eleven

Note: This is a super long post. Feel free to just skim & check out the pictures.

Since my pre-teen years, my favorite number has been 11. Which I guess is partially why I was so looking forward to 2011. And now, with the year coming to a close, I thought I'd take the time to reminisce about the year we are about to leave behind. As much as I sometimes get into a funk about the whole economy/job situation, 2011 has been an okay year.

[caption id="attachment_296" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Being interviewed during Iron Chef."][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mentoring program had two awesome fundraisers, one duct taping a security guard to a wall (voluntarily) and an Iron Chef competition. They were both fun, and my team won the Iron Chef. Seriously, great great events. I went bobsledding and it was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my life. It was awesome.

[caption id="attachment_297" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Bobsledding!!"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In March, I turned 23. It was one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I got a cake made for me at the dining hall, thanks to my mother. Eileen sent me flowers with the most beautiful note, I was in tears. A few of my residents from the building I lived in gave me flowers too. I found out our building won an energy conservation challenge. I really could not have asked for that day to have gone any better.

[caption id="attachment_298" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Flowers from Eileen!"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I competed in my school's Elevator Pitch competition in the non-profit/social advocate category, pitching a mentoring program of course, and won 2nd place! I helped Kayla with her One Day Without Shoes events, and we walked in the rain down Church Street in Burlington. It was a cold but fun day, and got a lot of local press!

[caption id="attachment_303" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Leaving campus at 5AM (and running on little sleep) for a weekend in Maine!"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spent a weekend traveling with DREAM, my mentoring program to Maine where I was able to spend quality time with my mentee, as well as the other kids and mentors. I was impressed with the ability of the mentors, staff, and kids to handle whatever was thrown at us that weekend, including our bus breaking down and a late late night getting home.

[caption id="attachment_300" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="YAY Graduation!"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was able to go home right before graduation and finals to spend time with my friend Ruth for her Easter birthday. I graduated college in May. It was a beautiful ceremony (albeit in a stuffy building). I got to spend time during Senior Week with friends, attending a Red Sox baseball game, taking a cruise around Lake Champlain. I attended a dinner for the Senior Class and the Trustees of the school, where our Senior Class Gift committee announced that we had over 50% participation, beating prior years and our goal. I got to see the girl I mentored for the past two years "graduate" 8th grade. It meant so much for me to be able to be there for her. When she saw me there, she was so excited, and you could tell it meant a lot to her too.

I ran/walked 3.1 miles as part of a relay team in the Vermont City Marathon, on behalf of Outright Vermont, a great organization that works with LGBTQA youth in Vermont. I had a wonderful graduation party with many family and friends there to spend time with me.

[caption id="attachment_305" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="My mom and I at Ruth's wedding."][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was glad to be able to be the maid of honor not just once, but twice this year. In June, I was in my friend Ruth's outdoor Maine wedding. And in July, I was in Eileen's wedding. They were both beautiful days with memories I will cherish for a long long time.

[caption id="attachment_307" align="alignleft" width="214" caption="Eileen and I."][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I adopted Charlie, and got to go visit my friend Natasha when I did. I had a wonderful visit and Charlie was amazing on the 5+ hour car ride to Maine... he barely meowed at all!

[caption id="attachment_299" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Charlie!"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got to go to a concert with a friend, and a concert with my family. My mom and I did laughter yoga, and my dad got my copy of "Design Sponge" signed while he was on a business trip. I started Cool & Pretty Things & this blog.

[caption id="attachment_301" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cool & pretty things!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_306" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Tattoo!"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got my first tattoo! It's the tree of life, with hearts for leaves... and the red and turquoise hearts are for my grandparents. My mom and sister got the same design, and the same day we went, my two cousins went and got red cars (for Richard "Red" Carr).

All the while, I met new friends, became closer with some, reconnected with some old ones, and have so many friends now that I consider family. I couldn't be more grateful to have them in my life. For Mike and Ruth's family to become my "Aunts" and Moms... same with Natasha's family. The kids that Ruth and I both babysit, we call "our" kids we love them so much.... it's really made this year so much better.

This year was not without some trials and tribulations. I had some major airport problems getting home from an out of state interview. I got waitlisted or denied from all 6 grad schools I applied to. I found out that my grandfather had passed away the day before my graduation (and since I went straight to the out of state interview, it was a few days before I was told of the news). I've spent a good 3-4 months of this year unemployed, and have been dealing with a lot of migraines lately. We found out that our roof of our house was underbuilt and had a huge deal with getting the entire roof replaced.

[caption id="attachment_302" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Roof Construction"][/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I'm ending the year with a sinus infection. But, what can you do!

There are definitely way more positive things that have happened this year than the negatives. And really, most of those bad things that happened aren't the worst thing in the world. I'm grateful to have a roof over my head, food to eat, clothing and shoes. And books, computers, and to be alive.

If you made it through that then I am SO thrilled! And you should let me know so I can send you some baked goods or something. Like really. Also, I will never ever write another post that long.

Credit to the picture of Charlie goes to Natasha, picture of Eileen and I, is Eileen's.

Lovely Package Exchange 2011

Being broke probably should have deterred me from joining Oh Hello Friend's Lovely Package Exchange but it didn't, and I'm glad! I got paired up with Jasmine and it was awesome! We emailed back and forth a bunch of times so by the end of the exchange it felt like I had known her forever! She was super creative and her packaging was beautiful. I kind of didn't want to unwrap everything it was so pretty!

 

 



WOW!

 

 

 

 



Awesome notebook with kitties!

 

 

 

 

 



Armwarmers (Since I hate the cold), and yarn since I mentioned I wanted to learn to knit!

 

 



A seriously cute little bowl for Charlie!

 

 

 



Also, treats for Charlie, and he just had a ton of fun playing with all the packaging materials!

 

 

 

 



Beautiful note and fun clip!

 

 

 

 



Beautiful box with stickers, a wonderful little tiny box with a Mother Theresa quote.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

I got her a cool little Maine souvenir, a book of Sudoku, a Tumbler (mug) with some tea, notebooks, lip balm and a headwrap.

 

 

 

 

I loved being a part of this fun exchange, and although it was my first time, I definitely want to do it again next year! I LOVED all of the items I got, and opening each one was SO fun! Jasmine liked her items too, and I gained a new friend. What an awesome time!

What I Wore: On Christmas Eve

shirt: I'm actually not sure where I got it! | skirt: Maurices | tights: Target ($5) | necklace: Maid of Honor gift from Ruth | watch: American Eagle Outfitters | bracelet: MoH gift from Eileen | shoes (not shown): Movember TOMS

Went to see family and go to church, and needed to look like I actually put some thought into my outfit. This is what I ended up with.

A-Z of Me

Found this through someone else's blog and thought it was cool. So here's an A-Z of me!

A.  Age: 23

B.  Best Friend: Eileen. And my mom.

C.  Chore That You Hate: Loading the dishwasher. Unloading it is fine. Emptying the trash is fine… there is something about dirty dishes that freak me out.

D.  Dogs: only Abby, our family pooch!

E.  Essential Start To Your Day: Sadly… it’s checking email and reading blogs on my google reader.

F.  Favorite Color:  Pink or yellow!

G.  Gold or Silver: Silver.

H.  Height:  5'3" (I’m a shortie!)

I.  Instruments You Play:  I played violin in 4^th grade, and I attempted to learn guitar.

J.  Job Title:  being awesome. :)

K.  Kids:  None. I have kids in my family and kids I babysit who I’m content with for now.

L.  Live:  Maine. The way life should be.

M.  Mother's Name:  Pam. But I call her mom. Or Mommy!

N.  Nicknames:  Mo, MoMo, Memo.

O.  Overnight Hospital Stays:  Yep. Jaw surgery required like a 5 night stay.

P.  Pet Peeve:  Most things dealing with driving. But when people say something and I don’t hear it, and I ask them to repeat it, and they say never mind. If it was important enough to say the first time, it’s important enough to repeat! Also when people use the word retard/retarded to talk about someone or something being stupid.

Q.  Quote From A Movie: "If you take sexual advantage of her, you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater." – Firefly (Which I guess is technically a TV show… but close enough.)

R.  Right or Left Handed:  Right

S.  Siblings:  Younger sister

T.  Time You Wake Up:  Anywhere between 8-11AM, depending on what I’m doing that day and when I went to bed the night before.

U.  Ultimate Vacation:  I’ve been to Hawaii, I wouldn’t mind going there again. I’d love to go to Australia, Moracco, Bora Bora, or the United Arab Emirates.

V.  Vegetable You Hate: Brussel sprouts? I’m not a huge veggie hater.

W.  What Makes You Run Late:  Going anywhere with my family, oversleeping, dog not cooperating.

X.  X-Rays You've Had: Arm, wrist, feet, chest, collarbone, jaw.

Y.  Yummy Food You Make: Eggnog pound cake, honey mustard salmon.

Z.  Zoo Animal:  Ostrich, seal, sea otter.

Why I Embrace the Face

Through For the Love of Blogs I found a Post called Embrace the Face. Started by this lovely gal, it's basically a chance for you to chat about those features of your face that you love and hate.

I know everyone has things about them that they love, and most people have things they hate. I'll be honest, I'm one of them! I hated my name when I was younger, and I hated my hair... Since then I've grown to love both my name and my hair!



So I'm putting myself out there. I'm gonna chat about what I love and hate about my face. Maybe it will help me embrace the features I'm not as thrilled with.

I love my blue eyes. I love that generally my eyebrows behave themselves. I adore my crazy freckles. I like that I generally don't get acne (though that wasn't always the case). I love my nose piercing and I'm glad that I did it.

I don't love that I always look like I have dark under eye circles.... people must think I never sleep. I don't like the little bump on my nose, thanks to a dangerous tennis ball in middle school. Sometimes I look like I have a double chin.

I rarely wear makeup, except for special occasions. It really comes out of laziness of putting makeup on. Though sometimes I think that having a tiny bit of makeup on wouldn't hurt every once in a while.

So there you have it. I random picture of me, with what I like and don't love about my face. Go link up with FLOB or These Hazel Eyes, for a chance to win some cool stuff, and just feel good about getting it out there!

Book Review: Heart of Ice

I recently found a website called Booksneeze.com and they give books to bloggers. I found a few different titles that I liked on their website, and signed up to review my first book. Hopefully, there will be more where this came from!



 

I had not read any of Lis Wiehl's books before starting this one, including the other Triple Threat books. I really did not like the book at first. I had to write down who the different characters were and what their jobs were so that I wouldn't get confused. And the fact that the chapters were anywhere from 1-6 pages and switched whose point of view it was kind of annoyed me. And I think if I had read the other books and kind of knew the different characters it would have bothered me to keep getting that information again in this book.

But once I got through the beginning, I found myself not being able to put the book down. I really liked the different characters. I devoured the book in two days. I have now put the other Triple Threat books on my "To-Read" list.

Disclosure: I received this advanced copy e-book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.



 

I created a list of books to read, and used a frame I got on clearance from Target.

Now I have a visible non-digital list in my room for me to look at of my books. (Also folks, I hit a new level of nerdyness.)

 

Also, I recently updated my profile on Goodreads (an awesome site for book recommendations, by the way!) so if you're looking for some books to read, you should check out my lists of read, currently reading, and to-read books!

twelve by 2012 check in: part two

I started this on October 20th, and did a check in on November 12th. With about 3 weeks left in 2012, I figured I would do another check in... before the end of the year when we will see how successful I was with my goals!

In progress goals will be in blue, finished or unobtainable goals will be in green.

1. Read 2 books. - I finished reading The Power of Half by Hannah and Kevin Salwen. I need to read another! Luckily, I have a few started, a few books on my ipad, and a list of over 100 books to read.


2. Give Mia, Lila, and Jordan their belated birthday presents, and buy Dan his. - I bought Dan his birthday present. I need to either wrap or get bags for these presents and bring them over to the kids I babysit. So this goal is one that is almost near completion. Haven't really made any progress since my last check in.


3. Post on my blog 3 times a week. - I feel like I'm doing well at posting multiple times a week.


4. Open my etsy shop. - Check it out! YAY One goal completed.


5. Get a job. - Multiple interviews. I'm trucking along with this one. But this one needs to be completed (as apposed to reading books) so I can pay off my loans.


6. Visit Eileen and Kyle before they head to Alaska. - So I set myself up for failure with this one. I don't have the money to take a trip, so unfortunately this goal is not going to happen.


7. Start a little freelance business. - I have business cards designed and I printed them. I have a friend with a business who needs a website, so I guess I can consider myself having my first client? I've been working on my portfolio.


8. Spend quality time with my friends here. -I've definitely been successful here. I've done dinners and gone to concerts with my friends here. I'm gonna call this goal good.


9. Finish my room design/clean/reorganization/set up. - I moved a few pieces of furniture around. I can't really do much more than I have as far as rearranging and cleaning since I don't really have the money to go and buy new items for my room... like a bigger bookcase and storage for my etsy stuff.


10. Figure out budget and start saving! -I haven't really worked on this goal yet. I should probably wait until I have a job.


11. Make 5 things (either food or crafts) I've pinned on Pinterest. - Doing well with this goal. I made the picture collage, I turned a shirt into a skirt, made eggnog pound cake, and made the artwork of my dog. So I'm 4/5 for this goal. One more item and then I can cross this one off!


12. Visit Burlington! - Hmm. With my alma matter having finals next week, this is probably not going to happen before they are done for the semester.

Okay. 6 in progress. 3 finished. 2 unobtainable. And only 1 I haven't started!

Rablings of my Busy Brain

I've slowly been trucking through my to do list that I made back on Monday or Tuesday of this week. I've been filling out a million and one applications and sending my resume and cover letters out. Here's to hoping that I get somewhere with one of them. And I finally finished the picture collage that I did for The Pinterest Challenge.

I also wrote out all of my student loan checks for December. And yes, I was able to afford December's student loan payments and still have a tiny bit of money left over. It was mostly thanks to my cousin Kyler asking me to fill in for him on a weekend gig. And my favorite little family from down the street who asked me to babysit like 4 times in the past few weeks or so. I was excited to have more money than I had orginally thought I was going to have, plus get to do these things anyway.

I also made a new item for my shop. I had sort of come up with the idea but finally brought it to fruition today... and I'm very pleased with the outcome. Hopefully I will have a few new items up shortly! I joined an etsy "team"... the Etsy Maine Team! Hopefully this will help me get my stuff out there more. I've also been brainstorming local shops that I could sell my stuff.

My mind has also been following with an idea for a business and what to get for my Lovely Package exchange partner. I'm emailing back and forth with my exchange partner and my mind is excitedly figuring out what to get her and how to package it! Can't wait to show you more soon!

22 Questions & Answers about Christmas

Saw this on Caitlin's blog and had to steal it.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I like them both. Though I made some egg nog pound cake that was to die for.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Always wrapped or in a gift bag.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?  We never decorate the outside of the house. And we have colored lights on the tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.

5. When do you put your decorations up? It varies from year to year, but when I was attending college it was generally right after Thanksgiving so that everyone was home and could participate.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? This incredibly delicious mix of carrots and turnips that my grammy makes. It’s so good.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I don't know if I have any favorite memories... the Christmas that I had the chicken pox was memorable, but not in a good way...


8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I found Santa’s outfit in the linen closet, put it on, and went downstairs where my parents were sitting. They kind of had to explain it at that point.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. It’s definitely a tradition!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Ornaments from throughout the years, an angel on the top, and lights!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I’ve grown up in Maine, and went to school in Vermont. I hate/dread snow. Not a fan.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes. Though I hardly go ice skating… the few times that I have gone recently were with the kids from the mentoring program I was in while in college.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Probably a book about Mother Theresa my grandmother gave me signed by the author.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seeing my family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My aunt has a cake that she makes and we sing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus and eat cake.


16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? We have a DVD of TranSiberian Orchestra music that we all watch as a family.


17. What tops your tree? The same angel for as long as I can remember.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I like both. Though I love the look on people's faces when they get a really great gift that they were not expecting.


19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yuck.


20. Favorite Christmas show? I don't really have one... I'm not a huge fan of Christmas shows.


21. Saddest Christmas Song? “The Christmas Shoes” which is a song about a boy trying to buy shoes for his mother, who is dying. He doesn’t have enough money for them and the guy waiting in line behind him gives him the money. It’s a beautiful but sad song.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? I don't really think I have a favorite.... there are so many good Christmas songs!

Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday & Etsy Folks You Should Check Out

[caption id="attachment_227" align="aligncenter" width="529" caption="from http://www.facebook.com/shopsmall"][/caption]

I love small businesses. I know many small business owners, and I just think they're fabulous. My parents and I did our part and went and supported local small businesses and crafts people this weekend.



I've been looking for something for the extra bracelets and jewelry that don't fit on my hanging jewelry holders... and this cool bowl made out of an old record was super cool and fun! Now my dresser looks less cluttered!

And now I want to share with you a few small etsy buinesses folks I'm loving at the moment... This is definitely not a full list, but just a few people I want to share with my friends. :)



Megan has an etsy shop with a ton of cute things. I have this watch. I'm loving the hats, and pretty much everything in her shop! She also has a blog, as well as a blog with her sisters (she's a triplet!)



These eco friendly cat toys are awesome. I especially love these made from wool sweater scraps. I definitely want to get some of these for Charlie!



I'm actually known for drinking cold Starbucks drinks in the wintertime, even though it makes my hands freezing cold! I love these cozies, it would be the perfect thing to keep my hands warm(er). I love the best friend cozies, but there is such a variety!



I love these! Olivia started this business in college and it's taken off. I just got mine in the mail on Friday and I have been wearing them since! She has tons of colors, and a huge variety. And the best thing is that when I take my hair down, it doesn't leave that dent that you sometimes get from other hair ties.... and I can just put it on my wrist and wear it like a bracelet!





If you're a pinterest addict like I am, then you probably saw these legwarmers. After these hit pinterest, Melissa, the owner of Sienna's Closet, got so much interest that she's had a steady stream of people going to her etsy store and facebook pages asking for them. I ordered a teal pair that I wore when we got some snow last week, and they are gorgeous as well as being cozy and warm! Your best bet is to check out her facebook page, she will keep you updated as to what she has in stock and when!



I happen to think that you cannot go wrong when you mix pearls and ribbon! Twillypop does just that! I have my eye on a few of them.

Also, I did not get paid to mention any of these lovely folks... I just like sharing good finds with others! All photos/banners belong to the shop owners!

TV Shows I'm Currently in Love WIth

The X Factor: I've never really been into American Idol, The Voice, or any of those other music competition shows. I watched a little bit of The Sing Off when On the Rocks was on it. But I've been SO into watching the X Factor. My favorites are Drew, Rachel, Lakoda Rayne, Josh, Leroy, and Marcus. If any of them won I would be content.



Kitchen Cousins: John and Anthony are cousins (as the title might alude to) from a big 'ol Italian family in Jersey. They work together at a construction company. They are cool, fun, have a great space (an old firestation) and they design great kitchens.



Check out the boys, their office, and two of their completed kitchens. Or watch them Wednesday nights on HGTV.

Bones: On after the X Factor on Thursday nights, I normally just keep the TV on the same channel and have been watching the last 3-4 episodes of Bones. I love the characters.

 

X Factor pictures from the X Factor website. Kitchen Cousins pictures from their facebook page.

Review & Giveaway: Start Something That Matters

The book started off with a poem about success (often attributed to Elizabeth Anne Anderson Stanley), which at the time I was reading this book I wasn't quite feeling very successful. But the book and poem reminded me that there are many ways to define success. The book then starts telling the story of TOMS, which is a mix of things that as a huge TOMS fan I already knew, as well as information I didn't know before reading.

It's not just about TOMS. Blake also talked to others who "started something that matters" including the guys behind method, an eco friendly cleaning brand. I was fascinated to learn that beef fat is a common ingredient as a softening agent in dryer sheets.

It's an easy read, with the book split into different sections such as learning how to tell your story, facing your fears, which includes a great story about Blake's mom! There's also great advice like when Blake suggests reading biographies and that the timing is not going to ever be right. I thought it was a pretty quick read. Whether you just want to learn more about TOMS, want to make a difference, or want to learn how to do what you love, it's a good book to check out.



And...

I'M GIVING AWAY TWO COPIES!

Sorry for the caps lock/yelling. I'm very excited to share with you! All you have to do is comment below saying that you are a follower of my blog.... and I will randomly choose two people to receive a copy of the book! Make sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win!

The giveaway ends on November 28th, 2011.

How to Create an Awesome Care Package

Step 1: Create a theme, whether it is a holiday, season, or if it’s just because, come up with some other crazy type of theme!

The example I’m using in this post, is a fabulous Maine themed care package for Eileen and her hubby!

Start on your care package adventure!

Step 2: Think about things that go along with the theme. For me, Maine – lobster, maple, and moose related items.



{Picture thanks to Eileen.} As you can see, there's some LL Bean candy. Lobster shaped and moose shaped. There's also a magnet shaped like the state of Maine.

Step 3: If someone mentions wanting something in particular, make sure to try your hardest to get it for them.

Eileen told me that she really wanted these Moose lollypops from LL Bean. So this was a picture I took with my webcam and posted on her facebook page so that I could make sure that I got what she wanted!

Step 4: Include something homemade, also if possible. I didn't get to do this, but I definitely plan to next time!

Do you have any suggestions for how to make a great care package?