Great Giveaways!

Juliana at A Blonde Walks into a Blog is giving away a Burberry scarf!

Giveaways ends February 16, 2010

She is also giving away this lavendar eye pillow & dryer pillow set.

 

Giveaway ends February 13, 2010

JennyMac at Let's have a Cocktail is giving away a Jimmy Choo bag!

Giveaway ends February 10, 2010

Go Enter =)

Finally the weekend.

Hi friends! I've missed blogging. I haven't posted since Tuesday. Sorry about that. School has been consuming all of my free time. But, I survived my first week at a new college :) It was no different though. I really like my Thursday night class. My teacher is hilarious and just an over all nice lady. I think I'll enjoy this class. Unfortunately, I do have tons of work to get done by tomorrow which includes reading out of 4 different books, completing 4 quizzes and creating a power point on who I am. Shouldn't be too bad though. At least the snow will keep me in so I can finish everything.

This morning I woke up reading to shower because I was supposed to be meeting my friend for lunch. We haven't seen each other in about 2 years so I was pretty excited to catch up. Then I was supposed to run errands and head to the gym. The weather must have had different plans though. I knew it was supposed to snow way south of Baltimore, in places like D.C and Virginia (we were possibly getting a dusting of snow) but noo, the weather men must not have paid close attention to radar because it started snowing like crazy at 11 AM and hasn't stopped since. My roads are covered. This is the forecast on weather.com:

Do you see that?! Feels like 9 degrees. Come on winter. You have reared your ugly head enough this year in Baltimore. I'm ready for you to leave town. But I guess you aren't because I saw this at the bottom on the weather screen:

So by the time this whole thing is over, we'll have about 5 inches of snow when we were possibly getting a dusting. So much for a nice Saturday. Ughh. Spring get here soon please!

Are any of you experiencing this terrible weather? I know some states lost power due to the ice and snow. I'm grateful to still have power so it's not too bad. Just a pain in the butt, that's all.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far! Any good plans?

Update: The weather channel says now we could get up to 10 in. of snow! Is it ever going to stop? :( Here are some pics. I hate being trapped inside.

my back yard through my window

See those tracks?

Few cars braved the snow and made those.

That's supposed to be a road.

Terrible driving conditions on my street.

My legs hurt.

So, today was my first day back to school. I only had one class today and it's probably the most boring class I've ever taken in my life. It's called Folklore & Literature. My teacher doesn't make it any more interesting. Thank goodness it's only an hour and some mintues on Tuesday and Thursday. I decided to dress semi-nice for class because I probably will not the rest of the semester lol. This was my back to school outfit:

                               

Please excuse my fake smile. I was not excited for school lol. Both tops are from Target. I just love that place :)

After my class, I headed to About Faces Day Spa to receive my fantastic 1-hour massage :) Best hour of my day! It's just so relaxing and if I had the money, I would LOVE to get one every week. Maybe I should save money and get one at least once a month. While paying for my massage, I saw my friend Becky working who I haven't seen in 3 yrs. It was so good seeing her! I love running into old friends and catching up.

As much as I wanted to go home and nap after my massage, I decided to be a trooper and head to the gym. I did my hour of cardio and weights for my legs, which by the way are throbbbbing right now.

Tomorrow is going to be such a long day. Work 9-5 then class 6-9:30 :( I probably won't be able to blog or comment which makes me upset. I love reading all of you blogs! So I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Do any of you recommend the hot stone massage? I always get a custom (regular) massage and I can't do deep tissue. Hurts too much for me.

It's Monday.

Hi blog friends :) Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Today I started my workout. I was pretty excited about it too. Last night, I took all of my measurements and weighed myself this morning. I also made a chart that I will write in every Monday morning that keeps track of my progess of the things I just stated. I arrived at the gym at 5:30 this evening and oh my goodness. Was it packed? That's an understatement. I literally had to wait 10 minutes just to get on a treadmill! I hope this isn't how it's always going to be. So my workout schedule will be, Monday (1 hr. cardio), Tuesday (cardio & weights), off Wednesday, Thursday (cardio & weights), Friday (1 hr. cardio). Today I did an hour on the treadmill & burned 600 calories. I felt great when I got off. Very sweaty but great :) Now, I always have great intentions in the beginning but then I start slacking off. This time will be different though. No matter what, I WILL make time for the gym.

On a different note, I have been noticing that my skin is the color of a snow man. In my opinion, tan skin is pretty skin :) I used to tan in a tanning bed years ago (shame on me!) but haven't for at least 3 years. This is due to the fact that my dad has had melanoma and now has to see a derm. every 3 months to have moles removed to make sure it doesn't return. I find that it would be very disrespectful of me to use a tanning bed when he has to go through that. Also, I've had a mole removed because it was irregular and having a doctor tug at your skin while sewing you up is not a cool feeling. Plus, who wants wrinkly skin when they get old? Not me ;) So I've banned tanning. And you should too! Too many risks associated with it. Back to my point of this paragraph though... I have tried many different self tanners; sprays, lotions, etc. I haven't found one that hasn't turned me orange or streaky... that is until I tried this:

This is a great product, I think. It's a fast drying foam that goes on smoothly and actually smells alright. I've been using it for 4 days now and notice the subtle color I'm receiving. I see no streaks on me and I definitely do not look orange. I purchased the medium/tan skin tone only because I did not feel like the fair skin tone would do much. I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a nice subtle tan without the risk of tanning or spending a lot. You can get it at any store really; Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

I start back at school tomorrow so this week might be a little hectic. Hopefully I still have time to blog. But on a positive note, I'm getting an hour massage tomorrow after class :) Yay!

Have a great Tuesday ladies!

I apologize.

To everyone who has been replying to my comments I have left on your blog, I just realized today that the replies were going to the wrong e-mail address! I just replied today to the ones I received. Don't worry though, I have fixed the problem so now I can read your replies right away. So so sorry!!

I know it's only January but . . .

Bathing suit weather will be here before we know it! It's always such an anxious time for me. Buying bathing suits freaks me out because, to be honest, I'm not super confident with my body. That's ok though because this year will be different. My diet and workout routine starts tomorrow. I WILL be confident in a bathing suit this summer. I WILL wear a bathing suit with pride and not hide myself. Who's with me?!

Now, on to some cute bathing suits. I tend to buy halter top bathing suits rather than triangle tops. I feel they hold me in better. Here are some bathing suits I think are super cute:

I just love the big pink polka dots

This is absolutely adorable in my opinion

I really like this top

Plaid is super cute

You can't go wrong with a plain black bathing suit

Flattering on almost anyone

 Purple is EVERYwhere this year

I actually like this purple bathing suit

This is a pretty cute cover up

I really like the color

All pictures courtesy of http://www.victoriassecret.com/

What type of bathing suits do you like? Which of the above bathing suits do you like best? Are you ready for bathing suit season?!

Random Friday Post.

First, for all you Jersey Shore fans out there (I know there's alot; me included! terrible I know) buttttt, I have some great news! Don't be sad that the season is over because . . . drum roll please . . . There will be a season 2 with the SAME cast!! (Vinnie let it slip at after party last week.) A new member will be joining though since Angelina left in the 3rd week. How great is this? Get ready for some more GTL (Gym, Tanning, Laundry) and fist pumping! More trashy TV for us to enjoy :)

Second, on a much different note, my boss is pregnant with another girl! So exciting. She needs help thinking of girls' names so I'm turning to you, my blog friends! First and middle names would be great. Her daughter's name is Madison Grace so those 2 names are out of the question. Leave me comments with unique, but pretty girls names. The more, the better :) Thanks!

Third, if you haven't visited this website or seen this plea, please read it. Brandy is a brilliant writer, a wonderful teacher, and a generous friend. And she is in love with a man who has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. People are raising money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund in his name. For the price of a cinnamon dolce latte or lunch through the drive-thru, you can be part of an effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide. Every dollar brings us a dollar closer to a cure. And every donation brings a sliver of hope to a girl who needs all the hope she can get.

DONATE: http://www.loveharder.org/

CONTACT: theloveharderfund@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: http://facebook.loveharder.org/

MORE INFO: http://www.themmrf.org/

Please donate. Even if it's $5. Anything means something. I made a donation and it takes less then 2 minutes to do so. Thank you. And if you can't, just PRAY.

Have a GREAT Friday!
 

Thankful Thursday

I saw this on Katie's blog at Loves of Life

and thought I might join in. Thanks Katie!

Today I'm thankful for a couple of things:

1. Snuggles - Everytime I walk in the door, she is so happy to see me. She's always ready to play & knows how to make me smile. Plus, how could you resist this face?

2. I'm thankful for friends. M left for school yesterday and I was pretty upset. My friend C knew all about it so today asked me to go to out for lunch and manicures & pedicures :) Girl time surely helps! Thanks C.

3. Family - They really helped out with school this semester. I needed book money & they were there to help. Thank you!

And my bloggy friends; thanks for reading all of my posts when you don't have to and leaving comments :) They make my day!

Have a good Thursday!

Answers to your questions :)

What made you want to start blogging?

I have had many journals throughout my life but they never lasted more than a couple of months because I always forgot to write in them. Also, writing things for me is much easier than saying them. Since I'm on the computer a lot, I figured this would be an easy way to write and keep everything in one place. I'm so glad I started blogging because I've met so many great people, already won a giveaway and I've only been blogging less than a month!

What do you do for a living?

I'm a full time student going to school for elementary education. I should have graduated college about a year ago but I took time off after high school because I was so torn between what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I regret doing that because I missed out on the whole going away to school thing but I'm also more mature now and know the direction I'm going in is the right one. I would love to teach 1st grade. I'm also a nanny for two wonderful little girls, Madison (2 1/2) and Olivia (1 1/2). I really enjoy my job.

Do you have any interesting or fun hobbies?

Hmm, no, not really lol. Sad to say. My fun hobby would be shopping. I try to be crafty sometimes but I'm not patient enough to scrapbook or anything like that. I need to get a hobby though. Any suggestions?

What is your favorite flower?

I think hibiscus flowers are so pretty, so are orchids. Roses are nice but so cliche.

What is your favorite perfume?

I don't have a favorite because I like to switch things up lol but I really like the body spray Black Rasberry Vanilla from Bath & Body works. It sounds stinky but smells really good.

What is your favorite band?

Again, I don't have a favorite band. I like so many different types of music. Depending on my mood, that decides what type of music I'll listen to.

Favorite tv shows?

Trashy reality tv lol I'm addicted. Jersey Shore, Bachelor, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Teen Mom, I could go on & on lol.

How did you & M meet?

Well, this is awkward but I guess I'll tell you lol. Back in late 2005, M & I both had myspace accounts. We had friends in common but didn't know each other. He messaged me and we started talking all the time. In April 2006, we ran into each other at an 18 and over club in Baltimore. I was totally not interested in having a bf at the time but we still exchanged numbers. We continued to talk as friends though. Then in July, we were both on vacation in Ocean City at the same time so we decided to meet up & hang out. He told me he was leaving for college at the end of August. In August, he asked me to go to a concert with him & since he was leaving soon, I figured I would go just to have fun. I actually had more fun with him then I thought I would. The week before he left, I saw him everyday. I didn't expect to get feelings for him but I did and I was so upset when he was leaving. The week after that, he was at school. He asked me to come see him (his school is about 2 1/2 hours away) and on a whim, I said ok. I don't know what came over me, but this boy was making me crazy and I just wanted to see more of him. So then on Oct. 28, 2006, we became a couple. The rest is history lol.

How many siblings do you have?

I have a brother (20), step-brother (20), step-sister (15), half brother (7).

Favorite book?

Right now, I'm loving Nicholas Sparks. I'm a hopeless romantic lol.

Where do you see myself in 5 years?

I'll be 28 years old then so I'm hoping that I'll have a job I love, my own house, a fiance, snuggles, and another dog. I wouldn't mind living in a different state either. A lot changes in 5 years so we'll see :)

Thanks for asking!!

Pink Giveaway!

Teresa at Blooming on Bainbridge is having a

PiNK Week Giveaway with fabulous things!

Be sure to head over to her blog and enter to win!

Questions.

Who wants to get to know me?! Since I'm pretty new around blogtown, I thought that people may not know many things about me. (I also am having a hard time of thinking of something to blog about). So, I'm holding a questionaire session :)

Ask me anything. It can be whatever is on your mind. I don't get offended easily so don't worry if you think it's something that shouldn't be asked.

Leave the question in my comment section and my next post will have all the answers :) So be sure to ask away! That includes people who have never even commented on my blog before! It can even be more than one question.

Hopefully my life will become more interesting soon because I feel like I am boring you all to death. I promise, I really am interesting! (sometimes)

I hope everyone had a good MLK day. Mine was fine eventhough I wasn't lucky enough to be off of work.

This will make you laugh :)

This is something that needed to be reposted. I found it here. It's titled random thoughts from 25-35 year olds. I may not be 25 yet, but I agree with more things on this list. I'm sure you will too. Enjoy this funny read :)

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
This is totally a problem. I always have to put my "two-cents" in.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
I hate when this happens lol

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first saw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

-How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

-I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

-A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

-LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
This is terrible but so true.

-I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
I hate when this happens.

-Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

-Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

-How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

-I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

-Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

-While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

-MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

-Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

-I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

-Bad decisions make good stories.

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

-Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem...

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

-"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

-I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
So true.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about 1 in every 15 songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

-As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time..

-It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

Haha, hope this gave you a good laugh!

Pointless Post.

This may seem like a pointless post to many of you, but I just have to ask the question. Why, Heidi? Why? I was at Wal-Mart yesterday and saw this magazine while waiting in line. Sadly, I'm a fan of The Hills and decided to read the new People Magazine. This is the cover of it:

I was SHOCKED when I saw this. Heidi looks completely different and in my opinion, FAKE.

Heidi had already had a nose job and breast augmentation in 2007. I am all for "fixing" things that you can't change with exercise or diet to make yourself more confident but there comes a point when you need to stop. Some of you might not agree with it but I have nothing against her for the first two surgeries. But, when I saw this cover and read that she had 10, yes 10 surgeries in one day, my jaw hit the floor. The surgeries she had were:


1. Mini Brow Lift
2. Botox in forehead and frown area

3. Nose job revision

4. Fat injections in cheeks and lips

5. Chin reduction

6. Neck liposuction

7. Ears pinned back

8. Larger breast implants (DDD)
9. Liposuction on waist, hips, inner and outer thighs

10. Butt augmentation

Ok, let's be real here. I know she is trying to get into the singing business but she is 23 years old!! This is how she used to look before her surgeries:

She was so pretty before so why change your appearance to the point where you don't look like the same person? She might feel better about herself for a while but I think there are deeper issues that she is trying to cover up by getting surgery.

The topper of all this? She wants MORE. I just cannot comprehend any of this. It's sad actually. I think she needs to seek help because this could be an addiction. Anyone agree with me?

On another but disappointing note, my poor Raven's ended their season last night by losing to the Colts :(  Peyton, I'm sorry but I do NOT like you.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

A Real Post. (Finally)

These upcoming weeks are going to be a little rough . . .

Yesterday, I went to school for orientation and to register for classes. (I'm starting at a new college this year). I was so nervous going because it's never easy switching to a place where you know no one. My schedule this semester is kind of wacky but I am still able to keep my wonderful job. Actually, I enjoy going to work (I'm a nanny for two little girls) When I graduate, I hope I am as happy as I am now working. Anyway, I learned that I may have to leave my job in the upcoming semesters because there will be no way to go to school and intern and work. This really stresses me out and upsets me because one, how will I pay my bills and two, as I said, I like going to work. Hopefully this summer I'll be able to work full time, save some money, and work out things with my boss so that I can still work when fall semester begins.

On another note, M leaves next Thursday to return to school. Unlike me, he'll be graduating in May. Pathetic, I know but hey, every one goes through life at their own pace ;) lol. This really sucks because he's been home for 2 months now and I'm so used to seeing him. I should be used to him leaving because we've been doing this for 3 years now. But, it never gets easier. I know he'll be home for good in less than 5 months, but it seems soo far away. It just stinks when people you love leave, ya know? I'm sure some of you have been in this situation before. I know I'll see him on some weekends, but not nearly as much as when he is home.

Sorry to complain, but I had to tell someone..

On a HAPPIER note, I'll be starting my new year's resolution (which was to exercise at least an hour a day) on Monday, January 25. (A little late, I know, but better late then never!) I've already renewed my gym membership and I'll be getting myself bikini ready for summer! If some of you would like to give me tips on sticking to exercise routines, please fill me in! I need all the encouragement I can get :) My goal is to work out at least 4 days a week and cut out some carbs. (They're my best friend, but terrible for me). I know I'll be sore as anything when I start but I have two, hour-long massages just waiting to be used :)

So, who's ready for the Ravens to beat the Colts on Saturday? ;)

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Giveaways again :)

Jessica at Classy in Philadelphia is giving away any 1 item from this website. She was chosen to review a piece of jewelry to review from the site and she chose this gorgeous ring:

The giveaway ends on 1/16/10 at midnight EST.

Liz at musing experiences is having another giveaway! This time, she's giving away a cute journal & some of her favorite pens in honor of her 100th post.

Giveaway ends on 1/15/10 at 11:59 PM.

P.S - Thanks Brittany for this award! So sweet of you :)

 

Another Award !

Risley over at Adventures of the Wilkinson's was sweet enough to tag me with this award:

The rules of this award are:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award

2. Paste the award on your blog
3. Link the person who nominated you for the award

4. Tell 7 interesting things about yourself
5. Nominate 7 bloggers or less

 

So, 7 interesting things about me are:
1. I have two freckles on the inside (palm) of my right hand. I don't think many people do.
2. I've lived in the same state and county my entire life. Boring, I know.
3. I might be the pickiest eater ever. Italian food is my all time favorite though. I don't like seafood, except for crabs (that's pushing it). I don't care for red meat. Hamburgers are ok. I'm probably missing out on a lot of yummy things.
4. I have only traveled or vacationed on the East Coast. (VA, WV, SC, NC, PA) I tend to always go the same places. Except for the summer of 2007 when I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I need to go on vacation ASAP!
5. My worst habit is biting my nails :( Oh how I wish I could stop!
6. I am in love with trashy reality tv - I know you are too ;)
7. I love animals. I always feel so bad when I can't help them. They're so cute and just touch my heart :)

Now, time to give this award to some of my new and lovely blog friends:

1. Liz at Musing Experiences

2. Lauren (my fellow marylander) at Dreams Take Flight

3. Juliana at A blonde walks into a blog

4. Meredith at (flash) pasteurized

5. Kelly at Keeping up with Kelly

Have fun ladies :)

P.S - Click on the button on the left hand side called Simply Love Swap. It will take you to that blog. It sounds so fun & it's a really cute idea. I hope you participate in it!