2011 in Review

As 2011 creeps out the back door while 2012 is knocking on the front door, I thought I'd review the year that was. There won't be any pictures, as I really don't know what pictures to post. I'm sure there will be some tomorrow. 2011 wasn't terrible, it wasn't great, it just was. It had some highs and lows and a lot of in-betweens. Here are some of those highs and lows:

Highs

New job!

New car!!!!!!!!!!!!

First family stay in a hotel

Joy's lovely wedding we were able to be in

Lots of great times at Disney, at home, all over

Finding a healthcare situation that will work for me for 2012!!!

Lows

Living situation hasn't changed

Ok, so looking at it that way, I'd say 2011 was pretty good! I can look back and see the times spent with my wonderful family and great friends and feel beyond blessed. Things may not be exactly how I want them to be, but there not as bad as they could be either.

To those who had a crappy 2011, I hope that the new year brings you joy and peace beyond your wildest dreams. To those who had a great 2011, I hope the blessings keep coming. And to those who had an okay 2011, like me, well, I hope you can see that it was probably better than you thought and that 2012 is more of the same! Happy New Year!

Christmas Wrap Up

Christmas is over, but I'm going to do a quick wrap up of our Christmas this year, mostly through pictures...enjoy!

Quinn hanging his new Crush and Squirt ornament on the tree.

Posing with the toys he picked out to donate to a "little boy".

In the sleigh at Christmas Lane.

I take this picture every year.

Our family picture by the tree didn't go so well this year. Here's to next year!

Helping Papa make his legendary hot chocolate on Christmas Eve.

Yay for presents!!

We visited Ruby Falls, which was super cool.

Opening presents again when we got home.

We had a great Christmas this year. It was nice to spend it with family and friends and we can only hope that all our future Christmases are this nice or better. We are truly blessed.

Wonderful Christmas Eve

This will be brief, but I wanted to write about how great Christmas Eve is, at least for me. There is so much anticipation and eagerness, but at the same time, things are calm and peaceful. Somewhat. I guess because Quinn doesn't seem to quite get opening presents at the crack of dawn yet, for which I am very grateful. My dad always makes the best hot chocolate and we watch Its a Wonderful Life and just spend time together. Can't ask for much better than that I say. So Merry Christmas Eve everyone, I hope you find peace and joy on this wonderful night.

Wonderful Pinterest

Ok, so this while blogging every day thing has gone off the rails a bit, but hey, I've blogged a lot more than I usually do. Now maybe I can stick with it and blog more than 1-2 times a month. Keep your fingers crossed.

(I have to say I'm writing this while sitting at my parents house watching Muppet Christmas Carol. It is seriously one of the best movies. Light the lamp not the rat!)

The subject of today's post is Pinterest, which many people have heard of and are using, but if you haven't/aren't, you should. It is basically a website where you can "pin" interesting things you find online. Say you see a recipe on a blog that you want to make one day, but don't want to bookmark or write down the site. You just go to Pinterest, choose a board, and pin the website (via a picture) to that board. Its kind of like a big storage facility for website stuff. And you can find anything, litereally, on Pinterest. Recipes, crafts, quotes, funny pictures, kid stuff, photo inspiration, just about anything. You can have board for things you want to do, things you love, or just things that inspire you. I love it, it is so useful and I've found some great things on it, just through the people I "follow". My friend Joy's wedding was mostly DIY and a whole lot of those ideas were from Pinterest. I'm telling you, I don't know how we survived without it. Ok, that might be a bit dramatic, but it is so versatile, I say pretty much anyone can use it. And yes, it is mostly a female clientele, but don't be afraid guys. Jump on the Pinterest bandwagon!

Wonderful Makeup

Today is another bit of an "indulge me" post. As stated yesterday, I do love the makeup. Its fun to play with and its a nice part of being a girl. This is just a glossy overview. I have a lot more than this, but these are some highlights.



I probably love eyeshadow more than anything else. I have lots and I love seeing the pretty colors and experimenting with textures, looks, the whole lot. The picture above is the original Urban Decay Naked Palette, which is amazing for everything from neutral to smoky looks. It can be used pretty much daily. They just came out with Naked 2, which I'm hoping to get soon. As far as eyeshadow goes, I've found Urban Decay and MAC to be the best. There are still some brands I do want to try, but these are the 2 favorites right now. Oh, and make sure to get a good primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion is my go to). It makes all the difference.

As far as blush goes, I usually use MAC, but I do love my NARS Orgasm. It is a bit pricey, but it lasts and is just gorgeous. I've had my current pan for probably 3 years or more. Its fab.

This is my current mascara, along with Maybelline Full N Soft. It does just as good a job, if not better, than the expensive brands I have used. I would like to try some other fancier mascaras, but for something you are supposed to throw away every 3 months, I like paying $5 or less (and there are always coupons).

For a great neutral pinky color, I reach for BE Buxom in Dolly. Its so shiny and fun and it pays a bit of homage to someone I adore, Dolly Parton! Between this and MAC Viva Glam V lipglass, my neutral lipgloss bases are covered.

I'm not very good with eyeliner, but this kind by MAC is awesome and so easy. It helps that the brush is a foam tip, as opposed to a real brush. Sadly, MAC doesn't make this anymore, but Sephora makes one with a similar tip in their own line. I like it just as well as the MAC.

So that's that. As with nail polish, there is so much out there to experiment and play with. Have fun and don't think that just because you've used X, Y, or Z for years means you can't try something new!

Wonderful Nail Polish

I have better computer access today, so I'm back! At least today. I thought I'd write something that didn't need personal pictures, so indulge me a little on this one.

Most of you know I have a general makeup obsession, but lately, my nail polish obsession has grown a bit out of control. Seriously. I currently have 3 smallish Sterilite boxes full of nail polish and other nail accessories. I have been trying to change my finger nail polish at least twice a week. Its easy and fun and I'm getting much better at it. I bought a cheapo ELF concealer brush and that has really helped with removing smears and polish around the cuticles. As far as toes, I don't do my own. They never look right. I get a pedicure about 1x a month or so, sometimes more. Since I have so much polish, I have been taking my own to use. Plus its a nice way to relax and read or whatever for 45 minutes or so.

As far as nail shape and length, I'm a shorter is better person. I just like the way nail polish looks on short, usually squoval nails. Its funny, because growing up I played the piano and couldn't have long nails and always wanted them. Now I can have them and I don't want them. Such is life. I've never had acrylics and probably never will. Its just not my bag.

Here are some of my current favorite polishes. Hope you find something you like!

Wocka Wocka! by OPI (Muppet Collection) - Absolutely beautiful red/pink, just gorgeous

Warm and Fozzie by OPI (Muppet Collection) - an awesome blackened bronze

Rainbow Connection by OPI (Muppet Collection) - can't wait to use this on an accent nail for NYE!
New Years Red-solution - Sephora by OPI - just had this on my toes, very nice


Lincoln Park after Dark by OPI- great blackened purple, one of their best-sellers, just perfect
I'm Not Really a Waitress by OPI - fabulous shiny red, on my toes currently

Wicked by Essie - superb blackened red, got a lot of compliments on this one

Mink Muffs by Essie - such a pretty light brownish taupe, fun

Designer de Better by OPI (Muppet Collection) - pretty pale silver glitter, currently on my fingers

Whew, that's a lot, and there's a lot I left out. I love lots of colors by OPI, Sephora by OPI, Essie, and Butter London.
Take a look for yourself and find something fun, there is so much out there, go crazy!

Bloggus Interuptus

I was doing so well too. I got home Wednesday night and was told that the computer had fallen off the couch (a distance of about 2 feet, if that) and the screen was cracked. I didn't work yesterday and even though we have a desktop, its not the best and I just didn't feel like working on it. Ross got a quote on a new screen, so we'll see what happens. Until then, I won't be doing much blogging, especially since I don't have any pictures. Well...I might be able to whip something up, we shall see.

Wonderful Exercise

Ok, maybe not so wonderful, but I do like working out when I can. Its a good stress reliever, at least for me. Before I started working again I was going to the Y at least 3, sometimes 5 times a week. Here are some of my favorites.

Zumba - Zumba is a dance aerobics class that I still try and make it to when I can. I know some people are scared off by dancey type classes, and trust me, they can be intimidating. But give it a whirl. Stand in the back, I do. Its a fun way to get that cardio in without having to be boring onthe treadmill or whatever.

2. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred - Yes, she is the scary instructor from The Biggest Loser. But her stuff is good and quick. I have been doing this recently and just moved up to Level 2, and whew, it is tough. But this one is easily accessible (in some places its On Demand) and you're done in about 25 minutes. Its definitely not easy, but it does make a difference in a short amount of time.

3. Les Mills style classes - When I was a member at Lifestyles I did these classes a lot. I did some for a bit at the Y, but unfortunately the times didn't work out. My absolute favorite is BodyCombat, so much fun and such a good workout. I've also done BodyPump (a lot), BodyStep (also a lot, but longer ago), and I tried a BodyFlow class a time or two. All are great and different workouts. BodyPump is great for weight training, BodyStep is a great cardio class without the all over the place danciness of old-school, traditional step classes. If your gym offers them, try 'em out.

Those are what I like, at least right now. But whether you like to dance or run or swim or bike or whatever, get a little exercise in, it will brighten you day and hopefully improve your health, which is what really matters.

Wonderful Disney

Its not secret that we love Disney in our house. We are current Seasonal Passholders, which is perfect for us. We have blackout dates, but honestly I don't want to be there in the summer anyway. Its hot as blazes and there are too.many.people. We do try and make our passes worth our dollars when we aren't blacked out. We go often, do different things, and sometimes we just do the old favorites. Here are some of those favorites.

1. Our (meaning Ross and I) favorite event is easily the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. There's food, there's wine, there's beer, there's entertainment, what more do you want? I know so many people who love it just as much as we do, so they must be doing something right. If you get the chance to check it out, please do!

2. Another favorite is Christmas in the parks. We went this past weekend and hit 3 of the parks to see the decorations and just get in the Christmas mood. It was so fun. The Magic Kingdom was gorgeous, the light show at Hollywood Studios was just spectacular, and I got to see NEIL PATRICK HARRIS at the Candlelight Processional! It definitely was legen...wait for it...dary!! (I had to do it.) Everything is just so much more magical at Christmas. And there is so much to do, from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to just seeing the gorgeous sights. I haven't been to Animal Kingdom during Christmas, but I'm sure its great too.

Quinn checking out the lights at Hollywood Studios

3. I don't really have a number 3, so lets just say everything else is #3. We love Disney, and we always have fun, whatever we do, whenever we go.

I realize how lucky we are to have Disney only 45 minutes from our house, and how lucky Quinn is to have passes as a kid. He has been probably over 20 times since he turned 2. Most adults can't say that. I just hope he realizes how lucky he really is! I do get a little sad that I'll never be able to surprise him with a trip like in the commercials, but I think I can be ok with it!

If anyone knows why this text is underlining, please let me know. I can't figure it out!

Wonderful Series

I had a plan to do a Disney blog today, but its late and I'm tired, so I'm going to do a bit of a spin-off of yesterday and talk about wonderful series everyone should read.

A lot of people are anti-Young Adult book series, but they probably suck as people. Ok, that might be extreme, but I tend to lean that way. Anyway, the first series I will mention is the Hunger Games series which I read earlier this year. It is awesome. Please read it. I'm not usually one for slightly sci-fi, dystopian thrillers, but this just sucks you in and really creates an awesome world, that is scarily plausible. I had to be talked into it and was so glad I was. I've talked quite a few people into it and they've all thanksed me, I know you will too.

The next one is the Harry Potter series. No explanation is needed. It is just plain awesome.

And I have no idea why that text is showing up like that. Weirdness.

Wonderful Car

This one will be short and pictureless.

I love my car. It was such a surprise and blessing in my life and it continues to be. My previous car was good for a time, but we started to outgrow it and then, well, it pretty much quit working. Twice. I spent the summer of 2010 (or 6 weeks of it anyway) with no car and then it quit working again right before summer this year. But yay for Sally (and Ross) for swooping in and getting me back on the road. Plus its bigger, cuter, and just more awesomer. Woo-hoo!

And yay for me for getting this blog in right before my daily deadline.

Wonderful Books

As both you readers out there know, I've been really trying to read more lately. And it is working...sorta. I'm definitely not at the level of some people I see (I frequent a book message board and there are people on there who've read over 200 this year already. 200!), but I'm for sure doing better than I was last year or 2 years ago at this time. I used to read all the time when I was younger, I could go through a Baby-Sitter's Club book in a day or so. Those were some good times. My mom reads very frequently, she always seems to have at least 2 books on her table. Maybe someday. I've also been trying to expand what I read, including at least 1 classic and a few non-fictions in every year. I just think reading is so magical (cheesy, I know, but hey, find another word for me). You can explore so much of the world (and other worlds to for that matter) through just a few pages. There is a quote from the book A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin (which I haven't read, but maybe will someday) that says (and I paraphrase a bit) "A reader lives a thousand lives before he lives, the man who never reads lives only one." Truer words have not been spoken.

Let me throw in a quick book review since books are the topic. I just finished Maphead by my Jeopardy hero, Ken Jennings.

If you are at all interested in maps or geography or Ken Jennings or humor, check this book out. It was very intriguing. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of maps/travel/geography, from antique map collecting to road rallies via maps to the National Geography bee in Washington, D.C. It is fascinating, informative, and best of all, hilarious! And if you like it, please check out his first book, Brainiac. Also awesome.

Wonderful Job

Having a job, in these times especially, is a very good thing. And I'm very grateful for the job I have. As many of you may know, I worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters for 6 years before having Quinn and that was a great job. I worked with great people, I was helping kids, and while the pay sucked, it had great benefits and the time off really couldn't be beat. But awesome non-profit jobs are hard to come by these days, so working as the Office Administrator/Assistant/General Do Girl for Dynavistics, Inc/Trinity USA is working out pretty well. My boss is fabulous, there are great perks, the hours are good, and I'm learning something completely and totally new to me. Can't ask for much more than that! So thank you to Pamela for giving me a chance, I appreciate it mor ethan you know.

Wonderful Friends

I do have some great friends, I must admit. They must be to be friends with me, right? Ha. But it is so important to have friends, especially girlfriends. And its hard to make friends when you're older, especially once you start getting married and having kids. I do treasure the friendships I have so much and am so grateful for all those girls. Some I've known for years, some for maybe a few months, but all are special. Whether we're friends because we share a love of TV or movies or because your kid is the same age as mine or we're somehow related or just because, that doesn't matter. And yes, I do have some guy friends, but eh, who cares about them. So thank you to all my friends who have fun with me, talk to me, and love me. I love you too.

Check out some of my friends blogs!

Joy - Kate - Tasha (I'm sure there are more out there, but that is all I can think of right now)

Wonderful Family Part 3

I know I've mentioned Ross has a big family, which is not something I had growing up. I have 2 cousins total, he has over 30 on his dad's side alone. And while it has definitely been a learning experience, its been a fun one. I'm very thankful for a family that enjoys hanging out, that has fun, that helps out when someone needs it. Ross grew up with his cousins as his friends and I'm thankful that that tradition is continuing. We have had such great times - cooking club, Food and Wine, random football parties, birthdays, my current job, everything. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful people (especially women) in my life.

A picture from the baby shower these awesome women threw me

PS - And as for my extended family, yay that my cousin Rick and his family recently moved here! Its nice to have people from my side of the family around for a change.

Wonderful Family Part 2

Since I spoke of my immediate family yesterday, I will speak of Ross' today. There are a lot of differences in our two families, mine is small, his isn't. Mine live far away, his doesn't. And on and on from there. But even with the differences, and they, as with most in-law situations, can be very much highlighted at times, they can be pretty great. I'm thankful for their help with Quinn, their support, all they've done for us the past few years, and of course, Ross. Thanks!

Quinn with Aunt Bridget and MeeMaw on Thanksgiving

Wonderful Family

Family can be a big word, especially when you're married to someone with so much of it. But I'm speaking of my immediate family. I don't have a huge family, and that's cool. We have fun, love each other, all the good stuff family should be. I'm thankful that I have them and that they have supported me in all my various and random endeavors over the years. That's always a nice thing! I'm very much looking forward to seeing them again at Christmas and making some more special memories.

Quinn and GiGi (my grandma) during our last visit in September.

Meredith, Papa, and Quinn

Nana and Quinn

Dancing with Aunt Mere

I just realized I now refer to them as Quinn does. I guess that's part of being a mom. I just hope I don't start calling Ross "Dad" soon.

Wonderful Quinn

The most logical choice in my next listing of the wonderfulness in my life would of course be Quinn.

He has made my life in wonderful in some very obvious ways and maybe some not so obvious ways. You definitely learn about the "darker" side of life when you become a parent. I don't mean evilness (although that does cross your mind at 3:30 in the morning with a screaming, inconsolable infant), but things that will test you, and hopefully, make you a better person. But they are the kind of things that at the time, you just want them to stop! I can definitely say that for me, that was 100% true. And now I wouldn't trade those times for anything. 3 hasn't been easy...hmmmm, l hope I'm not looking back at this period of time when he's 6 or 10 or 15 and saying I wish he were 3 again. But I have a strange suspicion I will.

But being a mom has been the greatest thing in the world. Quinn is smart, headstrong, generous, adorable, eager, exuberant, and a million other adjectives, all in a 5 minute period! He keeps my days interesting, and of course, wonderful. This time of year is so fun, especially this year, he really "gets" it. As I've said on other posts, I can't wait to see what the future holds, although maybe I should just hold on to now for now.

Wonderful Ross

Its day 2 and I'm still going strong. Woo-Hoo!

So my "wonderful" for today will have to be my dear husband Ross. I wouldn't have married him if he wasn't wonderful, right? For those that don't know, I met Ross about 2 weeks after I moved to Florida in 2001. We started hanging out right away, started dating a month after we met, and we haven't looked back since. Through good and bad, all the general ups and downs of life, he's been there for me, and hopefully he can say the same for me. Marriage is a challenge, that's for sure, but I'm glad he's my challenge! Thanks Ross for adding to the wonderfulness of the season!

Christmas 2002

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Happy December everyone. I've been woefully neglecting my blog lately, so I thought I would try (and the operative word is try) to blog every day this month about things I find wonderful. We'll see how it goes.

The first thing I want to write about is, as cheesy as it sounds, the reason for the season. I know I am not always demonstrative about my faith. We all communicate things differently, and while I feel like I do miss opportunities at times, I am definitely getting better at being open and vocal about it. But hopefully not in an obnoxious way. There are enough obnoxious Christians in the world to go around.

I love Christmas. The fun, Santa, snowmen, trees, gifts, family, stockings, cookies, hot chocolate, shopping, excitement part of Christmas. As I've previously stated, I'm a fan of pomp and circumstance, and there are definitely parts of Christmas that fit in. Its so great to see Quinn's face get excited when he sees the lights on houses or the decorations at the mall. Its great to be with friends, have fun, and enjoy all the minutae of the season. But I truly love the Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, angels, wise men, manger, shepherds, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John part of Christmas. The first part wouldn't exist without the second. So much good as come to the world and to me because of the birth of one baby, and for that I am eternally grateful. Agree or disagree, its what I believe. I will gladly talk about it with you, but I don't want to argue or be called names or be forced into a stereotype that I personally do not fit into. And I will show you the same courtesy. To me, this is what makes the entire season so wonderful.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given

and the government will be on His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Might God

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Happy Thanksgiving! Oh wait...

That was like a week ago, right? Well, things around here have been crazy, so I haven't had much of a chance to update, so I'm doing it now. Better late than never, right?

Thanksgiving was very nice this year. We spent it at Ross' sister Bridget's house and it was a great time and we had one delicious turkey cooked by Bridget's husband James. Seriously good. The next day was the beginning of the whirlwind, as my best friend Joy got married on Saturday. And what a time it was.

Friday I got up and went to Barnes and Noble and Target. I wasn't going to go out, but Joy asked me to pick up some wine for her honeymoon, and since there was a Black Friday deal I wanted at B&N, I went. For the first time ever. And it wasn't so bad. I was around 8 and home around 9:30, so not bad. Then we left for the rehearsal lunch and rehearsal. I was a bridesmaid and Quinn was a ring bearer, so I've been prepping this for a while. It was a beach wedding and since Quinn LOVES the beach, there could have been issues, but I think the rehearsal helped.

After the rehearsal the entire bridal party and some extras went to stay the night at the Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach. Super cute little boutique hotel. Not the family friendliest, but still super cute. As Ross said, it is probably the place to be at spring break and during the summer.

The next day was a swirl of getting ready and pictures and the actual wedding. Quinn wasn't perfect, but for a 3.5 year old, he did pretty good. It was an absolutely perfect day weatherwise, and the wedding was awesome. I'm just happy to see my friend marry someone so wonderful for her. And he's definitely a lucky guy too! Congrats Joy and Creagon, I love you both!

And here are some pictures...

After the rehearsal we hung out on the beach at the hotel. Quinn so wanted to go in, so we let him...in his underwear. We really didn't think he would stay in for as long as he did. That kid loves the beach.

During pictures at the hotel the next day, the beautiful bride.

Mommy and Quinn looking adorable.

First dance

Some of the most awesomest friends I could hope for.

3 More Books

At the beginning of the year I was doing pretty good with book reviews, and I've kind of let that slack lately...like everything else. So I thought I'd write up three quick ones, for all of those that I'm sure are incredibly interested.

I read Outlander in a kind of trade with my friend Kate. I would read Outlander if she would read the first Harry Potter. While I did end up liking Outlander, she definitely got the better end of that deal. Outlander is a historical fiction book set in Scotland at various times in the past. I don't want to give too much away, but there's some crazy time travelin' and even crazier relationship building. While the crux of the story was good, there was a whole lot of exposition that was a bit unnecessary, if you ask me. Wordy is a good word for it. But overall, I liked it enough to possibly read the next book in the series at some point in the future.


This is a book I probably should have read a while ago, but just haven't. It is a classic, and rightfully so, although I don't really see the suspense part of it. There was some, but not enough for me to label this a Romantic Suspense book, as it states on the cover seen above. I did like the whole unnamed narrator thing, I named her Daphne in my head. Again, another book I liked enough, but maybe not as much as a lot of people.

I read this because I've read all the others. It was easily the worst book of the series, but I knew what I was in for. I like the series, so I liked this. And it didn't take me long to read it, so bonus.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Mike Wazowski! This was the first year Quinn picked out his own costume, and he was so excited to wear it. He really looked adorable. He had a great time at his school's Book Character Parade on Friday and Trick or Treating tonight. And yay for candy !?!

Here he is at school...

And here he is with all his cousins before Trick or Treating. There was no way we could get them all to look at once.
Hope you all had a great Halloween!

Happy Birthday Nana!!

We all love you and hope your day is great!!

Soccer and Cookies

Quinn started the Tri-Sports program at our local Y on Thursday. They do 3 weeks of soccer, 3 weeks of tee-ball, and 3 weeks of flag football(!). He had a few meltdowns, mostly based on some other kid taking the ball he deemed his, but once they started playing an actual "game" he really got into it. He was running after the ball, kicking it, all that good stuff. It wasn't really at the goal, but it was definitely something. Plus his friend Ellie was on his team, which he really liked. While I'm hoping for a soccer/tee-ball/football star, I'm just glad he likes it so far.

A few weeks ago I found some fall cookie cutters and sprinkles at Target and decided to make some cookies with Quinn yesterday. Making sugar cookies from scratch is no easy thing. Ok, making the actual dough is easy, its the rolling and cutting that kind of sucks. But we did the best we could and ended up with about 10 cookies. Quinn was very excited to help, especially the sprinkles part. And they ended up tasting pretty good!

The finished product!