January Favorites

First favorites of 2015!  Is it just me or did January fly??  On one hand I'm super excited that we're one month closer to warmer weather, but I'm really not trying to wish my life away.

Elvis Duran was talking about living in the moment this morning on the radio and that these really are the days.  I'm trying to channel that thought process.... anyway, let's talk favorites!

1. Alex & Ani Positive is How I Live Bracelet

This bracelet was a Christmas gift from one of my most darling friends and I have worn it almost every day since.  The meaning behind this piece is all about being positive and sharing that kindness with people throughout your day.  My favorite part of the description that came with this was to "greet each day with an open heart because every situation is enhanced with enthusiasm."  Each time I wear this bracelet and it catches my eye during the day, it's a little reminder to think and be positive.

2. Cabin Socks

Scott gave me two pairs of these for Christmas and I cannot stop wearing them.  I'm usually not a huge fan of fuzzy socks because they're too big to wear with shoes and they make my feet overheat.  But these fuzzy socks are like a little bit of heaven.  They are slimmer (if that makes since when talking about socks) than previous fluffy socks I've had, and they're infused with aloe that keeps your feet warm but super soft and cool at the same time.  Is that even possible...?  I don't know how they do it, but these are really great socks.

3. Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum

This has been my skin lifesaver this month.  I have sensitive skin that doesn't do well with many moisturizers which can be a huge problem in the cold, windy winter.  I won this product through Allure (score!) and when it came in the mail I was so excited.  It is luxurious and silky; a little goes a long way.  The serum it definitely pricey ($75), but if it's within your budget, it's worth trying.

4. Mike's Hot Honey

After reading about this on philly.com, I hopped right on over to Google and ordered my bottle.  I placed my order on a Thursday and received it Saturday morning and started to think of things I could try it on.  The first thing I had it on was one of the recommended pairings- pizza!  This stuff is sweet but seriously spicy; it is so good.  Since then I've been trying to come up with anything and everything to put this on.  They recommend trying in a cocktail; if you have any ideas leave me a comment!

5. PB2 & CPB2

Yes, powdered peanut butter has made my monthly favorites.  Originally I was only using PB2 and CPB2 (chocolate peanut butter!!!) in my protein shakes, but once I followed the instructions to make this into actual peanut butter, there is no going back.  It's so easy (2 T. powder, 1 T. water) and it mixes up just like regular peanut butter, with much less fat and fewer calories.  If you're a peanut butter lover looking for a healthier alternative, give this a try.

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I hope you liked my favorites this month, I wanted to switch up the format a little to include some treats as well as products.  Feel free to leave a comment letting me know some of your favorites this month!

How Many Kids Do You Want?

Maaaybe six months after we got married, people started asking about babies.

So, what's next?  When are you having kids?  How many do you want?  Do you have names picked out?  

I've always known I wanted to be a mom, or at least that I didn't not want to be a mom.  Does that make sense?  To be honest, I've never really known how many kids I want, because who knows how I will be with just one baby.  I guess it's about preparing for the unexpected but the thought of being physically and financially responsible for a baby is a scary thing.  Maybe these are irrational fears or fear of the unknown, but it's something that crosses my mind.

How do you know what you want until you have it?  There are things that you may not know you want in your life until they're already there and vice versa.

But what about the opposite?  What about the things you think you want and then realize you definitely don't.

The thing with kids is, you can't change your mind like you could with a pet.  A pet you can give away to your neighbor, a child is yours forever.  I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all, I'm just saying how are you really sure that you want one child, two kids, or a whole dodge-ball team?  Do you ever really know the answer or do you just go with the flow?

I started to make a list of all the reasons I'm not ready to be a mom yet, and it really boils down to one thing - I'm selfish.  At this point in my life, I'm selfish about sleeping in on Saturdays, planning trips for just Scott and I, spending my money on things I just want, going out to dinner every weekend, advancing my career and, honestly, deciding what I want to make of my career.  Until I'm ready to give up my freedom and devote my time to one, two, or however many kids we end up with, I'm spending my time spoiling myself and my husband.

This is the point in our lives between being a child and having a child, I plan to enjoy it.

A bit of a brain dump today.  Any thoughts?

That's all for this snowy day, Happy Monday :)

25 Before 25: Six Months To Go!

Holy cow- tomorrow is my half birthday which means I only have 6 months to check everything off of my list, and there is quite a bit left!  I can't believe I wrote this list a year ago.  

I feel like I've done a good job checking things off (and there are quite a few things in progress), but I really want to accomplish everything on it!  Here's what's left:

1. Read 10 books based on others recommendations - 6/10 finished, reading #7 now.
2. Write a letter to my 35 year old self - This is started but it's a tough one.
3. Visit 3 new places - 2 places visited and going to New Orleans in April!
4. Make macaroons from scratch - I've got the ingredients and the recipes, now just need the time.
5. Random act of kindness - I want this to be special, still trying to pick the right moment.
6. Write 1 handwritten letter a month - 12/19 sent, 7 to go.
7. Gather my own meal and cook it
8. Grow a lemon tree - Living at my mom's for the winter (she has more sun).
9. Jump off a cliff into water
10. Knit myself a scarf - I have the supplies... and have had them for a year.
11. Take a class through Chester County Night School - Anyone want to join? :)
12. Visit the 9/11 memorial
13. Add 5 family recipes to my recipe book - 2 added so far.
14. Watch three classic old movies - 1/3 watched (and loved!).
15. Record an interview with mom - I've started writing my questions, planning on March.
16. Take a spontaneous weekend trip with my friends - planned for February 21.
17. Write a book with my mom and sisters about my dad - in progress!

Looking at this list looks like I have a lot to do! But, pretty much everything really is in progress. I think once I finish this list I want to make a 30 before 30, or maybe even 26 before 26.

I love how putting this together has forced me to take vacations and chances and learn new things. I really believe everyone should try this. Instead of saying "I wish I knew how do that" or "I would love to go on vacation there"- you have to just go for it! Maybe for me, making a list helped remind me of what I wanted to accomplish.

I'll keep you posted on how the rest of this list goes. This weekend I'm going to try work on a few more things... Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

What I've Read So Far

Hi there!  Happy first Wednesday of 2015- today I'm talking books.

Number two on my 25 before 25 list is to read ten books based on others recommendations.  I tend to fall into the same books over and over (hello romance or murder mysteries), and I wanted to break out of that cycle.

I thought it would be interesting to take recommendations from different people: friends, coworkers, family and strangers.  I've read six books; I hit a seriously slow period in the fall but have picked the pace back up.  Here are the books that have been recommended to me so far:

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This was recommended from a previous coworker and friend of mine. What a sweet book to start the list with. The story is told through letters written between the author and different characters in the book. I could picture every moment in this story and the ending was beautifully romantic. It was an easy read- great to through in your bag on vacation!

2. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

One night I had the idea to ask the woman at the bookstore, Carol, for a recommendation. She was an older woman and looked at me like I was a little crazy when I asked her to recommend a book.  I didn't give any specifics, besides that my goal was to read 10 books recommended by others.  The first book she recommended was sci-fi and out of stock, which was probably a good thing for my taste. She ended up recommending a mystery book, which took a little while to get into, but I enjoyed it overall. I would definitely read the next two books in this series.

3. My point... and I do have one

Oh, Ellen... I just love Ellen. Scott gave my this book as his recommendation because he knows how much I love Ellen. And I do, but I did not love this book. Don't get me wrong, it was funny and I laughed out loud at parts, but there was no story to get into. It's the type of book that jumps from this to that; you could put it down and pick it up two years later and be fine. Just not my cup of tea.

4. Gone Girl

You probably haven't heard of this ;). My older sister, Molly, recommended this book and it was one of those can't-put-down reads. I got through it really quickly, saw the movie, the whole shebang. The book was better than the movie, but they always are. I really want to read more from Gillian Flynn.

5. The Art of Racing in the Rain

This darling book was recommended by a friend I see every once in a while. We got together about a year after my dad passed away and talked about my list and books, she ended up recommending this one and I picked it up the next night. It was a touching story and I found it very interesting to read through the eyes of a dog. There were a lot of life lessons; my favorite was the art of consciously listening, really listening to someone without thinking about interrupting them with some way to relate to the story. Loved this one!

6. The Other Wes Moore

My mother-in-law gave me this after it was recommended at Villanova University. It's the story of two men with the same name who grew up somewhat close to each other, and how different their lives end up. This book really made me take a step back and realize how lucky I am and how my life could be completely different in negative ways. This was a good read, I would recommend it.

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I do have number seven downloaded from the library, and my mom has claim over number 8. If you have any books I just need to read, leave me a comment to let me know :)

Later this week I'll be doing an update post for what is left on my 25 before 25 list- see you then!

Our New Year's Eve Feast!

Happy New Year!  It's that time of year where people set intentions for the year and celebrate starting over.  And also the time of year where it takes me a couple weeks to get used to writing the date!

When Scott and I decided we were going to spend NYE just the two of us at home, we decided to plan a delicious menu to keep the night special and end the year right.  Number 7 on my 25 before 25 list was to cook Scott a four course meal from scratch (minus 1 little ingredient) and this was the perfect opportunity.

We sat down the night before NYE and planned the menu together and it sounded so good.  I was a little nervous to try to time everything right, but (not to brag), everything turned out perfectly!  Here's a look at our delicious NYE.

First Course

Guacamole Bruchetta

Oh my goodness this is such a good combination.  We (Scott) could not stop eating this, but I knew what we had ahead of us!  The guacamole is a simple combination on avocado, red onion, lime juice, salt and pepper.  I didn't blend the guac as much as I normally do so that it would hold up better on the french bread.

I mentioned that I didn't make one thing from scratch... it was the bruchetta.  A Cut Above Deli in Newtown Square makes the best bruchetta I have ever had, so I don't even try to compete!  This appetizer was easy and delicious, it will definitely be a repeat recipe.

Second Course

Craisin, Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad

Scott picked up a honey goat cheese that was awesome and I added a cranberry vinaigrette to our mixed greens, walnuts and craisins - yum!  The goat cheese was sweet and creamy, the craisins added a little tang, and walnuts were a perfect addition for a crunch.  We've made this salad before; it's actually really similar to what was served at our wedding.  This was the easy course of our meal!

Third Course

Filet Mignon with Garlic Whipped Potatoes & Lemon Pepper Asparagus

We knew our main dish would be filet.  First I made the mashed potatoes with a little whole milk, butter, salt and pepper.  I steamed the asparagus and added fresh cracked pepper and lemon juice.  Then came the filet.  I have never made it perfectly before so I was a little nervous.  

I seared each side for two and half minutes and the edges for a minute each, then put them in the oven at 400 degrees for five minutes.  I let them rest another five minutes before slicing them, and I'm not kidding they were amazing!  Honestly, I couldn't even believe how well they turned out.

Fourth Course

Creme Brûlée

Dessert was another first for me.  When we order dessert out, Scott and I always split creme brûlée.  I had been wanting to make it, and it was easier than I expected.  I know a few adjustments I can make for next time, but it was sweet and creamy and pretty darn good.

It's not NYE without some champagne!  We finished the last bottle from our wedding before I passed out at 11... I did wake up to see the ball drop :)

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year filled with lots of fun!  My goal is to travel more and be present when I'm with people I care about.  See you back here soon :)

Christmas in (a ton of) Pictures!

It's the most wonderful tiiiiime of the year!!!!  It's time for Christmas wrap up - enjoy!

Christmas Eve

We spend Christmas eve with my family every year.  Usually we go to church and then come home and open a gift, but with a new service schedule and my sister having to work, we weren't able to attend church this year.  We spent the night enjoying a delicious dinner my momma made and opening a few small gifts.  After that, Scott and I went home to exchange our gifts!

The aftermath!

Christmas Day

We woke up to a warm Christmas day and headed back over to my mommas for brunch.  I made a pancetta and gruyere breakfast casserole and Mom made her DELICIOUS pecan french toast.  We exchanged gifts which was a lot of fun!  My love language it definitely gift giving, I love seeing peoples reactions to what I picked out for them!  My mom and sisters spoiled me with very nice and thoughtful gifts :).

An Audrey painting by Liz, one of my favorite gifts I've ever received!

There were some tears when we opened our "Daddy" bears.  Mom made them out of my dads favorite shirts.

Christmas Night

We spent Christmas night with Scott's family.  I made a trio of crostinis that were so delicious (you can find the recipe here).  We got to see the little ones open some gifts and I was so happy when my niece was excited to open up Spiral Art and a Lite Brite, two of my favorite toys from when I was a kid.  Scott and I were spoiled again by his family; it sounds cliche but we really are lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people.

Guess how many good pictures Scott and I got together.... no really guess.  If you guessed zero, you're right!

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As you can see we had a busy but awesome Christmas!  It's always been my favorite holiday because I get to pick out gifts for those I love, eat amazing food, and spend time with my family.  I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and have exciting plans for New Years Eve; Scott and I are planning a fancy dinner to end the year :)  See you back here later this week!

100 Things About Me

It's my 100th post!!!  It's hard to believe I've put together 100 different things for you all to read about.  Thanks for sticking with me so far.  Here is my Christmas gift to anyone that reads this.... 100 incredibly random things about me!

100 Things About Me

1. I was born at 3:23AM... making an entrance from the start :)
2. My life = A constant Christmas countdown (3 days!!!)
3. I was born in Connecticut
4. My favorite color is yellow
5. I can't stand when people click pens over and over
6. I have an addiction...
7. ....it's Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles
8. I cry really easily
9. I like one of my sisters more than the other
10. Sometimes I tell white lies (see above)
11. I am my moms favorite (not a white lie)
12. I never remember good dreams
13. But I can always remember nightmares (totally lame!)
14. I have to look at menus ahead of time because I'm a bad decision maker
15. I collected Spice Girls lollipops and saved the wrappers after I ate them... so I basically collected trash
16. I went to afternoon kindergarten
17. My dream vacation is visiting Mykonos and Santorini, Greece!
18. But my favorite place I've been so far is Sorrento, Italy
19. I genuinely enjoy studying and taking tests
20. I met my husband when I was 16
21. My first job was filing in a dermatologist office
22. My favorite restaurant is Terrain
23. I once got strep leg after I got bit by a spider
24. My Easter egg hunts were on the beach in the Outer Banks
25. I am a godmother to my beautiful godson, Chase :)
26. I went through a phase of singing everything in a Broadway voice (sorry, Molly!)
27. My favorite U.S. city (so far) is Chicago, IL
28. I am not very good at painting nails
29. People used to call my Lizzie in middle school because they thought I looked like Lizzie McGuire
30. I'm allergic to pretty much any lotion created... so that's cool.
31. My current favorite words are tight and dope                                                                                           

    

32. My favorite show in middle school was TRL
33. I can bench press 100 pounds (on a good day)
34. I had a hamster named Snuggles growing up
35. My mom made me an ice cream castle cake one year but it was so hot out we sang around the freezer
36. I have two tattoos
37. Scott and I already have boy and girl baby names picked out
38. I have never gotten a speeding ticket or even been pulled over
39. My first car was a two-door, stick shift, purple RAV-4
40. I kicked a hole through a wall in middle school and my dad made me learn how to drywall to fix it
41. Molly and I snuck into the grand opening of Sprinkles Cupcakes
42. I always wanted to be a ballerina
43. I have two kitties even though I'm allergic
44. I found my first white hair at 14 (whaaaat the actual eff??)
45. My favorite cookies are macarons
46. I am a quarter Italian, a quarter German, a quarter Scottish, and a quarter English/Irish/Swedish/Scandinavian/I really don't know
47. I'll be a first-time bridesmaid in July 2015! #meetthewhalens #mybffisgettingmarried
48. My favorite meal is a medium rare steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus OR scallops over risotto
49. I danced in a hip hop dance crew called So Fresh
50. I prefer the mechanical pencils that twist down
51. I have been to 6 different countries... so far ;)
52. My mom ate at Gina's Hot Dog Stand everyday when she was pregnant with me...
53. ...but supposedly I'm named after Geena Davis
54. My favorite drink is champagne
55. I work in the real estate investment industry
56. I have my Series 65 certification
57. My hair has officially grown back to my natural color after years of dying it!
58. I learned to drive stick after buying a manual car
59. My favorite cake is yellow cake with chocolate frosting...
60. ...but I MUCH prefer lemon meringue pie!!!
61. I hate bananas but love banana cream pie
62. Two amazing friends and I camped out overnight to make sure I got a parking pass my first year of college
63. My first concert was Dream Street
64. I flew on a plane with Bruno Mars' band to Curacao
65. I don't like chicken
66. I had my church add a confirmation name for me even though they don't do that
67. Justin Timberlake and I are meant to be together (sorry Scott!)                                                                           

    

       

68. I lost to a shut out in beer pong on Senior Week
69. I used to get really tan as a child... and then that stopped. Lame!
70. I had my first kiss during A Walk to Remember (in theaters!)
71. One summer we tried to hair-wrap my whole head and made it to over 15 hair-wraps
72. Every time the seasons change that becomes my new favorite season
73. We got married on a beautiful fall day last October
74. I got stitches in my lip with I was 2
75. My favorite holiday after Christmas (and besides my birthday) is Halloween
76. I loooove chalkboards and have a bunch in my house
77. I collect Christmas ornaments from everywhere I travel (and my family is nice enough to bring them back from me from their travels!)
78. Every day in middle school I ate a plain salami sandwich
79. My dad drove me to school every morning for a year and a half in high school
80. My favorite pizza is Mac-n-Cheese
81. I go through phases of obsessing over things (past examples include cherries and Hello Kitty)
82. My favorite valentine chocolates are the ones filled with fruit!
83. I could eat Mexican food for every meal, for-eva-eva
84. I've saved my birthday cards since I was 12 years old
85. I've also saved calendars and planners
86. I might be a hoarder...
87. One of my nicknames in high school was "Tink" and I'm still not sure why...
88. I've never been to a professional football game
89. But I was at the Phillies World Series win!
90. I'm writing a book with my sisters and momma
91. My dreamiest dream purse is over $4,000 (I've faced the music - it's never gonna happen)
92. I've always wanted to run a marathon
93. My favorite section of the news is law/justice
94. Rootbeer is my favorite soda
95. I like using ink stamps on crafts and letters
96. I cross out the day on my calendar when it starts, not when it ends
97. I didn't learn how to take pills until I was 15
98. Probably because my biggest fear in life is choking
99. Speaking of which, I had to have the Heimlich done to me once (thanks, Molls!)
100. I have OCD tendencies including washing my hands 10+ times a day

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If you've made it to the end, I am seriously impressed.  Do you know how hard it is to come up with 100 things about yourself??  Ay yi yi... hopefully you enjoyed this list and learned everything a few things about me!

Enjoy these last couple days before Christmas :)