Thursday 13: Family

How has a week gone by so quickly!? I guess that's what starting a new job will do to you! Even with a long weekend, I haven't seemed to have enough time this week to get things done--and that includes blogging!

But, alas, here we are at another Thursday 13, and this week's theme is family. I love my family--they are the best. I've written about them a lot throughout my blog. But this week, since I am a little low on time and energy, my list is going to be 13 things that my family and I like to do together. And so...

1. We ski.

2. We go to church.

3. We hike.

4.We laugh.

5. We play dominoes.

6. We sit on the porch and chat.

7. We drink wine.

8. We talk--a lot.

9. We eat.

10. We argue.

11.We hug.

12. We kiss.

13. We accept each other.

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Thursday 13: Romantic Dates

Oo la la...today we are linking up with Miranda, talking about romantic dates. I don't know that I have been on too many super romantic dates with all those stereotypical symbols of romance, but I'm going to share some of my favorite dates or types of dates that James and I have shared together.

1. Our first date--because it was a semi-blind date (we met online), we met at a bookstore. We ended up spending a good chunk of time in the children's section reading silly books to each other (which I later bought him for Christmas). Then we had dinner together. This is still something we like to do together--just poke around a bookstore and then get something tasty to eat!

2. Walking on the beach. James and I vacationed on the Massachusetts coast two years ago (wow!) and it was nice just to walk on the beach.

3. Learning something new. James and I are all about having new experiences, so we go to lectures, museums, film screenings...whatever it may be...that is something new to us.

4. Hiking. I find the time outside so peaceful and it always seems to bring us closer together.

 5. A day in Saratoga. I think we've only done this one or two times, but it has always been romantic. Sometimes we check out the track, or walk around town, or picnic in the park; whatever we're doing, we have a good time.

6. Spontaneous adventures. I love when James says, "Let's go to (fill in the blank) today." Our best spontaneous trip was to Lake George last summer. We went all out--eating all sorts of tasty food, shopping, taking a boat ride, watching the fireworks, and swimming at the beach.

 7. Taking a walk and going for ice cream. Our favorite thing to do, hands down. We have a park that we love to walk at, and it is right next to an ice cream shop. Walking makes us feel a bit better about pigging out on sundaes!

8. Going for a drive. James and I have great conversations in the car, and these are not necessarily romantic, but they make me feel so close to him. We usually talk about our future, things that are troubling us and, ultimately, how much we love each other. Then I snuggle up with my head on his shoulder while he drives us home.

9. Movie nights on the couch. I mean, who doesn't love to just snuggle up at home?

10. Going to church together. No, it's not a "date," but it is such special time that we share together.

11. Concerts. We've only been to one big concert together, but it was really special. We sat in the rain and got soaked, but we danced together to our favorite songs. This concert, it was Elton John, even inspired our wedding song!

Oh, I love that dumb face!

12. A trip to NYC. We go to New York often because my brother and sister-in-law live there, but last year we decided to take a trip down and be real tourists. We stayed in a hotel right off of Times Square, saw a Broadway show, and went shopping and sight-seeing. It was special for me (I know the city pretty well) to see James enjoying some of his NYC firsts:)

13. Picking out our Christmas tree. This was our first year finding a tree together, and it was incredibly special and romantic. I look forward to sharing this tradition with James for years and years to come!

Thursday 13: Favorite Snacks

Ah, I am late getting my Thursday 13 ready! Sorry! It has been a crazy week (more on that later), and a crazy morning! I started working on my list last night, but I just finished it. This week's topic is favorite snacks. In no particular order (and with a little regard to health):

1. Pretzels. Duh.

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Don't you love this pretzel painting?

2. Dried fruit. Expensive, but worth it. Maybe I will steal my mother-in-law's fruit drying thingy--what do they call those things?

Source: google.co.uk via Jack on Pinterest

3. Banana with peanut butter. All time favorite, especially in place of bad-for-me goodies that I am trying to stay away from.

Source: traintosweatt.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

4. Granola bars. I like the crunchy ones that make lots of crumbs!

Source: chocolatecoveredkatie.com via Emily on Pinterest

5. Trail mix. Granola, raisins and M&Ms: done!

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Just like my Momma made it!

6. Cheese. Another duh. If you don't like cheese, we can't be friends.

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Glitter on Pinterest

I love it ALL!

7. Kisses. Made of chocolate, that is.

Source: thetomkatstudio.com via Chrissy on Pinterest

8. Fresh fruit. Except apples. I'm sick of apples.

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9. Yogurt. I mix vanilla with frozen berries.

Source: clinical-scientists.com via Pejman, on Pinterest

10. Chocolate milk. Filling. Sort of nutritious. Good substitute for the brownie I am craving.

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11. Oatmeal. Sometimes it's all I need to fill my belly until the next meal. To bad it's supposed to actually be a meal.

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12. Carrots. Dipped in something delicious. Like blue cheese dressing. Or it's healthier cousin, hummus.

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13. Ice cream. A third duh. And the death of me. Oh, ice cream, I love you.

Source: sodahead.com via Cindy on Pinterest

My favorite!! 

Go check out what Chloe's favorite snacks are, and link up!

Thursday 13: Summer Bucket List

Hi All! Welcome to another edition of Thursday 13. Miranda, Chloe and I have slowly been convincing the rest of you to jump on the Thursday 13 bandwagon, and we are sure glad when you do!

This week's theme is "Summer Bucket List." I've seen this idea around quite a few different places, and I thought it would be fun to come up with 13 things I want to do this summer--and hear what YOU have planned for this wonderful season!

So, here goes...my Summer 2012 Bucket List:

1. Update my wardrobe. I have never had to have professional summer clothes (because I used to be a teacher), so I need to find some good summer outfits that are work appropriate. Plus, I've been a poor student for two years and I just need some overall updating.

2. Paint a dresser. I am using one of James' old dressers for my craft supplies, but it needs a makeover!

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Something like this would be nice!

3. Go to the drive-in. Many times.

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4. Throw a baby shower for our bf's who are going to be parents in November!

Source: tinyurl.com via Chris on Pinterest

5. No sunburns, but a great (line-less) tan.

6. Go sailing. James is learning to sail this summer, so I expect him to take me!

Source: thisisnotnew.com via Molly on Pinterest

7. Hike one of the Adirondack High Peaks.

8. Go skinny dipping. Gasp! Is that too PG-13 for this blog?

9. Walk from our house to downtown and back.

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashley on Pinterest

10. Eat bar-b-Que at least once a month. Not a problem since James and I are addicted to it!

11. Go to an outdoor concert.

Source: favim.com via Diana on Pinterest

12. Eat lobster.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Christine on Pinterest

13. Relax and enjoy my beautiful life!

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Hope you have lots of fun things on your Summer Bucket List! Can't wait to check them out and get some ideas:) Link up below, and grab our special edition T13 button to link back to this post!!

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Thursday 13: About Me

Thursday 13 is linking up over at All Things Lovely today--check it out and link up, will ya!?

Today's theme is 13 Things About Me. It's funny, I came up with the idea, but I have no idea what to write! I think I'll stick to basics, which will be helpful to you newer readers:)

1. I was born on Long Island, but raised in Connecticut.

Source: etsy.com via Aida on Pinterest

2. I have three siblings--two brothers and a sister. And I have a lovely sister-in-law. My older brother and sister-in-law are the parents to my cutie-patootie nephew!

3. I attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY for my undergraduate degree in Special Education.

4. In two weeks, I am graduating from University at Albany with my Master of Social Work degree, with a specialization in gerontology.

5. I am engaged to the most amazing man in the whole world (or at least in my world) and we are getting married in September!

6. We have a sweet kitty named Cuddles whom I write about more often than I probably care to admit...

7. I would really like to start my own business at some point.

8. I am Catholic, but probably more liberal than you would expect me to be--people don't understand Catholics these days.

9. My favorite color is green.

Source: porchlightinteriors.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

10. I really like taking pictures, but sometimes I get too shy to whip out my camera. Blame my lack of daily photos on my shy-ness!

11. I love my parents. A lot. I never really went through one of those "I hate my parents" phases.

12. I am pretty emotional and really intense. At least that's how James would describe me.

13. As of today, I am pretty sure that I am going to be starting an amazing job in a few weeks. Fingers crossed. Yeeeeee!

Source: flickr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Thursday 13: Looking Forward

Today, you'll meet the third co-host of Thursday 13: Chloe! The theme for this week is "Things I'm Looking Forward To," and boy do I have a list!

1. GRADUATION!!!!! I am graduating from graduate school in 23 days!!! I've been waiting for this day for two years! Holla!

2. September 22nd, i.e. WEDDING DAY! I mean, hello, best day EVER!

3. Two bridal showers and my bachelorette party--June is my month of being spoiled, and I am so looking forward to it:)

4. Our honeymoon.  Cape Cod, whale watch, lobster, sundresses...You don't need all the details, but I'm planning on it being pretty fantastic.

5. Starting a new job. Any job will do. I just want to be working again. And getting a paycheck will be nice too.

6. No more homework! Nights of coming home and relaxing!!!

7. Summer. I don't love the heat, but I love the long days, ice cream, swimming, sun and time with family and friends.

8. Watching my nephew grow up. He is amazing and I can't wait to see everything he does!

9. Having my own babies! James and I are so excited to grow our family, which we will be getting started on in Cape Cod...if you get my drift;)

10. Starting my business. More on that when I get everything organized. Meaning, after graduation and finding a "real" job that will pay my bills.

11. Going to see the farm that my brother is working on this summer! He's the cutest farmer ever.

12. Walking down the aisle. Okay, I know I already said our wedding day, but walking down the aisle is the part that I am most looking forward to because it's going to be amazing. So, it is hereby classified as its own event to look forward to.

13. Paying off all of my debt. This is years away, I know, but I am really looking forward to it. What can I say, I'm a dreamer.  

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If you are interested in linking up today, head over to CJVZ Hearts You to add your link, and you can grab my Thursday 13 button from my Thursday 13 page:) 

Thursday 13: Spring Wardrobe Must-Haves

Hey everyone! I hope you found Thursday 13 today! Are we confusing you by moving around? :)

Today's theme is "Spring Wardrobe Must-Haves." I'm actually surprised I came up with this theme because, while I like fashion and clothes, I am never really up with the trends. Therefore, my list is probably not very trendy--it is mostly practical. But, these are the things that I consider necessary in my spring wardrobe...

1. A colorful sundress--good for work, church, and hanging out.

Source: laposhstyle.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

2. Bright cardigans--I especially like turquoise because I happen to think it goes with everything!

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3. White capris--they brighten up any outfit and, even though you think you'll get them dirty, they stay surprisingly clean! Mine are a sort of denim material, but they are easy to dress up or down.

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4. Layering tanks in every color! Under sweaters or sheer shirts, or even to wear to the gym or to bed. I have a million tanks in every color, and I buy a few new ones every spring.

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5. A crossover purse--I find I am more active in the spring, so I need a purse that I don't have to think about or worry about falling off my shoulder. (This dress isn't too shabby, either!)

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6. Printed skirt--it goes with lots of different colors and is so comfortable! Again, it's a really versatile piece.

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7. Comfortable sandals--I know everyone likes to prance around in flip flops, but the reality is, a good pair of sandals will keep you prancing longer! I bought a good pair last spring and lived in them all summer. I think this pair is cute, even if they are practical!

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8. Colorful earrings--aren't these pretty? I wish I could buy them! Big, colorful earrings jazz up any outfit.

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9. Dark wash skinny jeans--they look good with EVERYTHING! And if you are curvy and looking for a good pair, I recommend Old Navy.

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10. Shirts with ruffles--or anything with ruffles, for that matter.

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11. Flats! Okay, I know I just talked about practical shoes, but even some flats can be made well. For me, flats are a necessity considering James and I are the same height (and I do not enjoy towering over him).

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12. A denim jacket--I need a new one of these...any recommendations?

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13. An umbrella, of course! We all know spring can be a little weather-crazy, so be prepared and carry your umbrella every day!

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Thanks for checking out Thursday 13, ladies! I hope you'll link up, and grab the button to link back!

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