Wednesday, February 26, 2014

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind

Happy Wednesday! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend. For once it seems, we haven't had a true snow storm (and by true I mean more than an inch or two) in a few days so that's been a bonus. We're having some today though. Despite that and my lack of motivation, I'm bringing you another installment of "50 Questions To Free Your Mind"

1. What is worth the pain? 
Living life. There are so many things we don't do because we're either afraid or are nervous about what the outcome will be, and then we regret it later. Sure, things might not go the way you wanted and you may get hurt but you can learn from that experience. Everything happens for a reason wether we realize it or not.

2. What is the most important lesson your grandparents taught you? 
My cousins and I have all been raised the same. Expect for our personalities, we all have the same beliefe systems and do things the same way. We like to say we were raised differently. We were raised like our parents were and we love it that way. Our grandparents were seriously the greatest. The most giving and wise people we have ever known. There are no words that can fully express what they've taught us. I did share this picture last night on Facebook which can sum it up:

3. What big lesson could people learn from your life? 
To be thankful for everything they have and that even the smallest deed can make someones day. That's one thing I strive to do in my life; inspire people and encourage them. Do I want them to be just like me? No, but I hope that people can see the way I live my life and that they will help spread the love even more!

4. What do you do when nothing else seems to make you happy?
Go into my room to watch TV. Over the past few years I've discovered that simply putting in an episode of Gilmore Girls or watching something I've recorded, makes me relaxed. We all need those few minutes to ourselves to regroup and let out the negativity we are feeling. I'm not someone who likes to close the door and be lazy but those moments I sit alone, are so worth it. 

5. What's something you were given as a child that you still cherish today?
I still ave many things that I was given because they mean so much. I think, though, I cherish a few things I have from my grandparents. My grandmother's favorite song was "somewhere over the rainbow" and she just happened to have a facecloth that is the colors of the rainbow. I took that after they both past away as one of my "remembrance" items. I keep it on my headboard. It seems silly, a facecloth, but whenever I see it, I know she's with me. As for my grandfather, he loved playing cards, so when he passed us grandchildren each got a deck of cards.

6. What recently reminded you of how fast time flies?
It's kind of weird but at least once a week I stop and think, "oh my gosh, that was last weekend?" Sometimes the days go by slow yet it's been a whole week in what seems like an instant. 

7. what's the number one reason your best friend is your best friend?
My best friend is my cousin (male). We've always been extremely close. We are both only children so we share a really special bond. We have been through everything together; more so than you would imagine from cousins. This guy is more like my brother than anything else and we would do absolutely anything for each other. 

8. When was the last time you helped out an elderly person? What did you do?
Yesterday my mom and I were at the grocery store and a very elderly woman (maybe in her late 80s) was shopping and using an automatic chair. She was trying to reach something on the very top shelf and many people just walked by. We stopped and got what she needed for her. I have never seen someone so grateful. Those are the moments that make my day complete. 

9. What do you think about almost every day?
Life and the future. Brian always says not to worry about this or that but it's really hard. I know there are so many things i can do but it's just getting there that's the problem. I worry about things that haven't even happened yet. I feel though, that's a great step in preparing for what's to come. I think about the good and the bad and feel that I am more ready for the things to come because I've taken the free time I have to reflect.

10. What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Here's a fun one! Although my answer is simple: chocolate. I know it's not good for you, depending on what it is, but I feel that having chocolate once a day can fix anything. 

How would you answer these?! I'd love to know

Friday, February 21, 2014

5 on Friday - when is Spring coming again?

What a crazy two weeks it's been! One of the reasons why I've been a little MIA. While we've spent more time at home then out and about, partly not by choice, I feel like we haven't stopped! Here's my 5 for Five to catch you up!

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I posted this picture two weeks ago on Instagram with the caption "10am...it's way too early for the periodic table"..and that it is! I'm taking two classes with one being Biology. For a class that has the word "basic" in the title, it's certainly not proven that it's only basic. Our teacher is a weird. There, I said it, and I'm not ashamed of it! He's pretty much a scatter brain who moves from one thing to another without really explaining anything. We've jumped into topics without first getting re-introduced to them as well. For someone who hasn't taken Biology since Sophomore year of high school, I'm trying to remember as much as I can! It's only been a month since we started the semester and I've missed three Biology classes and two classes of Social Psychology, the other class I'm taking, due to snow. I feel like we've had more days off then we've been there. It's been difficult to really learn anything when you have a limited time in the class as it is.

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Speaking of snow, it's so hard not to talk about it because that's all we've known for the past two weeks. We seem to get a storm every other day. One of the piles on one of the sides of our driveway is now taller than me and I'm only 5'2. Says alot about how much we've gotten...


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Last weekend was really busy! We had a snow day on Valentines Day so we stay inside pretty much for the whole day. My mom and Brian both had to work so my Valentines ended up being my dad and Bailey. I'm not complaining! It was my parents wedding anniversary as well! And, even at 24, my parents still spoiled me with goodies!


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On Saturday Brian and I celebrated being together for 5 years and 4 of them being engaged! Back at Christmas, my parents gave us tickets to see Brad Paisley! So, Saturday night we bundled up because, obviously, it was snowing, again, and went out to dinner and then to the concert! Chris Young was his opening act and was great as well! 


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Last but not least, I couldn't leave out this little guy. He's been such a trooper in the snow and has been getting lots of rest in since we can't go for walks yet!


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind - Week 3

Hello friends and happy Wednesday! It's time for another installment of "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind" Thank you to the few who have joined in to answer them! They are such reflective type questions yet let you learn a little something about each other. I'm considering making this a permanent link up every Wednesday and I'd love you to tag along!


1. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? 
We all have a list of things we'd like to do in our lifetime. Some of them are realistic and some could possibly be but, unless we really live life and chase that dream as hard as we can, they probably wont happen. If I feel satisfied in what I've done, I think that's all that matters.

2. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Working and interacting with people. I've said before that if I can inspire someone or help someone I feel I've done what I've set out to do. that's why I've chosen to go into the Psychology field. I want to encourage people when they are having troubles in their life, celebrate things they've accomplished and remind them that someone is there to listen.

3. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
This is one of those questions where I don't really know what I'd do until I was actually in the situation. I'm the type of person who believes people are entitled to their own opinion and someone who doesn't like to make a situation worse and have drama. I think I would respectively state that this girl is a good friend and that I would appreciate if they did not say hurtful things about her without really getting to know her. 

4. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? 
this question reminds me of a scene in Gilmore Girls where Dean tells Max that if the girls do something that seems crazy it's really not and that their thinking because clear later on.  For myself though, I'm not sure if insanity is the word but there have been many times that someone has posed a though or idea and it seems kind of crazy. I've realized though that, actually, a crazy thought to me might not be to that person. We all have different interest and different ideas and sometimes it's good to trust that person. You never know what could come out of it!

5. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? Sometimes it is possible but I think that there are so many aspects to a situation that actually we probably don't always know the truth 110% Life would be way to easy if we always knew the truth

6. If not now, then when? 
Good question! This is something I've been asking myself alot lately. There have been goals that I've been wanting to achieve but either find excuses not to get started with them or am too afraid to take a leap and try. Life is short and I'm not getting any younger. We can't truly experience life if we keep saying "I'll do it later"

7. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? Probably yesterday. I used to be the type of person that was always busy. Mostly doing things around the house and trying to please everyone that I rarely took any breathers for myself. I'd build up emotions inside and would get exhausted but wouldn't stop. Within the last year I've realized that it's important to take time for myself. When Brian is at work I take time to myself in my room. I shut the door, put on some show and just relax. Some people like to let off stress by going to the gym or something but for me, being able to take a deep breath an have quiet really helps. 

8. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? I'd say I'm making them myself but with others guidance. Brian and I had a time frame of when we wanted to get married but my parents want us to wait until I finish school. While technically it's our decision, I know they are right. We don't have enough money and I really should finish school. I think sometimes people in their 20s feel that they know what decisions are best for them and while that may be true for many, it's always helpful to have someone who kind of guides your decision. People who are experienced and have been in the same situation are great helpers

9. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? 
It's hard for me personally not to live the same day over because I can't go out like others can. Because of that though I like to wake up everyday with an open mind and enjoy new things we do everyday even if they are small. 

10. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? Again, nothing in this world can really be black and white. Things change every minute of everyday. 

How would you answer these questions!
Once I decide if I'm going to keep this going I'll put a place to link up. 
   

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind

Happy Wednesday Friends! Here I am, back for another week of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind." Please feel free to copy and answer the questions yourself! Let me know so I can come over and read your answers :)


1. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? I'd say doing the right things. I've always been the type that wants to do things perfect. Many of those times my expectation of perfect is alot high than others expectations and I forget that. So, I've been working on the fact that I dont have to obesse over doing something that may not be as big of a deal. By not always doing things right, I can learn from it. Whereas, when it comes to doing the right things, I always try to because I want to be as good of a person as I can be.

2. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Hard one! If it was for my family then probably yes. We'd do anything for each other because we are all so close. I'm not sure I'd be as willing for a friend. Not because I don't love them or don't care about them but but I have high expectations for friends. I feel that if they've done something that makes me have to break the law then they aren't someone I should be around.

3. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What's holding you back? There are a few states that I'd like to visit. Just from hearing how much others like them, I'd like to experience the atmosphere and people. I haven nowhere enough money to be able to travel even if it's just to a few places. Plus, I dont like going out of my comfort zone and I think I'd be more worried about being somewhere new and not knowing anything/anyone that I wouldn't be able to enjoy it as much.

4. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? I think I'd rather never be able to make new memories. Reason being is that there have been so many things in my life so far tha have changed me, made me the person who I am today, have inspired me and made me realize what life is all about. I have many many more years to come and while I'll love every minute of those future memories, I find myself looking back on the old memories more. 

5. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? My grandparents. One passed away when i was only 9 and the other passed when I was 10, so I didn't get to know them as good as I would of liked but despite that, I can recall so many memories with them. Because I was so young I didn't fully understand how special those times with them would be. Everyone says it, but my grandparents were amazing. Picture perfect and I'm so glad they were mine!

6. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? Never. No amount of fame or prettiness could compare to time with family, friends, and all the great things I hope to experience. It's just not worth it.

7. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? I used to be so cautious about what I did because people did judge me. Mostly in school, because of my disability and because I'm not the most attractive person ever. I've realized as I've gotten older, that's who I am. I don't have to please anyone except myself. If people want to judge me, that's a reflection on them. 

8. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? I feel like I'd be in my late 20s. Ever since I can remember, I've been told how overly mature I am for my age. 

9. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? I simply wish we had more peace and love in the world. 

10. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? There have been a few things that I've really wanted so I've gone for them but I think for the most part I've let things just happen. I've made smaller decisions about certain things that have seemed to play out in my favor. One being school. I choose not to start college right out of high school which was the greatest decision. The opportunity I have coming up is something I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Three Cheese Stuffed Shells

I've said it before and I'll say it again: cheese is one of my favorite things to eat. I'm more of a shredded mozzarella person but will eat other cheese that are mixed into dishes. Whether it be tacos, lasagna, nachos etc. So it's no surprise that one of my favorite meals is stuffed shells. Pasta and cheese, what could be better?! Sam's Club used to make a stuffed shell platter that you would just pop into the oven for an hour and dinner would be served. Such an easy meal especially when you have to work or have kids and don't have alot of time to actually prepare. Unfortunately, Sam's Club stopped selling it so, needless to say, that hasn't been a staple meal in our house for awhile. Not long ago, my mom found this Three Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe via Pinterest and it's just as good!


Ingredients:
  • 20 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
  • 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces (2 cups) grated mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 basil leaves, chiffonade
  • 1 egg
  • 1 – 26 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, 1½ cups of the mozzarella, egg, salt, pepper, and basil. Spread ¾ of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish.
  3. Spoon the cheese mixture into the pasta shells and place in the baking dish. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5-10 minutes more.
  4. Enjoy!

You can find the recipe here as well.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Cara Box, Instagram, Snow, and Trader Joe's..oh my!

What a relaxing and fun week! The storm on Wednesday caused no school so I've been able to catch up on some things and take a breather. Having to go to Biology for two hours this morning is kind of dull. Here are some tid bits of my week though!

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If you or any blogger you know live in any of the NorthEast states let me know! You might not be aware of the fabulous network called "NorthEast Bloggers Network." A place for all of us to interact, write blog posts, find resources, make connections and so much more! I am the NH and Maine state rep, while there are other bloggers who are state reps for each other state. I've made an instagram (@NEBloggerNetwork) for the network and hope you'll follow, as well as join the main network blog here


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@wifessionals and @_wifestyles have a weekly "wifelifelinkup" going on on instagram, where they post a topic each Tuesday. A little look into your life. This week's topic was "treating yourself." I shared this photo. I was in the mood to brighten myself up a little and relax and loved it oh so much!


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Trader Joe's was our lifeline this week. I can't go into that store without buy one or two things. They were sampling mac & cheese and oh my gosh was it good! I'm usually not a fan because while cheese is one of my guilty pleasures, there's just too much of it in mac & cheese. This one, though, was very light and healthy but you still got the flavor.


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I participated in Cara Box for the first time. This time we were paired by state and it just so happens that there were only 4 of us for New Hampshire so it was a great 3 months getting to know the other 3 girls. We've kind of formed a close bond because of it. I got my package this week and was SO excited by the contents. My partner did a fabulous job!

A garland that says "happiness"
The cutest sticky notes/page dividers
I've been wanting this lip balm...the best!
Seriously cute dog frame so Bailey can always be with me
A calendedar with inspirational sayings each day. I've never seen one like this and it's so so nice

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Yup, no surprise...we got snow again. About 10 inches.

Why yes, we are standing on the pool....

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

What are your plans for the weekend?!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind

One of the things I love best about reading blogs is the diversity of posts. From fashion, to make up, to mom hood, to celebrity gossip/TV, and to serious. There are so many different kinds of topics out there! Because of these topics, I've been introduced to so many new things. While I appreciate getting that opportunity, I also like to get to know the blogger. Not the blogger who is showing off her outfit of the day or the one who did a DIY project, but the actual blogger. In my blogging posts I like to be real sometimes, serious and share a true meaningful experience I've come across. I like to express my thoughts and show who I am as a person. And that's what I like to see from others sometimes, the real them.

So today I've decided to try something new. I've mentioned before that I have family members who have a blog as well..They post so many wonderful tips and tricks for being successful and having a great life. One of the posts they did was "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind." These questions are unique and very different.  So I thought, what a better way to get to know each other! This series will be 5 weeks long, with 10 questions every Wednesday. 


Which is worse, failing or never trying? Definitely never trying! That's something my parents have always tried to instill within me - you never know until you try. I've always been the type of person who sticks to my comfort zone and it's been within the last few years that I've decided to take a leap with some things. Even if you do try, will you fail? You might but that's part of life. Failing at something will make you a stronger person and you'll be able to grow and learn from that failure. If we always succeed and never had to work for it or try, life would simply be taken for granted.

What are you most grateful for? I'm grateful for everything. Life is a privilege, not a right. Everything I have come across in my life has brought me to where I am and who I am and I would not change that for the world. My parents, Brian, a roof over my head, all those tough times at school, friends, family, being able to have a nice cell phone and TV. The list could go on and on. 

Why are you, you? This is an interesting one. God has created each of us and has a plan for us. If we believe it, we each have a purpose in life. I'm only 24 so I have a ways to go before I may figure out what that plan is for me but I feel I was put here to help people, to inspire and to change the world. I've had such a great life so far and have been blessed with so many wonderful things and people. I am me because of those things.

Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? What was I mad about? If I was mad because we didn't go out to dinner one night or because some screwed up my organization, then no, that doesn't matter. There are so many times where we get into a state of anger or sadness and swear that this was the worst moment of our lives; get too into the moment to be exact. And then an hour later we sit and ask ourselves "why did I even need to get that mad?" There wasn't a purpose. However, if it was the time I spent 6 months being depressed about the breakup with my boyfriend, then yes, it matters. That experience taught me alot and I am who I am today partially because of it.

Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? It's no secret that we would all rather sleep in everyday, right? But if you have a job that you truly love then it's so worth it. I have a cousin who just started her dream job Monday. She has said that she is willing to work long hours and do everything expected of her because she is so passionate about it and is beyond blessed for the opportunity. We aren't all luckily enough to find the career we really want but if you are, enjoy it and love it. For myself, when my time comes to find my "dream job", as long as I know I'm making a different for someone, I will be truly happy.

Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? I do not push it more than once. Funny story: back in 2007 a bunch of us went to Disney. The first night there we chilled in the hallway by the elevator because there was a nice little hammock to sit on. Two of my little cousins wanted to go explore the other floors of the hotel. By pressing buttons so much, they broke the elevator. 

If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? There's so much advice I've given to my cousins who are at all different ages but to a newborn I'd say: Live life, take chances, experience everything you can, give more than you take, love unconditionally and be grateful. Life is short so feel blessed you are here. 

If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I'd only have 16 years left! I think I'd like to experience more. Go out of my comfort zone, explore the world, do things that I'm scared to do; simply just live life to the fullest. You only live once so why not make the most of it!

Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Losing touch with someone who lives right near you. This is actually the case for me and the two best friends (who are twins) I had all throughout school. We met in kindergarten and they live 3 houses away. We were inseparable. We made up concerts to Backstreet Boy songs, crushed on the same boys, would spend ours downstairs in our "clubhouse" just chatting, went on vacations together. We kind of drifted during high school but started to reconnect a few years ago but it's still not the same. I could walk down the street right this minute to say hello but I don't because we don't do that anymore. It's something I miss every single day. The knowledge that they are just 20 steps away.

If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? I really think we are afraid because of what other people will think. Now a days, we base our decisions alot on what others will think or say. We want to please everyone but that's not always the case. We're afraid to have the word "failure" attached to our name. It's about taking the first step which is such a hard thing to do. 


How would you answer these questions?
*Note - I wasn't sure if I should turn this into a link up. Let me know if you'd be interesting in answering the rest of the questions!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

$15 Gift Cards and Ad Space...a Giveaway!!

Happy Saturday Friends! I dont usually post on the weekend but this awesome opportunity could not wait!

The lovely Cassandra is turning 15 this month, so what better way to celebrate, then to bring all you wonderful bloggers a giveaway!



Tuesday February 4th is my 15th birthday so I decided to celebrate by giving away some $15 gift cards.  (If only I was turning 60 right? (: )  These lovely ladies were kind enough to help sponsor the giveaway!  Be sure to show them some love by checking out their blog.




The Fun Part- Prizes!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
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