What a weekend!!!

Happy Halloween! This Halloween is like no other for NJ though!

It's a good thing the wedding was Friday night but more on that later. First, a few photos of the lovely bride and groom and their fabulous wedding...

Outfit of the night for those wondering. From PacSun (surprising, right!)

Congratulations again Mr. and Mrs. D! Your love definitely shines! Enjoy Maui!!!


But then late Friday night / Saturday morning, this happened...

I was at work on Saturday until 1:30pm but then I left and went to my parents to get their Blazer. As you can tell from the pictures above, it's a good thing I did! My little Scion tC never would have make it up the mountain. Some spots, I didn't even know where my lane was! I've taken that road almost every day of my life so I had an idea of where I was suppose to be but it was bad! According to NJ OEM, nearly 600,000 people were without power. Luckily, I was only included in that for about 20 minutes total (kept going off and on). Trees and power lines were down every where though and there were a million house fires and car accidents due to this storm.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and if you had to deal with this storm, I hope everything is alright!

Wedding wishes for the Mr. and Mrs...

About a year ago, I met a wonderful, gorgeous woman who I am honored to call a friend. Today she woke up with one last name but will go to sleep with another. I couldn't be more happy for her! They are perfect together and are lucky to have each other. Best part? She is marrying my aunt's son - technically not family, but close enough for me!

See, told ya... she's gorge!

Congratulations Mike and Kerri! Today will be one of the best days of your life, enjoy every moment!

So if you're looking for me, I'll be dancing the night away with some pretty awesome people. But no worries, I'll do a recap for you on Monday.

___________________________________________________________

Kerri, don't sweat the small stuff today... everything will be beautiful and you will be the most stunning bride ever! I can't wait to see Mike's face when he sees you!!!

Mike, never forget this saying: 'Happy wife, happy life!'

Eff, Marry, Kill

I apologize for getting this out so late... I've been thinking about this post all week and I was having an extremely hard time finding someone I would kill (especially when trying to keep a theme between the celebs)

Time is running out though so ready or not, here is my Eff, Marry, Kill: Jackass edition!

Bam Margera - I would make sweet lovin' to him because he's kinda hott. I wouldn't go as far as to marry him though because he has a psycho look in his eyes 80% of the time.

Johnny Knoxville - I would marry Johnny because he's adorable and I even though he does completely ridiculous things, he would make me laugh.

Steve-O - I'm sorry Steve-O! If you weren't so nasty, you would be my eff but lets face it, you are down right disgusting!

To see who others would want to eff, marry, and kill, head over to The Vintage Apple's linkup!

Oh, how Pinterestingly funny...

Good morning and happy Wednesday! You know what that means...

It's time for Wheel of Fortune Oh, how Pinteresting Wednesday with The Vintage Apple. This week I've decided to post all pins that made me el.oh.el

Tomorrow I'll be linking up again with The Vintage Apple but for her one-time Eff, Marry, Kill linkup!



A life spent NOT in the kitchen...

I know some people love to be in the kitchen, cooking away. I am not one of them. Spending hours in a kitchen to make a meal you'll enjoy for a half hour just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe my opinion is also based on the fact that I can't cook... and that is no exaggeration. Baking? I love to bake and I'm great at it but I think it's because you follow what the recipe says. When it comes to adding the spices and such, I am lost. Anywho, back to the fact that spending hours in the kitchen sucks.

Enter: crockpot

I LOVE my crockpot! I think it's wonderful to be able to dump everything into it the the morning then have a cooked meal 6-8 hours later. So today I've decided to share my favorite crockpot recipe (found here)

And if you don't have a crockpot, go to Target right now and buy one! Seriously, go!


Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes

Servings: 10 • Size: 1 1/4 cups • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 203.7 • Fat: 1.4 g • Carb: 33.3 g • Fiber: 10.0 g • Protein: 16.9 g

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 16-oz can black beans
• 1 16-oz can kidney beans
• 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
• 10 oz package frozen corn kernels
• 2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 24 oz (3-4) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• chili peppers, chopped (optional)

Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. Top with fresh cilantro. Also try it with low fat cheese and sour cream (extra points).


Now I did not add the onion, corn, chili peppers (this includes in the tomatoes), and cumin. I added a little onion powder for just a little flavor but I left out the others because I'm not not a fan of super spicy. Oh, and the corn since corn should be eaten by itself. Here is what mine looks like when done:

Beau and I highly recommend this recipe. Perfect for a fall - or winter - night! Bon appetit!!!

On the road to iDo: An engagement story...

So I realized I never told you guys how Beau and I got engaged...

(After reading our story, you'll probably think 'Seriously, are you kidding me?!' but

our proposal completely fits us)

On Saturday, April 30, 2011, Beau and I decided to go to the jewelry store to look at ring settings. I had designed the ring I wanted but after looking for weeks, we couldn't find anything to match so we had to make our own. After finding the exact setting I had been dreaming of, we talked to Beau's friend who works at the store then left, happy as could be.

I went to another store to buy clothes I don't need look at some things while Beau went to the Apple store to look around. He then met up with me - Apple bag in hand - and it annoyed me that he bought yet another product since our house is already full of Apple stuff.

So after bad mouthing Beau’s Apple products, saying that I was going to personally yell at Steve Jobs (may he now rest in peace) if Beau got another product before getting me a ring, and jokingly saying that I wanted to punt the Apple bag across the parking lot for a good 5 minutes, Beau told me to look in the bag. There is was, next to the Apple TV... a ring box! I pulled out the box and opened it to see my dream ring. At that moment, Beau asked if I would marry him. Obviously I said yes!

Unknown to me, the reason he wanted to go 'look at settings' was because the ring was ready to be picked up and after going to the Apple store, he ran back to the jewelers to grab it. Was it the romantic proposal I wanted? Not at all. Was it us? Completely!

Photo courtesy of my iPhone

Some more 'ring porn' for you ladies :-)

PS: Did anyone watch the Against the Wall season finale last night? I was hoping we would finally find out who she would end up with but nope! Lifetime ended with her opening the door but not showing who she picked. Seriously?!?!?!?!? There better be a season 2!!!

No, it wasn't a coinkydink that Brody is shirtless... you're welcome

It's Friday night and the moon is bright...

T.G.I.F. everyone!

When you say that phrase today, people think you're talking about the Katy Perry song. But nope, not me. I am talking about 90's television...

I don't know about you but while growing up, every Friday night my family would rush to be home by 8pm because that's when T.G.I.F came on ABC. There were a few shows that were 'ehhh, ok' then there were THE shows of the 90s...

Classic! Boy Meets World is by far one of the best shows ever made. Not only was it awesome back then but thanks to ABC Family, it can be seen every morning between 7am and 8am. Yup, you've guessed it, it records on the DVR every day! Who doesn't love the Matthews family though. And Shawn Hunter... enough said!

The Olsen twins... John Stamos... Jodie Sweetin. I've never met anyone who hasn't loved Full House! Just like Boy Meets World, it was such a great family show. This can also be seen on ABC Family at 9am. I've been told that when my family went to Disney World when I was young, people used to think I was 'the girl from Full House'. I wish!

'Did I do that???' Oh Urkel! Did any one else have the Urkel doll with a pull string? Ok, maybe it was just me. That doll was the bomb dot com though! I still have it somewhere in my old bedroom. I always felt bad for Steve but the poor Winslow family went through so much with him. Wonder what ever happened to him? Well, today is your lucky day then...

Family Matters can still be watched around 5/6am on Nickelodeon. I'm so glad these awesome shows can still be seen! Kids nowadays have no idea what they're missing.

Step by step, day by day. A fresh start over, a different hand to play. Tell me you didn't sing this song all the time. I still walk around the house singing it. They were the (more) modern Brady Bunch family but they had one thing the Bradys didn't: Cody! Mr. 'No way!'


Other shows that made Friday night tv as great as it was:
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Dinosaurs 'Not the mama!'
Clueless
Two of a Kind
8 Simple Rules (this came later)

What was your favorite T.G.I.F. show? Don't you wish they still had this... there is nothing on Friday nights anymore!

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

A father carries pictures where his money used to be...

Happy birthday to...

MY DADDY!

Isn't this a great picture!!!
The Geico commercial in the background makes it even better! 

As you can tell from the picture, my daddy is awesome! Not only is he a wonderful man but he is the world's best dad! I remember as a kid, he would come into my room every morning before he left for work and give me a kiss on my forehead. Then after a full day of manual work, he would come home and still have time for us. My daddy is - and always will be - superman! His weakness though? The bottom lip and puppy dog eyes. How else do you think I was able to go to Europe in high school?! Happy birthday Daddy! I love you!!!


So let's talk about some recent shows that I haven't talked about lately...

Hart of Dixie - I am loving this show! With the heat wave, I was really hoping Zoe would get with Wade but noooo. Of course she had to come to her senses right before they kissed! Lemon (who I dislike) needs to choose between George and Lavon so the mayor can move on with his life.

Ringer - I love how there is a cliffhanger before every commercial break. It seriously keeps me on the edge of my seat! Then again, the whole show does! I wonder what 'Siobhan' is going to say about Bridget's fingerprints on the evidence...

Against the Wall - Brody? Danny? Brody? Danny? Ahhhh! I was so sad when Brody left the party while Danny was standing there staring at Abby. Then again, I would have been sad if the same happened to Danny. I have NO idea which team to be on - I love them both! Why does the season finale have to be so soon???

Why do I feel like I watch a BILLION shows a week but I can't think of any other shows to write about? I know there are many, many more then those 3 considering my DVR records about 20 a night!


Happy thirsty Thursday everyone!

Ah, the joys of sleeping in...

Good morning everyone! Well, I guess it's actually afternoon but I got a MAJOR late start today. I needed it though... between starting work yesterday, not being able to fall asleep because of my back, and still recovering from my sore throat/sickness-thingy, sleeping late was a necessity! Sammy enjoyed it though

I look HORRIBLE but I had to show y'all how Sammy was sleeping!
(sorry for the graininess)

Work went well yesterday. It's nothing like it use to be since everyone in the office is new but at least it's a job that I already know. I even have my old desk back! Once I get it decorated a little I'll post a picture. I'm glad it's only part time right now though because my back hardly handled yesterday -- I couldn't imagine having to wake up today and sit at the desk for another 8 hours.

After work was Taco Tuesday at my aunt's house! Tacos for dinner then warm brownies with ice cream for dessert... MmmmMmmm!!! We also watched Bridesmaids, which I've been dying to see. It was good but I thought it was suppose to be more of a comedy. Yes, parts were funny but other parts were kind of sad. It was a good night though. The highlight of the night? My cousin Mander... 'I went to NY&Co and they gave me 2 coupons for $15 off a $30 purchase!' That was when my other cousin, Ally, informed us that you got 1 coupon per $40 spent. Whoops!


*HIMYM SPOILER*
I finally caught up on this week's HIMYM... they're having a BOY!!!! Yes, I'm aware it's not real but I'm so happy for the characters! I was cracking up through the whole episode though because of what Robin's boyfriend/therapist was saying about the group. It was such a good episode but then again, has there been a bad one? I can't believe Barney is still wearing the ducky tie! Too funny...


Since this is what the east coast is dealing with today:

Sammy and I will be cuddled on the couch watching tv and maybe a movie or two if the satellite goes out. Luckily, we're just in the thunderstorm section but prayers are going out to those getting the severe storms. Mother Nature has not been treating us well this year!

Have a safe Wednesday!

Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'...

Er, well, 7:30 to 2:30 but you get the point!

For the first time since January, today I had to wake up and go to work. Unfortunately due to my back injury, it's not the same job I had 10 months ago but where I'm going is 'home'.

In 2004, I was looking for part time work to do after school and during the summer so my uncle graciously gave me a job. Not only was it family-owned, but the office manager became a second mom to me. Sometimes, she was on my about my homework and grades more then my mom was! Going to the office never felt like work because we had so much fun and enjoyed each others company. One day, she had decided to move on - leaving the office to me. This was all good until my uncle brought in a guy to 'help' around the place since he wasn't able to be there as much as he liked. Well, this waste of a life never answered the phones and when he did, he would just put them on hold, he talked on his cell with people overseas all day, and worse of all, he treated me like crapola! I'm not just being dramatic when I say that... he would yell at me over stuff I didn't do and on the off chance he actually pissed me off a little, he would yell at me more to change my attitude and be more professional. Seriously?!? Who's the unprofessional one here? Me, who comes into work to do her job or you, the arrogant ahole who looks down upon women??? It was October of 2008 when I had enough and I left. It was a tough decision for me but I couldn't take the abuse any longer. (side note: that jerkface has been fired since)

After that I had another office job then worked for a veterinary office and eventually ended up at a job in the medical field... I LOVED it! My patients were the best (well most of them were) and a lot of my co-workers were amazing people. Apparently, being an 110 pound girl moving 200+ pound patients is not the best combination though.

So here I am - 10 months later - dealing with an unknown back injury that causes me a ton of physical and emotional pain. But not having an income definitely affects the bank account and even though I don't feel 100% (or even 75%) I need to work. Not just for the money but to get out of the house. I honestly say I miss working.

After begging asking nicely, my uncle swooped in and saved the day! So as of today, I'm back in the place where I started. It won't be the same as when I first began ::major sad face:: but I'm going to make the best of it!

Just wanted to say...

Happy (almost) birthday to me!!!

Since I don't like to post on weekends, I'm posting this 2 days early. Hope you don't mind!


On October 16th - many, many years ago - this happened...

Yup, that baby up there is yours truly! I just couldn't wait any longer so while my parents were on the way to the hospital, I decided to just pop out while my dad was driving over the mountain. Luckily, the state police barracks were right down the road so they drove there and waited for an ambulance.

Here's the kicker:

The hospital charged my parents extra since I was admitted to the hospital instead of being born there AND

I had to be in my own nursery since I was 'contaminated' aka born outside the hospital!

In the past amazing 23 years, I've...
- visited all along the East coast and Canada
- been to Disney at least 7 times (I've lost count, whoops!)
- ridden in a hot air balloon
- traveled Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein with my German teacher
- sang in Carnegie Hall with a national youth choir
- become and worked as an EMT to help others
- adopted 2 shelter pets and given them the life they deserve
- flown an airplane
- met a man that in a little under 2 years I will call my husband
- gotten specific certifications to help animals and give them a voice
and I've met some really great people along the way

{some of the above will be the topics of later posts}


But without my wonderful Mommy and Daddy, I wouldn't have grown up to be the person I am today. So thank you for being the best parents in the world - I hope I've made you proud!

(skip forward in time because the pictures aren't scanned)

Let the birthday celebrations begin!