2011: Top 11

In 2010, I married the man of my dreams, moved three times and began a new life. 

In 2011, I made our house a home, made new friends, settled into my job, did a LOT of traveling and celebrated the first year of our marriage with the love of my life. 

I cherished the old, while embracing the new and allowed myself to grow  and learn. 

I think that makes 2011 a very successful year....

Do we really get to live in this amazing state? Still can't believe it...

Albeit, it is quite cold.

And last, but not least...

I have truly pushed myself this year and am proud to say that I couldn't be happier.  Yes, I still wish that I had a career or at least an idea of a career, but I am in a good job right now and happy where we are in our life.  I have always taken life as it comes and am happy to say- it hasn't let me down yet!

2012 is going to be a much different year with Will deploying, but we will take that as it comes.  For now, I am going to enjoy this New Year's weekend with my little family and our new friends and hope that you are all doing the same.  Be thankful for each day and always look for the positve.

Hello 2012! We are READY!!

ABC's of Me...

Twenty-six letters in the alphabet and I just turned 26...coincidence?  I think not.

                                                                                                                                                 Source: shop.teachers-tools.com via Janna on Pinterest

A. Ambition:  Contribute to my family in any way possible.  I plan on being "successful" but my definition of "success" keeps evolving. 

B. Bed size: Queen.  We had a king and didn't like it because we were too far apart to cuddle, since we both like to hang our feet off the edge.  I think it's romantic <3



C. Chore that you hate:  I HATE DISHES! Which is why this is the chore that my wonderful husband takes care of.





D. Dogs:  Weiser, our Weimaraner Mix.



E. Essential start to your day: Coffee and brain focusing.  I need some me time before I can face the world.

F. Favorite color: Green.  It used to be purple, but all shades of green took over my wardrobe, so I'm pretty sure it's now green.

G. Guilty Pleasure: Late night snacks, Bulk shopping and Desperate Housewives (The abc version, not the reality shows)

H. Height: 5’3ish...There is discrepancy with my height.  I thought I was 5'4, but apparently I have been lying to myself...All I know is that next to the hubs, I look like a midget. >

I. Instruments you play: None, unless you count my voice, as I do sing a bit.

J. Job title: Jill of All Trades, but server/bartender for the time being.

K. Kids: Absolutely not.  I am too happy with my job and having my husband all to myself to throw kids into the mix...at least for a while. If you read my blog, then you know this.

L. Live: Earth.  My husband is in the Army, so while he's in- we could end up ANYWHERE.  For now we are in Colorado!

M. Mother’s name: Jerri. with an "I".

N. Nicknames: Per Hubby- Sugar, Sweetness, Lover (Amazing, right?) Per Everyone Else- J.B., Banana, Bananza, Mrs. THE Bogert and Momma Janna.

O. Obsession:  Revamping "Bad for you foods", Budgeting and photography.

P. Pet peeves: Disrespect, loud noises and wasting food.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!"  Mame Dennis, from Auntie Mame. How true is that?

I know you thought of at least one person when you read it...

R. Regret:  Not a word in my vocabulary.  There might be choices I've made that taught me a hard lesson, but I wouldn't be who I am without those lessons. 

S. Siblings: 8. No joke.  

T. Tattoos:  Most people have no clue I have any, but I hide all six well ;)

U. University You attended: Florida Atlantic University

                                                                                                                                 
V. Vegetable you hate: umm...I don't think I dislike any...I hate black licorice, though...

W. What makes you run late: Packing my lunch. Sometimes I'm a bit overzealous. 

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Dental, back, arm and I may have to do an MRI soon...eek.

Y. Yummy food that you make: Healthy Shepherds Pie  I know it's odd to see those words together, but try it and you will be A-mazed.  It's hubby approved!  People also rave about my eggs.  I'm pretty sure that if people really like your eggs they are either humoring you, don't get out much or you really do make great eggs...I'm hoping it's the latter.

Z. Zoo animal: I would have said monkeys, but last time I visited the zoo, I was struck with the elegance of the giraffe's that I had never noticed before.  Seriously, You try being that big and still lookin' classy.

Just try and look at this picture without letting out a sigh or an "awwww..."

I hope that you find this lil' post somewhat entertaining because it was fun for me to write! Does that sound narcisstic that I like to write about myself? I hope not!

I just know that I like to read about each and every one of you lovely ladies, so who am I to deny you that pleasure.

Plus it's all about "Transparency", right Erin ?  I always relate to the bloggers that put themselves out there and allow us to fully connect.  I hope that you can get that from me, as well.  I am an open book my dears- read away!

For now- TGIF!!! xoxoxo

Bala'MORE

Today I would like to share with you the final installment of the Baltimore Birthday trip, and what I see as the essence of this great and historic town.  I dedicated a post a while back to many interesting facts of Baltimore, and you will find them evidenced here. 

The architecture and romance of the city was definitely what made me fall in love.

Great shopping at bargain basements, thrift stores, vintage shops and I even found some amazing stuff at Goodwill!

Little hot spots around every corner- all full of character:

The Harbor is a MUST for a day trip of exploring:
(Yes, I was wearing a crown! It was my birthday!)

But Baltimore isn't just about city life.  We ventured into the country side and it was breath-taking.  Especially in the fall, where you find fire in the trees.

And of course, no vacation is complete without visiting at least one new restaurant...

I'm not the biggest Guy Fieri fan, BUT this place did kick butt.  It was such a fun atmosphere and totally worth a special trip.  There are so many amazing places in Baltimore, so I can't WAIT to go back and try more of the reccomendations that I got!

Hint, hint: We (as in Will too) may be heading that direction in February!!

Next time I will have a camera other than just my iPhone ;)

Stumped on New Years

There are only three sleeps left before New Years Eve and we still don't have plans.  We have lots of options, but not sure which one is right.  I don't want to put a ton of pressure on said plans, but as you know I am trying to make the next couple months extra special for the hubs.

Last year, we went to a "house party", which was extremely lame and this picture is about the only exciting thing about the whole night:

I'm not exaggerating. We sat around a table, while annoying people kept talking about annoying things and then at midnight the same annoying people shot each other with fire works.  The end.

All I know- is that I REFUSE to be apart of anything like last year's New Year's.  This year is going to be very hard on Will and I, so I want to start it out on a positive note.  I'm not gonna lie- having a romantic evening with just the two of us, by the fire with champagne and some yummy food is beginning to sound like the least stressful option and the most fool proof.  Or maybe my anti-social side is just trying to take over....

What are y'all doing this year? I need some inspiration!!

Or maybe some Pinspiration ;)

Versatile Blogger Award!

So the other day, I saw this award, and thought "Hmm...what a cool award! I wish I had gotten it." Then yesterday, I get a message from my Blog Twin Sarah over at Simply Sarah and, low and behold, she awarded it to me!  I already think she is amazing, so this is just icing on the cake ;)

If she hadn't already been nominated, she would be on the top of my list, so make sure you check out her blog!

Ok, now for the rules-

* Nominate 15 fellow bloggers

* Inform them of their nomination

* Share 7 random things about yourself

* Thank the blogger who nominated you

* Add the Versatile Blog Award picture on your blog post

You simply MUST check these ladies out!  

1. Ashley @ WanderlustMe

2. Amanda @ Marshalls Abroad

3. Ashley @ Sloanbook

4. Courtney @ From Here To Eternity...

5. Katie @ Married...With a Pup

6. Ashley @ Adventures of Newlyweds

7. Erin @ Every Branch

8. Bon Bon @ The Whim Wham Life 

9.  Meg @ Mackey Madness

10. Sierra @ Ocean Dreams

11. Cait @ Fit, Fierce and Fabulous

12. Alycia @ Crowley Party

13. Kandice @ Here We Are

14. Amanda @ Simple Girl, Simple Pleasures

15. Emily @ meme & he

My random facts in Sometimes & Always form, because I'm creative like that:

1. I LOVE to grocery shop.  

Sometimes: I walk into the store for one item.

Always: After that 2 hours I might walk out with a car load or I may still only get that one thing, but I know it was 2 hours well spent.

2. I HATE when people use "seen" when they should be changing the tense to "saw".

Sometimes:  I don't care to be a grammar nazi, so I don't speak out against it.

Always: My biggest pet peeve is triggered when people make this simple mistake, and it sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me.

3. I don't like to drink.

Sometimes: I think a pina colada or a glass of Sangria sounds yummy.

Always: My stomach tell me no, and this makes my husband and his buddies happy, because they always have a D.D.

4. I HAVE to wash my face twice a day.

Sometimes: I don't wash it right away in the morning.

Always: It's washed as soon as I get home.  I don't wear foundation or even powder, but there is just something about that clean feeling and I can't  stand to have a dirty-from-the-day face.

5. I went to a preschool that had a petting zoo.  No lie.  

Sometimes: I didn't go to daycare much when I was little, because my grandmother took care of me.

Always: When my grandmother would take me by this preschool every now and then I loved to play with the kids, and more importantly, the animals.

6. I have an entire closet ROOM and over a 100 pairs of shoes.  

Sometimes: People would probably assume that I am materialistic or high maintenance after seeing my closet room.

Always: I actually spend less money than Will does. I just shop on sale and buy classic pieces that don't go out of style. I used to shop A LOT, but now I have a lot better things to do with myself ;)

7. I have sung in two bands and joined in with several others.

Sometimes: I wish that I had gone farther with my voice.

Always: I realize that it was a fun dream, but not so realistic.  I'll simply remember that those were great times that I will be happy to relay to my grandchildren.

And a bonus, triggered by the hubs:

I smile from ear to ear when Will pulls me to him and says "Mine."  Yes, it's kind of caveman-ish, but I don't care since I am, after all, completely his forever and always...Don't hate me because I am head over heals; I can't help it.

I wish I could give each and every one of you a blog award, but in due time that just might happen!

*hinthint* The more awards I get, the more you will get.

j/k   sortof  ;)