taken over my life but I'm attempting to pop back in when I can!

Now onto one of my favorite posts to do, Word-Filled Wednesday!

I hope you all have enemies too. 8)

♥

Word-Filled Wednesday {18}

2010-09-29T21:55:00.003-04:00

Because sometimes I need a reminder that what I think is best for me does not always align with what He knows is best for me.

♥

Guest Posting!

2010-09-24T14:37:00.003-04:00

Please know that even though I've been a gigantic fail of a blogger around this blog, today I'm guest bloggin' over at the gorgeous Lauren's blog while she is away enjoying Europe.

Head over there & check out some of my favorite things about Fall!

Word-Filled Wednesday {17}

2010-09-15T10:39:00.002-04:00

First of all, thank you all for your congratulations and excitement for my engagement. It has made my experience so much better, feeding off of everyone else's excitement. It means the world to me. Seriously. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

xoxox

Second, I promise to give a recap of the day. I have yet to upload the pictures to Vito's new laptop as school has been swallowing up my time. It will come. Promise!

Third, it's time to get back to World-Filled Wednesday's which happen to be one of my favorite posts I make.

If this quote does not apply to you right now, it will.

True love is out there for everyone.

It's truly worth it in every way.

♥

"And If You Knew How Happy You Are Making Me I Never Thought That I'd Love Anyone So Much"

2010-09-07T19:41:00.005-04:00

Title: Chantal Kreviazuk - "Feels Like Home"

So this past Sunday has many of you know, Vito & I ventured down to the beach early in the AM for a day trip. We were suppose to go down last week with our anniversary twins but I went ruined it by getting sick.

This Sunday we went down by ourselves for the day.

To say it was amazing would be an understatement.

The beach is my favorite place. In the world.

I have many pictures to show you and will explain our whole day but I couldn't wait any longer.

The best part of the entire day?

When Vito took me for a walk on the beach at sunset and proposed to me.

After almost 5.5 years, I am ENGAGED!!!!
(Sorry for the poor quality of the picture!)

We're beyond ecstatic and I promise to give y'all the details soon but until then, feast your eyes on this beauty!

xoxox

Word-Filled Wednesday {16}

2010-09-01T16:52:00.002-04:00

♥

"Cause You Been Acting Like You're Overloaded"

2010-08-31T15:12:00.000-04:00

Title: Hanson - "And I Waited"

Kinda like Friday's post, this blog post has no real focus. I have a whole bunch of random things going on right now, just thought you should know.

The amazing beach day trip with my lovah and 2 friends? Didn't happen.

When I wrote Friday's post, I was trying to focus on all the happy things in my life so take my mind off of the sickness that was creeping in. I had convinced myself that I'd be fine. I went home from work and curled up on the couch. Even made it to the grocery store (in yoga pants, feel free to judge) to pick up snacks. Went back to the couch and crashed. For 3 hours. I never got anything done and I woke up feeling worse. After crying and a lot of "it's not faaaaaiiir"'s, Vito let our friends know we wouldn't be making it. Pretty lame but one can't enjoy the beach as much if her partner in crime is a box of tissues and a bag of cough drops. I'm still kinda bitter but I'm working on getting over it. We are going to try to reschedule for this weekend. I'm not letting myself get excited.

Last night I had my first class of my senior year. Woot woot! I'm one of 6 girls in a class with 19 other men. It's a night class and I'm stuck in a group with the annoying kid in class. Awesome start. This morning's class has officially made my anxiety sky rocket when I learn that I'll be writing and defending a thesis for that class plus another one that starts tomorrow. Oh and did I mention the research study I'm running? 6 classes. I may not survive. I promise Vito will post if said death occurs.

The best part of my 3 day weekend was yesterday, Vito & I ventured to Starbucks. Now seeing as it is 90+ degrees outside (what.the.eff), drinking a pumpkin spice latte wouldn't be possible. But there was a saving grace. I don't know if y'all have amazing baristas like I do around here but they will pretty much bend over backwards for you. I asked her what cold pumpkin drinks she could make me. She whipped us up a pumpkin spice coffee frapp.

*cue angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus."

I died. & went to heaven. & cursed Vito for making us share it. I'm still thinking about it and might need to go get one tonight. I am SO sad to hear from my international readers that pumpkin spice isn't an option over seas. I say boycott or start a petition because trust me, you need it in your life.

I finished The Hunger Games' third book in its trilogy. Mockingjay. Peeta & I reunited and it feels soooooo good. Yes I sung that in my head, love me through it. 8) If you've been hiding under a rock and haven't read this series, do yourself a favor and get on that. You will thank me. & you will fall in love with the boy with the bread.

Trust.

I bought the new Hanson CD.

Go ahead and judge me.

There are a lot of new followers around this blog! (Maybe not so many after admitting #5)

I'm so glad y'all have stopped by. Don't be shy, feel free to introduce yourselves!

"The Touch Of Your Lips, It's A Shock Not A Kiss, It's Electric Twist."

2010-08-27T12:35:00.006-04:00

Title: A Fine Frenzy - "Electric Twist"

Today, let's address some reason why Vanessa is happy!

It's Friday. Not only is that exciting in its self, it is also my last 8 hour day until at least October. And I have a 3 day weekend! & there is a certain someone who isn't in the office today which always makes for a better day!

It's August and only 80 degrees outside, sun is shining, and the windows are open. I don't know about y'all but fresh air and sunshine always puts me in a better mood.

Tomorrow we are doing a day trip to the beach with our anniversary couple! This will be my first (and probably only trip) to the beach this year. I am excited to go as it will only be 80 degrees at the beach, perfect weather. After the trip, I think I will finally be able to let go of summer and welcome fall!

The beautiful Ivy is celebrating her blogoversary and is having an amazing giveaway. I do not want to tell you about it because I'm selfishly dreaming of winning just so I can try her treehugger coffee!

I received an email today from Starbucks. We all know how I'm addicted right? Right. And many of you also know how excited I am for September 1st, which is usually the first officially day for Pumpkin Spice Latte's (my second favorite drink!) to be back! Well since Starbucks and I are bffs (Read: I keep them in business) they sent me an extra special message today that I want to share with y'all!

So tell me what things are making you happy today??

Happy Weekend!!

Word-Filled Wednesday {15}

2010-08-25T10:57:00.002-04:00

♥