What I'm Loving Today . . .

1. I'm loving that Jamie does this every week. It really lets me reflect on the good, instead of the bad or things I could complain about :) So thanks, Jamie!

2. I'm loving that today is a snow day! We (Maryland) have really missed A LOT of snow storms this winter! (probably because we got enough last winter to last us for 5 future winters, haha) After this storm is over, we should have about 6-9 inches. I've been lounging all day and I'm taking FULL advantage of it because school starts this coming Monday! Yikes. Free time = GONE!

3. I'm loving how long my hair is getting. However, I'm not loving how thin it has been feeling lately. I've been thinking of getting thickening shampoo and conditioner, but I'm not sure what kind to get. Any recommendations? Help a girl out! Yes, my hair is important to me, haha :)

4. I'm not loving that school starts Monday BUT I am loving that I'll be back on a consistent schedule and will be able to get to the gym the same time most days as well as eat meals at consistent times. Life just flows better when you're on a schedule.. or maybe that's just my OCD saying so, haha.

5. I'm loving that I just found out that the lady I used to nanny for (about 3 years ago), is M's Mom's cousin. Talk about a small, small world! (they just reunited which is why I just found out)

6. I'm loving that Liz gave me a little acknowledgement :) She is too sweet. Thank you again! It made my day!

I'd like to pass this on to Caroline @ A Life of Color because she deserves it. She always leaves me the most thoughtful and sweet comments and has become a good blog friend :) I could surely name other bloggers who deserve this as well so don't think that I don't appreciate each of you! xox

7. And of course, I'm loving my boy :) 

And yes, I'm being super lazy and not putting pictures with this post. Forgive me.

Top 2 Tuesday - Healthy Snacks

Today's Top 2 Tuesday is all about healthy snacks. This is pretty easy for me since I live in a household where healthy eating is a priority. Of course, we still have snacks and things such as pizza, but we have healthier options. I could write a whole list of healthy snacks, but I'll only post my favorite 2.

1. Fat Free Yogart (Light & Fit) and Kashi Cereal.

I eat this yogart with a half cup of this cereal (serving size). I put a little bit of the cereal into each bite. It is SO delicious. In a half cup of this cereal is 60 calories and 14 grams of fiber. The cereal doesn't look yummy, but I promise it is! Plus, it's so healthy and full of great things! (Protein & Fiber)

total carlories of this snack = 140 and SO filling.

You will be filled for at least 2 hours.

2. Kashi GoLean Crunchy Bars

When school starts again (next week, ahh!) I'm on the go; a lot. I don't always have time to eat a warm, healthy lunch or snack so I carry these with me. This and a bottle of water definitely holds me over. Chocolate peanut butter is my favorite. It has 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and only 180 calories. These bars make you thirsty so a bottle of water is a must!

Hope you try both of these snacks :)

If you do, let me know if you like them!

It's Monday. And bitterly cold. So here's to me rambling.

1. It was FREEZING this weekend. I mean a high of 15 degrees. (sorry to those who are suffering with FAR worse temps.) Totally not normal for MD though. I could hibernate and honestly be happy. Me and cold weather do not like each other. I did go out for dinner and drinks on Saturday night though with M. However, I felt like Randy from the movie A Christmas Story because I was SO bundled up.

2. We watched the playoffs yesterday. Glad to see the Packers win; Steelers, egh not so much. I was rooting for the Jets since the Steelers have 2 Superbowl rings in the past 6 years. I mean, isn't it time for someone else to win? M was happy though because his dad is a BIG Steelers fan.

3. As of next Monday, I will be one busy bee. Here's how the schedule is looking:

Mon:  Gym: 7:30 AM - 9AM

         Class: 10AM - 4:20PM

Tues: Class: 8:30AM - 3:40 PM

         Gym: 4 PM

Wed: Same as Monday

Thurs: Gym: 9AM - 10:30AM

          Class: 12:30PM - 4:20PM

Fri: Work and gym (until my boss doesn't work anymore. then this will become a homework day)

(Parking is TERRIBLE at school so I have to get there with enough time to get lucky and get a spot or stalk someone to take their spot. It's so annoying) 

Not too too bad. I have two internships and the rest are classes (all math & science, yuck.)

4. M and I have a gala to go to this weekend. I'm quite excited for it :) We get to dress up!

5. I just started reading the book Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult. I've never read any of her books before but my boss gave me about 5. So far, I'm really into it. I'm hoping I finish it before school starts. I know she wrote My Sister's Keeper. I didn't read that but I saw the movie and cried like a baby, haha. Have any of you read this book by her or others?

6. That's all I have for today.. Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.

Things to think about.

This sucks.

Really. There is no other way to put it. My boss told me the other day that she will be quitting her job to stay home with the kids. While I think this is awesome for her, it's not so much for me. To be a stay-at-home mom would bring her so much joy. She is an amazing mother and her kids deserve that. Her last day will be some time in March. This semester I would only be working for her one day anyway because I am taking 18 credits but she would be using me 2 or 3 days this summer.

But to be honest, I could CARE LESS about the money or the job. I've come to love these children like their my own. I absolutely adore them, as well as my boss and her husband. I've had plenty of jobs in the past and have nannied for families before, but this is just different. This is like my second family.

2 1/2 years ago when I was job searching, it never crossed my mind that I would find a family like them. They welcomed me with open arms from day one and bend over backwards to make sure I am happy. From the times of paying me extra "just because" or picking me up something because they know I would like it. To say that they make me feel appreciated would be an understatement. It makes me sad to think that I won't see them every week like I do now. Yes, I know I can go visit because they live close, but it's just not the same. My boss has told me that I will be the first they call to watch the kids if they need a sitter and I am welcome over anytime I want. It's just that I am so used to seeing them every week and taking care of the girls that I am going to miss them.

This will be a sad time for everyone involved, but I will make sure I visit them, even if it's just twice a month, because it's not fair to M and A that I stop coming around just because they're mom isn't working anymore. To disappear from a child's life like that isn't good for them. These little girls are my heart.

But this isn't goodbye.. change is never easy though.

Top 2 Tuesday

I LOVE Spring time. Seriously.

It's probably my favorite season.

Clothes are so verstile and always cute.
I've been browsing so many sites &cannot wait to go shopping!

I intentionally don't buy many winter clothes just so I can

splurge on spring/summer clothes :) Anyone with me?!

Today, Taylor wants to know our top 2 favorite outfits/pieces for spring.

I won't go crazy with this post, however I am loving:

1. Wedges & Sandals.

Love them all (ae.com)

2. Dresses

So simple, yet classy and chic!

(ae.com)

I also love tanks, shorts, skirts, all of the accessories...

What clothes do you love about spring??

I ...

want a towel on a chair

in the sand by the sea

want to look through my shades

and see you there with me

want to soak up life for a while

in laid back mode

The sun and the sand and a

drink in my hand.. with no bottom

no shoes, no shirt, no problems

(these are my toes, haha)

(i've had this song in my head all day.

so over this cold weather. calling for ice & snow tonight.

bring on the warmer temps, please! spring & summer, i miss u)

 

What I'm Loving...

I'm joining in with Jamie for WILW!

1. Safe Haven

BY FAR, the BEST Nicholas Sparks' book I have ever read. I read this book in 3 days. If you love Lifetime Movies, you will LOVE this book. It's unlike anything he has ever written. I stayed up wayyy past my bedtime to finish it :)

The book gives this description:

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family. But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

Go read it. I swear you will not be disappointed.

2. Over due Massage

This Friday, I'm going to get a one-hour massage that my boss bought me for Christmas :) I am so excited and cannot wait. It's been a year since I've had one! I wish I could afford to have a custom massage every month.

3. Baseball

I just found out that M & I will be going to the opening day game of the Orioles! He bought us tickets in a great section. I am so excited for this because I've never been. It's a huge outing for the entire city :) I just hope the weather behaves because some years it has snowed while others it's been sunny and warm. It's in the 1st week of April so I'm hoping it's warm out!

Hope your week is going well! What are you loving this Wednesday?

It's Top 2 Tuesday Time

Today's Top 2 Tuesday is Top 2 Strange Addictions.

I don't think I have any strange "addictions"

but I do have some strange habits.

1. Chapstick & Water

I must put chapstick on before bed EVERY night. If I don't, I honestly cannot sleep. My lips feel naked without it, haha. I use it throughout the day as well but it must go on before bed. I also have to sleep with a water bottle right next to my bed on the floor. For some odd reason, I become extremely thirsty throughout the night. It happens after I brush my teeth. I think it's strange that this happens but having water next to me solves the problem.

2. Pillows

As of right now, I have 5 full size pillows and one small pillow on my bed. And yes, I sleep with all of them. I have to hold at least one pillow while I'm sleeping too. Whenever I stay at a hotel, I have to go to the front desk and ask for more because there are never enough on the bed. The more the better :) I just like being comfy.

Other strange habits:

- The volume on the TV and radio have to be on an even number.

- When I'm on a cardio machine, I have to burn an even number of calories, it cannot be 514 or anything like that. I drive myself crazy over it haha.

- Putting lotion on my hands right after I wash them.

- Making sure all doors are closed and locked before sleeping.

- The blinds have to closed a certain way.

- Having a diet coke once a day :) Bad, I know.

Okay, now that I just made myself seem like a crazy person,

what are some of your strange addictions or habits?!

Come on, tell me :)



Weekend.

Every winter, it seems like my weekends are always so laid back. Friday night, I literally did nothing but relax and paint my nails, haha. It was so cold though and who wants to go out in that? Not me. I think when I get older, I'm going to invest in a beach house, possibly in Hawaii or something to escape this cold. I'm just not cut out for it.

On Saturday, I went to the gym and picked up a bunch of pictures from Ritz. Getting pictures developed really is expensive! I'm in the middle of transferring all of my pictures, including loose ones, into new photo albums. They are just so disorganized and need to be taken care of. Later that night, I had to babysit the little girls I watch during the week. I told my boss I would watch the girls for free as a Christmas present because she and her husband also had a gift card to a very nice restaurant. They had a wonderful, free night out :)

On Sunday, M had a basketball at 8 AM. Talk about early! He plays on a local league just for fun. After that, we came home and relaxed for a little while before we went to our friends house to watch the Raven's game. Of course, M wore his Redskins jersey haha. I'm glad the Raven's won. They have a tough game ahead of them though against the Steelers.

Today, I'm off but I'm off every Monday. School starts soon so I'm soaking up all of my free time while I can :)

Tomorrow we're supposed to get some snow, about 2 inches or so, which is basically enough to cause a mess haha. NOTHING compared to last year though, thankfully. We have really dodged some snow storms this winter so I'm fine with 2 inches.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

New Year's Recap

New Year's was wonderful! For the first time in our relationship, M and I spent the evening with just each other. Usually we hang out with a group and go out the bars or a party. This year, he surprised me with a romantic dinner at an amazing Italian restaurant in the city! I didn't know where we were going until we got there. He really has been too sweet :)

When we arrived at the restaurant

The bottle of wine we ordered. It was delicious.

The name is hilarious though - The Ratbag - haha!

Our dinner was delicious - M ordered Penne with vodka sauce and grilled chicken and I ordered Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken. It also came with house salads and warm bread. Yum!

After dinner, we came back to my house to watch the fireworks on TV and celebrate with some more wine and noise makers :)

haha

 I am in love with this picture :)

looking a little glossy eyed huh Britt? haha

first kiss of the New Year!

The next day, Jan 1st, was my dad's 50th birthday. My stepmom invited family over for dinner and cake. My dad didn't want anything big because he didn't want to turn 50 haha. But who would!?

getting ready to blow out the candles

Happy birthday dad!!

notice his age isn't on there? lol

I think I look a lot like him?

I hope everyone celebrated the new year in a fun way!

What are some of your resolutions?

Some of mine include:
- Get healthy and stick to it!! I turn the big 2-5 this year so it's time.

- Continue to stay on the Dean's List

- Blog more! (as much as school allows)
- Continue to have a close relationship with friends & family

- Continue to have a fun and healthy relationship with M

P.S - I have had this blog for one year on 1/1/11!! I never thought that would happen. Thank you ALL for following and becoming friends of mine. I appreciate you all and think you're great! I can't wait for another year :)