Dashing through the mall with no alcohol..

-I swear I heard that on the mall speaker today..or maybe I just made up in my head either way, it seems fitting! :)


I would really like to go on a vacation; people always roll their eyes when I say that considering the assumption is that Chad and I are constantly on one but, seriously...as blessed as our life is (especially because of how many awesome places we've been too) I would still love to lie in a hammock somewhere on a secluded beach, drink in hand, and just relax! I think it has to do with the rush of the holiday season, it seems that no matter how hard you try not to get overwhelmed..you just do sometimes. Between shopping(which by the way I am still not done despite my best efforts to start early! I even went on Black Friday, dang it!) Christmas,birthday,work, friend parties (throw in the occasional wedding or engagement shindig and you hit the December mother load)shopping again, cooking, cleaning, family obligations, it's just go, go, go!! I don't want to sound as if I am complaining because to be honest I LOVE this time of year, I even love the craziness of it and I REALLY love being home in Tampa(although I miss my Winston fam too!)..where I get overwhelmed is in my attempts to make this Christmas perfect for Lily. As a parent it truly takes on a whole new meaning and Chad and I have both strived to really make sure we create traditions, memories for her to the best of our ability. And, you know what? I really think it will be, perfect I mean..because in six days we will get to watch our little girl as she opens up her gifts, and I will more than likely cry/smile/laugh/cry the entire time and I cannot wait; her face will certainly make up for all the crazy this month brings!

But seriously..who wouldn't want to be someplace like this?

I need to picture this the next time I have to wait in an hour long line just to leave the mall~


6 days till Christmas!!

To get ya in the spirit, another one of my favorite Christmas songs...

Things I love Thursday!

I love Tampa by way of Thonotosassa of course! :)

I took this on my run today-I love looking at the lake but despite living near it my whole life I refuse to get in (one word-alligators!) Tampa is full of my favorite people(the other half of them anyway) and I am so excited to be home,as I stated before it has been almost 6months!!

I love little Barbie sized champagnes!
Especially this one:

I feel like nothing symbolizes the upcoming holidays more then champagne-but maybe that is the drunk girl in me talking..or the fact that my birthday is on New Years Day..you pick!

I love The Help and Crazy Stupid Love

I honestly could not choose which one to put on here over the other, because I literally just watched both in the last two days(we did a lot of driving!) They are both pretty great but The Help ranks slightly ahead of CSL in my opinion.. definitely worth checking out though-especially for those of you(like myself) that did not get to seem them in the theatres! Plus I REALLY love Emma Stone & this man of course

Because well..he is Ryan Gosling! :)

Goodbye Virginia, Hello TAmPA!!

Another job has come to an end and we are off to the next place-Hattiesburg, Mississippi! We were first told Boston which would have been so much fun since it is close to both Maine and Vermont(where some of my family lives) BUT oh well, Hattiesburg doesn't look too bad-is it sad that I base my excitement for a city by what restaurants are in town? I just love food what can I say, and Hattiesburg is home to The Shed the exact AWESOME BBQ joint located in Destin-excited much! :) Plus, there are like a gazillion roller skating rinks there(I'm not joking, when I looked it up earlier 15  were on the list!)-couple skate what?! ;) Anyways BEFORE we head to Mississippi(I totally say Mi-Double S i Double P i in my head btw!) we are going to TAMPA!!! I cannot contain my excitement since it has been almost 6months since the last time we were there! I am very excited to see my family and friends and partake in all the Christmasy festivities!


On another note, I do not have a lot of wrap up things to talk about as far as DC goes other than I freaking love it(but that is my nerdy history lovin self talking)..if I could recommend a few places though they would be:

• Mount Vernon: One of the prettiest places I have ever been too (& that is saying a lot considering I spent 10 days in Greece!) you can check it out here http://www.mountvernon.org/ but the pictures will NOT do it justice! Truly exquisite, and the historical value alone is worth a trip! :)
• Aquia Pines RV resort: This is where we stayed while we were in town and the place is just beautiful! Peaceful, friendly, comfy, close to restaurants etc etc we really enjoyed our stay! There are cabins, RV sites and tent sites as well so there is something for everyone-plus they are opening up a lodge/hotel sometime next year on the property so REALLY something for everyone!  
• Micks: Right up the street from the campground this place has awesome food(the wings-dry rub get them!) and a really cool lounge feel
• Pancho Villa Mexican: is also up the street from the campground, pretty fresh, good Mexican food( & you know I'm picky about my favorite food!) kind of pricey but overall a good place! P.s try the Mexican Bulldog :)
• All of DC really!

I really enjoyed it here, plus it was kind of the perfect time too(Fall) but I am ready for our next adventure and for Christmas in Tampa! :

Things I love Thursday!

I have a confession to make, I am a bad blogger...like in I take 3 week breaks sometimes bad..I try not too, but this last time I couldn't help myself thanks to school, a visit from family and friends, trips back to Winston, Thanksgiving, oh and of course there is that little thing called PINTEREST that has completely consumed my life(there I said it out loud, I am addicted) BUT I am back and it IS the first of December ONE of my favorite months by the way..so this things I love Thursday is all about December!!! :)

I LOVE the TRUE meaning of the season: JESUS

I grew up in an Irish/Sicilian Catholic family where the meaning of Christmas was never lost especially at Grandma Irene's (who was born on the 24th I might add)! It meant celebrating St. Nicholas Day, Advent, an empty manger until Christmas Day, giving thanks before the meal, attending church Christmas Eve for midnight mass(a tradition I have never missed, despite rarely going to church otherwise these days) and you could only open one present the night before if you went!  It meant celebrating with family, Kris Kringle's, lots of laughter, hugging, snowball fights(which in Florida simply means balled up wrapping paper) McDonald's gift cards, enough food to feed an Army, and truly realizing that our family was together because Christ made it possible, gave us a reason...I'm grateful for those memories and I cannot wait to create some with my own little family-I even found the same Advent calender that my Grandparents kept in their house for Lily to take part in! I'm just excited this year period. I can't wait to watch Lily open up presents and  continue the traditions started by generations earlier-I just know my Grandparents would be proud!

I LOVE Christmas music!!

I try not to be one of those obnoxious people that start a holiday two months in advance but man once December hits that is truly all I want to listen too! In particular, there are two songs that have always been my all time favorites...one is obvious because well, it is Bing freaking Crosby and the other is Josh Groban! Enjoy!

I LOVE Christmas Movies!!

My ABSOLUTE favorite is drum roll...White Christmas(which again should have been obvious! ) however, ELF is a close second and this is why!!

 I also love the classics Rudolph the Reindeer, Frosty etc, The Nightmare before Christmas and anything that comes on ABC family's 25 days of Christmas...actually I guess any Christmas movie will do! :)

I LOVE DECEMBER because:

It means Christmas is right around the corner, it means Birthday and Christmas parties, decorating/lighting Christmas trees, another batch of yummy food, gift-giving, the look on children's faces as they open those gifts!,Santa, cookies, FAMILY, friends and well the list could go on and on...I am just excited about this holiday because I have a daughter and a wonderful man in my life to start traditions with, create memories with and to me that is what makes December/Christmas so beautiful-the memories!

Things I love Thursday!!

While I did not get to watch the CMA's last night-damn campground and their lack of ABC...I did watch all the performances this morning and while they were all pretty great(minus Taylor Swift, I do love her songs but her live shows..the jury is out!) I have to give props to my favorite girls Miranda and Carrie!!

Oh and another Miranda video because I love this song(off her new album Four the Record=amazing btw)!

How is it that TSwift wins Entertainer of the Year over these two ridiculously talented females(not to mention the males in the category?) I do not get it..

I guess I will make this an all out CMA performance post

I love that the CMA's and the country music world bring all genres of music together..this year is no exception as Lionel Richie joined Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, and Rascal Flatts!! This was so awesome!



You will have to jump to 10:33 seconds to see it though! :)

Last but not least..I can not forget that it is almost the weekend and we have some pretty awesome guests coming to visit-Meg and Mickey!! YAY! -pictures to come shortly!!

-Enjoy your weekend!

Well hello, Monday!

We are back in Springfield after a little mini break last week-Chad flew to San Fran for a Men's Wearhouse/MRS business meeting, and Lily and I spent the week in Winston catching up with friends and fam! :) While I would normally be pretty jealous that Chad got to fly to San Fran-this time was all business...or mostly business, he did get to see NAPA(& fly first class)!! :( But don't you worry, I sent him out on a honeymoon scavenger hunt..you know for when we have one of those! lol

Anyways-I don't have much for today so I'll leave you with some of our little trick or treater..who at first was a little scared but as soon as she got the hang of it, watch out! :)

-From day to night..I think she was showing me a big stick or something! lol

                         

                   She was more scared of the pumpkin then the guy in the costume-too funny!

                                                             Getting the hang of it!

With Meme and Boppa

We had such a great time watching her, I can't believe how big she has gotten..my little/big 18month old! This holiday was so much fun-I can't imagine how much fun Christmas will be this year!! :)

Hope everyone has a great week!

Things I love Thursday!

I love this blog piece: http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters

I especially love number 4: Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.& the one where it talks about letting her ride on your shoulders which he does quite often-it's her favorite spot! :) The picture above cracks me up..she was sucking on those pearls to the point where drool was falling all over Chad's face, hence the expression and she was checking to make sure he was okay! <3

---

I love the movie RIO and I should considering I have watched it for the 8,000000000000000000 time today! You would think that by now I would be super over it..but then I look at her little smiling face..or the parts where she dances, and claps and I find myself doing the exact same thing! :) Not to mention, out of all the kids movies I have watched lately it probably is my favorite! This part is my favorite:

                                                            That song cracks me up! "Shh, it was him!" lol

I also LOVE that the weekend is almost here!

-Robin is coming to visit and we have a fun filled weekend planned! Pumpkin patch, DC, and trick or treating! I really cannot wait to take Lily out because she can actually do it this year and that is so overwhelmingly exciting! :) Yay for Thursday!

                                                   Happy weekend and Happy Halloween!!

Mount Vernon

Saturday we went to Mount Vernon-the home & final resting place of George Washington. That thought did not escape me as we walked around his estate, as Lily ran around on what was once his lawn..what life must have been like when he owned it, what Mount Vernon looked like then..sure there are pictures and much of what belonged to him is still there, in tact(minus a few things that had to be refurbished) but to really BE there..I bet that was something! I think that is why I love History so much, the story behind every thing...every person..Mount Vernon is beautiful, it truly is the most majestic place..one fit for a president that is for sure..and my goodness the views of the river there, breathtaking! Check it out! :)

   

Why yes, I am changing Lily's diaper on the Bowling Green of George Washington's house! lol

Playing in the leaves while we waited in line to get into the Mansion

This little boy kept running and jumping into the leaves, and she thought it was just the funniest thing!

                             Part of the view behind the house..pictures do it no justice!

This really made me sad.. the Slave Burial Ground, there is said to be over 150 bodies located there..all in unmarked graves..heartbreaking to say the least...especially when you take into account the lavishness of George and Martha's grave site..

Lily with her Bop pa

Another view of the river...

Lily and I apple-roasting! So good!! Oh and p.s don't you hate when your sweater makes you look like you have 8,000 tummy rolls..ugh!

     The stables and the 8-sided barn(re-created to look like the original one George built) which by the way this is not near the house..it is kind of a walk..a lot of the workers(present day) were riding around on golf carts but could you imagine doing it on foot, or horse like back in the day..his property is well over 25,000 square miles!

:) In the hay maze with Bop pa!

My little love..who by the way picked out those pearls all by herself! Out of all the shiny things in my jewelry box, these are the ones she chose! :)

She was calling him like a dog..clapping her hands and saying "here dog"  Little does she know...ha ha

I could post a whole lot more..but I think these will do! :) I definitely recommend going to Mount Vernon..it a beautiful piece of American History worth checking out!

Things I love Thursday!!

I LOVE Chris Cagle!

Next to Chad, and Dwayne Johnson he is the only man for me! ;) I remember the first time I heard the song Laredo on the radio(rhyme much? lol) I thought I like that song..but didn't really pay attention beyond that to who it was...well that all changed the night my friend Brenna and I went to his concert at the Dallas Bull..I immediately fell in love with his stage presence, his songs, and in general the way he treated his fans! Honestly, I've been to some pretty "big name" concerts and not one of them compares to his...it is a shame that he isn't appreciated more in the world of Country music(although his Cagleheads would disagree with me on that) I'm glad to see that he is settled down and in a good place..especially, since I don't think he has had the smoothest time getting there..Anyways he is one of my faves..and I really like this song(I couldn't get the official video to share from CMT's website, bummer)  enjoy!

I LOVE this hairstyle!

I love Jessica too but I have always loved this look of hers best!

I love the cut and the color..but I'm not sure I would be able to pull it off since I'm so hair challenged..guess it is time to consult my hairstylist..p.s I really LOVE having one of those in the family! :)

I FREAKING LOVE Melissa McCarthy

& yes she gets a freaking because she is awesome!! I have been a fan of hers since Gilmore Girls days and every time I see her in something she never fails to make me laugh! I of course, LOVED her in Bridesmaids but this post in particular is about her stint on SNL..while all of her skits were pretty hilarious the one about Hidden Valley Ranch really gets me...I couldn't get the video to transfer from NBC(boo) so go to this site and check it out there..you will not be disappointed! http://www.pleasantmorningbuzz.com/blog/1003111 :)

p.s. Did you know she is related to Jenny McCarthy? I just found that out while searching! Cousins, how cool because I love Jenny too!

My LOVE for Pinterest.com is no joke!

It is addicting with a capital A!! On the plus side it has allowed me to find so many great recipes for just about any occasion..breakfast, lunch, dinner, parties, holidays etc...I made this last Sunday

from this website:http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/02/beautiful-bacon-egg-cheese-wreath.html

It was both easy and delicious! & I am super excited to make thiis, this weekend! (though it is not a food) 

http://tampopopress.blogspot.com/2010/09/ginger-apple-bourbon.html So yummy sounding and so perfect for Fall eh?

P.S. I just realized I went from Breakfast to Bourbon..lol Reminds me of something John Wayne would do! ;)

Oh and p.p.s CHECK OUT PINTEREST!!

In love with Fall!

This whole Fall thing is still pretty new to me,considering I was born and raised in Florida..where Fall is well..pretty non-existent! BUT I love it! The colors..I cannot get over the colors! I love watching the colors on the leaves change, as if the Lord is slowly painting a picture..for example,just last week I took this photo of the campground we are staying at in Virginia..

This week, all those leaves are yellow and red!

What I love most about Fall though(besides football) is the opportunity to do all the "Fall activities" with Lily like taking her to a pumpkin patch or apple picking! I am excited to try apple cider, maybe while taking in a campfire and S'mores(I love S'mores!!) I can't wait to buy boots  & wear scarfs..since all I own are heels, flip-flops and sneakers! I love running outside while the wind blows, it's magical! :) I love the smells of Fall too..cinnamon, pumpkin pies baking, crisp apples, etc..I can't wait to take Lily trick or treating! I just love Fall!!! Plus, I am convinced that Fall is the prettiest season..take a look at these photos and decide for yourself! :)

                                                               I could post these photos all day!!
This weekend we are going to Mount Vernon's Fall festival and I am so excited! The website says they are having hay rides, apple roasting!, corn husk doll making(I still don't know what that means but I'm excited!) and so much more! I can't wait to take Lily and get some good Fall photos of her! I just love Fall..in case that wasn't clear! :) Happy Wednesday y'all!

Run the World Girls

I love Beyonce! I blame my cousin Julie who forced me to sit through one of B's tour videos..okay so maybe she didn't force me but before watching it I just "liked" Beyonce, now I'm a bonafide fan! :)  A majority of why I love her has nothing to do with her music ..although listening to Bootylicious instantly puts me in a better mood..I love her because she is a curvy woman, beautiful,strong and she exudes confidence; which to me is the sexiest thing about her! As for her music, I love her girl-power, love yourself message she puts in every song, and as I mentioned above Bootylicious is my favorite song..it might be kind of silly but I love the message..I got jelly and I ain't afraid to use it! Or something along those lines! lol

In a way this post is the second part of this blog that I wrote back in May http://100citiesababy.blogspot.com/2011/05/things-i-love-thursday_19.html 

for all the curvy girls, normal girls, girls who have been told their whole lives how to look, what to weigh, etc. I'm re-posting this message because after talking with a friend the other night I went to bed with a heavy heart because this beautiful girl doubted her worth, and it made me sad..So this is for her, for anyone who thinks they should "fix" themselves..LOVE who you are, what you've been given, because the biggest message is that God doesn't make mistakes!

                                                                    God I love her!

                            Eva Mendes                                              Christina Hendricks

                                 My hardcore love for Miranda Lambert is not a secret

                          

Kate Winslet

 Sara Ramirez

Alicia Keys "I'm not ashamed of what I am-and that I have curves and that I am thick-I like my body"

Jennifer Hudson is incredible, she has persevered through the darkest times in her life..she is taking care of herself in a healthy way which is beautiful and her transformation has been wonderful to watch!

Adele is beautiful! She is a woman who loves her body and doesn't allow ANYONE to take that pride away from her and that to me is awesome! I have an idea, instead of focusing on her weight..maybe shut the F'up and listen to her voice..because it is the ONLY thing that matters!

                     Sofia Vergara might be the worlds hottest woman..seriously!!

These women are all talented,curvy, beautiful..and women who have been targeted at one point or another for what they look like! Do you remember how beautiful Kate Winslet was in Titanic? Yet, afterwards the only thing people wrote about in magazines was how fat she was..how the part should have gone to a skinnier actress...My point is that just like us "normal" girls, the women above have doubted themselves..yet their confidence outweighs the bad days and that shows in the way they carry themselves! Confidence is an uphill battle..but it is a battle worth fighting! I found this awesome website with a bunch of self loving quotes..check it out and read it everyday, everyday until you believe the words! http://www.abundancetapestry.com/self-love-series-101-loving-yourself-quotes/

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
- Buddha

-Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home.”- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

-Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.”
- Veronica A. Shoffstall

one last one...

-“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
- Maya Angelou